LeBron, Carmelo and Paul Drop Out of Global Tour

Photo credit: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

     LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul have dropped out of the World All-Star Classic. This tour contains six games, with trips to four different continents. The tour was going to start off on Sunday in San Juan, Puerto Rico and then make stops in London, Macau and Melbourne, Australia.
     Although Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Amare Stoudemire plan on playing in the Classic, the absence of these three superstars puts the tour in danger. More information on this issue can be found at this website.
     LeBron, Carmelo and Paul told reporter Chris Broussard that they wanted to take advantage of the NBA Lockout and spend more time with their families. The three said they made their decision together after talking about it throughout the past week.
     Oklahoma City's superstar Kevin Durant also told ESPN's Ric Bucher that he was considering not participating in the World All-Star Classic.
     However, this trio was not the first group of players to withdraw from the global tour. Chicago Bull's Derrick Rose who won the NBA Most Valuable Player award last year, and Oklahoma City Thunder's Russel Westbrook also pulled themselves out of the tour.
     Rose told reporters, "The scheduling was just too tough." Rose is currently involved in a basketball exhibition in Hawaii, and thought that dealing with both that and the Classic would be too hard on him.

Ben Rieden (Poptart)

World Series Game 6 Postponed

Photo courtesy: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

     The 6th game of the World Series was postponed because of rain. The rain was not expected to be light, so it was smart to postpone it for a while. The rain did start light, but turned into heavy showers later in time. The game, which is at St. Louis, is moved to Thursday, October 27th. The Rangers are ahead 3-2. The Cardinals manager planned to go see the movie, Moneyball. Moneyball is a suitable movie to watch, in my opinion, because it is about baseball and the manager of a baseball team is going to watch it. From the information in this article, it implies Micheal Young, a Ranger, is quite calm about not playing today and said he was going to rest and get ready. On the other hand, Lance Berkman, a Cardinals outfielder, states he doesn't understand why the game was canceled and said he was going to sit on a couch and watch a movie. Joe Torre asked the question, "Do you want to play in rain?" If i had to answer that question, I would say no. Even though both teams are very prepared ready to play, rain would be considered an added variable of abnormal conditions to the game of baseball that is supposed to be played dry. Light sprinkles of water may be reasonable, but definitely not the heavy rain that occurred. For more information please go to this article.

By Chopsticks (Ben Y)

Big 12 Puts Expansion to a Halt for West Virginia

Rob Carr/Getty Images
West Virginia QB Geno Smith

        West Virginia was ready to talk. They had a press conference set up, with everything in order. Then the Big 12 brought it to a screeching halt. The Big 12 stated that they wanted to wait for Missouri to officially leave before West Virginia could be accepted. Before, the Big 12 said they would accept West Virginia, regardless of what Missouri is doing but after some political pressure, this has been taken back. U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell lobbied for Louisville to be included in the expansion of the Big 12, instead of West Virginia. The West Virginian senators have been up in arms about this, saying that it is unethical and there should be an investigation in order to find out if anything may be going on in secret.
        Some believe that the Big 12 should accept both West Virginia AND Louisville. This way, if Missouri leaves the Big 12, the conference will in fact have twelve teams, with the other addition of TCU. This athletic debate has become political, and sports issues don't work out so well when they become political, such as when SMU received the "death penalty". I hope that they will be able to come to some sort of agreement, or else this is going to be ugly.

To read more about the story click here.

By Taco (Myka)

Robin Van Persie scores a hat trick

Photo Credits to: Getty Images

Robin Van Persie scored a hat trick as Arsenal won 5-3 Saturday and made Chelsea’s nightmare of a week worse. Van Persie is an excellent player he is one of Arsenals best players. Van Persie’s hat trick includes two out of the three goals in the last seven minutes, breaking a 3-3 tie. Andre Santos and Theo Walcott also scored for Arsenal. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says, “We knew that we needed to win here and kept going to win the game.” He also says, “Overall I feel that they had a good team performance and they have shown great spirit. We gave too many chances away in the first half. But we always looked dangerous through the whole game and I hope the team strengthens its belief with a performance like that to focus on getting stronger and stronger.” Van Persie was very happy and excited form his hat trick he says, “You could see how happy we are at the end because we fought hard and every one of us showed character,” “It's a big, big win for us today.”
Chelsea lead twice after goals from Frank Lampard, and John Terry and Juan Mata’s goal in the 80th minute tied it. The last time that Chelsea gave up five goals at home in a league match was in 1989.For more information on this click here

By Burrito(Kevin Guzman) 

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 -Ben Rieden from Pick Six Blog

The Rangers Strike Back

Original website.

     The Texas Rangers have returned to the World Series for the second year in a row. After losing to the San Francisco Giants last year, the Rangers are hoping for a better outcome against the St. Louis Cardinals. 

     They did not get off to a good start, losing 3-2 in the first game. The game was tied 2-2 going into the bottom of the   sixth inning. But then Allen Craig came up to bat with two runners on base. He drove a tailing line drive into right field very close to the foul line. Ranger's right fielder Nelson Cruz sprinted as fast as he could to catch the ball, but it was not enough. The ball dropped and the Cardinals went up 3-2, a score that would not change throughout the rest of the game.

     The starting and winning pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals was Chris Carpenter, and the closing pitcher was Jason Motte, who earned the save. The losing pitcher for the Texas Rangers was C.J. Wilson.

Please comment on my post below in the comment section.

PopTart (Ben Rieden)

Barcelona Sets A Club Record

Photo Credit to: Getty Images

Barcelona set a club record by extending its unbeaten streak at the start of the season to 13 games with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republics Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, Fernando Torres scored twice for Chelsea in a 5-0 rout on Wednesday night. Andres Iniesta scored 10 minutes in the game at Camp Nou (Barcelona’s home stadium) in a give-and go play off Lionel Messi. David Villa scored another goal in the 82nd for the defending champions. Barcelona during the game had a 78 percent of possession and improved to 9-0-4 in all of their competitions.

David villa says, “The ball just didn't want to go in the net today” “We shot 16 times and could have won 5-0.”

          Barcelona's last team mark for the longest unbeaten start was with a 10-0-2 record two years ago.  It is not a surprise that Barcelona has this amazing record because they have talented players. Coach Plzen says, “I said before the game that we had to stop Messi, Iniesta and Xavi.”As far as their individual talent goes, they are the best in the world. I would say they are perfection." Everyone thinks that Barcelona has the most talented players in the world. 

For more information click here

By Burrito (Kevin Guzman)  

F1 Car Racer Dan Wheldon Dies in Horrific Accident

        It has been a sad week for Formula One racing. On Sunday, a race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, that was supposed to end the season, turned into a fiery explosion, as a 15 car pileup erupted on the track. Wheldon was in the back as the crash occurred. As Wheldon was being airlifted to the hospital he passed away at the age of 33. The race was put on hold after the crash and once the news that Wheldon had passed was heard, the drivers drove five laps in honor of Wheldon. Wheldon died of blunt head trauma.

Photograph: Nick Laham/Getty Images
Dan Wheldon after winning the 2011 Indy 500

        Wheldon was one of the most successful drivers in formula one racing. He won the Indy 500, the most important race in F1, twice. Dario Franchitti, another F1 driver, said "I lost, we lost, a good friend. Everybody in the IndyCar series considered him a friend. He was such a good guy. He was a charmer."
        This has some people wondering if the oval tracks are safe to use. Even NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson said "Those cars are going so fast and get airborne frequently, I wouldn't run them on ovals." The oval tracks have sharper turns and could create more room for error. Either way, it is a sad week for sports in general.


To learn more about Wheldon and the crash, click here.

By Taco (Myka) 

NBA Players May Go On Exbihition Tour

David Stern on left and Billy Hunter on right.
Photo courtesy: Provided by Getty Images

     As most people know, there is an NBA lockout. NBA commissioner,David Stern, and players' union executive, Billy Hunter meet to try and resolve the lockout. Some of the NBA's finest players such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Rajon Rondo, Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook, Carlos Boozer, Paul Pierce and Kevin Love are expected to go on this two week, six games, and four continent tour. The person who has been putting together this tour for around 3 months, Calvin Darden, has signed contracts from Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Blake Griffin, Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce. Blake Griffin is questionable about going on the tour because he suffered a cut on his foot. The tour is supposed to begin October 30 and end November 9. The games will take place at Puerto Rico, London, Macau, and Australia. Each game will be at an arena that can hold a decent amount of people. Darden said the games might broadcast in the U.S. The players will be paid a good amount and some of the money will go to charities. I think this would be good and exciting to the fans. The fans finally get to see some sort of NBA basketball action. Though not official competition, it will still excite the fans. For more information on this tour, please go to this article.

By Chopsticks(Ben Y)

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has extended his contract with Man U

            

     GettyImagesJavier Hernandez joined Man Utd from Guadalajara

         Striker Javier Hernandez also known as chicharito has extended his contract with Manchester United for another five years. Hernandez has made a huge impact in Manchester United with him scoring 20 goals in all competitions, and now Manchester United has rewarded him with a long-term deal. This contract was good for both Manchester and Hernandez because it enables them both to see if they could fit well together and if he could achieve what was expected of him. Both of them meet their expectations and United were very happy to reward Hernandez after his great performance last season.  

            Getting his contract for five years is great for him it shows Manchester United that he really cares about the team and is dedicated to the team. Manchester United really likes him for all his hard work he has put in last season. Hernandez may not be getting paid as much as Rooney or Nani, but he is still satisfied with the money he is receiving. “For Hernandez to renew his contract with Manchester United was not a surprise?” said Real Madrid coach. Hernandez is one of the more successful Mexican players because many of them only play in Mexico and Hernandez does not. 

Click here for more information here

- Burrito( Kevin Guzman) 

The Red River Rivalry in Pictures

Even though Texas was blown away by the Sooners, 55-17, the fair was still fun to go to, as well as the overall experience. Here are some pictures that I took from the game that could highlight the experience I had. 

Here is the ticket for the game. It was very fancy (and expensive)! The seat was way up in the mezzanine section, and was by the endzone. I'm excited!

Here is the set of the ESPN show, College Gameday. The four hosts, Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, and Desmond Howard, are talking about football under the white tent. The show is being aired for the audience on the orange jumbo screen. Lee Corso would later pick OU to win. People are pumped!

Here is the Cotton Bowl, where the big game will happen. This is also where the Cotton Bowl bowl game is played. There's been many historic games played here.

 Here is the view of the stadium from my seat. Notice that one side of the stadium is burnt orange while one side, is red. However, there were quite a few red people that managed to get tickets on the burnt orange side.

The Showband of the Southwest takes the field as the Texas flag is displayed. Marching band!

The players are warming up and ready to play!

Fast forward to the end of the game. Texas has lost 55-17. My cousin (shown here) and I, feeling depressed, decide to leave, and just as we are about to reach the concourse, rowdy Oklahoma fans decide to dump trash on the lower rows, landing right on us (and other people too). Here you can still see bits of trash confetti on her back.

Well, the game may not have gone in Texas' favor, but it was still an interesting experience to have. Let's hope Texas can step it up for Oklahoma State this week!

Photos and captions by Taco (Myka)

Rangers and Tigers Meet in ALCS

Website; Credit: AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

     The Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers have met in the American League Championship Series, also know as the ALCS. The winner of this best-of-7 series will advance to the World Series, to determine the best baseball team in the Major League Baseball.
     The first game was played on October 8, and the Rangers won the game 3-2. Nelson Cruz of the Rangers broke a postseason slump by hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning.
     The second game was played on October 9, but got postponed to the 10th because of the rain. The game was tied 3-3 at the end of the game, so it proceeded into extra innings. In the bottom of the 11th inning, the bases were loaded and Nelson Cruz hit a walk-off grand slam to give the Rangers the 7-3 win.
     The third game was played on October 11. Detroit knew that being down 2-0 against the Rangers, they needed to win this game to still have a chance of advancing to the World Series. And indeed they did, having their first baseman, Miguel Cabrera, coming up big. Cabrera hit a home run and a tie-breaking double to carry the Tigers over the Rangers for a 5-2 victory.
     The fourth game of the series will be played tonight, with The Rangers up in the series 2-1.

Ben Rieden-Poptart

2015 Super Bowl in Arizona

Cardinal Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo courtesy:(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

     This will be the third time Arizona will host the Super Bowl, but this time it is the 49th Super Bowl. Glendale, Arizona beat its only competition, Tampa, Florida. Since neither Arizona nor Florida reached the required 24 out of 36 votes on the first ballot, the second ballot will determine the winner by majority rule.  The winner was Arizona. Weather wasn't an effect on the decision, but the February weather is quite nice with 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The Super Bowl of 2014, which is in East Rutherford, New York, will have very cold weather. By cold weather, I mean the predicted temperature will be 31 degrees Fahrenheit. The Glendale stadium, in my opinion, is one of the best. The stadium has a cool and sleek look to it and of course, a cardinal on it, too. The grass is real, unlike the turf we use at Burger Stadium, but it is a professional field. The roof is retractable to let sunlight in, and one of the main purposes of the real grass. Another reason the grass is still real is that the actual field can move outside of the stadium, and some people will water the grass, and nurture it. For more information on the 2015 Super Bowl, please go here.

By Chopsticks (Ben Y)

Mourinho banned for hitting Barca coach's eye

Photo Credit to: Reuters/Andrea Comas

Jose Mourinho the head coach of one of Spain’ best teams Real Madrid has been banned from the sidelines for two games. He has been suspended for two games because he poked the eye of Barcelona’s assistant Tito Vilanova at the end of the second leg of the Spanish Super cup in August, but Vilanova slapped Mourinho in return.Vilanova was only suspended for one game.  Both of them where given a 600 euro fine (800 US dollars). Both leagues’ where also fined Real Madrid was fined 180 Euros (240 US dollars), Barcelona was fined 90 Euros (90 US dollars). This suspension only applies to the Super Cup games not the other domestic matches. Barcelona said they would not report Mourinho for his actions but the Spanish federation intervened. During this brawl three soccer players where also dismissed form the game these players where duo Marcelo, Mezut Ozil and Barca’s David Villa.

            Jose Mourinho was suspended for five matches last year in the UEFA Champions league semi-final against Barcelona for his verbal out burst during the game. In this game he was fined 50,000 Euros (66,700 dollars). Mourinho is really competitive when his team is playing against his biggest rival Barcelona. All of this competiveness leads to fighting with the other team and getting band from games.  

For more info. check out CNN article here  

By Burrito(Kevin Guzman)   

Rangers Advance to the ALCS



J. Meric/Getty Images
Beltre runs down the 3rd base line after hitting his third home
run, while a cameraman falls trying to keep up with him.



     The Rangers have beaten the Tampa Bay Rays, in a rematch of last year's ALDS. The Rangers, who were last year's American League Champions, are advancing to the ALCS for the second year in a row after winning the series 3-1.  The Rangers have Adrian Beltre to thank for the 4-3 win. Beltre carried the Rangers with his three home runs in the second, fourth, and seventh innings. Ian Kinsler also hit a homer in the first inning that gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead. Tampa Bay tried to come back, scoring runs in the second, fourth, and even in the ninth inning, but came up empty handed. Beltre, who was signed by the Rangers in the offseason, had been only 1-for-11 in his 12 previous at bats. "I think besides my first big league hit, this is right up there," said Beltre about the importance of his homers.

     The Rangers will now play the winner of the Detroit Tigers-New York Yankees series. Last year, the Rangers beat the Yankees in the ALCS to advance to the World Series. However, they lost to the San Francisco Giants and had to settle for AL Champions.

For more info. check out this ESPN article here.

By Taco (Myka Rodriguez)

Kobe Bryant Gets Knee Procedure

Kobe Bryant with bandages around his knee.

Thanks: Photo by Otto Greule Jr | Getty Images

Kobe Bryant, a well-known and famous basketball player for the Lakers, has weakened knees.  The weak knees are caused by damages in some areas of the knee that lost some cartilage.  Do not get it confused with arthritis because Kobe doesn't have that.  To strengthen his knees, he went to Germany to receive a procedure called platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP.)  This procedure is when the surgeon injects platelets into the damaged area.  The platelets help growth of new tissues and that will help Kobe's knees.  The U.S. also does this PRP treatment, but there is controversy the therapy.  Kobe went to Germany because they are more confident about it.  But for those who think what Kobe did is wrong, then that's your opinion.  Since Kobe is not getting any younger,  he will face many problems in older age.  I do hope Kobe is able to play until he is not able due to age, and i bet a lot of other people do to, even people who aren't fans.  I guess it would be human emotion; I mean fans of other basketball teams wouldn't want a player not to play, they would just want to see their "enemies" be destroyed.  More information at the article at NBC sports.

By Chopsticks (Ben Y.)

Opinion Piece Leads

Narrative/anecdote: Now people are arguing that college football players should be paid. But, they are not being paid because some people believe that with them only getting their education paid is good enough and that they do not deserve more than this. Even the South Carolina coach thinks the players should be given money, at least 300 per game.

Question: Why aren't college players getting paid? People argue that college players should not get paid because they are getting a free education already. They believe that if players get paid a certain amount of money that next season they will want to be asking for more money, and it will eventually end up like the NFL.

Direct address lead: If you are one of the people that thinks college footballs players should not get paid, you may find yourself frequently be thinking they do not need that much money, but you do not realize that many people are against you.

Comment down below on which lead should be used.

By Burrito (Kevin Guzman) 

Opinion Piece Leads

Compare and Contrast

Since 1894, Texas A&M University and The University of Texas’ football teams have played in a long storied rivalry. Each year they both fight to represent Texas as the state’s flagship university. It is a common fact that UT and TAMU have one of the biggest rivalries in college sports. Texas says goodbye to A&M in “Texas Fight” while A&M spends the majority of “Aggie War Hymn” insulting Texas  and chanting how they will “saw Varsity’s horns off”.  Needless to say, there are years of tradition that have gone into the “Lone Star Showdown”, as it has now been called. However, the 117 years that have gone into this tradition could be in serious jeopardy if UT and TAMU are separated due to TAMU moving to the SEC. Texas A&M is not helping themselves by moving to the Southeastern Conference.

Startling Information

Five- that is the number of years in a row the Southeastern Conference has been the football BCS National Champions. From 2006-2011, they have been the best, and they are looking for another championship this year. 1939- that was the last, and only time Texas A&M has been named football national champions. Three- that is the number of total football championships the Big 12 conference has ever won. Texas A&M is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, but their only conference champion title came in 1998, and their only Big 12 South titles came in 1997 and 1998. Texas A&M is about to join the best conference in college football. However, how can they compete against the the likes of Florida, Alabama, Auburn, or LSU, when they can’t even compete in their own conference? Texas A&M is not helping themselves by moving to the Southeastern Conference.

Direct Question

If you have any knowledge about the Big 12 Conference, you know that there are currently four school from the state of Texas that are members. The University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University,and Baylor University all fight the other six teams in the the Big 12 to be the champion and to represent Texas. If you know anything about college sports, you know that UT  and TAMU are the best teams out of all of them, with 48 total national team championships for Texas, and 14 for TAMU. Baylor and Texas Tech are alright with being against UT because unlike them, Baylor only has two national team championships, while Tech only has one. The fact that they get to play such good teams is a plus for their sports programs. However, as you probably know, the doom of the Big 12 separating is a big fear for the smaller schools, because there is the chance that they will not get picked up by another conference. These smaller teams are angry about TAMU leaving the Big 12, to join the SEC. TAMU is risking their relations with other schools by joining the SEC. TAMU is not helping themselves by moving to the SEC.

By Taco (Myka Rodriguez)

NBA 2011-2012 Season to be Shortened?

Image from here.

     Ever since July 1 of this year, the NBA has been in a lockout. The players and the owners cannot agree on their financial positions. Both sides had hoped to come to an agreement by the start of the 2011-2012 season, but not enough progress has been made. In fact, if an agreement is not made by this next Monday, October 10th, then the first two weeks of the NBA season will be removed.
     Last year, when the agreement expired, the players had received the higher end of the deal, receiving 57 percent of the income made from their basketball club. The owners, only receiving 43 percent, offered 47 percent of the income to go to the players, but the players rejected this offer. The players offer was that they would receive 53 percent of the income, giving the owners over 1 billion dollars in difference between the agreement the year before. However, the owners did not accept this offer either, offering a lower amount for the players again.
     Right now, it just doesn't seem like the lockout is going in a good direction. The players and the owners do not agree and are definitely not on the right page.

Please post your comments down below.

By Pop-Tart (Ben Rieden)

Leads for Opinion Piece

Narrative/Anecdote Lead - For years, football fans have argued that the Heisman Trophy winner should be announced after the Bowl games. However, the Heisman Trophy was meant to be a regular season trophy, and having it before the Bowl games keeps the voting focused on the regular season rather than only on the last game. In 2005, Vince Young would have won the Heisman Trophy if the winner was announced after the Bowl games because he had a better National Championship performance than the opposing Reggie Bush. But Reggie Bush still won the trophy because he was a better player overall throughout the entire season.

Question - Why is the Heisman Trophy winner announced before the Bowl games instead of after them? The Heisman Trophy is meant to be given to the player who performed the best throughout the regular season. If the winner was announced after the Bowl games, many voters would focus on the performance of the players in only their final game, completely ruining the idea of having a regular season trophy.

Twist - Ever since 1974, the final national rankings have come after the Bowl games. Ever since 2002, a player's  postseason statistics have counted towards his career totals. These changes have made the Bowl games more part of the regular season. Some have argued that this should also mean the Heisman Trophy should be announced after the Bowl games. This is wrong. A player could have an amazing season and not win the trophy because he did poorly in his final game.

Comment down below on which lead should be used.

By Pop-Tart (Ben Rieden)

Leads

Contrast and Compare Lead- Famous boxers had the fame and the fortune.  They were thought of as tough and strong people with a lot of endurance.  Back in the twentieth-century, that is.  Boxers are still like that, but  now something Bruce Lee contributed to, named MMA, is the new "boxing".  With more than punches, MMA is the new sport.

Narrative/Anecdote Lead-  Punches are thrown, and kicks are released.  In the octagon, two people are going at it.  First, the plan in their heads are mysterious, but eventually you will see that the fighter on the left will fake a left jab and round house kick his opponent in the kidney on the left side of the body.  The fighter on the left is in the situation, but blocks the left and catches the kick.  He swipes the left fighter's left leg and brings him down to the ground.  Lastly, the fighter on the right ends the fight with a leg bar with the fighter on the left tapping out.  This is not a brawl, this is MMA.

Question Lead-  What is MMA?  MMA is not boxing, and it isn't street fighting. It is just an acronym for Mixed Martial Arts, a sport.  Many people would think,"Oh, isn't that boxing?" or something along those lines, but it isn't.  It is more complex than boxing by the amount of moves and strategies one may use to win.  It is more than punches, it is more than kicks, it is the ultimate fighting sport.

Please comment on which one should be used.

By Chopsticks (Ben Yang)