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Post by Allen on Sept 5, 2012 7:10:03 GMT -5
scores.espn.go.com/nfl/nflpreview?gameId=320905019Cowboys - Giants PreviewThe New York Giants are trying to figure out whether they were the team that split their first 14 games last season, or the one that closed by winning six straight capped by the franchise's fourth Super Bowl title. The Dallas Cowboys could only watch their division rival's unlikely championship run with envy. These teams met on the final day of last season for the NFC East title, and the same matchup will open the new campaign Wednesday night at MetLife Stadium. New York was mediocre for most of 2011 before victories over the Jets and Cowboys to close the season gave it the NFC East crown and momentum entering the postseason. The Giants knocked off Atlanta, Green Bay and San Francisco before Eli Manning captured his second Super Bowl MVP award in a 21-17 win over New England. New York became the first team that went 9-7 in the regular season to win the Super Bowl, and Manning and other Giants have spoken during the offseason about the need to improve their record in 2012. Coach Tom Coughlin is not focusing on defending the title, using the slogan "build the bridge" to try to carry the positive feelings from last season into this one. "This is not that team," Coughlin said. "This is the 2012 team and we've been handed a new set of issues and problems as you followed us and we're in the process of trying to solve them." One of the problems for Dallas last season was its inability to beat quality opponents, having lost its final seven games to teams that finished .500 or better. The Cowboys led the division with a 7-4 record before dropping four of five to close 2011, with two defeats to the Giants. In Week 14, Manning rallied New York from a 12-point deficit in the final 3:14 for a 37-34 win at Dallas. Three weeks later with the division title on the line, Manning threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns and the Giants sacked Tony Romo six times in a 31-14 victory. "We played two hard-fought games with them but those games are over," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. "We're focusing on our team and the challenge we have with them on Wednesday night." Typically vocal Dallas owner Jerry Jones has emphasized the opener for his team. "It's a great opportunity for us is how I look at it," Jones said. "Very meaningful, everybody has all the appreciation in the world for what we're up against here, the quality of the team." Dallas had the busier offseason, upgrading a secondary that was the culprit in so many late-game collapses. The Cowboys signed Brandon Carr to a five-year, $50 million deal from Kansas City and traded up eight spots in the draft to select fellow cornerback Morris Claiborne with the sixth overall selection. The new-look secondary will be counted on to slow down Manning, who threw for 746 yards in the two 2011 meetings. "We feel like a lot of times at the end of games last year when teams were throwing it every down, we didn't defend the pass as well as we needed to," Garrett said. "When we were ahead in some games, we didn't run the ball as well as we needed to. And so we tried to address those needs with personnel, tried to get better in those areas." The Cowboys' running game should be bolstered by the return of DeMarco Murray, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the first matchup against the Giants. Murray ran for 897 yards in 13 games as a rookie last year. New York believes its woes through most of last season stemmed from the inability of pass rushers Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora to stay healthy. Both are fine now and will complement Jason Pierre-Paul in a unit that finished tied for third in the league with 48 sacks in 2011. Manning threw for a career-high 4,933 yards a season ago and was aided by the stunning emergence of Victor Cruz, who was third in the league with 1,536 receiving yards. Fellow receiver Hakeem Nicks will play Wednesday after suffering a broken foot that landed him on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp. Romo posted a career-best 102.5 passer rating a season ago with 31 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, but he's lost his last five starts against the Giants. He was sacked nine times in the two matchups last year, and the Cowboys' offensive line has been unsettled in the preseason. Dallas will find out Tuesday if seven-time Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten is medically cleared to play after suffering a lacerated spleen in the Aug. 13 preseason opener at Oakland. The Giants managed to run for more than 100 yards in both matchups with the Cowboys last season, but those performances were hardly the norm in 2011. New York ranked last in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 89.2. They'll look to improve this season behind veteran starter Ahmad Bradshaw, who's expected to get the bulk of the carries with Brandon Jacobs having departed, and flashy first-round draft pick David Wilson, who impressed in the preseason. New Giants tight end Martellus Bennett will be playing his first game against the team that drafted him in the second round four years ago. Playing behind Witten, Bennett was a disappointment with Dallas before signing with New York this offseason. "This week is not really about me going against the Cowboys, it's more so the Giants," Bennett said. This is the ninth straight year that the defending champion has hosted the prime-time opener the next year. The home team is 8-0. Traditionally played on a Thursday night, this season opener was moved up a day to avoid a conflict with President Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention.
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Post by Levon on Sept 5, 2012 8:35:22 GMT -5
Roll Tide
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Post by Perry Spring on Sept 6, 2012 6:09:29 GMT -5
Roll Tide... Wait a minute, I like USC!
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Post by Allen on Sept 6, 2012 7:28:23 GMT -5
Let's Go Mountaineers!
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Post by Allen on Sept 6, 2012 7:34:56 GMT -5
espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8341930/dallas-cowboys-deliver-complete-performance-win-new-york-giantsBoys Man UpComplete effort in win over defending champs sends message to rest of league. will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My team expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than our competition. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to help my team and to accomplish our goal. I am never out of the FIGHT. -- Excerpt from the Navy SEAL creed EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A strip of white athletic tape held a piece of paper with those words to the front of tight end Jason Witten's locker Wednesday at MetLife Stadium. AP Photo/Bill KostrounJason Witten overcame a lacerated spleen to play in his 140th straight game and provide inspiration for the Cowboys.It's just one of 13 paragraphs that make up the Navy SEAL creed, but it motivated Witten each time he read it or thought about it as he worked tirelessly to recover from a lacerated spleen in time to play in NFL Kickoff 2012. Witten provided the inspiration for the Dallas Cowboys against the New York Giants, and his best friend, Tony Romo, supplied the leadership. DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Kevin Ogletree -- yes, Kevin Ogletree -- delivered the big plays. Tyron Smith's hustle, Ryan Cook's tenacity and Rob Ryan's defense took care of the rest. In a vintage performance reminiscent of the early '90s when the Cowboys dominated the NFL, these Cowboys delivered a message to a national television audience and the rest of the league. They will be physical. They will overcome adversity. They will make plays and they won't wilt in the fourth quarter. Cowboys 24, Giants 17. Seriously, what objective observer saw that coming? Not many. After all, there were too many questions about the Cowboys' rebuilt offensive line, and their pass rush was suspect. Plus, Witten and Ratliff -- two of their four best players -- were expected to miss the game. Witten played, but Ratliff didn't. The Giants, the defending Super Bowl champions, had beaten the Cowboys in seven of their last nine meetings, including twice last season. And the defending league champions had been 5-0 in the NFL's opening-night game. Not anymore. "It was a medical decision all along," Jason Garrett said of Witten's availability. "This was not an emotional decision by me as a coach in any way shape or form, and I was clear with Jason from minute one when it happened. This was completely out of my hands. Anthony Gruppuso/US PresswireMiles Austin's 34-yard touchdown reception gave the Cowboys a 24-10 lead in the fourth quarter."I thought his performance was as inspirational a performance as I've seen for a guy who's been awfully good and awfully inspiring for a lot of years in this league. He was determined to play." Witten, who played 45 snaps, had as many penalties (two) as receptions (two), but his presence was more important than his production. He made Romo more comfortable just being on the field, and he helped with the passing game because he often lined up on the same side as Ogletree. With the Giants focused on Witten, Ogletree caught eight passes for 114 yards and the first two touchdowns of his career. But this was about more than Witten's commitment to the team and playing in his 140th consecutive game. This was about the Cowboys demonstrating a physical toughness they've rarely displayed. Cornerback Brandon Carr, the $50 million free agent acquisition, and first-round pick Morris Claiborne played press coverage much of the night and kept 6-foot, 204-pound Victor Cruz and 6-foot-1, 208-pound Hakeem Nicks from finding a rhythm. The Giants duo combined for just 10 catches for 96 yards and no touchdowns. Anthony Spencer played a strong game, especially against the run, and Sean Lee and DeMarcus Ware helped limit the Giants to just 269 yards of total offense. The Cowboys also played with a mental toughness they've often lacked. Smith chased down Giants linebacker Michael Boley at the Dallas 2 after an interception, and the Giants eventually were forced to settle for a field goal. Cook, acquired Friday, played all but three plays at center after Phil Costa left the game with a bad back. Cook did a solid job under difficult circumstances. Garrett constantly preaches the importance of moving on to the next play, whether the previous one was good or bad. Defensive end Jason Hatcher provided the best example with Dallas clinging to a 17-10 fourth quarter lead. Hatcher was called for a personal foul on third down for hitting Eli Manning in the head as he pressured him, giving the Giants an automatic first down. Three plays later, Hatcher sacked Manning on another third down. The Giants punted and Romo drove the Cowboys 82 yards for a touchdown and a 24-10 lead. "You have to keep playing and put the last play behind you and go to the next play," Garrett said. "The best players I've been around and the best teams I've been around have been able to do that. "Sometimes, it's really easy to get frustrated and maybe try to do something out of the ordinary instead of just doing your job." There was nothing fluky about the Cowboys' win. Dallas had more first downs, more rushing yards, more passing yards and more total yards. The Cowboys held a nine-minute edge in time of possession and had a 100-yard receiver and a 100-yard rusher. "It was a very significant win for our franchise," said Jerry Jones. It's the reason the players and coaches left MetLife Stadium happy, but hardly satisfied. They understand this is just the beginning.
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Post by Perry Spring on Sept 7, 2012 6:28:14 GMT -5
Great game, season is on!
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Post by Allen on Sept 7, 2012 7:56:56 GMT -5
espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8342154/texas-tech-men-basketball-coach-billy-gillispie-released-hospitalTexas Tech's Gillispie Released From HospitalBy Andy Katz | ESPN.com Embattled Texas Tech men's basketball coach Billy Gillispie was released from the University Medical Center in Lubbock on Thursday, according to Red Raiders associate athletic director Blayne Beal. Multiple sources told ESPN.com that Gillispie, who was admitted last Friday morning, was being treated for high blood pressure. Gillispie has been under fire for the way he has run the Texas Tech program during his brief tenure at the school. Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt said by phone Wednesday night that he is "very concerned with the information that has come forward in the last two weeks.'' Hocutt said he would discuss Gillispie's job status once the coach was released from the hospital. The two were supposed to meet last Friday morning. Hocutt said he's not the person to comment on Gillispie's health status other than to say he hopes the coach "can make a full recovery and get back on his feet soon." At least one close friend of Gillispie in the coaching profession said Wednesday that attempts to reach Gillispie have gone unanswered. Hocutt said the process going forward will be to continue gathering information related to alleged NCAA secondary violations by current and former players involving excessive practice time. ESPN.com reported that current players complained about practice time, while CBSSports.com did the same with former players issuing similar complaints. Hocutt also met with the returning players last week, at least two of whom told ESPN.com that they complained about Gillispie's demanding and punitive coaching style. Hocutt said he would keep the conversations he had with players private. "We have an enforcement-investigation policy on campus that we will follow and will continue to go through,'' Hocutt said. "If at a certain time we are able to substantiate secondary violations have occurred, then at that time we will submit those to the Big 12 and the NCAA.'' Hocutt said secondary violations for excessive practice time previously were reported to the NCAA in January during Gillispie's first season with the Red Raiders. "Those sanctions have been served,'' Hocutt said. "I issued a reprimand that there would be no tolerance for further disregard for rules and that's the process we will continue to move forward with at Texas Tech.'' Hocutt said that excessive practice time penalties are two-for-one, meaning if the coach exceeds practice time by two hours then he has to reduce practice time by four hours during the maximum 20-hour week. He said those penalties were assessed last season. Hocutt said Gillispie returned from vacation last Tuesday or Wednesday, around the same date that Hocutt was meeting with the returning players. The compliance department initially had contacted the returning players to discuss allegations of excessive practice time. Hocutt said he will discuss with Gillispie how he can still coach this team since the players met with him about their struggles playing for him. “We have significant issues on the table at the end of the day and we'll be guided by our mission statement and our principles and move this through as expeditiously as we can.” -- Kirby Hocutt, Texas Tech AD "There are a number of significant issues that have come forward,'' Hocutt said. "We have significant issues on the table at the end of the day, and we'll be guided by our mission statement and our principles and move this through as expeditiously as we can,'' Hocutt said. "I can't speculate how long that will take or what those outcomes will be. We're hopeful that he'll make a full recovery so we can sit down and talk. When that is going to happen and how soon I don't know.'' Hocutt hired Gillispie in 2011, two years after he was fired at Kentucky after just two seasons. Reports of the way Gillispie handled himself at Kentucky weren't foreign at the time. He was consistently known as a tough coach who was demanding while at Kentucky and previous stops at Texas A&M and UTEP. "Was I worried about any player issues or practice time issues? Obviously. I think this was a chance of a lifetime for him,'' Hocutt said. "We would never hire anybody that we didn't believe was going to fulfill the mission of our department or not be a positive role model or educator or leader for the young people in our program. There were concerns prior to the hire but at the same time we felt like it was going to be a good hire for Texas Tech.'' Hired in March 2011 to replace Pat Knight, Gillispie went just 8-23 (1-17 Big 12) in his first season in Lubbock. Before his time at Kentucky, he was head coach at Texas A&M and Texas-El Paso and a former assistant under Bill Self at Tulsa and Illinois.
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Post by Levon on Sept 7, 2012 8:39:02 GMT -5
yes its time
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Post by Allen on Sept 7, 2012 11:40:24 GMT -5
Brandon McCarthy Shows Good Signsespn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8346548/oakland-athletics-brandon-mccarthy-alert-surgery-skull-fractureOAKLAND, Calif. -- Athletics pitcher Brandon McCarthy is alert after having surgery for a skull fracture and brain contusion caused by a line drive. The Oakland right-hander was hit in the head Wednesday by a liner off the bat of Erick Aybar of the Los Angeles Angels. The Athletics said Thursday that McCarthy was awake, resting comfortably in the critical care unit of a Bay Area hospital and showing signs of improvement. A CT scan after the accident showed the damage. After a second CT scan, the 29-year-old McCarthy had a two-hour operation to relieve pressure in his head. The A's did not give a timetable for how long McCarthy will be out. Oakland went into the day tied for the AL wild-card lead. McCarthy is 8-6 with a 3.24 ERA in 18 starts. Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
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Post by Allen on Sept 8, 2012 7:19:20 GMT -5
espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8350276/brandon-mccarthy-oakland-athletics-life-threatening-situationMcCarthy In Serious SituationSEATTLE -- Oakland Athletics pitcher Brandon McCarthy remained in a "life-threatening" situation in a Bay Area hospital two days after being hit in the head by a line drive. Struck on the right side of his head by a hard shot from the Angels' Erick Aybar on Wednesday, McCarthy suffered an epidural hemorrhage, brain contusion and skull fracture. He had two hours of surgery to relieve pressure on his brain late Wednesday night. A's athletic trainer Nick Paparesta was asked Friday if McCarthy was still in a life-threatening situation. “ Aybar It has been a tough last two days for me as I keep replaying in my head when the ball struck Brandon. I am encouraged and thankful to know he has made significant progress, and I keep praying to God to help him recover quickly and fully. I also pray for him and his wife. ” -- Angels' Erick Aybar, who hit A's pitcher Brandon McCarthy on the head with a line drive on Wednesday "Absolutely he is. It's brain surgery," Paparesta said. "It's life-threatening. At any possible moment, something could go wrong. He could have a complication. Absolutely." Speaking before the team's game against Seattle, Paparesta also said McCarthy got out of bed three times, sat up in a chair, ate solid foods, recognized visitors, and although he can talk, he isn't talking yet because of continued pain. Paparesta said the doctors and medical team have told him that the biggest issue with this type of injury is the patient's reaction the first two or three days. "We're coming up on day three (Saturday), so by the evening time, there's still the possibility of reoccurring or increase of swelling back again," Paparesta said. "If that happens, they can do different measures or techniques to keep that down. He's not out of the woods, but he's showing great progress." The 29-year-old McCarthy was 8-6 with a 3.24 ERA this season, his sixth in the big leagues and second with the A's. He was 9-9 with a 3.32 ERA last season. "We definitely have some heavy hearts here," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "I don't think there's a guy on this team who's not close to Mac. It was hard to watch that at the time. Then you think to yourself, he's getting up and walking off, that's a good sign. But with head injuries, you just never know. The good news is each and every day he's getting better." Paparesta said McCarthy's baseball career is his least concern. "First and foremost, we need to look at his life and make sure he stays alive. This is serious stuff and we want him to live," Paparesta said. "I think the next phase we would go through is to look at his simple gross motor mechanics and skill set so to get him through his normal active life. "For me, the way I look at it and the way and I think the doctors and medical staff looks at it, is we're worried about keeping him alive right now and making sure everything functions the way they need to be. Then we'll worry about the motor skills and going through normal daily stuff. Then later on down the road, we'll worry about his fine motor skills. We're just going day to day and making sure he's making progress." Aybar talked about McCarthy before the Angels' game Friday night against Detroit. "It has been a tough last two days for me as I keep replaying in my head when the ball struck Brandon," Aybar said in a statement released by the team. "I am encouraged and thankful to know he has made significant progress, and I keep praying to God to help him recover quickly and fully. I also pray for him and his wife. Our game is a tight brotherhood, and right now we all wear the same uniform colors." Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto also issued a statement. "From the moment Brandon was struck by that line drive, he has remained in the thoughts and prayers of not only our organization but countless others throughout the baseball community," Dipoto said. "That support will continue for Brandon and his wife, Amanda, as he begins the recovery process from yesterday's surgery. I am certain the discipline, commitment and inner strength Brandon has had to become an elite athlete will serve him well in the days and weeks ahead." Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
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Post by Allen on Sept 10, 2012 7:35:08 GMT -5
espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/48128/was-peyton-manning-ever-goneThe Man You RememberBy Bill Williamson | ESPN.com AP Photo/David ZalubowskiPeyton Manning was impressive in his Broncos' debut -- leading Denver to a comeback win.DENVER -- Just another fourth-quarter comeback for the Denver Broncos. That Tim Tebow is something else. Wait, scratch that. We've moved beyond Tebow. Much different quarterback, same late heroics for Denver. But I’m sure the Broncos feel much more comfortable winning games this way as they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-19 in front of a raucous home crowd Sunday night. Unlike the polarizing Tebow, Peyton Manning was solid all game long in his Broncos debut. The doubters questioned Denver for giving Manning a five-year, $96 million deal (Denver has protections after this season if need be). The skeptics wondered if Manning could ever be effective again. But in a stirring performance that has to soothe Denver and cause worry around the NFL, the biggest question of the 2012 offseason has been answered. Can Manning be an effective NFL quarterback again? Folks, he is back. In his first game since the 2010 playoffs, Manning led Denver to a fourth-quarter win. He was typical Manning: efficient, accurate and clutch. Manning completed 19 of 26 passes for 253 yards and had a whopping quarterback rating of 129.2. He threw two touchdowns passes, and he became the third quarterback in NFL history to pass for 400 touchdowns -- and the fastest of the three to reach that mark. Really, this guy hasn’t played in 19 months, and he is coming off four neck surgeries? The Colts thought he was done? Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin was succinct, but summed it up best Sunday night: “He’s Peyton." While it is just one game, it is vital that Manning showed he is back to form. Sure, he didn’t heave the ball deep much, but he didn’t have to. That’s not his game anyway. Manning is about being in a rhythm, and he was on Sunday night. Manning was stoic as usual after the game. “I’m still feeling my way out; I still have some limitations,” Manning said. “I think this team is still forming its identity ... when you get a win in that process, that’s a nice thing.” We expect Manning to say such things. He avoids hyperbole. But the truth is, the real question now is how far can he take the Broncos? After dealing with the electric, but uneven days of Tebow, Denver has itself the elite NFL quarterback that John Elway has craved since he took over the team less than two years ago. Unlike last season when Denver was looking to Tebow to turn on his magic, the Broncos saw Manning provide steady play all game long. After taking just one snap while Pittsburgh dominated possession for nearly a quarter spanning the second and third quarters, Manning connected with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas for a 71-yard touchdown pass to give Denver a 14-13 lead with 5:29 remaining in the third. Pittsburgh retook the lead, but Manning put Denver ahead for good with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Tamme with 9:23 to go. He led Denver on touchdown drives of 12 and 10 plays Sunday night. “Peyton has a history of comebacks,” Tamme said. “It felt good to start this way.” Pittsburgh challenged Manning’s health and his potentially rusty play. The Steelers sent five or more pass rushers on 14 of his 29 drop backs, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Manning was sacked twice, but he made Pittsburgh pay for blitzing him. He was 9-of-11 passing for 152 yards, and he tossed both of his touchdowns in those situations. Denver receiver Brandon Stokley, who played with Manning in his prime early last decade, said he saw the same quarterback he saw seven years ago. Manning was clicking in the second half as he completed 9 of 12 pass attempts for 155 yards. “Peyton is pretty special when he gets in a rhythm,” Stokley said. “He had them on their heels there in the second half.” In addition to Manning showing he is still at the top of his game, Denver has to be excited about the overall product it showed Pittsburgh. There is no doubt, Manning was the star Sunday night, but Denver was excellent in every phase of the game. That has to be pleasing for Manning, who often had to overcome a lack of stellar talent in his 14 years in Indianapolis. Denver ran for 94 yards (including some big second-half carries), and it played stout defense. Denver sacked Roethlisberger five times (2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Von Miller had two sacks) and held Pittsburgh to 75 yards rushing on 26 attempts. Manning picked Denver because he thought the Broncos could win now. Sunday night, he showed he can be a major reason why.
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Post by Allen on Sept 11, 2012 10:10:20 GMT -5
espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8363510/extent-tulane-green-wave-safety-devon-walker-injuries-uncertainDevon Walker Alert, ResponsiveTULSA, Okla. -- It's still too early to know the long-term effects of the Tulane safety's spinal injury, the school's athletic director said Monday. Devon Walker was in stable condition Monday, recovering in an intensive-care unit after Sunday's three-hour surgery to stabilize his spine at St. Francis Hospital in south Tulsa. He was injured in a head-to-head collision with a teammate during Saturday's game at Tulsa. "It is too early in Devon's recovery process to draw any conclusions about his progress," said Tulane athletic director Rick Dickson. "When the neurosurgeons here at Saint Francis have more definitive information, they will co-consult" with the team's doctor. Until then, Dickson said, there will be "constant monitoring, care and attention" for Walker. Dickson, speaking at a Monday news conference at the hospital, described Walker as "alert and responsive" following his surgery, but said he did not know when Walker could be released. Dickson also read a message from Walker's parents, Inez and Booker Walker, who have requested privacy while their son is treated. "We have been overwhelmed by the amount of concerned well wishes we have received from all over the world," the statement read. "Although we cannot respond individually to all, we thank everyone for the love and support shown to Devon and our family." The University of Tulsa announced Monday that it had established a fund to benefit Walker's family. Dickson described Walker, a senior majoring in cell and molecular biology, as a leader on and off the field. "Devon's a very, very well-known, popular, well-respected man on our campus," he said. "He really represents the best of what we are. He's a true Tulane student athlete." Dr. Greg Stewart, Tulane's director of sports medicine, said doctors don't yet know what the long-term implications and outcomes are going to be for Walker. Stewart said he was with Walker on the field, in the ambulance and at the hospital Saturday. He said Walker was put into a cervical collar and couldn't see much of what was happening, so Stewart explained what was going on. Walker was talking with doctors as he was being treated, Stewart said. Walker's injury occurred on the final play of the first half Saturday during Tulane's Conference USA opener. Tulsa was leading 35-3 and facing a fourth-and-2 with the ball at the 33-yard line when the Golden Hurricane called timeout. Tulane then called timeout. When play resumed, Tulsa quarterback Cody Green tossed a short pass to Willie Carter, who caught it at about the 28, and turned upfield. He was tackled around the 17-yard line, with defensive tackle Julius Warmsley and Walker sandwiching him and smashing their helmets together. FOX Sports reported a hush went over the crowd at H.A. Chapman Stadium as Walker was attended to, and that several coaches were in tears as he was taken away in an ambulance. Spectators bowed their heads as someone on the field led the stadium in prayer. Dr. Buddy Savoie said during a postgame news conference that Walker never completely lost consciousness and was breathing on his own. Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press LeGrand: 'Everything Unknown Is So Scary'Devon Walker's neck fracture Saturday was reminiscent of a 2010 injury to Eric LeGrand in which the Rutgers defensive tackle was initially paralyzed from the neck down, a prognosis that came the Sunday after his own spinal fracture. But Walker's doctors say the extent of his injury remains uncertain and could remain so until midweek. "Right now, he is in shock," LeGrand told USA Today in a telephone interview. "He has no idea what is going to happen to his body or how his life is going to change. Basically everything that is unknown is so scary. It's one of the scariest things in life because you have no idea where your life is about to take you." Indeed, the swelling can impair neurological function and make it difficult to tell immediately how much is truly lost and how much may return as a patient stabilizes and the swelling decreases. Generally speaking, and with no specific knowledge of Walker's exact medical situation, there is a significant amount of swelling following any serious injury to the spine. On Saturday, when reports came out that he had significant swelling and was being treated for it, they were most likely administering high doses of steroids (common after such injuries) to try to decrease swelling before proceeding to surgery -- which will be done to stabilize the fracture. LeGrand, who is now able to stand using an upright metal structure, said he will reach out to Walker and his teammates as soon as possible. "A few guys on my team did not want to play football anymore, they just wanted to give it up," LeGrand told USA Today. "It is important to know, don't go back out there scared because of what happened. Don't let it change the way you play the game." There are so many things that are touch-and-go in the early phases following a high level cervical spine injury that it is hard to be definitive about a prognosis in any form. Walker's doctors are being judicious in this regard because they are waiting for the injury to "declare itself" as opposed to speculating. Over the next few days his doctors will monitor Walker medically and also watch to see what type of return he starts to get as far as motor, sensation, etc. But LeGrand is proof there is hope. "That is why I believed I healed so fast," he said, "because everyone was so positive." -- ESPN.com senior writer Stephania Bell
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Post by Allen on Sept 12, 2012 7:49:34 GMT -5
espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8365348/nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-agrees-meet-jonathan-vilma-smith-scott-fujita-anthony-hargroveRoger Goodell To Meet With PlayersNFL commissioner Roger Goodell has agreed to meet with all four players suspended for their alleged involvement in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal. “ Vilma I'm expecting a fair meeting, unlike the June 18 appeals hearing. We can all benefit from transparency regarding evidence and witnesses instead of using conjecture or hearsay to come to inaccurate conclusions. I look forward to getting this accomplished.” -- Jonathan Vilma, in text to Ed Werder In accordance with the collective bargaining agreement, Goodell will meet with Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove. The dates of the meeting have not been determined, but they likely will not occur before next week. Goodell has said he will determine any punishment in the case after hearing from the reinstated players. Earlier, Peter Ginsberg, an attorney who represents Vilma, said Vilma would inform the league he was willing to meet with Goodell for the first time regarding bounty allegations. Ginsberg notified the league office via email and was to send a formal notification by the end of business Tuesday, the commissioner's deadline for the formerly suspended players to tell Goodell they are willing to present more information. "I'm expecting a fair meeting, unlike the June 18 appeals hearing," Vilma said in a text message. "We can all benefit from transparency regarding evidence and witnesses instead of using conjecture or hearsay to come to inaccurate conclusions. I look forward to getting this accomplished." Ginsberg told ESPN: "If the commissioner feels sitting down with Jonathan and discussing matters will lead to a quick and fair resolution, Jonathan has been and continues to be willing to cooperate in any way that helps the truth come out. We only hope the commissioner keeps an open mind and doesn't feel restricted by his previous and clearly erroneous conclusions." The NFLPA did not have any comment on the potential meeting between Goodell and Vilma, and despite Ginsberg's acknowledgment that Vilma is willing to participate, there will be doubt until the player and Goodell actually speak. Vilma walked out of an appeals hearing with Goodell, refusing to participate in what Ginsberg described as a charade, and in August he requested a meeting with Goodell he later canceled. "Each player suspended in the Saints bounty matter has declined multiple opportunities to meet with league representatives to present information," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "We have reminded each of those players that we remain willing to meet with them prior to the commissioner making the determination called for by the CBA Appeals Panel. We intend to conduct any such meetings that are scheduled per our normal process under the CBA." The meeting is not expected to take place before next week, and Ginsberg said he has not been provided any assurances the league would allow the players and their legal representatives the opportunity to review evidence or cross-examine witnesses. Those issues prompted Vilma to walk out previously. "We want to see the evidence and confront the witnesses," Ginsberg said. "When the commissioner produces less than one percent of the evidence gathered in the investigation, it became abundantly clear we were not being offered a fair opportunity to present to him in a very strong and detailed manner what in fact took place and decided not to participate in what was clearly a charade. "We hope that now as we regroup that we are provided a fair and appropriate avenue to a just resolution."
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Post by Allen on Sept 13, 2012 6:20:50 GMT -5
scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=320912101O, They Did It AgainGame NotesTampa Bay OF Desmond Jennings (lower back tightness) was available to play but did not start after missing the previous three games. ... Rookie LHP Wei-Yin Chen (12-9) starts for the Orioles on Thursday afternoon. The Rays will start Jeremy Hellickson (8-10), who's winless since Aug. 20. ... Roberts, who strained his left forearm Tuesday night, started at 2B. ... Reynolds struck out three times. ... Upton reached 30 steals for the fifth straight season. Rays 2
(77-65, 38-33 away)
Orioles 3
(80-62, 41-32 home)Game InformationStadium Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD Attendance 26,076 (56.7% full) - % is based on regular season capacity Game Time 3:35 Weather 77 degrees, clear Wind 5 mph Umpires Home Plate - Marvin Hudson, First Base - Fieldin Culbreth, Second Base - Tim Timmons, Third Base - Marty Foster
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Post by Allen on Sept 13, 2012 6:25:10 GMT -5
espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/8369070/notre-dame-sports-football-hockey-accNotre Dame Joining ACCESPN.com news services Notre Dame is moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference in every sport except football, where the Fighting Irish will maintain their status as an independent. The school's president, the Rev. John I. Jenkins, and athletic director Jack Swarbrick joined ACC commissioner John Swofford and three ACC presidents for a news conference on Wednesday announcing the Irish's move from the Big East. "I don't think there's out there a better situation than the situation we have," Jenkins said. "The ACC has allowed us to retain a tradition (of football independence) that's so central to our identity in football while we're joining a conference that athletically as well as academically fits Notre Dame perfectly." The move, first reported by ESPN's Brett McMurphy, means the ACC is making an exception to its all-or-nothing requirement for schools to be full members. Although they will remain independent in football, the Fighting Irish will play five games annually against ACC schools. Notre Dame is not expected to leave the Big East for the ACC until at least 2014, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad. Big East associate commissioner John Paquette told ESPN.com that Notre Dame must pay the conference a $5 million exit fee and provide 27 months' notice before leaving. The fee would be significantly lower than those paid by Pittsburgh and Syracuse, which both negotiated $7.5 million settlements to leave the Big East ahead of schedule and join the ACC in July 2013. The source told Schad that Notre Dame hopes to expedite its exit from the Big East and join the ACC earlier than the 27-month notification period, due to the precedent established by Pittsburgh and Syracuse. "This is a resilient conference," Big East commissioner Mike Aresco told The Associated Press. "Our football conference is stronger than ever. We lose Notre Dame in basketball, but we remain top to bottom the strongest basketball conference in the country." Notre Dame Football Schedules Notre Dame's 2013 football schedule is set, but the 2014 slate has open dates. Two of the set opponents for 2014 are Syracuse and Pittsburgh, meaning the Fighting Irish will have to schedule three more ACC teams to fulfill their contract. 2013 ScheduleDate Opponent 8/31 Temple 9/7 at Michigan 9/14 at Purdue 9/21 Michigan State 9/28 Oklahoma 10/3 vs Arizona State (at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX) 10/19 USC 10/26 at Air Force 11/2 Navy 11/9 >at Pittsburgh 11/23 BYU 11/30 at Stanford 2014 ScheduleDate Opponent 8/30 Rice 9/6 Michigan 9/13 Purdue 9/20 TBA 9/27 >vs Syracuse (at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ) 10/4 Stanford 10/11 at Temple 10/18 TBA 10/25 at Arizona State 11/1 at Navy (site TBA) 11/8 >Pittsburgh 11/15 Northwestern 11/22 TBA (possible game at Boston's Fenway Park) 11/29 at USC >Will be members of ACC at time of game -- ESPN Stats & Information The ACC in turn cements a relationship with one of the nation's most storied football programs, adding to a group that already includes Florida State, Miami, Virginia Tech and Clemson. That would also seem to position the ACC as the easy choice if Notre Dame ever decides to give up its football independence. "I think it just came through in our internal discussions that now's the time," Swofford said. "This is a partnership that is a win-win and good for both parties. The time had come to cross that threshold." Notre Dame also will have access to the Orange Bowl and the ACC's non-BCS bowl tie-ins. The Fighting Irish have played in the Sun Bowl and Champs Sports Bowl over the past two seasons under coach Brian Kelly. "Today is a great day for the University of Notre Dame and our athletics department, including the football program," Kelly said in a statement. "Speaking strictly from a football standpoint, we have further solidified our future as an independent in college football, maintained our unique ability to schedule nationally and greatly improved our postseason bowl game options. "I applaud Father Jenkins and Jack Swarbrick for this move. They have set our entire athletics department up for great success in the future." Notre Dame considered giving up its football independence in 1999 to join the Big Ten, but alumni were staunchly opposed and the deal never got done. Throughout the dizzying conference realignment of the past few years, Notre Dame officials have been adamant about maintaining football independence. Revenues from the ACC television deal with ESPN are likely to increase to as much as $18 million per school, just behind the $20 million deal per school the Big 12 recently signed. Sources told ESPN.com's Darren Rovell that the Notre Dame football TV deal with NBC is worth around $15 million per year. Swarbrick said the deal was "financially neutral" for Notre Dame. The commitment to five ACC games in football likely will mean some changes for the Irish's football schedule. Notre Dame expects to continue to play USC, Stanford and Navy, but its traditional games against Big Ten opponents Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue are in jeopardy, a source told Schad. The source said the Fighting Irish's planned series with Texas likely will be played. Pittsburgh would be the only ACC team on Notre Dame's 2013 schedule, which includes games against Temple, BYU, Arizona State and Air Force. Notre Dame has played basketball in the Big East since the mid-1990s. Now in the ACC, the Irish will face traditional powers such as Duke and North Carolina -- and rekindle its rivalries with Syracuse and Pittsburgh -- while the league also fits other sports Notre Dame is competitive in, including lacrosse and soccer. Notre Dame basketball coach Mike Brey texted ESPN.com's Andy Katz, saying "we're going," and adding that while no timetable has been established for the move, he is excited about the challenge. In February, the ACC announced divisions for a 14-team basketball league, but it will now have to accommodate a 15th team. However, the league does not plan to expand to include a 16th school, multiple sources told McMurphy. Aresco said the loss of Notre Dame does not change the Big East's plans. "Our television reach remains the same," he said. "Our television situation remains the same. We valued Notre Dame as a member in basketball and Olympic sports. But we're not looking backward, we're looking forward." Swarbrick said he informed the Notre Dame coaches of the move Wednesday morning. One of them, Brey, attended the news conference. He spent eight years as an assistant to Duke Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski. "I think it's great and it comes as a great shot in the arm, I think, for me and our program," Brey said. "I'm looking forward to it. I still know a couple of the barbecue places around here. I know where to find stuff." The ACC does not offer hockey, so it is presumed Notre Dame will go through with its planned move to Hockey East in that sport. Along with inviting Notre Dame, the ACC also says it has increased its exit fees for the conference's schools to three times the annual operation budget -- which would currently come to more than $50 million. Students at Notre Dame praised the move, saying it should help the other Fighting Irish teams. "It's great. I think it's really exciting. They'll get to play a lot of new teams," said Mackenzie Dome, a first-year graduate student in global health from Ann Arbor, Mich. "As long as we get to keep our football rivalry games, which it looks like we will, I don't think it will hugely effect our football schedule," said Alec MacDonell, an economics junior from Indianapolis. "There are obviously some decent teams in football and it should be a step up in other sports. So it will certainly be good to see some better competition in basketball." Even the Notre Dame football players endorsed the move. "It's great for our other sports. The basketball teams will get to play Duke, North Carolina, all those good teams every year. For us, we're already playing four ACC teams, add one more, it doesn't really make any difference to us," offensive tackle Zack Martin said. ESPN's Brett McMurphy, Joe Schad, Andy Katz, Mark Schlabach and Darren Rovell and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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