Monday, December 2, 2013
11:51 AM - December 2, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Monday, December 2, 2013
Share your response to the QOTD and today's links in the comments section below.
- Auburn and Missouri have arguably played a tougher schedule than Florida State or Ohio State -- both SEC teams could be on the outside looking in if the current BCS standings hold firm.
- Denver swept the Chiefs and seized control of the AFC West behind the brilliant arm of Peyton Manning.
- Ed Orgeron may have done an impressive job so far, but it sounds like the Trojans are looking elsewhere for Kiffin's permanent replacement.
- New Orleans could be in a world of hurt after 'The Brow' fractured his hand and is out indefinitely.
- Can they keep up the 'Pace'? Indiana downs the Clippers to move to 16-1 on the season.
- The old spill-a-drink-get-a-timeout trick goes way back.
- No crying in football? Knowshon Moreno gets emotional and sheds some serious tears during the National Anthem on Sunday. [Gif]
- Olympic diver Tom Daly has revealed he is gay.
- Spygate 2.0? The Houston Texans are alleging more cheating by the New England Patriots after some 'fishy adjustments' by the Pats.
- A homicide has allegedly been reported following the Chiefs-Broncos game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Friday, November 29, 2013
EA released it's weekly dynamic ratings update earlier this week, and there were a bunch of meaningful players affected by the stat buffs and demerits.
Here's the complete list of affected players:
Hot Streak Players
- Patrick Sharp – Chicago Blackhawks
- Jamie Benn – Dallas Stars
- Kari Lehtonen – Dallas Stars
- Tyler Seguin – Dallas Stars
- Johan Franzen – Detroit Red Wings
- Slava Voynov – Los Angeles Kings
- Ben Scrivens – Los Angeles Kings
- Josh Harding – Minnesota Wild
- Mikko Koivu – Minnesota Wild
- Brayden Schenn – Philadelphia Flyers
- Martin Hanzal – Phoenix Coyotes
- Joe Pavelski – San Jose Sharks
- Jay Bouwmeester – St. Louis Blues
- Alexander Steen – St. Louis Blues
- David Backes – St. Louis Blues
- TJ Oshie – St. Louis Blues
- Dustin Byfuglien – Winnipeg Jets
- Bryan Little – Winnipeg Jets
- Braden Holtby – Washington Capitals
- John Carlson – Washington Capitals
- Alex Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
Cold Streak
- Jonas Hiller – Anaheim Ducks
- Luca Sbisa – Anaheim Ducks
- Bryan Bickell – Chicago Blackhawks
- JS Giguere – Colorado Avalanche
- PA Parenteau – Colorado Avalanche
- Dany Heatley – Minnesota Wild
- Brendan Gallagher – Montreal Canadiens
- Tomas Plekanec – Montreal Canadiens
- Colin Wilson – Nashville Predators
- Patrik Elias – New Jersey Devils
- Adam Henrique – New Jersey Devils
- Derick Bassard – New York Rangers
- Kyle Turris – Ottawa Senators
- Phil Kessel – Toronto Maple Leafs
- Martin Havlat – San Jose Sharks
- Barret Jackman – St. Louis Blues
- Jason Garrison – Vancouver Canucks
- Zach Kassian – Vancouver Canucks
- Daniel Sedin – Vancouver Canucks
- Henrik Sedin – Vancouver Canucks
The most obvious power performer for this week's update was Alex Ovechkin, who managed to pile up seven goals in a six-game span before the update. He was also a +2 over that period (which is good for him), and he managed to help his team win some important games. All of this is certainly deserving of a boost.
Los Angeles goalie Ben Scrivens was also beastly for his team, picking up 4 wins in as many attempts as well as two shutouts. He only allowed four goals over those four games, and he helped his team get by Tampa Bay and the recently resurgent New York Rangers. Overall, the Kings had an awesome eastern road swing.
Jamie Benn of Dallas is sort of an amusing inclusion, as he is basically being buffed because of one game. It was a contest of two non-playoff teams (Dallas vs. Calgary), but Benn managed to pile up an eye-popping six points (1 goal, 5 assists) and a +3 rating in Dallas' 7-3 whomping of the Flames. I'd say that deserves a stat buff.
As for defenders, Jay Bouwmeester stood out reasonably well with one goal and three assists over four games. He was a +2 in that span, and he helped St. Louis get by current beast Colorado. Teammate T.J. Oshie also received a boost, with six points in four games, including four assists against those very same Avalanche.
For the naughty list, EA has chosen several worthy candidates, including the now-cooling Phil Kessel of the Maple Leafs. He did manage to score two goals against the Islanders, but that was merely a blip in a six-game span that saw him put up goose eggs in those other five games, including being a -3 in said games.
Dany Heatley has had a pretty off year in general, and while he has been a bit better just after the update, he did have quite a bad streak during this update phase. He only managed one goal over a four-game span, and he was a -4 in that time as well. His shot totals were also low, averaging just one or two a game. Some of these games were against beatable teams as well, such as Florida and Winnipeg.
Martin Havlat is actually the perfect player for these kinds of updates, as the mercurial nature of his play almost always guarantees he'd have a spot in the list, good or bad. In this case, it was the bad list, as he had zero points and only two shots over a span of four games.
Finally, the Canucks had a bevy of bad players, with Jason Garrison, Zack Kassian and both Sedin brothers getting the dunce cap. Garrison and both of the Sedins have cooled a bit since their hot starts, with both Daniel Sedin and Garrison pushing 10+ games without a goal (which they finally snapped last night).
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Follow me on Twitter @glennwigmore
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
10:34 AM - November 26, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Share your response to the QOTD and today's links in the comments section below.
- After missing all of last season, Derrick Rose is sidelined for the rest of this year after surgery on his torn meniscus.
- San Fran blasted RGIII and the 'Skins Monday night empowering Ahmad Brooks to proclaim that Griffin shouldn't even be playing.
- The Gophers know how to ice a kicker: Meet the Dramatic Chipmunk. [Twitter]
- Kansas City's defense struggled mightily with the injuries of top pass-rushers Houston and Hali in their loss to San Diego. Justin Houston appears to be out for this weekend's game as well.
- Kobe Bryant got a tribute-contract from the Lakers who hopefully still have enough bank to sign key pieces to make a championship run over the two years of his extension.
- Seattle's Brandon Browner allegedly is facing a one-year ban from the NFL for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.
- For the extra dramatic effect, one angle just wasn't enough to capture Tom Coughlin. [Image]
- Ron Burgundy wants to make sure you don't miss out on the Winnepeg Curling extravaganza. [Video]
- DYK? Approximately 100 commercials air and only 11 minutes of actual gameplay occur during the course of an NFL broadcast?
- No wonder they lost to Georgia Southern -- Florida teammates blocking each other? [Video]
Monday, November 25, 2013
11:25 AM - November 25, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Monday, November 25, 2013
QOTD: Will the end of the BCS shift the balance of power and opportunity in college football?
- It's "guilty by association" for SEC teams Auburn (No. 4) and Mizzou (No. 5) as the rest of the AQ world gets pushed away from the table despite equal records.
- Tom Brady won another face-off against Peyton Manning -- this time a valiant comeback win that wasn't settled until overtime.
- A 9-0 start has turned into an 0-2 record over the last two games for Kansas City as the Chargers out-dueled the Chiefs at Arrowhead.
- Like kissing your cousin: Packers and Vikings end in a tie.
- The Florida Gators paid Georgia Southern over half-a-million to come to town and take their dignity -- and a win.
- For his fallen Filipino brethren: Manny Pacquiao wins again.
- The Dodgers have beefed up their rotation by signing Dan Haren to their staff.
- Larry Fitzgerald has become the youngest receiver in NFL history to hit the 11,000 yard mark.
- USC's interim head coach, Ed Oregeron, is receiving open support from many key power-players in the Trojans inner circle.
- Either he's made of glass or he has incredibly bad luck: Derrick Rose is out indefinitely after injuring knee.
Friday, November 22, 2013
10:46 AM - November 22, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Friday, November 22, 2013
QOTD: Should the outside world stay out of NFL locker rooms, or is it time for the culture among professional athletes to change?
- Amid concerns of "football culture" and the example it represents, one group is asking NFL players to clean up their leanguage -- especially the use of the N-word.
- MLBPA union leader Michael Weiner has passed away at the age of 51.
- Before the NFL season started most would have predicted the Saints and Falcons to be in opposite positions from their current realities. New Orleans (9-2) downed Atlanta (2-9) last night to complete the regular-season sweep of their division rivals.
- Football season is heating up, but don't forget about the exciting Holiday Madness tournaments tipping off around college basketball.
- ESPN sent Rick Reilly to chronicle Grinnell College's Jack Taylor who recently dropped 109 points in a single game. This time, he scored three.
- Is it time for the Knicks to fire Mike Woodson?
- Ahmad Brooks has declined to accept funds from Ray Lewis an Tedy Bruschi after being fined for his clothesline hit on Drew Brees.
- Is this hockey or soccer? A bicycle kick-save! [Video]
- Like Tiger Woods to golf, The Hunger Games has the sport of archery seeing an influx of new participants.
- Formula 1 drivers -- more than that, they're athletes too?
Thursday, November 21, 2013
11:48 AM - November 21, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Thursday, November 21, 2013
QOTD: Will Ian Kinsler with Detroit or Prince Fielder with Texas make a bigger impact next year on the win-column?
- Detroit wants baserunners, Texas run-producers. Prince meet the Rangers -- Kinsler, the Tigers.
- The Jameis Winston sexual assault saga has gotten strange in regard to the handling of the investigation, but new reports that link him to his accuser through DNA sampling could mean we're headed for an arrest.
- A-Rod storms out of meeting, throws tantrum and tries to play the victim -- painting Bud Selig as the bad guy.
- You can complain about the NFL getting soft and babying quarterbacks -- but that's exactly what they're doing and it's only going to continue.
- What if Mizzou actually wins the SEC East in its second year? Is the conference overrated or did the Tigers 'rise to the level' of it's brethren?
- Mike Tyson returns Holyfield's ear in new Footlocker ad. [Video]
- The fan who fell at a Bills game has been fired by his employer.
- Future stars that left us too soon: Remembering Len Bias.
- In case you missed it: Amar'e Staudemire went "video game" by turning to stare at the basket while on defense. [Video]
- Paul George turns, looks at Bucks bench -- before the shot even goes in.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
11:09 AM - November 20, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Wednesday, November 20, 2013
QOTD: Will the NY Giants make the playoffs this year?
- After an 0-6 start, the Giants are quietly sneaking their way towards the NFL playoffs.
- Before their was World Peace: Yesterday marked the nine-year anniversary of the "Malice at the Palace". [Video]
- Is this PGA Golf or America's Funniest Home Videos? Chi Chi Rodriguez hits golf ball -- ball returns the favor.
- It's already 7-3?! Someone might want to tell ESPN that the Patriots-Broncos game isn't until this Sunday. [Image]
- The NFL's VP of officiating backs the no-call on Monday Night's controversial Patriots-Panthers ending.
- More accusations are surfacing regarding suspended Dolphins lineman Richie Incognito -- this time regarding racial slurs at staffers.
- Lakers fans are getting excited for Kobe's return, which could happen still this month according to Bryant.
- Forget the freshman hype around college basketball, OK State's Marcus Smart (Soph.) ripped the net for 39 points as the No. 7 Cowboys downed the No. 11 Memphis Tigers.
- Guess the sport by the shape of the Olympian's body. [Images][NSFW]
- Racist activity has put a halt to football at Lunenburg High School.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
11:29 AM - November 19, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Tuesday, November 19, 2013
QOTD: Did the officials get the call correct or was there pass interference on the final play of the New England-Carolina game?
- It was first-and-goal at the one-yard line with one play to go -- until the officials reversed the pass interference call to give Carolina the win.
- It appeared that Rob Gronkowski was interfered with at the same point where the ball was intercepted, but the game officials still defended their call that the ball was uncatchable.
- When he was coaching at Florida in the SEC it wasn't as much of a problem, but Urban Meyer is feeling the injustice of the BCS and sharing his view of its flawed nature.
- After the departure of Lane Kiffin, Ed Oregeron has led a dramatic turnaround for the USC Trojans who are in the hunt for a PAC-12 title. Should the interim coach get a long-term deal?
- Is that you, Mike Tyson? A high school basketball coach has been accused of biting a player.
- While the refs may have cost the Pats a chance at one last play to win, the finger-pointing should be directed squarely at New England.
- The penalty to Ahmad Brooks for his hit on Drew Brees flipped the script on the outcome of the game, but it may have done more damage to the game as a whole. Was it an insult to everything that is football? [Video]
- Tom Brady seems like a nice guy, but so does the character Dexter. [Image]
- Lance Armstrong claims that the ICU president helped him cover up his doping.
- Freediver dies while trying to set world record.
Monday, November 18, 2013
11:24 AM - November 18, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Monday, November 18, 2013
QOTD: What will Kansas City's regular-season record be?
- Peyton Manning and the Broncos showed they're still the king of the AFC West by dropping the previously unbeaten Chiefs.
- New Orleans triumphed over the 49ers as San Fran's defense has lost it's edge over the past two weeks.
- College basketball upsets aren't waiting for March -- Belmont shocked UNC and Iowa State downed No. 7 Michigan.
- Washington's Trent Williams claimed an NFL offcial 'cussed him out'.
- Jimmie Johnson inched closer to the likes of Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty by claiming his sixth Sprint Cup title.
- Baylor climbed a spot to No. 4 in the BCS (extremely close to OSU) as both the Buckeyes and Bears are hoping for FSU or Alabama to slip up.
- Welcome to small-town high school hijinks: The 300-lb running back. [Image]
- Illinois fans react to getting trolled by Cliff Alexander on live television for national signing day. [Video]
- Belmont fans distract UNC players -- by singing Wrecking Ball.
- Grinnell College is at it again -- player who scored 139 in single game splashed 24 three-pointers en route to a 109-point output.
Friday, November 15, 2013
10:34 AM - November 15, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Friday, November 15, 2013
QOTD: Johnny Manziel has performed as well -- if not better -- as his 2012 Heisman season, so is there any reason he shouldn't win again?
- Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen and Detroit's Miguel Cabrera took home hardware for league MVP's of 2013.
- Johnny Manziel's Texas A&M teammates are pushing hard for him to win back-to-back Heismans.
- A day after reports emerged of an ongoing investigation into Jameis Winston's involvement in a sexual assault case, his lawyer claims the witness testimonies support Winston's account of the events in question.
- If they weren't a fan of the Cowboys or it's controversial wide receiver, some lucky customers received PS4's on the dime of Dez Bryant.
- After losing to St. Louis, the Colts got off to another bad start against the lowly Titans -- only to recover for the narrow victory Thursday night.
- Suspended Dolphins lineman Richie Incognito has filed a grievance against the Miami Dolphins organization.
- True fans of the game of basketball: Check out this 'Slow Jamz' video of nothing but Tim Duncan outlet passes. [Video]
- The most popular sports in the world, by country and state are? [Image]
- Major League Baseball is finally stepping out of the past by voting to expand instant replay in 2014.
- A high school football coach kicked the school's marching band off the field before they were finished -- on senior night.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
10:53 AM - November 14, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Thursday, November 14, 2013
QOTD: How potent would Florida State be without Jameis Winston at quarterback?
- Life is more than the results of a football game, but Florida State's title run may be in jeopardy with the report of their star quarterback's involvement in a sexual asssault investigation.
- Detroit's Scherzer and LA's Kershaw have been crowned with the Cy Young award from their respective leagues for 2013.
- Are parents opting for 'safer' sports? Pop Warner enrollment is trending downward.
- Baylor knows they have a good thing in Art Briles -- so much so they want to make sure he doesn't leave for at least a decade.
- I'm taking my ring and going home: Sources report that Stephen Drew won't resign with the Red Sox.
- Who knew, the UFC is twenty years old?! Here are some of the best ten fights from it's 'young' history.
- CBSSports.com front-page image titled 'Rivalry' -- Anyone else feel a little uncomfortable? [Image]
- ESPN's '30 for 30' Space Jam spoof.
- Dont' want your browsing history to be tracked? Try the new Chrome 'Incognito' tab. [Image]
- Football is football: Check out these soccer-style badges for NFL teams. [Images]
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
11:23 AM - November 13, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Wednesday, November 13, 2013
QOTD: Where does college basketball fit into your current lineup of favorite sports to follow?
- No. 2 Michigan State trumped the top-ranked Wildcats of Kentucky in a rare early-season matchup of the nation's top teams.
- An exciting night of college basketball featured talented freshmen and a series of Final Four type matchups -- just what we needed.
- Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe was arrested for marijuana possession but sources are reporting that Kansas City plans to start him despite the charges.
- Cleveland's Terry Francona and Pittsburgh's Clint Hurdle were honored as the top managers in their respective leagues for the 2013 season.
- Josh Smith is riding the pine in Detroit but isn't upset -- at least for now.
- What if a football coach decided to never punt? Wonder no more. [Video]
- A Frostburg State football player has died from a brain injury after being allegedly pressured into returning to the field after a concussion.
- An Arizona high school football player also died from a brain injury sustained on the field.
- Ohio State coach Urban Meyer isn't tolerating the tough talk by his players -- ahem, Evan Spencer?
- The NCAA has denied eligibility for a BYU runner after competing in a recreational race.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
As usual, the community creations section of the WWE game du jour is ripe with content from passionate creators, including characters, arenas, movesets and storylines. I'll try and highlight some of them from time to time, including this list of ten character creations that caught my eye.
Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso
Creator "Dre41" isn't waiting for the DLC to add the Uso brothers, as he's got them both represented with multiple attires and proper movesets. These are rating very highly in the creations area, so clearly others agree.
Evan Bourne
Author "Kus7ate9" has made a pretty good Evan Bourne, with the hair and face looking quite close and the "Air Bourne" shooting-star press set for various finisher states.
Rob Van Dam
It's always hard to get the RVD face right, and while this one doesn't quite nail it either, there are plenty of attires, a complete moveset and entrance. Credit to author "DanielakaDee" by way of "Dre41."
Vader
This is a fairly solid representation of the big man, complete with Vaderbomb and moonsault. The mouth isn't quite right, but this one's still on point. Credit goes to author "NATIV3 RAID3R."
Kidman
This creation by "KcMaX" is definitely on point, but I think it is fairly easy to do justice to Kidman, thanks to his signature moves and attire working their way into most games. Still, this one is good, and the community agrees.
Kurt Angle
Creator "SluBMan" has made a reasonably accurate Angle here, complete with multiple singlets, proper moves and appropriate ratings. The face isn't too bad either, as they more or less captured his rage.
X-Pac
Since he isn't in the game (yet), this version of DX X-Pac fits the bill for now. Author "BrittBrat14" has captured the look and moveset well, complete with ridiculous headband/doo-rag. The only qualms are that the agility, jumping and speed ratings should be a touch higher.
British Bulldog
A pretty simple big man to make in this game, but "Y2JFranchise" has got it down here, with appropriately massive upper body, union jack tights and lots of powerslams. That's probably about as good as you could make the face, too.
The Brooklyn Brawler
The creator of this one, "SjoStopper," asked the simple question: why not have a 100-rated Brooklyn Brawler? Exactly.
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Follow me on Twitter @glennwigmore
11:26 AM - November 12, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Tuesday, November 12, 2013
QOTD: In a round-robin format among Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, and Baylor -- which team would come out on top?
- Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer thinks his team is good enough to be No. 2. If you ask one of the team's receivers, they would "wipe the field" with 'Bama and FSU.
- Tampa Bay won the battle of 'losers' in MNF as the Bucs claimed victory No. 1 on the season while the scandal-laced Dolphins added another red mark to their season.
- Yasiel Puig may have been great, but he wasn't impressive enough to claim the NL Rookie of the Year award -- Miami's Jose Fernandez received the honor on Monday.
- Despite being banged up and hurting, Peyton Manning will play against unbeaten Kansas City this week.
- The Atlanta Braves are changing their zip code after making the decision to leave Turner Field for a spot in the suburbs.
- Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is planning a meeting with Jonathan Martin today to hear his side of the allegations of bullying at the hands of teammate Richie Incognito.
- Green Bay's Jermichael Finley will likely never play football again after a viscious neck injury that will require surgery.
- Giving him the silent treatment: Garnett and Pierce are still playing out the middle-school drama between them and Ray Allen.
- Did the Papa John's guy have a few too many beers with his pizza? [Image]
- He says it won't stop him from racing for now, but former Daytona winner Trevor Bayne has revealed he is battling multiple sclerosis.
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