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\n| \n \n \n Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay say they're on same page - NFL \nINDIANAPOLIS -- Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay say there are no hard feelings between them. \n | \n \n \n \n Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning, Jim Irsay seek to 'dispel misperception' \nPeyton Manning and Jim Irsay \"had a long talk\" Friday, coming to terms with comments made to the media this week, first by the Colts quarterback and then by the team's owner two days later. \n | \n \n \n \n Tampa Bay Buccaneers introduce ex-Rutgers Scarlet Knights coach Greg Schiano \nGreg Schiano relishes the challenge of trying to turn around the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers. \n | \n
| \n \n \n Puck Headlines: A letter from the Blue Jackets’ owner; Alfredsson’s got one more year | Puck Daddy \n• How committed is Alex Ovechkin to not being a distraction at the All-Star game? He's wearing camouflage shorts. [Alex Ovetjkin]• Speaking of Ovechkin, Bruce Arthur's column on his ASG no-show is spot-on. [National Post]• Former Tampa Bay Lightning owner Len Barrie has been evicted from his fancy Victoria estate. \"\"It's one of those things,\" Barrie told CHEK television in Victoria. True that. I mean, when it comes down to it, who hasn't been thrown out of a mansion? [The Globe & Mail]• Columbus Blue Jackets' majority owner John P. McConnell's letter to season ticket holders on the year so far: \"Disappointing is not a strong enough word.\" [Blue Jackets Xtra]• Of course, McConnell's credibility was somewhat undercut by this article, which features his words on GM Scott Howson: \"As of right now, I know of no reason why he won't be our .\" So the letter was clearly written without watching the team all that often. [Blue Jackets Xtra]• \"Bauer Hockey unveiled its Re-akt helmet in Ottawa on Friday, calling it the first designed specifically to manage multiple hits, including rotational-force impacts from turning the head, which can cause significant head injuries such as concussion.\" [CBC]• Daniel Alfredsson's got one more season in him. [TSN]• Cam Cole on TSN's projections for Team Canada's 2014 Olympic roster: \"By the time February 2014 rolls around, anyone foolish enough to make such prognostications is apt to find two-thirds of the players on today's list living in quiet rooms with the shades drawn and whalesong playing soothingly on low volume.\" Yikes. [Vancouver Sun]• Conn Smythe's time capsule was unearthed in Toronto this week, and the item that has everybody talking is a mysterious white elephant. \"What could a white elephant possibly have to do with the Toronto Maple Leafs,\" said Mike Komisarek's contact. [National Post]• Provided Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is on it, the Edmonton Oilers' powerplay is outstanding. [Edmonton Journal]• It's the third annual FTF Photoshop Expo! [Fear the Fin]• Ice Hockey in Harlem's Annual Winter Fundraising Auction with the New York Rangers goes a week from today. This is a cool charity. [Ice Hockey in Harlem]• Scott Lewis interviews an anonymous stat. No, not a stathead. A stat. [The Score]• Looking at the Central Division race, which could make all sorts of history. [HOHM]• Eugene Melnyk and Dany Heatley are close to going to court over the $4 million bonus Heatley received from Ottawa by refusing to waive his no-trade clause back in 2009. If Heatley loses, the Sharks could be forced to pay it. [Canoe]• The Conservative government is threatening to hold back funding for a new hockey arena north of Montreal because they're afraid an NHL team might move in there, which is so freaking ironic I can't even fathom it. [The Globe & Mail]• Is Scott Gomez hockey's most underrated? [Jets Nation]• And finally, among the many stars to make an appearance in 30 Rock's Martin Luther King Day, the 1995 Quebec Nordiques: \n | \n \n \n \n Dallas Mavericks consider sitting Lamar Odom next for stretch of games \nMavericks consider sitting struggling Lamar Odom next for stretch of games. \n | \n \n \n \n Maria Sharapova vs. Victoria Azarenka: Preview and prediction | Busted Racquet \nRod Laver Arena becomes the Shrieking Shack on Saturday night when the game's two loudest grunters, Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova, face off in the 2012 Australian Open final.The No. 1 ranking will be on the line when the two women take the court at 3:30 a.m. ET on Saturday. It's Sharapova's fifth appearance in a final and Azarenka's first.They have met six times before, each winning three times. Sharapova and Azarenka have never met in a Grand Slam, meaning this is the first time their 180+ combined decibals are reaching a worldwide audience.Our friends at Channel 7 in Australia have a brief preview of the one thing everyone will be talking about tomorrow morning. Sharapova's dig at Agnieszka Radwanska is so perfect. I understand why she doesn't show that side of herself more. Still, I wish she'd give more quotes like that instead of speaking in mindless cliches when talking to the press.As for the tennis, however incorrect it may turn out to be, I usually have a feeling about how a match is going to go. In this one, I've got nothing.People picking Sharapova are doing so because of her major final experience and big serve, neither of which served her well in the Wimbledon final last year. Azarenka has been tabbed as a potential major winner for years but never quite got over the hump. Despite Sharapova's toughness and will, I'm going with new blood over old.Prediction: Azarenka in two. \n | \n
| \n \n \n BBC Sport - Davin Dunn signs extended deal at Blackburn \nBlackburn Rovers midfielder David Dunn has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2013. \n | \n \n \n \n Cleveland Browns tap Brad Childress as offensive coordinator, source says \nThe Browns have hired Brad Childress as their offensive coordinator, a league source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen on Friday. \n | \n \n \n \n Watford v Tottenham Hotspur - live! | Football \n• Email your thoughts to scott.murray@guardian.co.uk• Press F5 to refresh this page or use our auto-refresher• Click here for tonight's live scores• Click here for our live stats centre6 min: Some twisting and turning by Sordell down the right. Kaboul sells himself, allowing the Watford man to breeze into the area, but no matter, as the resulting effort on goal, aimed for the bottom-right corner, is weak.5 min: Now it's Tottenham's turn to stroke it around. Van der Vaart, on the edge of the D with his back to goal, tries to work a pass around the corner for Adebayor, but it's blocked at source. \"Stand up if you pay your tax,\" trill the home crowd. Wasn't Z Cars enough? Is someone going to leap from the crowd and start prodding him again and again on his lapel?3 min: Watford have started with a confidence, pinging the ball around nicely, albeit to no great effect so far. A nice fast pace to the game. \"I believe that's Wilf Rostron and John MacClelland in that photo,\" writes Simon Frank. \"Wilf Rostron!\" Ah, the gait of the condemned. It was MacClelland who deflected the ball past Po' Plumley for the second goal. We should probably stop riffing on their pain.And we're off! Both teams get in their huddles, then Watford set the ball rolling. It's passed back to Mariappa, and the defender's clearance is charged down by a lively Defoe. Nothing comes of the incident, to the home side's relief.The teams are out! Watford, in their yellow shirts and red shorts, and Tottenham Hotspur sporting their white tops with dark-blue breeks, take the pitch to the theme tune from Z Cars. This is what's done at Watford, though hasn't Harry Redknapp suffered enough this week?Referee: Chris Foy Tottenham Hotspur: Cudicini, Walker, Kaboul, Dawson, Rose, Parker, Van der Vaart, Modric, Livermore, Adebayor, Defoe.Subs: Friedel, Lennon, Pavlyuchenko, Bassong, Kranjcar, Assou-Ekotto, Pienaar.Watford: Loach, Hodson, Mariappa, Nosworthy, Doyley, Eustace, Deeney, Buaben, Murray, Sordell, Garner.Subs: Bond, Dickinson, Yeates, Iwelumo, Forsyth, Jenkins, Whichelow.Kick off: 7.45pm.But not necessarily lots of hope. That running total after four games: Tottenham 17-4 Watford.But that match was at neutral Villa Park, and this is on Watford's patch at Vicarage Road. So there is hope.You'll notice I've missed out one game. And that, of course, is the one everyone remembers: the 1987 semi-final at Villa Park. The Gary Plumley match. Plumley was a wine-bar owner and sometime Newport County keeper, whose dad was on the Watford board, and stepped up to the plate when Watford lost their first-choice keeper Tony Coton the reserve Steve Sherwood ahead of the big game. Plumley failed to deal with a Clive Allen shot, allowing Steve Hodge to open the scoring on 11 minutes, and 60 seconds later he'd been bamboozled by another Allen effort, this one deflected past him. He was later beaten at his near post, as Watford lost 4-1. \"If a full-time professional had let in one or two of those, you'd have had to keep him away from a rope for a week or two,\" said Ray Clemence, looking sadly on from the other end of the pitch.Watford have faced their sort-of-near-neighbours Tottenham Hotspur four times in the FA Cup. And lost every single tie. The teams first met in 1922, Spurs winning 1-0. In 1939, Watford were spanked 7-1. And in the most recent FA Cup meeting between the teams, in 1999, Spurs won 5-2. Historical precedence isn't Watford's friend tonight, then, although all those games were played at White Hart Lane, so there is some hope.FA CupWatfordTottenham HotspurScott Murrayguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n
| \n \n \n Niger 1-2 Tunisia | Africa Cup of Nations Group C match report | Football \nNiger 1-2 TunisiaIssam Jemâa scored a 90th-minute winner to put Tunisia on the brink of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Niger.The substitute stepped inside two defenders and hammered a left-footed shot into the net to finally shake off Niger's challenge in the Group C game at Stade de l'Amitié in Libreville, Gabon.Youssef Msakni's second goal in two games had put Tunisia ahead in the fourth minute and seemingly on course for a straightforward victory, but Ngounou Tonji equalized five minutes later.Niger had the Tunisians rattled for the rest of the first half, hitting the post and missing a string of chances through centre-forward Moussa Maazou, before a shaky Tunisia found their composure in the second half.A win for co-hosts Gabon over Morocco in the group's second game on Friday will send both Tunisia and Gabon through to the last eight, and the Moroccans would be the latest high-profile team to leave the tournament early.Msakni put the Tunisians in front with a weaving run and finish reminiscent of his goal in their opening win over Morocco, skipping away from defenders and slipping his shot neatly past Kassaly Daouda.The lead lasted just five minutes, however, before Niger scored their first ever goal at a major tournament, with Tonji's header greeted with joy on the bench and by the coach Harouna Doula.Maazou challenged the Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi in the air with the striker flapping at the ball with his hand, but there seemed to be no contact and Tonji followed up to head into an empty net. The goal stood, despite strong protests from the Tunisians.Maazou, who was embroiled in a physical battle with the Tunisia captain, Karim Haggui, throughout the first half, had a great chance to complete a shock turnaround in the 18th minute but shot wide after shrugging off a challenge from Haggui.Maazou again powered away from Haggui on the half-hour before pushing a right-footed shot past the far post.The Niger winger Issoufou Boubacar's shot three minutes later struck the same post after a touch from Mathlouthi, with Tunisia completely rattled and hanging on against the unfancied Niger.The Tunisia manager, Sami Trabelsi, looked on with arms crossed, and his team would have been relieved to reach half-time without further damage against the suddenly rampant tournament debutants.Niger's players, as has become their tradition at the tournament, knelt in a huddle to pray at the end of the first half and before kick-off in the second.Jemâa was brought on at the break and the experienced forward appeared to settle Tunisia. Daouda was off his line quickly in the 57th minute to scramble a through ball away with Jemâa closing in, and Msakni curled a shot just wide soon after.In the 64th minute, the defender Aymen Abdennour – who had taken over the marking duties of the troublesome Maazou – surged forward and sent a low shot from distance bobbling past Daouda and off the post.Almost immediately, Niger cleared upfield to Maazou, who forced his way past the last defender but couldn't beat Mathlouthi.Tunisia's Ammar Jemal headed over with Daouda out of position and the goal gaping in the 89th minute, and sank to his knees and screamed at himself in frustration with the North Africans appearing to have slipped up.But Jemâa latched onto a pass on the right of the penalty area in the dying moments, coolly cut inside the scrambling Niger defenders and finished convincingly.Africa Cup of Nations 2012TunisiaAfrica Cup of Nationsguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n \n \n \n Injured Rob Gronkowski misses Super Bowl practice with Patriots - NFL \nFOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Rob Gronkowski is absent from the New England Patriots' practice for the second straight day with an injured left ankle. \n | \n \n \n \n Irsay needs to cut Manning loose, but not before thanking him profusely - NFL \nJim Irsay tells Peyton Manning the horseshoe comes first. Pete Prisco says no one knows that better than Manning, who always put the Colts ahead of himself. What Irsay really needs to do is thank Manning profusely -- before setting him free. \n | \n
| \n \n \n Bucs' Glazer: 'New chapter' in Tampa begins with Schiano as coach - NFL \nGreg Schiano relishes the challenge of trying to turn around the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers. \n | \n \n \n \n Police investigate 'death threat' against Anton Ferdinand | Football \n• 'Malicious communication' was allegedly received by QPR• Ferdinand to face John Terry for first time since league meetingAnton Ferdinand was the target of a death threat on the eve of Saturday's potentially explosive west London derby against Chelsea. Hammersmith and Fulham police are investigating a letter, believed to contain an object, which was received by Queens Park Rangers and is understood to have been addressed to the defender.The buildup to the FA Cup fourth-round tie has been dominated by the first meeting of Ferdinand and John Terry on the pitch since the England captain was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence relating to an altercation with the QPR defender during the fractious league meeting at Loftus Road in October.Terry's case is due to be heard at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday, though he will not be in attendance, with his legal team to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.It is not clear whether Ferdinand was made immediately aware of the letter but a Metropolitan police spokesman said: \"I can confirm we are investigating an allegation of malicious communication received today at Queens Park Rangers football club. Officers from Hammersmith and Fulham are investigating.\"Confirmation of the threat will dismay both clubs, who had been hoping to ease the tension ahead of the tie. The two chairmen issued a joint statement this week appealing for calm.John TerryChelseaQPRFA Cup 2011-12FA CupRace issuesDominic FifieldJamie Jacksonguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n \n \n \n Councillor: Glendale flirting with financial disaster over Coyotes \nPhil Lieberman also skeptical about NHL commissioner Gary Bettman’s assertion there is a third party interested in buying the franchise \n | \n
| \n \n \n The NHL is becoming a crazy business \nEric Duhatschek wonders if any team is getting its money’s worth on the mega-bucks contracts it takes to land star players in his weekly notebook column \n | \n \n \n | \n\n \n | \n
| \n \n \n Patriots' Gronkowski doesn't practice; dad says injury is high ankle sprain - NFL \nRob Gronkowski was absent from New England Patriots practice Friday for the second straight day with an injured left ankle. \n | \n \n \n \n Ruler On Ice Still Targeting Feb. 11 Donn \nRuler On Ice, winner of the Belmont Stakes last year, could resurface Feb. 11 in the $500,000 Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park. \n | \n \n \n \n Squad sheets: Stevenage v Notts County | Football \nNotts were 2-0 winners on their visit to Stevenage in the league, which was the first ever meeting between the sides in any competition. County then, though, were in the middle of a sprightly start to the season – now they are on a miserable run of one league win in 14. Stevenage bounced back from the loss of Graham Westley to Preston with a thumping 4-2 win over MK Dons on Tuesday, and should have the wherewithal to reach the fifth round for the first time in their history. John AshdownVenue Lamex Stadium, Saturday 3pm Referee Neil SwarbrickOdds Stevenage 19-20 Notts Co 14-5 Draw 5-2Head to head Stevenage 0 Notts County 1 Draws 0StevenageSubs from Julian, Edwards, Cowan, Long, Shroot, Reid, Madjo, Murphy, Myrie-Williams, May, Winn, Sinclair, MousinhoDoubtful NoneInjured NoneNotts CountySubs from Burch, Edwards, Pearce, Bencherif, Stirling, Judge, Hunt, Sodje, Burgess, Harley, SpicerDoubtful NoneInjured NoneCup-tied Freeman Match pointers• Stevenage have lost just on of their last 15 games in all competitions• Notts County have won five of their last seven FA Cup away matches, only losing at Fulham and Manchester CityStevenageNotts CountyFA Cup 2011-12FA Cupguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n
| \n \n \n Squad sheets: Millwall v Southampton | Football \nSouthampton, who won at The Den after being held at home in the fourth round of the 2003 competition and then made it all the way to the final, welcome back the 17-goal Rickie Lambert after he was suspended for the home defeat by Leicester. Millwall, whose trip to Cardiff came in 2004, will be without their captain, Paul Robinson, and heavily reliant on Darius Henderson to provide the punch after two hat-tricks in five days to make it a total of three this season. Mark TallentireVenue The Den, Saturday 3pm Referee Roger EastOdds Millwall 19-10 Southampton 8-5 Draw 12-5Head to head Millwall 16 Southampton 26 Draw 17MillwallSubs from Hackett, Mildenhall, Wright, Marquis, Henry, N'Guessan, BattInjured Robinson, Stewart, Racon, MkandawireSuspended Dunne, LowrySouthamptonSubs from Bialkowski, Reeves, Richardson, Holmes, De Ridder, Lallana, Connolly, PuncheonDoubtful Fonté, Lallana, LeeInjured Hooiveld, SeabourneCup-tied FalquéMatch pointers• Millwall are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings with sides from the same division• Southampton have won all five of their FA Cup meetings with Millwall, four of them after a replayMillwallSouthamptonFA Cup 2011-12FA Cupguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n \n \n \n Novak Djokovic shouldn’t eat so shadily during changeovers | Busted Racquet \nAbove is a picture of Novak Djokovic putting something into his mouth during a changeover in the fourth set of his semifinal victory over Andy Murray at the Australian Open.It would be wholly unremarkable by itself. Most players eat something during long matches, whether it be power gels or bananas or protein bars. What was strange about this is that Djokovic felt the need to eat the unidentified object behind the cover of terrycloth.I know what you're going to say: He was toweling off while eating. After watching the replay as much as I watched that scene of Brooklyn Decker ocean scene from \"Just Go With It,\" I can say with some confidence that this was not the case. Novak was covering his face like a murder suspect going in to the courthouse for an arraignment.Why the mystery? It's nothing nefarious, I'm sure. It's not like he was eating an HGH meatball. The incident was a little baffling though since eating on a changeover is common and not something that has to be done in the shadows.What do you think it was?A reporter later asked Djokovic whether he medicates during the match.No,\" he replied. \"You try to get energized in every way. A lot of liquids, try to eat something, as well, that gives you energy.\" \n | \n \n \n \n Talent-rich SEC states are thin on elite quarterback recruits. - Stewart Mandel \nThe South is packed with fast, athletic prospects. SEC teams don't have to go far to find blue-chip recruits at nearly every position -- with one notable exception, writes Stewart Mandel. \n | \n
| \n \n \n Judge orders backyard rink makers to pay water bill, community service | Puck Daddy \nDesperate times called for desperate measures.When 21-year old Tony Nelin and 20-year old Timmy Ryan were in dire need of water in order to help build a backyard rink, they figured using a garden hose would end up being too expensive, so they decided to hook up a fire hose to a hydrant on Tinley Park High School property to complete the 91-by-43 foot rink.They were caught by the school's janitor and on Friday were sentenced to 16 hours of community service each, along with paying off the $127.44 water bill. The judge who sentenced the pair understood their plight and offered a suggestion of civic duty.From the Chicago Tribune:The two, along with three friends, had constructed a 91-by-43-foot rink in the backyard of one of their homes in December so they and others would have a place to skate.\"I understand what your purpose was; the problem was how you went about it,\" Cook County Judge Daniel Lawrence Peters said at the Bridgeview courthouse. \"If you have contacts with the Park District, you may be able to do something with the rink.\"Their time on the ice could count toward their required hours if Nelin and Ryan can arrange to host a skating program for kids through their local park district, Peters said.According to the Tribune, the publicity from the story last month earned the two an invite to the U.S. Pond Hockey Championship in Minnesota and a liner for the rink from a company in Wisconsin.Nelin and Ryan, along with two other friends who helped build the rink will split the $127.44 water bill.Like the pair's original idea of creating a backyard rink, hopefully the judge's suggestion of opening it up up to the community becomes a reality.Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_LeahyOther popular content on the Yahoo! network:• Matt Hendricks' severed ear enters the pantheon of grotesque hockey injuries• Soccer star John Terry faces criminal charges for racist remarks | England roiled• Pats WR Wes Welker engaged to former Miss Hooters International | Photos• Y! Finance: Things electronics retailers won't say \n | \n \n \n \n Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: Awkward All-Star Draft, NHL CBA doom, live from Ottawa | Puck Daddy \nIt's a Friday edition of Marek vs. Wyshynski beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, and we're talking about the following and more:Special Guest Stars: Perhaps an NHL All-Star. Perhaps not.• In which Marek and Wysh discuss the NHL All-Star Game Fantasy Draft and its various charms.• Brian Burke's CBA harbingers of doom.• The Blue Jackets' owner sends a letter to the fans.• Puck Headlines and Talking PointsQuestion of the Day: \"What was your favorite and most most awkward All Star draft moment last night?\"Email your answers to puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or tweet them with the hashtag #MvsW to either @jeffmarek or @wyshynski.Click here for the Sportsnet live stream or click the play button above! Click here to download podcasts from the show each day Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes or Feedburner. \n | \n \n \n \n Squad sheets: Hull City v Crawley Town | Football \nCrawley head to Humberside yet to concede in the competition and well aware what a place in the fifth round can bring after last year's trip to Old Trafford. Sanchez Watt, on loan from Arsenal, is looking for a debut. Hull are hoping for a fourth successive win and have Liam Rosenior back from injury. \"We've watched them two or three times,\" said Nick Barmby. \"They are a hard-working side and have already had a great result against Bristol City in this competition.\" Mark TallentireVenue KC Stadium, Saturday 3pm Referee Stuart AttwellOdds Hull 11-12 Crawley 7-2 Draw 13-5Head to head n/aHullSubs from Basso, Carson, Simpson, Fryatt, Cairney, Kilbane, Adebola, Garcia, Olofinjana, King, Oxley, Dudgeon, EastDoubtful NoneInjured NoneCrawleySubs from Kuipers, Davies, Akpan, Simpson, Smith, Day, Akinde, Wassmer, Napper, Watt, WilsonDoubtful NoneInjured NoneMatch pointers• Hull have reached the fourth round for only the second time since 1989• Crawley have lost just one of their past nine games in the FA Cup since the start of last seasonHull CityCrawley TownFA Cup 2011-12FA Cupguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n
| \n \n \n Africa Cup of Nations: Tunisia v Niger - live! | Football \nTunisia reach quater-finals thanks to late winnerFull-time: Another dramatic denouement to an entertaining game. Tunisia are through to the quarter-finals and so long as they have Msakni in their ranks they'll be formidable foes for anyone. But with that defence it's difficult to see them going all the way.90+ 4 min: Lovely play by Tunisia, unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal! Kassaly hared off his line to deny Msakni, then Darragi got a lovely touch to tee up a cracking shot that bounced out off the bar.90 min: Four more minutes.GOAL! Tunisia 2-1 Niger Niger's defensive rigidity collapses again! Chichoto went wandering, allowing Jemma to saunter into the box and fire past the keeper! Tunisia are almost certainly through ... and Morocco need to get a result against Gaboin in the next game to avoid elimimination.88 min: Tunisian are finishing far stronger and Niger but Niger are defending valiantly ...85 min: Great block by Yacouba to deny Jemal!84 min: Niger change: Laouali on, Boubacar off.82 min: Maazou bounds through again. Maazou finishes badly again. Frustrating player.80 mins: Karim's freekick whizzes around the wall but not past the goalkeeper.76 min: Haggui looked for kicking Maazou in the throat, which is quite a feat.75 min: The pressure is mounting from Tunisia, who clearly don't want to have to go into their final group game needing to beat the hosts Gabon to be sure of a place in the quarters. But Niger defenders have hurled themselves at a series of shots over the last couple of minutes to protect their goal and thwart the Tunisians.72 min: Maazou streaks down the left and then pulls the ball back to the edge of the area, Ali arrives to blaze high and wide.69 min: Niger change: Kamilou on, Ngounou off.66 min: Tunisia's last change: Chikhaoui, on Sami. \"Greetings from LA, Mr Doyle,\" says friendly Nick Bronson. \"It sounds like many of these ACN games are positive and entertaining. Any advice as to where an American soccerball fan might be able to catch a feed of a game or two?\" No idea, Nick, but you're right about the tournament: it's been much better than the lats two editions , with almost all teams playing enterprising and entertaining football and contests serving up several great dramas already.64 min: Chaos at both ends! Tunisia hit the post through a deflected shot by Abdennour and, within seconds, Maazou was through at the other end, outsprinting Haggui yet again to connect with a hoofed clearance ... but Mathlouthi hared off his line to clear.60 min: Msakni is the man again, dribbling into the box before rounding Dankwa and attempting a canny curler towards the far corner. Just wide.58 min: Maazou wins the ball impressively in midfield, feeds Boubacar and then surges off and demands the return. Ifa read the move and snuffed it out.55 min: The game is deteriorating as quality has seeped out of both teams' play. Fortunately Msakni is still getting on the ball now and again and every time he does, possibilities emerge. Lovely player.52 min: Msakni collects the ball outside the Niger box, wriggles this way and that, and then feeds Darragi, whose shot is feeble.50 min: Another Tunisia change: Darragi on, Dhaoudi off.49 min: Maazou's pace really his impressive. If he could consistently do the right thing once he sped into the right position, he'd be a huge talent. As it is, he might be considered as a tall Theo Walcott from Niger.47 min: Tunisia's change: striker Issam Jemaa on for Chermiti46 min: We're back. Both teams have made changes ... but I don't know what they are yet. I'll let you know asap. I know it means a lot to you.Half-time: An entertaining and compelling game so far goes into the break finely poised. Niger have improved massively on their first performance - dodgy defending for the Tunisia goal notwithstanding - and Boubacar and Maazou are a formidable threat for them up front, even if the finishing for Maazou, in particular, has been slack so far.45+1 min: And now it's Tunisia who are denied, not a penalty but a freekick right on the ege of the area. Chicoto dragged Dhaoudi to the ground as the midfield rolled him ... yet the ref awarded a free out. It was a blatant foul, although I don't see how Dhaouadi suffered an injury that requires him to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher, as has just happened.44 min: No penalty! That looks like a bad decision on first view. And on second and third views. Maazou stepped inside Haggui, who desperately thrust his leg out to prevent the striker from getting off a shot. Down goes Maazou, but 'play on' signals the ref.43 min: Chikhaoui spots the keeper off his line and tries to lob into the net from 40 yards. Way off.40 min: Bulus charges out of goal to intercept a dinky through-ball.36 min: Boubacar and Maazou are really tormenting the Tunisian defence. The former has just won a corner after another jagged run. Traoui's delivery is poor, alas.33 min: There is a really pleasing contrast in styles here, with Tunisia's slow interplay and tricky feet currently counting for less than Niger's speed and incision. Boubacar came close to putting Niger in front just now, hitting the outside of the post from the edge of the area after twisting past Jemal.30 min: Jemal hurtles down the left but overhits his cross, with two waiting for it.27 min: Maazou nearly on the mark again! It was a fine, powerful run that took him through the heart of the Tunisian defence and low shot eluded the keeper ... but also the net, by inches.24 min: Haggui for once beats Maazou to a ball over the top, and the striker then drags him down, prompting the pair to square up to each other like dunken oafs on a Friday night in Watford. The ref comes across tell each man, perhaps, to leave the other alone, he's not worth it.22 min: Niger's constant harrying has knocked Tunisia out of their stride, but still their wayward defending means they look vulnerable. But so do Tunisia. This game promsies lots of goals.19 min: Haggui, deciding he might as well go into the opposing box for all the good he's doing in his own, meets a freekick but can't keep his header on target.16 min: Bad miss by Maazou, who blasted over from 10 yards! But the encouraging thing for Niger was how easily that chance came about, with Lancina finding Maazou's run with a fine ball from deep ... while the Tunisian defenders panted in the striker's slipstream.14 min: Niger have improved since equalising and their pressing high up the pitch has cut offt the supply to Msakni, for now.11 min: The bounce that befuddled the keeper there was truly bonkers. Not sure whether it was caused by backspin, a bump on the pitch or someone using remote control in the crowd ...GOAL! Tunisia 1-1 Niger Ecstatic celebrations from the Niger team, who do well to refrain from laughing outright at the Tunisian goalkeeper, Mathlouthi, who allowed a huge punt to bounce up in the air before spinning in confusion and losing an aerial duel with the Maazou, who may have used his hand to help it on to Ngounou, who cheerfully nutted it into the net from 10 yards. The Tunisians are outraged, the replays inconclusive.6 min: Msakni's having a ball here. The 21-year-old is leading the Niger defence on a merry dance, enjoying it so much on the most recent occasion that he clean forgot about shooting.GOAL! Tunisia 1-0 Niger The striker shows off his impressive dribbling skills again, although the Niger defence didn't put up much resistance, allowing the Esperance man to shuffle through the middle and sidefoot it past the keeper from 14 yards.3 min: Niger should have scored! They've clearly identified Haggui's slowness at the heart of Tunisia's defence as a weakness to exploit and that plot nearlyt paid off just now, as Maazou easily outpaced the centreback to latch on to a long ball over the top ... but his first touch was terrible and the ball runs to the keeper.1 min: And they're off, Tunisia showing their intent with hearty directness, as opposed to their usual slow and steady build-up.Teams:Tunisia: Mathlouthi, Haggui, Jemal, Ifa, Abdennour, Chikhaoui, Traoui, Dhaouadi, Korbi, Chermiti, MsakniNiger: Daouda, Kowa, Mohamed, Bulus, Soumaila, Lancina, Bonnes, Issoufou, N'Gounou, Ali, MaazouPreamble:Niger, who qualified because of Egypt's unravelling and South Africa's incompetence, looked like the worst team in the tournament during their opening match, a defeat by Gabon, where Tunisia announced themselves as outside contenders for overall victory by downing Morocco 2-1. The Tunisians were dominated for most of that match but defended well, were efficient in front of goal and, in Youssef Msakni, have a little marvel who seems destined for great things. Happily, manager Sami Trabelsi is sure to instruct his players to attack a lot more against Niger than they did against Morocco so Msakni should have ample scope to strut his stuff.Africa Cup of Nations 2012Africa Cup of NationsTunisiaPaul Doyleguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n \n \n \n Squad sheets: Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United | Football \nAfter Brighton's struggles against non-league Wrexham in the third round, won on penalties after a replay, comes the reward for the 1983 finalists. Newcastle give a fitness test to the captain Fabricio Coloccini but are without Demba Ba and Pappis Cissé, still with Senegal and expected back next week. \"Brighton pass it and they are patient,\" said the Newcastle manager, Alan Pardew. \"It's hard to do it in the Championship and get success, but they are making a good fist of it.\" Mark TallentireVenue Amex Stadium, Saturday 5.15pm Referee Lee ProbertOdds Brighton 3-1 Newcastle 10-11 Draw 5-2Head to head Brighton 6 Newcastle 7 Draws 3BrightonSubs from Ankergren, Elphick, El-Abd, Hoskins, Noone, Vicente, Harley, Dicker, Poke, Vincelot, LuaLuaDoubtful LuaLua, NooneInjured PainterNewcastleSubs from Elliot, Harper, R Taylor, Perch, Vuckic, Abeid, Ferguson, Obertain, Gosling, LovenkrandsDoubtful ColocciniInjured Marveaux, S Taylor, Sam AmeobiUnavailable Ba, Cissé, Tioté Match pointers• Brighton have lost their last six meetings with top-flight opposition in the FA Cup• Newcastle have failed to win any of their last eight FA Cup matches away from homeBrighton & Hove AlbionNewcastle UnitedFA Cup 2011-12FA Cupguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n \n \n \n Squad sheets: Liverpool v Manchester United | Football \nThis may come as a shock but vitriolic abuse was rife between these two clubs before Patrice Evra and Luis Suárez clashed last October, and there are other pertinent issues besides what awaits the United left-back at Anfield. Liverpool have confidence restored and a place at Wembley following the Carling Cup triumph over Manchester City, and will really lift their season with a second Mancunian scalp. Plenty rests on whether Craig Bellamy's knees can cope with a third match in a week, however. United have major doubts over Wayne Rooney, Nani, Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones and will be seeking their first win at Anfield – and good performance – since December 2007. Andy HunterVenue Anfield, Saturday 12.45pm Referee Mark HalseyOdds Liverpool 8-5 Man Utd 9-5 Draw 11-5Head to head Liverpool 61 Man Utd 71 Draws 51LiverpoolSubs from Doni, Bellamy, Kuyt, Kelly, Coates, Rodríguez, Carragher, Aurélio, Shelvey, FlanaganDoubtful Bellamy, SpearingInjured LucasSuspended SuárezMan UtdSubs from De Gea, Ferdinand, Park, Berbatov, Scholes, Hernández, Diouf, F da Silva, R da SilvaDoubtful Ferdinand, Rooney, Jones, NaniInjured Vidic, Young, Anderson, Cleverley, FletcherMatch pointers• There have been six red cards shown in the last nine games between these sides in all competitions• United's only defeat in their last 16 FA Cup away ties was 1-0 at Liverpool in 2006LiverpoolManchester UnitedFA Cup 2011-12FA Cupguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n
| \n \n \n Carmelo Anthony out for Knicks, Dwyane Wade questionable for Heat - NBA \nMIAMI -- Carmelo Anthony will not play Friday night when the New York Knicks visit the Miami Heat, who are still waiting to see if Dwyane Wade's sprained right ankle will allow him to return to the lineup. \n | \n \n \n \n Recession has helped build NFL fan base, Roger Goodell says \nNFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the recession has helped build TV audiences for NFL games. \n | \n \n \n \n Peyton Manning puts Indianapolis Colts Jim Irsay in unenviable dilemma - NFL News \nPeyton's politicking puts Irsay in unenviable situation. \n | \n
| \n \n \n QPR Anton Ferdinand has received a bullet in the post, according to reports - News \nPackage is believed to have contained a death threat and shotgun cartridge \n | \n \n \n \n Squad sheets: Leicester City v Swindon Town | Football \nPromotion is the priority for both these clubs but there is no chance of them taking this match lightly as both are keen to build on promising recent momentum. Paolo Di Canio's team have beaten higher-placed opposition in every round so far and this may well represent an even bigger test than the home victory over Premier League Wigan in the last round. If players such as Paul Caddis and Matt Ritchie keep up their fine form, they have a chance of producing another upset. Paul DoyleVenue King Power Stadium, Saturday 3pm Referee Darren DrysdaleOdds Leicester 8-13 Swindon 6-1 Draw 3-1Head to head Leicester 6 Swindon 5 Draws 8LeicesterSubs from Logan, Paintsil, Bamba, Oakley, Howard, Vassell, Waghorn, Moussa, KennedyDoubtful Moussa, Gallagher, OakleyInjured Johnson, KingUnavailable DelfounesoCup-tied DrinkwaterSwindonSubs from Smith, Kennedy, Boateng, Esajas, Pavett, Gabilondo, Murray, Thompson, De VitaDoubtful EsajasInjured NoneCup-tied Bodin, RooneyMatch pointers• Jermaine Beckford has 12 goals in his past 13 FA Cup appearances• Swindon won their first match at Leicester in 1970, but have won none of their eight subsequent visitsLeicester CitySwindonFA Cup 2011-12FA Cupguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n \n \n \n Scathing memo urges referees to enforce sportsmanship rules - Seth Davis \nThe NCAA's national coordinator of officials for mens basketball fired off a scathing memo on Thursday urging referees across the country to do a better job of enforcing sportsmanship rules. \n | \n
| \n \n \n Jay Paterno: 'Dad, you won. You can go home now.' - NCAA Football \nSTATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Jay Paterno leaned over his dying father, gave him a kiss, and whispered in his ear. \n | \n \n \n \n Squad sheets: Arsenal v Aston Villa | Football \nThe last time Arsène Wenger looked down the touchline to the opposite dugout and saw Alex McLeish in a cup encounter it all ended calamitously, in a Carling Cup final meltdown, so the Frenchman would be forgiven for dreading the sight of the Scot again. Such is the Gunners lack of form, McLeish will fancy upsetting Arsenal once again with a Villa team who showed great spirit in coming from behind to summon exciting wins at Chelsea and Wolves recently. Can Robbie Keane, formerly of Spurs, show his brilliance again? Might Thierry Henry grab another slice of FA cup magic? Amy LawrenceVenue Emirates Stadium, Sunday 4pm Referee Michael JonesOdds Arsenal 8-13 Aston Villa 21-4 Draw 3-1Head to head Arsenal 73 Aston Villa 65 Draws 44ArsenalSubs from Almunia, Djourou, Rosicky, Park, Squillaci, Henry, Benayoun, Arshavin, Coquelin, YennarisDoubtful Arteta, Henry, SagnaInjured Diaby, Gibbs, Jenkinson, André Santos, WilshereUnavailable Chamakh, GervinhoAston VillaSubs from Guzan, Ireland, Heskey, Warnock, Cuéllar, Bannan, Weimann, Baker, StevensDoubtful Heskey, Agbonlahor, IrelandInjured Herd, Lichaj, N'ZogbiaMatch pointers• Arsenal have lost one of 33 home FA Cup matches under Arsène Wenger• Aston Villa have taken more league points at the Emirates Stadium than any other sideArsenalAston VillaFA Cup 2011-12FA Cupguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n \n \n \n Syracuse Orange's Fab Melo expected to miss third game \nSyracuse sophomore Fab Melo, who's missed the last two games due to what a source has said is an academic issue, is not expected to play Saturday when the Orange host West Virginia. \n | \n
| \n \n \n Knowing their colors: Where TOUR pros went to school \nUniversity Day at the Farmers Insurance Open is set for Saturday, with PGA TOUR players and fans encouraged to wear their school colors. Here's a look at the colleges of current PGA TOUR players: \n | \n \n \n \n Don’t tell ESPN, but new poll finds hockey as popular as basketball in U.S. | Puck Daddy \nHockey fans in the U.S. take what we can get when it comes to validation of our sport's popularity.We celebrate minimal upticks in television ratings that still put the NHL behind children's cartoon shows on cable. We beam when there's an NHL jersey or reference spotted in a mainstream sitcom or movie. We treat that Sports Illustrated cover story from nearly 20 years ago — \"Why The NHL's Hot and the NBA's Not\" — as proof that we were one lockout away from capturing the hearts and minds of U.S. sports fans.So allow us the delusion that this new Harris Poll provides. In its annual examination of what American fans deem their \"favorite\" sports, football is king, baseball is fading, and hockey has just as many favorites as basketball — pro or college. Huzzah!Here's how the new poll shakes out, via Harris Interactive's 2,237 adults surveyed online:Over one-third of adults who follow at least one sport say professional football is their favorite sport while just 13% say baseball is their favorite. The gap between the two sports has widened in the past year — last year 31% said pro football was their favorite while 17% said baseball was their favorite sport.Looking at how other sports fared, just over one in ten sports fans say college football is their favorite sport while 8% say it is auto racing, 5% each say men's professional basketball, men's college basketball and hockey. All other sports are favorites for 2% or less of sports fans.Check out the full charts here.This is hockey's popularity tracking since 1985 for fans that are asked the question: \"If you had to choose, which ONE of these sports would you say is your favorite?\"So what does this prove?For one, that hockey has developed a core group of fans who will support the game with fervor. Since 2004, hockey hasn't dipped below 4-percent support.So hockey has a devoted following, much like auto racing. Unlike auto racing, it hasn't had peak year where popularity spiked.The poll also concerns \"favorite sport\"; not \"favorite to watch\" or \"favorite to play,\" but one assumes a combination of the two. Might hockey's uptick in recent years have anything to do with increased popularity as a participatory sport in the U.S.?But insofar as the popularity of hockey vs. basketball … OK, it's a bit of wishful thinking to say pucks are as popular as roundball. The more accurate headline might have been: \"Don't tell ESPN, but new poll finds hockey as popular as basketball in U.S. \" Every metric from TV ratings to gate attendance to national media attention to star power tips in the favor of pro hoops. And while the Stanley Cup Playoffs are, in our completely biased opinion, the greatest annual tournament in sports, there are probably a few more March Madness brackets in circulation inside U.S. offices than Stanley Cup fantasy pools.So while hockey has as many \"favorites\" as basketball, the evidence points to basketball being more popular — be it pro, college or on a participatory level.The point, however, is that hockey is in the national sports conversation while some media consider it an afterthought. Like, for example, the television folks in Bristol. \n | \n \n \n \n Harry Redknapp: 'I am not a tax fiddler, never have been in my life' | UK news \n• 'We are givers, not takers,' Tottenham manager tells court• 'Ask him if he has come across anyone as bad businesswise'Harry Redknapp told police his home was at risk after he lost millions of pounds in disastrous investments, a court heard on Friday. The Tottenham Hotspur manager urged detectives to ask his solicitor if he had \"ever come across anyone as bad businesswise\".He said he lost £6m in a property venture in Southsea, Hampshire, and had squandered £250,000 to help his friend, Jim Smith, keep his managerial job at Oxford United. Redknapp – tipped as a future England manager – also said he had paid £1m in tax in 2008, before adding: \"We are givers not takers.\"During interviews with City of London police, Redknapp said: \"I am not a tax fiddler, I am not any kind of tax fiddler, never have been in my life.\"In transcripts read out at Southwark crown court, Redknapp said he had paid £8.5m on property in Southsea. He said he had a chance to share the investment with Samir Khan, described as a business associate of the former England goalkeeper David James.Redknapp told officers: \"I've signed a form that says he's half in, and he ain't put no money in, and I've signed the forms now, you can ask my solicitor in Bournemouth, and they can't believe that I didn't read anything. I thought he said: 'I'll meet you halfway, I'll put half in what you put in.' He put half in what I put in up to that point and my own money was about two hundred grand, now he's in for nothing and he has half the profit.\"The only downside is it's only worth four million pound now and I've done like six million you know, my house is up against it but that's where I'm at, that's how useless I am with things, and you can check with my solicitor if you like. I'll give you my solicitor's name, you ask him if he's ever come across anyone as bad businesswise as I am. Unfortunately I live my life like that.\"In a recording of City of London police interviews, Redknapp said Mr Smith had asked him over the phone for the Oxford United cash. Mr Smith is said to have told Redknapp \"some mega-rich young boy\" – Nick Merry, who used to play for Oxford – had come over and was \"about to buy the club\". But he had only 48 hours to complete the deal and could not get the £250,000 he needed in time so Mr Smith asked Redknapp to lend him the money.Redknapp said: \"I said: 'Jim, what's it got to do with me?' He said: 'Harry … it'll help me, I'm the manager. If he buys it I've got a job still.'\"I lend him £250,000, I ring up the bank and said: 'Look,' I said, 'Jim's said you've got the money in five days, Harry. You've got my word' – that's 20 months ago and the guy didn't buy the club and that's how I am. I can tell you 10 stories like that.\"Redknapp and Milan Mandaric deny two counts of cheating the public revenue.Harry Redknapp trialCrimeguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n
| \n \n \n Ferdinand can make his own decision over Terry handshake, says Hughes | Football \n• Villas-Boas had said handshake was 'extremely important'• 'That has to be his decision,' says HughesMark Hughes has refused to add to the pressure on Anton Ferdinand to shake John Terry's hand before Queens Park Rangers' FA Cup encounter with Chelsea after André Villas-Boas claimed it was \"extremely important\" the player did so.The Rangers manager said it was entirely Ferdinand's decision whether to snub Terry during the pre-match handshake prior to Saturday's west London derby at Loftus Road. Villas-Boas hoped and expected Ferdinand would accept Terry's hand, despite the latter having been charged with racially abusing his fellow defender – a charge the England captain denies.Ferdinand is reportedly agonising over whether shaking Terry's hand could be seen as hypocritical amid claims he has been advised by Rangers that to do so would be the best course of action. But Hughes said this afternoon: \"If he feels it is not appropriate, that has to be his own decision. It won't be influenced by myself or the club.\"Asked if it was important Ferdinand did shake Terry's hand, Villas-Boas had said: \"Extremely important, extremely important,\" before adding: \"This game is based on good values more than anything else. These players should continue to promote these good values.\"Villas-Boas confirmed the matter had been discussed with Terry, who looks certain to offer his hand to Ferdinand. The Chelsea manager said: \"Everybody has been having conversations, from the top, to the players, to the manager.\"Saturday's game sees the players square off for the first time since allegations emerged that Terry had used a racist slur against Ferdinand during October's Premier League match at Loftus Road. The Cup tie also comes four days before Terry is expected to enter a not-guilty plea at Westminster magistrates court, having repeatedly denied the charge against him.Neither Villas-Boas nor Hughes had any fears over their respective defenders' mentality going into Saturday's game. Villas-Boas said of Terry: \"I have to count on the player, and the player is fit and available for the game.\" Hughes said: \"Anton is very clear in his mind, as I am, that irrespective of what surrounds the game, and the speculation and conversations, that he is fit, he is well and able to play.\"Hughes played down reports Ferdinand had spent £30,000 on personal security to ensure a trouble-free journey to Loftus Road. He joked: \"We're actually in a hotel tonight and travelling to the ground by coach so it is 30 grand he didn't have to spend.\"Chelsea have already vowed to ban any fan found racially abusing Ferdinand from Stamford Bridge, including those who sing the now notorious \"Anton Ferdinand, you know what you are\" chant.Hughes suggested QPR stood ready to eject anyone from Loftus Road heard doing so on Saturday. He said of the chant: \"I think we understand what is meant by that.\"He added: \"If there is inappropriate chanting or behaviour then you get ejected from the ground and rightly so.\"Extra police have been laid on for a game which will kick off at 12pm in a bid to limit any trouble, while both clubs issued strongly-worded statements this week warning supporters to behave. Villas-Boas admitted there were also \"extra responsibilities\" for both sets of players to keep calm amid what could be a hostile atmosphere on Saturday.Chelsea had two players sent off in October's league meeting but Villas-Boas insisted there was no need to warn his squad about their behaviour prior to kick-off on Saturday. \"I won't speak to the players specifically about that before the game, not at all,\" he said, predicting the match would pass off without trouble. \"The environment was outstanding the last time we played there at Loftus Road, so I expect it to be the same.\"Hughes said: \"We as a club obviously have spoken quite closely with Chelsea and the police. I just hope everybody is sensible and enjoys the game for what it is, a fantastic Cup tie that we're all looking forward to.\"We basically want to be talking about the football and what happens on the pitch.\"FA CupQPRJohn TerryChelseaguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n \n \n \n Andrew Luck tops pre-Super Bowl NFL mock draft - Don Banks \nThe focus has now shifted to the NFL draft for all but two teams. The pursuit of franchise QBs once again will rule the top of the first round, projects Don Banks in his initial mock draft. \n | \n \n \n \n Alex unveiled at Paris St-Germain following transfer from Chelsea | Football \n• Defender presented at a press conference in Paris• Transfer fee reported by L'Equipe at €5mThe Brazilian defender Alex was presented as a Paris St-Germain player in the French capital on Friday following the completion of his move from Chelsea.PSG's sporting director, Leonardo, joined Alex in addressing the media at a press conference broadcast live by PSG TV.The 29-year-old joined Chelsea in 2004 but has struggled for first-team football under André Villas-Boas this season and has now been reunited with his former manager Carlo Ancelotti.The French sports newspaper L'Equipe reported that the transfer fee was €5m .Paris St-GermainTransfer windowChelseaguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n
| \n \n \n \n The Fame Makers, a.k.a. Neil Campbell and Mike Hanford, have performed a public service to hockey on Funny or Die: Teaching Mike Richards, Anze Kopitar, Matt Greene and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings how to be famous sports celebrities so ESPN will finally take notice.The following video runs over 4:30, but there's a lot of gold here. Check it out:The Fame Makers with the Los Angeles Kings from Anze Kopitar As few reactions to this instant classic:• Drew Doughty engages in some deep meta humor here as he takes a puck off the noggin, having been concussed earlier this season and does the Dustin Brown reverse water bottle gag. Or maybe we're giving him too much credit.• Assuming the Sacramento Kings gambit worked, what would Anze Kopitar's celebrity couple name have been? Kopidashian? Kanze? These are really the essential issues.• For the video impaired, the lyrics from Mike Richards' soon-to-be No. 1 hip hop single:I like skating on the ice/Coach Sutter is very nice/Slap shots are very nice/Breakdown! Wrist shot, slap shot, backhand goal/• There's every chance that Matt Greene is a Justin Bieber fan. Two words: Cupcake Wars. \n | \n \n \n \n Andy Murray gives Novak Djokovic biggest test yet at Australian Open - News \nDjokovic charges into final after edging Murray in five-setthriller. \n | \n \n \n \n Arsène Wenger says it is up to Arsenal team to win over booing fans | Football \n• Wenger says he is unperturbed by fans venting frustration• 'It is the team which has to get the fans behind them'Arsène Wenger says he can cope with the Arsenal boo-boys as he focuses on taking the Gunners through to a succesful end to the season. The club suffered a third straight Premier League defeat when they lost 2-1 at home to Manchester United last Sunday, during which Wenger's decision to substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – who actually had a slight calf problem – for the ineffectual Andrey Arshavin was greeted with chants of \"you don't know what you're doing\" from some sections of the Emirates Stadium.While Wenger accepts everyone is entitled to vent frustrations, he is not about to take things personally as he prepares for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Aston Villa. Asked about last week's jeers, he said: \"I can live with that. I do not think about the fans' reaction; I think about how we can win our games.\"I will live forever by the values I think are right in football. One or two lost games or one or two bad reactions will not change that. I always believe the fans' reaction depends on us. It is the team which has to get the fans behind them and the fans have to be proud of the team. The vibes have to come from us.\"What was disappointing for me was that we produced a bad performance in the first half [against United] but a decent performance in the second half and should have won. We did not deserve to lose. The team did not get the credit it deserved for the performance in the second half.\"Wenger addressed the squad at Arsenal's Hertfordshire training complex this week to reiterate his belief they can force their way back into the top four, despite now trailing Chelsea by five points.\"The most important thing is that the player believes he is good and strong and that the manager believes in his players,\" he said. \"No matter who you are, if you lose one or two games your belief drops a little bit. It does not make you a bad player; you are still a great player. It was just a disappointing performance.\"That is a big difference between who you really are and what your last performance told you. I believe 100% in this team. We will see where we stand at the end of the season.\"Wenger expects \"complete focus\" against Villa on Sunday as they look to keep alive hopes of a first trophy since lifting the FA Cup in Cardiff in 2005. \"If you look at Villa's team sheet they are a very good side, they can produce good results, especially away from home, because they are dangerous on counter-attacks,\" said Wenger.Wenger confirmed today that the England midfielder Jack Wilshere had suffered \"a little setback\" in his recovery from an ankle injury. The 20-year-old was first troubled by the problem while on international duty last summer and, apart from a pre-season appearance in the Emirates Cup, has not played a competitive match for Arsenal.Wilshere, who needed surgery after initially wearing a protective boot, will now have further tests and then a series of consultations with specialists before deciding how to proceed. The fitness of the combative midfielder will also be of concern to the England manager, Fabio Capello, as he prepares for his side's Euro 2012 campaign in Poland and Ukraine this summer.\"Jack had a little setback. It is under investigation at the moment. We don't know how bad it is. As soon as we know more we will sit down with Jack and we will inform you,\" said Wenger. \"He has pain again in his ankle and he has done nothing special. Just pain, so we stopped him training straight away. He is seeing a specialist today.\"I cannot give you any [timescale] because I could be completely wrong.\"Arsène WengerArsenalguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n
| \n \n \n Sir Alex Ferguson: There is more to come for United from Danny Welbeck | Football \n• Sir Alex Ferguson impressed with Manchester United striker• 'He has a great physique but there is still more to come'Sir Alex Ferguson has warned wary Premier League defenders that the Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck still has a lot of growing up to do.Welbeck's introduction to the United first team has been one of the major bonuses for Ferguson this season. The 21-year-old was part of the new wave of players that took the early weeks of the campaign by storm.However, after a month on the sidelines with a muscle injury picked up on England duty in November, Welbeck has hit a vein of form, scoring four times in his last six appearances and taking his tally to three in three with his late winner at Arsenal last week.It represents the kind of return that saw Ferguson predict Welbeck would gatecrash Fabio Capello's World Cup squad in 2010. A succession of niggling problems prevented that from happening.But now the Manchester-born striker is fulfilling his potential, even if Ferguson feels there is still a bit of physical development left. \"We were always aware of Danny Welbeck's ability,\" said the United manager. \"The issue with him now is addressing the physical side.\"When he was 16 he had problems with his knees because he was growing, then he had some thigh problems. It was nothing serious, just a matter of waiting for Danny to develop into a man, which we are seeing the signs of now. Our stats show there's still a bit to do before he becomes a complete adult.\"One area that doesn't need much assistance is attitude and other than a failure to sign a new contract, which Ferguson insists is not an issue, Welbeck has largely kept himself away from the headlines.\"He has a good attitude, although he should have, he's a young player with an opportunity at Manchester United,\" said Ferguson. \"That's one of the reasons you pick these players, because they show their temperament as they come through the youth programmes and the reserves.\"I am always confident about their temperament, their attitude to the game and their enthusiasm to play. In terms of judging young players, I don't think we've ever failed in that respect.\"Having been restricted to the scope of youngsters they could attract to their academy due to FA rules on recruitment, United have had to use their extensive number of scouts to trawl the local area.As a boyhood United fan, and a close friend of Wes Brown, who also grew up in the Longsight area of the city, Welbeck was always likely to gravitate to the club. It maintains a tradition that goes back decades, and came to fruition most notably with the \"Class of 92\" which provided a core of locally born players for both United and England.Now, Ferguson feels others are emerging from the United side that won last year's FA Youth Cup, although it hardly seemed like an accidental oversight that he failed to include the controversial youngster Ravel Morrison among the players to watch out for.\"The team that won the FA Youth Cup last year were almost all local boys and they're all starting to emerge in their own different ways,\" he said.\"Most of them have been involved in the first-team squad this season; the two Keanes [Michael and Will], Larnell Cole, Jesse Lingaard, Zeki Fryers, Paul Pogba and young Ryan Tunnicliffe, who is at Peterborough and playing regularly in the Championship at the age of 18. That's good going.\"Obviously the difference is that in 1992 that group all got into the first team at more or less the same time and managed to stay in it. That's the big test for these young players and it will be interesting to see if they manage it.\"Manchester UnitedSir Alex FergusonEnglandEuro 2012guardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds \n | \n \n \n \n After Phil Kessel strife, how Logan Couture pushed Mr. Irrelevant back into irrelevance | Puck Daddy \nOTTAWA — Along with the ignominious label of Mr. Irrelevant and a new Honda Crossfire, Logan Couture was given something else as the last pick of the 2012 NHL All-Star Game Fantasy Draft: All of the questions Phil Kessel has had to answer for the last year.Kessel's off the hook, giving up the sash and crown of last pick in the All-Star Draft to the San Jose Sharks sophomore, and not a moment too soon.\"It's dumb. It's stupid. People take it for too much, right?\" said Kessel after Thursday's night's All-Star Draft.\"People\" of course being media, fans and one curmudgeonly general manager in Toronto who felt the Draft needed to be reformatted after his guy was picked last.\"People\" not being the NHL players in the draft, who find the whole thing rather amusing.\"I don't think anyone really cares where they get picked. The media really makes a big deal about it. In talking to Kessel, he really didn't care where he got picked,\" said Jason Pominville of the Buffalo Sabres, who was among the last four players picked along with Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and Couture.\"But [Kessel] said he at least got a car out of it,\" said Pominville. \"I was thinking maybe I'd get a car out of it, towards the end. I guess I'll have to fly back home.\"Couture's bounty for being the last pick included a new Honda Crosstour, which was a car with which he was unfamiliar. He's also currently driving a Mercedes Ranger Rover, so perhaps one of the dozens of friends and family that texted him after the draft will end up with a new ride.\"Couture's gonna do a good job with that car,\" said Scott Hartnell.He also did a good job with being the last pick in the Draft. He was jovial, self-deprecating and understanding of his lot in life. He's a player that \"gets it,\" and that's the kind of player that'll handle being the last man standing.\"I had a feeling it would be me, quite honestly. Playing on the West Coast in San Jose, it doesn't get too much TV coverage on East Coast channels. Especially being young, too, and not even being one of the bigger names on my own team,\" he said, noting that many other players were taken based on relationships with the team's captains and assistant captains.\"I gotta get to know all these guys in case I'm back here another year.\"Kessel said Couture shouldn't think twice about being the last pick.\"He's a great player. He's young. You could see the young players going later. He's not going to be the last pick again. It's not a big deal,\" said the Toronto Maple Leafs forward.It was enough of a big deal for the NHL and the NHLPA that there was a subtle tweak of the All-Star Fantasy Draft format so no player was placed in a negative spotlight. The players mulled around backstage rather than being seated in front of the podiums.The bottom four went onstage together, so there wasn't the awkward moment of having one of them sitting alone in the dark like Kessel in 2011, with some Ovechkin-ish rascal snapping a TwitPic of their shame with his smart phone.The NHL softened the blow of being the final pick since the Kessel Affair, even if the players said there wasn't really a need to. They support the Fantasy Draft format, and the odd little moments that emerge from it. For a player like Couture, last picked is still picked.\"It's the All-Star Game. I'm 22 years old. I never thought I'd be here at this age.\" \n | \n \n \n |