Yardbarker: All Articles

Scratch that, Hedo ditches Portland

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:22:19 -0500

Well, so much for that idea. Hedo Turkoglu has pulled out of talks with the Blazers and is likely headed to Toronto to sign a new deal. It’s confirmed by The Oregonian, ESPN, CBS, the Grinch, Snuffleupagus and my bag of Sour Patch Kids. From Quick’s story: “It just wasn’t the right fit,” the source said. “When [...]

Original Story: http://ripcityproject.com/2009/07/03/...

Tiger Woods Surges to Lead at AT&T

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:30:00 -0500

by Ryan WilsonFiled under: PGATiger Woods struggled with his putting at Bethpage Black two weeks ago, and he cited that as the primary reason he only managed a T6 at the U.S. Open. After two rounds at the AT&T National, the tournament Tiger is hosting at Congressional Country Club, he's 10-under par, one shot clear of Rod Pampling. Following a Thursday 64 that included a four-birdie, no-bogey front nine, Woods fired 66 on Friday. No idea what 36 nearly flawless holes from the World No...

Original Story: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2009/07/03/t...

Ex-Philadelphia QB Shows off Arm - Arrested

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:04:00 -0500

Timmy Chang, who played briefly for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles after a record setting career at UH, was arrested Thursday. A woman says she was videotaping a... Full story: http://www.bobsblitz.com

Original Story: http://njfrogman.blogspot.com/2009/07...

I Didn't Forget

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:18:50 -0500

I was often told during my rookie season that I should cherish the relationships and the memories the NFL would bring. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great people. I have played with future Hall of Famers and been taught by legendary coaches as well. But it’s not necessarily those individuals who I have bonded with the most. I came into the league as an undrafted free agent. I was one of the many who sat on their couch during the 1999 April draft hoping to hear their name called. It was never called. But 11 years later, I still use that experience to fuel my fire.

During the first day of free agency this year, the Baltimore Ravens released me. Surprised, yes, but life goes on. Shortly after I received that call by the General Manger, I also got word of a missing boat off the coast of Florida. I heard about the boat over the weekend, but never realized one of my friends was a passenger on board. Corey Smith was a humble, God-fearing, reserved young man. When I signed with the 49ers back in 2005, Corey and I would often hang out together, and rode with one another to the hotel the night before the game, as many players do. We regularly talked about life, music, and other things. He was as close to me during that time, as any one else on the team. We would go to mall after workouts, and try to find the latest gear, or watch practice film together. He would often talk about returning to Florida and I would talk about retreating to North Carolina. He was also excited about his recent purchase of a condo. I frequently asked him during our games for tips on how the D-Line could play better, and he would give me pointers on my game. Many of us used to stand in amazement watching him beat O-linemen, during drills. As I look back, I can still see him sitting at his locker, laughing and joking. That’s what makes it even harder to realize sometimes that he’s gone. Do I understand death,…yes. As a Christian I understand that to be absent from the body, is to be present with the father. But when someone so young falls victim to an untimely death, it hurts. This man inspired many, but his voice, and life was only worth about 7 days of coverage on the news. I wish sometimes as athletes we would stand as close as soldiers. They never leave anyone behind. Instead it feels like, we left them. I never forgot the feeling from seeing the lights down below crossing over international waters, after returning from seeing the troops over seas. I also felt as if I left them, when the pilot announced we were over U.S. One of my last encounters with the troops was with a squad from Fort Bragg. A young sergeant wanted to take a picture with me and the solider holding the camera couldn’t stop shaking. He was only about 19, but clearly afraid. So the Sergeant told him that he would be all right. So much is written about the bad apples in the NFL, and not enough is spread about those guys who play by the rules. Many guys who embody the blue collar work ethic, who are just as talented as those players who break the law, are never given the credit they deserve and often times go unnoticed for doing things the right way. Some think most elite players are either on drugs or are violent offenders. While some use their platforms wisely others talk about meaningless events and fail recognize the world around them. When will we take time to acknowledge the “GOOD GUYS’ instead of the knuckle heads? Corey Smith was one the most dynamic players in the NFL. Grant it, he did not have league-leading statistics, but he did more with his natural ability than 98% of active players.

Roddick, Federer to meet in Wimbledon final

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:49:28 -0500

Andy Roddick is back in the Wimbledon final after upsetting Andy Murray on Friday. He'll face Roger Federer for the title.

Original Story: http://www.pheedcontent.com/click.phd...

Jessica Simpson with Tony & Tiger

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0500

Apparently being Tony Romo's girlfriend gets you gigs at golf tournaments now since Jessica Simpson performed at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda where Tony and Tiger paired up for a little golf action. Guess it beats singing at Sea World. Nice dress, by the way... rowr...Here's the video/musical brutality if you dare...

Original Story: http://www.epiccarnival.com/2009/07/j...

Shocker: Marbury Wants More Money

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:51:30 -0500

Via the Globe:

Celtics free agent guard Stephon Marbury said to The Globe early Friday

morning that he doesn't expect to be returning to Boston after

receiving a disappointing one-year contract paying $1.3 million using

the veteran's minimum.

"Thank you Boston for allowing the world to see me play again after all

that went on in N.Y.," said Marbury, via e-mail to The Globe. "The fans

treated me with open arms and that's all anyone can ask for."

If the Celtics were going to re-sign Stephon Marbury, I think it's safe

to say we all expected they would offer a contract close to the veteran

minimum. While Marbury played the role of good soldier last season, his

performance was average at best. Good luck with those other teams.

As for Rasheed Wallace, here's the latest from SI.com's Chris Mannix:

"Solid, thorough, cogent and very impressive," Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland, told SI.com about Boston's recruiting trip. "[They] definitely gave Rasheed and his wife something to think about."

...However, Boston and San Antonio stand as the strongest candidates. The

Celtics can offer Wallace a chance to stay in the Eastern Conference as

well as the opportunity to play with Garnett, who is a close friend.

San Antonio, which traded forwards Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas last month in the deal for Richard Jefferson, can offer Wallace a starters role. Boston's interest in Wallace is believed to be as a backup.

Last night on Sports Tonight, Mannix said he believes both the Celtics and Spurs will offer the MLE for two years (but there's no mention of that in his column). He gives the edge to the Spurs (51% to 49%) while predicting Wallace would make a decision by mid to late next week.

Will Rasheed be comfortable coming off the bench in Boston, when he'll be able to start in San Antonio? If he comes here, I think he'll play minutes similiar to what he average last year in Detroit - 32 mpg.

It's simple math. At the center and power forward positions, Doc has three guys to play 96 minutes. Works out to 32 minutes each. Throw BBD in the mix, and it gets harder but there's enough to go around.

Original Story: http://www.redsarmy.com/home/2009/07/...

Manny Boy

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0500

From Mrs. Orel, a wee ditty to commemorate Manny Ramirez's return: Oh Manny boy, the fans, the fans are calling From glen to glen and down the Ravine side The summer's high and all the palms are blowing 'Tis you, 'tis you must come and must not hide. And come ye back 'fore fall is deep in Chavez Or when the grounds are hushed empty below 'Tis we'll be here in sunshine or in shadow Oh Manny boy, oh Manny boy we love you so. And if you come when all the cheer...

Original Story: http://www.sonsofstevegarvey.com/2009...

Chapman v. Strasburg: Which Can't Miss Prospect..Will

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:18:36 -0500

Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, an uber-prospect who has had fastballs clocked at better than 100 miles per hour, simply walked out of his hotel room in the Netherlands recently, defecting in the hopes of pitching in the major leagues. Chapman clearly has incredible skill, as does Washington’s number one pick Stephen Strasburg. Both have superb repetoires and tremendous up-sides, but before we concentrate on that, let me tell a story. There was a segment from the Dan Patrick Show years ago where I remember former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon sharing his thoughts on “can’t miss” prospects. McMahon reminisced about a rookie offensive lineman who’d been drafted by the Bears, a young behemoth with all the physical gifts in the world — strength, size, athleticism. The “can’t miss”...

Original Story: http://www.bugsandcranks.com/landonev...

Josh Childress: On the NBA Market Again

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:25:59 -0500

Welcome back to the madness, Josh: “Restricted free agent Josh Childress met with Milwaukee Bucks officials on Thursday for a getting-to-know-you session. Childress and agent Jim Tanner were in Milwaukee for discussions with Bucks general manager John Hammond and other team officials. Childress played last season with Olympiakos in Greece and has until July 15 to decide if he wants to opt out and return to the National Basketball Association. The Atlanta Hawks still hold his league righ...

Original Story: http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/...

The Least Patriotic Moments in American Sports

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:20:09 -0500

The 4th of July is upon us, which means it’s time to celebrate our independence from our dry-witted cousins from across the pond. But it’s not just a time for enjoying our favorite American recreational activities like BBQing, fireworks and wearing American flag apparel. It’s also an opportunity to consider the things that make America awesome and [...]

Original Story: http://pyleoflist.com/2009/07/the-lea...

Ariza commits to Rockets, Blazers focus still on Hedo

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:08:17 -0500

So much for that “late bid” that Portland supposedly threw in for the services on Trevor Ariza. Confirming rumors that were floating around all day, Trevor Ariza will sign with the Houston Rockets, essentially completing the non-trade trade of Ron Artest-for-Ariza. That’s one less small forward for Portland to worry about in their pursuit of [...]

Original Story: http://ripcityproject.com/2009/07/02/...

Report: Artest To Sign With Lakers

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:52:33 -0500

Goodbye Trevor Ariza, hello Ron Artest? Looks like it. Ron Artest just told CBSSports.com senior writer Ken Berger that he’ll be signing with the Lakers. Here’s a screenshot, because right now it’s just on the Breaking News bar… More to come. Just wanted to get this our here as soon as I saw it…

Original Story: http://lakeshowlife.com/2009/07/02/re...

Hard Facts And High Hopes

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:21:32 -0500

I’m sure you’ll hear this news eventually, and I’d rather you hear it from me first. I have been suspended for four games by the NFL due to my mistakenly ingesting a banned substance. I apologize to my family, the jets organization, my teammates, fans and friends. This situation occurred purely by accident and was in absolutely no way a result of my
trying to cheat the system put in place by the NFL. However, as a man and a public figure I am aware that I must take full responsibility for everything I do. I also know that it’s just as important to learn from my mistakes and help others avoid them in any way that I can. In the future, I will be more proactive in knowing what substances are banned and EXACTLY what is in everything I put into my body. I truly hope that my mistake does not bring unwanted distractions to my teammates and our ultimate goal of being a championship team. I also hope that you, my fans, will forgive this accidental indiscretion.

MAN WALL? …MAN WALL

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:45:19 -0500

Uncrate found another way for you to piss away that $14,900 that’s been burning a hole in your pocket. It’s the Man Wall, which has four TVs, two cigar humidors, a kegerator, and…well, look at the damn picture. It’s basically a shrine to sitting on your ass. Wait a second, you mean I have to [...]

Original Story: http://withleather.uproxx.com/2009/07...

Leyritz's Woes Continue

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:02:07 -0500

Or more to the point, the woes of Jim Leyritz’ ex-wife, Karrie, continue, as she was allegedly assualted by her ex-husband, the former Yankee postseason hero facing trial on charges of DUI manslaughter. From the Sun-Sentinel’s Tonya Alanez and Alexia Campbell : Leyritz is accused of dragging his ex-wife out of bed and pushing her to [...]

Original Story: http://www.cantstopthebleeding.com/?p...

Ricky Rubio reportedly will stay in Spain for two years

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:08:28 -0500

The Minnesota Timberwolves' top draft pick, Ricky Rubio, 18, will remain in Spain to play for his DKV Joventut basketball team for the remaining two years of his contract rather than try to move to the NBA this season, El Periodico reported today.

Original Story: http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/...

Allen Iverson Likes The Grizzlies

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:04:27 -0500

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports: Several NBA sources have confirmed to me that controversial and wildly popular guard Allen Iverson - through representatives - has made the Grizzlies aware that he would like to play in Memphis. The veteran, prolific scorer is a free agent for the first time in his professional career. While no [...]

Original Story: http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=4503

CFL WR Pays Tribute To MJ By Posing As Corpse

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:45:27 -0500

Michael Jackson’s death affected the sports world in many ways, from his commercial with Michael Jordan to his epic Super Bowl performance, to say nothing of the effect his life had on individual athletes. So it’s no surprise to see a CFL player pay tribute to him during a touchdown celebration. Sounds like a nice [...]

Original Story: http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/cfl-wr-...

The Top 40 Real Men of Genius commercials

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:12:45 -0500

Turns out there's like a million of these things. And they're all pretty much great... but here's the 40 I thought were the best.

Original Story: http://www.epiccarnival.com/2009/07/t...

Trevor Ariza Is This Year's James Posey

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:27:55 -0500

When I read last night that Trevor Ariza might be leaving the world champion Los Angeles Lakers, I didn’t know what to think. But then it hit me: Trevor Ariza is this year’s James Posey. And just like I told James last year: Don’t do it! When Posey left the World Champion Boston Celtics last [...]

Original Story: http://dimemag.com/2009/07/trevor-ari...

C's dispatch Big 3 to woo Sheed

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:22:32 -0500

If it's not obvious by now who offseason target #1 is for the Celtics... it should be now. The Celtics are going to send Doc Rivers and the Big 3 to try to convince Rasheed Wallace to come to Boston.

Coach Doc Rivers and the Big Three were planning a recruiting trip to woo him, possibly as early as Wednesday afternoon, league sources said.

The Celtics are targeting Wallace with the midlevel exception and sources say the team – which could be willing to pay a steep luxury tax – is also pursuing Phoenix’s Grant Hill. Sources say that Celtics management met with Wallace late last night, and that they would be followed with a visit from the coach, as well Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Garnett and Wallace have a close relationship.

Boston officials are convinced that these next 24 to 48 hours are critical in overtaking the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference, and eventually, the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Damn. The C's are going hard after Sheed.

What do you think... would Sheed and Grant Hill be enough to fill the C's needs?

Original Story: http://www.redsarmy.com/home/2009/07/...

How Fantastic! Donte Stallworth ALSO Tested Postivite for Marijuana!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:02:12 -0500

So Jim Brown was right. Brown had discussed the possibility of this a few weeks ago, but it is now being officially reported that WR Donte Stallworth had tested positive for marijuana after his car struck and killed a pedestrian back in March. This doesn’t come as the most shocking news I’ve ever heard, but it just sort of makes the situation even worse for Stallworth in the eyes of fans and those who have followed this story. This is also a testament to how sad it is that Stal...

Original Story: http://dawgpounddaily.com/2009/07/02/...

The Clippers Find a Willing Taker

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:04:14 -0500

Posted by Kevin Arnovitz The last time Quentin Richardson was a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, the Clips were a promising, young squad that included Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Bobby Simmons, and Chris Wilcox. Next week, Richardson will be shipped back to Los Angeles as nothing more than filler in a deal that will send Zach Randolph from the Clippers to Memphis. It's a seemingly inequitable trade -- the 20/10 guy in Randolph for a gimpy, marginal Richardson -- until you look beneath...

Original Story: http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0...

Twitter: Where Ron Artest Updates His Free Agency Status

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:12:00 -0500

With all the NBA players on Twitter, some of them let you know more than others. Ron Artest pretty much said to all of his followers that he will not be returning to the Houston Rockets next season. Check out this tweet from 96TruWarierQB (Ron Artest's name on Twitter): How scared are you, Rockets fans?

Original Story: http://nbatipoff.com/2009/07/twitter-...

Hossa's long deal with Hawks tops busy NHL day

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:28:00 -0500

Just when the slowing global economy figured to put a crimp in spending for NHL free agents, Marian Hossa hit the open market again.

Original Story: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/hoc...

FEELING BLESSED - 2009 ESPY AWARDS NOMINEE

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:12:10 -0500

Hey YB's,

I have some more exciting news. Not only was I fortunate enough to have played with a great team that won Super Bowl XLIII and have a ring to prove it, I was voted MVP, I launched my new website www.santonioholmes10.com, established my new foundation, III & Long, and now I can add to the list of great achievements, being nominated for the 2009 ESPY Awards. I am feeling really blessed right now. I want to ask that you click on the link below and vote for:

BEST GAME: Steelers vs. Cardinals Super Bowl XLIII

BEST PLAY: Roethlisberger to Holmes Super Bowl Winning TD

BEST TEAM: Pittsburgh Steelers

http://promo.espn.go.com/espn/specialsection/espys2009/#/vote/

This has been such an exciting year for me and I want to thank all of my fans for your prayers and your support. - Don't forget to vote NOW!

God Bless!

Santonio

Pistons agree to deals with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:28:00 -0500

The Detroit Pistons are clearly not going to sit on their hands and watch as the Magic and Cavs get better in the Eastern Conference. The team has come to agreements with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva on multi-year deals, according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports.com. Ben Gordon's contract is reportedly a five-year, $55 million deal while Villanueva's pact is also for five years at $35 million. The deals can't become official until July 8th. The Pistons are certainly making ...

Original Story: http://www.tonyblogs.net/2009/07/pist...

2009 Tour de France Preview: The Field

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:02:00 -0500

Continuing our preview of the 2009 Tour de France, we’ll take a look at the field of riders and let you know whom you should watch.

You may recognize this guy. He’s actually kind of famous, and now he’s back in the Tour de France. Obviously the big story of this year’s Tour is the return of Lance Armstrong. There are tons of questions surrounding his return, not the least of which is “Does he still have anything left?”

Armstrong has competed in a few events since his return to cycling, but hasn’t won anything. This isn’t surprising as Armstrong’s modus operandi was always to build up to the Tour de France, and he never won many of the preparation races.

After three consecutive Tours without a former champion in the field (other than Oscar Pereiro, eventual winner of the Floyd Landis scandal-plagued 2006 Tour), this year there are 4 former champions competing (Armstrong, Carlos Sastre, Alberto Contador, and Pereiro), with two of them on the same team.

The dynamics of the Astana team will be very interesting to watch this year. It features two past winners in Armstrong and Contador, as well as a past podium finishers Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Kloden. Who is the leader of that team? Obviously Armstrong is the biggest name, but Contador is a young superstar and Leipheimer has always been on the cusp of greatness. Will Contador and Leipheimer be willing to put in work to help the old man get to the top of the mountain one last time? Will Armstrong be willing to take a supporting role? Astana claims Contador is the leader, and Armstrong is happy with it, but we’ll see how things look on the slopes of the Pyrenees. Astana may be an All-Star team and place 3 riders in the top 10, or it could self-destruct from internal conflict. With Johan Bruyneel at the helm, I’d bet on the former.

Other favorites include Giro winner Denis Menchov (a good climber) and perennial bridesmaid Cadel Evans (great time trial rider). The late mountain stage should bode well for the climbers, but I’ll give you my picks in the final installment of ECB’s Tour de France Preview.

Original Story: http://www.east-coast-bias.com/2009/0...

Denny Green: ‘Vick will wind up with Bill Parcells.’

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:36:10 -0500

Former NFL head coach Denny Green went on Sirius radio earlier this week and said that he has a hard time believing that suspended quarterback Michael Vick won’t wind up with Bill Parcells in Miami. “I have a hard time believing that Michael Vick is not going to wind up with Bill Parcells, simply because [Parcells] [...]

Original Story: http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/07/0...