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MELBOURNE, Australia - The injuries mounted at the Australian Open on Tuesday, although for the most part, players coped with the oppressive heat. Andy Dalton Jersey. No. 13-seeded John Isner and No. 21 Philipp Kohlschreiber were among six players who dropped out of the tournament on Tuesday, joining No. 12 seed Tommy Haas and two other players who withdrew on Monday. Despite temperatures reaching 42 Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) during the afternoon and a hot breeze gusting over Melbourne Park for most of the day, none of the withdrawals were apparently linked to the temperatures. Isner retired from his match against Slovakias Martin Klizan with a lingering ankle injury that he said got progressively worse at the Hopman Cup event in Perth and a tournament he won in Auckland, New Zealand, over the past two weeks. "I know movement is not the best part of my game," the 2.08-meter (6-foot-10) American said, "but at a certain point Ive got to be able to move without pain and I wasnt able to do that today." He withdrew before last years Australian Open with an injury, as well. "I thought I had a good shot at playing this match and winning this match and I pulled out," he said. "I could have done the same last year, but I went home." The other seeded player in his section of the draw, Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany, withdrew before his scheduled first-round match against Slovenian Aljaz Bedene with a left hamstring injury. He was replaced in the draw by Frenchman Stephane Robert, a lucky loser from qualifying, who defeated Bedene to reach the second round. Hometown favourite Bernard Tomic later retired with a left leg injury after losing the first set against top-seeded Rafael Nadal 6-4, much to the astonishment of the Rod Laver Arena crowd, who initially booed him. "It was very difficult for me to say sorry to the crowd," he said. "I dont think they quite knew what was wrong with me." Tomic suffered the injury in training on Monday. Czech veteran Radek Stepanek also retired from his match against Slovenian Blaz Kavcic with a neck injury while leading 7-6 (3), 6-4, 1-6, 0-2 after nearly three hours of play. A few other players struggled in the heat on Tuesday, but finished their matches. Canadian qualifier Frank Dancevic said he blacked out during his 7-6 (12), 6-3, 6-4 loss to No. 27-seeded Benoit Paire of France. Dancevic, who required medical attention during the second set, questioned the wisdom of not suspending matches during the torridly hot conditions. "I dont think its fair to anybody, to the players, to the fans, to the sport when you see players pulling out of matches and passing out," he said. "I think its definitely hazardous to be out there. Its dangerous." Darqueze Dennard Jersey . Even the longest of tenures with the Twins, though, dont last forever. Versatile veteran Michael Cuddyer, voted by local beat writers as the teams most valuable player in 2011, is gone. He will be with the Colorado Rockies next season. Mohamed Sanu Authentic Jersey . This week they discuss the NHL paying Wayne Gretzky, fighting in hockey, the "Group of Death" and the Buffalo Sabres disaster season.BOSTON -- Investigators asked for help from tattoo artists who may have inked former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, saying they could help in the prosecution of a double murder Hernandez is charged with committing in 2012. The Suffolk district attorneys office stressed that the tattoo artists are considered witnesses, not suspects, and "may have made observations of evidentiary value." Hernandez is charged in three killings. He is scheduled to be arraigned May 28 on two counts of murder for allegedly shooting two men in Boston in 2012, prosecutors said Wednesday. Authorities have not said if there is any connection between those two slayings and the 2013 shooting death of Odin Lloyd, a semi-pro football player whose body was found in an industrial area near Hernandezs home in North Attleborough. Lloyd was dating Hernandezs fiancees sister. Hernandezs lawyers have said that their client looks forward to his day in court. He is being held without bail. Authorities said they hope to speak with the artist or artists who did specific tattoos on Hernandezs right forearm between February 2012 and June 2013. They didnt describe which of his tattoos they are referring to. Both of Hernandezs arms are ccovered with tattoos, and photographs of his right forearm show inked stars, words and other designs. George Iloka Jersey. . "Were intentionally limiting our statements so as not to influence any potential observations by tattoo artists," said Jake Wark, a spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley. "We want unvarnished and unrehearsed information." Authorities specifically mentioned several places in their quest for tattoo artists: Hermosa Beach, California; Bristol, Connecticut; Palm Beach and Miami, Florida; Massachusetts; and Rhode Island. They stressed, however, that they are open to speaking with anyone anywhere who did tattoo work on Hernandez during the time period. Hernandez, 24, has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and other offences in the July 2012 killings of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado in Boston. A third man was wounded in that attack, while two others escaped unharmed. Hernandez and an associate had an "encounter" in a city nightclub with the victims before the shooting, prosecutors said. After the men left, Hernandez followed in an SUV and pulled up alongside the men as their vehicle was stopped at a red light, and opened fire, Conley said. ' ' '

Pat Coyle and Chris Hall have been voted into the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame as inductees of the Class of 2014. J.T. Thomas Black Friday Jersey . Coyle becomes the first defenseman in league history to win induction while Hall was elected in his first year of eligibility. Coyle played 12 seasons in the league including seven seasons with the Toronto Rock from 1998-2004 and four years with the Colorado Mammoth from 2005-2008. The defender played in 156 career regular season games, recording 940 loose balls and 133 points. The Orangeville, Ontario native won the leagues Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2002, the first year in which the award was given. Coyles teams made it to the playoffs in 11 of his 12 seasons where he posted 12 points along with 116 loose balls in 18 games played and won five championships (Toronto 1999-2000, 2002-2003 and Colorado 2006) in six Championship Game appearances. Coyle currently serves as an associate head coach with the Mammoth. Hall served as a head coach in the league for 12 seasons, first with the Calgary Roughnecks from 2002-2007 before finishing his coaching career with the Vancouver Stealth franchise from 2009-2014. Halls 85 regular-season wins ranks third all-time behind Darris Kilgour (121) and Les Bartley (93). With an 11-6 career record in the postseason, Halls 11 playoff wins rank fourth all-time behind Bartley (22), Troy Cordingley (12) and Kilgour (12). In 2010, Hall became just the second coach in NLL history to win the Champions Cup with two different teams as he led the Stealth to its first-ever title after winning it all with Calgary in 2004. The Stealth reached the championship game in three of four seasons from 2010-2013 and Hall was a co-recipient of the 2010 NLL Head Coach of the Year award. Following his retirement from coaching at the end of the 2014 season, Hall enters his first year as Senior Advisor to the President with the Stealth. The five finalists for the Class of 2014 were selected last month by the leagues Hall of Fame Committee. The other three finalists included Jake Bergey and two automatically returning from last years ballot in Pat McCready and Kaleb Toth. Blake Bortles Jaguars Jersey . Bautista led off the 10th inning with his second homer of the game, lifting the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-4 win over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday night. Cecil Shorts III Jaguars Jersey . The International Ice Hockey Federation says Russia is looking for a new coach before the world championship in May in Belarus. The IIHF says Russian hockey federation officials agreed to Bilyaletdinovs departure after meeting with him on Wednesday.The Winnipeg Jets look to get themselves back in the Central Division playoff race as they host the Nashville Predators. The 7th place Jets trail the 5th place Predators by four points.  Nashville has two games in hand on Winnipeg. Nashville has a 2-0 record against Winnipeg this season, outscoring the Jets 6-3.  Patric Hornqvist leads the Predators with two goals in those games, while goaltender Carter Hutton has both wins.  The Jets are 0-7 on the power play against Nashville. Ondrej Pavelec (4-7-2, 3.09, .902) returns to the crease after watching Al Montoya start back-to-back games. Evander Kane returns to the ice after not playing the last two games. Jets Projected Lines: Ladd-Little-WheelerKane-Jokinen-SetoguchiHalischuk-Scheifele-FrolikTangradi-Wright-Thorburn Clitsome-ByfuglienEnstrom-BogosianPardy-Ellerby Devin Setoguchi is the lone Jet to have points in back-to-back games, one goal and two assists. Blake Wheeler has four goals in six games lifetime against Nashville.Denard Robinson Black Friday Jersey. . Not playing tonight due to injury are Paul Postma, Mark Stuart, Jacob Trouba and Jim Slater. Nashville is coming off a 6-4 win in Denver over the Colorado Avalanche.  Colin Wilson led the Predators with two goals and two assists.  This is the 4th of a seven game, 17 day road trip. The Predators have earned seven of a possible 10 points in their last five games. Thunder Bay, Ontario native Carter Hutton (4-1-1, 2.94, .908) starts his 6th straight game in goal due to the injury to Pekka Rinne.  Predators Projected Lines: Bourque-Cullen-SmithWilson-Spaling-StalbergNystrom-Legwand-HornqvistClune-Gaustad-Beck Jones-WeberJosi-KleinEkholm-Ellis Mattias Ekholm is on a four-game point streak (four assists), while David Legward is on a three-game point streak (three goals and four assists). The Predators have the 4th ranked power play in the NHL at 24 per cent. ' ' '

CHICAGO - White Sox general manager Rick Hahn is optimistic rookie slugger Jose Abreu will be ready to return from his ankle injury when hes eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list. Corey Peters Jersey . The major league leader with 15 home runs, he received treatment Thursday and remains in a walking boot. Hahn says the White Sox will evaluate Abreu next week and that they are "optimistic" hell be ready "about the time the 15 days are up." Abreu was placed on the DL because of tendinitis in his left ankle on Sunday. Matt Bryant Black Jersey .  The first match will take place on October 25th in Edmonton and will be followed by a second match on October 28th in Vancouver. Levine Toilolo Red Jersey . Another is a bunch of groundballs. Finally, theres a game that lasts two hours six minutes. Pavano kept up his recent surge with an efficient six-hitter for the Twins in a 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night.ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues have agreed to a US$17.4-million, three-year contract extension with forward Alex Steen. Steen has 22 goals and 14 assists in 33 games this season. The 22 goals are tied for second in the NHL, trailing only Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. His 36 points are good foor ninth in the league. Brett Favre Jersey. The 29-year-old was set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Instead, hell have a cap hit of $5.8 million over the next three seasons. In 570 career games, Steen has 145 goals and 194 assists. His start this season represented a breakout performance. ' ' '

OAKLAND, Calif. Rueben Randle Elite Jersey . -- The Oakland Athletics found a trade partner for pitcher Brett Anderson and his big salary. The As dealt the left-hander and cash to the Colorado Rockies for lefty Drew Pomeranz and minor league right-hander Chris Jensen on Tuesday. Two-time AL West champion Oakland had been looking to move Anderson, who is due to make $8 million this season and has a $12 million contract option for the 2015 season. That includes a $1.5 million buyout. The 25-year-old Anderson was the Athletics starter on opening day this year. He went 1-4 with a 6.04 in five starts and 16 appearances, finishing up as a reliever in an injury-interrupted season. "Thanks to the As Organization and Fans for everything," Anderson posted on Twitter. "Ill nothing but fond memories of my time there." Of his move to Denver, he added: "Peyton Manning and I are going to become best friends...fact." This marked As general manager Billy Beanes fourth trade in just over a week. "We had a lot of starting pitching, and in the acquisition of Pomeranz, it allows us to turn back the clock a little with another very talented left-hander," Beane said at the winter meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. "Bretts been with us for several years, and someone obviously with that kind of talent we think very highly of, but with the amount of guys we have, we knew we could use that to get younger guys with less service time, and that was attractive." Anderson, a second-round draft pick by Arizona in 2006, has been plagued by injuries in recent years. He returned in the summer of 2012 after missing 14 months following Tommy John elbow surgery. During his lengthy rehab, Anderson worked to improve his fitness and lost more than 20 pounds. He then missed four months this past season with a sprained right ankle and stress fracture in his right foot. "Great talent and certainly moments of brilliance," Beane said. "From the Rockies end, theyre probably getting him at a great time. Hes been through the Tommy John. Hes always been motivated. Hes a hard worker, and this is the time to get him, because the cost of acquisition a couple of years ago on Brett, well there really wasnt one. He was an untouchable." The power-armed Pomeranz was on the disabled list late in the season with left biceps tendinitis. He went 0-4 with a 6.23 ERA in with four starts and eight outings for 21 2-3 innings. He went 2-9 in 22 starts the previous year. Beane envisions keeping him as a starter at this stage, but eventually could work into a bullpen role. Jensen went 5-8 with a 4.55 ERA in 152 1-3 innings for Class A Modesto. He had 136 strikeouts to 39 walks in 28 starts. In less than 24 hours last week, Beane completed three trades while also working to deal Anderson. The As acquired new closer Jim Johnson from the Orioles to replace All-Star closer Grant Balfour. Then last Tuesday, they traded for San Diego right-handed reliever Luke Gregerson for Seth Smith and acquired outfielder Craig Gentry from Texas for top prospect Michael Choice. Rueben Randle Jersey .ca Fantasy Editor Scott Cullen, NFL Editor Ben Fisher, and Isaac Owusu discuss three hot fantasy football topics. Eli Manning Mens Autographed Two Tone Jersey . When a few shots broke through that defensive front, Jonathan Quick was there. The Kings won the Stanley Cup two years ago with that basic formula, and they can see it clicking again as they close in on another playoff run.The St. Louis Blues return to top spot in the TSN.ca NHL Power Rankings, ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins and, last weeks No. 1, Anaheim Ducks. Part of the reason for the Blues consistently strong play this season has been the emergence of second-year offensive performers Vladimir Tarasenko, who has 17 points in the past 17 games, and Jaden Schwartz, who is fifth on the team with 37 points. The Montreal Canadiens are among the teams moving up through a crowded middle portion of the rankings, going 2-1-1 last week and moving from 17 to 13. One regulation loss in the past six games helps the Dallas Stars go from 19 to 15 and the Philadelphia Flyers are up from 24 to 20. A 9-1-1 record over the past 11 games has brought the Toronto Maple Leafs to their second-highest ranking since mid-November, going from 22 to 17. Getting goaltender Cam Warrd back from injury doesnt immediately help the Carolina Hurricanes, who drop from 11 to 16, and the slumping Vancouver Canucks slide from 14 to 19. Harry Carson Jersey For Sale. Injuries are keeping the Detroit Red Wings down. WIth one regulation win in the past 10, the Wings have sunk from 18 to 25. As I noted last week, there is a relatively tight squeeze in the 18-25 range. Among the rest of the Canadian clubs, the surging Winnipeg Jets are up from 15 to 12, despite losing Evander Kane to injury, while the Ottawa Senators are down two spots to 22. Winners of five straight, the Calgary Flames gained a couple of spot, to 27, overtaking the Edmonton Oilers, who had won three of four. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '

PHILADELPHIA -- On the day Cole Hamels announced he wont be ready for the season opener, the Philadelphia Phillies helped their ailing starting rotation. Jake Long Elite Jersey . A person familiar with the deal said that A.J. Burnett agreed to a one-year contract with the Phillies on Wednesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Phillies havent made an official announcement. Burnetts deal reportedly is worth $16 million. If Hamels is healthy, he gives the Phillies a formidable top three along with Cliff Lee. Kyle Kendrick is slotted to be fourth in the rotation. Roberto Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, and Cuban righty Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez will compete for the fifth spot. Youngsters Jonathan Pettibone and Ethan Martin provide insurance. Hamels told reporters in Clearwater, Fla., that he has left biceps tendinitis, but expects to pitch in April. Burnett was 10-11 with a 3.30 ERA for Pittsburgh last season. The 37-year-old right-hander is 147-132 with a 3.99 ERA in 15 major league seasons. He helped the New York Yankees beat the Phillies in the 2009 World Series, winning Game 2 of the six-game series. Hamels initially said he felt discomfort in his shoulder. He called the ailment a "kink in the system" after he rebooted his throwing program in mid-to-late November. "It was cranking back up on top of the weightlifting I was doing," Hamels said. "I think it was just getting into the exercises too fast, too soon." A three-time All-Star and MVP of the 2008 World Series and NLCS, Hamels is coming off a poor year. He was 8-14 with a 3.60 ERA in his first full season after signing a $144 million, six-year contract in July 2012. Hamels, who made his first opening day start last year, said he no longer is feeling pain or discomfort, but is "eight to 10 days" behind the rest of the pitchers in camp. Phillies pitchers and catchers reported to camp on Wednesday, and they will hold their first official workout on Thursday. Hamels is hoping to throw his first bullpen session in eight to 10 days. Michael Sam Jersey . The third-year pro went shot for shot with Knicks star Carmelo Anthony down the stretch before nailing the most important one of the night. Chris Givens Elite Jersey . Not exactly bursting with sentimental feelings, Matthew Lombardi makes an odd return to the state of Tennessee on Thursday night. BALTIMORE -- These Oakland Athletics, they wont back down. Not when confronted by an angry opponent, not when theyre dodging inside fastballs and definitely not when trailing late in the game. Pinch-hitter Stephen Vogt singled in the tiebreaking run in the 11th inning, and the Athletics got home runs from Josh Donaldson and Derek Norris in a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night. It was the sixth win in seven games for the Athletics, who own the best record in the AL (38-23) and the best road record in the majors (21-11). In the third inning, Donaldson tagged Manny Machado in the chest near third base for the third out, causing Machado to lose his balance and topple backward. Machado quickly stood up and yelled close-up at Donaldson, apparently questioning the force of the tag, and players from both sides crowded around the duo before Orioles manager Buck Showalter pulled Machado away. "I just tried to tag the guy. I was walking over there to go pick his helmet up for him, then he jumps up and starts yelling at me," Donaldson said. "I dont know what happened on his end, but Im just trying to do my job and play the game of baseball." Machado said: "Right play, he made the right play, but I just didnt agree on the tag that he made on me and I just had to get up and confront him. You get in the heat of the moment and things start flying." That appeared to be the end of it, but with two outs and nobody on in the sixth inning, Orioles starter Wei-Yin Chen threw an inside pitch near Donaldsons chin. After retreating from the batters box, Donaldson smiled knowingly. But he expressed anger minutes later, when Chen hit him with another inside fastball. "I understand them pitching in. Thats fine," Donaldson said. "It was just on my hand. (Baltimores) Nellie Cruz took one on the hand just the other day, and he doesnt seem too fond of that either." In the eighth, though, the As trailed 3-2. Pinch-hitter Coco Crisp drew a walk from Darren ODay, stole second and scored on a two-out single by Yoenis Cespedes. That led to Oaklands eighth win this season when trailing after seven innings. "We dont give up untiil that last out is made," Oakland starter Tommy Milone said. Greg Robinson Jersey For Sale. "You see if in the last few games, it seems like were always in every game, and we find ways to win." John Jaso led off the 11th with a pinch-hit double off Evan Meek (0-2). With one out, Gold Glove shortstop J.J. Hardy botched a grounder, his fourth error in two games. Meek went to third on the play and scored when Vogt hit a liner to left. Fernando Abad (1-2) worked the 10th and Sean Doolittle got three outs for his eighth save. The Orioles missed a chance to win it in the 10th when Nick Markakis was thrown out at the plate by Moss on Adam Jones one-out single to right. Cruz was then cut down trying to steal home. "Saw it, felt it, went for it, didnt work out," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said. Prior to that, Chen retired 10 straight batters. Chen gave up two runs -- both on homers -- in 6 1-3 innings. Milone allowed three runs and eight hits in six innings. Donaldson put the As up 1-0 in the first with his 17th home run, and Norris connected leading off the second. Baltimore used three straight two-out singles, the last by rookie Jonathan Schoop, to get a run back in the bottom of the second. Chris Davis tied it in the fourth with an opposite-field drive to left, and Machado homered in the fifth for a 3-2 lead. NOTES: The Orioles put RHP Miguel Gonzalez (strained right oblique) on the 15-day DL, recalled RHP Tim Berry from Double-A Bowie, purchased the contract of Meek from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned RHP Preston Guilmet to the same club. ... Kevin Gausman replaced Gonzalez as Baltimores starter vs. Oakland on Saturday. The As will call upon right-hander Sonny Gray (6-1, 2.45 ERA). ... Former Orioles closer Jim Johnson returned to Baltimore for the first time since being traded during the off-season. "A lot of memories. Its obviously different going into a different clubhouse. Its cool," Johnson said. ... Oakland has homered in 14 straight games. ... LHP Johan Santana, who hoped to make a comeback with the Orioles, tore his Achilles tendon in extended spring training and is lost for the year. ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- History? Pressure? Jason Collins would have none of it after becoming the NBAs first active openly gay player. Terrance Knighton Blue Jersey . After all, it was almost game time. "Right now Im focusing on trying to learn the plays, learning the coverages and the game plan and the assignments. So I didnt have time to really think about history," Collins said at a crowded press conference less than an hour before his Brooklyn Nets faced the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night. Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Nets earlier Sunday and played in the first half against the Lakers, grabbing a rebound and committing a couple of fouls. The 35-year-old centre revealed at the end of last season he is gay, but he was a free agent and had remained unsigned. Collins said he was aware of the magnitude of his signing, but repeatedly said he was most concerned with learning the Nets schemes. "The pressure is playing in an NBA game tonight and last time I played in an NBA game was last April," Collins said. "So I think thats enough pressure right there." With a need for another big man, the Nets turned to the 7-foot Collins, who helped them reach two NBA Finals in the early 2000s. "The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision," general manager Billy King said in a statement. "We needed to increase our depth inside, and with his experience and size, we felt he was the right choice for a 10-day contract." Collins has played 12 NBA seasons, including his first seven with the Nets, when they were in New Jersey and Jason Kidd was their point guard. Kidd is now the Nets coach and Collins has been a teammate of several other current Nets. "Jason told us that his goal was to earn another contract with an NBA team. Today, I want to commend him on achieving his goal. I know everyone in the NBA family is excited for him and proud that our league fosters an inclusive and respectful environment," Commissioner Adam Silver said. The Nets worked out Collins during the All-Star break and met with him again Sunday, with his twin brother, Jarron, hinting that history would be made. "Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday. Today should be a pretty cool day!" Jarron Collins wrote on Twitter. The news on Jason Collins comes as Michael Sam, the SEC co-defensive player of the year from Missouri who recently revealed he is gay, is taking part in the NFL draft combine. Sams on-field workouts in Indianapolis are scheduled for Monday. Collins was asked if he felt the tide is turning regarding gay players coming out, including Sam. "I hope so. What Michael said was it was about him being a football player and me being a basketball player, and going out there and trying to help our respective teams win," Collins said. He played 38 games last season with Boston and Washington and averaged 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds in limited minutes. For his career, the 7-foot Collins averages 3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds. "Im a solid veteran, and hopefully Ill be in the right place" on the court, Collins said. "I know I can execute the game plan. Its just about focusing on the task at hand and not thinking about history or anything along those lines. I just want to make it difficult for the Lakers tonight." Collins entered the game with 10:28 left in the second quarter and the Nets leading 35-26 after Nick Young made the first of his two free throws. The crowd welcomed him with a nice ovation when public address announcer Lawrence Tanter announced his name. Collins announcement last spring was followed by numerous NBA players insisting he would be welcomed in the locker room. Collins has played for five other teams and is well respected inside and outside the league -- he attended the State of the Union as a guest of first lady Michelle Obama. "I just know Jason as a person and as a player. Thats what Im happy about. He has earned it. Hes a great guy. Its good for the league. The important thing is to judge him as a person and a basketball player," Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau said. "I know people who have coached him, and I know how highly thought of he is." Former Suns player Kevin Johnson, now Sacramentos mayor, said he saw Collins two weeks ago at the White House "and I thanked him for his courage and being strong and wished him well and to keep fighting hard. "I think its incredible for him. I think its incredible for the league. If Im on the Nets, my commitment is I want to get in the playoffs and I want to go far. All that is fine but I need him to win games and I think hes up for that challenge." The Nets had an opening for a big man after trading Reggie Evans along with Jason Terry to Sacramento on Wednesday for guard Marcus Thornton. King said Thursday that Collins would be among the players they would look at, insisting they wouldnt be concerned about any extra attention the signing of Collins would provide. "Were going to bring in a basketball player," King said. "Its not about marketing or anything like that." The Nets posted a photo on their Twitter account of Kidd watching Collins sign his contract, encouraging followers to retweet it to welcome Collins to Brooklyn. Collins is third in Nets history with 511 games played, and also ranks in their top 10 in minutes played, and offensive rebounds and total rebounds. A limited offensive player, the Nets hope he still provides a presence defensively and on the boards. "I know Jason Collins is a competitor. One thing I know about him is he fouls very hard," Miamis Dwyane Wade said with a laugh. "Hes one of those tough veterans. Im sure hes happy to be back playing in the league. Welcome back." Since making his announcement last year, "Life is more exciting for me," Collins said. "I mean, I dont have to hide who I am and I can be my normal self. The past 10 months have been incredible. Im making new friends, hearing different peoples stories, sharing experiences. Its just been an overall positive." Collins grew up in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles and has a house here, so there was some normalcy to his day. "It was pretty easy for me just to come to the game tonight," Collins said, "drive down the 405, take the 10 and get here in 20 minutes."Karl Mecklenburg Blue Jersey . - Gaston Fernandez is making the most of his new job with the Portland Timbers. Gary Zimmerman Blue Jersey . -- Quinn OBrien scored three times in the third period as the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies beat the host Chicoutimi Sagueneens 7-3 on Friday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action.LONDON -- Usually Friday night is one the quietest times in the frenzied world of the English Premier League. Players can be found on gaming consoles in hotel rooms on the eve of games, or resting at home in anticipation of a Sunday game. But the pre-game calm will be shattered by the closing of the winter transfer window on Friday, with clubs racing to sign reinforcements or offload rejects for the final time this season. Here are five things to know about the transfer deadline-day and the weekends Premier League matches: CLASH OF THE CHALLENGERSManchester City and Chelsea will be relieved their fixture has been shunted back to Monday, minimizing any disruption for their top-of-the-table meeting. "Its the ultimate test," Chelsea defender Gary Cahill said. "Its going to be a really, really tough game." The City squad hardly needs much tinkering. Manuel Pellegrinis side took its goal tally this season to 115 in all competitions with a 5-1 thumping of Tottenham that took them back to the Premier League summit. At the same time, though, Chelsea was being frustrated by West Ham — drawing 0-0 — and travels to the Etihad three points behind City. The game pits the stingiest defence — Chelsea has conceded 20 in 23 — against the leagues most prolific attack — City has scored 68 in 23. "As a collective unit, as a whole team, were working really hard defensively, not just at the back," Cahill said. Chelsea got the better of City in their last clash, winning 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in October. ARSENAL BLIPBeing knocked off the top has taken the wind out of Arsenals title charge. And after being held at Southampton, the Gunners host a resurgent Crystal Palace on Sunday. "The kind of performance we delivered at Southampton will not move us forward, so lets focus to come back on Sunday and produce a good performance," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. By then will there be any new faces in an Arsenal side looking to produce a first trophy since 2005? Its unclear. "Are we acttive? Yes. Peyton Manning Blue Jersey. Are we close to sign anybody? No," Wenger said on Thursday. "There is not long now, that is true." Top of the target list is Julian Draxler, but Schalke doesnt seem to be a willing seller. Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt said he was "very convinced" the 20-year-old attacking midfielder will remain at the German club for the rest of the season. Arsenal will be without midfielders Jack Wilshere, who has an ankle problem, and Aaron Ramsey, who faces several weeks out with a thigh injury. LEAKY TOTTENHAMTottenham was brought down to earth with a bang by City on Wednesday as Tim Sherwoods unbeaten start as manager in the league ended. The north London club, which has conceded 11 goals to City this season, has what seems to be an easy trip to Hull on Saturday. "We have to be positive because we are still fifth, three points behind Liverpool," goalkeeper Hugo Lloris said. "So it is open. We just need to be focused." NORTH-EAST DERBYNewcastle is preparing for the derby against Sunderland on Saturday still trying to replace Yohan Cabaye, having received more than $27 million for the midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain this week. Manager Alan Pardew is waiting for a bid for Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier to be accepted. "He has tremendous creative technical ability," Pardew said. Sunderland, which is out of the relegation zone for the first time since August, signed Argentina striker Ignacio Scocco on Thursday from Internacional. MOYES EYES MOMENTUMManchester United is chasing its first back-to-back league wins in a month when the champions face Stoke on Saturday still in seventh place. David Moyes push for the top four is being helped by how easily record-signing Juan Mata slotted into the team for a 2-0 win over Cardiff on Tuesday after joining from Chelsea. "Juan looked like he had been here for years," winger Ashley Young said. "He had only been training for two days and it was his first game but he has gelled straight away." ' ' '

Coming off an impressive freshman season in which he led his team to a 25-0 start in one of the NCAAs toughest conferences, Tyler Ennis is ready for the challenge of competing at the next level and says he would welcome the opportunity to play for his hometown team. A.J. Green Bengals Jersey . The former Syracuse Orange point guard joined TSN 1050 to discuss his NBA future, the decision to declare for the draft, and how his lacrosse background has helped him on the court. Tyler Ennis: Leaving Cuse, playing at home Mike Nugent Jersey . Madrid lost Cristiano Ronaldo to injury early in the match and failed to create any clear scoring chances after the Portugal forwards exit. His team now trails city and Champions League final rival Atletico Madrid by four points with two games to play. Giovani Bernard Jersey . The All-Star point guard, sidelined for the past six months with a knee injury, was set to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup for Sunday nights home game against the Phoenix Suns, weeks earlier than expected.BOSTON - John Farrell failed in his last managerial job. The Boston Red Sox had their worst record in nearly a half century. After a dismal 2012 season for both, theyre together now and that past seems so far away. Its a match made for the World Series. "I try to live out what our team has lived out this year and, that is, not to look back," Farrell said. Why would he want to? The Toronto Blue Jays were 73-89 last season, their second under Farrell, and actually trailed Boston in the standings with 10 games left. Then the Red Sox finally won something — the race to the bottom of the AL East. They lost nine of their last 10 games, dropping to 69-93 and insuring that Bobby Valentines tumultuous term as manager would end after one season. Enter Farrell. He had one year left on his contract with the Blue Jays so the Red Sox had to trade to get their old pitching coach back to run the show as manager. His impact was immediate in spring training, the transition smoothed by his familiarity with many of his players. "He came in there with a presence," pitching ace Jon Lester said, "Came in there with his idea of how he wanted to run this team and stood up there in front of us and told us how he wanted it done. "And I think the 40 guys or whatever that was in that room kind of looked around and it was like, OK, lets go do it. " So they did, with a consistency and clubhouse cohesion missing from Valentines Way. The Red Sox spent an AL-best 158 days in first place, were one of two major-league teams above .500 all year and had no losing streak longer than three games for just the second time in their 113 seasons. And the players bonded long before their beards blossomed. Gone were highly paid disgruntled players like Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett. In their place were team-oriented hustlers like Jonny Gomes, Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Stephen Drew and David Ross. But it took the even-keeled Farrell and his communication skills to bring them all together after Valentines shoot-from-the-lip style failed. "The thing with John is hes so smart. I think it seems like he learns from every single person hes around in baseball," second baseman Dustin Pedroia said. "John this year has been unbelievable with all of us, just the communication." At 6-foot-4, the broad-shouldereed Farrell has a military bearing. Kevin Huber Bengals Jersey. He leads his players and listens to them. He lets them know their roles, explains why theyre not in the lineup and sees them produce off the bench. Before World Series games, he sits at an interview table, rarely blinking as he listens closely to questions. Then he answers thoughtfully, occasionally breaking into a smile. And hes not afraid to admit that hes wrong. With Game 3 tied 4-4 with one out in the top of the ninth, Farrell let Brandon Workman bat with one out rather than have Napoli pinch hit and make a double-switch at first base and pitcher. Workman struck out. Then he left the game with one out and a runner at first in the bottom of the ninth when the Cardinals won 5-4 on an obstruction play. "In retrospect, sure, I would have liked to (use a pinch hitter)," Farrell said. "Still, I wasnt going to pinch-hit for Workman with no guarantee that Napoli drives one out of the ballpark." He also handles critics — there havent been many in Boston — with respect. When he was booed by fans on his return to Toronto with Boston on April 4, Farrell said, "That goes back to how much people care, and thats a good thing. "Unfortunately, over the past couple of years, some things didnt play out on the field as we had hoped." But now hes in Boston where his philosophy is working out just fine. "Theres a relentless approach to play a complete game every night," Farrell said. "That attitude is what has allowed us to come back from so many deficits this year and never give an at-bat away, and certainly play to the 27th out every night." Unlike his predecessor, in Boston he has a strong relationship with his coaches and doesnt call attention to himself by criticizing players. Farrell hired Juan Nieves as his pitching coach then stayed out of his way despite having served in that role with the Red Sox from 2007-2010. The staff ERA of 3.79 was nearly a run less than last seasons and Bostons best in 11 years. "His genuineness as a person to me was the one thing that would allow him to connect with players," Farrell said of Nieves. Just like Farrell. From that first meeting in spring training. "Nobody had any questions," Lester said. "It was our job to go out there and do what he told us to do. And I think weve done a good job of that." ' ' '

ZARAGOZA, Spain -- Zaragoza has hired former Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez to lead the bottom table Spanish club for the remainder of the season. Louis Delmas Jersey. The 47-year-old Jimenez replaces Javier Aguirre, who was fired Friday on the back of a run of 11 games without a victory in all competitions, including five straight league losses. Jimenez, a former Sevilla player who coached the Andalucian club for nearly three seasons, led AEK Athens to the Greek Cup last season. Zaragoza is last in the Spanish league, five points behind 17th-place Villarreal and safety. Jimenezs first game in charge will be on Saturday at 19th-place Racing Santander. Brian Hartline Jersey . Owens was roughed up in Torontos 20-9 defeat to Montreal on Tuesday, needing treatment twice after hurting his neck and taking a hard shot to the abdomen. In other news from Fridays practice, Jerious Norwood took most of the snaps at running back for Curtis Steele. Norwood also did some returning, although Milanovich said returns would likely be done by committee. Charles Clay Black Friday Jersey . The Kings have gone 6-0-3 over their last nine games despite having been held to three goals or fewer in eight of 10 contests this month. Los Angeles has failed to score more than two goals six times in that span.Renan Barao made a statement as the undisputed bantamweight champion at UFC 169 on Saturday in New Jersey, but was his victory over Urijah Faber called too soon by referee Herb Dean? The champion looked superior from start to finish, exposing the challanger with overwhelming speed and accuracy. Midway through the first round Barao dropped Faber with a hard right hand and pounced on his wounded opponent. As Barao began to unleash a flurry of strikes, Faber turtled on his hands and knees and tucked his arm against the side of his head to protect himself. Dean stopped the fight at 3:42 of the opening round after Barao landed more than a dozen blows to the shoulder, forearm and neck area of the huddled Faber. A conscious and alert Faber looked uup at Dean in confusion at the stoppage. Mike Wallace Jersey. He said in the post-fight interview that he assured the referee he was still fighting despite a lack of movement during Baroas onslaught. The UFC defines a knockout as a fighter who is knocked down and "either unconscious, disoriented or unable to intelligently defend himself." Also that a referee is "the sole arbiter of a contest and is the only individual authorized to stop a contest." The question is, does a lack of movement mean a lack of intelligent or conscious defending? Barao believed he had won, while Faber thought he had more time. Did Dean miss the mark with his stoppage of the fight, or was his judgment spot on? As always, its Your! Call ' ' '

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has sent a memo to all 32 teams threatening "significant discipline" to anyone caught leaking confidential information gathered on draft prospects to the public. Dan Hampton Jersey . The Associated Press obtained the memo, which was sent on Wednesday night after reports that LSU defensive back Morris Claiborne allegedly scored poorly on the Wonderlic test. The exam is used by NFL teams to try to gauge a prospects intelligence, problem-solving ability and cognitive skills. League rules prohibit officials from disclosing the results, but scores have routinely been leaked for years, both of the very poor and very high variety. In his memo, Goodell stresses that Wonderlic scores, personal and family histories and drug tests are to be kept strictly confidential. "You should be reminded that disclosure of inappropriate private or confidential information concerning draft-eligible players is conduct detrimental to the league and will be met with significant discipline when a violation can be established," Goodell wrote. Much of the information is collected at the annual combine in February. But every year, as the draft gets closer, some teams and officials leak certain information in part to possibly influence how the draft plays out. A poor Wonderlic score or a failed drug test could significantly hurt a players stock and change the perception of that player with the fan base of the team that chooses him. "Bear in mind that the publicly-disclosed information is frequently inaccurate, incomplete or misleading, and often results from an effort of an individual to advance a self-interested goal," Goodell wrote. "What is lost in the pursuit of that goal is concern for the reputation and well-being of the young men who have worked so hard to reach their own goal of becoming an NFL player and concern for the reputation of the NFL and our game." The first round of the NFL draft will be held this year on Thursday, April 26, with the draft continuing through Friday and Saturday. Now that the calendar has turned to April, the smokescreens, negotiations and subterfuge are only expected to heat up. The players union, players and some agents have been irked by the lack of discretion in the past, which can be difficult to police. Goodell felt it necessary to send a reminder of the rules that are in place. "Disclosing this confidential information about draft-eligible players to the public can be extremely damaging to players, clubs, and the league," he wrote. Mike Singletary Elite Jersey . Later, his catcher delivered the deciding stroke. Price struck out 10 in his Detroit debut and was long gone when Alex Avila homered in the 12th inning to lift the Tigers over the New York Yankees 4-3 Tuesday night. Matt Forte Mens Black Autographed Jersey . Ortega played 42 games for Double-A Tulsa in the Texas League last season before sustaining a hairline fracture on his shin. BRASILIA, Brazil -- Neymar lived up to the expectations of the World Cup host nation Monday, scoring two goals as Brazil routed Cameroon 4-1 to reach the knockout stage as the top team in Group A. Fred and Fernandinho added second-half goals for Brazil, which will face South American rival Chile in the second round. Neymar netted twice in the first half, on either side of midfielder Joel Matips goal for Cameroon in the 26th minute. He opened the scoring off a low cross by midfielder Luiz Gustavo in the 17th, deftly side-footing the ball home from close range, then restored the lead with a low right-foot strike from the top of the penalty area in the 35th after a pass by left back Marcelo. "If Im not mistaken this is our best game yet," Neymar said. "Everyone deserves congratulations for their efforts until the end." Fred found the net in the 49th and the substitute Fernandinho struck in the 84th. Brazil finished Group A with seven points after two wins and a draw. It ended with the same points as Mexico, but had a better goal difference. The Mexicans eliminated Croatia with a 3-1 win in Recife. Playing in its 100th World Cup match, Brazil needed at least a draw to advance. Elimination in the group stage would have been unthinkable for the five-time world champions playing at home. The only team to play in all 20 World Cups, Brazil has advanced to the second round in every tournament since 1970. Boosted by a crowd of nearly 69,112 at the Estadio Nacional in the nations capital, Brazil began the match pressuring Cameroon and created many scoring chances early. But the African team eventually picked up the pace and was able to keep the hosts from threatening too much. Despite playing without Samuel Etoo bbecause of a lingering right knee injury, Cameroon had a few good chances, even when the match was level in the first half. Brandon Marshall Jersey For Sale. "The first half was not so bad, but we need to focus for 90 minutes, and this is not the first time that this happened," Cameroon coach Volker Finke said. "Some goals were not needed, three times we had the control of the ball and we lost it." It was Neymar who got on the board first, neatly finding the net after Gustavo stole the ball on the left flank and sent a low cross into the area. Cameroon equalized after a nice run by Allan Nyom ended with Matips goal, but Neymar again showed he is carrying the hopes of the entire nation, running toward the area and then moving to his right in front of a couple of defenders before firing a low shot into the net. The 22-year-old Barcelona striker had already been decisive in the 3-1 opening win over Croatia, when he also scored twice while Brazil was struggling. Brazil improved in the second half and Fred, who had been loudly criticized for his lacklustre performances, got his first goal of the tournament with a header from close range after a cross by defender David Luiz from the left. Cameroon players complained of offsides. Fernandinho, who replaced Paulinho in the second half, closed the scoring after Oscar stole possession from a Cameroon defender near the area. Quick passes by Fred and Oscar set up the midfielders toe poke from short range. Cameroon, which hasnt advanced to the second round since becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in 1990, likely saw Etoo playing in his final World Cup. The 33-year-old striker, in his fourth World Cup, is the teams all-time leading scorer. ' ' '