Redknapp won’t get the sack

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Harry Redknapp will remain as manager of Premier League strugglers Queens Park Rangers, club chairman Tony Fernandes insisted.


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Harry Redknapp will remain as manager of Premier League strugglers Queens Park Rangers, club chairman Tony Fernandes insisted following suggestions he was about to sack the veteran English boss.


There had been speculation in the British press last week that Redknapp was in danger of being dismissed by west London club QPR, with the Hoops just one place off the bottom of the Premier League and without a win in six games in all competitions.


Saturday's 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Loftus Road left QPR firmly in the relegation zone but Malaysian businessman Fernandes, also the chief executive of chief executive of Southeast Asian budget carrier AirAsia, was adamant he still had faith in the 67-year-old Redknapp.


“I firmly believe Harry is the best man to get us out of the position we currently find ourselves in,” Fernandes said in a club statement.


“He has great experience and having spoken to him at length over the last week or so, he is determined to turn this around and help us maintain our Premier League status.


“This is Harry's squad of players, so he is the man to move us forward.”


Redknapp arrived at QPR in November 2012 and was unable to keep them in the top-flight that season,. although he did oversee an immediate return to the Premier League via the play-offs last season.


The former West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth manager was then well-supported in the transfer market by Fernandes as QPR splashed out on the likes of Steven Caulker, Sandro and Leroy Fer in a bid to cement their Premier League status.


Former England captain Rio Ferdinand, who made his name under Redknapp at West Ham, also arrived at Loftus Road.


Yet it has proved to be a tough campaign so far for QPR, with all 10 away league games played ending in defeat.


But a tally of 19 points at home has left them just a point adrift of safety and Fernandes said he believed the side could stay up under Redknapp, who last week suggested a club 'mole' was trying to force his departure from Loftus Road.


“The performance against Manchester United showed the players are behind him and that they have the stomach for the fight,” Fernandes explained.


“We know we need to improve our away form and Harry, his coaching staff and the squad will be doing all they can to turn around our fortunes on our travels.


“It's very tight in the table and we will do our best to strengthen where we can to give us the best possible chance. The fans have been brilliant all season and all I ask is that they continue to back Harry and the team.” – AFP






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News sport : Does Tom Brady need another Super Bowl win to cement his legacy?

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Tom Brady's going back to the Super Bowl for a record sixth time, most ever by a starting quarterback. But he's "only" won three of them. Does he need a win to certify his legacy, or is he already the greatest QB ever to play the game? Does the fact that his Pats have lost two Super Bowls, and won at least one under a bit of Spygate suspicion, impact his legacy at all?


Yahoo Sports' Kevin Kaduk (@kevinkaduk) and Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) kick around the topic right here, and you can join in. This is the first of our many Super Bowl Arguments videos, and you're invited to the party. Offer up your thoughts in the comments below and on Twitter at #SBarguments. Your words might end up on a future episode. Get to arguing!






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Jose’s Gerrard regret

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has said failing to sign Steven Gerrard remains one of his greatest regrets.


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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has said failing to sign Steven Gerrard remains one of his greatest regrets as he urged Blues fans to stop mocking the Liverpool captain.


The two Premier League clubs will clash again when they meet at Anfield on Tuesday in the first leg of a League Cup semi-final, with Gerrard having already announced he will leave Merseyside at the end of this season to join US Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy.


During his first spell as Chelsea manager, Mourinho was on the verge of bringing midfielder Gerrard to Stamford Bridge in 2005 but the former England captain ultimately decided to stay with his home town club.


His decision arguably cost Gerrard the chance to win the Premier League title, something he has not yet managed in his illustrious career and a feat he is unlikely to achieve this season given Liverpool are currently a huge 17 points behind leaders Chelsea.


“He (Gerrard) is a historical player for Liverpool, a historical player for the Premier League and an opponent I have always admired and respected,” Mourinho said.


“We did everything to try (to sign him) and it was almost there. I was dreaming of (Claude) Makelele, Gerrard and (Frank) Lampard in midfield.


“We were playing in a proper triangle without a number 10 and playing Maka in front of the defenders.


“Me, Mr (Roman) Abramovich (Chelsea's owner) and Peter Kenyon (the Blues' then chief executive) at that time, we dreamed of that.


“His people were open to him joining a top side like Chelsea. But to me personally he never said he would come. Never.


“He (Gerrard) was always a Red and I think the decision was right.”


Mourinho, asked if failing to bring Gerrard to Chelsea was his biggest transfer regret, said: “Yes, but I have another one when I was trying (to bring) Lampard to Inter.


“I was almost there and it didn't happen too. I had a couple of disappointments and that's normal in football.”


Gerrard's unfortunate slip against Chelsea at Anfield in last season, which allowed Demba Ba in to score and set up a 2-0 win for Mourinho's side, proved to gave a key bearing on the title race.


Chelsea's victory paved the way for eventual champions Manchester City to take the Premier League title and Gerrard's stumble has become the subject of a cruel taunt chanted by Blues fans at Stamford Bridge.


However, Mourinho urged Chelsea supporters to no longer sing that song, saying Gerrard deserved their respect.


“The song that my fans have I don't like at all,” Mourinho said.


“A couple of times it is good fun but to go and go and go, especially with a player like him who deserves respect, I don't think you don't need that.


“We have so many other songs, you don't need that one.” – AFP






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Furman to captain Bafana

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Dean Furman will captain Bafana in their opening Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Algeria in Mongomo.


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Johannesburg – Dean Furman has been handed the captain's armband for Bafana Bafana's opening Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Algeria in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, on Monday night.


Coach Shakes Mashaba announced his team on the morning of Bafana's mammoth clash against the continent's top-ranked team, naming a formidable outfit dominated by players who took part during the qualification campaign.


Mashaba is without Kaizer Chiefs pair of Eric Mathoho and Reneilwe Letsholonyane, who are both suspended.


Rivaldo Coetzee and Tokelo Rantie passed fitness tests after shaking off niggling injuries, while Bernard Parker, also an injury concern, starts on the bench.


Coetzee is joined by Thulani Hlatshwayo in the heart of the defence, with Anele Ngcongca and Thabo Matlaba starting on the right and left respectively, while Darren Keet starts in goal.


Furman is once again partnered with Andile Jali in the middle of the park, with Thuso Phala and Oupa Manyisa on the flanks.


Sibusiso Vilakazi and Rantie start upfront.


In all, five players Ä Keet, Coetzee, Hlatshwayo, Jali and Vilakazi Äwill make their Cup of Nations debuts.


The match kicks-off at 9pm (SA time).


South Africa: Darren Keet, Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Rivaldo Coetzee, Dean Furman, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Thuso Phala, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Tokelo Rantie.


Replacements: Jackson Mabokgwane, Brilliant Khuzwayo, Ayanda Gcaba, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Themba Zwane, Mandla Masango, Bongani Zungu, Bernard Parker, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Bongani Ndulula. – Sapa






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Transfer window troubles for Chiefs?

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Former footballer David Kannemeyer says transfer-window developments at Naturena have the potential of derailing Kaizer Chiefs' title challenge.


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Johannesburg – Former footballer David Kannemeyer says transfer-window developments at Naturena have the potential of derailing Kaizer Chiefs' title challenge and are playing into the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns.


“The situation can be a setback for Chiefs. Losing their players is not ideal in the middle of the season,” the former Bafana Bafana said on Monday.


“In the middle of the season, these changes can work against them and allow title chasers like Sundowns to make up ground.”


Chiefs saw a stunning turn of events unfold after first choice striker Kingston Nkhatha made a surprise move to SuperSport United last week and, on top of that, club management had yet to negotiate a contract extension for captain Itumeleng Khune.


With six months remaining on Khune's current deal, speculation was rife that the goalkeeper may be on the verge of leaving Amakhosi.


The rumour mill was suggesting Khune could be swayed by big-spending Sundowns, or even Pirates, who had been looking to fill the void since Senzo Meyiwa died in October.


With key players on national duty at the Africa Cup of Nations this month, it remained to be seen how the recent chain of events could affect the table-topping Glamour Boys.


The 37-year-old Kannemeyer said it would be unbelievable if Chiefs let lightning strike twice Ä having surrendered an 11 point lead last season to allow Sundowns to capture the Premiership title.


“Surely they have learnt from their mistakes and wouldn’t want to be embarrassed again by Sundowns. They know what they need to do,” Kannemeyer said.


The former left-back, for both Chiefs and Sundowns, said the second half of the season would be more interesting than the first.


“I think it should make for great viewing. Both clubs have the best players in the country and are aiming for the title but only one can be successful.


“If they lose the title, it would show a weak mentality and lack of character. They must know that teammates come and go. Each player needs to understand that no one is bigger than football.


“When one player leaves another will replace him and life goes on.”


Chiefs enjoy a 15-point cushion at the summit of the Premiership table and are unbeaten this season with 46 points from 18 matches (14 wins, four draws).


Trailing behind were Sundowns and Wits in second and third place respectively, both on 31 points. – Sapa






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Bafana chasing rare opening win

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Bafana Bafana have won only three of their opening encounters from eight tournaments in which they have participated.


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Johannesburg – Bafana Bafana kick off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign without history on their side, having won only three of their opening encounters from eight tournaments in which they have participated.


The South Africans take on tournament favourites Algeria in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, on Monday evening with Mashaba's men also drawn against Ghana and Senegal in one of the toughest groups in the competition.


Against Africa's number-one ranked Desert Warriors, the 12th ranked Bafana team would be looking to register their first opening match win since Afcon 2004 in Tunisia, where they were 2-0 victors over Benin.


However, victory has not always guaranteed automatic passage into the next round as was proven in that tournament where, despite their positive start, South Africa failed to progress further than the group stages.


The two other occasions where Bafana secured three points from their opening matches were in 1996, when they beat Cameroon 3-0 – in a tournament they hosted and went on to win – and in 2000 when they overcame Gabon 3-1, eventually losing to Nigeria, in Lagos, in the semi-finals.


However, it was not all bad news as they had only lost outright once -2-0 to Guinea in their opening match in 2006, in Egypt –


while they drew their first games in the remaining four of their Afcon appearances.


Bafana Bafana have surpassed expectations under coach Shakes Mashaba, who took over the reins last August. They surged through the tournament qualifiers and had remained undefeated in Mashaba's 10 matches in charge.


Although playing an attacking style, Bafana's defence had been impressive having only conceded four goals during those games.


Their performances away from home had been particularly impressive, beating Sudan and Congo-Brazzaville on foreign turf, and would stand them in good stead in West Africa.


Bafana also enjoyed satisfactory pre-tournament preparations, having beaten Zambia (1-0) and Mali (3-0), and drawn with Cameroon (1-1).


Despite history being against them in the opening match, the one thing Bafana had going for them was form and they could use it to knock Algeria off their perch. – Sapa






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City must win against Chelsea - Pellegrini

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Manuel Pellegrini has admitted Manchester City’s chances of retaining their Barclays Premier League title hinge on them beating Chelsea.


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Manuel Pellegrini has admitted Manchester City’s chances of retaining their Barclays Premier League title hinge on them beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after a crushing 2-0 defeat against Arsenal.


City were beaten at the Etihad Stadium as Santi Cazorla converted a disputed 24th-minute penalty before the outstanding Olivier Giroud finished them off with a 67th-minute header.


The defeat means Pellegrini’s stumbling side are five points behind Chelsea, who won 5-0 at Swansea on Saturday, ahead of their clash at Stamford Bridge on January 31.


Pellegrini, who was unable to explain City’s dreadful performance, said: ‘The game we must play at Stamford Bridge is a very important game. We must close the gap to two points. I hope we are going to recover and play the way we are playing so far. With the ball we didn’t have clear ideas.


‘Chelsea will be a very decisive game. We will try to win that game to close that gap again.


‘We didn’t play a good game. We ran a lot and had a lot of possession but we didn’t have creative ideas to try and find the space against a team that defend very well.’


Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Nacho Monreal appeared to go down easily after a collision with Vincent Kompany leaving Cazorla to convert.


Pellegrini added: ‘I doubt it was a penalty but after the penalty we have enough time. I don’t remember just one save from Joe Hart. ‘We didn’t create many chances to score. We were not creative — we didn’t have the ideas to cause damage.


‘The movement of Kompany allows Monreal to dive. I am not saying it was a bad mistake of the referee.The penalty changed the game, but it was not the reason we lost.’ Arsenal were impressive and this was an important victory after wins for Southampton, Manchester United and Tottenham on Saturday.


And manager Arsene Wenger even claimed his team should have won by more goals.


‘After we scored the first goal we controlled it and looked dangerous,’ he said. ‘We have good solidarity and the regret is that we did not always take advantage of the situations we created because we could have scored more.’


Wenger admitted his team were fortunate to earn the penalty for Kompany’s foul.


The Arsenal chief added: ‘My initial reaction was penalty. Someone told me it was a bit fortunate, but it goes for both teams. The referee has to make a quick decision and I am in favour of some support for offsides and penalties.’ – Daily Mail






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Tactical change pays off for Arsenal

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A change of tactics reaped rewards as a new, more subdued but more solid Arsenal masterfully outplayed Manchester City.


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London - A change of tactics reaped rewards as a new, more subdued but more solid Arsenal arrived at Manchester City on Sunday, saw less of the ball than usual yet still masterfully outplayed the champions.


Arsenal registered just 35 percent possession - their lowest total since these statistics were first compiled 11 years ago - yet produced perhaps their finest performance in recent seasons to end their away-day woes against the Premier League elite with a 2-0 win.


At the same Etihad venue last season, Arsenal commanded 48 percent of the ball but in attempting to go toe-to-toe with City were thumped 6-3.


They were similarly humbled 6-0 and 5-1 at Chelsea and Liverpool respectively, with continued criticism of manager Arsene Wenger suggesting he was stubbornly refusing to learn lessons or demonstrate tactical progression.


Against City, though, after Arsenal had taken only seven points out of the last possible 48 against Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, it seemed the penny had finally dropped.


Wenger's masterclass was reminiscent of his old foe Jose Mourinho's recent raids with Chelsea on fortress Etihad where resolute, disciplined defence is routinely combined with ruthless, swift counter-attacking.


“It is important to get that (away win) out of the way, to show we can win away in the Premier League, and that will make us stronger,” Wenger told the BBC.


“I think we carried that a while, everybody questioning our defensive solidity, and to get that today is very important.”


Except for a 15 minute period at the start of the second half when Arsenal reverted to a bolder attacking style, Wenger's men looked secure and untroubled.


Wenger deployed Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey as a defensive shield in front of their back four and it took City 36 minutes to eke out their first shot.


Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain curbed their attacking instincts to defend with energy and protect the full backs as Santi Cazorla, scorer of the first goal and maker of the second for Olivier Giroud, proved the game's pivotal figure.


Wenger made it sound like a turning point. “We looked in control away from home and finally got a big win in a big game away,” he said.


“What is pleasing is that reinforces the belief of the team. To feel that you can do well is very important.


“Sometimes, the fact that you have to find solutions internally is a blessing.” – Reuters






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News sport : Conor McGregor wins spectacularly, earns title shot against Jose Aldo

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Conor McGregor guaranteed himself a featherweight title shot and a nice paycheck Sunday with his performance in a one-sided rout of Dennis Siver at TD Garden in Boston.


But when McGregor did a flying leap over the cage and raced toward champion Jose Aldo, seated ringside, making threats and shouting epithets, the passion for and the significance of the upcoming title fight increased monumentally.


It now stands as one of the most hotly anticipated fights of the year, one that will draw a massive crowd and guarantee each of them a massive payday.


McGregor was an 11-1 favorite over Siver, but it was like he was an 11,000-1 favorite. He was completely composed and in control and ruthlessly broke Siver down and tore him apart.


The end came at 1:54 of the second round, shortly after McGregor landed a straight left that sent Siver staggering backward onto the canvas. McGregor mounted him and quickly finished it, forcing referee Herb Dean to wave it off.


Siver was cut, his face full of welts and bumps and looked as if he was mugged by a gang of thieves.


McGregor had boasted before the fight that he'd easily out-class Siver and stop him early. He went out and methodically did just that, raking Siver consistently with straight left hands and hurting him with kicks to the legs and body.


His only short-coming on this night was in coming up a bit short of a win in just two minutes. But he even had an answer for that.


"I'll tell you, I said two minutes, but I meant two rounds," McGregor said, deadpan, in the cage not long after he'd scored the biggest win of his career.


Conor McGregor, of Ireland, celebrates a win against Dennis Siver, of Germany, after their featherweight fight at UFC Fight Night, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015 in Boston. McGregor won via 2nd round TKO. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan) McGregor turned the featherweight division on its head almost from the moment he made his UFC debut on April 6, 2013, when he blew out Marcus Brimage.


He clearly has a quick wit and the gift of gab and an innate sense for promotion.


He was calling himself the best fighter in the division as soon as he joined it, and it was hard to know what to make of him. But with each successive performance, he showed that he is no joke as a fighter.


That is hardly a prediction that he'll defeat Aldo, who not only has won 18 bouts in a row over a more than nine-year span, but stands among the greatest mixed martial arts fighters ever.


McGregor hasn't been in with a big, tough, grinding wrestler, and it remains to be seen how he'd do against that sort of fighter. But Aldo is the consummate striker and isn't going to look to take McGregor down, so stylistically, the bout sets up as an intriguing stand-up battle.


Even former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, who has a legitimate claim to the next title shot at Aldo, ahead of McGregor, came away impressed.


Working as an analyst on Fox Sports 1, Edgar said, "McGregor lived up to the hype. He looked phenomenal."


Aldo did his part by the way he handled himself post-fight. Aldo has often come across as a dour and angry man, unapproachable, and always seems to have a chip on his shoulder.


But when McGregor hurled himself over the cage and stood a few feet away, yelling at him like a lunatic, Aldo showed the guts of a burglar. He didn't flinch. He didn't move. He simply stood and smiled.


Jan 18, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Dennis Siver after his loss to Conor McGregor (not pictured) during a featherweight bout at UFC Fight Night at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports) And while virtually everyone else who had seen McGregor was impressed, Aldo saw things a bit differently.


"That's normal to me," Aldo said. "He's a joker and a court jester to me. All I do is laugh at him."


It will likely be held in May in Las Vegas and figures to have intense interest and a heavy build-up.


McGregor played his win for all it was worth and hurled insults at Aldo once he returned to the cage.


"I'm going to hand him my spit bucket, and then stand back and wait for him to spit shine the belt so it's ready for me to take it," McGregor said.


He'll have to deal with his share of haters because of his outspoken manner. And it's almost certain he'll go into the fight with Aldo as an underdog.


Aldo isn't going to be intimidated and it's going to take a Herculean effort to defeat him.


McGregor, though, proved on Sunday he belongs in the equation as the most deserving choice for Aldo's next challenger.


His critics can run down a list of all the things he hasn't done, but he's won five fights in a row, finishing four, and he's looked increasingly better each time out.


Aldo may shut his mouth for good, and it would be no shock if Aldo won going away.


Aldo is that good; he does that to most men he faces.


But you know what? McGregor is plenty good, too.






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News sport : It's a Rob Gronkowski Dance Party and everybody's invited

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When it's time to party, Gronk will party down.



Rob Gronkowski has been a key factor in New England's success this season, so it stands to reason that he'd have plenty to dance about. The Patriots obliterated the Colts 45-7, and although Gronk only caught three passes for 28 yards, one of them was a definitive touchdown. So, hey, why not get down with your gigantic self?



And here's one more from a different angle. The tongue lolling out really ties the whole dance together:



The Patriots have every reason to celebrate. They're on an absolute tear, and if they're not the favorites heading into Super Bowl XLIX against Seattle, they're at least even money. Makes even a guy like Tom Brady want to get down and get funky, right?



.... all right, well, we've got two weeks for you to work on your moves, Tom.


____

Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter.



And keep up with Jay over on Facebook, too.







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News sport : Opening Super Bowl gambling point spread foretells a close game

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Want to bet on the Super Bowl? It's easy this year. Just pick a winner.


The Super Bowl XLIX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks line at Westgate in Las Vegas and the Caesars Entertainment properties opened as a pick 'em, which means there is no point spread for either team to cover, as neither is favored, at least initially. The initial over/under total at the Westgate is 48.5.


According to Jeff Sherman, an assistant manager at the Las Vegas Westgate sports book, and Dave Tuley, who writes for ESPN.com, the consensus as the Patriots put the finishing touches on their 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts was that the line was a pick 'em. Although Tuley said MGM properties had the Patriots as a 1-point favorite.




That doesn't mean that's where the line will end up. Last year the Seahawks opened as a favorite, but the line moved quickly toward the Denver Broncos, who became the favorite. VegasInsider.com's Super Bowl point spread database says the Broncos closed as a 2.5-point favorite. Oddsmakers move the line based on betting volume on one side or the other, usually with the goal of getting close to an even split on both sides.


If the Seahawks and Patriots do end up as a pick 'em, it would be unprecedented. According to VegasInsider.com's history, a Super Bowl betting line has never closed as a pick 'em. San Francisco was favored by just 1 point over Cincinnati in Super Bowl XVI and Miami was favored by a point in Super Bowl VII. Those are the smallest spreads in Super Bowl history.


Whether or not the line moves, the oddsmakers in Vegas believe this is a very evenly matched Super Bowl, or at least they believe that's how bettors will see it.


- - - - - - -


Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!






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News sport : Will Marshawn Lynch get fined again by NFL?

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SEATTLE – Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is going back to the Super Bowl, which means another awkward week of him in media availability and another freakout about his awkwardness in media availability.


This time around, it might also mean news of some fines.


Lynch, who decided not to wear gold cleats in Sunday's NFC championship game after the NFL reportedly threatened to eject him if he did so because it would be a violation of the uniform code, did two things he has already been fined for this season: A lewd gesture as he scored, and perhaps not meeting with the media after the game.


On Lynch's remarkable go-ahead touchdown run with 1:25 left against the Green Bay Packers, Lynch slowed up as he got to the goal line. Then he grabbed his crotch after he scored.



(NFL Highlights screen shot)

I don't particularly care if he grabbed himself and you might not either, but you know who does care? The NFL. The league fined Lynch $11,050 for grabbing his crotch when he jumped into the end zone to celebrate a touchdown against Arizona earlier this year. It was deemed unsportsmanlike conduct.


Lynch might also be in trouble for not being available to the media in the locker room after the game. Lynch, who dislikes speaking to the media (and that was probably the biggest story of Super Bowl week last year), was not seen in the locker room during media availability. ESPN.com also said Lynch wasn't in the locker room during media availability after the game. Again, you and I might not care if Lynch speaks to the media but the NFL does. It fined Lynch $100,000 for not cooperating with the media earlier this season. A player needs to make himself available to the media during availability as part of his standard player contract. Since his fine, Lynch has responded to questions by repeating the same short phrase repeatedly. It's possible Lynch had a reason for not being in the locker room after the game or fulfilled his media obligation in another way.


Lynch will be a big story during Super Bowl week again. He might even get a head start if the NFL decides to fine him before the Seahawks get to Arizona.


- - - - - - -


Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!






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News sport : Super Bowl pits strength against strength with Pats vs. Seahawks

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Marshawn Lynch, Tom Brady Sometimes, the story ends up going exactly how everyone expected. The NFL's two best teams will meet in two weeks in the Super Bowl, and it's anyone's guess how this one will play out.


Start with Seattle. The Seahawks were barely two minutes from an ignominious exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Packers, but only a miraculous finish (and some highly suspect Green Bay play) kept Seattle alive. The Seahawks had the finest defense in the game throughout the year, but it was their offense which couldn't keep pace this day. Green Bay gifted this one to Seattle in a dozen different ways, but that doesn't take away from the strength of the Seahawks.


Question is, will even the Seahawks' defensive prowess be enough to contain a Brady-and-Belichick offense that could find flaws in a diamond wall? In the nightcap Sunday, Tom Brady demonstrated an absolute mastery of the offensive game, humiliating the Colts so badly that Indianapolis might well consider whether it wants to stay in the AFC.


This, then, is the key matchup of the Super Bowl: Tom Brady vs. the Legion of Boom. Give Bill Belichick enough time, and he ought to be able to suss out all of Seattle's weaknesses, starting with the arm injury cornerback Richard Sherman suffered in Sunday's game. Sherman indicated that he'll be fully healthy, but what else would you expect him to say? For whatever reason, the Packers didn't target the hobbled Sherman, but you can expect that Belichick will have no problem lasering in on any weakness.


The flip side of the matchup, Seattle's offense against New England's defense, seems at first glance to angle more in the favor of New England. The Patriots absolutely shut down Andrew Luck on Sunday, and if Seattle QB Russell Wilson brings any of the horror show he put on against Green Bay to the Super Bowl, it could be a tough 60 minutes for Wilson.


Granted, the Seahawks do have Marshawn Lynch, who is unlike anyone the Patriots have faced in the playoffs ... or, really, unlike anyone else in the human race. Lynch is capable of tilting an entire game, as he did against Green Bay late, and he'll do so with a handshake and a one-sentence response.


Current Vegas lines have Seattle favored by about 2.5 points, and that line will likely move closer to pick-'em as the two weeks pass. Both teams have elements of their teams that are once-in-a-generation talents. Everything's set up for a Super Bowl that keeps us in front of the television right on through the end of the game ... and not just for the commercials.


____

Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter.



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News sport : Report: Gary Kubiak expected to become Denver Broncos' next head coach

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Gary Kubiak sent out word previously that he was happy being the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. But that was before the Denver Broncos and John Fox parted ways.


When the Broncos job opened up, everything changed. The former Broncos quarterback and offensive coordinator reportedly had a change of heart.



Kubiak will return to Denver to coach the team he spent nine years as a player — backing up current Broncos vice president John Elway — and 11 as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He last coached with the Broncos in the 2005 season, after which he became the head coach of the Houston Texans for the next eight seasons.


The Ravens lose an offensive coordinator who led them to nearly 100 more points scored this season compared to the 2013 campaign without adding many major players outside of receiver Steve Smith. After the Ravens' lost to the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs, Kubiak's name came up as a possible candidate for the Chicago Bears' head-coaching opening.


Kubiak passed, however, saying he was happy calling plays for an up-and-coming team. But when Fox left, it opened up Kubiak's dream job, it would appear.


The Broncos are a fascinating study, given that Peyton Manning's status — after a tough run and a quad injury down the stretch — is unknown. But maybe that is a good thing. Kubiak reportedly told the Texans that he wasn't interested in adding Manning, when he was a free agent, favoring Matt Schaub instead.


In addition, the Broncos also have a number of key free agents and likely will move on from the majority of the coaching staff that led the team to 38 wins and three playoff appearances the past three seasons.


Nonetheless, Elway got his man to coach the team. The two are exceptionally close, and their relationship — forged in the mid-1980s as players — has come full circle. Can they take the talented Broncos not only back to the postseason, but also to the promised land?


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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!






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News sport : Patriots pull out trick play again, as Tom Brady hits Nate Solder for TD

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

Last week the New England Patriots used some four-man offensive lines and used a Julian Edelman-to-Danny Amendola trick play.

This week, they brought out a new page in their playbook against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC title game.


Tom Brady led the Patriots down on the first possession of the third quarter, leading 17-7, and delivered a big blow — to an unexpected recipient.


Nate Solider is typically the Patriots' starting tight end, but on Sunday he got into the pass-catching fun. The 6-8, 320-pound Solder — who played one year of tight end in college at Colorado — caught a screen pass (!) from Tom Brady and rumbled in from 16 yards out to make it 24-7 Patriots.


In the NFC title game, the Seattle Seahawks started their comeback against the Green Bay Packers, down 16-0, by running a trick play as well. The Seahawks called a fake field goal, and holder Jon Ryan hit backup offensive lineman Garry Gilliam for a stunning score. Like Solder, Gilliam also moonlighted as a tight end in college.


Anything goes with the Patriots. Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels are not afraid to make gutsy calls in key situations.


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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!






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