AJ Smith, GM of the San Diego Chargers, likes to play hard ball with his players.

AJ Smith of the San Diego Chargers has been called The Lord Of No Rings.

From PE.com

Marcus McNeill, back at Chargers Park and back in uniform, acknowledged Wednesday that there were moments he wondered whether his staredown with team management would, indeed, end satisfactorily.

“That was one of my biggest hang-ups,” he said. “We weren’t sure anything was going to get done at all, or what my future was in the organization.

“But I came and sat down with the organization, and they made me feel comfortable about my role with this team for the next few years. That’s what I really needed, that insurance to make sure I would be here as a San Diego Charger.”

“Organization,” in this case, essentially refers to General Manager A.J. Smith, who calls the shots for the Spanos family.

Original Photos zimbio, thehobbithole

The Cincinnati Reds are heading to the postseason for the 1st time in 15 years.

Jonny Gomes channels his inner Kenny Powers as he celebrates the Cincinnati Reds 1st trip to the postseason since 1995

From CBS News

Cincinnati captured the NL Central crown in dramatic fashion, with a Jay Bruce homer in the bottom of the ninth lifting them to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros. It’s the Reds first division title since 1995.

It was a fitting finish to the unexpected championship drive. Cincinnati has won 22 games in its last at-bat. That’s second-most in the majors.

With the title, Dusty Baker joins Bill McKechnie as the only managers to lead three different NL teams to the playoffs. Baker also has made it with the Giants and Cubs.

Original Photos Yahoo, thesocietypages, kaboodle

The New Orleans Saints have signed kicker John Carney.

Garrett Hartley of the New Orleans Saints might be getting cut.

From NOLA.com

Financial terms were not released, but it is believed to be for the veteran’s minimum. Kicker Garrett Hartley’s status with the team is unknown. But the team carried both kickers for much of the 2009 season.

Carney was signed after Hartley missed a 29-yard field goal in overtime that would have given the Saints a win in their 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. On the season, Hartley is just 4-for-7 on field goal attempts.

The New Orleans Saints have signed 46-year-old kicker John Carney to a one-year contract, a league source said Tuesday afternoon.

Original Photo Yahoo

The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking for answers.

Maurice Jones Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars

From Big Cat Country

With David Garrard presently mired in the worst performance string of his career, the “What if” questions about drafting a quarterback are once again rearing their ugly heads.

• What if the Jaguars hadn’t drafted Byron Leftwich and stayed with Mark Brunell?
• What if, in staying with Brunell, they drafted Ben Roethlisberger the year after Leftwich was taken?
• What if they’d taken Joe Flacco?
• What if they had acquired Drew Brees or Matt Schaub?

It is very easy to invoke hindsight now that the certain Jaguars draft choices have manifested themselves as failures. One problem with engaging in this line of thinking is that there is nothing productive to be gained from it, apart from assigning blame. The past can’t be changed and the “I told you so” chant by the fans is self serving and empty.

Original Photo Yahoo

Carmelo Anthony reportedly has held up a trade to the NJ Nets.

The Denver Nuggets have not showed any guts in dealing with an upset Carmelo Anthony.

From Yahoo Sports

“He’s having second thoughts on Jersey,” one league source said. “He’s pushed [Denver] to explore other options.”

The Nuggets believe the deal with New Jersey gives them maximum value for Anthony, but they still engaged the Knicks on Saturday in discussions that included Danilo Gallinari(notes), Anthony Randolph(notes) and Toney Douglas(notes), sources said. The Knicks were working to pry draft picks to use in a deal for Anthony, and sources said they had talks with the Houston Rockets, who obtained New York’s 2012 first-rounder to clear cap space in a February deadline deal.

Original Photo sportslogos.net

The New York Rangers have put Wade Redden on waivers.

Upon hearing the news of Wade Redden getting waived the joy of New York Rangers fans transcended space and time.

From The NY Post

The $6.5 million albatross no longer will hang around the Rangers’ neck to choke the cap. Wade Redden, the most dramatic and expensive blunder of Glen Sather’s 10-year reign as GM, has been placed on waivers.

Redden, who learned the news from Sather this morning after reporting to the Blueshirts’ practice rink ostensibly to skate in preparation for tonight’s pre-season match in New Jersey, will remain on waivers until noon Monday.

When he clears, Redden would then be obligated to report to the Blueshirts’ AHL training camp in Hartford once the newly renamed Whale begins to practice independently of the NHL squad, though the Rangers would surely grant him permission to play with a team in Europe should that option present itself.

Original Photos History, thegrocerygame

The Texas Rangers seem to be doing everything in their power to shoot themselves in the foot.

The Texas Rangers have been playing like dog crap lately.

From The Star – Telegram

With the loss, the Rangers’ magic number to clinch the West remained at four and their lead was trimmed to seven games with 10 to play.

While Lee (12-9) wasn’t as sharp as he has been in his last two starts, he would have had to match Braden’s gem to give the Rangers a chance as the offense was almost nonexistent.

That’s been a recurring theme lately.

The Rangers have scored just 14 games on their current 2-5 road trip, with just two of those coming in the last three games. Before Thursday, the fewest hits the Rangers had had in a game this season was three.

“It’s just very bad timing,” said Texas outfielder David Murphy, who went 0 for 3. “We’ve gone through some offensive struggles this season. It’s just happening now at a very inopportune time.”

Original Photos Yahoo, entertainmentwallpaper

St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford is getting some high praise.

Rookie phenom Sam Bradford looked like a gunslinger in week 1, but a little like Sling Blade in week 2.

From The Washington Post

Coach Mike Shanahan is considered one of the best offensive coaches in NFL history, and tutoring quarterbacks is among his specialties.

So when Shanahan praised Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford the other day, people listened.

“Well, I’ve been watching him a lot throughout his collegiate career and in preseason games he went pretty good,” Shanahan said. “He’s very impressive. He’s a guy that comes around once every 10 years, in my opinion. He’s that type of quarterback. Maybe 15 [years].”

Original Photo: Yahoo

The Philadelphia Eagles have turned the reigns over to Michael Vick, and now they might trade Kevin Kolb.

LeSean McCoy of the Philadelphia Eagles cruises for a TD against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

From The NY Daily News

It’s impossible to think of another scenario to match what happened with the Eagles these last few days. NFL coaches just don’t do what Reid did – abandon someone he had anointed as the new franchise quarterback in favor of someone else based on six quarters of work and four years of memory. But after trading away the face of the franchise in Donovan McNabb and betting that Kevin Kolb would become a championship quarterback, Reid changed horses just a few yards off shore.

Original Photos Yahoo, MSU

Washington Redskins’ kicker Graham Gano kicked the winning field goal, and then he didn’t.

Graham Gano of the Washington Redskins is not The Great Gazoo.

From The Wall Street Journal

For an instant on Sunday, Redskins fans celebrated Graham Gano’s game-winning field goal—until they realized it didn’t count because Texans coach Gary Kubiak called timeout just before the play. Mr. Gano proceeded to flub his second try, making Mr. Kubiak look like a genius for using the old tactic of icing the kicker.

Original Photos Yahoo, goldenagecartoons

Outgoing LA Dodgers manager Joe Torre is flirting with the NY Mets.

Joe Torre is wondering how life might be as manager of the NY Mets.

From NBC Sports

Dodgers manager Joe Torre told ESPNNewYork.com that he would listen if the Mets came calling this winter.

“Oh there’s no question,” Torre said Monday at Yankee Stadium. “That’s why I didn’t shut the door.” It’s an intriguing possibility, but Torre’s asking price is likely to be too high and the Mets aren’t in position to be a contender as currently constructed. Frankly, it’s surprising Torre even commented on the scenario, considering that Jerry Manuel is still in the manager’s chair.

Source: Ian O’Connor on Twitter

Original Photos DayLife, capstoreonline

The New York Rangers might be looking for a place to hide Wade Redden.

New York Rangers fans will be very happy if the Rangers find a new home for Wade Redden.

From The Hockey News

It’s expected New York Rangers defenseman Wade Redden will be dealt or demoted before the start of the upcoming season.

Redden’s situation isn’t similar to Souray’s in Edmonton as he didn’t badmouth the Rangers organization nor demand a trade. Given the choice, Redden would prefer to remain with the Blueshirts.

The problem is Redden hasn’t played up to the expensive, lengthy contract he signed with the Rangers two years ago and with the club currently sitting $4.059 million over the $59.4-million salary cap, he’s become a prime candidate to be moved before they open the season against Buffalo Oct. 9.

Original Photo sportnooz

Phillip Fulmer does not like the USC Trojan’s head coach Lane Kiffin.

USC head coach Lane Kiffin "turned people off" and was "arrogant" while he was at Tennessee. Also he may be part rat.

From The Sporting News

Phillip Fulmer on Saturday said Southern California coach Lane Kiffin “turned people off” with his “arrogant” attitude during his one season at Tennessee.

Fulmer, who was forced out at UT and replaced by Kiffin after the 2008 season, also expressed wonderment over Kiffin landing jobs at football powerhouses. Fulmer made the comments at halftime of CBS’s telecast of the Florida-Tennessee game; Fulmer is now a studio analyst for the network.

Original Photos Yahoo, nothingbutcostumes

Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey criticized RB CJ Spiller’s lack of patience.

CJ Spiller of the Buffalo Bills is dealing with a little bit of tough love from Chan Gailey.

From Rotoworld

Coach Chan Gailey wants C.J. Spiller to show more patience in reading his blocks going forward.
“You can’t just take the ball and start running,” Gailey said. “You have to see where the holes are and feel the blocking schemes … And that’s what I hope in the future, that he’ll just slow down.” Spiller’s Week 1 performance was statistically one of the worst for any running back drafted in the top 10 over the past 25 years. He’s still the Bills’ most dangerous weapon, albeit a poor fantasy option at Green Bay this week.

Original Photo Yahoo

Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees is being called a cheater and an actor.

Derek Jeter shows off his Oscar after winning the Academy Award For Best Actor during the New York Yankees game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night.

From Fox News

Jeter, who stood doubled over while receiving attention from a trainer, confessed that the ball hit the end of his bat and he sold the call to Barksdale with a good acting job.

”He told me to go to first base. I’m not going to tell him I’m not going to first, you know,” Jeter said.

”It’s part of the game. My job is to get on base. Fortunately for us it paid off at the time, but I’m sure it would have been a bigger story if we would have won that game”

Original Photos Yahoo, silverscreensurroundings

The Pittsburgh Steelers will start QB Dennis Dixon on Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Dennis Dixon looks young and inexperienced, but he will start again on Sunday against the Titans.

From AP

Dixon will be Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback Sunday at Tennessee, even though the injured Byron Leftwich may return to practice as early as Wednesday. Until Leftwich injured a left knee ligament during the final exhibition game Sept. 2, Leftwich was expected to start throughout Roethlisberger’s four-game suspension.

Tomlin, who is choosing his starter on a week-to-week basis while Roethlisberger is out, said Dixon did enough things well during a season-opening 15-9 overtime victory over Atlanta to stay in the lineup.

Original Photos Yahoo, FBCDN

Alex Smith of the San Francisco 49′ers didn’t have his finest hour on Sunday.

Many 49'ers were bad on Sunday, but quarterback Alex Smith looked like the goat.

From Mercury News

It doesn’t taste good,” said quarterback Alex Smith, who led the way in wretchedness. “It doesn’t feel good.”

At least he was playing in the game and didn’t have to sit and watch how ugly his performance was. Smith threw two interceptions that resulted in two Seattle touchdowns. He led two scoring drives in the first half that resulted in two mere field goals. He was flustered once and took a stupid intentional-grounding penalty. He badly botched and overthrew a sure-thing scoring pass to a wide-open receiver on a fourth-down play from the 6-yard line. He raised brand new questions about his ability to handle pressure situations.

However, Smith was hardly alone in his awfulness. He and receiver Michael Crabtree, who missed every preseason game, appeared to be operating in different offenses.

Original Photos NFL.com, photobucket

Allen Iverson can’t find an NBA home, so he’s heading to China.

Allen Iverson is taking his talents to Beijing. Or maybe Shanghai, Shenyang, Xinbei or Zhengzhou.

From The Wall Street Journal

AP reports that Allen Iverson, among the NBA’s biggest stars a few years ago, is considering joining a Chinese team. Iverson’s personal manager, Gary Moore, tells AP that Iverson and an unnamed team in China have “legitimate interest” in working out a deal.

If Iverson follows all-star guard Stephon Marbury to China, the country could boast two of the best guards in the game, albeit both a few years past their athletic peaks. Iverson, like Marbury, may have lost a step, but that still leaves him a few dozen steps ahead of his competition in China, where he would be playing in front of crowds hungry for star power.

Original Photos NY Times, fccihk

British boxer Ricky Hatton was secretly videotaped doing cocaine.

British boxing legend Ricky Hatton denied any drug problem right up until he was caught on videotape snorting cocaine.

From Mailonline

He is alleged to have had seven lines of cocaine in three separate sessions, downed about 11 pints of Guinness as well as four vodkas, two glasses of wine and several sambucas during the evening.

The former world champion – known as The Hitman – has still to retire officially from the sport following a succession of multi-million-pound title fights. Hatton has not fought since being sensationally knocked out in two rounds by Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas in May 2009.

But the British Board of Boxing Control could decide to suspend, fine or even withdraw his boxing licence indefinitely.

Original Photos citylife, usatoday

Miami Heat President Pat Riley is angry about the criticism some of his new players have gotten over the summer.

Miami Heat president Pat Riley can't understand the criticism July's free agent circus caused, leading some to speculate that all that hair gel may have caused brain damage.

From Fanhouse

Riley ripped into television analyst/windbag Charles Barkley for his a-little-too-personal criticism of LeBron James. Riley also took exception to remarks from Magic general manager Otis Smith and Magic coach Stan Van Gundy.

He also made it clear what he thought about any other critics of his roster: They can sit on it.

“I take a little umbrage to some of the things that came from people in our game who, all of a sudden, have become the moral conscious or moral authority on the decision of every team or some individual might make,” Riley said Friday during a conference call with South Florida writers. “I know one thing: Our team will be ready. And I think that’s the way we can answer all the critics.”

It was Barkley, earlier this summer, who was openly critical of the way James handled his free agency, along with the celebratory press conference with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, who also signed with the Heat the same day. Barkley called the celebration: “Punk moves.”

Original Photos Daylife, hydrovolts