Sports RSS : Gourt

Yankee Fans Celebrate Their Newest Champions

In Lower Manhattan on Friday, the Yankees celebrated their 27th World Series championship with a parade.

After the Championship Comes the Challenge

The Yankees’ first test comes immediately, a clash of sentiment and practicality involving two of their best players.

Alabama’s Ingram Tries to Keeps Heisman Chatter at Arm’s Length

Alabama running back Mark Ingram has tried to avoid the distractions of talk about the Heisman Trophy and his father’s imprisonment.

Lombardi’s Life May Soon Be on a Broadway Stage

The life of Vince Lombardi, who revived the Green Bay Packers franchise and became the tough-minded icon of coaching success, is the subject of a new play that may come to Broadway.

As Giants Slump, Coughlin Searches for Answers

At times, they have seemed confused and discouraged and if the Giants lose at home on Sunday to San Diego, they will begin their bye-week break in their worst slump in three years.

Does LeBron James Need New York and the Knicks?

It is the conventional wisdom that if LeBron James leaves Cleveland, it will be to chase fame and fortune. But that might be a misguided pursuit.

N.F.L. Roundup: Colts Lose Two Veterans on a Sturdy Defense

Cornerback Marlin Jackson and strong safety Bob Sanders were lost for the season as the team placed them on injured reserve.

Although Critics Remain, Synthetic Tracks Show Progress

The number of thoroughbreds in California that suffered fatal breakdowns has fallen by 40 percent since the state switched to synthetic surfaces, according to a study.

Athletics South Africa Suspended by Governing Body

South Africa’s Olympic governing body has suspended Athletics South Africa in the fallout over Caster Semenya’s gender tests.

N.F.L. Roundup: NOW Wants the Raiders to Suspend Coach Tom Cable

The Oakland Raiders are looking into allegations that Coach Tom Cable has a history of violent behavior toward women.

N.H.L. Roundup: Rangers Make Most of Rare Trip to Edmonton

In the team’s second visit to Rexall Place since 2002, Ales Kotalik had a goal and two assists and the Rangers stopped a four-game road-losing streak.

America’s Cup May Go to Australia

A long court fight over the location of the America’s Cup races could be resolved on Friday if the teams agree to race off Australia.

Rivera, Nearing 40, Wants to Play Five More Seasons

Mariano Rivera had 44 saves in 46 chances in 2009 and culminated his season by cementing his value in the most important games.

Same Script for Yankees, 86 Years Later

Are the Yankee a team of destiny, or do they just know how to use good left-handers?

After Winning Series, Girardi Aids Motorist After Crash

On his way home from Yankee Stadium after Game 6 Wednesday night, Manager Joe Girardi helped a driver involved in an accident.

Greatest Strength of Boise State’s Kellen Moore Is His Savvy

Kellen Moore is 6 feet tall but has 24 touchdown passes and 2 interceptions for the unbeaten Broncos.

Bulls Stop LeBron James to End Cavaliers’ Winning Streak at 3

Luol Deng helped stop LeBron James on a drive in the final seconds as the Chicago Bulls ended the Cleveland Cavaliers’ three-game winning streak with an 86-85 victory.

Sports of The Times: Amid Celebrations And the Cheers, Cashman Reflects

The Yankees’ general manager has been part of a number of World Series titles, and he has urged his players to enjoy the moment.

Sports of The Times: It’s About the Money, and the Yanks Have a Lot

In the free-agency era, it has proved almost impossible to keep together a core of homegrown players.

Breeders’ Cup Picks for Saturday

The Breeders’ Cup concludes Saturday at Santa Anita Park with eight races.

Week 9 N.F.L. Matchups

Week 9 N.F.L. matchups

Trojans try to reboot themselves at Arizona State

USC, coming off a devastating loss at Oregon, will try to get back on track against the aggressive Sun Devils at Tempe, Ariz., on Saturday. USC tries to regroup after its humiliating defeat at Oregon, its worst loss in Coach Pete Carroll's nine seasons. Arizona State would like nothing more than to make it two weeks of misery for the seven-time defending Pacific 10 Conference champions. Times staff writer Gary Klein looks at some of the game's key issues and matchups:

Ex-Trojans still in shock as USC attempts to rebound from loss

Last week's ambush at Oregon confounds former players, but history points to a USC win Saturday against Arizona State. Shaun Cody watched helplessly from a hotel room in Buffalo, N.Y.

Singing the Boise blues; counting Frog fans; acknowledging Duck clairvoyance

Chris Dufresne takes time out (he gets two per half) each Friday during the season to answer questions on college football. Chris Dufresne takes time out (he gets two per half) each Friday during the season to answer questions on college football.

Life Is Sweet wins Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic

Check here for results from the six world championship races today.

Jockey Mike Smith says Breeders' Cup 'brings me to life'

The Hall of Fame member has won 12 races in the event during his career. It's a week before the Breeders' Cup World Championships and Mike Smith sits in a quiet corner of the Santa Anita jockeys' room, searching for words to describe Zenyatta's special qualities.

Manny Ramirez will stay with Dodgers

After losing five straight games, UCLA is hungry for a win

Coach Rick Neuheisel doesn't want the Bruins to become scared. 'You can't protect yourself from the pain. . . . You have to take the risk.' Focus doesn't get any simpler than this.

Like Montana was in '29, Washington is UCLA's ticket to erase conference losing streak

Bruins quarterback Prince has looked good in practice, while the Huskies have major pass defense issues. Even if UCLA falters again, Washington State and Arizona State await on the schedule. UCLA plays Washington today, and Bruins Coach Rick Neuheisel has never lost to one of his former teams. He is 2-0 against Colorado and 2-0 against the Huskies. Then again, he had never lost to Stanford until this season. Times staff writer Chris Foster looks at some of the game's key matchups and issues:

Kings penalty-killing unit finds success

Opponents' power plays were shut down 24 of 27 times in the last eight games. Next up is the Predators. Meanwhile, Luc Robitaille prepares to be inducted. After the Kings began the season with a four-for-11 effort in penalty kills in their first three games, defenseman Sean O'Donnell thought the team's unit was, as he put it, "behind the 8-ball."

Friday's poll: Can the Dodgers overcome their ownership turmoil to make the necessary moves over the winter to get to the next level?

Miami Dolphins' Joey Porter on New England Patriots' Tom Brady: 'He got his own rules'

Joey Porter, never shy with an opinion, thinks that Tom Brady has an extra advantage every week: his own special set of rules.

Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer fined $30,000 by SEC for criticizing officials

Florida coach Urban Meyer has been fined $30,000 by the Southeastern Conference for public comments about a call he said officials missed during last week's game against Georgia, the conference announced Friday.

Manny Ramirez sticks with Los Angeles Dodgers for $20 million option

The Dodgers said Friday that Manny Ramirez exercised his $20 million contract option for 2010. His agent Scott Boras informed general manager Ned Colletti of the decision, which Ramirez had until this month to make.

Milwaukee Brewers trade SS J.J. Hardy for Minnesota Twins' CF Carlos Gomez

J.J. Hardy has been traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Carlos Gomez.

Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders has torn biceps tendon, out for season as injuries hit secondary

Colts safety Bob Sanders suffered a torn biceps tendon and will require season-ending surgery, a team source said.

New York gives Yankees keys to city in Series fete

Crowds roared and church bells pealed in lower Manhattan on Friday as the Yankees' World Series championship celebration revved up with a ticker-tape parade.

Cornerback Ty Law agrees to contract with Denver Broncos

Cornerback Ty Law and the Broncos have reached agreement on a contract that will add another former Patriot to Josh McDaniels' stable of them in Denver.

Elizabeth Lambert of New Mexico Lobos women's soccer suspended for rough play

New Mexico women's soccer defender Elizabeth Lambert has been suspended indefinitely for rough play in the Lobos' 1-0 loss to No. 17 BYU in the Mountain West Conference semifinals.

Jeff Gordon wins pole at Texas, his first of season

Jeff Gordon won his first pole of the season with a qualifying lap of 191.117 mph at the 1.5-mile, high-banked track where he got his only victory of the season in April. It was his first win in Texas.

Life Is Sweet gets out of Zenyatta's shadow with Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic victory; Oak Tree, Santa Anita, Pam and Marty Wygod, Garrett Gomez, John Shirreffs

Life Is Sweet, who has taken a back seat to her more accomplished stablemate Zenyatta all year long, finally got her due after exploding to an easy 2 1/2-length victory over Mushka in the $2 million Ladies' Classic at Santa Anita.

New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn optimistic despite prostate cancer

The owner of the New Orleans Hornets has announced that he has cancer.

Brock Lesnar has mono; fight vs. Shane Carwin postponed

Unbeaten Brock Lesnar has mononucleosis and won't be able to defend his UFC heavyweight title Jan. 2 against Shane Carwin, UFC president Dana White texted to the Los Angeles Times.

Sacramento Kings leading scorer Kevin Martin has injured left wrist, could miss six to eight weeks

The Kings could be without leading scorer Kevin Martin for six to eight weeks after learning he has a hairline fracture in his left wrist.

Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant will enter NFL draft

Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant said Thursday night that he will enter the next NFL draft.

Brandon Webb stays as Arizona Diamondbacks pick up option

The Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday exercised their 2010 contract option for right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb.

Heat deal Nuggets 1st loss of year, 96-88

MIAMI (AP) -- Dwyane Wade scored 22 points, Jermaine O'Neal added 18 and the Miami Heat dealt the Denver Nuggets their first loss of the season, 96-88 on Friday night....

Ramirez to return to Dodgers next season

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Manny Ramirez is coming back to the Dodgers next season....

LeBron: No timetable for free agency decision

NEW YORK (AP) -- LeBron James thinks his present is too good to spend time worrying about his future....

Crowds roar, confetti falls as NYC fetes Yankees

NEW YORK (AP) -- Crowds roared, church bells rang and streams of paper rained down on Broadway as the New York Yankees celebrated their 27th championship Friday in a way only this city can, with a parade up the Canyon of Heroes....

Yanks' Damon wants to return, will explore options

NEW YORK (AP) -- Johnny Damon soaked it all in as he shared a float with first-timers Nick Swisher and Jerry Hairston Jr. for the New York Yankees' championship parade through the Canyon of Heroes on Friday. The whole scene made him a little wistful....

Life Is Sweet wins Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic

ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -- Life Is Sweet led a parade of longshots to the winner's circle at the Breeders' Cup on Friday, with the stablemate of Zenyatta scoring a 2 1/2-length victory in the $2 million Ladies' Classic....

Dale Jr.: Nothing new, but Patrick good for NASCAR

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. says Danica Patrick would be good for NASCAR, but there's nothing new to report on the IndyCar star joining his team....

Man of Iron wins Breeders' Cup Marathon

ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -- Man of Iron has won the $500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon in a photo finish over 9-year-old gelding Cloudy's Knight....

Gordon earns pole at Texas, his 1st of season

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- Jeff Gordon is suddenly having all kind of success at Texas Motor Speedway, a track where he had never won until earlier this season....

Davis wins World Cup 1,000 in course record

BERLIN (AP) -- Shani Davis of the United States shattered the course record in winning the 1,000-meter race at the season-opening speedskating World Cup on Friday....

WADA looks to governments to help fight drugs

MONTREAL (Reuters) - A victory anti-doping crusaders once believed impossible is now within reach with the help of powerful new allies as the war on performance-enhancing drugs in sport moves on to new fronts.

NY Yankees victory parade draws thousands of fans

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of New York Yankee fans cheered their baseball team on Friday at a parade through Lower Manhattan to celebrate its 27th World Series victory.

Diamondbacks exercise $8.5 million gamble on Webb

PHOENIX (Reuters) - The Arizona Diamondbacks exercised their $8.5 million option on pitcher Brandon Webb on Friday, gambling that the right-hander can return to his Cy Young form following shoulder surgery.

Bulls' Thomas out with broken arm after weights mishap

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas broke his left arm during a weight training workout on Friday and is expected to be sidelined for between four to six weeks.

Twins acquire All-Star Hardy in trade with Brewers

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The Minnesota Twins acquired All-Star shortstop J.J. Hardy from the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in exchange for outfielder Carlos Gomez.

Phillies pick up $8 million option on Lee

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - The Philadelphia Phillies exercised their $8 million club option on left-hander Cliff Lee on Friday, as the National League champions were quickly back to work just two days after losing the World Series.

Life is Sweet out from Zenyatta's shadow

ARCADIA, California (Reuters) - Life is Sweet emerged from the shadow of undefeated stablemate Zenyatta by roaring to a 2 1/2-length triumph in the $2 million Breeders Cup Ladies' Classic at Santa Anita Park on Friday.

Federer breezes into semis as Djokovic rallies

BASEL (Reuters) - World number one Roger Federer breezed into the Swiss Indoors semi-finals Friday but the home crowd's hopes of an all-Swiss final were dashed when Novak Djokovic rallied to beat Stanislas Wawrinka.

Woods finds his putting edge to share Shanghai lead

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Tiger Woods birdied his final hole to complete a second round five-under-par 67 that moved him into a share of the lead with American compatriot Nick Watney at the halfway stage of the WGC-HSBC Champions on Friday.

Towering Valuev makes Haye look like a lightweight

BERLIN (Reuters) - Towering world heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev weighed in seven stones (98 pounds) heavier than Britain's David Haye ahead of their WBA title bout in Nuremberg on Saturday.

Mallory Rubin: SEC West showdown, Case Keenum, more storylines

No. 9 LSU, along with embattled Buckeyes QB Terrelle Pryor, have plenty at stake in Saturday's showdowns, says Mallory Rubin.

Stewart Mandel: College Football Pickoff: Week 10

Stewart Mandel breaks down the action in his Weekend Pickoff, including the LSU-'Bama clash.

Peter King: Schedules tell different stories for Ravens, Saints

Are the Ravens the most dangerous team in the AFC? Can the Saints and Colts run the table? Will Matt Schaub step up? SI.com's Peter King has NFL Week 9 covered in his Game Plan.

Unbeatens fall: Suns top Celts

BOSTON(AP) Jason Richardson bounced back from his worst game of the season to score 34 points with 10 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns rebounded from their only defeat to beat the Boston Celtics 110-103 on Friday night.

Manny exercises $20 million option with Dodgers

Manny Ramirez is coming back to the Dodgers next season.

Dozen members of Grambling band hurt in crash

FORDYCE, Ark. (AP) -- A dozen students and a bus driver are being treated for injuries after three buses carrying members of the renowned Grambling State University marching band were involved in a traffic crash in southern Arkansas.

Kings' Martin to miss 8 weeks after wrist surgery

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Sacramento Kings leading scorer Kevin Martin will be sidelined for about two months after deciding to undergo surgery on his injured wrist.

Thousands gather for Yankees parade

NEW YORK (AP) -- Crowds roared and church bells pealed in lower Manhattan on Friday as the Yankees' World Series championship celebration revved up with a ticker-tape parade.

Meyer fined by SEC for criticizing ref

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida coach Urban Meyer has been fined $30,000 by the Southeastern Conference for criticizing officials.

Staying put in '10: Phillies' Lee

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia Phillies have picked up Cliff Lee's $9 million option for 2010.

Rivals cooperate on touchdown for player with Down syndrome

An online video of a touchdown by a high school football player with Down syndrome has touched the hearts of many in the region.

Mizzou empties bench in 96-33 exhibition blowout

COLUMBIA | Missouri's starting five bolted to a 15-3 lead over an overwhelmed Truman State. The Tigers went on to a 96-33 season-opening exhibition basketball victory.

Mizzou hits Truman State with its bench, leads 50-25 at halftime

COLUMBIA | Missouri's starting five bolted to a 15-3 lead on overwhelmed Truman State. Then things really got interesting.

New director announced for Missouri Department of Conservation

Bob Ziehmer will become the eighth director in the history of the Missouri Department of Conservation. He will take over for John Hoskins, who recently announced his retirement. Ziehmer, who had been assistant director of the agency, will assume his new position Jan. 15.

<b>Royals notebook |</b> Options declined on Crisp, Olivo and Yabuta

It wasn't just Mark Teahen who became an ex-Royal on Friday. The club also bought its way out of 2010 contract options on outfielder Coco Crisp, catcher Miguel Olivo and reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta.

There might be positives in Chiefs' play … but you have to look hard

Here, to me, is the hardest part of rooting for a very bad team: Nothing seems good. Nothing. Every move looks awful. Every decision seems misguided. Every step feels like a misstep. It’s hard to see any water in the glass — forget about it being half full. The Chiefs have reached that level of bad now. You already know that they have lost 26 of 28 games — no team in football, not even the legendary Detroit Lions, has been as bad over that stretch of time. They are 0-3 already this year, of course, and this includes a home loss to the JaMarcus Russell-infused Oakland Raiders and a game in Philadelphia where the Chiefs openly gave up at halftime.

Sign in Chiefs' locker room is a childish distraction

Let me translate the sign and one-win distraction stunt that’s hanging inside the Arrowhead Stadium practice facility: “Losers question our qualifications to fix this franchise. Winners do what we tell them to do to avoid getting fined, cut or losing access to our self-promoting, unenlightening off-the-record conversations. And in keeping with our tight-lipped approach on talking about in-house matters, we have no comment on Larry Johnson.”

Second-season success is where coaches' paths breaks

Not meeting annually makes it more difficult for the Big Reds of the plains, Nebraska and Oklahoma, to measure themselves against each other. Which probably isn’t a bad thing for the Cornhuskers, who play host to the Sooners on Saturday. The series looks better in retrospect.

Raytown South Cardinals hungry for more playoff wins

If there was ever any doubt that the playoffs are here, Raytown South senior wide receiver Darrien Bruster made sure to remind everyone of this point. Teammates, water girls and innocent bystanders within earshot— no one was spared from Bruster’s epic rant. His team, already in control against Lee’s Summit West in this Missouri Class 5 regional showdown Wednesday night, had just scored a third-quarter touchdown but Bruster wanted more.

Week 9 fantasy football | starters and benchwarmers

I'll leave the obvious recommendations to the network bozos and focus instead on players typically on the bubble of most fantasy lineups. Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 9.

Saluting the NFL and U.S. armed forces

Editor's note: The NFL celebrates the U.S. armed forces throughout November in honor of Veterans Day, and we felt it appropriate to republish Herbie Teope's 2008 salute to the NFL and military. Herm Edwards and Donnie Edwards are no longer with the Kansas City Chiefs, but the overall message remains relevant to the Nov. 11 holiday.

Missouri state volleyball playoffs

Kansas state soccer playoffs

Mark Teahen as a Royal

Yankees 7, Phillies 3

Kansas 107, Ft. Hays State 68 | Exhibition basketball at Allen Fieldhouse

Franklin poised to break former Eagle Sproles' rushing record

I t has become the soundtrack of James Franklin’s football life, the din of roaring fans and the crackle of cheering teammates filling the crisp evening air. At certain moments, even Olathe North High School’s opponents and fans can’t help but be swept up in the enthusiasm, overcome by the sense they are all witness to something special. Such was the case last Friday against rival Olathe South.

Allen enjoying a stellar season with Vikings

Now Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen has to show he can get sacks against somebody other than the Green Bay Packers. Allen, the former Chiefs star, leads the NFL with 10 1/2 sacks, although 7 1/2 of them have come in two games against the Packers. At the halfway point of the season, it’s not unrealistic to start projecting Allen with not only his first 20-sack season, but he’s got a chance to break Michael Strahan’s NFL-record 22 1/2 sacks set in 2001.

Emporia State track star Williams found dead

Emporia State track star Sam Jacob Williams, who had been missing for three days, was found dead by a sheriff’s deputy Wednesday in a ditch along a county road. Police said Williams, 24, who liked taking weekend motorcycle rides, was the victim of a fatal motorcycle accident Sunday evening.

2009

Zenyatta favored to win Breeders' Cup Classic

Two female horses, Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra, have dominated the horse-racing scene this year, but only one will be competing in this year’s Breeders’ Cup. The sensational 3-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra is finished for the season and appears likely to win horse of the year honors after capturing all eight of her races this year, including victories in the Preakness Stakes and Haskell Invitational against 3-year-old colts and the Woodward Stakes against older males. Rachel Alexandra’s owners don’t like the synthetic racing surface used at Santa Anita, so they decided not to enter her in the Breeders’ Cup.

Pedro tries to survive Pedro Martinez’s fastball is in the upper 80s, down from mid-to-upper 90s in his prime, but he’s trying to make the necessary adjustments to remain an effective pitcher.

The Star's All-Time Chiefs Team

Honors: Chiefs Hall of Fame, 1982 Career highlights: Taylor’s catch of a hitch pass and 46-yard run down the sidelines for a touchdown was the signature play of the Chiefs’ 23-7 win over Minnesota in Super Bowl IV. Big and fast, Taylor was the prototype for the next generation of receivers. He led the Chiefs in receiving five times; still ranks second in franchise history with 7,306 yards, 57 TD catches; and 19 100-yard games.

The Star's college football predictions

2009

Canadiens edge Bruins in shootout

BOSTON | There was good news and bad news for the Bruins. Patrice Bergeron’s goal with 52 seconds left in regulation helped the Bruins avoid a historic third straight shutout, but Michael Cammalleri scored in the shootout to give the Montreal Canadiens a 2-1 victory over Boston on Thursday night.

Big 12 insider: McCoy shooting to top charts

It takes early stardom, plenty of team achievement and a healthy body to present Colt McCoy his opportunity for history in a few weeks. If Texas beats Central Florida on Saturday, McCoy will rack up his 41st triumph as a starting quarterback. Baylor visits Austin the following weekend and the home finale against Kansas will be played on Nov. 21.

Bulls stop Cavaliers

CLEVELAND | The Cleveland Cavaliers apparently won’t be invincible at home this season. Luol Deng scored 15 points and helped stop LeBron James on a drive in the final seconds as the Chicago Bulls ended Cleveland’s three-game winning streak with an 86-85 win on Thursday night.

Chiefs notebook: Signs, LJ suspension a coincidence

Signs not related to LJ’s suspension It’s a good thing Larry Johnson sent out those tweets questioning Chiefs coach Todd Haley’s coaching credentials. They’ve given context and meaning to the signs posted outside the Chiefs locker room suggesting, among other things, that “losers assemble in small groups and complain about the coaches and other players.”

No. 22 Virginia Tech holds off East Carolina 16-3

GREENVILLE, N.C. | Virginia Tech ended a losing streak and gained a little revenge Thursday night. Freshman Ryan Williams ran for a season-high 179 yards as the No. 22 Hokies avoided their first three-game losing streak in six years, holding off East Carolina 16-3 on Thursday night.

Bowe continues to be a work in progress

Their personalities clashed at first, and they can admit that now. Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe can admit this too: It was a fight he was never going to win. Bowe said this week that his first months as coach Todd Haley’s whipping boy were humbling, demeaning, confusing and …

KU's Mangino goes back to his coaching roots for O-line

LAWRENCE | Maybe the most alarming reason given for the benching of Todd Reesing last week was that Kansas coach Mark Mangino feared for his quarterback’s safety playing behind a struggling offensive line. In response, Mangino has gone back to his roots this week.

Sunflower Showdown football preview

•When/where: 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kan. •TV/radio: Versus; KCSP (610 AM) for KU broadcast and WHB (810 AM) for K-State broadcast

Watney's amazing ride leads to the top

So much for that notion that American golfers don’t travel well. The first World Golf Championship in Asia opened Thursday to a leader board filled with Stars & Stripes — led by wide-eyed Nick Watney and his 8-under 64 that tied the course record at the HSBC Champions — and including, as always, Tiger Woods.

No, really: Onion, Comedy Central team on TV pilot

ESPN had better watch its back. Comedy Central has ordered a pilot from the satirical news magazine The Onion.

Missouri will put teamwork to the test this basketball season

COLUMBIA | Missouri coach Mike Anderson, when told that the notes for tonight’s exhibition basketball opener against Truman State listed seven Tigers as possible starters, sought out his publicist. “You’ve got seven?” Anderson said. “Good job.”

Missouri's Ebner toughened by brotherly love

COLUMBIA | For eight-year-old Will Ebner this was a rare moment. Seated in front of the family TV. Remote in his hand. No matter how much his brother, Clay, 10 at the time, wanted the channel changed, Will was in control. And he liked it.

Central Missouri, Missouri Western playing for playoff berths

Northwest Missouri State can already plan on a postseason. If Central Missouri and Missouri Western want to do the same, they need to plan on winning Saturday. Two games Saturday afternoon will determine how many teams in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association will advance to the NCAA Division II playoffs next week. Central Missouri will face Northwest Missouri in Maryville at 1 p.m. in a battle of top-20 teams while Missouri Western will try to beat Nebraska-Omaha in St. Joseph at 1:30 p.m. in order to solidify a playoff spot.

Girardi stops to aid motorist after bagging Series

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. | Good thing Yankees manager Joe Girardi had a late night at the ballpark. Girardi capped off a victorious evening by helping a car crash victim in suburban New York.

Reports of Teahen trade appear to be premature

It didn’t take long for the Royals to surface in baseball’s offseason trade rumors. Merely hours after the New York Yankees secured their 27th World Series title, a report claimed the Royals had agreed to send outfielder Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman/outfielder Josh Fields.

Cassel's secret weapon against concussions

Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel has taken a beating at times this season, but he remains confident that he has an advantage when it comes to avoiding a concussion. His mouthguard.

<b>Video |</b> Cassel talks about preparing for Jacksonville

Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel talks at a press conference Thursday about preparing for the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday.

Royals' Wright files for free agency

Royals reliever Jamey Wright was one of 79 players who filed Thursday for free agency.

Messages from team and fans directed at Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson isn’t eligible to rejoin the Chiefs until Monday, but in his absence, the messages directed at him are mounting. The team and thousands of fans sent pointed messages this week that Johnson’s misdeeds of the past did not come without consequences.

New York's finest: Yankees win World Series

Baseball’s glamour franchise grabbed its 27th world championship, winning 7-3 against the Phillies in game six of the World Series at Yankee Stadium.

Chiefs believe Chambers can help them

The Chiefs will know in a matter of weeks whether their acquisition of wide receiver Chris Chambers fits into a category with the signing of Bobby Wade or one with Amani Toomer and Ashley Lelie. They just know for now they’re desperate to improve an ailing passing game. They’re willing to try anything to get them there, even if it means taking on a wide receiver that was found lacking by another team, which was San Diego in Chambers’ case.

Royals notes: Club faces option decisions

The end of the World Series puts the Royals on the clock in terms of picking up the 2010 options on catcher Miguel Olivo, outfielder Coco Crisp and reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta. The Royals show little inclination to do so with Crisp ($8 million) and Yabuta ($4 million), although the buyouts aren’t cheap: $500,000 on each player — or more than the club is likely to pay next year to any player not yet eligible for arbitration.

MU's Aldon Smith comes out of his shell

COLUMBIA | Sometimes, Brian Coulter doesn’t recognize his own roommate and Missouri teammate, Aldon Smith. “He doesn’t know just how good he can be,” Coulter said.

K-State wants to remain dominant at home

MANHATTAN | When playing away from home, the Kansas State football team is unpredictable. It has lost big, lost close and won by blocking a late extra-point attempt. But at home, the Wildcats are completely different.

KU's Reesing tries to bring the fun back after facing rough stretch

LAWRENCE | Todd Reesing has spent his whole life trying to stand out. Down in Texas at Lake Travis High, he wore a white tuxedo and carried a cane to his junior prom. That may have worked for a night, but he always knew that success would be the long-term vehicle. He was great in school, he was great in sports, and he was great in social settings. He only knew how to achieve.

World Series notes

The MVP gap Scott Brosius, the 1998 World Series MVP for the Yankees, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Johnson says chase for Cup title not over yet

Jimmie Johnson is sitting almost exactly where he was at this time a year ago. With three races remaining in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup, Johnson leads the standings by an almost-insurmountable 184 points in his pursuit of a record fourth straight championship.

NHL scores, highlights

•At New Jersey 3, Washington 2 •At Buffalo 3, N.Y. Islanders 0

KC bypassed again for figure skating championships

For the second time in less than a year, Kansas City lost out in its bid to host the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. U.S. Figure Skating announced Wednesday that San Jose, Calif., will be the host city for the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

On the air

Today’s TV | radio COLLEGE BASKETBALL

The Latest Line

NFL Sunday

The Latest Line

NFL Sunday

Starting times

Any area group sponsoring a recreational sports activity the public can participate in is invited to send information to The Kansas City Star Sports Department for Starting Times, published every Tuesday. Write to Jennifer Davis, The Kansas City Star Sports Department, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64108, fax (816) 234-4360 or jdavis@kcstar.com. New items will be printed weekly. Information should include: date of activity, starting time, name of activity, site or starting point, target age, entry fee, entry deadline and no more than two contact phone numbers or websites.

The Week Ahead | Cancer patient organizes run to fight her disease

The running season is winding down, and the number of area races is dwindling. But a new race will take place Saturday. The Lung Hill Run will benefit LUNGevity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing funds for lung cancer research.

Snyder's system still works at Kansas State

MANHATTAN, Kan. | Bill Snyder can’t relate to his players through Twitter or rap music, and at 70 he isn’t likely to learn how anytime soon. But at this point, it wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense for him to adapt his old coaching ways to the present times. They seem to be holding up just fine.

Handy hints: Tree stand safety <img src="http://media.kansascity.com/images/v15/link_video.gif"alt="Video" class="link_video"/>

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of hunting accidents are not gunshot wounds. Most people that are hurt during hunting season are injured falling from tree stands.

Cooking: Wild turkey tortilla soup <img src="http://media.kansascity.com/images/v15/link_video.gif"alt="Video" class="link_video"/>

Wildlife: Brown recluse <img src="http://media.kansascity.com/images/v15/link_video.gif"alt="Video" class="link_video"/>

Handy hints: Building a peanut feeder <img src="http://media.kansascity.com/images/v15/link_video.gif"alt="Video" class="link_video"/>

Believe it or not, birds love peanuts. So providing a peanut feeder is an easy way to attract birds to your yard.

Royals trade Teahen for Fields and Getz, improve a little

(Two notes: first, I couldn't find a picture to go with this post, so I just picked one that made me laugh. The other possible reaction from that picture is to get grossed out; sorry if it was yours.Second, I'm off all next week and won't be posting. I'll be back the following week and then for as long as they'll have me.) Well, this is a good start. The Royals have many holes, and many fans who've long soured on general manager Dayton Moore.Trading Mark Teahen for Josh Fields and Chris Getz should help both -- a little.First, a humble farewell to Teahen, who had a complicated time in Kansas City. He was the centerpiece of the Royals' side of the Carlos Beltran trade, an unfair standard, and turned into the kind of player fans always expected more from.He is big and strong, but hit just 34 homers over the last three full seasons. He is athletic and fast, but stole only 12 bases the last two years.read more

Wildcats vs Jayhawks

What happens when a Wildcat Marries a Jayhawk?Snyder: “Well, I’m quite certain that the vast majority of our players would like to bring the Governor’s Cup back to Manhattan. This game is very important to all of our team, especially our players from Kansas. I think that this is a very significant game for every one involved on both sides. The hardest part about it is the fact that he (Mangino) has a very fine football team. That’s what makes it more complex than anything else.” Mangino: “Kansas State is a team that has shown a lot of improvement since last season. They are improving in every area of their game. They play good fundamentals, just like you would like to have your team play all the time. They are aggressive on defense and they have enough playmakers on offense to hurt you. They have one of the best, if not the best, return man in the country in Brandon Banks. It is a Big 12 game on the road, so it is important and we are looking forward to it.”read more

Matt Cassel needs to throw MORE interceptions - by Jason Lisk

Getting hurt isn't ALL that bad.This is the second reader entry on UFR. Jonathan Tucker did a nice story on Greinke vs Sabes a couple weeks ago. This time Jason Lisk presents a compelling argument that Cassel needs to increase his odds of being intercepted because the benefits of taking that risk outweigh the disadvantages. My only added thought on this is that QB’s rarely get hurt throwing interceptions, but they sure do suffer physically for taking sacks. Anyway, this is a very good piece. Thanks Jason!read more

Tigers vs Bears

Missouri FootballPinkel: “Our focus is now on Baylor, understanding that they are a good football team. We've got to improve in all areas. I think our players are excited. Obviously, it was a tough three weeks around here, certainly a very difficult week last week. The win felt good, but I told my players it's going to get tougher and tougher. November is here and if you want to have great success as a football team you have to win in November.”read more

Should Johnny Damon be put in the Royals' Hall of Fame? Answer below (hint: it's "yes")

We talked the other day about Johnny Damon's Hall of Fame case the other day, and that probably missed the more relevant question to Kansas City, which is whether he's a ROYALS Hall of Famer.The team Hall of Fame received a huge makeover in the stadium renovations, going from a glass case in the back of a concourse to an impressive 6,800-sq-foot building behind the left field wall. Despite all the struggles of the last 15 years, the Royals do have a proud history, and take their Hall of Fame more seriously than many teams.read more

More on the locker room signs

It turns out the message on the infamous signs placed this week outside the locker room in the Chiefs practice facility isn’t original. Coach Todd Haley said signs with an almost identical message were placed in practice facilities for the Jets and Cowboys when he was an assistant coach for those teams. "(Wide receivers coach) Richie Anderson actually reminded me of that sign and how much it meant to him as a player," Haley said. "That sign was actually talked about in February. I wanted that one in the area the players wanted to see it the most on the way to the field." read more

Haley explains the locker room signs, sort of

It's a good thing Larry Johnson sent out those tweets questioning Todd Haley's coaching credentials. They've given context and meaning to the signs posted outside the Chiefs locker room suggesting, among other things, that "losers assemble in small groups and complain about the coaches and other players.'' Haley, asked about the signs for the first time on Thursday, said it was a coincidence the signs were placed shortly after Johnson was suspended because of his now-infamous tweets. The signs, Haley said, have been planned for some time. read more

Page is officially done

The Chiefs put Jarrad Page on injured reserve today, ending his season. Page has a calf injury that apparently was going to keep him out for several weeks. We'll see how Jon McGraw is when the Chiefs practice later today. The Chiefs will also have him listed on their injury report when it's issued after practice is over. The Chiefs re-signed Travis Daniels, who went to camp with them this year but was released before the start of the regular season. Daniels is a cornerback, but could provide safety help for this week's game in Jacksonville. read more

Chiefs claim WR Chris Chambers and some roster stuff

The Chiefs added a wide receiver Tuesday, after they were awarded former San Diego wideout Chris Chambers after putting in a waiver claim. Chambers was waived Monday after two-plus seasons with the Chargers. He spent his first seven seasons with Miami. Chambers, who was named to the 2005 Pro Bowl, had just nine catches in seven games with San Diego. It doesn't hurt the Chiefs to bring him in, and there's a chance he has something left. But Chambers' age and that San Diego just gave up on him could mean that his best years are far behind him. read more

Live from Mizzou Arena: Tigers Roaring 50-25 at Half

COLUMBIA - Missouri’s starting five bolted to a 15-3 lead on overwhelmed Truman State. Then things really got interesting. Mizzou’s second five - sophomores Miguel Paul, Marcus Denmon, Laurence Bowers and Steve Moore were joined on the court by freshman Michael Dixon - hit the Bulldogs with a 12-2 scoring run in the next 3 minutes, 34 seconds. Denmon, Moore and Dixon are all products of K.C. Pump ‘N’ Run, a powerhouse AAU program. And Missouri’s season-opening exhibition victory was over sooner than even Truman State’s 6-21 record from a year ago might have indicated it would be. read more

Okay, So Maybe the Big 12 Bowl Lineup Merely Smells . . .

Just got a call from a Big 12 Conference official who wanted to share the fact that bowl payouts are up, that New York is the media center of the nation and that the entire conference recruits Texas and is not in a position to compete for Sunshine State recruits with Florida, Florida State and Miami anyway. Told the person - a gentleman I've known for some years - that I was not disputing those specific contentions. I’m willing to stipulate the first to items as “facts,” although the third remains merely a contention in my book. read more

Bars showing KU-Kansas State on Versus Network

Since DirecTV does not offer Versus, the KU-Kansas State game can only be watched on DISH Network if you are using satellite. Here are some local places that use DISH: Famous Dave's, Kansas City Sister's Restaurant and Bar, Kansas City West Coast Saloon, Lawrence Paradise Saloon, Lawrence Varsity Blues, Topeka The 20s Bar, Topeka Spanky's Sport Bar and Grill, Topeka Seabrook Bar and Grill, Topeka

Big 12 Bowl Lineup Stinks

First off, here is the new bowl lineup for the immediate future for the Big 12 Conference. Just so you know what I'm going to rip. Fiesta Bowl Cotton Bowl Alamo Bowl Insight Bowl Holiday Bowl Texas Bowl Yankee Bowl Dallas Football Classic Eagle Bank Bowl in 2013 First thing you notice is that four of those bowls are in the state of Texas - Cotton, Alamo, Dallas Football Classic and, duh!, the Texas Bowl. Next thing you notice is that the Fiesta, the Insight and the Holiday are out West. read more

New York celebrates, then gets hungry, makes sandwich

The $200 million Yankees screamed and hugged and waved championship flags on the field of the $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium, the celebration spilling out to the streets, and this is going to sound weird, but it's the absolute truth: The whole thing was a little unimpressive. I don't mean the Yankees, who made their case as one of the very best teams in a generation, or the new stadium, which is amazing, but the celebration, which was, eh. read more

NY vs Philly and wow

So, close readers of this blog may remember my occasional point about Kansas City having a bit of an inferiority complex in relation to St. Louis and, well, lots of other stuff. It bugs me at times. Kansas City is a terrific place, for a lot of reasons, and sometimes I wish we as a whole were just a little more secure about that. But I do have to point out that I hope we never swing the other way, and develop a jaw-dropping superiority complex. read more

This is gonna hurt, but the Royals should at least look at trading Joakim Soria

Aside from a barstool, there may be no more emotional position in baseball than closer. This is certainly true for Jonathan Papelbon and K-Rod, but more, it's true for the people watching. So long as it doesn't get watered down from blowouts, the best moment at Kauffman Stadium is when the video boards set fire and Slash starts playing "Welcome to the Jungle" and Joakim Soria comes out from the bullpen to throw fastballs at the knees and 67-mph curveballs through bats. read more

Smoke, fire, trade rumors and the Royals

Maybe you heard about the unfortunate post on the usually unreliable Bleacher Report website over the weekend. The writer had a "rumor" that had the Brewers considering sending J.J. Hardy, Manny Parra and two prospects to the Royals for -- wait for it -- Zack Greinke. If this is the first you heard of it, I'll wait while you cycle through the normal emotions. "WHAT?!?" (shakes head in disgust) read more

Meteorologist Joe Girardi and Kansas City

Joe Girardi is the manager of a team that won 103 games, so that's what matters, and who is this little blog to challenge that? Except that Girardi is apparently set to go with a three-man rotation in the ALCS, despite evidence that suggests modern big league pitchers just aren't effective on three days rest. We should pause for a quick moment here and point out that Girardi knows his team, um, better than some idiot newspaper guy wearing sweats at his kitchen table. The Yankees are paying CC Sabathia $160 million, so, you know, get your money's worth. read more

The Yankees Payroll

The following is a screed about the Yankees payroll. If you are a Yankees fan uninterested in a screed about the payroll, don’t read it. You won’t enjoy it. Go out, buy a championship T-shirt, reminisce about this great team, enjoy the victory. I’m telling you: Don’t read it. As for the rest of you: The [...]

Getting What You Deserve

“Mr. Steinbrenner deserves another championship.” – Joe Girardi

One of the kinder compulsions of human nature is to soften the edges of people at the end of their lives. We strain to see their good side. We make them sympathetic. It was this way on both sides of the aisle with Ronald Reagan and Ted Kennedy at [...]

ABC: Keystone Light Grandpa

Type of beer commercial: Comedy. Beer rating: J (Juvenile: Childish themes, moderate violence). The set up: Grandson is talking to two friends — a man and a woman — at what appears to be a family picnic of some kind.

The friends are certainly platonic … it seems unclear why Attractive Woman is in this commercial except [...]

ABC: Miller Lite eHarmony

So, we might start a new blog feature that we will call “ABC” — which (of course) stands for: “Analyzing Beer Commercials.” I, like many Americans, find beer commercials to be endlessly fascinating. Some make me laugh, some make me groan, some make me wonder what exactly we have become as a society. You could [...]

Small Kansas Towns

My wife always knows what’s coming whenever her hometown of Cuba, Kansas comes up in conversation.* She always knows I’m going to tell the story of the first time I went there with her. We’ve been married for more than 11 years, so we’re now in that early stage of finishing each other’s stories. And [...]