WOODBRIDGE, Va. -- Francisco Mejia stepped out of the clubhouse and into the dugout with little fanfare. He did his usual turns in the batting cage, and the 5-foot-10, 175-pound catcher looked like just another 20-year-old in the minors.Yet Mejia is something of a modern-day Joe DiMaggio, plying his trade for the Lynchburg Hillcats of the high Class A Carolina League. The Cleveland Indians prospect now has a 49-game hitting streak thats tied for the sixth-longest in pro baseball history and the best in 62 years.Mejia has gotten a hit in every game he has played since May 25, a string that dates to his time with the Lake County Captains of the low Class A Midwest League. He extended it Friday night with a sixth-inning single against Winston-Salem -- that tied him for the longest hitting streak by a catcher, set by Harry Chozen in the Southern Association in 1954.Neither Lynchburg manager Mark Budzinski nor hitting coach Larry Day has had a single conversation with him about the accomplishment, which stands out because of Mejias age, his role as a catcher and the distractions he has faced along the way.As one of Clevelands top 10 prospects, he took part in the MLB All-Star Futures Game in San Diego and would have gone to the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline last month had the deal for Jonathan Lucroy occurred.It has not been easy for him, said Carter Hawkins, the Indians director of player development. This has not been put on a silver platter. Hes moved levels, hes traveled around to different All-Star Games, hes been a name that came up in trade rumors. There have certainly been a lot of different reasons or potential excuses to end this streak, but I think just focusing on his work and focusing on what he can do and what he can control has really helped him out.In the meantime, Mejia has moved closer to the record 69-game hit streak by Joe Wilhoit of the Western League in 1919.DiMaggio owns the streak that most fans know about, the major league mark of 56 games in 1941 for the New York Yankees. Many fans dont realize Joe D also owns the second-longest hitting streak ever in pro ball -- as a teenager in 1933, DiMaggio hit in 61 straight for the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League.Mejia, who signed out of the Dominican Republic at 16, reminds Budzinski of a young switch-hitting Vladimir Guerrero without the power because of his ability to hit the ball so effectively out of the strike zone. An aggressive hitter, he doesnt walk much.Its no coincidence that after the organization decided to make him repeat a year in the Midwest League, like a student who gets held back a grade, Mejia changed everything from his body language to his preparation.This year I got a better approach, better routines, Mejia said. I got routines this year.Last season, he said, it was simply come to the stadium, lets go play. This year everything is different.It has paid off. Mejia improved his batting average from .243 in 2015 to .348 this season, which Day credits to an improved all-field approach, especially left-handed. Before, the right-handed-throwing Mejia would pull from that side of the plate and cut off half the field.Now hes hitting the ball everywhere, early and often.Its his gifted hand-eye coordination ability to put the barrel of the bat on the ball, Budzinski said Thursday before a game at the Potomac Nationals. The guys that are a little more aggressive and can hit the ball out of the zone hard, which he can do, thats where you tend to see guys that can extend those hit streaks longer.The streak is even more remarkable because of Mejias catching responsibilities.When Mejia arrives at the park, he first works with pitching coach Rigo Beltran and the days starter to prepare, then focuses on his defense and finally works on his hitting. Its working out pretty well.Youre dealing with not only calling a game from a mental standpoint, working with a pitching staff, blocking balls, youve got all the gear on in the hot weather, foul tips off of you, youve got to make 100-some throws a night, Budzinski said. It is impressive to see a guy that can kind of maintain that through the course of a season and stay strong physically, mentally, emotionally.Handling the mental and emotional pressure of the hitting streak seems to be the least of Mejias concerns. He acknowledges its fun to keep it going and hear encouragement from his teammates, but he doesnt talk to fellow players about his place in history.That maturity and focus goes a long way as far as earning respect from the staff.He doesnt make it about him, Day said. These games are not being played to see if he will or will not extend his hitting streak and he doesnt act that way. He plays to win. He hits to win. He prepares to win.The Hillcats are winning plenty as Mejia has been hitting. But they almost lost him when the Indians tried to acquire Lucroy, an All-Star catcher.As much as playing -- and getting a hit -- in the Futures Game gave him confidence and motivation, almost being traded made Mejia upset. Of course, he understood the situation like a grizzled veteran.A couple times I feel sad at that trade because I signed with this organization, Mejia said. I like (it) here. But Cleveland wants a World Series, so they have to do it.Lucroy vetoed the trade and went to Texas instead, leaving Cleveland with one of its top prospects still in the organization. Mejia, of course, still has a long way to go before hes ready for the show.Hes still in A-Ball, hes still extremely young, hes still learning a lot of things about the baseball game, Hawkins said. If he continues to improve, if he continues to have the consistent approach at the plate, if he continues to improve behind the dish and manage a pitching staff, we absolutely see him as a guy that can help us out in the major leagues down the line. Kenny Clark Jersey . -- Catcher Brett Hayes has agreed to a $630,000, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, avoiding salary arbitration. Cameron Erving Jersey . Parker had 26 points and eight assists and San Antonio beat Toronto 112-99 Monday night. "We won that game because of Tony Parkers aggressiveness," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "His juice; his aggression all night long. http://www.prochiefsauthentic.com/Youth-Frank-Clark-Elite-Jersey/ . -- Ryan Blaney provided more evidence that Penske Racings No. Kyler Fackrell Jersey . "No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil. Chad Henne Jersey .C. - The Carolina Hurricanes have placed backup goalie Anton Khudobin on injured reserve with an unspecified lower-body injury. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a touchdown pass to Eric Decker and the New York Jets defense stifled Eli Manning and the New York Giants starters in a 21-20 preseason loss Saturday night.Both teams first-string offenses did very little in the last regular-season tuneup for most starters, but Fitzpatrick connected with Decker for a 22-yard score three plays after Darrelle Revis intercepted Manning on a pass intended for Odell Beckham Jr. in Giants territory in the second quarter.Fitzpatrick finished 9 of 16 for 76 yards with the score and lost a fumble in the red zone before being replaced by Geno Smith just before halftime.Manning was 10 of 15 for 65 yards and an interception while playing one series into the third quarter. The Giants starters managed just 61 total yards against Todd Bowles defense.The Giants (1-2) didnt get past the 50-yard line until a facemask penalty on Brandon Bostick on a punt return put them at the Jets 47 with 2:36 left in the third quarter.Backup Ryan Nassib took advantage two plays later, connecting with Tavarres King on a 27-yard touchdown that cut the Jets lead to 10-7. It was the Giants first score since late in the first quarter of their preseason opener.Backup defensive end Kerry Wynn returned an interception 73 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter on a pass from Bryce Petty that was tipped by J.T. Thomas III.Jets second-rounder Christian Hackenberg began trending on Twitter after he went 4 of 6 for 79 yards on his first NFL drive, capping it with a 10-yard TD throw to Robby Anderson. He was also intercepted by Andrew Adams with 2:34 left, leading to Kings go-ahead touchdown catch for the Giants. Hackenberg finished 6 of 16 for 105 yards for the Jets (1-2).Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz played for the first time since 2014, catching a pass for 4 yards. Cruz was limited to six games two years ago because of a knee injury and then missed all of last season with a calf injury. The 29-year-old Cruz was sidelined the first two preseason games this summer with a groin injury.Jets running back Matt Forte (hamstring) and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (leg) made their preseason debuts. Forte, signed in March after eight seasons in Chicago, had 28 yards on 10 carries and addedd two catches for 9 yards.ddddddddddddSITTING OUTJets wide receiver Brandon Marshall was a surprise scratch with what Bowles said after the game was sore hips. The coach said the decision was made Friday and he didnt seem too concerned about Marshalls status, saying he could have played if it had been a regular-season game. Anderson started in Marshalls place and had four catches for 65 yards and a TD.ROOKIE WATCHGiants: First-round CB Eli Apple had a solid showing against the Jets starters, covering Decker at times. He didnt play last week because of a knee injury in the preseason opener.Jets: Undrafted K Ross Martin, competing with veteran Nick Folk, kicked a 55-yard field goal in the third quarter and added a 29-yarder in the fourth.QB COMPARISONGiants: Nassib was 6 of 19 for 69 yards, including his two TD tosses to King.Jets: Smith went 3 of 5 for 14 yards on two drives. Petty, trying to secure a roster spot, was 5 of 10 for 59 yards before being replaced by Hackenberg on the drive following his interception.POSITION BATTLESGiants: King made a case to be the last receiver on the roster, finishing with two catches for 38 yards and his two scores.Jets: Ben Ijalana and Brent Qvale took turns at RT with the starters, and one could start if Breno Giacomini (back) isnt ready for the regular season.INJURY UPDATE:Giants: LB Jonathan Casillas (ribs), CB Leon Hall (concussion), rookie LB B.J. Goodson (concussion) and FB Nikita Whitlock (foot) left with injuries.Jets: LB David Harris left late in the first half with an injured right shoulder, which was in a sling after the game. Bowles said the veteran will have additional tests Sunday.QUOTABLE:Giants: Well, we have to get better moving the ball, getting first downs and just staying out of the negative plays, Manning said of the starting offense. There is definitely some room for improvement, but we will go on from here.Jets: I think we feel pretty good right now, said Fitzpatrick, 16 of 29 for 183 yards and a TD in the preseason. I dont know if those three games are a good indication of where we are.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '

Eddie Jones says the British and Irish Lions have to get their players emotionally involved to end their long wait for a series win in New Zealand next summer.Despite a series win in Australia in 2013, they head Down Under having won just six Tests against the All Blacks since their first trip in 1888 -- including two on the solitary successful tour in 1971 -- and were routed 3-0 by the world champions on their last visit in 2005.England coach Jones, who reiterated his commitment to the job, has recent success in the southern hemisphere after leading the country to a maiden series victory on Australian soil last month.He also brought an end to Englands Six Nations Grand Slam search, guiding the nation to their first in 13 years, with those results built on intensity, pride and passion.Warren Gatland did a great job on the last Lions tour, picked a strong squad, played a very simple well-understood rugby, Jones told ESPN.Its about getting the guys emotionally involved in playing for the Lion because it is such a historical team that the tactics arent so important as the emotional involvement.Jones name has been linked to the tourists coaching role after his rapid success with England but Lions officials saw their approach to the RFU rebuffed.Jones was speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Tour de France, and joked that it would be more likely he would lead a team in the gruelling cycling race than on a Lions tour.Its very flattering to be considered but Ive signed a contract with the English rugby union to coach them for the next four years and I need to spend every moment I can making sure I make England as strong as I can, he said.To coach the Lions you have to take 12 months away from your national team and I just cant afford that time away. Ill coach England and wait to see what comes up next. Maybe Ill coach at the Tour de France next.Jones has said he wants to see a large England contingent in the squad to face the All Blacks, and he hopes the tour can help develop his players.I would be disappointed if there werent as many as 15 English players picked for that squad but we have to get through another November series and Six Nations, he said.If our players keep performing well, which they will, then I anticipate we will have at least 15 players in that Lions squad.Jones added: The great thing with our English guys is if we do get 15 picked in the Lions, they will get a different coach, they will get different ideas that allow them to grow even further. Yeezy 350 v2 Reflective Pas Cher . But Bourque, who has missed three games with a lower-body injury, wont be in the lineup when the Habs travel to Buffalo to take on the Sabres on Wednesday. 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With a week in the books, lets bounce around some of the good and bad of the early NBA season:1. Thabo Sefolosha, showing outFew NBA things make me happier than an emphatic, streaking Thabo Sefolosha dunk. Hes already crammed twice this season, and hes flying all over the court for an Atlanta second unit that is just obliterating people.The Hawks are plus-62 in the 84 minutes Sefolosha has played so far. That is unfathomable -- without fathom! He is shooting 61 percent from the floor, and swiping 3 steals per game in just 21 minutes -- one yoink for every seven minutes of floor time. He looks healthy, and unburdened, and it is awesome.We are about 19 months removed from Sefoloshas arrest by New York City police officers outside a club for obstructing the administration of government and resisting arrest. During his arrest and detainment, Sefolosha suffered injuries that include a broken fibula and ligament damage to his ankle, keeping him out of the 2015 playoffs. Leading up to his trial, Sefolosha rejected all plea deals, even one that would have resulted in a full dismissal of charges after a single day of community service, and fought for his good name. He was acquitted by a Manhattan jury in October 2015. I dont care how rich you are, or how airtight your case is. That takes guts.In April of this year, shortly before the end of the regular season, he also filed a federal lawsuit against the city and five NYC police officers, alleging false arrest, excessive force and malicious prosecution.Sefolosha will plateau, and the Hawks bench has to prove it can sustain against better competition. (Mike Budenholzer will help, as usual, by keeping at least one key starter on the floor at all times to serve as a fulcrum on offense.) But we should rejoice in Sefoloshas play.2. Jusuf Nurkic, wrecking stuffThe Bosnian Bear is back, baby!!After a lost season, Nurkic is in shape, and tossing his giant body around to muck things up on both ends. Hes shooting 50 percent, snarfing down every rebound in sight, and earning heaps of foul shots.Hes nimble again on defense, though the results are spotty; the Nuggets have been worse on that end when Nurkic plays, and opponents have hit 57 percent of their shots at the rim with Nurkic nearby, per SportVU data -- a feast. He has been hit-or-miss switching onto little guys, though it looks great when he keeps a waterbug in front him.But the Nuggets are thrilled with all three of Nurkic, Nikola Jokic, and Kenneth Faried so far; Faried has played some of his best defense in a new bench role he doesnt want. Finding the right pairings and minutes distribution will be tough, especially since Danilo Gallinari needs time at power forward. The slowish Jurkic-Jokic starting combo has bled points, and smaller lineups with Faried at center -- the only way to get Denvers three highest-paid players (Gallo, Faried, and Wilson Chandler) on the floor at once -- have been uneven.Regardless: The NBA is way more fun with Nurkic bulldozing fools, and shouting so loudly around those basket mics that you can make out every Bosnian curse word. It doesnt always go like this, by the way. Nurkic spent last season injured and sulking. Some with the Nuggets were worried the team might lose him. Nurkic deserves credit for digging himself out. Michael Malone and his staff have found a way to be both demanding and inclusive; they have the Nuggets working hard, and pulling in the same direction.3. Golden State, keeping their hands cleanThe Warriors probably started the normalization process when Stephen Curry went supernova in the third quarter against Portland Tuesday night. Klay Thompson and Dwyane Wade havent switched bodies; Thompson, just 3-of-28 from deep so far, will rain fire soon. Theyve won three straight, and theyve now rebounded about 74 percent of opponent misses -- 24th in the league. Thats not great, but its also in the realm of good enough -- and only two percentage points worse than their mark last season. (The revamped Death Lineup is at 71 percent after Tuesday.)Even the panic over rim protection is probably a hair overblown; its not as if Andrew Bogut played 30 minutes per game. He was a valuable security blanket -- a guarantee Golden State would defend at a historically great level for at least 15 minutes a night, and an elbows-out jostler who spared Draymond Green and others some taxing dirty work.The Warriors -- especially Green -- defended with more spunk after halftime in Portland. All those weird blips of miscommunication carry the whiff of nonchalance -- of a team easing its way into the fall, confident of how good it can be when it matters.All that said, the Warriors are going to have to get dirty to reach the apex again. They wont just flit through four playoff rounds, bombing 3s, grinning trash talk, and blowing away teams.Watch Kevin Durant just chill in the right corner as his man, Maurice Harkless, skates in for an easy put-back:There has been way too much of that over Golden States first four games -- from Durant and others. Their centers just arent good enough, or big enough, for the perimeter players to half-ass rebounding. Its easy to say theyll just play harder in the postseason; Durant played the best defense of his life in that seven-game epic against Golden State just six short months ago.But great teams -- teams that come ready for the postseason hothouse -- form habits now. They dont take shortcuts, no matter how much talent they have.4. Fast-break stoppersThe NBA needs to end this scourge now. You know the play: team snags a turnover, starts an exciting fast break, and then some heady defender just standing in the way wraps up the ball-handler -- or clotheslines him -- before the fun really starts. It doesnt count as a clear path foul, since that heady defender knows there are plenty of players behind him to nullify that rule.Anecdotally, it feels like Ive seen more of this Euro-ball import over the first week of the season than ever before. It is not a basketball play. Its a wrestling move. Its awful. The NBA has an easy solution: just punish these intentional fouls with the clear-path penalty. Yes, that would have unintended consequences; some players would disguise their hacks with reach-ins that look like normal steals, and dare officials to make a judgment call -- one that could require replay.Still: An extreme penalty might deter the lamest offenses. Its worth a shot. Good news: League officials are monitoring the issue, and theyve already fielded occasional complaints from GMs, per league sources.5. Phillys red alternatesThe Sixers: looking great in losses since 2013! Did you see those shiny red duds Philly broke out for their Tuesday defeat-from-the-jaws-of-victory pratfall against Orlando? The red is brighter and glitziier than typical NBA jersey red.dddddddddddd All the details are perfect: the red stars that run down each side, with thin blue stripes bordering them, and especially that white mini alternate Sixers logo -- a circle made of stars -- at the belt buckle area.6. Dewayne Dedmon, no longer with hooves for handsTwo years ago, one GM explained his lack of interest in Dedmon as a cheapo backup with this zinger: He can block shots, but he has hooves for hands.The Spurs paid for a hand transplant, apparently:Salary-dumping Tiago Splitter to free up room for LaMarcus Aldridge was a no-brainer; Splitter is already injured again in Atlanta. But before last season, R.C. Buford, the Spurs GM, told me he was quietly fretting that the moves left San Antonio without a single big man capable of rolling hard to the basket and making plays -- Splitters speciality. Tim Duncan was aging fast. All three of Aldridge, David West, and Boris Diaw prefer hanging around the perimeter.It seemed like nitpicking from an over-worrier, but Buford was onto something. The Spurs needed more ways to pressure the rim, and suck in help defenders.They took a flier on Dedmon to fill that role, and through five games, he looks like a nice addition to their rotation -- the shot-blocking rim-runner type they havent had in a while. The Spurs expected all Dedmons hoppy activity, but if he starts easing in soft-touch bunnies around the rim, even San Antonio higher-ups will be shocked. That is found money.Dedmon is rebounding at a career-best rate, and he and David Lee have formed a shockingly effective backup big partnership.7. The Magics clogged toilet spacingOrlandos spacing is as bad as advertised. Where in the hell is Evan Fournier supposed to go on this pick-and-roll, with defenders sagging off Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Elfrid Payton?Gordon looks nothing like Paul George, as the Magic promised he might; hes 0-of-6 out of the pick-and-roll across four games, per Synergy. The offense has cratered with Bismack Biyombo on the floor; the Biyombo-Vucevic double-center look has predictably been a disaster, and the vaunted Biyombo-Ibaka combo hasnt worked -- yet.Neither of those two can post up, so teams are fine switching smaller guys onto them if it neuters a Magic pick-and-roll. They arent natural playmakers on the move. By the time they spot a crease for a pass or drive, its already closed.Its early, and the Magic have faced solid defensive teams. They will figure some things out. But all the worries about their lack of shooting have manifested. When youre playing C.J. Watson in crunch time to generate some spacing, and going offense-defense with Gordon, youve got issues.8. Jae Crowder, getting better every seasonThis is what happens when a smart, hard-working player comes in contact with an open-minded coach who lets allegedly one-dimensional guys stretch themselves:The Mavs never imagined Crowder could make plays like this when they tossed him into the catastrophic Rajon Rondo deal. The Celtics probably couldnt, either, but without much playmaking around Isaiah Thomas, they needed everyone else to at least try and keep the machine moving when Thomas swung the ball.Crowder has made the sort of incremental game-by-game progress you barely notice unless you watch Boston a lot. At first, he launched too many contested 3s, or paused just long enough before driving for his defender to close out on him and regain balance.At the start of last season, youd see flashes of a new decisiveness; Crowder would catch the pass, and instantly start his drive -- wrong-footing a defender scrambling back toward him on the perimeter. By midseason, hed finish those drives with the occasional canny pass to the next open man. By the end of last season, he was arguably Bostons best all-around player.Today, you see a few plays like this every game. Crowder has become the do-everything third and fourth banana every team wants alongside its stars. Hell never initiate the offense, but he can slice into a scrambled defense when someone else has done the heavy lifting -- and guard three positions on the other end.9. The Kristaps Porzingis carousel.Yes, yes, yes! More of this trickery, please!This is a genius use of Carmelo Anthony as decoy. The Knicks run Anthony off a standard pindown, and they know most teams will expect Anthony to jack. But Anthony circles right back around, and smacks Zingers man with a nice screen.This set also launches you down the rabbit hole of determining exactly how much pure triangle offense Jeff Hornacek is running. This isnt quite the triangle; its a cool set that pops up around the league. But it also emerges out of something like the spacing setup that kicks off a lot of pure triangle possessions.The triangle soap opera will proceed as long as Phil Jackson hangs around, peeping in on coaches meetings and making a show of tutoring guys in specific triangle actions. But on some nights -- their weekend win against Memphis, for instance -- the Knicks run very little of the real thing.10. A design upgrade in HoustonWhat an upgrade -- from this......to this:Houston took the no-paint look to an extreme, and they were the last holdout after everyone else -- Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Portland -- refilled their painted areas. What we had -- it worked back then, but looking at it today, it just looked kind of blah, said Jose Lopez, the Rockets creative director.Houston experimented with dozens of de

(STATS) -- It all seemed so easy for Charleston Southern.Jamey Chadwells team announced its arrival as the Big Souths heavyweight last season, going 6-0 in the conference before eventually winning the programs first playoff game over local rival The Citadel. Conference rival Coastal Carolina would spend 2016 transitioning to the FBS. Kennesaw State wasnt quite ready to win the league. Sixteen of the 18 first-place votes as conference media day went to the Buccaneers.And somehow theyre 60 minutes away from seeing their chances disappear with one league game left.Riding a five-game winning streak and already with at least a share of the Big South title, No. 25 Liberty will try to clinch it outright Saturday afternoon when it welcomes 14th-ranked Charleston Southern to Lynchburg.The Buccaneers (5-3, 2-1) seemed to have righted themselves after some early-season turmoil that included 32 player suspensions for what amounted to misusing their NCAA book stipends on school supplies, and Chadwell himself served a suspension for contacting a potential recruit on social media. But Charleston Southerns four-game winning streak -- which coincided with freshman QB Shane Bucenell taking over for Robert Mitchell -- came to a surprising end last Saturday in a 17-10 home loss to Gardner-Webb, leaving the door wide open for the Flames (6-3, 4-0) to wrap up their first outright league title since 2008 at Williams Stadium.Ive shared it for two years and, you know, sharings just not as fun as taking it all by yourself and getting your own bid in the playoffs, linebacker Dexter Robbins said. So I think the team is locked in and ready to take this thing, take it for the keeping.Liberty, which split the 2013 and 2014 conference titles with Coastal Carolina, has had a season not entirely unlike the Bucs. The Flames lost three of their first four during a gauntlet that saw them visit Virginia Tech and SMU before hosting FCS national runner-up Jacksonville State, then have steadied themselves with five straight wins since freshman Stephen Calvert became the starting quarterback.Add in Turner Gill being suspended for an assistants text message scholarship offer prior to when NCAA rules allowed, and its almost like looking in the mirror.But while Chadwell served his ban Oct. 29 against Bucknell, Gill has yet to sit out and must do so before the end of the regular season. The only other option is next weeks finale against Coastal Carolina, which is no longer a conference game.Gill has no intention of missing this one.Theres gonna be inspiration and theres gonna be energy, said Gill, whose team is 14-2 in November since his arrival in Lynchburg. This kind of game always brings that out so Im not gonna have to worry about trying to get our guys ready to play.Neither is Chadwell. The Bucs have to beat both Liberty and Kennesaw State in next weeks regular-season finale to share the title with Liberty. They may be on the outside of the playoffs if they dont pull the sweep, so Chadwell believes his team is focused.When its looked like our backs are against the wall, weve found a way to tear it down, he said. I expect nothing less of our team right now. I like how theyve responded to the loss. Theyve not dwelled on it. Theyve moved forward, which has been good, and we need to (in order) to have a chance to beat a really good football team on the road.If they do anything offensively like they did in their last visit to Lynchburg, theyll be in good shape. Charleston Southern racked up a program-record 576 yards two years ago at Williams, running for 359 and four scores in a 38-36 win. Last season it was Austin Brown doing the damage through the air, throwing for 301 yards and four TDs in a 31-24 win.Save for a 59-58 double-overtime victory against Coastal Carolina, the Bucs defense has been outstanding against FCS competition. Thats been particularly true in league play, where theyve allowed a total of 27 points and just 4.28 yards per play in three games. The latter number would look a heck of a lot better without the 235 rushing yards Gardner-Webb racked up, however.Libertys Todd Macon and Carrington Mosley will hope to have similar success after coming alive in the last three games. The duo has totaled 613 yards and six touchdowns in that stretch.Run like that again Saturday and the Flames might be high-stepping directly into the playoffs for just the second time in program history. Sf Air Force 1 Mid Nere . PAUL, Minn. Air Force 1 Scontate . The Vikings announced Thursday that Priefer will be one of seven holdovers from the previous staff, along with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, wide receivers coach George Stewart and others. Norv Turner will mark his 30th year of coaching in the NFL as the offensive co-ordinator, as widely reported for weeks, and George Edwards will be the defensive co-ordinator. http://www.airforce1outletitalia.it/scontate-air-force-1-alte-hand-wash-cold.html .Y. -- Bills receiver Stevie Johnson has a bone to pick with the NFL schedule maker. Air Force 1 Alte Supreme . In what the team had called a retirement, Ryan said Thursday that he is resigning as chief executive of the Rangers in a move effective at the end of this month. Air Force 1 Alte Graphic . -- If Henry Burris has his way, he will be the starting quarterback to lead the Hamilton Tiger-Cats back to the Grey Cup next year. ?Last month, Simone Biles stuck her landing in the floor exercise to win her fifth medal at the Rio Games and cement her status as an Olympic legend. Last week, the gymnast stuck up for kids with ADHD and became an even bigger hero.After hackers circulated confidential medical records from the World Anti-Doping Agency database and tried to use Biles use of prescription medication to question her credentials, the 19-year-old flipped the script and used the leak to send a powerful message about stigma, mental health and sports. ?As any parent of a child living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, or the more commonly used ADD) can tell you, the disorder -- a developmental condition marked by inattention and distractibility, with or without accompanying hyperactivity -- can pose significant challenges in school and social settings. Up to 11 percent of children aged 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And Biles isnt the only high achiever with the condition; a host of other highly decorated Olympians, including swimmer Michael Phelps, hockey player Cammi Granato and Michelle Carter, an American who won gold in the womens shot put?in Rio, also have ADHD.The leaked medical records revealed that Biles takes Ritalin, a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. The hackers accused her of using an illicit psycho-stimulant while competing, but USA Gymnastics confirmed that Biles had been approved for a therapeutic-use exemption. So she didnt break any rules by taking Ritalin. But her decision to clear the air in such a straightforward way and to take a stand certainly broke down some lingering stereotypes.In spite of the inspiring examples set by Biles and other ADHD all-stars, the condition still carries a certain stigma, says Dr. David Conant-Norville, a psychiatrist in Beaverton, Oregon, who specializes in adolescents and ADHD. Athletes with ADHD are facing an oversized set of obstacles, he says. And ADHD can be a confounding condition because it often makes kids fidgety and unable to focus and yet -- as Biles proved so inspirationally -- many ADHD athletes are capable of concentrating intently on an activity they find rewarding. ?Sports can provide a sanctuary for children with ADHD. Phelps was a hyperactive kid who was diagnosed with the disorder at age 9. His mother, Debbie, once recalled being told by a teacher, Your son will never be able to focus on anything. Then he found structure and purpose in the pool, and went on to become the most decorated Olympian of all time.Carter was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia during elementary school. I was definitely a handful back then, she says. I could not sit down long enough to study. She says that tutoring helped her get on track academically.?And as she gained confidence in school, Carter also found a passion in track and field. With the help of supportive coaches -- like her dad, Michael, a former Olympian and nose tackle for the San Francisco 49ers -- she excelled at shot put, made the U.S. national team at 15 and earned a scholarship to the University of Texas.?The hackers arent the only ones who take umbrage with ADHD. Some coaches still scoff at the disorder, mistaking its real, medical symptoms for bad behavior, poor parenting or an athlete just not trying hard enough and dismissing the kid as uncoachable.Both parents and coaches need to understand that distracted, impulsive or hyper behaviors are not willful, but part of the brain wiring in ADHD children, says Dr. Ronald?Kamm, a past president of the International Society for Sport Psychiatry??and member of USA Gymnastics national health care referral network.dddddddddddd Its not personal. Its the condition. Prescribing medication for an ADHD child is no different from prescribing insulin for a diabetic. ?And medications such as Ritalin, which helps control symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, do not give athletes an unfair edge in competition, Kamm says. They are performance enablers, not performance enhancers, he says. They simply level the playing field so that someone like Simone Biles has the same amount of dopamine in her prefrontal cortex as her competitors do.Coaches who cut or bench kids simply because they dont have the patience to deal with their ADHD or assume the kid is too scatterbrained to succeed in sports do them a great disservice, says Conant-Norville. Many ADHD kids need sports as an outlet for their energy -- not to mention a way to rebuild confidence clobbered by the negative reinforcement they get from teachers, coaches or their neurotypical peers.Sports can be a wonderful opportunity for these kids to experience success, says Conant-Norville, who also serves as psychiatric consultant to the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Finding a coach who can understand an ADHD athletes challenges, channel her energy and appreciate her gifts is key, he says. But make no mistake -- as Biles showed, kids with ADHD do have very special gifts.Having ADHD can actually be an advantage in certain?sports, Kamm says. You scan the world around you while the coach is talking and take in more than the average kid does. That can work against you in certain situations, like when your mom is talking about cleaning your room. But in athletics it can work for you. Kids with ADHD can see the whole field. They can take in everything thats going on all at once and change focus rapidly. So it makes sense that they thrive in certain, fast-paced sports.The impulsivity and fearlessness common in kids with ADHD also comes in handy in individual sports like martial arts or gymnastics, where ADHD isnt a hindrance, but perhaps a superpower. The key -- as with all superpowers -- is learning to harness it.Biles was clearly at the height of her powers in Rio. The hackers may have tried to seize on outdated stigmas and misperceptions, but they didnt succeed in overshadowing an Olympians proud moment. The response from Biles was clear: ADHD is not shameful, and taking medication to help manage its symptoms is not cheating. Biles -- along with Phelps and Carter -- is a world-class athlete who simply happens to have ADHD.Its such a positive when athletes share their personal stories, Kamm says. It normalizes it. It shows that people with ADHD can become high achievers.Carter, a three-time Olympian and a seven-time U.S. champion in shot put, briefly tried medication to help her manage the symptoms of ADHD but says it made her overly focused on mundane tasks so she stopped taking it. She says she hopes her success in athletics will encourage and inspire others with learning and attention issues.What I would tell a kid with ADHD and dyslexia or someone who struggles with anything in life is this: When you put your mind to it, you can do anything, says Carter. Learning disabilities do not go away, but you learn how to adapt. You may have to work a little bit harder, it may take a long time, you just may do it differently -- but you can do it.Aimee Crawford (@AimeeJCrawford) is a senior editor for ESPN.com and a baseball, soccer, hockey and hoops mom/coach to two sports-obsessed kids. ' ' '

THIBODAUX, La. -- DeAndre Harris made four 3-pointers and scored 22 points, Liam Thomas had 14 points, 10 rebounds and broke his own school record with nine blocks, and Nicholls rolled past Division-II Thomas University (Georgia) 95-63 on Sunday.The Colonels (5-5) were playing at home for the first time since Nov. 17 and only the second time this season. They made the most of it with their second-highest point total this season behind a 106-103 overtime win over Samford last month.JaDante Frye scored 12 of his 15 points and Thomas had eight blocks by halftime when Nicholls led 43-19.Johnathan Bell added 12 points, Stevie Repichowski 11 and Zach Young 10 for Nicholls, which made 11 of 25 from the arc and 34 of 45 free throws.Javoris Cooks made all 10 of his free throws and scored 21 points for the Night Hawks, who were 2 of 16 on 3-point attempts. Ronnie Lott Super Bowl Jersey .C. -- Chris Thorburn thinks one of the reasons the Winnipeg Jets have been successful under new coach Paul Maurice is that theyre playing together as a team. Frank Gore Super Bowl Jersey . -- Brandon Jennings made the most of his first game with the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. https://www.49ersrookiestore.com/49ers-Trent-Taylor-Jersey/ .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. Jimmy Garoppolo Super Bowl Jersey . Most important, perhaps, it went off without a hitch. Organizers poked a little fun at the now-infamous opening ceremony gaffe that saw only four out of five snowflakes open up into rings, leaving the Olympics logo one ring short. Roger Craig Super Bowl Jersey . Its 1987 and a Brazilian playmaker, known as Mirandinha, is being paraded around St James Park to the passionate Newcastle fans. CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Chandler Hutchison had 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead Boise State to a 91-70 victory over Western Michigan and seventh place at the Charleston Classic on Sunday.The Broncos (2-2) took control when they closed the first half on an 8-2 run. The charge continued after the break as Boise State opened with 21-6 run and eventually led by 27 points in the final minutes.Paris Austin had 17 points on perfect shooting -- 6 of 6 from the floor, 5 of 5 at the line -- for Boise State..dddddddddddd. For Hutchison, it was his second double-double of the tournament and third this season.Western Michigan (1-4) had hoped to end its futility in Charleston, but instead fell to 0-6 all-time in this event.Western Michigan coach Steve Hawkins was called for two technicals and ejected for arguing with officials. Thomas Wilder led the Broncos with 14 points. ' ' '

Although it starts in the heat and humidity and finishes alongside holiday shopping and the occasional snowstorm, the college soccer season is a sprint mixed with a demolition derby. After close to 30 games in just three and a half months, a new champion will be crowned. That is, unless Penn State becomes the first school other than North Carolina to retain that prize for a second consecutive season.So as opening games approach, here are five questions only the 2016 season can answer.1. Why could the season hinge on Papua New Guinea?The College Cup heads back to familiar turf in Cary, North Carolina, relocated there because of construction delays on a new stadium in Orlando, Florida. The national title will be settled on Dec. 4, but what happens at almost the same time on the other side of the globe will shape the season. Played biennially, the FIFA Under-20 Womens World Cup comes to a close in Papua New Guinea a day before the NCAA title game in Cary.The timing, coming so late in the year instead of in late summer, as it was two years ago in Canada, means that members of the United States team (as well as a handful of players on other international teams) will redshirt the college season rather than balance the physical and academic demands of a college season against World Cup preparations. So North Carolina will have to make do without emerging star Jessie Scarpa. Rutgers will have to follow up its College Cup run without goalkeeper Casey Murphy. And Mallory Pughs college debut will be delayed.Few teams will pay a steeper price than reigning national champion Penn State, which may find itself in the odd position of being too talented to defend its title. In addition to Raquel Rodriguez and Mallory Weber, among other departed seniors, the Nittany Lions also stand to be without Maddie Elliston, Ellie Jean, Emily Ogle and Kaleigh Riehl. Each of the five played an important role in the title and would otherwise be returning as a sophomore or junior. Thankfully for Penn State,?Rose Chandler has decided to stay and play.Penn State coach Erica Dambach has set the program up to be more than a one-hit wonder, but even with the arrival of some international reinforcements, its true title defense will wait a year.2. Is Duke the next program to claim its championship?The College Cup in recent years has become a model of democratization. Stanford won its long overdue first championship in 2011. Pac-12 rival UCLA followed two years later. Florida State finally lifted its first trophy in 2014, while Penn State managed the same a year ago. Among them, those schools compiled 23 appearances in the College Cup before ever winning a title.Call it the North Carolina corollary, a logjam of quality programs only now breaking through.Strictly by volume, Connecticut is next in line to make good after seven semifinals. While the Huskies could have their best team in quite some time (their last College Cup trip came in 2003), predicting a championship run would be bold. No, given the current landscape of college soccer, the best program without a title is a two-team race between Duke and Virginia.There is a case to be made for both -- ACC coaches voted Virginia second in the preseason conference poll, one spot behind Florida State and one spot ahead of Duke. If Duke was admittedly a surprise national finalist a season ago, upsetting Florida, Stanford and Florida State to reach the final game, it was only as a team ahead of schedule -- not as a team that came out of nowhere.The Blue Devils return 10 of 11 starters from the championship game, as well as depth beyond those assets. Christina Gibbons is a potentially world-class defensive cornerstone, but the entire back four returns in front of experienced goalkeeper E.J. Proctor. The midfield and forward lines lack someone with a proven record of scoring double-digit goals, but there is no shortage of players with the potential to do just that, including Taylor Racioppi, who played in the 2014 U-20 World Cup and was eligible again but elected to focus on school.Duke seemed poised for more after it reached the final game in 2011. That championship never materialized, but the current cast is ready to bring the trophy to the other end of Tobacco Row.Five more contenders: Florida State, North Carolina, Stanford, Virginia, West Virginia.3. Why could UCLA challenge even without Mallory Pugh?To be clear, the Bruins would rather have Pugh, the 18-year-old who earned a starting place on the U.S. Olympic team with dazzling attacking skills. UCLA coach Amanda Cromwell not only beat out the rest of college soccers upper crust to secure Pughs services but also the allure of a professional contract (at least for now), only to have to wait another year as Pugh delays her enrollment to compete in the U-20 World Cup.With Pugh slaloming through overmatched defenses, there would be no doubt that UCLA would return to the NCAA tournament after last seasons surprising postseason absenteeism.With Jessie Fleming, the Canadian version of Pugh, that should still be the case.Cromwell believes the team that endured that sobering season, which reached its nadir in a 7-0 loss to California in late October, will be better for it. A senior class that includes Annie Alvarado, Darian Jenkins and Amber Munerlyn began as followers on a national championship team (minus Munerlyn, who transferred from North Carolina) and had to learn how to lead on its own.Optimism also comes from a starting lineup in the teams exhibition opener that included Anika Rodriguez, a well-regarded redshirt freshman returning from a season lost to injury, and Julia Hernandez, a Spanish import who was a prolific scorer in the junior college ranks a season ago.But its Fleming, who Cromwell said will put on the uniform for the Bruins despite her own U-20 World Cup commitments later in the season, who ought to make Westwood excited. A member of Canadas World Cup roster at 17 years old and a starter on the most pleasant surprise of the Olympics at 18 years old, she should be a game-changing, goal-creating presence for UCLA.4. Who are five contenders for the Hermann Trophy?Kadeisha Buchanan, D, West Virginia: She was among the best defenders in college soccer from the moment she stepped on the field in Morgantown, so it is understandable if it feels as if the Canadian World Cup and Olympic veteran has been around forever. But a year after both she and Virginias Emily Sonnett made a run at becoming just the second defender to win the Hermann, Buchanan may be both physically and mentally the best player in college soccer.Megan Connolly, MF, Florida State: The Irish international led the Seminoles in assists (10) and ranked second in goals (9) as a freshman. Now shes the focal point on a team that bid farewell to a lot of attacking talent. If she gets to double digits in both categories and the Seminoles keep winning while turning over the lineup, count her among the favorites.Savannah Jordan, F, Florida: Physical, fearless and competitively edgy, Jordan enters her final season with 65 career goals, 13 more goals than any other active player. Shes chasing history at this stage. Only 10 players in Division I history scored at least 90 career goals, and there arent many names on that list that you would struggle to place. Only Christine Sinclair, Sarah Hagen and Tiffany Weimer reached that milestone playing entirely this century.Rose Lavelle, MF, Wisconsin: There are parallels between Lavelles time at Wisconsin and Morgan Brians time at Virginia, two dynamic midfielders who lifted programs to new heights. With Penn States personnel issues and Rutgers trying to reshape its stellar defense, the door is open for the Badgers in the Big Ten and beyond. They open the season No. 16. If they close it among the final four, their talisman may bring home the Hermann.Andi Sullivan, MF, Stanford: A richly experienced player in the youth national system, most recently with the U-23 team this past summer, Sullivan seems destined at some point to get a look from the senior team. If not quite there yet, she is an exceptional college midfielder. That balance isnt necessarily going to produce gaudy statistics, but if shes the best player on one of the best teams in the country, its going to attract attention.5. Three more stories to follow this season1. The best show in college soccer: BYU ended Portlands long run as the national attendance leader a season ago, topping the country in both average (3,497) and total attendance (38,466). There is no reason to expect a slide in Provo, not as long as Nadia Gomes and Ashley Hatch are on the field together. A breakthrough star as a sophomore in 2014, when she scored 18 goals in 21 games, Hatch battled injuries through much of the 2015 season. That wasnt good news for BYU, but it did give all those fans in Provo more opportunity to appreciate Gomes, a Utah product who played for Portugal as a youth international.2. Kansas States debut: And then there was one. Kansas States first season of varsity womens soccer leaves Georgia Tech as the only school in the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 or SEC that doesnt sponsor the sport. The Wildcats wont begin a Big 12 schedule until next season, easing into existence against mostly mid-major and low-major opponents. The lone major-conference opponent (unless you count the Big Easts Creighton) is at Texas on Oct. 7.3. Players on the move: Among the most intriguing moves, senior forward Emily Bruder moves to Colorado from North Carolina. A former U.S. international at youth levels, Bruder never quite found her footing between injuries and depth in Chapel Hill. She could provide much needed goal scoring in Boulder, needed all the more because Brie Hooks transferred from Colorado to Seattle University. A Seattle-area native, Hooks scored 21 goals in three Pac-12 seasons and could make a big difference for what is already a burgeoning mid-major power. Goal scoring is also a big part of the resume of LSUs Nicole Howard, who scored 40 goals for Lewis and Clark Community College last year and was the national junior college player of the year. Its almost impossible to project what that means in the context of Division I competition in the SEC, but its worth watching. Butch Byrd . PAUL, Minn. Neil Halleck . -- On the field, it was business as usual for Jameis Winston and No. https://www.cheapnfljerseyschina.co/deuce-lutui-jersey-for-sale/ . The 18th player to shoot 60 on the tour, Jamieson settled for par on the final hole when his 15-foot birdie chip grazed the edge of the hole and stayed out. After opening with rounds of 66 and 73 to make the cut by a stroke, he had 11 birdies in the bogey-free round. Louis Riddick . Bjorn, who had a 36-hole total of 8-under 134, made a testing six-foot putt to save par on the 16th and a birdie on the 17th before bogeying the final hole after a misjudged approach shot. American Kevin Streelman was in second place after shooting a 69. Al Burton . 10 VCU 85-67 on Thursday night at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. The Seminoles (4-0) have scored at least 80 points in each of their games. CLEVELAND -- The Browns are dropping like, well, the Browns.Decimated by injuries since the season opener, Cleveland placed starting left guard Joel Bitonio on injured reserve Friday. They also ruled out quarterback Josh McCown for this weeks game at Tennessee as he continues to recover from a broken left collarbone.Bitonios loss is another blow to the winless Browns (0-5), who have already started three quarterbacks, played five this season, and had no luck.Rookie quarterback Cody Kessler will start against the Titans, one week after he sustained an injury to his chest and ribs in a loss to New England. McCown returned to practice for the first time since getting hurt on Sept. 18, but the 37-year-old isnt ready to play. With McCown still sidelined, rookie Kevin Hogan, promoted from the practice squad earlier this week, will back up Kessler.Browns coach Hue Jackson said McCown needs more time to heal.He is getting there, Jackson said Friday. He is doing some things really well, but we are going to err on the side of caution with our guys before we stick them out there. I want to make sure they are really healed up and ready to go. Just talking to our medical staff, it is the best thing to do for another week.Already banged up, the Browns could be without top cornerback Joe Haden on Sunday. Haden has a new groin injury -- he missed one game earlier this season -- and has been limited in practice. Jackson said Haden got hurt just running in practice.Hogan will be listed as Clevelands No. 2 quarterback, but wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, the former Ohio State and Oakland QB, could line up behind center as he did in Week 3 when he took 14 snaps against Miami.If Hogan has to play, Jackson said he has confidence in the former Stanford standout drafted in the fifth round by Kansas City before being waived and claimed byy Cleveland.ddddddddddddObviously, he has practiced and been in meetings, Jackson said. He has always been in meetings and real engaged, but I think he understands obviously there is potential he could go out there and play. That is a different dynamic for a player when you think through it all, and for me, as well. Last week, that was not the case. He was in street clothes. This week he will be dressed up, and he will be out there just in case things dont go as well.Things havent gone well for the Browns since the first kickoff to 2016.Quarterback Robert Griffin III broke a bone in his left shoulder in the opener; McCown got hurt the following week along with starting center Cam Erving, who sustained a bruised lung and is still out. His replacement, Austin Reiter, tore knee ligaments, and kicker Patrick Murray sustained a season-ending knee injury in practice. Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst injured his left knee late in last weeks game and was waived.If that wasnt enough, wide receiver Josh Gordon checked into rehab days before his league drug suspension was to end.The latest setback is to Bitonio, who sustained a mid-foot sprain on the final play of the first half Sunday when the Browns threw a long desperation pass into the end zone.It was freak, Bitonio said. Foot got tangled up a little bit and I didnt even go to the ground, just felt like, `Oh, that hurt a little bit. Then after the game, I went in and they checked it out and did some more tests and stuff, and we realized it was a little worse.With Bitonio out, the Browns will again be forced to shuffle an offensive line already struggling to protect the quarterback.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '

Chris Morris cracked eight sixes in an unbeaten 82 off 32 balls for Delhi Daredevils but it wasnt enough for them to win a fourth straight game in the IPL, losing to Gujarat Lions by one run in a thrilling contest in the Indian capital. It was a tale of two halves, in both innings, as Gujarat raced through to 110-0 from their first 10 overs after being asked to bat first, but lost 62-6 in the second 10.In contrast, Delhi were 51-3 at the midway point of their reply, before Morris helped the hosts launch 120 from the final 10, but it wasnt to be enough.The win returns Gujarat to the top of the IPL table having won their fifth game in six, while Delhi are third, having suffered their first defeat in four.The game got off to flying start as Gujarat openers Brendon McCullum (60 off 36 balls) and Dwayne Smith (53 off 30) both cracked quick-fire fifties.Smith struck four boundaries, albeit three streakily edged down to third man, as 18 runs were scored from Zaheer Khans opening over. The panel discuss the thrilling match between Gujarat Lions and Delhi Daredevils. The Lions won by one run in an instant classic Smith more emphatically powered a couple of sixes over the ropes in the next few overs as Gujarat raced through to fifty in four overs, the fastest team to fifty in the tournament.McCullum cleared the boundary twice too, but only just with his first effort, Sanju Samson palming the ball over with his dropped catch at deep cover with McCullum on just two.The former New Zealand skipper would make Delhi pay with a 27-ball fifty, while Smith reached his own half century in one ball fewer, bringing up the milestone with his third six.Soon after though Smith was gone, out lbw to Imran Tahir (3-24), while Morris (2-35) impressed initially with the ball in hand, bowling McCullum and removing Suresh Raina for two in the same over, to further limit the Lions.Gujarat struggled to regain their free-flowing run-scoring of their openers for the rest of their innings, with Tahir striking twice more and JP Duminy once, though James Faulkner did contribute a handy unbeaten 22 from 13.Dhawal Kulkarni (3-19) took three wickets in his opening spell - his first over a wicket-maiden - accounting for Samson, the in-form Quinton de Kock, and Karun Nair as the Daredevils slumped to 16-3 in their first four overs.Duminy (48 off 43) rebuilt, finally receiving some support from South African team-mate Morris, who signalled his intent by cracking his third ball for six.Back-to-back maximums from Morris off Pravin Tambe soon followed, before the Delhi allrounder went one better with three in a row off Smith, the second seeing him through to a 17-ball fifty.With just 29 needed from the final three overs, Delhi were suddenly favourites, but Duminy perished to a Dwayne Bravo slower ball and Praveen Kumar bowled a terrific penultimate over costing just four runs.It left 14 runs for Delhi to get from the final over, the first ball of which Morris smacked for four thanks to a Faulkner misfield, and despite some further poor fielding from Gujarat, they held on for a nail-biting one-run win.Watch continued coverage of the IPL on Sky Sports, with the next live action seeing Mumbai Indians face Kolkata Knight Riders from 3pm on Sky Sports 2 on Thursday.

RIO DE JANEIRO -- For months, fears about the Rio de Janeiro Olympics have been hogging the spotlight.There are concerns about safety amid a surge of murders in Rio and extremist attacks in Europe and the United States. Polluted beaches and other waterways could make athletes and visitors ill, and the Zika virus has scared some competitors away.If all that wasnt enough, the state of Rio is so broke that months ago it stopped paying thousands of public employees; angry police have periodically been greeting tourists in the international airport with signs that say, Welcome to hell!If history is a guide, however, a focus on the problems is all part of the script in the run up to the games. Once the competitions start, most if not all of the problems fade into the background -- at least for the athletes, tourists and millions watching around the world.Such negative coverage has a very simple explanation, says Michael Heine, director of the Center for Olympic Studies at Western University.The event is about sports, but you cant find sporting material because the whistle hasnt gone yet, said Heine. So what else do you write about?Coverage ahead of the 2012 Olympics in London included stories about terrorism fears and concerns about civil liberties in light of increased military and police presence. The run up to 2008 Games in Beijing put a spotlight on authoritarianism and extreme air pollution in China. In Athens 2004, there were myriad questions about whether the venues would be ready in time.Many Brazilians feel frustrated that the expectations are overwhelmingly negative, especially when the country has pulled off big events like the 2014 World Cup.They argue that such accounts dont take into account Brazilian jeito, or way of doing things, which includes an easy-going nature and a penchant for successfully pulling things off at the last moment. And the doomsday scenarios all but ignore samba dancing and capoeira martial arts, beautiful coastlines contrasted by mountains covered with lush jungle, stunning sunrises and sunsets, caipirinha cocktails and culinary options that range from meat-eaters delights to exotic fish plucked from the Amazon River.No one throws parties like Brazil, said Denis Eduardo, a 34-year-old travel agent from Sao Paulo traveling to Rio for the games. People might be bashing Brazil now, as if all previous Olympics had been perfect, but it wont be long until they are all enjoying it here.Brazils problems, however, go beyond what other recent countries hosting the Olympics have faced. Latin Americas largest economy and most populous nation is suffering its worst recession in decades. A political crisis has paralyzed the country and brought out deep polarization -- which could very well translate into large protests during the competitions.The opening ceremony will highlight the cloud hanging over the country: Interim President Michel Temer will ring in the games while impeached President Dilma Rousseff, suspended for alleged fiscal irregularities in her managing of the budget, stays home.Even in normal times, Brazils infrastructure is poor. Building collapses are frequent, clogged and pot-holed plagued streets turn traffic into parking lots and electricity and running water are not always a given, even in rich areas.When the Australian delegation complained last week about dangling wires, bursting toilets and gas smells in the Olympic Village apartments, they were experiencing things that are common for Brazilians.The April collapse of a coastal bike lane, an Olympics legacy project inaugurated with much fanfare just a few months before, underscored how dangerous shoddy construction can be. Two men plunged to their death when a big wave turned a large chunk of the path into a mountain of concrete and metal.The lane has been shut down while authorities investigate. However, there is little doubt that the engineering was deficient or the construction was faulty, or a combination of both.David Wallechinsky, president of the International Society of Olympic Historians who will be attending the games, says the last-minute completion of major projects reminds him of an episode in Athens.On the way back from watching a beach volleyball game, his wife and son got stuck in a newly-built metro train. It was over 90 degrees and the doors were not working, so several men pried them open.When Wallechinsky looked into it he was told: We just inaugurated it yesterday.In Brazil, are they doing this for the metro system, the venues? Has everything been checked out? he asked.Arguably the biggest fear is security. The recession has exacerbated the already precarious situation of millions who live in the citys hundreds of slums; Armed men sometimes descend from the hills to rob unsuspecting tourists and more well-to-do locals.After recent attacks in Orlando, Florida, and Nice, France, Brazilian authorities have gone on the offensive in recent weeks, arresting more than a dozen men who had expressed allegiance to the Islamic State group -- but had done almost nothing to actually plan an attack.Soldiers wearing bullet proof vests and carrying automatic weapons have been blanketing the airports, malls and tourist areas in recent weeks. Authorities say 85,000 soldiers and police will be on hand during the games, roughly twice the number on hand in London.I understand that people are concerned about security, said Alexandre Braga, chief of the citys tourist police unit. But I dont think there will be any major problems in Rio.----Associated Press reporter Mauricio Savarese contributed to this report.----Peter Prengaman on Twitter: http://twitter.com/peterprengaman Davante Adams Super Bowl Jersey . MORITZ, Switzerland -- Fog prevented downhill racers from getting their Olympic dress rehearsal. JK Scott Super Bowl Jersey .J. -- Marty Brodeur beat the Pittsburgh Penguins yet again. http://www.officialgreenbaypackerspro.com/Jamaal-williams-packers-jersey/ . U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield in Manhattan agreed that lawyers on both sides could make their formal requests by Nov. 8. A hearing is scheduled for a day earlier. Jordan Siev, a lawyer for Rodriguez, wrote in a joint letter to the judge from lawyers on both sides that MLB lawyers planned to ask that the lawsuit be dismissed. Jaire Alexander Super Bowl Jersey . -- Five former Kansas City Chiefs players who were on the team between 1987 and 1993 filed a lawsuit Tuesday claiming the team hid and even lied about the risks of head injuries during that time period when there was no collective bargaining agreement in place in the NFL. Billy Turner Super Bowl Jersey . 4 Villanova with a 96-68 drubbing on Monday. Wragge hit 9-of-14 from behind the arc, matching Kyle Korvers school record for 3-pointers in a game set in 2003, as Creighton (16-3, 6-1 Big East broke a conference record with 21 treys in the rout. WASHINGTON -- Jalen Smith led a balanced attack with 20 points and New Hampshire turned back American 80-70 on Tuesday night.Iba Camara added 16 points, Jordan Reed 12, Daniel Dion 11 and Tanner Leissner 10 for the Wildcats (6-3).New Hampshire made 12 of 17 3-pointers -- the same as its free throw totals -- and shot 56 percent from the field (28 of 50). Smith and Reed both had four from long distance. It was a career-high for Reed on four attempts, all in the second haalf.ddddddddddddLeading 34-33 at the half, New Hampshire had a 14-2 run to take a 65-51 lead with 7:21 to play. Smith started and ended the surge with 3-pointers. The Eagles (1-7) were within nine points late but Smith made two free throws, Dion made 3 of 4 and David W

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - J.A. Happ and Alex Cobb stood side by side on Sunday afternoon and called on Major League Baseball to provide pitchers with the option to wear protective head gear. "Whether that pitcher wants to pitch with head gear or not is up to him but I definitely think there should be an option," said Cobb. "I havent heard too much but I do know that its moving in the right direction and hopefully there will be an option by next year." The league has been studying different prototypes, including caps with enhanced padding, since last offseason. So far nothing has been approved. "I think youd be crazy not to look into it if it was available," said Happ. "I think function is the big issue. We were struck in the ear so like I said it would almost have to be a helmet situation. If it was functional and comfortable and didnt hinder the performance at all then absolutely." Both pitchers are linked by separate, equally scary, incidents at Tropicana Field this season. It was May 7 when Happ, pitching to Desmond Jennings in the second inning of an eventual 6-4 win, was struck in the side of the head by a line drive. He crumpled to the ground. Onlookers thought he was out cold even though he wasnt, and eventually he was carted off the field. Happ suffered a minor skull fracture behind his left ear. Stitches repaired a nasty gash to his ear. The worst of his injuries, however, were to his right knee. He suffered strained MCL and PCL ligaments when his leg buckled underneath him. Happs return, which came exactly three months after the incident, would have been much sooner if not for the knee trouble. Almost six weeks after Happ was hurt, an Eric Hosmer line drive hit Cobb in the head in the fifth inning of the June 15 Rays-Royals game. Cobb suffered a concussion and had to work through the effects of his head trauma before returning to the majors on Thursday, exactly two months after the incident. The two men didnt know each other beforehand and since, theyve kept in touch via text messages and have struck up a friendship. While neither relied on the other for support through the recovery process, they share a bond very few can understand. "Not too many people know what youve gone through on a personal level so to know his battles, although they were different, they were almost more severe and more troublesome in some cases with his knee," said Cobb. "Its really nice to see him back out on a big league field and pitching well, too." Happ happened to be watching at the time Cobb was injured. "It was just such a surreal thing," said Happ. "Again, just to see him and be able to catch up and see that the healing has taken place, thats the biggest thing. Definitely a scare with some of the issues that he had to deal with that I didnt. "He had a little bit more to overcome in that sense and really glad to see he was able to do that." J. J. Stokes Jersey . Aside from the trilogy main event title fight, there are a number of intriguing matchups in the heavyweight, welterweight and lightweight divisions. Custom Nick Bosa Jersey . Oyama had six birdies and two bogeys at Kintetsu Kashikojima in the event also sanctioned by the Japan LPGA Tour. "I have been having this neck ache thats been affecting my golf recently," Oyama said. http://www.custom49ersjersey.com/custom-jaquiski-tartt-jersey-large-2958d.html . Numbers Game examines the deal that sees Michael Del Zotto and Kevin Klein switch places. The Predators Get: D Michael Del Zotto. George Kittle Jersey . Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced Wednesday that the team would assign Swedish forward Elias Lindholm to his nations team for the upcoming tournament. Clyde Conner Jersey . General manager Jarmo Kekalainen told Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch on Friday that he wants to see Gaboriks contributions go beyond the scoresheet before considering a long-term deal for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. Saina Nehwal and B Sai Praneeth defeated their respective opponents to enter the quarterfinals of the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold on Thursday.?It was the sixth time since her return to the circuit after a knee surgery that Saina was stretched into a third game, as she?defeated Indonesias Dinar Dyah Ayustine 17-21, 21-18, 21-12 in 62 minutes.?Praneeth won 21-15 21-17 over fifth-seeded Wong Wing Ki Vincent from Hong Kong in 43 minutes.Nehwal, the top seed, will face unseeded Chinese player Yiman Zhang in the quarterfinals, while Praneeth will take on Chinas Zhao Jun Peng.With the Indonesian leading 7-6 in the first game, Nehwal won five consecutive points to get ahead 11-7. Nehwal couldnt hold on to the lead, however, as Ayustine clawed her way back with two separate bursts of three points for a 14-13 lead.Ahead 16-15, the Indonesian reeled off four straight points before sealing the game 21-17.Down 1-3 in the second game, Nehwal wwon ten straight points to lead 11-3.dddddddddddd. Nehwal failed to hold on to her lead yet again as Ayustine mounted another comeback, coming all the way back from 12-18 to 18-18. Nehwal held her nerve, however, winning the next three points to take the game 21-18.Nehwal dominated the deciding game, surging ahead from 11-9 to comfortably close it out 21-12.Parupalli Kashyap, the other Indian in the mens singles event, lost 13-21, 20-22 to Lin Yu Hsien from Chinese Taipei in 45 minutes. He had previously defeated Chinese Taipeis?Chun-Wei Chen 21-19 21-8 in the second round to reach the pre-quarters.In the mens doubles event, third seeds Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy ended their campaign in the second round after losing 20-22, 19-21 to?Singapores Danny Bawa Chrisnanta and Hendra Wijaya in 40 minutes. ' ' '

Karnataka 414 (Gautam 63*, Agarwal 56, Nair 53, Samarth 53, Sood 4-80) beat Delhi 90 (Aravind 4-12, Gowtham 3-26) and 164 (Sood 41*, Gowtham 5-35) by an innings and 160 runsScorecardDelhis coach KP Bhaskar lamented how batsmen these days, particularly in domestic cricket, undermined the use of technique in search of flexibility. Back in our days, technique was most important. Then came potential, and fitness was third. Today, technique has gone to number three. On Saturday, the third day in Kolkata, his batsmen did not do much to disprove that theory as Karnataka won by an innings and 160 runs to walk away with seven points. That Delhi were nearly bowled out twice in under a session each time, even as Karnataka stacked up 414 showed the Eden Gardens surface was not to blame for the batting debacle. This was a classic case of what Daljit Singh, BCCIs chief curator, termed the middle wicket that assisted seamers early on, eased out for batsmen to make merry and then took turn. By being bowled out for 90 in the first innings, Delhi did not give themselves a chance to make best use of the surface, where as many as five Karnataka batsmen made half-centuries.If it was S Aravind, who ran through Delhis line-up in a fine exhibition of seam bowling in the first innings, offspinner K Gowtham, playing in only his second first-class game in nearly four years, did the bulk of the damage on Saturday. That he had the luxury of attacking fields helped him lure the batsmen repeatedly with flight. And batsmen fell into the trap of trying to break free. The end result was a maiden five-wicket haul.After a failure in the first innings, this was an opportunity for Gautam Gambhir to knuckle down and bat long. If match time was what he wanted, he could not have asked for a better challenge. Abhimanyu Mithun, darting the ball both ways, and Aravind, coming off a four-for in the first innings, tested Gambhirs front-foot play. But three plays and misses later, he poked at an away-going delivery that was gobbled at second slip by Robin Uthappa. Mithun had two in two when he got a ball to deviate late to square up Dhruv Shorey and hit the top of off stump.Nitish Rana held fort briefly for 28 runs, but was foxed by a straighter one from Gowtham. Delhis lack of application and match awareness increasingly became visible when Rishabh Pant, coming off a triple-century in the previous game against Maharashtra in Mumbai, started with a six, but fell soon after when he was sucked into a drive that carried to second slip. Unmukt Chand, the vice-captain, tried to fetch a slog sweep from outside off, only to top-edge to Karun Nair at first slip. At 94 for 7, there was a possibility of the match finishing before lunch.That they just managed to stretch it beyond was largely due to Karnataka switching off briefly as the interval approached. It took them little over 10 overs into the second session to wrap up the match, when Aravind, quite fittingly, had the final wicket when the ball beat Pawan Suyals slog to send the off stump on a cartwheel. Varun Sood swung his way to 41 not out in the interim, when Delhi needed to bat out 180 overs to save the game. Air Max 270 React Pas Cher Livraison Rapide .C. -- Calgarys Kevin Koe did it the hard way again. Air Max 270 React Winter . With their top three point guards and Kobe Bryant all sidelined by injury, the Lakers signed Marshall out of the D-League on Friday before their home game against Minnesota. http://www.airmax270reactpascher.fr/ .Y. - New Orleans forward Anthony Davis was chosen Friday to replace the injured Kobe Bryant in the NBA All-Star game that will be played in his home city. Air Max 270 React Grise Pas Cher . The move comes after the Canadiens were approached by the Buffalo Sabres for permission to speak to Dudley - a former Sabres player and head coach. "The Sabres called for permission and I appreciate that, Im flattered, Dudley told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun of ESPN. Air Max 270 React City of Speed Pas Cher . Giroud, who wasnt in the starting lineup for two matches after allegations about his private life and a decline in form, scored twice in the first half. Tomas Rosickys chip made it 3-0 before half time at Emirates Stadium, while defender Laurent Koscielny scored an unmarked header in the second half. LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas coach David Beaty still has not announced a starting quarterback for Saturdays opener against Rhode Island, and its not because he is trying to keep it a secret.He insists that he legitimately doesnt know.Ill know a lot more after today and Ill know a heck of a lot after tomorrow, Beaty said Tuesday. So were getting close. Weve got good choices.Two potential starters in Montell Cozart and Ryan Willis have had a significant amount of snaps in their careers, while the third prospect -- redshirt freshman Carter Stanley -- may be the most physically gifted of the bunch, a dual-threat quarterback not unlike former Beaty protege Johnny Manziel.There is not a hairs separation from them statistically in fall camp, Beaty said. We literally play `rock, paper, scissors to see who goes first.The quarterback carousel is nothing new at Kansas.There was quarterback controversy in 2012 with Dayne Crist and Michael Cummings, and again the next year with Cozart and Jake Heaps. The same thing happened in 2014 with Cozart and Cummings.Last season, three different quarterbacks lined up in the starting slot at least once.Cozart said he wins the most rock, paper, scissor battles during practice these days, and he uses paper as his weapon of choice. But ames aside, the captain has been a part of the quarterback mix at Kansas for four seasons, making the entire process nothing new.As a freshman in 2013, Heaps started most of the season before Cozart was thrown into the mix as the starter late in the season against West Virginia. He was the starter the next season until Cummings got a chance, just before then-coach Charlie Weis wwas shown the door.ddddddddddddLast season, Cozart started three of the first four games -- he missed one due to illness -- before a season-ending injury. Willis was thrown into the starting role as a freshman.Ive been through it before, Cozart said of the quarterback battle. Ive just got to go into the game with the mindset of when Im in there, controlling what I can, controlling the control-ables.Willis played reasonably well in eight games last season, throwing for 1,719 yards with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His passing yardage was the best by a quarterback at Kansas since Jordan Webb in 2011, and one of the best performances by a freshman in school history.But Willis still has work to do.Hes a baby, Beaty said, referring to his youth. He is by no means a finished product, at all. If he was, he would be named the starting quarterback and hes not.With Cozart healthy, Willis enjoys the battle.We have good competition going on in the room, he said. Iron sharpens iron and this competition is going strong. The cream always rises to the top.In practice thus far, Cozart and Willis are getting the most reps, but Beaty said Stanleys dual-threat ability makes him an intriguing option in a quarterback competition still going strong.Hes got a little moxie to him thats a little bit different, Beaty said. And hes a guy that doesnt say a whole lot right now, but in the game, he is a guy, that I think hes going to have an opportunity when he does get into a football game to really show who he really is. ' ' '

PARIS -- A man who jumped onto the court with a fiery flare spurting white smoke briefly interrupted the French Open final on Sunday between Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer. The topless spectator wearing a white mask surged from the crowd near Nadal as the Spanish player was about to serve for the second set, leading 5-1. The man had the words "Kids right" written on his belly. Security personnel bundled the man to the ground and quickly hauled him away. Roland Garros tournament director Gilbert Ysern did not dwell on the matter. "I have no wish to speak about it, quite honestly. The only thing I will (say) is that luckily our security services did a great job," Ysern said. "I dont want to give any additional publicity to these people, who, sadly, have a lack of a respect for sport and sportsmen. Its just pathetic." The centre-court incident was one of several within the space of a few minutes by protesters. Police officials said a total of 12 people had been handed over by tournament security officials for questioning by police, but are not yet under arrest. A guard stood near Nadal, protecting him, while the protester was subdued. Nadal took a couple of steps back to get away from the protester and, once the protester had been wrestled to the ground, shook the guards hand before resuming play. The match was only briefly delayed. Nadal beat David Ferrer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 to win his eighth French Open title. "I didnt lose my focus," Ferrer said. "Rafael, he was scared a little bit. But nothing happened, so its okay." Just ahead of the on-court protester being carried off, another protester could be seen a row or two back in the stands also being carried off. Stewards also expelled a man and a woman from the Court Philippe Chatrier after they held up a banner that read in French: "Help! France is trampling on childrens rights." Another man and a woman held up a similar banner in English and shouted slogans. "Today was strange," Ferrer said. Five topless protesters also brandishing red flares and wearing white masks climbed to the top of the adjacent Court Suzanne Lenglen and unfurled a banner calling for the resignation of French President Francois Hollande. Christophe Fagniez, the tournaments director of operations, said: "The situation is under control, its in the hands of the police." A male streaker wearing nothing but tennis balls and sneakers ran onto the centre court and hurdled the net during the 2003 final where Juan Carlos Ferrero beat Martin Verkerk. In the 2009 final won by Roger Federer, a man jumped over the photographers pit and ran on the court, went up to the Swiss player and tried to put a red hat on him. Federer brushed the man aside before security guards got close enough to intervene. After hopping the net, the man was tackled and jailed for questioning. 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Richard Dent Jersey .Y. -- Canadas Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse have another World Cup gold medal after winning the two-women bobsled race on Saturday in Lake Placid, N. SACRAMENTO -- The Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers were expected to take little time settling into the bottom portion of the Western Conference standings this season.Instead, theyve spent the campaigns first two weeks stubbornly rebuking that conventional wisdom.Not that they seem all that pleased with themselves heading into the first meeting at the new Golden 1 Center Thursday night.We can get better, Kings C DeMarcus Cousins told reporters after Sacramentos 102-94 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. We had some letups that you cant have.Cousins comments came on the heels of Sacramentos second straight victory. A third consecutive win would put the Kings (4-5) at .500 after 10 games, the second time in three seasons they will have had such an encouraging start. That 2014-15 campaign featured a 9-5 burst from the gate before things fell apart, a path these Kings are trying to avoid.Without more consistent intensity and defensive execution, they will struggle to do so, coaches and players said.I kept getting ticked off about all the shots they were making, Kings coach Dave Joerger said after watching the Pelicans make 49 percent of their shots from the field in the second half, including 10 of 20 in the third quarter. But I kept looking up, and the score was never getting away from us. Ninety-six possessions. Thats not a slow-paced game.Sacramentos defense has been sneaky good at times but it also has gone missing too.The Kings have held three opponents under 100 points and won all three times. But they have surrendered an average of 107.0 points in their five losses. In all, theyve allowed an average of 101.4 points in their first nine contests, down from a league-worst 109.1 per game last season and 13th among the leagues 30 teams.Its not something thhat you can just come out and do, Cousins said.ddddddddddddIt takes a lot of energy, but it also takes a mindset and a focus. We have to more consistent that way.Lakers coach Luke Walton has conveyed a similar message about his team. Fresh off the worst three seasons in franchise history, Los Angeles proved a surprise in the first two weeks, putting together a three-game winning streak and showing off an offense that is tied for fifth in scoring (108.6 points per game). A win against the Kings will give the Lakers four wins in a five-game stretch for the first time since November 2013.But