May 3, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers small forward Matt Barnes (22) in game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at FedEx Forum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 118-105. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Going into the playoffs, no one truly expects upsets in the first round, especially with a team as talented as the Los Angeles Clippers. With a great run earlier in the year, many people expected the Clippers to finally make a statement in the postseason.

So, it was no surprise to see the L.A. franchise take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Clipper fans got their brooms ready to see their team end their postseason drought, but celebrations were premature.

Winning four consecutive games, Memphis defeated L.A. in Game Six, Friday night, leaving many NBA fans in a daze. The Grizzlies, which have been overshadowed in the West, knocked off one of the powerhouses in the discussion for a Western title.

To be completely honest, I didn’t really know the extent of the Grizzlies’ lineup. However, after analyzing it, I realized they don’t have a “superstar.” They are just fundamentally sound and play unselfishly.

This doesn’t help explain how the Clippers went down in six games though.

To explain the upset in one sentence, Lob city underestimated the Memphis squad, and once they realized they were in trouble, it was too late.

Through the first couple games, Los Angeles controlled the game tempo and simply outplayed Memphis, but in the proceeding games, they let up. Essentially, they let Memphis have the series by not playing at the same level they had all season.

By the time Memphis tied the series at two, the Clippers had lost control, and their defeat was impending quickly. Because of this, the Clippers played sloppy and allowed the frustration to affect their playing style.

They were rushed. They were undisciplined.

They were not the Clippers team that dominated earlier in the postseason.

Watching Game Six, it became evident that the Clippers were frustrated. Blake Griffin wasn’t playing well, allowing Zach Randolph to control the post all night. While Chris Paul played well, his frustrations were manifested through the dirty play of hitting Mark Gasol in the abdomen, where he was suffering an injury.

The Clippers did not go out in style, or even with their dignity; they crumbled.

It’s frustrating to lose, but it’s even more frustrating to defeat yourself.

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May 19, 2012; Munich, GERMANY; Bayern Munich midfielder Thomas Muller (25) celebrates after scoring a goal against Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League final at Allianz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Gunn-USA TODAY Sports

FULL-TIME: Barcelona 0-3 Bayern (Agg: 0-7) #BarcelonaBayern #ChampionsLeague uefa.to/103TW7g

— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 1, 2013

If there were still some doubters that a changing of the guard was taking place atop the soccer world, then tonight’s second leg between Barcelona and Bayern Munich leaves no doubts.

Already down 4-0 after the first leg, former best team in the world, Barcelona, were humiliated yet again and this time on their home soil. For the second consecutive match, Bayern Munich dominated. While Barcelona had more possession, they hardly looked dangerous on the attacking end, and the fierceness of the Bayern counter vastly outmatched the Barcelona personnel. The German club was catalyzed by Arjen Robben who sealed the series with an impeccable left footed strike in the second half. A Gerrard Pique own goal, and a free header from Thomas Muller made it 3-nil on the night, and 7-0 on aggregate. Bayern reinforced their dominance and will move onto the UEFA Champions League Final.

For Barcelona, it may be time to tear it down and rebuild. Lionel Messi’s absence is no excuse, Barcelona no longer have the players to compete with the bigger stronger clubs. The Spanish team lacks the physicality and width to stretch the field and avoid being bullied inside the box. As teams like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have proven, you can expose Barcelona by packing in the middle and then extending your attack out wide and in the air.

The title game will take place on May 25th at Wembley Stadium in London. It will be an all German affair, as Bayern look to avenge last season’s championship match loss. Their opponent will be Bundesliga rival Borussia Dortmund, who will enter the match has a heavy underdog. Still, facing an opponent in your own league poses problems for Bayern. Such familiarity with each other’s squads should provide a tense and tight match, don’t be surprised if this one goes to penalties. It’s been a long Champions League season, and it will culminate in only a few short weeks.

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Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo (right) is defended by CD Guadalajara midfielder Marco Fabian (8) during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 2-0 Dortmund (Agg: 3-4) #RealMadridDortmund #ChampionsLeague uefa.to/1011dEC

— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 30, 2013

After a stunning scoreline last week, Real Madrid found themselves buried in a huge hole that they almost overcame tonight.

Borussia Dortmund’s stellar performance at home last week set the stage at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid, down 4-1 on aggregate, came out on fire, moving with pace and creating excellent scoring chances. However, they were unable to put the ball in the back of the net and after 15 minutes of dominance, Borussia Dortmund finally found their footing. The German club weathered the early storm and that proved to be the difference as Real Madrid mounted a furious comeback late in the match. Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos both scored goals in the final 10 minutes to put Madrid 2-nil up on the night and only down 4-3 on aggregate. But it was too little too late. The Spanish team couldn’t find the golden third goal that would have sent them through to the UEFA Champions League final.

It was an exhilarating match filled with a plethora of scoring chances, and yet both teams looked tight when it came time to put away the rock. Dortmund hang on, and they hold up their end of the bargain as they become the first German team to punch their ticket to the final in May.

With a commanding 4-0 first leg lead, Bayern Munich look to make the final a unanimously German affair. We’ll find out tomorrow if Barcelona can do the unthinkable and mount a substantial comeback against the most in form team in the world.

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After months of waiting for football to start again, fans booed Roger Goodell as he announced the beginning of football season with the NFL Draft.

With over twenty million fans watching (I don’t understand why so many people watched this, but again, I am one of those fans) the season was underway.

Through three rounds of the draft, teams heard boos and cheers – and a few eyebrow-raises – so I would like to rank my top values of the draft.

Discretion: I am not saying these are the best picks, but the best values for which they were drafted.

5.Star Lotulelei (14^th overall by Panthers)

The defensive tackle out of Utah was an impressive prospect in the months preceding the draft, and many analysts had him going number one overall. However, some believed heart issues could lead to problems later in his career, and even though his tests proved otherwise his value dropped. I believe he is a great fit for the Carolina defense, who are in desperate need of youth on that defensive line. For where Carolina was able to snag this Star – see what I did there – they got a great value who will produce for years to come.

Nov 10, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (92) reaches for Washington Huskies quarterback Keith Price (17) during the 2nd half at CenturyLink Field. Washington defeated Utah 34-15. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dion Jordan (3^rd overall by Dolphins)

Dion Jordan is the most talented and gifted athlete of this draft, and I believe he will emerge as the best draft pick to come out of this year’s class. He is the most valuable player of the draft with his incredible speed and footwork as a linebacker under Chip Kelly in Oregon. If he did not go third overall, the Eagles were ready to pick him up at number four, but Miami moved up from the 12^th spot to pick up the Oregon linebacker. The Dolphins only gave up a second round pick for this spot, and they grabbed the best player in this draft. At 248lbs and running a 4.60 40-yard dash time, Jordan’s superb athleticism make him an immediate threat to quarterbacks across the league. Great pick for Miami. Just a great pick.

Nov 17, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Dion Jordan (96) reaches to stop Stanford Cardinal running back Stepfan Taylor (33) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jarvis Jones (17^th overall by Steelers)

Jarvis Jones is another player that slowly slipped down the draft class in the month preceding the draft. A safe pick for the early to middle first round, Jones proved his ability to stop the SEC running attack, however, his pass coverage is lacking as an outside linebacker. Steelers hoped to replace the void of James Harrison and that is exactly what they will receive out of Jones. Pittsburg has always produced great linebackers, and it will be interesting to see how Jones develops in the next couple years.

November 17, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Southern Eagles wide receiver Darreion Robinson (7) runs against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

2. Shariff Floyd (23^rd overall by Vikings)

Minnesota had a wonderful draft, stumbling upon a couple jewels that slipped into the late first round. Initially expected to be taken in the top ten – some analysts even had him the top five – Floyd was overrated. Initially I believed him to be a creation of the media, which in a way he was, but I did not expect him to fall to the twenty-third spot before being drafted. His strength and athleticism make him a big tackle to clog up running lanes and get pressure on the quarterback. While he may not be worth a top-ten pick, he was a steal for the Vikings who are lacking on the defensive side of the ball.

November 17, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73) rushes Jacksonville State Gamecocks quarterback Marques Ivory (12) during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Xavier Rhodes (25^th overall by Vikings)

Rhodes, in my opinion, is the best cornerback available in this draft, but I have been following this corner since November. Watching Florida States defense in the past year, this senior cornerback impressed me with his ability to shut down receivers and locating the ball in midair. My strange obsession with this corner developed with watching more tape, and I was expecting him to go earlier in the draft. However, when he dropped to the 24^th pick, I was screaming at my Colts to pick him up, but alas, they went with Werner. At twenty-five, the Vikings acquired a tremendous athlete to possibly replace Antoine Winfield, and this youth may be the resurgence they need in the coming years. Don’t be surprised if a young Vikings squad makes a surge in the postseason this year.

November 26, 2011; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) defends Florida Gators wide receiver Andre Debose (4) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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Apr 22, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis holds up a jersey as he is introduced at the press conference at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

When you think of the New York Jets, you think disappointment, butt-fumble, and possibly the most awkward tattoo on a woman – I’m talking to you Rex Ryan.

They had retained their diamond-in-the-rough shutdown corner Darrelle Revis… until this week.

Trading away the number thirteen pick and a later pick in 2014, the Buccaneers acquired Revis from the Jets after months of deliberation.

I still believe the Bucs made a terrible mistake.

Let’s break the trade down:

1. The Buccaneers acquired a corner with a $96 million contract.
2. The Bucs also acquired a corner who is recovering from an ACL tear, meaning he has definitely slowed down.
3. Tampa Bay also lost their thirteenth overall pick, which they could have used to draft a younger corner or fill some of their other holes on offense.

For the first time, the Jets are not on the short-end of the stick. Revis was leaving the team after this year; at least they got something out of the situation. However, their track record with drafting has been… dubious to say the least.

(We are talking about the franchise that passed up on Emmitt Smith and Dan Marino)

As for the Buccaneers, I understand the politics of the situation: they wanted to energize their fans for their upcoming season.

While I don’t believe it was the best strategy from a talent standpoint, it is a brilliant move to gain media attention. Ever since winning the Superbowl in 2002, they have disappeared into the shadows of the NFC South.

Attaining several talented players during free agency, the Buccaneers increased the depth of their squad, but they didn’t get that “big name” for which they hoped. Revis was a replacement; it brought the Bucs out of the shadows and, for the first time in years, included them in the playoff conversation.

For the sake of Tampa Bay football, I hope Revis will not bust in the coming season, because it would cost the GM his job and set the Buccaneers back several years.

However, I believe that Buccaneers would have been safer drafting Xavier Rhodes from Florida State with their first round pick. Quite honestly, he is one of the best prospects of this draft.

The post Jets Flying Out As Winners Of The Revis Trade appeared first on News and Rumors | Fancloud.com.

Jan 9, 2013; Barcelona, SPAIN; Lionel Messi poses with his four Ballon d’Or trophies aka golden ball trophies after winning the World Player accolade for a fourth straight year. Mandatory Credit: Rondeau/Presse Sports via USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday, Barcelona was humiliated by Bayern Munich 4-0, and Real Madrid followed suit, being crushed 4-1 by an impressive Borussia Dortmund squad.

The world is in shock: the best teams in the world were humiliated in Champions League Semifinals.

Is this the end of La Liga’s reign as the arguably the best league in the world?

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, La Liga still has some remarkable talent, but these two matches indicated a new era of football.

Good teams have been overshadowed by teams such as Barcelona and Real Madrid, but this week may indicate a shifting of the tides.

A new set of teams are set to rise amongst the ranks.

Whether these teams can continue to play at the level will be the ultimate test; a one-time performance will not help them rise in the prospective leagues.

Watching either of the games, the favorites never controlled the game: Dortmund and Munich both dominated the game from the beginning.

However, Barcelona has been facing health issues, missing their “savior,” Lionel Messi.

Dortmund struck early against Madrid, scoring in the seventh minute, but it wasn’t until the second half where they pulled away under the leadership of Robert Lewandowski.

Analyzing they style of play of Dortmund, I came to a rather startling conclusion; they didn’t try to slow Madrid’s game, but they maintained a quick game.

Madrid cannot even blame a difference in style.

They were simply outmatched.

Following the match, Champions League fanatics were left scratching their heads: how did this happen and who is Robert Lewandowski?

To answer the former, Real Madrid has aged drastically and Dortmund’s youth proved to be too much for the squad. Quite simply, they could not keep up with the speed of Dortmund.

Lewandowski carried the squad, scoring all four goals, leaving the crowd screaming and Madrid fans with their heads in their palms. The Polish striker started early and never let up, shredding the defense with his strength and quick feet. Such young talent is rare, and it could mean – as on analyst described – “that the balance in power of European football may be shifting.”

While it may be too early to conclude the end of the Spanish reign of football, these matches could prove to be the foreshadowing of its inevitable decline.

The young-bloods of European football are stepping up to replace the older generation: it is the beginning of a new era of football.

The post Worst Defeat for the Spanish Since the Defeat of the Armada appeared first on News and Rumors | Fancloud.com.

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo (right) is defended by CD Guadalajara midfielder Marco Fabian (8) during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

FULL-TIME: Dortmund 4-1 Real Madrid #DortmundRealMadrid #ChampionsLeague

— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 24, 2013

A record breaking performance marked the first leg of the second UEFA Champions League Semifinal tie. After last night’s shock Bayern-Barcelona scoreline, German soccer was at it again. The atmosphere was fierce at the Westfalenstadion, and the fans went home happy.

Real Madrid entered tonight’s match as the heavy favorite to advance to the UEFA Champions League Final in May. Polish International, Robert Lewandofski had other ideas as he became the first man to score 4 goals in a UEFA Champions League Semifinal match. Madrid’s backline had no answer for the Dortmund Striker, and despite yet another goal by Cristiano Ronaldo, the second consecutive Spanish club fell to a German team.

Madrid did grab an away goal, a feat Barcelona was unable to accomplish. Now both ties seem out of reach for the Spanish clubs, however there is still a second leg to play. As it stands now, it looks as though we are heading towards an all German Final at Wembley Stadium in May.

The post UEFA Champions League Semifinal (Day 2) Roundup appeared first on News and Rumors | Fancloud.com.

May 19, 2012; Munich, GERMANY; Bayern Munich midfielder Thomas Muller (25) celebrates after scoring a goal against Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League final at Allianz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Gunn-USA TODAY Sports

FULL-TIME: Bayern 4-0 Barcelona #BayernBarcelona #ChampionsLeague

— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 23, 2013

What was expected to be an epic clash of European giants, turned out to be quite the laugher in Munich tonight. A battle between this year’s Bundesliga Champs, Bayern Munich, and this year’s La Liga champs, Barcelona, should have been a crowning moment in this year’s soccer calendar. Instead, it was a blowout.

Thomas Muller was the Man of the Match for the German Club, bookending the scoring by opening a Bayern goal barrage in the 25th minute. The match looked to still be in the balance for the visiting Spanish team, but only 4 minutes into the second half provided the host team with a second goal compliments of Mario Gomez. After a nifty bit of skill by Arjen Robben, the Bavarian kings found themselves up 3-nil after 73 minutes. Muller completed his brace shortly thereafter in the 82nd, capping off a historic night in Munich by defeating Barcelona 4-0.

It’s a shocking result for Barcelona who were unable to stop the Bundesliga champs. The health of Lionel Messi will undoubtedly come into question. Still, the scoreline is unacceptable for a team of Barcelona’s calibre. Barcelona looked defeated earlier in the tournament against Milan, but they were able to fight back back on home soil. They will have to do it again at the Nou Camp, but it will be a tall order.

Tomorrow night will feature the other semifinal, pitting Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund.

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Apr 20, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas fans holder up a banner honoring the city of Boston before the game against the Vancouver Whitecaps at FC Dallas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
4/20/2013 7:40:31 PM

Every American’s heart was in Boston in the last week as flags were lowered to half-mast. For the first time since 9/11, the American people felt the shock and awe of an attack on US soil.

Instead of striking terror into the eyes of every American, those responsible for the attack reinforced the patriotism and courage of the country.

Watching those who rushed to help those injured, the Boston Police department’s relentless efforts to find those responsible, and the entire nation’s support for the Boston community, I came to the realization that sports truly do bring the world together.

Sports were originally intended to display the athleticism, but it came to bring people together; sports create groups of people under a cause.

The Boston marathon did just that, but in a different manner.

Boston Marathoners were not part of a particular team during that race, but they proved that we are all on the same team.

Even during athletic competition, when one competitor becomes injured, both teams come to his aid and neither team wishes an injury on either side – at least not during healthy competition.

Ultimately, sports are indicative of the human struggle: we will compete and try to out skill each other, but when one side’s health is in jeopardy, we are willing to come to their aid.

This is no different than the situation in Boston.

After finishing the marathon, these runners ran to the hospital to donate blood for those who were injured during the attack. Fans helped others fans who were trapped under the rubble. People around the country supported the brave men of Boston’s police department. Around the world, people mourned the losses of American lives.

We were not Republicans.

We were not Democrats.

We were not even just Americans.

We were just human.

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Aug 06, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; FC Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta (8) battles for the ball with a Club America player during the second half at Cowboys Stadium Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

It’s all over! Congratulations to @fcbayern and @fcbarcelona on reaching the semi-finals. Draw is on Friday.

— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2013

The final two teams punched their tickets to the UEFA Champions League Semifinals tonight. Bayern Munich looked assured with a 2-nil advantage going up against Juventus, while Barcelona and PSG played a tight one that wasn’t decided until late in the match.

The big story last week was the health of Lionel Messi. After scoring early in the first leg, Messi exited the game at halftime with a pulled hamstring. Fast forward a week later, and Messi was in uniform, but not in the starting lineup. His absence was noticeable in the first half as Paris Saint-Germain was the better side in the first 45 minutes. At 2-2 on aggregate, the French club needed a goal, and they found one early in the second half on a great 1-2 pass by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Javier Pastore. Pastore ended up with the goal, and this put PSG up 1-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate. After going down a goal, the entire soccer world knew what was coming next: Lionel Messi would be substituted into the match. Sure enough, the diminutive talisman entered the game just after the hour mark, and 9 minutes later Barcelona scored the equalizer. While not at 100% Messi still factored into the goal, drawing multiple defenders before placing a penetrating pass into the box that David Villa neatly dropped off for Pedro to crush into the back of the net. 1-1 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate. PSG scampered for yet another goal, but were unsuccessful and Barcelona advance to the Semis on away goals. It was an admirable effort, but Barcelona is not yet ready to exit this competition.

Days after clinching the Bundesliga title, Bayern Munich were in prime form for a letdown. No championship hangover here, as Bayern Munich mirrored the performance they displayed in Munich last week, winning 2-0 yet again, this time in Turin. Juventus were unable to scratch anything through, and they leave the Champions League losing 4-nil on aggregate.

The Semifinals will feature two Spanish and two German clubs. We won’t know the matchups until Friday, but for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund, an appearance in the UEFA Champions League Title game is merely two matches away.

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