Kyle Busch Wins Nationwide Race, Goes for Weekend Sweep Sunday

Filed under: Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Nationwide Series, Sprint Cup, Joe Gibbs Racing, NASCAR

AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Kyle Busch became the first driver in a national NASCAR race to win wire-to-wire in nearly eight years.

It wasn't as easy as it looked, not with his car getting loose and Carl Edwards bearing down over the final few laps.

Busch dominated from the pole early and held off Edwards late, maintaining the lead the entire way in the Nationwide race Saturday to set up the chance for a perfect weekend at Phoenix International Raceway.

"It came down to the end of the race and Carl was alongside of me and we were racing really hard trying to beat each other, and I was like, 'Man, just beat him back to the start-finish line, man, just beat back to the start-finish line,"' Busch said. "I was just trying to hold on for as long as I could."

The Nationwide opener last weekend was a nail-biter, with Tony Stewart nipping Clint Bowyer by .007 seconds for the series' closest finish ever at Daytona. Busch had race No. 2 looking like a walkover until Edwards pulled beside him three times in the final 20 laps.

Busch never let him get around, though, fighting a car that had lost some handling after the final pit stop to lead all 200 laps around Phoenix's bumpy mile oval. He's the first green-to-checkers winner in any NASCAR series national race since Dale Earnhardt Jr. did it during a Nationwide race at Daytona in 2003.

 

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/kyle-busch-wins-nationwide-race-goes-for-weekend-sweep-sunday/

Bianca Kajlich Bijou Phillips Blake Lively

PGA Set to Host Another Pebble Beach Party for AT&T Pro-Am

Filed under: PGA

Yep, the PGA Tour is playing again this week. It's the Pebble Beach AT&T National Pro-Am.

That means Pebble Beach. Cool. Great tournament. There is the celebrity/amateur thingy that was once very, very hip when Bing Crosby was the host, but now too many people wonder "who the hell is Bing Crosby?" and Bill Murray, George Lopez and Andy Garcia are the celebrity headliners.

Play will be slow and the weather most-likely lousy, but there may be no greater piece of real estate in golf than Pebble Beach.

Remember, they did play the U.S. Open there last year.

Graeme McDowell won it, but Dustin Johnson came close. That's significant because Johnson did win the two Pebble Beach Pro-Am stops before that. So, despite the fact Johnson in June shot a final-round 82 to fall out of the hunt, he led after three rounds and also has been the winner at the previous two PGA Tour events at Pebble Beach by one shot over David Duval and J.B. Holmes last year and four in front of Mike Weir in 2009.

 

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/02/09/pga-set-to-host-another-pebble-beach-party-for-atandt-pro-am/

Robin Tunney Rosario Dawson Rose Byrne

Marco Sturm Claimed off Waivers by Washington Capitals

Filed under: Capitals, Kings, Eastern, Western

Marco Sturm was claimed by the Washington Capitals on Saturday, a day after the Los Angeles Kings put the left winger on waivers.

Sturm, 32, was acquired by the Kings earlier this season after he worked his way back from surgery to repair his ACL and MCL, an injury he suffered in the Eastern Conference Final as a member of the Boston Bruins. He played 17 games with the Kings, scoring four goals and compiling five assists.

Sturm, a first-round draft pick by the San Jose Sharks in 1996, is in his 14th NHL seasons. The Caps also announced Saturday that they recalled center Jay Beagle and goaltender Todd Ford, and sent down center Mathieu Perreault.

 

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/marco-sturm-claimed-off-waivers-by-washington-capitals/

Rhona Mitra Rihanna Robin Tunney

Charley Rosen: Carmelo Burns LeBron as Knicks Win in Miami

Filed under: Heat, Knicks

No surprise that the marquee matchup in New York's 91-86 win in Miami pitted Carmelo Anthony versus LeBron James. Turned out that Melo won both the battle and the war.

Simply put, Anthony shredded LeBron's paltry attempts to guard him. On several drives hoopwards -- whether resorting to straight power-moves or tricky spins -- Melo left James in the dust. Indeed, at the time Melo was putting the finishing touches on any given layup, James was beaten so badly that he wasn't even posterized.

As ever, LeBron's defensive stance was too upright, and the slightest ball-fake drew him completely off-balance. On one embarrassing sequence, LBJ was so mesmerized by the ball that he was unable to react when Anthony executed a nifty back-door cut, caught a lob pass from Amar'e Stoudemire, and scored on an uncontested dunk.

For sure Carmelo Anthony is the most versatile point-maker in the NBA -- beating James from the low-post to wing isos and pull-ups -- but the game at hand should finally put the lie to all the hype concerning LBJ's being a top-notch defender.

Anthony's numbers: 10-of-22 shooting, two assists, three turnovers, nine rebounds, and 29 points. As is his wont, Melo was most comfortable when put in isolation situations -- his 12 iso opportunities led to scoring eight points. In grill-to-grill competition, Anthony scorched LeBron for a total of 20 points.

At the other end of the game, Anthony's quick-footed, aggressive defense against LBJ was a revelation. In fact, Melo hasn't played such ornery defense for such long stretches since he locked horns with Kobe Bryant in the fourth game of the 2009 Western Conference finals.

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/28/charley-rosen-carmelo-burns-lebron-as-knicks-win-in-miami/

Mýa Nadine Velazquez Naomi Watts

Mariners Hire Ken Griffey Jr. as Consultant

by John Hickey

Filed under: Mariners, MLB Transactions, Sports Business and Media, Spring Training

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Ken Griffey Jr., the longtime face of the Seattle Mariners organization who left the team to retire last year when his playing time dwindled, is returning to the Mariners as a special consultant to the franchise.

The announcement was made by club president Chuck Armstrong, one of the few club employees who was already on board when Griffey came up in 1989 as a then-19-year-old to turn around what had been one of the saddest organizations in Major League Baseball.

Griffey forced a trade in Feb. 2000, to the Cincinnati Reds, and he played there for almost a decade before returning to Seattle in 2009, where he had one decent year before things fell apart in 2010.

With Griffey unproductive offensively for the first time in his life in 2010, then-manager Don Wakamatsu used him less and less, and Griffey ultimately opted to leave on June 2, driving home to Florida after deciding to retire.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/15/mariners-hire-ken-griffey-jr-as-consultant/

Shania Twain Shanna Moakler Shannon Elizabeth

Source: 'We're Nowhere' on NFL CBA Talks

Filed under: NFL Draft, NFL Analysis, NFL Labor Negotiations

INDIANAPOLIS -- NFL players' union chief DeMaurice Smith addressed agents in an annual meeting here Friday at the scouting combine. But several agents who were in the meeting said Smith didn't get into the specifics of the mediated collective bargaining negotiations that took place over the previous seven days in Washington, D.C.

One reason Smith withheld specifics was his concern that agents would leak the information to the media. But the more important reason is that, in spite of speculative optimism that emerged from the fact that the two sides were actually meeting, there just isn't very much to update.

"The truth is, we're nowhere," a person who'd been briefed on the talks told FanHouse on condition of anonymity. "Nothing has changed."

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/source-were-nowhere-on-nfl-cba-talks/

Monica Potter Monika Kramlik Moon Bloodgood

Cavs' Trade for Baron Davis Was All About the Draft Pick

Filed under: Cavaliers, Clippers, NBA Rumors, NBA Transactions

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- What does a rebuilding team do when it wants draft picks to help recover from the departure of the league's two-time MVP? It trades another of its popular players for a first-round pick, and agrees to take on almost $28 million in salary for an aging, oft-injured point guard.

Such is the fate of the Cleveland Cavaliers that it celebrated a trade Thursday that took point guard Baron Davis from his home in Los Angeles and dropped him in Cleveland in the middle of winter. Davis goes from playing on the same team as Blake Griffin to joining a 10-47 team.

And the Cavs were exultant -- because they acquired a first-round draft pick that will give them two lottery picks this summer. They said they were happy about acquiring Davis, too, but sending Mo Williams and Jamario Moon to the Clippers was much more about getting that first-round draft pick.

"Our scouting department just got a little busier, which is a good thing," said GM Chris Grant.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/cavs-trade-for-baron-davis-was-all-about-the-draft-pick/

Hilary Swank Isla Fisher Ivana Bozilovic

Match Play Presents Early Intrigue, Often Unfulfilling Final Rounds

Filed under: PGA

This week's WGC Accenture Match Play Championship in Marana, Ariz., could be something really special.

Or it might not.

That's the tricky thing about match play. When competition begins Wednesday with 64 of the top ranked players in the world, there will be all sorts of intriguing possibilities. A few times over the years, promise has even delivered. In 2000, Darren Clarke beat Tiger Woods in the final. Woods won in 2003 by taking down David Toms in the final and won again in 2004 over Davis Love III. Woods defeated Stewart Cink in 2008. Even last year, although an all-England final, Ian Poulter's victory over Paul Casey had its viewing strengths.

But then there was 2001 when Steve Stricker beat Pierre Fulke in the Sunday final. Or 2007 when Henrik Stenson beat Geoff Ogilvy. And who doesn't remember Kevin Sutherland's 1-up decision over Scott McCarron in 2002?

Because players are eliminated as the week wears on, it is always possible that by the time Sunday's final match arrives, there is the possibility of a "Who's He?" taking on "Who Cares?"

That makes match play events fascinating in that much of the intrigue often occurs early in the week, and the final days can drag.

 

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/02/22/match-play-presents-early-intrigue-often-unfulfilling-final-rou/

Joss Stone Jules Asner Julia Stiles

NHL Trade Deadline: Los Angeles Kings

Filed under: Kings, Western, Trade Deadline

The Kings went into last offseason looking for a big-time scorer, they missed out on Ilya Kovalchuk, and they head toward the deadline still on the lookout for an elite goal scorer.

And yet Los Angeles has pretty much gotten used to the idea that it's a grind-it-out group without a big superstar, and the Kings can get along just fine like that. At this point, obtaining a star scorer is pretty much of a stretch.

"The way we're set up, we're not a one-man show, anyway," said Justin Williams (photo above), who is one of three Kings with 20 goals. "We don't have a guy who's going to score 50 goals or put the team on their shoulders. We're more a team that plays together, everyone chips in and we'll work to shut you down."

Wouldn't a big-time scorer look nice in that purple uni, though?

"Certainly adding a 30- or 40-goal scorer, you might want that, but it's tough to find those," Williams told FanHouse with a laugh. "I don't know where you'd find that, but if the front office did that, great and if not, we're going to keep on doing what we do best."

Williams has been on the other side, twice traded before the deadline, and he said that this can be an unusual time for a player who's on the block. He learned about both deals through the TV, before the team called to inform him.

 

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/nhl-trade-deadline-los-angeles-kings/

Amber Arbucci Amber Brkich

Nearing Technical Foul Suspension, Dwight Howard Rallying Magic

Filed under: Magic, Thunder

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Magic center Dwight Howard received his 15th technical foul of the season Friday night, leaving him one shy of an automatic suspension, a cloud that now will hang over the final 23 games of the regular season.

But he also will be scary at playoff time.

Howard leads the NBA in technical fouls -- and at least one one-game suspension looks inevitable -- but he also made it clear that the Magic could be a real wild-card team when the playoffs begin.

Despite the Magic's struggles with consistency all season, Howard's growing dominance and recent willingness to hold his teammates accountable, still makes them dangerous for any opponent -- even if no one thinks they are a serious contender anymore.

"We don't care what anything says or thinks about us,'' Howard said after another Herculean effort Friday. "We know we can beat any team in the league.''

The Magic throttled short-handed Oklahoma City, 111-88, again riding Howard, who had 40 points, 15 rebounds and six blocked shots, a trifecta that no one else in the NBA has matched since Shaquille O'Neal in 1999.

The Magic (37-22) are resting in the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference, having already beaten the Celtics, Heat, Lakers and Spurs, while losing to the Raptors, Pistons and Kings.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/nearing-technical-foul-suspension-dwight-howard-rallying-magic/

Kerry Suseck Kim Kardashian Kim Smith

Sidelined by Injury, Rangers' Adrian Beltre Focused on Rings

Filed under: Rangers, Spring Training

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- It's been a dozen years that Adrian Beltre has been a major leaguer, and for the most part they've been good ones.

When he went looking for a job this winter, however, the Gold Glove-winning third baseman looked to address the deficiencies he saw in his career. He's only been to the postseason once, with the Dodgers in 2004, and that, he says, has to change.

Small wonder then that he opted to connect with the Texas Rangers, the defending American League champions. The Rangers went to the World Series in 2010, and Beltre says it's his belief they are in excellent position to get there again.

"There were other ways I could have gone," said Beltre, who considered signing with Angels or A's in order to stay close to his Southern California home. "I've accomplished a lot in my career but this team gives me a chance to get to the World Series.

"I've been in the big leagues 12 years and only played in the playoffs once. That doesn't sit well with me. I don't have a ring, and I want one."

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/sidelined-by-injury-rangers-adrian-beltre-focused-on-rings/

Michelle Trachtenberg Mila Kunis Milla Jovovich

Mike Shanahan Addresses Albert Haynesworth, Donovan McNabb Drama

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, who spent much of 2010 in wars of wills with his richest players, quarterback Donovan McNabb and defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, has still declined to reveal whether either is definitely finished in Washington although the former ended the season third-string and the latter on suspension.

In his first media session since his Redskins debut season ended with a 6-10 thud, Shanahan on Friday said that he and six-time Pro Bowl quarterback McNabb, for whom he gave up second- and fourth-round draft picks to acquire last April, haven't spoken in the seven-plus weeks since the end of Washington's season.

The coach finally talked with McNabb's agent, Fletcher Smith, on Wednesday for 90 minutes but wouldn't elaborate on their discussion other than to say the quarterback's future with the Redskins won't be decided until after this April's draft.

"I was able to address questions he had and I thought the conversation went well," Shanahan said. "I think over the next few weeks we'll get the chance to talk again, and then we'll make a decision right after the draft of the direction we'll go."

With only McNabb and the unproven John Beck under contract at quarterback -- although journeyman Rex Grossman who finished 2010 as the starter could well be back -- Shanahan is believed to be strongly considering choosing quarterbacks Cam Newton of Auburn or Blaine Gabbert of Missouri with the 10th overall selection.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/mike-shanahan-addresses-albert-haynesworth-donovan-mcnabb-drama/

Laetitia Casta Lake Bell Larissa Meek

Eric LeGrand, Paralyzed Rutgers Player, Makes First Public Appearance

Filed under: Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) - Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand made his first public appearance since being paralyzed in a game against Army more than four months ago.

LeGrand attended a "Laugh to Heal Comedy Fest Fundraiser" for him at the Rutgers Athletic Center on Saturday.

"I just want to thank everybody for coming out here today and I'm just going to keep on chopping during my rehab," LeGrand told the crowd of approximately 3,000 who attended the comedy show featuring Rutgers alumnus Bill Bellamy.

The event was for the "Eric LeGrand Believe Fund."

Rutgers spokesman Jason Baum did not know on Monday how much money was raised over the weekend.

It was LeGrand's second trip to Rutgers since the injury. He also joined his teammates for the first team meeting of the semester in January.

The junior defensive tackle has resumed his coursework at Rutgers, joining via videoconference last month for a class on "Blacks and Economic Structures."

LeGrand remains paralyzed below the neck. The Avenel, N.J., resident fractured his C3 and C4 vertebrae while making a head-first tackle on a kickoff in the win over Army at New Meadowlands Stadium.

LeGrand has regained movement in his shoulders and is experiencing sensation throughout his body. He is undergoing rehabilitation at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, N.J.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/21/eric-legrand-paralyzed-rutgers-player-makes-first-public-appea/

Kate Moss Kate Walsh Katharine McPhee

In Honor of Tadanari Lee, A History of International Championship Winning Goals

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

Liverpool fans burned a Fernando Torres jersey on Monday night, furious that the striker their club pried from his hometown team in Madrid for tens of millions of pounds left Merseyside after three-plus seasons for Chelsea's tens of millions of pounds.

Torres probably didn't grow up dreaming of playing for the Reds or the Blues. His favorite team was Atlético, and he played at his boyhood club for a dozen years. Those ties were loosened only when Rafael Benítez came calling in 2007.

Liverpool fans may be angry, but Torres was never really theirs to begin with.

The final day of the European transfer window was yet another reminder that club soccer is a business first. Players are motivated largely by the trappings of the pro game -- the money, the titles, endorsements and prestige. That's not a criticism. It's the nature of the beast.

 

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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/02/02/in-honor-of-tadanari-lee-a-history-of-international-championshi/

Michael Michele Michelle Behennah Michelle Branch

Jim Irsay: Bill Polian Will Not See Major Role Change Despite New Title

Filed under: Colts, AFC South

INDIANAPOLIS -- Bill Polian's title will be different, but his role won't change greatly.

Polian, the Colts' president since 1998, will operate next season with the title of vice chairman, but Colts Owner and Chief Executive Officer Jim Irsay told Mike Chappell of The Indianapolis Star the change will be more in name than anything else.

Irsay told Chappell the move was the latest phase in a gradual transition in which Polian's son, Chris, will handle all of the Colts' football operations.

"From an outsider's eye, it won't be noticeable," Irsay said. "It's the natural progression with Chris taking on more of a role. But Bill's not clearing out his office and he's not going to be gone. He'll be around slightly -- slightly -- less.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/jim-irsay-bill-polian-will-not-see-major-roll-change-despite-ne/

Mila Kunis Milla Jovovich Minka Kelly

It's Tony Stewart Again at Daytona in Nationwide Photo Finish

Filed under: Clint Bowyer, Tony Stewart, Daytona Int'l Speedway, Nationwide Series, NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The venerable Daytona International Speedway may as well be classified a completely new venue for the Nationwide Series this season.

The victory lane celebration, however, remains much the same.

Tony Stewart pushed by Clint Bowyer in the final feet of Saturday's DRIVE4COPD 300 to win his sixth checkered flag of the season-opener in his last seven tries. The winning margin of .007 seconds was the third closest in series history.

"We just got a great run," Stewart said. "We had a good push from Landon Cassill there at the line."

Cassill, a young driver without a full-time ride this season, finished third to take the Nationwide Series' points lead.

The path to success again for Stewart had plenty of reasons to derail this time around.

 

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/19/its-tony-stewart-again-at-daytona-in-nationwide-photo-finish/

Olivia Munn Olivia Wilde Padma Lakshmi

Report: Chad Durbin Near Indians Deal

Filed under: Indians, Phillies, MLB Rumors, MLB Free Agency

Chad Durbin, one of the few unsigned players still on the market, reportedly is closing in on a deal with the Indians.

The report by FOXSports.com didn't specify whether it would be a major league or minor league contract, but the latter would seem most likely at this juncture.

The 33-year-old reliever spent the last three seasons with the Phillies, going 4-1 with a 3.80 ERA in 64 appearances last year. He was a key cog for Philadelphia's 2008 World Series winners, posting a career-best 2.87 ERA in 71 appearances.

Durbin previously pitched for the Tigers, Diamondbacks, Indians and Royals.

The Phillies, Rays and Mariners were among other teams reported to have some interest in Durbin this offseason.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/report-chad-durbin-near-indians-deal/

Alexis Bledel Ali Campoverdi Ali Larter

Nai Fotu, Utah Linebacker, Suspended After DUI Arrest

Filed under: Utah, Mountain West

Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham announced Monday that senior linebacker Nai Fotu has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.

According to the The Salt Lake Tribune, Fotu was arrested Sunday on the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Fotu was stopped around 2 a.m. MT and booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of DUI and an open container in the vehicle. He also was speeding and failed to present a valid driver's license.

This isn't Fotu's first run-in with the law. He already had a warrant from the Provo City Justice Court for failure to appear, giving false personal information to police, possessing alcohol or a controlled substance as a minor and public urination all stemming from an incident on March 20, 2009.

Fotu was a starter heading into last spring but suffered a knee injury during spring football and missed the 2010 season. In 2009, Fotu played in 13 games -- one start -- and had 23 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/21/nai-fotu-utah-linebacker-suspended-after-dui-arrest/

Victoria Pratt Victoria Silvstedt Vinessa Shaw

Unrest Forces Cancellation of February USA-Egypt Friendly

Filed under: U.S. Men's National Team

The U.S. Soccer Federation has announced the cancellation of the national team's Feb. 9 friendly against Egypt in Cairo, a city that has been wracked by political demonstrations and violence over the past several days.

The federation said it "explor(ed) other options" for a game that day, but no replacement venue or opponent was arranged.

"We were excited about the opportunity to play against Egypt, but due to the current situation all parties agreed it was best to cancel the match. We appreciate the efforts of the Egyptian Football Association and the U.S. State Department as we worked through this situation," U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said.

The match against the seven-time African champions was scheduled on a FIFA international match day and was going to be coach Bob Bradley's first opportunity to call in his full team in since early October. Now he'll have to wait until March, when the U.S. is scheduled to face Argentina (March 26 at the New Meadowlands in New Jersey) and Paraguay (March 29 at LP Field in Nashville).

U.S. defeated Egypt, 3-0, at the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa in a wild match that catapulted the Americans to their now legendary semifinal against Spain. Since then, the Egyptians have won a third consecutive African Nations Cup title but suffered a fifth straight failure to qualify for the World Cup.

The senior U.S. national team has not visited the Arab world since November, 1999, when it lost to Morocco, 2-1, in Marrakech (Eric Wynalda scored the goal that day).

Considering the positive public relations impact that the U.S. national team seems to have when it travels, the decision represents a significant lost opportunity for American soccer and, perhaps, the country as a whole. But canceling the Cairo friendly was the only option as the chaos in Egypt continues.

Follow Brian Straus on Twitter Follow FH Soccer on Twitter

 

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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/unrest-forces-cancellation-of-february-usa-egypt-friendly/

Haylie Duff Heidi Klum Heidi Montag

Nearing Technical Foul Suspension, Dwight Howard Rallying Magic

Filed under: Magic, Thunder

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Magic center Dwight Howard received his 15th technical foul of the season Friday night, leaving him one shy of an automatic suspension, a cloud that now will hang over the final 23 games of the regular season.

But he also will be scary at playoff time.

Howard leads the NBA in technical fouls -- and at least one one-game suspension looks inevitable -- but he also made it clear that the Magic could be a real wild-card team when the playoffs begin.

Despite the Magic's struggles with consistency all season, Howard's growing dominance and recent willingness to hold his teammates accountable, still makes them dangerous for any opponent -- even if no one thinks they are a serious contender anymore.

"We don't care what anything says or thinks about us,'' Howard said after another Herculean effort Friday. "We know we can beat any team in the league.''

The Magic throttled short-handed Oklahoma City, 111-88, again riding Howard, who had 40 points, 15 rebounds and six blocked shots, a trifecta that no one else in the NBA has matched since Shaquille O'Neal in 1999.

The Magic (37-22) are resting in the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference, having already beaten the Celtics, Heat, Lakers and Spurs, while losing to the Raptors, Pistons and Kings.

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/nearing-technical-foul-suspension-dwight-howard-rallying-magic/

Malin Akerman Mandy Moore Maria Bello

On Legends Night, Carmelo Anthony Starts to Build His Knicks Legacy

Filed under: Bucks, Knicks

NEW YORK -- With the trade becoming official Tuesday and all physicals passed in the nick of time on Wednesday, it was a complete coincidence that the New York Knicks introduced Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups on the team's third annual legends night.

But if sometime during the 15th or 20th or 32nd annual legends night they introduce Anthony and/or Billups along with Amar'e Stoudemire as the definitive players of this decade, that would be more than acceptable with the Knicks and their fans.

As a matter of fact, that's what those fans believe they deserve. This is New York City and it is not without its great -- and at times, unreasonable -- expectations. With Stoudemire, Anthony and Billups -- two All-Stars and and a Finals MVP in the fold -- the demands have grown larger. The Knicks now have what fans have wanted for a better part of a decade: a team full of stars that has at least a plausible chance of contending for a title.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/on-legends-night-carmelo-anthony-starts-to-sculpt-his-knicks-le/

Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter

Former FSU Star John Wyche Now Tackling the Cleaning of Garbage Cans

Filed under: Florida State

Miami policeman John Wyche is committed to keeping residential streets clean of bad guys. Wyche is also committed to keeping residential trash cans and commercial garbage dumpsters clean of hazardous bacteria and fungi.

Both can be dirty jobs but, hey, somebody's got to do them, right?

Wyche, a former collegiate and professional football player, loves both his jobs.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/22/former-fsu-star-john-wyche-now-tackling-the-cleaning-of-garbage/

Patricia Velásquez Paula Garcés Paulina Rubio

Boston Celtics Sign Chris Johnson From NBA D-League

Filed under: Celtics, NBA D-League, Dakota Wizards

The Boston Celtics made multiple trade deadline moves on Thursday, shipping out big men Kendrick Perkins, Semih Erden and Luke Harangody -- along with Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels -- while bringing in Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic from the Oklahoma City Thunder along with a couple of draft picks from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings.

That leaves the Celtics frontcourt awfully thin for their game tonight against the Denver Nuggets, leading the team to call-up Chris Johnson from the NBA Development League's Dakota Wizards for a 10-day contract.

Johnson, a 6-foot-11, 210-pound center out of LSU, is averaging 16.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks this season after previously being a part of the Celtics during this past training camp.

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/boston-celtics-sign-chris-johnson-from-nba-d-league/

Thora Birch Tila Tequila Tina Fey

Family of Slain Pace Player Indignant Over Grand Jury Ruling

A grand jury in a suburb north of New York City Monday declined to indict a police officer in the death of Danroy Henry, Jr., a Pace University football player shot while driving his car outside a bar in the Westchester County town of Thornwood.

Henry's father and his lawyer said they were not surprised by the decision and vowed to take the case to the United States Department of Justice and to pursue a civil suit.

"My faith was never in district attorney (Janet) DiFiore," Danroy Henry, Sr., said in a telephone conference call. "Our faith is in God. We were hoping she would surprise us but we had no faith in her."

Henry died a week before his 21st birthday and a few hours after the homecoming game from wounds caused by bullets fired from the gun of Aaron Hess, a police officer in Pleasantville, N.Y., who responded to a call to quell a disturbance in a parking lot after 1 a.m. on Oct. 17.

Although Henry was not involved in the fighting, Hess shot him from the hood of Henry's moving car. Police and witnesses disagreed as to whether police had told Henry to move his car or if Henry's actions put the officer in danger.

In a prepared statement, DiFiore said the grand jury of 23 persons heard testimony from 85 witnesses, including two passengers in the car with Henry and also from Hess, who testified without protection of immunity from prosecution. More than 100 exhibits were admitted into evidence at a proceeding which began on Jan. 10.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/14/family-of-slain-pace-player-indignant-over-grand-jury-ruling/

Brittany Murphy Brittany Snow

United in California: Day 5

BLACK-AND-RED SET FOR SOCCER SHOWCASE

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/news/2011/02/united-in-california-day-5

Kristin Kreuk Kristy Swanson Kylie Bax

Miguel Cabrera Arrives at Spring Training, Set to Enter Treatment Program

Filed under: Tigers, MLB Police Blotter

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) -- Miguel Cabrera arrived at spring training Thursday for the first time since he was arrested last week on suspicion of drunken driving and promptly apologized as Major League Baseball said he will undergo treatment set up by doctors administered by management and its players' union.

The 27-year-old was arrested Feb. 16 on suspicion of driving under the influence and resisting an officer without violence, both misdemeanors. He is set to be arraigned on March 16.

"I am very sorry for what I have done," Cabrera said through a translator. "I have worked hard for a period of time and I hope everyone forgives me. All I ask for is forgiveness."

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said last week that Cabrera would undergo treatment before arriving. Tigers position players reported on Feb. 18.

Cabrera didn't deny that he had an alcohol problem, but said he was willing to undergo treatment and the Tigers have been working with doctors to find a solution. Cabrera said the incident was out of the ordinary and that he had been working on his treatment in Detroit and his hometown in Venezuela.

He refused to say he is an alcoholic.

"I have it under control," Cabrera said. "It was just a bad decision. I plan to continue with treatment. I made a mistake this time, and all I can do is continue treatment."

Cabrera said he is eager to meet with his teammates, but he won't give a clubhouse speech begging for forgiveness.

"There won't be a big meeting," Cabrera said. "I want to meet with everyone face to face over the next few days. I've learned a lot of lessons in my life, and this was a tough one."

Cabrera does not have a Florida driver's license, but he does have a driver's permit that allows him to drive. He said he didn't plan to do any driving this spring training.

Dombrowski said Cabrera will be treated throughout the season and it is up to manager Jim Leyland to decide when Cabrera will be ready to play.

"We are in the process of trying to help, but he is committed to helping himself," Dombrowski said. "He's a quality person with a great heart."

Asked whether Cabrera might get the same kind of treatment as AL MVP Josh Hamilton of Texas, Dombrowski said it was an option and the Tigers will monitor the situation. After battling drugs and alcohol, Hamilton has a companion on the road at all times to make sure he doesn't stray from sobriety.

Cabrera will suit up with the Tigers for his first workout on Friday, but won't see any action when the Tigers scrimmage Florida Southern College. Leyland said he expects Cabrera in the starting lineup when the Tigers open the season on March 31.

Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice president of labor relations, said Cabrera has been evaluated by representatives of a treatment board operated by MLB and the union.

"Cabrera has voluntarily cooperated and has been completely forthcoming in this process," Manfred said, adding that Cabrera was recommended "a multifaceted, professionally-administered program" that will "include supervision as is necessary to ensure that he adheres to his program."

"Cabrera understands the importance of this program and is fully committed to the program," Manfred said. "He also understands that any future alcohol-related incidents could involve more serious consequences."

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/miguel-cabrera-arrives-at-spring-training-set-to-enter-treatmen/

Taryn Manning Tatiana Zavialova Taylor Swift

Replay of Jeff Gordon Live FanHouse Chat

Four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon returned again this year for another live FanHouse chat from Daytona International Speedway on Friday.

Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, is a three-time Daytona 500 winner and is looking for his first Cup title since 2001. He posted the second-fastest qualifying speed last Sunday and will start The Great American Race from the outside of the front row.

The champ chatted with FanHouse senior motorsports writer Holly Cain. See a 3-D photo of Friday's chat here.

 

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/17/join-jeff-gordon-for-live-fanhouse-chat-at-3-45-p-m-friday/

Aaliyah Abbie Cornish Adriana Lima

Royals' Joakim Soria Wants New Nickname

Filed under: Royals

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) -- Kansas City Royals closer Joakim Soria wants to get rid of his nickname.

Soria saved 43 games in 46 opportunities last season and for the second time in two years was selected to the All-Star Game. Along the way, he's picked up a nickname he doesn't like: "The Mexicutioner."

Soria is from Monclova, Mexico. He says the nickname has a negative connotation and is particularly bad these days with all the drug gang violence in his native country. He wants a different nickname or just to be called by his name.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/royals-joakim-soria-wants-new-nickname/

Kelly Clarkson Kelly Hu Kelly Monaco

Report: Bud Selig Vetoes Proposed $200M FOX Loan to Frank McCourt, Dodgers

Filed under: Dodgers, Sports Business and Media

Bud Selig vetoed a proposed loan of about $200 million from FOX to Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Selig made the decision several weeks ago, according to the Times, denying McCourt a much-needed source of financing as he continues to struggle through a messy divorce and attempts to maintain control of the storied franchise.

McCourt planned to use the Dodgers' cable television rights as collateral for the loan, proposing to extend the team's contract with FOX for as many as four more years if he was unable to repay the money.

McCourt already has received an advance on television rights fees owed to the team by FOX, the Times has reported.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/bud-selig-vetoes-proposed-200m-fox-loan-to-frank-mccourt-dodge/

Georgina Grenville Gina Carano Gina Gershon

Rangers See Reward in Neftali Feliz Risk

Filed under: Rangers, Spring Training

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- No one can accuse the Texas Rangers of not being risk-takers.

The Rangers are taking one of their 2010 breakout stars, closer Neftali Feliz, and giving him a chance to make the starting rotation.

It's not the kind of move that most defending American League champions make. Feliz saved 40 games last year and didn't give up any runs (and just one hit) in six innings of combined work in the American League Championship Series against the Yankees and in the World Series against the Giants.

None of Feliz's 90 games in the big leagues the last two seasons have been starts. But he was a starter after signing with Atlanta and later after being traded to the Rangers in what is becoming ever more clearly one of the great swindles in the game. Back in 2007, the Atlanta Braves, desperate for the power that switch-hitting first baseman Mark Teixeira could bring, traded Feliz, shortstop Elvis Andrus, right-hander Matt Harrison, outfielder Beau Jones and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia for Teixeira and lefty middle reliever Ron Mahay.

Feliz is the defending AL Rookie of the Year, Andrus is maybe the best defensive shortstop in the league and Harrison is a sometimes starter with promise. In exchange, the Braves got 54 games from Teixeira in which he hit .321 with 17 homers and 56 RBI. Atlanta finished third for all of that and Teixeira lit off for Anaheim and later Gotham where, curiously, he was eliminated from the 2010 World Series by Feliz, Andrus and the Rangers.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/rangers-see-reward-in-neftali-feliz-risk/

Rachel Nichols Rachel Perry Rachel Weisz

Jonny Gomes Denies Celebrating Adam Wainwright's Injury

Filed under: Cardinals, Reds

When news broke of Adam Wainwright's potentially season-ending elbow injury Wednesday, early reports out of the Reds' camp suggested that the defending NL Central champs were celebrating the injury. The Cardinals figure to be one of the Reds' main challengers in the Central this year, and Wainwright has been one of the NL's best pitchers over the last two seasons. The Dayton Daily News reported that Jonny Gomes walked through the clubhouse singing "Wainwright's gone!" and implying that manager Dusty Baker was also celebrating the injury.

Gomes is now denying the story. MLB.com's Mark Sheldon says that Gomes was singing in the clubhouse, but that he was singing the theme from "The Karate Kid" (You're the best! Arouuuuuund!). Gomes told Sheldon that he found out about Wainwright's injury during an interview with Rob Dibble, at which point he started asking, "Is Wainwright gone?" He goes on to say that he's known Wainwright since the minor leagues and that he'd never wish injury on an opponent.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/jonny-gomes-denies-celebrating-adam-wainwrights-injury/

Aaliyah Abbie Cornish Adriana Lima

Americans Abroad: Maurice Edu Scores for Rangers

Filed under: European Soccer, International Soccer, English Premier League, La Liga (Spain), Bundesliga (Germany), U.S. Men's National Team

The U.S. national team's central midfield depth chart seems to get more and more crowded by the week.

Presumed starters Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley recently left less-than-enviable club situations for new homes in the English Premier League, with Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa (still to be finalized), respectively.

Stuart Holden has been starring at Bolton, Sacha Kljestan has been contributing at Anderlecht, and despite playing different positions for much of their careers, Jonathan Spector and Jonathan Bornstein are getting minutes in the middle for their clubs.

Then there's Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber and José Torres, who went to the World Cup, and up-and-comers like Mikkel Diskerud and Dax McCarty.

Amid it all, Maurice Edu is doing his best to avoid getting lost in the shuffle.

Making his second start for Ranters since returning from a two-month injury layoff, Edu scored the opener in Saturday's 2-1 win over Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup semifinals.

 

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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/americans-abroad-maurice-edu-scores-for-rangers/

America Ferrera Amerie Amy Cobb