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Cincinnati Reds 2013 Mock Draft: Projecting Their Top 5 First Round Targets

Alexander York — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:16:17 -0400

The 2013 MLB Draft is only a few weeks away. And even though the MLB doesn’t bring as much hype to the event, there’s plenty of fans still anxious to see who the Cincinnati Reds will take in round one.

Many experts believe this first round will be heavily filled with pitching and catching. MyMLBDraft.com has 17 pitchers going in the first round along with three top catching prospects.

The Reds might follow suit with their two previous drafts and pick a young hurler again.

The five past overall first pick by the Reds are: (per baseball-reference.com)

2012: Nick Travieso RHP (14^th overall pick)

2011: Robert Stephenson RHP (27^th overall pick)

2010: Yasmani Grandal C (12^th overall pick)

2009: Mike Leake RHP (8^th overall pick)

2008: Yonder Alonso 1B (7^th overall pick)

This year the Reds will start with the 27^th overall pick in the first round, 38^th pick in the Competitive Balance Round A, 67^th in round two, and 104^th in round three.

With the least to most likely, here are the projected top five first round draft pick targets for the Cincinnati Reds.

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Neymar Would Form Perfect Combination with Lionel Messi for Barcelona

Mike Chiari — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:13:27 -0400

Star Brazilian striker Neymar is among the most exciting players in the world, and with a potential transfer in his future he has made plenty of headlines. One possible destination is Barcelona, which would allow Neymar to form one of the most dynamic duos in soccer with Lionel Messi.

According to Andres Garavaglia of Sky Sports, the Santos forward prefers Barca over all other options and hopes to end up playing at Camp Nou.

Neymar has told us he wants to sign for Barcelona, (Santos vice president Odilio Rodrigues) told Ser Esports.

There are other proposals but he has preferences for Barca. There is no official Madrid proposal for Neymar but we know that this offer will come.

While Barca is trying to make something happen, it has been unsuccessful thus far. According to Goal UK, Barcelona's second transfer offer for Neymar was rejected by Santos.

Barcelona reportedly offered Santos $20 million in exchange for Neymar, according to Goal.com, but Santos is looking for an even larger figure. With Real Madrid hoping to land Neymar as well, Barca has seemingly gotten more active in its pursuit of the 21-year-old phenom.

With that said, there is no question that Messi is still the face of Barcelona. He netted an incredible 46 goals in 32 league matches this season, and Barcelona's offense will run through him as long as he continues to play at this level. There is no such thing as having too many good players, though.

Messi realizes that he will be "the guy" regardless, so it should come as no surprise that he supports the possible acquisition of Neymar, according to Live Football.

In a recent interview with Qatar Alkass, Messi had nothing but good things to say about Neymar, according to FootballTips.com.

I do not know if he will end up at the club or not. However, it is true that he is a player who would bring a very different dimension to the team.

Adding that dimension to what Messi already offers is a tantalizing thought for Blaugrana supporters everywhere. Neymar had 43 goals in 47 total appearances in 2012 and has tallied 13 markers in 20 matches this year, so there is no doubt that he knows how to put the ball in the back of the net.

Messi is arguably the best player in the world today, but he can't do it all by himself. Neymar would take a lot of pressure off of him as opposing defenders would have to split their focus. They would no longer be able to key exclusively on Messi because Neymar could very easily burn them.

There is no guarantee that Messi and Neymar will have great synergy, but they are both exciting and creative players who have a knack for finding the scoring areas. Messi is an amazing goal scorer, but he is a precision passer as well, so Neymar would absolutely benefit from playing alongside him.

While there is obviously a lot that needs to be done before Barcelona lands Neymar, a potential pairing of Neymar and Messi is exciting for any soccer fan. Putting them together would be great for the sport and it would ultimately be a fantastic move on Barca's part.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter

Should Kobe Bryant Serve as a Lakers Assistant Coach While He's Out?

NBA365 Productions — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:11:05 -0400

Kobe Bryant's torn Achilles is one of the harder injuries to recover from in sports. Many are saying his NBA days are behind him, while others think he can make his return late next season.

We all know Kobe's drive and determination will eventually bring him back on the court, but how long will it be before we actually get to see Black Mamba do his thing again?

Our very own Lance Fresh joins us to tell you what the three possible scenarios are for Kobe next year.

Will he wind up coaching? Will he sit out?

Watch now to see what Lance thinks about Kobe's return next year and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Follow Lance Fresh

USC Football Recruiting: Profiling the 2014 Defensive Line Offers (Part 2)

Rick McMahan — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:05:26 -0400

Earlier this week I offered a glimpse of several high-profile defensive line recruits USC has offered scholarships to as compiled by Scout.com.

Now we will look at the remainder of the 13 tackles and ends that have been offered so far by the Trojans this year.

In a unit that desperately needs to be re-stocked after last year's verbal defections, the recruiting department is focusing on this portion of the defense as well they should.

If USC can get some of these players to sign on the dotted line in February, it will go a long way toward securing a dominant defense in the foreseeable future for the Trojans.

Now let's meet these guys...

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2013 MLB Draft Prospects: 5 Best Catchers in the 2013 Draft Class

Adam Wells — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Ask anyone what the most difficult position to draft in baseball is, and some might throw out pitching and shortstops. However, from the standpoint of being able to draft, develop and get a player to live up to their full potential, it has to be catcher.

A big reason it is so difficult to find catching is because the position is more physically and mentally demanding than any other spot on the field. These players have to know everything about their pitchers and how to call games, take a beating from foul balls and wild pitches, understand the strengths and weaknesses of opposing hitters and still make time to develop their hitting.

Since the offensive bar for catching is so low, and the value of an excellent defensive catcher is incredibly high, we seem to expect less production from the position.

Looking at the crop of catchers in this year's class, it is not a star-studded group, but there are a few names at the top of the heap who have the potential to be, at worst, solid regulars behind the plate. There is a huge drop after the top three, who all project to be first-round picks.

Here is a look at the top five catching prospects in the upcoming 2013 Major League Baseball Draft.

No. 1: Reese McGuire, Kentwood HS (Kent, WA)

Strengths: Best defensive catcher in the draft. He is a tremendous athlete behind the plate with great agility and already shows the ability to block breaking balls in the dirt.

Receiving skills are solid already. He also boasts the best pop times (usually in the 1.8-1.9 second range) and strongest throwing arm among all catchers in this class.

Weaknesses: Still very raw offensively. McGuire does boast above-average raw power but struggles to have it show up in games.

Swing gets long thanks to a bat wrap and high leg kick that throws off his timing, especially against better velocity. Despite good receiving skills, still shows a tendency to stab at the ball with the glove.

Overall Future Potential: McGuire has the most raw potential of any catcher in this class. His defensive skills alone could make him a starter for a long time, but he will have to prove that his offense will be good enough to play every day. Being able to get the bat through the zone quicker and improving his pitch recognition will determine if he is a star or just another catcher.

No. 2: Jon Denney, Yukon HS (Yukon, OK)

Strengths: Solid offensive skill set with bat speed and raw power. He has a very quiet approach at the plate with no wasted movement, and bat control allows him to barrel the ball on a consistent basis.

Solid-average throwing arm behind the plate. Not the most accurate thrower in the world, but will make enough plays to stay as a catcher. He could move off the position to get his bat moving quicker, though that would significantly lower his value.

Weaknesses: Overall defensive skills leave something to be desired. Very raw as a receiver and still struggles to move behind the plate. Balls in the dirt are going to give him problems. Denney will have problems adjusting to off-speed stuff and can get a little too reliant on his bat speed instead of playing the ball.

Overall Future Potential: Denney has the most offensive upside among catchers in this draft class. He also projects to be an above-average overall hitter, so if he is even fringe-average defensively, he could be a star. Due to questions about his glove, there is a chance he could be relegated to first base or DH.

No. 3: Nick Ciuffo, Lexington HS (Charleston, SC)

Strengths: Like Denney, Ciuffo has a very good swing from the left side of the plate and projects to have above-average power. He also shows a strong ability to make contact, which gives him a good chance to be an average hitter.

Above-average arm strength from behind the plate. Receiving skills are very strong, among the best in the class. Good, strong catcher frame at 6'1", 200 pounds.

Weaknesses: Shows inconsistent pop times from behind the plate, ranging anywhere from 1.85-2.0. Also struggles to make the throw down to second base. Denney will pull off the ball too often, leading to strikeouts and more soft contact than you would like.

Overall Future Potential: Good raw tools behind the plate. Arm strength and receiving skills will play right away, but he does have to show more consistency with his throwing motion. Even with some struggles offensively, Denney has enough power and bat speed to eventually become an average hitter. He has the ceiling of an All Star, though he could carve out a nice career as a solid regular if the glove and hit tools don't progress as expected.

No. 4: Chris Okey, Eustis HS (Mt. Dora, FL)

Strengths: Okey has an average defensive profile, with some arm strength and decent receiving skills. He is never going to be considered elite behind the plate, but should be adequate thanks to a good frame and projectable skills. He has some ability to hit for average thanks to bat speed.

Weaknesses: Overall defensive skill set leaves something to the desired. Okey also has a limited offensive profile because his swing is not going to produce a lot of power. He takes very little stride in his load and uses more of his upper body to drive the ball. He will have gap power, but home run pop will likely be fringy.

Overall Future Potential: Okey's best bet to get to the big leagues is as a defensive-oriented catcher with arm strength, ability to block balls and some athleticism. His bat is not going to be special due to lack of power projection, but his bat speed could help him become a .260-.270 hitter.

No. 5: Andrew Knapp, California

Strengths: Knapp offers the kind of floor that the first four catchers on the list don't. He is still raw as a hitter, but he knows how to catch good velocity and breaking stuff having played in the Pac-12 for the last three years.

Weaknesses: He doesn't offer much offensive upside, as his bat speed is just adequate and power is fringy. He has shown improvement as a hitter, increasing his average from .265 last season to .350 this year. Knapp does struggle receiving the ball, which is a red flag for a college catcher, and his arm strength is average.

Overall Future Potential: Knapp is the kind of catcher who could end up being in the big leagues for 10 years as a backup thanks to his athleticism and some tools with the bat. He will have to show vast improvement in his receiving and throwing skills, as well as the ability to make contact, in order to be a starter.

If you want to talk about draft prospects, or anything baseball related, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

Follow @adamwells1985

Rangers' Brad Richards Will Be a Healthy Scratch for Game 4 vs. Bruins

Mike Chiari — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:58:17 -0400

Center Brad Richards may be the highest-paid player on the New York Rangers' roster this season with a $12 million salary, but that won't be enough to keep him in the lineup. Richards will be scratched for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Bruins, according to Katie Strang of ESPN.com:

Richards confirmed head coach John Tortorella's decision, according to Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com, and said that he was "disappointed" by the decision:

Despite the fact that Richards has struggled throughout the playoffs, this move comes as a pretty big surprise. The Rangers trail the Bruins 3-0 in the series, so a loss will send them home for the offseason. If nothing else, Richards has the skill necessary to make a big play at any given time.

Richards put up 15 points in 20 playoff games for the Rangers last season and showed his penchant for making clutch plays, including this late, game-tying goal against the Washington Capitals:

Through 10 playoff games this season, though, Richards has just one goal and hasn't recorded a single assist. He also sports a minus-three rating and has been bumped down to the fourth line.

He didn't exactly have a great regular season by his standards with 34 points in 46 games, but this is a sudden fall from grace.

The decision had to be a difficult one for Tortorella, as he coached Richards and the Tampa Bay Lightning when they won the Stanley Cup in 2003-04. Richards had 26 points in 23 games during that run and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason's most valuable player.

Richards won't have the opportunity to test his playoff mettle in Game 4 against the Bruins, however, as Tortorella decided to go in a different direction.

Whether it works or not, there are now big question marks when it comes to Richards' future in the Big Apple.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter

Premier League: Top 8 Goal Assists During the 2012-13 Campaign

Sam Tighe — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:54:24 -0400

As we continue to look fondly upon the 2012-13 English Premier League season, cast your minds back to some of the wonderful goal assists we've seen.

In some cases it's not about the finish but all that precedes it, and here the beauty is very much in the buildup play.

Did we miss one? Add it in the comments below as we look to garner the very best of the season's assists.

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Complete Round Up of RGIII's 1st Practice Since Devastating Knee Injury

Chris Trapasso — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:54:14 -0400

Robert Griffin III was back on the field for the Washington Redskins during a Thursday, May 23 OTA session after having reconstructive knee surgery on January 9.

He took snaps under center, made throws to his receivers and even briskly jogged between drills while donning a bulky knee brace.

ESPN had live coverage of RG3's practice, and the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year didn't appear to be hindered by his injury.

Here's a shot by Rich Campbell of the Washington Times of Griffin III moments before he put on a helmet and began airing it out:

RG3 stretching for OTAs with other Redskins who are recovering from surgery:twitter.com/Rich_Campbell/…
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) May 23, 2013

Griffin III showed very little—if any—apprehension as he ran to the initial throwing drill,although he smartly didn't push himself or run full speed.

The Redskins' official Twitter account posted this video which shows Griffin III dropping back and throwing the ball to rookie running back Chris Thompson.

He was quick in his drops and was able to firmly plant on his injured leg before firing the ball down the field or toward the sidelines.

Footwork and weight shift are vital to a quarterback's generation of velocity and ball placement, and Griffin III didn't have any unusual compensative hitch in the way he moved away from the center or released the football.

Washington D.C. sports photographer Ed Sheahin was in attendance and tweeted the following about how RG3 looked:

Watching RG3 run. Looking good! He put on a show for the cameras purposely sprinting to send a message. He's Back! #Redskins
— Ed Sheahin (@NFLSkins) May 23, 2013

Quite the endorsement.

While it's too early to make a definitive judgment on RG3's recovery timetable and when he'll be back to 100 percent, his first on-field action of the offseason was certainly encouraging.

Right now, a Week One return doesn't seem to be out of the question.

Follow @ChrisTrapasso

Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund: Predicted Starting Lineups & Match Analysis

Alex Richards — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:49:07 -0400

The two biggest clubs in German football and winners of the last four Bundesliga titles will meet at Wembley on Saturday, looking to win European football's biggest prize, the UEFA Champions League.

Four-time European champions Bayern Munich will head into the match as favourites against Borussia Dortmund, whose sole European Cup triumph came in 1997. Die Bayern finished some 25 points ahead of Die Borussen in the Bundesliga this season, having been edged out by Jurgen Klopp's side in each of the last two campaigns.

The Bavarians arrive at the final looking to avenge final defeats in two of the last three seasons, having succumbed to Jose Mourinho's Inter in 2010 before losing out on home soil to Chelsea last season. Jupp Heynckes side have been in irresistible form more recently, however, with demolitions of Juventus (quarter-final) and Barcelona (semi-final) proving their class.

BVB arrive after beating Real Madrid in the semi-finals (4-3 on aggregate) and having squeaked past another Spanish side, Malaga, in the last eight, when they were just three minutes from elimination.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Bayern Munich

The Bayern side which was so outstanding in hammering Barcelona both at the Allianz Arena and at Camp Nou pretty much selects itself going into the final.

The injury to the brilliant midfield schemer Toni Kroos is enough to ensure Arjen Robben continues wide on the right in Heynckes' preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Thomas Muller continuing in a central role behind lone striker Mario Mandzukic.

The only real selection headache for Heynckes revolves around who partners with first-choice defender Dante at the heart of the side's defence. Nonetheless, the ex-Manchester City defender Jerome Boateng is expected to be given the nod, having been Dante's preferred partner for much of the season, with Belgian Daniel van Buyten missing out.

Predicted Starting XI: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba; Javi Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Muller, Ribery; Mandzukic. (4-2-3-1)

Borussia Dortmund

Jurgen Klopp's side have already suffered a blow in the build-up to the final, with the news that the outstanding Mario Gotze, set to move to opponents Bayern during the summer, will miss out through injury.

In his absence, the key decision resides in not only who replaces the attacking midfielder—club captain Sebastian Kehl, Nuri Sahin or Kevin Grosskreutz—but also whether the side stick with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation or utilise a 4-5-1/4-3-2-1 amalgamation which has been preferred in recent fixtures with Bayern.

Given Grosskreutz's energetic style and performance in the recent league clash between the two, expect him to be given the nod in a tight midfield trio alongside regulars Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan.

The only other doubt currently surrounds centre-back Mats Hummels and his ankle injury, but he is likely to start. Felipe Santana is on standby.

Predicted Starting XI: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Bender, Gundogan, Grosskreutz; Blaszczykowski, Reus; Lewandowski. (4-3-2-1)

Matchup Analysis

Past Meetings

Bayern have had the better of the meetings between the two sides this season, remaining unbeaten in four matches over the course of 2012-13 (2 wins, 2 draws).

Nevertheless, Dortmund got the better of last season's biggest matches towards the end of the campaign— Winning the DFB Pokal final 5-2 and a late-season league match 1-0, which acted as a virtual title decider.

Last Six Meetings:

May 5 2013: Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)

February 27 2013: Bayern Munich 1-0 Borussia Dortmund (German Cup)

December 1 2012: Bayern Munich 1-1 Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)

August 12 2012: Bayern Munich 2-1 Borussia Dortmund (German Super Cup)

May 12 2012: Borussia Dortmund 5-2 Bayern Munich (German Cup)

April 11 2012: Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)

Of course, all which has gone before will mean very little come Saturday's final.

Key Areas to Watch on Saturday

Bayern's Wing Prowess

Since Toni Kroos injury and Arjen Robben's return to the Bayern starting lineup, there has been a noticeable increase in the side's attacking threat down either flank. Thomas Muller, fine player though he is and scorer of crucial goals throughout his fledgling career, isn't as direct as the Dutchman when he starts out wide, particularly in terms of his ability to carry the ball considerable distances towards the opposition goal.

On the left, Franck Ribery has been in outstanding form recently, and he was at his mesmeric best against Gladbach this past weekend, scoring twice and assisting Robben's winner. His link-up with David Alaba, the adventurous full-back, offers Bayern a constant threat, whether dominating the game or on the counter-attack.

Additionally, watch for the stealthy movement of Muller, who despite nominally being selected as a No. 10, naturally drifts towards the right flank, where he will create overloads with both Robben and Philipp Lahm.

The Tactics of Jurgen Klopp

The 4-2-3-1 has been a staple of Dortmund's success since Jurgen Klopp's arrival from Mainz in 2008.

However, the formidable pairing of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez has seen the Dortmund boss become more cautious in recent clashes between the two sides, adding an extra body into the centre of his side's midfield.

Usually it has been the utility man Kevin Grosskreutz, and with Mario Gotze unavailable, such a move to the aforementioned 4-5-1/4-3-2-1 formation seems likely once again.

Whilst selecting the more defensively aware, high-energy style of Grosskreutz over the more cultured Nuri Sahin may appear a reactive move in the absence of Gotze, it also allows Klopp more in-game flexibility without the need for substitutions. Grosskretuz has started in both full-back positions, central midfield, on either flank and even had a stint in goal after Roman Weidenfeller's red card this past weekend. His adaptability makes BVB tactically more flexible depending on circumstance.

Ceding the High Press

Both teams have made their way to the final of this season's competition through a mixture of devastating attacking play and the use of relentless pressure against opposing defences. Both sides' use of the high press has been particularly impressive at different parts of the tournament—Bayern especially against Juventus in their quarter-final first leg and Dortmund in their semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.

Nonetheless, both sides won't be able to dominate proceedings, and one will eventually have to cede to the other in that regard. With that in mind, expect BVB to follow the lines of recent matches between the two, allowing Bayern to dominate possession whilst sitting deep and keeping compact, before looking to counter-attack.

If the game follows such a pattern, Marco Reus and Kuba Blaszczykowski will be key protagonists for BVB, with their ability to transition from deep positions to support Robert Lewandowski.

Latest Buzz on Nerlens Noel's Chances to Land with Cleveland Cavaliers

Alex Kay — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:48:20 -0400

The Cleveland Cavaliers were fortunate enough to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft in Tuesday night’s lottery. Now they have the first shot at selecting Nerlens Noel, the highly-rated prospect out of Kentucky.

Noel is the closest thing to a consensus top pick this relatively weak class has to offer, but there are some concerns about the big man’s health and ability to excel at the next level.

More specifically, the Wildcats star is still in the midst of recovering from a debilitating ACL injury suffered in mid-February and—by his own calculations—won’t be available until Christmas time.

There’s also the worrisome weigh-in at the scouting combine in Chicago last week, as Noel tipped the scales at a gaunt 206 pounds. While some of this skinniness can be attributed to his injury, it’s hard to picture the wiry prospect bulking up to more than 215 pounds in his rookie season.

However, despite those two red flags, Noel is a perfect pivot for the modern NBA. He’s not going to blow anyone away with his height at 6’11”, but that’s a more than acceptable length—especially when you factor in his otherworldly leaping ability.

Noel utilizes that athleticism to his advantage on both ends of the floor, springing up off the floor to snag rebounds, finish alley-oops and block anything put up in his vicinity.

His controversial coach, John Calipari, believes that the Cavaliers would be foolish to pass on his former player next month.

According to Mary Schmitt Boyer of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, coach Cal had this to say about the potential pairing:

My hope is they take Nerlens because they do their research and say, 'We need that shot blocker behind what we have....We know he's going to gain 40 pounds. We know the trajectory.' They know where he was at the beginning of the year and they know how much he improved because they were here. They saw it. I don't have to explain anything to Chris [Grant, Cavaliers general manager].

ESPN’s Andy Katz caught up with Noel after the lottery and found that the big man is excited about the potential to play alongside superstar point guard Kyrie Irving and the rest of the emerging Cleveland roster.

The prospect believes that his shot-blocking and rim protection skills would synergize with the existing lineup, while he also projects to provide another option for Irving to feed down low or finish at the rim on the break.

So why wouldn’t the Cavs draft a player that can accomplish all of these things; especially with a roster devoid of that type of talent in the frontcourt?

For starters, there have been some rumblings that the organization is exploring a possible trade.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that Cleveland GM Chris Grant outright confirmed that he will be be fielding offers: "You want to look at all your options and make the best decision for your team," Grant said. "This is a valuable asset that we can add to the group, whether it's in trade or keep it and add a player."

Grantland’s Zach Lowe—who spoke with numerous members of the Cleveland posse on lottery night—believes the team has “almost literally too many draft picks,” as it possesses the No. 1, 19, 31 and 32 selections in this year’s event, and will be fielding offers for all of them.

There’s also the possibility that the Cavaliers just straight up decide to go in a different direction, as Noel isn’t a complete head and shoulders above the rest of the projected lottery in terms of talent or upside.

Grant revealed to Windhorst that his club doesn’t have its heart set on anyone, as anything could happen between now and June 27—the night of the NBA draft: "For us, it's wide open. A number of these guys are injured, so there's still an enormous amount of due diligence that's got to be done."

Should the Cavs stay put and not use the pick on Noel, they will likely be looking at either Ben McLemore out of Kansas or Georgetown’s Otto Porter.

The Jayhawks sniper may not be the most ideal fit with the current roster, but he’s arguably the best perimeter player in this class and could develop into an elite scorer.

Porter doesn’t grade out as highly and certainly isn’t a franchise-worthy point producer, but—on paper—meshes perfectly with the makeup of this team.

Without a surefire home run No. 1 selection in this class, Grant wouldn’t be raked over the coals too badly for his decision to pass over Noel—but it could come back to haunt him.

Unless Cleveland receives a “Godfather” offer from a competitor looking to move up to the head of the 2013 draft—and that seems unlikely given the flawed prospects at the top of most big boards—you can expect the franchise to stand pat and tab Noel.

He may not be the lottery prize that Kyrie Irving was two years ago, but the Kentucky center will eventually develop into an instrumental piece of the puzzle for this rebuilding Cleveland Cavaliers organization.

NHL Playoffs 2013: NY Rangers on the Rocks with No Margin for Error Down 3-0

Roman Uschak — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:39:19 -0400

The New York Rangers likely won’t be coming back from this one.

Oh sure, they could conceivably win on Thursday night to force a Game 5 in Boston this weekend, and possibly win that one as well, thereby cutting their deficit in the Eastern Conference semifinals to one game.

Odds are, though, they won't—and ultimately, they also won't win their first Stanley Cup since 1994.

Their come-from-ahead 2-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, in which they surrendered a pair of third-period goals after nursing a one-goal lead, has left them in an 0-3 hole to a team that won the Stanley Cup just two years ago.

More importantly, it’s left them in a hole against a team that will not conceivably fold like the Washington Capitals did in the first round. The Caps had 2-0 and 3-2 series leads over the Rangers in the conference quarterfinals and then failed to score a goal in the final two games.

The Bruins are bigger, meaner and stronger than the Caps and have found ways to win in two of the three games this series, either or both of which the Rangers could have won.

Torey Krug tied it and Brad Marchand won it in overtime of Game 1 in Boston last Thursday. The Bruins then pasted the Rangers, 5-2, on Sunday, getting goals from five different skaters and 35 saves from Tuukka Rask in breaking a 1-1 second-period tie to take a 2-0 series lead.

Tuesday night, the Bruins trailed by a goal going into the final period before getting goals from Johnny Boychuk on a wrist shot from the right point and Daniel Paille off a weird bouncing rebound in front, the latter with just 3:31 remaining in regulation. Tough guy Shawn Thornton assisted on both scores and Rask made 24 saves to negate the 32 stops made by his counterpart Henrik Lundqvist, who still sports a .935 save percentage so far in these playoffs in stopping 340 of 362 total shots.

“You have to work hard to get the bounces,” said Lundqvist to NBC Sports Network after Game 3.

"He was outstanding. He was outstanding," said Rangers coach John Tortorella (via NHL.com) of Lundqvist.

The Ranger’s No. 30 can’t score goals, though—and half the time, neither can his teammates. Barring the five-goal burst in the Game 7 clincher against Washington, New York has scored one goal or less in half of its 10 playoff outings to date and is just 1-4 in those games. They have just five goals so far in this series.

The New York power play again failed to ignite in limited action in Game 3, going 0-for-2. New York is now 0-for-10 in the series when playing a man up and just 2-for-38 overall in the postseason.

“This is one of the worst power plays I’ve ever seen,” said former NHL player and current NBC Sports Network commentator Jeremy Roenick following Game 3.

Roenick pointed out how the Rangers don’t set up properly on the power play, make poor passes or only send in one man on the forecheck. He also suggested that a series loss, highlighted by such a miserable man advantage, might ultimately cost Tortorella his job.

Taylor Pyatt scored the Rangers’ only goal Tuesday, his first of these playoffs, which now ties him with multi-millionaires Rick Nash and Brad Richards on the team scoring scroll after 10 games.

Clubs have come back from the brink of elimination in the Stanley Cup playoffs before; the Philadelphia Flyers turned that trick just three seasons ago in the second round en route to a Stanley Cup Final appearance. That series, though, was against these same Bruins, who you can bet aren’t eager to repeat that performance—especially after nearly squandering a 3-1 series lead in Round 1 this year against Toronto, a series Boston ultimately salvaged with a miraculous Game 7 comeback.

A Rangers team that some picked to win the Stanley Cup in this lockout-shortened season is now just one loss away from going home for the summer.

Coming back from three games down isn’t physically impossible. Psychologically, though, it’s pretty much insurmountable.

“As a group now, we have to leave everything out there Thursday,” said Lundqvist.

That still might not be enough.

John Cholish Explains How Much It Costs to Be a UFC Fighter

Damon Martin — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:35:46 -0400

The subject of fighter pay in the sport of mixed martial arts has been an ongoing debate for several years with no one coming to a consensus on whether the salaries are good, bad or otherwise.

Most recently, former UFC lightweight John Cholish, who retired following his last fight at UFC on FX 8, came out against what he perceived to be poor fighter pay structures, and it eventually led to his exit from the sport.

Cholish, who still works a full-time job as a commodities broker on Wall Street, says that he didn't even break even for his most recent fight where he traveled to Brazil to face Gleison Tibau on the undercard at UFC on FX 8.

He's spoken out quite a bit lately about the fighter pay issues since his fight on Saturday, but he doesn't expect many others to follow suit because of their need for the UFC paycheck.

"Zuffa is a private company so they don't have to disclose a lot of their information, and again this is my personal opinion, I'm not saying it's for anyone else but I've spoken to a vast array of fighters from top level guys to mid-tier guys to lower level guys and I feel at least the guys I've spoken with kind of have that same feeling of maybe they're not being fully compensated the way that they should be. But guys are scared," Cholish stated when speaking to MMA's Great Debate Radio.

"If you don't have a secondary source of income, if this is your primary source of income and your full-time job and Dana (White) has been very clear this past year they are going to be cutting a lot of guys from the roster. Top name guys like Jon Fitch that was a huge debate at the time when it happened when he got cut and moved to a different organization.

"I think people are scared and fear the repercussions. I'm in a position where I can kind of speak out and I don't need the fighter income."

Instead of just making a blanket statement about what he believes is poor pay for the fighters, Cholish broke down exactly what it costs (in his case at least) to train, travel and prepare for a fight in the UFC.

The money involved in Cholish's case are probably similar to other fighters, but he makes it clear that he can only speak towards what his contract and financial situation with the UFC was for his fighting career.

"Just to be clear I've not seen any other fighter's contracts, maybe I'm this one guy that has this terrible contract," Cholis said. "Although I doubt it because it's probably a carbon copy, but this is just kind of my experience and what I've dealt with."

(It also must be noted these figures do not account for sponsorships that Cholish may have received, only the base pay he reported from the UFC.)

Training Camp Costs: $8,000 to $12,000

Before a fighter even steps foot in the Octagon, there is a long process of getting ready for the bout. Typically a fighter will receive six to eight weeks to prepare for a bout (although that timeline can be shorter or longer depending on the notice given for a fight), and that's how he structures a camp to get ready.

Cholish trains primarily out of the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City under coaches like famed jiu-jitsu instructor John Danaher, and with other trainers like Phil Nurse, who works with several high-profile UFC fighters including welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre.

"This is just gym fees, travel expenses, making sure you're eating the right stuff, and not talking day-to-day stuff like breakfast, lunch and dinner. More like supplements, training gear, all that top to bottom. I'd say roughly between $4,000 to $6,000 a month when you look at it," Cholish revealed. "Again, I live in New York City so I understand costs may be a little bit higher than they are other places, but it's expensive to train at top places and with individuals."

Those numbers seem in line with what other fighters have stated in the past regarding a top-notch training camp.

UFC featherweight Chad Mendes, who was supposed to fight at UFC 157 before several opponents dropped out due to injury, had to postpone his training camp to prepare instead for a fight in late April at UFC on Fox 7. Speaking with MMAJunkie.com at the time, Mendes' numbers were very similar to those given by Cholish for what a professional training camp should cost.

I go through a camp, and I spend my own money. I'll go $6,000 or $7,000 or even $10,000 in, and then right before the fight it falls through. I don't get that money back, so that in itself is frustrating, let alone having to kill myself for nothing.

Pre-Fight Medicals

Before a fighter steps into the cage to compete in the UFC, he must first undergo a series of medical exams to gain clearance for a fight. Those tests can range from a typical physical to blood tests to a CAT scan or eye exam if necessary.

Cholish says after suffering an injury before his last scheduled fight in December 2012, he had all of his pre-fight medicals done, but some of the tests required by the commission expired before his next bout so he had to redo many of them again.

While he can't speak to the exact costs of medicals required because his own personal insurance (paid by his brokerage house employer) picked up the tab, he did happen to get a bill by accident for some of the bloodwork that was required before he traveled to Brazil.

"I actually had my medicals for the Yves Edwards fight, which expired by a very brief period of time and I had to get my medicals done again," Cholish explained. "Fortunately, I have insurance that is kind of able to cover it, but the bloodwork alone I got a bill that they misprocessed and didn't go to my insurance was almost $800. Just for the bloodwork."

Cholish says that while he did not incur the costs of the medicals because of his own insurance, his understanding is that fighters are responsible for the cost of those tests out of pocket.

"It's not cheap and it's not free. From my understanding (medicals) yes it is (the fighter's responsibility)," Cholish said.

Travel Expenses: Estimated for Brazil Near $4,000

As part of his contract for a fight, Cholish explains that the UFC will pay for his flight and hotel for a fight (in this case his trip to Brazil) along with one coach or corner person. In addition to those costs, the UFC will cover the expenses to pay for a visa to travel to Brazil for both the fighter and his coach (price is $500 a piece).

Cholish explains however that while the UFC does pay for him and a coach to make the trip, almost no fighter will go into a bout at that level without at least two other coaches or corner people to work the fight.

"For me how it was set up for Brazil, I have two flights covered so for me and for one coach and then you get one hotel room. The hotel we're actually staying at only had two single beds in it so there weren't any queen-sized beds, not that I would have four grown men sleep together in a bed.

"So, for example, when I had my fight in Toronto, you have to pay for two additional flights for two coaches. You have to pay for another hotel room, which they make you get there on Monday or Tuesday. So it's usually for four or five nights so that adds up," Cholish explained.

"I choose to take care of my coaches' meals while they are there. Again, I don't think they should have to pay out of pocket to be there. For Brazil as well there was a $500 visa fee, that was included for coaches.

"You also have to pay for your corner licensing, you have to pay for your medicals before the fight, so it might not seem like a lot but when you start adding it together. Especially a flight to Brazil costs $1,500 or $1,600 a piece and you're only making $8,000, it chips away pretty quickly.

International Taxes: $2,160

When the UFC travels internationally, the fighters that compete there must also pay additional taxes to the country where the card takes place. When a fight takes place in Canada, the competitors traveling there from the United States have to pay Canadian taxes before getting their money for the fights.

Fighting in Brazil, Cholish explains that the tax is 27 percent of the take home pay. In his case his contracted rate to fight was $8,000 (he would have won an additional $8000 with a win). Before he receives any pay from the UFC, Brazil taxes take $2,160 from his $8,000 paycheck.

"Brazil takes 27 percent before you even get the money. That comes right out," Cholish said. "Same thing as Canada, they take their money before you leave."

On top of the taxes taken by each individual country, the fighters are still responsible for paying taxes in their home country of origin as well. So after paying the $2,160 to Brazil, Cholish still owes taxes to the United States government as well for income earned.

Final Analysis

While there are no hard numbers on what each individual fighter spends on a training camp, in Cholish's case based on the dollar amounts he gave, his bout at UFC on FX 8 would end up costing him more than $6,000 out of pocket ($8,000 show money - $2,160 for taxes = gross pay of $5,840. $8,000 for training camp + $4,000 for travel with coaches).

Those figures also don't reflect any additional money Cholish would have paid for his coaches to eat in Brazil or other expenditures, such as medical costs that in this case he did not have to pay for before the fight.

Cholish isn't sure there is a perfect answer to this problem either outside of the UFC paying their fighters a higher sum of money or possibly setting up to pay some sort of fees for training camps, travel costs, etc.

Many experts point to a fighter union that would run in similar fashion to those in other major sports like the NFL or Major League Baseball, but Cholish admits that at the heart of it all MMA is an individual sport, not a team sport, and that's going to make it harder to convince the fighters making the most to give up something for those making the least.

"I am in no means asking them to step down, you can't blame them," Cholish said about the UFC's top earners. "They worked really hard to get where they're at and they're finally getting paid. Why should they stick their neck out especially when if one ore two of them does it, is it really going to be enough? So unfortunately I don't think a union is a base way to go."

Cholish believes that the fans are the real voice that will force the UFC to change the way they pay fighters. He's started a campaign on Twitter called #PayTheFighters hoping to bring this subject up more often to the higher ups at the UFC.

"I think the biggest impact will be fans and social media," Cholish stated. "UFC is a private company, they work for money, where do they get their money from? The fans."

Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and all quotes were obtained first-hand unless otherwise noted.

Detroit Tigers: Cabrera's All-Time Greatness Should Not Be Ignored

Josh Berenter — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:31:33 -0400

Miguel Cabrera is putting together one of the all-time greatest performances in the history of MLB.

But for as amazing of a player as Cabrera is, his greatness has been somewhat shoved under the rug in the city of Detroit and around baseball.

Whether it’s his comical DUI arrest in 2011, or his lack of English-speaking skills, for some reason or another, Cabrera’s fame isn’t on the level of LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Sidney Crosby or Tom Brady, who are arguably the most famous individual figures in their respective crafts.

But Cabrera’s numbers should speak for themselves.

Last season, the 30-year-old won the Triple Crown (the most recent player to do so since 1967) with a .330 average, 30 44 home runs and 139 RBI’s.

Cabrera won his first career MVP Award and led the Tigers to their second World Series appearance since 2006.

You would think that accomplishing one of baseball’s holy grails would allow Cabrera to be a runaway favorite for MVP, but he just barely edged out the sabermetric arguments of Los Angeles Angels rookie Mike Trout.

Cabrera wasn't bothered by the doubters who thought he didn’t deserve to be MVP, and has gone out this season and proved exactly why he did deserve the award a year ago.

So far in 2013, Cabrera is averaging .387 with a .459 on-base percentage, 13 home runs and 52 RBI’s in 44 games.

Cabrera, who’s vying to become the first two-time Triple Crown winner in history, leads the American League in average by 35 points, in RBI’s by nine and is second in home runs, trailing Baltimore’s Chris Davis by one.

He’s a seven-time All-Star during his 10-year career, and he’s on pace to finish 2013 with 47 home runs and 191 RBI’s.

The Venezuelan slugger continues to confuse opposing pitchers and amaze adoring fans on a nightly basis, and is on the verge of doing things that no has ever accomplished, but somehow he remains somewhat anonymous in the grand scheme of things.

Cabrera, who’s finished in the top five of the MVP vote in each of the last four seasons, doesn’t mind shying away from the spotlight, but for as good as he is, the spotlight should be shining brightest on him.

Opposing pitchers know what he’s capable of and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Cabrera is in the prime of his trailblazing career, and when he’s ready to hang ‘em up, we will all look back and put him on the pedestal among the best players ever.

Maybe even the best of all-time.

French Open 2013: Highlighting Top Performers in Qualifying Draw Thus Far

Patrick Clarke — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:31:30 -0400

Before Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams get their chance to shine in the main draw at the 2013 French Open in Roland Garros this summer, the qualifiers will have their moment in the sun.

As second-round qualifying action comes to a close, a handful of underdogs are just one win away from joining tennis' top stars in next week's main draw.

Here we'll highlight some of the top performers in Paris heading into the third round of the qualifying draw.

James Duckworth

Aussie James Duckworth, 21, has played solid clay-court tennis this week in Paris, beating countryman Alex Bolt in the opening round of the qualifying draw and then overcoming Argentine Diego Sebastian Schwartzman in Round 2.

In his three-set win over Schwartzman, Duckworth was sensational. He recorded 12 aces and committed just two unforced errors, according to IBM SlamTracker.

The emerging Australian will take on Serbian Dusan Lajovic in the third round for a spot in the main draw next week. With a win, Duckworth can launch his racquet in celebration rather than disgust.

Duckworth has played in the Australian Open twice, reaching the second round in Melbourne in 2012 and 2013. He has never played in the main draw at any other Slam event.

Stephanie Vogt

Stephanie Vogt, a 23-year-old native of Liechtenstein, currently ranks outside the WTA Top 200. However, that hasn't stopped her from winning matches in the early goings of the French Open.

Vogt defeated Italy's Maria Elena Camerin in her opening match, winning seven of nine break points to take the match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. Vogt was even better in her second-round win, knocking off Romania's Andreea Mitu, 6-2, 6-2 after converting on five of six break-point chances.

Vogt is looking to earn her first-ever berth in a Grand Slam tournament. She was knocked out in the qualifying draw at the 2012 U.S. Open and a few months ago at the 2013 Australian Open.

What's more, Vogt can make history for her country in the third round in Paris (via The Guardian's Alex Macpherson):

Rhyne Williams

Despite ranking outside the ATP Top 100, 22-year-old Rhyne Williams is playing brilliant tennis in Roland Garros this May.

In his first-round qualifying match against Boy Westerhof, Williams recorded eight aces and scored four quick break points before his opponent was forced to retire while trailing a set and a game.

Williams was phenomenal again in the second round, defeating Frenchman Mathias Bourgue in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. Williams recorded seven aces and 43 winners in the victory.

The Knoxville, Tennessee native is looking to earn his first-ever berth in the French Open after bowing out in the first round of the 2013 Australian Open four months ago. Williams, seeded 15th in the men's qualifying draw, will take on 22nd-seeded Pole Michal Przysiezny in Round 3.

The winner will advance to play against the big boys in the main draw.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.

Vendor at Astros Game Fired After Bringing Snow Cones into Bathroom Stall

Dan Carson — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:24:11 -0400

Who doesn’t like a good snow cone? They’re cool, refreshing and thought to be generally excrement-free, but even that now lies in question.

According to a report from Sports Illustrated, a vendor at a Houston Astros game was fired after bringing a tray of these icy treats into the bathroom while using the amenities.

A fan in attendance at Minute Maid Park in Houston Monday night noticed something peculiar when he went to use the bathroom—a tray of rainbow-colored snow cones sitting on the ground behind an occupied stall door.

The man immediately began filming the incident with his phone, capturing footage of an individual’s pants around his ankles, using the bathroom next to the open cups of ice.

Click here for video of the incident.

The man filming the video becomes increasingly disgusted by the situation, and he eventually confronts someone who appears to be an employee at the stadium. To put it nicely, the man lays out the situation in plain terms to the stadium employee.

“Excuse me, you work here? You know you got a (bleeper) over here, taking a (bleep) with a snow-cone tray right in the (bleeping) bathroom?”

He’s got it right here on tape, he says. The employee walks to investigate the situation, and the video ends with the angry fan—the Captain Planet of food sanitation—saying how vile he finds it all.

The video was shared by the fan with a local NBC news station, and the employee responsible has been fired. Astros president Reid Ryan gave a statement in response to the incident.

The Astros were notified immediately by our partner ARAMARK of the incident involving a vendor on Monday night. We commend the swift reaction displayed by ARAMARK of terminating the employee immediately.

ARAMARK—Minute Maid Stadium’s exclusive concessionaire service—said this was an isolated event and a clear violation of standards.

I just hope those cones were thrown out and the tray was buried deep, deep under the stadium. Think of the children.

Michigan Football: 10 Most Memorable Plays in Wolverines History

Zach Dirlam — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:24:00 -0400

The Michigan football program has been around since 1879, which means plenty of memorable plays have taken place over the past 134 years. Out of all them, though, there are 10 that stand out from the rest.

Game-winning plays are more difficult to forget than many of the highlight reel catches and runs. Unexpected special teams touchdowns have often led to a Wolverine locking up the Heisman Trophy. The end of one of the most unlikely of upsets will not soon be forgotten either. Doing all of this against a rival makes it all the more memorable.

Not surprisingly, the Big House has played host to several of the most memorable plays over the years, as making memories for 100,000-plus fans is just what Michigan standouts have done for decades.

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New York Yankees: In Praise of Brian Cashman's Genius

Chris Landers — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:23:20 -0400

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman would seem to be the Rodney Dangerfield of Major League Baseball, despite all of the wins and all of the rings he's achieved in over a decade with the team. Anybody can win with that payroll, right?

Missing the playoffs even once should be a fireable offense when you can simply buy your way to a winning team.

Yes, New York can spend its way through a lot of its issues, even in a season where they were resolved to cut back. But Cashman has been dealt far worse hands than people realize, and he's managed to create contenders out of a scrap heap multiple times.

The Alex Rodriguez contract will hang over this franchise like an albatross for the next few years, hamstringing their ability to get younger and get better. That was never Cashman's fault, really—that was a George Steinbrenner move, through and through, and that's what people seem to forget about the Yankees GM.

The Yankees have financial clout but rarely financial flexibility. Steinbrenner demanded A-rod, then he demanded changes after New York missed the playoffs in 2008. So much of what Cashman has done has been dictated to him, and for all of the missteps, he still manages to craft a contender.

The guy is a master of the margins, scraping the bottom of the barrel to patch together wins no matter what.

Every franchise deals with injuries—sure—but not like this. The 2013 Yankees have been absolutely annihilated by various ailments to just about everyone, and through it all, they somehow find themselves locked in another AL East race.

For the second consecutive year, Cashman's bargain basement signings have come through—Eric Chavez and Raul Ibanez last year, Vernon Wells, Travis Hafner and Lyle Overbay this year. Even Nick Swisher, who morphed into a legitimate force in the middle of the Yankees lineup, was a low-profile acquisition.

The Yankees may have had luck on their side for the first couple months of the season—their run differential and win-loss record in close games suggests so—but their GM still deserves a whole bunch of credit. For all of their free-agent splashes, New York has never been a particularly top-heavy team, and that's a testament to Cashman's work.

New York Rangers' 5 Most Impressive Players During 2013 Playoffs

Andrew Capitelli — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:21:18 -0400

It’s been a postseason of ups and downs for the New York Rangers.

After falling behind two games to none to the Washington Capitals in Round 1, the Rangers knotted up the series 2-2 and eventually won in seven games.

But their second-round outing has been nothing short of disappointing. Down 3-0 to the Boston Bruins, the Rangers have failed to exhibit any sense of urgency or desperation, and as a result, their season could end Thursday night.

New York’s shortcomings can be traced back to a number of high-profile players failing to live up to expectations. Rick Nash and Brad Richards, the supposed offensive dynamos on the team, have been zeros. Even captain Ryan Callahan’s showing has left much to be desired.

But it’s these poor performances that have undoubtedly overshadowed the strong play of others. There is a group of Rangers—albeit small—who have impressed in these playoffs, and they’re to thank for the Round 1 victory.

We’ll reveal the Rangers’ top five performers of the NHL playoffs after the jump and discuss what they've done to be considered.

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UEFA Will Impose 10-Match Ban on Players Guilty of Racism

Timothy Rapp — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:17:51 -0400

In a measure to reduce racism in football, UEFA will now enforce a 10-game ban for any player or referee guilty of racially abusing another.

From Sky Sports:

UEFA has ratified a proposal to impose a 10-match European ban for players and officials found guilty of racism.

Racism by fans will also now be punished by partial stadium closure for a first offence, with a full stadium closure for a second offence.

The new sanctions were agreed by UEFA's executive committee meeting in London but moves to oblige national associations to follow suit have been watered down.

In other words, other football associations—such as the English FA, which recently announced its own five-game ban for racism—are being asked to comply with the new ban but retain the right to levy their own bans and fines.

But if a player is found guilty of racism in the Champions League or Europa League, the ban for those competitions will be 10 games.

UEFA also increased the ban for insulting officials from two games to three and assaulting them from 10 games to 15.

As well, according to the Associated Press (via Fox News), a second instance of racism by fans will include a $65,000 fine along with a full stadium closure.

This season has seen a number of disturbing occurrences of racism. Kevin-Prince Boateng and his AC Milan teammates walked off the pitch in a friendly against Pro Patria due to racism being rained down on them from the stands.

In January, American international and AZ Alkmaar striker Jozy Altidore was the victim of monkey chants from fans of Den Bosch. And Mario Balotelli has sadly been a favorite target of Italian fans, as he has been racially abused in games against Inter Milan, Juventus and AS Roma.

All three clubs received fines in those incidents.

These are positive steps taken by UEFA and hopefully will discourage fans or players from turning to racial abuse. There is simply no place for it in football.

Dwight Howard Must Spurn Dallas Mavericks Despite Rumored Interest

Donald Wood — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:17:27 -0400

Impending free agent Dwight Howard has been reportedly torn between returning to the Los Angeles Lakers or signing with the Houston Rockets (h/t USA Today), but the Dallas Mavericks franchise is reportedly positioning itself for a big push to sign the center this offseason, according to Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

After the nightmare that was the 2012-13 season with the aging Lakers, Howard must see the collective age of the Mavericks roster—six players over 30 last year—and spurn the team for the more appealing options on the table.

Price’s report claims that Dallas’ offseason free-agent hunt will now be focused on Howard instead of Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul:

I think Chris Paul, depending on who [the Clippers] hire, is going to stay with the Clippers. The Mavericks are really interested in Chris Paul, but I think they want Dwight more. They think they can make them a point guard…They’re trying to go after [Howard] pretty hard. They think they’ve got as good enough of a chance as anybody, but I think Houston is a better fit for him.

For the Mavericks, seeing the writing on the wall about Paul staying in Los Angeles shows the savvy of the franchise, and pursuing the talented center instead is the smart backup plan.

While it’s the right move for the franchise, it’s not the right fit for the player.

Dallas would offer Howard a chance to be the featured star of the team, with current No. 1 player Dirk Nowitzki heading toward retirement. The same can be offered by the Lakers with Kobe Bryant, but Howard is great right now and should be the star of a team immediately.

In Houston, Howard wouldn’t play second fiddle to James Harden.

Howard made it clear during his time with the Orlando Magic that he wanted to play for a major-market team, but the way his season in a city like Los Angeles went, there should be no questioning that signing in a place with less pressure may be appealing once again.

Dallas may not be a prototypical basketball town, but with an owner as outspoken as Mark Cuban has been during his time in the NBA, an old roster and the expectations coming from the franchise’s 2011 championship, the spotlight would burn bright on Howard.

After watching how the center handled the pressure of impending free agency and the transition to the Lakers, a move to a smaller market with less pressure like Houston is Howard’s best option on paper.

Let’s hope this doesn’t become another Dwightmare.

Follow @Donald_Wood

Liverpool Transfer News: Andy Carroll Should Accept Permanent Move to West Ham

Tim Daniels — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:10:47 -0400

Andy Carroll must focus on restoring his status as a talented young striker with upside. It's a reputation that faded during his brief Liverpool stint, so although West Ham United might not be his first-choice club, it's the best place for him right now.

West Ham agreed with Liverpool on a £15 million deal that would make Carroll's loan at Upton Park become permanent, and now the Reds are hoping for a quick answer from the striker, according to Andy Hunter of The Guardian.

The report states Carroll remains unsure about committing to a full-time stay with the Irons. He still prefers making a return impact with Liverpool or going back to where he initially skyrocketed to prominence, Newcastle United, but those options are fading.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers said he already talked with Carroll about the situation and will continue to do so moving forward until a resolution is found:

It's a difficult one. I spoke to him and we had a good chat. The boy is a talent. It's just something we need to assess between now and the end of window. In terms of the money, that's something out of my control. But he's a talent so we will assess the whole situation. The objective at the beginning of the season was for him to go out and play. He's gone away to think of what we spoke about and we will talk again through the weeks.

Even though Carroll might want to mull his options before accepting the move, the England international needs to understand he's not in a position of great power right now. The fact Liverpool is so willing to sell him illustrates that.

His stock has fallen considerably since he netted 30 goals over his final season and a half with Newcastle. He parlayed that into a marquee move to Anfield. He's struggled to match the hype and expectations ever since.

With the Reds and Irons both trying to plan their summer transfer approaches, he will probably feel the pressure from both sides to decide his future sooner rather than later.

That's why his best option is accepting the permanent switch to West Ham. He can then focus completely on returning to full strength after a heel injury and then hope to reestablish himself as a coveted Premier League striker next season.

While Carroll might be thinking about the short-term concerns of staying at Upton Park, he should be thinking about his long-term future. If he can revitalize his career during a longer stay with West Ham, it will open up more opportunities moving forward.

There were signs of progress near the end of the campaign. He netted four goals over his last eight appearances, frequently flashing the form that helped him become a valuable asset. He needs more of that in order to restore his prior status.

West Ham, where he should receive consistent playing time while staying in the Premier League, is the safest bet. It's the best chance for him to show the Liverpool struggles were only a minor setback.

Liverpool and West Ham eagerly await his decision.

Arsenal Transfers: Gunners Need to Sign the Right Player to Boost Attack

Mikhail Turner — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:10:11 -0400

All the talk concerning Arsenal's possible transfer signings for the attacking third have centered mainly on Stevan Jovetic and, more recently, Gonzalo Higuain.

Given Arsenal fans' preference for a big name signing, as well as their obvious quality, these two players make sense.

The Gunners need a forward who will score goals consistently, and while some fans have their doubts about Jovetic's ability in that respect, Higuain is proven in that area.

Still, enough has been said about the duo in relation to Arsenal in recent times.

There are other names that have cropped up as potential additions, or replacements, for the Gunners, and each option has to be weighed.

Christian Benteke, Loic Remy, and Wilfried Bony are the players in question.

Like Jovetic and Higauin, plenty has been said about Benteke and fans have seen him in Premier League play throughout the season.

Of all these options, he's the only one who can fully pass that "Premier League-proven" test.

Loic Remy's half-season with Queens Park Rangers showed he may be able to produce in England. The French international would bring title-winning experience, versatility and his best years to the London side.

Bleacher Report's own Karl Matchett broke down the tactical pros and cons of signing the former Marseille forward.

Remy has never been a prolific scorer, though, and his similarities to Theo Walcott make it difficult to see that he would improve Arsenal that much more.

Wilfried Bony is an exciting prospect coming off the back of a season where he scored 35 goals in 29 games for Vitesse Arnhem.

According to ESPN FC, Bony could be available for £10 million this summer, and that's another plus considering his price could be inflated that much higher after this season's exploits.

He is a forward in the poacher category, who has the physical tools to survive in the Premier League, but Olivier Giroud is already at the club, and Higuain would be a better addition on merit.

Every Arsenal fan has their preference and opinion as to who would be the best option for the club moving forward.

Barring a departure by the likes of Lukas Podolski, only one of the top two targets—Jovetic and Higuain—would be a possibility due to their cost.

With Goal.com reporting that Higuain is strongly linked to Juventus, that may leave only the Fiorentina star as an option.

Interestingly enough, it may come down to a "You get one, I get one" situation with Arsenal and Juventus, as ESPN FC reports that the Italian giants may be interested in Jovetic as well.

In any case, Arsenal may only need one of these players given Sky Sport's report of the impending arrival of Yaya Sanogo.

The Auxerre youngster is only a raw prospect at this time, but he would add depth to the Gunners' attacking third, and may progress well under Arsene Wenger's tutelage.

Arsenal could also face the prospect of another extremely frustrating transfer window, with Wenger just as likely to consider none of these options.

According to Talksport, the Gunners have been linked with skillful Montpellier attacking midfielder Remy Cabella. With seven goals and nine assists this season, the Frenchman has shown he can be productive.

Cabella has enough skill and versatility to fit into the Arsenal side, but there are more cons than pros to his signing.

He wouldn't start right away, there are enough players like him in similar positions in the squad and it's unknown if he would survive the Premier League.

We get through all that before even mentioning an Express report of the ridiculous £85 million valuation Montpellier have put on the player.

While Montpellier are unlikely to expect even half that much should any interest become real, it does suggest that they will expect a sizable amount for his services; an amount that could be used sufficiently elsewhere.

So which of these players would be the right one to boost the Arsenal attack?

Is it Jovetic's youth, potential and skills that, if harnessed correctly, could produce on of the biggest signings of the summer?

Is it Higuain's proven goal-scoring record, Benteke and Remy's Premier League experience, or Cabella's skill and versatility?

Wenger changed his policy a bit with the signings of Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla last summer, and the results have been mixed.

Cazorla was the best of the three, and the fact that he was the only non-forward may weigh heavily on Wenger's mind.

All these candidates have their pros and cons, and Wenger likely won't win with all the Arsenal fans, whichever option he chooses.

The only thing certain with any of these transfers is that nothing is certain.

Unless otherwise stated, all statistics courtesy of ESPN FC.

Youth Football Study Sheds Light on Health Issues

Will Carroll — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:10:09 -0400

USA Football and the Datalys Center released preliminary findings from their landmark, two-year study of injuries across youth football. The findings are for the most part extremely positive, but any move by a governing body is seen with suspicious eyes by many, so let's look a bit deeper into these early findings:

Is This a Good Study?

First and foremost, this is a scientifically valid study conducted by a respected firm. The study is not complete, but the importance of its findings and the possible impact led the stakeholders to release some of the preliminary findings.

The study looked at over 1,900 players across several states and youth leagues. While the specifics of the players are hidden by need, it appears to be a broad cross-section. While not random, since the leagues had to agree to participate, there is no apparent selection bias.

The methods and findings of the study all appear valid, though again, these are preliminary. USA Football is in a unique position, as more of an advocacy group than a true governing body. With no authority over football at any level, their strategies have been based on education and marketing.

I should also note that while USA Football and Datalys are located in Indianapolis, I have no connection to them aside from our shared interest in reducing injuries.

What Are the Key Takeaways from This Study?

It's important to note again that these are preliminary results from a two-year study. There are no solid recommendations that will occur until the study is completed.

There are, however, some interesting notes, such as an apparent lower number of injuries than expected. There are also a lower number of concussions than expected as well as an absence of catastrophic injuries, either from head, spine or heat-related cause. This may be due to the relative low incidence of these not being captured within the sample.

The most interesting thing may be that all of the samples were collected from leagues that were not compliant with USA Football's "Heads Up Football" program. That program, which is focused on education of coaches on key points like tackling technique, equipment fitting and heat illness, is designed to reduce the injuries even further.

What this study does not answer is the one so many parents want to know: Is youth football safe?

Is the Fact That More Players Are Injured in Games Than Practice Surprising?

It is not surprising. The key here is remembering that this is youth football, what many call Pop Warner or Little League in some areas. The ages are between 6 and 14 and does not include any high school players.

USA Football has rejected some of the most dangerous football drills, such as the Oklahoma drill or 'Bull In The Ring'. The Oklahoma drill, as seen to the right, is often used at high school and lower levels, but has led to significant injuries and even death.

While contact and collision is part of football, minimizing that contact is smart. The reduction of contact drills in the NFL has led to a reduction in both general injuries and head injuries in specific. While this reduction in contact is not as aggressive as some (including myself) would hope, there has been some movement in this direction.

The Most Common Injuries Are Contusions and Sprains. What Does This Mean?

This makes sense to anyone around football. Watch any youth football game and you'll see why this is the case. Simply put, these are the injuries you usually see when kids tackle and block each other in the course of normal play.

Any tackle, block or collision may result in these, leading to the raw numbers for bruises (contusions.) The same is true for sprains, especially given the amount of simple sprains, like a sprained ankle or sprained finger.

The game, as played, is never going to be perfectly safe and given that, the important thing for these kinds of usually mild injuries is making sure there is proper care. There is an increased call for medical professionals, especially athletic trainers, to be on site for games. Cost and availability is often prohibitive for many leagues however.

Are They Minimizing the Danger of Concussions?

The presentation here is a bit of a question mark. A 4 percent rate is not high or low and passes the "smell test." However, this means that 76 children, none older than age 14, suffered a reportable concussion. Given what we know about concussions, this may be an unacceptable risk for many children and parents. However, the effect of concussions on developing brains is a major unknown in the medical community.

There is some concern about the data. Dustin Fink, an athletic trainer who runs The Concussion Blog, questions why the data is significantly below the levels normally seen. According to the preliminary results, the observed rate is around 4 percent, about half the 8 to 10 percent seen in previous studies of more advanced levels.

"It's a subjective injury we are relying upon the injured to know/understand when they are hurt and then willfully report that," explains Fink. "When reporting symptoms we must be clear with the 'threshold' used to determine if it is a concussion, is it one symptom, two? Is it based on severity, only cognitive test, etc."

While Fink's concerns are valid, the use of on-site athletic trainers to collect data certainly appears to address this concern. There are a number of factors possible as to why the number is low, from random variations to the lower forces in the youth game.

Are They Minimizing the Danger of Heat Illness?

The study showed no incidences of heat-related illness during the first year of the study. I do not believe the study is intentionally minimizing the severity of heat illnesses, nor do I believe that USA Football is not committed to making sure that heat illness is handled properly.

Heat illness is thankfully rare, but deadly. Each summer, we'll hear of deaths of players across the country due to heat illness, usually at the high school level. It can be dangerous for pros, with the death of Korey Stringer a major tipping point for the treatment and perception of the problem.

Youth leagues have more leeway in canceling practices than high schools, which means they likely practice in safer situations. The greater presence and involvement of parents at these levels also reduces the chance of atmospheric conditions leading to heat illness.

"Heat illness is one of three primary player health and safety-related points of emphasis in our coach certification course," said USA Football's Steve Alic. "It's as important to us as tackling technique and proper equipment fitting." The organization's emphasis on heat illness and prevention has been forward thinking, so the fact that none occurred within this study should not be interpreted as minimization.

What Does USA Football Hope to Accomplish With This Study?

USA Football has done an amazing job in growing their Heads Up Football program. From pilot programs last year to being adopted by over 1,500 youth leagues is stunning to many that did not believe that a voluntary program would gain much traction.

The only similar study was one undertaken by Little League Baseball and the American Sports Medicine Institute, which led to new guidelines for pitcher usage. That study has been very influential in terms of changing the rules of the game, though it remains to be seen if it can reduce the number of injuries. It was certainly successful in terms of awareness.

Another key point that came up in my conversation with Alic was that the 10 leagues followed in this study were not Heads Up Football compliant last season. Several of the organizations will be taking part for the '13 season. It will be very interesting to see what changes come as they follow the same organizations through a second season under new health and safety guidelines.

Is Youth Football Safe?

This simple question is one that simply does not have an answer. Parents and administrators are debating this openly, a testament to a major shift in public sentiment over the past three years. While nothing is perfectly safe, the question is whether it can be made relatively safe and if the long-term consequences are worth the risk.

While some will say this is another step towards "bubble wrap kids" and "put skirts on them," as a way of minimizing the risk and machoing up their own viewpoint, the inherent dangers of football are more known now. Twenty years ago, we did not know as much. Twenty years from now, we will know more. Parents and players will have to take the available information and make an informed decision.

This study will increase the available information and help parents make better decisions. One can only hope that all sports will collect and publish the same kind of data. For that, USA Football should be congratulated.

10 Improvements the Oakland A's Could Make to Bolster Postseason Chances

Nick Houser — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:08:02 -0400

There's just not a more simple way of saying it: if the Oakland A's want to reach the postseason, they're going to have to improve in a few areas.

Unfortunately, a change in one facet won't make the A's playoff contenders. It's not that easy. Instead, several of the 10 areas listed next must be improved upon for a legitimate shot at progressing toward a World Series.

Oakland isn't awful by any means. There's just things the team could do better. Things they must do better.

Should the Athletics correct these aspects of their game, October baseball will be a given.

Statistics courtesy of Baseball-reference.com, MLB.com and ESPN.com.

Begin Slideshow

Transgender Trailblazer Fallon Fox Talks Jason Collins, X-Men, Being a Pioneer

Michael Stets — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:07:01 -0400

They call her Queen of Swords in the Cage. Some call her unrepeatable things in the press. But after becoming a woman, her choice was "Fallon Fox." By definition Fallon means superiority. Fox chuckled when talking about the meaning, saying: “I've heard a lot of different meanings of the name. What I first found was that it means the girl who is in charge. It kind of describes me.”

Her nickname, just as appropriate. When the “Queen of Swords” is victorious, she spins her imaginary sword and sheaths it back in its rightful holster as a post-fight celebration, akin to Schwarzenegger in Conan the Barbarian. Her nickname is “kind of a long story,” she explained. A transgender friend on Facebook wrote a post using the name.

“I looked up the queen of swords and I read the meaning. It was a tarot card. The description of the tarot card sounded to me like the description of a certain type of woman: she’s strong, she’s proud, she’s intelligent, and all these different things. I was like, that’s how I want to be. That’s the persona I want to try and put out there. It was a very emotional time for me and I just decided that I would keep it as my fight name.”

After undergoing gender reassignment surgery in 2006, Fox was living the life she'd always wanted to live, culminating in 2011 when she begun her professional career in mixed martial arts. It wasn’t until she found out a reporter was going to break the truth about her past life, that she was forced to tell her story. Her life would be changed forever, as she instantly made national headlines.

Suddenly, everyone was talking about the most famous transgender athlete in sports since Renee Richards—who in 1976, after being denied the right to play in the U.S. open, famously fought the United States Tennis Association and won a Supreme Court decision in 1977 to play against women professionally. Richards became a symbol for the rights of transgender athletes, a role Fox is also willing to accept.

“I was pretty sure, going along the timeline, I was going to have to embrace being a role model for transsexuals in mixed martial arts, and I’m willing to embrace it—of course,” Fox told Bleacher Report.

Becoming Fallon and discovery of MMA

Fox, born Boyd Burton, had feelings about being a woman since her pre-pubescent years. After high school, she married her pregnant girlfriend and had a daughter. The journey would take her into the Navy, then to the University of Toledo, finishing with her behind the wheel of a trucking job that would send her back and forth across the country so she could raise money for the gender reassignment surgery—which would take place in Bangkok, Thailand.

"I began some counseling and in 2006 I decided to undergo gender reassignment surgery, Fox said. Her four year old daughter was made aware of the life altering transition that was soon to occur. Her parents, deeply religious, not only didn’t approve, but felt like being a lesbian or gay could be cured through prayer.

When it was over, Fox explained that how she felt. “It was successful and finally it was like my mind matched my body. I had become the person I felt was inside of me all along."

Fox would begin her fresh start in Chicago, Illinois, and stumbled upon her current profession. "I was looking for a way to lose a little weight and discovered MMA and its disciplines and I fell in love with it,” Fox admitted.

“I started training (At the Midwest Training Center) and fought in some amateur competitions and won all of my fights. Then I turned pro and here we are today. On Friday I'm fighting in the women's semi-finals for the CFA title."

The Waiting Period

Fox's transition into the sport has not been a seamless one. After starting her career 2-0, with a win in Iowa and another in Florida, the legitimacy of her license came into question.

Her fate would rest in the hands of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the agency that oversees the state's athletic commission. Her license to fight was under review based on a perceived violation of Chapter 548. Under that chapter “the commission can suspend or revoke a license or permit, if the licensee or permittee committed fraud or deceit to secure a license or permit.”

Fox was under the impression she had received her California license, but CSAC Executive Director Andy Foster said her license was pending, since she was still under medical review. The fact that people thought that she was trying to withhold information to a commission about being transgender did not sit well in the court of public opinion, nor did it sit well with many fighters. Public outcry on the subject began to swell.

One man, who stood behind Fallon, was Jorge De La Noval, the founder and president of Championship Fighting Alliance. He actually delayed the CFA 11 fight card, pushing it back three weeks so Fox could get the ruling from the FDBPR and still fight Alanna Jones on May 24.

“Actually I was one of the first persons to find out," Noval told Bleacher Report. My reaction from the get-go was we’re going to support her. In CFA, we don’t discriminate against anybody.”

Fox was eventually exonerated. On April 3 FDBPR General Counsel Roger Mass ended the case saying, “the evidence does not support the prosecution of the specified violations of Chapter 548, Florida statutes, or the rules promulgated thereunder. Therefore this case should be closed.”

Fox stated, “There was no doubt in my mind that the commission would approve my license. I didn’t see it going any other way.”

Vitriol, Contempt and Understanding Hormones

It seemed like you couldn’t go onto an MMA website or forum without seeing someone’s opinion on Fox, whether it was relevant to the story or not. UFC color commentator Joe Rogan had the first harangue. Matt Mitrione’s got him suspended by the UFC. Even Ronda Rousey had a strong opinion on Fox.

A lot of the negativity attached to the stigma came from preconceived notions based on personal bias and ignorance of the medical facts on the matter. Many opinions were based on the feelings that, despite the surgery to become a woman, it couldn’t change bone structure or the physicality of a man, thus giving Fox an unfair advantage. Bringing up the topic of Fox fighting a women, to a fan of MMA or not, would usually illicit a “how is that fair” response.

Sheryl Wulkan M.D. drafted the first transgender policy for The Association of Boxing Commission. It hasn’t been in need until Fox. Among the criteria it is noted that hormone therapy must occur for a minimum of two years after gonadectomy, in order for a transgender fighter to be allowed to compete.

Fox explained that she must “consistently” take hormones. She can’t and does not ever cycle off them. She explained that even if she were to not take hormones, her “testosterone levels would remain the same. For the rest of my life, my testosterone levels will remain underneath women who were born with female anatomy.

“There’s no advantage I could ever get by not taking estrogen,” Fox said. “Which I’m not doing, I’m just saying that’s a fact, so people should realize that. Which, I don’t think most people understand.”

Support from family, and a UFC champion

Fox said “she is getting support for sure, but it could be better.” Support from a UFC champion doesn’t hurt. One of the biggest names in the sport, UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones spoke up on the matter showing empathy for Fox, while ridiculing Mitrione simultaneously.

“That’s a strong person," Jones said during a UFC 159 pre-fight media day. “I’m a fan of that person.” Jones then called Mitrione a “scumbag” for the comments he made toward Fox. Fox said it was “pretty awesome and courageous” for someone like Jones to “take a stand” saying, “I think Jon Jones is an awesome guy, I appreciate his comments.” She also mentioned that others have contacted her privately.

In her everyday life, Fox finds peace where she trains in Chicago, Illinois at The Midwest Training Center. “Every time I go into the gym they are supportive and they make me feel like it’s a real family there. They’re like my new family,” Fox said affectionately. To her, her support system consists of her daughter and her teammates. That’s who she “leans on” and “depends on” most. Fox’s daughter is now 16 years old, she lives with Fox and has seen her entire transformation, from Boyd Burton, to Fallon “The Queen of Swords” Fox.

Refusing to fight the "Queen of swords" a lost opportunity?

Peggy Morgan made a video with her manager stating that if she was paired against Fallon Fox in theCFA women’s tournament, she would not fight her based on her having an unfair advantage. There were others who felt the same way according to CFA president Jorge De La Noval:

“They didn’t want to fight Fallon,” Noval explained. “The first couple of weeks they were all iffy about it and confused and so were we. Nobody had any medical knowledge of the situation, so people are very quick to pull the trigger when they see stuff like that.”

Fox believes that if they aren’t going to fight her it’s because they’re scared.

“Well, clearly fear comes from misunderstanding right? If you don’t understand a person, you are very likely to fear them. Obviously she just doesn’t understand my sexuality. That may be a part of her fear. Another part could be; she might see my ability as better than hers. I do realize that it’s obviously fear because she would’ve fought anyone else in the tournament, I believe.”

What if the roles were reversed? How would Fallon Fox feel if she were fighting a transgender fighter?

“Me being me, I’m very rational and logical, so I would look into the information that was presented and draw my own conclusion. I understand how there is a lot of confusion, and how people have questions. I understand that, I completely get that. It’s not something that people run into every day, and it’s completely logical and understandable for people to have questions.”

For several fighters who were against fighting Fox, it would appear now, that they would ignore their moral compass for a chance at national exposure. “Two months later all the girls wanted to fight Fallon," Noval said. “The attention that Fallon has gotten and the attention she is going to get now on National TV — every girl wants that opportunity.”

Fox said she's "focused on the fight, and the fight alone" when she fights Allana Jones May 24 on AXS TV. When prompted if she'd seek further compensation for helping build CFA's awareness Fox responded, “A pay raise would be nice.”

No Transgender Policy in Florida?

Last Friday a conference call took place with members of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Florida Boxing Commission and members of the ABC medical advisory board.

Bleacher Report was able to obtain the audio from that conference call and sifted through the relevant information.

“The commission doesn’t know what to expect," Noval said, sounding frustrated after being asked about the call. “We are constantly going back and forth on security. We are constantly going back and forth on how they are going to test her before the fight.”

That’s interesting news. The commission cleared Fox to fight in the beginning of April, yet they are less than a week out from the fight, and they aren’t sure how to go about her pre-fight medical exam?

When asked about it, Fox said, “I haven’t heard anything about what you are talking about,” and “all I know is that I’m cleared to fight.”

“I don’t see any other testing they would have to do for me," Fox said. “I don’t see what that would encompass. I have no clue. I’ve never heard that, I don’t know what that would even mean. Perhaps he is talking about the implementation of a transgender policy, a possible transgender policy they are considering.”

Bingo. In the audio Bleacher Report was able to obtain from that conference call, the participants were indeed trying to figure out how to implement a policy for transgender fighters in Florida.

Dr. Robert Boltuch, who is a member of the medical advisory committee for the ABC and a long-time ring-side physician for the Florida boxing commission, spoke out strongly in opposition:

“In terms of full fairness and protection of the fighter, I have some concerns. I don’t believe this is a political issue. I don’t believe this is a social issue. In fact, I feel this is a safety that we have to really think about before we decide which direction we want to go in. Looks like we already had an issue with a transgender fighter in the ring. She was unknown to the ringside doctors and the other participants, and it seemed like it was a big mismatch.”

Later in the call, Dr. Mark Williams—who is the Chairman of the Florida Boxing Commission—stated “We have to come up with a policy. The ABC already has a policy. We have to do something. We have to act. It’s not a question of not acting.”

The Florida Boxing Commissioner Tirso Martinez responded by saying, “We are going to act, but maybe our action is not to allow it.”

Senior Assistant Attorney General Thomas Barnhart interrupted Martinez, saying:

“We don’t have statutory authority to deny a transgender athlete, so I think a policy is going to have to be developed to allow it. If it’s to be forbidden, it would have to come from the legislature, and I don’t think that is going to happen.”

Williams once again spoke of the need for a transgender policy. “We have to come up with our own," he said. “I’m looking for input on that. Where do you guys want to start with that? This is really why we’re here.”

Clearly they aren’t on the same page. Could you imagine after all that has transpired the last few months, Fox may still not be cleared to fight this weekend?

Comic Book Heroes

All of us have heroes, favorite movie or comic book characters. We are drawn in to the traits and flaws of those characters, and relate strongly to the ones that closely mirror ourselves.

“My favorite comic book has been The X-Men,” admitted Fox. “It kind of correlates to the LGBTcommunity in general, the struggles of how people misunderstood them, they fought for who they were. Strong correlation there, I’ve always liked that comic book.”

The X-Men were outcasts due to their physical appearance and possession of the X gene, which gave them special powers.

Fox can relate because she is transgender and is a member of the LGBT community—where many including herself—have been cast out, face discrimination and are terribly misunderstood.

“It’s always a tendency for people to look at people in my community—especially the transsexual community—people dehumanize us, and I think that’s because of their uncomfortability with us. We’re human and we’re people just like everyone else. We have the same emotions, and the same drive to do things as everyone else. We have to go to work. We have to eat. We have family, we have kids—everything, just like everyone else, we are no different. We just have to work a little bit harder and make some changes in our life that maybe other people didn’t have to make.”

Fox is working on being a fighter. Fighting is where she is free. “For sure, that’s what I do. That’s what I am,” admitted Fox. “It’s almost as much a part of me as being a transsexual woman.”

Fox explained that a transgender has “heart and passion just like everyone else, and that they “deserve to do the things that other people do.”

Some will argue that Fox doesn’t deserve to have the privilege of fighting, that her 39 second knockout over Ericka Newsome was a clear indicator of a physical advantage. Fox said “that assertion is ridiculous.” It is worth noting that Newsome lost to Katalina Malungahu in 36 seconds prior to fighting Fox.

As far as this weekend's matchup at CFA 11 vs. Allana Jones goes, Fox feels she “should do very, very well in the fight.”

The Ultimate Goal and message of a Pioneer

When former NBA player Jason Collins came out as openly gay recently, he received widespread support instantly. Fox hasn’t experienced the same, yet.

“It’s frustrating and I’m envious a little bit, Fox explained. “I congratulate him and applaud him and I think he’s awesome. It’s really good to see, and it makes me hopeful that transsexual people will be greeted with that much support. “

Fox explained that someone who is transgender could be more widely accepted if they were as known as someone who is gay.

“Not that many people know transsexuals,” Fox said. “It’s partially because we are not as visible. That’s what I’m doing right now. I’m a visible part of our community, so hopefully more people will see me and can hear me and see who I am, and it will help our position.”

Fox is “looking for the day that transsexuals in sports and in this sport particularly aren’t looked at with a raised eyebrow.” “I think in a long enough timeline we’ll get there,” she said.

“In any group there is always a push back,” Fox said. “Especially if you’re new or people don’t understand it.”

Having gone through what Fox has gone through, having the courage to completely change her life, without having the ability to go back, you would be inclined to think she may have some self-reproach.

“I don’t regret anything, Fox admitted. “I’m happy that I am the person that I am and I don’t regret anything I’ve done so far. I’m proud of my accomplishments.”

“I’m the first one and I plan on continuing being the pioneer that everyone has said that I am,” Fox said with pride, as if she was envisioning her whole journey.

At 37 years of age, the MMA career of Fallon Fox may have just started, but the story of her journey, has already left an indelible mark in the annals of sport, and her fight to pursue happiness continues each day.

“Once you have it and it’s in you, and you are truly a fighter, it will never leave you," Fox said. "It will always be a part of you.”

Michael Stets is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained first hand unless otherwise noted.

Ron Darling on the Best Baseball City in the Majors

Behind The Mic — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:06:53 -0400

What's the best baseball town in the majors right now? Ron Darling joins Behind the Mic to king one city that has been dominate the last few years. While the topic can be subjective and upset the other 29 cities out there, Darling breaks it down.

Watch Behind the Mic on Bleacher Report right now and let us know in the comments below where you think the best baseball city is.

Will Carmelo Anthony Need Shoulder Surgery, and What Would Rehab Be?

Will Carroll — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:03:27 -0400

Carmelo Anthony played through the playoffs with an injured left shoulder. The injury was a torn labrum, according the New York Daily News. While Anthony is going to take a month to try to heal without surgery, the questions are: How likely is he to need surgery, and if he does, how long until he is back in action? Let's answer those and a few other key questions.

What exactly is this injury?

A torn labrum is not a common basketball injury, but it is not unheard of either. Lakers center Dwight Howard played through much of the season with a similar injury.

The glenoid labrum is a small ring of cartilage that sits between the upper arm and the cup of the shoulder. It adds stability and some measure of cushioning. It can be frayed, torn or even pulled away from the bone itself.

When did this injury occur?

The Daily News report says Anthony was first hurt on April 14.

During the playoffs, post-injury, Anthony averaged over 40 minutes per game, took 26 shots per game and increased his rebound totals, according to Pro Basketball Reference.

Anthony was seen throughout the playoffs with a sleeve over the left shoulder. At times, it appeared that there was tape or perhaps a light brace under the sleeve, though it is unclear in available photos and video.

I can find no evidence of Anthony wearing this sleeve prior to the suggested mid-April date. Anthony does wear a sleeve on his forearm and elbow, and has done so for some time.

What are the effects?

The major effects of a torn labrum depend on the type of tear. The most likely would be some pain, inflammation and often a "catch" or "click" during movement.

The pain is normally on deceleration, but can also be felt when the arm is pulled forcibly away from the midline of the body. Dwight Howard had issues with this when rebounding and blocking shots, occasionally showing severe pain.

For Anthony, it is the movement that is most worrisome. While the injury was on his non-dominant side, both arms are necessary to the smooth flow of the shot.

If he was having any sort of catch in his motion, it is likely that it would manifest itself in either a slower release, a lower arc or a lower release point. None of those were apparent in the playoff series against the Pacers, though Anthony was often seen grimacing and rubbing the shoulder.

Why are they waiting on surgery?

As with any injury that could lead to surgery, an athlete is best to try and avoid extensive medical work. If Anthony has been playing through this injury for over a month, there has been no attempt to see if rest would help clear it up.

As well, the tear in the labrum may be small or could even be more accurately termed "fraying." If so, the rest could reduce the inflammation and make any pain or effect reduce or even go away entirely. The body does heal itself, and while cartilaginous structures seldom heal completely, they can heal well enough to remain functional and avoid surgery.

The Knicks and Anthony also have to consider timing. The delay is not one that will cost Anthony significant time by trying to avoid surgery, with the upside of having no loss of time possible. It's a gamble almost all teams will take given even a slight chance of success.

What would the surgery be like?

Surgery for a labrum tear is done arthroscopically. The surgeon would enter the joint space, examine the damage and begin to repair it. In all cases, the surgeon would be attempting to do as little as possible, so as not to alter the area's mechanics or create any changes inside the shoulder joint itself.

Ideally, it would be a cleanup, removing any fraying and associated debris. If there is a loose flap, it could shift as the arm moves, creating the pain, inflammation and resistance to movement.

A significant tear to the labrum would require either a repair (suturing) or a full anchoring back into the bone. These would be more involved and would be avoided if at all possible. So far there is no indication that these would be necessary from the available symptoms and function.

What would the rehab be like?

The standard rehab for a labral repair, which could include anchors, takes up to six months. Again, it is not thought that Anthony would need that significant a repair, but the lessons in the rehab protocol are there to be noted.

The focus is on allowing the area to heal, then getting the full unfettered range of motion back. There is a significant focus on strengthening the area, regaining the proprioception and protecting the labrum from further damage by giving it a strong support from other muscles and structural elements.

For Anthony, his keys would of course be getting back to a smooth shooting motion and using his arms defensively. Neither should be a major problem if no anchors are used. While six months of rehab may freak Knicks fans out, thinking Anthony could be out into December, we should note again that this is for the most invasive repair and that a conditioned athlete like Anthony should be well ahead of the schedule.

When would Anthony be ready to play?

In the most likely scenario, where no anchoring into the bone is necessary, the normal return time is about three months. That's if surgery is even necessary in the first place.

This would have Anthony ready at some point prior to the start of the season. On the long end, Anthony could be back as late as Christmas if a more extensive repair is necessary or if the rehab does not get ahead of the standard protocol, as is common for conditioned athletes.

Roma vs. Lazio: Key Battles to Watch in Coppa Italia Final

Matteo Bonetti — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:02:11 -0400

The Coppa Italia final between city rivals Roma and Lazio will take place on May 26th, giving fans one of the most heated derbies in world football.

It's not only a cup to add to their empty seasonal drawer, but also a ticket to the Europa League for the winner.

The Stadio Olimpico will be packed to the brim, giving spectators one of the most scenic venues in Italy.

Hopefully, more peace can come between the two sides as the last domestic derby between these teams was marred by violence once again, as a total of six stabbings were reported amidst the rampant chaos.

However, let's focus on what will actually happen on the pitch in this climactic Coppa Italia final. Here are the key battles to watch out for:

Miroslav Klose versus the Roma defense

- Only three teams in Serie A gave up as many goals as Roma, who were scored on 56 times during the season. It's also worth mentioning that two of those teams will play their football in Serie B next season.

- Miroslav Klose netted 15 times this season despite picking up a few knocks along the way. He capped off the season with an astonishing five goals against Bologna. Needless to say, Roma defenders will have their hands full with the German striker throughout the match.

Daniele De Rossi versus Hernanes

- Two of the best midfielders in Europe will go toe-to-toe in the Coppa Italia final as Roma's box-to-box nightmare Daniele De Rossi will often cross paths with the vastly underrated Brazilian trequartista Hernanes.

- Both these players are capable of spectacular efforts from long distance and have the creative gene to provide tantalizing passes to their front-men. Look for Italian international De Rossi to mark Hernanes tight in his own half.

Coaching battle between Aurelio Andreazzoli and Vladimir Petkovic

- Here's one of the most interesting subplots of the match. Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic has endured a diabolical second half of the season, as the Biancocelesti went on a run earlier this calendar year where they only managed to win one out of eight matches in all competitions. Not only did they squander a top-three spot in Serie A, but they managed to take themselves completely out of the race for any European spot, unless they can manage a win against Roma in the Coppa Italia.

- Meanwhile, Aurelio Andreazzoli is days away from not even having a job with the team, as Roma have apparently already reached a verbal agreement with Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Conclusion

Expect another high octane match which disregards form and splits the city of Rome in half. It's not only a battle for silverware to somewhat quell the disappointment of both team's domestic record, but also an opportunity to have a chance in Europa league and bring the Italian league coefficient back to respectable heights.

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Radamel Falcao: Analysing His Tactical Contribution and How Best to Exploit Him?

Christopher Atkins — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:01:16 -0400

Barely a day passes at present without Colombia striker Radamel Falcao featuring heavily among the front pages of football media websites the world over. As players go, he is currently one of the hottest properties around.

Indeed, Atletico Madrid have already confirmed that they will allow his exit later this summer.

The Colombian has, in particular, been heavily linked with a move to AS Monaco in recent days, with Porto stars Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez also among those linked with a move to the ambitious principality side.

Should any of the moves be completed, it would be a massive statement of intent. However, just Falcao alone would be enough to send ripples through European football.

Read: 5 Players Who Might join Falcao at Monaco this summer

Since joining Porto from River Plate (ARG) in 2009, the 27-year-old striker has been one of the most prolific strikers in European football, scoring 142 goals in 177 appearances in the intervening time.

It is an outstanding record, and one only made better by the player's consistently devastating performances in the Europa League—a tournament he won twice in consecutive years in 2011 and 2012.

It would appear, then, as if the Colombian has all the tools to be useful in any lineup. He possesses outstanding intelligence of movement, he can finish off both feet, is good in the air and links play well for his midfielders. He is one of the all-around modern strikers that are so prevalent at the current time.

He is, to a great extent, a goal poacher around the penalty area, in the style of the great No. 9s of the past. However, he offers so much more in the ability to both hold the ball up and also play off the shoulder of the last defender.

The key, then, to bringing Falcao into play is to play with both pace and width. Porto, Atletico and, indeed, national side Colombia have all brought the best out of the centre-forward with a focus on fast attacks from wide areas.

It is the speed of transition from defence to attack that determines just how effective Falcao will be.

Get the ball wide while the defensive line is still disorganised and the exemplary movement of the Colombian becomes a major threat. Deliver a good ball into the box and chances are that he will convert.

For Colombia, it is full-backs Pablo Armero and Camilo Zuniga who provide that thrust from the flanks, while at Atlético it has been wingers Arda Turan and Koke who have provided that threat.

Turn the defence and feed balls into the box, and you can virtually guarantee Falcao will be on hand to attempt to convert.

It is little surprise, then, to see the likes of James Rodriguez and Dani Alves linked to the Monaco revolution. (Goal.com)

James has shown himself capable of influencing games from the left, as well as springing quick counter-attacks, while Dani Alves has made a living of doing likewise from a deeper position for Barcelona.

Add in highly-rated Argentine right-winger Lucas Ocampos, 18, who joined Monaco last summer for around €11 million, and it would seem Monaco possess, or are aiming for, the perfect group of players to bring the best out of the Colombian.

The thinking is logical. If they are going to spend a reported €60 million upon making the Colombian the centrepiece of their side, then they should surround him with those who will help him perform to his best.

Falcao is not the type of striker to help out regularly in defence, and while he may drop deep, he is also not going to play a creative role. His task is solely to spearhead an attacking line. Others must provide the innovation, while he will ensure that their effort is largely rewarded.

It is a job that he fulfils with aplomb, especially when those around him are on the same wavelength. In Moutinho and Rodriguez, Porto are targeting two players who he has a history of success alongside.

If Monaco can get the discussed names into the same team and comfortable with their new surroundings, then there is no reason why Falcao should not be a success.

Should he arrive at Monaco and quickly find the scoring form that he has shown over his four years in Europe, then PSG might find themselves nervously peering over their shoulder within the next couple of seasons.

Men's Tennis Top 20 Power Rankings

Lindsay Gibbs — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:58:13 -0400

It's been a tumultuous tennis season for the men.

Rafael Nadal has come back from his injury layoff and surged, Roger Federer has shown signs of aging, Novak Djokovic has revealed that he's not superman, and Andy Murray has been very, well, Andy Murray.

We've seen new faces emerge, familiar faces struggle, and 35-year-olds shock the world. It's so easy to get caught up in the what-have-you-done-for-me-this-week world of tennis, and forget that John Isner, Lukas Rosol, and Marin Cilic are 2013 title-holders and Roger Federer is not.

So how does everyone stack up? Here's a non-computerized look at the top 20 men playing tennis right now.

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