Short-handed Rockets step up, cool off Grizzlies

Basketball Hot News

Marcin Gortat was dunking at will on Lakers (VIDEOS)

The Lakers struggled to contain the Wizards’ speed and movement all night Wednesday — John Wall‘s quickness was a pressure the Lakers could not handle (which is why the Wizards won comfortably).

Same with Marcin Gortat moving toward the rim — he had 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting on the night, and he was 8-of-8 on shots in the restricted area. Jordan Hill and the Lakers’ defense would slide over to try to contain Wall on the pick-and-roll, there was no good rotation and Gortat had room to get to the rim and throw it down. And I don’t mean once.

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Cardinals’ Ellington dealing with 2 hip injuries

NFL Hot News

Cardinals RB Andre Ellington's hip injury not serious, could play in Week 14



After exiting in the second quarter and not returning to Sunday's 29-18 loss to Atlanta, running back Andre Ellington was diagnosed with a hip pointer. Early reports on Monday state that the injury isn't as serious as it could be and that he could potentially return for the team's Week 14 game against Kansas City.Ellington has run for 660 yards on the season, caught 46 balls for an additional 395 yards and totaled five touchdowns. If he can't return for Week 14, expect the recently signed Michael Bush, Stepfan Taylor and Marion Grice to share the running back responsibilities.



Ellington's injury and subsequent absence from the Week 13 game are likely to have cost some fantasy owners a playoff spot. He had only run for 12 yards and had not caught a pass before leaving a game against one of the worst defenses in football.Despite averaging just 3.3 yards per carry, Ellington has still been an effective fantasy running back this season, especially in PPR leagues. Prior to Sunday, he was averaging just less than 95 total yards and just more than four receptions per game, so he's practically a lock for 12 to 14 PPR points each week.If you're still alive in your league and have Ellington, monitor his status this week. With a struggling quarterback in Drew Stanton, the Cardinals are likely to lean heavily on the running game next week against a Chiefs defense that just gave up 168 rushing yards to the Broncos' C.J. Anderson.

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Barkley defends police following Ferguson

Charles Barkley has come out in defense of police. (USATSI)

NBA legend and TNT studio personality Charles Barkley defended police this week in an interview with CNN as the firestorm continues over the decision by a grand jury not to indict officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., last week. From CBS St. Louis:

"The notion that white cops are out there just killing black people -- that's ridiculous. That's just flat-out ridiculous," the TNT basketball analyst told CNN. "I challenge any black person to try to make that point. Cops are actually awesome. They are the only thing in the ghetto between this place being the wild, wild west. So this notion that cops are out there just killing black men is ridiculous and I hate that narrative coming out of this entire situation."

Barkley previously had strong words about the violent protesters in Ferguson, calling them "scumbags" for looting and setting businesses on fire after officer Darren Wilson was not indicted in the death of Michael Brown. He told CNN the only time America discusses race is when something bad happens.

"We've always had a racial issue in this country and the biggest problem with it is we never discuss race until something bad happens. We never have meaningful dialogue over a cold beer when things are going good," Barkley explained to CNN. "When something bad happens, everybody has a tribe mentality. Everybody wants to protect their own tribe, whether they're right or wrong."

Barkley stated that there's a reason why police racially profile the black community.

"We as black people, we got a lot of crooks. We can't just wait until something like this happens. We have to look at ourselves in the mirror," Barkley told CNN. "There's a reason they racially profile us at times. Sometimes it's wrong, sometimes it's right. To act like we hold no responsibility for some of this stuff is disingenuous."

via Charles Barkley Defends Police Following Ferguson Protests « CBS St. Louis.

Former NBA player Etan Thomas published a letter to Barkley in The Nation, expressing disappointment and outrage at Barkley's comments.

So, as a federal investigation by the Justice Department into the shooting death of Michael Brown continues, in addition to an investigation into allegations of unconstitutional policing patterns and practices by the Ferguson Police Department; and with the inconsistent officer testimony to the grand jury and the continuing mistrust between the black community and the police in mind, you can understand why your statements disappointed, angered, sickened and disgusted many in the black community. Because it felt like betrayal.

You weren't afraid to ask that all-important question, a question that confronts people who look like Michael Brown, Eric Garner and myself: "Who's afraid of a large black man?" Tragically, it now seems like the answer might be you.

via An Open Letter To Charles Barkley | The Nation.

On Wednesday, a New York grand jury voted not to indict a police officer in the death of an unnarmed African-American who died due to a chokehold administered by the officer. LeBron James took to Instagram in the aftermath of riots that broke out following the Ferguson verdict to call for peace. Indiana Pacers forward David West has been outspoken about the case on Twitter.

Basketball Hot News

Kings’ DeMarcus Cousins hospitalized with virus infection, out at least two more games

The Sacramento Kings have lost their last 14 games when DeMarcus Cousins has had to sit out for whatever reason, including their last three this past week. Which makes this especially bad news.

Cousins has been admitted to a Sacramento area hospital to fight the viral infection that has kept in sidelined the last week, the team announced Wednesday. Doctors said Cousins needed “rest and treatment.” Cousins will be out at least two more games, this Friday and Saturday, and may return to the rotation next week (maybe next Tuesday vs. Toronto).

Cousins is having a career year coming off his time with Team USA this summer, averaging 23,5 points and 12.6 rebounds a game, with 1.5 blocks a game thrown in.

His play led Sacramento to a fast 9-5 start to the season, but the Kings have fallen back to .500 with Cousins out. Something that will continue for at least a couple more games now,

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Black police group gives Rams its support

Tavon Austin was one of five players who showed support for Ferguson protesters. (USATSI)

The Rams may not have the support of the St. Louis Police Officer's Association, but the team does have the support of at least one police group in St. Louis.

The Ethical Society of Police -- which represents African American cops in St. Louis -- released a statement this week saying that it commends the Rams for the Ferguson gesture they did before the team's Week 13 game against the Raiders.

Jared Cook, Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens and Tavon Austin all did the "Hands-up-don't-shoot" pose as they entered the field before the Rams' 52-0 win over the Raiders.

Cook said the group decided to do it out of respect to the Ferguson, "We wanted to come out and show our respect to the protests and the people who have been doing a heck of a job around the world," Cook said following the Rams win over the Raiders.

The Rams play only 12 miles from Ferguson, where a grand jury decided on Nov. 24 not to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.

The ESP called the gesture 'commendable' and added that the five Rams players "should not be ridiculed, disciplined or punished for taking a stand on this very important issue."

The Ethical Society of Police clearly doesn't agree with how the St. Louis Police Officer's Association reacted to the gesture.

Earlier this week, the SLPOA said it was "extremely disappointed" and was "calling for the players involved to be disciplined and for the Rams and the NFL to deliver a very public apology."

The SLPOA and the Rams were also at odds because the group announced that the team had apologized for the gesture. The Rams later released a statement saying that the team didn't apologize.

The NFL has already announced that it won't be punishing the players invovled.

The African American police group actually took a shot at the SLPOA in their statement saying that the SLPOA's view didn't represent the view of most St. Louis cops because "There are no African American officers on [the SLPOA's] governing board."

You can read the entire statement from the Ethical Society of Police below.

ST. LOUIS CITY AFRICAN AMERICAN POLICE OFFICERS SUPPORT THE RAMS PLAYERS ACTIONS

The Statements of the St. Louis Police Officers Association does not represent the opinion of a majority of African American Officers.

THE ETHICAL SOCIETY OF POLICE, is the primary voice of African American Police Officers in St. Louis City, and as such it COMPLETELY SUPPORTS THE ACTIONS OF THE ST. LOUIS RAMS FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN WHICH THEY SHOWED SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILY OF MICHAEL BROWN BY ENTERING THE STADIUM WITH THEIR HANDS UP.

We think that their actions were commendable and that they should not be ridiculed, disciplined or punished for taking a stand on this very important issue which is of great concern around the world and especially in the community where these players work.

THE STATEMENTS OF THE ST. LOUIS POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE MAJORITY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN POLICE OFFICERS IN THE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THERE ARE NO AFRICAN AMERICAN OFFICERS ON THEIR GOVERNING BOARD AND THEY HAVE A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MEMBERS.

The Ethical Society of Police has been the primary bridge between African American community and the police department for many years. The Ethical Society will use its best efforts to continue to work with the community leaders and the Department of Justice to address issues that affect our community such as racial profiling, police brutality and disparities in hiring and disciplining practices of African American Officers.

NFL Hot News

Titans WR Justin Hunter remains hospitalized with lacerated spleen



Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter remains in a Houston hospital after being admitted following Sunday's game against the Texans with a lacerated spleen. Hunter was injured on a hit by Texans DB Danieal Manning early in the first quarter. He returned to the game, but exited again shortly thereafter and did not return. Hunter is likely to remain in the hospital for the next couple of days and is in jeopardy of missing the rest of the 2014 season.



This is a bad break for anyone, including myself, who used Hunter in daily games this week. I fully expected Hunter to torch the Texans' suspect pass defense in this one, and it's likely he could have. Teammate Kendall Wright had his best game of the year, hauling in seven balls for 132 yards and a touchdown. The stars were aligning for Hunter to have a breakout game, and it never got the chance to develop.If you've been hanging onto Hunter, it's probably a safe move to drop him. He's unlikely to be a fantasy factor the rest of this year. WR Nate Washington figures to see increased action, but he isn't someone to trust heading into the fantasy playoffs. Wright's value gets a slight boost.

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Right call?

After throwing five picks in two games, Brian Hoyer remains the starter. (Getty Images)

Brian Hoyer said Sunday that he was shocked when coach Mike Pettine benched him for Johnny Manziel. On Monday, Hoyer made the case for why he deserved to keep the job: "We're 7-5 here. We won three games last year when I started; 10-5 as a starting quarterback, that's not bad."

And on Wednesday, Pettine made the decision to stick with Hoyer when the Browns face the Colts this Sunday.

"After thorough evaluation and talking to the staff, we feel Brian gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday," the first-year coach said in a statement released by the team. "This is a football decision and those are always going to be based on what we think is best for our team. Brian has led our team to a 7-5 record. I'm confident that we can get the entire offense playing at the level needed to accomplish the goals we set at the beginning of the season. Those goals are still very much attainable."

It's a strange decision because a) Pettine said Sunday that, "The door is definitely open for a change at the quarterback position," and b) Over the last three weeks, Hoyer has been the NFL's worst quarterback. That's not hyperbole; in terms of awfulness as measured by ProFootballFocus.com, he's surpassed, Drew Stanton, (5 interceptions since Week 11), Derek Carr (1 for 2014), and Robert Griffin III (benched for Colt McCoy last Sunday).

In Weeks 11-13, Brian Hoyer is No. 1 ... at being terrible. (ProFootballFocus.com)

We'll reiterate what we wrote Monday: Here's the bottom line: We know what the ceiling is on Hoyer. Yes, you can win with him, but it requires a lot of things to go right. We have no idea what the ceiling is on Manziel. And if Hoyer is going to play more like he has in recent weeks than the first month of the season, there's really no reason to keep Johnny Football on the bench.

You can subscribe to the Eye on Football Podcast via iTunes right here.

NFL Hot News

Titans WR Justin Hunter to miss rest of season with spleen injury



Wide receiver Justin Hunter of the Tennessee Titans is expected to be placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a lacerated spleen he suffered in the Titans' 45-21 drubbing at the hands of the Houston Texans on Sunday. Hunter finishes his 2014 season with 28 catches for 498 yards and three touchdowns.Wide receiver duties for the Titans will fall mainly to Kendall Wright and Nate Washington.



It's a disappointing end to a disappointing season for the second-year receiver. Hunter has shown flashes of brilliance that support why many experts pegged his as a potential breakout sleeper this year. Unfortunately, those flashes were too infrequent for him to be considered legitimate in fantasy land.Hunter will likely enter 2015 off of the radar, but his talent, youth (23 years old) and size (6-foot-4) will likely make him a sleeper candidate yet again. He could be a great pick as a third-year breakout next season.

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Ravens: We didn’t ask Janay Rice to apologize

The Ravens claim they never asked Janay Rice to apologize for anything. (USATSI)

The Baltimore Ravens claim they never asked Janay Rice to apologize for anything in relation to the February domestic violence incident that led to the suspension of her husband, Ray Rice.

During an interview on the "Today" show this week, Janay Rice told host Matt Lauer that the Ravens suggested she apologize.

From the interview:

Lauer: Did anyone at the Ravens say, 'Janay, it would be really good if you issue some kind of an apology?'

Janay: They suggested it. Yes.

Lauer: Did they come up with the wording?

Janay: No not specifically. They basically gave us a general script.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ravens say they never asked Janay to apologize. The team also claims that the script they gave the Rice's was for Ray. The Ravens say they offered to speak with Janay before the May 23 press conference, but she declined.

Here's the Ravens statement in its entirety.

There have been some discussions in the media about the Ravens providing a 'script' or 'suggested script' to Janay and Ray Rice prior to a May 23 press session.

After conversations with Ray about what he wanted to say, we did provide talking points to Ray for this event. After Ray informed the Ravens that Janay wanted also to speak at the event, I asked Ray on two different days if Ray wanted me to speak with Janay in advance of the press session. Both times, Ray declined and said: 'She's good. She knows what she wants to say.'

At no time prior to the May 23 session did we provide talking points, a script or suggested script to Janay or speak with her about the press event. We did not recommend or suggest to Ray or Janay that she apologize in any way.

We understand that the NFLPA also provided Ray talking points and that he repeatedly looked at these on his phone during the May 23 press event.

The Ravens also released the exact talking points that they provided for Ray Rice, which you can read below.

• I Take Full Responsibility For What Happened That Night. I Apologize…(list all you want to address)


• We Will Not Let This One Night Define Who We Are


• I Was Wrong. I Made a Mistake.


• I Regret My Behavior. I'm Embarrassed.


• I Hold Myself to a Higher Standard and I Failed.


• We Can Do Something Going Forward By Admitting Our Mistakes and Making Sure We Serve as an Example of Doing the Right Things


• I Have Been Busted Up Over My Behavior. I've Been in Anguish. That Is Not the Way I Was Raised. I Am So Sorry Mom…And Janay's Family


• I Pride Myself On Being a Good Example and Role Model to Younger People. I Failed Miserably


• Janay and I Are in Counseling, and We Will Continue This. We are Determined to, as Coach Harbaugh Says, Make This Right…COUNSELING HAS BEEN GREAT FOR ME AND US. I'VE TAKEN STEPS TO BE A BETTER HUSBAND, FATHER AND ROLE MODEL.


• I Completely Understand Any Person, Group or Company That Wants to Distance Themselves From Me. That's My Fault. I Am Working to Re-Build That Trust, Especially With Young People Who Look Up to Me


• I Am Working To Be the Best Person I Can Be. We Are Working Together.


• We Are Building to Be the Best Partners We Can Be to Each Other and the Best Parents We Can Be to Rayven


• Thank you

After winning his appeal last week, Ray Rice is free to sign with any team. There was never any chance that he was going to return to Baltimore, but there was a chance the two sides could mend things. However, that's looking less and less likely as the two sides continue to publicly feud.

NFL Hot News

Titans WR Justin Hunter to miss rest of season with spleen injury



Wide receiver Justin Hunter of the Tennessee Titans is expected to be placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a lacerated spleen he suffered in the Titans' 45-21 drubbing at the hands of the Houston Texans on Sunday. Hunter finishes his 2014 season with 28 catches for 498 yards and three touchdowns.Wide receiver duties for the Titans will fall mainly to Kendall Wright and Nate Washington.



It's a disappointing end to a disappointing season for the second-year receiver. Hunter has shown flashes of brilliance that support why many experts pegged his as a potential breakout sleeper this year. Unfortunately, those flashes were too infrequent for him to be considered legitimate in fantasy land.Hunter will likely enter 2015 off of the radar, but his talent, youth (23 years old) and size (6-foot-4) will likely make him a sleeper candidate yet again. He could be a great pick as a third-year breakout next season.

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Rex Ryan on Jets: ‘I’m embarrassed for myself’

NFL Hot News

Browns WR Josh Gordon will be 'full go' today versus Bills



After his eight-catch, 120-yard debut last week, the reins are going to come off of Josh Gordon today against the Buffalo Bills. That's what NFL.com's Albert Breer said this morning. He added that the Browns' dominant No. 1 wide receiver will be "full go" this afternoon.



You could argue that the reins were off of Gordon last week in his return from a suspension. Amid reports that he was going to be on the field for only 20-30 snaps versus Atlanta, he played 52, close to 70 percent of Cleveland's offensive plays. Quarterback Brian Hoyer might end up harming the Browns' chances by trying to force the ball to Gordon when he shouldn't, but Gordon's fantasy owners aren't complaining. He is back into high-end WR1 range again, regardless of the matchup.

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