Cavs, Scott In Negotiations

By Justin Worsley

The Cleveland Cavaliers may have finally found their new head coach in Byron Scott after a month-long search. According to ESPN the Magazine's Chris Boussard, the Cavaliers are currently in negotiations with the veteran coach.

Scott has gone 352-355 in ten season with both the New Jersey Nets and the New Orleans Hornets, however, he has led New Jersey to two consecutive NBA Finals, both of them losses. In 2008, Scott was also named the NBA Coach of the Year after coaching the Hornets to a 56-26 record and helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

Cleveland parted ways with Mike Brown after the Cavaliers failed to make it to the NBA Finals for the third straight season. Brown was 272-138 in five seasons as the Cavaliers head coach.

Cleveland is hoping Scott will not only help the team continue their success, but also be the piece of the puzzle needed to keep LeBron James in Ohio. The reigning NBA MVP is going to become and unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Scott came into the picture in Cleveland after Michigan State coach Tom Izzo declined an offer from the team. Izzo is the longest tenured basketball coach in the Big Ten Conference.

Scott was fired by New Orleans after the team started off 3-6. One of Scott's main competitors for the coaching vacancy, current Los Angeles Lakers assistant Brian Shaw, withdrew his name from consideration, citing timing problems.

Celtics Pierce Opts Out Of Contract

By Justin Worsley

Paul Pierce has told the Boston Celtics that he has decided to opt-out of the final year of his contract, making the small forward an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.

Pierce, 32, will be another star in the upcoming free agent market that features LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Joe Johnson, Chris Bosch and Amar'e Stoudamire.

Opting out of the contract means that Pierce will forfeit his $21.5 million salary next season, however, he can sign a max-contract of four-years and $96 million to stay in Boston or $93 million elsewhere.

Pierce has helped Boston go to two NBA titles in three years, being their go-to scorer. He was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2008 when Boston defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

An eight-time All-Star, Pierce has spent his entire career in Boston, where he averaged 22.5 points per game. Last season, however, the 6'7" 235-pound Pierce averaged only 18.3 points per game, his lowest total since his rookie season.

Free agency begins in the NBA on Thursday, however, no team can sign a player until July 8.

Four Referees Cut From World Cup

By Justin Worsley

At least FIFA is recognizing their referee's aren't perfect.

The organization announced on Tuesday that they will continue the World Cup tournament without four referees who blew at least one call in a game they refereed. Because of the bad calls, FIFA is looking into using instant replay technology to prevent botched calls in games.

Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay was sent home along with Italy's Roberto Rosetti, Mali's Koman Coulibaly and Stephane Lannoy of France. FIFA did not announce a reason as to why these individuals were released.

Larrionda is the most recent of the four to make a bad call when he ruled a England goal did not cross the line of the net. Rosetti awarded a goal to Argentina's Carlos Teves despite the fact that he was off-sides. Coulibaly is the most memorable referee for United States fans. He was the referee who inexplicably disallowed the game-winning goal for the US against Slovenia, the US ended the game with a 2-2 draw. Lannoy is the only referee released who did not make a controversial call on a goal, instead he gave Brazil's Kaka his second yellow card even though Ivory Coast's Kader Keita ran into Kaka as he went for the ball. Kaka ended the game with a red card.

This is the first public notion that FIFA is recognizing the referees of the World Cup are not performing to par. The refereeing, which has been criticized the entire tournament, has been shaky from the start. In qualification play, France edged Ireland only after the referees allowed a Thierry Henry goal that clearly should have been disallowed after Henry's hand touched the ball.

The World Cup will continue on Friday when quarterfinal play kicks off.

AJ'S Struggles Continue As Dodgers Top Yanks

By Matthew Klein

AJ Burnett's struggles continued in a 9-4 loss to the Dodgers on Saturday night. Burnett, who went into the game winless since May 30 got an early 3-0 lead on a Mark Teixeira 3-run homer before he even threw a pitch. Burnett gave those runs right back, as he left in the fourth inning after letting two men on to mark his fifth consecutive loss this month. " I can't wait to pitch my next start. I'm not going to say , Oh, God, I have to go back in five days. No I can't wait to go back in five days" Burnett said to the media after the game.

There was also talk of whether or not Joe Girardi would skip his next start to get his confidence back. " I don't think he's necessarily going to benefit from it right now, I don't know" Joe said after the game.

The Yankee bats could not get it going late in the game. Boone Logan and Chan Ho Park gave up three tack on runs for the Dodgers as Torre brought in closer Jonathan Broxton to close it out. Andy Pettite will battle Clayton Kershaw in the rubber game of the series tonight at 8pm on ESPN.

Washington Grabs Wall With Top Pick

By Justin Worsley

It was all but official last month that John Wall will be spending this season wearing a Washington Wizards jersey when the team won the NBA lottery last month. Announcing the pick today was a mere formality.

Wall, a 6-foot-4 196-pound point guard was one of four Kentucky players selected in Thursday night's draft, and becomes the first Kentucky player to be selected first-overall in the NBA Draft.

Drafting Wall could make guard Gilbert Arenas expendable. Arenas was released from a halfway house last month and currently under two years probation after Arenas was discovered storing firearms in his team locker room. Last week, Arenas was voted one of the most disliked people in sports according to an E-Poll Market Research.

Washington, who went 26-56 last season, receive an instant scoring threat in Wall, who averaged 16.6 points per game for the Wildcats during their 35-3 campaign last season. Washington's best scorer, Arenas, averaged 22.5 points per game in the 32 games he played in before being suspended for the remainder of the season following his arrest.

Washington is hoping that Wall does not end up like their former top draft pick, Kwame Brown. Brown, who was selected by a Michael Jordan-managed Wizards team, never averaged more than 10.9 points a season during his four years in Washington and left the team once his contract expired in 2005.

Former teammate DeMarcus Cousins went fifth overall in the draft after the Sacramento Kings drafted the center. Forward Patrick Patterson and guard Eric Bledsoe were also drafted by the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City, however, immediately traded away Bledsoe's rights to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for a future first round pick.

Ohio State's Evan Turner went second overall to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ravens Sign Two Veterans

By Justin Worsley

The Baltimore Ravens signed two veteran players on Thursday, adding depth to the team hyped to be a contender for the 2012 Super Bowl.

Baltimore started the morning off by signing quarterback Marc Bulger, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, to a one-year $3.8 million deal. Bulger will play the role of back-up quarterback and mentor to Joe Flacco, who is entering his third season.

Bulger, 33, was a sixth-round draft choice in 2000 from West Virginia. He replaced Kurt Warner as the St. Louis Rams starting quarterback in 2003, taking over an offense nicknames "The Greatest Show on Turf" in the early parts of the decade. Bulger passed for 22,814 yards 122 touchdowns and 93 interceptions during his tenure in St. Louis, however, he is an often-injured quarterback. He has only played on full season in his career and has missed 22 games in the last three seasons. St. Louis has gone 6-42 during that time.

Later on in the day, Baltimore added depth to their defensive backfield, bringing in 13-year veteran Walt Harris. Harris missed the entire 2009 season after suffering an torn ACL during the San Francisco 49ers organized team activities.

Harris, 35, made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 2006, his first season in San Francisco, after intercepting a career-high eight passes. Harris has also played for the Washington Redskins, Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears.

Baltimore also added safety Ken Hamlin last week. Harris worked out for Baltimore along with Hamlin and free-agent Ken Lucas. Harris initially rejected the offer by Baltimore, however, he agreed once Baltimore agreed to pay Harris more than the veteran's minimum salary. Financial terms were not disclosed, however, Harris signed a one-year contract.

Baltimore lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round of the playoffs last season.

Is An 18-Game Season Necessary?

By Justin Worsley

National Football League Roger Goodell has recently announced that he no longer sees the need for a four-game preseason and is interested in pushing the league schedule from 16 games to 18. Does the NFL, however, need more games?

While fans do crave more football, it could hurt the potential of players in the long run. Several rookies and other younger players, such as undrafted free agents, need the preseason in order to earn a spot on an NFL roster. If two preseason games are taken away, several star NFL players such as Wes Welker and James Harrison would not have a fair shot entering the league.

What about compensation? How will the players be paid if there are two more games are added to the schedule? If the NFL decides the players currently under contract will receive the same pay with two more weeks added, expect the NFL Players Association to be vocal. While the NFL does handsomely pay their athletes, they are paying them for a 16 game season, not 18.

Expect injuries to increase to major players also. All teams pull their starters in the preseason after the first quarter to prevent injuries, making way for the backups to try to earn a starting job. Two additional games, especially late in the season when teams are fighting for a shot at the playoffs, will only increase the chance of injury for players.

The schedule for the NFL is also very set. Teams play two games against their divisional rivals (one home and one away,) four games against another division withing the conference, four games against the division in the opposite conference, and the remaining two games depend on where the team finishes (if the team wins the division, the play the two other division winners in their conference.) It's assumed that the extra two games will also be based on where they finish (if a team wins the division, they will not only play the other division winners, but the second-place finishers as well.)

The NFL has the shortest schedule of the four major sports, but is also the most physical. No other sports has as many players with severe injuries such as torn ACLs and concussions. Is it really worth the sacrifice of the modern-day gladiators in order to make a few extra dollars?

USA's Late Goal Lifts Them In World Cup

By Justin Worsley

The entire game, the United States was knocking on Algeria's door.

In the 90th minute, they finally kicked it down.

Landon Donovan's shot off a rebound not only gave the United States their first lead in the World Cup, but it also broke a deadlock 0-0 tie that would have doomed the for America.

USA, who also tied England 1-1 and had a questionable goal called back from them against Slovenia needed to win in order to advance past group play. England also posted a 1-0 victory in Slovenia to advance.

USA was the more aggressive team throughout the match, outshooting Algeria 20-19 including seven shots on goal to Algeria's three, but Algerian goalie Rais M'Bohli stopped everything in sight, leaving Americans on the edge of their seats.

For the second consecutive game, the United States had a goal removed from them after the referee called a Clint Dempsey goal offsides. Both retracted goals were debatable, causing many spectators to question the integrity of the referees of the World Cup.

Algerian defenseman Antar Yahia received a red card in the aftermath of Donovan's goal. Algeria will not advance after going 0-2-1 in World Cup play.

The United States will pay in the round of 16 for the first time since 2002, when they made it to the quarterfinals.

Gonzalez Becomes The Fish Out Of Water

By Justin Worsley

The Florida Marlins have fried manager Fredi Gonzalez as well as bench coach Carlos Tosca and hitting coach Jim Presley. Former major league infielder Edwin Rodriguez has been name the interim manager.

The firing come after the Marlins strung together two straight wins over the Tamapa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles. Florida is currently in fourth place in the NL East with a 34-36 record, 7 1/2 games behind division leader Atlanta.

Rodriguez steps up after spending 1 1/2 years with Florida's Triple-A affiliate New Orleans.

Gonzalez made headlines last May when he benched shortstop Hanley Ramirez, one of the teams best players, because he was not hustling to the ball during the game.

The decision to move on without Gonzalez comes from owner Jeffrey Loria, who expected his team to make the playoffs this season. Florida finished in second-place of the NL East last season after going 87-75.

Florida is 276-279 in his three-plus seasons as Florida's skipper.

Nabokov To Hit Free Agency

By Justin Worsley

The San Jose Sharks have announced on Tuesday that they will allow goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to leave the team and enter the free agent market, according to the Associated Press.

Nabokov, 34, has spent his entire career in San Jose after the Sharks selected the lefty from Russia 219th overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. In 2008, Nabokov was the goalie for the Russian team that won the gold medal in the World Hockey Championship.

In the past three seasons, Nabokov has won 131 games, the most of any NHL goalie during that span. Last season, Nabokov was 44-16-0-10 while posting a goal against average of 2.43 and a .922 save percentage, the sixth-best in the league. His 44 wins were also second most to New Jersey's Martin Brodeur.

The loss of Nabokov, who is being released due to Salary Cap reasons, opens the door for back-up Thomas Greiss. Greiss played in five game last season, posting a 3-2 record and allowing nine goals.

Several teams will be more than willing to sign Nabokov, who has been underpaid throughout his tenure in San Jose. The New York Islanders are one team desperate to have a veteran man in front of the net while the Philadelphia Flyers may look to bring in Nabokov to have a more consistent performer at the most important position in hockey.

Rivers: Wallace Most Likely To Retire

By Justin Worsley

While the season may have not ended the way he would have liked it to, coming up short in the NBA Finals may just be they way Rasheed Wallace will end his career.

And boy did he give it his all.

Yahoo! Sports has reported that Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers told WEEI-AM radio on Monday that prior to Game 7 of the finals, Wallace told Rivers that he felt that it would be his last game on the court. Wallace gave it his all, scoring 11 points and pulling down eight rebounds, but more importantly, doing everything he can to defend the onslaught that was Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

Wallace, 35, won the NBA Championship in 2004 as a member of the Detroit Pistons, has also played for the Washington Bullets, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Atlanta Hawks. The versatile former North Carolina star played both center and power forward, earning four All-Star invitations. Wallace has scored 15,860 points and 7,321 rebounds in 1,088 career games.

Wallace was also a bit of a spark plug during his career. The often ill-tempered Wallace has been ejected from 30 NBA games, the most of any player since ejections began to be recorded in 1992. Wallace has also recorded a league-record 306 technical fouls in his career, setting the record for the most in one season on three separate occasions.

If Wallace decides not to retire, he still has two years left on a three-year contract he signed last year with Boston.

Brown Traded To Washington

By Justin Worsley

The New Orleans Saints have traded tackle Jammal Brown to the Washington Redskins in a complicated deal involving next year's draft picks.

New Orleans will receive either a third or fourth-round draft pick. The pick received depends on what Washington must give to the Philadelphia Eagles from the Donovan McNabb trade. Washington will also received a late pick from New Orleans for the 2011 draft.

Brown missed the entire 2009 season due to a sports hernia and a hip injury. The two-time Pro Bowler became unhappy with the Saints after becoming a restricted free agent as well as the fact that he would have to compete with tackle Jermon Bushrod for the starting job. Bushrod, who replaced Brown last season, was part of a dominant Saints offensive line which allowed only 20 sacks, the fourth-fewest in the league.

Brown, 29, will most likely play at right tackle for Washington. The Redskins used their first-round draft pick on Oklahoma tackle Trent Williams last April. Brown, also from Oklahoma, was the thirteenth-overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Washington's offensive line struggled last season. Veteran offensive tackle Chris Samuels spent a majority of the season on the injured reserve list. Samuels, the anchor of Washington's offense for 10 seasons, retired last March. The Redskins signed Artis Hicks at the beginning of the off-season to play tackle, however with the addition of Brown, Hicks could slide into right guard, where he has played most of his career.

The addition of Brown helps improve the Redskins, who are coming off of a miserable 4-12 season and are expecting new head coach Mike Shannahan to right the ship for a franchise who hasn't won a playoff game since 2005.

Brown has started all 58 games he has played in New Orleans.

Arnott Returns To New Jersey

By Justin Worsley

Jason Arnott is already a legend in the eyes of many New Jersey Devils fans, but now he has a chance to add more to his legacy.

The Nashville Predators continued their weekend of wheeling and dealing, sending the 35-year-old center to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward Mike Halischuk and a second-round pick in the 2011 NHL Early Entry Draft.

Arnott scored the championship-winning overtime goal for the Devils in Game Six of the 2000 Stanley Cup finals against the Dallas Stars.

Arnott was traded to Dallas in 2002 along with Randy McKayand and Joe Nieuwendyk in exchange for Jamie Langenbrunner. The Canadian-born hockey player stayed in Dallas until 2006, when he signed a free-agent deal with Nashville.

Arnott was the center of the Devils "A Line" which also featured wingers Patrik Elias and Petr Sykora. Elias is still a Devil while Sykora was released by the Minnesota Wild last January.

In 1993, as a rookie in Edmonton, Arnott finished as the runner-up for the Calder Trophy, which is given to the rookie of the year. Devils goalie Martin Brodeur won the award over him.

Arnott played in 63 games for Nashville last season, notching in 19 goals and 27 assists, his lowest total since the 1997-98 season, which he played for both Edmonton and the Devils.

New Jersey has been rapidly making changes this off-season in hopes that they will be able to advance further into the playoffs. The last time New Jersey has advanced past the opening round was in 2007.

Nashville Trades Hamhuis To Flyers

By Justin Worsley

Philadelphia is quickly working on bettering themselves for another run at the Stanley Cup. The reigning Eastern Conference champions have traded defenseman Ryan Parent to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Dan Hamhuis. Philadelphia will also receive a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Hamhuis will enter free agency on July 1, which puts Philadelphia on a short clock to lock up the 27-year-old. If not signed, Nashville will send their seventh-round draft pick to the Flyers. If Philadelphia instead decides to sign Hamhuis or trade him, Nashville will keep their draft pick.

Hamhuis was a first-round draft pick for the Predators in 2001. In 2006, Hamhuis inked a four-year $8 million contract with Nashville.

Hamhuis appeared in 78 games for Nashville, notching in 5 goals and 24 points overall. He also notched in two assists this postseason, which ended when Nashville lost to eventual Stanley Cup champions Chicago in six games of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

Parent was also a first-round pick by the Predators in 2005. The 23-year-old, however, never played for Nashville after the team sent him to Philadelphia in order to acquire Peter Forsberg.

Devils Promote MacLean To Head Coach

By Justin Worsley

New Jersey is hoping that their former first-round pick, John MacLean, will be able to bring them back to the promised land: the Stanley Cup.

The Devils have not hoisted the most prized possession since the 2002-03 season, and have had four different head coaches since then, including general manager Lou Lamoriello, who has twice stepped in as the interim head coach.

MacLean, the sixth-overall pick in the 1983 NHL Draft, replaces Jacques Lemaire, who retired as a head coach last April.

Since the 2003 season, the Devils have only missed the playoffs once, but have also failed to advance past the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Last season, they lost in the opening round to the Philadelphia Flyers, who lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup.

MacLean has won the Stanley Cup with the Devils as both a coach and player. He was an assistant on the 2003 team as well as a player for the Devils when the team won their first Stanley Cup in 1995.

MacLean is the 19th coach in the history of the New Jersey Devils and the fifth since 2007.

Baltimore Signs Safety Hamlin

By Justin Worsley

With Ed Reed's future still uncertain, the Baltimore Ravens have decided to be better safe than sorry, signing ex-Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin to a one-year contract according to the Associated Press.

Reed, a six-time All-Pro selection, announced immediately after the Ravens season ended last January that he was "50-50" on whether or not he would return in 2010. He has decided to return, but needed hip surgery during the off-season, which is expected to sideline the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year for part of training camp.

Hamlin, 29, made the Pro Bowl for Dallas in 2007, his first season there, however, he was released from the Cowboys last April. Hamlin has also played for the Seattle Seahawks, who drafted him 42nd overall in the 2003 NFL Draft.

Hamlin could also provide help in nickelback situations as well as spell Reed on some plays to help reduce the chances that the 31-year-old suffers a career threatening injury. Hamlin has missed 14 games in his career, 10 of those games stemming from an altercation the former Arkansas star had with a group of unidentified men at a Seattle nightclub. The assault on Hamlin led to a fractured skull amongst other injuries. He missed four games last season with a high ankle sprain.

Hamlin has intercepted 14 passes in his seven-year career

Utah Pacs Their Bags

By Justin Worsley

If Colorado wasn't already exciting enough for West Coast college sports fans, the Pac-10 has expanded to twelve teams on Thursday after Utah announced they have accepted their invitation to join the conference.

The augmentation of the Utes brings in another major city to the Pac-10. Colorado brought in the Denver area while Utah brings in Salt Lake. The Pac-10 already has the Phoenix, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles audience.

Utah, who will join the Pac-10 in 2011, is hoping that joining the tougher conference will give them a better shot at a BCS bowl game, which they were only able to make two of in their former conference, the Mountain West. In 2008, Utah was the only undefeated team in college, however, since they played in the weaker Mountain West, they were overlooked and played in the Sugar Bowl, where they defeated #4 Alabama 31-17, instead of the national championship.

The addition of Utah means the Pac-10, or whatever they decide to call themselves, will be able to play for a conference title game in 2012, when Colorado starts conference play.

The news does the Mountain West no favors after the conference tried to become more reputable last week after bringing in Boise State.

Giants Receiver Hixon Out For Season

By Justin Worsley

The New York Giants announced on Wednesday that return specialist Domenik Hixon has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, ending the fifth-year veteran's season before it even began.

Hixon, who also contributes on offense as a wide receiver, suffered the injury on the FieldTurf artificial surface in the New Meadowlands Stadium on Tuesday, when the team held their first practice in the new stadium. An MRI by team doctors revealed that it was a torn ACL, not a hyper-extended knee that the team initially suspected was the injury after Hixon's foot was caught in the turf while he was fielding a punt.

The team also announced Hixon will undergo season-ending surgery within the next two or three weeks.

Hixon's injury is a cause for concern for the New Meadowlands stadium, which is the home field for both the Giants and the New York Jets. Synthetic turf fields are already well-known for causing more injuries, especially knee injuries. Years of research and advancements in the types of shoes to wear have helped decrease the number of injuries occurred over the years, but it is still necessary to research whether or not such an injury is preventable.

Hixon joined the Giants midway into the 2007 season after being cut by the Denver Broncos. He started five games of the 2008 season in place of Plaxico Burress, who was suspended by the team twice.

Philadelphia Considers Another Return By Martinez

By Justin Worsley

Philadelphia has won a trip to the World Series in the last two seasons and if they want to return, they need to somehow turn the corner.

The Phillies, who have lost 17 of their last 25 games have contacted Pedro Martinez about a possible return to the MLB according to ESPNDeportes.com's Enrique Rojas. Martinez, a three-time Cy Young award winner, stepped on the mound for Philadelphia last season in August after signing a one-year $1 million contract to replace ageless pitcher Jamie Moyer.

Martinez showed he didn't lose a step during the regular season, going 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA. In the playoffs, however, his performance regressed after the team went down to three starting pitchers instead of five. Martinez went 0-2 with a 3.71 ERA in the playoffs that ended when the Phillies lost in six games to the New York Yankees in the World Series.

Until their slump, Philadelphia has a commanding lead of the NL East, but are now in third place and 3 1/2 games behind division-leader Atlanta. Ace pitcher Roy Halladay has gone 2-4 during this span after starting the season off with a 6-1 record. Philadelphia started the season off with a 24-13 record.

Haynesworth Demands Trade

By Justin Worsley

It seems like yesterday that the 2009 free agent signing period began and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was bidding farewell to the Tennessee Titans.

Haynesworth now realizes the grass isn't greener on the other side.

Haynesworth, who turns 29 on Thursday, has requested a trade from the Washington Redskins, who he signed a seven-year $100 million contract just hours after the free agent signing period began last year.

Last year, Haynesworth told his agent, Chad Speck, that he refuses to play in a 3-4 defense. Washington is currently undergoing a makeover to that scheme this season as the Mike Shannahan era begins in the nation's capitol. The 350-pound mammoth has also stated that he will not attend minicamps and has yet to attend a Washington off-seaosn workout.

Haynesworth is one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the league, earning two All-Pro selections in Tennessee. Despite constant being double-teamed, Haynesworth still finds ways to get to the quarterback, earning 28 sacks in his career. During his career as a Titan, the defensive performance, significantly the rushing defense, struggled greatly without him.

Washington begins their minicamp on Wednesday and according to general manager Bruce Allen, they expect Haynesworth to be there. The Wednesday session is the only practice the Redskins are allowed to make mandatory and can therefore fine Haynesworth for not showing up.

The 3-4 defense, which will shift Haynesworth from playing outside of the guard to directly in front of the center, will reduce the dynamic of Haynesworth as he will spend his time clogging holes, freeing up room for the defensive ends and linebackers to make plays. While Haynesworth is already great at plugging holes, he is also a playmaker who is well aware of his ability and doesn't feel he fits in new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's scheme.

Haynesworth was selected in the first round (15th overall) in the 2002 NFL draft from Tennessee. Several teams have been rumored to be involved with obtaining Haynesworth, including Tennessee, who Haynesworth spent the first seven years of his career with.

Colorado Flees The Big XII, Possibly Nebraska Too

By Justin Worsley

Rumors have been circulating since December that both the Pac-10 and the Big Ten conference have been looking to expand and on Thursday, the Pac-10 drew first blood, luring Colorado away from the Big XII.

The Big XII has been the scapegoat of the conference expansions, with Texas being the apple to nearly every conference's eye. Along with the announcement that Colorado will leave the Big XII, reports have surfaced that Nebraska will move north to the Big Ten conference.

If Nebraska does leave, it could mean the end of the Big XII. Colorado was able to woo the Pac-10 due to their Denver television market. If the Big XII does dissolve, however, the Pac-10 has the potential to pick up the scraps, including Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

Colorado will not join the Pac-10 until the 2012-13 season, which means the Buffaloes will be forced to spend two awkward seasons in the Big XII, a conference they have been a member of since the Big 8 conjoined with the four Texas colleges in 1994. Colorado won the Big XII title in 2001 and has played in the conference title game three times between 2002-05, but has been less than stellar since, going 16-33 since Gary Barnett was forced to resign as head coach in 2005.

The Pac-10 conference is vying to become the first "power conference" in the BCS by hosting 16 programs. The last conference to do so, however, was extremely unsuccessful. The Western Athletic Conference failed in attempting to host a 16-team conference, causing the WAC to split in half in 1999, the latter becoming the Mountain West Conference.

Colorado becomes the first school to join the Pac-10 since both Arizona and Arizona State joined in 1978. If the Pac-10 adds one more school, the conference will be able to host a conference championship game, something the Big XII will no longer be able to do.

Preseason NCAA Top 25

By Justin Worsley

With the spring games long behind us and two-a-days in the near future, it is time to reveal the Top 25 teams of the 2010 NCAA season. As always predicting the winner is never easy and the teams rarely hold their position, but every team does have one main goal: to dethrone Alabama as national champions.

It will be tough to beat Alabama this season, especially with the return of Heisman-winner Mark Ingram in the backfield, however, there has not been back-to-back national champions since USC shared the spot with LSU in 2003 before winning it on their own in 2004. The last team to win the undisputed national title in back-to-back season was Nebraska in 1994-95, so every team has a shot.

So without further adieu, here is my Top 25 teams for the upcoming football season.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama holds this spot until a team comes up and takes it away from them, as they did to Florida last season. While Alabama returns eight starters on offense including Heisman winner Mark Ingram, only two come back on defense. It will be up to linebacker Dont'a Hightower to lead the defense this season as the team faces Penn State, Arkansas and a revenge-minded Florida within the first five weeks of the season.

2. Boise State

If Boise State has another undefeated season, they deserve to be in the national title game, regardless of who is on their schedule. The Broncos return 21 starters and are unbeatable on their blue home field. Kellen Moore could be an early-season contender for the Heisman Trophy. Boise State will face an early season test against Virginia Tech in neutral-territory Maryland. The winner of this game could jump in the race for the national title.

3. Ohio State

Terrelle Pryor needs to be more consistent in order for the team to be successful. Pryor only completed 56.6-percent of his passes while throwing 11 interceptions. The Buckeyes defense, however, is devastating with pass-rush specialist Cameron Heyward wreaking havoc in the backfield. Ohio State will host Miami early in the season before their Big Ten schedule kicks off including two road games against Iowa and Wisconsin. Penn State will also come to the Horseshoe.

4. Texas

Quarterback Garrett Gilbert was given a baptism by fire last season when he came in as a true freshman in the national title game against Alabama after Colt McCoy injured his shoulder in the first quarter. McCoy is gone and head coach Mack Brown has tweaked the offense in order to rely on Gilbert's strengths. A running game, however, must emerge in Austin or the team may be stuck as a one-dimensional offense like they were last season. The defense remains one of the nation's best with a dangerous cornerback tandem in Chykie and Curtis Brown. Texas will face Oklahoma and Nebraska in back-to-back weeks in two critical Big XII matches this season.

5. TCU

Texas Christian returns 15 starters on a team that went 12-1 last season, including quarterback Andy Dalton. The Horned Frogs lose five starters on defense, however, they will reload with sophomores Ross Forrest and Tanner Brock replacing Jerry Hughes and Darryl Washington. TCU will be tested early this season when they play Oregon State in Arlington to kick the season off. A Nov. 6 game at Utah could decide the winner of the Mountain West Conference.

6. Virginia Tech

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor leads the charge as Virginia Tech enters the season with one of the most dangerous running games in the nation. Ryan Williams and Darren Evans will provide a solid 1-2 punch for Virginia Tech while Taylor relies on his feet to get him out of trouble. They will have to replace six starters on defense quickly, the ACC has become more competitive this season. After a season-opening game against Boise State, Virginia Tech will face Georgia Tech and away games against North Carolina and Miami late in the season for what could possibly decide which team goes to the ACC championship.

7. Oklahoma

Injuries plagued the Sooners last season, but also helped benefit the team for this season. Quarterback Landry Jones now has a season of experience under his belt and the offense returns eight starters. Their defense returns six starters, but must find a replaceent for defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who was selected third-overall in the NFL Draft. Oklahoma will face Florida State, Cincinnati and Texas within the first month of the season before facing the rest of their Big XII opponents.

8. Nebraska

Their defense is even nastier than last year with Jared Crick stepping in to take over for Ndamukong Suh and Prince Amukamara at cornerback. Their offense returns nine starters, however must jell this season in order for the team to be successful. The biggest test for Nebraska this season is an Oct. 16 home game against Texas, one of what could be two games against the Longhorns this season.

9. Florida

The big question in Gainesville is whether or not quarterback John Brantley can fill Tim Tebow's shoes. The Gators lose nine starters overall on both sides of the ball, but is athletic and physical enough to fill all voids. Expect the team to take more snaps under center. Florida faces an Oct. 2 rematch at Alabama and have two later tests against Georgia and Florida State.

10. Wisconsin

Wisconsin returns all of their starters on offense, including running back John Clay, but only six on defense. They key to their success will rely on their defensive line, which only returns junior J.J. Watt. Wisconsin faces back-to-back games against Ohio State and Iowa later in the season in what could decide the Big Ten.

11. Miami (FL)
Miami only returns four starters on offense, but will return Jacory Harris at quaterback and eight starters on defense. Harris threw impressive numbers last season (3,352 yards and 24 touchdowns,) but also threw 17 interceptions. Miami has one of the toughest schedules in the nation this season facing back-to-back games against Ohio State and Pitt early in the season before taking on Florida State, North Carolina, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech in their ACC match-ups.

12. Iowa
Ricky Stanzi is back to lead the team, but must be more consistent that 17 touchdown and 15 picks. The offense returns six starters, but lose three starters on the offensive line. The team will rely on a defense that returns eight starters including defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Iowa's toughest games are all Big Ten opponents: Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State.

13. USC
The Pete Carroll era is over and Lane Kiffin has returned to Los Angeles to lead the Trojans. Sophomore quarterback Matt Barkley is back and will improve greatly over last-season's numbers (2,735 yards, 15 touchdowns 14 interceptions.) The team loses 11 starters on both sides of the ball, but Kiffin's tremendous recruiting classes over the years will help fill the holes on the team. A midseason match against Oregon could decide the Pac-10 title.

14. Oregon
The biggest question about Oregon is whether or not the team can compete without quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who was kicked off of the team. Senior Nate Costa will take the snaps this season for the Ducks who also return running back LaMichael James, who ran for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns, and seven other starters on offense. The defense loses three starters, including two on the defensive line. An away game at USC on Oct. 30 could decide the Pac-10 title.

15. North Carolina
Their defense is the heart and soul of this team, returning nine starters including defensive lineman Marvin Austin and Robert Quinn, who will help groom newcomers Quinton Coples and Tydreke Powell. The offense also returns nine starters, but could pull quarterback T.J. Yates if he fails to produce in favor of redshirt freshman Bryn Renner. The toughest part of North Carolina's schedule is their ACC foes, including Georgia Tech, Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech.

16. Pitt
Sophomore Dion Lewis is back and will campaign for the Heisman trophy, but the offense loses six starters, including quarterback, which will be taken over by sophomore Tino Sunseri. The defense also returns defensive end Greg Romeus, but also loses five starters. Pitt will start their season off on the road against Utah and will host Miami before two late road games against UConn and Cincinnati in what could decide who wins the Big East.

17. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech loses defensive captains Morgan Burnett and Derrick Morgan and will switch to a 3-4 defense this year, but still returns seven starters. The offense returns six starters, including quarterback Joshua Nesbitt to run their hard-to-stop triple option offense. A Sept. 28 showdown against North Carolina at Chapel Hill will set the tone for the ACC. Three of their final four games are also rough as they play Virginia Tech, Miami and Georgia.

18. Georgia
The Bulldogs could have something to say about the SEC title, but must settle on their quarterback first. Redshirt Aaron Murray is slated as the starter right now. Murray will have help with star receiver A.J. Green to throw to and eight starters overall return on offense. The Bulldogs only return five starters on defense, and none on the defensive line, but Georgia is notorious for having studs on their defensive front. Georgia plays Arkansas early this season. Their next big test will be against Florida at neutral-territory Jacksonville. The Bulldogs wrap their season up by hosting Georgia Tech.

19. Arkansas
Star quarterback Ryan Mallet has returned to lead the Razorbacks, along with one of the NCAA's most dangerous receiving groups in Greg Childs, Joe Adams, Jarius Wright, Cobi Hamilton and tight end D.J. Williams. Their defense must show a great improvement, however, after finishing the '09 season last in the SEC in total defense and points against. Arkansas has two late-September games against Georgia and Alabama.

20. Cincinnati
The team loses quarterback Tony Pike, but that's not a problem. Junior Zach Collaros stepped in for Pike when he was injured last season and seamlessly ran the Bearcats high-scoring offense. Including Collaros, Cincinnati returns seven starters on offense, but must find a way to replace receiver Mardy Gilyard. Cincinnati faces an early game against Oklahoma before their season closes at UConn and home against Pitt.

21. Houston
Quarterback Case Keenum is back after two consecutive 5,000-yard passing seasons. The team only loses two starters on offense. Defense lost games for them last season, finishing 111th in total defense. Five starters return on the defensive unit. Houston faces a soft schedule this season with no ranked opponents on the schedule.

22. Florida State
Jimbo Fisher starts his reign by contending for the ACC title. Christian Ponder leads the Seminole offense that returns nine starters. Their defense only brings back four starters, and none at defensive back, where they lost Myron Rolle and Patrick Robinson to the NFL. Florida State travels to Oklahoma on Sept. 11 and will face Miami and North Carolina before they close their season against Florida.

23. Penn State
Evan Royster will be plowing for yards as sophomore Kevin Newsome learns the offense, replacing Darryl Clark. The team must quickly replace 11 starters if they want to contend in the Big Ten this season. Penn State goes to Alabama on Sept. 11 and travels to Iowa this season before a late season match against Ohio State at the Horseshoe.

24. Utah
Eight starters return on offense, but only three on defense. If Utah is to contend with TCU for the Mountain West crown this season, their defensive players must jell before their Nov. 6 game. Utah will open the season against Pitt.

25. UConn
UConn was impressive last season, posting a 8-5 record in what was supposed to be a down season. Eight starters return on offense and defense and the team is expected to build on quarterback Zach Frazer's strong finish last season. The Huskies host Pitt and Cincinnati late in the season and could be undefeated entering both games.

Oregon Dismisses QB Masoli

By Justin Worsley

The Oregon Ducks have dismissed troubled quarterback Jeremiah Masoli on Wednesday, just two days after Masoli was arrested for possession of marijuana and several driving infractions.

Masoli was suspended for the 2010 season after pleading guilty to playing a role in the theft of several laptops and a guitar from a fraternity in March.

After transferring to Oregon from junior-college the City College of San Francisco in 2008, Masoli went from the team's third-string quarterback to starting as a sophomore, 1,744 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions, leading the Ducks to a 42-31 Holiday Bowl win over Oklahoma State, where he was name the game's most valuable player.

Masoli led Oregon to their first Pac-10 conference title at a junior, the school's first Pac-10 football title since 2001. The quarterback passed for 2,147 yards with 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Masoli also rushed for 668 yards and 13 touchdowns, however, was ineffective against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Masoli was only able to complete nine passes out of 20 attempts against a stout Buckeye defense for 81 yards in a 26-17 loss.

Masoli is still able to redshirt this season if he does transfer to another school. The 21-year-old entered the season as an early contender for the Heisman trophy before coach Chip Kelly made the announcement that he would be lost for the season. Senior Nate Costa will be starting for the Ducks this season.

Turkoglu Wants To Return To Sacramento

By Justin Worsley

It is already well known that Hedo Turkoglu desperately wants out of Toronto. Last month, the 31-year-old forward requested a trade after one season in Toronto. Apparently he already has his heart set on a new destination.

Yahoo! Sports has reported that Turkoglu wants to return to Sacramento, where he spent the first three seasons of his career. No trade talks have come up between the two teams yet, however, they are expected to talk before the month is over.

Turkoglu had a less than memorable season as a Raptor. After being signed to a five-year, $53 million contract last summer, the Turkish-born Turkoglu failed to perform well and provide support for power forward Chris Bosh, averaging only 11.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He averaged 16.8 points per game in the 2008-09 season as a member of the Orlando Magic.

In 2008, Turkoglu won the NBA's most improved player in Orlando, averaging 19.5 points per game while supporting center Dwight Howard.

Toronto just missed the playoffs last season after going 40-42. Sacramento fared much worse, however, going 25-57, the second-worst record in the Western Conference.

Turkoglu could provide veteran leadership in Sacramento and help the team in the short-run as a power forward until his production completely drops off or until they are able to bring in a younger talent. Sacramento has not made the playoffs since 2006 when they lost to the Spurs in the opening round.

Strasburg Dominates In MLB Debut

By Justin Worsley

In one of the most anticipated debuts in MLB history, Stephen Strasburg came into the major leagues with a bang. The 21-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals made a fool out of the Pittsburgh Pirates batters, striking out 14 batters while not allowing a walk in Tuesday night's 5-2 victory.

Strasburg pitched seven complete innings in a game that was sold out within two hours after the announcement that Strasburg would pitch. Strasburg allowed only four hits, including a two-run home run by right-fielder Delwyn Young in the third-inning. His 14 strikeouts are the third-highest in MLB history for a pitcher making his first career start.

Washington (28-31) got their offense rolling early when Ryan Zimmerman hit a solo home run off of Pirates pitcher Jeff Karstens in the first-inning. The team regained the lead in the sixth inning with back-to-back home runs by Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham.

Strasburg attacked the strike zone on all corners, relying on a variety of pitches including both a two and four-seam fastball and a variety of curveballs that clocked in around 98 mph. Strasburg's fasted pitch of the night reached 100 mph.

Strasburg never lost control of his pitches during the game. He left with a bang, striking out the last seven batters he faced before manager Jim Riggleman pulled the pitcher for the night after 94 pitches, sending out Tyler Clippard to relieve him.

Andy LaRoche made the first hit for Pittsburgh in the second-inning, hitting a line-drive down left field for a single.

Ivan Rodriguez also made his return to Washington after being on the 15-day disabled list. The catcher went 2-4 with an RBI in the eighth-inning.

Washington continues their series tomorrow at 7:05 p.m.

Crotty Selected First Overall In MLL Draft

By Justin Worsley

There was only one thing that could make Ned Crotty's month better, becoming the first-overall pick in the MLL Draft.

Not even two weeks after Crotty helped lead the Duke Blue Devils to their first NCAA lacrosse title in school history, Crotty was selected first-overall by the Chicago Machine on Sunday's MLL draft.

Crotty, an attack, won the 2010 Tewaaraton Trophy as the Nation's top lacrosse player. He led the nation in assists, with 63, also a Duke single-season record. Crotty also led the nation in scoring with 86 points.

Chicago is hoping the high-scoring Crotty can help bring a franchise player to a team that has gone 9-39 since entering the league in 2006. Chicago is currently 2-1 on the season.

Fellow Blue Devils Max Quinzani and Parker McKee were selected third and fourth overall by Boston and Long Island. Chesapeake Bayhawks selected midfielder Michael Kimmel from Johns Hopkins with the second-overall pick.

The MLL is hoping that Crotty will also generate fan support. Five teams were forced to cease operations after the 2008 season due to the economic crisis, including the Philadelphia Barrage, who have won a league-high three MLL championships. Only six teams remain in the MLL and the league may be forced to fold if they are unable to sell tickets.

For more information on the MLL, including team schedule and information on obtaining tickets, visit www.majorleaguelacrosse.com.

Blue Jackets Hire Arniel As Head Coach

By Justin Worsley

The Columbus Blue Jackets introduced Scott Arniel as their new head coach on Tuesday, the seventh coach franchise history.

Arniel spent the past four seasons as the head coach of the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League, leading them to a 181-105-10-19 record in that span.

Arniel, however, was not the first candidate for the Blue Jackets coaching vacancy. Guy Boucher, head coach of the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs, was originally offered to position, however, he turned it down. Hamilton defeated Manitoba in six games in a best-of-seven playoff series during this first round of the playoffs this past season.

Arniel inherits one of the youngest teams in the NHL. Goaltender Steve Mason is only 22 and team captain right winger Rick Nash will be 26 by the time the season begins.

Arniel, 47, was drafted in the second-round of the 1981 NHL by the Winnipeg Jets, now known as the Phoenix Coyotes. He scored 149 goals and 189 assists during an 12-year career with three different clubs. Arniel has also played in the AHL, the International Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and both Ontario and Quebec's Men's Junior Hockey Leagues.

Arniel replaces interim coach Claude Noel this season. Noel stepped in after the Blue Jackets fired Ken Hitchcock during last season, when the team went 32-35-15. In the 2008-09 season, Columbus had the most successful season in franchise history, going 41-31-10 and making the playoffs for the first time.

Noel was 10-8-6 as an interim coach last season.

Charest Leaves Illinois

By Justin Worsley

Jacob Charest felt that he deserved the starting quarterback position for Illinois this season. His head coach, Ron Zook felt otherwise.

Charest left the team and returned home to North Carolina, where he will explore his transfer options after being granted a release. He is the only quarterback on the roster with playing time. Charest reportedly left the team before Zook announced that redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase would be the starting quarterback this season.

Charest made four appearances last season as Juice Williams' backup, completing 28 of 56 passes for 382 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions. Scheelhaase beat out both Charest and true freshman Chandler Whitmer for the starting quarterback job.

If Charest transfers to a FBS school, he will be forced to sit out the season under NCAA rules. The sophomore does not have a redshirt season available.

2010 FIFA World Cup Preview

By Brian Harris

Starting on Friday with the host country of South Africa taking on Mexico, the 2010 World Cup will embark on a month-long journey which will not only bring out the pride that one has in their country or heritage but also will bring the “beautiful game” into the limelight.

The World Cup is a great way to show people who normally wouldn’t watch a Manchester United-Chelsea tilt but would watch the U.S play England because it stirs up some national pride and they will no longer see soccer (or football or futbol) as a wimpy sport but as the ultimate combination of speed and skill along with having the most passionate fans in all of sport.

On that note, here’s my group-by-group thoughts and predictions on the 2010 FIFA World Cup. For those not educated on how the World Cup works, here’s a quick synopsis on how it works. 32 teams from all over the world are broken up into eight groups of four. Special consideration is put into the choosing of groups so they are, for the most part, balanced.

Group A

Teams-South Africa, Mexico, France and Uruguay

The host country, South Africa, like the other African teams at the World Cup, is a team that isn’t a contender this time around but will have the potential to be in 2014 in Brazil. Uraguay, like every other South American team, will give anyone they face fits, but are on the second tier of teams on that continent. Mexico is the best team in Central America and will probably win this group outright unless France regains its 1998 form, which I highly doubt since the only reason they got in was due to an uncalled handball by Thierry Henry against Ireland in preliminaries.

My Prediction For Group A- 1) Mexico 2)France 3)South Africa 4) Uruguay

Group B

Teams-Argentina, Nigeria, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Greece

Let’s get this out of the way. Lionel Messi is the best player in the world right. His prowess for scoring is right up there with Dirk Diggler and Tiger Woods. That being said, Argentina is going to win this group. The other three teams are going to slug it out for the other spot into the knockout stage. Greece, I feel, is the best out of those three but I wouldn’t be surprised if either South Korea or Nigeria slide in. This group is really Argentina’s to lose.

My Prediction For Group B- 1) Argentina 2) Nigeria 3) Greece 4) Republic Of Korea

Group C

Teams- U.S.A, England, Algeria, Slovenia

Without question, the Americans and the English are going to advance. The other two countries simply don’t match up to both the storied Three Lions of England, led by Wayne Rooney, and the U.S. The biggest question that comes from this group is whether or not the U.S can pull of the victory over England, which would not only be the biggest win in the history of U.S soccer but could be the stepping stone into soccer truly being accepted by Americans overall.

My Prediction For Group C- 1) England 2) U.S.A 3) Slovenia 4) Algeria

Group D

Teams-Germany, Australia, Ghana, Serbia

Three of the four teams in this group are good enough to make the knockout stage. Serbia probably shouldn’t be taken lightly either but in the end, the German squad, without injured captain Michael Ballack, will just eke out the victory while the Black Stars of Ghana, the highest ranked team from Africa, who are playing without star Michael Essien, and the Socceroos of Austraila, in only their 2nd World Cup since 1974, will play for the other slot into knockouts.

My Prediction For Group D- 1) Germany 2) Ghana 3) Australia 4) Serbia

Group E

Teams-Netherlands, Cameroon, Denmark, Japan

Even though Dutch soccer legends Ruud von Nistelroy and Edwin van der Saar have retired from international play, the Dutch are still the strongest team in the group and assistant coach Frank de Boer has laid down the gauntlet, stating that the Dutch only have one goal, “to be champions of the world.” Even with a hamstring injury to star player Arjen Robben, the other teams in the group don’t pose a threat to the Dutch but Japan is a team on the rise and can pull off an upset of either Cameroon or Denmark.

My Predication For Group E- 1) Netherlands 2) Denmark 3) Cameroon 4) Japan

Group F

Teams-Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, New Zealand

The Azzurri, the defending World Cup champions, got a Duke-like draw as not even Paraguay poses a threat to Italy in group play. Slovakia and New Zealand are just happy to be here

My Prediction For Group F- 1) Italy 2) Paraguay 3) Slovakia 4) New Zealand

Group G

Teams-Brazil, Korea D.P.R (North Korea), Cote’ D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Portugal

Now we come to the vaunted “Group of Death” as Brazil, Cristiano Ronaldo- led Portugal can say that they have a shot at the World Cup. Ivory Coast could also stake claim as a contender as well but with striker Didier Drogba out for at least group play with a broken arm, their chances shrunk considerably. With that being said, one really good team is going to going home early. North Korea, while a decent team, is nothing more than a whipping boy. Brazil-Portugal is going to be epic a first round match for sure.

My Prediction For Group G- 1) Brazil 2) Portugal 3) Cote D’Ivoire 4) Korea D.P.R

Group H

Teams-Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

This group has a distinct Latin flavor to it, and the Swiss are the oddballs in the group. However, I can see the Swiss making a run for the second slot out of Group H. Spain is the best team in this group by far with Chile and Honduras no slouches themselves.

My Prediction For Group H- 1) Spain 2) Chile 3) Switzerland 4) Honduras

Knockout Stage Predictions

Round Of 16

Mexico over Nigeria, England over Ghana, Netherlands over Paraguay, Brazil over Chile, Argentina over France, U.S.A over Germany, Italy over Denmark, Portugal over Spain

Quarterfinals

England over Mexico, Brazil over Netherlands, Argentina over U.S.A, Italy over Portugal

Semifinals

Brazil over England, Italy over Argentina

Final

Brazil over Italy

I must give fair warning, the World Cup is the international version of March Madness so you never may know what will happen. This much I can promise, from June 11 to July 11, there’s going to be some epic soccer being played in South Africa.

Nationals Pick Slugger Harper With No. 1 Pick

By Justin Worsley

The Washington Nationals have selected the highly-touted Bryce Harper with this year's first-overall selection in the MLB Draft on Monday. The hard-hitting player, who normally plays catcher, was drafted as an outfielder.

Harper, 17, has been hyped as the LeBron James of baseball, appearing on the front cover of Sports Illustrated last year. This season while playing in a wooden-bat league at the College of Southern Nevada, Harper has hit 29 home runs and 89 RBIs. Harper also has 18 stolen bases and a .442 batting average.

Last year's first-overall pick, pitcher Stephen Strausburg, is set to make his MLB debut on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Washington is currently climbing back to respectability after drafting one of the most highly-touted pitchers in MLB history along with the similarly touted Harper.

Harper joins an exclusive group of outfielders who were drafted at the age of 18 or younger, including Ken Griffey Jr., Darryl Strawberry and Josh Hamilton.

Harper, a switch-hitter, is also the highest junior college player drafted in MLB history. Former White Sox pitcher Alex Fernandez was drafted fourth-overall in the 1990 MLB draft.

Pittsburgh selected right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon with the second-overall pick.

Round 2 of the MLB draft begins on Tuesday. The rest of the draft concludes on Wednesday.

Isaac Bruce Returns Home

By Justin Worsley

After two awkward seasons in the Bay Area, the San Francisco 49ers have traded wide receiver Isaac Bruce back to the St. Louis Rams, the team Bruce spent most of his career with, so that he may retire with them on Wednesday.

Bruce, 37, was a second-round pick out of Memphis in 1994 by the Rams, then located in Los Angeles. His 15,208 receiving yards is the second-most in NFL history. He also has caught 1,024 passes, the fifth-most all-time and 91 touchdowns.

Bruce was a key part to the Rams "Greatest Show on Turf" in the early part of the decade along with Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk and Torry Holt. In Super Bowl XXXIV, Bruce scored the game-winning 73-yard touchdown pass from Warner. Bruce also mentored Holt, making the two one of the best wide-receiver tandems in the NFL.

Bruce was named to the All-Pro team in 1999 along with four Pro Bowls.

The Rams released Bruce in 2008 after the team's all-time leading receiver refused to take a pay-cut. Division-rival San Francisco quickly signed Bruce, hoping he would provide veteran leadership as well as mentor the young receivers in San Francisco. Bruce became the fifth wide receiver in NFL history to record 1,000 reception in 2008 after catching a 3-yard touchdown pass against the Rams.

San Francisco will not receive any player of draft pick in the trade due to Bruce's retirement.

Chicago Hires Thibodeau As Head Coach

By Justin Worsley

The Boston Celtics defense has been scary this post-season, and people around the league have taken notice.

An unidentified source has told the Associated Press that the Chicago Bulls have hired Tom Thibodeau, the assistant coach of the Celtics to a two-year, $6.5 million deal with a team option. Thibodeau will continue working with the Celtics this month as they try to win their second NBA Championship in three seasons against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Thibodeau has been a hot commodity amongst the teams with a vacant head coaching position. The New Orleans Hornets have also expressed interest in the veteran coach, however, the coach was rumored not to have been a top candidate for team MVP Chris Paul. New Orleans signed Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams on Friday.

Despite making the playoffs for the second straight season, the Bulls were unimpressed with the team's performance in the regular season as well as their early exits in the playoffs, causing the team to fire head coach Vinny Del Negro.

Thibodeau will be a key part in the LeBron James sweepstakes. The Bulls are one of the favorites to sign the two-time NBA MVP due to their young nucleus. President Barrack Obama, a Chicago native, has also publicly announced that he feels the Bulls are a great fit for James.

Chicago has had identical 41-41 seasons under Del Negro. The James-led Cavaliers knocked out the Bulls 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs this season.

Thibodeau, an 18-year NBA veteran, has a very young talented nucleus in Chicago. Along with Derrick Rose and team captains Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich, the Bulls had two first-round draft picks in 2009, selecting James Johnson and Taj Gibson. The young core is talented offensively, however had their struggles on defense. The Bulls gave up 99.11 points per game while only scoring 97.47 themselves.

Chicago is hoping the defensive-minded Thibodeau will fix that. Boston had the fifth-lowest points-against average in the league (95.56) and have only surrendered 91.94 points per game this post-season, second only to the Orlando Magic, whom Boston defeated in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Chicago will pick 17th overall in the upcoming NBA Draft.

UCLA Legend Wooden Dies

By Justin Worsley

UCLA officials announced Friday night that former head coach of the men's basketball program John Wooden has died of natural causes on Friday night at the age of 99.

Wooden to this day is still a legend, the Wizard of Westwood won an unprecedented 10 NCAA National Championships between 1964 and 1975. Wooden also won six NCAA College Basketball Coach of the Year awards and coached UCLA to 12 Final Four appearances. He has compiled a 664-162 overall record during his 29 seasons as the coach of both UCLA and Indiana State.

Wooden has made both the College and Professional Basketball Hall of Fame, being enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1961 and the College Hall of Fame in 2006, respectively.

Wooden, who coached the Bruins from 1948-75, set a standard for coaches on all levels in all sports. Not once in his career has Wooden touched or raised his voice to a player unless it was to congratulate an athlete.

No other men's basketball coach has come close to Wooden's 10 titles and four undefeated seasons. Former Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp and current Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski have won four titles apiece, the two are tied for the second most Nation Championships in NCAA history. No other head coach has had more than one undefeated season.

Wooden is also well-known for his faith in God. He has developed the "Seven Point Creed" as well as several maxims during his career, including what is now a famous quote "failing to prepare is preparing to fail."

Last year, The Sporting News named Wooden "The Greatest Coach of All Time." Wooden always has and always will be a ubiquitous character throughout all sports due to his ability to teach and inspire young adults both on and off the basketball court. To simply state what is writting in his Seven Point Creed "Make each day your masterpiece."

Wooden certainly did that.

Should Baseball Adopt Instant Replay?

By Justin Worsley

For years, the NFL debated adding an instant replay system. During the debate, then commissioner Paul Tagliabue was skeptical, showing his support for the league referees. After doing some research, however, Tagliabue realized that the pro very much outweigh the cons and in 1999, he installed an instant replay system similar to the defunct USFL.

The instant replay system in the NFL allows coached to challenge up to two debatable calls by a referee per game. This new rule changed football and helped make the game more fair due to technology. If a referee makes a bad call, those at home watching the game on television instantly see the a replay and can see whether or not the referee was just in his decision.

In 2004, the NFL expanded on the rule, allowing coaches a third challenge if they are successful on their first two attempts. College football has also taken notice, adopting their own replay policy in 2006.

Last night a robbery occurred. Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was one batter away from pitching the third perfect game of the season. Rookie Jason Donald hit a ground ball that formed into a routine out. Galarraga, covering first base, made the catch and outran Donald for the out. First-base umpire Jim Joyce, however, said otherwise. Joyce made this season's most controversial call, he declared Donald safe.

Immediately after the play, anyone watching the game on T.V. could tell the call was ludicrous and was in fact an out. Joyce has made it more than obvious that he is well aware that he blew the call, as well as the bid for the perfect game, once he saw the instant replay.

Bud Selig, the MLB commissioner, has been long opposed to the instant replay official, stating that the game should be officiated by officials. In 2008, some aspects of the game were added to instant replay, such as whether or not there was spectator interference or if a fly ball is either a home run or a foul ball.

What Bud Selig doesn't realize, however, is that nobody is perfect. Technology has revolutionized sports in so many ways, and the instant replay will help improve the game. The MLB doesn't even have to leave the debatable calls up to the managers. The NBA reviews ever buzzer-beater shot, and the NHL reviews goals.

The MLB can have an official in the press-box who will review every play that has occurred and determine whether or not the call was just. If the call was blown, they can page the home play umpire and force him to change the call. This system will be used to determine fielding calls as well as the current aspects of the game that the MLB reviews, still leaving a majority of the calls, including the pitch count, up to the umpires.

The press-box umpire will be able to see the game from several angles, unlike the official on the field, and help better the call. Fans can walk away less bitter after the game and it will help alleviate the blame on the referees. If the NFL has had been made better due to instant replay, why can't the MLB?

Wakamatsu: Griffey Is Retiring

By Justin Worsley

Today is truly a sad day in baseball.

Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu announced on Wednesday that outfielder/designated hitter Ken Griffey Jr. will retire effective immediately. Griffey, 40, ends his career with 630 home runs, the fifth most by any MLB player and 2,780 hits over a 22-year span. The 13-time All-Star selection ends his career with the Mariners, the same team he debuted in the MLB for in 1989.

Griffey's second tour in Seattle was less than memorable. Last month, several Seattle reporters released that Griffey was sleeping in the clubhouse during a Mariners game, causing a feud between the players and the press as well as an uproar of support for Griffey. Griffey is currently hitting .184 and spent the last week playing without a paycheck.

Griffey is a second-generation baseball player. His father, Ken Sr., was a three-time All-Star who ended his career as his son's teammate in Seattle.

The younger Griffey last made the All-Star team in 2007 while playing for the Cincinnati Reds. Injuries started taking their toll on the three-time Home Run Derby winner, causing two offseasons of debate as to whether or not Griffey would step on the field again.

Seattle is currently 19-31.

Freshman Scheelhaase Named Illinois Starter

By Justin Worsley

After a miserable 3-9 campaign, the Illinois Fighting Illini bid farewell to former quarterback Juice Williams and welcomed an open competition for the position this Spring.

Head coach Ron Zook announced on Wednesday that redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase has stepped up to take the position, beating out sophomore Jacob Charest and true freshman Chandler Whitmer along the way. Williams was the starting quarterback for the Fighting Illini during his entire college career.

Charest played in four games last season, including a game against Minnesota where he entered in the first-quarter after Williams left the game with an ankle injury. Charest led Illinois to victory, throwing for 185 yards and one touchdown. Charest is the only quarterback on the roster with playing experience.

The rise of Scheelhaase will also most likely cause Illinois to redshirt Whitmer. Scheelhaase will make his first collegiate start on Sept. 4 against Missouri in St. Louis.

Scheelhaase won the 2008 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year Award after leading Rockhurst High School to a state championship. The 6'3" 195-pound quarterback passed for 1,861 yards and threw for 20 touchdowns while only throwing five interceptions. Scheelhaase is also deceptively fast, clocking in a 4.5-second 40-yard dash. He ran for 917 yards and added another 14 touchdowns with his feet that season.

Illinois went 2-6 in the Big Ten Conference last season, but did show some signs of potential. The Fighting Illini were able to defeat Michigan for the second consecutive season and fell just short in their season finale against Fresno State. Hopefully the new quarterback on the block will help turn the tables in a constantly competitive Big Ten Conference.

Training Day Director Eyes Tupac Biopic

By Justin Worsley

After the commercial success of Geroge Tillman Jr.'s "Notorious" the biopic about the life of rapper Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, director Antoine Fuqua has announced he will be working on a biopic on rival rapper Tupac Shakur.

Fuqua will be taking a similar approach to find his star at Tillman did. Instead of booking one of the hotter stars in Hollywood, Fuqua has announced that he will be looking for his lead actor around the streets of New York and Los Angeles. Jamal Woolard, who portrayed Wallace, was an underground rapper in Brooklyn when he was discovered.

Fuqua is known for his critically-acclaimed film "Training Day," which earned Denzel Washington his second Academy Award as an actor. Fuqua has most recently directed "Brooklyn's Finest" a cop-drama centered around the lives of three separate police officers working in different levels of the New York Police Department.

Prior to Shakur's assassination in 1996, he was also building credibility as an actor, appearing in films such as "Above the Rim," "Poetic Justice" and "Juice." The California-based rapper was also known for his lyrics, which advocated racial equality.

Fuqua is also currently working on a biopic for drug lord Pablo Escobar.

Boise State Looks West

By Justin Worsley

It seems ages since the Western Athletic Conference experimented with college football, expanding to 16 teams. After the experiment failed, the WAC split into two conferences, the latter becoming the Mountain West Conference.

It now looks like the MWC may be taking the WAC's best program. According to the Denver Post's Irv Moss, on June 7, Boise State could receive an invitation to the MWC when the conference holds its annual board of director's meeting in Jackson, Wyoming.

The MWC, which is not currently a power-conference, has been in the backseat of expansion rumors this off-season, letting the Big Ten take the main stage, but after the Big Ten has balked on any decision, it seems like the MWC could be taking the headlines. Rumors have circulated that the reigning MWC champions, Texas Christian, could be sent to the Big XII, however, if they do stay, the MWC could have four competing programs in Boise State, TCU, Utah and Brigham Young University.

If Boise State does accept the invitation, they would not enter the conference until 2011, which means one last season in the WAC. Boise State finished last season undefeated, capping the season off with a 17-10 Fiesta Bowl victory over TCU. While the game last season was played merely for pride, it could be much more significant now, pushing the beginning of a new college football rivalry.

Key Defender Departs St. Louis

By Justin Worsley

The St. Louis Rams have passed on signing the $6.976 million re-tender for safety O.J. Atogwe, making him an unrestricted free agent, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Atogwe, who was tag as the franchise player last season, will enter the post-draft free agent market as one of the marquee players. The 28-year-old saw the beginning of the end of his playing days in St. Louis after rumors circulated in March when the Rams were linked into trading Atogwe in exchange for quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Atogwe was the bright spot in one of the league's worst defenses, acumulating 74 tackles and two interceptions last season for the struggling Rams until he ended last season injured reserve after dislocating his shoulder against the Chicago bears in Week 13.

Atogwe has also played in the CFL. The Canadian-born safety was taken fifth-overall in the CFL Draft, however, he only played one season in Canada before jumping to the NFL, where he was selected in the third-round in 2005. Atogwe played for Stanford in college.

Tigers Trade Willis To Arizona

By Justin Worsley

Detroit has finally lost their patience with Dontrelle Willis. The Tigers have traded away the left-handed pitcher and cash to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed pitcher Billy Buckner.

Willis was a star for the Florida Marlins, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2003 after going 14-6 along with a 3.30 ERA. Willis earned a trip to the first of his two All-Star selections that season, helping Florida defeat the New York Yankees in the World Series.

Willis was traded to Detroit in December 2007 along with fellow All-Star Miguel Cabrera in exchange for Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin and several prospects.

His run as a Tiger has been less than memorable, going 2-8 with a 6.86 ERA in just over two seasons, often finding himself on the disabled list. Detroit designated Willis to assignment last Saturday and had 10 days to either trade or waive the 28-year-old.

Buckner is also struggling this season. The 26-year-old is currently 0-3 with an 11.08 ERA. He has lasted only 13 innings in his three starts this season.

Arizona is currently in last place in the NL West while Detroit is only 4.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins for the lead in the AL Central.

Welcome To The Majors, Strasburg

By Justin Worsley

Despite the much improved efforts by the Washington Nationals this season, they are still the cellar-dwellers of the NL East.

That may not be the case soon.

The Nationals have called up their highly anticipated pitcher, Stephen Strasburg from Triple-A Syracuse to make his MLB debut. Strasburg, 21, has been nothing short of dominant this season, going 3-1 in both the Double and Triple A minor leagues and allowing only one home run while striking out 60 batters. He only allowed 28 hits overall in 50 innings.

Strasburg was with the Nationals during Spring Training, and was the best pitcher on the Nationals roster. The team, however, decided to send Strasburg to the minors in order to work on his mechanics.

Washington has improved tremendously this season, going 26-26. By this time last season, the Nationals were 14-36 and ended the season with only 59 wins, the worst record in the MLB.

Strasburg, the first overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft, will make his MLB debut on June 8 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fans have showed their eagerness to see Strasburg. Tickets that are normally as cheap as $25 have gone up as high as $65. Some tickets are even as expensive as $2,000.

The right-handed pitcher has a fastball that clocks in as high as 98 MPH. Washington will host Pittsburgh on June 8 at 7:05 p.m.