According to Arkansas Fox affiliate Fox 16, 11-year-old Demias Jimerson has emerged as such a dominant running back that the Wilson Intermediate Football League he plays in has reinstated a bylaw called the "Madre Hill rule," which bars him from scoring a touchdown if he has already scored three times and his team has a lead of 14 points or more.
The rule is named after former University of Arkansas star and Oakland Raider Madre Hill , who, like Jimerson, played youth football in the Malvern, Arkansas area. Hill proved so adept at getting the ball into the end zone whenever he touched it that the WIFL came up with the rule to try and keep scores from getting too out of hand.
Now it has brought the same statute back for Jimerson, saying that the rule isn't meant to punish him, but rather to ensure that the other 21 players on the field stay involved.
"The other players on both teams, 21 are just left sort of, this is all Demias," WIFL Commissioner Terri Bryant, who is also Jimerson's Intermediate School principal, told Fox 16. "So that's why the Madre Hill Rule has been implemented.
"[Jimerson] is going to score almost every time he touches the ball."
It turns out that Bryant's assessment of Jimerson's talent is only a slight exaggeration. In one of the two games the sixth grader played before the Madre Hill rule was implemented, he scored an incredible 7 touchdowns.
For his part, Jimerson said he's ok with the ruling, though he was surprised when it was first implemented. He also knows that when he becomes a seventh grader in 2012 no limits will be applicable , so it will be impossible to penalize him for scoring too much.
"I got, kinda got shocked because I didn't know that was gonna happen, but it did," said Jimerson. Adding, "I'm ok with it."
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Schutt 2011 Fall Sales Special
To take advantage of this special offer from Schutt, download the 2011 Fall Sales Special flyer and then contact Fred at 708-429-0500 or fgarner@sportstationusa.com to place your order or to get a special quote for team and league orders.
Friday, September 23, 2011
EvoShield Donates Gear to RBCS
NICEVILLE – When Brian and Kathy Haugen received news that a Rocky Bayou Christian football player had been rushed to the hospital after suffering a dangerous hit during a scrimmage three weeks ago, the two were moved into action.
On Monday, the Haugens – as well as the Taylor Haugen Foundation they founded in 2008 – joined with EvoSheild, LLC, a Georgia-based company dedicated to developing next level sports protection, to donate 40 EvoShield Protective Rib shirts to the entire Rocky Bayou football team as part of the foundation’s Youth Equipment for Sports Safety (YESS) program.
“When Andrew got hurt, that’s when we said, ‘We need to do something,’” Brian Haugen said. “There’s been too many of these injuries.”
The shirts, which regularly retail for 109.99, feature two custom molding rib shields that slide easily into pockets on the side of the shirt to provide high impact protection to an otherwise vulnerable area.
It was in August of 2008 that Taylor Haugen died after injuries sustained during a preseason game against Fort Walton Beach.
“When this happened, that’s what popped in my mind,” Beno said. “It really scared me, my parents and a lot of people. I just appreciate the Haugen Foundation. I wish I would have had it earlier, but now that my team has it, it will help tremendously.”
Beno, who was on hand to try on and model the shirts, raved over the comfort and fit.
“I’d wear this to school,” Beno said. “It’s just so comfortable.”
EvoShield was founded in 2006 and its padding consists of five layers of fiberglass resin that hardens within 20 minutes of being introduced to oxygen. The padding, once hardened, is less than half an inch in thickness and has a usage life of over two years.
Hardie Jackson, COO of EvoShield, said the company has sold its products to several NFL franchise as well as a multitude of NCAA programs. Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia is one of several household names to wear the company’s equipment. He hopes the company can begin to extend its reach into the high school and youth sports.
“When you start seeing some of the injuries that are occurring and being here with the Haugen family and with what happened to Taylor, you really do start thinking, ‘Why wouldn’t you wear something if you can protect your (child)?’”
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Rawlings 334C Big Stick Wood Bat Blowout
The Sportstation has teamed up with Rawlings to offer an amazing deal on the 334C Big Stick ash baseball bats. The Adirondack Pro model bat ships directly from Rawlings to your school and their is no additional charge for shipping.
This special $498.90 for 20 334C Rawlings bats offer end November 1, 2011 so visit The Sportstation today to save big!
This special $498.90 for 20 334C Rawlings bats offer end November 1, 2011 so visit The Sportstation today to save big!
Lacrosse Star Grant Catalino Joins Under Armour Team
Under Armour announced a partnership with professional lacrosse player Grant Catalino, who will be a featured athlete for Under Armour's new hard goods lacrosse equipment and appear across various marketing platforms.
Catalino most recently played as an attackman with the Rochester Rattlers, where he set a new Major League Lacrosse single-season record for two-point goals by a rookie and became only the fifth player in MLL history to score nine goals in a single game. Prior to his professional career, Catalino was a three-time All-American at the University of Maryland. During his college tenure, he led the Terrapins to three straight NCAA quarterfinal appearances and their first NCAA title game since 1998. Catalino is among the all-time leaders in school history in points (10th) and goals (7th).
“Grant fully embraces his role not only as one of the nation’s best attackmen, but also as a role model, which makes him stand out and a natural fit for Under Armour,” said Matt Mirchin, Senior Vice President, Global Sports Marketing, Under Armour. “An emphasis on training and leadership to the next generation of athletes is paramount to our Brand. Grant has clearly demonstrated he shares these values through his mentorship of younger teammates and his performance on the field.”
Catalino joins a roster of elite athletes who have signed with Under Armour, including three-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps, among others.
“As a Terp, I’ve always felt like I was a part of the Under Armour family, so to officially join the Under Armour team is a tremendous honor,” said Catalino. “Playing for Maryland, we wore Under Armour night and day for practices, games and training and I can say from experience that there is no other brand I trust more to help me perform at my best and no other brand I would be more proud to partner with.”
Catalino’s plans for the future include participating in the upcoming National Lacrosse League Entry Draft on September 21, and running his newfound business, Harvest Lacrosse, a lacrosse camp for student-athletes in Rochester, New York.
Catalino most recently played as an attackman with the Rochester Rattlers, where he set a new Major League Lacrosse single-season record for two-point goals by a rookie and became only the fifth player in MLL history to score nine goals in a single game. Prior to his professional career, Catalino was a three-time All-American at the University of Maryland. During his college tenure, he led the Terrapins to three straight NCAA quarterfinal appearances and their first NCAA title game since 1998. Catalino is among the all-time leaders in school history in points (10th) and goals (7th).
“Grant fully embraces his role not only as one of the nation’s best attackmen, but also as a role model, which makes him stand out and a natural fit for Under Armour,” said Matt Mirchin, Senior Vice President, Global Sports Marketing, Under Armour. “An emphasis on training and leadership to the next generation of athletes is paramount to our Brand. Grant has clearly demonstrated he shares these values through his mentorship of younger teammates and his performance on the field.”
Catalino joins a roster of elite athletes who have signed with Under Armour, including three-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps, among others.
“As a Terp, I’ve always felt like I was a part of the Under Armour family, so to officially join the Under Armour team is a tremendous honor,” said Catalino. “Playing for Maryland, we wore Under Armour night and day for practices, games and training and I can say from experience that there is no other brand I trust more to help me perform at my best and no other brand I would be more proud to partner with.”
Catalino’s plans for the future include participating in the upcoming National Lacrosse League Entry Draft on September 21, and running his newfound business, Harvest Lacrosse, a lacrosse camp for student-athletes in Rochester, New York.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Richardson Championship Sales Program
It’s time for our new Championship Sales Program. A new ‘No‐Risk’ option which allows you to preorder championship caps before your team even plays in the game. The no‐risk option is then combined with a quick turnaround in order to provide you and the winning team with championship caps while the victory is still fresh.
Qualification Requirements
- Orders must be placed between November 1st and December 27th
- Orders are only fulfilled once we receive notification from you that your team has won
- Your payment is not processed until we receive notification from you that your team has won
- 24 piece minimum order required
- ‘No Risk’ orders accepted, only the winning teams’ orders are completed
- 3 day turnaround of order fulfillment
- Once shipped, orders will arrive in 3 business days or less
Champions Program
This program offers simplified pricing on 2 of our most popular caps, and 2 brand new styles specifically designed for championship season. Our most popular champions design is included in the price with 3D “Champions” as an option at no extra charge. Order deadline is December 27th.
Diamond Demo: Hit and Run
MLB Network's Harold Reynolds and Mike Lowell break down the importance of the hit and run in baseball.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
2012 Under Armour Stock Jerseys with Free Decorating
 |
| Order your Under Armour Baseball Jerseys by November 1st and get free standard decorating. |
Custom jerseys and decoration are also available at unbelievable prices for teams and leagues. Contact us today for your free quote for your 2012 baseball and softball uniforms.
Rawlings Joins USA Football as Official Uniform and Football Partner
USA Football and Rawlings announced a two-year partnership to serve both America's national team program and its youth football community. USA Football, the sport's national governing body in the United States, manages U.S. national teams in the sport and is one of 62 national federations spanning six continents dedicated solely to football.
Rawlings is the official uniform supplier and official football for USA Football and its national team program.
Rawlings will outfit U.S. national teams and provide footballs for Team USA’s competitions as well as the 2012 International Federation of American Football Under-19 World Championship. Rawlings also will be the official football of USA Football’s Player Academies, three-day age-specific youth football development camps conducted nationally teaching proper fundamentals to strengthen players' skills.
Furthering Rawlings' strong commitment to youth football, the company will produce high-quality USA Football-licensed uniform selections for youth leagues, which will be available through Rawlings dealers at usafootball.com in the coming weeks.
Independent nonprofit USA Football, based in Indianapolis, teaches the game’s fundamentals and inherent values through more than 80 annual football training events and innovative online development resources for youth football coaches and 3 million American children age 6-14 who play in organized leagues. More than 400,000 American adults volunteer their time to coach youth football, advancing youth physical fitness and the sport’s team-first qualities.
USA Football members – youth football coaches, players, league commissioners and game officials – reside in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. USA Football is the only organization in the NFL's 91-year history to be selected as the league’s official youth football development partner. USA Football also holds this responsibility for each of the league’s 32 teams.
"Rawlings is proud to be the official uniform supplier and official football for USA Football and its national team program,” said Mike Thompson, senior vice president of marketing for St. Louis-based Rawlings. "USA Football is exactly the kind of organization we want to connect ourselves with as they develop players the right way through proper fundamentals and skill training. We are very happy to have USA Football players represent the Rawlings brand on the field."
"We are very pleased to have an industry leader like Rawlings join the USA Football family and share our commitment to America’s favorite sport," USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. "This partnership ensures that our U.S. national teams and youth football leagues across the country enjoy football and its universal values while wearing uniforms and playing with footballs that bear Rawlings’ timeless mark of quality."
Rawlings is the official uniform supplier and official football for USA Football and its national team program.
Rawlings will outfit U.S. national teams and provide footballs for Team USA’s competitions as well as the 2012 International Federation of American Football Under-19 World Championship. Rawlings also will be the official football of USA Football’s Player Academies, three-day age-specific youth football development camps conducted nationally teaching proper fundamentals to strengthen players' skills.
Furthering Rawlings' strong commitment to youth football, the company will produce high-quality USA Football-licensed uniform selections for youth leagues, which will be available through Rawlings dealers at usafootball.com in the coming weeks.
Independent nonprofit USA Football, based in Indianapolis, teaches the game’s fundamentals and inherent values through more than 80 annual football training events and innovative online development resources for youth football coaches and 3 million American children age 6-14 who play in organized leagues. More than 400,000 American adults volunteer their time to coach youth football, advancing youth physical fitness and the sport’s team-first qualities.
USA Football members – youth football coaches, players, league commissioners and game officials – reside in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. USA Football is the only organization in the NFL's 91-year history to be selected as the league’s official youth football development partner. USA Football also holds this responsibility for each of the league’s 32 teams.
"Rawlings is proud to be the official uniform supplier and official football for USA Football and its national team program,” said Mike Thompson, senior vice president of marketing for St. Louis-based Rawlings. "USA Football is exactly the kind of organization we want to connect ourselves with as they develop players the right way through proper fundamentals and skill training. We are very happy to have USA Football players represent the Rawlings brand on the field."
"We are very pleased to have an industry leader like Rawlings join the USA Football family and share our commitment to America’s favorite sport," USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. "This partnership ensures that our U.S. national teams and youth football leagues across the country enjoy football and its universal values while wearing uniforms and playing with footballs that bear Rawlings’ timeless mark of quality."
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Diamond Demo: Strasburg
MLB Tonight's John Smoltz goes in-depth on the mechanics of Nationals' pitcher Stephen Strasburg.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Diamond Demo: Pitching to Phils
MLB Network's Diamond Demo takes a look at how the Brewers should pitch to the Phillies in the series between the two teams.
New Easton Rival Series Baseball Gloves
Designed to be as durable as they are comfortable on your hand, the new Rival Series from Easton sets the standard for youth gloves. The Rival Series is made from USA steer hide that provides for some of the strongest leather in the world. These patterns mimic professional designs so that youngsters can wear what the pros do! Inside, the Rival features Oasis Lining that is made from super soft cowhide to provide durable and unwavering comfort. Easton's Custom Pro Fit System is also used on these gloves. This patent pending back of hand strap gives players a range of customizable fits. This strap is also easily replaceable, and a blank one is included in case players want to personalize it with their name and number! The back of these straps are outfitted with Easton's Bio-Dri moisture management fabric to wick away moisture and keep the glove dry and light. With a VRS Palm Pad protecting the hand, players can catch with confidence and leave the sting of hard hit or thrown balls behind! Easton: Know-Feel-Be The Difference!
The Sportstation can personalize your new Rival glove right here in our store using the included blank strap. Please allow 1 to 3 business days for this service.
Easton Rival Youth Series: RVY1200
Easton Rival Youth Series: RVY1150
Easton Rival Youth Series: RVY2000 Catcher's Mitt
Easton Rival Youth Series: RVY3000 First Base Mitt
Easton Rival Series: RVB1175
Easton Rival Series: RVB1177
Easton Rival Series: RVB1150
Easton Rival Series: RVB2500 Catcher's Mitt
Diamond Demo: Relay throws
MLB Network's Harold Reynolds shows how the Red Sox could have better handled a relay throw against the Yankees.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Diamond Demo: Strasburg
MLB Network's Al Leiter and John Smoltz look at the latest start for the Nationals' Stephen Strasburg.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Diamond Demo: Clayton Kershaw
MLB Tonight's Al Leiter and Joe Magrane demonstrate how Clayton Kershaw has taken his game to the next level this season.
Warrior Signs Lacrosse Superstar Paul Rabil
Warrior has signed 2011 MLL Champions Boston Cannons midfielder and 2011 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) MVP Paul Rabil to lead its roster of sponsored lacrosse players. Effective immediately, Rabil will wear and use Warrior gear on the field, while training, and while relaxing off the field.
In addition to using current Warrior lacrosse equipment, footwear and apparel, Rabil will work with the Warrior team to design a new Rabil signature collection of products. "My years of playing lacrosse have exposed me to all kinds of gear, shoes, and materials. Some work and some don't," said Rabil. "I am excited to be able to use my personal experiences and Warrior's creativity, product expertise and resources to create a revolutionary new line for lacrosse athletes."
"Paul leads the sport of lacrosse both on and off the field, so it is only fitting that he joins a leader in the industry such as Warrior," said Dave Morrow, founder and CEO at Warrior. "Like Paul, Warrior is about hard work, doing things the right way, growing the game of lacrosse, and winning. We are extremely excited to have Paul join the Warrior team."
"I am thrilled to be a part of the Warrior family and work with this group that shares my passion for lacrosse," said Rabil. "I look forward to working with the Warrior team to continue elevating my performance. We will also support each other's charitable efforts as well as my foundation." Rabil & Warrior will conduct a multi-city tour this fall partnering with various charitable organizations.
Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Warrior is recognized as a premier manufacturer of innovative, high performance, cutting-edge equipment, footwear and apparel for lacrosse and hockey athletes of all ages and abilities. Founded in 1993 by former champion lacrosse player David Morrow, Warrior is a subsidiary of New Balance.
Rabil, 25, from Gaithersburg, Maryland was a four-time All American at Johns Hopkins University where he was a member of the 2005 and 2007 NCAA Championship winning Blue Jay teams. He graduated from JHU in 2008 as the program's all-time leading midfielder goal and point scorer, a record that still stands. He was selected first overall by the Boston Cannons in the 2008 MLL Draft. In both 2009 and 2011 he was voted the MLL's Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.
In addition to using current Warrior lacrosse equipment, footwear and apparel, Rabil will work with the Warrior team to design a new Rabil signature collection of products. "My years of playing lacrosse have exposed me to all kinds of gear, shoes, and materials. Some work and some don't," said Rabil. "I am excited to be able to use my personal experiences and Warrior's creativity, product expertise and resources to create a revolutionary new line for lacrosse athletes."
"Paul leads the sport of lacrosse both on and off the field, so it is only fitting that he joins a leader in the industry such as Warrior," said Dave Morrow, founder and CEO at Warrior. "Like Paul, Warrior is about hard work, doing things the right way, growing the game of lacrosse, and winning. We are extremely excited to have Paul join the Warrior team."
"I am thrilled to be a part of the Warrior family and work with this group that shares my passion for lacrosse," said Rabil. "I look forward to working with the Warrior team to continue elevating my performance. We will also support each other's charitable efforts as well as my foundation." Rabil & Warrior will conduct a multi-city tour this fall partnering with various charitable organizations.
Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Warrior is recognized as a premier manufacturer of innovative, high performance, cutting-edge equipment, footwear and apparel for lacrosse and hockey athletes of all ages and abilities. Founded in 1993 by former champion lacrosse player David Morrow, Warrior is a subsidiary of New Balance.
Rabil, 25, from Gaithersburg, Maryland was a four-time All American at Johns Hopkins University where he was a member of the 2005 and 2007 NCAA Championship winning Blue Jay teams. He graduated from JHU in 2008 as the program's all-time leading midfielder goal and point scorer, a record that still stands. He was selected first overall by the Boston Cannons in the 2008 MLL Draft. In both 2009 and 2011 he was voted the MLL's Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.
Schutt Sports Becomes Official Helmet for UT-Dallas
Schutt Sports has been named the Official Batter’s Helmet for the University of Texas – Dallas.
The multi-year agreement calls for the Comets softball and baseball teams to wear Schutt batters helmets and catchers gear.
"We're fired up about this new opportunity and partnership with Schutt Sports. They offer the best technology and protective equipment on the baseball field, from catcher's gear to batters helmets and we're excited about the chance to put it on," says Shane Shewmate, head baseball coach at UT Dallas. "Our student-athletes work very hard to achieve their ultimate performance and Schutt has put their football protective technology in baseball equipment; that's really made the difference and elite athletes notice how much it helps them perform their best."
The agreement will give Schutt the chance to showcase its all-new AiR Maxx T Batter's helmets for baseball and softball players – a helmet that utilizes the TPU Cushioning technology the company features in its football helmets.
"Dallas is a very important market in the middle of a very import state for diamond sports," said Dianne Baker, national promotions manager for Schutt Sports. "Some of the best athletes in Texas play for UT-Dallas and it’s an honor for us to have them choose Schutt Sports as the company they want to gear up with."
The multi-year agreement calls for the Comets softball and baseball teams to wear Schutt batters helmets and catchers gear.
"We're fired up about this new opportunity and partnership with Schutt Sports. They offer the best technology and protective equipment on the baseball field, from catcher's gear to batters helmets and we're excited about the chance to put it on," says Shane Shewmate, head baseball coach at UT Dallas. "Our student-athletes work very hard to achieve their ultimate performance and Schutt has put their football protective technology in baseball equipment; that's really made the difference and elite athletes notice how much it helps them perform their best."
The agreement will give Schutt the chance to showcase its all-new AiR Maxx T Batter's helmets for baseball and softball players – a helmet that utilizes the TPU Cushioning technology the company features in its football helmets.
"Dallas is a very important market in the middle of a very import state for diamond sports," said Dianne Baker, national promotions manager for Schutt Sports. "Some of the best athletes in Texas play for UT-Dallas and it’s an honor for us to have them choose Schutt Sports as the company they want to gear up with."
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Diamond Demo: Pitchers covering
MLB Network's Al Leiter demonstrates a pitcher's reaction when a ball is hit back up the middle.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Diamond Demo: Pitching signs
Al Leiter and Ron Gant show what pitchers do to keep pitches secret and what base runners do to steal signs.
Diamond Demo: Heyward's approach
MLB Network's Ron Gant takes a closer look at the plate approach of the Braves' Jason Heyward.
Diamond Demo: Revere's catch
MLB Network's Eric Byrnes heads into Studio 42 to break down Ben Revere's great catch against the Orioles.
Rawlings 5150 BBCOR Collegiate and High School Bat Program
Coaches, parents and booster clubs - Rawlings is offering an amazing buy 3 get 1 free special on their BBCOR 5150 baseball bats. This offer ends 11/1/2011 and all bats must be shipped to your school. If your high school or college player is looking for a BBCOR bat for the 2012 season, this is your opportunity to save on bats trusted by back to back National Champs University of South Carolina.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Diamond Demo: A.J. Burnett
MLB Network's Al Leiter takes a look at the recent struggles of A.J. Burnett, saying that he needs to hide the ball.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Shock Doctor Adds Two NHL Stars as Endorsers
Shock Doctor, the mouthguard specialist, announced it is continuing to expand its Team Shock Doctor by signing endorsement contracts with two more elite professional athletes: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jack Johnson and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy.
Johnson and Leddy will have access to wear the full line of Shock Doctor's performance-driven sports protection, including the unique ShockSkin Hockey base protective apparel and full line of superior mouthguards – during practices and while competing on the ice. In addition, they will use the new Shock Doctor Performance Sports Therapy products when they are off the ice to help recover from any injuries they may incur and to get back on the ice more quickly. They will also serve as advisors, working with Shock Doctor's research and development team, to provide feedback from their experiences as professional athletes using Shock Doctor products.
Johnson and Leddy join a growing roster of pro athletes who have discovered that Shock Doctor's revolutionary products are proving to be vital for better training and improved performance. From NHL hockey players to NFL football players, from MLB players to NCAA football, hockey and lacrosse teams, athletes worldwide who want superior sports protection combined with performance enhancement are using Shock Doctor products ranging from mouthguards to base layer protection apparel. "Jack and Nick are star hockey players and we are extremely proud and excited to have them on Team Shock Doctor," said Tony Armand, CEO of Shock Doctor. "We understand the significance of having such high-profile athletes on our team, and we look forward to working with them."
Minnesota native and 2010 Olympic Winter USA Hockey Team Silver Medalist Jack Johnson, who played high school hockey for Shattuck-St. Mary in Faribault, Minn., will be wearing Shock Doctor mouthguards and the ShockSkin Hockey base protective apparel as well as using the new Performance Sports Therapy products when he's off the ice to help recover from any injuries he may incur. "My sports protection gear is the last thing I want to worry about when I'm in the heat of the battle on the ice and need to focus on what I'm doing," said Johnson. "I know the Shock Doctor gear will not only provide me with the best protection available, it will also help me enhance my performance." In 2005, Johnson skated for the U.S. National Under-18 team, where he helped Team USA take first place at the IIHF Men's World Under-18 Championship. He was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and he played for the University of Michigan during his freshman and sophomore years of college before moving to the NHL in 2007. Johnson was traded to the Los Angeles Kings before his sophomore season and began his NHL career with the Kings, where he has played since 2007. In 2007/2008 he was named to the NHL Young Stars Team and in 2006/2007 received the CCHA Offensive Defenseman of the Year award. Johnson helped lead the Kings to appear in the NHL playoffs for the last two years.
In addition to wearing Shock Doctor mouthguards when practicing and competing, former University of Minnesota and Eden Prairie High School star hockey player Nick Leddy will also be using the new ShockSkin Hockey base protective apparel designed to cover the gaps in hockey players' gear to provide maximum protection and enable them to focus on the game. "I am excited to be working with Shock Doctor and to have the opportunity to wear their exceptional mouthguards and ShockSkin Hockey apparel so that I can focus on my job of playing hockey instead of worrying about my sports protection," said Leddy, "and if I get injured, I will have access to the best sports medicine products in the industry with the new Performance Sports Therapy products." Leddy was drafted in the first round, 16th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in February 2010. As a member of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team, Leddy was named Rookie of the Year for the 2009/10 season.
"As an expert in performance-driven sports protection, we put a tremendous amount of research and development into each and every one of our products," said Jay Turkbas, Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing for Shock Doctor, "which results in best-in-class sports protection. Our goal is to help athletes understand how our innovative products with advance technology enable them to optimize their performance while protecting them at the same time. Pro athletes such as Jack and Nick understand this, and they will be helping us convey this message to other athletes."
Shock Doctor is revolutionizing the sports protection category once again, this time with the technological innovation of ShockSkin Hockey – the first and only product of its kind. ShockSkin Hockey base protective apparel moves like a second skin and the technology is sport specific to hockey. The built-in protective apparel is uniquely designed to cover the gaps in football and hockey players' and gear, enabling them to focus on the game and enhance their performance. ShockSkin Hockey consists of integrated fabric and vented foam pads, secured by high frequency seams, that move and contour with the body for ultimate comfort and protection. With minimal weight and bulk, it integrates with football and hockey players' gear for full-on, full-time protection. The breakthrough technology reduces wear and tear on players.
Johnson and Leddy will have access to wear the full line of Shock Doctor's performance-driven sports protection, including the unique ShockSkin Hockey base protective apparel and full line of superior mouthguards – during practices and while competing on the ice. In addition, they will use the new Shock Doctor Performance Sports Therapy products when they are off the ice to help recover from any injuries they may incur and to get back on the ice more quickly. They will also serve as advisors, working with Shock Doctor's research and development team, to provide feedback from their experiences as professional athletes using Shock Doctor products.
Johnson and Leddy join a growing roster of pro athletes who have discovered that Shock Doctor's revolutionary products are proving to be vital for better training and improved performance. From NHL hockey players to NFL football players, from MLB players to NCAA football, hockey and lacrosse teams, athletes worldwide who want superior sports protection combined with performance enhancement are using Shock Doctor products ranging from mouthguards to base layer protection apparel. "Jack and Nick are star hockey players and we are extremely proud and excited to have them on Team Shock Doctor," said Tony Armand, CEO of Shock Doctor. "We understand the significance of having such high-profile athletes on our team, and we look forward to working with them."
Minnesota native and 2010 Olympic Winter USA Hockey Team Silver Medalist Jack Johnson, who played high school hockey for Shattuck-St. Mary in Faribault, Minn., will be wearing Shock Doctor mouthguards and the ShockSkin Hockey base protective apparel as well as using the new Performance Sports Therapy products when he's off the ice to help recover from any injuries he may incur. "My sports protection gear is the last thing I want to worry about when I'm in the heat of the battle on the ice and need to focus on what I'm doing," said Johnson. "I know the Shock Doctor gear will not only provide me with the best protection available, it will also help me enhance my performance." In 2005, Johnson skated for the U.S. National Under-18 team, where he helped Team USA take first place at the IIHF Men's World Under-18 Championship. He was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and he played for the University of Michigan during his freshman and sophomore years of college before moving to the NHL in 2007. Johnson was traded to the Los Angeles Kings before his sophomore season and began his NHL career with the Kings, where he has played since 2007. In 2007/2008 he was named to the NHL Young Stars Team and in 2006/2007 received the CCHA Offensive Defenseman of the Year award. Johnson helped lead the Kings to appear in the NHL playoffs for the last two years.
In addition to wearing Shock Doctor mouthguards when practicing and competing, former University of Minnesota and Eden Prairie High School star hockey player Nick Leddy will also be using the new ShockSkin Hockey base protective apparel designed to cover the gaps in hockey players' gear to provide maximum protection and enable them to focus on the game. "I am excited to be working with Shock Doctor and to have the opportunity to wear their exceptional mouthguards and ShockSkin Hockey apparel so that I can focus on my job of playing hockey instead of worrying about my sports protection," said Leddy, "and if I get injured, I will have access to the best sports medicine products in the industry with the new Performance Sports Therapy products." Leddy was drafted in the first round, 16th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in February 2010. As a member of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team, Leddy was named Rookie of the Year for the 2009/10 season.
"As an expert in performance-driven sports protection, we put a tremendous amount of research and development into each and every one of our products," said Jay Turkbas, Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing for Shock Doctor, "which results in best-in-class sports protection. Our goal is to help athletes understand how our innovative products with advance technology enable them to optimize their performance while protecting them at the same time. Pro athletes such as Jack and Nick understand this, and they will be helping us convey this message to other athletes."
Shock Doctor is revolutionizing the sports protection category once again, this time with the technological innovation of ShockSkin Hockey – the first and only product of its kind. ShockSkin Hockey base protective apparel moves like a second skin and the technology is sport specific to hockey. The built-in protective apparel is uniquely designed to cover the gaps in football and hockey players' and gear, enabling them to focus on the game and enhance their performance. ShockSkin Hockey consists of integrated fabric and vented foam pads, secured by high frequency seams, that move and contour with the body for ultimate comfort and protection. With minimal weight and bulk, it integrates with football and hockey players' gear for full-on, full-time protection. The breakthrough technology reduces wear and tear on players.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Diamond Demo: Pitching to Pujols
The Hot Stove crew looks at why Albert Pujols is so good and how opposing teams try to pitch around him.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Oakland Raiders use third-round pick for Pryor
The Oakland Raiders used a third-round pick in the NFL's supplemental draft Monday to select former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor. (Aug. 22) (The Associated Press)
Xenith X1 Batting Helmet
The Xenith X1 Batting Helmet provides superior fit and comfort by adapting to the head. The X1 features strategically tuned shock absorbers which adapt to the hit, enabling it to pass the new NOCSAE Standard for baseball and softball batting helmets without the need for an oversized shell. The X1's patented Shock Bonnet® suspension system provides outstanding ventilation and is resistant to the growth of mold and other organisms.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Diamond Demo: Triple Play
MLB Tonight's Billy Ripken breaks down the Brewers' 6-4-2 triple play, the new pitchers' best friend.
Under Armour Signs First Gymnast as Endorser
Under Armour announced a multi-year partnership with Olympic gymnast Alicia Sacramone, the first gymnast to sign with the company. As a member of the Under Armour team, Sacramone worked with the company on the design of a custom-made Under Armour leotard and will serve as a key Olympic ambassador for the Brand.
In addition to being a member of the silver medal-winning U.S. Olympic team in 2008, Sacramone is currently tied for the highest career tally of World Championship medals for U.S. gymnasts, including three golds, four silvers and two bronzes, making her one of the most successful gymnasts in U.S. history. Sacramone has been named USA Gymnastics’ Sportswoman of the Year four times (’05, ’06, ’07, ’10) and holds five U.S. vault titles as well as two U.S. National floor exercise crowns.
"Alicia's commitment to training and her determination to perform at the highest level makes her an inspiration to young athletes across the world and an ideal fit for the Under Armour Brand," said Tori Hanna, Director, Women's Sports Marketing, Under Armour. "While her numerous medals and accolades are a clear reflection of her talent, it is her indomitable spirit that sets her apart as a natural choice to become the first Under Armour athlete on the gymnastics floor."
Sacramone joins an elite roster of athletes who have signed with Under Armour, including 16-time Olympic swimming medalist Michael Phelps, Olympic gold medalist skier Lindsey Vonn, U.S. Women's Team World Cup soccer star Lauren Cheney and three-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, among others.
"I'm honored to join the Under Armour family, as Under Armour's emphasis on training and its dedication to the next generation of athletes aligns perfectly with my core values," said Sacramone. "I've always admired Under Armour apparel for its performance and style and now, to get the chance to work alongside such a high caliber of world champion athletes, it’s just an unbelievable opportunity."
When Sacramone is not competing or training, she coaches youth gymnastics at Brestyan's Gym in Burlington, MA and focuses much of her time giving back to the Children’s Hospital of Boston.
The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, with European headquarters in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium, and additional offices in Denver, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Guangzhou, China.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
New Little League Rules For Baseball Bats
Before the first pitch is thrown today at the 65th Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa., umpires will be studying the bats.
Equipment checks aren’t new, but what they’ll be checking for is. There is a new rule that restricts the type of non-wood bats that can be used. Similar to mandates issued by the NCAA and the national high school federation, Little League issued a moratorium on bats that contain composite materials in the barrel. All Little League bats must have a BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution) designation. The new standard ensures that non-wood bats perform more comparably to wood bats.
And similar to the California Interscholastic Federation’s waiver list that exempted certain bats last year, Little League subsequently allowed some composite-barrel bats if they did not exceed the performance standard after what is called an “accelerated break-in” process.
“All three organizations were going in the same direction at the same time,” Little League International spokesman Steve Barr said. “I don’t think one was in reaction to the other. We had a standard and the bats were exceeding the standard. It’s illegal to use one in a Little League game or practice.”
Read more at signonsandiego.com.
XENITH X2 VARSITY HELMET SPECIAL PROMOTION
BUY 10 X2 VARSITY HELMETS, GET 2 FREE!
The Xenith X2 varsity is simply the best football helmet available. It provides the best head protection by employing the Xenith Adaptive Head Protection® system that uses Aware-Flow® shock absorbers to adjust to the hit, instead of foam padding that does not adjust. The X2 is the most comfortable helmet available thanks to the fit-seeker bonnet system that adjusts to the contour of the player’s head provid- ing a secure fit so helmets do not “pop off” during contact. The X2 is light weight and very cool because air can circulate within the helmet, unlike foam packed helmets that hold heat in the helmet.
If you want your players wearing the best, buy the Xenith X2 varsity football helmet.
Now, for a limited time, when you buy 10 X2 varsity helmets at the regular team price of $200, you will receive 2 additional X2 varsity helmets free. That brings the average cost per helmet down to an affordable $166.67 per helmet. There is no cap on this offer so order as many helmets as you need. You will receive 2 free for every 10 you buy at regular price.
The Xenith X2 varsity is simply the best football helmet available. It provides the best head protection by employing the Xenith Adaptive Head Protection® system that uses Aware-Flow® shock absorbers to adjust to the hit, instead of foam padding that does not adjust. The X2 is the most comfortable helmet available thanks to the fit-seeker bonnet system that adjusts to the contour of the player’s head provid- ing a secure fit so helmets do not “pop off” during contact. The X2 is light weight and very cool because air can circulate within the helmet, unlike foam packed helmets that hold heat in the helmet.
If you want your players wearing the best, buy the Xenith X2 varsity football helmet.
Now, for a limited time, when you buy 10 X2 varsity helmets at the regular team price of $200, you will receive 2 additional X2 varsity helmets free. That brings the average cost per helmet down to an affordable $166.67 per helmet. There is no cap on this offer so order as many helmets as you need. You will receive 2 free for every 10 you buy at regular price.
Patriot's Danny Woodhead to Endorse TapOut Mouthguards
Nebraska native and New England Patriots Running Back, Danny Woodhead, joined the Battle Sports Science all-star team as an endorser. Woodhead joins newly signed Patriot, Chad Ochocinco, as another in wearing the TapouT Mouthguard this upcoming seeason.
Battle Sports indicated that recent testing done by Sport Injury & Ballistic Biomechanics Group at Wayne State University showed TapouT Mouthguards provide equal or improved levels of protection as mouthguards that cost nearly 3.5 times more. Additionally, the design of the TapouT Mouthguard has integrated channels that remain open so athletes can more easily breathe - oxygenating muscles and maintaining ease of speech.
"Battle Sports Science is honored to have Patriots players such as Danny Woodhead and Chad Ochocinco sponsoring our products," said Chris Circo, CEO of Battle Sports Science. "It's important to see these high profile players heighten the awareness about the importance of protection and safety on the field."
Battle Sports indicated that recent testing done by Sport Injury & Ballistic Biomechanics Group at Wayne State University showed TapouT Mouthguards provide equal or improved levels of protection as mouthguards that cost nearly 3.5 times more. Additionally, the design of the TapouT Mouthguard has integrated channels that remain open so athletes can more easily breathe - oxygenating muscles and maintaining ease of speech.
"Battle Sports Science is honored to have Patriots players such as Danny Woodhead and Chad Ochocinco sponsoring our products," said Chris Circo, CEO of Battle Sports Science. "It's important to see these high profile players heighten the awareness about the importance of protection and safety on the field."
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Arizona's Concussion Education Law Kicks In
On Tuesday, Arizona became the first state in the United States to mandate all male and female athletes undergo concussion education and pass a formal test before play through a new program specifically geared toward students. The program is expected to become a model for other states to follow.
Arizona ranks second in the nation for traumatic brain injury and until now, there has never been a mandated education and testing program designed for student athletes to teach them about the dangerous effects of concussion.
Twenty-eight states, including Arizona, have concussion laws that require concussion education, removal from play and return to play. Arizona is the first to define and create the education directly targeting students through a new e-learning module and the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) is the first to require that every student complete and pass the education module in order to participate in athletics. This program, designed by AIA, Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and the Arizona Cardinals, is expected to change the face of high school sports in Arizona.
"The AIA recognizes the seriousness of this debilitating brain injury and is proud to be taking the lead in changing the way athletes are educated about traumatic brain injuries associated in sports," says Harold Slemmer, Ed.D., Executive Director of the AIA. The AIA is an association of public and private high schools throughout Arizona that oversees interscholastic activities including athletics in 275 schools.
"There are approximately 3 million sports-related concussions nationally each year," says Javier Cardenas, MD, neurologist at Barrow in Phoenix, who has taken a statewide lead in concussion prevention. "Players recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussion can prevent death and disability."
All student athletes through the AIA will receive their concussion education through Brainbook, an interactive online site created by Barrow and Arizona State University. Designed to look like a social media site, the students are taken through a series of educational content, activities and videos. At the end of the module, the students are required to pass a formal exam before being cleared to play. The module is the first collaborative educational effort between a pro football team, a hospital, and an interscholastic agency. Brainbook is currently being evaluated for implementation in other states throughout the nation.
In addition to the education program, Barrow has received a $250,000 grant from the Maddock Foundation to develop a research registry which will track concussed student athletes. This will be a powerful tool for Barrow neurologists and researchers to make never-before-known insights into the long-term effects of concussion.
The AIA, Barrow and the Arizona Cardinals have been partnering for the past year to create this milestone program. The NFL and the Arizona Cardinals have been very instrumental in passing concussion legislation.
"We are pleased to have worked with Commissioner Goodell's office to help protect young student athletes in all sports," says Michael Bidwill, President of the Arizona Cardinals. "This education module and research program today takes the Arizona legislation passed in February to the next level. We are very proud to be part of this revolutionary program."
Monday, August 15, 2011
New EvoShield Catalog
Check out the new catalog from EvoShield featuring the companies full product line. EvoShield now protects more than 200 professional and collegiate teams, Evoshield is the innovator of performance protective apparel – thinner, lighter, yet stronger gear designed to make athletes faster while protecting them better. Our protective gear is not only saving lives, but saving the careers of many elite athletes. We understand that gut-wrenching feeling when you have to watch from the sidelines rather than compete. Our brand is the symbolic battle cry of those that sacrifice for team, for pride, for victory.
Click here to download the EvoShield Catalog.
Diamond Demo: Fake pickoff move
MLB Tonight's Harold Reynolds and Ron Gant break down a fake pickoff move used by Jeff Fulchino of the Astros against the D-backs.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Pujols' mammoth homer
Albert Pujols crushes a two-run shot to left, his 29th homer of the season, to knot the game at 2 in the first inning.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Diamond Demo: Latos on pitching
Mat Latos talks about getting a downhill plane while pitching to batters.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Diamond Demo: Pine Tar
MLB Network's Harold Reynolds and Mitch Williams share a heated discussion over pine tar.
Diamond Demo: Hamilton walks off
MLB Network's Harold Reynolds and John Hart breakdown Elvis Andrus scoring on Josh Hamilton's infield single.
Shock Doctor Inks Vikings' Harvin
Minneapolis-based Shock Doctor said that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin will join its Team Shock Doctor, an elite group of athletes who use Shock Doctor sports protective gear.
Harvin will have access to wear the full line of Shock Doctor’s performance-driven sports protection including the Shock Doctor Ultra Carbon Chin Strap and full line of superior mouthguards – during practices and while competing on the football field. He will also serve as an advisor, working with Shock Doctor’s research and development team, to provide feedback from his experiences as a pro competitor using Shock Doctor products.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Sportstation donates equipment to visiting USSSA teams
CRYSTAL LAKE – Crystal Lake’s Nick Fattori was more than willing to offer the Dominican Republic baseball team the hat off his head.
Drew Fattori, with the help of his son Nick, help distribute equipment donated by The Sportstation to the 13U Dominican Republic baseball team.
Fattori, 13, was serving as the Dragones’ batboy this week when a situation arose at the McHenry County Youth Sports Association 13U Summer International Invitational.
The Dominicans loaded the bases, but had only three batting helmets among their equipment.
No problem. Fattori, donning the required batboy helmet, gladly removed his and handed it to the next batter.
But Fattori didn’t stop there. He suggested to his father, Drew, the vice president of operations for Crystal Lake Baseball, that they help the team out with some of CLB’s equipment, even if it was slightly used.
“If you look at these travel teams, they have home and away jerseys, $200 bats, matching helmets, they have everything,” Nick Fattori said. “Even matching spikes sometimes. The [Dominican team] had three helmets, they couldn’t even play without using our [batboy] helmets. I just thought, ‘We have a bunch of stuff at our fields that’s not being used, so let’s throw them some helmets and shoes so they can play baseball.’ ”
“Everyone in the country should be able to play baseball. Everyone in the world.”
The spirit of the MCYSA tournaments, which includes the 15U and 11U Summer International Championships, along with the 13U invitational, is about playing hard, competing at your best and trying to win a major title. But also it encompasses sportsmanship and consideration to those less fortunate.
That attitude is on display this week with the Dominican Republic team and with Sri Lanka, which arrived several days too late to play in the 15U and 13U tournaments, but whose teams are playing exhibition games organized with mostly local teams that have been eliminated.
Dominican Republic Dragones catcher Frank Abreu put on equipment Friday in a USSSA Summer International Championships game against the Barrington Eagles at Lippold Park in Crystal Lake.
Both teams were short on proper equipment, but both have seen an outpouring of generosity on their first visits to the U.S.
“Nick’s a catcher and he said [the Dominican Republic’s] catcher’s gear is falling off,” Drew Fattori said. “He said, ‘We have to do something for them.’ I immediately called our board and we donated some helmets and other gear. I was so proud of my sons [Nick and A.J.] for thinking of that. The players were so grateful. They were ecstatic. It makes you feel good.”
Others jumped in to help.
Drew Fattori called The Sportstation, a sporting goods company in Tinley Park which supplies the league, and general manager Jack Felkamp arrived Friday afternoon with boxes of shoes and other equipment in a van. What the Dominican players didn’t use, Felkamp sent to Veteran Acres Park, where Sri Lanka’s 13U team was playing Lake in the Hills Thunder.
MCYSA executive tournament director Gregg Sibigtroth, who owns Players Choice Academy in Huntley, donated some gloves and used bats to Sri Lanka. Huntley Baseball Association is doing the same and will also pay to ship the equipment back to Sri Lanka.
Carlos Ortega, the treasurer and interpreter for the Dominican Republic’s team, said making the trip here was difficult. The team has to have sponsorship for each player, and finding good equipment also can be hard.
Carlos Ortega speaks to Northwest Herald reporter Joe Stevenson before Friday's game.
“In terms of what you can get there, it’s not that easy,” Ortega said. “Most of the shoes we are getting here will be passed on to other kids. When their feet cannot go into those shoes, they will hand them over to someone else. That’s the way it is, which is good.”
Ortega said coming to the U.S. will be a lifetime highlight for many of their players.
“Playing on fields like this, for us, is like playing in the major leagues,” Ortega said. “You see how well-prepared they are. You can find that in the Dominican Republic at one of the academies that major league baseball sponsors. But normally, a kid will not play on a field like this with the grass and field so level. That is the major difference.”
Ortega’s son, Carlos, ran over from third base between innings and shook hands with Felkamp as a team representative.
“Thanks a lot,” the younger Carlos said. “This will make us play better as a team.”
Sri Lanka’s players also have it difficult finding proper equipment in an island country where volleyball, cricket and soccer are more popular.
“We don’t have shops to buy most things,” said Nalaka Ambawatte, the general secretary and interpreter for Sri Lanka’s team. “Most of what we get are from donations from Japan and the U.S.”
Jack Felkamp receives a "thank you" from Carlos Ortega.
Sri Lanka finally arrived Wednesday after several snags in its travel plans, and when they arrived at Lippold Park Thursday, not all of the players had their own gloves or shoes. One player’s glove was held together with yarn and wire, until Bill Oeffling, the Glove Doctor who works a stand at the tournament, got a hold of it.
Tournament organizers said Oeffling worked his magic in a few minutes, handed the player back his glove and the boy looked as if he had found gold.
“There are no words to express how much we appreciate this,” Ambawatte said. “Thank you is not even enough.”
The Thunder won the game, 10-4, Friday afternoon at Veteran Acres, in a low-key, fun atmosphere. Thunder players batted from the opposite side, used a wood bat and didn’t take every extra base. The Sri Lankan players seemed thrilled just to be here.
“Baseball just bonds everyone together,” said Carolyn Schofield, an MCYSA board member who coordinated the bat kids for the tournament. “It is really neat to see, the common thing in baseball is there’s no barriers.”
Thursday, August 4, 2011
JUGS Football Passing Machine and Field General Football Machine
JUGS Field General™ will give you these quality features:
- Throws accurately up to 50 yards, allowing you to hit your receivers in stride, running any route in your playbook.
- Simulates punts with a hang time of over 5 seconds, allowing you to do drills that include both punt and punt return teams.
- Light-weight and portable—weighs less than 95 lbs.
- Comes with its own transport wheel. This makes the JUGS Field General™ easy to move to any spot on your practice field.
LeBron James comes to Tim Tebow’s defense on Twitter
In Denver they're dealing with a unique quarterback controversy.
Last year's starter, Kyle Orton, had a pretty solid year considering he was on a 4-12 team. But the guy he's competing against, well, is Tim Tebow. And Tebow has a certain je ne sais quoi that has endeared him to some and caused him to be reviled by others.
The weird situation is known simply as "The Tebow Thing." And it is very real. You can read about it in today's Sun-Times, in fact.
ESPN analyst Merril Hoge made it known in no certain terms which quarterback he believes should be handed the Broncos' reins.
"He is awful as far as accuracy goes and what's kind of even more disturbing, he's probably worse moving and running around with the football and throwing than he is from the pocket," Hoge said while discussing Tebow on "SportsCenter."
He piled on later, tweeting, "Sitting watching tape off bronco offense from last year! Orton or Tebow? It's embarrassing to think the broncos could win with tebow!!"
Tebow responded on with his own pithy tweet.
"Hey Merrill...... 'ppreciate that," he microblogged, breaking a nine-day stretch of Twitter darkness.
It didn't there, of course.
LeBron James decided to jump into the fray.
"Tim Tebow will succeed in the NFL," James tweeted. "He's a hard worker, a student of the game, a natural born leader and most of all a WINNER! It takes time and he'll be nice."
"Listened to Merril Hoge today on SC and he was just blasting Tebow," he continued. "The man hasn't even play a full season and its only his 2nd yr in. Guys get on that TV and act like they was all WORLD when they played. How bout encouraging him and wishing him the best instead of hating!!"
Not sure why, exactly, James is getting involved in this, but I bet Tebow is happy another public lightning rod has his back.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Last year's starter, Kyle Orton, had a pretty solid year considering he was on a 4-12 team. But the guy he's competing against, well, is Tim Tebow. And Tebow has a certain je ne sais quoi that has endeared him to some and caused him to be reviled by others.
The weird situation is known simply as "The Tebow Thing." And it is very real. You can read about it in today's Sun-Times, in fact.
ESPN analyst Merril Hoge made it known in no certain terms which quarterback he believes should be handed the Broncos' reins.
"He is awful as far as accuracy goes and what's kind of even more disturbing, he's probably worse moving and running around with the football and throwing than he is from the pocket," Hoge said while discussing Tebow on "SportsCenter."
He piled on later, tweeting, "Sitting watching tape off bronco offense from last year! Orton or Tebow? It's embarrassing to think the broncos could win with tebow!!"
Tebow responded on with his own pithy tweet.
"Hey Merrill...... 'ppreciate that," he microblogged, breaking a nine-day stretch of Twitter darkness.
It didn't there, of course.
LeBron James decided to jump into the fray.
"Tim Tebow will succeed in the NFL," James tweeted. "He's a hard worker, a student of the game, a natural born leader and most of all a WINNER! It takes time and he'll be nice."
"Listened to Merril Hoge today on SC and he was just blasting Tebow," he continued. "The man hasn't even play a full season and its only his 2nd yr in. Guys get on that TV and act like they was all WORLD when they played. How bout encouraging him and wishing him the best instead of hating!!"
Not sure why, exactly, James is getting involved in this, but I bet Tebow is happy another public lightning rod has his back.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
TCU 2012 Big East schedule released
CBSSports.com's Brett McMurphy spoke with TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte at Big East Media Day this week in regards to the program's future, particularly in the Big East. Del Conte spoke about head coach Gary Patterson'sopportunity to "create his own shadow" and the $105 million expansion and renovation to Amon Carter Stadium. The stadium construction is expected to be done in time for the 2012 season, which will kick off against Grambling Sept. 8.
Here's how the Horned Frogs first season in the Big East is shaping up:
HOME GAMES
Grambling
Oklahoma
Virginia
Cincinnati
Louisville
South Florida
West Virginia
ROAD GAMES
Pittsburgh
Connecticut
Rutgers
Syracuse
Seems pointless to try and predict how this schedule will look for the Horned Frogs seeing as we are still a season away, but we can do it anyway.
Connecticut, Rutgers, and Syracuse were picked 6,7, and 8 in the 2011 preseason media poll, so I find it difficult to foresee either of those teams quickly becoming big-time threats before 2012. Pittsburgh could certainly present a challenge, though much of the defense that is expected to dominate in 2011 will have graduated. I expect opportunity to host the rest of the possible Big East title contenders in a rowdy new stadium will benefit the Horned Frogs in their initial season as a league member.
Here's how the Horned Frogs first season in the Big East is shaping up:
HOME GAMES
Grambling
Oklahoma
Virginia
Cincinnati
Louisville
South Florida
West Virginia
ROAD GAMES
Pittsburgh
Connecticut
Rutgers
Syracuse
Seems pointless to try and predict how this schedule will look for the Horned Frogs seeing as we are still a season away, but we can do it anyway.
Connecticut, Rutgers, and Syracuse were picked 6,7, and 8 in the 2011 preseason media poll, so I find it difficult to foresee either of those teams quickly becoming big-time threats before 2012. Pittsburgh could certainly present a challenge, though much of the defense that is expected to dominate in 2011 will have graduated. I expect opportunity to host the rest of the possible Big East title contenders in a rowdy new stadium will benefit the Horned Frogs in their initial season as a league member.
Bubba Smith Dies at 66
Bubba Smith, an outsize presence in the National Football League who went on to a prolific career in television and the movies, was found dead on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 66.
The cause was not yet known, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said, adding, “There is no indication of anything other than natural death."
The 6-foot-7 (or possibly 6-foot-8), nearly 300-pound Smith, a defensive lineman, was the No. 1 draft pick for the Baltimore Colts in 1967. He spent nine seasons in the N.F.L., playing on two Pro Bowl teams, in 1970 and 1971. In 1971 he helped propel the Colts to a 16-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V.
Traded to the Oakland Raiders before the start of the 1972 season, Smith played two seasons with them before winding up his career with the Houston Oilers. He retired after the 1976 season.
Afterward, Smith made a career of playing rather large men on film and television. He was best known for his role as Moses Hightower, the mild-mannered florist-turned-lawman in the film comedy “Police Academy” (1984) and many of its sequels.
He starred in the short-lived TV crime series “Blue Thunder” (1984) and had roles on many other shows, including “Good Times,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Semi-Tough,” “Hart to Hart,” “Married With Children” and “Family Matters.”
He was also seen in a well-known series of Miller Lite commercials — “Tastes Great; Less Filling” — in the 1970s and ’80s.
Charles Aaron Smith, known since childhood as Bubba, was born in Beaumont, Tex., on Feb. 28, 1945. His father coached the high school football team on which he played; the elder man’s techniques, Bubba Smith told The New York Times in 1971, included whacking his son with a board he brought to the field for that purpose. What redeemed these episodes, the son said, was that “he didn’t holler.”
Smith played defensive end at Michigan State, where his size and prowess gave rise to the chant “Kill, Bubba, Kill,” which emanated frequently from the stands. He was named an all-American in 1965 and 1966.
As a senior, Smith took part in what came to be called the “game of the century” — one of several games so designated in the annals of college football — played at home against Notre Dame on Nov. 19, 1966. Smith sacked and knocked out Notre Dame quarterback Terry Hanratty in the first quarter, and the game ended in a 10-10 tie.
Smith was the author, with Hal DeWindt, of the book “Kill, Bubba, Kill!,” published by Simon & Schuster in 1983. In it, Smith intimated that Super Bowl III — in which his highly favored Colts lost to the upstart Jets under Joe Namath — was fixed, although he supplied no evidence. Smith’s assertion drew fire in the news media.
Information on Smith’s survivors was not available. (His brother Tody played for the Dallas Cowboys, the Oilers and the Buffalo Bills.)
Smith was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Michigan State retired his number, 95, in 2006.
For all his acclaim, Smith, drawing on the teachings of his father, was philosophical about his abilities.
“He taught us to be humble off the field,” Smith told The Times in 1969. “Inside, I’ve got to feel I’m the best, but if I tell you I’m the best, then I’m a fool.”
A version of this article appeared in print on August 4, 2011, on page B18 of the New York edition with the headline: Bubba Smith, N.F.L. Star And Actor, Is Dead at 66.
The cause was not yet known, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said, adding, “There is no indication of anything other than natural death."
The 6-foot-7 (or possibly 6-foot-8), nearly 300-pound Smith, a defensive lineman, was the No. 1 draft pick for the Baltimore Colts in 1967. He spent nine seasons in the N.F.L., playing on two Pro Bowl teams, in 1970 and 1971. In 1971 he helped propel the Colts to a 16-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V.
Traded to the Oakland Raiders before the start of the 1972 season, Smith played two seasons with them before winding up his career with the Houston Oilers. He retired after the 1976 season.
Afterward, Smith made a career of playing rather large men on film and television. He was best known for his role as Moses Hightower, the mild-mannered florist-turned-lawman in the film comedy “Police Academy” (1984) and many of its sequels.
He starred in the short-lived TV crime series “Blue Thunder” (1984) and had roles on many other shows, including “Good Times,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Semi-Tough,” “Hart to Hart,” “Married With Children” and “Family Matters.”
He was also seen in a well-known series of Miller Lite commercials — “Tastes Great; Less Filling” — in the 1970s and ’80s.
Charles Aaron Smith, known since childhood as Bubba, was born in Beaumont, Tex., on Feb. 28, 1945. His father coached the high school football team on which he played; the elder man’s techniques, Bubba Smith told The New York Times in 1971, included whacking his son with a board he brought to the field for that purpose. What redeemed these episodes, the son said, was that “he didn’t holler.”
Smith played defensive end at Michigan State, where his size and prowess gave rise to the chant “Kill, Bubba, Kill,” which emanated frequently from the stands. He was named an all-American in 1965 and 1966.
As a senior, Smith took part in what came to be called the “game of the century” — one of several games so designated in the annals of college football — played at home against Notre Dame on Nov. 19, 1966. Smith sacked and knocked out Notre Dame quarterback Terry Hanratty in the first quarter, and the game ended in a 10-10 tie.
Smith was the author, with Hal DeWindt, of the book “Kill, Bubba, Kill!,” published by Simon & Schuster in 1983. In it, Smith intimated that Super Bowl III — in which his highly favored Colts lost to the upstart Jets under Joe Namath — was fixed, although he supplied no evidence. Smith’s assertion drew fire in the news media.
Information on Smith’s survivors was not available. (His brother Tody played for the Dallas Cowboys, the Oilers and the Buffalo Bills.)
Smith was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Michigan State retired his number, 95, in 2006.
For all his acclaim, Smith, drawing on the teachings of his father, was philosophical about his abilities.
“He taught us to be humble off the field,” Smith told The Times in 1969. “Inside, I’ve got to feel I’m the best, but if I tell you I’m the best, then I’m a fool.”
A version of this article appeared in print on August 4, 2011, on page B18 of the New York edition with the headline: Bubba Smith, N.F.L. Star And Actor, Is Dead at 66.
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