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MIAMI -- The New York Knicks sound hopeful that Jeremy Lins return to the lineup may come sooner than later. New Balance Trainers Womens . Lin did some on-court work in Miami for the fourth consecutive day, before the Knicks played the Miami Heat on Monday night in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Game 3 isnt until Thursday in New York. The Knicks plan to practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, and that could give them time to get a better feel for how Lins recovery from surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee is going. "We havent run up and down in terms of being able to scrimmage or anything like that," Knicks coach Mike Woodson said. "And thats where the test is going to come. When hes got to cut and guard people and push and do things of that nature, thats the big test. And we dont have time to practice like that. We really dont. So basically all hes done is drills and hes shot the ball a lot here as of late, but only time will tell." Lin was inactive for Game 2 against the Heat. The Knicks made one change to their starting lineup, with Landry Fields listed among the first five after guard Iman Shumpert was lost for six to eight months with a torn ligament in his left knee after a non-contact injury in Saturdays series opener. Tyson Chandler was also in the lineup for the Knicks after battling flu-like symptoms for several days, along with Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Baron Davis, who has been dealing with back soreness all season. With Davis hurting and Shumpert gone, Lin -- if healthy -- would figure to be a boost to the New York backcourt. Miamis listed starters for Game 2 were unchanged: LeBron James and Udonis Haslem at forward, Chris Bosh at centre, Mario Chalmers and Dwyane Wade at guard. Eddy Curry and Terrel Harris were inactive. Lin said Sunday that he did not want to commit to a timetable for returning, noting that hes still been unable to do some of things he would need to in game situations. Monday marked four weeks since his surgery, and the team originally expected his recovery to be a six-week process. Lin averaged 14.2 points and 6.2 assists in 35 regular-season appearances with the Knicks. He started 25 of those games, averaging 18.2 points and 7.7 assists in those contests -- including a brilliant run in February when Lin, shortly after being inserted into the lineup, scored 114 points in his first four starts and 163 in his first six, making the former Harvard guard an NBA phenomenon almost overnight. The Knicks were 15-10 with Lin as a starter in the regular season, 21-20 when he was either coming off the bench or not in the lineup. "He shot (Monday), went through some halfcourt offensive sets that we had put in," Woodson said. "So hes moving around. When he decides to play, I dont really know at this point. Well probably have a better feel once we get back to New York." New Balance 574 Trainers Uk . According to The Globe and Mails James Mirtle, the Latvian mens Olympic team - which finished eighth in the hockey tournament - now faces possible disqualification after a second player has allegedly tested positive for a banned substance. New Balance Trainers Sale . "He was disappointed in himself, but he was also very kind to the organization," Maddon said Monday. "He just said he was disappointed. He didnt apologize. I wasnt looking for an apology necessarily.WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are bringing back offensive co-ordinator Marcel Bellefeuille next season. New Blue Bombers Mike OShea head coach announced Tuesday that Bellefeuille would return to run Winnipegs offence. Bellefeuille finished off Winnipegs disappointing 2013 season in that role after Gary Crowton was fired on Aug. 18 following a five-game losing streak. "Marcel brings a wealth of experience and success to our offensive and I am very pleased he has accepted the position of offensive co-ordinator," OShea said in a statement. "Having worked with some of our players already, and having a grasp on the type of organization we are trying to build, I feel Marcel is the right fit for this position." While Winnipeg finished with a 3-15 record, the offence slowly began to take shape in the second half of the season behind quarterback Max Hall. Bellefeuille was reportedly considered for the head coach position for the expansion Ottawa Redblacks, which went to former Calgary defensive co-ordinator. New Balance u420 Trainer. . With all head coaching positions filled going into next year, it appears Bellefeuilles foreseeable future lies in Winnipeg. "Im really thrilled about joining Mikes staff and continuing to work in an organization steeped in tradition like Winnipeg," Bellefeuille said in a statement. "The fans and the city are very passionate about football and we look forward to bringing them a solid offensive unit in 2014 and beyond." Bellefeuille served as head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from midway through the 2008 season through 2011. He led the Ticats to the playoffs in each of his three full seasons at the helm, including an appearance in the East final in 2011. He began his CFL coaching career in 2001 with Saskatchewan and has served as offensive co-ordinator of the Roughriders and the Montreal Alouettes. Prior to joining the CFL, Bellefeuille won a Vanier Cup as head coach of the Ottawa Gee-Gees in 2000. wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '

If Troy Smith is the man Jim Popp has pegged to replace Anthony Calvillo at quarterback in Montreal, hell have some big shoes to fill. Cliff Avril Blue Jersey . Regardless of who is tabbed to replace Calvillo, or at least get first crack at it, there are big shoes to fill. Calvillo has said hes leaning towards retirement after concussion troubles likely capped a brilliant 20-year career as the leagues all-time leading passer. The five-time league All-Star also has three Grey Cup rings and was three-times named the leagues Most Outstanding Player. Steering clear of those lofty standards for the time being, can Smith be the guy to lead Montreal back to the top of the East Division? In his four game audition for the role of successor (three regular season contests and the Eastern Semi-Final), the former Heisman Trophy winner had middling numbers, averaging 231 yards per game with 2.25 touchdowns to one interception and a 54 percent completion rate. He was the teams third fill-in after Montreal grew tired of both Josh Nieswanders and Tanner Marshs uneven play. Smith gave the Als a chance to win in each of his starts, finishing with a 2-2 record, but fell short of other first-time starters like Zach Collaros and Bo Levi Mitchell in their stints this season. Smith was short on preparation time as well however, being signed in mid-August, only two months before his first start; a full off-season and training camp will serve the former NFLer well. The Rouge asks: Is Troy Smith the guy to replace Anthony Calvillo in Montreal? As always, its Your! Call. Cassius Marsh Womens Jersey . The Arena das Dunas in the northeastern city of Natal sustained minor damage during the protests, but demonstrators stayed away on Sunday and officials said the stadium passed its first test, with only minor adjustments needed going forward. Bobby Wagner Authentic Jersey . Louis is going to get a chance to represent his country at the Winter Olympics after all.AALBORG, Denmark -- Scotlands Marc Warren held off Bradley Dredge to win Made in Denmark by two shots Sunday, shooting a 3-under 68 in the last round to secure his third European Tour title. Warren and Dredge were tied atop the leaderboard overnight but Warren surged ahead with three birdies on his first eight holes to open up a four-shot lead. He made two more birdies coming home and could afford his seccond bogey on the day on the 18th hole for a 9-under 275 total. Byron Maxwell Seahawks Jersey. Dredge finished with a 70 after mixing six birdies with five bogeys. Englands Phillip Archer finished third, another three shots back. Play was delayed by about 90 minutes by rain, but Warren took advantage of the slightly lighter winds following Saturdays gusts at the first European Tour event in Denmark since 2003. wholesale nfl jerseyswholesale jerseys ' ' '

SHENZHEN, China -- Alexander Levy was so relaxed on the course at the China Open on Sunday, not even a double bogey that erased his comfortable lead could wipe the grin from his face. Lawrence Timmons Steelers Jersey . Rather than get down over what could have been a costly mistake, the 23-year-old Frenchman recovered with back-to-back birdies on his final two holes to capture his maiden European Tour title by four strokes over Tommy Fleetwood. The smile, he said, was the key to victory. "You need to take the pleasure on the golf course and keep the smile because if you are upset about a missed shot or not lucky because you make a lip out or something like that, its not good to have this feeling on the golf course," he said. "You need to enjoy and have the smile." Levy, playing in just his second year on the tour, vaulted into the lead with a career-best 10-under 62 in the second round and looked to be headed for a runaway victory after making a birdie on the 13th Sunday to extend his lead to five shots. But then he ran into trouble on the par-4 15th. After hitting his approach shot well past the green, he putted from the fringe and sent the ball off the other side of the green. He chipped back to the green and two-putted for a double bogey, allowing Fleetwood back within two strokes. Fleetwood, playing in the group ahead of Levy, then tightened the pressure further with a birdie on the par-5 17th to pull another shot back. Levy responded, however, with a flawless 3-iron approach shot over a lake on the same hole to set up a three-foot birdie putt. "I just closed my eyes and got one of the best shots of the week to the green," he said. After Fleetwood bogeyed the 18th, Levy sealed the win by dropping another perfectly placed approach shot three feet from the pin for another birdie. He shot a final-round 69 for a 19-under 269 overall. "We aim for wins, but today I didnt really have a chance. I had to play outstanding golf, but Alex has led from Friday, and thats one of the hardest things you can do," Fleetwood said. "What a performance from him." Levy has faltered under pressure before. Last year, he was tied with Ernie Els entering the final round of the BMW International Open in Munich but let the title slip away with four bogeys on the back nine. He ended up in third, his previous best result on the tour. Since then, however, he said hes been inspired by the success of his good friend and compatriot, Victor Dubuisson, who beat Tiger Woods to win his first European Tour title at the Turkish Airlines Open in November and then was runner-up to Jason Day at the Match Play Championship in February. The other French players have given him plenty of encouragement as he chased his first tour victory this week, too. Dubuisson has sent him text messages throughout the week, and the French contingent in Shenzhen doused him with celebratory champagne after he sank his final putt on the 18th. "We have some great players in France, both young and old, and we all have a great relationship," Levy said. "There are some very good players and have been some great wins for Victor, Julien Quesne, Greg Bourdy, Raphael Jacquelin over the past couple of years which is great for French golf and great with the Ryder Cup coming to France in 2018." Fleetwood was second at 15 under and Alvaro Quiros of Spain was third, another two strokes back. No. 3-ranked Henrik Stenson, who was bedridden with the flu earlier this week, finally put together his first solid round of the tournament, with seven birdies and no bogeys for a 65. The Swede improved to joint fifth place but still fell short of the win he needed to overtake Tiger Woods at the top of the world rankings. "Its really tight and I just need to play better if I want to get to that spot. And I should have to play better than I have done earlier on this year if I want to get to world No. 1, thats for sure," he said. PGA champion Jason Dufner opened with a birdie-eagle on his first two holes before slipping back to joint 54th with two double bogeys and a triple bogey on the 17th. Shaun Suisham Steelers Jersey .Y. - Centre Corban Knight scored 3:30 into overtime, and the Abbotsford Heat rallied to edge the Utica Comets 5-4 on Wednesday in American Hockey League play. Ben Roethlisberger Steelers Jersey . Parsons scored 26 points, and the Rockets almost blew a 12-point lead in the final 4 minutes before hanging on for a 117-115 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.While Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri and Montreal Canadiens defenceman PK Subban are competitors in one of the biggest rivalries in professional sports, the two put the rivalry aside for a photograph at this years Much Music Video Awards.Heres the two posing for a great pic.Kadri also arrived in ridiculous style, pulling in to the award show in a Lamborghini. Nazem knows how to come to a red carpet #MMVAS2014 #mmvaredcarpet @43_Kadri ???? pic.twitter.com/kUjxpPGB9Q — Karen (@RemarkableJB) June 16, 2014Heres Kadri pulling out of his Lamborghini (note the girl on the left, who might not be his biiggest fan). Joe Greene Steelers Jersey. Subban is no slouch either, as he arrived in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Driving up to the red carpet at the #MMVA s with @PKSubban1 in the #Hyundai Genesis Coupe pic.twitter.com/QBuM1CGTPR — Hyundai Canada (@HyundaiCanada) June 16, 2014Heres Subban walking the red carpet. Heres another #MMVA selfie.Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe also arrived in style, as he posed with a TFC fan while walking the red carpet.Heres a little more from Cabbies night with the stars.Here he is with Kadri.Here is with Subban and Defoe.Here he is with Raptors point guard Greivis Vasquez. wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '

Buffalo Sabres Forward Torrey Mitchell (lower body) is week-to-week after suffering an injury on Monday. wholesale nfl jerseys . - Buffalo News Calgary Flames Goaltender Karri Ramo did not skate today due to sickness thus Jonas Hiller will get the start tomorrow. - Team Twitter Carolina Hurricanes Goaltender Cam Ward is confirmed to start in net tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. - Team Twitter Winger Alexander Semin practiced yesterday but is not projected to play tonight. - Raleigh News & Observer Centre Eric Staal (soreness) will play tonight. - Team Twitter Colorado Avalanche Goaltender Calvin Pickard will start tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Defenceman Brad Stuart (hamstring) will return to the lineup tonight. Forwards John Mitchell (leg) and Patrick Bordeleau (back) are hoping to return soon. - Team Website Columbus Blue Jackets Defenceman Jordan Leopold is not expected to be in the lineup tonight. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will get the nod between the pipes tonight against Washington Capitals. - Team Website Detroit Red Wings Winger Johan Franzen (illness) skated today and should be able to return tomorrow. - Detroit Free Press Edmonton Oilers Defenceman Brandon Davidson will not be in the lineup tonight. - Jack Michaels Centre Leon Draisaitl will not participate for Germany in the 2015 World Junior Championship. - Team Twitter Goaltender Ben Scrivens gets the call between the pipes tonight against the San Jose Sharks. - Tom Gazzola Centre Boyd Gordon is returning to the lineup tonight replacing centre Luke Gazdic. - Jack Michaels Defenceman Oscar Klefbom (foot) will return tonight. - Team Twitter Minnesota Wild The team has reassigned goaltender John Curry and forward Brett Sutter to the AHL. - Team Twitter Montreal Canadiens Defencemen Mike Weaver (concussion) and Bryan Allen (flu) will not play tonight. - Team Twitter Centre Lars Eller (upper body) will be a game-time decision tonight. - Team Twitter Nashville Predators The team has placed forward Viktor Stalberg on waivers. - Team Website New Jersey Devils Defenceman Damon Severson is out four to five weeks with a non-displaced hairline fracture in his ankle. - Team Twitter Forward Dainius Zubrus (leg) is eligible to return tomorrow, while forward Michael Cammalleri (lower body) is day-to-day. - Team Twitter New York Rangers Centre Derrick Brassard officially has the mumps. - The Bergen Record Winger Lee Stempniak is being tested for the mumps and will be isolated from the team for five days. - Team Twitter Philadelphia Flyers Centre Vincent Lecavalier (healthy scratch) will return to the lineup tonight. - CSN Philadelphia Pittsburgh Penguins Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was on the ice at practice today after testing negative for the mumps. He has been cleared to play tonight and will start against the Avalanche. Centre Sidney Crosby (mumps) will be a game-time decision. Defenceman Scott Harrington will be in the lineup tonight. - Team Twitter Goaltender Thomas Greiss has been tested and is in isolation while the team is still waiting for test results for defencemen Robert Bortuzzo and Olli Maatta - Team Twitter Forward Chris Kunitz (foot) will not play tonight. - Dave Molinari, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette St. Louis Blues Goaltender Marty Brodeur will start in net tonight against the Los Angeles Kings. - Team Twitter Forward Dmitrij Jaskin has been recalled to replace winger Jaden Schwartz (foot) who was placed on the injured reserve and is week-to-week. - Team Twitter Winger T.J. Oshie (personal) is expected to play tonight. Defenceman Carl Gunnarsson (hip) will not be available to play tonight. - St. Louis Post-Dispatch Tampa Bay Lightning Goaltender Ben Bishop (lower body) did not skate today but is hoping to tomorrow. He seems unlikely to play this weekend. - Joe Smith, Tampa Bay Times Defenceman Radko Gudas (illness) and forward Ondrej Palat (lower body) are optimistic about returning tomorrow. - Joe Smith, Tampa Bay Times Toronto Maple Leafs Defenceman Roman Polak (knee) will likely be taken off the injured reserve today and will be a game-time decision. Goaltender Jonathan Bernier will start in net tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes. - Jonas Siegel Forward Brandon Kozun has cleared waivers and will be sent to the AHL. - Darren Dreger Winnipeg Jets Defenceman Mark Stuart will be out until February with a lower-body injury. - Sara Orlesky Defenceman Jacob Trouba (upper body) has been placed on the injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 14. - Team Website jerseys from china . Lowry led the Raptors to a 3-1 week, averaging 25.0 points per game, 8.0 assists and 2.3 steals. cheap jerseys . David Griffin was promoted from interim GM on Monday by owner Dan Gilbert. He says Irving was not consulted on Browns future and any insinuation that he pushed to have him fired is "patently false.While NHL Central Scoutings mid-term draft ranking has Kingston Frontenacs centre Sam Bennett topping the list of North American skaters, TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button is standing pat with the other Sam. His January edition of Craigs List has Kootenay Ice centre Sam Reinhart at No. 1 for the fourth straight month. Reinhart represented Canada at the 2014 World Junior Hockey Championship, and tied for fourth in team scoring with two goals and five points in seven games. "Sam Reinhart will never wow you with flash and dash and may never even end up on TSNs HON but if you are looking for a player who can make a difference to winning, then look no further," explains Button. "He has exceptional hockey sense but more than his understanding is his adaptability. That trait allows him to play different positions, all situations in the game and combined with a high skill level, affords him the opportunity to excel. He makes teammates better by helping them play to their strengths. He make teams better with a selfless approach that is focused on overall success, not personal accolades. "Because his mind is so quick and so fast at processing, he is able to play two and three steps ahead of the competition. When I watch Sam, I think, still waters run deep and his ability to quietly control a game doesnt create waves but it certainly leads to winning." Aaron Ekblad, who also played for Canada at the world, continues to be a mainstay in the second spot. He grabbed headlines in the Ontario Hockey League this past weekend, scoring four goals (three on the power play and one shorthanded) as the Barrie Colts hammered Bennetts Frontenacs 8-5 on Saturday. "Ekblad is a pillar-type defenceman," says Button. "To be this type of a defenceman, one needs to possess an on-ice maturity. That maturity is reflected in understanding how to excel when playing 25 minutes orr more versus the opponents best players in critical and important situations.wholesale jerseys. "Aaron combines that maturity with an excellent understanding of what needs to be accomplished at any particular point of the game. He has an outstanding ability to play in the moment and that can manifest itself defensively, offensively and physically. He takes the initiative and is unwavering in his approach to being a catalyst for making things happen in the game that help his team win." Bennett is also holding strong on the list, rounding out the Top 3 for the third straight month. The biggest riser on the list for January is Czech-born forward David Pastrnak, who jumped 16 spots from No. 26 to tenth. He has scored seven goals and 21 points in 29 games with Sodertalje in Sweden this season and tallied three points in five games with the Czech Republic at the world juniors. "When I first saw David Pastrnak play more than two years ago, I was impressed by a willingness to try and make things happen with the puck from an offensive point of view," explains Button. "While at times coming a little short, he never was short on determination or being a player in the middle of the competitive action. He has confidence with the puck, excellent sense and feel and his skating allows him to play the game with speed and with a quick and darting ability that makes him very difficult to keep in check. "As he has physically matured, he doesnt fall short very much any longer and he shows the ability and potential to be a player who can impact the game offensively in multiple ways and be the threat opponents have to be aware of." Craig Buttons monthly Craigs List ranking is released each month from September through June. TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzies mid-term draft ranking - a consensus list from several NHL scouts – will be released on TSN.ca on Jan. 23.wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '

TORONTO -- Relief came in the form of James Reimer lifting his arms after making a shootout save on Antonie Vermette. wholesale nfl jerseys . By beating the Phoenix Coyotes 2-1 in a shootout at Air Canada Centre on Thursday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs shook off the gloom and doom of recent struggles. "It hasnt been a good feeling around here the past couple days," said winger Joffrey Lupul, who scored the shootout winner. "Its funny how even with an ugly, grind-it-out win like that, you come to the rink tomorrow feeling a lot better about yourselves." The Leafs (18-16-3) can feel better about themselves beyond shootout goals by Lupul and James van Riemsdyk and a couple of stops in that competition from Reimer, who made 34 saves in regulation and overtime. Instead, this was a victory to savour for stronger play in regulation and the elimination of the kind of mistakes that led to 10 losses in their previous 13 games. "I thought individually guys really limited our turnovers and the chances we gave up for them to try and get opportunities," said centre Peter Holland, who assisted on Troy Bodies first-period goal. "It just goes to show that when we do execute what we plan on doing, things will fall into place for us." Maybe it was about time. Coach Randy Carlyle spent eight-plus hours at the rink Wednesday with the coaching staff on a day off for players devising what he hoped was a plan to turn the Leafs fortunes around. Presented at the morning skate was a blue print that included a harder forecheck and more aggressive defensive zone play. For the most part, the Leafs followed that against Phoenix (18-10-6). A strong forecheck was evident on Bodies first goal of the season and first in a Leafs uniform, thanks to work from Holland and Jerry DAmigo. The puck got out to defenceman Cody Franson at the point, and Bodie was in a perfect spot to put the rebound in on Canadian Olympic candidate Mike Smith. "(Forechecking is) something weve been stressing," Bodie said. "I think we did a good job of it on the goal. We got a good dump and we had two guys in on it right away and then the third guy joined. We were able to come out with it." Tighter defence than Toronto displayed in a loss two days earlier to the Florida Panthers helped the lead stand up until Martin Hanzal scored 15:08 into the third. Reimer, who started only because Carlyle said Jonathan Bernier was dealing with an unspecified "ailment," was satisfied with how his teammates contained the Coyotes and rebounded from a frustrating loss to Florida. "We all make mistakes," Reimer said. "We sometimes dont show up in a way we want to. I think youre judged on how you respond. I thought we did a great job tonight. We really came collectively and everyone bought in." Reimer turned aside attempts from Radim Vrbata and then Vermette in the shootout, but it was Smiths almost-save on van Riemsdyk in the first round that caused a lengthy review. Referee Paul Devorski assured Coyotes coach Dave Tippett that "110 per cent" it was in the net, and video review found it inconclusive so the goal stood. "Youve got to take him for his word," Tippett said. Devorski never signalled that it was a goal on the ice, which caused Smith some confusion. "He came and whispered it in my ear like its a goal, and he didnt really give a signal that it was," Smith said. "He made the call, he said he saw it go in. Its unfortunate, but thats the way it goes." Like the Leafs, the Coyotes were satisfied with an improved performance, despite this being their third straight loss. "We definitely took some good things out of that game," said Smith, who made 26 saves. "Its not all bad. We did a lot of good things well in the third period there to give ourselves a chance to get a point. As long as were in games, were giving ourselves a chance to win hockey games, I think well be pleased with it." Toronto didnt play perfectly, but players were nonetheless pleased with not only the result but the five-on-five play throughout regulation. "I thought we were pretty strong for pretty much the full 60 and we did things the right way, so that was definitely an improvement," van Riemsdyk said. "We stayed patient, kept it simple and guys did their job, guys battled hard. It was a good two points." Reimer was critical of his teammates after the loss to the Panthers, saying that some or all of the Leafs players dont show up for the entire game. Given how long he paused before delivering that answer Tuesday night, it was well thought-out. "Obviously I was frustrated, but I try and always answer (with) the way Im feeling -- in an honest way," Reimer said Thursday night. "Whether Im frustrated or whether Im happy, I try and answer objectively. I just answered how I thought I saw it." Relief was all over Reimers face after beating the Coyotes, and his words backed that up. "Really proud of the way the guys worked," he said. "They put in an honest effort. It was just a good game all around. I thought we played solid for 60 minutes." NOTES -- Gilbert Brule was in the lineup for the Coyotes, his first NHL appearance since May 15, 2012. Tippett said Brule, who played 12:39, was "flying" in his Phoenix debut ... Defenceman Mark Fraser and Paul Ranger and tough guy Frazer McLaren were healthy scratches for the Leafs. ... Phoenix recalled defenceman Rostislav Klesla on Thursday morning to replace Zbynek Michalek, who returned to Arizona to undergo further evaluation of a lower-body injury. jersyes nfl wholesale . Exactly how many games Locker misses depends on how quickly he recovers. "If anyones going to get back quick, its him," Munchak said Tuesday night during his weekly radio show on 104. wholesale jerseys . Shaqiri scored a pair of first-half goals and added another in the second Wednesday to give Switzerland a 3-0 victory over Honduras, a result that put the Swiss in second place in Group E behind France.INDIANAPOLIS -- Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti will drive the pace car in the 98th running of the Indy 500 in May. Franchitti was forced to retire in November from injuries suffered in an October IndyCar race at Houston. The four-time series champion won the Indy 500 in 2007, 2010 and 2012. "It is a tremendous honour for me to be asked to drive the pace car for the Indianapolis 500," said Franchitti. "As a historian of motorsport and as a three-time winner of this great race, I will appreciate every minute of getting to pace the field. Although I wont be competing in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, this will be as close as one person can get to the action." Franchitti will pace the field in the May 25 race in a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Its the eighth time a Camaro has served as the pace car, and the 25th time a Chevrolet has paced the race. "He is a true champion who has earned the respect and admiration of competitors and race fans alike," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice-president of performance vehicles and motorsports. &"It will be very special to have Dario lead the field to the green flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. cheap nfl jerseys. " Franchittis appearance as the pace car driver signifies a huge shift in Franchittis career. Hes moved into a driver development role with Chip Ganassi Racing, which switched to Chevrolet for the 2014 IndyCar season. Chevrolet has a long history with Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race, and the Chevrolet brothers - company co-founder Louis, Arthur and Gaston - all competed in early Indy 500 races. Arthur Chevrolet competed in the 1911 race and Gaston Chevrolet won it in 1920. "We are excited to see Dario Franchitti back at the Brickyard, where he has had a very successful driving career," said Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Not only will his appearance in the Camaro Z/28 pace car thrill race fans, it underscores Chevrolets important place in the past, present and future of the Indianapolis 500." wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '

ATLANTA -- Turner Entertainment Networks president Steve Koonin is joining the Atlanta Hawks ownership group, which hopes he can raise the profile of an NBA team that has struggled to draw fans or lure big-name free agents. Franco Harris Jersey . The Hawks announced late Sunday that Koonin would take an ownership stake, serve as chief executive officer, oversee all business operations and represent the ownership at league functions. Koonin comes to the Hawks after 14 years with Turner Entertainment Networks, where in his most recent role he led the division that included TNT, TBS, TruTV and Turner Classic Movies. He previously spent more than a decade as a marketing executive at Coca-Cola. "Steve Koonins reputation as a game changer in both marketing and media makes him the ideal leader to usher the Atlanta Hawks into a new era," said Bruce Levenson, the teams majority owner. "He has created a legacy as an expert in sports marketing, television, branding and digital media." The Hawks clinched their seventh straight playoff appearance this past weekend but perennially rank among the worst teams in attendance. The team is hoping Koonin can change that after his stint at Turner, where he was involved in programming and media rights acquisition with both the NBA and the NCAA. At Coca-Cola, he served as vice-president of sports and entertainment marketing. Koonin is a lifelong resident of Atlanta, headquarters of Turner and Coca-Cola. "My family has been a part of this city for nearly a century," Koonin said in a statement. "We have a lot of work to do, but I believe my professional experience, my passion for this team and the NBA, as well as the Hawks great existing executive talent ... make this organizations future very bright." Under general manager Danny Ferry and first-year coach Mike Budenholzer, the Hawks are in the midst of a major rebuilding effort. Only two players, centre Al Horford and point guard Jeff Teague, have been with the team longer than two years -- and Horford missed most of this season with an injury. Koonins focus will be off the court. Heading into its final home game Monday night, the Hawks were averaging crowds of 14,400 a game -- 28th out of 30 NBA teams. The actual turnouts are generally much lower, with thousands of empty seats a trademark of games at Philips Arena, where capacity was actually reduced by curtaining a section of seats at the top of the upper deck. Over the past decade, the team has never ranked higher than 18th in attendance and is largely overlooked in a market that also has the NFL, Major League Baseball and a passion for college football. "I have known Steve for more than two decades and based both on firsthand experience and his stellar record of accomplishments," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. "He is one of the very best executives and creative minds in the entertainment industry." Mel Blount Steelers Jersey . -- Three close looks at the bucket, three misses. Joe Greene Jersey . The bleu-blanc-noir opened the scoring in the first minute when midfielder Hernan Bernardello played a through ball to Sanna Nyassi. The Gambian midfielder fired a one-time, right-footed shot from inside the left side of the box that beat keeper John Kempin to his left.SARASOTA, Fla. -- Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will start the season on the 15-day disabled, manager Buck Showalter announced on Sunday. Machado, who had left knee surgery Oct. 14, had visited his Los Angeles-based surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Thursday and was given the go-ahead to resume all activities. However, Showalter doesnt want to rush the 21-year-old All-Star, who injured his knee at Tampa Bay on Sept. 23. "The thought of him starting the season on the active list is not realistic," Showalter said. Machado was not available to discuss his injury on Sunday. On Saturday, Machado said that he didnt want to put a timetable on his return. "He knows the level he has to perform at to be in the big leagues. We want to get it right the first time," Showalter saaid. Cam Thomas Steelers Jersey. Machado will stay in Florida for extended spring training games, and then possibly play in some rehab games in Frederick, Bowie and Norfolk. After Machados surgery, a 4 to 6 month recovery was forecast. Showalter said that he expected Machado to play again next month. "This isnt a failure by any stretch. I think youre still going to get him sometime in April," Showalter said. The Orioles will have to decide on a third baseman in Machados absence -- and perhaps a second baseman if Ryan Flaherty is moved to third. Showalter, who made his decision early Sunday afternoon, told Machado during the fifth inning of Sundays game. He said Machado accepted the decision, but is eager to play. "He likes our guys, but hes tired of watching," Showalter said. wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '

PARIS -- Aleksandra Wozniak and Sharon Fichman went down to defeat on Tuesday in the French Open first round, leaving 18th-seed Eugenie Bouchard as the last Canadian in the womens draw. Doug Baldwin Womens Jersey . Wozniak wasted a match point in her 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-2 first-round loss to Romanias Sorana Cirstea. Torontos Fichman, ranked 77th, lost to sixth-seed Jelena Jankovic 5-7, 6-1, 6-3 in a match interrupted by darkness last in the second set on Monday. The first meeting between qualifier Wozniak, the world No. 149 from Blainville, Que., and 26th-ranked Cirstea lasted for just over 90 minutes in dry but chilly conditions. Wozniak, who has struggled with rehabilitation from a 2012 shoulder injury, had her chances to close out a win as she led the second set 5-4 But she dumped a backhand into the net on her winning chance, allowing Cirstea to eventually hold serve and tie the set at five games apiece. "It was one point to win the match, Im disappointed that I didnt cover it," Wozniak said. Cirstea then broke Wozniak for a 6-5 lead and tied the match at a set apiece a game later. The third set was a disaster for Wozniak, who lost serve to start and was beaten with a forehand down the line. Wozniak said she was carrying a thigh injury from her second qualifying match and felt it during her loss. "The first two sets were real battles," Wozniak said, before giving credit to Cirstea. "She played well, shes a good player with a solid ground game, I knew what I was facing when I went into the match. Im disappointed it didnt go my way today. "Still, it was god experience to win three qualifying rounds. They helped me put in the work I needed. Its been two years since Ive played on real (European red) clay." Wozniak finished with 42 unforced errors and lost serve seven times while breaking Cirstea on four of eight chances. The Romanian won despite 51 unforced errors. Wozniak had her best Grand Slam result at Roland Garros in 2009 when she reached the fourth round. Fichman won her opening set on Monday against former No. 1 Jankovic but trailed 1-5 when darkness fell. When they came back, it was Jankovic in command, with the Serb winning the second set and breaking in the second game of the third. Fichman played catch-up all through the final set and saved a match point before taking the loss with 30 winners and 41 unforced errors. "At 3-all in the last set, I felt I got back into it, I played some good games," said Fichman. "Shes a tough player and is where she is for a reason. "She didnt give any free points; I knew I had to try and earn the match myself. I had a break point at 4-3 but I couldnt convert it. But the fact that I put myself into this position and had the chances is a positive thing. I hope to keep improving and take the good things from this match." Bobby Wagner Womens 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. Brandon Mebane Elite Jersey . The league announced the decision on its website Saturday, shortly before AC Milan was due to kick off against Genoa at 6 p.m. local time. The 25-year-old Morosini died about an hour earlier after suffering cardiac arrest during his teams Serie B match at Pescara.The Boston Red Sox are without question the team of the last decade. Theyre won three World Series titles in the last 10 seasons. However the Bosox havent matched the dynastic run of their their most ferocious rivals, the Yankees, who won five Fall Classics between 1996 and 2009 in seven tries over a run of 14 seasons. The most amazing part of that run occurred between 1996 and 2000 when they won four times in five years. The genesis of this run began in 1994, when the Yanks had the best record in the American League going when the season was shut down in August due to a labour dispute that wasnt settled until the following April. In the slightly shortened 05 season, they made the post-season. After going 95-67 under Joe Torre, the Yanks were knocked out by the Angels in the division series. But that was only the beginning. Though their record fell off a bit in 1996 to 90-72, New York was the top team in the American League and ultimately beat Atlanta 4 games to 2 to win their first World Series title since 1978. Four constants in their everyday line-up would emerge in Tino Martinez at first, Derek Jeter at short, Bernie Williams in centre field and Paul ONeill in right. The Yankees starting rotation in 96 was largely made up of star pitchers culled from other teams, such as Kenny Rogers, Jimmy Key, Dwight Gooden and David Cone. The two homegrowns were Andy Pettitte and Ramiro Mendoza. That would change over the next few years as the Yankees developed some of their own and made some big international signings. In their glory years, the Yanks bench was always populated with veteran stars. In 1996, it was the likes of Tim Raines, Darryl Strawberry and Cecil Fielder. Their depth was extraordinary. Though they stumbled in 1997, the Yankees bounced back with their greatest season of this five-year run going 108-54 and sweeping San Diego in the 1998 World Series. By this time Jorge Posada had replaced Joe Girardi as the starter behind the plate, and Chuck Knoblauch had taken over as the second baseman. But Martinez, Jeter, Williams and ONeill were still driving the engine and Mariano Rivera had emerged as a star closer with 36 saves this particular season. The bench was populated with the likes of Chili Davis, Raines and Strawberry and the rotation featured three men who pitched over 200 innings in Andy Pettitte, David Wells and David Cone. They were augmented by Hideki Irabu of Japan and Cuban Orlando Hernandez. In 98, the Yanks had two players who drove in over 100 runs, another with 98 and yet another with 97. This team was loaded in every sense of the word. In 1999, the Yanks win total fell off from 108 to 98. But they were no less of a force. There was only a little bit of tweaking to the every day line-up, with Ricky Ledee supplanting Chad Curtis in left and Chili Davis taking over the bulk of the DH duties. Roger Clemens, who was searrching for that first World Series victory, was the new face in the rotation. Bryan Walters Authentic Jersey. The Rocket had been picked up in a package deal with the Blue Jays that sent David Wells, Homer Bush and Graeme Lloyd to the Jays. Rivera chalked up 45 saves, and the big four of Martinez, Jeter, Williams and ONeill each drove in over 100 runs. The Yankees swept to a second straight World Series victory, taking out Atlanta for the second time in four years. In 2000, the Yankees were bidding to become the first team since the Oakland As from 1972-74 to win three straight World Series. Outside of Shane Spencer taking over the bulk of the DH duties, the Yankees starting line-up was basically unchanged. The starting pitching was starting to fade a bit though. Three of the starters finished .500 or below. David Cone was nearing the end of a fantastic career and finished 4-14. Lefty Denny Neagle strugged in the Big Apple, going 7-7 and Orlando Hernandez was only 12-13. Twenty starts had to be made by plug in pieces including nine by swingman Mendoza and five by Dwight Gooden. The Yankees as always had that power-laden bench. David Justice and Glenallen Hill combined for 36 homers and 89 runs batted in, with Jose Canseco nearing the end of his career and adding six homers and 16 RBI. The Yankees still had enough left in the tanks to get back to the World Series for a third straight year, where they defeated their cross-town rivals the Mets 4 games to 1. No team has even won back-to-back World Series since the Yankees scored their trifecta, though the Giants did win in 2010 and 2012. Ive just got a feeling with the ever-increasing local TV deals and the parity in the game, it will be a very long time if ever, before we see another three-peat. Wishful Thinking This is purely speculation and wishful thinking by the New York media, but Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York wondered aloud over the weekend if there was some way the Yankees could acquire Jose Reyes from the Blue Jays after the coming season to replace the retiring Derek Jeter. The theory being, if the Jays have another rocky season, they just might swing into rebuild mode and be willing to deal Reyes for a package of younger players. Reyes greatly admires Jeter and still makes his off-season home on Long Island, but trading him to the Yankees doesnt make much sense. If Reyes has a great season, you keep him. If he gets hurt again, or simply has a lousy season, his market value would be low and the Yankees wouldnt want or need him anyway. But as I said, stranger things have happened. Tanaka Watch Yankees skipper Joe Girardi has left the door open for Masahiro Tanaka to start either the third our fourth game of the regular season. If it is the third, its against the Houston Astros. However, if it is the fourth game Tanaka would make his Major League debut in the Blue Jays home opener at Rogers Centre. Heres hoping! wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '

DURHAM, N. Antonio Brown Steelers Jersey .C. -- The shot that would have beaten No. 8 Duke hung on the rim, bouncing once, then twice. "It felt like an eternity," freshman Jabari Parker said. Once it fell harmlessly off the rim, the Blue Devils finally exhaled. Parker scored 23 points and blocked one of Marylands two shots in the final 10 seconds of the Blue Devils 69-67 victory Saturday night. "That was vintage Cameron, man," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "That was one for the ages." Rodney Hood and Rasheed Sulaimon added 11 points each for the Blue Devils (20-5, 9-3 Atlantic Coast Conference), who won their eighth in nine games and started a run of four games in eight nights by giving the Terrapins a hard-to-swallow loss in their last scheduled visit to Cameron Indoor Stadium. The ACCs top 3-point shooting team was just 5 of 24 from long range and shot 23 per cent in the second half. Duke led by double figures for all of about 15 seconds before scratching its way to the 20-win mark for the 18th straight year. "Sometimes the basketball gods fool around with you when youre not shooting, and they say, Youve got to figure out another way to win this thing," Krzyzewski said. "Our effort those last 20 seconds was spectacular." Jake Layman scored 18 points for Maryland (14-12, 6-7) and Dez Wells -- who just about single-handedly beat the Blue Devils by scoring 30 in last years ACC quarterfinals -- had all 17 of his points in the second half. Charles Mitchell finished with 12 for the Terrapins, but missed two hook shots in the final 10 seconds that would have given them the lead. "I dont know how Charles shot didnt go in," Maryland coach Mark Turgeon said. "Call the Duke gods." Parker gave Duke the lead for good when his authoritative, one-handed dunk over Jonathan Graham made it 68-67 with about 1:15 remaining. Wells missed a jumper over Hood with about 50 seconds left. Duke milked the shot clock before Amile Jefferson missed a jumper that failed to draw iron, giving the Terrapins the ball. The teams traded timeouts with 18.8 seconds left before Maryland worked the ball inside to Mitchell. He had one hook shot blocked by Parker with about 7 seconds left, and another bounced twice on the rim but would not fall through. "The guys kind of willed their way to the basket," Turgeon said. "It just didnt drop." Said Jefferson: "You just hold your breath." The rebound made its way to Jefferson, who was fouled with 1.1 seconds left and hit a free throw to end the scoring. Wells couldnt get off an 80-foot heave before the buzzer, sealing Dukes 30th straight victory at Cameron. That tied Stephen F. Austin for the longest active home streak in the country. Duke missed 17 of its first 19 shots in the second half before Jefferson banked one in to tie it at 54 with 6 1/2 minutes left. About 2 minutes earlier, Wells capped a 12-1 run with a layup that gave the Terrapins their first lead at 54-52, and it was a one-possession game the rest of the way. The Big Ten-bound Terps got quite an early earful from the Cameron Crazies, who taunted Turgeon with their classic "Sweat, Gary, Sweat" chant that had been mothballed since Gary Williams retired three years ago. But once Maryland started chipping into -- and eventually completely erasing -- the Duke lead, those jeers stopped. "Im going to miss (the Duke rivalry) like crazy," Turgeon said. "We played tonight for Maryland. ... We played for all our former coaches, former players ... because we knew we werent getting them at our place. This was our one chance." Jefferson finished with 12 rebounds for the Blue Devils, who have a busy week coming up because their rivalry game with North Carolina was postponed due to a nasty winter storm. That game was rescheduled for Feb. 20 -- two nights after they visit Georgia Tech, and two nights before they host No. 1 Syracuse. "This is a fun time for us and this should really be a good time to see where our team is at, to evaluate it and to get better," Jefferson said. That the Blue Devils missed 11 of their first 13 attempts from 3-point range could have been attributed to rust for a team that entered hitting 3s at a league-best 42 per cent clip. But they also were outrebounded 43-36 by the Terps and certainly looked ripe for an upset. They were unable to take advantage of Marylands drought early in the half, instead matching the Terps missed shot for missed shot. Maryland went 5 minutes between buckets early in the second half. Duke finished at 33 per cent from the field while Maryland shot 41.9 per cent. "We beat a real gutty team today," Krzyzewski said, "and we were a gutty team." Ben Roethlisberger Steelers Jersey .ca. In addition to the game being aired in its entirety on CTV Two Vancouver Island and TSN.ca, TSN2 will also have coverage of Whitecaps FC immediately following NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Toyota Owners 400. Mike Webster Jersey . Henrik Zetterberg had two goals and an assist, and Pavel Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall each had a goal and two assists to lead Detroit in a 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night.LISBON, Portugal - Benfica announced Tuesday that it has signed Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar from English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers on a two-year deal. The 34-year-old Cesar had been on loan to Toronto FC in Major League Soccer since February after playing only occasionally under Rangers coach Harry Redknapp. Cesar, who conceded nine goals in seven matches with Toronto, returned to Rangers oon July 25. Franco Harris Steelers Jersey. He played in all of Brazils World Cup matches and made two vital saves during a penalty shootout win against Chile in the second round. He joined the London club from Inter Milan on a four-year deal in 2012. The remaining two years of his contract were cancelled by mutual consent. Rangers earned its return to the Premier League in May, a year after being relegated. wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '

WHITE PLAINS, N. wholesale jerseys china .Y. -- Serena and Venus Williams are not part of the Fed Cup roster submitted by U.S. captain Mary Joe Fernandez for a World Group playoff against France on April 19-20. Instead, Fernandezs roster announced Wednesday includes 18th-ranked Sloane Stephens, No. 42 Madison Keys, No. 49 Varvara Lepchenko and No. 57 Christina McHale. After losing at a tournament at Charleston, South Carolina, on April 1, top-ranked Serena Williams said: "Im really just dead. I need some weeks off where I dont think about tennis and kind of regroup." Venus Williams is ranked 32nd. The matches will be played on the campus of Saint Louis University. The winning nation will enter the World Group in 2015 and compete for the Fed Cup title. The loser will drop down to World Group II. wholesale jerseys . -- Rick Porcello is already in his sixth full season in the big leagues, which makes it all the easier to forget that the Tigers right-hander is still just 25 years old. wholesale jerseys free shipping . Blown save in the ninth inning? No problem.UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- The New York Islanders traded veteran defenceman Andrew MacDonald to the Metropolitan Division rival Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday for a pair of draft picks and minor league centre Matt Mangene. The deal was announced one day before the NHL trade deadline and several hours before the Islanders played the Jets in Winnipeg. Philadelphia will host Washington on Wednesday night, following the afternoon dealing deadline. MacDonald will bolster the Flyers defence corps as they push for a playoff spot. Philadelphia, which also has former Islanders defenceman Mark Streit on the back end, is currently in second place in the Metropolitan, one point ahead of the New York Rangers and two points above the post-season cutoff. Streit, who spent time as MacDonalds defence partner with New York, was traded to the Flyers last June after serving as Islanders team captain. He then signed a four-year, $21 million contract less than a week after the deal, before he could become a free agent. New York is in a selling mode now, all but certain to fail in its bid to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season. The Islanders, who are last in the division, acquired a third-round piick in this years draft and a second-round choice in 2015, along with Mangene. wholesale nfl jerseys. The Islanders had arguably the top available defenceman and forward in this years trade market. Leading scorer Thomas Vanek, acquired earlier this season from Buffalo, also is expected to be dealt before Wednesdays deadline. The 27-year-old MacDonald, who can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, has four goals and 20 assists in 63 games this season. He leads the NHL with 198 blocked shots and is eighth in average ice time per game at 25 minutes, 25 seconds. In 295 career NHL games over six seasons, all with the Islanders, MacDonald has 17 goals and 72 assists. He was chosen by New York in the sixth round of the 2006 draft. Mangene, who will turn 25 on March 12, has three goals and three assists in 51 games this season with Adirondack of the American Hockey League. He was assigned to Bridgeport. Mangene played three seasons of college hockey at Maine, and had 16 goals and 34 points in his final season of 2011-12. He signed an entry-level contract with the Flyers in 2012 before being sent to Adirondack. In 92 career games with Adirondack, Mangene had 14 goals and 15 assists. wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '