FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Next up in a week filled with trash talk: Antonio Cromartie. The New York Jets cornerback says Friday that comments by the Miami Dolphins' Reggie Bush about it being karma that Darrelle Revis is out for the season were ''unprofessional'' and don't show ''any kind of sportsmanship at all.'' Cromartie nearly let out an obscenity when he was first asked about Bush's comments before catching himself and adding: ''I'm not going to say what I really Cheap Nike Air Max want to say about Reggie Bush.'' It started in Week 3 before the teams' first meeting when coach Rex Ryan said the Jets needed to put ''hot sauce'' on Bush, who hurt his knee in the game. Bush took offense to the comments, but Ryan said he simply meant paying a lot of attention to the star running back. --- Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL
LONDON (AP) PAIN TRAINInjuries are a part of football, but these players have been hit particularly hard. New England tight end Aaron Hernandez will miss Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams in London while he recovers from a sprained ankle. Hernandez played the last two weeks but has not been at full strength since hurting his right ankle in the second game of the season. The Patriots on Friday Air Max 95listed him as out for the game at Wembley Stadium, giving him extra time to recover with a bye week coming up. Hernandez had been expected to play a large role in the offense this year after having 79 receptions last season for 910 yards and seven touchdowns. The Patriots arrived in London on Friday ahead of the sixth annual regular-season game to be played there. --- Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL
Istanbul, Turkey – French Open champion Maria Sharapova went 3-0 in her round-robin matches this week at the season-ending WTA Championships. The second-seeded former world No. 1 star breezed past ninth-seeded replacement Samantha Stosur 6-0, 6-3 indoors at Sinan Erdem Dome. The sturdy Aussie Stosur went 0-2 in her round-robin affairs after replacing ill 2011 Championships titlist Petra Kvitova in the elite eight-player field on Wednesday. The 2004 champion and 2007 WTA Championships runner-up Sharapova reached the semifinals and captured this week's four-player White Group, which also featured Wimbledon runner-up Agnieszka Radwanska (2-1) and French Open runner-up Sara Errani (1-2). Nike Air Max sale The fourth-seeded Radwanska joined Sharapova in the semis by outlasting the seventh-seeded Errani 6-7 (6-8), 7-5, 6-4 in 3 1/2 hours on Friday. Radwanska will now face Serena Williams on Saturday in a rematch the Wimbledon final, which was won by the powerful American. Also on Day 4 in Istanbul, current world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka (1-1) is taking on eighth-seeded Li Na (1-1) in the last of the Red Group action. The winner will join Sharapova, the third-seeded former No. 1 Williams (3-0) and Radwanska in the semifinals. If Azarenka wins on Friday, she would end the year at No. 1 for the first time in her career and become the 11th woman to do so. If she should lose, Sharapova would finish the year at No. 1 with a perfect record, including a title, this week. The Australian Open champion Azarenka was last year's WTA Championships runner-up to Kvitova. In addition to Azarenka, Williams and Li, the Red Group also featured fifth- seeded German Angelique Kerber, who went 0-3 in her round-robin play. Saturday's semifinal winners will meet in the lucrative final on Sunday. If Sharapova or Williams title this week, one of them would claim $1.75 million as an undefeated champion. The sizzling-hot Williams has won 46 of her last 48 matches overall and is a perfect 12-0 against top-five players this season. The 31-year-old star is the reigning Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Olympic champion and captured WTA Championships titles in 2001 and 2009 and is a two-time runner-up at this prestigious event.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Some teams like to say the fourth quarter is theirs. The Denver Broncos are taking it to a different level. With Peyton Manning putting a new spin on the art of the comeback almost every week and the Denver defense doing its part to keep him in every game, the Broncos have outscored their opponents 79-6 in the fourth quarter this season. The 73-point differential is 37 points better than the next best team, the New York Giants, and is the second-highest total through six games in the Super Bowl era. Only the 1980 Detroit Lions, who finished 9-7, had a better differential at this point in the season, according to STATS LLC. The '80 Lions outscored teams 84-10. Or course, some of Denver's strong finishes have come out of necessity — make that, desperation — because of slow starts that have also become a trademark of this team early in the year. air max 2012The Broncos have been outscored 98-42 in the first half. The slow starts have caused handwringing, while the fast finishes have kept Denver (3-3) competitive and, at times, triggered huge sighs of relief. "We're 3-3," said Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil. "If we were sitting at 5-1, it'd be something where we'd say, 'OK, that's great.' But we just know the second half, we've been in situations where we've had to rally and try to come back. For that to happen, we've had to shut some points down. Now, we just have to figure out how to make that happen in the first half." If they do, watch out. The defense has allowed only six points, one measly touchdown, in the fourth quarter. That came in the season opener, when Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger connected with Mike Wallace for a 3-yard touchdown pass. If Denver holds New Orleans (2-4) without a point in the fourth quarter Sunday, it will match the franchise record — six straight games without allowing a fourth-quarter point. The record is held by the 1977 defense — the vaunted "Orange Crush" that took the franchise to its first Super Bowl. Led by Randy Gradishar, Tom Jackson and Louis Wright, the '77 Broncos didn't allow a point over their final six regular-season games. That year's team was built on defense; it allowed more than 14 points only once all season. This year, the dominance can be explained in different ways, depending on the game. "Atlanta, they're trying to play keep away at the end and we're forcing three-and-outs and getting the ball back and making a rally," defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. "Oakland's trying to get production so they can feel good about things. Pittsburgh, Big Ben has the ball in his hands and we had to make stops to close the game. Every game's different. I don't think you can summarize it in one sentence." One thing that has been constant, Del Rio said: "The heightened awareness in the fourth quarter has been there no matter what." In their last game, the Broncos outscored San Diego 21-0 in the fourth quarter to cap off a comeback from 24-0 down for a 35-24 win. Chris Harris closed the victory with a 46-yard interception return for a score, meaning Harris himself has actually scored as many fourth-quarter points as the entire defense has allowed this year. "It's definitely what we're trying to do, trying to eliminate points in crunch time," he said. "We're trying to be our best in the fourth quarter and the same intensity and urgency we bring in the fourth, we need to bring that in the first half." For the most part, Manning and the offense have been getting the brunt of the blame for the poor first halves. "Quarterbacks are more fun to talk about. It's sexier," Del Rio explained. In some games, the offense has committed turnovers to stall drives. In others, it has settled for field goals. "You have to be careful of over-analyzing it and, then, all of a sudden, changing what you're doing," Manning said. "Because I think we all are close." Manning's fourth-quarter passer rating is 118.4, best in the AFC. He has thrown for six touchdowns and no interceptions and 503 yards over the final 15 minutes of games. That's helped Denver get close in the three games it has lost and pull away in the three games it has won. No easy way to explain it? Or maybe there is. "I think it's just guys with heart," Dumervil said. "Just fighting, not quitting and trying to will it through to the end. We're a team that you know is going to fight hard to the end." ___ Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Entering this weekend's games, only two teams control their own destiny to capture the Big 12 title. One, of course, is Kansas State, a team that is undefeated at 7-0, has already won at Oklahoma and at West Virginia and is third in the latest BCS standings. Advertisement .tn_results td {padding: 3px;}.tn_results a {font-weight: bold;}.tn_results_alternate_row {background: #F4F4F4;}.tn_results_event_text{font-weight:bold;}.tn_results_venue_text, .tn_results_tickets_text, .tn_results_datetime_text {color: #666;text-align: center;} Buy Tickets View all 2012 OSU Football Schedule Buy tickets The other is Oklahoma State, because it has one conference loss and K-State, Texas Tech and OU still ahead on the schedule. “Easier said than done,” coach Mike Gundy said when assessing the rest of the season. “I think the interesting concept with our league right now is we would all agree that Kansas State is ahead of everybody. Not that I'm going to sit here and comment on the entire league. I think Oklahoma's played pretty well lately. They've gained some ground. “And then the rest of us, for the way we're playing, I think you've got to limit your mistakes, you've got to play with effort, you've got to stay as healthy as possible. And offensively, it's all about big plays. And then defensively, it's about forcing turnovers. Air Max 95“That's the fun thing with our league right now with fans and media, and not so fun for coaches.” OSU'S GRADUATION SUCCESS RATE SCORE TIED FOR SIXTH IN BIG 12 Oklahoma State and Iowa State are tied for sixth in the Big 12 in the latest football Graduation Success Rate (GSR) scores released Thursday by the NCAA. OSU and ISU both had a GSR score of 62 percent. Recently departed Missouri led the conference with a 73 percent GSR, followed by Kansas (72), Texas A&M (69), Texas Tech (66) and Baylor (63). Kansas State (58), Texas (58) and Oklahoma (47) scored lower than OSU. The figures released are for students who entered college in 2005 and, unlike the Federal graduation rate, take transfers and students who leave the school while in good academic standing into account. The Big 12's newcomers, West Virginia and TCU, both posted GSR scores of 79. OSU SPREAD SYSTEM CATERS TO WIDE RECEIVERS, TOO Even without two starting receivers in Tracy Moore and Isaiah Anderson, the OSU passing game still churned out 415 yards against Iowa State and nearly had three receivers tally more than 100 yards. Charlie Moore finished with eight catches for 123 yards, while Josh Stewart had 13 catches for 89 yards and Blake Jackson had four catches for 96 yards. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken, as usual, downplayed the stats. But it's clear that the Cowboys' spread system still caters to receivers just as much as it caters to quarterbacks. “Probably, more than anything, (it's) creating space and making someone defend the field,” Monken said of the keys to receiver success in OSU's offense. “And then doing as much as you can over and over, so those guys get used to doing things. “It's the same thing as having two or three running backs that run for a lot of yards — then you've got to be running it. If you're throwing it a bunch then, hell, someone's got to catch it. And then, obviously, the better they are as players, the more they can do with it once it's in their hands and making people miss.” Despite the bevy of injuries at quarterback and receiver this season, OSU currently ranks seventh in the nation in passing offense (351 yards per game), while Stewart is tied for 13th nationally with seven receptions per game. GUNDY TALKS WACKY SIDELINE HABITS It's pretty well-documented that TCU coach Gary Patterson has a habit of constantly pulling his pants up and tying his shoes on the sideline. During the television broadcast of the Horned Frogs' triple-overtime loss to Texas Tech, the behavior was fully on display. And Gundy admitted he noticed the shoe tying when asked during Monday's press conference if he had any superstitions or nervous habits. “I've never really watched TCU play an entire game, because they weren't in our league, and I just didn't,” Gundy said. “…I thought whoever that equipment manager is, they've got to get him some shoestrings that stay tied. “I was going to give him a hard time, but you spilled the beans there on me.” Back to the original question: Does Gundy have any wacky sideline rituals? “I flip my (headset) switch on and off if I get tired of hearing Monken cuss,” Gundy said. “I go to the other deal, because (defensive coordinator) Bill Young's just as calm as all, and it's peaceful for me. Then I flip it back and forth.” MEET COWBOY HOOPS BEFORE SATURDAY'S GAME Members of the OSU men's basketball team will be stationed outside the northeast corner of Boone Pickens Stadium from 12:45 until 2 p.m. Saturday signing posters and offering shooting tips to children prior to the football team's game against TCU. Each child will also have a chance to win a Cowboy basketball, while supplies last. The autograph session is part of the Hall of Fame Block Party on the north side of the stadium.
Defending champions Chelsea suffered a setback to their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk. The match marked the first appearance of Blues defender John Terry since accepting his domestic racism ban, and it got off to the worst possible start as he unwittingly set up Shakhtar's opener from Alex Teixeira inside three minutes. Fernandinho then put Shakhtar even further ahead seven minutes into the second half, with Oscar scoring a late consolation for the visitors. The win moves Shakhtar three points clear of their opponents in Group A, while Juventus are four points adrift of the leaders following a surprise 1-1 Air Max 95 draw at Nordsjaelland. Mikkel Beckmann's free-kick gave the hosts a shock lead five minutes into the second half, and they held out for more than half an hour before Mirko Vucinic lashed in an equaliser. Barcelona were given a scare in Group C before sneaking past Celtic 2-1 in the dying seconds at the Nou Camp. The Spanish giants had trailed to a Georgios Samaras header after 17 minutes, but Andres Iniesta levelled a minute before the break and a stoppage-time goal from Jordi Alba snatched their third successive win in the competition. In the same group, Spartak Moscow earned their first Champions League points of the season with a 2-1 victory at home to Benfica. Rafael Carioca gave the hosts a third-minute lead, and although Rodrigo Lima headed Benfica level at the Luzhniki Stadium, a Jardel own goal restored Spartak's advantage before half-time. Manchester United came from two goals down to see off Braga 3-2 at Old Trafford. The home crowd were silenced by two goals in the opening 20 minutes from Alan, but Javier Hernandez pulled one back after 25 minutes and Jonny Evans levelled the match in the 63rd minute. Hernandez then completed the comeback with his second 13 minutes later to ensure United remain in the driving seat with three wins from three in Group H. Galatasaray claimed the first point of their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Cluj. It was a frustrating night for the hosts, with Dany Nounkeu putting through his own net to give Cluj a 19th-minute lead before Felipe Melo missed a penalty 10 minutes before half-time. Gala dominated the second half though, and got their reward through Burak Yilmaz 13 minutes from time. Group F is a much tighter affair with Valencia, BATE Borisov and Bayern Munich all locked on six points. A hat-trick from Roberto Soldado ensured Valencia were convincing 3-0 winners in Belarus.The Spain striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot just before half-time and struck twice more in the second half to sink BATE. Bayern, meanwhile, hit back from their shock loss to BATE last time out to edge past Lille 1-0, courtesy of Thomas Muller's 20th-minute penalty. The result means Lille have lost all three of their matches so far, conceding six goals in the process.
Manchester United's owners will not sell the club for "many, many years" despite ongoing interest, according to vice-chairman Ed Woodward. The sell-off of 10 per cent of the Glazers' shares in the club in the IPO sale in August raised some questions over the American family's long-term involvement, but Woodward said they had no interest in cashing in the rest of their holding. Woodward also insisted the club was rich enough to compete to sign any player Alex Ferguson wants despite needing to service interest payments on the £360million debt. On the Glazers, Woodward said: "There is always interest in this business. It is a phenomenal brand and club, but they are not willing sellers at all, cheap Air Max 95they won't even engage, they are long-term investors. "It's a very popular business that people have interest in. The answer is: 'not for sale'. "I talk to them [the Glazers] every day and the excitement they have in this club is undiminished, and I don't see them selling completely for many, many years." Woodward did accept however that one of the Glazers could dispose of their shares at some point. He added: "They could - they are a family of six siblings and from time to time, seven to 10 years, who knows if one wants to sell a small piece or not." Woodward insisted the club's debt, partially reduced due to the IPO sell-off, was easily handled by United's income and there was plenty of money to buy players. "They are not willing sellers at all, they won't even engage, they are long-term investors" - Ed Woodward on the Glazers He said: "We have a pretty low level of leverage. Interest payments of £31million leaves a significant amount of money, around £76million and we decide what we do with that. "We are very comfortable about the ability to fund the interest and there will be more income growth next year from the new Premier League media deal. "Every single player Alex Ferguson has wanted to buy he has been supported. Some have slipped through our fingers but we have never said that we cannot afford a player. "Robin van Persie is a good example, one of the best players in the world and we easily had the financial capacity to do that." Woodward revealed that India and Australia are both on a shortlist of countries for United to tour in the summer. The club are also to open an office on the east coast of the United States to cash in on growing interest in football in North America. "The US is a really big opportunity. The media rights for the World Cup were a record and we are expecting the Premier League to have a good outcome there again," said Woodward. "Football has taken off in the US from being a niche sport only three or four years ago."
|
RSS Feed