My Sports News Digest

Neither the New York Red Bulls nor Sporting Kansas City are having difficulty scoring goals. Only one, however, is having any success keeping the ball out of its own net. The Red Bulls look to continue their recent scoring binge Saturday night when they host Kansas City, which will need to defend better if it wants to end its four-match winless streak. New York (3-1-2) wasn’t living up to its own lofty expectations through four matches, totaling two goals while winning once. Suddenly, though, the Red Bulls have the look of an offensive juggernaut. Luke Rodgers scored twice and Thierry [...]

Read the full story

Every year at the draft, representatives pass out promotional materials for “Mr. Irrelevant Week” in Newport Beach.  We’re always happy to see them for one reason: It’s time to go home. The Houston Texans selected Rice linebacker Cheta Ozougwu with the 254th pick of the draft, making him “Mr Irrelevant” for the rest of his life.   Or at least until next year at this time. That ends our time here at Radio City Music Hall for 2011.   Florio, whose son took over the PFT Twitter page for a while Saturday, is heading off to dinner his family. I’m [...]

Read the full story

RICHMOND, Virginia —Juan Pablo Montoya took the pole Friday for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday. The Brazilian turned in a fastest lap of 128.639 mph (207.024 kph) on the 0.75-mile (1.21-kilometer) oval. “It’s exciting. We unloaded this morning and it was a bit of a headache getting the car to run at the beginning. It was dragging a lot and when we finally got it rolling, we felt like we had a pretty decent race car.” Montoya said after earning his second No. 1 starting spot of the season and the first of his [...]

Read the full story

DEERFIELD, Ill. – Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer sat out his second straight practice because of turf toe on his right foot. Coach Tom Thibodeau said Saturday that Boozer was feeling better, but was “not quite ready to go yet.” The Bulls meet Atlanta in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Game 1 Monday at the United Center. Boozer has been getting treatment and lifting weights. He also did some shooting Saturday but was mostly a spectator again after sitting out practice the previous day. The Bulls were off Wednesday and Thursday after knocking out Indiana 116-89 in Game 5 of [...]

Read the full story

Ryan Zimmerman, now likely out through mid-June with a torn rectus muscle in his abdomen, probably doesn’t qualify as one of baseball’s top 10 performers just yet, but as far as irreplaceable players go, he’s very near the top. In Zimmerman’s absence, the Nats have been trying to get by with Jerry Hairston Jr. and Alex Cora at third base. Hairston is currently hitting .220/.316/.300 in 50 at-bats, while Cora is at .139/.205/.167 in 36 at-bats. Taking just their appearances at third base into account, they’ve combined to hit .228 with one homer, five RBI and five runs scored in [...]

Read the full story

UFC 129 in the Great White NorthUncle Chael’s watching you fellas. No ‘Government Cheese’ hometown decision for Grease S.P.  -Chael Sonnen Toronto here I come!  -Diego Sanchez Appreciate the best wishes everyone!  -Mark Hominick Man media marathon today, 15 phone interviews, open workout question and answer and skype chat!  -Jason Macdonald Fight Week! #129  -Diaz Brothers Hello Toronto, Spider is in the house!!!  -Anderson Silva Great post by Mrs. Brilz: Just finishing UFC checklist: Anxiety (check), Headache (check), Nausea (check),… http://fb.me/TtfhtYAW  -Jason Brilz Heading to Toronto for @ufc 129. Which is awesome. Then I remembered that I get to watch [...]

Read the full story

Three days after being injured in what’s become one of the deadliest tornado-related events in this country’s history, there’s some encouraging news to report on the health of Alabama long-snapper Carson Tinker. Tinker suffered a broken wrist and a concussion after reportedly being thrown 50 yards when a tornado ripped through his Tuscaloosa residence, and, while he remains hospitalized, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports that his condition had improved Friday.  He’s officially listed in stable condition.  It’s unclear at this point in time, though, how long he will be hospitalized. As had previously been reported, Tinker’s girlfriend Ashley Harrison, who was [...]

Read the full story

With the second round really under way and rolling along now, heroes are beginning to emerge about the playoffs. Although 1 guy in San Jose doesn’t completely surprise us, there’s a name in Tampa Bay that has us floored as to how well he’ stepped up for the Lightning. It’s a bit too early to commence projecting doom for some teams in the second round, but we do have a few thoughts. 1. It is just 1 game, but the Tampa Bay Lightning’s program of frustrating the hell out of their opponents is working like a charm correct now. It [...]

Read the full story