FOX23: Sports News

WCC extends contract of Zaninovich

Sat, 18 May 2013 01:32:18 -0500

San Bruno, CA (Sports Network) - The West Coast Conference extended the contract of commissioner Jamie Zaninovich on Friday.

Zaninovich, who is in his sixth year after being named the league's second commissioner on March 9, 2008, has been extended until May 31, 2017.

"The West Coast Conference Presidents' Council and Executive Council are pleased with the progress that continues in the WCC under the leadership of commissioner Jamie Zaninovich," WCC presidents' council chair Ronald Gallagher said. "We have seen success with conference realignment, the addition of competitors such as BYU and growth in media opportunities and exposure. We look forward to a even more robust and competitive schedule going forward with the addition of the University of the Pacific as the WCC's 10th member this summer."

Bears agree to terms with first-round pick Long

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:01:10 -0500

Lake Forest, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with guard Kyle Long on a four-year contract, the club announced Friday night.

The contract includes a team option for a fifth year.

Long, the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long, was selected by the Bears with the 20th overall pick in last month's draft.

The 6-foot-6, 313-pounder was actually selected by the White Sox in the 2008 Major League Baseball draft, but decided to accept a scholarship to pitch at Florida State.

Poor grades and issues off the field prevented Long from playing baseball at Florida State, however. He resumed his football career in 2010 at Saddleback Community College in California, where he initially played defensive end before moving to the offensive line in 2011.

Long played in 11 games for Oregon in 2012, starting the final four contests at left guard.

The entire 2013 Bears draft class is now under contract.

Sharks GM Wilson takes issue with Torres suspension

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:46:46 -0500

San Jose, CA (Sports Network) - On Friday, San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson revealed his thoughts about the league-mandated suspension to veteran forward Raffi Torres.

Torres was banned for the remainder of the Sharks' second-round series against Los Angeles for an illegal hit to the head of forward Jarret Stoll during the second period of the Kings' 2-0 Game 1 win on Tuesday.

"The Sharks organization fully supports the NHL in its efforts to remove illegal and dangerous hits from the game but we strongly disagree with the NHL's decision to suspend Raffi Torres," Wilson said in a statement.

"Upon review of the incident, it is abundantly clear that this was a clean hockey hit. As noted by the NHL, Raffi's initial point of contact was a shoulder-to-shoulder hit on an opponent who was playing the puck. He did not leave his feet or elevate, he kept his shoulder tucked and elbow down at his side, and he was gliding -- not skating or charging.

"As evidenced in the video, just prior to Torres making contact with the opposing player, that player altered his posture to play a bouncing puck with his hand, placing himself in a vulnerable position.

"Comparing the facts of this incident against the actual wording of Rule 48.1, it appears that the NHL has not only made an inappropriate application of this rule but is trying to make an example out of a player who is being judged on past events, one who has changed his game dramatically this season and taken only six minor penalties in 39 games."

The 31-year-old Canadian, who was assessed a minor penalty for charging on the play, is no stranger to lengthy league-sanctioned discipline. He received a 25-game ban, which was later reduced to 21, during last year's Western Conference quarterfinals for a devastating open-ice, hit to the head on Chicago's Marian Hossa which left him unable to return to action.

Wilson added that Torres will not appeal the suspension.

The Sharks trail the best-of-seven set 2-0 with Game 3 at HP Pavilion on Saturday night.

Ken Venturi passes away at 82

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:52:33 -0500

Rancho Mirage, CA (Sports Network) - Recent World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Ken Venturi passed away on Friday just two days after his 82nd birthday.

At the 1964 U.S. Open, Venturi battled heat strokes as temperatures soared into the 100s. He barely hung on that day, which happened to be the last time the U.S. Open played the final 36 holes in one day. So exhausted at the end of his round, Venturi needed help adding up his score.

Venturi later had his playing career cut short by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. He won 14 times in all on the PGA Tour, before being forced into retirement.

He went on to become an analyst for CBS Sports golf coverage for 35 years, and was inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame May 6 for his lifetime of achievements in the game.

His son, Matt, confirmed his father's passing to the San Francisco Chronicle on Friday.

"The PGA Tour joins the world of golf in mourning the loss of one of its most treasured champions and ambassadors, Ken Venturi," read a Tour statement released Friday evening. "His impact on the Tour and the game itself cannot be overstated. His tremendous accomplishments on the golf course were certainly Hall of Fame worthy on their own, but in Ken one finds a rare example of a golfer whose second career, in television, rivaled the legendary status of his competitive achievements.

"His unique perspective and poetic delivery as an announcer enhanced countless memorable moments in golf, making his voice and presence as in indelible as the historic tournaments he covered. Ken will forever be remembered as a consummate gentleman, and he will be truly missed."

The elder Venturi had been hospitalized for some two months with a variety of health issues. Along with pneumonia, Venturi had been battling infections to his spine and his intestine.

Due to his failing health, Venturi's longtime CBS Sports partner, Jim Nantz, inducted Venturi into the World Golf Hall of Fame, and added a few remarks on his behalf.

Venturi's two sons, Matthew and Timothy, were also introduced at the ceremony and briefly thanked the Hall on their father's behalf. Venturi is also survived by his wife, Kathleen, and four grandchildren.

"When dad did receive the election into the Hall of Fame, he had a twinkle in his eye, and that twinkle is there every day," Tim Venturi said that night.

Venturi was the 54-hole leader as an amateur at the 1956 Masters and was runner-up to Arnold Palmer in 1960 at Augusta. Palmer birdied the final two holes that year to take the Masters title from Venturi.

His storied amateur career came to a head in 1956 after losing the Masters. Venturi teamed with Harvie Ward, another high-profile amateur, to take on legends Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson in what is simply known as, "The Match."

Venturi won his second California State amateur title in 1956.

As a youngster, Venturi turned to golf to get away from kids his own age that were bullying him due to a severe stuttering problem. He overcame that to become one of the most well-known golf announcers in the business.

Of his broadcasting career, Venturi once said, "It gave me a whole new career after I could no longer play."

Redskins agree to deal with top pick Amerson

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:34:07 -0500

Ashburn, VA (Sports Network) - The Washington Redskins announced the signing of cornerback David Amerson, the team's highest selection in last month's NFL Draft, on Friday.

The Redskins took Amerson, who led the nation with 13 interceptions as a sophomore at North Carolina State in 2011, with the 19th pick (51st overall) of the second round. The team did not have a first-rounder as part of last year's trade with St. Louis that enabled Washington to land reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 overall draft of the 2012 draft.

Amerson won the Jack Tatum Award honoring the top defensive back in college football following his sophomore campaign with the Wolfpack, and set a school record with 18 career interceptions before declaring for the draft as an early entry.

The Redskins also signed their fourth-round pick, Fresno State safety Phillip Thomas, on Friday. The 24-year-old led all of FBS with eight interceptions last season en route to earning first team All-American and Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Washington now has six of its seven 2013 draft choices under contract, with Florida tight end Jordan Reed (3rd Round) the lone member of the class yet to sign.

Raiders sign P Kluwe

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:02:26 -0500

Alameda, CA (Sports Network) - The Oakland Raiders signed punter Chris Kluwe on Friday.

Kluwe, 31, played in all 16 games last season for the Vikings, punting 72 times for 3,237 yards, an average of 45 yards per punt.

In eight NFL seasons, all with the Vikings, Kluwe has punted 623 times for 27,683 yards and has a 44.4-yard career punting average. He has only been blocked once, in 2008.

To make room on the roster for Kluwe, Oakland waived punter Bobby Cowan.

Report: Pats TE Gronkowski to have fourth arm surgery

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:59:56 -0500

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will endure a fourth surgery to repair a broken left forearm.

The Herald quoted sources on Friday, which said the procedure was likely to be performed some time next week, but a date has not been finalized.

Gronkowski has been battling an infection due to multiple surgeries performed to correct a fracture which was originally suffered back in mid-November.

According to the paper, the upcoming procedure will be necessary to determine if the infection has cleared. If so, then a new plate will be inserted on the broken bone and a new recovery timetable will be set for his return to action. If not, then Gronkowski is in danger of missing the start of the 2013 season.

The 24-year-old Arizona product finished the 2012 campaign with 55 receptions for 790 yards and 11 touchdowns in just 11 games.

Seahawks DE Irvin suspended four games

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:43:15 -0500

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2013 regular season for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances.

Irvin will be eligible to return to the Seahawks' active roster on Monday, September 30 following the team's September 29 game against the Houston Texans. He can participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.

The West Virginia product had 16 tackles and eight sacks in 16 games as a rookie last season.

"I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption," Irvin said in a statement. "I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return."

Top Shelf: Shanny bans Torres for his past

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:29:54 -0500

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - If the punishment Brendan Shanahan levied against San Jose's Raffi Torres was designed to send a message, the only one that came across is life isn't fair if you are a hockey player named Raffi Torres.

Torres was banned for the remainder of the Western Conference semifinals after delivering a crushing hit to Los Angeles forward Jarret Stoll in San Jose's Game 1 loss. The suspension means Torres, who already sat out his team's Game 2 loss on Thursday, could be out for anywhere from three to six games, depending on how long the series lasts.

The hit itself wasn't the worst of these NHL playoffs, but Shanahan's suspension treated it as such and his decision could drastically alter the course of this series.

One of the reasons the NHL's disciplinarian threw the book at Torres in this case is that Stoll was injured on the play and could miss considerable time with what is rumored to be a concussion. Of course, an even bigger reason to hand out this type of rare, open-ended suspension is because Torres is an easy target.

Although Shanahan is the man in charge of player safety, a task that I don't believe he takes lightly, his latest decision smacks of a man taking the easy way out. A concussion happened as a result of a hit by a player with a dirty past, so it's easier to make an example of him than to make the tough call and do nothing. Interestingly, Shanahan seems to have no problem doing nothing when a star player is the one delivering the dirty hit in the playoffs and not a two-way grinder like Torres.

The harsh truth is that sometimes serious injuries happen because hockey is a violent sport, and there isn't always a villain to blame.

To be fair, Torres has earned his bad reputation. You only need to look at last year's postseason and watch the dirty hit he delivered on Chicago's Marian Hossa to know why.

Torres, who was with Phoenix at the time, paid for said hit with a 25-game suspension. Although the ban was eventually reduced to 21 games as a result of an appeal, it still caused him to sit out the first eight games of this regular season and also gave him plenty of time to think.

During his banishment from hockey, Torres expressed regret about the way he had played the game in the past. He said he was going to change how he approached things on the ice and for the most part, it seemed like he was able to implement those alterations.

In 39 combined games with the Coyotes and Sharks during the regular season, Torres logged just 17 minutes of penalty time and he had only four minutes in 11 games following the trade to San Jose. Torres' first two penalty minutes of the playoffs came for the infamous charge against Stoll in Game 1.

However, Torres obviously hasn't convinced Shanahan of his desire to change and maybe that's part of his job as the NHL's director of player safety. After all, the collective bargaining agreement allowed the league to label players as "repeat offenders" and with three suspension prior to his most recent one, Torres falls into that category.

The distinction allows the league to hand out bigger penalties for certain players, but in this particular case it simply made it easier for Shanahan to single out Torres for past crimes instead of focusing on the one in front of him.

In case you haven't seen the hit, video of the play along with Shanahan's explanation regarding the punishment can be found at http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=671025&navid=nhl:topheads

While it's unfortunate Stoll was injured on this play, Shanahan places zero blame for the collision on the Kings forward. This is in spite of the fact that Stoll is leaning forward to try to play a bouncing puck, leaving himself in a prone position. That doesn't give Torres liberty to hit Stoll anyway he chooses, but to act like Stoll's lunging stance had nothing to do with the way the play turned out is ridiculous.

Shanahan takes this misguided line of thinking a step further, blaming Torres for making the head the main focus of his hit while simultaneously labeling Stoll's shoulder as the actual principal point of contact.

"Rather than hit Stoll through the core of his body, Torres take a route that makes Stoll's head the principal point of contact. Although we agree that Torres might make initial contact with Stoll's shoulder, that is a glancing blow. In fact, the head is the principal point of contact."

After the game, Sharks head coach Todd McLellan told ESPN's Pierre LeBrun that he didn't even think the play was worthy of a charging penalty and Torres echoed that sentiment.

"They called it charging," Torres told Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area. "I don't think I launched myself. I took a step and a half, and glided into him.

"Obviously, he was leaning over, and I still feel like I got a shoulder to his shoulder, and then it kind of looked because he was leaning over that I came up a little high. I didn't even think it was going to be a penalty, but I hope he's all right."

Of course, the Kings stood up for their own player. Head coach Darryl Sutter called the hit "careless" but only could point to Stoll's injury as the reason he thought so. One wonders what Sutter would be saying if his captain Dustin Brown or one of the team's other players with a penchant for rough play was given the same treatment by Shanahan for a similar hit? My guess is he would sound a lot like McLellan did when he defended Torres.

Nobody is going to say Shanahan has an easy job. Trying to hand out the right punishments for on-ice behavior in an era when the league is trying to eliminate deliberate head-shots can be a thankless task, and as a former player Shanahan clearly takes his job seriously.

In this case, however, he saw an opportunity to make an example out of a player because he was unpopular. Unfortunately for the Sharks, the outcome of a series may have been altered in the process.

Islanders bring back Boulton

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:14:51 -0500

Uniondale, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Islanders agreed to terms on a one-year contract with tough guy Eric Boulton on Friday.

Boulton registered 36 penalty minutes in 15 games with the Islanders during the shortened campaign. He was held without a point for the second straight season.

The 36-year-old Boulton has totaled 27 goals, 46 assists and 1,301 penalty minutes in 615 career games with Buffalo, Atlanta, New Jersey and the Islanders.