News sport : Arkansas DE Tevin Beanum arrested for DWI

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

(Rivals photo) Arkansas defensive end Tevin Beanum was arrested and charged with DWI after being pulled over early Sunday morning in Fayetteville.


According to KNWA, Beanum, who recently finished his redshirt freshman season with the Razorbacks, was driving with his bright headlights on around 2:26 a.m. Sunday morning. After failing to dim the headlights, Beanum was pulled over.


The arresting officer “could smell the odor of intoxicants on Beanum’s breath” and also found “an open bottle of brandy” in the backseat of the vehicle.


In addition to DWI, Beanum, who registered a .08 BAC, was booked for illegal possession of alcohol and failure to dim headlights.


According to the Southwest Times Record, Beanum was released later on Sunday morning and was due in court at 8 a.m. Monday.


Beanum, a native of Forrest City, Ark., was a three-star recruit in the Razorbacks’ 2013 class. After redshirting his first season with the program, he played in 12 games last season in a reserve role, registering 11 tackles, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble and four quarterback hurries.


For more Arkansas news, HawgSports.com.


- - - - - - -


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







from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1vsk4hh
Read More

News sport : Northwestern players cheer on basketball team in full pads (Photos)

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

After getting in some work at the football facility on Saturday, some Northwestern football players decided to make the short walk to the Wildcats basketball game against Penn State.


And they did so in full pads.





As the Wildcats pulled away and increased their lead in the second half, the football players helped get the student section – and the rest of the arena – fired up.



The Wildcats won their third straight game on the hardwood and are now 13-14 (4-10 Big Ten) on the season.


The football team will open spring practice on Wednesday after going 5-7 in 2014.


For more Northwestern news, visit WildcatReport.com.


- - - - - - -


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







from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1a57xHi
Read More

News sport : Butch Harmon: If Tiger asks, I'll help him

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

If Tiger Woods called, or texted, or whatever, Butch Harmon would answer.


Woods' one-time teacher told Golf World he would be willing to help his former pupil on a part-time basis as he tries to reform his swing and get his game, and back, healthy again.


"If he wanted, I'd be more than happy to spend a couple of hours and give him my opinion," Harmon said. "I don't think he would ask because it goes against his pride."


The pair stopped working together in 2003, with Woods moving to Hank Haney after a brief period as guardian of his own swing. Harmon, 71, has never lacked work and is arguably busier than ever. He's working with Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, as well recent winner Brandt Snedeker and Jimmy Walker. Despite all that, Harmon would make time to help a great get back on track.


"As a fan of great golf, it's hard to watch him pitch the ball now," Harmon said. "You can see it's a total lack of confidence."


Harmon believes Woods is doing the right thing, keeping away from tournament golf until his game is ready and his back is healthy. In Harmon's eyes, the question of reps or rest is an easy one.


"If I was him, I wouldn't play until I'm healthy," he said. "I know you say you need the tournament reps and all that. Not necessarily. For him, the big thing is the Masters. We know he knows how to play."



Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.







from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1wfMgEI
Read More

Mourinho backs Matic

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

Nemanja Matic had every right to react angrily to a “criminal” challenge which could have ended his career during Chelsea's shock 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Burnley, his manager Jose Mourinho said.


|||

London - Nemanja Matic had every right to react angrily to a “criminal” challenge which could have ended his career during Chelsea's shock 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Burnley, his manager Jose Mourinho said on Sunday.


Matic received a straight red card in the 70th minute after he reacted aggressively to a heavy tackle from Ashley Barnes while the Burnley forward went unpunished for the challenge which caught the Serbian midfielder high on his leg.


“Football is about emotions and clearly Nemanja Matic had a reason to lose his emotions,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.


“What are the consequences of his push? Nothing. The consequence for Matic from the tackle? It could be the end of his career. A criminal tackle.”


Mourinho accused Sky Sports of partiality, referring to when the broadcaster played a series of clips of controversial incidents involving Chelsea forward Diego Costa alongside the caption 'Costa Crimes'.


“If you call Diego Costa's actions against Liverpool (when he received a three-game ban for a stamp on Emre Can) a crime, the minimum you have to say is this (Barnes' challenge) is a criminal tackle.


“As an institution Sky did not apologise to Chelsea, to Costa, or to me.


“Diego Costa has a three-match ban. Matic will probably get three. You tell me how many games you think they deserve?”


Mourinho highlighted four incidents which he believed shaped the outcome of the match against Burnley.


The Portuguese manager believes Barnes should have been dismissed for a knee on Branislav Ivanovic in the 31st minute and said Chelsea should have been awarded penalties in the 34th and 44th minutes.


The last incident was the Barnes challenge on Matic and Mourinho questioned the performance of referee Martin Atkinson.


“The best players in the world make mistakes. This gentleman (Martin Atkinson) is one of the top referees in European football, he can also make mistakes.


“He clearly made four important mistakes yesterday. He is like the lawyer who is consistent because he lost 15 of 15 cases. You don't want that lawyer.” – Reuters






from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1w1QR7N
Read More

Rooney’s CL warning to United

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

Manchester United's top-four hopes were dealt a blow as Swansea City completed their first league double over them.


|||

Wayne Rooney has warned Manchester United another slip-up could cost them a Champions League return.


United's top-four hopes were dealt a blow on Saturday as Swansea City completed their first league double over them, inflicting just a second defeat in 20 games on Louis van Gaal's men.


There are still 12 matches remaining for United to ensure the season's minimum requirement is met, but their next seven Premier League games include fellow top-four hopefuls Tottenham and Liverpool, title chasers Manchester City and Chelsea, plus a trip to steadily improving Everton. Which means dropping points against Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday is not an option.


“We need to hit back next week. It is a must-win game,” said captain Rooney. “We have to bounce back from this quickly, go on another good run and try to keep us in a good position to finish in that top four.”


More attacking variety will be needed if that goal is to be achieved. For all Van Gaal's insistence that United are not a long-ball team, the endless stream of punts up towards Marouane Fellaini suggested otherwise. Federico Fernandez and Ashley Williams eagerly dealt with the aerial threat, while Jack Cork was excellent in his committed marshalling of Fellaini. With that avenue closed, United created few clear sights of goal.


“I thought we dominated but maybe didn't test the keeper enough up until they scored; that's disappointing, given the play we had,” added Rooney. “It was one-way traffic and it felt like a matter of time. We were putting them under pressure but they did defend the box well, putting bodies in front of the ball. But this is a blow for us, coming away with no points having played like that.”


United's goal was delightfully crafted. Luke Shaw was freed down the left, and Rooney and Angel Di Maria calmly teed up Ander Herrera to find the net. But their lead lasted less than two minutes, as Ki Sung-yueng beat Shaw to Jonjo Shelvey's cross.


Shelvey would have a big hand in the winner with Bafetimbi Gomis, who was trying to get out of the way, flicking the midfielder's fierce strike beyond David De Gea.


“I told the players that when you want to be remembered for something, when you get the chance it is worth fighting for,” said Swansea's manager, Garry Monk. “Our fight now is for the next 12 games to make sure we are remembered for this season. That is the attitude and culture we need and it is for me to set it.


“Our best Premier League tally is 47 points; we want to get to 40 first and then get past that 47.” One more win will achieve the first target.


Swansea City 2 Man United 1Goals: Swansea City Ki 30, Gomis 73; United Herrera 28. Substitutes: Swansea Montero (Sigurdsson, 74), Amat (Shelvey, 90); Man Utd Valencia (McNair, 45), Young (Shaw, 58), Mata (Di Maria, 79). Booked: Swansea Williams, Shelvey; Man Utd Jones, Rojo, Young, Fellaini.


Man of the match Cork. Match rating 7/10. Possession: Swansea 36%. Man Utd 64%.


Attempts on target: Swansea 6 Man Utd 3.


Referee N Swarbrick (Lancashire). Att 20,809. – The Independent






from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1A0hzOM
Read More

Baxter backs young guns

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

Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says their last 32 Nedbank Cup clash against Edu Sports FC has given him a fresh perspective on how to line-up his chargers when they take on Botswana’s Township Rollers.


|||

Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says their last 32 Nedbank Cup clash against Edu Sports FC has given him a fresh perspective on how to line-up his chargers when they take on Botswana’s Township Rollers in their preliminary round, second leg Caf Champions League encounter on Saturday.


Amakhosi travel to Gaborone on a high after having bounced back from their first Absa Premiership defeat – against SuperSport United (2-0) on Tuesday – to hand out a 4-0 lesson to the Third Division side at the weekend in the Ke Yona Cup.


Baxter said his charges need to step up in their second meeting against Rollers, after their lacklustre performance at FNB Stadium when defender Tefu Mashamaite’s added time winner saved their blushes.


“Our second leg will be centred on performing,” Baxter said.


“That’s why I rested some of our key players – apart from the fact that I wanted to assess a few players.


“I wanted to see how hungry they were in pushing for a starting line-up berth (for their remaining fixtures).


“It’s going to be a tough evening and the players are aware of that. That’s why we have to go out there and perform.”


A player who certainly stepped up and performed this past weekend was 24 year old midfielder Hendrick “Pule” Ekstein, who came on for Siyabonga Nkosi in the 71st minute.


He put in a splendid performance which had the crowd cheering each time he was on the ball.


Other unfamiliar faces in Amakhosi’s line up included new signing David Zulu, right-back Kgotso Moleko, midfielder Ovidy Karuru, 20-year-old centre-back Lorenzo Gordinho and left-back Simphiwe Mtshwene.


Baxter said he was impressed with a few of the players who will form part of his plans looking ahead.


“Pule was fantastic when he came on,” he said. “He was very lively and he understood his instructions.


“He took some responsibility in helping in defence.


“Players like Pule don’t have to defend too much, but he took it upon himself to help out in defence whenever the need arose. I was impressed by that.


“When you play your fringe players, as a coach the first thing you expect is for them to raise their hands up for selection.


“In this case, maybe a couple did and maybe a couple didn’t. But I’ll try to rotate players as much as possible in the remaining fixtures. This will help ease the burden on the experienced players.”


Meanwhile, former Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns player Johannes “Bricks” Mudau said he was impressed with how his young side played against the log leaders. And, though his side were unable to score, Mudau said the experience would prove key for his players’ development.


“I’m happy with the boys, especially the way they played in the first half,” said the Edu Sports coach. “The plan was to contain them in the first half, particularly the first 20 minutes.


“Yes, we are out of the competition, but I’m happy with how the boys played against a strong side like Chiefs. They performed well. The level of competitiveness between the leagues showed.” - The Star






from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1AmsyXI
Read More

Rodgers targets Arsenal, United

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

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said he had Arsenal and Manchester United in his sights after his team closed on the Champions League places.


|||

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said he had Arsenal and Manchester United in his sights after his team closed on the Champions League places with a 2-0 success at Southampton.


A glorious 30-yard strike by Philippe Coutinho put Liverpool ahead in the third minute of Sunday's game at St Mary's and after a number of vain Southampton penalty appeals, Raheem Sterling sealed victory late on.


Liverpool play second-place Manchester City next weekend before tackling fourth-place United and third-place Arsenal over the next six weeks, and Rodgers is confident they can close the two-point gap separating them from the Premier League's top four.


Asked if he was apprehensive about Liverpool's fixture list, which also includes a trip to Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday, Rodgers replied: “Not at all.


“We might have been at the beginning of the season because of how we were playing. But when the team's in the condition it has been for these last two and a half, three months, then we relish every game we play.


“We have Man City and Man United at home, Arsenal away. For us it was a big step today (Sunday), considering the start we've had to the season. It really shows the consistency the players are at.”


While there was much for Rodgers to savour in Liverpool's smash-and-grab win, he was dismayed by the reception afforded to his former Southampton players Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, who moved to Anfield last year.


Although Lambert was granted a warm reception by the home fans, Lallana was roundly jeered, and Rodgers was also disappointed that neither player received a tribute in the match-day programme.


“I'm a wee bit disappointed for Adam, I've got to say,” said the Northern Irishman, whose side have gone 10 league games without defeat.


“Adam was captain here for two years and gave an incredible service to Southampton and I know for a fact he could have left here a number of times, and didn't. And to get the reception he got was disappointing.


“I looked in the match programme and there was nothing relevant to his time here and all the time that he's been here since he was a boy.


“And the likes of Rickie Lambert, great servants to here, incredible players who got the club to where it is today, and there was no mention of them, which I thought was sad.”


Filip Djuricic, making his first Southampton start, had penalty appeals waved away by referee Kevin Friend either side of Coutinho's goal and manager Ronald Koeman felt that the second, when the on-loan Serbian forward appeared to be felled by Joe Allen, merited a spot-kick.


Southampton were also aggrieved when Simon Mignolet raced out of his box to repel an attempted lob by Eljero Elia shortly before half-time, in an incident that saw the ball strike the Liverpool goalkeeper on the chest before bouncing up and hitting his arm.


“The situation of Elia, hands or no hands of the goalkeeper, it's difficult to see,” said Koeman, whose side remain fifth, a point above Liverpool.


“I can understand the decision of the referee, but I don't understand the second situation in the game (Allen's challenge on Djuricic) because that's a clear penalty.


“But I'm proud of how the team played today. We know in the last few games we've struggled with scoring goals.


“If you play three times in a row and don't score (at home), it's difficult to win games, but that's part of football.”


Koeman also revealed that Senegalese forward Sadio Mane had started the game on the bench because he had reported late for the team's pre-match meal.


“Everybody can be late one day, in the morning,” the Dutchman said. “But you can't be late at one o'clock when you have to play against Liverpool.” – AFP






from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1DJluH5
Read More

Van Gaal is in denial

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

Following Manchester United’s defeat to Swansea, manager Louis Van Gaal declared that they were the dominant team.


|||

Garry Monk had his first drop of alcohol in almost a year on Saturday evening, yet it was possible to imagine Louis van Gaal reclining with the same smug sense of a job well done.


Such can be the occasional madness of old king Louis, the Manchester United manager who is either desperate to spare his team from public criticism or blind to their glaring shortcomings.


Given his success at the top level, it seems highly unlikely to be the latter, though if he cannot see what most others can then a drama really will become a crisis. His assessment after losing 2-1 to Swansea was that United had been the ‘dominant team’. He was ‘amazed’ they had lost having created ‘so many chances’.


When the points were relayed to Monk, who has twice got the better of Van Gaal this season, the rookie manager smiled and raised an eyebrow.


Truth is, United did not deserve to win. A defeat might have been a touch harsh in light of possession of more than 60 per cent, but it was not ‘dominance’, as Van Gaal put it. Not even close. It was error-strewn, mistakes in all areas.


With Robin van Persie, who left the stadium on crutches, discovering today if the injury to his right ankle is serious, it might prove to be a costly defeat in more ways than one.


But Van Gaal did not see it that way. In his leather document wallet, one can imagine all manner of flattering numbers. He had already decreed this week that United were the ‘best team in the league’ on form. Coming into this one they had lost just once in 19 games in all competitions.


But those numbers also hide performances that have often been sub-standard and unimaginative. He didn’t like Sam Allardyce’s barbs about United being a long-ball team, but when United were 2-1 down and desperate at Swansea, their play reverted largely to high balls to Marouane Fellaini. It did not work.


Another statistic — goals conceded — will show the 26 shipped by United amounts to the fourth-best defence in the Premier League. But again, it conceals the details of a backline requiring major investment.


Inside the first minute Marcos Rojo gave the ball away and conceded a corner. Phil Jones then failed to mark effectively at the set-piece, allowing Bafetimbi Gomis a header that had to be cleared off the line. When Ki Sung-Yueng levelled after Ander Herrera’s opener, it was because Luke Shaw was too slow responding to his run. Those are not the actions of a functioning defence.


And the rest? Van Gaal said United ‘created a chance every two minutes’ in the second half. The truth is they had three shots on goal in the match (Swansea had six, including Gomis’s winner). Wayne Rooney was given his first league game in attack since December and offered little beyond enthusiasm.


Van Gaal still seems unsure of his best combinations, although the side has developed since opening the season with a 2-1 home defeat against the same side. United failed to build on superior possession that day, as well.


Monk enjoyed it, saying: ‘I probably haven’t had a drink in eight or nine months, so I will have a glass of red tonight.’


He has targeted a club record of more than 47 points. ‘We want to make a bit of history,’ he said. For United, the only progress under Van Gaal has been a return to grinding out wins frommediocre performances. Will that be enough in remaining games against Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal?


You would assume they need to find an extra level if they are to finish fourth — the only number that truly matters to Van Gaal.


Super stat: Swansea scored twice at home against United for the first time since January 1982.


Swansea (4-3-3): Fabianski 6.5; Naughton 6, Fernandez 6, Williams 6.5, Taylor 7; Cork 6.5, Shelvey 7 (Amat 90min), Ki 7.5; Sigurdsson 6 (Montero 74, 6), Gomis 6, Routledge 6.


Subs not used: Tremmel, Rangel, Britton, Emnes, Oliveira. Booked: Shelvey


Man Utd (4-1-3-2): De Gea 6; McNair 5 (Valencia 46, 6), Jones 6, Rojo 6, Shaw 5 (Young 59, 6); Blind 6; Herrera 6.5, Fellaini 5.5, Di Maria 6 (Mata 79); Rooney 6, Van Persie 5. Subs not used: Valdes, Smalling, Januzaj, Falcao. Booked: Jones, Fellaini, Rojo, Young.


Referee: Neil Swarbrick 6.5


Man of the match: Ki Sung-Yueng.– Daily Mail






from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1a2TYbk
Read More

News sport : Return of San Diego Gulls is family affair for Ducks

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

Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks

In front of 8,500 hockey fans in San Diego, the Anaheim Ducks made it official - the Gulls are returning to the classiest city in the world.


The team, in name alone, has been around on and off since 1966. The last time the San Diego Gulls took to the ice was in the 2005-2006 season as a part of the West Coast Hockey League. Thanks to the growth of hockey in Southern California, the Gulls are back again.


Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli purchased the current Norfolk Admirals franchise as a part of the AHL's coordinated westward expansion with other Pacific Division teams. Aside from the name, what wasn't announced at the time was the inclusion of one other member of the Samueli clan who would act as a co-owner, daughter Jillian Samueli.


Per Ducks PR, Jillian isn't coming into this business without experience. For the past five seasons, she's acted as a coordinator within the minor hockey league operations department for both the Admirals and the Syracuse Crunch.


No other specifics were given as to the share of ownership between Henry, Susan, and Jillian, or how this would impact the decision making process with the franchise. It's to be considered nothing more than 'family owned'.


Family ties when it comes to the Gulls don't stop at the owners. Ducks' senior vice president of hockey operations, David McNab, grew up as a part of the early Gulls franchise. From the San Diego Union Tribune:



"McNab is the son of Max McNab, the first coach of the WHL Gulls. McNab coached the Gulls for six seasons, and David’s brother, Peter McNab, was the first Gulls’ mascot, Sandy Gull.




“I know my father would be proud to know hockey is back in San Diego,” McNab said. “Our family’s connection to the city and this arena has been huge. For my father, these were the best years of our lives as far as hockey was concerned.




“I walked through the building today and literally remembered everything, it was like I walked through a time machine and came back to 1973. This is fantastic.”



The Gulls will play at the Valley View Casino Center, formerly known as the San Diego Sports Arena. According to the website, it's undergone a $2.5-million face lift financed by the Valley View Casino, and AEG, you know, the owners of the Kings. Ironic, no?



Anyway, the Ducks have one of the more promising pool of prospects in the farm system that will be developing just an hour and a half-ish down the freeway from the big club. If you ever needed an excuse to visit San Diego, now you have one.


As always: stay classy, San Diego.


- - - - - - -


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!










from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1JBujX2
Read More

Jose queries refereeing standards

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

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho made a surprise appearance on a British soccer television show on Sunday, to query the standard of refereeing he has seen this season.


|||

London – Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho made a surprise appearance on a British soccer television show on Sunday, to query the standard of refereeing he has seen this season.


Mourinho, whose side drew 1-1 at home to Burnley on Saturday, was frustrated that referee Martin Atkinson sent off Nemanja Matic in the game for pushing Ashley Barnes after the Burnley striker's aggressive challenge on him.


The Chelsea boss was furious with Barnes' tackle insisting “the consequence for Matic could be end of career” if Barnes had made stronger contact with the Blues midfielder.


“Another club would have the power to appeal Matic's red card,” added Mourinho who expects to be without the Serbian for the League Cup final against Tottenham next weekend.


Mourinho said that referee Atkinson “told me he didn't have the chance to see it on TV.”


He also expressed his disappointment at a number of penalty decisions that have gone against his side this season and called for extra technology to be introduced “to protect the integrity of the referee.” – Sapa-AP






from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1FhxvRc
Read More

News sport : Fed up Nebraska coach bans players from locker room after fifth straight loss

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

Tim Miles is coaching one of the most disappointing teams in the nation at Nebraska based on preseason expectations of the Cornhuskers. After seeing his team completely fold at home on Sunday in a 74-46 rout to Iowa, Miles had had enough.


Miles, widely known as affable and accessible and a fun follow on Twitter, told reporters after the game he is barring his players from their lavish locker room until further notice. Apparently, Miles believes his team isn't playing at a level worthy of big screen televisions, a pool table and smoothie bar all of which are a part of their accomodations at Hendricks Training Complex.


“There will be chains on the doors locking it from the outside,’’ Miles was quoted by the Omaha World-Herald, “until further notice.’’


Nebraska fell behind 42-16 in the first half Sunday and never really made up ground. The Huskers committed 13 turnovers, produced only eight assists, were outrebounded by eight and made only two of 18 3-point attempts. They also allowed Iowa to shoot 50 percent from the floor and from behind the arc.


Terran Petteway scored 16 points for the Huskers but he needed 15 shots to get them. Nebraska has now lost five straight and seven of its past eight. The Huskers rank 320th in the nation in assists per game (10.6). Nebraska is now one-game under .500 at 13-14 overall and 5-10 in the Big Ten.


“You never want to throw your players under the bus,’’ Miles was quoted by the Omaha World-Herald. “But that was beyond disappointing. That’s not what we represent. . . . We quit easily today, and that’s a great disappointment.’’


Miles not only banned his players from their locker room, he made them off limits for interviews after the game and there is not indication he will allow them to be interviewed any time soon. Assistant coach Chris Harriman tweeted an apology for the team's performance.







from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1EGzcaU
Read More

News sport : Jeff Gordon meets Daytona 500 loss with a resigned smile

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



DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - For a guy who'd just lost the last Daytona 500 he'll likely ever run, Jeff Gordon sure looked like a man at peace.


The race had just ended. Some cars were parked out on pit road; others, like Gordon's mangled 24, were already being loaded onto their haulers. As fireworks sounded and race winner Joey Logano celebrated over in victory lane, other drivers walked from pit road back toward their haulers, some alone, some accompanied by a couple of autograph hounds or cameras. All wore a similar expression: exhaustion with more than a tinge of scowling frustration.


All except Gordon. Gordon, who towed a crowd in his wake that grew like an avalanche, wore an absolutely beatific smile.



Of course, why shouldn't Gordon be at peace? He's done everything it's possible to do in the sport. He's won four championships. He's celebrated in victory lane more times than all but two drivers in history. He stood toe-to-toe with The Intimidator as a newcomer, and he's mentored an entire generation of champions as a veteran.


"Being able to race against [Gordon] for the lead in the Daytona 500 is a dream come true for any kid," said Logano, an avowed Gordon fan from way back, in his winners' press conference, "and I'll always remember that."


Yes, acclaim is nice, but let's be honest: trophies are nicer, and for Gordon, Sunday had to be inordinately frustrating. Make no mistake, he still wants to win. Being at peace doesn't necessarily mean being content. Gordon won the pole, and led the most laps (87) all day. The afternoon was setting up as another of those proverbial storybook finishes that Daytona seems to deliver every so often.


But no, it wasn't to be. As the race wore on, Gordon had trouble sticking with the leaders, and he continued to get shuffled back on restarts. By the time the final green-white-checker came around, Gordon was starting ninth, and that left him vulnerable. On the race's final lap, Austin Dillon, who once starred as a child in a television commercial with Gordon, tapped Gordon's left bumper, sent the 24 spinning, and effectively extinguished any last hopes Gordon might have had of winning his final Daytona 500.


Think back to last year at Texas -- just four races ago, schedule-wise -- and recall how furious Gordon was then at Brad Keselowski. The normally placid Gordon unleashed both rage and profanity, knowing what we didn't: that perhaps his last best chance at a championship had just gone spinning.


On Sunday, Gordon wasn't raging. He didn't even seem outwardly particularly upset. He knew his chances for winning had slipped away long before he spun.


"This was an amazing week and an amazing day," he said after the race. "I am just in a different place that is so foreign to me, but so incredible, to just be taking it all in and enjoying every moment."


He then began the hundred-yard walk from pit road to his hauler, picking up more and more autograph seekers with every step. Gordon never stopped moving -- that's an old Richard Petty move, don't let the crowd surround you -- and the fans picked up their pace to stay in step.


"Jeff! You're not quitting, are ya?" one fan shouted. "Tell me you're not quitting!"


Jeff just smiled, not replying. He signed a few more hats and jackets for fans who shrieked with glee, then walked inside the #24 hauler. One race down, just 35 left to go.


____

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.







from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1B8YNf4
Read More

News sport : NASCAR made the right call throwing the caution flag on the last lap

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


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – There's no debating that NASCAR should have thrown the caution flag on the final lap of the Daytona 500.


As Joey Logano led Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. down the backstretch and into turn three, they had clear track ahead of them. But behind them on the backstretch chaos was ensuing, as a big crash was collecting a bunch of cars.


The caution officially came out when Logano was in turn three of lap 203, freezing the field at the moment and making him the Daytona 500 winner.


With the green-white-checker restart rule, NASCAR tries anything and everything it can do to ensure that its races can finish under green flag conditions. However, when the caution flag comes out on the final lap of the race, whoever is leading at that point is the winner.


Part of the reasoning behind the rule is that fans deserve to see as many races as possible end under green flag conditions. And sometimes, some may say, that includes the inconsistent application of the caution flag on the final lap.


Two years ago, Jimmie Johnson was leading the Daytona 500 when cars near the back of the lead pack crashed in turns one and two. As Travis Kvapil and Paul Menard crashed (coincidentally collecting Logano), Johnson, Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick and others barreled down the backstretch as the race stayed green.



But watch the crash closely. While the cars involved sustained significant damage, the track was never blocked for cars behind and those involved were able to keep going. It wasn't immediately apparent if the cars involved in Sunday's race would be able to continue on, plus, as you can see from the replays, it happened with many cars behind it as well.



Plus, let's consider this. The 500 came less than 24 hours after Kyle Busch sustained a broken leg when he crashed into an unprotected wall.


Who knows whether or not the deserved criticism from Saturday's incident played a prominent role in a move to to throw the caution flag on the final lap. But just like it's human nature to wonder what would have happened if the race stayed green, it's human nature to have the events of the previous evening fresh, even just subconsciously.


Is it anticlimactic to have a race finish under caution? Sure. But not everything has to be as dramatic as possible. It's incredibly unfair to the riveting racing throughout the entirety of the race to let the fact that it didn't finish with a thrilling highlight overshadow it. And after Saturday, it was imperative to err on the side of safety.


- - - - - - -


Nick Bromberg is the editor of From The Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!







from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1JAugus
Read More

News sport : Bubble breakdown: Oregon flies into the field with upset of Utah

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

With less than a month remaining until Selection Sunday, the NCAA tournament bubble is beginning to take shape. Bubble Breakdown is the Dagger's daily look at the results that impact who's in and who's out.


At practice Tuesday, Oregon star Joseph Young shared a bold prediction with members of the media.


"We're going to the tournament," Young said. "I just want to get that out right now. We're going to the tournament."


Young's guarantee suddenly looks a lot more realistic after a two-win week that culminated with Oregon's most impressive victory of the season. Freshman forward Dillon Brooks scored 19 points and Young added 14 to help the Ducks hold off a late rally from ninth-ranked Utah and emerge with a crucial 69-58 victory Sunday in Eugene.


While the road loss drops the Utes a game behind Arizona in the Pac-12 title chase, the outcome is still far more significant for third-place Oregon (20-8, 10-5). It gives the Ducks their third RPI top 50 victory this season to go along with previous wins over Illinois and UCLA.


Those three marquee victories and a dearth of bad losses will likely land Oregon one of the final at-large spots in updated mock brackets. To retain that, the Ducks will need to find a way to finish strong away from home the next three weeks. They're 2-4 on the road so far this season, and their final three games before the Pac-12 tournament are at Cal, Stanford and Oregon State.


That Oregon is in contention for an NCAA tournament at all is remarkable considering the patchwork roster Dana Altman is fielding.


[Yahoo Sports Tourney Pick 'Em: Enter for a chance to win $50K]


Seven of Oregon's nine leading scorers from last season are no longer with the team, three via graduation, one via transfer and three via dismissal after rape allegations. Returners Young and Elgin Cook have been the stalwarts for the Ducks all season while newcomers Brooks, Dwayne Benjamin, Jordan Bell and Ahmad Rorie have gradually grown into their roles. Onetime bench warmer Jalil Abdul-Bassit has also emerged as a capable outside shooting threat.


The result is an Oregon team that is efficient enough on offense to make up for a suspect defense and win six of its last seven games. If the Ducks can sustain that on the road the next two weeks, they'll improbably find themselves in the NCAA tournament for the third straight season under Altman.


BUBBLE TEAMS WHOSE STOCK ROSE SUNDAY


Iowa (17-10, 8-6): It's performances like this that make it baffling how Iowa is even on the bubble at all. The Hawkeyes routed struggling Nebraska 74-46 in Lincoln, inching themselves closer to securing a spot in the NCAA tournament for the second straight year. A sweep of Ohio State and quality wins against Maryland and North Carolina boost Iowa's resume, but the Hawkeyes aren't safe enough to lose focus over their final four regular season games. They host Illinois and visit Indiana and Penn State before returning home to face Northwestern in their regular season finale. Two wins might be enough. Three wins would probably clinch a bid.


BUBBLE TEAMS WHOSE STOCK FELL SUNDAY


None yet. Check back later.


- - - - - - -


Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at daggerblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!







from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1D0CBPe
Read More

News sport : Dale Earnhardt Jr. fights back to third after dropping through field late in 500

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

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Dale Earnhardt Jr. felt he had one of the Daytona 500's fastest cars.


But fast cars have to be put in the right positions over the course of a 500-mile race to get a win and Junior significantly attributed his inability to repeat as Daytona 500 champion to a bad move he made with 19 laps to go.


Earnhardt restarted in third, but as the pack slowly got up to speed on the first green flag lap, he found himself without drafting partners.


What the heck happened?


"Jimmie [Johnson] was on my quarter panel," Earnhardt said. "He was in a great spot on the guy in front of me. And I thought if I could get in behind him he was going to shoot past to the lead. I could tuck in on the quarter panel a little bit as soon as I got on that right rear quarterpanel."


However, the thoughts of sidedrafting and working with his Hendrick Motorsports teammate were tempered by a reality that the cars on the outside line were closer to Junior than he realized.


"I didn't think they were that close on the outside line," Junior said. "I thought we had a couple car lengths on the outside line but they were right there.


"You know, just one of them moves. You make some good ones, you make some bad ones, I made a bad one late."


Junior finally slotted into line in 15th position and when the green flag flew for a green-white-checker restart with two laps to go, Junior started in eighth.


"S---, I didn't have nothing going on," he cracked.


Here's where we can go back to the good move/bad move principle. And we'll also make it clear that with eight restrictor plate wins, Junior's good moves overshadow the bad ones.


The low line on the last restart wasn't very organized. Race leader (and eventual winner) Joey Logano got a push from Clint Bowyer, who was being shoved by Kevin Harvick, who had Junior on his bumper. By the time Junior was at the same spot on the track where he started to slide through the field 17 laps prior, he was in third place.


He was still in third behind Logano and Harvick when the caution came out on the last lap. Did he have an opportunity to make a move for the win? Earnhardt isn't so sure and said he wasn't in a good position to think about winning.


"Once we got clear, we sort of strung out," he said. Just not enough laps to form anything. I think even if Kevin backed up, I don't know whether I would have stayed with him or whether Denny [Hamlin] would have stayed with me. You never know what decision you would have made."


With the win, Earnhardt would have been the first driver since Sterling Marlin to win consecutive Daytona 500s. Because of the win-and-in nature of NASCAR's new Chase format, Junior's referenced many times of his team's ability in 2014 to be aggressive knowing that a Chase spot was waiting for them in the fall.


While the first-week virtual Chase guarantee is in Logano's hands this year, Earnhardt tried to look on the bright side of finishing third.


"You don't imagine the 16 guys are going to win races and you want to try to put points together in case you need to lean on that, fall back on that to make the Chase," Junior said. "But there's no guarantees."


"You like to take good cars like we had today and win with them when you get a chance."


- - - - - - -


Nick Bromberg is the editor of From The Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!







from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1AzhMMz
Read More