Sid the Kid is back in Business

Crosby was given a concussion during a hard hit to the head by Hedman.

Without a doubt, Crosby has proven to be one of the most effective forwards in the current NHL. However, his career was put to a year-long halt when given a concussion by Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman. This not only left his team wondering how to move forward, but it also "forced the league to take a harsher stance when it comes to policing head hits." Already at the first quarter-point in the NHL season, will he return as the same astounding player?

On a more local level, USC nearly blew a "24-point lead at Eugene but secure a heart-stopping win when the Ducks fail to convert a tying field-goal." What was supposed to be an expected beat down from Oregon, turned out to be a 3-point victory for the underdog, USC.

There is no doubt that "the Trojans re-established themselves as a college football power Saturday." By defeating the former #4, they will surely be placed in a higher position that will gear them toward a much better next year with their punishment coming to an end.

A Pre-game Tragedy

Yale's completely filled stadium for "The Game".

As the highly anticipated rivalry match, between Harvard and Yale's football teams, was about to begin a driver of a U-Haul truck accelerated into a 30 year old woman, delivering a fatal blow. Also, injuring two other woman, the driver was taken into police custody for questioning. A witness said that when he turned around and saw the driver, he did not look intoxicated, but rather, "He had a dazed look like he had just hit someone."

The accident occurred about two hours before Harvard dominated Yale in a 45-7 victory. The woman, a 30-year old from Massachusetts, was killed. The U-Haul truck was transporting beer as it drove through the tailgating area. It unexpectedly accelerated, leading to the accident. Respectfully, "Spectators in Yale Bowl were told of the accident at halftime and were asked to stand for a moment of silence."

On other news, Matt Kemp signs an 8-year megadeal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. "The agreement will pay the 27-year-old outfielder $160 million over eight years."

Can Barkley Take Away the Heisman Trophy and Oregon's Dreams?

In last year's match, Oregon burst ahead of USC in the 4th to win it 53-32.

 

The entire U.S. will witness  Matt Barkley and the Trojans battle against the noise at the infamously loud Autzen Stadium and its intimidating 60,000 fans. Here, Barkley has the same opportunity as Carson Palmer did in 2002 and it will be his throwing arm that decides whether he has what it takes in the battle for the Heisman Trophy. "Before that, Palmer had been in the Heisman mix. Sort of. After that, he was the man to beat." With so much in common, it's not hard to believe how easily Barkley could gloriously repeat history to jump Andrew Luck in the run for the Heisman.

But then again, who really has the edge here? "Oregon proved last week that it's the best team in the Pac-12 North by beating Stanford." But since USC suffered a tragic loss to ASU, they have won 5 of their 6 games and their one loss was in triple overtime to the almighty Stanford.  Does USC have what it takes to spur an upset?

There are several things to take notice before they flip the coin before the kick-off. First, "Weather.com projects a 50 percent chance of rain on Saturday and a high of 45 degrees." Then there is Robert Wood, USC's number one receiver, who may or may not be as healthy as he should be. Lastly, there are just too many implications to ignore here: although Oregon is the expected victor, they have everything to lose in this greatly anticipated match.

And the Cy Young goes to... Clayton Kershaw

LA Times

Clayton Kershaw's progress during his career with Dodger's has not only been recognized by fans but critics alike.

On Thursday Kershaw received the Cy Young Award given to him by the Baseball Writers Assn. of America. Kershaw received 27 of a possible (BBWAA) 32 first-place votes, easily running over any competition for his first-place competitor Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies.

With a big curve-ball that might be baseball’s best, Kershaw won the NL’s pitching triple crown. "Pitching on a team that went 82-79, he led the league with a 2.28 ERA and 248 strikeouts and with a 21-5 record tied Kennedy for most wins," says the Washington Post.

Kershaw, who turns 24 on March 19, shows to advance even more in his pitching talent, developing sliders and changeups more consistantly in his time on the mound.

Fans have yet to see the rising stars of the Dodgers, perhaps Matt Kemp's contract signing a few days ago caused a domino effect of good news for the team and its fans.

-Stephanie Aguilar

NBA players present antitrust lawsuits

David Stern at a conference concerning the NBA lockout.

The lockout of the NBA has created termoil not only for fans anticipating another season, but the wallets of NBA players.

The two lawsuits which include all-stars Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony in one, and former Wizard player Caron Butler in the other expect three times their wages lost and claims "illegal group boycott" of the players by their owners.

“There’s one reason and one reason only that the season is in jeopardy and that is because the owners have locked out the players and have maintained that lockout for several months,” said lead attorney David Boies that players hired after rejecting a previous deal layed out to them by owners.

Tim Frank, a spokesman for the NBA, says that the players threats of lawsuits were never actually considered to be truth. Looks like David Stern's 50/50 split of revenues and 72 game season will only strengthen player's claims against the NBA.

-Stephanie Aguilar

Matt Kemp gives Dodgers new hope

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times / March 28, 2011)

The Dodger's franchise may have run into some chaos over the last year, but a new $160 million 8 year contract with Kemp may be just what the Dodger's need to gain momentum on the field.

Contract celebrations are not yet under-way, however the opening of Dodger Dreamfield at Mona Park
in Compton gave Kemp a reason to announce the reality of his dream. "You've got to stay motivated, stay humble, always work hard," Kemp said. "It doesn't happen over night... but dreams can come true... I'm living the truth."

It seems as though everything about the Dodger's association has jumped from bad to worse, from ownership of the team to ownership of the stadium. But one thing is for certain, a top priority is signing a set of players that could possibly take the Dodgers to what they once were, an awesome top ranking team.

Kemp, the center-fielder and best player on the team, may be just what the Dodger's need to start off right. "I'm here for the long haul," he said.

"This may be the starting point to a Dodger decade," one blogger on espn.go.com writes. So since Kemp is contracted for almost a decade, will he "play up" to the expectations that all the fans are counting on him to do?

From what fans saw in the year 2011 Kemp delivered extraordinarily pleasing performances, however he is only a human. Humans get hurt, slack-off, and sometimes even strike out. What fans must realize is yes, Kemp is a valuable asset to the team and may be the saving grace the Dodger's need. But he also is only human and what the Dodger's need are other solid players to match-up with Kemp's talents.

-Stephanie Aguilar

The Lockout continues, NBA players reject offer

                    (Photo by Seth Weing/Associated Press)

In New York "star players" from various teams met at the Westin Hotel to discuss the latest contract offer. Players rejected the offer and Los Angeles Laker Derek Fisher who is the Union President spoke on behalf of the group saying "we want to make it clear to our fans, although we chose this today we have not chosen to be in this position." That leaves season 2011-2012 in jeopardy and players officially locked out 138 days. After the conference, Commissioner David Stern issued a statement that the NBA filed an "unfair labor practice" and that "the union was not bargaining in good faith."  This decision ends another month of cancelled games and disappointed fans.

-Ashley Maui Lopez

Marquez suffers third loss against Pacquiao

                    (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

In Las Vegas Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez gave the sold-out crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena an intense fight that lasted all 12 rounds. The fight represented boxing at its best filled with sharp punches and jabs but in the end majority rules and Pacquiao came out victorious. Pacquiao has beaten some of the greatest boxers of all time such as Los Angeles "Golden Boy" Oscar De La Hoya. Marquez spoke in an interview after the fight about how disappointed he was and said, "It happened again. I don't think there is much more I can do in the ring."  Promoter Bob Arum is determined to "have a fourth fight, in May of 2012" and Pacquiao has his eyes set on Mayweather. "Let's make the fight happen and give the people a good fight."
Also in the news ESPN reported UFC fighter Junior Dos Santos defeated his opponent Cain Velasquez for the "heavy weight title." The fight lasted exactly 64 seconds in Anaheim, California and Velasquez surrendered his title by getting knocked out in the first round.

-Ashley Maui Lopez

Fans Cheer "We are...Penn State" after loss 17-14

(Photo By Evan/Habeeb/US Presswire)

Fans filled the seats of Beaver Stadium wearing blue from head-to-toe to acknowledge and support the victims of sexual abuse. Loud cheers were heard throughout the stadium for a win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers but instead suffered a disappointing loss. The Lions could not pull out any tricks on the last two drives since time was limited for any new plays. New Coach Tom Bradley spoke in an interview after the game about how pleased he was with his team and "liked the way they stuck together...we fought hard." After the game saddened players walked down the tunnel to the locker room with their heads down while fans broke into chorus cheering "We are...Penn State!!!!!!" 
Also in the news the orange county register reported Cal State University Long Beach "kicked off the 2011-2012" season of men's basketball in Walter Pyramid and came out victorious against Idaho making the final score 69-61.

-Ashley Maui Lopez

The Game of Hoops Meets the Military

(Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times / November 10, 2011)

For the first time in basketball history, the Michigan State versus North Carolina game was held on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson reported the Los Angeles Times. The game was an original idea created by the Athletic Director Mark Hollis. This idea was 10 years in the making. The court was laid piece by piece using a crane onto the carrier starting Wednesday. On Friday, the Secret Service did a sweep through of the premises for the appearance of President Obama at the game. The OC Register had the NBA lockout as the top story. The players were left with an offer from the owners after an 11 hour bargaining. The proposed offer is a 53-47 split going to the League for a 72-game season. The offer will be reviewed and either accepted or declined on Monday.

-Dillon Chang

Mike McQueary on Leave

Key witness in the sex scandal at Penn State, Assistant Coach Mike McQueary was put on administrative leave due to his suspected knowledge. McQueary reportedly told his players that he was under protective custody after he testified against other Assistant Coach Jerry Sanduski. ESPN.com was the only publication to feature this as the top story. Both Los Angeles Times and OC register featured the UCLA Bruins victory over Arizona State. Both the publications proceeded to talk about the huge influence the Quarterback Kevin Prince played. Also in other news, another big topic was the NBA negotiations have continued. The final decision on the fate of the season will be determined on Monday.

-Dillon Chang

Everywhere One Turns, Joe Paterno Appears

The big news today in sports is of course the executive decision to fire both Penn State’s head coach Joe Paterno and Penn State President Graham Spanier for the way the school handled sexual abuse allegations of former Assistant Coach Jerry Sanduski. This news is breaking headlines across the web. According to the Los Angeles Times, a huge controversy is what will happen with the program. "USC football was put on major probation because Reggie Bush's parents were set up in a condo in San Diego. Ohio State awaits sentencing because players sold merchandise for tattoos. Miami may be deep-sixed because a rogue booster lavished players with gifts. Yet, the NCAA probably has no jurisdiction to punish Penn State football for allegedly concealing crimes against young boys,” said Chris Dufresne, writer for the Los Angeles Times. The big question we all want to know: what will the NCAA do?

-Dillon Chang

Dodgers May Have New Owner On The Horizon, But FOX May Stand In The Way

Frank McCourt, (presumably) inside the L.A. County Court House

(Anne Cusak / LA Times)

A co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers may be in line to become the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, though admittedly more a fan of basketball than baseball, expressed his "commitment ... to Los Angeles, so whatever helps this continue to be a great city that's what I would be focused to do".
Whoever ends up coming to the aid of the Dodgers knows negotiations will inevitably involve Fox Sports. The Dodgers intend to auction off the team and its television rights separately. This idea does not appeal to Fox Sports. LA Times sports blogger Bill Shaikin wrote, "The Dodgers' current television contract prevents the team from negotiating with any party besides Fox through Nov. 30, 2012."
"We fully support a change in ownership of the Dodgers," wrote Fox spokesman, Chris Bellitti, Tuesday via email. "Fox has rights that cannot be violated.... Those rights were negotiated and paid for by us and approved by MLB."

-Al K

Magic's HIV Announcement: 20 Years Later

Magic Johnson Reflects On His Retirement Announcement

(Paul Bersebach, The Orange Country Register)

Twenty years ago today, Earvin "Magic" Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers announced that he would be retiring after contracting HIV.

At the time, for a professional athlete to have contracted this disease was so shocking that many people remember where they were when the heard the news.

Johnson is the most well-known Laker in the team’s history, and not for a painful chapter in his life. Johnson was known for his great stature (at 6 feet 9 inches) and “superior passing skills,” which helped his team earn nine NBA conference titles and five championships.

Johnson had inspiration to walk a road lasting nearly twice as long as his professional career: Elizabeth Glaser, a woman who “contracted HIV through a blood transfusion”.

“The thing she asked me to do before she died was to become the face of the disease,” Johnson reflected, “so I told her I would and I have.”


-Al K

NBA Lockout Resolution Wednesday?

Derek Fisher, Lakers point guard, speaks as president of the NBA players union

(Allison Joyce / Reuters)

What may be good news for NBA fans may be bad for its players.

After 129 days in a lockout and months-long negotiations between owners and players union, NBA commissioner David Stern has issued an ultimatum: Accept the owner’s proposal by Wednesday or face a worse deal.

Currently, NBA players receive 57 percent of basketball-related income (BRI). Owners have proposed a 51-49 percent split between the players and themselves, respectively. Should the players pass on this deal, the split could widen to 53-47 in favor of the owners.

“The players will not be intimidated,” stated attorney Jeffrey Kessler Sunday. “They want to play, they want a season, but they are not going to sacrifice the future of all NBA players”, not under the current conditions.

With games canceled through the end of this month, an arrangement would bring basketball back, but at what cost?

-Al K

UCLA Tied for Pac 12 Lead

A UCLA player charges towards an Arizona defender in their breathtaking 29-28 victory.

UCLA's 29 to 28 win against Arizona moves them into a tie for first place in the Pacific 12 Conference, according to The LA Times.  The Bruins won in late fourth quarter dramatics that saw Arizona's last second field goal fall short.  In news issued by the Orange County Register, this victory ignites hope in the UCLA faithful as the Brunis control their own destiny in next weeks matchup against Utah.  Wins in their next two contests will guarantee the Bruins a number one spot in their division.  In other news reported by ESPN, #1 LSU defeated #2 Alabama in a disappointingly low scoring clash of college football titans.

USC Victory Beginning of Barkley's Farewell?

USC quarterback Matt Barkley leads the band in cheer following decisive 42-17 victory over Colorado Friday night. (courtesy Getty Images)

“One more year!  One more year!”, was the chant bellowed by USC faithful that made the trip to Boulder to watch their Trojans take on the University of Colorado Buffaloes on Friday, said ESPN .  On a crisp November night that saw the Troy romp the Buffaloes 42-17, the bigger story was the future of USC star quarterback, Matt Barkley according to The LA Times.  Setting the school record for thrown touchdown passes (6) and leading the USC band in celebration seemed like the ideal start to his going out party.  With only three games remaining this season, fans will wait anxiously to see if Barkley declares for the NFL, or decides to stay and spend another year leading the Trojans, reported The Orange County Register.

Who Will buy the Dodgers?

Ex-Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt speaks in front of a large crowd in Los Angeles. (courtesy of Getty Images) 

 The recent (but predictable) decision of ex-Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt to put the team up for sale following his stale tenure has potential buyers stepping up to the plate. A blogger from ESPN listed ex-Dodgers, Orel Hershiser and Steve Garvey as standouts in a line up of prospective owners that extended from previous Dodgers Owner Peter O’Malley, to outspoken Dallas Mavericks Owner, Mark Cuban.  The Los Angeles Times ruled out Peter O’Malley as a good fit for the ball club, mentioning the team’s irrelevance in his last 9 years as owner in the 90's.  According to The Orange County Register, the deal is estimated to carry a $1.2 billion dollar price tag, an amount that triples the price of what McCourt paid in 2004 to gain ownership of the franchise from Fox Television.