Global Sports Buzz

Cheraponov's Death Ruled from Blood Doping

2008-12-30T23:34:09Z

In a report issued earlier this week by investigators and K.H.L officials, it was concluded that Russian prospect Alexei Cherepanov, had the drug of Kordiamin in his system at his time of death. The Kordiamin drug, is a "blood doping" stimulant and is primarily used to strengthen the heart and respiratory organs of the body.

Earlier this season, Cheraponov was playing in an overseas game in KHL and collapsed suddenly on the bench. Just minutes after being brought to the medical trainer's office, he became unresponsive and died minutes before paramedics arrived at the arena. At his time of death it was originally discovered he suffered from Chronic Miochardia, a rare disease that exists between aorta and the intestinal system.

In the same report that was issued this week, it did show Cheraponov suffered a heart disease, one stronger then initially reported. The disease classified as Myocarditis is a severe inflammation in the heart muscle. This disease is very strong to the respiratory system to the point if not treated properly it is often linked to sudden death as it did with Cheraponov.

Now, three months after this tragedy has occurred there are several key questions that still need be answered. Did Cherepanov know on any level that doping his blood could have fatal affects even at his age? How could doctors not discover an inflamed heart muscle after months of physical intense training in both Russia and America? And finally,was the price of stardom so grand for Cherepanov or any athlete at his age that he would dare risk his life just for brief a chance of super stardom.

http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/29/hockey-night-in-europe-investigators-say-cherepanov-was-doping/

Yankees Create a New System of the Dollar.

2008-12-24T05:39:12Z

Once again, the Yankees do what they do best and spend that long lost American dollar (180 million of them) and add yet another big time hitters that the game has to offer.

In the early afternoon hours, it was reported that a Mark Teixeira signing announcment would come in the next several hours. It was rumored that several teams were in the mix, including the Boston Red Sox, the Washington Nationals and the Los Angels Angels of Anaheim. It was also reported that the Red Sox and the Angels pulled their offers and would not be "factors" in his destination.

It was not until this afternoon, when the Yankees broke in with their offer of 8 years, at 180 million dollars. The Yankees had indeed matched if not broken the other teams offers for Teixeiras services. The all-star slugger was quoted, that he wanted to sign with the Yankees from the beginning of the offseason.

Teixeira, who spent seasons split with both leagues starting with the Atlanta Braves and ending it with the Los Angeles Angels of Aniheim. Together the splits between the two teams, he batted at an average of .308 with 33 home run's and over 120 runs batted in.

The signing comes within weeks of the Yankees coming to terms with both CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett a well costing 243 million dollars between the two of them.

When the contract becomes official from both parties, the Yankees will have an overall payroll of 423 million dollar payroll for 2008. Nearly 1/4 of the MLB teams salary combined.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/12232008/sports/yankees/yankees_get_teixeira_145598.htm

A Festivus for the rest of us..

2008-12-24T04:33:38Z

As our history teaches us, the tradition of Festivus begins with the Airing of Grievances. As the holy leader of the holiday, Mr. Frank Costanza would say "I got a lot of problems with you people! And now, you're gonna hear about it". So if you're an avid New York sports fan, as we all are, let us kick back on this joyous day and tell those important on ALL THE WAYS THEY HAVE DISAPPOINTED YOU OVER THE PAST YEAR!

Steinbrenner(s) Inc., you want to destroy the baseball market by using more money than the Government has to bail the country out, is entirely up to you. But don't be fooled by those small market teams. You know they will get the best of you again. But Hank, must you question baseballs history by claiming the National League "needs to grow up" and get rid of pitchers hitting? Absurdity. Be more concerned on preserving the "golden arm" of the golden boy.

Willie Randolph. As we soaked in the heartbreak of nearly 16 months after game 7, it is obvious you lost control of your team right after that game 7 pitch. The snowball effect continued with the same inconsistant play until your demise.

To Coach "Mangenious", thank you for wasting this franchise opportunity for another championship after 40 miserable seasons. How can any potential playoff team knock off an undefeated team 11 weeks into the season, upset on a team that has plagued for years, in overtime in their stadium, yet you are on the brink of elimination after an 8-3 start. Ask yourself Jets fans..Wheres the genious in that?

As much of a pain it is to, no one has shot themselves worse in the foot...or leg then Plaxico Burress. A clown in the locker room, a constant distraction at all points of the year, whether it was the whining for an extension in the preseason, your season long injuries or your criminal activity you must be punished. For if it would indeed you have caught your last 7 foot 5 inch catch here in New York, I would like to say to you goodbye and thank you for because of your pivot, I have seen a championship in my lifetime.

Whoever said pen pals are the best pals you could have, clearly has never watched a game of New York Mets baseball, 26 games to be exact. With the exception of some Mets fans, how could anyone watch a game after fifth inning knowing the end result would be a line drive through the middle or a bomb given up by HH (homerun heilman)

And once again, how can you not have any disappointment, anger or negative emotion then the ones of the New York Knickerbockers? Sure, you have a 10 million dollar momma's boy sitting on the bench year round. The worst in points allowed in NBA History within a two year span... And a coach who blamed the fans for his team's performance. For Mr. Walsh, he better use the same philosophy Harvey Dent did in 2008. "The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming"

So as the holiday comes to a close, may yours and your best have a happy FESTIVUS FOR THE REST OF US!!

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A New York City Winter Meetings Christmas

2008-12-12T04:22:52Z

'Twas two weeks till Christmas and what New York baseball fan want more than a nice set of arms for their new stadiums? Who would have ever imagined by the end of the winter meetings in Las Vegas this week that the Yankees and Mets total revenue would match eight Major League baseball teams (Yes, nearly 400 million US dollars). That is some list of presents this day of economic devastation. Although fans in New York haven't had anything too much be jolly about this season.

   For the Yankees organization, there are several things this year that must really bend the bars of the house the Ruth built. Sure, the embarrassment of failing to make the playoffs in the first time in 12 years was bad. The sting of the Tampa Bay Rays (yes awful attempt at a pun) making their first World Series appearance while harpooning the AL east that has dominated them since existence. No, no but by losing in the final resting place of the monumental stadium must really peeve the principle owners of H&H Steinbrenner Inc. For the Yankees, the coal is growing for the players, no championship in nearly a decade, a payroll that countries would desire to have and yet the Yankees seem to be searching for a new player to substitute each week. But, Ol' saint Brian can cross this present off your list Yankee fans. How about a nice big box of CC? CC? As in Cash and Credit Sabathia? You guessed it right you now corporate-owned Bleacher Creatures. How does the Cashman fit so much in that such a small bag? Oh that's right, I forgot those 100 luxury boxes and $500 box seats on the field. But is the Cashmans bag empty yet? No, no how can it be? There is still lots to go around, Burnetts are still on the shelves as well as Derek Lowe, Mark Texieira, Ben Sheets and well basically who else does not have a job by your holiday season.

    Lets switch boroughs for a sleigh ride minute. How can you not feel for the Wilpons in their situation? A heartbroken organization that left their loyal fans "left at the alter" of the doorstep of championship number three. Face facts, Omar has been trying to destroy his bullpen since May. As of this week, Omar essentially took the wrecking ball currently tearing down Shea Stadium and absolutely DESTROYED it. But Ho,Ho,Ho Mets fans, we know you've been good this off-season. Because Omar Claus, used his big red bag of money to once again sign, seal and deliver a wonderful present for the orange and blue. A nice big K-Rod with batteries included of course. Although, Francisco did not receive his gift of five years 75 million dollars, he should take credit to know that his good deeds in Anaheim will certainly payoff in hopes of helping the Mets win another championship at ~~Shea Stadium~~ (cross that off your list) Citified. Oh, but Ol' Omar was not close to done, in a blockbuster of a trade the Mets swung a huge three team 12 player deal sending Mariners closer JJ Putz, Sean Green and others to a big trade in the Mets storied franchise..Perhaps for bedtime stories to come. Mets fans can be sure that old Homerun Heilman wont be pitching in their new home, as himself, Joe Smith and Clutchy Endy Chavez were sent packing throughout their new homes in Cleveland and Seattle.
....Breathe deep, Mets fans, we'll all be pen pals for the next several years.]]>

....Breathe deep, Mets fans, we'll all be pen pals for the next several years.

Big Bucks for the Big Man

2008-12-11T07:44:50Z

Well if you have not realized money can't buy happiness then think again.

Brian Cashman received major credit from all baseball fans last night. After weeks of careful negotations, Cashman looked as if he had the lower hand in signing a big (no pun intended) superstar on the Free Agent market.

All hope looked lost with signing free agent pitcher CC Sabathia this past week and seemed as if the Yankees were about to lead the chasing in the "B" level pitching.

At which point after days trying to get a deal done, "The Cashman" flew to San Fransico and lured Carston Charles Sabathia to the evil empire.

Sabathia, who has stated that he would prefer to play on the West coast being that his family resides on that side of the contract signed the 4th largest contract in baseball history.

The offer of 7 years at 160 million was accepted 3:30am EST and shook the sporting world for at least one day, perhaps the month and by far the largest story going into the 2009 baseball season.

]]> Now look at what has happened, this payroll has shot from well over 100 million into nearly 200 and the Yankees shown no sign of slowing down. As of Wednesday there have been reports that the "New Stadium" is looking to feature Sabathia, Wang, A.J Burnett and Derek Lowe with Hughes eclipsing the 5th spot.

Is the money perhaps worth it? I mean were talking about a superstar who has dominated with CY Young seasons year in and year out. At such a young age as he is to receive this money, one must ask themselves. Why C.C? But hey, the Yankees claim "they needed Sabathia", given so after losing the Santana sweepstakes both have run well for the overall success NY Teams last year, but give credit where credit is due, Mr. Cashman pulled a big bunny out his hat early Wednesday morning and perhaps with this signing maybe it is time another championship is brought to the Bronx.

NFL ON YOUR SPRINT PHONE

2008-12-10T03:38:31Z

Sprint Nextel is introducing watching entire live NFL games via your cell phone. ESPN tried with a similar idea to sell a sports specific phone but failed as you needed a special phone to get the games. With Sprint Nextel, there is no need for an extra phone, as you can get the games on your normal phone. Sprint Nextel is featuring 8 NFL games this season, including all of the Thursday night games and those broadcast on the NFL Network. You can watch these games via your Sprint phone by paying $15 per month or getting the all-inclusive "Simply Everything" plan that costs $100.

If it catches on, Live TV on your cell phone could soon be a commonplace thing. With just a few pushes of a button, you'll be able to watch any game in the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL on your phone.

Florida vs. Oklahoma for the BCS National Championship

2008-12-08T04:37:40Z

After Florida knocked off the previous #1 team in the nation,Alabama, in the SEC Championship, they had their sights set on a National Championship. Their wish was granted, untilafter Sunday's final release of the BCS standings, which had them slated as the #2 spot in the nation, and would face of newly crowned #1 Oklahoma. The game will be played on January 8th, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami,FL. This game will feature two of the best offensive teams in the nation, Oklahoma who is first, and Florida who is third in scoring. The difference between the team though based on statistics should be on the defensive side of the ball, where Florida ranks fifth in scoring defense and Oklahoma is 57th. Oklahoma's coach Bob Stoops said,"We've had better defensive years, I'm fully aware of that. But in the end, some of it has been geared to the style we've decided to play on offense, snapping the ball as quick as we can." On a more specific level, the game will feature arguably the top two quarterbacks in the nation. The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow, will man the show for the Florida offense, while the front-runner for this year's award, Sam Bradford, will line up behind the center for the Sooners. As you can see there is a lot of anticipation going into this year's national championship game, and I have a feeling it will be a close game due to both teams high octane offenses. Only time will tell this year's #1 team in the nation, and that will be revealed on January 8th in Miami.

SS Furcal turns down Oakland's offer

2008-12-07T21:50:27Z

Oakland offered shortstop Rafael Furcal a four year $35 million dollar deal this past week. The MLB is having payroll cuts which is suprising that the Athletics were offering such a staggering deal. However, Furcal didn't find this a very high deal so he declined. The Athletics were in a take it or leave it position and weren't in diar need of a shortstop so they weren't too worried about it. They really need to find a pitcher instead. Furcal will be missing out because of the market which is not in good enough shape to meet his needs.

Honestly, Furcal needs to stop being so stubborn and spoiled. That was a great offer and he will honestly not be offered anything better than that because of the market. It is poor for his career and his image.

AIG Aims to Keep Sponsorships Despite Bailout

2008-12-07T20:17:45Z

American insurance company AIG, one of the federally bailed-out financial institutions, cancelled sports team sponsorships valued hundreds of millions of dollars.

AIG has not renewed long-term sponsorship relationships with likes of the New York Yankees, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Madison Square Garden, AIG Japan Open (Tennis), Irish Champion Hurdle (Horseracing), and New Orleans Jazz Fest.

AIG is currently paying GBP 14 million a-year to English Manchester United in a contract which runs to 2010. AIG spokesman told USA Today that the club's sponsorship won't be abandoned but that the company is "reviewing all sponsorships to identify any relationship that might be essential, to maintain the value of the business and service customers, so we can repay the (government) loan."

If AIG will abandon the deal, Korean electrical firm LG and Saudi Telecom are lining up their cash and showing an interest in taking over the sponsorship deal.

Despite the recent bailout by the United States Government of high valued business companies, AIG, who has been hit by the recession the most, losses up to $85 billion, AIG still look to keep their sponsorship with footballing club Manchester United alive. Manchest United are is the wealthiest football club in the world and for AIG to bailout of the sponsoship deal would have been disastorous for its future business ans ultimately, AIG would lose money. Nothing is set in stone as of yet, but it AIG are to drop the ball on this sponsorship, than many other, smaller growing companies will be looking to snatch it up. AIG is one of the most profitable partnerships in football and I don't think that Manchester United could find anyother sponsorship as profitable.

Read On...

Memphis Basketball starting PSL-Like Program

2008-12-04T23:41:58Z

University of Memphis men's basketball season-ticket holders will receive information this week about the new Tiger Scholarship Fund's Per-Seat Donation program. This program will "require fans to make a minimum annual donation to keep their season-ticket location from one year to the next" according to a front page article written by Jim Masilak of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

The added revenue from this program will help UM "keep up with rising scholarship costs as well as offset budget cuts that could affect its 18 varsity sports." The program is set to go into effect with the 2009-2010 season and will include 80% of the seats at the FedExForum, which holds 18,229 seats. Donation levels will range from $25 for terrace-level seats in the second level to $3,000 for floor seats. The program is similar to ones already in effect at schools such as Kansas and Kentucky.

Read On...

Local Ticket Sales up for ACC Championship Game

2008-12-04T23:30:52Z

ACC Associate Commissioner for Football Michael Kelly has said that local ticket sales for Saturday's Virginia Tech Boston College ACC Championship football game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa has "already surpassed last season's game" which was held at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

Kelly said that as of Tuesday morning, there had been 30,000 - 35,000 tickets sold in the Tampa area. Last year a little under 30,000 tickets were sold in the greater Jacksonville area. Tampa Bay Buccaneer CB Ronde Barber, an ACC Alum from the University of Virginia has been featured in a local marketing push for the game. This is good for the ACC as there biggest challenge in preparing for its fourth conference title game is if it can make enough fans in central and south Florida care about the game especially if neither Miami nor Florida state is playing in the title game.

Read On...

Amid Economic Downturn, MLB Teams Cutting Ticket Prices

2008-12-04T23:20:05Z

At least 16 of the 30 MLB teams are either "freezing or decreasing prices for season ticket holders" for the 2009 season, according to Antonen and Lacques of USA TODAY. Last season only the Giants, Pirates, and Rays failed to increase ticket prices as the average ticket price for the entire league during the 2008 season climbed 10.1% from the 2007 season.

This is good news for fans. Ticket prices have gotten ridiculous and especially in this economy are almost impossible for the average fan to afford. Teams will also get good press for reducing ticket prices showing that they care for their fans. In actuality it is a good business strategy for these teams as more fans will be able to afford tickets, thus in the long run most likely bringing more fans into the stadium next season.

Read On...

NHL Ratings up Across Canada

2008-12-04T23:10:29Z

Viewership for the CBC's Hockey Night In Canada (HNIC) has "grown in all time slots" this season. The first game of the HNIC doubleheaders is averaging 1.348 million viewers, up 13% from the same point in the 2007-2008 season. The second game of the double header is averaging 763,000 viewers, up 19% from last season.

NHL telecasts on TSN are up 21% from last season with an average viewership of 496,000. This is all great news for the NHL. They are the most popular sport in Canada and the increase in ratings show that the sport is only getting even more popular.

Read On...

GE to Return as Super Bowl Advertiser

2008-12-04T23:02:35Z

General Electric (GE) is getting ready to advertise during the Super bowl for the first time in decades. NBC which is part of GE's NBC Universal unit has the broadcast rights to this years Super Bowl. Part of the reason for advertising during this years Super Bowl is "in keeping with GE's strategy of focusing its TV ad dollars on NBC Universal properties." GE last ran an ad during the Super bowl in 1982.

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Cardinals Aquire Greene

2008-12-04T18:54:09Z

After several days of speculation it was reported earlier today that the Saint Louis Cardinals have agreed to trade to player to the San Diego Padres for Khalil Greene, though the deal has yet to be confirmed by the Cardinals. The San Diego Tribune reported that it is likely that the Padres will receive pitching in return for Greene and they will shed his $6.5 million salary. Greene, who has been the starting shortstop for the Padres since 2004, had a terrible 2008 season in which he batted .213 with a whopping 100 strikeouts in only 389 at bats. Greene is eligible to become a free agent next year and i would assume the cardinals will sign him to a multi-year deal. This trade doesn't really benefit the Cardinals unless he regains his power and RBI toal from 2007 in which he had 27 home runs and 97 RBI's. This will be the Cardinals fourth starting shortstop in the past six seasons.

Read On...