Adrian Wojnarowski - LeBron James(notes), Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) are expected to share a conference call on Wednesday to discuss free agency and try to move closer to finalizing their decisions, a league source with knowledge of the plan told Yahoo! Sports.
The three players are motivated to reach resolutions and make their choices public by Thursday, several sources told Yahoo! Sports. The stars and their agents with CAA continued on Tuesday to churn through numerous machinations and possibilities.
“Everything is still in play,” the source said.
James has the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets as his top three choices, sources said. Still, Cleveland has reemerged as the leader to keep James and Cavaliers officials are confident the two-time MVP will choose to re-sign with them.
The three players have strongly discussed playing together in Miami, and Bosh and Wade are considering playing together there as well as in Chicago or New Jersey, sources said. Wade hasn’t committed to re-signing in Miami and is still strongly considering the Bulls. He is intrigued with the talent that would surround him with the Bulls, as well as family considerations that would benefit from proximity to his ex-wife and children in Illinois.
Chicago and New Jersey need to make deals to eliminate more salary off their cap to accommodate two maximum contract players.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Bosh And Wade Will Sign With Heat
Chris Broussard - Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are teaming up together on the Miami Heat, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
ESPN's Shelley Smith also reported the pending move through independent sources.
Whether LeBron James, the kingpin of this summer's celebrated free agent class, will join them remains to be seen. James will announce his decision Thursday night at 9 ET during a one-hour special on ESPN.
Wade and Bosh are expected to announce their decision on Wednesday, according to the source.
James or not, the Heat could emerge as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference with Wade and Bosh aboard. Wade, who led the Heat to the NBA title in 2006, is re-signing with the club, while Bosh will leave the Toronto Raptors after seven years with the club.
Both players are expected to get the maximum amount allowable under the league's collective bargaining agreement, though the addition of James could change the players' salaries. Contracts cannot be officially signed until July 8.
It was not immediately clear whether Bosh will sign with Miami outright or join the Heat through a sign-and-trade deal. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million over five without it.
"Either way, he's definitely going to Miami," the source said.
ESPN's Shelley Smith also reported the pending move through independent sources.
Whether LeBron James, the kingpin of this summer's celebrated free agent class, will join them remains to be seen. James will announce his decision Thursday night at 9 ET during a one-hour special on ESPN.
Wade and Bosh are expected to announce their decision on Wednesday, according to the source.
James or not, the Heat could emerge as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference with Wade and Bosh aboard. Wade, who led the Heat to the NBA title in 2006, is re-signing with the club, while Bosh will leave the Toronto Raptors after seven years with the club.
Both players are expected to get the maximum amount allowable under the league's collective bargaining agreement, though the addition of James could change the players' salaries. Contracts cannot be officially signed until July 8.
It was not immediately clear whether Bosh will sign with Miami outright or join the Heat through a sign-and-trade deal. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million over five without it.
"Either way, he's definitely going to Miami," the source said.
ESPN's Shelley Smith also reported the pending move through independent sources.
Whether LeBron James, the kingpin of this summer's celebrated free agent class, will join them remains to be seen. James will announce his decision Thursday night at 9 ET during a one-hour special on ESPN.
Wade and Bosh are expected to announce their decision on Wednesday, according to the source.James or not, the Heat could emerge as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference with Wade and Bosh aboard. Wade, who led the Heat to the NBA title in 2006, is re-signing with the club, while Bosh will leave the Toronto Raptors after seven years with the club.
Both players are expected to get the maximum amount allowable under the league's collective bargaining agreement, though the addition of James could change the players' salaries. Contracts cannot be officially signed until July 8.
It was not immediately clear whether Bosh will sign with Miami outright or join the Heat through a sign-and-trade deal. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million over five without it.
"Either way, he's definitely going to Miami," the source said.
Whether LeBron James, the kingpin of this summer's celebrated free agent class, will join them remains to be seen. James will announce his decision Thursday night at 9 ET during a one-hour special on ESPN.
Wade and Bosh are expected to announce their decision on Wednesday, according to the source.
James or not, the Heat could emerge as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference with Wade and Bosh aboard. Wade, who led the Heat to the NBA title in 2006, is re-signing with the club, while Bosh will leave the Toronto Raptors after seven years with the club.
Both players are expected to get the maximum amount allowable under the league's collective bargaining agreement, though the addition of James could change the players' salaries. Contracts cannot be officially signed until July 8.
It was not immediately clear whether Bosh will sign with Miami outright or join the Heat through a sign-and-trade deal. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million over five without it.
"Either way, he's definitely going to Miami," the source said.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Buffalo Bills Training Camp 2010 Preview "Early Edition"
Many believe that the quarterback situation is the most pressing issue for this team. On the other hand, I believe the bigger problem is the offensive line that has failed to provide adequate protection.
Ever since they traded Jason Peters to the Philadelphia Eagles, the overall offense has been significantly worse. In particular, Trent Edwards has felt the impact the most. In '08, he appeared to be improving as he posted a solid 85.4 passer rating. Last season, however, he was constantly beat up and as a result he was unfairly benched.
The organization has invested in the offensive line over the past few years, and they must come together and perform well if the Bills want to go anywhere.
RT Cornell Green
Green should help solidify the team at the right tackle position. He has a fair amount of starting experience and has handled opposing 3-4 personnel during his prior three-year tenure with the Oakland Raiders.
DE Dwan Edwards
Signing Edwards is a great first step in the transition from a 4-3 to 3-4 defense. He's a solid player that will bring a winning mentality over from the Baltimore Ravens.
LB Andra Davis
Davis is a prototypical 3-4 ILB and should provide an immediate impact.
OLB Reggie Torbor
Every 3-4 linebacking core needs a deep rotation in order to be successful. Torbor has the ability to come in and provide fresh energy.
WR Terrell Owens
Even though he was the team's leading receiver last season, I agree with this move. First of all, it has been noted that in is second season with a team, he begins to behave inappropriately. For a team that isn't realistically competing for anything and already has their fair share of problems to deal with, the potential of a T.O. headache isn't worth the risk.
WR Josh Reed
Other than being a decent slot receiver, Reed had very little impact which is why the Bills won't feel his absence.
Also note that two-time Pro Bowl DE Aaron Schobel is planning on retiring before the start of the season. He has registered 78 sacks during his nine-year career with the Bills. 1st Round (No. 9 Overall): Clemson RB C.J. Spiller
2nd Round (No. 41 Overall): Central Florida NT Torell Troup
3rd Round (No. 72 Overall): Arkansas State DE Alex Carrington
4th Round (No. 107 Overall): Connecticut WR Marcus Easley
5th Round (No. 140 Overall): Virginia Tech OT Ed Wang
5th Round (No. 178 Overall): James Madison OLB Arthur Moats
6th Round (No. 192 Overall): South Dakota State OLB Danny Batten
7th Round (No. 209 Overall): Troy QB Levi Brown
7th Round (No. 216 Overall): Iowa OT Kyle Calloway
The Bills are undergoing a rebuilding process and did a nice job picking up some solid pieces for the future, headlined by C.J. Spiller. He should bring a spark to an offense that lacks a big-time playmaker. Moreover, I thought it was great how they drafted several players that will fit their newly-implemented 3-4 defensive scheme.
Ralph Wilson is a smart owner and I have confidence that he has the ability to put together a front office and coaching staff that can turn things around in Buffalo.
Chan Gailey will enter his first season as Bills' head coach. He has an extensive offensive background and specializes in quarterbacks, which should help the development of this team.
Curtis Modkins comes in as the team's offensive coordinator. Expect him to focus on getting the running game started.
George Edwards was hired as the team's defensive coordinator. While he has 12 years experience, he may have never had a task like this before. He will be responsible for making the switch from a 4-3 to 3-4 successful.
We can all expect the Bills to run, run, and run the football. They have three talented running backs in C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, and Marshawn Lynch. If they can find a way to utilize each of them to the best of their abilities, this offense could be somewhat effective.
An efficient running game would also take a lot of pressure off their young quarterbacks. If the Bills want to go anywhere, however, they will need to find a long-term solution at QB, the most important position on the field.
The Bills defense has both good news and bad news. The good news is that, primarily thanks to Jarius Byrd, they are one of the best (second in the NFL) at defending the pass. The bad news, unfortunately, is that they are one of the worst (30th in the NFL) at stopping the run.
Putting both of those things together, and they are a mediocre unit. If they want to make the next step forward, though, they will need to improve their front seven.
Moreover, with Aaron Schobel gone, generating a pass rush may be troubling. Therefore, players such as Aaron Maybin will have to step up and make plays. One of the few bright spots for this team will be their special teams.
Rian Lindell is a solid kicker who nailed an impressive 84.8 percent of his field goals last season. He's got good range and can be counted on in critical situations.
Two-time Pro Bowl P Brian Moorman is one of the best in the league at his position. Last season he had a net average of 40.2. His services will be especially valued if they can't consistently move the chains on offense. When a team has a good punter, it puts their defense in great field position.
Fred Jackson does a good job returning kickoffs while Roscoe Parrish handles the punt return duties. The unit hopes they can regain their 2008 form when they scored twice on returns.
Fred Jackson
Even though Jackson did rush for 1,000 yards last season and caught 46 receptions, I wouldn't consider him a top RB because he will be sharing snaps with Spiller and Lynch. Moreover, he only scored four total TDs.
C.J. Spiller
Spiller could have a solid season much like rookie RBs have in recent past. He has the breakaway speed to be a threat to score every time he touches the ball. While we shouldn't expect a Chris Johnson-type impact, he could prove to be a good choice.
Lee Evans
In my opinion, Evans is one of the more underrated receivers in the league. You can count on him to post approximately 50 receptions for 800 yards and six TDs.
Marshawn Lynch
In his first two seasons, Lynch appeared to be emerging as one of the top RBs in the league. However, after a dissappointing season last year and reports of off-the-field issues, his fantasy stock has plummeted. Moreover, he may be traded midway through the season, which is never something a fantasy owner wants to hear.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Brock Lesnar Destroys Shane Carwin At UFC 116
Brock Lesnar tapped out Shane Carwin at UFC 116 Lesnar vs. Carwin. Brock Lesnar wins his fifth fight after a one year layoff. There will be no questions about Brock Lesnar’s next fight. Cain Velasquez will be the lucky or unlucky fighter next to challenge Brock Lesnar.
The intensity throughout UFC 116 leading up to the fight was just awesome. There was something different about this show that has been missing since maybe UFC 100. Whether it be boxing or UFC, there is still nothing better than a good heavyweight fight. The fact that you had two guys with the knockout power of Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin only intensified an already exciting event.
This was one of the most impressive wins you will ever see in MMA. Shane Carwin destroyed Brock Lesnar for the entire first round. Carwin caught him with an upper cut and just dominated Lesnar for the entire round. Carwin sat on top of Lesnar and dropped down hammers and elbows. Lesnar was cut bad and looked like he was out of it at one point. The onslaught obviously gassed Carwin out. Lesnar finally got a take down in Round 2 and dominated him on the ground. Lesnar was able to tie him up with a choke and get Carwin to tap. The win was huge!
Brock Lesnar remains the 14th undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. Even with the comeback win, Lesnar continues to be the most hated fighter in all of MMA. At this point it has to be either jealousy or the embarrassment of a professional wrestler jumping into the UFC with little MMA experience and becoming arguably the greatest heavyweight fighter in UFC history.
It was gutsy performance from Shane Carwin. If anything, Shane Carwin made himself a star tonight. For the first time since Frank Mir vs. Brock Lesnar 1, Lesnar looked human. Even with his matching power and wrestling acumen, Carwin was still no match for Lesnar in the end. Carwin and Lesnar will likely meet again at some point. Carwin is just too good to go on an extended losing streak so whether it is for the UFC title or not, I see a rematch between these two guys at some point down the road.
Carwin immediately brought attention to himself in the MMA community after he blasted Brock Lesnar on his website following UFC 100. “The flipping off of the fans that just lined your pocket with millions of dollars is just LAME. He may be a Champion but he has a long ways to go before he earns the respect of a Champion. The fans are why we do this Brock, this sport is not about fat paychecks and drama it is about hard work and sacrifice for a shot to do what you did last night.”
Ironically Carwin did more trash talking for this fight last July than he has done in the last three months.
Brock Lesnar finds himself hunted by the most dangerous heavyweight field in UFC history. Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar is on tap for the next UFC heavyweight championship collision. Junior Dos Santos, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Roy Nelson, Randy Couture, Mirko Cro Cop (retirement pending), Ben Rothwell, and Frank Mir are all out there as potential future challengers. Of course a rematch with Shane Carwin would be big but the money is Lesnar vs. Mir III. If Frank Mir can get a win or a bunch of top contenders are injured, this could be the biggest match in UFC history.
Alistair Overeem and Fedor Emelianenko are also wildcards. Emelianenko only has one fight left on his Strikeforce deal and Overeem has already publicly expressed interest in joining the UFC at some point. While Lesnar vs. Emelianenko won’t have the luster it would have if Fedor remained undefeated, it will still be a huge match if Fedor can avenge his loss to Fabricio Werdum in convincing fashion. One more dominating national appearance by Overeem and the UFC could have a juggernaut on their hands with Alistair Overeem vs. Brock Lesnar. The match would also likely be a lot easier for Dana White to make than Fedor vs. Lesnar.
Lesnar will first have to get past Velasquez before anyone starts even thinking about Lesnar vs. Fedor or Lesnar vs. Overeem. Velasquez is a very dangerous opponent for Lesnar. I don’t think Velasquez could handle Lesnar’s power, but I think Velasquez’s speed could give Lesnar some real fits. Carwin vs. Lesnar won’t have the sizzle of most UFC heavyweight title collisions, but it will be a really fun match to see.
As it stands today there is nobody in the UFC that would be favored against Brock Lesnar in the octagon. Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva have both talked about moving up to heavyweight to fight Lesnar. Dana White has never been a big fan of “freak shows’ until of course Randy Couture vs. James Toney was signed. So you never know what could be down the pike in the UFC heavyweight division.
The intensity throughout UFC 116 leading up to the fight was just awesome. There was something different about this show that has been missing since maybe UFC 100. Whether it be boxing or UFC, there is still nothing better than a good heavyweight fight. The fact that you had two guys with the knockout power of Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin only intensified an already exciting event.
This was one of the most impressive wins you will ever see in MMA. Shane Carwin destroyed Brock Lesnar for the entire first round. Carwin caught him with an upper cut and just dominated Lesnar for the entire round. Carwin sat on top of Lesnar and dropped down hammers and elbows. Lesnar was cut bad and looked like he was out of it at one point. The onslaught obviously gassed Carwin out. Lesnar finally got a take down in Round 2 and dominated him on the ground. Lesnar was able to tie him up with a choke and get Carwin to tap. The win was huge!
Brock Lesnar remains the 14th undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. Even with the comeback win, Lesnar continues to be the most hated fighter in all of MMA. At this point it has to be either jealousy or the embarrassment of a professional wrestler jumping into the UFC with little MMA experience and becoming arguably the greatest heavyweight fighter in UFC history.
It was gutsy performance from Shane Carwin. If anything, Shane Carwin made himself a star tonight. For the first time since Frank Mir vs. Brock Lesnar 1, Lesnar looked human. Even with his matching power and wrestling acumen, Carwin was still no match for Lesnar in the end. Carwin and Lesnar will likely meet again at some point. Carwin is just too good to go on an extended losing streak so whether it is for the UFC title or not, I see a rematch between these two guys at some point down the road.
Carwin immediately brought attention to himself in the MMA community after he blasted Brock Lesnar on his website following UFC 100. “The flipping off of the fans that just lined your pocket with millions of dollars is just LAME. He may be a Champion but he has a long ways to go before he earns the respect of a Champion. The fans are why we do this Brock, this sport is not about fat paychecks and drama it is about hard work and sacrifice for a shot to do what you did last night.”
Ironically Carwin did more trash talking for this fight last July than he has done in the last three months.
Brock Lesnar finds himself hunted by the most dangerous heavyweight field in UFC history. Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar is on tap for the next UFC heavyweight championship collision. Junior Dos Santos, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Roy Nelson, Randy Couture, Mirko Cro Cop (retirement pending), Ben Rothwell, and Frank Mir are all out there as potential future challengers. Of course a rematch with Shane Carwin would be big but the money is Lesnar vs. Mir III. If Frank Mir can get a win or a bunch of top contenders are injured, this could be the biggest match in UFC history.
Alistair Overeem and Fedor Emelianenko are also wildcards. Emelianenko only has one fight left on his Strikeforce deal and Overeem has already publicly expressed interest in joining the UFC at some point. While Lesnar vs. Emelianenko won’t have the luster it would have if Fedor remained undefeated, it will still be a huge match if Fedor can avenge his loss to Fabricio Werdum in convincing fashion. One more dominating national appearance by Overeem and the UFC could have a juggernaut on their hands with Alistair Overeem vs. Brock Lesnar. The match would also likely be a lot easier for Dana White to make than Fedor vs. Lesnar.
Lesnar will first have to get past Velasquez before anyone starts even thinking about Lesnar vs. Fedor or Lesnar vs. Overeem. Velasquez is a very dangerous opponent for Lesnar. I don’t think Velasquez could handle Lesnar’s power, but I think Velasquez’s speed could give Lesnar some real fits. Carwin vs. Lesnar won’t have the sizzle of most UFC heavyweight title collisions, but it will be a really fun match to see.
As it stands today there is nobody in the UFC that would be favored against Brock Lesnar in the octagon. Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva have both talked about moving up to heavyweight to fight Lesnar. Dana White has never been a big fan of “freak shows’ until of course Randy Couture vs. James Toney was signed. So you never know what could be down the pike in the UFC heavyweight division.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Preview: CFL, Week 1 Opening Weekend
Montreal at Saskatchewan, 4 p.m., TSN – TSN's replay two nights ago of last year's Grey Cup final was almost as stunning upon second viewing – the first time two teams have celebrated a Grey Cup victory on the same night. Kavis Reed – the Roughriders' special teams coach who forgot to account for the extra (13th) man which gave the Als a second chance to kick the winning field goal – is gone to Winnipeg. But many of the same protagonists return, including the relentless Alouette pitch and catch duo of Anthony Calvillo and Ben Cahoon, senior CFL citizens approaching their 38th birthdays. This could be just the first of three meetings between the Als and 'Riders. Many suspect they'll be the only two teams still standing for the 98th Grey Cup game Nov. 28 in Edmonton.
Pick: Montreal
Toronto at Calgary, 7 p.m., TSN – Jeremaine Copeland joined the Stampeders in 2005, the year after Calgary ended the season at 4-14, and he helped them improve by seven wins to finish second in the West. Now, he's returning to Calgary with a good-sized cow chip on his shoulder after being traded to the Argos. Copeland, who had 81 catches and 12 touchdown receptions last season, is expected to be a major contributor to establishing respectability in Toronto. And really, that's all the Argos -- 7-29 over the past two seasons -- are looking for. The team's starting quarterback is Cleo Lemon, a 30-year-old who is new to the CFL game and recalls the old bromide: If life hands you lemons, made lemonade. Okay, Cleo, start squeezin'.
Pick: Calgary
FRIDAY
Hamilton at Winnipeg, 5 p.m., TSN – While other teams have been turning their rosters inside out, the Tiger-Cats are trusting that a core of 32 returning players will add stability and upward mobility to a team which went 9-9 last season. That was good enough to put the Tiger-Cats in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The more intriguing team from a Lions perspective, of course, is Winnipeg, where Buck Pierce landed following his release by Wally Buono. Pierce was named as the Blue Bombers' starting quarterback last week by head coach Paul LaPolice, the former Saskatchewan offensive coordinator. Pierce will endear himself to Manitobans early if he can outduel Kevin Glenn, the Ticat starter who would love to stick to his former team.
Pick: Hamilton
SUNDAY
B.C. at Edmonton, 4 p.m., TSN – No team playing host to a Grey Cup game has won it since the Lions beat Baltimore in '94 at BC Place, but the Eskimos might decide it's about time. Despite their lacklustre home record last season (5-4) and a penchant for giving up the big play on defence, the Esks are the trendy pick to emerge from the West and represent Canada's left half in the season finale at Commonwealth Stadium. Deep threat Kelly Campbell is back from the NFL and underrated ex-Argo Andre Talbot adds another component to the receiving corps which includes Kamau Peterson and the dangerous Fred Stamps. If Ricky Ray stays as sharp as he's looked in preseason, the Edmonton QB could make it a long night for most teams. The still-evolving Lions might be the first.
Pick: Edmonton
Pick: Montreal
Toronto at Calgary, 7 p.m., TSN – Jeremaine Copeland joined the Stampeders in 2005, the year after Calgary ended the season at 4-14, and he helped them improve by seven wins to finish second in the West. Now, he's returning to Calgary with a good-sized cow chip on his shoulder after being traded to the Argos. Copeland, who had 81 catches and 12 touchdown receptions last season, is expected to be a major contributor to establishing respectability in Toronto. And really, that's all the Argos -- 7-29 over the past two seasons -- are looking for. The team's starting quarterback is Cleo Lemon, a 30-year-old who is new to the CFL game and recalls the old bromide: If life hands you lemons, made lemonade. Okay, Cleo, start squeezin'.
Pick: Calgary
FRIDAY
Hamilton at Winnipeg, 5 p.m., TSN – While other teams have been turning their rosters inside out, the Tiger-Cats are trusting that a core of 32 returning players will add stability and upward mobility to a team which went 9-9 last season. That was good enough to put the Tiger-Cats in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The more intriguing team from a Lions perspective, of course, is Winnipeg, where Buck Pierce landed following his release by Wally Buono. Pierce was named as the Blue Bombers' starting quarterback last week by head coach Paul LaPolice, the former Saskatchewan offensive coordinator. Pierce will endear himself to Manitobans early if he can outduel Kevin Glenn, the Ticat starter who would love to stick to his former team.
Pick: Hamilton
SUNDAY
B.C. at Edmonton, 4 p.m., TSN – No team playing host to a Grey Cup game has won it since the Lions beat Baltimore in '94 at BC Place, but the Eskimos might decide it's about time. Despite their lacklustre home record last season (5-4) and a penchant for giving up the big play on defence, the Esks are the trendy pick to emerge from the West and represent Canada's left half in the season finale at Commonwealth Stadium. Deep threat Kelly Campbell is back from the NFL and underrated ex-Argo Andre Talbot adds another component to the receiving corps which includes Kamau Peterson and the dangerous Fred Stamps. If Ricky Ray stays as sharp as he's looked in preseason, the Edmonton QB could make it a long night for most teams. The still-evolving Lions might be the first.
Pick: Edmonton
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