Jan 9, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers mascot Moondog and the Scream Team perform during a timeout against the Atlanta Hawks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

This post was written by Zachary Kolesar of FanSided’s Cleveland Cavaliers website Right Down Euclid. 

With the NBA Draft Lottery quickly approaching, thinking about who the Cleveland Cavaliers can snag will fall solely on what pick they receive this coming Tuesday. With Nerlens Noel at the top of most mock draft boards, I would be hard pressed to find a team that doesn’t have the flat top wonder at one or two on their draft boards.

Despite the ACL injury that shortened Noel’s freshman season at Kentucky, teams were able to get a good enough glimpse to know that Nerlens is one of the most athletic physical specimens to come out of the draft in the past few years. His shot-blocking abilities would quickly improve Cleveland’s second-to-last place ranking in that same category. With Anderson Varejao aging and his contract ending in the summer of 2014 and Tyler Zeller’s lanky frame, Nerlens would be perfect in the middle for Cleveland as a big.

If not Nerlens, Otto Porter has to be the next best pick for Cleveland.

He may even be a better pick than Nerlens are far as fitting team needs goes, but they will a top 3 pick if they hope to land their next starting three. Alonzo Gee is a great off-the-ball defender, but he can’t dribble, his three-point shot is lacking for the most part and he doesn’t get too many shots up per game. Porter is the opposite of Gee in regards to his weaknesses, and even adds a rebounding element to his defensive game that Gee also lacks. Porter would fit in with Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving perfectly, which has me wanting Porter more than Noel in regards to filling the many gaps that this roster needs filled.

Lastly, looking at the second first round pick that Cleveland has, I would like to see my man Tony Mithchell out of North Texas. At the combine last week he may have given the most impressive performance out of any player there. He turned heads with his 38-inch max vertical jump, which was a better mark than what Blake Griffin had in 2009 (37 inches). Watching him throw down athletic dunk after athletic dunk on North Texas practice videos had me extremely excited as to seeing where this young star could land. With the Cavaliers grabbing the Lakers pick due to a last-second playoff berth, Mitchell could be donning the Wine and Gold next season. The one problem teams are having with him is his effort, which could easily be changed by a coach like Mike Brown.

Apr 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth (28) is checked by head trainer Lee Kuntz and manager Davey Johnson (5) after being injured on a swing against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Nationals 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

A hamstring issue for Washington Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth has kept him out of action much longer than the team had anticipated. The team had originally hoped Werth would be able to return over the weekend, but he suffered some tightness in the injured hamstring last week that pushed back his return date. According to the latest report, there is now some concern that Werth will not be ready to go this Friday either.

Nationals manager Davey has not given any specifics on the setback, but he does not seem encouraged by the report.

From Amanda Comak of the Washington Times:

Sounds like Jayson Werth will not be ready to return on Friday. Davey said he got an “alarming” report on him today. Maybe even 2 more wks

— Amanda Comak (@acomak) May 21, 2013

Without Werth in the outfield, the Nationals take a major step back in talent.

Hopefully for the team and Werth, he will be 100 perent when he returns and there will not have to be any concerns about even more setbacks.

Nov 30, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Charlotte Bobcats mascot Rufus performs on the court during a timeout in the second half during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Time Warner Cable Arena. The 76ers defeated the Bobcats 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

This post was written by Edward Shuler of FanSided’s Charlotte Bobcats website Roberto Gato. 

The lack of a franchise prospect creates a larger margin of error for the team selecting first overall.

Kentucky center Nerlens Noel, Kansas guard Ben McLemore and Michigan point guard Trey Burke have the best chances of going first in the 2013 NBA Draft. All could have long NBA careers and even make an all-star game or two. But nether of the trio presents the sure-fire certainty that comes with a franchise draft pick.

With the Bobcats luck it would be fitting if they won the draft lottery this year, rather than 2014 when Canadian sensation Andrew Wiggins is expected to be the grand prize. That’s without mentioning names like Jabari Parker, Aaron Gordon and Julius Randle, in a draft that could be one of the best since 2003.

Despite the quality of this draft, it’s important for the Bobcats to strike gold in this draft to advance their rebuilding efforts.

The draft lottery is two days away. For the first time in a while, there’s a feeling that general managers won’t be upset if their team doesn’t land the first pick overall.

June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NBA Draft Lottery will take place tonight, with the lottery teams sending representatives to watch the results of balls deciding their slot in the NBA Draft order. The Orlando Magic and Charlotte Bobcats (soon to be Hornets again) have the best chance to land the top spot in the draft, but you can never rule out another team landing the No. 1 pick. That is the beauty of the draft lottery.

Like the NFL Draft this year, the pool of players does not feature any elite prospect, but there are a number of players who can turn into solid starters and rule players all throughout the class. Once the draft lottery is complete, we can start analyzing what player will go to what team.

Here is the information you will need to watch the NBA Draft Lottery live and online tonight:

When: Tuesday, May 21 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Disney/ABC’s Times Square Studios, New York City, New York
TV: ESPN
Live Stream:  Watch ESPN (May be blacked out in some areas)

How do the odds stack up for tonight’s lottery?

1. Orlando Magic, 25 percent
2. Charlotte Bobcats, 19.9 percent
3. Cleveland Cavaliers, 15.6 percent
4. Phoenix Suns, 11.9 percent
5. New Orleans Pelicans, 8.8 percent
6. Sacramento Kings, 6.3 percent
7. Detroit Pistons, 4.3 percent
8. Washington Wizards, 2.8 percent
9. Minnesota Timberwolves, 1.7 percent
10. Portland Trail Blazers, 1.1 percent (Belongs to CHA of outside of top-12)
11. Philadelphia 76ers, 0.8 percent
12. Toronto Raptors, 0.7 percent (Belongs to OKC if outside of top-3)
13. Dallas Mavericks, 0.6 percent
14. Utah Jazz, 0.5 percent

Feb 2, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; The Orlando Magic logo on a players shorts during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

This post was written by Brett David Roberts, editor of FanSided’s Orlando Magic blog Presto in the Paint. 

The Orlando Magic are at a crossroads. They’re likely to land a top-three pick, but the player who best fits their needs is Trey Burke of Michigan. Burke has done nothing but increase his stock since the midway point of the 2012-13 NCAA season, but the 6’0″ floor general is still not expected to go until the 7th overall pick according to NBADraft.net.

The Magic’s oldest starter is 31-year-old Jameer Nelson, and ideally Rob Hennigan would like to grab Burke for Nelson to mentor.

Their games are similar, but Burke’s high upside should be the peak Nelson was never able to prolong. If the Magic aren’t able to work a suitable deal to move down, an entirely different direction could be taken. Nerlens Noel was originally slotted by Chad Ford, NBADraft.net and Draft Express as a No. 1 overall pick prior to his horrible ACL injury.

The thing is, we’ve now seen guys come back from this, and though Noel’s injury was particularly gruesome, he was the only one in this draft with perennial All-Star type talent. He showed far more skill offensively than most expected he would, particularly in passing the ball out of double teams and moving without the ball.

Noel is still very raw, but with some hard work and instruction he could be the best player in the draft. There is more, though: Noel further enhances the Magic’s chances of tanking for another high pick in the much more lucrative 2014 crop of rookies.

Whether the Magic trade down for Burke, select Ben McLemore for another team and trade him; or take Noel with a high selection — It won’t make or break this rebidding process. Hennigan already landed his major chip when he acquired Tobias Harris—and Nikola Vucevic and Moe Harkless are looking like great acquisitions from the Dwight Howard deal.

The trio could be the Magic’s frontcourt of the future, but Noel is an intriguing prospect who could potentially play both the 4 and the 5. Burke could be the guy that Hennigan sees leading his team into the next era. While Burke and Noel may be entirely different players, it seems Hennigan will be wisest to consider the best two talents in the class. Marcus Smart had been the Magic’s coveted one, but he didn’t enter the draft, which makes the Burke scenario a pretty attractive one for Hennigan.

Dec 8, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Sean McGorty (61) , Jacob Thomson (64) and Nicholas Raymond (73) lead the boys race in the 2012 Foot Locker cross country championships at Morley Field. Ed Cheserek (61) won in 14:59. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Considering I used to run cross country in high school, I think it is fitting that I now fancy myself an aspiring artist; sometimes 5k is all you can shoot for. Running competitively in high school was one of the most memorable elements of my teenage years, right up with buying the seventh Harry Potter book at midnight and then binge reading it in what was a blur of cliché climaxes and disappointing dénouement (yes, I’m still bitter). Cross country is a misunderstood sport perfect for misunderstood youth. Despite its reputation as being geared towards skinny, awkward kids unable to handle the rigors of “real” sports like football or quilting, I’d say there isn’t a single athletic activity that is a challenging, demanding, painful, and rewarding as cross country. Only the toughest of competitors need apply; pansies can go grab a helmet and some shoulder pads.

See, mentally stable people don’t run cross country. It’s a sport for loners and weirdoes who don’t mind being trapped inside their own heads, for those that can endure both the physical stress of running and the mental stress of constantly thinking, “Wait, why the hell am I doing this? This is horrible.” There’s no glory in cross country: no bubbly cheerleaders shaking pom-poms, no rabid fans tailgating at the starting line, no way of using tales of your semi-athletic prowess to land a hot prom date (turns out the ability to finish really fast doesn’t impress the ladies). Cross country is a sport for kids that thirst for unrecognized, anonymous, unappreciated accomplishment, the type of kids who will either become software engineers or psychopaths with rambling, incoherent manifestos. In short, cross country is the best damn sport there is (and that there ever will be, unless a national interest in naumachia can be reinvigorated).

This probably will come as a shock to no one, but being on the cross country team was not “cool” at my high school. Sure, certain participants had some measurable amount of social clout, but that respect tended to be derived from happenstance handsomeness or involvement in other, more popular sports that didn’t require unsightly short shorts. For multiple years my team won state…not the actual championship, mind you, but the award for highest team GPA. We were given hideous sweatshirts to commemorate the accomplishment, which we all wore with dorky pride. The sweatshirts might as well have come with twenty-sided dice, pocket protectors, a hidden compartment to store acne medicine in, and a lifetime pass for romantic rejection. We didn’t care, though; we earned those celebratory signifiers of geekery.

The collection of nerds at my high school didn’t just “happen” to run cross country. It is a sport the actively attracts smart-yet-strange kids because geeks love challenges and cross country is the most difficult sport in the high school landscape. Yes, laugh all you want former football jerks players, but it’s true. People who denigrate cross country are people that have never actually tried it. Running is something kids in other sports dread, the punishment dished out by the coach at the conclusion of a subpar practice. In cross country, that’s all practice is. There’s no variation, no drill rotation, no water breaks, no focus on refining “skills.” You just run until it hurts, then you run some more. Trust me, it isn’t as easy as Forrest Gump made it look.

Yes, there isn’t any physical contact in cross country, but that doesn’t mean it is any less taxing. Sure, there are no bloodthirsty linebackers looking to decapitate you or beluga-sized centers throwing elbows in the post, but in a way absorbing that kind of pain is easier. That type of discomfort is external, inflicted by the opposition; it is something you expect, something you use as an inspiring or galvanizing force. In cross country, the only person that hurts you is you, which sounds like something a hack counselor would say regard to teenage depression, but it’s true. The only way to do better, to accomplish more, is to choose to put yourself through more agony, to actively decide, “Hey, it feels the lactic acid is eating away at my muscles like some sort of aggressive necrotic disease, but I’m going to push myself harder because I’m a complete lunatic.” It isn’t exactly an easy decision to make.

Another reason why cross country is the toughest sport is that even though there is a team component when it comes to scoring meets, cross country is an individual endeavor. You can’t rely on one star guard to start draining three-pointers or one dominant bowler to shatter wickets. You are isolated as a runner; you’re success is yours but so is your failure.

It’s very Ayn Rand-ian. You can’t blame refs or teammates or any of those other go-to targets for displaced responsibility; it’s all on you. Nerds like cross country because of this aspect; it’s the flip-side of why they loathe group projects. There’s a certain thrill in knowing you’ll either sink and swim based on only your own merits and effort, which I’m sure is even scarier if you’re a beginning swimmer but that’s beside the point.

There’s no safety net of teammates to pick up the slack when you start slowing down at the two-mile mark. Your success is all on your skinny, pimple-ridden, bony shoulders. Geeks thrive on that type of challenge.

That isn’t to say, however, that there isn’t a wonderful communal component to cross country. While the pain of the race is individual, the bonding over that shared experience links the whole team together. Since it was considered such a lame sport at my high school, my cross country team never had the ego issues the plagued the teams in the “popular” sports.

Everyone knew where we stood on the social scale; we were the kids with the dorky short-shorts, with jerseys so low budget the freaking name of our school was misspelled, with the non-matching warm-up attire and the ugly shoes that reeked of sweat. On the school day of one particular race we dressed up as pumpkins is a humorous display of team solidarity, wearing those jack-o-lantern trash bags over our clothes in what was an act that surely set the world record for being the utmost antithesis of an aphrodisiac. It’s sort of hard to get bigheaded in that situation. It’s like oozing hubris over your Settlers of Catan skills.

Looking back, I’m certain not a single member of my cross country team could have taken any other athlete in a fight. We maybe could’ve stood a chance going up against the thespians in the theater program, since they were only armed with their abilities to clumsily emote and to give creepy hugs, but that’s about it. Winning physical confrontations isn’t the ultimate sign of toughness, though.

Isn’t that the underlying message of the scene where Obi-Wan gets struck down by Vader? (Uhhh, SPOILER ALERT if you’re one of the five people in the world unfamiliar with A New Hope.) Yes, there is an undeniable physical component to toughness, but the mental element is just as critical.

Running cross country strengthens your resolve like no other sport, and you don’t have to unnecessarily risk shattered bones or a lifetime of concussion repercussions to experience it, which sorta supports the whole idea that smart kids gravitate towards the sport. Sure, running endless miles in shorts that would make a 1980’s NBA player blush didn’t earn me any social glory, but it is a formative and gratifying experience I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world (well, except maybe a better Deathly Hallows epilogue).

Gaming fans across the world will finally catch a glimpse at the new Xbox console that has yet to be named. Microsoft will be revealing the latest generation of the Xbox video game system during a live event from the Redmond HQ. There will also be some announcements for games for the next gen system during the official reveal.

There is no word on exactly what will be revealed during the event, but it is going to be enough to get gamers very excited.

How can you keep up with Xbox’s live announcement? We have all of the information you will need to catch every second of Microsoft’s big event:

Date: Tuesday, May 21
Location: Microsoft HQ in Redmond, Washington
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT
Potential Console Names: Xbox 720, Xbox Fusion, Xbox Durango, Xbox 8, Xbox Infinity and Xbox Infinite
Live Stream:  Xbox.com and Xbox Live

Check in with FanSided.com throughout the day as we keep you updated on the latest news and information with our live blog.

What are you most looking forward to during today’s official reveal? Sound off in the comments section and share your thoughts and excitement with the rest of the gaming fans in the FanSided community.

Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche had some great seasons with netminder and hockey Hall of Famer Patrick Roy between the pipes and he now may be headed to the bench. No, Roy won’t be heading to the bench the way he did after getting blitzed back in 1995 while with the Montreal Canadiens, rather he’ll be returning to the Av’s bench as the next head coach, per a report in the Denver Post.

The Post is reporting that Roy’s brother tells them the former Av’s netminder is “close” to striking a deal that would make him the next head coach of the team he led to a Stanley Cup almost 15 years ago.

“They’re discussing the final details of an arrangement. Colorado is going to be very happy. Patrick is looking for a new challenge,” said Stephane Roy, the younger brother of his famous sibling.

Roy (which is actually pronounced “wah” like you’re mimicking the sounds of a karate master), will become the second member of the Stanley Cup team to take over in a prominent role within the Av’s organization. After Colorado fired head coach Joe Sacco, they hired hockey Hall of Famer and former Av’s captain Joe Sakic as the VP of Hockey Operations, essentially making him to the Avalanche what John Elway is to the Broncos.

Sakic’s first big move was to fill the head coaching vacancy left by the fired Sacco and he’s apparently found his guy in Roy. THe reunion will be one that not only pleases the nostalgic Avalanche fans dreaming about better days, but it will be a march into the future for a team loaded with young talent that hasn’t been properly utilized in recent years.

Colorado hasn’t been to the postseason since 2009, but they now have two Stanley Cup heroes running the team which means expectations are already starting to rise for a team that can be so much better than it has been.

May 20, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong (32) hits a sacrifice bunt for an RBI against the Washington Nationals in the fourth inning at AT

It’s been a woeful start to the season for San Francisco Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong, but somehow, it manged to get worse tonight.

Vogelsong, who was in the midst of his best start of the season, shutting out the Washington Nationals through five innings, attempted to swing at a pitch in the bottom of the fifth inning. The pitch ran in and went up the knuckle/hand of Vogelsong, immediately resulting in Vogelsong dropping the bat and whipping his arm around his back and he walked around in foul territory, clearly in pain.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy and head trainer Dave Groeschner rushed to Vogelsong’s aid as the Giants starter was removing his batting glove. Groeschner gave his hand an overlook and then quickly wrapped the hand in a towel, rushing into the dugout tunnel to the AT&T Park x-ray machine which revealed a fractured pitching hand.

There has been no estimated timetable of return yet, though, fractures to pitching hands usually result in a 6-8 week recovery – a devastating blow to the Giants’ starting rotation.

Vogelsong came into the game with an eye popping 8.06 ERA, though he had a 3.37 ERA in 2012 and 2.71 in 2011 and at least for a night, looked every bit the part of the strong arm Giant faithful have become accustom to.

Update: Vogelsong’s wife says he’s out 6 weeks, minimum.

Ryan has a dislocated joint in the pinky finger of his pitching hand. It’s broken above & below finger. Surgery tomorrow, out 6 weeks

A woman carries a child through a tornado-ravaged neighborhood in Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013. (Mandatory Credit: Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press)

The lives of many Oklahomans have changed forever. On monday, the whole world was left motionless in horror as a monstrous tornado ripped through the city, leaving death and deviation in its path.

While most of the Thunder plays have fortunately left the city as their post-season run ended last week, they were all thinking and watching the events unfold in their beloved second home.

Kevin Durant was one of the players to tweet out his support.

#PrayforOklahoma

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 20, 2013

Praying for the victims of the Tornadoes in OKC these last few days..Everybody stay safe!

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) May 20, 2013

Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 for $10 donation to help tornado victims in #OKC #okwx

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) May 21, 2013

Again, pray for OKC… Everybody stay safe!

— Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka9) May 20, 2013

Pray for Okc

— Perry Jones III (@Perry_Jones1) May 20, 2013

Please pray for the people in OKC. A lot of families lives changed from the tornados aftermath.

 

 

 

 

The OKC Thunder’s twitter page has also been sending updates and news all day. Although the Thunder’s season was cut short, hopefully communities can rally around the team and find comfort while cheering their hearts out for one common goal next season.

The thoughts of all of us at Fansided are with the many the people of Oklahoma affected by this tragedy and those that have lost loved ones as they all try to recover. Please keep your thoughts and prayers with those of OKC.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/21/kevin-durant-and-thunder-players-tweet-support-for-oklahoma-city/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/juan-anderson-will-not-transfer-heads-back-to-marquette/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/juan-anderson-will-not-transfer-heads-back-to-marquette/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 03:25:40 +0000 Joshua Santos http://fansided.com/?p=313438 Just after announcing he’ll leave Marquette to attend a school near his hometown of Oakland, Juan Anderson, apparently had cold feet about leaving the Golden Eagles, and has announced he’ll head back to the program.   #mubb‘s Juan Anderson returning to Marquette for 2013-14 season. Sophomore forward had previously asked for release. — MarquetteMBB (@MarquetteMBB) May [...]

Juan Anderson will not transfer; heads back to Marquette - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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Nov 14, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles forward Juan Anderson (10) battles for a rebound during the first half against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Just after announcing he’ll leave Marquette to attend a school near his hometown of Oakland, Juan Anderson, apparently had cold feet about leaving the Golden Eagles, and has announced he’ll head back to the program.

 

#mubb‘s Juan Anderson returning to Marquette for 2013-14 season. Sophomore forward had previously asked for release.

— MarquetteMBB (@MarquetteMBB) May 20, 2013

 

Anderson, entering his junior year next season at Marquette, played moderately well in his two seasons with the program. While he originally wanted to be closer to home, looks like he wants to finish his college career with head coach Buzz Williams. The 6’6″ forward averaged three points, three rebounds and shot 33% from the field.

At Marquette, Anderson didn’t get as much playing time as he hoped for. He played at least 15 minutes in 15 games. He’ll join returnees Davante Gardner, Jamil Wilson, and Chris Otule. Maybe, just maybe Anderson will get more playing time.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/juan-anderson-will-not-transfer-heads-back-to-marquette/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/blackhawks-vs-red-wings-final-score-detroit-stuns-chicago-to-take-2-1-series-lead/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/blackhawks-vs-red-wings-final-score-detroit-stuns-chicago-to-take-2-1-series-lead/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 02:30:40 +0000 Josh Hill http://fansided.com/?p=313427 The Chicago Blackhawks are the best team in hockey but it’s starting to look like that was merely statistical. After two rough games against the Red Wings, Chicago finds themselves in a steep 1-2 hole and are watching their Stanley Cup dreams slip from their fingers and into the laps of Detroit. The Blackhawks have [...]

Blackhawks vs. Red Wings Final Score: Detroit Stuns Chicago to Take 2-1 Series Lead - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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May 20, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Johan Franzen (93) checks Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy (8) into the wall in the first period in game three of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks are the best team in hockey but it’s starting to look like that was merely statistical. After two rough games against the Red Wings, Chicago finds themselves in a steep 1-2 hole and are watching their Stanley Cup dreams slip from their fingers and into the laps of Detroit. The Blackhawks have no dropped two straight games and it’s looking like winning Game 4 in Joe Louis Arena might be a taller task than initially thought.

Chicago was in a hole to begin with as after  scoreless first period, Corey Crawford allowed both Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller to score on him to give the Red Wings a 2-0 lead. Patrick Kane narrowed the lead in the third period but the dagger was thrust into the Blackhawks when Pavel Datsyuk clinched things soon after.

Now down a game to the Red Wings, the Blackhawks need to get introspective and think about what they’re doing wrong to allow Detroit to beat them up the way they are. Detroit bruised the Hawks in Game 2 which helped them control the game and despite acknowledging that they needed to play more physical, the Blackhawks failed to match Detroit’s intensity in Game 3 and are paying the price in pride.

The series is far from over though, as the Blackhawks aren’t a team to start shoveling dirt on just yet. They’re statistically the best team in hockey and they have no quit — at least we hope.

As for the Red Wings, it appears they’ve found a way to beat the Blackhawks and it has fans in Detroit very excited. No one gave the Red Wings that good of a chance against the 2-seeded Anaheim Ducks and not only did they beat them but they’re starting to drag the Hawks behind the shed as well.

Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena and it’s only then that we’ll find out of Detroit truly controls this series or if they’re just catching the Blackhawks napping and have now awoken a sleeping giant.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/blackhawks-vs-red-wings-final-score-detroit-stuns-chicago-to-take-2-1-series-lead/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/former-memphis-tiger-tarik-black-commits-to-kansas/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/former-memphis-tiger-tarik-black-commits-to-kansas/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 02:24:19 +0000 Joshua Santos http://fansided.com/?p=313423 Less than a week after acquiring the top prep player in the nation, Andrew Wiggins, Kansas Jayhawks‘ coach, Bill Self, received another big recruit this time from Memphis. According to the press release from the school, Tarik Black, a former Memphis Tiger, has committed to Kansas University. Black has signed a grant-in-aid agreement and will spend his senior year in Lawrence. Black will be eligible for [...]

Former Memphis Tiger Tarik Black commits to Kansas - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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Dec 5, 2012; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers forward Tarik Black (10) shoots the ball during the game against the Ohio Bobcats at the FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports

Less than a week after acquiring the top prep player in the nation, Andrew Wiggins, Kansas Jayhawks‘ coach, Bill Self, received another big recruit this time from Memphis.

According to the press release from the school, Tarik Black, a former Memphis Tiger, has committed to Kansas University. Black has signed a grant-in-aid agreement and will spend his senior year in Lawrence. Black will be eligible for the 2013-2014 season, as he took advantage of the graduate transfer rule.

In his three seasons with the Tigers, black was criticized for not exceeding and not even meeting his potential. He was however applauded for his post play. As a freshman at Memphis, Black averaged nine points and five rebounds per game. He then averaged 10.7 points and five rebounds in his sophomore year. In his junior year, he however dropped to eight points and five rebounds per game.

Along with Wiggins and Black, former Arkansas forward, Hunter Mickelson, has decided to take his talents to Kansas as well.

Black, a 6’9″ 260 pound forward makes the Jayhawks’ front court presence even more dangerous as he adds a lot more depth. With all these three committing to Kansas, Bill Self may have the best recruiting class next season.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. ]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/former-memphis-tiger-tarik-black-commits-to-kansas/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/charlotte-bobcats-will-announce-name-change-to-hornets-on-tuesday/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/charlotte-bobcats-will-announce-name-change-to-hornets-on-tuesday/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 02:14:06 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313429 It was widely expected that the Charlotte Bobcats would be switching their nickname back to the Hornets when New Orleans became the Pelicans and now we will learn that the name change is officially coming. Sources with knowledge of the situation told Sports Illustrated that owner Michael Jordan will inform the media on Tuesday that [...]

Charlotte Bobcats Will Announce Name Change to Hornets on Tuesday - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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Apr 12, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Hornets mascot Hugo dances by the mid-court logo during the fourth quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets are re-branding their team next year and will become the New Orleans Pelicans sending the Hornets NBA franchise brand name into retirement. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It was widely expected that the Charlotte Bobcats would be switching their nickname back to the Hornets when New Orleans became the Pelicans and now we will learn that the name change is officially coming. Sources with knowledge of the situation told Sports Illustrated that owner Michael Jordan will inform the media on Tuesday that Charlotte will be switching the teams name back to the Charlotte Hornets.

Per Sports Illustrated:

The person says Jordan will detail the timetable for the change to be completed at a press conference the Bobcats have scheduled for Tuesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press Monday on condition of anonymity because the name change has not been publicly announced.

NBA deputy commissioner and COO Adam Silver previously has said it would take “about 18 months” for the Bobcats to change their name. That means Charlotte could once again become the Hornets by the 2014-15 season.

The Charlotte Hornets existed from 1988-2002, before the team relocated in New Orleans.

Now, nostalgic fans who have been clamoring for the impressive color scheme and throwback Hornet uniforms will be getting their wish. Personally, I can’t wait to see those snapbacks make a comeback.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/charlotte-bobcats-will-announce-name-change-to-hornets-on-tuesday/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/nba-draft-2013-shabazz-muhammad-believes-he-is-best-player-in-draft-class/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/nba-draft-2013-shabazz-muhammad-believes-he-is-best-player-in-draft-class/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 01:57:36 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313424 Former UCLA Bruins center Shabazz Muhammad was one of the top freshman players in the nation coming in to this season, but he didn’t live up to all of the hype and his consistency caused him to slide down the rankings for the 2013 NBA Draft. While Muhammad may not be the can’t-miss prospect that [...]

NBA Draft 2013: Shabazz Muhammad Believes He is Best Player in Draft Class - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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May 16, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Shabazz Muhammad is interviewed during the NBA Draft combine at Harrison Street Athletics Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Former UCLA Bruins center Shabazz Muhammad was one of the top freshman players in the nation coming in to this season, but he didn’t live up to all of the hype and his consistency caused him to slide down the rankings for the 2013 NBA Draft. While Muhammad may not be the can’t-miss prospect that he was hoping to be when he enrolled at UCLA, he still believes that he is ready to make an immediate impact in the league and that there is no one better. 

“I know I’m a great player. I’m a guy that believes he’s the best player in the draft,” Muhammad said, via Michael Lee of The Washington Post.

Muhammad may catch some heat for his comments, but it is hard to criticize a kid for believing in himself. I mean, what else would you expect him to say? If Muhammad doesn’t believe that he is the best in the draft, then there is no reason for him to be trying to make it in the NBA.

Muhammad will find out exactly where he will get a chance to prove that he is the best on Thursday, June 27.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/nba-draft-2013-shabazz-muhammad-believes-he-is-best-player-in-draft-class/feed/ 1 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/peyton-mannings-says-charles-woodson-denver-broncos-are-good-fit/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/peyton-mannings-says-charles-woodson-denver-broncos-are-good-fit/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 00:57:51 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313421 Free agent cornerback Charles Woodson is still looking for a job, but there is one team that continues to be linked to the future Hall of Famer. Woodson and the Denver Broncos appear to be a match and the interest could be mutual and now there is another man who is giving some positive remarks [...]

Peyton Mannings Says Charles Woodson, Denver Broncos Are Good Fit - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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May 20, 2013; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) speaks to the media following organized team activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Free agent cornerback Charles Woodson is still looking for a job, but there is one team that continues to be linked to the future Hall of Famer. Woodson and the Denver Broncos appear to be a match and the interest could be mutual and now there is another man who is giving some positive remarks on the Woodson front.

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning recently spoke to the media and said that he would love to have Woodson come to town.

“We’re always looking to add great players,” Manning said, via the Broncos official website.

“That has been pretty evident since the time I’ve been here that management is always looking to add excellent football players through the draft or via free agency. I had a chance to visit with Charles when he was here last week and certainly, that’d be a great addition to our team. I know there is the business side of it that comes into play, but there’s no question that any time you can add good football players at any position, I think that’s always a good thing.”

The Broncos could certainly use help in the defensive backfield and there is no better talent available than Woodson.

Woodson fills a major need for the Broncos, while he gets a chance to be on a Super Bowl contending team once again before the end of his career. It’s a win-win situation.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/peyton-mannings-says-charles-woodson-denver-broncos-are-good-fit/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/brooklyn-nets-honing-in-on-lionel-hollins/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/brooklyn-nets-honing-in-on-lionel-hollins/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 00:04:18 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313419 The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the hottest and most impressive teams in the NBA Playoffs, but it looks like the players aren’t the only ones that are receiving attention. According to reports, Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins is the coaching candidate the Brooklyn Nets are most interested in. Hollins’ contract is set to expire [...]

Brooklyn Nets ‘Honing In’ on Lionel Hollins - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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Apr 1, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at FedEx Forum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs 92-90. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the hottest and most impressive teams in the NBA Playoffs, but it looks like the players aren’t the only ones that are receiving attention. According to reports, Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins is the coaching candidate the Brooklyn Nets are most interested in. Hollins’ contract is set to expire when the team is eliminated from the postseason and then he would be free to meet with the Nets.

Per Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times:

Some NBA officials claim the Nets are honing in on Lionel Hollins, Memphis’ coach whose contract will soon expire. The Nets’ interest in Hollins is hardly surprising, especially considering the terrific job Hollins has done this season.

Scott Skiles is the other name on the Nets short list of coaching candidates, but Hollins is the name to watch.

If he is looking for the biggest deal, it is very likely that Brooklyn will be much more comfortable shelling out the millions of dollars he would require than the Grizzlies.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/brooklyn-nets-honing-in-on-lionel-hollins/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/former-arkansas-qb-brandon-mitchell-transfers-to-north-carolina-state/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/former-arkansas-qb-brandon-mitchell-transfers-to-north-carolina-state/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 23:45:43 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313417 Former Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Mitchell has finally decided on his new home. The senior signal-caller has chosen the North Carolina State Wolfpack as his new team. Mitchell was also considering Michigan, UAB, Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State. Mitchell explained the reason for choosing North Carolina State on Monday. “I like the culture, coaches, expectations within [...]

Former Arkansas QB Brandon Mitchell Transfers to North Carolina State - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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November 25, 2011; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Mitchell (17) prior to kickoff of a game against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Arkansas 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Former Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Mitchell has finally decided on his new home. The senior signal-caller has chosen the North Carolina State Wolfpack as his new team. Mitchell was also considering Michigan, UAB, Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State.

Mitchell explained the reason for choosing North Carolina State on Monday.

“I like the culture, coaches, expectations within the program starting all the way at the top, and most importantly chemistry,” Mitchell said, via ESPN’s Joe Schad. “I felt I built it with players in just three days. Bottom line is I want to win, and I want to win now. They have the best opportunity there for success and just had one missing piece.”

Mitchell will immediately compete for the Wolfpack’s starting quarterback gig.

The 6-foot-4, 239 pound quarterback appeared in 21 starts during his time at Arkansas. He appeared both under center and at wide receiver. Mitchell accounted for four touchdowns with the Razorbacks.

Former Penn State quarterback Steven Bench, who was also considering North Carolina State, will now turn his attention to USF and Mississippi State.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/former-arkansas-qb-brandon-mitchell-transfers-to-north-carolina-state/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/rob-gronkowskis-surgery-successful-infection-cleared-new-plate-installed/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/rob-gronkowskis-surgery-successful-infection-cleared-new-plate-installed/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 21:57:30 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313415 New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski was under the knife today and his status for the team’s season-opener has been in question. Luckily for the Patriots, Gronkowski’s surgery was perfectly executed and there is no longer an infection in the injured forearm. Per Pro Football Talk: Gronk out of surgery.Infection gone.New plate installed.Good [...]

Rob Gronkowski’s Surgery Successful; Infection Cleared, New Plate Installed - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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Mar 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (right) speaks with fans during the second half of a game between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski was under the knife today and his status for the team’s season-opener has been in question. Luckily for the Patriots, Gronkowski’s surgery was perfectly executed and there is no longer an infection in the injured forearm.

Per Pro Football Talk:

Gronk out of surgery.Infection gone.New plate installed.Good news all around.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 20, 2013

New England has to be thrilled that Gronkowski’s arm infection is gone and his fractured forearm can finally begin to fully heal.

In a few weeks, Gronk will be undergoing back surgery, with a recovery time of an estimated ten weeks.

What once looked like a grim future for Gronkowski is now a much lesser concern for New England. Gronkowski is expected to get back to the field by the end of training camp and you should plan to see him on the field for the team’s Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills. There are smiles all around the New England area.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/rob-gronkowskis-surgery-successful-infection-cleared-new-plate-installed/feed/ 1 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/xbox-720-release-date/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/xbox-720-release-date/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 21:00:10 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313408 We will be learning a lot more about Microsoft’s new Xbox console on Tuesday during the official reveal at Redmond HQ. Whether it be named the Xbox 720, Xbox Fusion, Xbox Durango, Xbox 8, Xbox Infinity or Xbox Infinite, the information that we will learn will captivate the minds of gamers everywhere and only build towards the official release date [...]

Xbox 720 Release Date - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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The new Xbox gaming system is set to be unveiled on Tuesday, May 21.

We will be learning a lot more about Microsoft’s new Xbox console on Tuesday during the official reveal at Redmond HQ. Whether it be named the Xbox 720, Xbox Fusion, Xbox Durango, Xbox 8, Xbox Infinity or Xbox Infinite, the information that we will learn will captivate the minds of gamers everywhere and only build towards the official release date of the new generation of gaming systems. 

There is no official release date for the new system, but there is a strong belief that the console is set for a pre-Christmas release, which is great news for those hoping to get their hands on a new system for the holidays.

To learn more about the console during the official release, you can watch it live May 21, 10am PDT on Xbox Live, Xbox.com and Spike TV. You can also check in with FanSided.com throughout the day as we keep you updated on the latest news and information with our live blog. 

What are you most looking forward to during tomorrow’s official reveal? Sound off in the comments section and share your thoughts and excitement with the rest of the gaming fans in the FanSided community.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/xbox-720-release-date/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/seattle-seahawks-john-schneider-responds-to-bruce-irvins-suspension/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/seattle-seahawks-john-schneider-responds-to-bruce-irvins-suspension/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 20:43:15 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313410 The Seattle Seahawks had to watch another player get slapped with a suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs and the teams general manager John Schneider has spoken out on the issue. It looks like the Seahawks could be having a PED problem and Schneider wants to make sure this doesn’t become an even [...]

Seattle Seahawks’ John Schneider Responds to Bruce Irvin’s Suspension - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Seahawks had to watch another player get slapped with a suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs and the teams general manager John Schneider has spoken out on the issue. It looks like the Seahawks could be having a PED problem and Schneider wants to make sure this doesn’t become an even bigger problem for the franchise.

Scheider spoke on SiriusXM NFL Radio with Bruce Murray and Rich Gannon and he called Bruce Irvin’s suspension “very disappointing” and he vows that the team will continue to educate players about PEDs.

“This is something we take very seriously here,” Schenider said, via Pro Football Talk. “The league has done a great job of educating guys and we’ve actually gone above and beyond what the league has done. We have a guy in place here that helps our player development people. You do what you can. It’s very disappointing. Pete [Carroll] and I sat down with Bruce. Pete addressed it with the team. Bruce addressed the team.

“And, you know, really good organizations are the organizations that can take body blows. We look at this as a learning opportunity and one that obviously needs to be addressed, but this is also an opportunity for others to step forward.”

Luckily for the Seahawks, they signed Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett during free agency. The defensive end depth allows them to press on without Irvin, but it also makes you wonder if the team knew about the suspension earlier this year.

Hopefully once Irvin is back, the Seahawks can put the failed drug tests behind them and move forward without a surplus of Adderall in their teams facilities.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/seattle-seahawks-john-schneider-responds-to-bruce-irvins-suspension/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/mad-men-season-6-episode-8-recap-the-crash/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/mad-men-season-6-episode-8-recap-the-crash/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 20:30:28 +0000 Jordan Delaney http://fansided.com/?p=313399 Only time will heal the wounds of a week in television that forces me to part ways with both Bobby Kennedy and Dwight Schrute. Like my week, healing is the question of the hour for Don Draper. The closest thing we’ve seen to happiness with Sylvia is gone. A sadness in his eyes we haven’t [...]

Mad Men Season 6, Episode 8 Recap: The Crash - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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Only time will heal the wounds of a week in television that forces me to part ways with both Bobby Kennedy and Dwight Schrute. Like my week, healing is the question of the hour for Don Draper. The closest thing we’ve seen to happiness with Sylvia is gone. A sadness in his eyes we haven’t seen since Anna’s death takes her place. It’ll be a long time before we forget the look on his face as Sylvia walked away from the Elevator. “The Crash” answers our questions about Don’s coping skills.

(DDW) Donald Draper/Dick Whitman- We know more than Sally, but after five and a half seasons we still don’t really know a damn thing about Dick Whitman. Memory lane is insightful and cringeworthy. We learn more about the twisted mess inside him than we could in a season in the present, but Oedipus himself would find the situation uncomfortable. I grew up in a small town around some obnoxiously religious families, yet somehow none of my friends deflowerings were followed by a spoon lashing. Granted, none of their first times happened in a whorehouse with one of their uncle’s “hens.” (I say that, but in reality what the hell do I, or any of us for that matter, really know? I bet you can’t describe with any confidence how more than a couple people you know have lost their virginity. That scene is the beauty of this show in fifteen seconds. Don Draper is the glaring extreme, but we really don’t know what makes anyone outside a given circle tick. A life of quiet, unknown desperation is not fictitious.)

As mesmerizing as Megan Ferguson’s neckline and her role in fostering the libido of Dick Whitman were, they were not the real takeaway from this Don episode. As reaffirming as the continued symbolic elevator rides toward his inevitable inferno were, they were not the takeaway either. Instead, we should all be left with one resounding impression. His encounter with the I Ching toting daughter of the departed tells us all we need to know. He turned down sex with a woman he finds interesting. When that happens, even the casual observer knows it’s time to pay attention. Instead, he is far more interested in her ability to seemingly see inside him. 

“I want to hear your heart… I think it’s broken.”

“You can hear that?”

Do not be fooled for a moment into thinking that this is really about Sylvia. She is simply the latest manifestation of a lifelong complex. If enough women love him, maybe it will fill the oatmeal ad-sized hole in his psyche. No number of robed, head-scarved women who challenge him will provide redemption. He heart, his soul is beyond redemption and he doesn’t need a stethoscope to remind him. His elevator is headed for the bottom floor. Analysis: If you’re buying for next week, go for it. Don’t be the guy who has your children’s future staked on Don Draper. 

 

(POD) Peggy Olsen Draper- Last week we talked about 50 Shades of Draper and tonight we saw another. So many analysts of this show will try to paint Peggy as white and Don as black. They need there to be a hero of this show so devoid of a truly admirable character. Sorry, folks, Peggy isn’t your white knight. She isn’t the bleak darkness. She resides in the grey, messy middle ground where real human beings live. She may kiss men but then regain her composure, but let’s hold on the ticker tape praising her restraint. There’s a reason she put on makeup and nearly skipped to Ted’s office before finding Don waiting. Best case scenario she wanted to kiss him again. Go home and tell your spouse that you’ve kissed two co-workers in the past ten days. I bet all the money in my pockets against all the money in your pockets they won’t commend you for being less of a sleaze than your boss. 

The shining moment of the night comes after the low point of the kiss. Her advice to Stan is the cleanest break from the Olsen, Draper pairing. Remember back to Don’s “You’ll be amazed…” pep talk following the act that everyone seems to forget when nominating Peggy for sainthood? She shows her humanity and compassion by telling a reeling Stan the exact opposite. She knows that nothing can mask the pain. Time and real grief of capable of far more healing than booze and sex could ever imagine. She’s a killer, but she’s a killer with her soul intact. Analysis: It’s Black Friday for Peggy Stock. The Mad (Wo)Men elevators are passing. Only one is going up. 

(FBF) Fat Betty Francis- I hate me some Betty, but I love me some January Jones.  She doesn’t do it for me  the way that she does it for Bobby Flay, but still. Betty is back at fighting weight and she didn’t hear no bell. The fat suit is in a wearhouse, the mother-in-law wig is trying to grow back onto the woodland creature from whence it came and the ice cream in her mouth has been replaced by her usual vitreal.  I’ll miss the waddle and the self awareness that made her slightly less insufferable, but the hour seems more in balance with her usual strut and baseless arrogance.

Back too are the barbs and the ass-backward motivations. They’ve never dug into Don like she would have liked, and maybe they are equally ineffective on Megan and Sally, but they at least show some reaction in contrast to Don’s ability to let them pass straight through. When Sally insisted that she had earned the skirt that Megan had bought her, Betty’s response was pitch perfect. “On what street corner” is the groundwork for her later typical hypocrisy. Sally is either a child or she isn’t. Children shouldn’t be responsible for their siblings, but they also shouldn’t be attributed to prostitution. The finishing touch was what seemed to be her main annoyance with the entire situation. Prior to Don’s collapse, she asks if he is aware that Henry is running for office. That’s the ball game folks. Never again will I entertain the notion that Betty is some admirable character or half-decent mother. Her children were alone in an apartment with a burglar who threatened them, and the largest pillar of her attack on the precariousness of the situation was that the incident could somehow hurt the campaign. Cold hearted motherf’r. Analysis: We’ve never measured by parenting skills, though. If so, Mad Men stock would result in Hoovervilles from the Midway to Madison Avenue. The only way we judge is by the ability to improve one’s standing in the life of the show. Betty is poised for a meteoric rise and since she has no soul to sell, it should come cheap. Buy 

She’s baaaack.

(SMD) Sad Megan Draper- Life is easier when the woman you’re trying to measure up against is an insufferable wench whose presence keeps folding chairs up at night. It’s a lot harder when she looks like this. Megan’s real competition is an oatmeal bowl away, but a leggy blonde on your couch critiquing your parenting skills and making cracks about the casting couch makes for a pretty formidable tag team. You know what would make Megan feel better (and by Megan I mean Roger and me)? Marie. Please bring back Marie. Analysis: Sell.

(DIE) Drug Induced Episodes- Give me a different drug every week. Please., for the love of God. Twice now, Weiner has proven his ability to be plenty dark and daunting while under the influence of very real sixties power houses. If the entire series was just a different Roger acid trip each week, I would watch gleefully. Crash wasn’t as potent as acid, but damn it was close. If you read the first hand accounts of agency life in the last sixties you’ll find that races and apple and ass shooting are not fictitious filler. Variations on these activities were common place. LSD and vitamin rich injections are far more valuable to the viewer than the hilarity of the reactions, though. The true power is found in the honesty and insight that comes from the army of guards that are let down around SCDPCGC. Analysis: The chances we get another drug induced episode in 1969…I’m not sure. But I’m buying every share I can in hopes that we do. The hard stuff is out there waiting. 

(MMG) Mad Men GIFs- Analysis: They just keep getting better. Pete falling down the stairs was satisfying, but Ken Cosgrove dancing will occupy the remainder of your day. It should come with an emergency shutdown valve. Buy them all.

In the end, we may have gained some more insight into the makeup of these relative strangers we’ve been watching for seven years, but that’s not the point. The point is there was no point. The drugs and the sex and the rambling resulted in nothing. Bobby was left wondering, “Are we negroes?” and we were left wondering what the hell happened to Don Draper. When in the course of human events, Don? At least the hassle of putting up with him used to be worth some great copy. Now what?

 

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/mad-men-season-6-episode-8-recap-the-crash/feed/ 1 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/xbox-reveal-what-will-console-be-named/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/xbox-reveal-what-will-console-be-named/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 20:11:06 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313405 What will the new Xbox be named? This is a question that many have been asking and we will finally get our answer tomorrow. On Tuesday, May 21, Xbox will be rolling out their new system and some new information at their official reveal. While everyone would like to know the specs of the new [...]

Xbox Reveal: What Will Console Be Named? - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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What will the new Xbox be named? This is a question that many have been asking and we will finally get our answer tomorrow. On Tuesday, May 21, Xbox will be rolling out their new system and some new information at their official reveal. While everyone would like to know the specs of the new system, the name continues to generate the most discussion.

It was initially believed that the console name would be Xbox 720, but a number of other names have surfaced leading up to the reveal.

The Xbox Fusion, Xbox Durango, Xbox 8, Xbox Infinity and Xbox Infinite are all the names floating around, but there is the most buzz about Xbox Fusion, especially after a number of domains were registered with that name.

Microsoft went out and acquired the domain names XboxFusion.com, XboxFusion.info, XboxFusion.biz,XboxFusion.de, and XboxFusion.co.uk just ahead of the reveal.

The Xbox Fusion names are the only to be registered ahead of time by Microsoft.

What would you like the new Xbox to be named or do you have no preference? Sound off in the comments section and share your thoughts in the comments section. Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided.com tomorrow during the big announcement for the latest news and information.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/xbox-reveal-what-will-console-be-named/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/jarome-iginla-plans-to-retire-after-season/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/jarome-iginla-plans-to-retire-after-season/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 19:52:41 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313403 The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the Eastern Conference semifinals and just a few wins away from making it to the Stanley Cup Finals and that has made forward Jarome Iginla think about his next move after the season is over. Whether or not the Penguins get to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup at the end of [...]

Jarome Iginla Has No Plans to Retire After Season - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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May 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Jarome Iginla (12) at the face-off circle against the New York Islanders during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the Eastern Conference semifinals and just a few wins away from making it to the Stanley Cup Finals and that has made forward Jarome Iginla think about his next move after the season is over. Whether or not the Penguins get to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup at the end of the postseason, there was some belief that Iginla could be hanging up his skates. But now, we know for certain that the NHL veteran is not ready to call it quits

Per the Calgary Herald:

What Jarome Iginla does know is that, whatever happens, Stanley Cup or no, he’ll be playing next season. Somewhere. There’ll be no teary Ray Bourque-like goodbye should the dream at long last come to fruition.

“I had one fan come up to me in a restaurant the other night,” he laughs, “just to say ‘Good luck, Friday.’ And I’m like ‘Thank you.’ And then, out of the blue, he says: ‘If you guys win it, are you going to retire?’ He must’ve thought I said yes, because he was like ‘C’mon? No! No!’

“But, no, I don’t plan on retiring.

“I still feel good. I still love the game. God willing, I’d love to win the Cup this year. But, regardless, I plan on playing for a while longer.”

Iginla picked the perfect opportunity when he waived his no-trade clause to make the journey to Pittsburgh.

With the team that he has around him, there is no reason to call it quits when you can take a reduced role and play with one of the league’s most talented teams moving forward.

]]> http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/jarome-iginla-plans-to-retire-after-season/feed/ 0 http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/alabama-auctions-off-broken-national-championship-trophy-for-105000/ http://fansided.com/2013/05/20/alabama-auctions-off-broken-national-championship-trophy-for-105000/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 19:34:03 +0000 Josh Sanchez http://fansided.com/?p=313397 The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has won the past two BCS National Championships. What comes with the championship win is a shiny Waterford Crystal football that carries a value of over $30,000. Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, the trophy they earned for the 2011 BCS Championship was dropped during an event shortly after their win. It wasn’t [...]

Alabama Auctions Off Broken National Championship Trophy For $105,000 - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News - An Independent Sports Network

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Jan 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick (21) holds the BCS National Championship Trophy after his team defeated the LSU Tigers 21-0 at the Louisiana Superdome. Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has won the past two BCS National Championships. What comes with the championship win is a shiny Waterford Crystal football that carries a value of over $30,000. Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, the trophy they earned for the 2011 BCS Championship was dropped during an event shortly after their win.

It wasn’t the greatest thing to ever happen, but the program made the most out of it and decided to sell the broken trophy at the university’s celebrity golf tournament. As you would expect, it brought in a ton of cash.

From Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News:

Alabama auctions off the broken 2011 BCS Champonship Trophy at its UA Celebrity Golf Tournament on Sunday. It brought a reported $105,000.

— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) May 20, 2013

We don’t know if the largest chunk of the trophy was auctioned off or if it was a number of pieces. Considering the fact that the trophy shattered upon impact, you would have to believe there were a number of pieces auctioned off.

Great work by Alabama. As they say, when life gives you lemons, sell them for $105,000.

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