Miki Ando of the Japan won the women's figure skating World Championship

Moscow - Miki Ando of the Japan won the Championships of skating after overcoming the World Gold medallist Olympic Kim Yu-na in a duel of outstanding elegance Saturday.

The victory by the Japanese skater, who also won at the 2007 World Championships, was appropriate in a competition which was initially scheduled to take place in his native country, before it was hit by an earthquake and tsunami in March.

"I've been skating for the Japan and I have never supported on the result." "I am really happy to have a gold medal," said Ando. "I worked hard and I became a bit of a skater stronger than last year."

Miki Ando of Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty ImagesJapan, who also won the world title in 2007, took gold with a superior free program.

Free programs two skaters contained languid moves alternate with moments of power and control steely. They were at least half a point on the other before the free program.

Ando, skating to "Piano Concerto in a minor of Grieg," in the last group of six, opened with a triple loop Birdseye Lutz - double. It is not fléchir fall to the middle of the program, when it intervened a double axel and reduced toe triple combination to a double.

But she regained composure, had three triples stronger and a double axel-double loop-double loop cascade therefore surprising that he drew exclamations from the crowd.

Kim starts season after coach Brian Orser of shooting and the displacement of its basic training from Toronto to Los Angeles in the last year. It began even more boldly with a triple toe lutz-triple. His program - "Tribute to Korea" - set to a haunting collection of traditional music Korean and choreographed by Canadian David Wilson, was a production Megasport Arena.

But she headed quickly trouble, two of its three next singling out breaks. It included also a cascade starting with a double axel, but a subsequent jumps was a toeloop instead of a loop, giving the element slightly less value.

"I am so happy that the competition is over," Kim said. "" "". After the Olympics, I thought: "am I will return to competition or not?".... Mentally I could not stop to think: "why should I do this?". I think that it was the most difficult thing. But then, I felt ready to go and I thought: "I can do." "

Carolina Kostner the Italy improved from sixth place to take the bronze medal, with a charming program in strains of dream of the "afternoon of a Faun by Debussy," not troubled that a triple popping.

"Last year it was a difficult moment for me, it's a big emotion just to finally even just enjoy," said. "To be able to obtain a medal... just makes it more special."

For the United States, Alissa Czisny finishes fifth in the free program and the general classification. American Rachael Flatt is 12 rank.

 

Santana walk-off slam lifts Indians past Tigers

CLEVELAND - In 110 years, the Cleveland Indians received never April like this.

Their surprisingly good start took a new turn Friday when Carlos Santana hit a grand slam with one out in the ninth round to give the Indians a 9-5 for the Detroit Tigers victory. "Incredible", said shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, whose two-run homer in the seventh tied it at 5 and put the Indians in a position to extend their home in victories in 11 games. The Indians are an AL - best 17-8, surpassing 16 WINS before 1 may, for the first time in 111 years in the al. Santana and his teammates celebrated in rare mode, too, after Venezuelan baseball player has led to a field of 3-1 off the coast of Joaquin Benoit (0-1) on the wall right-field. Santana threw his helmet frappeurs high in the front cold air leaping on plate and be engulfed by his teammates, who could hardly wait for him to round the bases. "I'm very excited," Santana said after his first career slam - the seventh to put end to a Progressive game field and the first since Jim Thome against Detroit in 2002. Chris Perez (1-1) has launched a sleeve perfect for fourth consecutive win in Cleveland. Indians are unbeaten at home since April 2, their longest streak it has won 13 in a row in 1996. "These guys are taking each other, everyone contributes," Manager Manny Acta said. "I forgot the last time that we scored against Benoit, but we have." Benoit took fourth straight loss of the hard Tigers. Standing and looking at his locker, he turned to reporters and said, "guys expect you for me?" Keep wait. "He left then. The Indians left with the unlikely victory after overcoming deficits of 3-0 and 5-2. Jack Hannahan designated to start the rally winner and was replaced by Adam Everett of alternate runner. Line of Grady Sizemore only right sent Everett third. During the y, Tigers manager Jim Leyland visited the mound to check on Benoit, who had a nail broken on her hand cut off the coast by trainer Kevin Rand Launcher. Benoit intentionally walked Cabrera and returned to strike Choo Shin-Soo on three heights prior to Santana. "I am really happy for him because he was ill a little," Cabrera said Santana, who came to the plate frapper.183. Matt LaPorta hit a solo homer off starter Tigers Max Scherzer to start the seventh. Later in the English channel, Cabrera them led his two-run shot in the right field seats on the first launch after Leyland verified on Scherzer. "He has told that he had left many," Leyland said. "I wanted to make sure you that he was going well." It is one of my horses. He deserved to be there. The guy hits a home. "They play with great energy right now." They're lots of fun. "Their credit, tip you your cap," he said. Scherzer, seeking to become the first pitcher of Detroit with five victories in April since Frank Tanana in 1988, had a shutout of two-hit up two breaks in the sixth. Cabrera then designated and walks to Choo and Santana loaded the bases. Shelley Duncan, the DH Travis Hafner, based on one of the two-run between third and short and to the Indians in the 3-2. "A huge success," Acta said. "We had to lower chip away and Duncan were." Hafner missed his second game straight because of a painful right ankle. The slugger lefty est.342 with four homers in 21 games and is 6-10 with a homer and three points in career against Scherzer. Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run homer off starter Indians Johnsmi Gomez in the first. It was his sixth and any first by a strait pounding through the waves in six games. Cabrera had two hits and flies twice deep Center that he continued to Indians pound tongue. Since joining the Tigers in 2008, it is frappant.332 with 14 Homer and 47 points in 53 games against Cleveland. Alex Avila put Detroit ahead 3-0 with a sacrifice in the fourth fly. After that the Indians rallied in the sixth, the Tigers restored their three-run lead in the seventh on a single RBI by Jhonny Peralta and fly another sacrifice by Avila. Game notes
He Alex White came to Cleveland Friday but not be officially called Columbus, 2007 until Saturday to make his debut in major league as the holder of the Indians. ... Cleveland assigned if Adam Miller class A Kinston in extended spring training. A first round sandwich selection in 2003, Miller has not launched a match since May 20, 2008, Buffalo based because of a series of operations of finger. ... ACTA said an MRI on the ankle of Hafner showed no break. ... Tigers fielder Austin Jackson went 2-for-5. He had seven hits in his previous 54 at - bats. ... Detroit fielder Magglio Ordonez was 4-for-27 (. 148) before a single in the fifth round. Copyright by STATS LLC and associated press

Ferriero's OT winner in the early days of the playoffs throws sharks

SAN JOSE, California - in a series filled with some of the greatest stars of hockey and the most accomplished players, is someone who has spent almost the entire second half of the season in minors who came up with the largest play - the day of his birthday no less.

Little used Benn Ferriero scored 7: 03 in overtime in his debut match on a deflected goal that gave the Sharks in San José, a 2-1 victory on the Red Wings in Detroit Friday night in game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinal series.

"Must always be ready," said Ferriero, who provided the capper perfect of his 24th birthday. "You never know when they will appeal to you." You will practice and do everything you can be ready to play. When your number gets called you must be prepared. ?

Ferriero kick hit off the coast of Detroit defenseman Brad Stuart stick and exceeded Jimmy Howard for the game winner seconds after the Red Wings had killed a penalty four minutes. Stuart violently his stick on the ice at the rejection after the goal, the Red Wings to fall back into their series with the Sharks.

Ferriero has only seven goals in 57 games of the season regular and played only once in the NHL after February 5 this season.

"You never know who will be the hero," said defenceman Dan Boyle sharks. "You never know where it will come." This is just an example of just shooting, just making the net in overtime. You never know what will happen. ?

Joe Pavelski scored the equalizing goal on the game of power in the third period for San Jose. Antti Niemi made 24 saves as the sharks won their fourth hours additional game of this postseason.

In the first period for Detroit, Nicklas Lidstrom scored the day after his 41st birthday. Howard made 44 saves, including three in the Justin Abdelkader double minor for asking, but had little chance on the Ferriero deflected winner game.

"It is very disappointing, especially after the leader for most of the game," Lidstrom said. "" "". We could kill this penalty four minutes in overtime. They kept coming at us; our guy came out of the box, and it is still a rush in our area. This is what happens in the playoffs. You will have these oscillations of momentum. ?

Game 2 is Sunday in San Jose.

After be averted more than two periods by Howard, the Sharks finally pierced in the middle of the third on their third power play out night with Todd Bertuzzi for boarding Pavelski.

Joe Thornton took a big shot from just inside the blue line that Howard has stopped, but Pavelski lays low rebound of flight with his stick and in the net tied with 9: 38 to go with first power play goal from San Jose in four games this postseason.

Pavelski played a major role in the San Jose victory series over Detroit a year ago, scoring four goals in the first two games, including the equalizer tally in the third period of game 2. It was one of two third-period returns in this series for the Sharks, who got him again in the first game this year.

The Red Wings killed an another power play later in the third and withstood a flurry of end of San Jose, with Howard doing a pad difficult to save on a deflection by Dany Heatley to send the game to overtime.

"There were not enough," said Howard. "All that matters is to win." I felt well there and I saw lots of fire. ?

Led by a strong turn by the Couture line, Logan, Ryane Clowe and Heatley, Sharks dominate the room in the first half of the second period, but were unable to score. Howard made a tough on Pavelski judgment and helped kill a power as Detroit maintained the head play despite being outshot 16-2 in the first 10 minutes of the second period.

Detroit allowed two shots the rest of the period and was likely to extend the lead, but a blow rolled along the goal line and away from the net, and arrested Niemi Jiri Hudler shot per minute of closure of the wrist.

It is the third time in five seasons these teams met in the second round, each team has won once.

The Red Wings have been rested, with eight full days off since their sweep of Phoenix in the first round. This is in striking contrast with their one day off the coast of last year after a series of seven games against the Coyotes, who has been a factor in their fall behind 3-0 in the series.

Free time also allowed two of the most powerful players in Detroit to heal the wounds which maintained at least a part of the first round action. Johan Franzen, who led the team with 28 goals during the regular season, has recovered from his injured left ankle that forced to miss game 4 against the Coyotes. Top scorer Henrik Zetterberg is also back after missing the first round with a left knee injury.

There was a feeling process from the start, with both teams apparently mistrustful of a mistake at the beginning. San Jose killed a game of power at the beginning, before the Red Wings from Percé term when Pavel Datsyuk has obtained the puck on the boards and fed Lidstrom in the slot for a slap shot that beat Niemi from glove.

Game notes
The last player to get his first goal in the playoffs in his first playoff game EO Niko Dimitrakos in San Jose, Game 1 of the first round against St. Louis in 2004. ... Detroit Mike Babcock lit 48 coach Friday.

2011 NFL draft: Carolina Panthers opened the fourth round

NEW YORK - Carolina Panthers opened the last day of the draft by selecting Virginia cornerback Brandon Hogan to begin the fourth channel.

The Panthers completed another their many needs by making the leader of the defence of Virginia, that choose the 98th overall. Hogan is the 14th cornerback taken together.

A wild week of the NFL continued Saturday, with players still locked after a brief respite Friday. That night, however, a decision of the Court of Appeal allowed the League to reinstate the lockout which had been lifted earlier in the week.

But peaks continue to come as the project is protected under the old collective agreement, which expired on March 11.

The Minnesota Vikings, who have seven picks the last day of the draft, selected Iowa defensive tackle Christian Ballard with the ninth choice in the 106th round, fourth overall.

Ballard, 6-foot-3, 283 books, is that the first coach again player defensive Leslie Frazier, a former defensive coordinator, was chosen in the project. With Kevin Williams to a suspension of four-game after a test has failed, it could add depth to the position and Pat Williams free agent.

The Vikings took quarterback Christian Ponder in the first round Thursday and Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph in the second round Friday. They did not have a third round choice because they exchanged in New England for Randy Moss.

The Arizona Cardinals surprised their fourth round pick, Texas outside linebacker Sam Acho, simply by choosing him.

Acho, whose parents emigrated from Nigeria, said that he had not heard the Cardinals in "a few months" and did not know they were interested in him.

Acho, foot-6-1, 257 pounds, recently was named top scholar-athlete the nation by National Football Foundation College & Hall of Fame.

Zobrist record 8 point products power rays past twins

MINNEAPOLIS - finally healthy, Ben Zobrist is hitting the way he did in his 2009 season escape.

Zobrist has set a Tampa Bay record with eight RBI, hit a home run and two double Thursday as the rays put the Twins in Minnesota 15-3 rout in the first game of a day-night singing. Zobrist went 4-for-6 and has marked two times. He hit an RBI single in the first inning and a three-run homer in the sixth before adding two-run double in the seventh and ninth. Zobrist, broke the team RBI record of seven set by Carlos Pena in 2007. It is the first player to lead in at least eight runs in a game since the Toronto Blue Jays Adam Lind August 31, 2009. "Each time that you have that many points products it is because your teammates are about to start for you each time", said Zobrist. "It was what he did today." We hit well up and down the line-up. Everyone was struck and I hope that we have registered some for the second game. "Zobrist struck. 297 27 with 91 points in 2009 and signed a four year, $ 18 million contract. He played through a painful neck last year and the number declined in all areas, at 238 with 10 Homer and 75 RBI. But Zobrist has been healthy this spring and it shows. He is trained in 16 tracks in over its last four games to capture the head of the League in products with 23 points. "It's hot," said Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon. "Ben simply not missing." It gets its possibilities and the at - bats have worked and he did an excellent job with it. "With Zobrist at the vanguard, Tampa Bay won four d' straight and 12 of the 15. "Any time you are healthy, then you can do the job that you want to get prepared for the game," said Zobrist. "When you are not in good health, you may not do." It is the greatest difficulty may not be completely healthy, just be able to get working in. Thus, it was nice being able to do that this year. Especially recently, trying to make adjustments where I need to make adjustments. "B.J. Upton had three hits and scored three times for the rays, which matched a season high with 19 hits. Johnny Damon extended his streak hit 15 matches getting three hits, including an RBI triple. Jeremy Hellickson (2-2) launched 6 1/3 handles for the victory. Nick Blackburn (1-4) was chased in the fourth. Frappeurs Tampa Bay could begin to catch up with their pitchers. The rays began the day with third time of the AL but was the last in the majors with an average stick. 228. The rays have upgraded twin 23-5 through the first two games of the series. Zobrist struck his sixth and Casey Kotchman struck his first. Tampa Bay scored in the first round of each of the five games of the road trip. "I will sit down y as long as they want to hit," Hellickson says long breaks in the pond while his team scored. "I'll just put on my jacket and sit on the bench." Hellickson allowed only two hits before Michael Cuddyer hit with two out in the fourth. Transferred the recruit then retired seven of the next eight hitters. "We do play with some fires," said Cuddyer. "We must play with some fires." We propose you to play with a certain emotion. Currently, we are not. Blackburn stumbled through 3 1/3 sleeve. He allowed seven runs, of which five have been won and gave up eight hits and four walks. The walks may be the major concern for the twins. Perpetually among teams stingiest distributing walks, they got disorder control throughout the season. "I just couldn't throw strikes," said Blackburn. "Everything I was throwing everything was going right in the dirt.". He was one of these days. It's not very often, I try to convince myself to lift the ball. I couldn't find the strike zone today. "Damon walked in the first, stole second base and scored the single of Upton. Matt Joyce followed with another walk and Zobrist had an RBI single. Tampa Bay has missed the opportunity for even more when Sean Rodriguez put an end to a decay squeeze, but Joyce was tagged to the plate. "You take on the game," said twins Manager Ron Gardenhire. "It was not very good for everyone except Tampa." game notes
As soon as the first game of Thursday, the rays will play four games on a 51-hour period. Friday Starter David Price was returned to Tampa Bay, before the team to prepare for his departure. ... Hellickson made four of its departures from 11 career against the twins, going 2 - 1. He made his debut in major league against the twins last August with a seven round win, six-barré. ... Rene Tosoni of Minnesota made his debut in major and designated League right field in his first y. The fielder ends with two hits and an RBI after was called Rochester 2007 after the match of Thursday with the fielder Delmon Young to join the list of persons with disabilities. ... Joyce reached base five times with three hits and two walks... Twins DH Jim Thome was still not available with a strained oblique. Copyright by STATS LLC and associated press

Tennessee Titans post facilities security guards

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - the players were greeted by what they called "excessive" security Thursday when they arrived at the Tennessee Titans practice facility when they attempted to report the decision of a judge federal lift the locking of the NFL.

Two police officers of armed rest in uniform joined the Titans of Security Director, Steve Berk, la relates aside open only to the installation of Thursday. The door main remains chained and locked since locking the NFL has started March 12. A member of the team security detail is also stationed at the entrance to the player in the building.

"It's a bit excessive," right guard Jake Scott, representative of the Titans players, said the presence of security. "I guess that they do not want us, and they do not want what appears to meet the orders of a judge.".

"But it is not that much we can do as players except show up and request and obtain sent.". We cannot force our way into the building. We are not going to do. We are going to appear, ask and say no. ?

A person familiar with the Titans safety, said that the team had rest to install agents to help with security since the lockout. The person spoke to Associated Press, provided that the anonymity, as the Titans have not publicly commented on security.

But officers were seen Tuesday by journalists when a handful of Titans tried to report in a pouring rain.

Security of the Titans Michael Griffin he laughs when he noticed security increased and tried to report Thursday.

"I thought it was average funny." They rarely doing anything through the season, "said Griffin.

Scott met briefly Thursday senior executive vice president Steve Underwood and asked to use the weight room. Underwood said no. Scott left with four other Titans who tried also to the report, including tight end Jared Cook and Griffin.

U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson late Wednesday rejected asked the NFL to his order of lifting the lockout on hold them while other appeals.

The details of the security may not be necessary in the future. The NFL sent a memo to clubs by saying that players can resume voluntary training facilities, meet with coaches and review the rules from Friday. The Titans did not have the chance to meet a team new coach Mike Munchak or pick up rules, a crucial delay for a franchise trying to bounce a season 6-10.

Scott said this good news.

"This means that players can get back to work and to begin to prepare for the 2011 season." I hope that the free agency arrives sooner or later, "he wrote in an e-mail to the AP."

Scott and Griffin are among the Titans who intend to declare Friday, ready to start working again. Griffin said he had met with the new coach Mike Munchak and new defensive coordinator Jerry Gray before the lockout and that there is no grudge between the players and coaches.

"It is good for the things in progress, see the manual and how the terminology changed", said Griffin.

 

John Elway of Denver Broncos, the "most big fan' of QB Tim Tebow"

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado - Denver Broncos Executive Vice President of football operations John Elway was curiously vague about its holder notice of potential of Tim Tebow, quarterback of the team. Up to now.

In a conversation of half an hour to the installation of the Broncos the day before the draft, Elway - which, as a quarterback rookie, once mistakenly aligned behind the guard offensive to take a snap - recognized organization must be committed and patient for Tebow succeed.

“

It is one of those guys that - if it breaks out and is the player that we hope, that it may be - we are in a form somewhat darn good. It is a great Ambassador for us as a team.

"-John Elway on Tim Tebow"

Elway, who has won two Super Bowls and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, said he examined three sets of Tebow season as a holder with the Broncos and came away impressed with its unique mobility and intangible qualities. Elway recognizes that Tebow should improve its accuracy.

"Let's put this way, I am his biggest fan," Elway said. "It is one of those guys that - if it breaks out and is the player that we hope, that it may be - we are in a form quite good darn.". It is a great Ambassador for us as a team. He realizes, and I said to him: the bottom line is, ' you can do all these things and make all those plays that many guys cannot do and this is something that you have that they do - but you need to accomplish for us to be champions, you will need to be able to earn la pocket and make all these pleas of la pocket. ? "

The labour dispute that threatens to destroy the whole shoulder and potentially delay the start of the regular season is a significant setback for Tebow. Missing shoulder rehearsals with his Denver teammates and coaches that can refine its mechanical launch.

Although Tebow worked on its own, it is not the same as working with the coaches of the Broncos. But that will be change Friday, by memorandum of the NFL that players under contract can report to facilities of the team waiting for the request of the League to the Federal Government to appeals court issued a temporary stay of a decision of the court below the lockout of lifting.

Informs Broncos players Thursday that they can meet the new coach John Fox and his staff Friday and begin to use the weight and meeting rooms. The Broncos plan to begin the organized team activities next week. Tebow said he moved to Denver and is expected to participate Friday.

Elway remains confident that Tebow may finally be the kind of quarterback who succeeds in the Pocket. However, it is not known when this transformation will be made.

"You are projecting, but I think that it can obtain finally there," Elway said. "I can't tell you a timeline." I don't know if it will be this fall or this time next year. "But I think that was the desire that eventually it will be very effective."

Elway specifically did not exclude the Broncos to draft another quarter of this year, but suggests that it would not happen in the first round. This means that Tebow competition to Cam Newton or occupier of Blaine.

"Guys, obviously, there is holes in every young guy coming out," he said. "There is not an Andrew Luck, a Stafford [Matthew], a [Sam] Bradford.". These guys are all very good quarterbacks in my mind, but there are holes in each of them - because in Tebow. I think that when we as an organization, we are going to go with Tim. ?

With that, well grateful it will be competition for the position of starting, Elway appeared index that Tebow is likely Denver starter this year - unless the lockout eliminates almost all of the pre-season, in which case experience of veteran Kyle Orton could provide an advantage.

Elway said that it was more satisfied after the preparation of its first project was in the right position with the Broncos at this stage of his life.

"I had a great life, no doubt, but I tired to play the celebrity", he said. "There is no depth to play celebrity." This has a lot of depth to it because of the responsibility that I have, more I get to compete. I love the week and the victories and defeats.

"I have asked all the time," why do you want to ruin your legacy? Well, I didn't that my inheritance would end at 38. People say, "why would you risk it?". And I said, "Hell, why not?". It will not change the way I played. What is happening in this position, I will still a great football player. ?

While a team of NFL running is rare for a former quarterback Hall of Fame with two Super Bowl rings, Elway believes it offers the Broncos a unique perspective on how to set up a team of his 16 years as the greatest player in the history of the Broncos.

It intends to participate directly with the actors, including the Tebow and the other quarterbacks.

"I will not enter the coaches", he said. "I will not be intrusive." But I think that I have knowledge to help them, that I want to do. ?

2011 NFL draft: Carolina Panthers do high pick Cam Newton

NEW YORK - Quarterback Cam Newton was selected with the No. 1 pick by the Carolina Panthers Thursday as NFL returns to a semblance of normality with his College project.

The Panthers is Cam Newton quarterback taken 15 with the No. 1 pick in the last 25 years.

Selection of Newton scored the third right project where a quarterback was taken with the first choice. The winner of the Auburn led Heisman Trophy national championship in January.

"It was just as a shot across my body", Newton said, recounting the feeling he had when he heard Commissioner Roger Goodell call his name. "Man, it's a great feeling to be here." This is a great feeling to be a Carolina Panther's.

"It is time to go to work now," said Newton. The League, mired in a lockout that lasted 45 days, assured the teams and players that they could resume the normal day-to-day football begins Friday.

Goodell was repeatedly booed by fans at Radio City Music Hall.

Goodell told them "I hear ya" as the fans, who respond to the current labour dispute, chanted, "we want football."

Second, the linebacker selected Denver Broncos Von Miller of Texas A & m Denver was one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season and was the last in the League in sacks, and Miller is considered an exceptional pass-Rusher.

Miller, a plaintiff in the players of antitrust trial filed to block the lockout, strode across the stage with tears to the eyes and étreint Goodell.

"I didn't have a clue to what would happen", Miller said, referring to the liquidation with the Broncos.

Football fans got their first chance to be heard directly by Roger Goodell, and the Commissioner was transmitted with boos at the beginning of the project of 3 days in New York. History

? Yasinskas: Falcons go all-in on Jones

John Elway, Vice President of football operations, a Broncos tweeted "Excited to select Von Miller as a Denver Bronco - we believe that it is the most explosive and best player in this project."

The third choice, the Buffalo Bills addressed their defence taking Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, a versatile player who can Excel inside or in the rush to pass as an end in a 3-4 scheme.

The Bengals, perhaps call the bluff of quarterback Carson Palmer, has selected the top receiver in A.J. Green Georgia fourth. Green is Palmer is demanding a trade.

Fifth, the Arizona Cardinals was selected cornerback LSU Patrick Peterson, considered by the guru of la NFL ESPN project Mel Kiper Jr. as the best talent in the project.

Atlanta cut a massive deal with Cleveland and reduced No. 27 to steal the Alabama Julio Jones receptor - the fifth Southeastern Conference player in the first six.

The Browns received first-rounder for the hawks, second - and fourth-rounders, over their first choice and fourth-rounder in 2012.

The San Francisco 49ers in the seventh on defensive end Missouri Aldon Smith. Quaterback Jake Locker is an eighth choice somewhat surprising by a desperate Tennessee Titans team provide the stability to the position.

The Dallas Cowboys picked offensive tackle USC Tyron Smith ranked ninth.

Jacksonville Jaguars exchanged their peaks of first and second round in the 2012 draft Washington 10th choice, which she used to select quarterback occupier Missouri of Blaine.

The Houston Texans chose J.J. Watt, a defensive end from Wisconsin, to the 11th rank.

The selected Minnesota Vikings of the quarterback Christian Ponder Florida 12th State.

Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley was selected by the Detroit Lions at no. 13, while the Rams of Saint - Louis ended defensive Robert Quinn of 14th North Carolina.

The 15th rank, the Miami Dolphins is center Mike Pouncey Florida. The Redskins selected Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan No. 16.

The second and third cycles of the project will take place Friday and four other rounds Saturday.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Frank McCourt of the Los Angeles Dodgers: Commish Bud Selig "circumvent me."

Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said Thursday that commissioner Bud Selig is "ducking" him as he makes his case to retain control over the team.

McCourt spoke to MLB officials in New York on Wednesday, but Selig was not present. The league has taken control of the franchise in the best interests of baseball and has installed Tom Schieffer as monitor.

McCourt has argued that MLB just has to approve a proposed television deal with Fox and uncertainties over his divorce and the finances of the team will disappear.

"I want to talk to Bud, and I want to know why he's ducking me," McCourt said during an appearance on MSNBC Thursday. "I'm here to solve a problem, not make a problem, and you know, we'll deal with the next steps if he says. I can't make a person talk to me and can't make a person focus on the issue.

"This is a great transaction for the Dodgers and for baseball. It's consistent with transactions approved for other teams. This, I'm not asking for a penny from any other owner or from MLB. I just want to access my capital. That's all I want. I want to sit and talk about it, that's all."

McCourt said Wednesday that Selig has vetoed the deal that he claims will infuse $300 million into the Dodgers immediately and can be worth up to $3 billion over the 17-year life of the deal. MLB executive vice president Rob Manfred said that Selig hasn't vetoed anything and that the league is waiting for a review of the Dodgers' finances before making a decision.

"I'm not resisting the investigation. I'm resisting the notion that the investigation is an excuse to close a transaction that's in the best interests of the Dodgers and baseball," McCourt said to CNBC. "It doesn't smell right to me. I don't believe it's a legitimate -- there is no process. I don't believe the investigation is genuine."

McCourt admitted that he's made mistakes in his professional and personal life, calling his very public divorce proceedings "a bear." But he thinks that if he can just sit down with Selig, they can solve the Dodgers problems.

"I just want to talk to Bud," he said to CNBC. "I'm sure I'll learn a lot more. You know, guys, we all you know run into different jams at different times, and how do you solve them? You communicate. You sit down if you're interested in solving a problem, you sit down to talk about a solution. At least that's what I've found in my business career. And I've tried to talk to Bud for several weeks. He's ducking me. I don't know why. We should be having a conversation about this. This is about solving a problem."

NFL: Players can work with teams Friday

The NFL has told its teams and players to get back to football, at least for now.

Told twice in three days by a federal judge that its 45-day lockout was illegal, the league assured teams and players they could resume some of the normal day to day football operations beginning Friday, including voluntary workouts at team facilities, meetings with coaches and going over playbooks.

"That's great news," said linebacker Joe Mays, one of 10 Denver Broncos players who showed up at the team's headquarters Thursday. "It's something we've been trying to do, get back to work."

NFL memo: How teams should proceed
The league also promised to distribute detailed procedures for signing free agents, making trades and other roster moves. That memo, the league said, will likely come Friday and spell out the timing for the start of the league year.

The guidelines were released a few hours before the NFL draft, where teams were still allowed only to swap picks, not players.

"Judge [Susan Richard] Nelson said it was up to us to determine how to proceed, and we think in light of the fact that the first round of the draft is tonight, clubs are fully focused on that," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an appearance Thursday on ProFootballTalk.com's daily webcast. "The best way to proceed is for the veterans to start working out at facilities [Friday], and then we'll set up the process of starting the league year, which would include player trades and player signings."

New players in particular will benefit from the new guidelines.

"These rookies, there's a lot going on for them," New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara said. "So any info they can get, any things they can study, is good. If the lockout happens again, they'll have plenty to study from their teams."

Things are far from normal, however. On a day members of the Tennessee Titans showed up to find two armed guards at their locked-up facility, the NFL pressed forward with the legal fight in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis.

The league wants a temporary stay of Nelson's decision to lift the lockout so it can argue that it should be overturned altogether. The players were told to respond to the league's motion for a stay by 1 p.m. ET on Friday, and the NFL's reply to that is due Monday morning.

Michael Gans, the appeals court clerk, said the three-judge panel for the appeal had not yet been finalized. The venue is considered more friendly to businesses like the NFL's $9 billion operation than the federal courts in Minnesota.

"They could rule on the temporary stay at any time between now and Monday," Gans told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he feared the fight could last for a while.

"I think the litigation, unfortunately, could go on for some period of time," he told the NFL Network. He said he was looking forward to the next round of court-ordered talks on May 16.

Agent Angelo Wright said he has told clients under contract not to worry about visiting headquarters this weekend out of fairness to the teams so they can focus on the draft. He said they should plan to show up on Monday, and said he'd start calling team executives about unsigned players as soon as Sunday night.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus, though, said he'd like for signings and trades to take place during the draft.

"I've been calling teams, and I've been told they've been advised by the NFL to hold off on signings or trades until further notice," Rosenhaus said.

Attorneys for the players said the decision lifting the lockout "is in full, immediate force."

"It is our view that the NFL and the clubs will be in contempt of court if they do not comply with the order," lawyers James Quinn and Jeffrey Kessler wrote.

Quinn, in a tersely worded letter to NFL attorney Gregg Levy, said the players were tired of waiting and even accused the league of "granting itself a temporary stay" of Nelson's order by not immediately opening the doors for football operations.

Now, four days after Nelson lifted the lockout, there are guidelines to follow.

Mandatory minicamps and voluntary offseason practices can begin, under the rules in the old collective bargaining agreement. Team-supervised workouts will count toward such bonuses in player contracts, and players can also work out on their own at team facilities if they have health insurance in place.

The league will "promptly make arrangements" for the substance abuse and steroid programs to resume, and players can participate in team-sponsored community and charity functions.

And in the meantime, they'll continue their fight in court.

The league told the appeals court that the players "cannot have it both ways" by threatening contempt-of-court sanctions while also asking for a delay to address the NFL's request for a temporary stay.

And the NFL criticized Nelson, who late Wednesday rejected its request to put her order lifting the lockout on hold pending appeals. The league said her decision "blinks reality" and is "deeply flawed."

The NFL complained that the order has forced teams to "produce their collective product" and expose themselves to antitrust claims by the players -- claims that if held true can result in treble, or triple, damages. An antitrust lawsuit filed by Tom Brady, Drew Brees and other players is still pending before Nelson.

Without a stay, the NFL said, it would be impossible to "unscramble the egg in terms of player transactions (trades, signings, cuts) that would occur in the interim" before a ruling from the appeals court.

The league has proposed a specific timeline for the 8th Circuit appeal: a written opening argument due May 10, the same due for the players May 24, the NFL's reply due May 31 and a hearing after that "as soon as possible."

Such a timeline would mean the legal fight would stretch well into June, a month before training camps and only weeks before the first scheduled preseason game on Aug. 8.

In its 23-page motion, the league reiterated three arguments it unsuccessfully made to Nelson: that she had no jurisdiction while a bad-faith negotiation charge against the players is pending with the National Labor Relations Board; that federal law prevents the court from overseeing cases stemming from labor disputes; and that it shouldn't be subject to antitrust claims with the collective bargaining deal barely expired.

The union was dissolved March 11, clearing the way for the legal fight. League rules have effectively been shelved since then.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, at a charity event in Ann Arbor, Mich., said the league year should have begun Monday when Nelson denied the stay request.

"I guess if you're a billionaire, you can tell a judge no," Woodson said.

Now the fight will be taken up by the 8th Circuit. The league even proposed a timeline: a written opening argument due May 10, the same due for the players May 24, the NFL's reply due May 31 and a hearing after that "as soon as possible."

That would stretch the legal fight well into June, a month before training camps and only weeks before the first scheduled preseason game on Aug. 8.

Tony Richardson, a 17-year veteran and a free agent, said there was still uncertainty.

"It's still a situation where guys cannot be sure what's next, but I think we're headed in the right direction," he said.

Added Mays: "Everybody's tired of sitting around, laying around. We've had enough of that. Now, we're trying to get back to business."

Indians of Cleveland call up RHP Alex White 2007 Columbus to start

CLEVELAND - Alex White made his debut in major League for the Cleveland Indians, Columbus called getting the height-based against Detroit.

The was the first round of the club in 2009 draft and starts Saturday instead of Carlos Carrasco. He went on the list of people with disabilities this week with a strained elbow.

White's 1-0 with a 1.90 ERA in four starts with Christophe Colomb. He had 28 struck in 23 2/3 sleeve.

Manager Manny Acta said stay White will depend on recovery Carrasco and how well white locations against the Tigers.

White was in 15th place, two years after starring in North Carolina. He was named top of the Organization's minor league pitcher last season.

The Indians an analgesic option Frank Herrmann to Columbus to make room for a white.

 

NBA playoffs in 2011: fault of Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers in game 5 gets upgraded to flagrant 1

NEW ORLEANS -- Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant's foul on New Orleans Hornets center Emeka Okafor with 3:14 remaining in the fourth quarter of Los Angeles' 106-90 Game 5 win has been upgraded to a flagrant 1, according to a Lakers team spokesman.

Hornets coach Monty Williams was unhappy with the level of physicality in Game 5 that gave L.A. a 3-2 series lead, saying, "A lot of it, it's just not basketball."

He thought Lakers guardShannon Brown could have also faced some discipline for using his elbows against Willie Green and Jarrett Jack.

"I know it's going to be a physical game, but I thought they swung at us a few times last game," Williams said. "I thought Shannon should've been ejected, and if he's not going to be ejected, he shouldn't be able to play tonight. When you throw your elbow like that at a guy, I know the rule is you have to connect, but if he connects, that's a fight. It could turn into more stuff. So I expect a physical game, but I expect a fair game. That's how we play."

Bryant did not participate in the team's shootaround on Thursday morning, sitting off to the sidelines wearing sunglasses while icing his sprained left ankle.

"There's limitations to what he can do, obviously, but he tries to overcome," said Lakers coach Phil Jackson. "He's still a guy that's working on not 100 percent."

Bryant is expected to play in Game 6 on Thursday night, however.

"I think he can play 40 minutes tonight if he has to," Jackson said.

The Lakers were 4-0 in close-out games during the postseason last year, including 3-0 on the road. If they beat the Hornets on Thursday, they would have three days' rest before opening up the second round at home on Monday against the winner of the Dallas-Portland series.

"The key is not about the rest as much as you don't want to play any more games than you have to," Jackson said. "These games are full of physical contact and there's many things that can happen to take teams out of their rhythm, take players out of the game. It's a big challenge not to play a whole lot of games."

Jackson expected the physical nature of Game 5 to extend to Game 6.

"Tonight is going to be a tussle so we have to be prepared," Jackson said. "I don't know whether it's going to be a tussle that's going to come out in the second period or it's going to come out in the fourth."

Williams said he thinks the league should take a more active role in looking at physical play.

"There's no way you can throw your elbow at a guy in a basketball game and get away with that without a review," Williams said. "We review 3-point shots, we review all this other stuff, yet a guy can rear off? Before the second quarter was over, [Brown] swings at Jarrett Jack and fakes like he was blocking a shot. To me, those incidents turn into more stuff. Enough is enough. We teach our guys to play the game the right way. It's the playoffs, and we need to play through it, but I also feel like there needs to be a little more legislation."

After Thursday's shootaround at the New Orleans Arena, Williams told his players they just have to overcome what he considered unbalanced officiating.

"I was like, 'Look we're not getting the calls. We've got to overcome more than we normally would,'" Williams said. "I can complain about referees all day, but it's not going to change the score if we're focused on that. We've got to focus on the Lakers."

And the Lakers are focused on closing out.

Said Lamar Odom: "We feel good about our chances."

Dave McMenamin covers the Lakers for ESPNLosAngeles.com.ESPNLosAngeles.com's Arash Markazi contributed to this report.

The Pacers owner Herb Simon to decide fate of President Larry Bird in the next 10 days

INDIANAPOLIS - President of the Pacers Larry Bird finally given his team return the playoffs this season.

He'll soon know if he will get completed its project of reconstruction.

Bird is in the last year of his contract and owner Herb Simon said Friday that they will meet in the next 10 days to discuss the situation of the bird. They will agree on an extension or the franchise will part ways with one of the greatest heroes of hoops of the State.

"My decision will be based on my decision with Mr. Simon," Bird said. If I like what I hear, I'll probably be back. But if there are certain things that he sees in the performance at work I've done and he is not comfortable with it, it might be time for a new voice. ?

[+] Expand AP Photo/Rick BowmerLarry Bird will meet with the owner of the Pacers Herb Simon over the next 10 days to discuss the situation of the bird.

The head of the Pacers in shoulder season coming off the coast of their first playoffs since 2006 bunk. The team has four entries with three years of experience, and the franchise will have the financial flexibility to add parts. Danny Granger, veteran starter, 28, and none of the remaining starters - Darren Collison, Tyler Hansbrough, Paul George, or Roy Hibbert - is aged more than 25.

Now, the bird wants to see how Simon is prepared to spend to improve this group.

The Hall of Famer was asked to "the great question of mine that is him, 'Now, we have money, we can spend?'". "" We waited three years to reach this point, now what can we do? ". What will you leave us to do? "There are many questions that will arise, and I want to see what direction he wants to go. ?

Simon said that Bird has done its work well.

"He gave us a three-year plan, and I think that he has lived its three-year plan," said Simon. "He said it would be tough to go, but the third year, he believed that we could probably the playoffs, what it does, and that we Cap space to build on the core group which he put in place.".

Things did look so good for birds three months ago.

The Pacers have been 17-27 when the team fired coach Jim O'Brien. Frank Vogel took over as interim coach and the team went 20 - 18, the rest of the regular season. Indiana has challenged the Chicago Bulls before removing the first round of the playoffs 4-1 series.

Vogel would like to see the birds to return.

"It is not 'Larry legend' because of its physical capabilities to play basketball," said Vogel. "It was a great basketball mind and it is he who should make decisions and what he decides is going to be what is best for the Indiana Pacers."

Bird was hired as President of the team in 2003 and the decisions of basketball shared with then CEO Donnie Walsh. The infamous Brawl between Pacers players and Pistons fans took place in 2004, which prompted the team to make trades depleting talent.

The decision to clean up the list and the financial restrictions slowed the progress of the bird.

"We knew going forward for three years, that we were not go money," he said. "If we had a payroll of $ 100 million, it is much easier." If we try to build a team around the project without any money. ?

Bird took full control of the decisions of basketball after the season 2007-08, when Walsh left to become President of New York Knicks. The Pacers have 36-46 in 2008-2009 and 32-50 in 2009-2010.

The team this season went 37-45.

"I am not satisfied with the way in which we have on the whole, but obviously, we are going in the right direction and now we are to where we have lots of Cap space and we simply use the right way.""," Bird said.

Regardless what happens, bird feels that the team has a bright future.

"Our ultimate goal is to return to compete for the Championship of the Eastern Conference and I am very high on a large number of our players," he said. "I believe in the project, we will be lucky enough to get another great player and just continue to build this.

 

2011 NFL draft: Chicago Bears' Jerry Angelo takes blame for trade failed with Baltimore Ravens

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears have declined to compensate the Baltimore Ravens for the botched first-round trade the two teams agreed to but that the Bears did not turn into the NFL, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell encouraged the Bears to surrender some type of draft compensation but when he declined to order them to do so, Chicago opted not to give the Ravens anything.

"The only thing I'm gonna say [is] they have rules when you do something wrong, not when you make mistakes," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said Friday. "A mistake was made, no rule was broken."

Moments before the Bears selected Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi at No. 29 overall on Thursday, Angelo tried to move up and take Carimi three picks earlier. He worked out a deal to send the No. 29 selection and a fourth-round pick to the Ravens, who held the No. 26 pick.

The Ravens called in the trade and Angelo told two staffers to make the call for the Bears. But each staffer thought the other did it, and the call was never made, according to a source familiar with the situation.

"We had a disconnect and there might be something said about it because of not communicating with the league and proper protocol; that was my fault," Angelo told reporters on Thursday. "I called Baltimore and apologized to Baltimore and told them it was our fault. They did everything according to the rules, and we thought we were following everything, and we just ran out of time. It was a glitch on our part and that glitch obviously was under my reign."

The Ravens ended up passing the 26th pick to the Kansas City Chiefs, who selected wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin.

Baltimore then jumped back in the draft and took Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith at No. 27.

According to an explanation of events on the team's website by Kevin Byrne, who is the Ravens' senior vice president of public and community relations, Byrne told Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome that the Ravens would take a hit in the media because they let the clock expire. Byrne didn't feel that was fair.

"I'm not going to throw the Bears under the bus," Newsome responded, according to Byrne.

Newsome said he called the NFL with 2? minutes left on the clock to consummate the trade, and never got confirmation from the league.

"There was an agreement made between the [Bears] team and I," Newsome told the Ravens' website. "I got on the phone with the NFL but the [Bears] never got confirmation from the league. At that point I was asked by the league to make the pick."

Angelo quickly accepted responsibility.

"Whatever you hear, Baltimore did everything the right way," Angelo said. "There were a lot of things happening in the draft room. We were getting a lot of calls, we just ... dropped the ball. I dropped the ball. I can't say anything more than that."

Grizzlies push Spurs, complete stunning victory

Over the last 15 seasons, there have now been 218 series played. Of the 218 winners of series-clinching games, only four times has a team won by making just a single FG from beyond the three-point line. Memphis, welcome to the club. The other three to do it? The net in 2004, the Knicks in 1999 and the Lakers in 1997.

From Elias: The Grizzlies are only the 4th team to sweep the Spurs at home in both the regular and postseason in the Tim Duncan era. 2 of the other 3 teams advanced to the NBA final.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.. -These Memphis Grizzlies just keep making NBA history - and believers.

Zach Randolph had 31 points and 11 rebounds and the Grizzlies advanced to their first Western Conference semifinals and made NBA history in knocking off the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs 99-91 on Friday night.

Memphis had been the best known franchise for empty seats and the unenviable NBA mark for playoff futility at 0-12 after being swept in its first three appearances. This time, a third straight sellout crowd cheered every basket with a couple of signs begging the Grizzlies to "Finish them" in a town desperately needing a hero.

The Grizzlies needed 10 seasons in Memphis, but they have become just that as only the second No.. 8 seed to upset a no.. 1 seed since the NBA expanded the opening to a best-of-seven series.

Now Memphis coach Lionel Hollins sees a great opportunity for the Grizzlies to do something really special.

"Not a lot of people knew about us coming in, but we certainly have made some noise and turned some heads and got some attention that probably wouldn't can't have been given to us if we'd lost this series," Hollins said. "We'd just be another eight seed losing to the No.." "1 seed."

They will open the second round in Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Marc Gasol had 12 points and 13 rebounds for Memphis. Tony Allen added 11 points, and rookie Greivis Vasquez had 11 off the bench playing 24 minutes with Mike Conley in foul trouble most of the game.

Tony Parker led San Antonio with 23 points, Manu Ginobili had 16, Tim Duncan 12 and Antonio McDyess 10.

The Spurs led only twice at 2-0 and again at 80-79 when McDyess hit a 15-footer with 4: 41 left.

That's when Randolph, the man cast off and unwanted before he arrived in Memphis in the summer of 2009, took over and scored 17 of the Grizzlies' 29 points in the fourth quarter.

"From a pick-me-up perspective, we just got on his back, and we rode him like he was an English warhorse," Hollins said. "He was really carrying us, We were just hanging on."

Randolph scored 10 of the next 14 for Memphis, with his hook putting Memphis ahead to stay at 81-80. Conley added a jumper, then Randolph hit a fallaway jumper, two free throws and another fallaway jumper for an 89-82 lead with 1: 55 left. Randolph went to the bench to a huge cheer with 3.4 seconds left.

"Emotion is high, not just for the Memphis Grizzlies goal for the whole city of Memphis and the fans," Randolph said. "It's something." It's a great accomplishment. We've got to be happy. We should be happy. But it's a quick turnaround. "We've got a game Sunday, and we have to get ready."

The Spurs, winners of 61 games in the regular season and the dynasty with four NBA titles with Duncan, turned the ball over three straight times while Randolph was putting away this franchise's biggest win. One desperate pass from Ginobili went right off Parker's hands.

"we played well all season long," Parker said. "As you know, it doesn't 't mean anything if you don' t play well in the playoffs, and overall Memphis played better than us Have to give them credit." Had a chance at the end, up one, 5 minutes to go. "We didn't make the plays we needed to play."

San Antonio had gotten a reprieve with Gary Neal's clutch 3 getting the Spurs to overtime as they staved off elimination Wednesday night. But the Spurs talked of how lucky they were to pull out a game when they had their bags packed for the offseason.

"We were hoping at some point that they would fold under the pressure, make some mistakes through that pressure and they didn't," Duncan said. "They did the exact opposite." "they made every play they needed to make, they took care of the ball, they got the shots they wanted to get, and their guys made the shots when they needed to."

Ginobili also had a big shot to help the Spurs stay alive. This game, he had an even more amazing shot, beating the buzzer at the end of the third quarter as he tossed up the ball from short half off balance and trying to beat the clock. He had been 3 of 10 from the floor before that lucky attempt pulled the Spurs to 70-66.

Forward Shane Battier called it a perfect team effort by the Grizzlies against a team in the Spurs that never quit.

"those guys are like vampires." We're trying to kill them, but they kept getting up. "we kept missing the heart," Battier said. "When (Matt) Bonner is hitting bank 3 s and Ginobili is hitting a halfcourt shot at halftime, 'you' re saying, ' Gosh, go away." "please go away."

It just wasn't enough for a team that couldn't beat the Grizzlies in Memphis during the regular season and the postseason gold. The Spurs ended this season dropping nine of the last 10 on the road and 16 of the last 19 in the postseason away from San Antonio.

Asked if this was a big upset, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich defended the strength of the Western Conference.

"It doesn't matter what your seeding is in the West." "As has been evidenced year after year, we all know that everybody's basically as good as everybody else," Popovich said.

The Grizzlies were criticized for ending the regular season with two losses. Hollins rested Randolph and Allen with critics accusing them of trying to avoid the Lakers and draw the Spurs.

Popovich credited Memphis' athleticism with really hurt a team that had been the NBA's best 3-point shooters. The Spurs shot only 31 percent through the first five games and were just 5-of-22 Friday night.

"They closed out really well, sagged in the paint and were still able to close out on shooter, and it's a credit to them," Popovich said.

Parker opened the game with a pair of free throws, then the Grizzlies took over. Allen scored on a floater in the lane, Randolph tipped in the ball as the start of 10 straight points by the Grizzlies. That prompted Popovich to scream at a referee for a timeout. But Vasquez and Allen scored for a 14-0 spurt before Parker finally answered with a layup.

For Memphis, it was almost as dominant as the third quarter of Game 4 when the Grizzlies outscored the Spurs 30-15. This time, the Spurs didn't score from the floor for the first five minutes as the Grizzlies opened with a 28-16 lead after the first 12 minutes and led by as much as 14. The Spurs had six turnovers in the period.

Duncan, who turned 35 on Monday, looked every bit of those early years as he almost stumbled trying to drive to the basket. He later added an empathic dunk that pulled the Spurs within 46-43 at halftime.

Game notes
Memphis hadn't haven't scored more than 44 points in the paint in the series until Friday night. The Grizzlies outscored San Antonio 62-38 in the paint and outrebounded them 43-32. ... The Grizzlies even had a big edge at the free throw line, 22 of 30, compared to 12 of 14 for the Spurs.

2011 NFL draft: Cincinnati Bengals choose Andy Dalton TCU the early in the second round

The Cincinnati Bengals have their quarterback of the future. The New England Patriots have a new backup quarterback.

The Bengals, unsure of Carson Palmer's future with the team, selected TCU quarterback Andy Dalton with the 35th overall pick in the NFL draft Friday.

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, projected by some to go in the first round, instead was chosen 10th in the third round by New England, where he can serve an apprenticeship under Tom Brady. Off-field issues clouded Mallett's career at Arkansas after he transferred from Michigan.

Brady is entrenched as the starter and the Patriots also have a promising backup in Brian Hoyer. Third-stringer Jonathan Crompton, a 2010 fifth-round draft choice of the Chargers, filled out the third spot on the depth chart entering the draft.

From a football standpoint, Hoyer's contract expires after the 2011 season and if he plays well in the preseason, he could draw Kevin Kolb-type interest around the NFL.

The Panthers made Auburn's Cam Newton the 15th quarterback taken with the No. 1 pick in the last 25 years.

Cincinnati took A.J. Green from Georgia with the fourth overall pick in the opening round, bringing in a receiver who can take over for Chad Ochocinco, the franchise's all-time leading pass catcher. One round later, they brought in a new quarterback.

"That was good," coach Marvin Lewis said. "We spent a lot of time on this, no question. It's a big, important, important pick, important piece."

Dalton quickly will get the chance to become the next face of one of the NFL's most dysfunctional franchises. The Bengals have only two winning records in the last 20 years, going through quarterbacks at a pell-mell pace while continuing to lose regularly.

"He's going to be a great quarterback in this league, in my opinion," new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said. "He's going to get a lot of opportunity to do that, come in here and compete for the job right away. What else do you want as a rookie quarterback?

"That's what I asked him at the [scouting] combine. I said, 'Are you wanting to come in here and be a backup quarterback somewhere and learn for three years, or are you ready to start in six months?' He said, 'I'm ready to start right now, let's go.'"

The San Francisco 49ers traded up in the second round Friday night to take Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick with the 36th overall pick. They gave Denver their second-round (45th overall), third-round (108th) and fifth-round (141st) picks to move up.

Kaepernick was watching the draft with his family in Turlock, Calif., about a two-hour drive from the 49ers' practice facility in Santa Clara. He was so excited he was contemplating making the drive immediately -- even though he might be turned away when he gets there.

"That just makes it that much easier for my family, friends to come and see me," Kaepernick said. "I know everybody in Reno was hoping I went to the 49ers as well. For me, it was the perfect pick."

The trade was the first major move under new coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke, and it wasn't even the first to secure a quarterback Friday. Alex Smith was at the team's facility working out and scheduled to meet with Harbaugh.

Harbaugh has made it known he would like the team to reunite with the 2005 No. 1 overall pick, perhaps allowing Kaepernick the time needed to develop into an NFL quarterback.

The freefall of Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers, at one point considered a top-five pick before undergoing right knee surgery, finally ended Friday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected the standout defensive end with the 19th pick in the second round.

“

 That was good. We spent a lot of time on this, no question. It's a big, important, important pick, important piece.

” -- Marvin Lewis on selecting Andy Dalton

"The last 24 hours have been crazy long," said Bowers, who assured the Buccaneers his knee was fine. "It's been grueling just waiting for that one phone call. I didn't expect the wait to be this long. I was expecting to go off the board in the first round."

The Minnesota Vikings gave new quarterback Christian Ponder a target in the passing game by selecting Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph with the round's 11th pick.

Boise State wide receiver Titus Young was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 44th overall pick.

Young will have a chance to be a third option for quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose top two targets are Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson

The Lions took Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley in the first round Thursday night with the 13th pick overall.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick pulled a surprise to begin the round: He stood still.

Given their willingness to trade down every year, the Patriots heard from several teams interested in that slot before taking Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling. Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett announced the pick.

Dowling is a hard hitter who missed most of last season with a broken left ankle, starting only two games. The Patriots made out well with last year's first-round pick, cornerback Devin McCourty, and weren't afraid to go back to the secondary again.

New England did strike a deal with the Oakland Raiders. The Patriots shipped third and fourth round picks to Oakland for the Raiders' seventh-round pick and a 2012 second-round pick.

The Buffalo Bills went for a cornerback, Aaron Williams of Texas, with the 34th overall pick.

The Arizona Cardinals took Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams with the sixth pick in the second round, while the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys went with linebackers Akeem Ayers and Bruce Carter, respectively.

The Cardinals already had Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower on their roster, but Wells has never blossomed and has been prone to injury, while the hard-running Hightower was plagued by fumbles last season.

So Arizona chose Williams, who left school with two years of eligibility remaining.

"When I went to visit, they told me I would not slip past pick No. 38," Williams said. "And I respect them 100 percent."

The 5-foot-9, 207-pound back rushed for 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns as a freshman in 2009 but was limited by a hamstring injury last season.

The Washington Redskins made a series of four trades over the first two days of the draft, adding selections in the third, fourth and seventh rounds, plus two in the fifth -- essentially by moving down just a bit in the first.

When they were picking players -- which wasn't often -- they started with defense. Defensive end Jarvis Jenkins of Clemson was taken in the second round at No. 41 overall Friday, a day after linebacker Ryan Kerrigan of Purdue was chosen in the first at No. 16.

Then, in the third round, they added receiver Leonard Hankerson of Miami.

In between, the dealing came at a furious pace. As of late Friday, the Redskins were set to make 13 total picks, their most since their 15 selections in 1982 -- when the draft lasted 12 rounds instead of seven.

The St. Louis Rams drafted Lance Kendricks of Wisconsin with the 47th overall pick, adding one of the nation's best tight end prospects to what already appeared to be a team strength.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Kendricks set career highs with 43 receptions for 663 yards and five touchdowns as a senior, and averaged 14.7 yards per catch in college. He was the Badgers' top receiver last year with speed in the 4.6-second range, and Rams general manager Billy Devaney said the team considered trading down to make sure they got him.

"Obviously we took him, we liked him, we all liked him," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "He gives you the flexibility of doing some different things."

The Rams addressed a larger area of need when they took Boise State wide receiver Austin Pettis in the third round. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Pettis had 134 receptions for 24 touchdowns his last two seasons, and totaled 39 touchdowns in college.

The final pick of the second round was Kentucky's Randall Cobb, an All-American all-purpose player projected as a receiver in the pros, who went to Green Bay.

Twelve players from the Atlantic Coast Conference went in the second round.

Still waiting to be chosen were All-American linebacker Greg Jones of Michigan State, and Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, who is making a comeback from cancer.

The Carolina Panthers pick top-Cam Newton ready for review

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-before signing off the coast on the decision to write Cam Newton No. 1 overall, owner of Carolina Panthers Jerry Richardson has invited the former Auburn quaterback home and withdraw a letter from a fan.

"In this letter," explained Newton, "the person said," Mr. Richardson, can you ask Cam Newton he wants to be great? "" "". "

A day after the bet Panthers that Newton has the desire to be a franchise quarterback, Newton stood at a podium, Friday, in a crisp grey adapt and blue tie and juror should not be outworked.

"I understand that it is not something that is going to be instant, as instant grits", Newton said to adapt to the NFL. "It is more like collard greens" You let it sit and wait. But at the same time, it will be a fun process. I know that. ?

Sporting a broad smile and seeping trust, Newton met with journalists at his new place of work Friday he embarks on a quest that allow negative labels and overcome scrutiny to lead the Panthers to the basement of the NFL.

"I embraced this process to be a person that everyone watching," said Newton.

This is certainly the case as Newton parade around Bank of America Stadium as the highest of the draft - and probably the most risky - in 17 seasons for the Panthers.

Questions surround his problems off-field in Florida, his alleged father of toll regime during his recruitment and how he will adapt to an offence of propagation to Auburn to a pro-style system where reading defenses is more difficult.

"When you look at the Auburn offence, they see a bit of a simplistic offence." But at the same time, you cannot blame me to enter in an offense that a coach had his own philosophy, Newton said. "It's my job to make this transition and to do everything to operate".

A 6-foot-5, winner of Heisman Trophy 248-pound certainly does this to Auburn. He threw 30 touchdown passes and ran for 20 more for the 14 - pour le 14-0 de les Tigres 0 of the Tigers championship season. In comparison, the registered Panthers 16 offensive touchdowns two games more in 2010.

"His ability to run with the football, as a carrier of ball, not only as a scrambler," coach Ron Rivera said when asked about the strengths of Newton. "It may open things for our running backs.". If defence crashes down on the line of scrimmage, he can bootleg outside and do something to occur.

But how long will take to get to this point? And it can stay out of the crisis?

Dishes of Herm Edwards on decision of Caroline to select Cam Newton with the No. 1 pick, the nature of the draft and much more.

"Podcasts more."

Center Ryan Kalil was unable to resist caquet his new teammate when it posted on Twitter, "Congratulations to entertainer and icon, Cam Newton." This is in reference to a statement of fact Newton Sports Illustrated in which he said that he regarded as more than a football player.

Kalil, however, hastened to attend Newton Friday.

Kalil "Listen, both that it is winning football games, and we help win football games he can say and do what he wants," said.

Winning has happened only twice for Carolina season last in the terrible quarterback play. Jimmy Clausen part 1-9 as a starter rookie after he replaced the injured and ineffective Matt Moore.

"Obviously we fought last year," said Moore, defined as a free agent. "If a guy like that is an explosive player can help this team, it is a good choice."

There was another element of the plot in the imminent QB competition.

After that Newton was with Rivera holding a no. 1 Panthers Jersey and cameras flashed, Newton was asked if he hoped wear no. 2, that he was at Auburn.

"I will try," said Newton.

This number is now up to Clausen.

And while that Clausen allowed via a text message Thursday night, it is not to give his employment. Clausen was among the first players to arrive at the headquarters of the team at dawn Friday when the NFL opened its doors, following an order by the Court at the end of the lockout.

"He wished me luck.". Just for a person to do, which speaks volumes on his personality and the type of person he really is, "said Newton. "We had an interesting conversation on Charlotte." He said he was here and I was hoping that might get a chance to meet him. I am pleased not only meeting Jimmy, but much other teammates. ?

After having talked about how he hoped the profile of her work ethic after star quaterbacks Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, Newton was taken for meetings with the coaches. It was the first step in a process in which the Panthers and Newton hoping to prove critical.

"I say now: I try to be the best,"Newton says. ".I strive to be great. ?

Appellate court restores lock-out of the NFL, grants requested temporary residence

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minnesota - the locking of the NFL is back.

League announced the move late Friday, hours after the key courtroom victory. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told The Associated Press that teams "have said that prior lockout rules are reinstated effective immediately.".

Earlier, the 8th Circuit Court of appeal of the United States in St. Louis granted asked the NFL for a temporary stay of the injunction which has lifted the lockout of 45 days. Arguments will be heard at the beginning of the week next to whether this order of a federal judge in Minnesota should be set aside in total.

“

No one is happy of this. But it is what it is. The lockout is back in force.

"-Director General of Green Bay Packers Ted Thompson"

Announcement of the NFL came during the draft, shortly after the third round wrapped, and the day same players were allowed to return to the facilities of their teams for the first time since March. Dozens, even hundreds of players happily met with coaches, worked and received a blow of eye to their rules.

"Nobody is happy of all this," Director General Green Bay Packers, said Ted Thompson. "But it is what it is." "The lockout is in effect".

Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards, expected to become a free agent, put the simply on Twitter: "seems like we are still unemployed."

"Its c 2 unfortunate lockout back on," tweeted Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald. "2 all fans of the NFL, please inform players are u & we're private to enjoy this game.".

The 2-1 to a panel of the 8th Circuit decision was issued by judges Steven Colloton, Kermit Bye and Duane Benton. It included a lengthy dissent of Bye, which offers temporary stays should be issued only in an emergency.

The decision was the first victory of the NFL in the bitter fight labor. It came in a place regarded as the more conservative and more favourable to businesses and the federal courts in Minnesota, where the system of collective bargaining has been created in the beginning of the 1990s and judges have generally preferred the players to the NFL.

Jim Quinn, the players lead attorney, downplayed Friday agenda.

"Routine granting of stay and fully expected", he said. "The only surprise is that the judge Bye is so strongly against their giving even a tiny stay because the League cannot clearly show, it is necessary.".

 

Stamkos sends lightning past selections in game 1

WASHINGTON - If the Tampa Bay Lightning and their old guardian of 41 years, Dwayne Roloson, were exhausted, they sure hid well.

Sean Bergenheim scored at the beginning, Steven Stamkos added the goal to go to a game of power and Roloson made 26 stops, helping beat lightning Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, seeded at the top of page 4-2 Friday night in 1 match of the semi-finals of the Conference is.

Even after the closure of game power capes and steal the advantage of the home-ice with a victory 1 game, lightning coach Guy Boucher is still describing his team as the underdog, writes Scott Burnside. History

? Injuries cost the two flashes, capitals

"I don't know about us being tired," said Bergenheim, who scored 2: 12 into the game. "I feel it now.".

Steve Downie had a goal and an assist, Dominic Moore added an empty-netter with 40 seconds left for the Lightning, seeded fifth, who have won four straight games since Pittsburgh 3-1 behind in the first round.

Roloson got laundry and Bergenheim provided solely at Tampa Bay won at Pittsburgh 1 - 0 in game 7 on Wednesday night. Lightning directly flew to Washington on the night, crawl in their hotel beds after 3 p.m. Thursday.

They were on the ice for a commitment from 7 p.m. Friday.

"It was good for us, in a way," Nate Thompson said Center of Tampa Bay. "We kind of go back right to it and do not have much time off the coast." We are always in play mode. ?

That they were.

Strategy of get-ahead-and-focus-on-defense of Lightning has confused the capitals.

Ovechkin was held without a point and limited to two shots, and Washington went 0 for 5 on the power - play by Tampa Bay 39 penalty for 40 killers this postseason.

"They make it frustrating," said capitals coach Bruce Boudreau. "They hang just return, and then try to push." They are very good at it. ?

Roloson only needed to make five stops in the third period.

"We are surprised by the outcome of this evening - but happy with it," said the guardian of the New York Islanders acquired the day of the new year. "We had the chance to win a hockey game". We had some rebounds. ?

This is true. For example, towed lightning 2-1 but he tied with 3: 43 left in the second period, when Downie was trying to center the puck, but his pass deflected off the coast of stick Defender Scott Hannan and fluttered over his right shoulder of goalie Michal Neuvirth.

And the purpose of the Stamkos came with 31.6 seconds remaining in the period, when Neuvirth ceased its initial test but returned the puck right to the attacker, who put the rebound of.

This power play came when Jason Chimera was expelled for rough after a success on Pavel Kubina, who has not played in the third period. The appeal drew boos from the home fans. Jeers only grew louder, naturally, when Stamkos converted the extra-man chance.

That ends reversing the 2-1 lead that Washington built with goals by Alexander Semin and Eric Fehr.

The Lightning has played most of the match Friday without veteran Simon Gagne left wing, which contributed to the dressing room after his helmet hit the ice when he fell after a hard hit by Hannan in the first period. Lightning said WINS and Kubina could be re-evaluated Saturday.

Game 2 is Sunday night in Washington.

Boudreau chastised his players to engage in what he calls "hockey river" - the kind of back-and-forth, large spaces style capitals used to count on making a concerted effort to focus on defence.

In the first round, rookie Neuvirth - he is 18 years younger than Roloson - and the capitals allowed the New York Rangers to score a grand total of two goals in three matches of Washington. Lightning has exceeded this total in an interval of two periods.

"We played too cute and took sanctions, and we cost," said Ovechkin. "First period, the last 10 minutes, we play our game.". First 10 minutes, second [duration], we play well. After that, let them us play their game. ?

Lightning could be tired, the capitals could be rusty. They wrapped in their series against the Rangers in five games last Saturday and had nearly a week off the coast. Boudreau on the story line "Rest against rust" Thursday, but perhaps there is something to it.

Neuvirth finished with 20 cases Friday. He entered the day leading the NHL with a 1, 38-against average goals and second place, with une.946 save percentage. No. 1 to save it in the category? Roloson.

A key Friday: The Lightning held the edge in special teams play.

"The guys take away passing lanes." Blocking shots, of course. Try to remove the time and space, "said Thompson. "And then your best penalty killer is going to be your best goalkeeper and Roli was for us."

Game notes
Capitals D John Carlson played only 36 seconds into the third period, and Boudreau said that it is the day the day. "I hope that he can go Sunday," Boudreau said. "". ... Washington C Nicklas Backstrom goal drought reached 13 games and he acknowledged that he could begin to try too hard to score. "This is what happens when you fight," he said. ... The capitals have one apparent goal waved off 13? minutes medicine, when officials ruled Brooks Laich kicked the puck past Roloson.

NBA playoffs in 2011: MRI reveals hamstring strain for Atlanta Hawks Kirk Hinrich

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Hawks are preparing to be without injured playmaker Kirk Hinrich when their series of second round of the playoffs against the Chicago Bulls starts Monday.

Hinrich underwent a test of MRI Friday on his right leg, which revealed a significant strain of his right thigh. Hinrich is considered doubtful for 1 game in Chicago. He suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the victory of clinching the series Thursday against Orlando when he landed awkwardly on a drive in the basket.

Hinrich has not returned to the game and was in a wheelchair as players left Philips Arena Thursday night. Hawks coach Larry Drew said Friday that Hinrich was optimistic when the team is gathered for meetings, but Drew is inevitable if focused on the defensive guard would be ready for the match on Monday.

"I saw him when he left the building and its spirits were really good, but it was limp," said Drew. "And this was not a good sign."

The Hawks were Hinrich account to play a crucial role against Chicago, which won two of the three meetings during the regular season between the teams. Hinrich has entrusted the defensive task to try to contain Derrick Rose.

If it is unable to play - or is limited by the injury - Jamal Crawford, Joe Johnson, Damien Wilkins and Jeff Teague said Drew all could devote time to the Rose.

"It certainly change things," said Drew. "He is our leader." If all goes well, he will be able to go. But if it is not the case, we need to make an adjustment. Not knowing truly if Kirk can go or if it cannot go, if he can play some or may not play at all, many of which will change things. ?

Players said Hawks that Hinrich will be useful in the series any how it contributes to the Court in the first few games. Hinrich spent his first seven seasons with the Bulls before last summer to the Washington Wizards, who dealt him to the Hawks in February, he was transferred.

Hinrich averaged 13 points, 5.6 assists and 1.2 steals over eight seasons and is considered one of the top defensive point for the League. Even with a healthy Hinrich, the Hawks expect to have their hands full with Rose, top candidate MVP of the League registered 27.3 points and 6.2 assists in series of first round of Chicago against the Indiana Pacers.

"It is difficult," said Crawford. "Kirk is the head of our defence." He is the guy who makes stuff happen from the beginning. I hope that it is sufficiently healthy to get there. He knows their system. He knows that their players as well as anyone. It can certainly give us an idea. We certainly will come his brain during timeouts and other things. ?

Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins has concussion setback

PITTSBURGH - Sidney Crosby acknowledged he recently had a setback and symptoms experienced during his recovery from a concussion, but the Pittsburgh Penguins star said that he was not worried that it will be not ready for the start of next season.

Crosby sent to journalists on Friday for the first time in weeks, the day, the penguins wrapped and dispersed after be eliminated from the NHL playoffs. He admitted that the reason for which he was not on the ice without contact or practical exercises for the past two weeks was because he had suffered headaches and other symptoms.

"I started a little try things ramp up and skate and I went a bit of symptoms," said Crosby. "Then, I had to take back." The progression went fairly well, but at the same time, I was still not ready. ?

“

I started to try things ramp up to a little walking and skating, and I had a bit of symptoms. Therefore, I had to take back. The progression went fairly well, but at the same time, I was still not ready.

"-Pittsburgh Peguins star Sidney Crosby"

Crosby has not played since January 5, sitting on the last games of 48, including any loss of series 4-3 in Pittsburgh for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round.

Training camp is less than five months. Crosby said that he will be ready.

"I feel like, when I was a few months ago, things were much better", he said. "Simply be able to Skate is encouraging." I hope that the next step has no barriers and I can get ready for the next season as usual.

The Penguins are hoping the next season is undertaken as to the usual, as most of the last campaign was anything but. In addition to Crosby - who was by far leading the League by entering at the time of his injury - Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal also each missed about half a season with injuries.

The three centres - Crosby and Malkin stars each are champions of the notation and Staal former Selke trophy finalist - were the faces of the franchise to come in the year. But a certain way, the Penguins still managed to finish with the second more than points in the history of the franchise (106). They have even argued for the seed to no. 1 of the Conference of the East until the last week without them.

"How we built was in the Middle, and it was the way I have here," General Manager Ray Shero said. "And when you Staal, Crosby and Malkin that all plays only half a season, other guys had to intensify." That says a lot about the team.

"He did a story, and these guys have a story every night."

They were, until Wednesday, when Pittsburgh was struck in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

This was a late disappointing for a franchise that has won a Stanley Cup only two years earlier and registered this season with the addition of another objective. But, in view of the circumstances of the concussion, Crosby Malkin being out of the year with an ACL and MCL and Staal missing 40 games because of a foot injury, torn finishing with the victories of the second most in the NHL was an accomplishment.

"This team and this group of players, that they have done this year, I feel like I watched give them a lesson in hard work, diligence, perseverance and being a good hockey team,", said the coach Dan Bylsma, which Friday was named Jack Adams for the trophy finalist for coach of the year.

Called Crosby sitting on the series "frustrating" and that his expectation was that it would be able to play even if the Penguins advanced.

Crosby said he and his doctors have no concrete plans for a summer program and that it must wait a little longer before it can continue to advance physics. He added that his training had "almost" returned to the normal level of the comprehensive effort. But the recent setbacks led to a more deliberate approach.

"The good news is that he had all kinds of time on her side now," said Shero. "Dr. Collins (Micky) expects a full recovery, it is just a question of time with this injury. I am not concerned about it. With the end of the season, it's disappointing, but the point of view of Sid, the pressure and the question of when it will be going, and now he can return to healing and to feel on himself.

Crosby said that he and Malkin linked to each other as they rehabbed and helplessly watched their team in the playoffs. Malkin said Friday that he believed he could have returned Pittsburgh reached the third round of the playoffs - less than four months after being injured - although team officials private shake their heads to such a prospect.

"He felt strong enough", said Malkin, "and I think I could have played this year."

Malkin will continue rehabilitation in Pittsburgh for two more weeks before returning to the Russia.

The Penguins a also play the playoffs without before Matt Cooke. He was suspended for an elbow to the head of Ryan McDonagh of the New York Rangers. Cooke, one of the penalty killers top team page, is not respected on a unit that went to the best of the NHL during the regular season with a great weakness of playoffs.

Cooke said he has changed his game after having suspended twice. He had a week away from the team after the success of McDonagh, eventually resulting in a 17 - game suspension.

"I've worked on things with that some need help," he said. "I was able to have a chance to work with some great people outside of hockey." And I will continue to do so.

"Everyone knows that the game has changed over the past 15 years, and I want to go and to provide for this team and help this team win and keep my word and do the things that I said that I would."

The Penguins have been vocal about their desire for stricter rules against headshots, leading to speculation, that they could try to break the links with Cooke, who became a symbol of the League nationally for these types of hits.

"It is a useful for us player," said Shero. "And we look forward to having him back and as a productive for our hockey team player."

Pittsburgh two goalies and seven defenders are under contract for next season, but the 12 attackers are free agents. Ten are without restriction, including Pascal Dupuis, Max Talbot, Arron Asham, Craig Adams, Mike Rupp, and Alexei Kovalev. Tyler Kennedy is a restricted free agent.

Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen suspended two games

Manager of the Chicago White Sox Ozzie Guillen was suspended two games and fined for his actions, including tweeting over the loss of Wednesday for the New York Yankees.

Guillen was originally a fine of $50,000, but after further discussion with the major League Baseball, he was reduced to $20,000, according to a source of major league. Guillen does plan to fight the suspension.

Guillen was ejected for arguing with plate umpire Todd Tichenor on a third strike called on Paul Konerko. Shortly after the ejection, Guillen tweeted: "it will cost me lots of money, it is patetic [sic]". "" A second message appears soon: "Today a tough guy show up at yankee stadium." He apparently was referring to Tichenor.

According to the rules of the MLB, all the messages of social media must cease 30 minutes before the first launch, and they can resume after the match at the discretion of the individual club. Getting ejected is not a departure from the rules.

"When I spoke to [MLB], I said, ' What do you want to tell me?". It's my fault. This is my problem, "Guillen said Friday. "I regret it." Step at this time. The only thing I regret is that I will leave the team by itself for two days. But [tweeting] something, I should not do during the game. ?

Guillen will serve the suspension during the games, Friday and Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles.

"At first they were a little confused because they thought that I am taking advantage of the umpire that he was a child," Guillen said. "I knew who he was." I have spoken to their comments exactly step by step what has happened and they have a little better understand my point... When I take a punishment, I consider to be a man. ?

Vice President of baseball operations that Peter Woodfork confirmed Thursday the major League Baseball MLB does not have to deal with a player, coach or a manager sends messages of social media, while a game was still in play, and no there was no standard policy on the way to the action of the discipline.

Guillen's case was reviewed by the staff led by the new Executive Vice President of baseball operations Joe Torre.

White Sox Ken Williams General Manager said that he is not surprised by the decision to suspend Guillen.

"I don't particularly understand the whole thing social media", said Williams. "I understand how it can work for you at times, but I certainly see more traps." I Don't get it. I do not why people would want all their business and their comings and goings say all the time, but perhaps I am simply outdated. ?

Williams said he subscribed to the League and said that he knew that it was a question of not letting uncontrollable social media use on baseball.

"They are quite reason of manipulation in the manner they did," said Williams. "If I am sitting in the Chair of Joe Torre, I would make the same decision that there just - and it is with the State of mind that it is in the best interest of baseball."

"Today, from the point of view, selfish, sitting here as the general manager of White Sox in Chicago, well, I'd have my manager to manage the game Friday night."

It is not the first time Twitter has obtained a member of the family Guillen ranging with the White Sox. Son of Guillen, Oney, Department of the Scouting team left after some positions criticized front office in Spring Training 2010. The episode led to friction between Guillen season long, and Williams had been rafistolés.

Guillen has had numerous explosions during his career, which began in 2004. Among his targets were the star of the Yankees Alex Rodriguez, the umpire Hunter Wendelstedt and his former teammate Magglio Ordonez, who currently plays for the Detroit Tigers.

Guillen ordered the formation of sensitivity in 2006 after former sports columnist Jay Mariotti Chicago a derorgatory name.

He apologized for Rodriguez for comments he made in a Sports Illustrated article in which he criticized baseball star of the Yankees of dithering on the choice of countries for the World Baseball Classic, and it was a hyprocite.

In his first season as Manager, Guillen called Wendelstedt a liar. Later in the season, sarcastic Guillen called Buck Showalter, then with the Texas Rangers, as the best manager in the history of baseball and the guy who invented the game - all after knowledge of the Guillen interviewed Showalter rules.

Guillen also exploded on a filled rant of profanity against Ordonez, fellow Venezuelan who leaves White Sox and joined the Tigers. Guillen then another tirade after that a mis radio host in doubt its line up on the air.

Guillen said that he still tweet, simply not during the games.

"It is the first time that I have never, never, never, never tweet on baseball," said Guillen. "And look what happened." Well, I have learned a lesson. Will I still tweet? Hell Yes. This is my private life. ?

Braves of Atlanta place Launcher coach Roger McDowell on "administrative leave".

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves placed Launcher coach Roger McDowell on administrative leave Friday then that they investigate allegations he comments homophobic and crude gestures to fans before a match in San Francisco last weekend.

McDowell is also accused of using a baseball bat to threaten a fan who oppose his actions.

Analgesics former major league apologized in a statement, but the team prohibited entry for bench in a series of three games against the St. Louis Cardinals.

General Manager Frank Wren said he hoped that the inquiry wrapped by the end of the weekend and added that any punishment would be coordinated with the major League Baseball.

Suspension of de facto McDowell came hours after the announcement of the team, he was seeking the arrest Thursday of starting pitcher Derek Lowe charges drunk driving, a double dose of difficulty for a team that has always prided itself to avoid off-field incidents.

Wren addressed this issue at a meeting of team closed Friday, shortly before the Braves went to the stick practice.

"We have a reputation for a long time in this community in major League Baseball that we are very proud of", Wren said. "Unfortunately, errors were committed, and we will deal with them at the appropriate time after careful consideration of all the facts."

"Everyone", he added, "is very aware of the position that we have and, in the future, being more diligent in ensuring that confirm us this reputation we are so proud of."

While Wren would step to discuss possible sanctions, Manager Fredi Gonzalez said that he is not expected the incident cost McDowell her employment.

"In my opinion, it shouldn't." "It is really", said Gonzalez. "I am sure there are some circles that it will pass, some to apologize, that it should have to go through." But for a person to lose their job, I do not think. I hope that is not. ?

The altercation at AT & T Park in San Francisco was held Saturday last in the pregame batting practice. Justin Quinn was in the stands with his wife and twin daughters of 9 years old when he noticed McDowell harass the three men and asking, "Are you guys a couple homo or a trio."

After rough coach sexual gestures with her hips and a bat, Quinn said he shouted, "Hey, you kids here.". According to Quinn, said McDowell kids do not belong to a baseball park, picked up a bat, walking Quinn and asked, "How are your teeth worth?".

Quinn said that he felt threatened and that he was not sure if McDowell had intended to hit him.

"My children are in panic mode... they are as striking on me," Quinn said Wednesday at a press conference in the Office of the prominent Los Angeles Attorney Gloria Allred. "" "". I want to talk about him, trying to calm down and children shout. ?

Some parents who were in the stands with their children began to boo at McDowell and are dropped to retrieve their children. Quinn said that finally distributed McDowell.

"I am deeply sorry that I have answered the fans heckling in San Francisco," McDowell said in a statement, the audience only comment on this issue. "I am sorry for all of my actions."

Allred, said Friday that she was "very pleased" by the action of the Braves, adding that she spoke with the Commissioner of baseball Bud Selig on the incident earlier in the day.

"I was contacted by other fans who claim that they have witnessed the incidents in question and that declare that they corroborate the conduct that support us," Allred said in an e-mail. "We offer all relevant evidence to the Commissioner for his investigation." We appreciate the fact that the Commissioner said to me that the conduct alleged, if verified, would be totally unacceptable and that appropriate measures will be taken at the end of the investigation. We welcome the results. ?

Selig already called the allegations "very troubling" and said that he would await the results of the investigation of the team.

Gay and Lesbian Alliance against defamation called the Braves and the major League Baseball to take "real disciplinary and only send the message that homophobic insults have no place in sports."

"Professional sports events should be an environment that can take advantage of all the fans and families, not a place where children are exposed to threats of violence and discriminatory language,", said the President of the alliance, Jarrett Barrios.

League of brave tongue Coordinator, Dave Wallace, will take over McDowell during the investigation.

McDowell was an analgesic star with the Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, plays a key role on the club in the world-winning series of New York in 1986. He was coach of Atlanta pitcher since 2005, earning praise for his work in the development of young hurler Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens.

"It is the most compatible guy that I've ever been around," said Gonzalez. "Strong, solid, strong person."