WWE
– Randy Orton posted an update on his back Tuesday night on Twitter:
“I’m getting alot of q’s bout my back. What happened is I herniated a disc (leaked disc fluid) between my L4-L5 in my lower back.
“Had som estrength loss in my left lower leg. Time off is to let the inflammation go down, and try and strengthen the muscles int lower back”
“The Barrett barrage should have picked a steeper flight of stairs.”
– The latest issue of WWE Magazine looks back at the slew of grappling greats that debuted ten years ago—John Cena, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Brock Lesnar and Batista. In their write-up for Batista, WWE predicts that fans haven’t seen the last of The Animal. WWE states:
“Although he left the company in 2010, many see the departure as a temporary one, and it’s simply a matter of time before The Animal rises again.”
– WWE officials ultimately decided not to fly Chris Jericho on a private jet to Memphis, Tennessee—the site of Monday’s Raw SuperShow—because they felt the plan they had devised to keep his return from being spoiled was infallible. WWE decided to have Jericho fly into Nashville International Airport on Sunday instead of Memphis on Sunday or Monday, have a limousine pick him up and hide him until showtime. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer stated on the F4WOnline.com message board,
“They didn’t figure somebody would take a photo of him at an airport 220 miles away,”
The photograph was published online Monday morning, which Jericho vehemently refuted.
“Apparently, I’ve been cloned… or somebody has started a great rumour.”
He then posted several photoshopped images of himself at various places including Egypt, Paris, Gettysburg and Kim Jong-il’s funeral.
The WWE website attempted to interview Chris Jericho backstage at Monday’s RAW, but did not get much out of him. Jericho continued the “silent treatment” we saw on television, smiling and ignoring the questions asked of him. When asked if he plans to enter the Royal Rumble, Jericho paused, turned on the lights on his jacket, and walked away.
– The official PPV poster for WWE’s upcoming Elimination Chamber has been released and it features Sheamus. The event takes place on Sunday, February 19 from Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Bradley Center. It will be the final WWE pay-per-view before WrestleMania 28. As previously reported, participants for WWE’s annual Raw Elimination Chamber Match are tentatively scheduled to include Alberto Del Rio, CM Punk, John Cena, Kane, R-Truth and The Miz. The outcome of the bout is expected to be based on whether Cena’s match with The Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII will have the WWE Championship on the line.
– The latest on Brodus Clay’s status is that WWE is holding off on his debut until the Royal Rumble.
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross turns 60 years old today.
– Stephanie McMahon joined her personal trainer Dave Palumbo Monday night on Heavy Muscle Radio. The synopsis for the show said:
“How is it like living in the spotlight of the WWE, as well as being a mother of three, and a hard training fitness enthusiast? It’s not as easy as it seems, and Stephanie knows it’s a fine balancing act.”
– William Regal’s Twitter account was hacked Monday night and several Regal-like sayings were published including “I love Dr Who,” “Plonkers!,” “I’m on a horse!,” “Don’t cross me!” and “Can’t get the theme song from Eastenders out of my head.” Regal is now back in control of the account and has deleted the fake tweets.
TNA
– Regarding the online rumor of Rob Van Dam returning to WWE, Power Slam confirms in their latest issue that RVD is seriously considering returning to the organization once his contract with TNA Wrestling expires. The magazine adds that the feeling is mutual as people in WWE want the master of the Five-Star Frog Splash back.
“RVD from what we’re told would receive a warm welcome in WWE.”
Providing that no contract extension has been reached since his arrival to TNA Wrestling in March 2010, it would appear that Van Dam will be a free agent in the near future. It was reported in 2010 that RVD had signed a two-year contract with TNA.
During his hiatus from full-time wrestling, Van Dam said he would consider returning to WWE if and when he felt ready.
“One thing that’s for sure is that WWE and I do have a good-faith understanding that if and when I’m ready to return that I’ll be talking to them. They look forward and hope that we’ll be doing business again,” he told the Baltimore Sun during an interview.
Van Dam, who turned 41 years old last month, performed for WWE from 2001 to 2007. Should RVD return to WWE, he would join a select group of former WWE world champions—Booker T, Kevin Nash and Mick Foley—who joined TNA and ultimately returned to the Stamford based organization.
– Mickie James was the most searched for female wrestling talent on Google.com in 2011, according to statistical data compiled by the Wrestling Observer. She is trailed by fellow TNA Knockout Velvet Sky, Michelle McCool, Vickie Guerrero, Beth Phoenix, Eve Torres and Gail Kim.
– The final episode of Impact Wrestling of 2011 garnered a 1.16 cable rating, with 1,510,000 viewers. This is up from the prior week’s show, which drew a 1.03 cable rating with 1,360,000 viewers.
MLB
– According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, Nationals ownership met with agent Scott Boras in the nation’s capital recently to discuss 1B Prince Fielder. A report Monday in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel claimed that the Nationals “have emerged” as the front-runner for Fielder. The 27-year-old free agent batted .299/.415/.566 with 38 home runs and 120 RBI in 162 games last season for the Brewers, and would obviously provide a significant upgrade to Washington’s offensive potential. He’s also thought to be drawing interest from the Mariners, Blue Jays and Cubs.
– Dodgers’ OF Matt Kemp and music star Rihanna are dating again. The two were believed to be at a New Year’s party in Miami. Kemp is coming off being named 2011 NL MVP.
– Angels’ 1B Kendrys Morales (ankle) is doing light baseball activities, including indoor hitting and jogging. Morales has undergone two major ankle surgeries in less than two years and will carry many question marks into spring camp. The 28-year-old recorded 45 homers and 147 RBI in 203 games between 2009-10, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll ever get back to that level.
– Reds’ GM Walt Jocketty told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com that he isn’t willing to offer RHP Francisco Cordero a guaranteed 2-year contract. Cordero’s agent, Bean Stringfellow, said Tuesday that his client has multi-year contract offers on the table, but Jocketty confirmed that the Reds aren’t among them. “We’re looking at one year or one year with an option. That’s all it could be, right now — one year guaranteed.” With limited closer’s gigs around the league, Cordero will likely be forced to settle. If Cordero signs elsewhere, newly acquired RHP Sean Marshall is the favourite to fill the void.
– According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, free agent RHP Edwin Jackson is seeking $15-17M per season. Jackson’s agent, Scott Boras, has compared his client to pitching stars C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle, John Lackey, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe, all of whom received more than $14M per season as free agents–however, the final three appear to be mistake contracts, so it may not be the wisest PR move for Boras’ sake. Heyman hears that the Yankees will continue dialogue with Jackson, but the two sides are in no way close to a deal.
– According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, free agent RHP Roy Oswalt is “being eyed” by the Cardinals. Cafardo hears that Oswalt “would love to pitch” in St. Louis, but there’s no indication of how serious talks are between the two parties. Oswalt posted a 3.69 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 23 starts last season for Philadelphia while fighting back issues. He’s said to be open to a 1-year deal, and is also drawing interest from the Yankees and Red Sox, among others.
– According to the Japanese website Sponichi, the Mariners are the leading suitor for RHP Hisashi Iwakuma. After translation, Iwakuma said, ”We’ve received terms from a number of clubs, but considering where I’m needed and an environment my family can live in, at present we’re closest to a contract with the Mariners.” Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors reported Monday that the Orioles are one of the other interested clubs while Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has reported that one other AL team is in the mix. The 30-year-old posted a 2.42 ERA and 90/19 K/BB ratio in 119 innings last season for the Rakuten Golden Eagles. He failed to reach a contract with the A’s last winter through posting.
– According to Buster Olney of ESPN.com, the A’s will sign OF Coco Crisp to a 2-year/$14M contract with a club option for 2014. He’ll make $6M next season and $7M in 2013 while the contract includes a $7.5M club option for 2014 or a $1M buyout. He would get a one-time bonus of $250K in the event of a trade. GM Billy Beane said he wouldn’t give out any multi-year contracts this winter, and he gives one out to Crisp while Oakland is currently rebuilding with a very youthful outfield. The 32-year-old batted .264/.314/.379 with eight homers and 49 steals in 136 games last year.
– RHP Hiroki Kuroda’s asking price “remains high,” according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Kuroda, 36, posted a 3.07 ERA and 161/49 K/BB ratio in 202 innings last season for the Dodgers. He’s thought to be searching for a contract worth around $12-$13M annually. The Red Sox have expressed interest, but want to avoid going too far over the luxury tax threshold to sign him.
– Marc Carig of the Newark Star-Ledger was told by a source that it’s unlikely the Yankees will sign Japanese INF Hiroyuki Nakajima before Friday’s deadline. The deadline is Friday, but the deal will need to be signed sooner to allow him to pass his physical. The Yanks have Nakajima slotted as a backup infielder, and the salary they’re offering him is expected to match that, so a deal isn’t likely. The 29-year-old could return to the Seibu Lions.
– According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, the Marlins have re-signed 3B Greg Dobbs to a 2-year contract. Dobbs, 33, batted .275/.311/.389 with eight homers, 49 RBI and a .701 OPS over 439 plate appearances last year for the Marlins.
NHL
– Video of the fight in practice between D P.K. Subban and F Tomas Plekanec has been leaked online. Here’s the video:
http://video.thescore.com/watch/fight-at-canadiens-practice
– Blackhawks’ F Dan Carcillo has been suspended indefinitely, pending a hearing with NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan. The 26-year-old faces punishment for issuing a hard check to Oilers’ D Tom Gilbert while both players were chasing down a puck in the Oilers’ zone in the second period of Edmonton’s 4-3 victory on Monday night. He was given a major for boarding and game misconduct, despite appearing to be injured himself after the hit. Carcillo is a repeat offender this season, having been suspended two games by the NHL for an illegal check on Hurricanes’ D Joni Pitkanen in late October.
– The Leafs have acquired F Nicolas Deschamps from the Ducks for F Luca Caputi. The 21-year-old Deschamps appeared in 31 games with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League this season, collecting five goals and two assists. In 113 career AHL contests, Deschamps has scored 20 goals and 34 assists with 36 PIM. Deschamps was slected by Anaheim in the second round (35th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. The 23-year-old Caputi has appeared in 21 games for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies this season, collecting two goals and one assist. The 6’3, 200-pound winger split time with the Maple Leafs and Marlies in 2010-11, appearing in seven NHL contests, going scoreless with four penalty minutes. Caputi was originally selected by Pittsburgh in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
– Stars’ F Trevor Daley spoke out regarding the alleged incident between Panthers’ F Krys Barch and Canadiens’ D P.K. Subban that occurred Saturday night. A linesman believed Barch used a racial slur against Subban, and threw Barch out of the game. Nobody on the Canadiens, including Subban, said they heard Barch say anything. Daley was a longtime teammate with Barch on the Stars and he is a longtime friend of Subban’s, who also grew up in the Toronto area like Daley. Subban’s heritage is Jamaican. Daley’s heritage also is Jamaican. Daley said he has talked to both players on the phone about the incident.
“Krys is a great guy and I have never felt he would ever say anything derogatory. He’s a great teammate, a great guy. I think when Barchy gets the chance to talk about it, people will understand a lot more.”
Subban said he didn’t hear anything, but he and Daley had a good talk. Daley went through a very public incident in junior hockey when his coach John Vanbiesbrouck used a racial slur in reference to Daley in front of teammates. The teammates stuck up for Daley, and Vanbiesbrouck was forced to quit.
“It was hard at the time on me to deal with that, and I know P.K. has had to deal with some things. But P.K. didn’t hear anything (from Barch), and I told P.K. my feelings on Krys Barch, and I hope he shares those feelings.”
– Flyers’ F Jaromir Jagr (groin) will miss the next 7-10 days. Jagr has a mild left groin strain that allowed him to only play two shifts after the first period of Monday’s Winter Classic. Jagr has 12 goals and 19 assists this season.
– Senators’ prospect G Robin Lehner has been suspended for 3 games following his game misconduct for abuse of an official on December 31.
– According to TSN, the NHL has terminated the purchase agreement Matt Hulsizer signed to buy the Blues back in October. The league gave Hulsizer until last Saturday to finalize the sale.
– Lightning’ D Victor Hedman (concussion) remains out indefinitely, according to head coach Guy Boucher. “We were hoping the first few days that it was going to be quick, but he’s not even on this trip and it’s three games, an entire week, and he’s not even with us and I think that talks for itself.” Hedmans agent said on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worst, he’s felt like a 7 everyday with no sign of improvement yet. Hedman has been out since December 27.
– The Blue Jackets have placed D James Wisniewski (ankle) on the IR. Wisniewski was injured in the teams’ 4-1 win over the Stars on December 29, is expected to miss 6 weeks. He has two goals and 15 assists for 17 points with 25 penalty minutes in 29 games this season.
– Hurricanes’ D Joni Pitkanen (left knee) underwent surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss 4 weeks. Pitkanen, 28, has totaled three goals, nine assists (12 points) and eight penalty minutes in 21 games this season.
– Oilers’ F Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) is expected to miss one week. The NHL’s leading rookie scorer suffered a left shoulder injury in a 4-3 win at Chicago on Monday. RNH was seen wearing a sling on Tuesday. Head coach Tom Renney said, “He wiped out. He said there wasn’t anyone around him and that he just caught an edge. He has a sore shoulder and until we get the medical information, I’d hate to speculate. He’s sore, he’s hurting he’s not going to play for the next couple of games for sure. It could go beyond that without a doubt.” RNH leads rookies with 13 goals, 22 assists and 35 points in 38 games.
NBA
– Knicks’ G Baron Davis (back) did some light running and shooting at Tuesday’s Knicks practice. Davis seemed to be focused on conditioning and no target return date has been announced yet. He could return at the end of January.
– According to reports, former NBA star Dennis Rodman has decided to coach his own stripper team called the Headquarters Gentlemen’s Club, and is trying to arrange a topless charity game against Spud Webb’s team in Rick’s Cabaret Stripper Basketball League.
NFL
– Eagles owner Jeff Lurie announced Tuesday that Andy Reid will return as head coach in 2012. Lurie called the Eagles’ performance in 2011 “completely unacceptable,” “dismal,” “unfathomable,” and “the most disappointing” of his tenure as owner. Lurie made it clear that Reid and the Eagles will have to return to the playoffs next season. Reid will have control over his coaching staff, but Lurie hinted that Juan Castillo’s transition to DC was a major mistake coming out of the lockout-shortened offseason.
– Bears’ OC Mike Martz has resigned over “philosophical differences.” Mike Tice, ex-Ravens coach Brian Billick, and ex-Seahawks OC Jeremy Bates are the three candidates to replace Martz. Per ESPN Chicago, QBs coach Shane Day is also out after failing to develop QB Caleb Hanie.
– Colts’ QB Peyton Manning spoke about the Colts cleaning house.
“I was stunned, I was surprised, I was saddened and just disappointed that it all happened this way.”
– One teammate told the NY Daily News that he “doesn’t see how” WR Santonio Holmes can come back to the Jets in 2012 after quitting on the team in Week 17. Asked if that was the majority opinion in the locker room, the undisclosed veteran said, “Yes.” One player called Holmes a “cancer,” and several others maintain that he and QB Mark Sanchez are “not personally compatible.” Holmes blew off a meeting with Sanchez after giving the QB a hard time the previous day. Per ESPN NY, when Holmes moped into the huddle last week, RT Wayne Hunter yelled, “If you don’t fucking want to play get your ass the fuck out!” Coach Rex Ryan and GM Mike Tannenbaum suggested in separate radio interviews Tuesday that Holmes’ attitude would have to be addressed.
– Seahawks’ WR Sidney Rice (concussion) is expected to undergo post-season shoulder surgery that will sideline him for 3-4 months. Rice tore a labrum in his shoulder the week before the opener and played through the injury for nine games before a concussion ended his season. He should be healthy by training camp. This is Rice’s second major surgery as a pro, following the 2010 hip procedure.
– Chargers’ owner Dean Spanos announced Tuesday that head coach Norv Turner and GM A.J. Smith will be retained for the 2012 season. ”Bottom line, I believe these two men give us the best chance to get back to the playoffs. A.J. Smith is the best man to improve our roster, and Norv Turner is the best man to lead that roster on the field.” Turner’s 52-34 record is the best by percentage (.605) in franchise history.
– Chris Townsend of 95.7 The Game in San Francisco reports the Raiders have fired DC Chuck Bresnahan and three defensive assistants. Bresnahan’s defense set franchise-worst records for TD passes allowed (31), yards per carry (5.1), yards passing (4,262) and total yards (6,201) while the 433 points allowed were the second-most in Raiders history.
– The Buccaneers have reached out to recently fired Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman about their head coaching vacancy. The Bucs are hoping to schedule an interview by later this week. Sherman went 57-39 in six seasons with the Packers from 2000-2005, and shares an agent with GM Mark Dominik. NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora considers Sherman the favourite for the job.
MLS
– M David Beckham has turned down an offer from French club PSG, and is expected to remain with the L.A. Galaxy. PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi said, ”David Beckham is not coming. We feel a little disappointed. But both sides agreed it would be better that we not do the deal … maybe in the future. David Beckham is (with) Los Angeles. And he’s going to stay there.” Beckham will try to finalize a new, rolling 1-year contract this week with the Galaxy, which was paying him an annual base salary of $6.5M. The 36-year-old former England captain decided he doesn’t want to move his family from the United States.
WTA
– 13-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams is not passionate about the game she has dominated for so long, but not about to leave it, according to TennisNow.com.
“I mean, I don’t love tennis today, but I’m here, and I can’t live without it … so I’m still here and I don’t want to go anywhere any time soon. It’s not that I’ve fallen out of love; I’ve actually never liked sports, and I never understood how I became an athlete. I don’t like working out; I don’t like anything that has to do with working physically.”
“I just want to be able to do other things I am doing and expand on that — I think that will help keep my motivation up (in tennis). I have always been preparing myself for life after tennis.”
Williams, 30, turned pro in 1995 and won her first Grand Slam title in 1999, at the U.S. Open. She has 39 career singles titles. Williams has previously been criticized for spending time on interests outside of tennis, such as fashion design and acting. But she explained that her outside interests are actually keeping her motivated to stay in the game, according to the report.
BOXING
– Robert Littal of Black Sports Online reported that Mike Tyson had some unflattering things to say about himself in a candid interview. The language used is a little graphic:
“I was an asshole, a spinner, a madman, an obsessed madman, a retarded psychopath, an unrestrained piece of shit. I was a smug slimeball. I thought I was the king of the world…There will never be a boxer who swallowed more pills than I did. I never thought that I would make it to 30. I’m glad that I’m still alive. Boxing made me crazy.”
UFC
– The Nevada State Athletic Commision recently issued mandatory medical suspensions to twelve fighters who competed on the UFC 141 event this past Saturday. The suspensions are as follows:
Brock Lesnar: Suspended until June 28 due to an abdominal injury, though he can be cleared early by a physician
Alistair Overeem: Suspended until Feb. 14 with no contact until Jan. 30 due to lacerations near his right eye
Nate Diaz: Suspended until June 28 due to a right-eye injury, though he can be cleared early by an ophthalmologist; regardless, suspended until Jan. 30 with no contact until Jan. 12 for precautionary reasons
Donald Cerrone: Suspended until Feb. 14 with no contact until Jan. 30 due to a lower-lip cut
Jon Fitch: Suspended until Feb. 29 with no contact until Feb. 14 for precautionary reasons
Vladimir Matyushenko: Suspended until June 28 due to a possible left-knee injury, though he can be cleared early by an orthopedic doctor; regardless, suspended until Feb. 14 with no contact until Jan. 30 for precautionary reasons
Alexander Gustafsson: Suspended until Jan. 30 with no contact until Jan. 21 due to right-tibia contusion
Nam Phan: Suspended until Feb. 29 with no contact until Feb. 14 due to a right-eyebrow cut
Junior Assuncao: Suspended until Jan. 30 with no contact until Jan. 21 due a right-cheek cut
Dong Hyun Kim: Suspended until Jan. 30 with no contact until Jan. 21 due to left-foot contusion
Manny Gamburyan: Suspended until June 28 due to a possible right-shoulder injury, though he can be cleared early by an orthopedic doctor and X-ray; regardless, suspended until Jan. 30 with no contact until Jan. 12 for precautionary reasons
Diego Nunes: Suspended until Feb. 14 with no contact until Jan. 30 due to a cut near left eye
NCAAF
– Arizona State’ MLB Vontaze Burfict announced Tuesday that he will declare for the 2012 NFL Draft. Burfict faces questions about his work ethic after head coach Dennis Erickson called his season “just average.” His talent, however, has him as a top-20 pick.