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French Open 2013: Don't Forget About Victoria Azarenka

Lindsay Gibbs — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:08:25 -0400

You may not have heard a lot about her lately, but the first two months of 2013 definitely belonged to Victoria Azarenka.

Every WTA headline, triumphant or controversial, involved the blonde Belarusian. She withdrew before a much-anticipated semifinal against Serena Williams in Brisbane due to a botched pedicure. She took the medical timeout heard around the world during her Australian Open semifinal match against America’s newest sweetheart, Sloane Stephens. She beat Li Na in a dramatic Australian Open final to defend her title and retain her No. 1 ranking.

She even publicly paraded around with her stand-out-from-the-crowd boyfriend RedFoo. And she managed to (finally) beat Serena Williams in the Doha final, just one match after the Legend had taken away Azarenka’s No. 1 ranking.

Then the withdrawls began to pile up. After beating Serena, she withdrew from Dubai due to a bone bruise on her right foot. Though obviously hobbled, she played Indian Wells, but withdrew before her quarterfinal match with Caroline Wozniacki due to pain in her right foot and ankle. She missed Miami and Stuttgart as well. All in all, she was off the tour for nearly seven weeks.

While she was gone, Maria Sharapova won Indian Wells and Stuttgart and made the finals of Miami and Madrid, while Serena won Miami, Charleston, Madrid, and Rome. In short, her competition wasn’t resting. They were surging. The WTA went full speed ahead without its Australian Open champion, and honestly the media didn’t seem to miss her.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Azarenka’s relationship with the media has always been a complicated one, to put it mildly. According to many, she’s too loud on the court and too quiet off the court. She’s not very open in press conferences, doesn’t offer great sound bites and she certainly isn’t a brand. Her withdrawls before--and particularly during--tournaments have caused many to publicly question her mental and physical durability.

Plus, as she proved after her semifinal in Australia, she’s filtered and unfiltered at all the wrong moments.

But behind the questionable judgments and social awkwardness lies a shy, sweet and well-meaning girl, whose fiercely competitive nature, immense talent and enviable consistency lifted the WTA from the slamless No. 1 years in style, and brought out the best in her competitors in the process.

Azarenka might not have the polish or the celebrity of some of her peers, but day-in and day-out the WTA is a drastically more competitive and interesting tour when she is around.

Two weeks ago Azarenka re-emerged in Madrid. Her fitness and form had certainly taken a hit during her lay-off. She lost in her second match to the selectively-dangerous Ekaterina Makarova, losing her temper and getting a point-penalty along the way.

But Rome was a different story. She absolutely throttled Julia Goerges in the first round, dropping only two games. On her way to the final she impressed with wins over two recent Roland Garros finalists, Samantha Stosur and Sara Errani. Even when Serena Williams beat her soundly in the final, 6-1, 6-3, Azarenka held her head high.

Though she’s been in seven finals and has one title on the surface, clay never has been--and probably never will be--Azarenka’s greatest surface. The French Open, where she’s only twice seen the quarterfinals, is by far her worst slam. On red clay she seems to always be a step behind, leaving her constantly susceptible to being knocked out by any aggressive hitter having a great day.

Still, there are a lot of reasons to keep an eye on Azarenka heading into the French Open this year.

We’ve seen recently how players such as Li Na and Sharapova have turned around their clay court fortunes later in their careers. There is nothing to say that Azarenka can’t do the same. Beating Stosur and Errani on clay in only her second tournament back from injury is certainly nothing to scoff at, and seems to prove that she’s finally finding her footing on the surface, both literally and figuratively.

Azarenka has a proven and well-tested champion’s instinct that, not unlike Serena Williams, will allow her to play herself into form and get more comfortable during the course of the tournament. That will help her as she tries to regain her fitness after her layoff.

But most importantly, Azarenka has made the finals of the last two majors, thrived under the pressure of the No. 1 ranking, and successfully defended her Australian Open title under media scrutiny that would have crumbled a lesser will. For someone who Bruce Jenkins of SI.com accused of looking like she wished was “invisible,” Azarenka seems to have no problem shining when all eyes, ears, and judgments are upon her.

Simply put, she knows how to win.

I think Azarenka will win the French Open someday. If she stays healthy and focused, and a few things break her way, some day could come in a few weeks.

Serena Williams is the clear-cut favorite to win the French Open this year. Maria Sharapova is the defending champion. But forget about Victoria Azarenka at your own peril.

Biggest Keys to Upsetting Rafael Nadal at the 2013 French Open

Patrick Clarke — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:04:40 -0400

Seven-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal is set to enter Roland Garros as the man to beat for the eighth straight year.

Having reached eight consecutive tournament finals since making his return from a seven-month layoff last February, and having won three straight tournaments on clay dating back to the Barcelona Open last month, Nadal enters the year's second Grand Slam as the overwhelming favorite on the men's side.

But what else is new?

Since 2005, Nadal has owned the red stuff in Paris, winning 52-of-53 singles matches at the French Open and dropping just 14 sets total over that time.

Dominant doesn't even begin to describe what Rafa has been at Roland Garros since he entered the draw for the first time as a teenager eight years ago.

Therefore, it's time we take a closer look at what it's going to take for someone to upset Rafael Nadal on his favorite surface at his most beloved Grand Slam: the French Open.

Attack His Backhand

Rafa Nadal doesn't have many weaknesses in his game when it comes to clay, but if someone is going to truly challenge him and potentially send him home early this summer, they'll need to attack his backhand.

It's no secret that Nadal loves to utilize his heavy topspin forehand on clay, which often wears his opponents out and leads to unforced errors. When a player attacks his backhand, however, Rafa is forced to abandon the forehand for the time being and therefore becomes much less effective.

Novak Djokovic utilized this strategy extremely well in the Monte Carlo final last month, upsetting Rafa in straight sets in Monaco.

There's no doubt that Nadal can strike winners with his backhand, but an opponent is going to have much more success against Nadal's two-handed backhand than he is against that ridiculous topspin forehand.

Dominate on Serve

To beat Nadal in three-out-of-five sets, a player must first hold their serve against the King of Clay. And in order to do that, they'll need to fire accurate first serves into the box, controlling the point and putting Nadal under pressure early.

No matter how talented a player might be—like Rafa on clay—when forced to chase the ball down rather than being able to meet and attack it, that player is at a severe disadvantage.

Plus, Rafa has won 56 percent of his second-serve return points this season as opposed to just 36 percent of his first-serve return points. Clearly, putting strong first serves into the box against Nadal is crucial in order to have a shot at holding serve against him and prolonging the match.

An opponent will need to break Nadal's serve at some point in order to the pull the upset, but unless that player holds serve comfortably, it won't matter.

Shorten Points

Another key to beating Nadal on clay, especially at the French Open where a player will have to win three sets in order to advance, is shortening points.

The longer a rally lasts, advantage Rafa.

There are a number of ways to shorten points, whether it's going for big aces during service games or coming to the net quickly and more frequently. Attacking the net is certainly a risky game plan, but one with the potential to work out.

While Rafa does possess amazing touch at the net, phenomenal passing shots and the ability to lob an opponent to death when he comes charging to the net, this tactic is one guaranteed way to shorten points, for better or worse.

It's unlikely that anyone is going to be able to ace Nadal consistently on the slower-playing clay, so taking a more aggressive serve-and-volley approach is the better bet.

It's been four years since Robin Soderling pulled off arguably the greatest upset ever at the French Open, beating Nadal in four sets in the round of 16 in 2009 before advancing all the way to the final. While Rafa hasn't lost before or since at Roland Garros, at least we know he can be beaten.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.

Can LSU Join Alabama, Georgia on 5-Star DE Lorenzo Carter's Leaderboard?

Andrew Kulha — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:01:08 -0400

Alabama and Georgia are the early leaders for 5-star defensive end Lorenzo Carter's commitment, but keep an eye on LSU—as the Tigers appear to be making a push.

William Weathers of TigerBait.com is reporting that LSU is stepping up its game on the recruiting trail for Carter:

It wasn't until last month some time when LSU threw its hat into the ring and the Tigers have ramped up their efforts for Carter of Norcross, Ga.

"LSU has come on as of late," Carter said. "I talked to coach Les Miles and we've started talking a lot after that."

That said, Weathers also reports that Georgia and Alabama have stood out the most with Carter so far:

Carter explained that multiple visits to Alabama and Georgia with his parents have given those two schools an edge at this point.

"I think those two will make the top five," Carter said. "I want to get my parents to as many schools as possible. How comfortable we are with the school will really affect whether that school makes our list."

Carter is ranked as the No. 1 player from Georgia and he's also the No. 1 weak-side defensive end in the 2014 class, both according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. It would make sense why Georgia is high on his leaderboard, and Alabama's presence on top is self-explanatory.

At both schools, he would fit in best as a 3-4 outside linebacker, checking in at 6'5'', 232 pounds. 247Sports has him running a 4.60 40, so he projects perfectly as an edge rush player in a two-point stance—either on the line or over-hanged.

In LSU's 4-3 scheme, Carter would be best as a pure weak-side defensive end. Though he hasn't taken a visit yet, according to Weathers' report, he wants to do so:

"I have to get up there some time," Carter said. "Growing up, LSU's always been in the running for a national championship and Coach Miles is an enthusiastic coach to say the least. They look like a place where I can go and develop and be ready to go to the next level."

Les Miles is one of the best coaches in college football, and LSU does have a history of creating great defensive ends and sending them to the NFL. Defensive end Barkevious Mingo, Sam Montgomery, Lavar Edwards, Lazarius Levingston and Tyson Jackson are all recent examples of LSU defensive ends that were drafted into the NFL (DraftHistory.com).

LSU is also known to field an ultra-aggressive defense, and Carter would fit great with that mentality.

He has the speed and agility to be a pure pass rusher and cause some havoc in the backfield. The Tigers are behind in the running for Carter right now, but it's still early in the process, and LSU is a known powerhouse in the world of college football recruiting.

Any other program may not have a good chance when entering a race like this, especially considering what both Georgia and Alabama bring to the table for Carter. LSU seems to be coming on strong, though, and the Tigers are a strong recruiting force.

It shouldn't be surprising if LSU eventually joins Alabama and Georgia on top of Carter's interest list.

Kevin Durant Donates $1 Million to Red Cross for OKC Tornado Relief

Dan Favale — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:40 -0400

Kevin Durant is truly an outstanding human being.

The tornado that ripped through the streets, homes and lives of Oklahoma City was devastating. Merely the thought of lives being lost and families being displaced is enough to send a piercing chill down the back of your spine.

Amid all the tragedy, though, beacons of hope can be found in the selfless displays of generosity. A disaster like this is horrifying, but it resonates with the general public and brings out the benevolence in all of us.

This uptick of philanthropy is now being piloted by Durant himself. According to CBS Sports' Royce Young, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar has donated $1 million to the Red Cross' Tornado Relief fund.

NBA wunderkind or not, $1 million is a lot of cash. Durant earned approximately $17.5 million playing for the Thunder this past season (not including endorsements and the like), so his donation accounts for more than five percent of his principle salary.

Few people are prepared to devote five percent of their income to charity. Some just aren't in a position to do so at all. But Durant is, and so he did.

His contribution, however, is hardly surprising.

Most would have been shocked if he didn't pledge a lump sum to the cause, because this is so Durant.

The unsuccessful attempt at anonymity is also vintage Durant.

He didn't publicize his donation or release a statement. He just opened his wallet to the city he represents, to the family he loves in hopes of making a difference.

Durant could have stopped at tweeting his support. Urging others to dole out their hard-earned money could have been considered enough.

For Durant, it wasn't. He put his money where his Twitter handle was. He implored everyone to pitch in $10 and then ponied up $1 million of his own.

This is why we love Durant, why we adore him.

He's there when it counts—even when he's not on the court.

Follow @danfavale

Who's Hot and Who's Not on the PGA Tour?

Ben Alberstadt — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:43:50 -0400

Firing a final-round 69 in difficult conditions for his first career victory guarantees Sang Moon Bae entry on the "hot" side of a ledger that catalogues the temperatures of the world's best golfers.

Relative to his past performance, Mr. Bae is on fire. With his victory, he earned nearly as much as he has in his time on tour thus far.

Who else is hot after the HP Byron Nelson Championship?

Who's not?

Read on to find out.

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PGA Tour: Can (Or Should) a Woman Ever Break onto the Men's Golf Circuit?

Phil Oscarson — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:41:33 -0400

Brittney Griner is already making waves in the WNBA. But her emergence as a national superstar has once again brought the topic of women in sports to light—more specifically, women taking part in sports leagues that are currently occupied entirely by men.

It is a subject that has been discussed at great length in many sports, but possibly none more so than professional golf. Because of the physical nature of a game like basketball, it’s hard to envision women making a large impact in a professional men’s league. Golf, however, is a far more personal game, and it is conceivable that a woman might be able to break onto the men’s circuit.

In fact, some women already have.

In 2003, Annika Sorenstam became the first woman to play in a PGA Tour event since 1945, and the first in the modern era. However, despite this ground-breaking moment, she was unable to make the cut, and never attempted it again.

Since then, there have been glimpses of hope for female golfers wanting to make it in the men’s game. A few years ago, it seemed as though Michelle Wie would become the woman to finally stamp her name on the men’s tour. And in 2006, she made the cut for the Asian Tour SK Telecom Open. However, that was the only time in 13 attempts that the American has made the cut.

So will a woman ever truly make her mark on the men’s tour? Will a woman ever win a men’s tournament—and more importantly—can a woman win a men’s tournament?

Unfortunately, so far it seems that the answer to that question is probably no.

Despite the personal, non-contact nature of the sport of golf, it is still a physical sport. The men’s fairways are longer, and any women who hope to make it on the men’s tour will have to compete with men who can often generate much more power with their shots.

That being said, take the example of Guan Tianlang. The young Chinese golfer made the cut at this year’s Masters at just 14 years old, becoming the youngest to ever make the cut at Augusta. At 5’9” and 145 pounds, he’s not much bigger than the average female.

The key point, however, is that making the cut and actually winning a tournament are very different things, and the latter is considerably more difficult.

And then we have the other dilemma—would women even want to compete in the men’s tour? Wouldn’t it appear better for the women’s game to have gifted golfers playing in the LPGA, rather than struggling to be noticed in the men’s game? Brittney Griner is certainly bringing more attention to the WNBA, and think about what players like Venus and Serena Williams have done for women’s tennis.

Players such as Stacy Lewis and Michelle Wie (she’s only 23, after all) could mount, perhaps, the best challenge for a men’s title, but until we see a golfer have continued success in men’s tournaments, it’s hard to envision a truly integrated tour.

So perhaps a woman might never truly break into the men’s circuit, but perhaps the real question should be, is that such a bad thing?

VIDEO: Annika Sorenstam reflects on her experience with the PGA Tour

You can follow Phil Oscarson at @philoscarson or read more of his posts at AmericanGolf.com.

Sergio Garcia Goes off on Tiger Woods for the Second Time, Calls Him a Liar

Dan Carson — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:39:10 -0400

Just when you thought this beef stew was sliding toward the back-burner, Chef Sergio plows through the door with a blow torch.

What began as a series of lukewarm grumblings between Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia last week is now threatening to blossom into a full-on slap fight. Everyone thought the two golfers would’ve cooled off and moved on, but judging by the statements Garcia made to members of the media on Tuesday, someone’s still feeling the salt (via CBS Sports).

In his first media appearance since losing to Woods at the Player’s Championship, Garcia went off, throwing down the gauntlet on Woods.

“He called me a whiner,” Garcia said. “He’s probably right. But that’s also probably the first thing he’s told you guys that’s true in 15 years. I know what he’s like. You guys are finding out.”

Whoa... What just happened here?

In a moment where most expected a calmer, more circumspect Garcia would try to move on from the whole Woods beef, he decided to launch the second Sergio offensive.

That was it, though, right? Garcia didn’t go on and start burning bridges and saying he would never consider calling Tiger Woods to patch things up, did he? He did.

Reporters mentioned to Garcia that Woods had told members of the media on Monday that he will not reach out to him in order to end the beef. Garcia’s response? He doesn’t care.

“First of all, I don’t have his number,” Garcia told reporters. “And secondly, I did nothing wrong and don’t have anything to say to him. And he wouldn’t pick up the phone anyway. But that’s okay, I don’t need him as a friend...Like I have always said, I try to be as truthful as possible. Tiger doesn’t make a difference to my life.”

There you have it—Tiger is a liar and a shady character who is not worth Sergio Garcia’s cell phone minutes.

The soup's on, Tiger. Now, the question is, how do you like your beef?

What's beef?:

Follow @Dr__Carson

NBA Lottery Odds 2013: Breaking Down Each Team's Chances to Land No. 1 Pick

Alex Kay — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:36:29 -0400

The 2013 NBA draft lottery will take place on Tuesday night, May 21, finally cluing in the teams participating in the event as to where and in what order they will pick come June’s draft.

It’s an exciting occasion for fans as well, as they can view the results of this drawing in multiple ways, including television and live stream fashion. Finding out whether your favorite team landed a top pick can be quite a thrill, especially with some great players available at the top of this class.

Let’s take a look at where you can catch the lottery, what the odds are for each participant to win, some of the prized prospects waiting for the victors and more.

2013 NBA Draft Lottery Info

When: Tuesday, May 21, at 8:30 p.m. ET

Where: Disney/ABC's Times Square Studios, New York City

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3 (Blacked out in several states, please check coverage map here)

Each Team’s Chance to Land Top Pick

Odds and trade notes courtesy of USA Today.

Team	2012-13 Record	Chance of No. 1 pick
Orlando Magic	20-62	25 percent
Charlotte Bobcats	21-61	19.9 percent
Cleveland Cavaliers	24-58	15.6 percent
Phoenix Suns	25-57	11.9 percent
New Orleans Pelicans	27-55	8.8 percent
Sacramento Kings	28-54	6.3 percent
Detroit Pistons	29-53	4.3 percent
Washington Wizards	29-53	2.8 percent
Minnesota Timberwolves	31-51	1.7 percent
Portland Trail Blazers*	33-49	1.1 percent
Philadelphia 76ers	34-48	0.8 percent
Toronto Raptors**	34-48	0.7 percent
Dallas Mavericks	41-41	0.6 percent
Utah Jazz	43-39	0.5 percent

*If Portland's pick falls outside of the top 12, it will be sent to Charlotte.

**If Toronto's pick falls outside of the top three, it will be sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder via the Houston Rockets.

Potential No. 1 Picks

Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky

Despite an injury that may keep him sidelined through Christmas, Noel is the closest thing to a consensus top pick this class has to offer.

The Wildcats' big man is a shot-blocking phenom that already brings plenty to the table and has the potential to add much more to his game in the near future.

Noel is extremely athletic and uses his great leaping ability to sky for rebounds on both ends of the floor. He utilizes big, quick hands to come up with steals in the low post and isn’t afraid to provide quick help on a defensive rotation.

He has two major areas of concern, though, as Noel only weighed in at 206 pounds (membership required) at the combine. That’s painfully thin for a power forward prospect, let alone a center—which is the position the UK star has been listed at.

Noel is also extremely raw offensively, although his high ceiling, athleticism and non-stop motor should help him to improve rapidly in that department.

While he’s not an immediate game-changer, some work in an NBA weight room, a new diet and a lot of time in the gym will turn Noel into a starting-caliber big man that will help a contending team for years to come.

Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana

Oladipo is an intriguing prospect that is generating small but significant buzz as a potential top pick in the draft.

ESPN’s Chad Ford is reporting (behind Insider pay wall) that the Hoosiers star did well for himself at the combine in Chicago, measuring out better than expected, performing well during the interview process and blowing away observers with his athletic abilities.

A number of anonymous general managers commented that Oladipo is their favorite player and has the most upside, but none committed to having him as their No. 1 prospect on the big board.

Regardless, much could change in the next five weeks.

This young man’s defensive mindset and ability to impact a game in a positive manner without the ball in his hands are two things most teams in the lottery are looking for.

Add in the fact that he’s a freakish athlete that can knock down open shots with ease, and you are looking at a complete 2-guard in the modern NBA.

Trey Burke, PG, Michigan

The Wolverines point guard led his team on a magical run to the national championship game, but fell just short on the biggest stage.

Regardless, the sophomore phenom is ready to take the next step and join the Association. Burke not only thinks he’s capable, but also that he should in fact be made the No. 1 pick come June.

As per Ford (Insider only), Burke said:

I feel like I can be [the No. 1 pick], absolutely. It depends on where the [lottery] balls drop, and depending on that team's needs, I definitely feel like I can, and I won't disappoint.

Burke may not be the most athletic or possess the ideal size for the position, but he’s a proven winner that has plenty of intangibles that coaches have a hard time teaching.

Regardless, shrewd GMs will see the value and upside in having this young man on their roster, and one many even make him the top pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

5 College Football Records That Could Be Broken in 2013

Ian Berg — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:34:36 -0400

Records are made to be broken.

This fall there are a number of them that will be on the chopping block as players like Johnny Manziel attempt to leave their mark on history.

Some records will be tough to tackle, but there are a few on this list that should fall with ease. Rushing yards by a quarterback is one that may be reset again this year and the record for career touchdowns on interception returns is close to being matched.

The books are waiting to be rewritten and these are the records that will need adjustments after 2013.

Note: All stats confirmed with CFBStats.com; All records confirmed with NCAA.org.

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Selecting the AL Central's Position Player First Quarter All-Star Team

Josh Berenter — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:31:26 -0400

The American League Central is one of the most interesting divisions in all of baseball this season.

The Detroit Tigers once again entered the year as runaway favorites to take the division crown, and are once again struggling at the first quarter mark, trailing the Cleveland Indians by 2.5 games.

The Indians, who finished 20 games back in the division last year with only 68 wins, are on pace to reach close to 100 wins this season, and are the hottest team in baseball, winning 18 of their last 22 games.

But unlike the Tigers, the Indians aren't doing it with star power.

The Tigers lead the AL in runs, average and on-base percentage, but have struggled lately, going 4-6 in their last 10 games, with two of those wins coming against the dreadful Houston Astros.

Yet, most of the players on this list are donning the Old English D.

It has been a fun first quarter to watch, and has definitely been unexplainable at times, but here is my list for the AL Central Position Player All Stars at the first quarter mark:

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Triple H's Reported Concussion Storyline Is Smart Move for WWE

Donald Wood — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:27:21 -0400

Triple H lost in his first match on Raw in three years Monday night, but according to F4Wonline (via Wrestling Inc.), it was the superstar’s post-match actions signaling a possible concussion that will be the main focus of this angle moving forward.

Triple H is reportedly "fine" (per F4Wonline), but addressing the concussion concerns facing the WWE and all major sports through a marquee storyline is the smartest move for the company.

The WWE has already made the commitment to research outside the ring and behind the scenes as well (h/t Gary Mihoces of USA Today), and now will bring the lessons learned to a major character in the company:

World Wrestling Entertainment, known for past stars such as Hulk Hogan and current champ John Cena, says it is making a gift of $1.2 million over three years to further research aimed at developing a treatment for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. The brain disease, associated with repeated concussions, has come under scrutiny amid concussion-related lawsuits by more than 4,000 former NFL players against the league. CTE has been linked to depression and dementia.

The WWE medical staff did not clear the superstar for action Monday after being involved in a violent battle against Brock Lesnar at Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view, but Triple H insisted on fighting reinvented superstar Curtis Axel.

What resulted was one of the toughest men in the company brought to his knees by a neurological injury. With the focus from the sports world at every level shifting to preventing and treating concussions, now was the right time to use this storyline.

Not only are concussions a topic being addressed in the NFL, NHL and every sport across the world, but the WWE is also facing the issue of brain injuries itself with World Heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler and his recovery.

Ziggler told WWE.com that he suffered his concussion after a kick from Jack Swagger and lost long spans of memory from the following day. As seen on the WWE app after Raw went off the air, Triple H’s character was also suffering from similar symptoms.

Instead of ignoring this hot-button topic, the company is facing it head on.

Not only will this make for an interesting storyline for the WWE, but this will also give the company a chance to lay out exactly how concussions are to be handled in the future.

Instead of just allowing Triple H to go out to the ring again without doctor approval, the WWE has the unique opportunity to educate the fans about how and why it will be thoroughly testing the superstar before he is ever allowed to step foot in the ring again.

Storyline or not, the company has the chance to set a very real precedent for how it handles possible brain injuries and concussions once they are diagnosed.

The WWE used to be viewed as a joke for its lackadaisical approach to the safety of the superstars, but since the inception of the Wellness Policy in 2006, the company has been trending in the right direction in terms of making a safe work environment.

Adding regulations on brain injuries and how they’re handled would be a great addition to that policy.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player below (some language NSFW.)

Follow @Donald_Wood

Follow @RingRustRadio

Listen to internet radio with RingRustRadio on Blog Talk Radio

Full Ride: Who Are the Top 5 Impact Freshmen in the SEC in 2013?

Full Ride — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:26:03 -0400

Every season in the SEC, players like T.J. Yeldon, Todd Gurley and Amari Cooper emerge as legitimate threats. In 2012, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel took it to the next level, becoming the first red-shirt freshman to take home the Heisman Trophy.

With seven SEC teams in the Top 13 of the final 247Sports.com composite rankings, and many more potential studs taking red-shirts last season, 2013 should see many new faces emerge as SEC stars.

Who are the top five impact freshmen in the SEC in 2013? SEC lead writer Barrett Sallee breaks it down in this edition of "Full Ride."

Highlights courtesy of Prepforce.com

Why LA Lakers Must Ditch Mike D'Antoni If It Means Keeping Dwight Howard

Dan Favale — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:25:43 -0400

Mike D'Antoni, your chariot to the outskirts of Los Angeles awaits—if Dwight Howard wants it to.

There are no delusions when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers. They need Howard to re-sign. For the sake of winning now and having a superstar to build their future around, they need him back.

To make that happen, the Lakers must do whatever it takes, even if that includes severing all ties with D'Antoni. And according to Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com, that may be exactly what it takes:

Howard was one of several Lakers -- Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol being the most noteworthy -- to have an extended separate meeting with the GM after his exit interview with both Kupchak and D'Antoni, multiple sources confirmed to ESPNLosAngeles.com.

According to sources with knowledge of the situation, part of the discussion between Howard and Kupchak centered around Howard's frustration with D'Antoni -- particularly how the center felt marginalized as the coach looked to Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions and discounted Howard's voice.

Nothing against D'Antoni—I'm one of his biggest advocates—but if Howard is willing to abandon the Lakers because of him, he has to go.

Now, McMenamin adds that the relationship between the two is not irreparable. "It's not a, 'It's me or Mike,' situation for Dwight," a source told him.

But what if it becomes one?

Dwight was deliberate when assessing the job D'Antoni did with the Lakers this season.

"We had to just sell out to whatever he wanted, whether we liked it or not," he said of D'Antoni following his exit interview (via McMenamin).

A mutual understanding doesn't appear to exist between the two. It can't. Not if Dwight feels D'Antoni is undervaluing him as a leader.

If a happy medium cannot be established, the Lakers will be forced to make a decision. And they'll have to choose Howard.

Which isn't to say that I, you or anyone else should condone the potential ultimatum. We shouldn't. In an ideal world, Howard would understand that there are times when he has to quietly submit to the coach's will, and D'Antoni would make more of an effort to relate to his big men.

This isn't a perfect world, though. The Lakers aren't a perfect team and neither Dwight nor D'Antoni is the perfect player or coach.

Rifts happen. Sometimes they can be mended, other times they can't. When they can't, action must be taken. In this case, that would comprise of the Lakers ditching D'Antoni (if they had to).

What Los Angeles is attempting to build is bigger than Magic Mike. Hell, it's bigger than Howard himself. But the latter is far more important to the cause.

Howard isn't just a part of the Lakers' future; he is Los Angeles' future. The Lakers cannot build around D'Antoni. There are only a handful of coaches that possess that kind of power, and he isn't one of them. Even if he was, Tinseltown wouldn't be able to justify retaining him if it meant Dwight would sign elsewhere.

Remember, Los Angeles is at a crucial juncture in its development. Kobe Bryant isn't going to be around forever, or even much longer. Pau Gasol is right behind him and the 39-year-old Steve Nash isn't someone the Lakers can place future sock in either. Howard is.

These Lakers are on the verge of a facelift. Their cosmetic makeup is going to change drastically. Soon enough, they'll be journeying into the unknown, a jaunt that becomes much more promising with Howard in hand.

There are any number of reasons we could find to justify the Lakers holding on to Howard at any expense. All of which are true.

He single-handedly carried the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 and though still ringless, he's one of just four players in league history to average at least 18 points, 12 rebounds, one steal and two blocks per game through the first nine seasons of his career. The other three are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon and Elvin Hayes, all of whom are Hall of Famers.

Next time you find yourself being force fed the notion that Howard isn't one of the greatest big men the league has ever seen, don't let your ego—or his, for that matter—prevent you from recognizing the truth: Dwight is a game-changer, one of the best there ever was.

His failure to obtain a ring doesn't matter. What he did in Orlando with the supporting cast he was given over those eight years is incredible. Few players could have found as much success as he did under those circumstances.

Our perception of the perpetually gleaming Howard is tainted by how he escaped from that environment. What he did was selfish and the manner in which he orchestrated his departure deplorable.

Beneath that smirky, seemingly self-absorbed exterior beats the heart of championship pilaster, someone who can emerge as the face of a winner. Dwight's oft-regrettable demeanor doesn't change this. And the Lakers know it.

Kobe, who is hardly Dwight's best friend, wants him back. He knows that his best chance to procure a sixth ring includes Howard; he understands that Howard allows the Lakers to contend now.

Should the Lakers bid adieu to Howard, they aren't permitted to spend that $100-plus million on anyone else. They have $78 million committed in payroll next season without him. If he walks, the Lakers are down one superstar and left without the means to acquire another one.

What if I told you none of that mattered? That Kobe's sixth ring and the Lakers' ability to contend next season wasn't a top priority? That this isn't about now? You might be taken aback. But then again, the unabashed truth has that effect.

Retaining Howard isn't about Kobe. Or his sixth ring. Or even contending next season. It's about continuing what has become a past time for one of the most storied franchises in all of sports.

The Lakers are synonymous with winning. Seasons have been lost to sub-par performances, but generally, they win; they contend. Beyond next season that tradition is in jeopardy without Howard.

Following the 2013-14 campaign, Kobe will be going on 36 and both he and Pau will be free agents. In fact, Nash is the only Lakers player under contract for 2014 right now. Which isn't perceived as a problem. Yet it could be.

Free-agents galore will be ripe for the picking next summer. Names like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade are expected to lead the field. With or without Howard, the Lakers will have the spending power to chase who they please. Without him though, they become a tougher sell.

Los Angeles can't rest its hopes on the market selling itself. Howard's departure would serve as the ultimate proof of just this.

No matter what history suggests, there's no guarantee that big names will flock to the Lakers. Not when a building block isn't already in place.

Howard can be that foundation. He is that foundation. It won't be Kobe's name that resonates with LeBron or anyone else. And it sure as hell won't be D'Antoni's. It will be Howard's.

"This organization has a precedent with that kind of a situation and I think we learned our lesson," Kupchak said of choosing a player over a coach (via Mcmenamin).

Their organization has also set what is often considered an unreachable standard as well. A paradigm that will be difficult to uphold with Howard, but run the risk of becoming damn near impossible to champion without him.

Follow @danfavale

*All stats in this article were compiled from Basketball-Reference and NBA.com unless otherwise attributed.

WWE Raw: 5 Talking Points to Come from Monday Night's Show

Elliott Binks — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:18:25 -0400

After a solid showing at Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view, we were left with a number of questions to answer on Monday Night Raw this week.

Would we get an update on John Cena’s alleged injuries?

What’s next for Brock Lesnar after his big win over Triple H?

And just how far can The Shield go now that each member holds a championship belt?

As it happens, we weren’t given too much in terms of direct answers, but nonetheless, the WWE surprised us once again with some particularly intriguing storyline developments.

These developments, as well as other issues, are discussed in this article as we round up the top five talking points to come from Monday Night Raw this week.

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2013 MLB Draft: Pitchers the Cubs Should Target in the 2013 MLB Draft

Jason Parini — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:10:53 -0400

The 2013 MLB Draft is rapidly approaching as only 16 days remain until the draft kicks off on June 6 in MLB Network's Studio 42 in Secaucus, New Jersey.

The Chicago Cubs hold the second pick in the 2013 draft, following the Houston Astros. Pitching is always a concern, and the Cubs will have no shortage of pitching choices in 2013.

Here is a look at three pitchers the Cubs should target in the 2013 draft.

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Neymar Should Embrace Potential Summer Blockbuster Transfer to Barcelona

Tim Daniels — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:08:59 -0400

Neymar is one of the most coveted football players on the planet. While the thought process from his camp has revolved around a 2014 exit from Santos, the Brazilian superstar should strongly consider an earlier move to a top European club, such as Barcelona.

Pilar Suarez of Goal.com reported last month talks between Neymar and the La Liga champions are scheduled for July. Rumors and speculation have only continued to heat up from there as the forward's future becomes a main summer storyline.

Barcelona would be far from the only club to show interest. After all, we're talking about a 21-year-old player capable of making an instant impact in any of Europe's top leagues. He's already an elite talent with plenty of growth to come.

Yet, despite all the talk, Neymar and those around him continue to stand firm about 2014. Paulo Freitas of Sky Sports passed along comments from Neymar.

I'm happy here. I have already told you. Unless I die this game [against Corinthians on Sunday] is not my last game.

If people are saying other things, then they know more than I do. Many people say what they want without knowing anything. But this is how things are.

His father didn't sound as definite, but he still pointed toward 2014.

Our position is to stay until the end of contract, and we have not heard that Santos are in negotiations to sell Neymar.

If Santos want to then I will talk with my son to see if he really wants to go. We made some plans for Neymar to stay here until 2014. If these change we must be told beforehand.

Barcelona are waiting for Neymar but for 2014. A project is in place to see how he will fit there. We are 'dating' so to speak but there is no concrete deal.

Since the stance hasn't changed in recent years as Neymar rose to worldwide fame, the comments wouldn't qualify as a surprise. That said, it's a long summer and the phenom should take his talents to Europe if given an opportunity.

Quite simply, there's nothing left for him to prove with Santos. It would be understandable if he wanted to stay in order to maximize his value and potentially attract more clubs, but he's already one of the top possible targets heading into the summer.

Barcelona would be an ideal fit. The club could be looking to make some changes after a stunning 7-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Adding a talent like Neymar to play alongside Lionel Messi would be a huge boost for their attack.

Speaking of the Champions League, that's where the top players in the world are truly tested. Going up against fellow extraordinary talents that know your strengths and weaknesses would show exactly where Neymar stands.

It would be valuable experience as he gets prepared to help lead Brazil in the country's home World Cup next summer. He doesn't have that chance with Santos.

The move to Europe is going to happen eventually, so there's really no reason to wait another year if the right opportunity presents itself in the coming months. Barcelona would be the best alternative, but Neymar's camp should keep their options open.

Neymar has gone as far as he can go at Santos. It's time for him to explore new challenges, which Barcelona or another top European club would certainly present.

Manchester City, New York Yankees to Partner in MLS Club: Why It's a Good Thing

Michael Cummings — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:06:11 -0400

Manchester City and the New York Yankees are teaming up in the American soccer market. Their joint venture, New York City Football Club (NYCFC), is set to become Major League Soccer's 20th team, and while that might mean the league now has a super villain, it also means unprecedented investment is heading to MLS.

For that latter part of the equation, NYCFC is good for American soccer, where investment lags far behind both the European game and the traditional American triumvirate of baseball, basketball and football.

MLS announced the news in a press release Tuesday.

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced today that a partnership of global sports powers, Manchester City Football Club and the New York Yankees, has acquired the League’s 20th expansion club. The new team will be named New York City Football Club (NYCFC) and expects to begin play in 2015.

…

Manchester City will be the majority owner of the new Club. As an investor, the Yankees will be an active member of the ownership group.

The Yankees and Manchester City, two of the biggest-spending teams in all of sports, already have a commercial relationship. Both have large fanbases but also often provoke negative reactions from fans.

With 27 World Series titles, the Yankees are the most historically successful team in American professional baseball. Under their late former owner George Steinbrenner, the Yankees outspent opponents and sometimes drew outright hatred from many neutral fans.

Manchester City surged to elite status in the English Premier League with the help of heavy investment from the Abu Dhabi United Group, which bought the club in 2008 (BBC Sport). Since the takeover, City often have simply outspent their rivals in order to attract top talent. The heavy spending and financial losses have drawn criticism.

Such a partnership of obvious villains could alienate some American fans, particularly those who support the Boston Red Sox (the Yankees' main rivals) or Manchester United (City's main rivals). But in American soccer, where investment lags so far behind, the partnership will be positive overall.

Major League Soccer's salary cap currently stands just under $3 million per season—for an entire team (via Soccer America). Compared to the NFL ($123 million, per NFL.com) or the NBA (just over $58 million, per NBA.com), MLS deals in pocket change.

(Major League Baseball does not have a salary cap but charges a luxury tax to big-spending teams. The Yankees, who had a payroll of $222.5 million in 2012, paid a luxury tax of $18.9 million last season, according to CBS New York.)

MLS clubs can circumvent the salary cap partially by using the designated player rule. Introduced ahead of David Beckham's arrival in Los Angeles in 2007, the designated player rule allows MLS clubs to commit only a fraction of a star player's salary toward the salary cap. Clubs currently can sign up to three designated players. For this season's full designated player rules, visit MLSsoccer.com.

Considering the spending habits of its partners, NYCFC will almost certainly take full advantage of the designated player rule. In fact, with all the money potentially available, NYCFC could contend in their debut 2015 season.

Another factor to consider is the draw of New York for overseas players compared to, say, Columbus or Kansas City. With competitive salaries and the backdrop of the Big Apple on offer, world-famous stars based in Europe could feasibly see NYCFC as a realistic option.

That could—maybe will—make NYCFC the team most MLS fans love to hate. But that is not necessarily a bad thing. MLS needs money coming in, and as the press release said, NYCFC is "committed to seeking a new permanent stadium in New York," possibly in Queens.

Whether you love or hate NYCFC, the club figures to provoke strong reactions from most or all American soccer fans. And with heavy investment possible—perhaps even likely—the potential for big-name arrivals could attract an unprecedented number of new casual fans.

Much remains to be decided, and the team has not even played a single match. But once NYCFC begins play in 2015, it's entirely possible to see the landscape of American soccer changing forever.

Thiago Silva Addresses Marijuana Use: 'It Doesn't Change Your Performance'

Craig Amos — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:04:31 -0400

The role of marijuana as a performance-enhancing drug (PED) has garnered much attention since Pat Healy lost a fortune (and a win) for testing positive after his victory over Jim Miller at UFC 159.

Thiago Silva, a UFC fighter who knows a little something about being disciplined for marijuana consumption, recently spoke to bjpenn.com to add his two cents to the discussion.

The light heavyweight combatant, who is scheduled to welcome Rafael Cavalcante to the Octagon on June 8, provided the following perspective:

You know, it’s very complicated what to say about that. A lot of guys, they like to drink, you know; I don’t drink, I like to smoke. I don’t smoke any more, because I really can’t, but I used to like a lot because it helps me to relax. It’s not like a drug like everybody say[s]. So actually, it’s legal in California, you know. To be honest, I don’t think it’s fair, you know, because it doesn't change your performance.

Silva's sentiments echo those of handfuls of fans and fellow fighters who recently came to Healy's defense. While the legality of marijuana varies from location to location, many feel that its impact on athletic performance is negligible and that testing for it in MMA is arbitrary and pointless.

Counter arguments focus on the safety of the user, citing slowed reflexes and general lethargy as effects of consumption. Other arguments claim that marijuana use dulls pain, granting the user an unfair advantage in a sport where pain is so prevalent.

Many offending parties claim that they consume marijuana weeks before a fight, but since urinalysis does not identify when consumption occurred, all cases must be met with uniform discipline.

The discussion is very much in vogue right now, and Silva is unlikely to be the last fighter to sound off on it, just like Healy is unlikely to be the last fighter busted for usage.

What are your thoughts on the matter? Does testing for marijuana have a place in MMA, or does it lead to pointless discipline for choices fighters make in their personal lives?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Everton Players Linked to Manchester United: Who Will Follow Moyes and Who Won't

Nick Akerman — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:01:13 -0400

Which Everton players will follow David Moyes to Manchester United?

The Toffees will be bracing themselves for a number of bids across the summer. Former boss Moyes could try to lure Goodison Park's biggest stars to Old Trafford, but which transfers are likely to take place?

Let's take a look at four links and whether or not they should go ahead.

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Baltimore Ravens Star Ray Rice Had Home Burglarized over Weekend

Gabe Zaldivar — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:59:39 -0400

Baltimore Ravens star running back Ray Rice had his home burglarized over the weekend, per reports from TMZ and USA Today.

According to the report, the burglary took place at some point between 8:30 a.m. Friday and 12:50 a.m. Saturday at his Maryland home in Reisterstown, a suburb of Baltimore.

The burglar, who apparently broke in through a rear window and proceeded to tear up the house, ultimately left with a reported $2,000 in cash and two guns. At this time, there is no mention of anything else that was taken.

Baltimore County police spokeswoman Cpl. Cathleen Batton spoke with reporters and divulged that there is surveillance video of the burglar, but there is no word as to how clear or useful the footage taken might be.

As for Rice, he offered the following comments for his fans:

"My family and I are fine, which is the most important thing. This is an unfortunate incident that I am dealing with through the proper channels."

As reported, Rice was out of town this past weekend. The only other information given was that a friend had been staying at the location over that duration.

An otherwise remarkable year now features an unfortunate incident. Rice, who rushed for 1,143 yards and nine touchdowns in 2012, was a key member of this past season's Super Bowl-winning Ravens squad.

We have to agree with Rice's sentiment: Things can be replaced; the important part is that Rice and his family are safe and out of harm's way.

Hit me up on Twitter: Follow @gabezal

USC Football: Is Kiffin Losing His Magic Touch When It Comes to Recruiting?

Rick McMahan — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:53:11 -0400

Through the dark days of the Kiffin era—and that certainly includes the disappointment of 2012—there was always one thing USC's head coach could hang his hat on: he was a helluva recruiter.

Even last year's class, with its multitude of last minute defections from players who had given USC their verbal commitments, still featured five Scout.com 5-star recruits among the abundance of 4-star athletes which comprised that class.

Indeed, even avowed Kiffin apologists (yes, that would include me), when faced with the barbs and insults hurled by naysayers regarding him, could point to the fact that year in and year out he delivered incredible recruiting classes.

But could that be changing? Is it possible that even the one thing Kiffin could be counted on for doing—bringing in great recruits—is something that he is no longer capable of producing?

Evidence of such a claim comes in two forms.

One, USC's verbal commitments for the 2014 class consists of five players and the "star ratings" for those players include three 4-stars, one 3-star and one player that is not rated at all.

Certainly not typical of the kind of class USC normally puts together.

Perhaps even more troubling is a recently released list of predictions of where the top 85 players will sign as prognosticated by 247sports.com analyst Shannon Terry.

In that list, Terry has projected exactly one player—cornerback Adoree Jackson—to give the Trojans his "John Hancock" in February when players can sign their letters of intent.

Yes, you read that right. One.

Now it should be noted that this is very early in process and things don't get more fluid than it does when trying to predict where an 18-year-old celebrated athlete plays his college ball.

As a matter of fact, when it comes to trying to figure out where these impressionable kids wind up, there is an old axiom:

"The only thing for sure is that nothing is for sure."

And to be perfectly honest about this, it should be noted that predicting the destinations for these players in May is truly an exercise in futility.

Nonetheless, it may reveal a national perception that the luster of USC may be waning and this may be reflected in the fact that the Trojans are now struggling to get athletes that once flocked to them.

However, there is a simple remedy to overcome this new hurdle in recruiting for Kiffin, and that is to win in 2013.

A good record this year suddenly makes USC relevant again in college football and that, along with the fact that the program offers so much, will translate into a flock of high profile recruits once again scurrying to sign with the Trojans.

Of course, that is easier said than done and with USC not well regarded this year, it remains to be seen just how successful they will be.

So in the final analysis, the question remains:

Is Lane Kiffin losing his touch when it comes to recruiting?

Maybe, maybe not.

I'll let you know for sure in February.

Miami Marlins Pitcher Alex Sanabia Caught on Camera with Obvious Spitball

Chris Stephens — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:49:45 -0400

Alex Sanabia has been caught.

The 24-year-old righty for the Miami Marlins was caught spitting on the ball after giving up a home run during Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

You know you suck at cheating when your spit literally BOUNCES off the ball. Alex Sanabia needs a lesson in loogies. twitter.com/JeffPassan/sta…
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 21, 2013

The video gives a spitting image of what he did (Sorry, couldn't resist).

Ironically, umpires Sam Holbrook and Joe West didn't catch it.

The Twitter world has taken notice, as well.

Marlins pitcher Alex Sanabia spit on the baseball and then pitched brilliantly. He knows that's cheating, right? sportsgrid.com/wzbuf
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) May 21, 2013

Did @sanabia28 forget there are cameras in the show? #Spitball twitter.com/TotalConoMove/…
— Total Coño Move (@TotalConoMove) May 21, 2013

If Sanabia would have given up more runs during the game, it wouldn't have been such a big deal. But he got 14 of the next 18 batters out, as he left the game in the seventh having only given up that one run.

While the cameras caught the spit in the second inning, one has to wonder if it was missed at any point the rest of the game, as well. What about the rest of the season?

But while some people are outraged that this happened, Deadspin's Barry Petchesky offers some different insight.

Spitballers load up a ball, and they keep the load on the ball. That little bit of baggage messes with the rotation and causes the ball to move unnaturally. They don't vigorously rub a substance into the cowhide, as Sanabia did. Especially not when it's spit, which almost surely dried out by the time he delivered the next pitch. While Sanabia absolutely violated the letter of the law, it's hard to imagine he was doing anything other than trying to get a better grip.

There's no doubt MLB is going to have to do something about this.

As Petchesky noted in his story, before Joel Peralta was suspended for eight games last year for pine tar on his glove, nobody had been suspended since 2005. And any of the suspensions that happened then were for sandpaper, glue or pine tar. None had to do with actual spit.

So, what's next for MLB and Sanabia? A suspension? A stern talk?

Any way you look at it, MLB will have the final say in this matter. It won't go away until something is done.

Buccaneers Running Back Breakdown: Full Evaluation and Depth Chart Analysis

J.J. Rodriguez — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:46:00 -0400

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushing attack improved by leaps and bounds in 2012, when compared to how they fared the season prior.

The Bucs averaged 114.8 rushing yards per game last season, ranking them in the top-half of the NFL (15th). In contrast, they finished with the 30th-ranked rushing offense in 2011 when they averaged just 91.1 yards per game.

But that isn't where the improvements stopped.

The Bucs also increased their rushing touchdowns from nine in 2011 to 13 in 2012. They had five rushes that went at least 40 yards and 12 rushes that went at least 20 yards last season, compared to just one and seven, respectively, the year before.

Oh, and they cut down on their rushing fumbles by better than 50 percent, coughing it up only three times in 2012 (second fewest) against eight in 2011 (fifth most).

So why the sudden and drastic improvement on the ground, you ask?

Simply put, the talent improved.

Doug Martin burst onto the scene, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, including an out-of-this-world performance against the Oakland Raiders in Week 9 when he rushed for 251 yards and four TDs.

Tack on 49 catches for 474 receiving yards and all told, Martin totaled 368 touches, 1,928 total yards of offense and 12 touchdowns.

Not too bad for a rookie.

Put it this way: LeGarrette Blount was the second-leading rusher on the team last season with just 151 yards. Martin, on the other hand, rushed for 125-plus yards in a game five times.

Blount, of course, is now gone, traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for Jeff Demps and a seventh-round pick.

This offseason the Bucs have continued to stockpile capable backs, adding free agent Brian Leonard and drafting University of Miami running back Mike James in the sixth-round.

All of which will make for an exciting training camp come summertime. That said, here is how I see the Bucs' depth chart heading into camp.

1. Doug Martin #22 (5'9", 215 lbs)

Sneaky fast, deceptively agile and a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield. Martin has the ability to not only run over defensive backs, but he can bounce-off linebackers and spin away from linemen. He rarely goes down on first contact, often fighting through arm tackles. He is very good at pass protection, too.

2. Brian Leonard #30 (6'1", 225 lbs)

A Greg Schiano-coached player from Rutgers, Leonard knows how the coach operates and what is expected out of his backs. A tough, gritty runner capable of thriving in short-yardage situations, Leonard has also dazzled with his athletic ability, including hurdling numerous defenders.

3. Mike James #25 (5'10", 223 lbs)

Much like Leonard, James is a between-the-tackles-type runner, punishing defenders who dare step in his path. A thick lower body and surprisingly fluid hips helps James in short-yardage situations, something the Bucs have notoriously struggled with in seasons past. James lacks top-end speed, but if used correctly, can certainly contribute as a rookie.

4. Michael Smith #34 (5'9", 205 lbs)

Smith made a name for himself last preseason by igniting the Bucs' return game, but failed to see significant playing time at any point during the regular season. Smith has explosive speed and agility, but the emergence of Martin as the primary ball carrier left little room for his services out of the backfield. It should be noted that the Bucs thought highly enough of him to not put him on their practice squad, where he could have been claimed by any of the 31 other teams.

5. Jeff Demps (# unassigned) (5'7", 175 lbs)

Freakishly athletic and arguably one of the fastest players in the NFL, Demps' NFL potential is limited only by his own ambitions to compete as an Olympian. Demps excelled at the University of Florida, rushing for 2,470 yards and 23 touchdowns in four seasons. It's unclear how significant of a role Demps will have with the Bucs at this point, but his home run potential as a returner is undeniable.

Follow @JJ__Rodriguez

Latest Buzz on NFL Draft Date 2014

John Rozum — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:45:16 -0400

The 2014 NFL draft reportedly appears to be closing in on a new date.

Instead of the final weekend of April, as is typically expected, pro football's draft could be headed for the middle of May.

Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported the potential adjustment on Monday:

Additionally, NFL.com's Albert Breer mentioned that commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA director DeMaurice Smith have discussed the topic:

If anything, this would simply inflate pro football's already astounding level of popularity.

According to Harris Interactive in January of 2013 (see chart below, measured in percentages), the NFL has continued to annihilate the competition.

Sport	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012
Pro football	30	31	35	31	36	34
Baseball	15	16	16	17	13	16
College football	12	12	12	12	13	11
Auto racing	10	8	9	7	8	8
Men's pro basketball	4	6	5	6	5	7
Men's college basketball	4	5	3	4	5	3
Hockey	5	5	4	5	5	5

May, however, is arguably the league's least popular month.

Aside from OTAs and rookie mini-camps, not much occurs in the NFL world until late July rolls around. That gives us training camp as well as a lead into the preseason.

Free agency isn't as intense either, since the majority of moves occur before the draft. Having the biggest sporting event weekend in May, though, extends pro football's calendar of interest.

Just think back to before the 2012 season as an example.

From August last year through April of 2013 the NFL was at the forefront. And rightfully so, because fans are interested in how the rookies perform during the preseason and then the regular season emerges as a whole other monster.

Factor in the postseason, which is mixed with the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl, and January follows the suit of dominance. With the Super Bowl and combine in February, as well as pro days mostly through March along with the new league year, when is football not talked about?

May and June, because all of April generally focuses around the draft and then it immediately slides back behind MLB, the NBA playoffs, Grand Slam tennis tournaments and the NHL playoffs.

Put the draft in May and the NFL then finds itself heavily competing for popularity in 10 of 12 months: July is more of a warm-up to August.

As a result, its overall popularity would expand and widen the gap from baseball and college football.

Talk about a monopoly among the interest of sports fans everywhere.

How Unique Recruiting Pitch Is Helping Georgia with 5-Star OT David Sharpe

Andrew Kulha — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:45:02 -0400

Georgia is trying to move into the running for 5-star offensive tackle David Sharpe, and in an effort to stand out amongst some of the best programs in the nation, the Bulldogs are offering the offensive tackle the chance to play basketball as well as football.

At 6'6'', 288 pounds, one can only imagine what Sharpe would be capable of in the post, but that image is eclipsed by the potential he possesses as an offensive lineman.

Sharpe is ranked as the No. 11 offensive tackle in the 2014 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. According to 247Sports alone, he's the No. 2 player at the position.

Kipp Adams of ESPN.com reports that Sharpe recently took a few visits, visiting Clemson and Georgia this past weekend. According to Adams' report, Mark Richt and the Bulldogs are pitching Sharpe on the possibility of early playing time:

“Mark Richt said he loved what I can do on the field and that I could come in and play as a true freshman if I worked hard,” Sharpe said. “The staff is very down to earth; they do not hold back the truth and they genuinely seemed excited about me. They think I would be a great fit at Georgia.”

Adams also reports that Georgia is trying to win over Sharpe by pitching hoops as well:

Last year Georgia piqued the interest of 2013 ESPN 300 athlete Brendan Langley when it approached him with the possibility of helping out the Bulldogs’ basketball team as well. Sharpe is an impressive player on the hard court as well, leading his team to the Florida Class 3A state championship earlier this year. He got some big news during his visit to Georgia.

"Not only was it great to know I could possibly play early at Georgia, but it is also great to know they said I could play basketball there as well, which is a big interest for me,” Sharpe said. “What Georgia did during my visit was not put all their eggs in one basket. They knew my desire to play basketball existed, too, and they showed me that aspect of their program, which really caught my attention.”

According to Sharpe's 247Sports interest list, Florida and Florida State are currently the top teams, with Alabama and Ohio State falling in behind them. He's a big in-state recruit for both the Seminoles and Gators, so it makes sense that they would have the early edge, and Ohio State and Alabama's respective draws don't need much explaining at the moment.

Those are four great choices for the offensive tackle recruit and it would be hard for any program to break into that group, even a program as good as Georgia.

Success on the recruiting trail often requires being able to stand out in a recruit's mind, and that entails providing him with an opportunity or scenario that other programs will not or cannot. In this case, it looks like Georgia really caught Sharpe's attention by letting him know that he could play basketball as well as football, and that could be just what the Bulldogs need to move up into that group of leaders.

At the very least, it could help Richt and his staff position themselves to make a run at the offensive tackle recruit during the summer, and that can be built on during the fall—especially if Georgia has another great year.

In fact, here's what Sharpe had to say about Georgia after the visit, per Adams:

“My favorite part about Georgia was seeing the facilities, meeting the coaching staff, learning about how they have a great history of players being successful in life after they leave Georgia,” Sharpe said. “My opinion on Georgia definitely improved because I know what I am going into now and where I would be down the road in that atmosphere.”

Despite what his 247Sports interest list says, Sharpe did admit, per Adams, that he does not have any top schools yet, but he will start that process during his senior year.

Next up for Georgia will be trying to secure an official visit once Sharpe is able to do so. Whether or not that will actually happen is anyone's guess right now, but Georgia has to feel good about the progress it made with Sharpe and how it went about doing it.

Kudos to Richt and his staff for going out of the box and using basketball to really make an impact during Sharpe's visit.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: What to Watch for at OTAs

Caleb Abner — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:42:56 -0400

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers begin their OTAs with a crop of new talent that many believe can bring the team to the playoffs after a long drought.

Among the new additions are All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis, second-round draft pick Johnthan Banks, rookie quarterback Mike Glennon and safety Dashon Goldson.

Fans will watch these OTAs for a sneak peek of how the team will shape up come September.

This slideshow highlights eight things people should pay special attention to at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers OTAs.

Begin Slideshow

PGA Tour Has Lost the Anchored Putter Battle. Now It Just Has to Admit It

Dan Levy — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:39:24 -0400

The USGA and R&A have officially agreed to adopt Rule 14-1b of the rules of golf, which, "prohibits anchoring the club in making a stroke. The new Rule will take effect on January 1, 2016, in accordance with the regular four-year cycle for changes to the Rules of Golf."

There's more, via USGA.org:

Rule 14-1b, which was proposed on November 28, 2012, has now been given final approval by the USGA and The R&A following an extensive review by both organizations. The decision to adopt the new Rule came after a comprehensive process in which comments and suggestions from across the golf community were collected and thoroughly considered.

Sadly, that comprehensive process has not been enough for the PGA Tour, which has yet to fall in line with the other governing bodies of golf. In fact, the PGA Tour's statement smacks of a child yelling at his parents as he walks up the steps to his room. Don't tell me what do to!

The PGA Tour statement, in part, reads like it was transcribed through the gritting teeth of commissioner Tim Finchem.

We will now begin our process to ascertain whether the various provisions of Rule 14-1b will be implemented in our competitions and, if so, examine the process for implementation.

In this regard, over the next month we will engage in discussions with our Player Advisory Council and Policy Board members.

We will announce our position regarding the application of Rule 14-1b to our competitions upon conclusion of our process and we will have no further comment on the matter until that time.

The PGA Tour needs more time, despite the fact the USGA and R&A have given a clear and elaborate explanation for the change, specifically allowing players to use long putters—they are not limiting the length of any of the clubs, which was an issue for much of this lengthy debate—but eliminating a player's ability to anchor the club to his or her body.

In other words, players can still use a club that goes up to his chin, as long as the end of the club never rests against his chin. This seems like a fair and reasonable ruling, only the PGA Tour needs more time to comply.

Steve DiMeglio of USA Today tweeted that the LPGA took all of two seconds to announce its compliance with the adopted rule. The LPGA statement, in part:

The USGA provided ample time and opportunity for us to not only educate our players, but also to solicit input, concerns and feedback surrounding Rule 14-1b. While we know that not every one of our members is in favor of the rule change, the LPGA will continue to respect and follow the Rules of Golf which includes the implementation of Rule 14-1b in January of 2016.

Hey, PGA Tour, was that so hard?

The LPGA acknowledges that not all of their members agree with the rule but that, essentially, they got beat by their own game once the USGA and R&A combined to come to this decision. If the U.S. Open, all the U.S. Amateur tournaments and the British Open (The Open Championship, if you prefer) will adopt the new rule starting in 2016, it makes the use of anchored putters rather ridiculous for any young player to adopt at this point.

Really, the only hiccup would be any current player, and those with the most power in golf are feeling squeezed just when the anchor putters have shown their longest and most consistent value.

Four of the last six major champions used an anchored putter, with many more players in the top 10 in those tournaments—in all tournaments—enjoying the benefits of a longer stick. As Jason Sobel of the Golf Channel pointed out on Twitter, the long-putter crew has 11 more chances to win majors before the rule goes into effect.

Some casual golfers and weekend hacks (like myself) may wonder why this whole anchoring ban is such a big deal. Golf, more than any other sport, has been fighting the growth and depth of technology for centuries. It's very difficult for courses to change, and with technology of the clubs and balls becoming far more advanced than in generations past, the game has become, frankly, easier for the average player.

The USGA and R&A are charged with policing the game to make sure all the rules are applied, but in a way, these organizations are also charged with leveling the playing field from one generation to the next.

We can already hit the ball farther and straighter than ever before (well, good players can). The last great equalizer in golf has always been the green. Drive for show, putt for dough as the cheesy saying goes.

Still, there's some truth in that. It doesn't matter if you hit a five iron or a pitching wedge into a green, you still have to make the putt, and if there is a way for the rules of the game to make that process the same for every player, that is what the USGA and R&A will do.

The lengthy explanation compiled by the USGA and R&A explains the difference between freely swinging a club and anchoring the club, in an attempt to explain why one is different from the other. Via USGA.org (PDF):

Reduced to its most basic elements, golf involves a player swinging a club at a ball to move it toward and ultimately into a hole. The player’s most basic challenge is to direct and control the movement of the entire club in making that swing. Anchoring the club while making a stroke also involves a challenge, but it is a different one, in which the player uses the immobilization and stability of one end of the club as an essential component of the method of stroke. It is not the same as freely swinging the club.

In defining the essential nature of an appropriate method of stroke, Rule 14-1b is also based on the related determination that anchoring provides a player with a potential advantage as compared to making a stroke with a free swing of the entire club. This potential advantage is the main reason why golfers use anchoring: intentionally securing one end of the club in place against the body is designed to help to avoid or alleviate some of the inherent obstacles to a successful stroke made with a free swing.

In other words, anchoring the club has been shown to make golf easier. The PGA Tour still disagrees. The PGA Tour is wrong.

They are wrong. Let's face facts, the anchoring of a club against the body makes it easier to repeat that motion, thereby making it easier to hit the intended shot.

The PGA Tour—and any member of the USGA and R&A who disagree with the ruling—have made the argument that the timing of banning the clubs now is arbitrary at best, unfair at worst, because the use of anchored putters has been around for 30 or 40 years.

Why now, after all this time, is the anchoring an issue? If the USGA and R&A let this slide for so long, why does it matter all of the sudden?

This is pure speculation on my part, but I wonder if it has to do with the success on the PGA Tour drawing more attention to it. Nobody cares if a weekend hack with a bad back uses a belly putter at his local municipal course, but when Fred Couples is devouring the greens at Augusta with a belly putter and Ernie Els switches to the long putter and wins a major out of nowhere (over Adam Scott, who was in contention after switching to a broomstick putter himself) the attention to the situation became more pronounced than ever.

In essence, the PGA Tour is continuing to protest a rule that may only be in place because the players on Tour essentially made the problem too big to ignore. Now, the Tour has little choice but to fall in line with the rest of golf's governing bodies. Putting up this fight isn't going to help the game, and it's only going to make Finchem and the brass at the PGA look like they are protecting their current stars in favor of the betterment of the game.

Golf has always been about protecting the game first. The PGA should remember that while it takes a few more weeks to get in line.

AC Milan: Why the Rossoneri Can Overtake Juventus Next Season

Sumeet Paul — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:36:14 -0400

Despite requiring a dramatic late show to secure their place in the Champions League for next season, Milan have shown enough in the second half of the campaign to suggest they can challenge Juventus next year.

Massimiliano Allegri's future at the club remains uncertain, and while that will undoubtedly be the first matter to be decided upon now that the season has concluded, the current Rossoneri squad has shown signs of being capable of competing both at home and abroad in the forthcoming years.

While they will be unable to benefit from increased revenue at the level that Juventus have as a result of their stadium project in the years ahead, the Milan hierarchy have made a conscious effort to improve the financial position of the club.

The wage bill continues to be reduced, while the emphasis in the transfer market has switched to young, promising talents as opposed to regular big-money moves that may well undo all the hard work done thus far.

The acquisition of Mario Balotelli in January has arguably put in place a potent strike-force for years to come, and having benefited from the six months together this season, they will return refreshed and ready to lead the line.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has proven to be a shrewd businessman over the past two decades and will undoubtedly understand the requirements needed to improve the squad further.

He has witnessed the Rossoneri evolve from a crisis zone into one of the most promising projects in Italy over the course of the season just gone, and what makes them a potential Scudetto rival for Juventus next season is their clear vision.

Having had to part with numerous key figures over the past two years, Milan have finally found themselves in a position where they can build for the future and lay the foundations for a new cycle of success.

It will be important to acquire the right players this summer and not bring in additional squad players to provide quantity rather than quality.

Regardless of what Milan do, the Bianconeri will remain a formidable obstacle to overcome. Their consistency sets them apart from their competition and they boast perhaps the best squad in Italy, both in individual talents and as a collective unit.

They can conceivably continue to dominant Serie A given the squad they have assembled and are likely to improve further over the summer as they look to conquer Europe.

However, perhaps most important to Milan's chances next season will be the result of the managerial merry-go-round this summer in Serie A. Should Allegri stay, they will hope to continue their promising work done thus far. Should he leave, his replacement must be capable of overseeing and improving a project that has all the ingredients necessary to flourish over the next few years.

Assessing Julio Cesar's Contribution for QPR and Where His Future Lies

Christopher Atkins — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:31:49 -0400

While QPR's second season since returning to the Premier League was nothing short of an unmitigated disaster, for goalkeeper Julio Cesar it was a campaign that brought great personal successes.

Having arrived at the club last August on a free transfer from Serie A giants Inter Milan, there were many who saw the move as the beginning of the end for the giant Brazilian's career.

After all, in his final campaign at the San Siro, Cesar had been far from impressive. A series of individual errors littered his performances, while he had been removed from the Brazil setup following failure at the 2011 Copa America.

Ambitious QPR, though, offered a shot at redemption, and, while others to pull on the blue and white hoops this year may have failed to impress, the Brazilian set about restoring his once formidable reputation.

The Rs may not have won as many points as they would have hoped this season, which ultimately ended in an embarrassing relegation, but it cannot be said that Cesar did not contribute.

Indeed, had it not been for some of the former Flamengo star's heroics, they may not have even amassed the number of points they did.

He was getting plenty of practice shot-stopping behind a defence with more holes than Swiss cheese, but there was also visible improvement throughout the season in terms of Cesar's command of his area. While he was accused of "flapping" at crosses in early appearances, his restored confidence would bring much improved all-around displays.

There were mistakes, that is to be expected. In the second half of the campaign, a groin strain was a persistent source of difficulty for the Brazilian and led to a couple of poor performances. In general, though, the Brazilian could not be faulted for his performances or attitude.

On a reported wage of between £70-90,000-a-week, though, there is no doubt that he will leave the Loftus Road side this summer. The club simply cannot afford to pay such wages in the Championship.

While the goalkeeper has kept his next destination under wraps thus far, he did confirm to the media last week that he has been told to look for a new club this summer:

"It is confidential. My future today is a question mark," he told SporTV (H/T Football365). "I have three more years on my contract, but the manager has already made it clear that it will be hard for me to stay at the club."

Of course, he could sit out the rest of his current deal at QPR and reap the financial rewards that staying would bring. However, having worked so hard to win back his place in the Brazil national team, that is surely not an option with just one year until the 2014 World Cup.

According to the Mirror newspaper, it is Arsenal who are in pole position for the goalkeeper's signature this summer. The report, though, suggests there are several players in line to take the Gunners' No. 1 shirt this summer, with Cesar just one of the options.

A return to Brazil has been ruled out by the player, who hopes to continue his career in Europe for the time being. (Football 365) There will no doubt be many interested parties across the continent, although wages could be a potential stumbling block.

The only door the 'keeper would appear to have closed is on a return to Milan—either with former side Inter, or with rivals AC Milan. (Football Italia) Remaining in the Premier League, and in London, has been a stated preference, breathing life into the Arsenal rumours.

It may not, though, be the player's choice. QPR will be keen to offload his salary, while he himself will keen to end speculation over his future quickly. Ahead of the World Cup, he simply cannot afford to fall out of the public eye.

The Confederations Cup is fast approaching, and Julio Cesar will be an integral figure for the selecao at the event. A few good performances in that event, and the race for his capture could quickly hot up.

MLS, Yankees and Manchester City Announce Partnership to Create New York City FC

Patrick Clarke — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:27:42 -0400

Major League Soccer has announced a partnership between English Premier League club Manchester City and Major League Baseball's New York Yankees to create the soccer league's 20th expansion franchise, according to MLSSoccer.com.

The club will be named New York City Football Club, according to the league announcement.

Manchester City is expected to be the majority owner of the club, but the Yankees will also play a pivotal part in the process, as the team's president, Randy Levine, will have a leadership role with the new club.

Both powerhouse sports franchises have worked together in the past, developing international entertainment and marketing organization Legends Hospitality.

New York City FC, which will become an instant crosstown rival to the Eastern Conference-leading New York Red Bulls, is expected to begin play in 2015.

MLS commissioner Don Garber had the following to say in a statement released by the league (via MLSSoccer.com):

We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious professional global sports organizations to Major League Soccer. This is a transformational development that will elevate the league to new heights in this country. The New York area is home to more than 19 million people, and we look forward to an intense crosstown rivalry between New York City Football Club and the New York Red Bulls that will captivate this great city.

The club has now begun the search for a venue. According to the announcement, the New York City Football Club will seek an interim stadium for the time being before ultimately finding a permanent venue to call home.

One potential destination for the new club is Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. Most sports fans will recognize Flushing Meadows as the annual site of tennis' final Grand Slam tournament, the U.S. Open.

There are currently 19 clubs in MLS, with the Eastern Conference comprising 10 teams and the Western Conference featuring nine teams. It's not yet known if or how the league will realign to accommodate the new club.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.