Liverpool trio set for Saints reunion

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Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren left Southampton hoping for bigger things at Liverpool.


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London - Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren left Southampton hoping for bigger things at Liverpool but when they return to their former club in the Premier League on Sunday they will look enviously at their former team mates.


Southampton are fourth in table, occupying the final Champions League qualification spot, while Liverpool have endured an indifferent season and lie seventh, four points adrift of Ronald Koeman's side.


After six months and 25 games, the weekend brings the reverse fixtures of the first matches of the campaign.


When Koeman lost his first competitive game in charge of Southampton 2-1 at Anfield it looked as though the season might unfold as most pundits had predicted.


Liverpool were flying high after finishing runners-up the previous season and the south-coast club looked destined to struggle after an exodus of leading players and the loss of manager Mauricio Pochettino.


But Southampton have defied the doom-mongers, coping admirably with the loss of Lallana, Lambert and Lovren to Liverpool as well as Luke Shaw to Manchester United and Calum Chambers to Arsenal.


Serbia defender Lovren has not been missed as the Saints boast the tightest defence in the league, while Koeman's attack has outscored Liverpool's expensively-assembled forward line.


Brendan Rodgers's side have struggled to recapture their scintillating form of last season but have regained a bit of swagger recently, unbeaten in nine league games ahead of the trip to St Mary's.


Arsenal, who are one point behind Southampton in fifth, visit London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday, while sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur host another capital derby when West Ham United visit White Hart Lane on Sunday.


Leaders Chelsea held on for a 1-1 draw at Paris St Germain in their Champions League last-16 first-leg tie on Tuesday and will hope for an easier ride at home to second-bottom Burnley.


Champions Manchester City, trailing Jose Mourinho's team by seven points in second, host Newcastle United.


Louis Van Gaal tasted defeat in the first competitive game of his managerial reign at Manchester United and will want to avenge the Old Trafford loss when his third-placed team go to Swansea City on Saturday.


Tim Sherwood's first league game as Aston Villa manager is at home to Stoke City. – Reuters






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Pirates sweep past Tornado FC

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Orlando Pirates got their defence of the Nedbank Cup off to the perfect start courtesy of a dominant win over Tornado FC in Soweto.


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Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates got their defence of the Nedbank Cup off to the perfect start courtesy of a dominant 4-0 win over rookie outfit Tornado FC in Soweto on Wednesday night.


Lennox Bacela scored his third goal of the season just six minutes in, before Thandani Ntshumayelo scored either side of half-time, while Sifiso Myeni scored in the dying minutes to seal a comfortable win that books the Buccaneers a spot in the next round.


It took no time at all for Pirates to stamp their authority on the game and were awarded a penalty for a push on Bacela in the area.


Bacela was handed the ball and made no mistake from the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the other way and handing the Buccaneers the lead with the game less than seven minutes old.


Tornado were left reeling after a breathless opening 10 minutes and were soon under even more pressure as Pirates came surging forward.


Chances opened up for Mpho Makola, Bacela and Sifiso Myeni, but it was Ntshumayelo who doubled the hosts' lead after 20 minutes with a well-taken goal from Makola's square ball into the middle of the box, securing his first of the season.


Tornado, from East London, were no match for their Soweto counterparts and stuttered to half-time looking somewhat star-struck by their more fancied opponents, who were untroubled on all fronts.


Bizarre scenes followed 10 minutes after the break when Mapogo Mphakane was booked for a second time in the match but was not sent off by referee Shane Chuma.


Mphakane was booked for the foul on Bacela in the first half that led to the penalty and opening goal and was then booked again early in the second half.


Chuma failed to realise his mistake and it took the intervention from the fourth official to get Mphakane removed from the pitch, some seven minutes after he should have been shown red.


Down to 10 men, Tornado struggled to keep up with the Sea Robbers. Makola came agonisingly close to adding a third on 70


minutes when his long-range effort was parried onto the crossbar by Tornado's goalkeeper.


But just two minutes later, Ntshumayelo was on target and bagged his second of the night with a cut inside, followed by a strong finish at the near post which snuck under Tornado's shot-stopper, somewhat fortunately for the hosts.


Pirates could have added at least two more but were let down by some poor finishing at the last second as Menzi Masuku and Myeni both skied their efforts from dead in front, leaving a frustrated Eric Tinkler gazing on from the sides.


Myeni was eventually rewarded and bundled over a cross from Thabo Rakhale, scoring three minutes from the end to put the result to bed and wrap up a thoroughly miserable night for the visitors from the Eastern Cape. – Sapa






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Ronaldo scores as Real beat Schalke

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Cristiano Ronaldo ended a three-game goal drought as holders Real Madrid won at Schalke 04 to take a big step towards the Champions League quarter-finals.


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GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany - Cristiano Ronaldo ended a three-game goal drought as holders Real Madrid won 2-0 at Schalke 04 on Wednesday to take a big step towards the Champions League quarter-finals and equal the competition record with a 10th straight win.


The world player of the year headed in after 26 minutes for his 73rd Champions League goal with Real's first chance and he set up Marcelo to make it seven wins for the Spanish side in seven Champions League games this season and 10 in a row.


Real's victory was nowhere near as emphatic as last season's 6-1 romp at Schalke at the same stage of the competition but it was a much-needed confidence boost for Carlo Ancelotti's team after a lacklustre start to the year in Spain.


“Anything can happen in the Champions League. We are humble and we know that to get through we have to work hard like we did today,” Marcelo told Spanish television. “We have a two-goal advantage but the tie is not over.


“Cristiano is not obsessed with scoring. Goals come when the team works together,” he said of his team mate.


Looking to become the first team to retain the Champions League title, Real, eliminated from the King's Cup this month and crushed 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in La Liga, host Schalke in the second leg on March 10.


The Germans fielded five defenders and were on the back foot from the start but coach Robert Di Matteo's disciplined 5-3-2 system proved effective.


Schalke gradually grew in confidence and created good chances for Dennis Aogo and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.


But Ronaldo put Real ahead, ending his mini lean spell with a glancing header from Daniel Carvajal's cross to take his competition tally to 73, two short of the record held by Barcelona's Lionel Messi.


Schalke keeper Timon Wellenreuther, making his competition debut, did well to deny Karim Benzema and Ronaldo, parrying a curling free kick in the 34th.


Schalke's game plan collapsed when Huntelaar, back in action despite serving a suspension in the Bundesliga for a red card, limped off with a leg injury.


Real were almost punished by 19-year-old Felix Platte who replaced Huntelaar and struck a shot against the crossbar 15 minutes from time.


“The quality made the difference,” Schalke coach Di Matteo said.


“They have superb players and that is why they are the title holders. They had one chance and scored two goals.”


Brazilian Marcelo ended any lingering German hopes with a powerful shot 11 minutes from the end after good work from Ronaldo to keep Real firmly on course for a record-extending 11th triumph in Europe's premier club competition. – Reuters






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News sport : Iowa State starts a new kind of streak at Oklahoma State

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Iowa State had an 18-game losing streak at Oklahoma State going into last year's game and came away with a triple overtime victory. The Cyclones went back to Stillwater on Wednesday night and won for the second year in a row against the 22nd-ranked Cowboys.


No. 14 Iowa State scored the final nine points and held the Cowboys scoreless in the last 2 minutes to win 70-65. Richard Nixon was president the last time Iowa State won two years in a row at Oklahoma State.


The victory at least keeps the Cyclones hopes alive, to some degree, of capturing a share of the regular season title in the Big 12 along with Kansas, which has won 10 straight. But the Jayhawks would have to stumble again at some point in their final five games. They play three of five at home but must travel to Kansas State and Oklahoma.


It was only the second road win of the season in the Big 12 Conference for the Cyclones who will be looking to break another road-losing streak later this week when they visit Texas, where they have lost six straight.


Georges Niang made two big jumpers down the stretch and Dustin Hogue drilled a 3-pointer from the corner to earn the victory. Niang had only five points in the game until hitting those two shots in the final 80 seconds. He got into early foul trouble but the Cyclones overcame it.


Jameel McKay came up with a huge performance scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds while also blocking four shots. He was a huge factor in Iowa State dominating the Cowboys on the boards and often limiting them to one shot.


Winning on the road is one of the final questions lingering about the Cyclones. Otherwise, this is a well-rounded team that appears capable of another deep run in March. Wednesday's result won't complete wipe away the questions some have about the Cyclones capabilities away from Hilton Coliseum, but following it up with a win at Texas just might do that.


Meanwhile, Oklahoma State never seems to be able to find a groove and stay in it. Certainly nothing to be ashamed of in the rugged Big 12, but the Cowboys might now be back in a frame of mind where they doubt themselves after consecutive losses to TCU and the Cyclones.


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[Kyle Ringo is the assistant editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at kyle.ringo@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!






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News sport : Jon Jones, Chris Weidman to defend titles at UFC 187 in May in Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS -- Jon Jones has run roughshod over the greatest 205-pound mixed martial artists in the world over the last five years. Only one fight was even close and the UFC's light heavyweight champion has made many of his defenses look ridiculously easy.


Anthony Johnson will be the latest to get a crack at solving the riddle when he challenges Jones in the main event of UFC 187 on May 23 at the MGM Grand Garden. Chris Weidman will risk his middleweight title against Vitor Belfort in the co-main event, a bout that has been postponed several times because of injuries.


UFC president Dana White said lightweights Donald Cerrone and Khabib Nurmagomedov will meet on that card, as well.


"I am so [expletive] stoked for that card," White told Yahoo Sports. "What Jon Jones done is almost hard to believe. Go back to 2009 and look at who he's beaten. It's incredible."


Vitor Belfort will challenge Chris Weidman on May 23 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) Against Johnson, though, he'll face a suddenly rejuvenated man whose punching power is unparalleled. Johnson is coming off a first-round knockout victory over Alexander Gustaffson. Since returning to the UFC from the World Series of Fighting, Johnson has been a different man. He's gone 3-0 with two knockouts. He also stopped Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in the first, needing just 44 seconds to do that on July 26.


A one-time welterweight, Johnson's punching power has carried with him to the higher weight.


"What he's doing with his power is crazy," White said. "He moved up two divisions and is knocking out legit 205-pounders. This isn't like boxer where if you move up two divisions you're going up six or eight pounds. He's fighting way bigger guys than he used to and his power is incredible."


Jones tested positive for cocaine in December in an out-of-competition test. Because cocaine is only banned in-competition, Jones was permitted to fight at UFC 182 on Jan. 3 in Las Vegas, where he routed Daniel Cormier.


Because he passed all of his other tests, Jones isn't considered to have committed a violation. Given he's already licensed in Nevada for 2015, he almost certainly will not have to appear before the commission prior to the fight. Fight licenses in Nevada are for one calendar year.






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News sport : Defenseman Alexei Emelin collides with boards, leaves game (Video)

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It took a mere 20 seconds for the Montreal Canadiens to lose their second defenseman in three games.


Alexei Emelin appears to get inside on Ottawa's Mark Stone. As the two collide, Emelin goes down and hits the boards violently with his upper body. He immediately reaches with his left hand to the right collarbone/shoulder area.


Take a look (via Some Hockey Videos)...



The defenseman left the game under his own power. The team released no other information other than Emelin would not return.


On Saturday night versus Toronto, Habs d-man Sergei Gonchar took a nasty shot from David Clarkson. Gonchar left the game and did not return. He was scratched for the game against the Senators.


The situation surrounding Montreal's defense almost went nuclear late in the second period when P.K. Subban blocked a Bobby Ryan shot and was visibly ailing on the ice; so much so, Subban's partner Andre Markov helped him off the ice with a shove on the butt.


Subban went to the locker room, as the entire province of Quebec held their breath. Luckily, he returned to play in the third. He didn't look entirely comfortable skating, but he's out there, so that's a good thing. The next big test is to see how his foot reacts once he takes the skate off.


It's not a secret that Montreal GM Marc Bergevin is on the look out for a defenseman to join his team for the playoffs. Available defensemen are at a premium, and most playoff bound teams are looking for one (or two). Here's the list assembled by Sportsnet of some of the candidates.



Via @BonksMullet

Yeah... that's a list, that's for sure.


March 2nd's trade deadline will be here before we know it.


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Jen Neale is a staff writer for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter!










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News sport : Colin Kaepernick tattoos Twitter heckler for only having eight followers

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So Colin Kaepernick has been hard at work at EXOS outside Phoenix, trying to get in even better shape for next season. On Wednesday, he tweeted about his hard work.



That's a lot of ... working out. But one fan wasn't too impressed. He, like many, watched Kaepernick struggle for the 6-10 San Francisco 49ers last season, appearing to regress as a passer. So he let Kaepernick know his feelings on it.


Although Kaepernick deleted the tweet eventually, you know how that screengrab goes.



Colin Kaepernick's first now-deleted tweet.

Then he threw another fastball at @battman_returns, going all Vic Fangio on him.



Kaepernick's second now-deleted tweet.

Then it got personal.



And his third now-deleted tweet.

For the record, Kaepernick has more than 719,000 followers. Battman ... has more than 8 now.


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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 : 'Nick Saban Expressway' could be coming in West Virginia

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Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama head coach Nick Saban smiles as he addresses the media following their 42-13 win over the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 SEC Championship Game. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports) While Nick Saban is most famous in the state of Alabama, West Virginia – Saban’s home state – isn’t too far off.


According to Al.com, Saban, who’s entering his ninth season as head coach at the University of Alabama, may name part of a highway after him in Marion County near his hometown of Monongah, W. Va., which is nine miles south of Fairmount.


Several Senators have “introduced a resolution” to name part of Route 19 the “Nicholas Lou ‘Nick’ Saban, Jr., Expressway.”


Saban was a quarterback at Monongah High School before he went on to play defensive back at Kent State. Saban then launched his prolific coaching career as a graduate assistant at Kent State in 1972.


Following stints as an assistant at Syracuse, West Virginia, Ohio State, Navy and with the Houston Oilers, Saban earned his first head-coaching gig at Toledo in 1990. He then bounced from the Cleveland Browns (as defensive coordinator) to Michigan State, LSU, the Miami Dolphins and finally to Alabama in 2007.


Saban has won four national championships – one at LSU (2003) and three at Alabama (2009, 2011, 2012).


(H/T CBS)


For more Alabama news, visit TideSports.com.


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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : Jameis Winston on Jim Harbaugh: 'I wish I could have played for him'

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Jim Harbaugh, Michigan's new head football coach, addresses the media after after he was introduced during an NCAA college football news conference Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) NFL-bound quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Bryce Petty had a three-day stay in Ann Arbor to get some work in at the University of Michigan before making the trip to Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. Both players had glowing reviews of their time at the university and the time they spent with UM head coach Jim Harbaugh.


In a video on mgoblue.com, Winston, the Heisman Trophy winner from Florida State, said it was pleased to meet with Harbaugh, the long-time NFL quarterback who returned to his alma mater following four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.


“That was a blessing, to meet a guy like that,” Winston said. “It was just an honor to meet him and all of his accomplishments and the type of coach that he is. I wish I could have played for him.”


Petty, who is second on Baylor’s all-time passing list, was also impressed.


“If there's anybody you want to play for, as a player, it's a coach like him,” Petty said. “Just a fun, energetic guy, passionate about football. From the second he came over here, he was sizing up Jameis and wanted to see his grip. He's just a quarterback. That's the coolest part about playing the position and being coached by somebody that's been there and done that."


Both quarterbacks also came away impressed with Michigan’s facilities, particularly the indoor football facility, Al Glick Field House.


“These guys don’t know how blessed they are to have this type of facility,” Winston said. “At Florida State – we’re a very prestigious school. We have nice stuff, but we don’t have this. I love Florida State. Go Noles ‘til the day I day, but (Michigan’s) so much more advanced than us.”


Added Petty:


“This is bar none the best I’ve seen. We’ve got great ones in Waco. I loved what we had at Baylor, so it’s cool to see other places. This is definitely by far one of the best I’ve seen.”


Don’t be surprised to see these quotes in a Michigan recruiting pitch in the future.


For more Michigan news, visit TheWolverine.com.


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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : Mike Pettine on Johnny Manziel: 'He's in a much better place'

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INDIANAPOLIS – There wasn’t much Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine could say about visiting quarterback Johnny Manziel in a treatment facility last week.


Pettine clearly didn’t want to violate Manziel’s privacy. But he said he supported Manziel, who a year ago was one of the most-watched players at this NFL scouting combine.


“I wanted to go see him and let him know we are proud of him for the decision he made to go in and he has our full support,” Pettine said.


Pettine said he didn’t know when Manziel would return to the Browns. Manziel’s future with the Browns is obviously cloudy, not just because of what he's going through off the field but also because he failed to impress on the field when given the chance late in the year. But the Browns are hopeful Manziel is helped by going to the treatment facility.


“He’s in a much better place now than before he went in,” Pettine said. “He’s very determined to come out of it in a much better way.”


On the business side of it, the Browns have as much uncertainty at quarterback as anyone in the league.


Manziel is an unknown at this point. Brian Hoyer is a free agent, although Pettine said he hasn’t closed the door on him coming back (Hoyer obviously has a say in that, too). This season’s free agent crop at quarterback is weak. After Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota the draft class as quarterback has a steep drop, and the Browns would need to pay an incredible price to get in position to draft one of them.


[All Draft News, All The Time: Follow Shutdown Draft 365 on Tumblr ]


“I’d be a lot more concerned if we had a game this Sunday,” Pettine said about the quarterback situation. “It’s a position we’ll look to address. All options are on the table.”


The Browns’ issues go deeper than quarterback, of course. Receiver Josh Gordon is suspended for at least a year. Cornerback Justin Gilbert, Cleveland’s first first-round pick last year, has been widely criticized for his attitude. Browns general manager Ray Farmer is being investigated for sending text messages to the sideline during games, which is illegal in the NFL and upset Pettine.


“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t thrilled about it,” Pettine said. “But Ray and I have had clear and open conversations about it.


“This game is very emotional, so I’m not going to go into my initial reaction. But I’m comfortable with my relationship with Ray, that hasn’t changed.”


Pettine came to the combine last year right after getting hired by the Browns and was very optimistic and energetic about the franchise. That hadn’t changed despite a season that was very tough at times.


Pettine went out of his way to defend owner Jimmy Haslam. He said it is unfair that Haslam is depicted as meddlesome, because he hasn’t made a decision in regards to draft picks or playing time. It has been widely speculated he did both when it came to Manziel last year. Pettine said Haslam is inquisitive and wants to know what’s going on with the team, but he’s not meddlesome.


“For us as a coaching staff in year one, he was outstanding,” Pettine said.


Despite all that’s going on with the Browns, and the cloud that seems to hang over the franchise since it re-entered the NFL in 1999, Pettine was upbeat.


“You’d be surprised how positive the feelings are not just in the coaching area but around the building about the Browns moving forward,” Pettine said.


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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 : Rutgers booster no longer a candidate for recruiting coordinator position

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Rutgers football head coach Kyle Flood speaks about the Scarlet Knights' recruiting class on national signing day, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) The Rutgers booster who was reportedly the leading candidate to become the program’s recruiting coordinator is no longer being considered for the position.


Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood confirmed to NJ.com that Jeff Towers withdrew his name from consideration.


“Jeff Towers has withdrawn his name from consideration for a job on the Rutgers Football staff,” Flood said in a statement. “I am pleased to know Mr. Towers remains eager to help Rutgers Football become an elite Big Ten program.”


Towers, a business consultant who has no football experience, reportedly donated $1 million to the football program just last year. Per NJ.com, that money provided “additional compensation” to Flood’s contract, which was extended last September.


The news of Towers’ potential candidacy was a head-scratcher for some, including people some top Rutgers administrators.


From NJ.com:



A business executive with no known football background, Towers' candidacy for the recruiting coordinator position raised eyebrows. Some saw it as an innovative hire, while others raised concerns about potentially adding a major booster to the program's staff. A Rutgers official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told NJ Advance Media last week that top school administrators planned to discuss whether the Towers hiring is going to continue to go forward.



Flood said on the record to NJ.com last week that Towers was a candidate for a recruiting position. Additionally, Flood confirmed that Illinois director of player personnel Marcus Berry and Rutgers recruiting volunteer E.J. Barthel interviewed for positions on the staff.


The recruiting coordinator position opened up recently as a result of a staff shakeup stemming from offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen’s decision to step down. Former recruiting coordinator Phil Galiano was promoted to special teams coordinator and tight ends coach last Tuesday.


For more Rutgers news, visit ScarletNation.com.


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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : Big 12 announces new concussion diagnosis policy

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Aug 30, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; A view of the Big 12 conference logo before the game between the Horned Frogs and the Samford Bulldogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) The Big 12 announced a new policy for diagnosing and managing concussions for student-athletes on Wednesday.


According to a release from the conference, the policy, which was recently approved by the Big 12 Board of Directors, was “developed by athletic trainers, physicians and medical support staff.”


“The Big 12 is fully committed to the health and welfare of its student-athletes,” said Big 12 Board of Directors Chairman and Oklahoma State President Burns Hargis. “The implementation of this policy, along with the Conference's previously announced initiatives for all programs to provide multi-year grants, grant-in-aid up to the full-cost of attendance, and the opportunity to return to campus to complete degree requirements for those that leave school early, speak volumes to our commitment level.”


The policy calls for each school to have a “concussion management plan” directed by the team physician on file at all times. This plan “will specifically outline the roles of athletics healthcare staff,” including physicians, trainers, assistants, neurologists, neuropsychologists and physical therapists.


Additionally, schools will be required to educate its athletes, coaches, physicians and athletic directors “as to their responsibility for reporting any injuries and illnesses,” including concussion symptoms. During this education, student-athletes and coaches will “sign a statement confirming their receipt of such materials and acknowledging their responsibilities for reporting their injuries and illnesses.”


"Our membership has developed a comprehensive diagnosis and management policy that asserts the unchallengeable authority of medical practitioners in overseeing the welfare of our student-athletes in this very important area," Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said. "This policy goes beyond what was approved during the recent NCAA Autonomy Governance, and puts all associated protocols where they belong; in the hands of trained medical staff."


The conference also has a thorough return to play policy, including giving medical staff the “unchallengeable authority.” From the Big 12’s release:



The guidelines will institute an assessment protocol in which appropriate baseline metrics be obtained to allow for post-injury comparative assessment at appropriate time intervals to monitor the recovery process. These will include objective assessment of signs and symptoms, neurocognitive function, and balance; and a systematic symptom guided return to play (RTP) progression.


The policy empowers the institution's medical staff to have the autonomy and the unchallengeable authority to determine management and return to play (RTP) of any ill/injured student-athlete, and ensures that no coach serve as the primary supervisor for any medical provider, nor have hiring, retention and dismissal authority over that provider.



As was the case previously, any player who exhibits concussion symptoms must be removed from practice or a game and cannot return “for the remainder of that day.”


The conference also will require each member school to submit “an updated concussion management plan” to the league office each year in order to “track potential unsafe plays.” Using this data, the league will keep look to “deter, limit, and/or prevent” unsafe plays that may lead to head injuries.


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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : Russell Westbrook would rather win as part of an ensemble than run his own team

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Russell Westbrook has watched his close friend James Harden ascend from Sixth Man of the Year to legitimate league MVP candidate in the three years since his trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets, but the newly minted All-Star Game MVP doesn't sound especially eager to follow in his former teammate's footsteps and strike out on his own.


During a visit to the "The Dan Patrick Show" on Wednesday, Westbrook made clear that he prefers his experience of pairing with reigning MVP Kevin Durant to the prospect of breaking off to run his own squad.


"No, not at all, man," Westbrook told Patrick. "I love winning. Kevin's one of the best players in the world, man, and I love my position I'm in now.


"I think over the past four or five years, only maybe two teams have won more games than us — San Antonio and probably Miami," he continued. (He's right on there — the San Antonio Spurs lead the way with 231 wins over the past four regular seasons, followed by the Miami Heat with 224 and the Thunder with 221.) "So, I mean, I don't think it gets too much better than that. I mean, you can be on your own and win a few games and then go home in the summer, but I'd rather win games and have a chance to win a championship every year."


Patrick also asked Westbrook about his relationship with Durant, which has been painted at times as contentious over the years by some media members seemingly displeased that Westbrook, one of the most explosive scorers in the world, has taken what they deemed a disproportionate amount of shots that should have been ceded to Durant, the most explosive scorer in the world.


"Do I think [media members invented or inflated those issues? I'm not sure," Westbrook said. "But I know myself and Kevin always, always became closer and closer, regardless of what stories or what was made up about us. We've constantly became closer and closer, like brothers, and got through everything that was thrown our way, whether it was true or not true or things that were made up."


Westbrook struck a similar note during a recent interview with Graham Bensinger that will premiere this coming weekend, a wide-ranging discussion that touches on, among other things, the relationship between the two young All-Stars:



"Oh, man, [Durant is] probably one of the nicest and the most unselfish guys I've met," Westbrook said. "He's always a guy willing to give up anything he has to help myself or help his teammates out, and he's obviously one of the best players in the world. But I think as a person, that's what really makes him likable and makes me like him even more.


"We're like brothers," he added. "We've been with each other for a long time now, and we're at an age now where he can tell me something and I can take it on the chin and move on, and I can scream at him and he can scream back, and go back and forth. But always, at the end of the day, we come back to an agreement and find a solution. I think that just brings us closer and closer as teammates, on and off the floor."


While Westbrook's near-term future seems set in stone — he has two years and $34.5 million left after this season on the five-year, $78.6 million maximum contract extension he received in January 2012 — Durant's, as you might have heard, is a bit less so, as he can reach unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2016, where he's sure to have plenty of suitors.


Whether Durant will ultimately share Westbrook's feelings about going it alone or remaining a dynamic duo remains to be seen. But it must be heartening for Thunder fans, at least, for Westbrook to sound so committed to remaining a part of a winning formula rather than pursuing increased individual glory.


Hat-tip to Royce Young at Daily Thunder.


- - - - - - -


Dan Devine is an editor for Ball Don't Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at devine@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!



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FA warns van Gaal over referee jibe

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

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been warned following comments he made about the referee after his team's FA Cup draw at Cambridge United.


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London - Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been warned as to his future conduct following comments he made about the referee after his team's 0-0 FA Cup draw at Cambridge United, the FA said on Wednesday.


The 63-year-old Dutchman said everything had been against Premier League United during the fourth-round match last month against fourth-tier Cambridge, including the referee.


Van Gaal denied the allegation that he was accusing the official of bias, saying had never been punished for criticising a referee in his long and successful managerial career.


United won the replay 3-0 and beat Preston North End 3-1 on Monday to reach the quarter-finals.


Reuters






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