NewsyType » Players http://www.newsytype.com Hot Topic News and Commentary Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:47:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Second Chris Paul trade vetoed by NBA; Paul may sue the league http://www.newsytype.com/13932-chris-paul-trade-vetoed-nba/ http://www.newsytype.com/13932-chris-paul-trade-vetoed-nba/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:06:42 +0000 bryanh http://www.newsytype.com/?p=13932 A PR disaster for the NBA Veteran NBA writers like ESPN's Chris Broussard and Marc Stein are calling Stern's Chris Paul decision a “PR disaster.” So soon after battling through a long strike and resulting work stoppage that threatened to erase the 2011-12 season, the perception is that the NBA is on far from stable footing with the ticket-buying public. Both the Lakers and Clippers claim that the asking price for “CP3” is absurdly high, considering that the Hornets will get next to nothing of value in return if Paul leaves via free agency. Basketball experts have agreed almost universally that the various trade packages would have benefited the Hornets overall, even though no single player had the value of Paul, a fearsomely quick, ultra-competitive, sweet-shooting distributor who has single-handedly made New Orleans a relevant post-season team. While trade talks with the Clippers are not officially closed, experts believe the writing is on the wall. Paul, who responded to the trade vetoes via tweet with a stunned  “Wow,” has reportedly sought counsel from the NBA player's union. Insiders have mentioned the possibility of a lawsuit against the NBA.

The case of David Stern

In a recent “The Sports Guy” column for Grantland, Bill Simmons exclaimed that he felt like “crying” over David Stern “losing control of his own league.” From the dark months before the new collective bargaining agreement, when it appeared as though the NBA was headed for a “nuclear winter,” to the Chris Paul incident, where Stern has jerked too hard on the chain collar he's placed upon the league, the NBA and its leadership are on perilous ground, Simmons suggests. However, not all share Simmons' opinion. Jared Wade of the Indiana Pacers' blog Eight Points, Nine Seconds sees Stern's high list of demands for Paul as an effort not to kill a dream match-up of Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant or Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and not to leave the cupboard bare for New Orleans once Paul leaves. Some of the more cynical critics have hinted that Stern may want to push the Hornets toward contraction, which is easier if fans don't want to show up for games. Wade sees Stern's actions in a slightly different light. In order to sell the Hornets to a buyer who will ensure that professional basketball remains in New Orleans and is not moved elsewhere, such as to Las Vegas, Stern wants to keep the crown jewel that is Chris Paul in place. Perhaps the commissioner has plans to make Paul a free agent offer he can't refuse. UPDATE: Chris Paul is now a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, in a trade that changed little from the Clipper's initial offer.

Chris Paul: 'Poetry in motion'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6snI99fikn0

Sources

Chris Paul player profile: http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2779/chris-paul ESPN: http://es.pn/vBwudG Grantland: http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7334835/the-sixth-day-nba-christmas Hoopspeak: http://hoopspeak.com/2011/12/david-stern-did-the-right-thing/]]> http://www.newsytype.com/13932-chris-paul-trade-vetoed-nba/feed/ 0 Peyton Manning will miss opening game after second surgery http://www.newsytype.com/11129-peyton-manning-second-surgery/ http://www.newsytype.com/11129-peyton-manning-second-surgery/#comments Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:15:24 +0000 bryanh http://www.newsytype.com/?p=11129 Icon among current NFL players likely to miss whole season There has been speculation about the status of Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts during the past few weeks; the quarterback has been plagued with neck and arm issues since the end of last season. Manning, according to Sports Illustrated, underwent surgery in May to correct issues with his neck and shoulder. The issue apparently was not resolved, and he had to have a second surgery on Sept. 8. According to USA Today, the Colts are keeping him on the active roster but will not estimate a date for his return. The type of surgery Manning had to undergo usually requires patients to undergo a year of rehabilitation. Peyton Manning is likely to miss the entire season.

Surgery means end to start streak

Along with his prowess as a passer and leader, Manning is celebrated for a streak of consecutive starts as an NFL quarterback that is only exceeded by Brett Favre. Manning has made 207 regular season starts, according to Fox Sports, and 227 when accounting for playoff appearances, according to USA Today. Manning underwent a single-level anterior cervical fusion, according to Sports Illustrated, in which a damaged spinal disc is removed from the spine. It is then replaced with a "plate and spacer" made from either medical-grade plastic or bones extracted from a cadaver. The patient is then fitted with a cervical collar for up to three months. Recovery time is typically at least a year. This is the third surgery Manning has undergone on his neck in the past two years, though some players have retired after similar surgeries.

Veteran takes place of star

Emmitt Smith, the Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboys running back, recently said that Manning waiting so long for the second surgery was "unacceptable," according to USA Today. However, the surgery was deemed the only viable option. Manning has blamed limited pre-season workouts and access to training facilities as a partial reason why his rehabilitation has not been as successful as hoped. During the preseason, the Colts convinced former Tennessee Titan's QB Kerry Collins to come out of retirement as second-string backup. Collins appears to be slated for the starting role on Sept. 11, the first time a QB other than Manning has started a game for the Colts since Bill Clinton was president. Collins, 38, according to Wikipedia, is a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback and was the New York Giants starting quarterback in Super Bowl XXXV when the team was beaten by the Baltimore Ravens.

Sources

Sports Illustrated: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/will_carroll/09/08/peyton-manning/ Fox Sports: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Indianapolis-Colts-Peyton-Manning-reportedly-has-more-surgery-out-for-at-least-three-months-090811 USA Today: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/09/espn-colts-qb-peyton-manning-has-more-neck-surgery/1 Wikipedia on Kerry Collins: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Collins USA Today: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/09/emmitt-smith-criticizes-peyton-mannings-decision-to-have-neck-surgery-late/1?csp=obinsite  ]]> http://www.newsytype.com/11129-peyton-manning-second-surgery/feed/ 0 Tragedy: KHL plane crash kills 45, decimates Russian hockey http://www.newsytype.com/11050-khl-plane-crash-kills-45/ http://www.newsytype.com/11050-khl-plane-crash-kills-45/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:08:29 +0000 bryanh http://www.newsytype.com/?p=11050 Yak-42 was carrying team to Minsk Lokomotiv Yaroslavl was en route to the Belarusian capital city of Minsk to begin play in the new KHL season. Moments after its 4 p.m. Moscow-time take-off (noon GMT) from Yaroslavl airport, the Yak-42 hit the ground and burst into flames. Witnesses confirmed hearing two loud bangs before the plane struck down.
"Passenger body parts were found in the Volga River, where part of the fuselage fell," according to local police.
As a result of the catastrophe, the opening game of the KHL season between reigning champion Salavat Yulaev and Atlant in the city of Ufa was canceled.

A poor aviation safety record

The Yak-42 that carried Lokomotiv Yaroslavl had been in service since 1980. After expressing his condolences to the families of the victims, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has reportedly proclaimed that all Soviet-era planes will be removed from service by 2012.

A grim summer for hockey

Among those who lost their lives in the KHL plane crash were Lokomotiv Yaroslavl head coach Brad McCrimmon, a Canadian by birth and former Detroit Red Wings assistant. Top players from Russia, Germany, Sweden, Slovakia and the Czech Republic were among those who died aboard the Yak-42. Some were former NHL stars in the U.S., including assistant coaches Igor Korolev and Alexander Karpovtsev. Former NHL players confirmed dead in the KHL plane crash include Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Karel Rachůnek, Karlis Skrastinš, Josef Vasicek, Alexander Vasyunov and former draft picks Stefan Liv, Robert Dietrich, Jan Marek, Vitaly Anikienko and Ivan Tkachenko. Sergei Ostapchuk played two years in the Quebec Major Junior League. The two survivors were Russian national hockey player Alexander Galimov and one of the plane's flight crew, Alexander Sizov. Galimov has burns over 80 percent of his body.

'The darkest day in the history of our sport'

Rene Fasel, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, called KHL plane crash today “the darkest day in the history of our sport.” The hockey community has faced other deaths and controversy this year. The deaths of NHL players Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak were surrounded by controversy that focused on such issues as post-concussion syndrome, depression, alcohol and drug abuse.

Russia Today's coverage of KHL plane crash

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg3oFLeSJsI

Sources

Associated Press: http://bit.ly/pmmWlO RIA Novosti: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20110908/166504776.html Sports Illustrated: http://nhl-red-light.si.com/2011/09/07/khl-crash-darkens-hockeys-grim-summer/ Yahoo! Sports: http://yhoo.it/khdtKV]]> http://www.newsytype.com/11050-khl-plane-crash-kills-45/feed/ 0 Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt diagnosed with dementia http://www.newsytype.com/10530-pat-summitt-dementia/ http://www.newsytype.com/10530-pat-summitt-dementia/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:37:28 +0000 bryanh http://www.newsytype.com/?p=10530 Summitt frightened by changes in memory, behavior Months characterized by what has been described as “erratic behavior” concerned Pat Summitt and those close to her earlier this year. Lapses of memory and feelings of confusion led the steel-willed coaching legend to ask herself, “What's wrong with me?” reports the News Sentinel. After subjecting herself to a battery of tests at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., this May, Summitt discovered that early onset dementia resembling Alzheimer's disease was to blame. Anger and denial led to acceptance. Always goal-oriented, Summitt is already moving forward with a plan involving medication and additional mental activities to stimulate the cognitive centers of her brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s is a degenerative condition caused by the death of brain cells. It is a slow-moving disease that gradually erodes cognitive function. Summitt noted that dementia runs in her family.

'There's not going to be any pity party'

In a video statement released on the Lady Vols' website, Pat Summitt spoke with confidence when she said she would confront her early onset dementia head-on.
“There’s not going to be any pity party, and I’ll make sure of that,” she said.
Some individuals close to Summitt have questioned whether the medication she has been taking for rheumatoid arthritis is connected to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. While the root cause is ultimately unknown, the fact that Summitt now knows her opponent makes things much easier, said Summitt's son Tyler, a junior walk-on for the Tennessee men's basketball team.
“She’s always better when she knows what she’s fighting against,’’ said Tyler. “She had recommendations, what to do and what routine to get into and she’s going to prepare just like a game for her health.”
Summitt has replaced feelings of anxiousness with a resolute sense for the battle ahead.
“I feel better just knowing what I’m dealing with,’’ she said. “And as far as I’m concerned it’s not going to keep me from living my life, not going to keep me from coaching.”

The Summitt of excellence

The winningest basketball coach in NCAA history with 1,037 wins and 196 losses, Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols have captured eight NCAA Championships, just two behind the record 10 by former UCLA men's basketball head coach John Wooden. Summitt has earned 29 combined Southeastern Conference titles in 36 years as Tennessee's head coach. Summitt holds the record for Final Four appearances with 18 and had success at junior nationals, the World Championships, Pan American Games and Olympic Games.

Pat Summitt makes dementia announcement

Sources

Knoxville News Sentinel: http://bit.ly/nkR0d4 Lady Vols Basketball: http://www.utladyvols.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/summitt_pat00.html Pat Summitt Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Summitt People Magazine: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20522242,00.html]]> http://www.newsytype.com/10530-pat-summitt-dementia/feed/ 0 Lawsuit filed against NFL by players over concussions http://www.newsytype.com/10369-nfl-players-concussions/ http://www.newsytype.com/10369-nfl-players-concussions/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:12:22 +0000 bryanh http://www.newsytype.com/?p=10369 Former Chicago Bears star joins suit against NFL A group of seven former and one current NFL player have filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania federal court against the National Football League, according to USA Today. The suit alleges that the NFL knowingly concealed the dangers of concussions and the post-career effects. Among the players suing the NFL is Jim McMahon, former quarterback for the Chicago Bears. McMahon led the Bears to victory in Super Bowl 20, and took part in recording the "Super Bowl Shuffle." McMahon, according to CBS, says he is constantly "in a daze" and has problems with short-term memory after suffering five concussions. Another player named in the suit, Wayne Radloff, was forced to quit his career as a realtor due to the onset of dementia believed to be related to concussions sustained during his NFL playing days.

Second NFL lawsuit this summer

The suit is seeking class action status, as the players involved in the suit want other players affected by brain trauma to join the lawsuit. Riddell, the company that manufactures helmets for the NFL, is also named as a plaintiff. This is the second time a suit has been filed against the National Football League over concussions, according to CBS, as a group of more than 70 former players filed a lawsuit in California last month. That suit contends the NFL has been covering up and conspiring to conceal the effects of head trauma from the 1920s until 2010, when the league first began talking about risks to players from concussions. Riddell is also named in that suit. Many of the players in the California suit, as well as the Philadelphia suit, include their spouses as plaintiffs.

NFL coming to grips with concussions

Similar to professional boxers, long-time NFL players are at risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, due to continually sustaining brain trauma. The NFL began issuing guidelines concerning concussions in 2007, according to Bloomberg, but many former players protest that the league doesn't do enough to assist those with the most debilitating injuries. In 2010, the NFL admitted that concussions put former players at risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, memory loss, dementia and other neurological symptoms. Former professional football players are especially at risk for developing mild cognitive impairment, commonly referred to as MCI. MCI is a common precursor to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. A 2008 survey by the NFL of former players over the age of 50 included surveys for their spouses to complete. Of those who responded, it was noted that 35 percent had some form of cognitive impairment.

Sources

USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2011-08-19-concussions-lawsuit_n.htm CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/19/sportsline/main20094566.shtml Bloomberg: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-18/ex-players-suit-says-nfl-ignores-head-injuries-to-sate-fans-appetites.html CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31751_162-20081009-10391697.html]]> http://www.newsytype.com/10369-nfl-players-concussions/feed/ 0 2011 NBA Draft: Snoozers and losers http://www.newsytype.com/8222-2011-nba-draft-grades/ http://www.newsytype.com/8222-2011-nba-draft-grades/#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:47:31 +0000 bryanh http://www.newsytype.com/?p=8222 Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers As expected, the Cavaliers selected the Duke point guard. There is some question as to whether Irving has the upside to be a star in the NBA. Simmons sees Irving's stock falling somewhere between “an extremely poor man's Chris Paul,” in terms of pushing the tempo, hitting the mid-range shot and disrupting passing lanes, and “a rich man's Mike Conley.” Irving has more offensive tools than Conley.

Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves

While Minnesota could have used a strong point guard, Arizona's Williams at either forward position isn't a bad pick, considering his all-around skill set. Considering that he can go inside or hit the three, CBS Sports' B-grade is probably accurate.

Enes Kanter, Utah Jazz

Fans in Utah were hoping for Mormon scoring hero Jimmer Fredette out of Brigham Young University, but Kanter makes more sense at this stage in the draft. Kanter has a good motor that will supply the depleted Jazz with plenty of energy. The big Turk may be too much for less mobile centers to handle, particularly on the defensive boards.

Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers

A power forward by trade, Thompson is billed as an excellent two-way player who provides maximum effort. According to ESPN's Stuart Scott, Thompson is now one of only five active Canadian players in the NBA, including Steve Nash, Joel Anthony, Jamaal Magloire and Samuel Dalembert.

Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto Raptors

Toronto needed a man in the middle immediately, yet selected Valanciunas, who won't be free of his Euro League contract until 2013. Not only is the PR factor for this pick underwhelming, but better choices like Bismack Biyombo and Jan Vesely were still available.

Jan Vesely, Washington Wizards

Speaking of Vesely, “The Dunking Ninja” is an explosive athlete who counts as the best steal in the draft at pick 6. He's aggressive and has the skills to play at a variety of frontcourt positions.

Bismack Biyombo, Sacramento Kings

While this explosive big man won't light up the scoreboard, Biyombo will wipe the glass clean and put on his own block party. “B-Smack” is sheer aggression. His name is fun to say, too.

Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons

Yet another misfire for Joe Dumars and the Detroit brass. Knight will not mesh with Rodney Stuckey in the backcourt, because they're the same type of player. Both require the ball to play effectively.

Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats

A clutch player from the champion University of Connecticut Huskies, Walker may create a backcourt logjam in Charlotte. Stay tuned for trades.

Jimmer Fredette, Sacramento Kings

There won't be enough basketballs to go around for this already miserable team once Fredette hits the backcourt with the entrenched Tyreke Evans. Something has to give.

Sources

CBS Sports: http://eye-on-basketball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/30222506/2 Bleacher Report: http://bit.ly/kznig7 Grantland: http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/6698842/view/full/welcome-draft-diary-xv]]> http://www.newsytype.com/8222-2011-nba-draft-grades/feed/ 0 S.F. Giants Buster Posey suffers season-ending ankle injury http://www.newsytype.com/6750-buster-posey-ankle-injury/ http://www.newsytype.com/6750-buster-posey-ankle-injury/#comments Thu, 26 May 2011 19:35:47 +0000 bryanh http://www.newsytype.com/?p=6750 Buster Posey injury forces Giant roster moves While the Giants have yet to officially announce the extent of Buster Posey's injuries, sources indicate it was a left ankle injury that may involve a fracture and torn ligaments. The play responsible occurred during the 12th inning of Wednesday night's game. Cousins scored the tie-breaking run in the Marlins' 7-6 win. San Francisco Giants reserve catcher Eli Whiteside has been elevated to the number one catching spot. Triple-A Fresno first baseman/outfielder Brandon Belt and catcher Chris Stewart were added to compensate for Buster Posey's lost roster slot and to fill holes left by injuries to infielder Mike Fontenot (groin) and outfielder Darren Ford (ankle), who have gone on the 15-day disabled list.

Blocking and tackling the plate

Opinions vary as to whether the play between Buster Posey and Scott Cousins was “dirty” or legal. While there is an unwritten rule that a baserunner should do all they can to gain the next base, short of outright assault, there are written rules involving a catcher completely “blocking the plate” from the baserunner, particularly when they do not already possess the ball. However, as baseball historian Bill James notes in his essay “Blocking and Tackling the Plate,” umpires have rarely if ever enforced the rule forbidding catchers to do this, ostensibly in the interests of maintaining the “flow of the game”:
“It is in principle most dangerous to have one set of rules on the books, but another set in use in practice,” writes James. “Would you want to lose a pennant on a rule that hadn't been enforced in 20 years?”

Will the San Francisco Giants lose the pennant?

Filling Buster Posey's shoes will be extremely difficult. The 2010 Rookie of the Year is an accomplished hitter and savvy, well-balanced defender -- the kind of player the Giants could not have won last year's World Series without. What frustrates Giants fans is that Scott Cousins didn't necessarily improve his ability to reach home plate by diving into Posey, which is what clearly happened. In that sense, it was a dirty play, as national baseball writer Joe Sheehan sees it, but one that is entirely expected, considering that Buster Posey was within the baseline, if not exactly in plate-blocking mode. Posey's agent, Jeff Barry, has said that he's going to approach Major League Baseball about changing the rules regarding home plate collisions, as catcher injuries occur too frequently.

Sources

Baseball Nation: http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/5/26/2191529/buster-posey-injury-mlb-rules MLB.com: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110526&content_id=19599270&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb "The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract": http://bit.ly/kda4wN

Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez on the play

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGLnebzuUHk&NR=1]]> http://www.newsytype.com/6750-buster-posey-ankle-injury/feed/ 0 NBA mock draft 2011: Irving or no-thing http://www.newsytype.com/6326-nba-mock-draft-2011/ http://www.newsytype.com/6326-nba-mock-draft-2011/#comments Wed, 18 May 2011 18:55:42 +0000 bryanh http://www.newsytype.com/?p=6326 Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, PG (Duke) While not a superstar, Kyrie Irving is the kind of player who does many things well and should end up being a top-15 point guard. Considering that the Cavs still need the kind of leadership Baron Davis' scraggly beard and oversized ego could not provide, Irving could serve them well.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Enes Kanter, C (Turkey)

While Kevin Love turned in a fantastic season under the boards for the Wolves, the team still has a great deal of rebuilding ahead. If the team is going to keep Love interested, they'll need a big man to make them respectable. The 6-foot-11, 272-pound Enes Kanter is considered a gamble by some, but many scouts see him as a high-energy rebounder and defender who would make opposing guards think twice about strolling down the lane.

Utah Jazz: Derrick Williams, SF (Arizona)

Derrick Williams is a smart player who can shoot and penetrate, skills that translate more to small forwards in the NBA, despite the fact that he was a power forward as a Wildcat. However, if Utah throws up its hands over the remaining 2011 NBA Draft crop and decides to go for a popular pick, BYU's Jimmer Fredette would be a PR slam dunk, if not a sound basketball decision.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Jonas Valanciunas, C (Lithuania)

The Cavs need an active big man under the boards to help Anderson Varejao, and Jonas Valanciunas fits the description.

Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker, PG (Connecticut)

Toronto badly needs a new point guard, and Kemba Walker brings the speed, athleticism and moxie the Raptors' roster needs.

Washington Wizards: Kawhi Leonard, SF (San Diego State)

A relentless rebounder and explosive athlete, Leonard is the kind of wing player the Wizards need to run with John Wall.

Sacramento Kings: Brandon Knight, PG (Kentucky)

Knight's speed, defense and a good outside shot from the point would allow the Kings to use Beno Udrih as the super backup or second ball-handler the offense needs to really get moving.

Detroit Pistons: Jordan Hamilton, SF (Texas)

With Tayshaun Prince leaving as a free agent, small forward becomes top priority. Hamilton can shoot and rebound the ball.

Charlotte Bobcats: Jimmer Fredette, SG (BYU)

If he's still available, Charlotte will likely go for Fredette so that at least one player on the roster will be able to score consistently from outside. Otherwise, Bismack Biyombo from the Congo should amp up the frontcourt athleticism while aggressively challenging shots.

Milwaukee Bucks: Tristan Thompson, PF (Texas)

While undersized at 6-foot-8 and only 225 pounds, Thompson will run. If the Bucks aren't gun shy following the failed Yi Jianlian pick from 2007, they may go international and snag Biyombo if he's available.

Sources

Bleacher Report: http://bit.ly/kuOQ8z Fox Sports: http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/2011-NBA-draft-lottery-winner-051711 The Sporting News: http://bit.ly/kYTnGq

2011 NBA Draft Lottery highlight: The final three

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqWuPdf8u2o]]> http://www.newsytype.com/6326-nba-mock-draft-2011/feed/ 0 Baseball great Harmon Killebrew, 74, has died http://www.newsytype.com/6281-harmon-killebrew-dead/ http://www.newsytype.com/6281-harmon-killebrew-dead/#comments Tue, 17 May 2011 20:21:52 +0000 bryanh http://www.newsytype.com/?p=6281 Killebrew left the Mayo Clinic and entered Hospice Various media sources published a statement from Killebrew on Monday that Mayo Clinic doctors could not halt the onslaught of the esophageal cancer because it had reached an advanced stage. Killebrew stated that he would spend his final days in Hospice care. He had announced his cancer diagnosis only six months prior.

'The Killer' delighted fans with bat, heart

Pitchers were never comfortable facing the 5-foot-11, 220-pound Killebrew as he swung mightily from the right-hand side of the plate. Bull-necked and burly with powerful arms and vice-like hands, the prematurely balding Harmon “The Killer” Killebrew hit majestic blasts that left fans swinging for adjectives. His 573 home runs over a 22-year career (1954-1975) currently put him at No. 11 on the all-time list, and he led the American League six times in home runs (once as a Washington Senator and five times as a Minnesota Twin) and in RBI three times. Killebrew's powerful upper-cut swing is believed to be the batter silhouette that appears in the official MLB logo.
"He hit line drives that put the opposition in jeopardy," former Washington Senators scout Ossie Bluege once said. "And I don't mean the infielders. I mean the outfielders."
Yet it was perhaps Killebrew's jovial, soft-spoken nature that most endeared him to fans.
"No individual has ever meant more to the Minnesota Twins organization and millions of fans across Twins territory than Harmon Killebrew," Twins president Dave St. Peter said. “Killebrew's legacy will be the class, dignity and humility he demonstrated each and every day as a Hall of Fame-quality husband, father, friend, teammate and man.”
Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson said, “It's ironic that his nickname was 'Killer,' as he was one of the nicest, most generous individuals to ever walk the earth."

Sources

Associated Press: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/43062969/ns/sports-baseball/ Baseball Reference: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/killeha01.shtml Boston Globe: http://bo.st/iLkYND Minneapolis Star-Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/122004519.html

'We're here to love and help one other,' said Killebrew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV9oEeKhI6s]]> http://www.newsytype.com/6281-harmon-killebrew-dead/feed/ 0 Manny Pacquiao versus Shane Mosley fight airs Saturday http://www.newsytype.com/5943-manny-pacquiao-shane-mosley/ http://www.newsytype.com/5943-manny-pacquiao-shane-mosley/#comments Fri, 06 May 2011 19:41:20 +0000 bryanh http://www.newsytype.com/?p=5943 Pacquiao versus Mosley is the fight of the year Manny Pacquiao, 32, currently holds the World Boxing Council crown; he is the first boxer to win 10 world titles in eight different weight classes. His record going into the fight is 52-3-2 with 38 knockouts. Pacquiao recently told CNN that he hasn't trained this vigorously for a fight since 2008, the year he took down “Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya.
"I trained hard for this fight because I never underestimate Mosley, and I consider him a good fighter and a tough opponent for me," he said.
Shane Mosley, 39, himself a former World Boxing Association welterweight super champion, has a record of 46-6-1 with 39 knockouts. Like Pacquiao, Mosley's approach leading up to the fight has been disciplined and respectful, devoid of trash talk. While Pacquiao is considered a 7-to-1 favorite by Las Vegas sports books, largely due to speed and age advantage, Mosley is believed to still have a puncher's chance to deliver “Pac Man” some real damage.

ESPN analysis highlights Pacquiao and Mosley's contrasting styles

Mosley is a larger fighter who depends upon reach and power, and ESPN analysts believe that his key to success against Pacquiao will be to use jabs to keep “The People's Champ” away and mix in hooks to wear down his midsection. On the other hand, Pacquiao will look to approach at angles rather than head-on to avoid Mosley's power. If Pacquiao can get Mosley on the ropes and land stinging combinations with machine-gun rapidity, “Sugar” won't feel so sweet. While Mosley is well-known for his conditioning, Pacquiao has been referred to on multiple occasions as a veritable Energizer Bunny when it comes to energy. Pacquiao's constant movement will make it tough for Mosley to keep pace. Thus, while a knockout is not predicted, most critics expect a unanimous decision for Pacquiao on Saturday.

What does it take to make it in this country?

Some attribute Manny Pacquiao's relative lack of popularity in the United States to boxing's overall slump, post-Mike Tyson. He is worshiped in his native Philippines, however, and has massive endorsement deals there with McDonald's and a host of other companies. As the boxing blog Bad Left Hook points out, things may be turning around stateside for “Pac Man.” He has hired new personnel to market his brand more effectively in the United States. Companies such has Hewlett-Packard are now on board, and a Pacquiao-themed boxing video game is reportedly waiting in the wings. Even if Pacquiao fever doesn't set in, Pacquiao will remain a rich man. According to multiple sources, he'll make a guaranteed $20 million against Shane Mosley.

Sources

Bad Left Hook: http://sbn.to/iOFJF6 CNN: http://bit.ly/jBvRPW ESPN: http://es.pn/lWndPA

Al Bernstein on Pacquiao vs. Mosley

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