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Neville Neville arrested - Gary Neville Dad seen here at Gary's TestimonialNeville Neville, the father of footballer Gary Neville, has been arrested on suspicion of indecent sexual assault. Neville Neville, the father of footballing brothers Gary and Phil, has been arrested on suspicion of indecent assault. The 63-year-old has been bailed until May while police investigate the allegation.

They made the arrest after a sexual assault which is alleged to have happened in the early days of Saturday, March 23.Greater Manchester Police released the following statement: "Police are investigating a sexual assault which happened in the early hours of Saturday 23 March 2013 in the North Manor area of Bury... read more

Angler amazing uses BEAR HANDS TO TACKLE SHARK

Myth 1: Recruiting doesn’t start until senior year College coaches give scholarship offers as early as the 8th grade. Now, this doesn’t happen very often – but it does show that coaches are looking at athletes starting even before high school. As a freshman or sophomore, you want to at least be receiving questionnaires, camp invitations and letters from coaches. Don’t think that getting letters means you’re in – coaches often send out more than 15,000 letters a year and may give out 10 or fewer scholarships when everything is said and done.

Myth 2: College coaches will find you if you’re good In most sports, less than 100 athletes in the entire country will be actively pursued by college coaches (out of over 7 million high school athletes)... read more

By Kelsey Allen

Mike McNeill, who played high school ball in Kirkwood, Mo., now gets to play in front of his family.

Sally McNeill's dreams have come true. Her son, Mike -- who grew up playing football with his six best friends in her backyard, set records at Kirkwood (Mo.) High School and went on to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers -- has come home to St. Louis.

The McNeill family used to alternate Sundays at the Edward Jones Dome, passing Sally's father's two season tickets among themselves. They'd pile into the 15th row and cheer for the Greatest Show on Turf: Kurt Warner throwing to Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and Az-Zahir Hakim... read more

Most Families Wont Have The Time The Recruiting Process Demands And Fail Because Of Common Issues That Reoccur Every Year. Families Wait Until Its To Late, Don't Have The Time It Demands Or Never Realize The Process Starts When They Are Ready To Commitment To It. Talent And Grades Open The Door To Opportunity, Recruiting Education, Exposure And A Relentless Pursuit Will Keep It Open. Millions Of Student Athlete's Have Talent And Grades, Separation From The Millions Is How Get Scholarship Dollars.

Four Things You Should Do To Separate Yourself From The Millions,

1. Separation Starts With Film: Having A quality Film Is Mandatory... read more

Seniors - October is coming quick. Remember to do the things out side of the classroom and playing field. October- Make sure your prepared for the SAT test if your taking again. Remember to add the NCAA eligibility center to the send scores tab on the collegeboard website.. Add colleges that are showing interest to the send scores tab as well. Start applying for colleges that are showing interest... and colleges you have interest in. This can be expensive so be sure about that college before applying. Once applied, call and email the college coach to let them know you've applied. By doing so, it shows the coach how serious and proactive you are about their program... read more

Building Coach Relationships is a big part of the recruiting process. If your phone wasn't ringing as of Sept 1st, you need to reach out to them. Find out where you stand on their dry erase board and make adjustments to your recruiting strategy as needed.

 

 

Did you know 81% of scholarship dollars are from D1aa and D2 programs. .08% of a million get a full ride D1 scholarship.

College programs are going to make you go through the financial aid process.  Reason; Budgets are tight, if free dollars are available 99% of college programs will take it.

Its not just about exposure and getting your name out, its about having the steps done and being prepared for college coaches. Most coaches will ask the question, What is your EFC?. Do you know?  Recruiting Education = College Dollars and Options.

Don't get caught with D1 eyes... read more

Reaching out to coaches with a phone call is allowed 24/7. If your not calling coaches regularly, your being left behind in a crowded race. You have to separate yourself from the competition on and off the field. You can always do more then what your doing now. The meaning behind, "Do you have what it takes" is not just about your talent on the field. Its about doing everything it takes. Making phone calls is part of the process.

 

 

 

1. Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri Tigers (WR) 6-6 220 Springfield, Missouri

DGB’s size and speed makes him an instant offensive commodity for the Tigers. According to Rivals.com, he ran 4.43 secs in the 40-yard dash and squatted 385 pounds. Green-Beckham played against limited competition in high school, but did dominate while setting the national prep record in career receiving yards with 6,447. He may not dominate in the SEC, but will contribute immediately and develop into a solid receiver very soon.

2. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama Crimson Tide (RB) 6-2 216 Daphne, Alabama

Alabama’s T... read more

www.specialneedstouchtechnology.com

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CONTACT: CINDI MAINER (CELL) 314.537.2904  (OFFICE) 636.777.7820

 

 Touch Technology Conference to Illustrate how Children with Special Needs can Communicate and Learn at a Faster Pace than Ever Before

 

 

Touch technology is allowing children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other special needs to engage and excel in academic work; improve social interactions; expand personal interests; and better express their personality, wants and needs... read more

St. Louis Main Events would love for you to join our team for the Touch Technology Applications Conference & Expo held in St. Louis September 17th-18th at the Renaissance Hotel at the Airport.  This conference is the first of its kind, devoted to technology that brings together parents, professionals, and app developers in the same room to share feedback on how we can enhance the communication skills and education process through technology for children with special needs! For more information visit http://stlouismainevents.com/

AFC North: Mike Wallace And The Pittsburgh Steelers In Close Contact About Extension | 60 Max Power O - The Strategist's Guide to New England Patriots Football

 

Now that Ray Rice signed his five-year contract prior to the franchise tag deadline, another high-profile player in the division is making strides towards a contract extension. According to Jason La Canfora with CBSSports.com, Wallace and the Steelers are in "close contact" with each other, making progress towards a new deal. Wallace was only tendered $2.72 million as a restricted free agent.

 

Rather than placing the franchise tag on him, which would have cost the Steelers $9... read more

By Pablo S. Torre, Sports Illustrated

Official Statement from Jeremy Lin "I loved this past year with the Knicks and truly appreciate the opportunity that New York gave me. The way the fans fully embraced me and our team was something I'll always cherish forever. It was an extraordinary and unforgettable time that was easily the best year of my life. Now I am excited to be back with the Rockets. They made a very compelling pitch in terms of what I could bring to the team and for the city. I am also impressed with Mr. Alexander and the management's commitment to improving the team... read more

Read original story: HERE published at www.RantSports.com

One team that really hasn’t been blowing up the NBA Rumors board is the Chicago Bulls. They have stayed out of the free-agent circus for the most part, but news came today that they are looking to clear even more money off the books. The Chicago Bulls are rumored to be looking for a team that will acquire shooting guard Richard Hamilton. He is set to make $5 million this season per the contract he signed with the Bulls before last season. His contract has a third year, team option, which can be bought out for $1 million... read more

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Kobe Bryant took a shot at the famous 1992 “Dream Team” recently in Las Vegas. He told reporters that this year’s squad would come out victorious against the ’92 squad, and that most of them were at the tail end of their careers. Michael Jordan told The Associated Press yesterday that he “absolutely laughed” when hearing Bryant’s comments that the squad training in Las Vegas could take Jordan and company.

Jordan said there’s “no comparison” which team is better.  “For him to compare those two teams is not one of the smarter things he ever could have done... read more

Featured www.RantSports.com Columnist

Columnist/Community Outreach Director at www.FFBLIFE.com

 

With August right around the corner, you can officially begin to get excited for football, and of course the fantasy aspect of it! Below is a list complied of 2012 fantasy football sleepers, busts, and breakout players. The list is based off standard fantasy leagues. Non-PPR, 10-12 teams, and 15 man rosters. Fear no man, and take no prisoners. Good luck this season ladies and gentleman.

 

SLEEPERS:

New England Patriots WR Brandon Lloyd – The reuniting of Brandon Lloyd and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is the first plus in this situation... read more

By Eric Ball

  1. David Freese- St. Louis Cardinals

 

Freese was on fire for the entire postseason.

He was named the NLCS Most Valuable Player and had a 13-game postseason win streak at one point. It matched the all-time National League record.

But he saved his best for the World Series.

In Game 6, with his team down three games to two against the Texas Rangers, Freese stepped to the plate with two outs in the ninth representing the Cardinals final hope.

On a two-strike count he roped a two-run triple to send the game into extras where he would eventually hit the walk-off homer to send the series to a Game 7... read more

 

We are proud to announce that you have helped us raise a net of over $95,000 at this year's Casino Night! Proceeds support Wolfram syndrome research!     Athletes & Entertainers - Circle of Influence is the fund manager for the Jack & J.T. Snow Fund and helped support their fundraising and nonprofit efforts until their Scientific Research Foundation was formed. We enabled them to raise more than $200,000 in the past year and a half so that they could support their mission.  Are you an athlete or entertainer in need of the same type of support? Contact us today. T: 636... read more

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NO LONGER RUNNING DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.  THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED.  

A PRIZE IS BEING AWARDED BASED ON CURRENT NUMBERS.  

  ***Reminder*** Early Bird Registration Deadline is JULY 1   Take advantage of our Early Bird Registration Rates! Click Here to Register Now! *BONUS* Refer one friend or colleague who registers for the conference OR Refer 5 people who sign-up for our Mailing List and receive free admission to our special evening reception on Monday, September 17th, in the Penthouse Ballroom! Complimentary drinks, magnificent appetizers, an amazing view, and networking! (A $25 value)   SEE THE REFERRAL BOX ON THE WEBSITE! Click HEREand get the BONUS OFFER TODAY!   More Featured Speakers! An amazing Conference & Expo in the works! Don't miss it! Joe Hill, Founder, Aeir Talk Joe Hill is a Norfolk, VA native and is the Founder of Aeir Talk, an iPad custom flash card application designed to help children learn new words and teach how to use them... read more

  The Snowman Fund Upcoming Events!   For ticket information, please contact Athletes & Entertainers Circle of Influence at www.aecircleofinfluence.org or by calling (636) 777-7820   2nd Annual Sports Celebrity Casino Night Honorary Chair Coach Jeff Fisher This Saturday, June 9, 2012 VIP Reception with Celebrities at 6:30 | General Admission at 7:30

Rams Club in the Edward Jones Dome

Please join us for a "Vegas-style" Casino Night and live auction hosted by Steve Savard and D'Marco Farr, the current Rams broadcasters, while supporting the Jack and J... read more

Celebrity socialite Kim Kardashian is raising eyebrows around Hollywood following her decision to dump rapper Kanye West for ESPN analyst John Clayton. Her split with the hip-hop mogul was made public shortly after TMZ published photos of her and Clayton getting cozy at a New York City nightclub.

“It is true that Kim and Kanye have parted on amicable terms, though there will be no comment made at this time regarding any other possible relationships,” said a spokesman for Kardashian.

Sources close to Kardashian report that the reality show star prefers to date men involved with sports, echoing her previous relationships with Reggie Bush, Miles Austin, and Kris Humphries... read more

LAS VEGAS--In anticipation of Floyd Mayweather’s scheduled intake into Clark County jail Friday morning, the undefeated boxer’s best friend, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, decided that three months of separation would be too tedious to endure. This is why, according to authorities, he chose to shoot a cat.

“The suspect believed that life without his buddy would be too uninteresting, so instead of acquiring a hobby or doing something reasonable, he unloaded a nine millimeter handgun into a housecat,” said sheriff Dale Kizer. “Accordingly, it looks like he’s going to be able to join his friend... read more

The Pokémon League announced on Wednesday that Yu Darvish will be honored as Pokémon of the Month for the month of May. Captured in Japan earlier this year by trainers representing the Texas Rangers, Darvish has been dominating opponents in America with a poise and confidence that is rarely seen in rookie Pokémon.

The Pokémon League, the umbrella organization that sanctions smaller regional leagues, gives the award each month to the Pokémon who is the most consistently excellent in his battles. Darvish’s fastball attack has been overwhelming his foes again and again recently, and the precision of his attacks only improves with runners in scoring position... read more

Rookie wide receivers Brian Quick and Chris Givens have been back on the field this week after missing two OTAs last week because of the Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles. Friday will end the second week of OTAs, which will be the sixth of the 10 OTAs allowed by the new collective bargaining agreement

Said coach Jeff Fisher, "They're up to speed. We have to watch their legs, but they both were in the (play)book and coaches spoke with them at night, so they're fine. By the end of the week, it will be almost as if they never left, but still when they're gone, you miss them. You miss some valuable opportunity... read more

Cubs fans, goat march to fight curse, cancer May, 23, 2012 MAY 23 8:52 AM ET By Doug Williams | Special to ESPN.com Courtesy of Crack the CurseThese rabid Cubs fans are marching nearly 2,000 miles to end the Curse of the Billy Goat. Their ankles, feet and backs are sore, they’re tired of looking at each other and, at this point, they can’t wait for their long trek to be over. But for five guys and a goat, the quest is almost complete.  A three-month march from Arizona to Chicago that they hope breaks the Curse of the Billy Goat on their beloved Chicago Cubs -- while also raising money to fight cancer -- is about to end, and all the miles and blisters will be worth it... read more

TOP RATED SPORTS TALK STATIONS IN THE NATION: MARCH 2012  

Published on: May 07, 2012 | Written by: Clay Travis

 

A few months ago I posted the highest rated sports talk radio stations in the country for November 2011. 

Lots of y'all loved getting a chance to review these numbers because there is no other real compilation of show ratings. For some reason this information isn't as widely shared as, say, television ratings, which are easily found all over the Internet. If you feel like your station is being slighted or if I left your station out, run the numbers here and you can email me... read more

If you ever doubted for so much as a moment that sports was a microcosm for life, then I would suggest you circle the date May 2, 2012 on your calendar.  In the course of one day, the full range of emotions from elation to despair could be experienced by simply following what was going on in football and there wasn’t a single game played.  Sprinkle in some actual highlights or lowlights from games played and you have exactly what was envisioned when “Wide World of Sports” referred to the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

               The day started on a relatively high note with word that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were going to sign former Rutgers player Eric LeGrand to a contract on 5-2 to coincide with the number 52 he wore for the Scarlet Knights... read more

I came across this story today from JoeBucsFan.com. Many people here in St. Louis have great memories of Joel Buchsbaum and his appearances on KMOX Radio. This story appeared last year, but they have run it again and say they will do so going forward every year on the first day of the draft.

A little bit later, I will relate some classis Joel stories from my own personal experiences.

 

Joe’s going to go slightly personal here, a rare albeit tiny window into Joe’s background.

On this holiest of high football holidays, Joe got hooked on the draft as a kid from an alien-like voice that carried through the night air from a city Joe has to this day never visited and isn’t sure will ever get there... read more

The speculation was fueled by a report on NFL Network that Rams running back Steven Jackson is unhappy with his contract, leading to even more chatter that Alabama running back Trent Richardson could be the team’s target in the first round Thursday night.

Of course, Jackson isn’t talking and the Rams says they have heard nothing from Jackson’s camp about improving or extending a deal that will pay him $7 million in each of the next two seasons.

So, is there smoke or just a smokescreen? Asked at a pre-draft press conference Wednesday about the rumors, coach Jeff Fisher said, “I think you stated it accurately: rumors... read more

  By Tony Softli Published: April 24, 2012 @ 1:26pm  

1. Indianapolis Colts        Andrew Luck    QB       Stanford          

Best quarterback in the 2012 draft. Will develop into an elite quarterback once surrounded by weapons.   

2. Washington Redskins  Robert Griffin III  QB    Baylor             

RG3 brings the athletic skill set along with positional attributes that every team wants, but struggles to defend... read more

Throughout the offseason, the expectation has been that, at some point, something would happen with Rams tackle Jason Smith’s contract.

It finally did Tuesday (April 17), the day the Rams’ first minicamp under coach Jeff Fisher opened. Smith participated at the minicamp, taking the reps at right tackle, and it was clear Fisher was subtly revealing more about Smith than initially realized when the coach said after being asked about him, “Yeah, he’s good. He’s been here, he’s been working. He’s been working very well inside and his condition level is excellent... read more

Quarterback Kellen Clemens was on the practice field for the Rams Wednesday on the second day of the team's two-day minicamp and was glad for the opportunity.

Because of Clemens' experience with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer when they were both with the Jets, Clemens is familiar with the offense being installed.

Clemens admitted it was difficult during the last month as he saw the Rams considering other quarterbacks, but he said, "You have to try not to think about that and hope you get the chance."

So it was that Clemens signed a one-year contract Tuesday worth $710,000 that includes a $10,000 signing bonus... read more

Rams coach Jeff Fisher went a little Bill Belichick on the media Tuesday when he was asked after practice if any players were held out totally because they were returning from surgery.

Fisher laughed and said, “You know, I’ll have an injury report for you on September 5.”

However, Fisher did reveal that defensive end William Hayes, recently signed as a free agent, had an offseason shoulder “procedure” and added, “He’s not quite 100 percent, but he will be there very quickly.” Hayes said he had issues with his labrum and rotator cuff but claimed not to be limited at all... read more

This is what Jeff Fisher has been waiting for, ever since he walked away from the Tennessee Titans after the 2010 season.

He knew he would be back. He knew he would be coaching on a football field again. He just didn’t know where.

Fisher obviously knows now. There he was Tuesday along with 59 players and numerous coaches on a sun-splashed day at Rams Park as the team held the first of two days of practices in an extra minicamp allowed because he is a new coach with the Rams. To be sure, it felt good.

“This is what’s fun,” Fisher said. “This is what I missed and this is where we all belong is out here getting better... read more

Rams 2012 Preseason and Regular season schedules

Preseason            Opponent          Time       TV

 Sun., Aug. 12      @Indianapolis  12:30 p.m.  RBN

 Sat., Aug. 18       Kansas City         7 p.m. RBN

 Sat., Aug. 25       @ Dallas               7 p... read more

STORY UPDATED Monday night

When the 2012 NFL league year began on March 13, there were 41 restricted free agents (RFA). Those are players with three accrued seasons that were tendered by their team.

With four days remaining until the April 20 deadline for any of those players to receive an offer from another team, there are now just 13 unsigned RFAs after nine re-signed with their teams Monday.

Several teams were busy Monday as offseason programs opened for most teams that don’t have new head coaches. In addition to the nine RFAs that signed, 13 exclusive-rights free agents (ERFA) also re-signed... read more

When it comes to offensive linemen, the edge players receive most of the attention. These offensive tackles, who protect the blind side and front side of the quarterbacks, tend to get more notoriety and larger salaries then interior linemen (centers & guards). Make no mistake about it, this group of men must achieve continuity and playing well together is the common goal, along with protecting the quarterback in passing situations up the middle and dominating the inside running game. 

The center position represents the brains of the front five. For the center position, these players must have a high football IQ... read more

You'll never get ahead of anyone as long as you try to get even with him. -Lou Holtz

Published: April 04, 2012 @ 10:16pm

By STEVEN WINE AP Sports Writer

MIAMI (AP) - The sellout crowd in the Miami Marlins' new ballpark cheered the introduction of their starters, who were accompanied by women dressed as Latin showgirls... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: April 02, 2012 @ 3:35pm

The Rams continued their busy offseason Monday on the day the team’s offseason and conditioning program began.

Linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who started 13 regular-season games for the Saints last season, became the eighth free agent the Rams have added since the March 13 beginning of the league year. He signed a two-year contract. Dunbar started nine games at strong-side linebacker plus one playoff game. His other four starts came at middle linebacker when Jonathan Vilma was sidelined after having knee surgery... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: April 02, 2012 @ 4:20pm

NEW YORK -- Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan, signed as a free agent shortly after the league year started on March 13, will represent the team in New York City Tuesday at the Nike NFL Uniform launch event.

Nike has become the new uniform provider for the league, taking over from Reebok.

Most uniforms will remain essentially the same in terms of the design. The Seattle Seahawks website confirmed late Monday the team will be enveiling a redesign of their uniforms for the first time since 2002 when they moved into their new stadium... read more

**Submit your funny caption for this picture in the comments section below.  The 5 comments with the most 'Likes' on Friday, April 13th at noon will be read on air  by Chris Duncan.  Chris Duncan will choose his favorite caption and declare a champion!  

If you don't think you're very funny, we've gone ahead and made it easy for you to beg your friends and family to like your horribly unfunny caption.  Click the "share" link next to your comment and start promoting.

***There will be a final audit before a winner is declared.  Any accounts without an official email address will be deleted and the likes from those accounts disregarded... read more

*BUD LIGHT® MARCH TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP BUCKET CHALLENGE FINALS SWEEPSTAKES · OFFICIAL RULESNo Purchase Necessary. Sweepstakes open to U.S. (except CA) 21+. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00:00 p.m. CST on 2/20/12 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. CDT on 4/2/12 ("Sweepstakes Period"). To participate, obtain a Code inside specially-marked packages of Bud Light or to request a Code without making a purchase, visit www.budlight.com/hoops during the Sweepstakes Period and follow the online instructions. Limit one (1) free Code request per person per day. Message and data rates may apply... read more

Patty Hsieh is a member of a network of female writers that cover NFL teams on Aeryssports.com. Patty will focus on the St. Louis Rams and you can follow her on Twitter @ThePigskinArch.

First and foremost, I have to summarize how the masses see Tim Tebow. Some think he’s nothing more than a fullback trying to play quarterback in the NFL. Others think he’s an untalented quarterback with decent fullback running skills. Still others think of Tebow as some sort of channel to God’s divine power. But mostly he’s been the centerpiece of the polarizing discussions and the subject of endless jokes... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: March 27, 2012 @ 12:57am

With Rams owner Stan Kroenke awaiting word whether he will be selected as the next owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday the issue of cross-ownership isn’t as cut and dried as believed.

NFL cross-ownership rules prohibit an owner from also owning teams in other markets where there is an NFL team. It’s why when Kroenke was approved as the Rams’ owner in the fall of 2010 that he agreed to cede ownership of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and NHL’s Colorado Avalanche within a certain amount of time, believed to be two years... read more

Wide receiver Steve Smith will have a chance to rekindle his career with the Rams after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract Monday.

Smith set a club record for the New York Giants in 2009 with 107 receptions and was in the Pro Bowl as an injury erplacement for Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. His 1,220 yards that season were the second-most in team history.

However, in 2010, he suffered a knee injury that eventually required microfracture surgery. That season, he played just nine games and had 48 receptions for 529 yards.

 Continue: http://www.101sports... read more

Erik Komatsu looks like a keeper | Bleed Cardinal Red With Me--For St. Louis Cardinals Fans

    Erik Komatsu looks like a keeper Posted on March 20, 2012 by JD

He hasn’t played above AA, but the Cardinals Rule 5 draft pick, Erik Komatsu is making the most of his extended playing time in ST. Komatsu was the Milwaukee Brewers Minor League Player of the Year in 2010, but was traded to the Washington Nationals for Jerry Hairston Jr. in the Brewers attempt to go all in during the middle of 2011. Komatsu was left unprotected by the Nationals due to injury, and they assumed he wouldn’t have been chosen because of the injury plagued season and his below average numbers when he did play in 2011... read more

By Brian StullPublished: March 25, 2012 @ 9:51pm   Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

As the Cardinals draw nearer to opening day on April 4, so too are they closing in on the required 25-man active roster. The team made five personnel moves on Sunday, announcing they have optioned first baseman Mark Hamilton and pitcher Eduardo Sanchez to Memphis (AAA) and reassigned first baseman Matt Adams to their minor-league camp.

Adams projects to be the every-day first baseman at Memphis, while Hamilton began to work on his outfield skills last season... read more

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Tiger Woods hit so many great shots that he couldn't single one out as the best. Winning was as sweet as ever, even after a PGA Tour drought that stretched over 923 days and 27 tournaments.

The best part about posing with the trophy at Bay Hill?

The conversation was back on golf, his favorite subject.

Just two weeks ago, Woods gingerly climbed into a golf cart and was taken off the golf course at Doral with soreness and swelling in his left Achilles tendon, the same injury that caused him to miss three months and two majors last year... read more

Published: March 22, 2012 @ 11:43pm

The fullback position is a dying breed, but is still coveted at the NFL level of competition. With the spread offenses dominating the college football landscape, the fullback position has taken a back seat in development due to the single-back formation and multiple receivers and tight ends. With a hand full of fullbacks entering the draft each year, NFL coaches are looking to convert linebackers, athletic H-backs (undersized tight end) with stout blocking ability on the move, to help with the lack of surplus entering the draft each year... read more

By Howard Balzer

Howard Balzer is the Managing Editor and Lead Columnist for 101Sports.com and host of "Pro Football Sunday" on 101 ESPN. Contact him via email at HBalzer@101espn.com and follow him on twitter @HBalzer721.

There was a seminal moment last week when Rams coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead met with the media at the start of the 2012 league year.

The Rams had agreed to terms with cornerback Cortland Finnegan, and Fisher was asked how they go about recruiting players in an effort to convince them to sign here.

Said Fisher, “Well what you want to do is, first off, you walk in the building, they are impressed with the building... read more

By Howard Balzer

Howard Balzer is the Managing Editor and Lead Columnist for 101Sports.com and host of "Pro Football Sunday" on 101 ESPN. Contact him via email at HBalzer@101espn.com and follow him on twitter @HBalzer721.

The numbers are in on the contract signed by Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan, and it has a value of exactly $50 million over five years with $24 million guaranteed including a $5 million signing bonus. A large part of the guarantees are $14 million in base salaries this year ($5 million) and in 2013 ($9 million).

He will also receive a guaranteed roster bonus of $5 million on the first day of the 2013 league year... read more

By Rick Venturi

Rick Venturi is a host for the show "Zach and The Coach" weekdays at 9am on 101 ESPN and a columnist for 101Sports.com. Contact him via email at Venturi@101espn.com.

The Rams’ deal with the Redskins has all the makings of a springboard for rebuilding, which new boss Jeff Fisher and Co. so desperately need. By attaining two No. 1 one picks as well as a high second, you have ensured, barring more moves, nine investment picks (five No. 1s and four No. 2s) in a three-year period. The fact that the established Fisher is considered the long-term solution as head coach, his window of opportunity will be longer than the approximate 32-game opportunity that newbies are given... read more

By Brian StullPublished: March 13, 2012 @ 9:44pm

Smash. Grizzly. Masher. For those trying to come up with a creative nickname for Matt Adams, it’s too late.

“I’ve just been called Patch the whole way up through,” shared the Cardinals' first-base prospect.

“Ever since I got into the organization in 2009, that’s what everybody called me. So, that’s what pretty much everybody in the clubhouse calls me.”

Following a .300, 32-homer, 101-RBI performance last year at Double-A Springfield, Adams is off to a strong start this spring, with a grand slam and three-run triple... read more

Published: March 13, 2012 @ 10:59pm

By RICK GANO AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO (AP) - Patrick Kane had the only score in a shootout and the Chicago Blackhawks beat NHL-leading St. Louis 4-3 Tuesday night, ending the Blues' five-game winning streak.

Kane was the first skater and made a nice fake before beating Jaroslav Halak. Chicago goalie Corey Crawford, who entered the game in the second period after starter Ray Emery was pulled, stopped T.J. Oshie, Andy McDonald and then David Perron in the shootout.

Brent Seabrook's long slap shot from the blue line on a power play sailed past a screened Halak and tied the game at 7:41 of the third... read more

By Alvin ReidPublished: March 13, 2012 @ 1:07am

I’m going heavy chalk on my NCAA basketball tournament bracket. I guess I should say “brackets” because I will have three.

One for the 101 ESPN College Hoops Pick-‘em contest that you too can enter at 101sports.com; one through CBSSports.com for an office contest; and the third at my favorite hangout.

My 101 ESPN bracket is slightly different from the CBSSports bracket. I haven’t filled out the third one. I’ll get wild on it, just for the sake of doing so.

I think three tops seeds will make the Final Four... read more

The University of Kansas Wins Naismith Student Section of the Year Award  

ATLANTA, March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Kansas Jayhawks prepare for their 23rd straight NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament appearance, they have already earned one national title this season. The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), a division of IMG College, and the Atlanta Tipoff Club today announced The University of Kansas as the winner of the inaugural Naismith Student Section of the Year Award.

Nearly 80 Division I basketball schools representing 21 conferences submitted entries for the award, and the contest was launched nationally on Nov... read more

When filling out your brackets this week, these are the big questions that matter:

1. Do you believe in Kentucky after watching them lose to Vanderbilt on Sunday, and then get placed in what most knee-jerk reactions considered the bracket’s toughest region?

What happens in the NCAA tournament does not always make sense; in fact it often makes no sense at all. I cannot give you a reasonable statistical explanation of why we should have expected VCU’s run to the Final Four last year, or even Butler’s return to the title game. UConn was not the best team in the nation in 2010-11, but it was the last one left standing... read more

By Marty JenkinsPublished: March 12, 2012 @ 12:03am

Missouri Tigers: The Tigers earned a two seed in the west and will face the 15-seeded Norfolk State Spartans in the second round on Friday in Omaha. The Spartans finished 25-9 overall and 13-3 in the MEAC which was good for second place. The Spartans won’t be a walkover by any means. I still think Missouri will win by 15 or so but Norfolk can play some ball. They notched wins over TCU, Drexel, LIU-Brooklyn and they lost to Marquette by only two back in November. They rebound the ball and they have a senior center in Kyle O’Quinn who averages 16 points and 10 boards a game... read more

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) An energized Jaroslav Halak carried his tired teammates to another win.

Halak made 33 saves, and David Perron broke a tie early in the third period to help the NHL-leading St. Louis Blues beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Sunday night for their season-high fifth straight victory.

Patrik Berglund also scored for St. Louis. The Blues, coming off a 4-1 victory over Columbus on Saturday night in St. Louis, have won nine of 10 to improve to 45-18-7.

Continue: http://101espn... read more

The Missouri Tigers and St. Louis University Billikens are both heading to the West region in the NCAA 68-team basketball tournament that begins Tuesday. Both will also play on Friday.

Kansas is also a second seed, and will conceivably play in St. Louis in the regional finals. Kansas was the fifth overall seed and Missouri eighth because of a questionable non-conference schedule.

Continue: http://www.101espn.com/?sid=15734980&nid=106

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Kim English scored 27 points and led a 26-5 first-half run, and No. 5 Missouri swamped short-handed Oklahoma State 88-70 on Thursday night in the Big 12 quarterfinals.

Marcus Denmon added 24 points, and Phil Pressey had 12 assists, one short of Missouri's school record. The Tigers also outrebounded the Cowboys 40-20.

The Tigers (28-4), who set a school record with 27 regular-season victories, played much of the game as though they have something to prove while heading out the door for the Southeastern Conference_ a move that has earned the animosity of many soon-to-be former Big 12 peers... read more

By Brian StullPublished: March 06, 2012 @ 11:22pm

Top prospect Shelby Miller will take the next step in his path to the big leagues as he will start his first Grapefruit League game for the Cardinals Wednesday.

The Cardinals are seeking their first win of the exhibition schedule as they travel to take on Washington.

“Spring training is going to be an ultimate test,” acknowledged Miller, especially with a new manager and pitching coach in place. “You’ve got to go in there and impress them. You can’t go in there and them think that you’re not ready, so it’s going to be a big spring training... read more

Quarterback Peyton Manning will be released by the Colts on Wednesday, and the 14-year veteran will attend a press conference in Indianapolis, according to numerous reports.

The Colts must decide by Thursday whether to pick up the $28 million option on Manning's contract for the 2012 season, but it appears the sides have agreed to part ways.

The Colts scheduled a press conference for noon eastern time on Wednesday. Multiple reports said owner Jim Irsay and Manning met in Florida and flew to Indianapolis late Tuesday. Camera crews caught up with them at the Indianapolis airport, with Irsay driving and Manning alongside, but neither gave a comment beyond saying "we'll talk tomorrow... read more

By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports Writer

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson isn't backing off his support of his general manager and coach, even as his team is accused by the NFL of maintaining a bounty program to injure opponents.

While Benson cooperates with NFL officials in their investigation of the bounty program that spanned the last three seasons, he is standing behind general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean Payton _ even though the league says they knew about the bounties.

"The bond between Sean and Mickey and Mr. Benson could not be stronger," a team the official told The Associated Press on Monday on condition of anonymity because the investigation was still ongoing... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: March 05, 2012 @ 1:51am

A trip to New York is not something Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is looking forward to.

Williams, who is currently the focal point of an NFL investigation into a bounty program within the New Orleans Saints, will be at league headquarters today meeting with NFL Security officials.

It would be naïve to believe Williams hasn’t already talked to the league frequently as its investigation was ramped up during the latter part of the 2011 season. However, after the NFL announced its findings late Friday afternoon, news reports throughout the weekend centered around similar programs that were allegedly in place when Williams was the defensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins and head coach of the Buffalo Bills... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: March 03, 2012 @ 1:03am

With the deadline Monday for NFL teams to designate franchise players, there was a flurry of activity over the weekend although the Rams, not surprisingly, appear to have decided not to franchise wide receiver Brandon Lloyd.

One day after the Philadelphia Eagles became the first team to announce a franchise tag (for wide receiver DeSean Jackson), nine teams revealed their intentions on Friday and the New Orleans Saints followed that on Saturday by placing the exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Drew Brees.

This despite teams still not knowing the precise value of the franchise tenders... read more

By Brian StullPublished: March 05, 2012 @ 12:08am

The days of workouts only are finally over as the Cardinals are scheduled to open their Grapefruit League schedule later today when they host the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium.

Kyle Lohse , who led the team with 14 wins in 2011, will take the mound for the first couple of innings.

“Feel good, feeling strong; I came in here ready to go,” stated Lohse, who has spent time this spring working on refining his curveball.

 “The past years, I’ve had a decent little curve. It just kind of had a little too much of a hump in it... read more

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) - Rory McIlroy, the new No. 1 player in golf, is not easily rattled.

He didn't see a scoreboard in the final round of the Honda Classic until he walked onto the eighth green, looked at the large video screen to his left and saw that Tiger Woods _ who started the day nine shots behind _ already was tied for fourth, four shots behind.

McIlroy buried a 10-foot putt for his first birdie of the day.

The pressure of trying to win and reach No. 1 in the world didn't really hit him until he was lining up a putt on the 13th green at PGA National, his concentration shattered by a cheer that could be heard a mile away from the 18th green... read more

PITTSBURGH (AP) Dwayne Evans scored 20 points and 14 points to lead Saint Louis to a 75-60 win over Duquesne on Saturday in the absence of Billikens coach Rick Majerus, who was hospitalized before the game.

The 64-year-old Majerus missed the game for precautionary reasons after the school said he took the wrong medication after his routine morning swim. Majerus traveled to the Palumbo Center with the team about 90 minutes before the game, but doctors encouraged him to check into a hospital for evaluation.

Continue: http://101espn... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: March 03, 2012 @ 1:03am

With the deadline Monday for NFL teams to designate franchise players, there was a flurry of activity Friday.

One day after the Philadelphia Eagles became the first team to announce a franchise tag (for wide receiver DeSean Jackson), 10 teams revealed their intentions.

This despite teams still not knowing the precise value of the franchise tenders. Those will be known when the salary-cap is set, which is expected to be sometime next week.

The 2011 league year ends at 3 p.m. Central time March 13, and once the new league year begins, all teams must be compliant with the cap for their top 51 players... read more

By Tony Softli

Tony Softli covers the Rams and the entire NFL for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SoftliSTL.

For unique football content from a front-office point of view, visit tonysoftli.com.

As the 2012 NFL Draft gets closer, I will update my Big Board one last time with spring workout information. Movement up the board, down or off the Big Board will be based off film evaluation. Players with an asterisk (*) entered the draft with eligibility remaining.

1.       QB          *Andrew Luck   Stanford              Luck didn’t throw at the combine, but no worries because his DNA (film) speaks for its self... read more

Rangers look to put the memory of Game 6 to rest By Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY

SURPRISE, Ariz. – Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington looks around the clubhouse, stares into his players' eyes, and his mind starts spinning.

• By Eileen Blass, USA TODAY

  Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz's missed play was a key to the 2011 World Series.

Enlarge

By Eileen Blass, USA TODAY

Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz's missed play was a key to the 2011 World Series... read more

Published: February 29, 2012 @ 11:50pm

 

Today is the next step in the timeline that will eventually lead to a possible renovation of the Edward Jones Dome or that could lead to the Rams terminating their lease in 2015 or even attempting to exit the lease early.

The Convention and Visitors Commission (CVC) presented a $124 million proposal to the Rams on Feb. 1, which called for the team to pay for 52 percent of the renovation costs.

By March 1, the Rams must inform the CVC whether they accept or reject the proposal. It would be shocking if the Rams accept it... read more

By Brian StullPublished: February 28, 2012 @ 11:33pm

Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

Last year in spring training, it was noticeable that Tony Cruz was the last catcher sent back to the minor leagues. His extended audition resulted in his call-up to the Cardinals later in the season when Gerald Laird went on the disabled list and a backup was needed for Yadier Molina.

With Laird moving on to Detroit, the 25-year-old Cruz has the chance to win the backup job outright this spring... read more

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) - Jeremy Lin checked back in, triggering the wave of cheers that accompany his every move at Madison Square Garden.

This time, they were for the guys leaving the game.

Lin had 19 points and 13 assists and Carmelo Anthony scored 22, but the New York Knicks turned around this one with their reserves to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-103 on Wednesday night.

Continue: http://www.101sports.com/category/misc_blogs/20110403/Knicks-end-long-drought,-clinch-playoff-spot/

By Brian StullPublished: February 28, 2012 @ 11:33pm

Last year in spring training, it was noticeable that Tony Cruz was the last catcher sent back to the minor leagues. His extended audition resulted in his call-up to the Cardinals later in the season when Gerald Laird went on the disabled list and a backup was needed for Yadier Molina... read more

By Tony SoftliPublished: February 29, 2012 @ 12:12am

 

With the 2012 Scouting Combine in the books, prospects headed back to their workout destinations to further develop their skill set... read more

59   Final 1 2 T Xavier 39 20 59 Saint Louis 29 41 70 70   Boxscore | Recap  

ST. LOUIS (AP) Brian Conklin scored 23 points and Kwamain Mitchell 14 as St... read more

Molina, Cards closing on deal

By Joe Strauss

29JUPITER, Fla. -- The Cardinals and Gold Glove catcher Yadier Molina are close to agreement on a multi-year extension likely to make Molina the seventh catcher in the game's history to realize a deal with an average annual value exceeding $10 million.The Cardinals remain engaged in talks with Molina's agent, Melvin Roman, who has remained in town for nearly a week. Roman arrived shortly after his client hinted at a breakdown in negotiations but "positive momentum" has since been achieved, according to a source familiar with talks.Molina expressed a desire to remain in St... read more

Published: February 27, 2012 @ 2:26am

By Jeff Reynolds

NFLDraftScout.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- Janoris Jenkins has plenty to prove along his winding path to the NFL.

Many of the answers he must provide for the decision-makers of the 32 teams in the league before the draft will require his employer to invest more faith in Jenkins' words than they will dollars in his talent. His forthright media session, unabashedly recounting his misdeeds and recent talks with NFL teams, made Jenkins sound like a player grateful he still has a chance to cash in on his skills despite off-field ills... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 27, 2012 @ 1:56am

The Twitter world exploded Sunday morning with a stunning revelation that rocked the football word: Robert Griffin III is fast.

That news had to make heads spin and eyes bug out. After all, who would have ever imagined that RG3 would run fast at the Combine?

There were tweets everywhere after Griffin first ran a 4.41 in the 40 and then followed it up with a 4.38. Later, the 4.41 was supposedly registered as “the official” time when in actuality there is no such thing as an “official” time... read more

By Brian StullPublished: February 26, 2012 @ 3:30pm

After spending the last five seasons as a rival across the diamond with Chicago and going against the Cardinals, catcher Koyie Hill is excited to change dugouts and be part of the Redbirds in 2012.

“It’s refreshing,” smiled Hill about his new team. “It was a team that when I was with the Cubs, we knew we’d have to get them out 27 times—we didn’t want to give them any extra outs. So, it’s a little bit of a break knowing you don’t have to figure out how to beat these guys... read more

Ante up, folks; you’re now in The Card Room w/KMFP.

Who’s on first?  Well we all know who “who” is, and we definitely know who “who” isn’t anymore.  And while most of us may know “what” is actually on second base, the big mystery of this spring seems to be who “what” will be…you follow?

The Cardinals re-signed Skip Schumaker and, while his versatility will make things more interchangeable, the preference would be for him to see more outfield time, where he began and where he is still more suited... read more

Published: February 25, 2012 

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) - David Perron scored the winning goal in the shootout to lift the St. Louis Blues to a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.

Perron moved in on Chris Mason in the fourth round and roofed a backhander, ruining the Jets' rally from a two-goal deficit.

Perron and David Backes scored in regulation for St. Louis, which led 2-0 after the opening period despite getting outshot 16-6. Jaroslav Halak made 39 saves to pick up the win.

Conitnue: http://www.101sports.com/category/misc_blogs/20120225/Perron-helps-Blues-top-Jets-3~2/

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 26, 2012 @ 1:38am

INDIANAPOLIS--Rams head coach Jeff Fisher is expected to officially announce his coaching staff this week, and one of the hires, 101sports.com has learned, will be Dennard Wilson as a defensive quality control coach.

Wilson has been a pro scout for the Chicago Bears, but has wanted to get into coaching. Prior to joining the Bears, he was a coaching intern at the University of Maryland. He has been described by those that have worked with him as someone with great work ethic, intelligence and a keen eye for talent.

The unknowns on Fisher's staff include the responsibilities of Brandon Fisher, the head coach's son, and Blake Williams, the son of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 25, 2012 @ 2:29pm

t’s hyperbole time of the year, and some of the numbers being put up at the Combine by offensive linemen have been outstanding.

Tackle Matt Kalil, considered the best tackle in the draft, measured in a 6-6 5/8 and 306 pounds with 34 ½-inch arms. His unofficial 40 times were 4.96 and 5.00, but more important, he had a 1.70 split over 10 yards, which is what Jake Long registered at the 2008 Combine.

The NFL network’s Mike Mayock called the split “phenomenal.” Kalil also did 30 reps in the bench press

Continue: http://www... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 24, 2012 @ 3:22pm

NDIANAPOLIS – Rams coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead spoke with the media Friday at the Scouting Combine.

Many subjects were discussed.

Fisher on playing in London: “If you're going to play the Patriots it's best not to play 'em in North America."

On whether signing defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has been discussed: Fisher said players that are already free agents like Haynesworth are being considered. "There's some unrestricted free agents out there now that are not under contract that we've been talking about," Fisher said... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 24, 2012 @ 2:47pm

INDIANAPOLIS - The Rams are certainly a team that has their eyes on wide receiver Justin Blackmon. Just like many teams.

If the Rams aren’t able to trade the second pick in the draft, Blackmon would be an option at second overall. He would remain an option even if they traded and remained in the top 10.

General manager Les Snead said Friday it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the team would identify a player they absolutely want with the second pick and would do that rather than make a deal.

By Tony SoftliPublished: February 23, 2012

Quantize Analysis by Adam Gabriel

It is that time of year where all 32 teams migrate to Indianapolis for the yearly NFL combine. Many NFL scouts and player personnel executives start to struggle with mentally weighting various facets that go into ranking players for the NFL draft. For example, how much value should players with fast 40 times receive versus slower players? You would expect that if the 40 really is a good measure of future success, players with fast 40 times at the Combine would go on to have good careers. But it is difficult to know just how much weight to place on a test through human observation... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 23, 2012 @ 12:37pm

INDIANAPOLIS – During the day Thursday at the Scouting Combine, 24 NFL coaches and general managers were scheduled to talk with 20 different teams represented.

More will be coming through Sunday, along with media access to hundreds of players. Each session is 15 minutes and from 10 am to 4:15 pm, there were only four 15-minute blocks empty.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher is scheduled to talk at 11 am Friday with general manager Les Snead going at 2 pm.

Speaking of the Rams, they have shown an interest in Northern Illinois quarterback Chandler Hornish as a potential late-round developmental prospect... read more

Ante up, folks; you’re now in The Card Room w/KMFP.

My columns tend to be a bit random and all over the place and this one will be no different.  Here’s somewhat of a “drilldown” of what’s on my mind:

Carlos Beltran

The newly acquired outfielder is now officially in camp and the speculation, trepidation and expectation shall begin.  Geez, haven’t seen that much “tion-ing (shunning)” since “East Side – West Side” at Rock Roll-O-Rena in the mid-80’s.  Anyway, with every Spring Training homer, strikeout, diving catch or play he fails to make, will come 10-articles predicting doom or greatness, either lambasting or praising the move by John Mozeliak... read more

By Marty JenkinsPublished: February 22, 2012 @ 11:48pm

Marty Jenkins is a 2010 graduate of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He has covered the Blues, Rams, and Cardinals and does play by play and color for the SIUE Men's and Women's Basketball team. Contact him via email at martymar62249@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter@martymar62249.

1. Murray State (26-1)

2. Wichita State (24-4)

3. Long Beach State (19-7)

4. Gonzaga (21-5)

5. Creighton (24-5)

6. Harvard (23-3)

7. St.  Mary’s (23-5)

8... read more

ST. LOUIS (AP) Tim Thomas took a relaxed attitude toward a start that was looking dicey.

He wound up making 27 straight saves after giving up two early goals, and the Boston Bruins ended the St. Louis Blues' team-record point streak at 21 home games with a 4-2 win on Wednesday night.

"There are two ways you can go in that situation," Thomas said. "You can either start trying harder or you can relax. Today, I decided to relax and that turned out to be the right move."

Brad Marchand scored twice Thomas finished with 30 saves for Boston... read more

Published: February 21, 2012 @ 11:34am

The board of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission voted Tuesday to an amendment of the lease with the Rams that will allow the team to play a game in London this season. However, the agreement is for only this year, leaving potential games overseas in 2013 and 2014 to be negotiated at a later time.

The Rams’ lease called for the team to play all home games at the Edward Jones Dome. The Oct. 28 game in  London against the New England will result in the team playing seven regular-season him games instead of eight... read more

Published: February 22, 2012 @ 10:55am

The Blues will honor Keith Tkachuk and his recent induction to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame with a pregame ceremony Wednesday night when the Blues host the Boston Bruins at 7 pm at Scottrade Center. The celebration will include a special tribute video as well as a ceremonial puck drop by Tkachuk while all fans in attendance will receive a commemorative Keith Tkachuk poster.

Tkachuk was a four-time United States Olympian and Silver Medalist at the 2002 Winter Games. Among American-born players in NHL history, the five-time All-Star ranks second in goals (538) and fifth in points (1,065)... read more

By ALAN SCHER ZAGIERAssociated Press

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) Forget any talk of Kansas State as a team teetering on the NCAA Tournament bubble. After yet another convincing win over a Top 20 team, the Wildcats' bubble has burst - and coach Frank Martin couldn't be happier.

Rodney McGruder scored 24 points as Kansas State upset No. 3 Missouri 78-68 Tuesday night, the Wildcats' second win this season over the Tigers and their first at Mizzou Arena since 2007. It's also the second straight win over a Big 12 bruiser and national power, following a one-point weekend win over No... read more

Ante up, folks; you’re now in The Card Room w/KMFP.

The national media has swooped in on Roger Dean Stadium, eager to get the pulse of the “new” Cardinals, with the departures of Albert Pujols, Tony La Russa and Dave Duncan, along with the arrival of Carlos Beltran and Mike Matheny.

This was bound to be a story, which is understandable, and Mike Matheny has been praised already for his composure and response to the media onslaught.  But how much do these people have to keep beating the dead pop singer (yep, I did that) and trying to create stories out of nowhere before they realize that St... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 21, 2012 @ 2:43am Howard Balzer is the Managing Editor and Lead Columnist for 101Sports.com and host of "Pro Football Sunday" on 101 ESPN. Contact him via email at HBalzer@101espn.com and follow him on twitter @HBalzer721.

Monday was a strange day in the NFL.

It was officially the first day that teams could place franchise tags on one of their players. What’s strange about that? Well, the league’s personnel office was closed for President’s Day, and the cost of the tags isn’t known yet.

One league source told 101sports... read more

By Alvin ReidPublished: February 21, 2012 @ 12:28am

Alvin A. Reid is a weekly panelist on KETC-PBS' most-popular local television show, "Donnybrook" and contributor to the KSDK NewsChannel 5 segment "I'm Just Sayin.'"

Reid is also a part-time weekend host with 101 ESPN on the 101 SportsLine program.

As the NFL Scouting Combine gets underway later this week, we will have our annual examination of the “Wonderlic Test.”

Depending on whom you ask, this test is a measure of intelligence or problem solving or the ability to make a good guess.

Some teams take much stock in the results... read more

By Tony SoftliPublished: February 21, 2012 @ 12:58am

Tony Softli covers the Rams and the entire NFL for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SoftliSTL.

For unique football content from a front-office point of view, visit tonysoftli.com.

The importance of the NFL Scouting Combine has not changed since 1982. Every year, the main focus is directed at the medical exams, workouts, interviews and testing. But the NIC (National Invitational Camp), better known as the Scouting Combine, has come full circle since I started in the business back in 1995 with the Carolina Panthers... read more

Published: February 20, 2012 @ 10:35pm Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

Like many a player before him, Scott Linebrink explained why he was eager to play for the Cardinals.

“St. Louis has always been an organization that I thought was first class, of course they have a great tradition of winning,” said Linebrink. “I think just compared to what else was out there for me and my family; I think this was probably the best thing.”

The best thing was a minor-league deal, with a non-roster invitation to spring training to compete for a spot in the Cardinals' bullpen... read more

By ALAN FERGUSON

STATS Writer

(AP) -- Although a crucial Big 12 game looms this weekend, it's highly unlikely Missouri will turn its focus away from its next opponent.

That's because Kansas State dealt the third-ranked Tigers one of their two losses this season and will seek its second straight upset of a top-10 foe Tuesday night when it visits Mizzou Arena.

Missouri (25-2, 12-2) has a chance to claim sole possession of first place in the conference if it can beat archrival and co-leader Kansas on Saturday... read more

By ALAN FERGUSON

STATS Writer

(AP) -- Although a crucial Big 12 game looms this weekend, it's highly unlikely Missouri will turn its focus away from its next opponent.

That's because Kansas State dealt the third-ranked Tigers one of their two losses this season and will seek its second straight upset of a top-10 foe Tuesday night when it visits Mizzou Arena.

Missouri (25-2, 12-2) has a chance to claim sole possession of first place in the conference if it can beat archrival and co-leader Kansas on Saturday... read more

Ante up, folks; you’re now in The Card Room w/KMFP.

Those who have followed me for a few years know, as those of you who now do will, that I tend to, unfortunately or not for you, break into KMFP-oetry or song in my columns from time to time.  Some might call it a copout…some may be right.  Regardless, this is one of those times:

To the tune of “Toes” by the Zac Brown Band (for those of you in Rio Linda)

I got my toes in my slippers, rump in my chair

I sit here typing and Spring Training is here… life is good today…life is good today

 

Well the Birds have arrived down in south F-L-A, with October fresh on their mind 

Game Six and champagne danced in their heads as they stood in the rental car line

Fans honked their cars and they flooded the bars, playoff magic-it took us all in... read more

By Brian StullPublished: February 19, 2012 @ 8:00pm

Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

Contract talks between the Cardinals and Yadier Molina have stopped—for now.

“We were talking for the last two weeks and we’re not talking any longer,” Molina said on Sunday following the team’s first official workout of spring training. “I’m just trying to concentrate on winning another championship and not worried about contracts.”

This may sound like déjà vu for Cardinals fans who remember contract talks ending with Albert Pujols last spring, but unlike last year, when Pujols tabled the subject for the entire season, Molina is open to the idea of resuming negotiations after play gets underway... read more

By RICK GANO AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO (AP) - Dave Bolland scored the go-ahead goal in the third period when his centering attempt hit the stick of St. Louis' David Backes and went in and the Chicago Blackhawks rallied to beat the Blues 3-1 Sunday for their third straight victory.

Corey Crawford made 29 saves for the Blackhawks, who did all their scoring in the final period.

Duncan Keith had the tying goal in the third for Chicago, playing its first home game since Jan. 24. Andy McDonald scored in the first for the Blues, who took the 1-0 lead into the final period behind a tough defense and the goaltending of Brian Elliott, who was going for his second straight shutout... read more

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - C.J. Wilson parked his car and laughed while signing autographs for faceless fans who handed bats, balls and cards to the pitcher from the other side of a brick wall.

An early rite of spring training complete, Wilson, one of the Angels' new big-ticket additions, headed to the clubhouse.

"You're the man, C.J.," one fan yelled to the left-hander, who signed a $77.5 million contract in December.

"Word," Wilson said.

He's the man for one day, and one day only.

On Monday, Albert Pujols arrives.

Continue: http://www... read more

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Barret Jackman broke a league-high 150-game scoreless drought and Brian Elliott made 13 saves to lead the St. Louis Blues to a 4-0 win over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.

The Blues won for the sixth time in seven games and gained points in a franchise-record 21st straight home game. St. Louis picked up its league-best 26th home win (26-3-4).

Minnesota is winless in its last seven, the longest streak since an eight-game skid Dec. 13-28, 2011. The Wild have scored just nine goals in the last seven games.

Continue: http://www.101sports.com/category/misc_blogs/20110329/Wild-beat-Blues-2~1-in-overtime/

By Howard Balzer

Howard Balzer is the Managing Editor and Lead Columnist for 101Sports.com and host of "Pro Football Sunday" on 101 ESPN. Contact him via email at HBalzer@101espn.com and follow him on twitter @HBalzer721.

With Monday the day when NFL teams can begin doling out franchise or transition tags, that is one decision the Rams won’t have to worry about.

The league year begins March 13 at 3 p.m. Central, not at midnight Eastern as it was for many years. By that day, all teams will have to be in compliance with the salary cap for their top 51 players under contract... read more

By Brian Stull

Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

Spring training officially begins Sunday, but the fun has already begun for Mike Matheny and the Cardinals, who had nearly 30 players on hand Saturday morning for informal workouts.

“It’s just blowing me away how many guys are here,” expressed Matheny.

“Watched Waino (Adam Wainwright) throw the other day, the whole starting staff was out here kind of watching and supporting just like they do during the season. It’s pretty exciting for a team; there’s only one other team that played as long as these guys did last year... read more

By RYAN NAKASHIMA AP Business Writer

(AP) - First, he lifted the Knicks back into the playoff hunt. Now Jeremy Lin has put them back on TV.

Madison Square Garden has reached a deal to put Knicks games back on television for some 2 million Time Warner Cable subscribers in the New York area, according to New York state officials who had pressured the companies to settle.

The dispute had left subscribers unable to watch the Knicks since Jan. 1, meaning they couldn't tune in to watch Lin lead the team to seven straight wins. That led to criticism and calls for a quick resolution... read more

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Andy McDonald scored his first goal of the season, and T.J. Oshie had goal and an assist in the St. Louis Blues' 5-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

McDonald has played only six games after missing 51 with a concussion... read more

By Brian Stull

Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

One year removed from the start of spring training in 2011, the Cardinals' infield will have a very different look around the diamond.

Lance Berkman replaces Albert Pujols at first base. David Freese has two stable ankles at third. Rafael Furcal will handle the duties at shortstop instead of Ryan Theriot.

And at second base, there are three main candidates ready to battle for what figures to be the most hotly contested competition of the spring: Daniel Descalso, Tyler Greene, and Skip Schumaker... read more

By Tony Softli

Tony Softli covers the Rams and the entire NFL for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SoftliSTL.

For unique football content from a front-office point of view, visit tonysoftli.com.

I spent the last few days breaking down my 2012 NFL free agency pro board as well as those players that would upgrade the Rams’ roster in 2012. When I look back at the 2011 draft, I started writing player summaries based off playtime and production, and slotted players in color categories that really impressed me on tape.

Color explanation:

BLUE: Blue players are playmakers and difference- makers in every game... read more

By BEN WALKER AP Baseball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) - Gary Carter was nicknamed "Kid" for good reason.

His smile, bubbly personality and eagerness to excel on a ballfield made him a joy to watch at the plate and behind it.

Even his Hall of Fame bronze plaque at Cooperstown shows him with a toothy grin _ the Kid forever.

The star catcher, whose single for the New York Mets in the 1986 World Series touched off one of the most improbable rallies in baseball, died Thursday. He was 57.

Carter was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor last May, two weeks after finishing his second season as coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University... read more

Ante up, folks; you’re now in The Card Room w/KMFP.

Before it’s even in full swing, St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training has already generated its first bit of buzz.  That’s right folks, hold onto your seats, buckle in and brace for it.  Jim Edmonds makes his return to Jupiter, Florida.

Sorry, ladies (and some gentlemen), he won’t be featured on the main stage at Rachel’s, though I’m guessing that would draw quite a crowd and could prove pretty lucrative for our former centerfield star.  Nope, John Mozeliak has invited Jimmy “Ballgame” in to serve as a special instructor... read more

Published: February 15, 2012 @ 10:34pm

ALAN SCHER ZAGIER Associated Press

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Marcus Denmon scored 17 points to lead five teammates in double figures and No. 3 Missouri avenged an earlier defeat with an 83-65 rout over Oklahoma State on Wednesday night.

Ricardo Ratliffe and sixth-man Michael Dixon both had 15 points and Kim English and Phil Pressey scored 13 apiece for Missouri (24-2, 11-2), which is tied with No. 4 Kansas for first place in the Big 12.

Keiton Page led Oklahoma State (12-14, 5-8) with 23 points, but 14 of those came in the game's final 7 minutes once the outcome wasn't in doubt... read more

By Brian Stull

Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

As much as the Cardinals' outfield appears set to be open the season, there is a question of how it could change over the course of the season.

Unless another moth takes a kamikaze dive into his ear, Matt Holliday is firmly planted in left field. Jon Jay returns to man the center spot between Holliday and free-agent acquisition Carlos Beltran in right. Maybe.

When Beltran signed with the Cardinals, it raised the question of how much he would or could be utilized in centerfield... read more

By Tony Softli

Tony Softli covers the Rams and the entire NFL for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SoftliSTL.

With a new head coach and general manager now in place, along with owner Stan Kroenke’s willingness to spend money to fill roster hot spots, look for the Rams to be players in free agency when the league year starts March 13... read more

Published: February 15, 2012 @ 5:55am

TORONTO (AP) - Even after his amazing week, this one took Linsanity to a whole new level. Against Toronto on Tuesday, it was Lin for the win!

Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with less than a second to play to cap his finishing flurry of six straight points and New York rallied to beat the Raptors 90-87, extending its winning streak to six games.

"I'm just glad it went like this so we can calm the Linsanity down," cracked Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni.

Continue: http://www.101sports.com/category/misc_blogs/20120214/Lin-hits-game~winner-as-Knicks-beat-Raptors/

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 15, 2012

Howard Balzer is the Managing Editor and Lead Columnist for 101Sports.com and host of "Pro Football Sunday" on 101 ESPN. Contact him via email at HBalzer@101espn.com and follow him on twitter @HBalzer721.

The Rams now have two players, both wide receivers, on their offseason roster that will be suspended to start the 2012 season. Sources told 101sports.com that Nick Miller has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

Miller played six games for the Rams in 2011 and had the team’s only kick return for a touchdown... read more

Published: February 15, 2012 @ 3:27pm

By PAT EATON-ROBB Associated Press

 

STORRS, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun will miss at least three more games while he receives treatment for his ailing back, the school said Wednesday.

Calhoun, who sat out the team's last three games as a result of spinal stenosis, also will miss Wednesday night's game against DePaul, Saturday's game against Marquette and Monday's game against Villanova.

"I am happy that we seem to have located the problem and I am currently moving forward with treatment," Calhoun said in a statement... read more

Ante up, folks; you’re now in The Card Room w/KMFP.

The fields are manicured, equipment has arrived, locker rooms are stocked and a few early Birds have already been on hand, getting a jump start on this Spring Training thing.  Rachel’s has restocked and the college girls of West Palm Beach are hoping to replace their current majors with “WAG” which, in the current economy, could have an equally likely outcome as landing a job in their current fields, with the bonus of travel and a much better pay scale.

Yes, it’s another year of St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training... read more

By Tony Softli

Tony Softli covers the Rams and the entire NFL for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SoftliSTL.

For unique football content from a front-office point of view, visit tonysoftli.com.

In the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, the franchise tags will be computed by a formula that takes into account the five highest salaries at each position in addition to franchise numbers for the last five years in relation to the overall salary-cap figure for the previous five years. The numbers below show the 2011 tag numbers vs. the 2012 numbers, by position... read more

By Brian Stull

Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

Three players, one spot. That’s the situation at catcher for the Cardinals heading into spring training.

Yadier Molina is the starting catcher, but behind him it will be Bryan Anderson, Tony Cruz, and Koyie Hill competing for the backup job.

Anderson had been the heir apparent, but was notably sent out of camp prior to Cruz last spring training. That foreshadowed Cruz getting the call up to the big leagues when Gerald Laird went on the disabled list... read more

By Tony Softli

Tony Softli covers the Rams and the entire NFL for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SoftliSTL.

With the beginning of free agency set for March 13, NFL clubs are working to stack their pro boards after several hours of film evaluation, meetings with both scouts and coaches, and a lot of major discussions... read more

By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN - STATS Senior Writer

(AP) -- David Perron is enjoying the best stretch of his career while helping the St. Louis Blues get untracked on the power play.

The Blues have won four straight behind the red-hot Perron heading into Tuesday night's visit to the league-worst Columbus Blue Jackets.

Perron has scored in every game of this four-game run for St. Louis (34-14-7) for the best goal streak of his career. The fifth-year winger has seven points during his surge.

"I'll certainly take the goals that are coming my way right now," Perron said... read more

By Brian Stull

Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

The starting pitching for the Cardinals appears to be not only set, but also looked upon as a strength heading into the 2012 season.

At the top of the rotation will be Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. When healthy and on their game, there’s arguably no better duo in the National League. However, Carpenter led the league with 237.1 innings pitched last year. Still, despite the amount of pitches and shortened offseason, Carpenter is confident there will be no lingering effect... read more

By R.B. FALLSTROM

AP Sports Writer

ST. LOUIS (AP) In his 30th game since returning from a concussion that sidelined him for more than a year, David Perron appears to be hitting his stride. Considering it was Andy McDonald's first game since he sustained a concussion in early October, he felt pretty good, too.

Perron scored for the sixth time in four games and McDonald's speed was an immediate factor as he emerged from a 51-game absence in the St. Louis Blues' 3-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night... read more

Published: February 13, 2012 @ 12:01am

The Sports Xchange

Jose Canseco, who has not played professional baseball in 11 years, will try out with the Quintana Roo Tigers of the Mexican League, the team announced Sunday.

"Back in baseball I knew I would play this year you just gotta believe in your dreams," Canseco wrote Sunday on Twitter. "Leave on redeye tonite to start spring training with AAA quintana roo tigers tomorrow . Team won league championship last year."

However, Tigers president Cuauhtemoc Rodriguez said Canseco has not signed a contract.

Full Article: http://www... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 09, 2012 @ 12:37am Howard Balzer is the Managing Editor and Lead Columnist for 101Sports.com and host of "Pro Football Sunday" on 101 ESPN. Contact him via email at HBalzer@101espn.com and follow him on twitter @HBalzer721.

In the next month, in advance of the start of the NFL league year on March 13, there will be countless words written and said about free agency.

There will be numerous lists of top players available and breathless analysis of what the Rams and all teams should do when the signing period begins.

However, one thing is known: teams like the Packers will avoid free agency as if it was a communicative disease and other teams like the Redskins will likely go all in and eventually regret the money they spent... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 09, 2012 @ 12:37am Howard Balzer is the Managing Editor and Lead Columnist for 101Sports.com and host of "Pro Football Sunday" on 101 ESPN. Contact him via email at HBalzer@101espn.com and follow him on twitter @HBalzer721.

The Rams are in the process of finalizing a contract agreement with Les Snead to become the team's new general manager.

Snead and George Paton were identified as the two finalists for the job entering the weekend, but Paton agreed to stay with the Minnesota Vikings with a promotion to assistant general manager... read more

By Howard BalzerPublished: February 09, 2012 @ 12:37am Howard Balzer is the Managing Editor and Lead Columnist for 101Sports.com and host of "Pro Football Sunday" on 101 ESPN. Contact him via email at HBalzer@101espn.com and follow him on twitter @HBalzer721.

It’s that time of year when the very predictable happens.

The day before the Super Bowl each year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announces its enshrinees, and the system comes under attack from those that probably find fault with a beautiful sunny day because there are no clouds in the sky.

The process is flawed, some say... read more

By Rick VenturiPublished: February 10, 2012 @ 1:34am Rick Venturi is a host for the show "Zach and The Coach" weekdays at 9am on 101 ESPN and a columnist for 101Sports.com. Contact him via email at Venturi@101espn.com.

I have made it a tradition to share my “thoughts on my way to the car” on football Mondays in an attempt to give you my unfiltered view of the games, both the good and bad. It’s only appropriate that, on the Friday following the Super Bowl, I would give you my candid thoughts recapping the year.

For a season that was threatened by a lockout, the grand finale in Indianapolis was a tremendous battle fought right down to the final “Hail Mary... read more

By Randy KarrakerPublished: February 13, 2012 @ 12:25am   Randy Karraker is a host for the Fast Lane weekdays at 2pm on 101 ESPN and a columnist for 101Sports.com. Contact him via email at Randy@101espn.com.

If ever there was a weekend to be stuck in a hospital awaiting heart bypass surgery, this was the weekend. With the Blues continuing to roll, with Mizzou and SLU picking up key wins, and with the advent of Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks, there was plenty to watch on TV. Add to that the news of the Rams hiring Les Snead as their general manager, and it was a sports fan’s dream... read more

By Patty HsiehPublished: February 08, 2012 @ 2:27am

Patty Hsieh is a member of a network of female writers that cover NFL teams on Aeryssports.com. Patty will focus on the St. Louis Rams and you can follow her on Twitter @ThePigskinArch.

“Have a Super Day!

This was the chorus that echoed throughout downtown Indianapolis for Super Bowl Week. When I went to buy a latte at Starbucks, the barista said, “Have a super day!” As I asked the blue-and-white-scarved volunteer for directions to Scotty’s Brewhouse, she’d tag on at the end of her helpful retort, “Have a super day!” And just about everyone who worked in the NFL Experience exhibit sang the same tune... read more

By Marty JenkinsPublished: February 02, 2012 @ 2:19am

Marty Jenkins is a 2010 graduate of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He has covered the Blues, Rams, and Cardinals and does play by play and color for the SIUE Men's and Women's Basketball team. Contact him via email at martymar62249@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter@martymar62249.

It was an emotional evening at the Chaifetz Arena on Wednesday after the news spread earlier in the day that former Billikens coach and St. Louis ambassador Charlie Spoonhour had succumbed to lung disease. Before the game, there was a moment of silence for the legendary Spoonhour that ended with the student section chanting “Spoon... read more

By Brian StullPublished: January 25, 2012 @ 1:24pm Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

Speaking before his autograph appearance at the recent Cardinals Winter Warm-Up, new left-handed pitcher J.C. Romero expressed his eagerness to pitch in St. Louis—and to have finally settled the turmoil swirling from his suspension from the game three seasons ago.

“First of all, that I’m innocent,” began Romero, when asked what we should know about his suspension and the subsequent settlement. The New York Daily News reported that Romero had reached an agreement in his suit against GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Ergopharm, and Proviant Technologies as defendants... read more

By Brian StullPublished: January 19, 2012 @ 10:23pm   Brian Stull covers the Cardinals for 101 ESPN and 101Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @StullySTL.

This past weekend at the Winter Warm Up, Carlos Beltran announced he was bowing to the fans, which via Twitter chose he will be wearing #3 this season. With that decision complete, the rest of the uniform numbers have fallen into place for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Fellow newcomer JC Romero will wear #16, while Lance Lynn leaves his rookie #62 of last year behind and moves up to #31.

Catcher Koyie Hill, signed to compete as the backup behind Yadier Molina, will wear #44... read more

By Alvin ReidPublished: February 08, 2012 @ 11:28pm

Alvin A. Reid is a weekly panelist on KETC-PBS' most-popular local television show, "Donnybrook" and contributor to the KSDK NewsChannel 5 segment "I'm Just Sayin.'"

Reid is also a part-time weekend host with 101 ESPN on the 101 SportsLine program.

I tried to find a tracking poll of some type to see what America thought of Gisele Bundchen’s comments about New England Patriots receivers on Monday night – and then on Wednesday morning.

I guarantee you that as lopsided as the unfavorable percentage was on Monday, Bundchen had made a big comeback by sunrise Wednesday... read more

By Alvin ReidPublished: February 02, 2012 @ 2:04am

Alvin A. Reid is a weekly panelist on KETC-PBS' most-popular local television show, "Donnybrook" and contributor to the KSDK NewsChannel 5 segment "I'm Just Sayin.'"

Reid is also a part-time weekend host with 101 ESPN on the 101 SportsLine program.

Hey Stan; here’s the plan.

But before we, the Convention and Visitors Commission, go into what we’re going to do to upgrade the Edward Jones Dome we have to ask you something.

Will you pay for more than half of our $124 million project? In fact, will you pick up 52 percent of the tab?

I like the ideas the CVC has submitted to the St... read more

By Alvin ReidPublished: January 26, 2012 @ 12:06am

Alvin A. Reid is a weekly panelist on KETC-PBS' most-popular local television show, "Donnybrook" and contributor to the KSDK NewsChannel 5 segment "I'm Just Sayin.'"

Reid is also a part-time weekend host with 101 ESPN on the 101 SportsLine program.

If there is one day that symbolizes how many people in America have lost focus on what is and isn’t important in sports, it’s Feb. 1.

This is National Signing Day for the highest echelon of college football – and it’s out of control.

Full Article: http://www... read more

By Bob RamseyPublished: February 02, 2012 @ 1:20pm   Bob Ramsey is a host for the Fast Lane weekdays at 2pm on 101 ESPN and a columnist for 101Sports.com. Contact him via email at Rammer@101espn.com.

What was it we saw?”

I have one picture of Charlie Spoonhour and me.

That’s what he wrote on it when he signed it. It’s he and I courtside at a Midnight Madness affair at the West Pine Gym. You don’t really coach those things. It’s for the fans on the opening night (morning) of the first practice day of the season. So, Spoon and I were offering commentary on his kids as they ran up and down the court... read more

By Bob RamseyPublished: January 10, 2012 @ 12:41am   Bob Ramsey is a host for the Fast Lane weekdays at 2pm on 101 ESPN and a columnist for 101Sports.com. Contact him via email at Rammer@101espn.com.

So you want to go big time, eh?

It seems that you’ve done all of the right things. You built a state of the art, basketball only building. You went out and hired a “ big-time” coach. You bought tickets and luxury boxes. You have started to fill up the new building but something is amiss. Didn’t you feel it the other night when the Billikens beat George Washington?

Or rather, was it something that you didn’t feel?

I don’t want to get all preachy here, so I need you to tell me why you’re not into the games... read more

Join us---Bob..www,agloveoftheirown.com

732-604-0468  anytime!

 

 

http://mattinglycharity.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/don-mattingly-joins-bob-salomons-epic-journey/

By Zach McCritePublished: January 25, 2012 @ 8:04am Zach McCrite is a host for the show "Zach and The Coach" weekdays at 9am on 101 ESPN and a columnist for 101Sports.com. Contact him via email at Zach@101espn.com.

If you like incoherent drivel in 140 characters or less, follow this guy on Twitter: @BigEZ.

Hello once again kids. Welcome to the Stream of (Un)Consciousness. If you’re new to this space, it’s basically a post in which I am able to get a million things off my chest, both pertaining to sports and sometimes otherwise, in small bursts in an attempt (usually unsuccessful) not to bore you... read more

By Rick VenturiPublished: January 19, 2012 @ 11:30pm Rick Venturi is a host for the show "Zach and The Coach" weekdays at 9am on 101 ESPN and a columnist for 101Sports.com. Contact him via email at Venturi@101espn.com.

The hiring of Jeff Fisher has totally excited Rams Nation. As a 27-year NFL coaching veteran, I will join that parade and give my perspective on why I think it was an excellent hire. I respect and understand what Mike Martz, Scott Linehan and Steve Spagnuolo endured here, despite their best efforts. However, the reality of the situation is the Rams have been a lesson in dysfunction, mismanagement, and incompetence at many levels, and this has led to a horrible decade of performance... read more

By Randy KarrakerPublished: January 23, 2012 @ 1:12am  

Randy Karraker is a host for the Fast Lane weekdays at 2pm on 101 ESPN and a columnist for 101Sports.com. Contact him via email at Randy@101espn.com.

Once again Sunday, we saw the necessity of having an elite quarterback if you want your team to reach the Super Bowl.

The last 10 Super Bowl quarterbacks have been Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger (three games), Peyton Manning (two games), Drew Brees, Kurt Warner, Eli Manning, Tom Brady (two games), Rex Grossman, Matt Hasselbeck and Donovan McNabb.

All except Grossman were considered elite at the time they played in the Super Bowl, and all except Grossman and Hasselbeck will at least be discussed when they are eligible for the Hall of Fame... read more

By D'Marco FarrPublished: December 29, 2011 @ 9:36am  

D'Marco Farr is a host for the Fast Lane weekdays at 2pm on 101 ESPN and a columnist for 101Sports.com. Contact him via email at DFarr@101espn.com.

First alternate my butt!

If you need more proof that the Pro Bowl selection process is bogus then look no further than London Fletcher. It’s a shame the way he keeps getting overlooked, even though he’s been putting in work for years. This is why I say fans shouldn’t have such a big influence on Pro-Bowl voting. The actions of a few of football’s illiterate have turned what should be a laborious selection process into a frilly high school homecoming queen election where the prettiest mean girl wins every year... read more