2010-11 Philadelphia Flyers Preview

By Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor

It's an understatement to say that the 2009-10 campaign was one of near constant turbulence for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Nonetheless, mystifying injuries, maddeningly inconsistent play, goaltending carousels, a coaching change in December and a playoff berth that came down to winning a shootout in the final regular-season game seemed to steel their resolve. It wasn't until a Stanley Cup-winning OT score (which only the goal-scorer saw for certain), that the journey finally came to an end.

Lost in the joy of a surprise run to the Finals for the first time in 13 years, was the fact that for the second time in as many trips, the Flyers were the victims of the winning club ending a long title drought.

In 1997, it was a four-game sweep that gave the Red Wings their first Cup in 42 seasons. This past June, a six-game defeat to the Blackhawks sent Chicago home with its first silver since 1961.


Suffice it to say that the burdens of expectation on just about every responsible party in the organization are weighty for the first time since the broken promises of the Eric Lindros Era. The stakes have been raised -- another Finals appearance may not be good enough and anything less may be a disaster.

It'll be up to head coach Peter Laviolette, captain Mike Richards, defensive stalwart Chris Pronger and goaltender Michael Leighton to remain focused and carry the magic of the past Spring with them every night this year.

FORWARDS - The call went out as soon as Blackhawks goalie Antti Niemi snagged his wide-open chance with 90 seconds remaining in regulation of Game 6 -- get rid of Jeff Carter. Still, how can you bring down the hammer on the club's leading goal scorer (33)?

It's probably because Carter disappeared as the playoffs wore on. Despite returning from a broken foot suffered in the first round, the 25-year-old tallied one empty-net score in the Cup Finals. The microscope will be on him more than any other top six forward.

Richards (team-best 62 points and 23 in the playoffs) will be there, the team hopes, as an example of how to mature. Also, Danny Briere, who set a franchise record with 30 points last postseason, returns after a 53-point campaign. Ten-year vet Simon Gagne won't be back, as he was dealt to Tampa in July.

Gagne's departure was addressed by bringing in Ukrainian-born Nikolai Zherdev from Russia. With a reputation, perhaps undeserved, as a player who just doesn't care enough, it's an interesting move to say the least.

The Rangers passed on an arbitrator's decision to award him a contract in the summer of 2009 after a 58-point performance and Zherdev went home to play in the KHL.

Scott Hartnell, Claude Giroux, Ville Leino and James van Riemsdyk all need to prove that their playoff performances were no fluke. Hartnell (14 goals) has to regain his nasty edge in front, while Giroux (47 points) and Leino (21 points in 19 playoff tilts) need to demonstrate they have the potential to be full-time NHL talent on a nightly basis. Van Riemsdyk (15 goals, 35 points in 78 games) simply has to avoid a sophomore slump.

Never forgetting the grinders, the Flyers opted to trade proverbial goons with light scoring touch. Gone is Arron Asham as a free-agent to Pittsburgh, here is Jody Shelley, lured away from the Rangers with a fresh three-year deal. He shouldn't be too much of a problem meshing with Blair Betts, Dan Carcillo, Darroll Powe and Ian Laperriere.

One issue the forward lines encountered last year on the power play was the lack of a presence in the low slot. Mike Knuble, departed to Washington, filled that role ably for four years. If Bill Guerin's tryout contract turns into a legit deal, he'd add a key mix of grit, veteran savvy and hands that few players possess.

DEFENSE - What became clear as the playoffs wore on, was that Pronger and Kimmo Timonen shouldn't have to bear the burden of playing 30-plus minutes every night.


It was an issue because, after second-tier blueliners Braydon Coburn and Matt Carle, Laviolette didn't have faith in young bucks Oskars Bartulis and Ryan Parent, while Lukas Krajicek didn't inspire much confidence either.

Cue the defensive overhaul.

Parent, who made a key miscue in Game 1 of the Finals, was shipped out. Krajicek was not asked to return. Waiver-wire favorite Danny Syvret, whose year was prematurely ended with shoulder issues, hooked on with Anaheim.

Added to the mix was 38-year-old Sean O'Donnell on a one-year deal, spare part Matt Walker from the Lightning in the Gagne trade, and the true prize Andrej Meszaros. Meszaros, inked to a four-year deal that's a $4 million cap hit per season, is coming off a 17-point, 50-penalty-minute campaign which saw the fifth-year pro rack up a minus-14 rating.

What the Flyers are banking on is that the numbers are skewed by awful Tampa clubs and that his first three years in Ottawa -- where he learned from Zdeno Chara -- come to the forefront. He'll be counted on to be a second-pair stopper the Flyers lacked against big and/or speedy forwards like Dustin Byfuglien, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and the like who might be potential playoff rivals.

Coburn, armed with a two-year extension worth $6.4 million, will have to do better than 19 points and a minus-6 in 81 games heading into his sixth pro season. Carle (35 points in 80 games, plus-16) will have to show he can develop without so much of Pronger's assistance.

GOALTENDING - The million dollar question that never seems to produce a satisfying answer, Philly's goaltending in 2010 will at least feature two familiar names: Leighton and Brian Boucher.

The club decided not to re-up with Ray Emery (16-11-1, 2.64 GAA, 3 SO), whose season was cut short due to multiple surgeries, and Leighton's (16-5-2, 2.48, 1 SO) emergence during the playoffs (8-3, 2.46, 3 SO) coupled with his price tag made him a more palatable choice for the starting job.

Bona-fide cost-effective veteran free-agent netminders have been in short supply, and the Flyers made a run at Marty Turco to no avail, but is there anything Turco could do that Leighton can't? He didn't fail with the Stars, but he also never put the club on his back and carry them further than predicted. It can be argued that Leighton did.


It will likely be Boucher (9-18-3, 2.76, 1 SO) in net at the start of the season for the Flyers though after Leighton was diagnosed with a bulging disc in his back in late September that is expected to keep him out for a month.

At age 33, this is probably Boucher's last shot to prove he can still play at the NHL level and it will likely be as the role of backup once Leighton returns.

If disaster should strike again, the braintrust will have prospects Sergei Bobrovsky and Johan Backlund on the waiting list, along with current AHL netminder Jeremy Duchesne in the wings.

WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE - The Flyers' modus operandi has always been to field competitive teams for prolonged periods, and once again, it appears like they've done so this season.

Nonetheless, it's fair to say that constant salary concerns have hamstrung the franchise from really breaking out and completing a difference-making trade or signing.

The players and coaching staff need to guard against a season-long let down after such an invigorating postseason, and the new pieces to the puzzle have to prove they can fit. If so, then there's reason to be optimistic. If not, then disappointment is lurking right around the corner.

All things being equal, the Flyers have preserved the status quo, and are once more likely to win between 40-45 games and emerge with 89-99 points. A division title and high playoff seed are within reach if they catch some breaks, but Pittsburgh and Washington will have something to say in the matter.

Return game a factor in defense roulette

By Michael Rushton

Philadelphia, PA - A friend of mine in college used to tell me about a certain dating practice he would use when trying to meet women.

Said friend told me that he would always start with the second most attractive female in the room and work his way down. His thinking was that while the rest of his competition was putting in time with the top target, he could walk away with a solid acquisition in a quicker and less painful timeframe.

(As to how often this worked for my buddy is another story.)

Fantasy owners often take this approach when drafting a defense/special team. While there are always people out there who are going to jump on the New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings in the middle rounds, a healthy number of drafters would rather build bench depth and grab a unit towards the end of the selection process.

Those same owners will often drop and add different defenses throughout the season in a little game I like to call "defense roulette."

One factor some forget to consider is that of the return game. It can often be used as the deciding element when choosing between different teams, but one that can be overlooked.

Take the Seattle Seahawks for example. Yes, they have allowed 51 points over the last two weeks, but their most recent effort was salvaged thanks in part to a pair of kick returns for touchdowns by Leon Washington.

Washington is no stranger to the return game as he owns six career touchdowns on kickoffs. I guess we can all safely assume he is fully recovered from his series leg injury suffered a season ago and his game-breaking ability makes the Seahawks defense an attractive addition.

Upcoming matchups with the Rams, Cardinals and Raiders don't hurt either.

No, the Seahawks aren't going to pitch shutouts week in and week out, but if you decided to pass on an upper-tier defense, you need all the advantages you can get.

Below are some other defenses that might be available and could consider a look due to strong return games.

Chicago Bears - While it's okay if not everyone has heard of Washington, one would be hard pressed to find a fan of the NFL who doesn't know the name Devin Hester. The first player to ever take the opening kickoff of a Super Bowl to the end zone, Hester has sped 12 returns to the end zone during the regular season, a total he just added to Monday night versus Green Bay. Chicago isn't the regarded defense it once was, but it did just hold the high-powered Packers to 17 points and has an upcoming schedule of the Giants, Panthers, Seahawks and Redskins as well.

Kansas City Chiefs - Dexter McCluster was drafted in the second round by the Chiefs because of his ability to play multiple positions, but the one fantasy owners should be most enamored with is the return game. The Mississippi product is averaging 23.7 yards per punt return, including a 94-yard score, and another 18.7 yards on kickoffs. The 22-year-old should remain the focus of Kansas City's return game for the season and adds value to an already- surprising unit. Be aware the Chiefs are on a bye in Week 4.

Arizona Cardinals - Steve Breaston's elevation to the second wide receiver moved him out of the return game, but it has also opened a door for LaRod Stephens-Howling. The second-year running back took both a punt and a kickoff to the house a season ago and should have two returns for a score this year. However, a penalty negated one in Week 2 versus the Falcons, so owners had to settle for his 102-yard kick return this past weekend versus the Raiders. Eight of Stephens-Howling's 13 kick returns have gone for at least 20 yards and he is averaging 27.1 yards per return. Upcoming games against the Chargers and Saints before a bye should leave the Cardinals defense on the waiver wire for a few weeks, but the club still has plenty of games versus the NFC West left in addition to meetings with the Buccaneers and Panthers.

Buffalo Bills - The Bills are by far the riskiest pick on this list. They have allowed 72 points over their last three road games, host the suddenly potent Jets this weekend and play in a tough division. Not to mention they still have games versus the Ravens, Bengals and Steelers on the docket. Still, C.J. Spiller was drafted for a reason and his 31.2 average on kick returns isn't something to turn your head at. No, he isn't returning punts, but he does own one return touchdown and has taken all but two of his kick returns over 20 yards. At the very least, Spiller could cancel out some of Buffalo's defensive deficiencies and owners could catch lightning in a bottle on any given week.

Eagles make practice squad moves

The Eagles have signed cornerback Jamar Wall to the practice squad and released safety Jamar Adams. 

Wall (5-10, 202) was originally a sixth-round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 2010, but was released prior to the start of the season. He was claimed by the Houston Texans on 9/5/10 and played in the season opener, logging one special teams tackle. He was released on 9/29/10.

A native of Plainview, TX, the 22-year-old Wall played collegiately at Texas Tech, where he registered 186 tackles, nine interceptions, 34 pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 50 games (38 starts). He earned second-team All-Big 12 Conference honors following the 2007 and 2008 seasons.  

Union trounced in Colorado

-Courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Commerce City, CO (September 29, 2010) - Coming off arguably their best performance of the season, Philadelphia Union failed to earn their first winning streak of the season, falling 4-1 to the Colorado Rapids Wednesday.

Omar Cummings continued his torrid scoring streak netting a first half brace, his 11th and 12th goals of the season, and both Wells Thompson and Quincy Amarikwa extended the lead in the second half. A late goal from Jack McInerney broke up the shutout, but it wasn't nearly enough at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Colorado wasted no time getting on the board, opening their account in the eighth minute. After Kosuke Kimura dribbled through the midfield up the right flank, the defender sent a through ball to Mac Kandji in the corner. The former Red Bull took two touches before finding Cummings sitting in the middle of the box. The Jamaican international extended his left leg, redirecting Kandji's service into the lower left corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

The Rapids nearly doubled their advantage three minutes later off a set piece, but goalkeeper Brad Knighton was able to deflect away a rocket from distance off the foot of Anthony Wallace.

Colorado would find their second goal minutes later, however, with Cummings striking yet again. Off a well-placed, bending corner from Jamie Smith, an unmarked Cummings at the far post sent the service back across the six-yard box and into the right corner of the goal to give the Rapids a two-goal advantage in the 15th minute.

Despite Manager Peter Nowak's decision to utilize all three of his substitutions at the break, it was Colorado who created the first chance of the second half. Cummings nearly notched a hat trick off a breakaway opportunity, but his angled attempt from the left slid wide of the far post.

Colorado would strike yet again in the 68th minute after Knighton couldn't handle a driven free kick from Pablo Mastroeni. Thompson latched onto the rebound, easily slotting home an insurance goal to put the home side up 3-0.

Philadelphia finally had a chance of their own in the 73rd minute when Sebastien Le Toux received a long service from Michael Orozco Fiscal, but Kimura was there to prevent the Union's leading scorer from getting a shot on goal from close range.

In the 81st minute, Kandji had a breakaway of his own, but Knighton made the save of the match, coming off his line to cut off the angle and stifle the attempt.

Kandji would set up another goal minutes later, though, dribbling into the box from the right and sending a cross through the area to a streaking Amarikwa in the 86th minute. The second half sub completed an easy tap-in goal to put Colorado up 4-0, the most goals conceded by Philadelphia all season.

The lone bright spot of the evening came in the 90th minute, when McInerney broke up Colorado's shutout, the first goal scored against the Rapids at home in 517 minutes. After Andrew Jacobson sent a ball into the middle from the right flank, Drew Moor's attempted clearance came right to McInerney 15 yards out. The rookie made no mistake, knocking the loose ball into the side netting for his third goal of the season in league play.

After the loss, the Union return home to face the Houston Dynamo on Saturday at PPL Park, needing three points and help from others to remain mathematically alive in the playoff chase.

Scoring Summary:
COL - Omar Cummings 11 (Macoumba Kandji 2, Wells Thompson, 1) 8'
COL - Omar Cummings 12 (Jamie Smith 6) 15'
COL - Well Thompsons 2 (Unassisted) 68'
COL - Quincy Amarikwa 1 (Macoumba Kandji 3) 86'
PHI - Jack McInerney 3 (Unassisted) 90'

Philadelphia Union -- Brad Knighton, Sheanon Williams, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Danny Califf, Jordan Harvey, Justin Mapp (Jack McInerney 46), Stefani Miglioranzi (Andrew Jacobson 46), Amobi Okugo, Fred (Kyle Nakazawa 46), Sebastien Le Toux, Alejandro Moreno.

Substitutes Not Used: Juan Diego Gonzalez, Roger Torres, Nick Zimmerman, Chris Seitz.

Colorado Rapids -- Matt Pickens, Kosuke Kimura, Drew Moor, Marvell Wynne, Anthony Wallace, Wells Thompson, Jeff Larentowicz, Pablo Mastroeni (Claudio Lopez 70), Jamie Smith (Brian Mullan 62), Omar Cummings (Quincy Amarikwa 75), Macoumba Kandji.

Substitutes Not Used: Andre Akpan, Danny Earls, Scott Palguta, Ian Joyce.

Misconduct Summary:

PHI -- Danny Califf (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 10

Referee: Baldomero Toledo

Referee's Assistants: -Craig Lowry; C.J. Morgante

4th Official: Ben Chouaf

Time of Game: 1:48

Attendance: 10,165

Weather: Clear-and-73-degrees

Rays players have nothing to apologize for

By Chris Ruddick

Philadelphia, PA - Someone needs to let the people in St. Petersburg and nearby Tampa know that the Rays clinched their second postseason appearance in team history on Tuesday, because judging by the crowds at Tropicana Field this week, the Rays appear to be as popular in the area as the current tropical depression.

Sure, the close-to-18,000 in attendance to watch them clinch on Tuesday were almost 6,000 more than who showed up on Monday when the team first tried to lock it up.

But let's be honest, 17,891 for a playoff clinching win is not a flattering number. Actually it is downright embarrassing, especially for a team that has been one of the best in the league the last three seasons.

Following Monday's loss to Baltimore which drew just over 12,000 fans in a game that could have put them into the playoffs, David Price took to the 24- hour microphone that is Twitter and stated: "Had a chance to clinch a postseason spot tonight with about 10,000 fans in the stands....embarrassing."

Only 17,891 fans were in attendance to watch the Rays clinch a playoff spot on Tuesday. Price's sentiments, which he apologized for shortly after his initial tweet, were echoed earlier in the evening when the team's other young star Evan Longoria told a local newspaper, "For us to play 155 games and go a full season of playing really good baseball, it's kind of like, what else do we have to do to draw fans into this place? It's actually embarrassing for us."

Price had nothing to be sorry about. The fact that we are even talking about this is a joke, and it is about time some of the Rays started speaking out.

"It's kind of become something that's really not talked about anymore because we just kind of expect it," Longoria added. "But it's really not something we want to come to expect; we want to be able to go out there and know there's going to be 30- to 35,000. Especially at a time like this. That's the biggest thing for me.

"The middle of the year when we're not playing very well and we haven't had a track record of playing very well, then that's kind of acceptable I guess because of the way the Tampa Bay franchise has been. But at this point of the year, you'd expect some fans to come out."

Everyone in the Tampa area today seems to be patting themselves on the back for the crowd that showed up on Tuesday. Really? Is that something to be proud of? There were over 31,000 in Cincinnati to watch the Reds clinch on Tuesday. Had Longoria and Price not spoken up, I am sure that number would have been lower too.

Ownership has a part in this too. For one, Tropicana Field is an awful venue for baseball, plus people in the Tampa area will tell you that the field is not exactly the easiest place to get to.

Team owner Stu Sternberg realizes this too, is trying his best to get the team a new ballpark, and has stated that the Rays will not last at the Trop through the end of their contract in 2027. However, finding a landing spot for a potential new ballpark has been a problem.

Still, though, ticket prices for the Rays are as reasonably priced as any team in the league. Far better than say Philadelphia, which has a 12-percent unemployment rate, but has still sold out Citizens Bank Park for the last 123 games.

What is going to happen next year? Sternberg has already said that the Rays' payroll will drop in 2011 due in part to the fact that the team averages 22,913 fans per home game, which ranks 22nd of 30 teams in the league.

Tampa-St. Pete doesn't support this team which has been among the best in the league the last three years. How many people are going to show up when Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena leave?

Bottom line is if you put a good product on the field people should show up. Maybe the Tampa Bay area just isn't a 162-game baseball town. Perhaps spring training is enough for the majority of the fan base down there.

Someone mentioned that if the Rays want to get fans into the Trop, maybe they should play a college football game there.

Warriors made the 'Smart' move

By John McMullen

Philadelphia, PA - Just about everything around us has a shelf life. It seems like bananas and milk last about three days, while Twinkies are scheduled to spoil the day after Armageddon.

I'm not sure when Don Nelson's shelf life in Oakland actually expired, but the veteran coach was as stale as day-old bread.

To his credit, new Warriors owner Joseph Lacob was so intent on cleaning out his kitchen he gave Nelson the full $6 million that the 70-year-old mentor was scheduled to make this season just to walk away. Keith Smart, a veteran NBA assistant best known for sticking the jumper that gave Indiana a heart-stopping win over Syracuse in the NCAA national title game back in 1987, was officially promoted to head coach on Monday.

It may seem like a big investment to pay Nelson off but when you already have plunked down $450 million for a franchise that has tasted postseason play exactly once in the last 15 years, what's another $6 mil to change the culture?

The history books will likely be kind to Nellie. An old-school guy who learned the game under the legendary Red Auerbach, Nelson was an innovator and offensive genius, often credited with the concept of the point forward. He was once named as one of the top 10 coaches in NBA history but somewhere along the line forgot what garnered Auerbach all those NBA championships -- defense.

Nelson's last great coaching accomplishment came back in the 2006-07 season. In August of '06, the Warriors had decided to buy out Mike Montgomery's contract, and hired Nelson to take over the team for a second time. Under Nellie's tutelage Golden State won its final five regular season games and qualified for the playoffs and a date with the mighty Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.

The Mavs had the NBA's best record that season and were the trendy pick to win an NBA crown but in one of the biggest upsets in league history, Nelson coached the eighth-seeded Warriors over the Mavericks in six games.

By '09-10, Nellie could barely be called a coach. As usual his Warriors ignored the defensive end while skilled players like Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry basically played pick-up basketball, an especially troublesome development for a rookie with a tremendous upside like Curry. Nelson often didn't even run the huddles during timeouts, allowing Smart to take the reins.

Nellie leaves the Bay Area as the NBA's all-time winningest coach after compiling over 1,300 wins in 31 seasons. But he never was able to capture the brass ring of an NBA championship and he eerily reminded many of another brilliant offensive strategist, Doug Moe, who burned out and gave up but decided to keep picking up paychecks anyway.

Smart has been considered the coach-in-waiting in Oakland for several years, and Warriors fans can only hope he lives up to his name and takes the best of Nelson's offensive prowess while wedding it to some kind of defensive concept that enables the franchise to turn the corner.

There is some talent on hand. Curry is one of the best pure shooters in basketball but is also capable of being a well-rounded player that can handle the ball and get his teammates involved. Both Andris Biedrins and David Lee are legitimate double-double threats on a nightly basis, while Ellis can fill it up like few others. Meanwhile, rookie power forward Ekpe Udoh may bring the defensive presence and toughness Nelson seemingly always ignored.

Simply put, it was time to turn the page in Oakland and the Warriors new ownership has made a very "Smart" move.

Vick named NFC Offensive Player of the Month

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Month while teammate Nate Allen was honored as the NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month after the safety recorded interceptions in each of his first two games for the Eagles.

Temple to honor longtime SID Al Shrier with 80th birthday roast

PrHILADELPHIA – Al Shrier, the Dean of College Sports Information professionals, will be honored with his own Roast on Friday evening, October 15 from 7:30 until 9:00 p.m. at The Ormandy Ballroom in the
Doubletree Hotel Avenue of the Arts.  Shrier’s good friend, and Temple’s most recognizable alum, Bill Cosby, will serve as one of the “roasters” for the event.

“This will be a special affair, and one that anyone associated with Temple will want to attend,” Temple Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw said. “There is no one more loved and respected in the Philadelphia sports
community than Al Shrier.  He has given his life to Temple Athletics, and this night we will pay tribute to him.”

Bradshaw will join Mr. Cosby on the dais that also includes former Temple President Peter Liacouras, legendary Owl men’s basketball coach John Chaney, TU’s all-time winningest football coach Wayne Hardin and former director of athletics, Gavin White, Jr.  Shrier, a past president of the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association will also be roasted by some of the top media names in the Philadelphia area including “Big” Al Meltzer, Merrill Reese, Jackie Scheuer, Harry Donahue and Phil Jasner.

The longest active CoSIDA member at 57 years and counting, Shrier has served at Temple since 1953. He recently received CoSIDA's Arch Ward Award, given to the top sports information professional at the University Division level. It is one of many honors that he has earned over a distinguished career.  He
is a member of five Halls of Fame: the CoSIDA Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Philadelphia Big 5 Hall of Fame, the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

The Philadelphia native was named the recipient of the 2009 Pete Nevins Award for Distinguished Achievement given annually by The Eastern College Athletics Conference-Sports Information Directors Association (ECAC-SIDA). He has also earned ECAC-SIDA’s Irving T. Marsh and Katha Quinn Awards.

He has also been honored by the Atlantic 10 Conference with its Bob Vetrone Media Award in 2009. In 2004, in commemoration of 50 years of service, Temple gave away Al Shrier Bobblehead Dolls at a men’s basketball game, a rare tribute to an athletic administrator.

The Media Room at The Liacouras Center is named in his honor. Lastly, he received the prestigious Lew Klein Alumni in the Media Award from the Temple School of Communications.

Tickets for the event, which includes open bar, appetizers and gifts, can be purchased at $100 per person by going to www.myowlspace.com/alshrierroast.

Donovan McNabb conference call transcript

How do you feel about returning to Philly?
“Still feel the same. I think people are probably looking at it a little deeper right now than anything. You’ve got to remember it’s just Wednesday, so as far as me kind of expressing how my emotions may be, it’s kind of hard at this point, something I can answer probably after the game, but right now, just approaching it like any other game, watching some film, watching some keys that can possibly help us out in the game come Sunday.”

How do you think you’ll be received?
“You kind of have an idea. Obviously no one ever thinks they’ll be in that situation. We’ll see.”

Boos or cheers?
“Hoping, you know what, maybe some cheers. But in reality, you’ve got to remember that this is a big rival and one that obviously we see each other twice a year, so there’ll be some realization there … that I’m with the Redskins, so I’m sure they won’t be happy about that aspect.”

More on boos or cheers:
“I’m not one to try to explain how I need to be received. Again, my focus is what I need to do around here to get this team back on track. I’m truly not focused on that aspect of it or coming up with an answer to that question. That will be something for the fans to react to or adjust to.”

How tough has adjustment to Redskins been?
“I don’t think it’s been that challenging. Obviously, it’s a different scenery and concepts and things of that nature as far as the mental aspect is concerned and what follows with that is getting the timing and chemistry. We’ve shown signs of making some great plays and big-time plays and we just have to be more consistent, and that’s going to come with time. We’ve done some good things around here, we just have to take advantage of the opportunities that are there.”

What do you see in Eagles’ defense?
“I’m seeing a team that’s getting a comfort level in Sean McDermott’s concepts. Obviously, being under Jim for so long, a lot of the guys kind of got comfortable in what he was expecting from him, knowing his strategy and his mind set in certain situations, and they’re getting comfortable in what Sean is doing. Sean is kind of you know put some guys in certain situations where they don’t have to think, they just have to react and play and that’s been better for those guys on that side of the ball."

What will it be like walking out the tunnel at the Linc?
“That’s nothing that I would kind of think about. Hopefully, I walk out the right tunnel. I’ve been walking out of one tunnel for 11 years, so I’m sure I’ll get some help with that. But once I come out of the tunnel, it’s just focusing on my job and what needs to be done."

On Michael Vick:
“I was just happy that Andy and the organization gave him an opportunity to showcase his talents. And being under a guy like Andy, being under a guy like Marty, I got a chance to spend some time with him for a year, and then working with Kevin, I’m really happy for the both of them , the opportunity that both have received and it’s unfortunate what happened with Kevin, but I’m sure he’s going to bounce back strong and be ready to go at any time."

On Kevin Kolb:
“It’s a tough situation. When a guy gets hurt, you would expect him to get an opportunity to step back in, but concussions are things you can’t really play with. It’s one that’s been a topic of conversation all year and all offseason. I’m sure they were really second guessing the move of trying to put him back out there, but in due time Kevin will be fine."

On Andy Reid:
“We’re good friends. He stuck his neck out and drafted me in ’99, we had a lot of success together, obviously we’ve been through some ups and downs together. You know, things happen. It’s unfortunate,. Was I upset at the time? Absolutely. But I’ve moved on, I’ve learned to move on and focus on the job at hand."

On contract expires after this year:
“I want to stay here with the Washington Redskins.”

When did you get over the trade?
"Well, I was here the next morning after the trade to work out with the guys and spend time with them. I’ve moved on from it."

On Vick:
“I’ve seen a different type of player. Not just a player but a different type of person. A guy who’s truly determined now, he’s accepting of his role and what’s been asked of him, I think a guy who understands that there’s not too many more chances left and he took full advantage of that and went in through the offseason with the mind set of getting better, getting himself back and ready to go, and you’re seeing obviously a guy who’s out there obviously making big plays for his team."

On differences between Eagles’ offense and Redskins’ offense
“They’re very different.”

Can you explain some of the things that are different?
“It’s a lot of different things. One that would take a lot of time to explain. So I’d rather not.”

In GQ piece, you said you took some bullets. Can you expand on that?
“I’d rather just leave that. That was something that was done a long, long time ago, and I’ve moved on from it and I’d rather not comment on it.”

How do you look back at your years in Philly?
“I look back on the positive things. I’ve always tried to stay positive. In 11 years, we had a lot of positive things happen, from great seasons to winning seasons to obviously NFC championships and Super Bowl appearances, big games – just the list goes on. It’s been a lot of positive things that’s been happened.”

Songalia, Brackins are Sixers

A Willie Green knee injury that threatened to derail the Sixers' trade with the New Orleans Hornets in which they acquired forwards Darius Songaila and Craig Brackins has been resolved.

Songaila and Brackins could not practice this morning in the first session of training camp because Green's physical with the Hornets raised a red flag regarding Green's balky knee.  The teams have now agreed to the option to exchange second-round picks in 2011 and the trade, which also sent center Jason Smith to the Big Easy, is official.


Both Songaila and Brackins are expected to practice tonight.

Bellator Fighting Championships holding MMA tryout in Philly

Bellator Fighting Championships announced today that it will host an open tryout in the City of Brotherly Love which will provide a once-in-a-lifetime chance for an undiscovered professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter to earn spot in one of the organization’s upcoming area events.

The tryout will take place at the famed Daddis Fight Camps in downtown Philadelphia on Saturday, October 2nd at 11 A.M.  In addition to eligible aspiring fighters, the tryouts are open to the public.

“Philadelphia is a hotbed for MMA talent so holding a tryout before our October 21st nationally televised event seemed like the right time and the right place,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “We have discovered some great talents in our past open tryouts, including Tyler Stinson, Bryan Goldsby, and James Krause, who all went on to compete in the Bellator Tournament.”

Daddis Fight Camps is located at 1719 Washington Avenue in Philadelphia.  Tryouts will be  judged by industry insiders including Bellator Matchmaker Sam Caplan, gym owner Brad Daddis, and Philadelphia native and Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez.

Fighters are asked to bring their own equipment, as well as their federal I.D. Fighters currently signed by another promotion are not eligible to try out.

Bellator will host its first event in Philadelphia with Bellator 33, taking place at the Liacouras Center on October 21st. Tickets for the event are on sale NOW at ComcastTix.com.

PPL Park wins honor

Chester, Pa. (September 28, 2010)- PPL Park, the riverside home of Philadelphia Union, has been named the "Sports/Recreation Project of the Year" by Mid-Atlantic Construction earlier this week when the magazine released the winners of the Best of 2010 awards program.

The annual competition recognizes construction and design excellence in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

In order to eligible for a "Best of 2010" award, the project had to be completed between September 1, 2009 and September 1, 2010, as well as being located within the Mid-Atlantic region.  PPL Park competed against approximately 100 other candidates that were spread over 20 different categories ranging from government buildings, to research buildings and even places of worship. Award winners were chosen by an independent jury, composed of experts of the construction industry, who met in September to finalize the results.

Leighton has bulging disc in back

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren revealed in a Tuesday afternoon press conference that goaltender Michael Leighton has a bulging disc in his back.

The injury wasn't revealed until Leighton sought a second opinion last night that was confirmed by another doctor earlier Tuesday.

The club originally listed Leighton as day-to-day with a lower back strain. Leighton was forced to leave Friday's exhibition game after suffering an apparent back injury.

This means that prospect Sergei Bobrovsky will get a closer look with more action as the preseason continues.

Holmgren also added that Ian Laperriere will be out indefinitely while suffering from post-concussion syndrome. This is a likely outcome of the puck he took to the face during the opening round of the playoffs back in April.

Sixers set training camp roster

Philadelphia, Pa. – September 27, 2010 – The Philadelphia 76ers have signed free agents James Florence, Trent Plaisted and Chris Quinn in preparation for Training Camp which runs from Sept. 28 through Oct. 2 at Saint Joseph’s University.

Florence (6-1, 186) finished his collegiate career as Mercer’s all-time leading scorer, supplanting Sam Mitchell in the process.  A four-year starter, Florence averaged over 19 points per game for his career.  He also averaged over two 3-pointers made per game, hitting at least 55 in each season.

Plaisted (6-11, 245) competed for the Sixers in the 2010 AirTran Airways Pro Summer League in Orlando.  In four games played, he averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 61.1% from the floor.  Since leaving Brigham Young in 2008, Plaisted has played internationally in both Italy and Croatia.

Quinn (6-2, 175) has appeared in 193 games with 26 starts across four seasons with Miami and New Jersey, while averaging 5.2 points, 2.1 assists and 1.2 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game.  He spent his first three and a half seasons with the HEAT before being traded to the Nets back in early January.

Williams gets promotion in Toronto

Former Villanova star Alvin Williams was recently promoted by the Toronto Raptors as director of player development.

Williams was originally hired by the Raptors as an assistant coach/basketball development in July of last year, his first foray into team management since he ended his NBA playing career in 2007. He had played nine seasons with the Raptors from 1997-2006.

In his new role, Williams will now assume the task of off-court development for the team including the planning and coordinating of life skills training and overall player relationship management. He is expected to continue to travel with the team while working as needed on-court with players in their basketball development.

“While Alvin loved getting back on the court last season in a coaching role, I think he always had his sights set on management someday. I trust and value his opinions on basketball and people and he will be an invaluable resource to the players, coaches and management team alike,” said Toronto general manager Bryan Colangelo.

Sixers bringing in Quinn, Florence

While it hasn't been announced yeat the Sixers have signed a pair of guards to round out their training camp roster -- Chris Quinn and James Florence.

Quinn, a Notre Dame product, was at the team's media day this afternoon. He's a combo guard that can shoot the ball and will likely make the roster if the Sixers keep the full allotment of 15 players. Quinn has played for the Miami Heat and New Jersey Nets in the past.

Florence, meanwhile, is an undersized point guard out of Mercer being brought in as a camp body.

Flyers cut camp roster

The Flyers have trimmed their training camp roster by 28 players, according to General Manager Paul
Holmgren.  Eighteen players have been assigned to the team's American Hockey League affiliate, the Adirondack Phantoms.  Five players have been returned to their junior teams, and five others were released from tryout contracts. 

The following players were assigned to the Phantoms and will report to the team's training camp later this week:  forwards Greg Moore, Luke Pither, Matt Clackson, Garrett Klotz, Pat Maroon, Tye McGinn, Zac
Rinaldo, Andrew Rowe, Shane Harper and Stefan Legein; defensemen Chad Denny, Jesse Dudas, Cullen Eddy, Dan Jancevski, Logan Stephenson, and J.P. Testwuide; and goaltenders Nic Riopel and Brian Stewart. 

The following players have been returned to their junior teams:  D Ricard Blidstrand (Regina, WHL); F Michael Chaput (Lewiston, QMJHL); F David Labrecque (Shawinigan, QMJHL); D Brendan Ranford (Kamloops, WHL) and D Tyler Hostetter (Erie, OHL). 

In addition, F Justin Dowling and F Blake Gal were released from their Amateur Tryout Agreements and will
also return to their junior teams, while forward Michael Ryan and defensemen Ryan Lannon and Joe Piskula were released from their Professional Tryout Agreements.

The moves leave the Flyers training camp roster at 37 players (20 forwards, 12 defensemen and five goaltenders). 

No legs to Anthony - Iguodala trade rumor

Forget Carmelo Anthony.

While Sixers president Rod Thorn has discussed a couple of deals  for the Denver Nuggets star forward, any trade or Anthony would have to include a contract extension and the Syracuse product has indicated he will not sign one in Philly.

Thorn reportedly offered Denver Evan Turner,  Thaddeus Young, Jason Kapono and a couple of future first round picks and another deal that included Andre Iguodala as the centerpiece.

Union routs Chivas USA 3-0

By John McMullen

Chester, PA (The Phanatic Magazine) - The Philadelphia Union returned from a 10-day layoff to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a 3-0 victory over Chivas USA in front of 16,481 on the Delaware Riverfront.

Alejandro Moreno, Fred and Sebastien Le Toux all scored for the Union (7-12-6), while goalkeeper Brad Knighton recorded his second shutout in three games since taking over as Philadelphia's starting goalkeeper.

The 3-0 score marked the Union's largest margin of victory in their inaugural season and extended their unbeaten streak to five games at PPL Park, a pair of wins and three draws.

Knighton, meanwhile, has allowed just one goal in three games since taking over for the ineffective Chris Seitz and presided over the first two clean sheets in franchise history.

The Union are now nine points behind Seattle for the final MLS playoff spot with just fives games left to play.

Philadelphia was lackadaisical early on and let Chivas (7-14-4) take the action to them. Knighton finally helped his teammates shake off the rust and ignited the crowd in the 16th minute when the netminder raced out of the box to make a huge sliding tackle with a wide open Justin Braun bearing down on him.

A minute later Philadelphia nearly took the lead when a Le Toux crossing pass found Moreno in the box, who headed it just wide right of the post.

Moreno didn't miss the next time he had an opportunity in the 26th minute, however. The skilled Venezuelan, who has struggled with injuries this season, deposited his second goal of the year inside the far post by heading a perfect Justin Mapp corner kick past Chivas goalkeeper Zach Thornton.

The Union then took a commanding 2-0 edge during stoppage time at the end of the first half. Mariano Trujillo's yellow card gave Le Toux a free kick from the far side and the Frenchman found Moreno again, who redirected it on goal. Thornton was equal to the task this time but gave up the rebound and Fred was
on the doorstep to pick up the garbage and make it a 2-0 game at intermission.

The rout was on in the 69th minute when Le Toux blasted a free kick off the wall that deflected by Thornton for a 3-0 edge. Chivas defender Michael Umana lost his cool seconds earlier, kneeing a prone Le Toux to set up the All-Star's 12th goal of the season, third in MLS behind Edson Buddle of Los Angeles (14) and Juan Pablo Angel of New York (13).

The Union return to action in Colorado on Wednesday.

State of the UNION:

*Le Toux has had quite a season. He remains the only MLS player to record double figures in both goals (12) and assists (10). Meanwhile, the Frenchman came into today's game first in the league in shots on goal (41), fourth in total shots (76), third in game-winning assists (3), tied for first with one hat trick and fifth in corner kicks (80).

*Veteran midfielder Eduardo Coudet missed his fourth straight game with a strained right calf while defender Juan Diego Gonzalez missed his third straight with a groin strain. Gonzalez was dressed and available but not
needed after Philadelphia amassed a large lead.

*Defender Toni Stahl probably could have gone with a sprained ankle but was not active. Le Toux (ankle sprain) and MF Stefani Miglioranzi (left calf strain) both started despite injuries.

*Rookie star Danny Mwanga returned to the starting lineup after being used as a sub 10 days ago in San Jose. Mwanga has been hampered by a separated shoulder suffered on Sept. 11 against Chicago and was replaced by Andrew Jacobson to start the second half. Mwanga was a bit sore but the move was also
tactical. The strength of Mwanga's game is at the offensive end.

*The Union's other substitutions were Amobi Okugo for Fred in the 74th minute and Roger Torres getting Mapp in the 76th minute.

*Union defender Cristian Arrieta, who did not dress, will also miss the team's next two games after being called up to join the Puerto Rican National Team to compete in the qualifying round of the 2010 Caribbean Championship. The competition, which  takes place in Puerto Rico from October 2-6, is the tournament in the  Caribbean Region of CONCACAF. The 31-year-old will depart for Puerto Rico on Sept. 28, where he will remain until Oct. 7, thus missing the Colorado Rapids away game on Wednesday, and the Houston Dynamo match at PPL Park on Saturday, Oct. 2.  Arrieta is scheduled to report back to Philadelphia in the early morning of Oct.7, and will be eligible to play that night against the LA Galaxy.

Reid loses his grip

By John McMullen

Philadelphia, PA (The Phanatic Magazine) - Whether you liked him or not, you always knew Andy Reid was in total control of the Eagles universe.

I can't say the same today after Reid reversed fields again. In fact, "Big Red" is becoming more adept at changing directions than Michael Vick against a Lions' blindside blitz.

Andy's latest bizarre about-face started when he denied telling Peter King of Sports Illustrated that he believed Kevin Kolb would be "crucified" by the public and media if the signal caller played poorly again.

Later, through a team spokesperson, Reid admitted making the comment, which totally contradicts his earlier claim that the decision to start Vick over Kevin Kolb for the "rest of the season" was based solely on Mike playing "out of his mind," and not because Kolb was awful throughout the preseason and the first half of the opener versus Green Bay.

Here's Reid's actual quote to King: "A young quarterback needs time to mature as he grows in the game. I don't think Kolb has lost one thing. He's a franchise quarterback. He will win games, and championships, for the Eagles. But I think it's a different deal when you go out there and can't make a mistake or you're going to get crucified, which is the way this thing might have gone if he went back in there now."

It's anyone's guess why Reid pulled the trigger on Vick now.

One NFL scout told me Reid was never really a Kolb fan and the Eagles made the decision to draft him while he was away caring for his sons.  Another "insider" said the decision was based on the poor play of the offensive line and yet another source claimed Kolb's health was still of concern.

I don't buy any of it.

Occam's razor tells us that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

In this case, the simplest explanation is that Vick is better than Kolb -- a lot better.

It's time to think A.J. Feeley now. The Eagles swiped a second round draft pick from Miami for Feeley. If the organization can do the same for Kolb by snowing a Tom Heckert or Brad Childress, it should have done it yesterday.

As for Reid, an uncharacteristically wishy-washy week has me thinking the Eagles' mentor has lost something of his fastball.

Phillies separating themselves from rest of National League

By Chris Ruddick

Philadelphia, PA - One of my favorite things to remind people of is that the Major League Baseball season is a marathon and not a sprint.

Nowhere has that been more apparent than in Philadelphia. Back in July if I would have told some fans in Philly that their baseball team would not only be well on their way to a fourth consecutive division title, but also be the favorite to come out of the National League, they probably would have said I was crazy.

And who would have blamed them? Injuries had been a constant thorn in the side of the two-time defending National League champions, the team's offense was atrocious and after losing three of four in St. Louis, the Phillies found themselves seven games back of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East on July 22.

Perhaps it was just one of those years. More likely it was just too early to panic.

After salvaging the finale of that four-game set in St. Louis, the Phillies reeled off seven more wins and, oh by the way, traded for Roy Oswalt and pulled back within 2 1/2 games of first place in the division.

Oswalt's first start with the team actually ended the eight-game winning streak, but that has been the only hiccup on the right-hander's resume in his short time in Philadelphia, as he is 7-1 in his 11 starts with the team and has pitched to a 1.76 ERA following seven more scoreless innings in a no-decision on Wednesday.

He, along with Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels, have formed one of the more dominant pitching groups in recent memory. The trio, affectionately called H20 in the City of Brotherly Love, is lights out at the moment. Halladay has 20 wins and is headed towards a Cy Young Award, Hamels has given up two runs in his last five starts and Oswalt has allowed one run or less in five of his last six outings.

Not to mention they are all undefeated in September. And for those of you who can't figure out H20 ... Hamels, Halladay, Oswalt ... get it?

I have said for years that teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox stage 162-game exhibitions to get themselves ready for October. It appears the Phillies have now moved into that class.

By the way, before we pat Ruben Amaro on the back for the Oswalt move, let's remember he is Roy freaking Oswalt. It wasn't like he uncovered some diamond in the rough. Not to mention he never would have had to make a move if he just would have held on to Cliff Lee this past offseason.

Let's not rehash that nonsense now, though.

Anyway, as good as the pitching has been, the biggest reason why the Phillies are starting to resemble the team that has made October its home the last few years is that it has, for the most part, gotten healthy.

I know Bud Black is probably going to win the National League Manager of the Year Award for what the San Diego Padres have done this year, but where is the love for Charlie Manuel?

At different points of the season the team has been without the likes of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge. Not to mention Jimmy Rollins has served a couple of stints on the disabled list and is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

It would have been very easy for this team to roll over, but luckily when you throw Halladay, Hamels and now Oswalt out there every couple of days, you are going to win more often than not.

Bottom line is that even with Rollins out, the Phillies are firing on all cylinders at the moment. They have won 10 in a row and have a magic number of four to clinch the NL East heading into their weekend series with the New York Mets.

Plus, the Phils are going to finish with the best record in the National League, meaning of course, they will have home-field advantage for as long as they play in October. And yes that includes the World Series too thanks to the NL's win in this past July's Mid-Summer Classic.

If you want to be a Negative Ned I guess you can point to the fact that the pitching could blow up in the Phillies' faces in the playoffs. The thinking being that H20 is so out of their minds right now, there is no way they could keep this up for another month. Or you could point to the fact that Halladay's next postseason start will be his first.

I am sorry, though. If Halladay is the Phillies' biggest concern heading into the postseason, you are really reaching to find something wrong with this team.

The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays have been the two best teams in baseball this season. The Phillies, though, may very well be the best team heading into October.

Sixers hit a home run with Collins

By John McMullen

Philadelphia, PA  - "We haven´t hit any home runs [this offseason], but I feel like we´ve quietly improved our team." - New 76ers coach Doug Collins at the team´s annual media luncheon.

I´ve been a student of the game of basketball for about 30 years now and feel that I have developed a pretty good understanding of what goes on.

Don´t get me wrong, the ego isn´t big enough to think I could mentor an NBA team, but I´m more than comfortable talking X´s and O´s with just about anyone around the league. Doug Collins, however, intimidates me.

Philadelphia´s new coach is as engaging as it gets but his basketball knowledge is without peer, almost encyclopedic. That´s why it´s so hard to disagree with him. But, here goes -- the Sixers did hit a home run in the offseason, a tape measure blast that would have made Mickey Mantle green with envy -- they hired Collins.

If you weren´t subjected to it last season, understand that Sixers basketball was virtually unwatchable. A notorious "system guy," Eddie Jordan brought his "Princeton offense" to Philly, with no intention of tweaking anything for anybody.

The results were disastrous but Jordan kept hammering the square peg into the round hole until he´d lost his locker room by Christmas. The Sixers´ young nucleus was especially hit hard and all took a huge step back under Jordan´s hard-headed rule.

To me, great coaches in any sport have always added talent that fits into what they want to accomplish (the system), while maximizing the strengths of their current players and masking as many of the deficiencies as possible.

Coaches like Collins, a disciplinarian who is a stickler for execution in the half-court set.

"This is my fourth different spot and I haven´t used the same offense yet," Collins said. "I said the other day, we could be a team that our leading scorer is averaging 15 or 16 a game and we could have seven guys averaging double figures. That´s the kind of team we could be."

Defensively, Collins is all about accountability.

"Last year I think they were sort of random on what they wanted to do," Collins said. "We´re not going to do that. We´re going to have a defensive system in. It´s not complicated, but if you´re not in the right spot when I stop the tape all I have to say is, ´Are you in the right spot?´"

While younger fans may only know Collins as the brilliant analyst from TNT, the 59-year-old coach has compiled a regular season record of 332-287 in eight seasons as a coach with Chicago, Detroit and Washington, highlighted by Michael Jordan´s first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1989.

It was Collins, not Phil Jackson, that build the foundation of the Bulls´ dynasty. He took Chicago to the playoffs in his first season and guided the club to 50 wins in 1987-88, marking the franchise´s first 50-win season since 1973-74. In his third and final season in the Windy City, the Bulls advanced to the East finals.

In his first season as head coach of the Pistons in 1995-96, Collins inherited a Detroit team that had won 28 games the previous season and engineered an 18- game improvement along with a playoff appearance. The Pistons won 54 games the following season (1996-97).

Collins´ last coaching stint came with Washington during the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons, where he was reunited with Jordan. In 2001-02, Collins once again improved his team´s win total by 18 games from the previous season and the season after he left, the Wizards won just 25 games.

You can expect a similar improvement for the Sixers this season.

Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday should both turn into dogged on-ball defenders on a consistent basis under Collins, who considers himself "blessed" to have a quarterback with a big upside.

"He is the total package," Collins said of Holiday. "He is such a good kid and such a hard worker and he is pure. I honestly believe that next year you will talk about him being one of the top five point guards in the league. I think you will speak about him with Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose."

As for Iguodala, the Sixers´ best player, Collins feels a summer toiling with Team USA will have a profound effect.

"I think that Andre is going to come back a totally different guy," Collins said. "He needs to be a slasher and defender and not depend so much on jump shots. He can get to the foul line and do those things so he doesn´t have to live and die with the jump shot. If we can get in the open court and run, that´s where he´ll be at his best. That has to be our identity. And I want him to be more of a leader. It´s a great time for him to come back after that experience."

Meanwhile, the coach knows he has a few reclamation projects like Thaddeus Young.

"I told him he cannot be a mistake player," Collins said when speaking about his third-year forward. "I told him when I was in college I had the ball a lot in my hands, and then I figured it out when I was playing with Maurice Cheeks that I would throw the ball to him and let him do all the work, and then I would get the shots at the other end, and it was easy. So why don´t you do that with Jrue?"

Collins is also inheriting a new, very talented toy since the Sixers made the unlikely leap from six to No. 2 during NBA Draft Lottery, a break that enabled them to draft the National Player of the Year, Ohio State star Evan Turner.

Turner is still a work in progress, however, and struggled during Summer League play in Orlando, a fact that Collins actually thinks might help his young star.

"Evan got knocked back this summer, and I think it is the thing that happened to him," Collins explained. "I think it gave him an idea of how hard it is and how tough it is in this game and how nightly he is going to have a bull´s-eye, and that guys are going to go at him. He is learning that you have to earn your stripes in this league."

At the end of the day, however, it´s all about changing the culture in Philly, something Collins is intent on doing.

"It doesn´t change overnight," Collins said. "I always tell guys, there´s no sympathy in the NBA. When you´re bad, people want to play you. You have to be ready to take on that challenge. I want to be the kind of team that, if we lose, it´s because people outplayed us."

As Collins wrapped up his media luncheon on Thursday, I couldn´t help thinking the only thing missing was the pipes of Philadelphia broadcasting legend Harry Kalas calling one more home run -- the Sixers hiring of Doug Collins...

"Swing ... and a long drive, this one is... outta here!"

Phillies set another ratings record

Wednesday's Phillies - Atlanta Braves game delivered a 15.2 rating (452,000 households) besting 
Tuesday’s night 15.0 rating to set another record for ComcastSportsnet.  Wednesday’s game peaked at 18.5 rating  (550,000 households) and was the most watched program in the Philadelphia  market.

During this three game series, Comcast SportsNet delivered a cumulative  44.7 rating which means over 1.3 million households tuned into watch the  Phils sweep the Braves.

During the month of September, Phillies game on Comcast SportsNet are  averaging a 10.9 (324,000 HH), 33% higher than the season average of 8.2  (244,000 HH.)  At this rate they are on track for the team’s eighth  consecutive season of ratings growth on Comcast SportsNet.  This season’s  8.2 average is 15% higher than last year’s average of 7.14, which was the  network’s highest rated Phillies season in its 13-year history.

“Phillies Postgame Live” continues to deliver ratings success in September.  This month “Phillies Postgame Live” is averaging a 4.9 rating (146,000  households) up 29% from September 2009’s rating of 3.8.

Union's Arrieta called up by Puerto Rican National Team

Chester, Pa. (September 23, 2010) - Philadelphia Union announced today that right back Cristian Arrieta has been called up to join the Puerto Rican National Team to compete in the Qualifying round of the 2010 Digicel Caribbean Championship.  The competition, which takes place in Puerto Rico from October 2-6, is the tournament in the Caribbean Region of CONCACAF.

During his time in Puerto Rico as a member of the USL-1 Division Puerto Rico Islanders, Arrieta proved to be a very significant player and was named two-time Defender of the Year and the 2009 USL MVP.  This call by the PRMNT will become Arrieta’s debut with Puerto Rico as the national squad faces Anguilla on October 2, Saint-Martin on October 4 and the Cayman Islands on October 6 as part of the Group A Qualifying round. 

The 31-year-old will depart for Puerto Rico on September 28, where he will remain until October 7, thus missing the Colorado Rapids away game on Wednesday, September 29 and the Houston Dynamo match at PPL Park on Saturday, October 2.  Arrieta will report back to Philadelphia in the early morning of October 7, and will be eligible to play that night against the LA Galaxy, if the Union’s Coaching Staff decide to bring Arrieta into the 18-man roster.

Sixers swap Green and Smith for Songalia, Brackins

Philadelphia, Pa. – September 23, 2010 – The Philadelphia 76ers have acquired forwards Darius Songaila and Craig Brackins from the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for veteran guard Willie Green and forward/center Jason Smith.

Songaila (6-9/248) is set to enter his eighth NBA season.  In 485 games played with 79 starts for Sacramento, Chicago, Washington and New Orleans, he has averaged 7.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.9 minutes per game while shooting 49.9% from the floor and 84.6% from the line.


A native of Lithuania, Songaila attended high school in the United States and went on to star at Wake Forest, earning Honorable Mention All-America honors from The Associated Press his senior season.  He has been a member of the Lithuanian National Team since 1998 and has played in the past three Olympic Games (2000, 2004 and 2008).  Songaila was originally the 50th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2002 NBA Draft.


Brackins (6-10/230) was the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.  His rights were traded to the Hornets along with the right to Quincy Pondexter in exchange for Morris Peterson and the rights to Cole Aldrich on July 8, 2010.


As a junior at Iowa State last season, Brackins led the Cyclones in scoring (16.5 ppg) and blocks (1.18 bpg), while ranking second in rebounding (8.5 rpg) and assists (2.2 apg).  He also knocked down 69 3-pointers in 96 career games played.  Brackins was named to the All-Big 12 First Team as a sophomore and the All-Big 12 Second Team as a junior.

“We made the move for these two players to add additional depth to our front court and to add out-court shooting, which was an area that we felt needed improving,” team president Rod Thorn said.  “Songaila is a hard-working, veteran forward who will give us another option up front and Brackins is a rookie that we feel has a chance to develop into a very productive player at this level.


Green (6-3/201) has played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Sixers, averaging 9.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 21.8 minutes in 422 games played with 211 starts.  He was originally selected with the 41st overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by Seattle, but the Sixers acquired his rights that night in exchange for the draft rights to Paccelis Morlende and cash considerations.


Smith (7-0/240) has also spent his entire career with the Sixers to this point, averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 132 games played with three starts.  He was originally the 20th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by Miami before the Sixers acquired him in exchange for the rights to Daequan Cook, a second round pick in 2009 and cash considerations.

“It is tough to trade Darius and Craig, but we believe both teams will benefit from this move,” Hornets General Manager Dell Demps said. “Willie is a combo-guard with versatility who can give us minutes at the back-up point guard spot and the shooting guard position. We are excited he is a part of our program and believe he can be an asset both offensively and defensively for us. Jason will have an opportunity to compete for minutes. He is a young, athletic big man with shooting ability and we are getting him at a good time of his career.”

“On behalf of the Sixers, I want to thank Willie Green and Jason Smith for their contributions and professionalism

Browns have already inquired about Kolb

WIP's Anthony Gargano is reporting that Browns G.M. Tom Heckert already called the Eagles last night about a possible trade for Kevin Kolb.

Heckert, of course, is the former Eagles G.M. and drafted Kolb.

Gargano says Heckert was told that the benched QB isn't available but Andy Reid hemmed and hawed Wednesday when asked whether Kolb will be on the Eagles roster after the trading deadline on October 19.

Honors keep rolling in for Temple's Pierce

PHILADELPHIA  – Temple sophomore RB Bernard Pierce (Ardmore, Pa.) has earned two additional honors this week.

The Heisman Trophy candidate has been named the ECAC Offensive Player of the Week as well as a finalist for the AT&T ESPN All-America Player of the Week.

Fans can vote for Pierce for the AT&T weekly prize at: http://www.espnallamerica.com/.

Pierce was named the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Week honor for the East division, the Honorable Mention National Player of the Week honors from the College Football Performance Awards, and the OwlSports.com Athlete of the Week on Monday.

In Saturday’s 30-16 win over Connecticut, Pierce rushed for 169 yards and scored three touchdowns. His first touchdown was a 27-yard reception, his career longest reception and first TD. The game also marked Pierce’s sixth multi-touchdown game in his 15-game career.

The win game Temple its third consecutive win to open the season for the first time since 1979. Temple has now won a school record eight consecutive home games.

After three games, Pierce leads the Owls in rushing with 301 yards and three touchdowns. He also has three receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown. His 169 yards vs. UConn moved Pierce up to No. 8 on Temple’s career rushing list. He now has 1,662 rushing yards. Pierce ranks No. 27 nationally this week in rushing (100.33 average).

Temple (3-0, 1-0 MAC) travels to nationally ranked Penn State (2-1) on Saturday, Sept. 25 for a 3:30 p.m. game at Beaver Stadium. The Big Ten Network will televise the game nationally

Weaver has surgery; Eagles sign two to practice squad

Eagles FB Leonard Weaver

An eventful Eagles week continued on Wednesday as the team announced that fullback Leonard Weaver underwent surgery and signed a pair of players to the practice squad.

Weaver, who was injured during opener vs. Green Bay on September 12 and was placed on injured reserve a day later, went under the knife on Tuesday to repair a torn ACL and torn posterior lateral corner in his left knee. The procedure was performed by the renowned Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, AL.

Meanwhile, the Eagles also announced they have signed wide receiver Rod Harper and safety Jamar Adams to the practice squad.

Originally a rookie free agent signing of Green Bay in 2008, Harper (6-0, 209) was released by the Packers prior to their training camp. He then joined the Arena Football League 2 and was assigned to the Arkansas Twisters, where he debuted in 2009 before signing with the New Orleans Saints in June of 2009.

Prior to joining the Saints, Harper was leading the AF2 in multiple categories, including scoring (228 points), and total touchdowns (38). He was also tied for the league lead in receptions (107) and ranked second in receiving yards (1,375).

Harper impressed in the 2009 preseason with New Orleans, returning two punts for touchdowns and earned a spot on their active roster. However, he was placed on the injured reserve list on Oct. 16 with a stress fracture in his left foot. He spent the 2010 training camp and preseason with the Saints, but was released prior to the start of the regular season.

The 25-year-old Harper starred collegiately at Murray State, where he earned second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors as a senior in 2007 after leading the team in receptions (57), yards (779) and touchdowns (10). He finished his career ranked third in school history in both receiving yards (1,653) and touchdowns (20).

Adams (6-2, 212) was originally signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent following the 2008 draft. He spent most of the last two seasons on Seattle’s practice squad, but also was promoted to the active roster twice, playing in seven career games and posting four special teams tackles.  The 24-year-old Adams played collegiately at Michigan, where he started 34 games and contributed 172 tackles, two sacks and four interceptions, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors following his senior season.

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Vikings set to bring Baskett in

WR Hank Baskett

Brad Childress continues to collect bad Eagles receivers. The embattled Vikings mentor is bringing in Hank Baskett, who was cut by the Birds on Tuesday, to join Greg Lewis.

Baskett, 28, arrived in the Twin Cities on Tuesday night and is set to sign a one-year deal on Wednesday.

Baskett was active for the Eagles' first two games but had no receptions. He has 76 career receptions for 1,080 yards and six touchdowns in four-plus seasons.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Baskett was originally signed by Childress and Vikings an undrafted free agent out of New Mexico in 2006 but he was quickly traded to the Eagles for veteran wide receiver Billy McMullen.

Baskett, of course, is best known for being married to reality TV star Kendra Wilkinson.

Flyers preseason debut successful, notch SO win over Devils

Mike Richards tallied the game-winner and Sergei Bobrovsky stopped the Devils' final chance in the fourth round of the shootout as Philadelphia topped New Jersey, 4-3, in the preseason opener for both clubs.

Darroll Powe and Jeff Carter tallied in the first period and Danny Briere notched the game-tying goal in the third period for the Flyers, who are coming off a Stanley Cup appearance.

Michael Leighton played two periods and allowed three goals on 23 shots, while Bobrovsky halted all seven he faced in the third period and overtime. He fended off a shot from Jacob Josefson to lock down the win.

Jamie Langenbrunner and Dainius Zubrus lit the lamp for the Devils, who ended last season with a first-round playoff loss to Philly.

Johan Hedberg yielded two scores on 13 shots in 40 minutes. Mike McKenna finished by allowing one goal on 21 shots, but was credited with the loss.

Reid stricken by case of common sense, names Vick starter

By John McMullen

Philadelphia, PA (The Phanatic Magazine) - Common sense lives.

Andy Reid has backed off his ridiculous support of the overmatched Kevin Kolb and named Michael Vick the Eagles starting quarterback.

"This is about Michael Vick and his accelerated play," Reid said. "He's sitting there as possibly the hottest quarterback in the National Football League at this time and deserves an opportunity to play. I think very few quarterbacks could go out and play the way he played the last couple weeks."

The reality is at least for the foreseeable future, it's not about rebuilding anymore. With the Dallas Cowboys off to an 0-2 start, Reid now thinks he has a chance in the NFC East.

Behind the scenes the Eagles' spin doctors were at work with one source claiming that Vick gives them the best chance to win behind an average offensive line. Center Mike McGlynn was thrown under the bus in that assessment with the source saying the Pitt product struggled mightily and failed to check to the right protection scheme time and time again against Detroit.

During the preseason another source claimed that Reid has never been enamored with Kolb and that the Eagles decided to draft him while Reid was away caring for his troubled sons.

Reid laid it on a bit thick regarding both Vick and Kolb, calling Vick a superstar and claiming Kolb still had a bright future despite all empirical evidence pointing downward for the Texan.

"Kevin Kolb has done a phenomenal job for us here and the future of Kevin Kolb is not slighted by this one bit," said Reid.

Vick led the Eagles to a 35-32 win on Sunday in the Motor City, his first start since 2006 before he served a 20-month sentence for a federal dogfighting conviction. He was 21-for-34 for 284 yards with two TD passes. The previous week, he rallied the Eagles from a 20-3 deficit with more 175 yards passing and 103 yards rushing in a 27-20 loss to the Packers.

Kolb, meanwhile, looked lost against the Packers before suffering a concussion.

PPL Park to host 2012 NCAA Men's Lacrosse quarterfinals

Chester, Pa. (September 21, 2010) – PPL Park and Drexel University have teamed up to host the 2012 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinals. It will be the first time the quarterfinals have been held in Philadelphia and the first time that PPL Park has hosted an NCAA lacrosse tournament.

"In just a short period of time since opening on June 27, PPL Park has drawn great reviews as a world class soccer stadium and now we will show that it's also a world class venue for lacrosse,” said Nick Sakiewicz, Philadelphia Union and PPL Park CEO & Operating Partner. “We are proud to have earned the confidence and respect of the NCAA and, in partnership with Drexel University, are honored to showcase our venue by bringing one of the NCAA's signature events to Chester and the Greater Philadelphia region. PPL Park is quickly becoming a destination for top shelf sports and entertainment.”

The 2012 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinals will take place on either May 19 or 20. The other quarterfinal will be hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. The winners of the two games will advance to the NCAA Semifinals.

"Drexel University is excited to work with PPL Park in bringing these NCAA events to the area,” Drexel President John A. Fry said. “It is a privilege for our University to host such prestigious collegiate events and to help crown a national champion in a sport with such a rich history."

Since 2000, Philadelphia has been proud to host events including the U.S. Olympic Trials for Gymnastics and Table Tennis, NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships (in front of record crowds), NCAA Men's & Women's Basketball Tournament, FIFA Women's World Cup, NBA All-Star Weekend, ESPN X-Games, the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, and the NCAA Women's Final Four.

In 2011, Philadelphia will host the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional. Philadelphia will host the 2014 NCAA Frozen Four.

Cards sign fromer Eagles LB Hall

Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic is reporting that the Arizona Cardinals have signed free agent linebacker Alex Hall.

Hall, a seventh-round pick (231st overall) out of St. Augustine by Cleveland in 2008, was traded by the Browns to the Eagles this offseason but was waived by the Birds prior to training camp and claimed by the New York Giants.

Union earn $50k grant for Chester United soccer organization

Purchase, N.Y., (September 21, 2010) -   Philadelphia Union have won a $50,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant as part of a promotion with all 16 Major League Soccer clubs for the Chester City United soccer organization. After four weeks of voting and nearly 150,000 votes, Pepsi today announced that the Union received the most votes, earning the $50,000 towards creating a full-sized natural grass soccer field.

"I am extremely proud to be a part of this project," said Philadelphia Union forward and MLS Pepsi Refresh ambassador Alejandro Moreno. "I believe it is really important for the kids and we know that this $50,000 grant will serve as a very helpful tool to provide soccer fields for the children in Chester and our community."

Philadelphia Union first partnered with Chester Upland School District to bring organized soccer back to Chester Middle and High School and then partnered with various community organizations to form Chester City United, a soccer organization currently serving over 300 boys and girls.  The next step is to develop a place where the children of Chester can play and learn the game of soccer.  With the help of Union fans, 1,500 aspiring soccer players in the Chester Upland School District and the Chester City United team will have the opportunity to hone their skills right in their own backyard.

"Making a difference in the City of Chester has been our mission from Day One," said Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz.  "Our goal is to impact the community in which we work on a daily basis and winning this grant for Chester City United is just another example of the tremendous work that we have done over the last year."

All 16 MLS clubs asked fans to join them in making a difference in America's communities as part of the Pepsi Refresh Project. Each club outlined an idea - from building soccer fields for local youth, to hosting a festival to motivate children to stay in school, to helping children with autism. Fans voted online over the past four weeks for the idea that they felt should win the Pepsi Refresh grant. Fans can visit www.MLSsoccer.com/pepsirefresh for more information on the winning idea and the Pepsi Refresh Project.

"I'm extremely excited that the kids of Chester City United now have a home field to call their own," said Pat Trippley, Founder of the William Trippley Foundation and a member of the Chester City United Organization.  "I'd like to thank the parents, my friends and family and the community for voting and making this possible.  I am truly overwhelmed."

The Pepsi Refresh Project is a groundbreaking effort to foster innovation in social good that will award more than $20 million this year to fund great ideas that help impact the world. Throughout 2010, Pepsi will fund ideas that will move the world forward in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education. The Pepsi Refresh Project, which launched January 13, 2010, features significant social engagement around people and the power of ideas. People are encouraged to submit their ideas and to cast a vote for their favorite ideas at www.refresheverything.com

Eagles sign RB Bell; release Baskett

The Eagles have signed RB Joique Bell off of the Buffalo Bills practice squad and released WR Hank Baskett.

Bell (5-11, 220) was originally signed by the Bills as a rookie free agent in 2010 and led the team in rushing during the preseason with 27 carries for 152 yards and two touchdowns. He was released on September 4, but spent the first two weeks of the season on the team’s practice squad.

The 24-year-old Bell played collegiately at Division II Wayne State, finishing his career with 6,728 rushing yards and 88 touchdowns, along with 79 catches for 918 yards and eight touchdowns. His 8,055 all-purpose yards and 576 points placed him ninth and fifth, respectively, in NCAA history. As a senior in 2009, Bell was awarded with the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the Division II player of the year, after rushing for 2,084 yards and 29 touchdowns.

A native of Benton Harbor, MI, Bell served as a team captain in football, baseball and track at Benton Harbor High School.

Mariucci backs Reid, Kolb

NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci, who like Andy Reid came from the Bill Walsh - Mike Homlgren coaching tree,  jumped on his sword and defended Reid for sticking with his blind spot -- QB Kevin Kolb.

"Kevin Kolb earned this starting job over the last three years," Mariucci said. "The worst thing this team can do is to have musical chairs at the quarterback spot. I like the way Andy Reid is handling this because he evidently told Michael Vick already when Kevin is healthy that he will be the starter. He told that to the team and he told that to Kevin."

Don't expect Nuggets to 'Melo out

By John McMullen

Philadelphia, PA - There is no need to panic in Denver, but it's looking more and more likely that All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony may be on his way out of the Rocky Mountains sooner rather than later.

Anthony is the Nuggets' property for one more year, and former team executive Mark Warkentien offered the superstar a significant three-year, $65 million dollar contract extension back in June, a deal that remains on the table today even though Warkentien's own contract wasn't renewed when it came up in August.

Josh Kroenke, who will soon take over as owner of the team from his father Stan, is the real power in Denver these days and he hired Masai Ujiri as vice president of basketball operations to replace Warkentein, partially because it was thought Ujiri could open up the lines of communication with Anthony.

Ujiri, the Raptors' former assistant general manager, started his climb up the NBA ladder as a Nuggets scout during Anthony's rookie season in 2003-04, and he thought delivering a face-to-face meeting with the former Syracuse star wouldn't be all that difficult. After all, Carmelo had 65 million reasons to sit down with a team he has quite a history with.

Instead, Anthony has remained cold to the overtures of his current organization, and seems to be flirting with the lure of the Big Apple. He and his wife, television personality La La Vazquez, were both born in Brooklyn, a realization that is not lost on Ujiri.

Immediately after securing his new job, Ujiri consistently spurned teams calling to discuss trade parameters for Anthony, but reality has begun to sink in. He has taken a long, hard look at what has been left behind in Cleveland and in his old stomping grounds of Toronto after both of those franchises let their marquee players, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, hit the free agent market and bolt for Miami.

Ujiri can't let the same thing happen with Anthony and understands the odds of convincing his superstar to stay in the Rockies are minuscule and getting worse by the day.

Numerous sources have confirmed that the calls being fended off a few weeks ago by Denver are now being encouraged, with the intent of moving Anthony before next February's trade deadline.

The asking price looks to be at least one young player with a high ceiling, along with multiple future first-round draft picks that could help clear up a significant salary cap problem. With Anthony on board this season, Denver's payroll is approaching $83 million, far above the luxury-tax mark of $70,307,000

New Jersey has surfaced as the top suitor, with New York and Chicago also seen as options.

The Nets seem like the best fit for both Anthony and the Nuggets. They have a number of expiring contracts, draft picks and a 19-year-old rookie with a huge upside in Derrick Favors. More importantly, the Nets currently play in the shadow of Manhattan and are scheduled to move to 'Melo's beloved Brooklyn.

UFC returns to Germany in November

London, England - The Ultimate Fighting Championship will return to Germany on November 13 when UFC 122 emanates from König-Pilsener-Arena in Oberhausen.

In the high-stakes main event, middleweight star Vitor ‘the Phenom’ Belfort will face Japanese powerhouse Yushin ‘Thunder’ Okami in a three-round contest to determine who will  challenge for the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2011.

UFC 122 is the first UFC event to take place in Germany since the world’s premier combat sports organization made its mainland Europe debut in Cologne last June.

UFC Managing Director of International Development Marshall Zelaznik said: “We are glad to be coming back to Germany with UFC 122 and to reward our loyal UFC fans in Germany. Both Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami are one win away from a shot at the UFC Middleweight Title and are coming to Germany with a great deal to win and lose. This is a sporting event with tremendous international significance, and we are delighted to have been able to bring this event to Oberhausen.”

Marek Lieberberg of MLK, the UFC’s promotional partner in Germany, said: “We are excited to bring the world’s most popular combat sport back to Germany, following our great event last summer. Mr Belfort and Mr Okami are two of the greatest martial artists in the world and this is an excellent main event attraction. Vitor holds a black belt in judo as well as jiu-jitsu and has competed as a professional boxer while Yushin is an outstanding martial artist in his own right.”

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort, 19-8 a career which began in 1996, has earned his reputation as one of the greats in his sport. The 33-year-old from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has spent a decade and a half travelling the world and defeating a who’s who of mixed martial arts; ‘The Phenom’ holds wins over the likes of Tank Abbott, Wanderlei Silva, Kazushi Sakuraba, Randy Couture, and Matt Lindland, and he most recently stopped Rich Franklin in just three minutes.

Rightly considered a pioneer of MMA, Belfort believes he is also the future of the 185lbs middleweight division, and knows victory in Germany will put him in striking distance of becoming only the third man to ever win UFC world titles in two different weight divisions.

“It is a joy to go to other parts of the world and fight for fans there,” said Belfort. “I am here to regain my legacy as one of the best fighters in the world. I’ve accomplished so many things in my career, but I am always happy to be in the gym and working on getting better.

“The German fans will see a 100% performance from me against Okami. I am looking for the knockout, I always look for the knockout. I know Okami is the type of guy who can bang a little and also has that judo style, but I am on a mission to be the UFC Champion once again.”

Obe of the most feared fighters in the middleweight division since his UFC debut win over Alan Belcher four years ago, Kanagawa, Japan, native Yushin Okami, 26-5 in MMA, is finally in a position to force his way into title contention. ‘Thunder’ already holds victories over Mike Swick, Evan Tanner, Dean Lister and most recently Mark Munoz, and he knows a win over an icon like Belfort will cement his status at the top contender at 185lbs.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to fight a great like Vitor Belfort in the main event of a big card,” said Okami. “Vitor Belfort is still kind of my idol, so I am very excited. He will bring out the very best in me. Belfort is a great fighter but I feel I have certain advantages I can use in the fight. I will shock MMA fans around the world with my performance.”

Additional bouts for UFC 122 are expected to be announced shortly.