Bleacher Report - Front Page

NBA Announces All-NBA First, Second and Third Teams

Timothy Rapp — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:21:55 -0400

On Thursday, the NBA announced its selections for the 2012-13 All-NBA teams.

The first team includes LeBron James of the Miami Heat, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers.

From the NBA's Twitter account:

The second team includes Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Blake Griffin of the Clippers, Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies, Tony Parker of the Spurs and Russell Westbrook of the Thunder:

Finally, the third team is comprised of David Lee of the Golden State Warriors, Paul George of the Indiana Pacers, Dwight Howard of the Lakers, Dwyane Wade of the Heat and James Harden of the Houston Rockets:

FYI WIRZ: NASCAR's Point Leaders Talk Home Turf at Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte

Dwight Drum — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:05:04 -0400

NASCAR's longest show, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, will take place on the 1.5 mile quad-oval track with 24 degree banking Sunday, May 26 in Concord, North Carolina.

Since the first race in 1960, the 600 mile race has thrilled fans and worn out drivers. But, as most of NASCAR’s Sprint Cup drivers have homes in the Charlotte area, this race doesn’t have the additional burden of extended travel.

Fans not in one of the 140,000 seats can view the action on Fox at 6 p.m. ET, Sunday evening.

Home-field advantage really isn’t a factor at CMS as Charlotte is the hub for NASCAR shops and teams, but drivers and team members do have the comfort of their nearby homes.

NASCAR and CMS will also honor our nation’s military, veterans and active-duty soldiers during the Memorial Day weekend event.

The top-five NSCS drivers—Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Clint Bowyer—shared their thoughts about NASCAR’s marathon race.

Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Chevrolet)

Jimmie Johnson and team bring a 41-point lead into home territory for the 12th race of the season. He expressed his take on the new Gen-6 car.

"I’m most concerned there that some just casual contact will really create a problem. We won’t have that in the 600. I don’t know why I’m really bringing it up other than the car is so durable. On short-tracks, I have a little bit more concern about the Gen-6 car and being able to hurt it easier than you would expect to. On a bigger track like this, I don’t see any problems. The car has been very durable, very fun to drive and fast.”

Carl Edwards (No. 99 Ford)

It’s no secret that Carl Edwards is one of the most physically fit NASCAR drivers, although almost all present-day drivers train and exercise often. His take on the long Coca-Cola 600:

“I don’t prepare a lot differently physically, but mentally I think all of us have to prepare a little bit for the extra distance. It is a grueling event and if the temperatures are high the whole weekend, everyone starts the event hot and worn out already, so 600 miles—you could look at it and say it’s only 20 percent longer than the other 500-mile race we run at Charlotte—but there’s something about that last 100 miles that does make it a lot more mentally tough, and I think from the mechanical side of everything, the engine department has to make sure that everything is gonna last. You worry about hubs and drive plates and transmissions and all those things that wear out. That extra 100 miles is a long way, especially with how hard we’re pushing these race cars.

“It’s a tough race track on race cars, so I’d say mentally and mechanically it’s a tough race.”

Matt Kenseth (No. 20 Toyota)

Matt Kenseth and team have momentum and three wins in the bag as they take on another challenge.

“The 600 is probably one of my favorite races of the year. There’s a lot that goes on surrounding it, from practicing during the day to qualifying at night. The differences in the track conditions you go through during the race can really provide a lot of challenges since we start the race during the day when it’s usually pretty hot and slick before the track cools down as we go into the night. It’s a fun event, but you also get to see what everyone is made of since it’s our longest race of the season, and there’s a lot going on in the over four hours that we are racing.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88 Chevrolet)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. used his comment time to honor his military sponsor.

“This weekend is a great time to acknowledge the sacrifices that the military make for us and give them the recognition they deserve. We’re running a special camo paint scheme this weekend for the National Guard. Our sport does a great job of acknowledging and recognizing the military, and its involvement in our sport has always been pretty huge. It’s important to recognizing them and acknowledge them and give them credit for their sacrifices.”

Clint Bowyer (No. 15 Toyota)

Clint Bowyer and team finished second in NSCS points in 2012, and they are solid in Chase points this year as well. Bowyer shared many thoughts in his characteristically outspoken manner.

“The 600 at Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend is a tradition in NASCAR. The folks at Charlotte Motor Speedway do such a great job of honoring our troops—they really do roll out the red carpet for the military. The pre-race demonstration/invasion of the infield is awesome! All that stuff really hits home and it’s great to see.

“The race itself is a whole other kind of deal. It’s 600 miles long! That’s like getting in my 5-hour ENERGY Toyota and driving from Charlotte Motor Speedway to more than halfway back to Emporia, Kan. That’s crazy! We strap in and race on and on and on and on…then we ask our crew chief how many laps are left, and they tell us that we just got to halfway! (laughs). It’s a long day and we have to be sure we are ready for it. We have to hydrate ourselves because it can be grueling inside the car. I joke about how long and grueling this race is, but it’s a huge race to win. It’s the biggest day of racing for the year in motorsports and to win on that day is a very big deal. We won here in the fall and I’d love to do that again this weekend.”

As our nation will celebrates Memorial Day, NASCAR hosts an abundance of lap action.

FYI WIRZ is the select presentation of topics by Dwight Drum at Racetake.com. Unless otherwise noted, information and all quotes were obtained from personal interviews or official release materials provided by sanction and team representatives.

Cincinnati Bearcats Baseball Brings Photobombing to Hilariously Masterful Level

Gabe Zaldivar — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:03:10 -0400

The Cincinnati Bearcats are brilliant artists who paint each postgame interview with the captivating and alluring masterstroke of photobomb genius.

USA Today's For the Win spotted some of the best photobomb antics in sports history, and the same college baseball team provides them all.

Per the report, the Bearcats went a middling 24-32 (6-18 Big East) for the season, but records and standings are for lesser men to worry about.

Here is a sprinkling of magic originally spotted over at Imgur.

The Michael Phelps

For the Win refers to this as the "Backstroke," but we think this level of videobombing really deserves a moniker in keeping with the most prolific Olympic swimmer. By the way, Olympic-record nerds can go ahead and call this the Matt Grevers if you like.

Freestyle

At this rate, the Bearcats could have their own rousing game of Marco Polo taking place right behind the interviews.

Medieval Times

Everyone loves going to Medieval Times. You get to eat with your hands, call people wenches and jousting competitions unfold right before your very eyes. Well, the same thing seems to happen at Cincy games, minus the wenches.

Royal Entrance

Really, the only way to travel.

Curious Cats

This particular GIF got me thinking: Next season the boys need to get one huge trench coat with two or three players on each other's shoulders. Take this guff to the next logical Scooby-Doo level.

Prop Comics

These kids are resourceful if nothing else.

I have to admit that Bearcats baseball was hardly on my radar this season, but that will be a different story come next year.

These boys are easily my favorite squad. If anyone has video or more information, we would love to see some links in the section below.

In a rare turn, the actual baseball games were just unnecessary theatrics that got in the way of the main event, because these young men have the photobomb game on lock down.

Hit me up on Twitter for more of that funny feeling: Follow @gabezal

Warriors' Playoff Success Opens Door for Dwight Howard Signing in Free Agency

Scott Semmler — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:58:42 -0400

It was not too long ago that Dwight Howard turned down the thought of playing for the lowly Golden State Warriors. It was also not long ago that Howard received an elbow in the face from Warriors forward David Lee and responded with “I will remember.”

Howard is now reportedly remembering the Warriors’ surprising surge through the first round of the Western Conference playoffs and taking the San Antonio Spurs to six games in the second round.

According to the Los Angeles Daily News’ Mark Medina, Howard is considering the Warriors in free agency this offseason along with the Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.

This is a far cry from the NBA depths Golden State once found itself in, where no high-profile player wanted to test the historically inept franchise. Young and talented players with bright futures, an impressive playoff run and a state-of-the-art arena in the works certainly change all of that.

The Warriors will likely be large players in free agency this offseason, especially since the team does not have a first- or second-round draft pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

While re-signing Carl Landry and/or Jarrett Jack is a large priority, Howard’s sudden respect for Golden State could alter this summer's landscape.

The Warriors are still in search of a reliable big man—since Andrew Bogut’s health is still up in the air—and Howard is arguably the best in the league.

Golden State also has some leniency entering this offseason. The team took the Spurs to the brink in the second round without All-Star David Lee and his nearly $13 million salary. While there are better options than releasing the power forward, Stephen Curry is obviously the focal point of the franchise.

Howard’s recognition of the Warriors is really a milestone in itself for the Warriors.

The team is now considered one of the up-and-coming franchises in the NBA, and with young talent all over the court, it is no wonder high-profile players like Howard will start to consider Oakland or San Francisco a premier place to play.

Follow me on Twitter @ScottSemmler22.

Real Madrid Transfers: Could Isco Be Heir to Cristiano Ronaldo's Throne?

Michael Cummings — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:57:02 -0400

Real Madrid and Malaga have reportedly begun talks over the transfer of attacking midfielder Isco to the Spanish capital. If the deal goes through and Isco takes a significant step forward in his budding career, his talent and potential could mean he becomes the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo's throne of superstardom in Madrid.

According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Real are holding discussion about Isco with Malaga sporting director Mario Husillos and general manager Vicente Casado, as well as the player's lawyer and father.

“Madrid are very interested in him. But so far there is nothing official,” said Malaga director Francisco Martin Aguilar.

"It fills us with pride that a lad that has come through at Málaga to become the player he has," Aguilar told Marca.com. "If he goes it will be to a big club and it will be to the benefit of the coffers at the club."

Isco's contract has a release clause of €35 million, according to the Marca.com report. Diario AS wrote that Real Madrid want to include players in the deal to lower the price.

Isco himself confirmed the rumors, according to Deportes Cuatro (h/t Football España), which quotes Isco as telling a fan: “Well there are talks, so we’ll see what happens.”

That suggests a transfer is not only possible but perhaps even likely. So what do we make of Isco and his chances of becoming a superstar at Real Madrid?

Scouting Overview

Isco, 21, plays both centrally and on the left side of the attacking midfield for Malaga. This season, he has scored eight goals in 35 La Liga appearances, according to WhoScored, with three more in Malaga's run to the Champions League quarterfinals.

A member of Spain's 2009 U-17 World Cup and 2011 U-20 World Cup teams, Isco earned praise following both competitions for his dribbling skills, overall technique, field vision and passing and shooting ability (h/t B/R's Allan Jiang).

He has shown all those skills in abundance with Malaga.

(GIF via squ-e.tumblr.com)

(GIF via Sillyseason.com)

Isco joined Malaga from Valencia in 2011 in a deal Yahoo! Sports estimated at €6 million. Since then, he has earned the title of "Spain's next big thing" for his consistently strong performances—first under the guidance of future Arsenal standout Santi Cazorla and then as Malaga's playmaker.

In his scouting report, Jiang writes:

Isco has repeatedly shown exceptional positional awareness, especially against struggling defenders like Pepe, who was outwitted by the Spaniard's smartness.

When the Málaga midfielder is on song, he takes over games as evidenced with braces vs. Zenit Saint Petersburg and Levante.

It's not just the goals, he can conjure up moments of sheer brilliance, and he was No. 1 in dribbles per game (4.8) during the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

He has the passing range and the aptitude to seamlessly switch to a midfield conductor, which is what Andrés Iniesta does for Barcelona.

Jiang also notes that Isco's shot-to-goal ratio is significantly lower than Valladolid's Oscar, which indicates Isco has not been clinical with his finishing this season. At 21, though, he has time to develop and mature into a more clinical finisher.

For now, as B/R's Nick Akerman notes, Isco's "dribbling skills, ability to retain possession and creative passing" were enough to earn him a debut with Spain's loaded national team in February.

How Much Potential?

Isco already has silky skills, excellent close control and a superb touch. He needs to improve on his finishing, but he has the ingredients necessary to become a star in the intense spotlight of Real Madrid.

But can he reach the level of a player like Cristiano Ronaldo?

Ronaldo has an absurdly strong talent set, from his finishing—both with feet and head—to dribbling, technique, vision and awareness. He is a complete player that defenses find unplayable when he is at his best.

Isco has much work to do if he wants to reach that level, but he clearly possesses plenty of talent. With dedication and the right coaching, Isco could become a player of that class. As we saw in this season's Champions League, Isco is already a major talent capable of impressing at the top level.

And in a team as famous as Real Madrid, he could become an international superstar—especially after Ronaldo leaves, whether that is this summer or in a few years.

Learning from the best—in this case Ronaldo—can only help Isco's development. Given the right circumstances, it could even help Isco blossom into that category.

Follow @MikeCummings37

NBA Picks: Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Game 2

Jeff Grant — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:52:27 -0400

The Miami Heat are 2-5 against the spread in their last seven conference final games, which is important to consider when making your NBA picks on Friday as they continue their best-of-seven series with the Indiana Pacers at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Sports bettors will find that the Heat are seven-point home favorites in the pro basketball odds (courtesy of SBR Forum), while the total sits at 180.5 in the market.

Let's take a closer look at Game 2 of the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals from a betting perspective, while offering up a prediction along the way.

Begin Slideshow

Complete Scouting Report for Texas A&M Target 5-Star DE Myles Garrett

Andrew Kulha — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:50:05 -0400

Myles Garrett, 5-star defensive end from Arlington, Texas, projects to be a great defensive end at the college level.

He's the No. 2 weak-side defensive end in the 2014 class, and the No. 5 player from the talent-laden state of Texas, both according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

As it stands, Garrett seems to be a Texas A&M lean, but Oklahoma and TCU are also on his interest list (247Sports). Wherever he does end up though, Garrett has star potential.

Name: Myles Garrett

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

School: James Martin High School

Position: WDE

Height: 6'4" (247Sports)

Weight: 240 lbs (247Sports)

40 time: 4.70

Rankings: 5-star (247Sports Composite), 4-star (Rivals), 4-star (Scout.com), 5-star (ESPN Recruiting Nation)

Video

Positives

Garrett is athletic and he possesses good quickness. He doesn't have game-changing speed, but his 4.70 40 combined with his natural athleticism make him very effective on the edges and in open space.

He's length will cause blockers and quarterbacks some issues, and he's agile enough to drop back into coverage and get in between throwing lanes. Garrett will be able to run into the flats and make a play in the open field, but he can also drop into the hook-curl zones and not be a liability.

As a pass-rusher, Garrett has quick feet, and he also has enough speed to be able to rush the outside, dip his shoulder and turn the corner. He separates himself with his inside move though. Most defensive ends at the college level struggle with getting B-gap leverage, but Garret has a good set of moves that help him get inside the tackle for a quicker shot to the quarterback or runner.

In the play below, Garrett starts off as a 5-technique at defensive end:

At the snap, he sets up his outside rush, but in the next frame you can see how he's actually planning to plant his outside foot and shoot the inside gap. In essence, he used the outside rush to set up his inside move:

He uses a swim move with his right arm to get over the blocker's shoulder and into the B-gap. The swim move is effective because it creates less surface space for the blocker to use and eventually exposes Garrett's back—which could set up a clipping call for the tackle if the blocker were to push Garrett:

Finally, Garrett accelerates and hits the quarterback, forcing a bad throw:

The small fundamental movements and intricacies of Garrett's game really set him apart. He should be a great pass-rusher at the college level.

Negatives

Garrett needs to work on using his hands more, especially out of his stance. Too often, even in his highlights, he would rush a blocker using the strength of his upper body, without punching into the blockers chest plate, extending, locking and driving. Essentially, he needs to work on his "bull rush."

His swim move is notable, but he'll need to work on causing more "explosion" with his punch at the line of scrimmage in order to be a complete player.

Projection/Prediction

Texas A&M appears to be the leader for Garrett's commitment right now, and all 11 experts in the 247Sports Crystal Ball predict that he will end up in College Station.

The Aggies are one of the hottest programs in the country and they've surpassed Texas as "the team" in the state. Garrett would fit right in as a weak-side defensive end.

For now, this appears to be an easy call.

Prediction: Texas A&M

Note: All scouting and analysis of Garrett done via tape study of film provided on his 247Sports profile page. Picture breakdown courtesy of his hudl film, also provided on his 247Sports profile.

Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Red Devils Should Sell Wayne Rooney to PSG

Timothy Rapp — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:47:27 -0400

Is it time for Manchester United to move on from Wayne Rooney?

You'll get varied answers on that, but you may be hard-pressed to find anyone—including the most hardcore Rooney fans—that would turn down the rumored transfer package that Paris Saint-Germain might be putting together to lure Rooney away from Old Trafford.

From John Cross of the Mirror:

Big-spending Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to put together a staggering £100 million deal to land Wayne Rooney.

Manchester United striker Rooney has emerged as the French side's No. 1 target this summer, and their mega-rich Middle Eastern owners are prepared to pay him a staggering £15 million-a-year—after tax.

That would put the England star, 27, on the same wages as PSG's current star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is being tipped for a move back to Italy this summer just one season after moving from AC Milan.

The new Ligue 1 champions would be willing to go to £40 million as a transfer fee, and hand Rooney a four-year contract to try to lure him away from the Old Trafford giants.

I highly doubt Manchester United would ever get £40 million for Rooney again on the transfer market, especially if he sticks around and replicates his performance from this season.

It's obvious he never took to a deeper-lying role with Robin van Persie manning the striker role, and with Shinji Kagawa waiting in the wings and capable of playing as an attacking midfielder behind RVP, Rooney is more expendable than he's been in years.

To be fair, we don't know how new manager David Moyes will employ all of his new toys. Maybe he'll move Rooney further up the pitch and pair him with RVP in a two-striker set. Perhaps Rooney simply needs another season to adjust to a deeper-lying role.

At his best, Rooney is both a scorer and a facilitator, and he has always liked to drop deeper into the play. If he can adjust to RVP being the focal point of the attack, perhaps a role as an attacking midfielder would be a natural evolution.

Then again, perhaps Rooney won't want to play under Moyes again as he did in his Everton days, or perhaps Moyes would be fine with moving Rooney. After all, with that sort of cash, he may be able to secure the signatures of two of his ex-players at Everton, left-back Leighton Baines and midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who would be perfect additions for United.

Plus, whether Rooney did in fact hand in a transfer request or the Red Devils are trying to push him out, this is now the second time in three years United has had Rooney drama. Last time, he ended up signing a new contract.

This time, the Rooney era could come to an end. And with £40 million potentially lining the pockets of the Red Devils if it does, the Rooney era should come to an end.

Trina Graves Brings Diverse Athletic Background to Canadian National Team

Mark Staffieri — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:41:54 -0400

An All-Star in the Maritime Women’s Football League, Trina Graves is preparing for her second stint with the Canadian National Team. Graves is hoping for a gold medal finish at the 2013 edition of the Women’s Tackle Football Championships.

At the inaugural 2010 Women’s Worlds, Graves was part of the silver medal squad, as she was a part of Canada’s offensive line. For 2013, she is showing versatility by shifting to defense. In competing at the defensive end position, she will be joined by the likes of Jamie Lammerding, Alexa Matwyczuk, Julie Perreault and Becky Wallis.

“It is a bit surreal still from time to time, but it means that dreams are not just dreams if you not only set your goals high but you continue to fight for them. I tried out for defense on the 2010 National Team, having dropped 20 pounds for tryouts. I ended up traveling with the team as an offensive tackle (a new and incredible experience none the less), but I knew I wanted to be able to play defense at the world level.”

As 2013 marks her sixth full season with the MWFL, Graves brings a remarkable athletic background. Like many women in the MWFL and the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, her first exposure to football came through rugby. She participated at the high school level in the 1990’s and played one year at the provincial level in New Brunswick.

“For this round, being another 45 pounds lighter, (I am) faster, and much more skilled thanks to my home team coaches and heightened focus, I will be traveling with Team Canada as a defensive end.”

“There is an incredible amount of talent on this team, as there was in 2010, and so much talent still on the individual teams across Canada that is not on the roster but gave it all at tryouts. It's an honor to be named to Team Canada for the second time with the bar having been raised so much over the last three years, and I cannot wait to meet the rest of my teammates.”

In 2001, Graves participated in football for the first time. She would also participate in a touch football league based out of Saint John, New Brunswick. Still a competitor in the league, it keeps Graves’ skills sharp, while she excels at the Quarterback position, respectively.

“Having previously been involved in league sports such as rugby and touch football, it gives you a sense of what to expect when joining any new team. I feel this is why it is beneficial for young women to experience team sports from even elementary ages and up, no matter the sport they're interested in.”

Her career would evolve to the next level when she joined the MWFL in 2007. As a member of the Saint John Storm, Graves is a two-time All-Star nod on defense (2009, 2011). Her first All-Star selection on offense in 2012 is testament to her talent. Perhaps, even greater was the three league championships that she would savor.

“Three of the full five seasons that I have played for the SJ Storm, we have taken the MWFL Championship. Each one of those three was as sweet as the others.”

“Whether you are trailing for a moment or leading the entire game, seeing the girls rally each other when the tanks are near empty, encouraging every hit to be as big as the last and motivating each other through errors is an incredible experience. Seeing all your hard work and dedication come to fruition as ANY win, whether regular season or playoffs, is the ultimate high.”

In addition, Graves would also serve the MWFL in an administrative capacity. She would have involvement with the MWFL Committee as Treasurer, giving her a different perspective on the game.

“Being the first year that I have participated in meetings and conference calls, I was not sure what to expect. Yet, having now seen the workings behind the scenes and the time and dedication that is put into this league with no monetary reward really shows the dedication that the coaches, players and team supporters have for the MWFL. Along with the desire they have to see it grow and succeed.”

Graves has also given back to the game by serving in a coaching capacity. From 2010 to 2011, Garves was an assistant coach in the Fundy Minor Girls Football Association.

“From on the field, in regards to skill, knowledge and physical fitness, to off the field, when interacting with teammates and communication, great coaching builds great individuals. These are the ladies who are going to be the foundation of the MWFL, as we senior players move on.”

“Being able to nurture and guide them, as well as to now play on the same team as some of the ladies who are where they are because of you, is a reward that's second to none. There is no better way to grow the sport you love than to be an ambassador to women who will succeed you.”

Heading into the 2013 Women’s Worlds, Graves is looking to bring back a gold medal. After the experience of competing against the United States in the gold medal game of 2010, Graves is able to reflect on that experience and absorb the lessons learned.

“The second half of our game against the USA in 2010 was completely different from the first half because of adjustments. We need to be firing on all cylinders and in overdrive from the first snap of every game, control the ball and make them play OUR game.”

“It is not the other team getting in your head you have to worry about; it is getting in your own head that creates the downward spiral. The Worlds are top notch, hard hitting and mentally draining football with little to no recovery time between games. The team that can stand and fight together, physically and mentally, will win together, and that's exactly what Team Canada intends to do.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”

Wayne Rooney Best Suited to Leave Manchester United and Start Fresh This Summer

Patrick Clarke — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:38:20 -0400

After requesting a move from Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney's run with English powerhouse Manchester United seems all but over.

Following nine seasons as a Red Devil, Rooney has finally reached a point where he is better off starting fresh with a new club this summer, regardless of whether it's a Premier League squad or French Ligue 1 champion Paris Saint-Germain.

The 27-year-old striker was forced to play second fiddle to Robin van Persie for the Premier League champions last season, and he was even left out of the starting lineup for a critical UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.

While Sir Alex Ferguson's departure certainly changes things, it does little to change the fact that Rooney has been displaced in United's lineup.

Van Persie, who scored a Premier League-leading 26 goals last season, has become the alpha dog at the top of United's squad. Meanwhile, Rooney, who netted 12 goals and recorded 10 assists in league play last season, was forced to play in midfield at times in order for both stars to coexist in the same starting XI.

The Daily Mail's John Drayton thoroughly explains Rooney's current situation at Old Trafford:

With two years left on his contract, United are under pressure to tie Rooney to a new deal this summer or sell him.

However, the feeling is that the newly-crowned Premier League champions will find it difficult to keep the striker after he asked to leave the club for the second time.

It is possible that Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City will offer Rooney an escape route in the Premier League. Otherwise, the options could be limited to France.

After watching last season pan out and given Rooney's multiple transfer requests, you can't help but feel that his time with United is set to come to a close.

His role with the club has diminished significantly as of late, and as he heads into the prime of his career, he's in need of a change in scenery—one where he'll be called on match in and match out as the go-to goalscorer.

Plus, with Rooney and wife Coleen recently welcoming their second child into the world, a transfer would allow the star forward to begin a new chapter on and off the pitch:

Rooney can't afford to stick around and risk another wasted season in terms of maximizing on his full potential as a player. A fresh start in a new kit would present the Liverpool native with an opportunity to begin a brand new relationship with different management in another world-class organization, and it would also allow him the chance to build upon his legacy in a new city.

There's no going back now for Wayne Rooney. He's repeatedly asked for a change of scenery, and there doesn't seem to be enough room for him to shine alongside van Persie in the United lineup. Until he moves on to a new club or signs an extension with United, the drama surrounding him and his future will only continue to distract Rooney from his offseason preparations.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.

Tim Tebow Receives Support from Chuck Norris

Donald Wood — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:36:01 -0400

In one of the most ringing endorsements imaginable, polarizing free-agent quarterback Tim Tebow has received the support of legendary martial artist Chuck Norris in his pursuit of finding a job in the NFL next season.

In a column written for NewsBusters, Norris talks about Tebow’s skill and how the enigmatic QB reminds him of himself when he was competing in martial arts:

Tebow is a player who rises to the occasion and delivers big in critical moments. He reminds me of myself when I used to compete in martial arts…I would spar with my black belts in class, and sometimes they would outscore me. Yet in the tournaments, I would defeat them. My students used to ask me, ‘Why is it that we can contend equally against you in class but can't beat you in the tournaments?’ My answer was always the same: ‘When it counts, I rise to the occasion.’

Norris' feelings on Tebow via tumbler.

As we saw during Tebow’s dream regular season and playoff run with the Denver Broncos in 2011, the QB isn't the sharpest passer and his mechanics are far from perfect, but he performs above his ability in clutch situations.

All he needs is the proper opportunity, and Norris believes that should come with the Jacksonville Jaguars, going as far as calling out owner Shad Khan and using Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes to convince him the QB is worth an investment:

So let me respectfully challenge Khan to consider these words from Dr. King: ‘There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.’

Norris is one of the most famous martial artists in history, and his mainstream television and movie work—along with the countless Chuck Norris jokes that have flooded the internet over the years—makes him one of the most marquee names to support Tebow.

This is not the first time Norris has come to the aid of athletes in need either, as he was portrayed as a huge advocate for Average Joe's gym (the team equivalent of Tim Tebow) in the movie DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story:

Now, he’s bringing that support to the stage of life.

After being mistreated by the New York Jets last season and now being blackballed by teams across the league thus far this offseason, Norris is voicing his opinion that the talented QB deserves a chance to play for another team in the NFL.

Norris believes that whether it’s as a backup or a starter, Tebow's ability to win when on the field warrants a risk from any team with a need for depth at quarterback.

Norris may not be an authority when it comes to football, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that Tebow wins games in the clutch and rises to the occasion.

If there was ever a single player that defined the Chuck Norris spirit in the NFL it would have to be Tebow. With the same hard work, determination and attitude, Norris’ support of Tebow is something everyone should note.

When Norris speaks, people must listen.

We're looking at you, Jacksonville.

Follow @Donald_Wood

Seattle Mariners: Is 2013 Season Already in Jeopardy?

Todd Pheifer — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:32:51 -0400

Six games ago, the Seattle Mariners were in good shape. The team was 20-21 and had just won two series in a row against the Oakland A’s and New York Yankees.

Six games ago, the Mariners were a team on the rise, and fans were starting to hope that this team could put it all together. Safeco Field was actually providing some amount of home-field advantage, even if the fans were not coming through the turnstiles.

Six games later...well, if you have been following the team you know what happened.

Loss. Loss. Loss. Loss. Loss. Loss. Count ‘em, six.

Now, a six-game losing streak is not the end of the world. We are still in May. The Mariners have talent, some degree of youthful energy and a nice mix of veterans. There is hope.

Still, the M’s are now 10 games out of first place. The Texas Rangers are playing good ball. The scrappy Oakland A’s are going to hang around all year. Even the disappointing Los Angeles Angels could eventually turn it around.

Translation? A team like Seattle cannot afford to suffer through six-game losing streaks. There is little room for error.

Truthfully, the Mariners lost some heartbreakers over the losing streak. The entire series against the Cleveland Indians seemed like one lost opportunity after another. The M's battled, but they lost one game in the bottom of the ninth and two games in extra innings.

These guys could not catch a break.

Do you make a move? Thomas Holmes of Bleacher Report wrote a great article on rumors and potential moves that the Mariners could make. Unfortunately, each of these represent the types of moves the Mariners seem to have been making for years.

The team gets behind partway through the season. The team trades their only tradeable commodities. The team hopes the youngsters that they get in return will eventually pan out.

Rinse. Repeat.

Obviously there are no quick fixes. Seattle could promote Nick Franklin and Jeremy Bonderman. They could trade away one of their veterans. Will that turn things around? One move was made already, which was to send Jesus Montero down to Triple-A (via The News Tribune).

Do the fans just need to take a deep breath, be patient and repeat the old sports cliche about taking one game at a time? If you think about it, the Mariners could have taken three of four from Cleveland. They obviously didn’t, but the opportunity was certainly there. If they win that series, does that provide positive momentum and a better outcome against the Angels?

Perhaps.

Sometimes (most of the time) it is tough to be a Mariners fan. The team starts to look good, and then they drop six straight. Seattle now gets to go home, but Texas will be waiting for them.

Maybe this is just a speed bump. Maybe the team meeting will help:

Or, maybe this is the first big drop on the way to another disappointing season. The weekend series against Texas may be a key tipping point in 2013.

Roy Hibbert Should've Been on the Floor to Stop LeBron James' Game-Winner

Dan Favale — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:25:44 -0400

Roy Hibbert knows where Frank Vogel went wrong against the Miami Heat, just like the rest of us.

The 7'2" shot-blocking connoisseur was sitting on the bench when LeBron James made an easy layup at the buzzer to give the Heat a 103-102 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the NBA's Eastern Conference finals.

With 2.2 seconds remaining, Paul George overplayed LeBron's strong side on the inbounds, which allowed him to go left and navigate an alarmingly unimpeded path to the basket.

Where was Hibbert? On the bench. The same Hibbert who is averaging 2.5 blocks per game during the playoffs and already had two blocks on the night watched helplessly from the sidelines, as LeBron won the game with an uncontested flick of his wrist.

Vogel's decision to bench Hibbert—and on the previous possession when LeBron gave the Heat a 101-99 lead—has been questioned to no end. And rightfully so.

Miami's floor spacing offense complicates Indiana's defensive sets, but did he forget what Hibbert was able to do to Carmelo Anthony in Game 6 against the New York Knicks in the second round? If he did, his memory failed him twice. After LeBron's first layup, there never should have been a second.

Hibbert should have been on the floor during these final sequences, especially the last one—something he is fully aware of.

Following LeBron's heroics and Indiana's monumental letdown, Hibbert lamented Vogel's decision to take him out of the game, admitting he should have protested.

"I've grown as a player, this is my fifth year, and maybe I need to start talking up more," Hibbert told Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski. "They pay me [max-contract money] for a reason."

Indeed they do. They pay him to block shots and to protect the rim. From now on, he'll make sure they'll also pay him to speak up, as well.

"I didn't say anything, and I wish I did," he said. "From now on, I need to speak up."

It's just one loss, but in the playoffs, that's all it takes to shift the momentum of an entire series, especially against the Heat. Sometimes one shot is all you get. The Pacers have to hope they're the exception.

"I'm 100 percent sure [Hibbert] would've been there," George said of what would have been if Hibbert was in the game.

Next time (if there is a next time), he will be. Hibbert himself will make sure of it.

Follow @danfavale

Report: Early News for Brock Lesnar vs. CM Punk Program

Daniel Van Boom — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:22:01 -0400

With the WWE beginning a concussion storyline with Triple H on this week’s Raw, it appears as though The Game's feud with Brock Lesnar is over.

So what's next for Lesnar? The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting, via wrestlinginc.com, that we may be seeing The Best vs. The Beast sometime soon.

"There is said to be no laid out program for Brock Lesnar now that the feud with Triple H is over. Some people in the know within WWE are strongly speculating that WWE goes with a babyface CM Punk vs. Lesnar much sooner than later, with the idea of Heyman turning on Punk."

Of course, take this news with a grain of salt as even the Observer is noting that there are no laid out plans.

But regardless, this would certainly be an interesting direction for both megastars.

Perhaps the most important point here is that Punk will be a babyface for the program. Some fans may find this a little unsettling; The Second City Saint is a solid babyface but an incredible heel.

However, the benefit of that situation is that Heyman and Punk would be enemies.

While they make a great team, their verbal jousting would almost certainly be the highlight of every Raw program they're featured on.

There is the issue, though, of how Punk matches up with Brock. He may be the Best in the World, but how believable an opponent would he be for a former UFC heavyweight champion?

What do you think? Do they match up? Do you want to see Heyman and Punk split up? Should Lesnar be the one to turn babyface, or should this feud simply not happen? Let us know in the comment section below.

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 1.

Many experts believe this first round will be heavily filled with pitching and catching prospects. 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.

Here are the five past overall first-round picks by the Reds (per baseball-reference.com):

2012: Nick Travieso RHP (14th overall pick)

2011: Robert Stephenson RHP (27th overall pick)

2010: Yasmani Grandal C (12th overall pick)

2009: Mike Leake RHP (eighth overall pick)

2008: Yonder Alonso 1B (seventh overall pick)

This year, the Reds will start with the 27th overall pick in the first round, 38th pick in the Competitive Balance Round A, 67th in Round 2 and 104th in Round 3.

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

Begin Slideshow

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.com, Barcelona's second transfer offer for Neymar was rejected by Santos.

Barcelona reportedly offered Santos $20 million in exchange for Neymar, per Goal.com, but the South American club is looking for an even larger figure. With Real Madrid hoping to land Neymar as well, Barca has seemingly become 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 goalscorer, 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...

Begin Slideshow

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, and the consequences of having him in the stands for a must-win game could be huge.

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

Thursday Mailbag: Who My No. 1 Team for This Season Is (and More)

Lisa Horne — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:57:19 -0400

It is Thursday, and that means it is time to open the mailbag.

With under 100 days left until college football kicks off on August 29, the fever is starting to infect fans. We're more than halfway to the finish line. It is time to take your team sweatshirt out of the mothballs and start dusting off your pom poms.

Frederick Gibson asks the first question.

For clarity, I asked Frederick if "next season" refers to this fall. He replied that it did so that clears that up. Now to answer the question.

I am a defense-oriented broad. I believe great defense wins championships—are you sensing where I will be going here?—and so do great coaches. It is important to have talent on a team, but the head coach predicates how well that talent develops.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban is the best football coach in the country. He develops talent better than most, although Boise State's Chris Petersen is high on my list.

If you give Saban 30 days to draw up a game plan to beat another team, he is almost unbeatable. And that is about how much time he will have between winning the SEC Championship and playing for the BCS Championship.

I'm picking Alabama to beat Ohio State in the BCS Championship. I like Buckeye head coach Urban Meyer, and I believe his team will go 13-0 in the Big Ten. But the Buckeye's defense needs to improve.

Maybe Ohio State's defense will light it up this year. At this point in the year it's all a guessing game. Except for Alabama's defense. It will be asphyxiating.

SoCal Mestizo asked me this.

No, he has not. Which means I can still see his updates. I can still see his requests for his twitter followers to provide him links to his own articles. I am living the dream.

Lori asked a question about UCLA.

The quarterback situation at UCLA is locked and loaded. For the first time in years, there is no question who will start at quarterback. Brett Hundley will be the Bruins' field general.

As far as his back up, that still remains a question mark. T.J. Millweard is probably the No. 2 guy, but incoming freshman Asiantii Woulard deserves a hard look. He's very athletic but lacks experience at quarterback.

If Hundley gets hurt, UCLA will be in trouble. There is plenty of depth in the position. Mike Fafaul, Devin Fuller and Jerry Neuheisel are listed as reserves but they have yet to attempt a collegiate pass.

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.

Begin Slideshow

Complete Roundup 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 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 that 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.

Griffin held a mini-press conference after practice and commented on his recovery.

Rg3 says he has two steps left in rehab. He'll start "explosive sprinting" in "a few weeks". And then start cutting a few weeks after that.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 23, 2013

While it's too early to make a definitive judgment on RG3's recovery timetable, his first on-field action of the offseason was certainly encouraging.

Right now, a Week 1 return doesn't seem to be out of the question. Griffin expects to be on the field for the first week of the season.

RGIII uses Adidas slogan in meeting w/media today: "Yes, I'm 'All In For Week 1,' but I'm all in for my career as well."
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) May 23, 2013

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 (ESPN Insider protected). 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 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 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 simply decide to go in a different direction, as Noel isn’t completely 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.

Bibiano Fernandes: Best Fighter Outside the UFC Is Real Life Lord of the Flies

Jonathan Snowden — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:42:25 -0400

There is no form of life you shouldn't expect in the Amazon jungle. Millions of different insects, more than a thousand species of birds and every amphibian you can imagine all call the rain forest home. From the electric eel to the jaguar, the natural predators are staggeringly beautiful— and dangerous.

But for all this bio diversity, one creature stands out, one that never belonged alone, starving and desperate in the world's least forgiving environment. The jungle is no place for a seven-year-old boy.

It's not like Bibiano Fernandes, the best fighter in the world not plying his trade in the UFC Octagon, didn't know hardship before his life stranded him and four siblings in the Amazon to fend for themselves. The jiu jitsu star grew up, after all, in the slums of Manaus, Brazil.

A city of more than two million souls, incongruously perched in the middle of the vast sea of trees, Manaus is home to both astounding beauty and unspeakable poverty. Fernandes didn't know much about the beauty. The famous Opera house was not for the likes of him, and the life of leisure enjoyed by the tourists who used Manaus as their homebase for treks into the jungle was completely foreign to his young mind.

But the poverty? That was burned into him from the start. It was a life of toil and hardship that somehow managed to deteriorate dramatically when his mother died when Bibiano was only seven. She was the rock of the household. Without her, his father was lost. Desperately poor, completely ill equipped to raise a family on his own, according to Fernandes his father did what made sense to him at the time—abandoned his children to make their own way in the world.

"He explained to me that he had no choice. I understood his decision. There were five of us kids and we all went because it was too much for him to handle on his own after my mother's death," Fernandes told Bleacher Report in an exclusive email interview. "It was not easy and looking back, I'm really surprised I managed to go through that. I constantly searched for food to keep myself going."

Initially, the Fernandes kids scraped by on the streets, joining an ever increasing contingent of cast aways, beggars and cons. Finding food and shelter was a full- time job, one that got harder and harder with time. Soon they found themselves just a few miles down the road but a world away. Soon he was living in the jungle.

Life, it turned out, was much the same there. The game was still survival. The odds were still long.

"It was mainly just looking for food. Hunting and scavenging. Me and a few of the other people also took care of our shelter to make sure we at least had a roof to protect us from the environment," Fernandes said. Some days all he would eat were a few slices of fruit. Other days there were great slabs of meat. "We ate whatever we found. We would hunt and gather food. Shelter was built from trees and branches."

As time passed, the lessons of the civilized world faded away. Reading and writing? As Fernandes tells it, those were the tools of another life.

"You forget after being away for so long," Fernandes said simply, the topic still one that can trouble him even decades later. "I was there for about three years. I'm not really sure the exact number of years and it all seems like such a surreal experience now."

It was an illness that saved him. Only a brush with death could return him to his life.

"I went years without seeing him while I was in the Amazon," Fernandes said of his father. "I had malaria on several occasions. I almost died. My father decided enough is enough and asked me to return to the city... I have no regrets about my past. I know my father did what he thought was best for us and I don't have any hard feelings towards him. Life in the jungle made me strong and taught me many life skills some people will never experience."

The rest reads almost like a fairy tale. Still abjectly poor, Fernandes found jiu jitsu while cleaning car windows outside a local dojo. Impressed with his moxie, some of the athletes invited him to check out was was happening on the tatami mats within. What he saw fascinated him.

Jiu jitsu, however, is still in many ways a rich man's sport in Brazil. But after surviving what he survived, there was nothing that could stop Fernandes from pursuing a goal. After the Amazon, everything is easy. Fernandes became a presence at the dojo, regularly watching from the sidelines. People take note of passion, and often reward it.

"I could not afford to join. It was only after a friend volunteered to pay for me did I get into it," Fernandes said. "My coach saw the potential and after the first month, allowed me to train for free if I cleaned up the gym every night. I loved everything about it, the competition, the knowledge, the technique, the mental battles. It was just so exciting to me and even today, I still love every second of Brazilian jiu jitsu."

To say he had a knack for it would be an understatement of absurd proportions. Within two weeks he had won a competition as a white belt. In just months Fernandes was holding his own with top students.

"I think the time spent (in the jungle) made me a stronger person which benefits me when I compete as I don't give up," Fernandes said, rationalizing his success. "My coach made it all happen and I just followed his instructions. It was a far journey but the experience was amazing."

Fernandes became, without exaggeration, one of the very best jiu jitsu players in the world. Under the tutelage of Faustino “Pina” Neto, he won three world championships as a black belt. He's lost just a handful of times in his entire career on the mat. Nicknamed "the Flash" for his tendency to finish fights quickly, Fernandes became a star in the world of competition jiu jitsu.

Naturally, the offers to compete in mixed martial arts came pouring in. Since the earliest days of the UFC, Brazilian jiu jitsu artists have dominated the world of MMA. From Royce Gracie in 1993 to today's champions across the world, jiu jitsu was, and remains, a building block for any serious fighter. A skilled player like Fernandes was a promising prospect right out of the gate.

Keen to test himself against the best, Fernandes jumped immediately into the deep end—and drowned. Kid Yamamoto was the best featherweight in Japan. Urijah Faber occupied the same place in the pecking order in America. Fernandes fell to both in his second and third pro fights respectively.

"When I fought them, I never really had proper striking coaches," Fernandes said. "I just wanted to test my Brazilian jiu jitsu against other martial arts. I learned from that experience that to be the best, I have to round off my game to incorporate everything and not just focus on BJJ."

The losses led Fernandes to Canada, where he lives in Vancouver and frequently trains with famed MMA coach Matt Hume at AMC Pankration in Seattle, Washington. There he broadened his horizons and won six in a row, eventually conquering the field in a featherweight tournament in Japan, a win that led many to proclaim him the best fighter in the world in his weight class.

Fernandes wasn't so sure.

"It was one of my highlights of my career. I was very happy, but I did not feel like just by winning that, I was at the top of the world," he said. "I know there is still competition out there so I have to get back to training as soon as I can and continue to improve to make sure I continue winning."

He'll continue to make his case for a spot among the world's best, but will do so outside of the UFC's famed Octagon. In 2012, it was announced he had signed with the Las Vegas based promotion. But those reports were premature. Instead, having built his career in Japan, Fernandes decided to stay in Asia, signing with the region's leading promotion, One FC.

"I was negotiating with several parties," Fernandes explained. "One FC provided me with the best option, and the way they have treated me so far has been great. One FC is the best organization outside of the United States. The events that they put on are absolutely amazing. They fill up stadiums with more than 10,000 people and the production quality is among the best I have ever seen. It feels surreal when you walk out to that arena. I love competing in Asia, and with the high standard of excellence that One FC delivers, I am able to."

Fernandes will fight Shooto veteran Koetsu Okazaki on May 31 in the Phillipines for One FC. They'll try to pack 20,000 people into the SM Mall of Asia Arena, part of the promotion's continued expansion throughout Asia. But whether or not they succeed, life is good for the 33-year-old fighter, much better than he could have ever imagined.

"I want to thank God for all I have. I never thought I will be where I am today," Fernandes said. "Life now is amazing compared to my childhood. I have a beautiful wife and three beautiful children. I have a good job, a nice home. I can't ask for more."

Jonathan Snowden is the author of Total MMA: Inside Ultimate Fighting. He's the lead combat sports writer for Bleacher Report. All quotes compiled firsthand unless noted.

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.