Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Coach: Joe Bauserman likely to start
Ohio Dressed in a white oxford shirt with an Ohio State logo on the chest no tie, no sweater vest Luke Fickell made the first big call of his head coaching career.
Fickell, an assistant elevated to replace Jim Tressel who was forced out in the midst of an NCAA investigation, said that fifth-year senior Joe Bauserman would most likely be the starting quarterback when the 18th-ranked Buckeyes open their season on Saturday at home against Akron.
"Joe would probably take the first snap," Fickell said at his first weekly news conference. "Just talking with those guys, talking with the offensive staff, we know we're going to need them both. The whole idea is we want to make sure that we can put them out there in front of 106,000 and see how guys respond."
He said Bauserman got the edge because he's seen more game action although he has seldom played with a game on the line because he was behind departed three-year starter Terrelle Pryor.
"It's leadership," he said when asked what separated Bauserman, a former minor league pitcher for three years in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system. "It's also what this team, where we were at the time. He's done a really good job through camp. I've been impressed with the things we've asked him to do and what he's done."
Fickell, formerly the linebackers coach, stressed that the job wasn't permanently Bauserman's.
"It doesn't mean I haven't been impressed with Braxton as well," he said. "That's why we've been impressed with him enough to list him in the 'or' category. But, again, the whole idea is we want to continue to create competition and to make sure that those guys understand that by saying 'or' that we need both."
Offensive tackle J.B. Shugarts said the 25-year-old Bauserman was more knowledgeable about the playbook.
"Joe's an older guy, he's been around. He knows the system a little bit," he said. "Joe's a little more of a pocket passer, but he's a lot more athletic than people give him credit for when he gets out of the pocket. We all know Braxton can make some plays on his feet if he has to scramble or step up."
Center Mike Brewster will be counted on to make things as easy as possible for whomever is taking the snaps.
"I can't do too much for them, but the thing I can do is make sure that they're protected, make sure that I have the line all on the same page, make sure that I am picking up the blitzes with different calls and putting them in a position to be successful," he said. "By doing that, I think it'll make them feel more comfortable in the pocket, give them more time and let the receivers do what they need to do."
Pryor took almost every snap the past two seasons. He led the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win two years ago and to a 12-1 mark last year, including a victory over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.
But he left Ohio State this summer, giving up his senior season, while caught up in the middle of the NCAA investigation into improper benefits to players. Tressel was forced out on May 30 after 10 years as the Buckeyes head coach, admitting he knew some of his players broke NCAA rules but didn't tell anyone for more than nine months.
Fickell said the quarterbacks, like everyone else, would be graded on their performance against the Zips.
"Everything's a test, we tell them," he said.
Fickell also said that third-year sophomore Jaamal Berry has a hamstring injury and will probably not play in the opener. In his stead, the tailback rotation will be Jordan Hall, Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith.
Linebacker Etienne Sabino, who broke a bone in his hand 10 days ago, had surgery last week and is expected to play with a cast on his hand.
The two-deep roster that was unveiled featured seven new starters on offense and seven on defense, taking into account that the Buckeyes will be without three frontline players (wide receiver DeVier Posey, top tailback Dan Herron and offensive lineman Mike Adams) who are suspended for the first five games for taking cash and free tattoos.
Maybe because those top players will not be with the team for the start of the season (in addition, backup defensive lineman Solomon Thomas is also sitting out the first five games, and backup linebacker Jordan Whiting will miss just the Akron game), Ohio State will go with game captains instead of season-long captains. Nominated for the Akron contest are Shugarts, Brewster and defensive lineman John Simon.
The 38-year-old Fickell said he was anxious to be a head coach after spending the last nine seasons on the Ohio State staff.
Tressel was known for his conservative game plan repeatedly saying that the punt was the most important play in football as well as his prep-school white shirt, tie and sweater vest.
Fickell was asked what he would be wearing on the sidelines in the opener.
"Whatever my wife lays out," he said with a laugh
Fickell, an assistant elevated to replace Jim Tressel who was forced out in the midst of an NCAA investigation, said that fifth-year senior Joe Bauserman would most likely be the starting quarterback when the 18th-ranked Buckeyes open their season on Saturday at home against Akron.
"Joe would probably take the first snap," Fickell said at his first weekly news conference. "Just talking with those guys, talking with the offensive staff, we know we're going to need them both. The whole idea is we want to make sure that we can put them out there in front of 106,000 and see how guys respond."
He said Bauserman got the edge because he's seen more game action although he has seldom played with a game on the line because he was behind departed three-year starter Terrelle Pryor.
"It's leadership," he said when asked what separated Bauserman, a former minor league pitcher for three years in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system. "It's also what this team, where we were at the time. He's done a really good job through camp. I've been impressed with the things we've asked him to do and what he's done."
Fickell, formerly the linebackers coach, stressed that the job wasn't permanently Bauserman's.
"It doesn't mean I haven't been impressed with Braxton as well," he said. "That's why we've been impressed with him enough to list him in the 'or' category. But, again, the whole idea is we want to continue to create competition and to make sure that those guys understand that by saying 'or' that we need both."
Offensive tackle J.B. Shugarts said the 25-year-old Bauserman was more knowledgeable about the playbook.
"Joe's an older guy, he's been around. He knows the system a little bit," he said. "Joe's a little more of a pocket passer, but he's a lot more athletic than people give him credit for when he gets out of the pocket. We all know Braxton can make some plays on his feet if he has to scramble or step up."
Center Mike Brewster will be counted on to make things as easy as possible for whomever is taking the snaps.
"I can't do too much for them, but the thing I can do is make sure that they're protected, make sure that I have the line all on the same page, make sure that I am picking up the blitzes with different calls and putting them in a position to be successful," he said. "By doing that, I think it'll make them feel more comfortable in the pocket, give them more time and let the receivers do what they need to do."
Pryor took almost every snap the past two seasons. He led the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win two years ago and to a 12-1 mark last year, including a victory over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.
But he left Ohio State this summer, giving up his senior season, while caught up in the middle of the NCAA investigation into improper benefits to players. Tressel was forced out on May 30 after 10 years as the Buckeyes head coach, admitting he knew some of his players broke NCAA rules but didn't tell anyone for more than nine months.
Fickell said the quarterbacks, like everyone else, would be graded on their performance against the Zips.
"Everything's a test, we tell them," he said.
Fickell also said that third-year sophomore Jaamal Berry has a hamstring injury and will probably not play in the opener. In his stead, the tailback rotation will be Jordan Hall, Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith.
Linebacker Etienne Sabino, who broke a bone in his hand 10 days ago, had surgery last week and is expected to play with a cast on his hand.
The two-deep roster that was unveiled featured seven new starters on offense and seven on defense, taking into account that the Buckeyes will be without three frontline players (wide receiver DeVier Posey, top tailback Dan Herron and offensive lineman Mike Adams) who are suspended for the first five games for taking cash and free tattoos.
Maybe because those top players will not be with the team for the start of the season (in addition, backup defensive lineman Solomon Thomas is also sitting out the first five games, and backup linebacker Jordan Whiting will miss just the Akron game), Ohio State will go with game captains instead of season-long captains. Nominated for the Akron contest are Shugarts, Brewster and defensive lineman John Simon.
The 38-year-old Fickell said he was anxious to be a head coach after spending the last nine seasons on the Ohio State staff.
Tressel was known for his conservative game plan repeatedly saying that the punt was the most important play in football as well as his prep-school white shirt, tie and sweater vest.
Fickell was asked what he would be wearing on the sidelines in the opener.
"Whatever my wife lays out," he said with a laugh
Monday, August 29, 2011
Alexander Povetkin wins WBA title
Alexander Povetkin of Russia defeated Ruslan Chagaev by unanimous decision Saturday to claim the vacant WBA heavyweight title.
The title was Wladimir Klitschko's following the Ukrainian's victory over David Haye by unanimous decision in Hamburg last month, but was declared vacant when the WBA elevated Klitschko to "super champion" status.
Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic heavyweight champion, remains undefeated after 22 fights (15 KOs), and becomes the mandatory challenger for Klitschko.
"I don't want to think about Klitschko," said Teddy Atlas, Povetkin's American trainer. "I want to think about Povetkin and this title ... we'll think about Klitschko some other time."
Povetkin won on the judges' cards 116-112, 117-113, 117-113.
Chagaev, of Uzbekistan, held the WBA title from 2007-09. His record fell to 27-2 (17 KOs), with one draw.
"I'm sorry, today was not my day. But that's boxing, that's sport," Chagaev said. "He's a good boxer, a real world champion now."
Chagaev, 32, recovered from a poor start to rattle Povetkin in the sixth round, catching him cleanly with left and right hooks to leave the 31-year-old unsteady on his feet.
Atlas called on Povetkin to fight for the honor of his father, who died last year, and the Russian regained the upper hand in the ninth as Chagaev appeared to tire.
"My father always hoped and wanted for me to be a world champion," Povetkin said.
"It was a very hard fight. It was very hard to fight him. I have a lot of respect for him. He's a very difficult and patient boxer."
The title was Wladimir Klitschko's following the Ukrainian's victory over David Haye by unanimous decision in Hamburg last month, but was declared vacant when the WBA elevated Klitschko to "super champion" status.
Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic heavyweight champion, remains undefeated after 22 fights (15 KOs), and becomes the mandatory challenger for Klitschko.
"I don't want to think about Klitschko," said Teddy Atlas, Povetkin's American trainer. "I want to think about Povetkin and this title ... we'll think about Klitschko some other time."
Povetkin won on the judges' cards 116-112, 117-113, 117-113.
Chagaev, of Uzbekistan, held the WBA title from 2007-09. His record fell to 27-2 (17 KOs), with one draw.
"I'm sorry, today was not my day. But that's boxing, that's sport," Chagaev said. "He's a good boxer, a real world champion now."
Chagaev, 32, recovered from a poor start to rattle Povetkin in the sixth round, catching him cleanly with left and right hooks to leave the 31-year-old unsteady on his feet.
Atlas called on Povetkin to fight for the honor of his father, who died last year, and the Russian regained the upper hand in the ninth as Chagaev appeared to tire.
"My father always hoped and wanted for me to be a world champion," Povetkin said.
"It was a very hard fight. It was very hard to fight him. I have a lot of respect for him. He's a very difficult and patient boxer."
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Kendrick Perkins Arrested!!!
Authorities have charged Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kendrick Perkins with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and public intoxication after an altercation early Saturday morning in South Texas.
A statement from police in Beaumont, Texas, said officers saw a large crowd outside The Ticket night club just after 2 a.m., and received complaints of fights and pepper spray inside.
An officer saw about 50 people inside around Perkins, who police said was attempting to fight the club's manager. The statement said the crowd pushed Perkins out the back door of the club, where he continued to yell obscenities and start other fights.
Perkins was arrested and taken to Jefferson County jail. According to KFDM-TV, which first reported the incident, he was released after posting $150 bond. The misdemeanor charges are punishable by fines.
Perkins' agent Thad Foucher declined to comment about his client's arrest.
Perkins was in the city about 90 minutes east of Houston hosting a camp that raises money for his foundation, which aims to help children learn life skills and drug awareness.
A statement from police in Beaumont, Texas, said officers saw a large crowd outside The Ticket night club just after 2 a.m., and received complaints of fights and pepper spray inside.
An officer saw about 50 people inside around Perkins, who police said was attempting to fight the club's manager. The statement said the crowd pushed Perkins out the back door of the club, where he continued to yell obscenities and start other fights.
Perkins was arrested and taken to Jefferson County jail. According to KFDM-TV, which first reported the incident, he was released after posting $150 bond. The misdemeanor charges are punishable by fines.
Perkins' agent Thad Foucher declined to comment about his client's arrest.
Perkins was in the city about 90 minutes east of Houston hosting a camp that raises money for his foundation, which aims to help children learn life skills and drug awareness.
Dominican Republic beats UK Pros team
John Calipari knew the Dominican Republic national team he's coaching needed some competition before heading to the FIBA Americas Tournament later this month, so he turned to his network of former Kentucky stars now in the NBA.
The result was an exhibition against a team dubbed "the Pros," led by John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Jodie Meeks and other former players that was as much preparation for the Dominican Republic's quest for an Olympic bid as it was a treat for the Wildcats fans who packed Kentucky's Rupp Arena on Monday night to see it.
Francisco Garcia led the Dominican Republic with 30 points in the 106-88 win over the Pros. Edgar Sosa scored 29 in the game.
Cousins led the Pros with 28 points and had 14 rebounds.
The result was an exhibition against a team dubbed "the Pros," led by John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Jodie Meeks and other former players that was as much preparation for the Dominican Republic's quest for an Olympic bid as it was a treat for the Wildcats fans who packed Kentucky's Rupp Arena on Monday night to see it.
Francisco Garcia led the Dominican Republic with 30 points in the 106-88 win over the Pros. Edgar Sosa scored 29 in the game.
Cousins led the Pros with 28 points and had 14 rebounds.
Ty Lawson taking his game to Lithuania
Ty Lawson will join Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania, signing a deal that will allow the Denver Nuggets point guard to return to the NBA if the lockout ends.
Paulius Motiejunas, the general director of Zalgiris Kaunas, confirmed the deal Monday night. A message was left for Lawson's agent.
Lawson will team up with Sonny Weems, a former Nuggets guard who signed with the international squad last month. Unlike Lawson's deal, Weems agreed to a contract without an NBA opt-out clause. Weems played last season for Toronto.
The speedy Lawson averaged 11.7 points and 4.7 assists last season for the Nuggets.
The Denver Post first reported the story. Lawson told the paper, "It's the best situation for me to go out there."
Paulius Motiejunas, the general director of Zalgiris Kaunas, confirmed the deal Monday night. A message was left for Lawson's agent.
Lawson will team up with Sonny Weems, a former Nuggets guard who signed with the international squad last month. Unlike Lawson's deal, Weems agreed to a contract without an NBA opt-out clause. Weems played last season for Toronto.
The speedy Lawson averaged 11.7 points and 4.7 assists last season for the Nuggets.
The Denver Post first reported the story. Lawson told the paper, "It's the best situation for me to go out there."
Josh Gordon leaves Baylor program
Baylor junior receiver Josh Gordon has left the Bears program after being suspended indefinitely before preseason camp began, coach Art Briles confirmed Tuesday.
"Circumstances have unfolded for Josh that require him to pursue his collegiate degree and athletic career at a different university," Briles said. "I'm appreciative of the efforts he has made the past two seasons for this football program."
Gordon, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound target, was the Bears' second-leading receiver in 2010, catching 42 passes for 714 yards and seven touchdowns, including a 94-yard score in the conference opener against Kansas that stands as the longest play in school history.
Gordon was arrested last October after being found in a car that had marijuana inside at a Taco Bell near the Baylor campus.
Gordon, who led the Big 12 with 17 yards per reception, is reportedly considering a transfer to Utah.
"I have no idea right now," Briles said at a Big 12 media days appearance last month, when asked if he'd be getting Gordon back in the 2011 season. "You all are a lot smarter than I am. Somebody can give you the definition of 'indefinitely.' I think it might mean this afternoon. It might mean 10 years from now. I don't know. I know we're going to move forward, we're going to play, and we're going to be good."
"Circumstances have unfolded for Josh that require him to pursue his collegiate degree and athletic career at a different university," Briles said. "I'm appreciative of the efforts he has made the past two seasons for this football program."
Gordon, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound target, was the Bears' second-leading receiver in 2010, catching 42 passes for 714 yards and seven touchdowns, including a 94-yard score in the conference opener against Kansas that stands as the longest play in school history.
Gordon was arrested last October after being found in a car that had marijuana inside at a Taco Bell near the Baylor campus.
Gordon, who led the Big 12 with 17 yards per reception, is reportedly considering a transfer to Utah.
"I have no idea right now," Briles said at a Big 12 media days appearance last month, when asked if he'd be getting Gordon back in the 2011 season. "You all are a lot smarter than I am. Somebody can give you the definition of 'indefinitely.' I think it might mean this afternoon. It might mean 10 years from now. I don't know. I know we're going to move forward, we're going to play, and we're going to be good."
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
10 Things Sure to happen the NFL this year
I know it's early but here are some things sure to happen in the NFL this year
1.Jets will not go to the Super Bowl!!!
2.Cowboys will be 9-7 at the least Regan Nichols
3.Brady and 85(Ochocinco) will be jus ok. It's not Brady and Moss
4.Saints will suck
5.Texans will have #1 offense
6.Reggie Bush will have one good game that's it
7.VY will start at least one game
8.Vick is going to murder the Falcons
9.Peyton Manning will falter
10.Moss will come back to the Patriots......book it.
Written By: K Bowers
1.Jets will not go to the Super Bowl!!!
2.Cowboys will be 9-7 at the least Regan Nichols
3.Brady and 85(Ochocinco) will be jus ok. It's not Brady and Moss
4.Saints will suck
5.Texans will have #1 offense
6.Reggie Bush will have one good game that's it
7.VY will start at least one game
8.Vick is going to murder the Falcons
9.Peyton Manning will falter
10.Moss will come back to the Patriots......book it.
Written By: K Bowers
Rau'shee Warren makes boxing team
Jose Ramirez's story is quite impressive.
The resident of Avenal, Calif. and the son of farm workers, is on the U.S. Olympic boxing team, thanks to a 21-16 win over 2008 Olympian Raynell Williams in a lightweight bout at the team trials on Friday night.
That alone was big, but the win was the icing on the cake for a young man who has won 10 national championships and five consecutive USA boxing national titles. That's more than Oscar DeLa Hoya, Fernando Vargas, Shane Mosley, and Floyd Mayweather.
In addition, he appeared on ESPN six times in one night and hosted Friday Night Fights. He is also being courted by the top professional boxing promoters, including Top Rank and Golden Boy.
That's pretty impressive stuff for an 18-year-old who was the valedictorian of his local high school and currently a student at Fresno State University and a part-time employee at a local Starbucks.
"I'm very blessed to get the experience," said Ramierez. "I thank my family for giving me a good foundation."
Promoter Rick Mirigian added: "His win against a past Olympian shows there is a new era in Olympic boxing, and I believe he'll open doors in USA boxing."
Against Williams, Ramirez had to pick and choose his openings and succeeded.
"I had to come out strong, and with him being the older fighter, I knew he was going to push himself," Ramirez said. "I tried to adopt as fast as I could and look for openings."
All of the fighters who fought out of the champions corner, won their bouts, and they will have to qualify for the Olympics at the World Champions in Azerbaijan on Sept. 22. The boxers in the light flyweight through light heavyweight classes must place in the top 10 while the heavyweight and super heavyweight divisions must place in the top six.
Earlier, Cincinnati's Rau'shee Warren made history when he made his third Olympic team in the flyweight finals. Warren used a brilliant third-round to take a 31-18 win over Shawn Simpson.
"I used the body shots to break him down," said Warren. "In the first round, he was hungry because I saw it in his face. I told myself it wasn't going down like that."
Simpson started off strong in the first round, and appeared to have Warren off balance. But Warren picked up the pace in the second, moving more and throwing jabs. In the third round, Warren picked up the pace even more, pinning Simpson on the ropes on a couple of occasions and scoring with body shots.
"I went in there a little sleepy," Warren said. "I took a nap just before the bout, and after the first round, my coaches told me to pick it up. It was close every round, and I picked it up a lot in the third."
In the heavyweight division, Michael Hunter shook off the disappointment of failing to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, scoring a 28-17 win over Joseph Williams. Hunter said later that he was impressed with his opponent.
"I knew I would have to adjust to his speed," he said. He (Williams) was definitely different from the other guys, and it was difficult for me to hit him."
The resident of Avenal, Calif. and the son of farm workers, is on the U.S. Olympic boxing team, thanks to a 21-16 win over 2008 Olympian Raynell Williams in a lightweight bout at the team trials on Friday night.
That alone was big, but the win was the icing on the cake for a young man who has won 10 national championships and five consecutive USA boxing national titles. That's more than Oscar DeLa Hoya, Fernando Vargas, Shane Mosley, and Floyd Mayweather.
In addition, he appeared on ESPN six times in one night and hosted Friday Night Fights. He is also being courted by the top professional boxing promoters, including Top Rank and Golden Boy.
That's pretty impressive stuff for an 18-year-old who was the valedictorian of his local high school and currently a student at Fresno State University and a part-time employee at a local Starbucks.
"I'm very blessed to get the experience," said Ramierez. "I thank my family for giving me a good foundation."
Promoter Rick Mirigian added: "His win against a past Olympian shows there is a new era in Olympic boxing, and I believe he'll open doors in USA boxing."
Against Williams, Ramirez had to pick and choose his openings and succeeded.
"I had to come out strong, and with him being the older fighter, I knew he was going to push himself," Ramirez said. "I tried to adopt as fast as I could and look for openings."
All of the fighters who fought out of the champions corner, won their bouts, and they will have to qualify for the Olympics at the World Champions in Azerbaijan on Sept. 22. The boxers in the light flyweight through light heavyweight classes must place in the top 10 while the heavyweight and super heavyweight divisions must place in the top six.
Earlier, Cincinnati's Rau'shee Warren made history when he made his third Olympic team in the flyweight finals. Warren used a brilliant third-round to take a 31-18 win over Shawn Simpson.
"I used the body shots to break him down," said Warren. "In the first round, he was hungry because I saw it in his face. I told myself it wasn't going down like that."
Simpson started off strong in the first round, and appeared to have Warren off balance. But Warren picked up the pace in the second, moving more and throwing jabs. In the third round, Warren picked up the pace even more, pinning Simpson on the ropes on a couple of occasions and scoring with body shots.
"I went in there a little sleepy," Warren said. "I took a nap just before the bout, and after the first round, my coaches told me to pick it up. It was close every round, and I picked it up a lot in the third."
In the heavyweight division, Michael Hunter shook off the disappointment of failing to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, scoring a 28-17 win over Joseph Williams. Hunter said later that he was impressed with his opponent.
"I knew I would have to adjust to his speed," he said. He (Williams) was definitely different from the other guys, and it was difficult for me to hit him."
Thursday, August 4, 2011
SWAC Media Day
Kevin Ramsey Head Coach Texas Southern
Heishma Northern-Head Coach Prairie View A&M
Melvin Spears Head Coach Alcorn State
Rick Comegy Head Coach Jackson State
Reggie Barlow Head Coach Alabama State
Monte Coleman Head Coach Arkansas Pine Bluff
Anthony Jones Head Coach Alabama A&M
Doug Williams Head Coach Grambling State
Stump Mitchell Head Coach Southern
Heishma Northern-Head Coach Prairie View A&M
Melvin Spears Head Coach Alcorn State
Rick Comegy Head Coach Jackson State
Reggie Barlow Head Coach Alabama State
Monte Coleman Head Coach Arkansas Pine Bluff
Anthony Jones Head Coach Alabama A&M
Doug Williams Head Coach Grambling State
Stump Mitchell Head Coach Southern
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
“Five and out” with Gerardo “TinTin” Ibarra
1. When is your next fight and who are you fighting? My next scheduled fight is on august 13th 2011 and my opponent will be Josh burns
2. Why did you get into boxing?
I got into boxing because when younger I was such a hyper active kid, they gave my mom idea to put me in the “pills” to calm down but instead she decided to put me in multiple sports.
3. Do you have any accomplishments or awards? I have multiple awards. I’ve won the Houston golden gloves 7 times.
•2008 I got the best boxer award in Houston but lost in the finals in the state,
•I went on to the finals in the national silver gloves in 06, won the junior Olympics in 06 n got in the U.S team to represent it at the Aiba Cadet world championships held in Istanbul, Turkey where I placed bronze medal,
•I won the national pals in 06 where I beat in the finals the guy who represented the U.S in the 08 Olympics Javier Molina, also I went to Mexico for the Olympiada nacional but lost
4. If you could fight any 5 fighters now, who would they be and why?
I would definitely Chooe Pacman cause he is the man to beat, Mayweather because he is hasn't been beat by anyone and would love to be the 1st. Amir khan because I've seen him since the amateurs and would be nice to be in the ring with him, Raul Martinez would be on my list simply because I like his hits n moves and would like to fight a guy as strong and fast as him, and last but not least Erislandy Lara because he was an Olympic champion.
5. What are some of your hobbies?
Some of my hobbies are to play soccer and also swim I love that sport n would be my 2nd choice of sport I would've done if I wasn't boxing at this moment.
Find more of Tintin on twitter@ teamtintin or contact his publicist at brandoncountee@majesticraven.com or follow me @BigBody247
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
NBA files federal lawsuit against players
With locked-out NBA players threatening to file an antitrust lawsuit, the league beat them to court.
The league filed two legal claims Tuesday against the NBA Players Association an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board and a lawsuit in federal district court in New York.
The NBA accused the players of being uncooperative in negotiations toward a new collective bargaining agreement by making "more than two dozen" threats to dissolve their union and sue the league under antitrust laws in order to secure more favorable terms in a new CBA.
NFL players decertified their union after the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement earlier this year, though they ultimately resolved a 4½-month labor dispute with the league's owners.
Players' attorney Jeffrey Kessler, who also represented the NFL players, was named in the NBA's lawsuit for his use of what the league called an "impermissible pressure tactic" that has had a "direct, immediate and harmful" effect on CBA talks.
"For the parties to reach agreement on a new CBA, the union must commit to the collective bargaining process fully and in good faith," NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Adam Silver said in a statement released by the league.
Billy Hunter, executive director of the players' union, said "the litigation tactics of the NBA today are just another example of their bad faith bargaining and we will seek the complete dismissal of the actions as they are totally without merit."
After a labor meeting Monday in New York the first session since the lockout began July 1 that included commissioner David Stern as well as leaders from both the owners and the players a downcast Stern said the sides were "at the same place" as they were a month ago in the hours before the old deal ran out.
Owners are seeking significant changes to the league's salary structure, claiming $300 million in losses last season and hundreds of millions more in each year of the previous CBA, which was ratified in 2005.
Players have acknowledged the losses but disputed the size of them, and they've balked at the league's push for a hard salary cap and reduction in salaries and maximum contract lengths.
The NBA's lawsuit is essentially preventative legal medicine.
It seeks a declaration from the court that the lockout does not violate antitrust laws, in case the union breaks up to file an antitrust lawsuit. It also cites legal backing for the lockout itself, invoking Depression-era legislation known as the Norris-LaGuardia Act designed to prevent court intervention in a labor dispute.
Finally, the league's lawsuit also makes an attempt to secure support for virtually apocalyptic salary reform should the union dissolve. The NBA asked the court to declare that such a decertification would in turn void all existing player contracts, because they're guided by the union's involvement in the old CBA.
Without a union and a collective bargaining relationship, the league argued, the terms and conditions of those previously negotiated contracts would not apply.
"The NBA Players Association has not made any decision to disclaim its role as the collective bargaining representative of the players and has been engaged in good faith bargaining with the NBA for over two years," Hunter said in Tuesday's statement. "We urge the NBA to engage with us at the bargaining table and to use more productively the short time we have left before the 2011-12 season is seriously jeopardized."
The league filed two legal claims Tuesday against the NBA Players Association an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board and a lawsuit in federal district court in New York.
The NBA accused the players of being uncooperative in negotiations toward a new collective bargaining agreement by making "more than two dozen" threats to dissolve their union and sue the league under antitrust laws in order to secure more favorable terms in a new CBA.
NFL players decertified their union after the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement earlier this year, though they ultimately resolved a 4½-month labor dispute with the league's owners.
Players' attorney Jeffrey Kessler, who also represented the NFL players, was named in the NBA's lawsuit for his use of what the league called an "impermissible pressure tactic" that has had a "direct, immediate and harmful" effect on CBA talks.
"For the parties to reach agreement on a new CBA, the union must commit to the collective bargaining process fully and in good faith," NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Adam Silver said in a statement released by the league.
Billy Hunter, executive director of the players' union, said "the litigation tactics of the NBA today are just another example of their bad faith bargaining and we will seek the complete dismissal of the actions as they are totally without merit."
After a labor meeting Monday in New York the first session since the lockout began July 1 that included commissioner David Stern as well as leaders from both the owners and the players a downcast Stern said the sides were "at the same place" as they were a month ago in the hours before the old deal ran out.
Owners are seeking significant changes to the league's salary structure, claiming $300 million in losses last season and hundreds of millions more in each year of the previous CBA, which was ratified in 2005.
Players have acknowledged the losses but disputed the size of them, and they've balked at the league's push for a hard salary cap and reduction in salaries and maximum contract lengths.
The NBA's lawsuit is essentially preventative legal medicine.
It seeks a declaration from the court that the lockout does not violate antitrust laws, in case the union breaks up to file an antitrust lawsuit. It also cites legal backing for the lockout itself, invoking Depression-era legislation known as the Norris-LaGuardia Act designed to prevent court intervention in a labor dispute.
Finally, the league's lawsuit also makes an attempt to secure support for virtually apocalyptic salary reform should the union dissolve. The NBA asked the court to declare that such a decertification would in turn void all existing player contracts, because they're guided by the union's involvement in the old CBA.
Without a union and a collective bargaining relationship, the league argued, the terms and conditions of those previously negotiated contracts would not apply.
"The NBA Players Association has not made any decision to disclaim its role as the collective bargaining representative of the players and has been engaged in good faith bargaining with the NBA for over two years," Hunter said in Tuesday's statement. "We urge the NBA to engage with us at the bargaining table and to use more productively the short time we have left before the 2011-12 season is seriously jeopardized."
Legends like Bruce Pearl
The Texas Legends are making a hard push to hire former Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl to replace Nancy Lieberman as coach of the D-League franchise, according to NBA coaching sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that Pearl will be in Dallas on Wednesday for a formal sitdown with Legends officials after ongoing negotiations between the parties.
Said one source: "The job is [Pearl's] if he wants it."
Coaching in the D-League is a logical step for Pearl in his quest to break into the NBA, most likely as an assistant coach. But Pearl is in high demand as a college basketball analyst after he was fired by Tennessee in the spring, so it remains to be seen whether Pearl wants to make an immediate return to coaching or if he'll opt for a more lucrative position in TV.
Earlier this month, with the option of continuing as coach, Lieberman decided to move to the Legends' front office as assistant general manager. The women's basketball pioneer last season became the first woman to coach a men's team under the NBA's umbrella when she guided the expansion Legends to a spot in the playoffs.
Pearl was fired by Tennessee after six highly successful seasons when the school, after Pearl had been charged in September by the NCAA with unethical conduct, learned of additional violations committed on Sept. 14, 2010 and in March 2011. The NCAA has yet to rule on how long Pearl will be barred from college coaching.
Pearl went before the committee on infractions on June 11 in Indianapolis. During that hearing Pearl said that he and the university have already been penalized by the school and the SEC.
Depending on the penalty Pearl receives, he may face restrictions in a new college job.
The Legends, sources said, are hoping that the opportunity to coach what arguably ranks as the D-League's most high-profile franchise in the same market as the reigning NBA champion Dallas Mavericks will ultimately sway Pearl to take the job. He led the Volunteers to the NCAA tournament in each of his six seasons, making one trip to the Elite Eight and two to the Sweet 16.
Yahoo! Sports reported in May that the D-League's Maine Red Claws made a run at Pearl to replace Austin Ainge, son of Boston Celtics president of basketball Danny Ainge, before the Red Claws ultimately hired former University of Virginia coach Dave Leitao.
Coaches in the D-League generally work on one-year contracts, but Lieberman had been promised when she took the job that she'd have the option of choosing whether to stay on as Legends coach or move into management after the 2010-11 season.
Lieberman told ESPNDallas.com earlier this month that she debated the switch for weeks after the Legends' season ended in April, ultimately deciding that her long-held goal of "making it normal" for a woman to coach men at the game's highest level would have to be temporarily placed on hold for family reasons.
"I have one son and he has one senior year," Lieberman said, referring to son T.J. Cline. "It's not to say I'll never coach again, because T.J. goes to college in a year, but I felt like this was the right thing to do right now. I don't want to have any regrets as a mom. I want him to look up [when he plays high school basketball] and see me in the stands."
In her new role, Lieberman will work alongside Legends president of basketball operations Spud Webb and general manager Del Harris. Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson heads the management team as Legends co-owner.
The search for a successor began immediately because the D-League will continue to operate starting in October even if the NBA lockout has not been lifted.
Nelson hired Lieberman to coach the Legends in November 2009 after a chance meeting at a Starbucks. Looking for someone with local ties and some name recognition in addition to the requisite basketball qualifications, Nelson has often said that he left the coffee-house chat with Lieberman convinced "that the best man for a job was a woman."
The presence of Lieberman and several players on the roster with an NBA pedigree Antonio Daniels, Joe Alexander, Sean Williams and, briefly, Rashad McCants established the Legends as the closest thing to a glamour franchise in the D-League last season. The highlight of a 24-26 campaign: Texas erased an eight-point deficit in the final 42 seconds of its regular-season finale against the Austin Toros on the road and eventually got the win in double overtime it needed to clinch a playoff berth.
Sources told ESPN.com that Pearl will be in Dallas on Wednesday for a formal sitdown with Legends officials after ongoing negotiations between the parties.
Said one source: "The job is [Pearl's] if he wants it."
Coaching in the D-League is a logical step for Pearl in his quest to break into the NBA, most likely as an assistant coach. But Pearl is in high demand as a college basketball analyst after he was fired by Tennessee in the spring, so it remains to be seen whether Pearl wants to make an immediate return to coaching or if he'll opt for a more lucrative position in TV.
Earlier this month, with the option of continuing as coach, Lieberman decided to move to the Legends' front office as assistant general manager. The women's basketball pioneer last season became the first woman to coach a men's team under the NBA's umbrella when she guided the expansion Legends to a spot in the playoffs.
Pearl was fired by Tennessee after six highly successful seasons when the school, after Pearl had been charged in September by the NCAA with unethical conduct, learned of additional violations committed on Sept. 14, 2010 and in March 2011. The NCAA has yet to rule on how long Pearl will be barred from college coaching.
Pearl went before the committee on infractions on June 11 in Indianapolis. During that hearing Pearl said that he and the university have already been penalized by the school and the SEC.
Depending on the penalty Pearl receives, he may face restrictions in a new college job.
The Legends, sources said, are hoping that the opportunity to coach what arguably ranks as the D-League's most high-profile franchise in the same market as the reigning NBA champion Dallas Mavericks will ultimately sway Pearl to take the job. He led the Volunteers to the NCAA tournament in each of his six seasons, making one trip to the Elite Eight and two to the Sweet 16.
Yahoo! Sports reported in May that the D-League's Maine Red Claws made a run at Pearl to replace Austin Ainge, son of Boston Celtics president of basketball Danny Ainge, before the Red Claws ultimately hired former University of Virginia coach Dave Leitao.
Coaches in the D-League generally work on one-year contracts, but Lieberman had been promised when she took the job that she'd have the option of choosing whether to stay on as Legends coach or move into management after the 2010-11 season.
Lieberman told ESPNDallas.com earlier this month that she debated the switch for weeks after the Legends' season ended in April, ultimately deciding that her long-held goal of "making it normal" for a woman to coach men at the game's highest level would have to be temporarily placed on hold for family reasons.
"I have one son and he has one senior year," Lieberman said, referring to son T.J. Cline. "It's not to say I'll never coach again, because T.J. goes to college in a year, but I felt like this was the right thing to do right now. I don't want to have any regrets as a mom. I want him to look up [when he plays high school basketball] and see me in the stands."
In her new role, Lieberman will work alongside Legends president of basketball operations Spud Webb and general manager Del Harris. Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson heads the management team as Legends co-owner.
The search for a successor began immediately because the D-League will continue to operate starting in October even if the NBA lockout has not been lifted.
Nelson hired Lieberman to coach the Legends in November 2009 after a chance meeting at a Starbucks. Looking for someone with local ties and some name recognition in addition to the requisite basketball qualifications, Nelson has often said that he left the coffee-house chat with Lieberman convinced "that the best man for a job was a woman."
The presence of Lieberman and several players on the roster with an NBA pedigree Antonio Daniels, Joe Alexander, Sean Williams and, briefly, Rashad McCants established the Legends as the closest thing to a glamour franchise in the D-League last season. The highlight of a 24-26 campaign: Texas erased an eight-point deficit in the final 42 seconds of its regular-season finale against the Austin Toros on the road and eventually got the win in double overtime it needed to clinch a playoff berth.
Lawsuit targets money manager
A money manager for college basketball coaches was part of a scheme that defrauded more than 100 investors of $39 million through the sale of bogus corporate bonds, the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged in a lawsuit Monday.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Houston, targets the estate of David Salinas and asks that it and other defendants give up funds and benefits they allegedly obtained illegally through the bond scheme and another involving two private funds. The SEC also is seeking an undetermined amount in penalties.
A brief filed with the lawsuit asks the court to freeze the estate's assets and those of other companies. It also seeks the appointment of a receiver to distribute assets to defrauded investors.
In a related action Monday, the Texas State Securities Board filed documents seeking to revoke the brokerage license of a Salinas associate, Brian Bjork, for his involvement in the alleged schemes.
Salinas, 60, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his home in the Houston suburb of Friendswood on July 17.
The death has shined a light on how dozens of high-profile college basketball coaches invested millions through Salinas, who also operated an AAU basketball program for highly-recruited high school players. According to SI.com, more than a dozen coaches are believed to have lost more than $7.8 million.
The SEC suit alleges that Bjork and Salinas engaged in a seven-year scheme in which they sold corporate bonds to investors that "in reality" were bogus. Investors were promised yields of up to 9 percent and were provided account statements for the nonexistent bonds, the suit states.
Salinas and Bjork "lulled" investors into thinking their money was safe through oral and written representations, according to the SEC.
"Their misrepresentations were material to investors, who would not have invested their money had the true facts been known namely that the investments were a sham and the defendants were misappropriating their money," the SEC's brief states.
The SEC also contends that Bjork raised an additional $13 million from at least 52 investors for two private funds that made improper loans totaling $3.4 million to affiliated parties, including some controlled by Salinas. Investors were told the funds would be used to build a commercial loan portfolio and were never informed of the related-party transactions, according to the suit.
The Texas securities board seeks the revocation of Bjork's license on several grounds, including the alleged bond scheme.
Bjork "knew or was reckless in not knowing" that the bonds were never purchased, and his misrepresentations constitute a "fraudulent business practice," the board's filing states. The document also cites Bjork's involvement in the creation of the two private investment funds that allegedly made improper loans to affiliated parties.
In addition to his business ties to Salinas, Bjork serves as a director of the nonprofit organization that operates Salinas' AAU basketball program, Houston Select.
Bjork's attorney, Matt Hennessey of Houston, did not respond to a phone message from The Associated Press.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Houston, targets the estate of David Salinas and asks that it and other defendants give up funds and benefits they allegedly obtained illegally through the bond scheme and another involving two private funds. The SEC also is seeking an undetermined amount in penalties.
A brief filed with the lawsuit asks the court to freeze the estate's assets and those of other companies. It also seeks the appointment of a receiver to distribute assets to defrauded investors.
In a related action Monday, the Texas State Securities Board filed documents seeking to revoke the brokerage license of a Salinas associate, Brian Bjork, for his involvement in the alleged schemes.
Salinas, 60, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his home in the Houston suburb of Friendswood on July 17.
The death has shined a light on how dozens of high-profile college basketball coaches invested millions through Salinas, who also operated an AAU basketball program for highly-recruited high school players. According to SI.com, more than a dozen coaches are believed to have lost more than $7.8 million.
The SEC suit alleges that Bjork and Salinas engaged in a seven-year scheme in which they sold corporate bonds to investors that "in reality" were bogus. Investors were promised yields of up to 9 percent and were provided account statements for the nonexistent bonds, the suit states.
Salinas and Bjork "lulled" investors into thinking their money was safe through oral and written representations, according to the SEC.
"Their misrepresentations were material to investors, who would not have invested their money had the true facts been known namely that the investments were a sham and the defendants were misappropriating their money," the SEC's brief states.
The SEC also contends that Bjork raised an additional $13 million from at least 52 investors for two private funds that made improper loans totaling $3.4 million to affiliated parties, including some controlled by Salinas. Investors were told the funds would be used to build a commercial loan portfolio and were never informed of the related-party transactions, according to the suit.
The Texas securities board seeks the revocation of Bjork's license on several grounds, including the alleged bond scheme.
Bjork "knew or was reckless in not knowing" that the bonds were never purchased, and his misrepresentations constitute a "fraudulent business practice," the board's filing states. The document also cites Bjork's involvement in the creation of the two private investment funds that allegedly made improper loans to affiliated parties.
In addition to his business ties to Salinas, Bjork serves as a director of the nonprofit organization that operates Salinas' AAU basketball program, Houston Select.
Bjork's attorney, Matt Hennessey of Houston, did not respond to a phone message from The Associated Press.
U.S. roster cut to 14 finalists
USA Basketball announced 14 finalists for the 2011 USA men's World University Games team Sunday after cutting six players.
Still in the hunt for one of 12 roster spots are Notre Dame forward Tim Abromaitis, Missouri guard Marcus Denmon, Pitt guard Ashton Gibbs, Michigan State forward Draymond Green, Alabama forward JaMychal Green, Syracuse guard Scoop Jardine, Vanderbilt guard John Jenkins, UC Santa Barbara guard Orlando Johnson, Yale forward Greg Mangano, Minnesota forward Trevor Mbakwe, Detroit guard Ray McCallum, Kentucky guard Darius Miller, West Virginia center Aaric Murray, and UConn guard Shabazz Napier.
Training camp continues at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 31 to Aug. 7, and the final roster will be announced before Aug. 8, when the team departs for China.
"I think it's a great group," said USA and Purdue coach Matt Painter "We have a lot of balance. I think on the interior we have some shot-blockers, we have some athletes, guys that can really go and get the basketball and some real good shooters. We have some good, interchangeable parts, and a lot of talent, both returning talent and young. I'm really excited about the mix we have."
Missouri guard Kim English, Cincinnati forward Yancy Gates, Lehigh guard C.J. McCollum, Texas A&M forward Khris Middleton, Alabama forward Tony Mitchell, and Northwestern forward John Shurna did not make the team.
The U.S. will play an exhibition against New Century, a Chinese pro team on Aug. 11 in Huizho, China, before the 24-country tournament begins Aug. 13. The U.S. has a 131-8 record in the tournament since 1965.
Still in the hunt for one of 12 roster spots are Notre Dame forward Tim Abromaitis, Missouri guard Marcus Denmon, Pitt guard Ashton Gibbs, Michigan State forward Draymond Green, Alabama forward JaMychal Green, Syracuse guard Scoop Jardine, Vanderbilt guard John Jenkins, UC Santa Barbara guard Orlando Johnson, Yale forward Greg Mangano, Minnesota forward Trevor Mbakwe, Detroit guard Ray McCallum, Kentucky guard Darius Miller, West Virginia center Aaric Murray, and UConn guard Shabazz Napier.
Training camp continues at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 31 to Aug. 7, and the final roster will be announced before Aug. 8, when the team departs for China.
"I think it's a great group," said USA and Purdue coach Matt Painter "We have a lot of balance. I think on the interior we have some shot-blockers, we have some athletes, guys that can really go and get the basketball and some real good shooters. We have some good, interchangeable parts, and a lot of talent, both returning talent and young. I'm really excited about the mix we have."
Missouri guard Kim English, Cincinnati forward Yancy Gates, Lehigh guard C.J. McCollum, Texas A&M forward Khris Middleton, Alabama forward Tony Mitchell, and Northwestern forward John Shurna did not make the team.
The U.S. will play an exhibition against New Century, a Chinese pro team on Aug. 11 in Huizho, China, before the 24-country tournament begins Aug. 13. The U.S. has a 131-8 record in the tournament since 1965.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)