Month: August 2017

Maryland private school outlaws Redskins apparel

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Green Acres School in North Bethesda, Md., has outlawed Washington Redskins apparel, claiming “we cannot continue to allow children or staff members — however well intentioned — to wear clothing that disparages a race of people,” Bethesda Magazine reports.

While never a Pro Bowler, the former USC Trojan played in at least 12 games in each of his eight seasons with the Bengals and averaged 44 tackles a year. He has seven career interceptions and four sacks.

He would still be with Cincinnati had it not been for the cap hit his team would have had to take with him on the roster. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was complimentary of the 30-year-old linebacker on his way out.

“Rey has been a tough and productive player for us, and a fine teammate, and this is a difficult decision,” Lewis said. “It’s one of several we have made to transition to a younger group at linebacker as we continue to shape our 2017 roster. We wish Rey and his family the very best.”

The reason Gilbert lands on this list is primarily because the Steelers have designated Gilbert as the go-to guy for cap space. Gilbert’s contract contains nearly $15.5 million in signing bonus money, tops among right tackles. That makes him very expensive on the cap compared to others as he gets deeper into his contract.

The Jaguars are a depot of bad contracts, but none of their deals are worse than the $32 million they gave Ivory. Ivory traditionally has had problems staying healthy and even at his peak with the Jets was never a top running back. The Jaguars saw fit to make him the sixth highest-paid player at the position, and he flopped as bad as any free agent signing of 2016, missing multiple games and looking broken down when he played.seahawks_128

Jeff Teague, Timberwolves agree to a 3-year, $57 million deal, per report

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Jeff Teague and the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to a three-year deal worth $57 million early Saturday morning, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. News broke earlier that the Teague to the Timberwolves was essentially a done deal, and now the two teams have basically made it official.

Rougned Odor Authentic Jersey Shumpert, who averaged 7.5 points per game last season, was expected to become Houston’s new defensive hound after trading Patrick Beverley to the Clippers. But the Rockets signed P.J. Tucker — a physical two-way wing — to a four-year, $32 million deal on Monday, slashing the need for Shump’s defensive presence in the back court.

The Cavs’ guard also has had difficulty on the offensive end. He averaged just 4.4 points per game in Cleveland’s playoff run, including only 18 combined points in five games against the Warriors.

It is unclear what the Cavaliers, who still have yet to hire a new general manager after David Griffin stepped down, will do after coming moments from trading Shumpert.

The surest way toward acquiring a good player is to sign them in free agency. The only two people who matter in this equation are the guy offering the money and the one who wants to take it. When there is more than one team offering the same amount of money there is a recruiting process, which serves as a referendum for your franchise.

Most teams can’t play this game. It takes something special to woo a prized free agent, be it location, culture, or a legitimate chance to win. That narrows the field considerably before we even get to the precious few invited to make a formal pitch.

Ben Simmons drills full-court 1-handed shot

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Andy Janovich Kids Jersey Philadelphia 76ers fans should be excited to see what Ben Simmons can do for their team next season. But based on this Instagram video, Eagles fans might be happy, too.

Look at the one-handed heave Simmons delivers from long range to the basket. If the Eagles need a backup at some point in the NFL season, they don’t have to look far. Yes, Simmons hasn’t played a basketball game with the Sixers since being drafted last season, but that doesn’t matter. He’s progressed so much he might as well be a two-sport athlete.

Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Still, let’s hope we see at least one of these quarterback-like throws on a buzzer beater or on a pass.
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Grit & Grind is more than a motto to us, it has become a civic code of conduct and cultural ethos. It’s the way we do things in Memphis and at the Grizzlies. The best way for the team, the organization and for the City of Memphis to honor and respect the foundation built on Zach’s broad shoulders is to continue to Grit & Grind.
— Grizzlies statement after Zach Randolph signed with the Kings.

Chris changed his life and basketball career when he came to Miami. And he changed our lives for the better, in a way we never would have imagined, when he joined the Miami Heat. We will forever be indebted to CB for how he changed this team and led us to four trips to the NBA Finals and two NBA Championships. He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise. The number 1 will never be worn by another player and we can’t wait to someday hang his jersey in the rafters.

Reaction: It’s a shame that Bosh’s career came to a halt just when people were starting to truly understand and appreciate not only his game, but also his personality. He’s one of the most thoughtful and engaging people in the sport and the league be worse off without him. Bosh’s health is far more important, so here’s to a happy and fulfilling life.

Behold, the most absurd all-time NBA 2K lineups for every team

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The NBA is approaching a 14th season existing with 30 teams, the longest period of time that the league has gone without adding or losing teams. Ever since the Charlotte Bobcats — now Hornets — joined in 2004, the 30-team league has been a happy, if flawed, default.

The NBA is also experiencing a global boom. It’s making more money than ever before, highlighted by a record-breaking nine-year, $24 billion television deal that kicked in last season. It’s rapidly growing in popularity both in the United States, where 29 of the 30 teams are located, and globally, where more and more international players are introduced to the league. Given the way this world works, and how quickly the NBA is rising, it was no surprise when NBA commissioner Adam Silver said this about expanding to 31 or 32 teams:

Dope news: NBA 2K18 will allow you the chance to play with the best possible all-time roster for all 30 NBA franchises. Ever wonder how your favorite team’s legends of yesteryear mesh with your best players today? Wonder no more, thanks to the magic of sports’ best video game.
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This got us thinking about who would make each franchise’s all-time starting 5. So, we asked you and tracked your responses.

It also got me thinking about the dumbest all-time starting 5s I could put together for each team. (Why? I don’t know. I gave up trying to figure out my brain years ago).

Jason Pierre-Paul Youth Jersey Vujacic has scored 20 points only eight times in his career, and one of those came in the Finals against Boston, a Game 3 victory in 2010.

Turkoglu helped power the Orlando Magic past Rivers’ Celtics in 2009, including 25 points and 12 assists in a decisive Game 7 win. With Jameer Nelson hurt, Turkoglu served as the point forward, leading the Magic in assists as they made a surprise trip to the Finals and ended one of the few seasons in Boston’s Big Three championship window. This was Turkoglu’s last NBA job.

Blake Bortles wasn’t the only terrible quarterback playing on Thursday night

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Thursday night treated us to a trio of exhibition football games. What stood out most of all was the terrible quarterback play. It was bad — so bad that you can be forgiven for not talking about a performance from Jay Cutler that did not feature any glaring screwups.

Blake Bortles, Jaguars: He was 8-of-13, thanks to some easy completions on dump offs. It was only by sheer luck that he didn’t get intercepted, and he underthrew an unmolested Allen Robinson more than once.

It was so bad for Bortles that head coach Doug Marrone opened up a quarterback competition between Bortles and Chad Henne. Chad f**king Henne. It’s pretty clear that the Jags need to explore other options for their starting quarterback.

Tyrod Taylor, Bills: Coach Sean McDermott didn’t quite take away Taylor’s starting job, but he clearly wasn’t pleased with his quarterback’s 8-of-18, two-interception performance. The fact that it was even a question is bad news for the Bills.

In the meantime, Dallas has Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, and Rod Smith, who should all get a chance to step up and win the starting job while Elliott is sidelined. McFadden played with the first team in last week’s 13-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, carrying the ball six times for 28 yards. Morris had five carries for 11 yards, while Smith was a distant third on the depth chart with just one carry for 2 yards.

Besides Elliott, one of the big stories in the Cowboys’ preseason has been the development of tight end Rico Gathers. A basketball player at Baylor, Gathers is making some eye-opening plays this month and scored another touchdown in last week’s game, finishing with four catches on six targets for 47 yards. The Cowboys are set at starting tight end with the ageless veteran Jason Witten, but Gathers could well play himself onto the final 53-man roster.redskins_011_d9f8bfe2eb025537-180x180

NHL fines Bruins’ Brad Marchand maximum $10K for ‘dangerous trip’

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Bruins All-Star winger and serial offender Brad Marchand has been fined $10,000 for a dangerous trip on Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall.

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced the fine Thursday. It’s the maximum amount allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.

The incident occurred at the 12:27 mark of the first period during Boston’s 4-3 overtime win over the Red Wings on Tuesday. Marchand wasn’t penalized, and Kronwall remained in the game, but an NHL review deemed the play a dangerous trip worthy of a max fine but not suspension after meeting with Marchand earlier Thursday.
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Marchand has been disciplined in the past several times for taking out opponents’ legs.
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In 2011, the NHL fined Marchand $2,500 for a slew-foot on then-Penguins defenseman Matt Niskanen. More recently, he was given a two-game suspension in 2015 for slew-footing then-Rangers forward Derick Brassard.

On December 19, 1917, the first day of NHL action, the Canadiens and Senators played each other.

The three anniversaries are something that all of us should be celebrating nowhere else but the nation’s capital, Melnyk said. It reaffirms the game of hockey was born right here in Ottawa, and it’s appropriate to have the celebration here in this city. It’s something everyone in this great city will be proud of. And I believe as a city, Ottawa is the cradle of hockey and Ottawa is the capital of a hockey nation. I hope every Ottawa Senators fan appreciates and celebrates our deep, deep connection to this game.

The contest will be the Senators’ second outdoor appearance and the Canadiens’ fourth outdoor appearance.

Freddie Freeman is moving to third base, and the odds are against him

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Hello, it is me, grizzled baseball writer, here to tell you another old-timey baseball story. Back in the olden days of the internet — about 2012, or so — the Tigers announced that Miguel Cabrera was going to move from first base to third base to make room for Prince Fielder. The internet had jokes. It was a fun day. It was a fun year.

Maybe I can get in there and, obviously, it will give me more value to the team if I can do that, Alonso said on Wednesday. Third base was my position growing up. It comes easier than the other two positions.

As we can see, the Giants and Angels hate fun. The best factlet that I found while doing this is that 11 days before Chili Davis pitched for the Angels, utility infielder Rene Gonzales pitched for them. That’s two position players pitching within two weeks, and then poof. Nothing. No joy for Angels fans in their blowouts. Just the pain of a blowout and pure drudgery.

Votto’s jersey corresponds to that of the Rangers’ Shin-Soo Choo, who will have Tokki 1 on his back. You can read the full story of why these two players chose the nicknames they did over at Red Reporter, but if for some reason you don’t have time to make the extra click (just make the extra click) it’s a story of teammate bonding from years ago that has endured until now. Aw, heartwarming teammate friendships are the best.

Elite Willie Young Jersey Oh getting to use his native language and put Korean symbols on the back of his jersey is super cool and not something that can happen usually in the league. This is the perfect example of a player not choosing a nickname, but instead using the Players Weekend opportunity to do something unique on the field.

Home Run Derby 2017: Time, live TV schedule, participants, and more

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New York Yankees teammates Gary Sanchez (left) and Aaron Judge (right) make up 25 percent of the Home Run Derby field. Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
It is time for the annual mashing of taters, with several of the game’s greatest sluggers gathered at Marlins Park in Miami for the 2017 Home Run Derby.

ESPN will televise the Home Run Derby beginning at 8 p.m. ET, with online streaming available through WatchESPN. Karl Ravech takes over play-by-play duties of the annual jewel event of the MLB All-Star Game festivities, alongside Jessica Mendoza, Mark Teixeira, and Buster Olney.

Giancarlo Stanton won the event in 2016 in San Diego thanks to a record 61 home runs in the three-round event, and he is back to defend his title, now in his home park. Stanton is joined by his Miami Marlins teammate Justin Bour as well.

The eight-player field is also highlighted by a pair of rookies at the top of their respective league’s leaderboards — Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, and Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Authentic Mens Pavol Demitra Jersey Bosch suffers from neurofibromatosis and has high-functioning autism, and his family says that it’s tough for him to play sports due to the former condition that causes tumors to grow on nerve tissue.
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Home-field advantage may not help the National League as the American League is 7-1 in its last eight games played in NL parks.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, current favorites on the World Series odds, have the best record in the National League and six players representing them in the All-Star Game, but none of them is in the starting lineup.

Instead, the starting roster is more heavily skewed toward the Washington Nationals, with Scherzer taking the mound and Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy, and Ryan Zimmerman all in the starting lineup. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will be unavailable for the All-Star Game after pitching a shutout against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

National anthem protests: Michael Bennett sits; did Marshawn Lynch lie to his coach?

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Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett sat on the team’s bench with a towel over his head during the national anthem before Seattle’s preseason game against the L.A. Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday night, ESPN.com reports.

Bennett often speaks out on social issues and supports Colin Kaepernick, who knelt during the national anthem before every 49ers game last season in protest of what he perceives as the oppression of black people in this country.

Bennett plans to sit during the national anthem for the entire seaosn, ESPN’s Jim Trotter reported on SportsCenter.

Aguayo missed an extra point and a field goal in the Bucs’ 23-12 loss. Tampa Bay put in backup Nick Folk, who made a 45-yard field goal in the third quarter Friday.

The Bucs felt pressure to keep Aguayo last year after they took him in the second round in the 2016 NFL Draft. However, he made only 22 of his 31 field goal attempts last year.

Connor Barth, who is currently the Bears starting kicker, converted 18 of 23 field goals in 2016.

T.J., the Steelers’ first-round pick (No. 30 overall) out of Wisconsin, ended his debut with those two sacks, five tackles and three quarterback hits.

“I think just getting out there in general, having a play on (special) teams and then having the sack as I did, it calmed the nerves a little bit,” Watt told reporters ( via ESPN ). “At the same time I felt like I belong here. I came into this game with a certain amount of confidence because of the work I put in.”

The 22-year-old linebacker is currently penciled in as the backup to James Harrison at one of the outside linebacker spots, but coach Mike Tomlin told reporters he liked what he saw from the rookie Friday night.

And for what it’s worth, so did big brother, one of the best defensive players in NFL history.dolphins_073

The Dodgers wanted a left-handed reliever and another starter.

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Elite Patrick Ewing Jersey Reports started flowing that Yu Darvish was not going to be traded, but the Dodgers worked out a deal with the Rangers right before the end of the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. The Dodgers, who already had the best record in baseball, now have one of the most dangerous rotations in baseball — assuming Clayton Kershaw is able to recover from his back injury.

Elite Thomas Vanek Jersey The Dodgers wanted a left-handed reliever and another starter. Darvish alone would have been a good haul, but Watson’s presence will really help their bullpen. This was an all-around good day for Dodgers fans.

While Jimenez and Candelario were big subtractions to the farm system, Chicago received a promising young starter, a backup catcher and another flame-throwing reliever. Wilson and Quintana will be the most impactful additions for the Cubs, but Avila’s ability to help pitchers through tough situations should come in handy during the postseason.

Whether I was in the game or not, what happened could’ve happened at home, Francona said of a recent health scare. It wasn’t because of baseball.

Despite those health concerns, Francona, in his 17th year manning a major league dugout, said his profound commitment to the team and the game itself has kept him from considering retirement. A chunk of that competitiveness stems from his father, as the younger Tito became entrenched within the sport from a young age.

Francona opted to rest instead of attending the 2017 All-Star Game festivities in Miami. He was in line to manage the American League side after the Indians’ World Series appearance against the Cubs in 2016. Cleveland’s bench coach, Brad Mills, managed the AL team instead.

If I can’t do my work here, I didn’t need to go down there (the All-Star Game), Francona said. My priorities would’ve been out of line. The people I work for here are so good to me, I didn’t ever want to shortchange somebody.