Wizbang Sports: February 2009 Archives

Florida Panthers defenseman Nick Boynton sent home for disciplinary reasons

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 28, 2009

He was acquired in the Olli Jokinnnen deal. From the Sun-Sentinel- Panthers defenseman Nick Boynton was sent home by the team Friday and will miss the final three games of this trip because of disciplinary reasons, General Manager Jacques Martin said. Martin wouldn't provide any details, but said he plans... [Full Story]

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Albert Haynesworth gets 7-yr, $100M deal from Washington Redskins

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 27, 2009

The Tennessee Titans now have a big hole to fill on their defensive line. From AP- Albert Haynesworth walked into the front lobby of Redskins Park on the first day of free agency. After being congratulated by front office chief Vinny Cerrato, the All-Pro defensive tackle turned and introduced his... [Full Story]

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He's back- Martin Brodeur and NJ Devils shutout Colorado 4-0

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 27, 2009

It was his 99th whitewash of his career, and 3rd in elevens of a season he has mostly been absent from due to injury. From AP- Martin Brodeur recorded his 99th career regular-season shutout, making 24 saves in his first game since elbow surgery in early November and the New... [Full Story]

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Cleveland Browns trade tight end Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 27, 2009

After cutting five players two days ago, the Bucs fill a roster spot. From AP- The Cleveland Browns have traded talented and troublesome tight end Kellen Winslow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for undisclosed draft picks. Winslow's five years in Cleveland were marked by injuries and controversy. He missed most... [Full Story]

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North Korean female boxer loses title after skipping match

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 26, 2009

She won the super flyweight title back in 2007 A female North Korean boxer has been stripped of her international championship after missing a defense match for unspecified reasons, a South Korean official from the sporting body said Thursday. Ryu Myung-ok, 26, became super flyweight champion of the World Boxing... [Full Story]

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Two-time Olympic Champion boxer Guillermo Rigondeaux defects

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 25, 2009

He won Bantamweight gold medals in both 2000 and 2004. From AP- Former Olympic boxing champion Guillermo Rigondeaux defected to the United States, 18 months after he was kicked off the Cuba team as punishment for a previous defection attempt. Farah Colina said Tuesday her husband had no choice but... [Full Story]

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FBR out as PGA Tour sponsor

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 25, 2009

Could the PGA Tour be returning to the days of slimmer purses and tournaments without corporate sponsors? From ESPN- Commissioner Tim Finchem announced Tuesday that FBR has decided not to renew its contract after 2010 for the popular tournament outside Phoenix. "We've obviously had -- and are having -- some... [Full Story]

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NJ Devil Goalie Martin Brodeur to return to lineup this week

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 25, 2009

To make room on the roster for the future Hall of Famer, New Jersey demoted Scott Clemmensen. From ESPN- The New Jersey Devils have activated four-time Vezina Trophy winner Martin Brodeur from the injured reserve list, sending Scott Clemmensen back to their AHL affiliate in Lowell, Mass., despite his 25-13-1... [Full Story]

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Chess Grandmaster sets new game record

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 24, 2009

I've played over 100 correspondence chess games at once and avoided losing my mind. From AFP- Bulgarian grandmaster Kiril Georgiev managed to break the world record for the largest number of simultaneous chess games played, organisers said Monday. Georgiev played a total of 360 games simultaneously and wrapped up his... [Full Story]

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NY Rangers fire coach Tom Renney, hire John Tortorella

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 23, 2009 · Comments (1)

This marks the sixth time this year an NHL team fired their man behind the bench. From ESPN- Tom Renney was fired as coach of the New York Rangers on Monday and replaced by John Tortorella in an attempt to save a season that has spiraled out of control. The... [Full Story]

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Move over Michelle Wie Part V

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 22, 2009

Danny Lee just became the youngest winner in European Tour history U.S. Amateur champion Danny Lee birdied the final two holes for a 5-under 67 and a one-stroke victory Sunday in the Johnnie Walker Classic. The 18-year-old New Zealander, set to turn pro after the Masters, had a 17-under 271... [Full Story]

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Miami Dolphins re-sign tackle Vernon Carey

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 20, 2009

The fins look to be set at three of five offensive line positions for 2009. From the Sun-Sentinel- Right tackle Vernon Carey signed an extension that will allow the Miami native and former University of Miami standout to remain one of the bookends on the Miami Dolphins' offensive line opposite... [Full Story]

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Tiger Woods to return next week at Match Play

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 19, 2009

He's back. Eight months after winning the U.S. Open on one good leg, a healthy Tiger Woods is returning to golf. Woods said on his Web site Thursday that he will defend his title next week in the Accenture Match Play Championship, believing his reconstructed left knee and his game... [Full Story]

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Ottawa Senators' Daniel Alfredsson out with a fractured jaw

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 19, 2009

With 52 points for the season, Alfredsson is the Senators' leading scorer. From AP- The Ottawa Senators will be without Daniel Alfredsson for at least a week after their captain fractured his jaw during the team's 3-2 overtime loss Tuesday night in Colorado. The 36-year-old Swede was struck in the... [Full Story]

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Israeli Andy Ram allow to play in Dubai

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 19, 2009

Less than a week after denying Shahar Peer a visa, the UAE reverses course for one of her countrymen. Israeli tennis player Andy Ram will be allowed to play in a premier Dubai tennis tournament after the Arab country said it would permit the No. 7-ranked doubles player to enter... [Full Story]

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Oklahoma City Thunder rescind Tyson Chandler trade

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 19, 2009

A bad big left toe means he will have to return to New Orleans. From ESPN- Tyson Chandler missed the New Orleans Hornets' last 12 games before the All-Star break with a sprained left ankle. But that had nothing to do with why he failed his physical with the Oklahoma... [Full Story]

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NJ Nets Sean Williams arrested for trespassing

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 19, 2009

This is one of more interesting or quirky athlete gets arrested stories that I have seen of late. New Jersey Nets forward Sean Williams was arrested at Boston College last weekend for allegedly violating a no-trespassing order. The 22-year-old former BC player was arrested Sunday shortly before the Eagles played... [Full Story]

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Ken Griffey Jr. signs with Seattle Mariners

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 19, 2009

He returns to the organization that he started his professional baseball career with. From AP- Ken Griffey Jr. has decided to return to the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners announced the move Wednesday night. The 39-year-old star's contract is for one year and believed to be worth $2 million in base... [Full Story]

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Dallas Stars place Brad Richards on IR with fractured wrist

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 18, 2009

This is definitely a blow for the team's playoff hopes. From AP- Dallas Stars center Brad Richards was placed on injured reserve Tuesday because of a fractured right wrist. He could miss the rest of the regular season. Richards was hurt in the Stars' 3-2 shootout win at Columbus on... [Full Story]

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Florida Marlins extend Manager Fredi Gonzalez's contract through 2011

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 18, 2009

He took the fish to an 84-77 record and Sporting News National League Manager of year honors in 2008. From the Palm Beach Post- Then came an unexpected but welcome zinger from team President David Samson: The Marlins had signed manager Fredi Gonzalez to a two-year contract extension through 2011.... [Full Story]

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Davis Cup match to be played in empty arena

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 18, 2009

If no fans are allowed, who's to say it really happened? From AP- Sweden and Israel will play their first-round Davis Cup match in an empty arena next month because of security concerns. Several anti-Israeli demonstrations are planned during the best-of-five series, which will be played March 6-8 at the... [Full Story]

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Jim Bates- New Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive coordinator

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 18, 2009

He did his first ever press conference today- New Bucs defensive coordinator Jim Bates plans to uphold the standard set by Monte Kiffin -- if not improve upon it. Bates, 62, held his first news conference today since being hired to replace Kiffin Jan. 22. "I'd rather come in following... [Full Story]

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NY Giants Pro Bowl linebacker Brad Van Pelt dies of heart attack at 57

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 18, 2009 · Comments (1)

I remember Van Pelt very well. That in spite of my being a Jet fan. Most of my family were Met and Giant fans who hate the Yankees but were at worst indifferent about the Jets. That's how I felt and feel towards the Giants today and when Van Pelt... [Full Story]

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To hell with them- Florida whips New Jersey Devils 4-0

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 18, 2009

For the second time in a week, the Panthers scored an impressive shutout victory. Last week it took place in Carolina, where the cats won 5-0. Carolina is all right this year, that's about all. The win was significant for two reasons. 1 Florida rarely wins at Carolina. Just once... [Full Story]

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LPGA Sponsor charged with massive fraud by the SEC

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 17, 2009

Another tournament looks to be in trouble now. From AP- NEW YORK - Federal regulators on Tuesday charged Texas financier R. Allen Stanford and three of his firms with a "massive" fraud that centered around high-interest-rate certificates of deposit, and raided some of the companies' offices. In a complaint filed... [Full Story]

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New Orleans Saints cut RB Deuce McAllister

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 17, 2009 · Comments (1)

For the second time in two days, financial considerations cause an NFL team to cut loose one of its stars. The New Orleans Saints, as expected, parted ways with long-time running back Deuce McAllister by giving him his release Tuesday. McAllister's release comes one day after the Jacksonville Jaguars cut... [Full Story]

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Dubai tennis cites security fear in barring Israeli tennis player

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 17, 2009 · Comments (1)

This all started on Saturday when Shahar Peer who was supposed to begin play on Monday in the United Arab Emirates, was denied a visa. From ESPN- Organizers of a women's tennis tournament said Tuesday that security fears were behind the decision to bar an Israeli player ***** The snub... [Full Story]

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Jacksonville Jaguars release RB Fred Taylor

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 17, 2009

His 11,760 career rushing yards put among the top 20 in NFL history. From AP- Running back Fred Taylor wanted to end his career in Jacksonville, hoping to join the small list of standout players who spent an entire career with the same team. He won't get the chance. The... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/ (1 votes cast)

Phoenix Suns fire coach Terry Porter after 4 months on the job

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 16, 2009

He had a record of 28-23 before getting the axe. From AP- The Phoenix Suns have fired coach Terry Porter, just four months into his first season with the club and the sputtering team barely in playoff contention. Assistant Alvin Gentry was appointed interim coach. Phoenix (28-23) lost five of... [Full Story]

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Montreal Canadiens acquire Mathieu Schneider from Atlanta Thrashers

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 16, 2009

The trade brings him back to the NHL team he started his career with. From NHL.com- Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced today the acquisition of defenseman Mathieu Schneider from the Atlanta Thrashers, as well as a conditional draft pick from the Thrashers at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft,... [Full Story]

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Harness Driver Dave Palone celebrates birthday by driving 7 winnners

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 16, 2009

Were there seven birthday candles on his cake too? From Harnessracing.com- Dave Palone celebrated his 47th birthday in style on Friday at The Meadows, driving seven winners on the 14-race card, including a sweep of the three divisions of the Early Call, a late-closing series for 3- and 4-year-old filly... [Full Story]

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Dustin Johnson wins rain shortened AT&T Pebble Beach

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 16, 2009

I was so looking forward to some Monday golf. From AP- Some 40 hours after hitting his last shot, Dustin Johnson won the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Monday when rain created a small river through one fairway and flooded greens, forcing officials to cancel the final round. Johnson... [Full Story]

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Cincinnati Bengals 'franchise' placekicker Shayne Graham

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 16, 2009 · Comments (1)

He is the 4th most accurate kicker in NFL history. From ESPN- The Cincinnati Bengals have used their designated franchise tag, and it's not on the player some expected. On Monday, the team tagged kicker Shayne Graham for the 2009 season. Graham will be paid $2.483 million, the average salary... [Full Story]

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Pittsburgh Penguins fire coach Michel Therrien

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 15, 2009

He didn't even make it through a whole season after taking the team to the Stanley Cup finals. From AP- The Pittsburgh Penguins fired coach Michel Therrien on Sunday, less than a year after he led the team to the Stanley Cup finals. Dan Bylsma, coach of the team's AHL... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/ (1 votes cast)

Angela Stanford wins 2009 LPGA season opener

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 15, 2009

Her margin of victory at the SBS Open was three shots. Michelle Wie finished a clear 2nd. This was Angela's third win in her last seven LPGA starts. An argument can be made for her as the hottest golfer performance wise on tour at the moment. Michelle had a 3-shot... [Full Story]

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Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch arrested on gun charge

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 15, 2009

The 2008 NFL has barely ended, and its players are already getting in trouble. From AP- Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch was arrested in Southern California on a weapons charge, police said Sunday. Police said Lynch was arrested Wednesday night after officers approached him and two other men sitting... [Full Story]

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Dubai denies visa for Israeli tennis player

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 15, 2009 · Comments (4)

Shahar Peer is the 48th ranked player in the world. From AP- The top official in women's tennis reprimanded the United Arab Emirates on Sunday for blocking an Israeli player from a premier Dubai tournament, calling the decision to deny her a visa "regrettable." But the absence of Shahar Peer... [Full Story]

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Police cite Steelers kicker Jeff Reed for towel tantrum

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 15, 2009 · Comments (1)

Looks like the NFL Commissioner will be busy with disciplinary decisions in the off season. From AP- Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed is in trouble with the police over some towels, but not the Terrible kind waved by his fans. State police say Reed threw a temper tantrum at a... [Full Story]

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Former MLB Outfielder Ted Uhlaender dead at 68

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 15, 2009

I remember Uhlaender both from my extensive baseball watching as a youth, and later through the playing of past seasons of Strat-O-Matic. He was a very good defensive center fielder but offensively he wasn't all that good. After his playing career was over, Uhlaender remained in baseball working as a... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/ (1 votes cast)

Washington Capitals Mark Green sets new record for defensemen

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 15, 2009

The old record stood for 25 years. From NHL.com columnist John Kreiser- Mike Green and the Washington Capitals both got what they came for. Green set an NHL record for defensemen by scoring a goal in his eighth consecutive game, and the Caps left the St. Pete Times Forum with... [Full Story]

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Michelle Wie- Change of attitude

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 14, 2009

With 10 holes to go, Michelle Wie has a one shot lead over Angela Stanford. Stanford is in trouble on the par 5 9th hole. A two-shot swing could soon see Wie up by three. The SBS Open isn't over by any stretch of the imagination. I want to just... [Full Story]

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Former Los Angeles Clippers GM Baylor sues team, NBA

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 12, 2009

The Basketball Hall of Famer claims he was unceremoniously let go because of his age and race. From AP- Elgin Baylor, the former Los Angeles Clippers general manager who left the team last fall after 22 years, has sued the franchise, the NBA and team owner Donald Sterling alleging employment... [Full Story]

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Florida Panthers to play two games in Europe

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 12, 2009

Wouldn't it have been nicer to open the year after Panther's most successful season in a decade in front of its own fans? From the Sun-Sentinel- The Panthers will open the 2009-10 regular season in Europe. Team president Michael Yormark said Thursday the Panthers have accepted the NHL's invitation to... [Full Story]

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NY Islanders forward Doug Weight out six weeks with MCL sprain

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 12, 2009

Not much has gone right this year for my favorite hockey team of my youth. From Canadian Press- The New York Islanders will be without centre Doug Weight for six weeks the result of a knee injury. The Islanders placed Weight on the injured reserve list retroactive to Wednesday, when... [Full Story]

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The 2009 LPGA season begins today

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 12, 2009

The US Women's professional golf circuit tees it up for the first time at the SBS Open in Hawaii. The 2008 event was won by Annika Sorenstam who has since stepped away from the game. Also not in the field is World #1 ranked player Lorena Ochoa. The SBS field... [Full Story]

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Champions Tour player Jim Thorpe faces tax evasion charges

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: February 11, 2009 · Comments (1)

He is one of a small handful of African Americans to win on the PGA Tour. From the Tampa Tribune- Professional golfer Jim Thorpe is facing federal tax evasion charges, accused of failing to pay about $1.6 million owed to the federal government over three years. Thorpe, 59, of Heathrow,... [Full Story]

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