Live Premier League Text Commentary: Stoke City v West Brom

Filed under: Stoke City, West Brom, Premier League, Football, Min-By-Min Reports

Minute-by-minute commentary from the Britannia Stadium.

 

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/02/28/live-premier-league-text-commentary-stoke-city-v-west-brom/

Didier Drogba Diego Diego Forlan Diego Milito Dimitar Berbatov

Former FSU Star John Wyche Now Tackling the Cleaning of Garbage Cans

Filed under: Florida State

Miami policeman John Wyche is committed to keeping residential streets clean of bad guys. Wyche is also committed to keeping residential trash cans and commercial garbage dumpsters clean of hazardous bacteria and fungi.

Both can be dirty jobs but, hey, somebody's got to do them, right?

Wyche, a former collegiate and professional football player, loves both his jobs.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/22/former-fsu-star-john-wyche-now-tackling-the-cleaning-of-garbage/

Fabio Quagliarella Feliciano Lopez Fernando Torres Fernando Verdasco Filippo Inzaghi

Amir Khan Talks Tim Bradley, Displays Billiards Skills

Filed under: WBA, WBC, WBO, Golden Boy Promotions, Boxing Video, Boxing Rumors, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.


WBA junior welterweight (140 pounds) king, Amir Khan, has a July 23 bout opposite WBO and WBC counter part Tim Bradley assuming he gets beyond an April 16 defense against southpaw English countryman, Paul McCloskey, in an HBO televised clash from the MEN Arena in England.

In this exclusive at the home of Khan, who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, FanHouse caught up to Khan during a game of billiards and discussed a potential bout with Bradley.

 

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Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/amir-khan-talks-tim-bradley-displays-billiards-skills/

Gianluca Zambrotta Gianluigi Buffon Guillermo Garcia-Lopez Heath Slocum Hernan Crespo

England Should Have Been Rewarded for Losing Fewer Wickets Against India

Filed under: Cricket, England Cricket, World Cup, ODIs, India Cricket

England may not have won but it will feel like it - and it certainly should have been a win with the cricket World Cup's rules and points-scoring system surely due a review.

Chasing down India's impressive 338, England fell a run short of overhauling the target and tied, a result which should still set them up nicely for the rest of the tournament.

After their bowling and fielding shambles against Holland, the fear was that England were a weary team incapable of peaking again after the Ashes and demoralised by a one-day thrashing in Australia.

It would have been all too easy, as with England teams of yore, to have caved in after Sachin Tendulkar's magnificent 120. Back came Andrew Strauss with 158 to trump the little master, however, and lead England to a morale-boosting point.

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Since good performances give teams energy, just as bad ones drain it, now England should be energised anew, at least to do themselves justice in the tournament as one of the top four 50-over sides in the world.

The display in Bangalore even had this old traditionalist, who prefers the rhythms of Test cricket, purring with admiration and acknowledging the virtues of the one-day game when it does yield a good finish rather than a one-sided procession towards an inevitable result.

It was certainly a highlight of a remarkable sporting weekend. Dear old football brought us Wayne Rooney's elbow and the story of Ashley Cole ludicrously waving a loaded air rifle around the Chelsea dressing room.

It also gave us Birmingham City's unlikely but uplifting triumph in the Carling Cup final as fillip to the Premier League's lower orders taking on the big clubs. Then there was England's powerhouse win over France in the rugby union.

The cricket, though, provided the tensest finish and drama - with just one flaw.

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England bowled out India and then matched their score for the loss of eight wickets. How is it, then, that both finish with a point each?

Naturally the Indians deserved something from the game but surely England's performance, viewed through the only objective yardstick of the scores, was the more deserving?

 

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/02/28/england-india-cricket-world-cup/

Rafael Nadal Rafael van der Vaart Retief Goosen Ricardo Carvalho Ricardo Quaresma

Unrest Forces Cancellation of February USA-Egypt Friendly

Filed under: U.S. Men's National Team

The U.S. Soccer Federation has announced the cancellation of the national team's Feb. 9 friendly against Egypt in Cairo, a city that has been wracked by political demonstrations and violence over the past several days.

The federation said it "explor(ed) other options" for a game that day, but no replacement venue or opponent was arranged.

"We were excited about the opportunity to play against Egypt, but due to the current situation all parties agreed it was best to cancel the match. We appreciate the efforts of the Egyptian Football Association and the U.S. State Department as we worked through this situation," U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said.

The match against the seven-time African champions was scheduled on a FIFA international match day and was going to be coach Bob Bradley's first opportunity to call in his full team in since early October. Now he'll have to wait until March, when the U.S. is scheduled to face Argentina (March 26 at the New Meadowlands in New Jersey) and Paraguay (March 29 at LP Field in Nashville).

U.S. defeated Egypt, 3-0, at the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa in a wild match that catapulted the Americans to their now legendary semifinal against Spain. Since then, the Egyptians have won a third consecutive African Nations Cup title but suffered a fifth straight failure to qualify for the World Cup.

The senior U.S. national team has not visited the Arab world since November, 1999, when it lost to Morocco, 2-1, in Marrakech (Eric Wynalda scored the goal that day).

Considering the positive public relations impact that the U.S. national team seems to have when it travels, the decision represents a significant lost opportunity for American soccer and, perhaps, the country as a whole. But canceling the Cairo friendly was the only option as the chaos in Egypt continues.

Follow Brian Straus on Twitter Follow FH Soccer on Twitter

 

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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/unrest-forces-cancellation-of-february-usa-egypt-friendly/

Philipp Lahm Rafael Nadal Rafael van der Vaart Retief Goosen Ricardo Carvalho

News Anchor Stella Inger on Brandon Rios' KO of Miguel Acosta

Filed under: WBA, Boxing Video, Boxing Rumors, Showtime, FanHouse Exclusive, Top Rank Promotions

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

News anchor Stella Inger spoke to FanHouse regarding the big win by unbeaten lightweight (135 pounds) Brandon Rios, of Oxnard, Calif.

Rios (27-0-1, 20 knockouts) scored his ninth straight win and his eighth stoppage during that run with Saturday night's Showtime televised, 10th-round knockout that dethroned WBA champ Miguel Acosta (28-4, 22 KOs) of Caracas, Venezuela, at the Palms Casino, Resort, in Las Vegas.

The bout was promoted by Top Rank Promotions.

 

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Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/28/news-anchor-stella-inger-on-brandon-rios-ko-of-miguel-acosta/

Charley Hoffman Clarence Seedorf Cristiano Ronaldo Daniel Alves Daniele De Rossi

Former FSU Star John Wyche Now Tackling the Cleaning of Garbage Cans

Filed under: Florida State

Miami policeman John Wyche is committed to keeping residential streets clean of bad guys. Wyche is also committed to keeping residential trash cans and commercial garbage dumpsters clean of hazardous bacteria and fungi.

Both can be dirty jobs but, hey, somebody's got to do them, right?

Wyche, a former collegiate and professional football player, loves both his jobs.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/22/former-fsu-star-john-wyche-now-tackling-the-cleaning-of-garbage/

Kolo Touré Lionel Messi Luca Toni Lucio Luke Donald

A's Bullpen Setting Up to Be a Strength

PHOENIX - The measure of a baseball team is not how many runs it scores or how many runs it allows. What matter is how many more runs it scores than it allows.

Such was Billy Beane's thought when he did something in January that may have puzzled casual observers. Instead of continuing to try to upgrade an offense that was clearly the team's biggest weakness, the A's general manager added two more free agent pitchers to a staff that had already led the league in ERA.

The fewer runs you allow, Beane figured, the fewer you have to score.

While offensive additions like David DeJesus, Josh Willingham and Hideki Matsui have been the focus of most of the discussion about the improved A's, the club is also excited about a bullpen that may be the best in baseball.

"The names may not be as popular as any other teams, but the quality might be as good as anybody," manager Bob Geren said.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/as-bullpen-setting-up-to-be-a-strength/

Rafael van der Vaart Retief Goosen Ricardo Carvalho Ricardo Quaresma Richard Gasquet

Hip Surgery Has Tim Thomas, Bruins Standing Tall

Filed under: Bruins

What a difference two legs make for Tim Thomas.

Until he underwent hip surgery in May, the 36-year-old Boston Bruins veteran regarded himself as a one-legged goalie because of a hip injury.

"I had about two years there where I could only recover (after making a save) with one leg," he says. "I went over it with Bob Essensa, our goalie coach. He was trying to get me to practice using the correct leg and it was just impossible. I couldn't do it."

But now he can, and the Bruins are benefiting. With Thomas playing at the top of his game, Boston ranks as one of the Eastern Conference's elite teams.

He kept his NHL-leading goals against average below two per game Saturday as he backstopped the Bruins to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, who sit first overall. Thomas made 27 saves and improved his career record against the league-leading Canucks to 3-0 with just the one goal against.

 

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/27/hip-surgery-has-tim-thomas-bruins-standing-tall/

Nicolas Almagro Nikolay Davydenko Novak Djokovic Owen Hargreaves Paolo Maldini

WC Headlines: Waugh Staggered, Sangakkara Stays Calm, Gibson Wary

Filed under: Cricket, World Cup, ODIs, Australia Cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket, West Indies Cricket

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has described the national selectors' decision to omit Mike Hussey from Australia's World Cup defence as "staggering."

Hussey always maintained he would be fit for the start of the knock-out stages and Waugh said the 35-year-old, a veteran of 151 one-day internationals, would have provided the necessary experience to an Australian side looking for a fourth straight World Cup victory.

"At the end of the day, it's all about quarter-finals. You win three games from there and you win the World Cup," said Waugh.

"If Mike Hussey could have been fit to play in the tournament he should have gone. I'm sure Ricky Ponting would have wanted him to go away with them."

"His experience is invaluable, particularly on the sub-continent wickets and he plays spin well. I was staggered he wasn't picked."

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Kumar Sangakkara wants his team to keep their nerve after disappointment of defeat to Pakistan:
Sri Lankan captain Sangakkara has urged his team not to panic after losing to their sub-continent rivals and wants to get their campaign back on track against Kenya.

"We have Kenya next, followed by Australia. So we will look back on the defeat and learn from our mistakes which is very important," said Sangakkara.

"There are a few things we can learn. Bowling a better line and length is important and when we bat partnerships are important and we shouldn't panic.

"We are just going to keep preparing and keep playing as best we know how. There's a long way to go in this tournament so we just have got to keep plugging on."

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Injury ravaged West Indies taking nothing for granted against the Netherlands:
West Indies coach Ottis Gibson said his side will not make the mistake of taking the Netherlands lightly as they search for their first group win.

Gibson's side are desperately trying to regroup after the shattering loss of three players to injury and will need to learn from England's poor display against the Netherlands.

"I would not like to call the Associate nations minnows. One should call them lesser known teams," said Gibson. "I expect those guys to come hard on us. They were beaten by England, but showed lot of promise against them.They were full of energy."

Kenya's preparations to face Canada disrupted by in-fighting:
Samir Inamdar, head of Kenyan Cricket, has revealed differences between the players and coach Eldine Baptiste and criticised the national team's performance at the World Cup so far.

Kenya face Canada in their next group game after huge losses to New Zealand, who bowled them out for 69, followed by a 205-run defeat to Pakistan.

"The coach has his own way of doing things which did not go down well with some senior players," Inamdar told Reuters.

"But ultimately, the coach has a duty to do and the players as well have a duty. I hope they will overcome those differences and play well.

"The board and I are disappointed by the performance so far. I don't mind losing to teams like New Zealand and Pakistan because they are obviously better than us but we should be competitive."

 

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/02/27/wc-headlines-waugh-staggered-sangakkara-stays-calm-gibson-war/

Cesc Fabregas Charley Hoffman Clarence Seedorf Cristiano Ronaldo Daniel Alves

Oscar De La Hoya Discusses Erik Morales-Marcos Rene Maidana

Filed under: WBA, Golden Boy Promotions, Boxing Video, Boxing Rumors, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya touts the April 9, HBO televised clash featuring three-division titlist Erik Morales of Mexico and former WBA interim junior welterweight (140 pounds) titlist Marcos Rene Maidana of Argentina.

 

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Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/oscar-de-la-hoya-discusses-erik-morales-marcos-rene-maidana/

Camilo Villegas Carlos Puyol Carlos Tevez Cesc Fabregas Charley Hoffman

New NASL Holds Fast to Ambitious Second Division Vision

Filed under: MLS, US Soccer

The North American Soccer League is undaunted.

On Tuesday, the new eight-team circuit unveiled its 2011 schedule, with games set to begin April 9. On Wednesday, an expansion club set to enter the league in 2012, the San Antonio Scorpions, announced its partnership with Nike.

It's full steam ahead for the NASL, even though the road ahead may be blocked. Last week, the U.S. Soccer Federation withdrew its provisional approval of the new league's second division status. Without that sanctioning, there will be no 2011 season and no second division soccer in the United States.

Conversations with sources connected to the decision indicated that the federation was troubled by either the financial health of NASL backer Traffic Sports, by a delay in the posting of the $750,000 annual performance bond by one or more clubs, or perhaps both.

 

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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/01/28/new-nasl-holds-fast-to-ambitious-second-division-vision/

Nery Castillo Nick Watney Nicolas Almagro Nikolay Davydenko Novak Djokovic

NHL Trade Deadline: Phoenix Coyotes

Filed under: Coyotes, Western, Trade Deadline

Last year, Coyotes general manager Don Maloney was the King of the Trade Deadline. On the final day, he swung seven deals.

So what might he have in store this season, especially with his team atop the division?

"It's so hard to say. The morning of the deadline last year, I didn't think I'd do one deal, and we wound up with seven trades," Maloney told FanHouse. "I do think there will be a lot of dealing, but I think it will be just shuffling.

"I can't say how active we'll be. Last year, we were able to do some things, but this year, we don't have as much flexibility. A lot of teams will be like us."

Maloney said this week that the team now might be looking for a veteran defenseman, in light of facial injuries that will sideline Ed Jovanovski for the rest of the season, and he specifically has mentioned Toronto, Ottawa and Florida as places that teams with needs might look.

 

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/nhl-trade-deadline-phoenix-coyotes/

Diego Diego Forlan Diego Milito Dimitar Berbatov Dustin Johnson

Amir Khan Talks Tim Bradley, Displays Billiards Skills

Filed under: WBA, WBC, WBO, Golden Boy Promotions, Boxing Video, Boxing Rumors, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.


WBA junior welterweight (140 pounds) king, Amir Khan, has a July 23 bout opposite WBO and WBC counter part Tim Bradley assuming he gets beyond an April 16 defense against southpaw English countryman, Paul McCloskey, in an HBO televised clash from the MEN Arena in England.

In this exclusive at the home of Khan, who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, FanHouse caught up to Khan during a game of billiards and discussed a potential bout with Bradley.

 

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Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/amir-khan-talks-tim-bradley-displays-billiards-skills/

Rio Ferdinand Robert Allenby Roberto Ayala Robin Soderling Robin Van Persie

Arsenal 1 Birmingham 2: Martins' Late Strike Settles Carling Cup Final

Filed under: Arsenal, Birmingham, Carling Cup, Football, Match Reports

Obafemi Martins' 89th minute winning goal stunned Arsenal and secured the Carling Cup for Birmingham City - the club's first major trophy for almost 50 years.

Martins, on as a late substitute, finished from close range after a shocking mix-up between Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny and centre-back Laurent Koscielny.

That left Arsenal with little time to recover and Arsene Wenger's side facing an upset having failed in their efforts to deliver a first piece of silverware to the Emirates Stadium since the FA Cup success in 2005.

Birmingham's trophy-drought has been considerably longer and the midlands club's last triumph came in this competition in 1963.

Yet while they were unfancied coming into this game, they quickly showed they were capable of troubling Arsenal with Nikola Zigic putting Alex McLeish's side ahead in the 28th minute.

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Robin van Persie levelled for Arsenal in the 39th minute with a stunning volley immediately after Jack Wilshere had struck the crossbar yet while Wenger's side were superior in the second half, they were unable to find a way past the excellent Birmingham keeper Ben Foster.

The underdogs were rewarded for their impressive hard work and determination when Martins struck at the death.

Birmingham reached half-time nursing a sense of injustice after Lee Bowyer had been incorrectly ruled offside in the third minute when he broke free and was brought down by Szczesny. Martins's goal, however, deflected from potential controversy.

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/02/27/arsenal-1-birmingham-2-martins-late-strike-settles-carling-cup/

Zach Johnson Ze Roberto Zlatan Ibrahimovic Adam Scott Adrian Mutu

Man Arrested for Poisoning Trees at Auburn's Toomer's Corner

Filed under: Alabama, Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- A 62-year-old Dadeville man has been arrested in connection with the poisoning of the historic Toomer's Corner oak trees at Auburn University.

A spokeswoman for the Lee County Sheriff Office says Harvey Almorn Updyke Jr. was arrested early Thursday morning and charged with one count of first-degree criminal mischief.

Bond was set at $50,000. If convicted, Updyke could face one to 10 years in prison.

A man claiming to be "Al from Dadeville" phoned a radio show late last month, claiming he poured herbicide around the 130-year-old oaks that are the scene of celebrations after Auburn's sports victories.

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Travis: Alabama-Auburn Rivalry Hits New Low

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/17/man-arrested-for-poisoning-trees-at-auburns-toomers-corner/

Marin Cilic Matt Kuchar Maxi Rodríguez Michael Ballack Michael Essien

Tiger Woods Knocked Out in First Round of Match Play

Filed under: PGA

MARANA, Ariz. (AP) -- The slow road back for Tiger Woods took another detour Wednesday when he followed a clutch birdie with a shocking shot into the desert and lost to Thomas Bjorn in the first round of the Match Play Championship.

It was only the second time that Woods, the No. 3 seed, had been eliminated in the first round.

But this was stunning even to Woods.

Moments after he made an 8-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to extend the match, he hit a 3-wood so far to the right that it landed in a desert bush. It took two shots just to get it back onto the grass. After badly missing an 18-foot bogey putt, he conceded to Bjorn.

"I blew it," Woods said.

Twice he had simple chips on the back nine and failed to convert them into birdies, losing his lead on the 13th and falling behind on the 15th. He missed a 10-foot birdie on the 17th that he figured he should make "every time."

And then came No. 1, the first extra hole.

 

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/tiger-woods-knocked-out-in-first-round-of-match-play/

Iker Casillas Ivan Ljubicic Jamie Carragher Jason Day Javier Mascherano

Ashley Cole Allegations the Latest Sign of Trouble at Stamford Bridge

Filed under: Chelsea, Football

Even by Ashley Cole's bizarre standards of courting negative publicity, off the field more than on it, the latest tabloid headlines surrounding the Chelsea left back have truly stretched the bounds of credibility.

The News of the World has alleged that Cole accidentally shot a 21-year-old work placement student while "larking around" with an air rifle at the club's training ground.

Cole, claims the story, was not aware that the gun was loaded but the student, named as Tom Cowan, was shot from five feet away and was left in "agony ... and bleeding profusely."

The story goes on to claim that the police were not called as Cowan was treated by Chelsea medical staff and the club subsequently held meetings with the young man and his father, 51-year-old quantity surveyor Ron.

The News of the World story is littered with quotes from an "inside source" but the painstaking detail paints a picture that will add to the cloud that has been hovering over Stamford Bridge for many months.

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Although no gun licence is required to own the rifle in question - a .22 calibre gun - the News of the World was at pains to point out, quite accurately, that any such weapon can kill or maim if used incorrectly.

The question is also raised as to why any professional footballer - or any person, in general - would wish to take a loaded weapon with him into the work place.

The NBA in the United States reacted severely when Washington Wizards star player Gilbert Arenas was discovered to have an unlicensed pistol in his locker at the club's training ground last year, suspending him for the remaining four months of the season without pay. He was also convicted in court for firearm possession and given a two-year suspended jail sentence.

However, there is no suggestion that Cole's alleged antics are the subject of any disciplinary action at this stage.

Of course, the News of the World is no stranger to lifting the lid on controversy at Stamford Bridge after their story two years ago that captain John Terry was receiving cash for organising behind-the-scenes tours of the ground.

And Cole, himself, has never strayed far from the wrong sort of headines, most notably in the build-up to, and throughout, his very public splt from celebrity wide Cheryl Cole.

For now, Chelsea have refused to respond, saying only: "We never comment on internal matters."

But, on its back page, the News of the World transfers the story into the sporting domain and paints a picture of a Chelsea dressing room that is teetering out of control.

The Cole incident, which the newspaper alleges took place just 24 hours after his penalty miss against Everton saw his club exit the FA Cup, has reportedly infuriated owner Roman Abramovich who is said to have ordered a full investigation and - in tabloid parlance - "read the riot act" once and for all to his players.

And, whatever the full story behind this latest incident, the affair cannot have helped the cause of manager Carlo Ancelotti who is under increasing pressure at the club.

 

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/02/27/ashley-cole-allegations-the-latest-sign-of-trouble-at-stamford-b/

Ruud van Nistelrooy Ryan Giggs Ryan Palmer Sam Querrey Samir Nasri

Kyle Noke Explains Why He Wore Mask During Entrance

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, Videos

SYDNEY -- MMA Fighting spoke to Kyle Noke about after his submission win over Chris Camozzi at Sunday's UFC 127 in Sydney, Australia and why he wore a high elevation training mask on his way to the cage.

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/02/27/kyle-noke-explains-why-he-wore-mask-during-entrance/

Joe Cole John Isner John Terry Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Juan Carlos Ferrero

Italy 16 Wales 24: Warren Gatland's Side Hold on For Second Six Nations Win

Filed under: Rugby Union, Six Nations, Internationals, Wales Rugby

James Hook's late drop goal confirmed a hard-fought win for Wales who were forced to withstand sustained second half pressure from Italy to secure victory.

Warren Gatland's side were in control after establishing a 21-11 half time lead but were second best after the break and the final outcome may well have been different had Italy been more ruthless with their kicking.

Mirco Bergamasco failed to convert either of his side's two tries and missed two other penalties with replacement Luciano Orquera also firing wide with a penalty.

That meant the visitors were ahead for all but four minutes of the contest and the Welsh forwards ultimately matched their Italian counterparts, producing an excellent defensive scrum shortly before Hook's drop goal at a time when a converted try would have brought the home side level.

The win brought a second successive victory for Wales, who last time out ended an eight game winless streak over Scotland while Italy restored pride after their mauling at the hands of England at Twickenham.

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Recalled fly-half Stephen Jones put Wales ahead with a third minute penalty but a misplaced pass by Bradley Davies allowed Gonzalo Canale to score the game's opening try two minutes later.

Wales responded superbly with Morgan Stoddart going over in the ninth minute after good work from James Hook and Lee Byrne.

Jones failed to convert and Bergamasco quickly levelled the scores with a penalty before a superb break, started when Shane Williams collected an Italian kick in his own half and again involving Hook and Byrne was finished under the posts by Sam Warburton.

Italy were convinced they should have reduced the deficit when Alessandro Zanni went over only for the video referee to adjudge that Stoddart's tackle had prevented the Italian from grounding the ball.

Wales then experienced similar frustration when Byrne's effort was ruled out for a forward pass in the 34th minute.

Italy started the second period the stronger and capitalised on another Welsh mistake when Williams' poor pass was ultimately punished by home captain Sergio Parisse.

The Italians then took control, dominating possession but Wales stood firm before a rare break into the home half culminated with Hook's drop goal.

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REACTION:
Wales captain Matthew Rees told the BBC things got tough for his side in the second half but praised the team's defensive efforts:
"In the first half we wanted to get as many points on the board as we possibly could. We always knew it would be tough in the second half to play into the wind.

"I thought the defence was great again. We gave them one soft try early on and then kept them out of the game."

On the late scrum in front of the Wales posts:
"The scrum wasn't the best today but we held out there when we needed to and that won us the game ultimately."

Responding to the suggestion that Wales could still be Six Nations champions:
"Yes, definitely. The last two games have been on the road and two wins have been great for us and now we're looking forward to a home game against Ireland.

"We've got a tough game to finish out in France but hopefully we can get another win under our belt before the last game."

Italy head coach Nick Mallett conceded Bergamasco's failure with the boot proved costly:
"We played against Fiji and he scored eight out of eight so when he was on song he won us that game. Unfortunately today he wasn't in the groove. We are never going to beat a team by 20 points so every point is important to us and losing nine from penalties punishes us a lot."

On the performance:
"We were a bit slow out of the blocks. Wales scored two good tries early on so we were behind all the way then, The wind did make a difference and we pinned them down in the second half. We had some good chances but it was a much better performance than against England. It was difficult to lose like that but we are back playing competitive rugby."

WHAT IT MEANS:
It was important Wales built on the victory over Scotland and while Rees' contention that his side could eventually be top the table sounds decidedly optimistic, confidence has undoubtedly been lifted. Italy quickly moved on from the embarrassing defeat at Twickenham and showed they are a force to be reckoned with at home.

MOVE OF THE MATCH:
Fabio Semenzato's kick may have been slightly misjudged but Shane Williams' composed break and pass to Lee Byrne was excellently timed and the speed with which the ball then moved through James Hook and to Sam Warburton carved open the Italy defence for Wales' second try.

Italy (11) 16
Tries: Canale, Parisse
Cons:
Pens: Mi Bergamasco 2

Wales (21) 24
Tries: Stoddart, Warburton
Cons: S Jones
Pens: S Jones 3
Drop: Hook

PLAYER MARKING:
Italy: McLean 6, Masi 6 (Benvenuti 6,74), Canale 7, Sgarbi 6, Mi Bergamasco 6, Burton 6 (Orquera 6, 65), Semenzato 8 (Canavosio 71); Perugini 6 (Lo Cicero 6), Ghiraldini 6, Castrogiovanni 8 (Perugini 71), Dellape 6 (Bernabo 6,52), Geldenhuys 6, Zanni 6, Barbieri 6 (Vosawai 6,72), Parisse 8.
Replacements not used: Festuccia.

Wales: Byrne 7, Stoddart 8, Hook 8, Roberts 6, Williams 7, S Jones 7, Phillips 6; James 6, Rees 6 (Hibbard 6,78), Mitchell 6, Davies 6, Wyn Jones 6, Lydiate 6, Warburton 9, R Jones 7.
Replacements not used: Yapp, Thomas, Turnbull, Knoyle, Priestland, Halfpenny.

REFEREE: Wayne Barnes (Ireland)

ATTENDANCE: 32,000

NEXT UP:
- Italy v France (Stadio Flaminio), Six Nations, 12/03, 1430 GMT
- Wales v Ireland (Millennium Stadium), Six Nations, 12/03, 1700 GMT

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Sam Warburton (Wales): The flanker showed an impressive turn of pace to claim his first international try and worked tirelessly to deny Italy when his side were under the cosh in the second half.

 

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/02/26/italy-16-wales-24-warren-gatlands-side-hold-on-for-second-six/

Anthony Kim Arjen Robben Ashley Cole Ben Crane Bill Haas

Tennessee Makes Special Delivery to NCAA: Lane Kiffin

Filed under: Tennessee, USC

For the past several months the University of Tennessee and the NCAA have been feverishly negotiating the notice of allegations that UT released Wednesday. The damage to the Volunteer athletic program was significant, but it wasn't crippling. Why? Because Tennessee handled the NCAA, a bureaucratic agency that answers to its own regulations and precedent as it sees fit, just about as well as a university can.

By that I mean that Tennessee immediately retained heavyweight attorney Mike Glazier, who specializes in these investigations and is worth his weight in gold. Whatever legal fees the Vols paid him in 2010 and '11, Tennessee got the best bargain for its money in college football this side of Cam Newton. They ought to retire his gavel on the ring of honor at Neyland Stadium.

In earlier drafts of the notice of allegations the Volunteer football program was set to take a hit for a major violation, a failure to monitor, alongside Lane Kiffin. Then, voila, Glazier worked his magic in the last two weeks and not only managed to avoid a direct hit to the football program, but he delivered Lane Kiffin's head on a silver platter to the NCAA.

Throughout this investigation, according to multiple sources, the goal of Tennessee was to isolate the football violations and place them squarely upon Lane Kiffin and his staff. Ultimately the Vols succeeded in going state's evidence and making Lane Kiffin football's fall guy.

A few months ago, Bruce Pearl said he missed Lane Kiffin being in Knoxville because Kiffin would always put his foot in his mouth and get the attention off Pearl. Well, Pearl got his wish. For one last time, Kiffin delivered the Volunteer basketball coach the ultimate gift, on a day that Pearl got slammed with seven major violations, a great deal of attention has shifted to the only real surprise from the notice, Kiffin's being hit with two major violations of his own.

Let's dive in and consider six other major takeaways from the notice of allegations arriving.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/tennessee-makes-special-delivery-to-ncaa-lane-kiffin/

Patrick Vieira Paul Casey Paul Scholes Pavel Nedved Petr Cech

Utah Readies for Transition to Pac-12

Filed under: Utah, Pac 10

It might be hard to believe, but Utah is in an unenviable position as it heads into spring football practice on March 8.

Yes, the Utes are making a much-anticipated move to the Pac-12, becoming the first non-AQ to make the jump to an AQ league since 2005, but they're doing so with no starting running back, no starters returning in the secondary, a new offensive coordinator and system, and a starting quarterback who's on the shelf because of shoulder surgery.

It's not the way coach Kyle Whittingham envisioned his entrance onto the Pac-12 stage.

Utah is 4-3 against the old Pac-10 since Whittingham took over in 2005. But those games were either bowl or non-conference games that were easy to get up for. Preparing the Utes to face the caliber of talent they will see in the Pac-12 game in and game out is going to take some time and some strong recruiting.

"I think depth is probably the factor there," Whittingham said. "When you're talking about playing the physical teams that we'll be playing week in and week out, I think your depth of your squad is going to become even more important than it was in the Mountain West Conference. I think that, really, in my opinion, is what separates conference from conference is the overall talent of your roster from one to 85. In my opinion, the teams in the Pac-12 have more depth on their rosters than what you find in the Mountain West Conference."

Whittingham, his staff and his players have spent countless hours watching film of various Pac-12 members, trying to establish tendencies, trends and see just where the Utes need to get better. One of those areas was offense, so Whittingham brought in former UCLA and USC offensive coordinator Norm Chow. Last season, the Utes went from averaging 45 points per game in the first eight games to just 11 in the final five.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/utah-readies-for-transition-to-pac-12/

Carlos Tevez Cesc Fabregas Charley Hoffman Clarence Seedorf Cristiano Ronaldo

Playoff and TV Uncertainty Overshadow MLS Schedule Announcement

Filed under: MLS

There will be an MLS schedule on Thursday, finally. But don't expect all the confusion to be cleared up, and don't expect the pressure on the league to decrease.

The list of dates and opponents MLS unveils will leave a host of unanswered questions about the upcoming season, as well as the more distant future. And of course, it will be subject to change.

The regular season begins in five weeks (the Los Angeles Galaxy will visit the Seattle Sounders on March 15, and the rest of the clubs will kick off four days later), and the fact that clubs and fans still don't have a full fixture list to work with has been a source of frustration and embarrassment.

That discontent reached the league's Fifth Avenue headquarters.

 

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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/02/09/playoff-and-tv-uncertainty-overshadow-mls-schedule-announcement/

David Suazo David Villa Deco Dejan Stankovic Didier Drogba

Segio Martinez Works Out With Former Champ Daniel Santos

Filed under: WBC, WBO, Boxing Video, Boxing Rumors, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

FanHouse caught up to southpaw former WBC middleweight (160 pounds) king Sergio Martinez is training with ex-titlist Daniel Santos at the World Crown SPorts Gym in Oxnard, Calif., for his HBO televised March 12 clash with WBO junior middleweight (154) champ Sergei Dzinziruk.

FanHouse also spoke to Martinez's trainer, FanHouse Trainer of the Year, Gabriel Sarmiento.

 

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Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/segio-martinez-sparring-former-world-champ-daniel-santos/

David Suazo David Villa Deco Dejan Stankovic Didier Drogba

Gunslinger Kevin Towers Settling In as Diamondbacks General Manager

Filed under: Diamondbacks, Padres, NL West

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Kevin Towers loathed the Diamondbacks in their heyday, calling them arrogant when he was general manager of the Padres, so it's something to see him now amid the sagebrush and cactus, talking of his paradise found as Arizona's GM.

Yet, where better than the Old West for a GM who shoots from the hip and has Gunslinger in his email address? Among his favorite spots in Phoenix is Rawhide, an Old West town where, for a PR stunt 11 years ago, he and other Padres honchos assembled in gunslinger garb.

But it's far more than locale that has Towers smiling on this February morning as he reviews his first five months on the job.

For all his headline-grabbing trades and quips as Padres GM, he wasn't always allowed to indulge his, well, his gunslinger-ishness, sometimes for his own good, he admits, citing mostly his early years as a GM under the savvy, if obsessive Larry Lucchino. Now, befitting his 14 years of GM experience, he's getting more elbow room.

"It's a perfect job," he says.

Most fun he's had in a decade-plus, he adds, calling Diamondback-dom "the best working environment" of any front office where he's worked.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/gunslinger-kevin-towers-settling-in-as-diamondbacks-general-mana/

Francesco Totti Frank Lampard Frank Ribery Frederic Kanoute Gabriel Milito

Nai Fotu, Utah Linebacker, Suspended After DUI Arrest

Filed under: Utah, Mountain West

Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham announced Monday that senior linebacker Nai Fotu has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.

According to the The Salt Lake Tribune, Fotu was arrested Sunday on the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Fotu was stopped around 2 a.m. MT and booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of DUI and an open container in the vehicle. He also was speeding and failed to present a valid driver's license.

This isn't Fotu's first run-in with the law. He already had a warrant from the Provo City Justice Court for failure to appear, giving false personal information to police, possessing alcohol or a controlled substance as a minor and public urination all stemming from an incident on March 20, 2009.

Fotu was a starter heading into last spring but suffered a knee injury during spring football and missed the 2010 season. In 2009, Fotu played in 13 games -- one start -- and had 23 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/21/nai-fotu-utah-linebacker-suspended-after-dui-arrest/

Michael Owen Mikhail Youzhny Miroslav Klose Nemanja Vidic Nery Castillo