http://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/SportsFind stories, videos, and photos about Sports from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:07:37 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/1.0/logo/cnn.logo.rss.gifhttp://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Sports14433Find stories, videos, and photos about Sports from CNN.com.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/michael_rosenberg/11/25/lions/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/michael_rosenberg/11/25/lions/index.htmlThis is the week for two storied NFL traditions: the Lions playing on Thanksgiving, and people complaining about the Lions playing on Thanksgiving.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:17:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/25/mets.coaches.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/25/mets.coaches.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- The Mets will have a different look next season -- both in the dugout and on the field.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:48:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tom_bowles/11/23/Hendrick.dominance/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tom_bowles/11/23/Hendrick.dominance/index.htmlRick Hendrick's silver anniversary in NASCAR is now officially his most successful, a dynasty unmatched in racing. With Jimmie Johnson's fourth straight title, it's the fifth for the organization this decade and ninth overall, tying the sport's all-time record for car owners. And with Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon finishing second and third in the standings, respectively, it's the first time in the history of the sport one man has stood alone with three teams atop the Cup Series podium.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:30:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/24/concussion.chair.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/24/concussion.chair.ap/index.htmlCommissioner Roger Goodell sent a wide-ranging memo about concussions to NFL teams Tuesday, saying the co-chairmen of the league's committee on brain injuries have resigned and that he is examining potential rule changes "to reduce head impacts."Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:34:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/24/nl.mvp.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/24/nl.mvp.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- Albert Pujols' third National League MVP award put him in select company. Only Barry Bonds has more.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:26:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/24/pollin.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/24/pollin.ap/index.htmlWASHINGTON (AP) -- Abe Pollin was the NBA's patriarch, an old-school school owner who won a championship and had the mettle to stand up to Michael Jordan. He introduced luxury boxes and the large replay screen to big-time professional sports. He used to have 3-point shooting contests with Wes Unseld.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:12:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luke_winn/11/24/espn.tournaments/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luke_winn/11/24/espn.tournaments/index.htmlOn a week when we can be thankful that ESPN networks are televising more than 50 hours of college basketball, let us consider the way this came about. In January 2006, the NCAA made two moves that it knew would precipitate a boom in the number of early-season tournaments, or "multi-team events," on the November-December landscape. It repealed the "two-in-four" rule that kept teams from playing in multi-team events more than twice in any four-year span, and, in a less-publicized rule change, eliminated the events' certification process, which had required operators to provide detailed financial information to the NCAA and have the school or conference sponsoring the event be responsible for selecting the field.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:02:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/24/feds.drug.list.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/24/feds.drug.list.ap/index.htmlSAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Solicitor General Elena Kagan asked for an unprecedented reconsideration of an appeals court ruling that government agents illegally seized drug-testing samples and records of Major League Baseball players who allegedly tested positive for steroids in 2003.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:29:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/darren_eliot/11/24/coaching.turnarounds/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/darren_eliot/11/24/coaching.turnarounds/index.htmlIn this era of instant access and gratification, how much time is enough when it comes to coaches taking over a team and getting results?Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:50:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/24/bills/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/24/bills/index.htmlBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- The Buffalo Bills consider two-time Super Bowl-winner Mike Shanahan a legitimate candidate to be their next head coach.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:33:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/11/24/obit.pollin/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/11/24/obit.pollin/index.html#cnnSTCTextAbe Pollin, the longtime owner of the Washington Wizards professional basketball franchise, has died, the Wizards said Tuesday. He was 85.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:27:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/michael_farber/11/24/minnesota.wild/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/michael_farber/11/24/minnesota.wild/index.htmlThe current State of Hockey is suspended animation.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:48:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/19/king.sportsman/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/19/king.sportsman/index.htmlSports Illustrated will announce its choice for Sportsman of the Year on Nov. 30. Here's one of the nominations for that honor by an SI writer.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:11:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/13/reiter.sportsman/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/13/reiter.sportsman/index.htmlSports Illustrated will announce its choice for Sportsman of the Year on Nov. 30. Here's one of the nominations for that honor by an SI writer.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:08:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/09/beech.sportsman/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/09/beech.sportsman/index.htmlSports Illustrated will announce its choice for Sportsman of the Year on Nov. 30. Here's one of the nominations for that honor by an SI writer. There's something to be said for perfection. Horse racing fans got to see it twice this year, in undefeated campaigns by the 5-year-old mare Zenyatta (who has won all 14 of her starts) and the 3-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra (who won all eight of her starts as a 3-year-old). Both horses are champions, and both will go down in the record books alongside the greatest horses of their gender -- horses such as Twilight Tear, daughter of legendary stallion Bull Lea, who won 11 straight races in 1944 to become the first filly to be voted Horse of the Year, and the great Personal Ensign, who caught Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors at the wire in the 1988 Breeders' Cup Distaff to become the first major horse in 80 years to retire undefeated. For everybody who says that thoroughbred racing cannot produce a star outside of the Triple Crown, itTue, 24 Nov 2009 21:08:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/03/chen.sportsman/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/03/chen.sportsman/index.htmlSports Illustrated will announce its choice for Sportsman of the Year on Nov. 30. Here's one of the nominations for that honor by an SI writer. Now this was The Greatest Match Ever: All England Club, Gentlemen's final, King Federer vs. The Everyman with the 145 mph serve. After the afternoon shadows had overtaken Centre Court, after the longest fifth set in the history of the tournament was over and the breathtaking four-hour, 16-minute epic had come to an end, Roger Federer put on the white jacket embroidered with the gold 15 like an emperor slipping on his cloak. Federer had won more Grand Slam singles titles than any player in history. Yet, the better story on that July afternoon belonged to the loser, because there had never been a loser that more deserved to win than Andy Roddick at Wimbledon.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:06:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/10/30/wertheim.silva/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/10/30/wertheim.silva/index.htmlSports Illustrated will announce its choice for Sportsman of the Year on Nov. 30. Here's one of the nominations for that honor by an SI writer. You love mixed martial arts. No, you hate mixed martial arts. It's the hottest, rawest, awesomest sport going, a video game come to life, the main cause of boxing's death spiral. No, it's legalized assault and battery, an affront to civilization, the Church of the Lowest Common Denominator. As mixed martial arts -- and the UFC in particular -- continue to grow, it also continues to polarize. And both sides are, of course, entitled to their opinion.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:05:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/03/murphy.sportsman/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/03/murphy.sportsman/index.htmlSports Illustrated will announce its choice for Sportsman of the Year on Nov. 30. Here's one of the nominations for that honor by an SI writer.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:04:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/10/30/hack.sportsman/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/10/30/hack.sportsman/index.htmlSports Illustrated will announce its choice for Sportsman of the Year on Nov. 30. Here's one of the nominations for that honor by an SI writer.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:58:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/23/klitschkos.sportsman/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/sportsman/2009/11/23/klitschkos.sportsman/index.htmlSports Illustrated will announce its choice for Sportsman of the Year on Nov. 30. Here's one of the nominations for that honor by an SI writer.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:53:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/hockey/nhl/11/24/toskala.toronto.moves.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/hockey/nhl/11/24/toskala.toronto.moves.ap/index.htmlTORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed goalie Vesa Toskala and forward John Mitchell on injured reserve and recalled goalie Joey MacDonald and forward Christian Hanson on Tuesday.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:04:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/24/bucs.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/24/bucs.ap/index.htmlTAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris will call defensive plays for the Buccaneers after demoting defensive coordinator Jim Bates following a 1-9 start.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:22:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/24/joe.mauer/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/24/joe.mauer/index.htmlSo, it looks like I spent another sports year feeling pre-agitated about things that did not come especially close to happening. Zack Greinke won the Cy Young Award ... he won it rather easily. There was no sudden and overpowering push to get Jack Morris into the Hall of Fame while Bert Blyleven writhes in baseball limbo. The Cleveland Browns did not hire Eric Mangini.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:16:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/24/roundtable/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/24/roundtable/index.htmlFour SI.com writers analyze the latest news and address hot topics from around the NBA each week. (All stats and records are through Nov. 23.)Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:49:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ann_killion/11/24/concussions/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ann_killion/11/24/concussions/index.htmlThe NFL took a small step forward from its customary stance of denial and obfuscation on the issue of brain injuries.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:59:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/24/mail/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/24/mail/index.htmlHappy Thanksgiving Week, all. Our family will celebrate in Seattle with both daughters (hooray!), and I hope all of you have a good time eating, watching football, and giving thanks for having such a wonderful NFL columnist in your lives. You know, me.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:54:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/24/things/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/24/things/index.htmlBeing two days shy of Thanksgiving means there's only six short weeks left in the NFL's regular season. The clock is ticking, so here are some things you need to know as we stare down the stretch run to the playoffs....Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:47:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/john_lopez/11/24/titans.texans/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/john_lopez/11/24/titans.texans/index.htmlLessons we learned from the Titans' 20-17 win over the Texans on Monday night at Reliant Stadium ...Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:22:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/mangini.fake.injuries.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/mangini.fake.injuries.ap/index.htmlBEREA, Ohio (AP) -- There were pump fakes and faked handoffs in Sunday's game between the Browns and Lions.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:28:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/silverdome.sale.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/silverdome.sale.ap/index.htmlPONTIAC, Mich. (AP) -- A judge cleared the way Monday for a Canadian company to pay $583,000 for the Pontiac Silverdome, built for $55.7 million in 1975 to house the NFL's Detroit Lions.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:07:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/11/23/all.big.ten.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/11/23/all.big.ten.ap/index.htmlPARK RIDGE, Ill. (AP) -- Wisconsin running back John Clay, who leads the Big Ten in rushing, was chosen Monday as the conference's offensive player of the year.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:55:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/yankees.world.series.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/yankees.world.series.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman stood a few feet from each other on the red carpet near the World Series trophy, wearing blue jeans and sports jackets without ties. They were dressed for success, if not for a gala.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:35:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/red.sox.hale.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/red.sox.hale.ap/index.htmlBOSTON (AP) -- DeMarlo Hale is the new bench coach for the Boston Red Sox under manager Terry Francona.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:04:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/mariners.griffey.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/mariners.griffey.ap/index.htmlSEATTLE (AP) -- Ken Griffey Jr. is being rewarded for his leadership and seniority.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:53:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/bulger.broken.leg.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/bulger.broken.leg.ap/index.htmlST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger will be sidelined 3-6 weeks with a fractured left leg sustained in Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:05:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/bruce_martin/11/23/seasonwrap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/bruce_martin/11/23/seasonwrap/index.htmlHOMESTEAD, Fla. -- There may still be confetti floating in the South Florida air after Jimmie Johnson's championship celebration Sunday night, but in this "full-speed ahead" sport of NASCAR, nothing ever comes to a complete stop. That's just the way NASCAR Chairman Brian France wants it.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:40:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/nfl.concussions.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/nfl.concussions.ap/index.htmlWASHINGTON (AP) -- The NFL and its players union have approved independent doctors to evaluate head injuries for about half of the league's 32 teams as part of a new program.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:02:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/bills.wood.leg.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/bills.wood.leg.ap/index.htmlORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- A day later, Perry Fewell shuddered when recalling how difficult it was seeing Bills rookie guard Eric Wood writhing in pain on the field after breaking two bones in his left leg.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:48:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jerome_bettis/11/23/lions.ravens.cutler/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jerome_bettis/11/23/lions.ravens.cutler/index.html• Every Thanksgiving I end up going back and forth between my family in Detroit and my family in Atlanta, so there's not always time for football on my Thursday afternoon, believe it or not. But this day always makes me think of Detroit -- because I'm from there, and because of the coin-flip incident in 1998, which everyone wants to talk about around this time of year.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:45:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/stafford.injury.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/stafford.injury.ap/index.htmlALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson played the game Sunday that Detroit Lions fans had been waiting all season to see.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:35:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tom_verducci/11/23/al.mvp/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tom_verducci/11/23/al.mvp/index.htmlNo catcher ever has won the Most Valuable Player Award unanimously, an honor Joe Mauer of Minnesota somehow was deprived of in the 2009 voting announced Monday by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Only one vote stood between Mauer and his rightful claim to history: a first-place vote for Miguel Cabrera, a powerful hitter, but a guy who played first base for a second-place Detroit team that coughed up a division title by finishing 1-4 while Cabrera went 3-for-20 and, on the last weekend of the season, was drunk and involved in a domestic violence episode. The vote was cast by Keizo Konishi of Kyodo News and the Seattle chapter of the BBWAA.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:26:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ted_keith/11/23/al.mvp/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ted_keith/11/23/al.mvp/index.htmlJoe Mauer didn't need to win the American League Most Valuable Player award on Monday to justify his historic season, just as he doesn't need that particular piece of hardware to reaffirm his status as the best catcher in baseball. But this latest honor is especially appropriate because it serves as a reminder that no player in baseball is more valuable to his town, his team or his franchise than the 26-year-old hometown hero with the perfectly manicured sideburns and the perfectly pleasant personality.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:26:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/al.mvp.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/al.mvp.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- Joe Mauer became only the second catcher in 33 years to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award, finishing first in a near-unanimous vote Monday.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:22:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/11/23/realsaltlake.galaxy/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/11/23/realsaltlake.galaxy/index.htmlSEATTLE -- Bring up all the clichés you want: David over Goliath. Substance over style. Team over individual. They all fit Real Salt Lake, which outlasted the heavily favored Los Angeles Galaxy on penalty kicks Sunday night after a 1-1 draw and 120 minutes of last-man-standing soccer (RECAP).Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:02:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/bulger.peppers.injuries.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/bulger.peppers.injuries.ap/index.htmlST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger underwent an MRI exam on his groin and hamstring Monday and was due for a second MRI on a swollen knee in addition to testing for concussion-related symptoms after a physically demanding loss to the Arizona Cardinals.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:28:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/dolphins.ferguson.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/dolphins.ferguson.ap/index.htmlDAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Miami Dolphins nose tackle Jason Ferguson will miss the rest of the season with a quadriceps injury, coach Tony Sparano said Monday.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:21:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/cowboys.rossum.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/cowboys.rossum.ap/index.htmlIRVING, Texas (AP) -- Defensive end Marcus Spears lounged on a couch in the middle of the Dallas Cowboys locker room, his right leg draped over the side. Quarterback Tony Romo wasn't anywhere to be seen.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:21:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/redskins.betts.injuries.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/redskins.betts.injuries.ap/index.htmlASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- During a news conference in which he discussed three more season-ending injuries and revealed discouraging news about three other players, Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn was hit with a coughing fit. He needed a drink to help him continue.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:04:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/23/nelson.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/23/nelson.ap/index.htmlOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson has pneumonia and isn't traveling with the team for two games in Texas.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:49:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_marchman/11/19/pirates.freeagency/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_marchman/11/19/pirates.freeagency/index.htmlThe Pittsburgh Pirates have some things going for them. They may be one of the two least valuable teams in baseball, they may play in the sport's fifth-smallest market, and they may endure all the woes that come with holding the record for most consecutive losing seasons in a major American sport, but they don't spend a lot, and like all other low-end ball clubs they have the help of rich cousins.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:00:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/risers.sliders/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/risers.sliders/index.htmlThe college football season has come to an end for a number of teams around the nation and several highly-rated underclassmen have decisions to make. With the deadline for application to the NFL draft seven weeks away, the non-seniors must decide whether they should opt for April's event. Scouts expect a record number of underclassmen to enter next year's draft, so this week's column concentrates on the draft stock of a dozen non-senior prospects.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:50:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/22/Week11/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/22/Week11/index.htmlNEW YORK -- Talking with commissioner Roger Goodell, while he was getting his makeup wiped off in our NBC Football Night in America studio Sunday night after his Eagles-Bears halftime appearance ...Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:48:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/22/snap.judgments.week.11/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/22/snap.judgments.week.11/index.htmlDENVER -- Musings, observations and the occasional insight from the Mile High City as we run down the curious doings of Week 11 in the NFL ...Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:19:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/chargers.cromartie.fight.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/chargers.cromartie.fight.ap/index.htmlSAN DIEGO (AP) -- San Diego police say they're investigating a claim that Chargers defensive back Antonio Cromartie hit someone in the head with a champagne bottle at a bar.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:07:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/lions.thanksgiving.blackout.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/23/lions.thanksgiving.blackout.ap/index.htmlALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Lions have sold out the Thanksgiving game against Green Bay, avoiding a local TV blackout.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:08:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/dan_shaughnessy/11/23/lions/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/dan_shaughnessy/11/23/lions/index.htmlYou can make fun of the Lions if you want. Why not? Everybody does.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:08:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/arash_markazi/11/23/wallace.pistons/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/arash_markazi/11/23/wallace.pistons/index.htmlBen Wallace had retired. He had made that clear to friends and family who asked him about his future plans. He was all set to make his decision official with the NBA last summer when he began getting phone calls from a few former teammates who weren't having it.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:57:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/stewart_mandel/11/22/College.Overtime/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/stewart_mandel/11/22/College.Overtime/index.htmlFootball Insiders: Check out Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:53:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/11/19/henry.handball.world.cup/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/11/19/henry.handball.world.cup/index.html#cnnSTCTextSoccer star Thierry Henry became the villain of Dublin on Wednesday.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:23:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andrea_canales/11/16/galaxy.defenders/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andrea_canales/11/16/galaxy.defenders/index.htmlCARSON, Calif. -- When the Los Angeles Galaxy needed a deciding goal last Friday to send them to a sixth MLS Cup final appearance, neither of the team's biggest stars -- David Beckham nor Landon Donovan -- scored the winner in overtime against Houston.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:24:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/11/22/NASCAR.Martin.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/11/22/NASCAR.Martin.ap/index.htmlHOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) -- Mark Martin thought for a second. Laughed. Then laughed again.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:47:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/ncaa/11/22/magic.bird.hall.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/ncaa/11/22/magic.bird.hall.ap/index.htmlKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Larry Bird finished his speech, walked back to his seat and received a fist bump from the man sitting next to him on the dais.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:04:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/22/chargers.broncos/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/22/chargers.broncos/index.htmlDENVER -- Looking back, I really can't fathom how these two 6-3 teams were ever tied for first place to start with as this Week 11 Sunday dawned. The only thing I can figure is the standings doubled as the NFL's version of an optical illusion. Maybe it's like when they warn you about objects in the mirror actually being closer than they appear, only to the exact opposite effect in this case.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:53:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/22/nfl.concussions.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/22/nfl.concussions.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- NFL teams will soon be working with independent neurologists on concussion issues.Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:29:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/hockey/nhl/11/22/wings.kronwall.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/hockey/nhl/11/22/wings.kronwall.ap/index.htmlDETROIT (AP) -- The banged-up Detroit Red Wings have lost defenseman Niklas Kronwall for at least a month with a sprained ligament in his left knee.Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:06:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/11/21/mls.news.notes/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/11/21/mls.news.notes/index.htmlSEATTLE -- Still dubious David Beckham is making an impact in this country? More than 40,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday's MLS Cup final between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake at Qwest Field (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Galavisión), with another 2,000 made available late in the week. That would mark the biggest crowd for MLS' season-capper in seven years and the third-biggest ever for a game not featuring the local team.Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:36:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/21/holmgren.browns.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/21/holmgren.browns.ap/index.htmlCLEVELAND (AP) -- Former Seattle and Green Bay coach Mike Holmgren is interested in working for the struggling Cleveland Browns.Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:35:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/josh_gross/11/22/ufc106.blog/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/josh_gross/11/22/ufc106.blog/index.htmlSI.com's Josh Gross offers all his insights from UFC 106.Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:23:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/11/21/busch.nationwide.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/11/21/busch.nationwide.ap/index.htmlHOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) -- Kyle Busch only needed the green flag to drop to win his first NASCAR title. His coronation was never in doubt and neither, really, was the outcome of the Nationwide Series finale.Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:14:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/hockey/nhl/11/21/canucks.moves.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/hockey/nhl/11/21/canucks.moves.ap/index.htmlVANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- The Vancouver Canucks have cleared room for the return of high-scoring forward Daniel Sedin by sending forward Matt Pettinger to their AHL affiliate on Saturday.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:33:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/21/titans.gage.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/21/titans.gage.ap/index.htmlNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee receiver Justin Gage is out for the Titans' game against the Texans with broken bones in his lower back.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:59:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/11/21/harvick.trucks.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/11/21/harvick.trucks.ap/index.htmlHOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) -- Kevin and Delana Harvick were an extremely happy couple Friday night.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:20:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/fantasy/11/20/racing/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/fantasy/11/20/racing/index.htmlWhile much of the focus this weekend will be on Jimmie Johnson's pending fourth straight championship, do not expect to see the No. 48 blowing the doors off the competition like it did at Phoenix. While Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus may say they go for the win at every race track, the Lowe's Chevy will have one of the more conservative setups in South Beach. So if you have already expended your picks this Chase on other drivers besides Johnson, you will not be disappointed. Expect the eventual champ, who only has to score 25th or better to clinch the title, to be a lock for the top 10 or top 15. That means if you are in the same position as the No. 48 team for your fantasy title, Johnson is a safe, conservative bet -- though he has never won at Homestead.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:44:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/20/giants.pierce.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/20/giants.pierce.ap/index.htmlEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce is out indefinitely after an MRI exam on Friday surprisingly revealed a bulging disk in his neck.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:58:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/world.series.dvd.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/world.series.dvd.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- Major League Baseball has the perfect gift to bust a budget in a recession.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:33:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/20/rockets.tmac.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/20/rockets.tmac.ap/index.htmlATLANTA (AP) -- Tracy McGrady says he is ready to play. The Houston Rockets say he'll have to wait.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:04:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/20/monarchs.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/20/monarchs.ap/index.htmlSAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The Sacramento Monarchs folded on Friday, a shocking and disappointing development for the WNBA and one of its original eight franchises.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:55:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/whitesox.vizquel.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/whitesox.vizquel.ap/index.htmlCHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago White Sox are closing in on a contract agreement with free agent shortstop Omar Vizquel.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:35:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/11/20/johnson.takes.pole/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/11/20/johnson.takes.pole/index.htmlHOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) -- Jimmie Johnson will go for a record fourth consecutive NASCAR title from the pole in the season-ending Ford 400 this weekend.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:36:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/20/bears.wolfe.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/20/bears.wolfe.ap/index.htmlLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- The Chicago Bears placed backup running back Garrett Wolfe on injured reserve Friday, ending his season.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:25:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/20/bills.stroud.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/20/bills.stroud.ap/index.htmlORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcus Stroud has been ruled out and linebacker Keith Ellison was placed on injured reserve Friday, leaving the NFL's worst run defense further depleted against Jacksonville this weekend.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:41:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/adam_duerson/11/20/gotw/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/adam_duerson/11/20/gotw/index.htmlBreaking Down Sunday's San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos game (4:15 p.m., CBS)Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:34:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/20/nfl.fines.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/20/nfl.fines.ap/index.htmlOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Baltimore Ravens defensive end Dwan Edwards plans to appeal the $5,000 fine he received for a hit delivered to Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs on Monday night.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:32:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/arash_markazi/11/20/bosh.raptors/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/arash_markazi/11/20/bosh.raptors/index.htmlChris Bosh's offseason transformation began in an unlikely place -- his couch. Early into his summer, Bosh decided to watch the championship game from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. It was supposed to be one of those feel-good moments, like popping in a classic film that always makes you smile, but it made him angry even as he saw himself receive the gold medal.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:28:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/20/gameplan/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/20/gameplan/index.htmlOne note before I start my Friday column: My sympathies -- and I'm sure everyone who reads this will echo my sentiments -- to the family of Chris Spielman this morning. His wife, 42-year-old Stefanie Spielman, died Thursday after a fourth recurrence of breast cancer. When the disease first appeared, Spielman took a year off from football in 1998 to be Mr. Mom, and I visited the family in Columbus and marveled at the adjustments and selflessness of both of them in dealing with the disease and the personal realities that intruded. My heart goes out to the Spielmans.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/11/20/games/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/11/20/games/index.htmlMy weekly look at key matchups and storylines to watch in one game at each time slot. (All times Eastern).Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:43:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/omar.vizquel/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/omar.vizquel/index.htmlThe Chicago White Sox are talking to veteran shortstop Omar Vizquel about a contract and a deal is expected in the coming days, sources confirm.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:41:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/nationals.coaches.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/nationals.coaches.ap/index.htmlWASHINGTON (AP) -- Former Seattle Mariners manager John McLaren was hired Friday as bench coach for the Washington Nationals, who rounded out manager Jim Riggleman's staff by also adding Jim Lett as bullpen coach and Dan Radison as first-base coach.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:09:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/john.grabow.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/john.grabow.ap/index.htmlCHICAGO (AP) -- Pitcher John Grabow became the first of the 171 free agents to reach agreement on a new deal, getting a $7.5 million, two-year contract Friday from the Chicago Cubs.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:38:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/wnba/11/20/monarchs.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/wnba/11/20/monarchs.ap/index.htmlSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The owner of the Sacramento Kings will no longer operate the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:19:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ian_thomsen/11/20/countdown/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ian_thomsen/11/20/countdown/index.htmlOther than commissioner David Stern, can you name anyone in the NBA who plays a more influential role than Spurs president and coach Gregg Popovich? I didn't think so.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:45:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/11/20/mls.cup/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/11/20/mls.cup/index.htmlSEATTLE -- As the reborn Los Angeles Galaxy prepare to take on Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final on Sunday (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Galavisión), I can't help but think back to a scene in Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 13, 2008.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:45:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/josh_gross/11/20/ufc.106.preview/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/josh_gross/11/20/ufc.106.preview/index.htmlHardships surrounding Zuffa's promotion of UFC 106 have shone a bright light on two important facts as Saturday's pay-per-view looms from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:12:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/20/free.agency/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/20/free.agency/index.htmlFree agency is finally here, less than a week before Thanksgiving. And the signings may not come so quick, either.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:00:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/19/anti.awards/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/19/anti.awards/index.htmlIt's baseball awards time, which means it's also time for my own 2009 awards, starting with the Least Valuable Player (and American League fans, it's not who you think it is.) Following those are the Anti Cy Young Award (the Les Sweetland) and the not-so-great Manager of the Year Award (the John McCloskey). Enjoy.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:47:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/brant_james/11/18/jimmie.johnson/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/brant_james/11/18/jimmie.johnson/index.htmlJimmie Johnson leaned out the window of the black sport utility vehicle and waved in the general direction of the guy screaming his name over the din of horns and diesel trucks. A yellow cab tooling up a bustling Columbus Avenue prompted him to tuck back inside quickly.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:15:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/allan_muir/11/20/awards.sticks.balsillie/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/allan_muir/11/20/awards.sticks.balsillie/index.htmlThe NHL schedule officially hits the quarter-pole when the Sabres tangle with the Bruins on Nov. 20, and that milestone that has us itching to rank the season's top performers.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:56:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/20/bogut.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/20/bogut.ap/index.htmlMILWAUKEE (AP) -- Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut will be out for two to four weeks with a left leg injury.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:39:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/20/smallbusiness/dodgers_divorce/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/20/smallbusiness/dodgers_divorce/index.htmThe news that Los Angeles Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie McCourt are divorcing came with a bitter kick: Team chairman Frank's first move against his soon-to-be-ex was to fire her from her job as the Dodgers' chief executive.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:16:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/19/childress.extension.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/19/childress.extension.ap/index.htmlEDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- The man who brought Brett Favre to the Minnesota Vikings will be sticking around for a while.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:32:00 EST