jerseyfighting's Blog

Happy coding

Panthers DE Jared Allen announces his retirement via video

http://www.officialcoltsnflstore.com/da-rick-rogers-jersey_c-396.html CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday in an unconventional but appropriate way. The NFL's active sacks leader (136) posted a video of himself wearing a black cowboy hat, heavy coat and riding a horse off "into the sunset'' even though there was none. "I just want to say thank you for an amazing 12-year career,'' Allen said in the video. "This is the part where I was going to ride off into the sunset, but seeing how there is no sunset, I'm just going to ride off.'' Allen, who was raised on a ranch, then waved to the camera, turned his horse and rode off into a snowy field. Allen released the following statement through his agent, Ken Harris: Clinton McDonald Youth Jersey "I want to take this time to thank my family, friends, fans and teammates who have given their continued support throughout my 12 year career. It's been a great ride for me, and I couldn't be more grateful for the memories. It is with a great deal of thought and consideration that I have decided that I will not return to football next year. "I want to thank the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs organizations, who provided me with an opportunity to live out my dream and to be a part of their wonderful communities. Thanks for the life long memories.'' Allen played in Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos with a broken right foot suffered in a divisional playoff win against Seattle. Coach Ron Rivera hinted after the 24-10 loss to the Broncos that Allen might have played his last game. Allen was scheduled to count $8.5 million against the Carolina salary cap in 2016, but it was unlikely the team would have kept him at that salary. Will Blackmon Limited Jersey The Panthers acquired Allen in a trade with Chicago following the third game of the 2015 season after defensive end Charles Johnson suffered a hamstring injury that forced him to go on injured reserve for seven games. They gave up a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft for the 33-year-old, who has been selected to five Pro Bowls. Allen had two sacks in 12 games for Carolina during the regular season as the starting right end. He missed the NFC Championship Game against Arizona with the foot injury but returned for the Super Bowl. Allen was at his best during the 2011 season at Minnesota, with a league-leading 22 sacks. He had 11 sacks or more in eight of his 12 seasons. http://www.officialbroncosnflauthentic.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_BRITTON_COLQUITT_JERSEY.html Allen was known for being an every-down player throughout his career, saying at one point while with Chicago that he would retire before becoming a "situational player.''

Upholding Dennis Wideman's ban challenges NHLPA

http://www.officialhurricanesshop.com/authentic-16-elias-lindholm-jersey.html It seemed to take an awfully long time for NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to come to what seems to be a most logical conclusion: Dennis Wideman's 20-game suspension for crushing unsuspecting linesman Don Henderson from behind was in fact a just and fair punishment for an unusual act of violence against an official. It will become a footnote in this curious tale that it took a full week from the time of the Calgary Flames defenseman's appeal hearing to the time a ruling was announced by the commissioner. What won't be forgotten is that Bettman stood behind the original ruling reinforcing that this act -- whatever the circumstances, however foggy Wideman might have been from a hit taken moments before -- is indefensible. That's not to say this was an easy decision for the oft-criticized commissioner. It would have been easy for Bettman to reduce the ban to 15 games, or even lower. Such a move might have acted as a pre-emptive strike to keep Wideman from appealing to an independent third-party arbitrator; a smoothing of the rough edges of the 20-game ban -- one of the longest in NHL history. Pekka Rinne Kids Jersey But in upholding the suspension, the line is drawn in the sand vis a vis the league's stand on abuse of officials. And that should be a no-brainer. Just as the initial punishment was important in reinforcing that to players, team officials and on-ice officials, so too was Bettman's ruling upholding the ban. Beyond that, the league has also thrown down the gauntlet to Wideman and the National Hockey League Players' Association. Nolan Ryan Youth Jersey No player has used the third-party appeal mechanism since it was introduced in the last collective bargaining agreement. The NHLPA made it official Wednesday night that Wideman will be the first to go down that path. But it's clear from the reasons cited by Bettman in Thursday's ruling -- including what appears to be a rather shocking lack of remorse on Wideman's part, including a text message he sent to a teammate which stated: "[T]he only problem and the only reason I'm here is cause the stupid refs and stupid media." -- that the league has made the correct decisions at every marker and will be able to adequately defend itself on appeal. http://www.officialnuggetsshop.com/authentic-3-allen-iverson-jersey.html In some ways, this is where the story gets interesting.

Women's group urges sponsors to suspend ties to Peyton Manning

http://www.officialbroncosnflauthentic.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_EMMANUEL_SANDERS_JERSEY.html A national women's rights group is calling for prominent companies including Papa John's and Nationwide to suspend their relationships with Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, after allegations of a sexual assault against him from 20 years ago resurfaced. "When institutions like the University of Tennessee tacitly condone violence against women by ignoring cases of sexual assault by student-athletes, it perpetuates a dangerous culture of violence that ultimately hurts women everywhere," Nita Chaudhary, co-founder of UltraViolet, said in a release. "Nationwide Insurance and Papa John's Pizza must show their customers that they will never stand for sexual violence -- and suspend their relationships with Manning pending further investigation." Frank Clark Kids Jersey Manning was alleged to have placed his genitals on the face of a female trainer in 1996, when he was a player at the University of Tennessee. The trainer, Jamie Naughright, filed a complaint and later settled the case with the university. The allegation against Manning resurfaced last week when six unnamed women filed suit against Tennessee, claiming the school is fostering a hostile environment for women. Manning is not being sued or accused of anything in the latest suit. Rather, the incident was included in a list of examples used to help bolster the women's claims. Eric Fisher Womens Jersey Manning has made no public comment on the issue. "While it is outrageous that the University of Tennessee chose to turn a blind eye to sexual violence by student athletes like Manning, it would be flat-out unacceptable for the NFL and major companies like Nationwide Insurance and Papa John's Pizza to continue to stand with Manning in light of emerging evidence," Chaudhary said in the statement. "The NFL should thoroughly investigate this incident before allowing Manning to play or work in (the) NFL again." http://www.buccaneersnflofficialauthentic.com/clinton-mcdonald-jersey_c-287.html UltraViolet has previously called for the resignation of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after his initial handling of the Ray Rice domestic violence incident in 2014.

Six Nations 2016: Wales rewarded for Warburton's risk

Dominic Moore Womens Jersey After all the accusations of negative style and safety-first rugby levelled at Warren Gatland's Wales team, it took a high-risk gamble to break the battling Scots in Cardiff. Trailing 16-13 and with 61 minutes on the clock, captain Sam Warburton spurned a guaranteed three points by opting for a scrum from a penalty in front of the Scottish posts. Wales had trailed since the 12th minute and had rarely threatened the Scottish line since Gareth Davies' early try, apart from Tom James' thrilling 80-yard dash along the left touchline from a turnover. The stakes were high, but the gamble paid off when Jamie Roberts clattered through two tackles from short range. Matt Beleskey Kids Jersey There was nothing subtle about the execution, but the audacity of the call surprised many - including Scotland. Five minutes later George North delivered the killer blow when he swerved and sidestepped past five flailing defenders from 40 metres in another moment of bravado. High risk, high reward Captain Warburton felt the gamble was worthwhile. "You just have to have a feel for those things," he said. "It was a banker three points in front of the posts, or do you go for the scrum? http://www.officialhockeyco.com/gary-roberts-jersey-c-1_55_658.html "It is a little bit risky - if you give away a penalty you don't get anything and I felt we needed a try, I didn't think three points was going to be enough. "We'd have to go back down there and get another three and at that moment in time you just get a feel for it, I felt it was the right thing to do." If the right thing is turning a three-point deficit into a decisive 11-point lead, then it is difficult to argue. Plenty of room for improvement After struggling with a busy and impressive Scotland, Wales effectively killed the game off in a 10-minute period. http://www.officialhockeyco.com/brian-campbell-jersey-c-1_193_195.html But that purple patch was not leading either Gatland or Warburton into complacency. Both accepted there is plenty to work on ahead of the match with France, who are unbeaten in two games after their 10-9 win over Ireland in Paris.

Wales 27-23 Scotland: Scots 'trapped in no-man's land'

http://www.officialpredatorsstore.com/authentic-39-marek-mazanec-jersey.html The clock told us that six minutes and 26 seconds had been played when Gareth Davies completed his odyssey from halfway and touched down for Wales' opening try against Scotland. Six minutes and 26 seconds and yet those early moments were still being talked about in Cardiff, with increasing vehemence and incoherence, hours later, the conversation sure to carry on in the coming days. Where was Davies when Dan Biggar dinked his original kick over an advancing guard of four Scots? Where was he when Jamie Roberts batted the ball down from mid-air? Why was he allowed to gather the ball and run to the line? Why didn't the referee spot that he was offside? Why didn't the TMO tell him when he asked? Rulebooks were consulted and interpretations pored over. He was miles offside, he was a bit offside, he wasn't offside at all. Before nightfall there was a danger of it all getting a little 'Joubertish' in the Scottish ranks. Eric Staal Youth Jersey The decision, either way, was a marginal call. It didn't go Scotland's way and it's not one they should bemoan for too long. In the despond of a ninth-straight Six Nations loss - and a sixth by a converted try or less - the temptation was to over-egg the injustice, to lash out at the awarding of the 'try that should never have been'. It's an urge that's best avoided before it mushrooms into a self-pity that's self-defeating. In truth, Scotland head coach Vern Cotter dealt with it stoically, as he deals with most things. He thought the try was dodgy but he didn't dwell on it. Neither did his captain, Greig Laidlaw. They made their point and they moved on. There was nothing else they could do. 'They can see the light, they just can't reach it' Jason Williams Womens Jersey The bitter reality for Scotland was that when this game was there to be won, it was familiar Welshmen who stepped forward and seized the moment. It was Roberts with their critical second try and George North with their game-winning third. Those two guys know how to win games. They've won a Lions series, a Grand Slam, a Six Nations championship. Roberts plays alongside Jonathan Davies, who has also won all those prizes. They're led by a winning Lions captain, Sam Warburton. They have at their heart, Alun Wyn Jones, one of the truly great Welsh second-rows and Taulupe Faletau, one of the most remorselessly effective number eights in their history. Seasoned winners all. And up against them? Players of talent who have won nothing on the Test stage, not a trophy, not even a game, many of them. The gulf in know-how is canyon-wide. http://www.officialtimberwolvesshop.com/authentic-3-adreian-payne-jersey.html A third of Scotland's starting team in Cardiff - Mark Bennett, Finn Russell, Jonny Gray, WP Nel, John Hardie - have yet to win a Six Nations match. Tommy Seymour has won once in nine attempts, Duncan Taylor once in six attempts. Six of Scotland's substitutes have a 100% losing record in the Six Nations.

Tottenham Hotspur: Spirit, fitness and belief

Aubrayo Franklin Womens Jersey Tottenham's victory at Manchester City was a fantastic result, and the way they won the game also showed us why they have become genuine title contenders. What I saw from Spurs was a well-organised, well-balanced performance with a healthy respect for the opposition, but also a confidence in their own ability and creativity. It showed their spirit, fitness and belief that they were prepared to go and try and win the game in the last 10 minutes because a draw would have been a decent result at a ground where they have been beaten on their last five visits. At this stage of the season, momentum and confidence play a huge part in deciding the title race and, at the moment, Mauricio Pochettino's side have both. They are two points off the top of the table after winning five Premier League games in a row and results like this one will make them believe that they can be champions in May. It was a complete team performance by Spurs. When I think about who was my man of the match, it could have been one of five or six players, which shows how good they all were. http://www.officialcoltsnflstore.com/bjoern-werner-jersey_c-412.html Part of that was down to the depth in their squad, which was illustrated in several different ways. I don't just mean the players that Pochettino could bring off the bench, even though substitute Erik Lamela did set up Christian Eriksen's winner. The big question for me was at centre-half where Kevin Wimmer has had to come in for the injured Jan Vertonghen. Brandon Myers Womens Jersey Wimmer had helped Spurs keep clean sheets in their wins over Norwich and Watford but in Sergio Aguero he was up against arguably the best striker in the league. The biggest compliment I can pay the 23-year-old Austrian is that his side did not miss Vertonghen at all. Wimmer was only making his third league start in English football but he looked as though he had been part of the team all season. He and his partner Toby Alderweireld were excellent without the ball, got their positional play right and made some great interceptions. http://www.buccaneersnflofficialauthentic.com/charles-sims-jersey_c-288.html With the ball, their passing out from the back gave Spurs a great platform to attack.

Jenrry Mejia first player to get permanent ban for 3rd

http://www.authenticmetsshop.com/authentic-21-lucas-duda-jersey.html NEW YORK -- Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia made baseball history Friday, becoming the first player to be permanently suspended by Major League Baseball after testing positive again for a performance-enhancing substance. MLB said Mejia tested positive for boldenone, which athletes have used to increase muscle mass and once was popular for use in horse racing, and that the right-hander also is permanently suspended from playing minor league baseball. It marked his third positive PED test in the past year, triggering the lifetime expulsion. Mejia, 26, may apply to commissioner Rob Manfred for reinstatement in one year. If reinstated, he would have to sit out a minimum of two years before being able to pitch again in the majors. If an application is made and denied, Mejia could ask baseball's arbitrator to end the ban, claiming the penalty is without "just cause.'' The arbitrator cannot reduce the ban to less than two years. Sonny Gray Youth Jersey Mejia told Dominican sports journalist Hector Gomez in Spanish: "It is not like they say. I am sure that I did not use anything." Mejia had been starting with Licey in the Dominican Republic during winter ball. MLB suspensions may be honored in leagues in other countries such as Japan, South Korea and Mexico, but that is each league's decision. However, suspended players are allowed to compete in winter leagues, such as in Mejia's native Dominican Republic. Independent leagues are not compelled to honor MLB suspensions but may choose to do so. Mejia becomes the first major or minor league player to receive a permanent suspension under MLB's drug program. Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, then in the minor leagues, was suspended several times for drugs of abuse from 2003-05 but was allowed to return each time. During a time when there was not a drug agreement, Steve Howe was suspended for life by Commissioner Fay Vincent in 1992 after the pitcher's seventh drug- or alcohol-related incident. Arbitrator George Nicolau said doctors concluded Howe suffered from attention deficit hyperactive disorder and cut the suspension to time served, which was 119 days. Kent Hrbek Authentic Jersey "We were deeply disappointed to hear that Jenrry has again violated Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," the Mets said Friday in a statement. "We fully support MLB's policy toward eliminating performance enhancing substances from the sport. As per the Joint Drug Program, we will have no further comment on this suspension." Mejia originally was handed an 80-game suspension in April for a positive test for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. In July, three weeks and seven appearances into his return with the Mets, he was suspended 162 games for testing positive for both stanozolol and boldenone. The second positive test actually occurred while Mejia was still serving the first suspension. The Mets nonetheless decided to tender Mejia a contract in December for the 2016 season. Mets officials reasoned that despite Mejia letting down the team, he was worth bringing back to the organization because he would receive only a prorated portion of his salary -- less than $1 million -- and be eligible for the postseason. http://www.authenticbrewersshop.com/authentic-49-yovani-gallardo-jersey.html Mejia had 99 games left to serve on his second suspension and had been due to return to the Mets in late July.

Original Six teams use past to guide future

http://www.authenticbruinsshop.com/authentic-44-dennis-seidenberg-jersey.html Walk into almost any locker room, and there will be a tribute to the organization's history somewhere on the walls. This is especially true with Original Six teams. Pictures, artifacts, retired numbers and replica Stanley Cups are all part of the décor within the sacred homes of the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. But each of these organizations has something better than a sign to keep its rich history alive: an alumnus serving as a conduit connecting generations of players. Check a team's registry, and you'll find former players working in a variety of roles, including advisory and development. It's normal to find Hall of Famers walking around the rinks, speaking to current players about the past and the current state of the game. Tanner Glass Womens Jersey Many teams have more than one former player available for the current players, but the so-called go-to guys carry a lot of weight in their respective organizations. These ambassadors have become de facto history professors for the younger players in today's game. It's an important role. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable for teams. The Rangers have Rod Gilbert and Adam Graves in the mix. Gilbert, 74, played 18 seasons for the Rangers and still plays an integral part for the club. "The greatest conduit we have is Rod Gilbert," said Graves, who played 10 seasons with the Rangers and currently serves on the hockey and business operations staff. Gilbert was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982 and had his No. 7 retired. Graves, 47, had his No. 9 retired by the Rangers in 2009. "As a player, being lucky enough to play through the '90s for a decade and being able to spend time with Rod for the last 25 years and understanding the history of this organization and the privilege of wearing that jersey, it's been invaluable," Graves said. "When I think of this organization and the pride I feel every time I walk into Madison Square Garden, or back many years ago when I was lucky enough to wear that jersey, that is what I like to talk about. It goes from generation to generation." Michael Cooper Womens Jersey Graves said he is proud of the strong connection between former and current Rangers players. Not only did he witness this as a player, but he also has seen it continue in his current role. "For me, one of the most enjoyable and appreciated aspects of it is meeting all the players from the different generations," said Graves, who was quick to name Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and Derek Stepan as the leaders on the current team who respect the organization's history. "Growing up in this organization, they have as much pride, joy and respect for the storied history of the Rangers organization, and I can't say enough great things about how respectful they are, especially at different events," he said. "The current players couldn't be more supportive at every [alumni] event every year." In Boston, the ambassador role is filled by Johnny Bucyk. "Chief" has been a member of the organization for 60 years, beginning as a player in 1957-58. He retired after the 1977-78 season and has since served in numerous roles for the Bruins. http://www.authenticyankeesshop.com/authentic-30-david-robertson-jersey.html "That means a lot. That shows commitment, and he's a great example," said Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, who also acknowledged the post-career contributions of Cam Neely (team president), Don Sweeney (general manager), Ray Bourque and Jay Pandolfo. "It's a great thing to see, and that's what you want to see: former players that use their experience and wisdom for helping the development of younger players too."

Coaches claim milestones don't mean much

Marek Mazanec Womens Jersey Ask any NHL coach and he'll tell you he doesn't pay attention to it. The question: What does (insert significant career milestone here) mean to you? Most coaches, at least the most successful ones, will say they can't be bothered with cataloging personal achievements. Their job is to win, and win often. If they're fortunate enough, maybe they will even have their name etched on the Stanley Cup. Besides team success, though, there is one rare milestone coaches do appreciate: 1,000 games behind the bench. On Tuesday, Dave Tippett of the Arizona Coyotes became the 24th coach to reach that benchmark. On Thursday, Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock became the 25th. Justin Faulk Youth Jersey In today's sports landscape, that's an impressive milestone for any coach. "Game No. 1, I was really nervous. Game No. 1,000, I don't think I'll be that nervous," Tippett told reporters with a laugh before Tuesday's game. "I've been real fortunate to be around for a long time, and I still enjoy doing it. When you get on the bench, it's the closest thing as you can be to being a player and you're involved in the game. That part is still a lot of fun for me." Nine active coaches have coached 1,000 games: Joel Quenneville (1,428), Lindy Ruff (1,379), Ken Hitchcock (1,374), Barry Trotz (1,325), Paul Maurice (1,250), Darryl Sutter (1,170), Alain Vigneault (1,019), Tippett (1,000) and now Babcock. The common thread is that all have won at a high level. And some have their names on the Stanley Cup. Most also either started coaching in junior hockey or the AHL, so they have an understanding of what it takes to reach the NHL, not only as a coach but also as a player. Ben McLemore Womens Jersey The best coaches have the ability to coach, teach and evolve with the game and its players. "If you don't evolve with it, you're going to be behind," Tippett said. Tippett, 54, has spent 6½ seasons behind the Coyotes bench. Before that, he spent six seasons as head coach of the Dallas Stars. Babcock, 52, is in his first season as coach of the Maple Leafs. His résumé speaks for itself, and it includes 10 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings and a Stanley Cup in 2008. Before joining the Red Wings, he spent two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks (2002-04) and led the team to its first Cup finals appearance. Babcock also is the only coach to win a World Championship, Olympic gold medal and a Stanley Cup. Now that he's reached 1,000 games in the NHL, he pretends not to care. http://www.officialnuggetsshop.com/authentic-23-jusuf-nurkic-jersey.html "I haven't even thought about it, to tell you the truth," Babcock said. "It means you've obviously been in the league a long time and you must've had some success, because you don't get to stay in the league, no different than a player. I feel real honored to coach in the National Hockey League. There are only 30 of those jobs, and I believe it's the best league in the world. Obviously, you've been able to keep your job long enough to get there."

Peyton Manning's legal team checked source of allegations

http://www.chiefsnflofficialproshop.com/Dontari-Poe-Jersey Private investigators working for Peyton Manning visited the source of a report that he and other star athletes had obtained performance-enhancing drugs before the documentary aired late last year, according to a report from The Washington Post on Thursday. In December, Al Jazeera reported that an intern at an Indianapolis anti-aging clinic was secretly recorded suggesting that Manning's wife received deliveries of human growth hormone in 2011. Manning, then with the Colts, was rehabbing from neck surgeries at that time. The intern, Charles Sly, recanted his statements, which were recorded without his knowledge. He said they were fabricated in an attempt to impress a potential business partner. Manning angrily denounced the report, calling it "completely fabricated, complete trash, garbage," and insisting he never took shortcuts in his return to football after missing the 2011 season with neck problems. He recently said he supports an NFL investigation into the report. His father, Archie Manning, said Thursday on ESPN's Mike & Mike he believes his son never took HGH. Sean Lee Womens Jersey Manning and the Broncos are preparing for Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Manning's lawyers launched the private probe shortly after Al Jazeera started contacting athletes who would be named in the documentary in December. They hired investigators to identify, locate and interrogate Sly and sent a lawyer to examine Peyton's and Ashley's medical records at the Guyer Institute of Molecular Medicine in Indianapolis, according to Ari Fleischer, the former White House press secretary and crisis management consultant Manning hired. Fleischer told the Post that Manning's investigative team didn't interfere with subsequent investigations, nor did it remove any medical records or coerce Sly into recanting his statements. Fleischer did confirm to the Post that the Indianapolis anti-aging clinic shipped medication to Manning's wife. But, citing her right to privacy, he declined to say if it was human growth hormone. http://www.patriotsnflofficialonline.com/Tom-Brady-Jersey HGH is banned by professional sports leagues and is legal to prescribe in only a few specific medical conditions. The NFL is reviewing the allegations with the assistance of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, something Manning has said he welcomes.