http://www.krdo.com/-/417342/14777438/-/14whw70/-/index.html en-US © 2011 Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. Home Home en-US © 2011 Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. http://www.krdo.com/sports/Garcia-s-sponsorship-deal-under-review/-/416806/20275736/-/p7wn9mz/-/index.html Sergio Garcia could lose a lucrative sponsorship deal after his "fried chicken" jibe directed at golf's World No.1 Tiger Woods. Garcia apologized Wednesday for his off the cuff remarks at an official dinner, but the Spaniard's equipment and clothing sponsor TayorMade-adidas has gone public with its displeasure over the remarks. "Sergio Garcia's recent comment was offensive and in no way aligns with TaylorMade-adidas Golf's values and corporate culture," said a statement released by the company. Its long standing backing of former World No.2 Garcia stretches back to 2002 but appears to have been placed under strain over the controversy. "We have spoken with Sergio directly and he clearly has regret for his statement and we believe he is sincere. "We discussed with Sergio that his comments are clearly out of bounds and we are continuing to review the matter," it concluded. There was more embarrassment for golf Thursday afternoon when European Tour chief executive George O'Grady issued an apology for using the word "colored" during an interview defending Garcia. O'Grady claimed that many of Garcia's friends were "colored athletes" and has since apologized. He said: "I deeply regret using an inappropriate word in a live interview for Sky Sports, for which I unreservedly apologize." Earlier, Garcia was playing his first round in the European Tour's flagship PGA Championship at Wentworth Thursday, clad from head to foot in the products of his biggest sponsor. But he has admitted that the racist row which exploded after his comments had left him severely distracted. "It was tough to hit a shot (in the pro-am) without thinking about it," the 33-year-old told gathered reporters. Garcia has had an uneasy relationship with Woods for a number of years and it deteriorated to an all-time low after the Tour's annual dinner Tuesday night. Answering questions from the media, he was asked if he would invite his American rival to dinner at next month's U.S. Open. Garcia quipped he would have him round every night and serve fried chicken, a remark associated with racial stereo typing when used in reference to African Americans. Woods responded on his twitter account, saying the comments were "hurtful and inappropriate" but later tried to diffuse the row. "I'm confident that there is real regret that the remark was made. "The Players ended nearly two weeks ago and it's long past time to move on and talk about golf." Woods, who won the Players Championship, was involved in a spat with Garcia after the third round at Sawgrass -- where they were paired together. Garcia claimed he was disturbed by Woods as he hit a shot and later admitted his relationship with the 14-time major winner was strained. "You can't like everyone," he said. The saga echoes a 1997 incident after Woods won his first U.S. Masters title. Former Masters champion Fuzzy Zoeller was asked what choice Woods might make at the major's annual dinner the following year -- as would be his right as the holder. "You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not serve fried chicken next year. Got it? Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve." Zoeller's reputation took a battering in the row that followed and despite issuing an apology, which Woods accepted, he also later shed a key sponsorship deal with K-Mart. Thu, 23 May 2013 18:00:48 GMT 20275736 2013-05-23T18:00:48Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Danks-will-rejoin-White-Sox-s-rotation-Friday/-/416806/20267110/-/13i1hbnz/-/index.html Nine months after undergoing shoulder surgery, John Danks is ready to rejoin the Chicago White Sox's rotation. The left-hander will pitch Friday against the Miami Marlins at U.S. Cellular Field, which will be his first major league start since having a shoulder operation in August 2012. Danks didn't break camp with the Sox in the spring and has steadily worked his way back to the big leagues, recently completing his minor league rehab stint after throwing four outings with Chicago's minor league affiliates. In one start for Double-A Birmingham and two for Triple-A Charlotte, Danks went 2-0 with a 3.18. He displayed a bit of wildness, walking 13 while striking out 15 in 22 2/3 innings. Danks threw a bullpen session Wednesday, and the decision was made after the White Sox's 6-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox to get him back into the rotation. "I'm excited," Danks said. "It's been a long time, a long recovery. It's nice to get back here and feel like a part of the team. I'm a big-leaguer again. Now, I've got to go out there and try to win us a ballgame." White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Danks won't have any particular limits or have his start capped automatically after a certain number of innings. Chicago cleared a roster spot for Danks by optioning left-handed reliever Donnie Veal to Charlotte. Veal was 1-0 with an 8.59 ERA in 14 appearances for the White Sox season. Lefty Hector Santiago, who pitched effectively in Wednesday's loss to Boston, might find himself squeezed out of the rotation with Danks' return. Santiago is 1-3 with a 2.81 ERA in 12 games (five starts). Thu, 23 May 2013 16:09:03 GMT 20267110 2013-05-23T16:09:03Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Penguins-explode-in-third-take-3-1-series-lead/-/416806/20266068/-/lh7dwrz/-/index.html It seemed only a matter of time before linemates James Neal and Jarome Iginla started putting pucks in the back of the net. That time came Wednesday at Scotiabank Place, where both Pittsburgh Penguins struck twice in a 7-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators. The win gives the Penguins a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven set, with Game 5 in Pittsburgh Friday. Neal and Iginla entered Wednesday with one and two goals, respectively, in the Penguins first seven playoff games. "It was a big game for our team to bounce back," said Iginla, referring to the Penguins' double-overtime loss in Game 3. "I thought all the guys were ready. As a line we just wanted to put pressure on and get scoring chances. "We had some good scoring chances early, but as a line and also as a team we just stuck with it. Guys stayed positive, kept doing the same things. Fortunately we were able to get some later." Backed by more brilliance from goalie Craig Anderson and goals by Milan Michalek and Kyle Turris, the Senators clung to a 2-1 lead after one period. Things changed quickly after the intermission, however, as Chris Kunitz and Iginla scored 40 seconds apart to put the Penguins in front by the 1:48 mark. While Anderson kept his team within one the rest of the period, Pittsburgh erupted with four more goals before the midway mark of the third. Anderson was replaced by Robin Lehner after Sidney Crosby had made it 6-2 on Pittsburgh's 38th shot. Pascal Dupuis had the other Penguins goal with his team short-handed, while defenseman Kris Letang added four assists. Daniel Alfredsson tallied late in the third for Ottawa. "I don't know how it looked to you guys, but from our standpoint we thought they were having a tough time keeping up in the first period," said Penguins' defenseman Brooks Orpik. "We just wanted to keep playing the same way. "Anderson played great the other night, but it's tough for them to expect him to play that well every night. It was good that we finally got to him a little bit." After surviving all six shorthanded situations they were faced with in Game 3, the Senators penalty killers couldn't keep the Penguins' power play muffled again. Pittsburgh converted two of five man-advantage opportunities Wednesday. An obviously unhappy Senators coach Paul MacLean didn't take questions at his post-game press conference. "Everything is right here," he said, holding up the game sheet. "See you in Pittsburgh. We'll show up to play." Tomas Vokoun made 30 saves in the Pittsburgh net. Alfredsson's goal represented his 100th career playoff point. After Michalek set up the Senators captain for the dramatic short-handed goal that sent Game 3 into overtime, Alfredsson returned the favor with a neat pass in the defensive zone to spring Michalek for a breakaway -- and Wednesday's first goal -- with the Senators short-handed. Anderson, who was victimized by Crosby for three goals in Game 2, made three huge stops off Crosby by the 11-minute mark of the first period in Game 4. "We know we can beat them," said Ottawa winger Chris Neil. "Just because they have a bunch of superstars doesn't mean they're going to win the Stanley Cup." NOTES: Trade deadline acquisition Brenden Morrow was out of the Penguins' lineup as coach Dan Bylsma replaced him and Tanner Glass with two other forwards, Jussi Jokinen and Beau Bennett. ... The Senators inserted 21-year-old winger Mark Stone into the lineup for the first time in the playoffs and put him on a line with Jason Spezza. Stone, a scoring star as a junior, made his NHL debut in Game 5 of last spring's opening-round series against the New York Rangers and set up Spezza for the winning goal. He had played four NHL games since, at the start of this season, and was sent to the minors after producing no points. ... To make room for Stone, Senators coach Paul MacLean sat down Cory Conacher. Thu, 23 May 2013 16:07:23 GMT 20266068 2013-05-23T16:07:23Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/flock-petty-jarrett-ingram-roberts-named-to-nascar-hof/-/416806/20263736/-/cm0vtf/-/index.html Distributed by The Sports Xchange Any trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame puts fans face-to-face with some of the sport's most remarkable artifacts, stories and legends. Wednesday, five more of those all-timers will live on forever, as NASCAR announced the inductees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2014. The five newest members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame that will be inducted on Jan. 29, 2014, are Tim Flock, Maurice Petty, Dale Jarrett, Jack Ingram and Fireball Roberts. Flock, who received 76 percent of the vote, was one of NASCAR's earliest superstars, winning the NASCAR premier series championship twice (1952, 1955). In only 187 starts, he had 39 victories, which ranks him 18th on the all-time wins list. He won eight races and posted 22 top-fives in 33 starts while driving a Hudson Hornet to his first title in 1952. In 1955, his second championship season, he visited Victory Lane an amazing 18 times with 32 top fives and 18 poles in only 39 races. He also won NASCAR's only sports car race in 1955. For Flock, racing in NASCAR's premier series was a family affair as he was joined on track by his brothers Bob and Fonty and sister Ethel. In 1998, he was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers. Petty joins his father Lee, older brother Richard and cousin Dale Inman in the NASCAR Hall of Fame after receiving 73 percent of the vote in his first time on the ballot. As the chief engine builder at Petty Enterprises, he supplied the horsepower that propelled Richard Petty to most of his 200 victories in the NASCAR premier series, including seven titles and seven Daytona 500 victories. The younger Petty also built winning engines for a number of other drivers, including his dad, Lee. As a teenager, he worked on his father's pit crew alongside his brother. In 2001, he worked as a consultant to Dodge upon its return to NASCAR's premier series in 2001. Jarrett, who was on the ballot for the first time this year, received 56 percent of the votes. The 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup champion joins his father, Ned, as the third father-son combination to be enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame behind the Frances and Pettys. In the younger Jarrett's championship season, he finished first four times and landed 29 top-10 finishes in only 34 races. He capped off the year with a run of eight consecutive top-10 finishes that propelled him to the title. By the time he hung up his driving gloves in order to pursue a successful career as a NASCAR commentator for ESPN and ABC, he had won 32 races in the premier series -- good for 21st on the all-time wins list -- including three Daytona 500s, two Brickyard 400s and a Coca-Cola 600. Ingram, who only started 19 NASCAR premier series races, primarily found success in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and its precursor -- the Late Model Sportsman Division. Before the series as we know it today was formed, Ingram won three consecutive championships (1972-1974). He won the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) title in its inaugural season of 1982 and again in 1985. After 10 years of racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, he had 31 wins, a record that stood until Mark Martin broke it in 1997. All but two of his wins came on short tracks. He was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1988. Fireball Roberts, who earned his nickname as a hard-charging high school pitcher, was the last inductee to be announced with 51 percent of the vote. During his career, which spanned 207 starts, he often came up big in the biggest events, winning the Daytona 500 in 1962 and the Southern 500 in 1958 and 1963. His driving style was a perfect match for Daytona International Speedway, where he won seven times. In 1958, he only competed in 10 of 51 races, winning six and finishing in the top 10 in nine of them. Although he didn't compete in 41 of that season's races, he still finished 11th in the season-ending points standings. In 1998, he was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers. The next top vote getters were Jerry Cook, Joe Weatherly and Wendell Scott. The top five vote getters in the fan vote were (listed alphabetically) Richard Childress, Rick Hendrick, Jarrett, Benny Parsons and Fireball Roberts. Thu, 23 May 2013 16:04:15 GMT 20263736 2013-05-23T16:04:15Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/tebow-backed-by-chuck-norris/-/416806/20272302/-/8ku6ksz/-/index.html Walker, Texas Ranger is a Tim Tebow fan. Chuck Norris, who played the ultimate tough guy title character from 1993-2001, wrote in an online column that he sees a version of himself on the football field in the now unemployed quarterback. Since being released last month by the New York Jets, Tebow has been told he might be suited for a backup role in the Canadian Football League or could fit in arena football. Norris feels Tebow should be in the NFL. "Tebow is a player who rises to the occasion and delivers big in critical moments," Norris wrote in a column posted this week for the non-profit conservative website Newsbusters. "He reminds me of myself when I used to compete in martial arts. "I would spar with my black belts in class, and sometimes they would outscore me. Yet in the tournaments, I would defeat them. My students used to ask me, 'Why is it that we can contend equally against you in class, but can't beat you in the tournaments?' My answer was always the same: 'When it counts, I rise to the occasion,'" he wrote. Norris said that he's followed Tebow since his days as the Florida Gators quarterback, and contends that the Jacksonville Jaguars should sign him. The Jaguars have repeatedly said they aren't interested in Tebow. He also has an offer to play in the arena league for the Philadelphia Soul. Thu, 23 May 2013 15:58:13 GMT 20272302 2013-05-23T15:58:13Z http://www.krdo.com/news/does-basketball-stars-massive-back-tattoo-have-a-typo/-/417220/20270766/-/o7ebtfz/-/index.html Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant surprised fans a few seasons ago when they first discovered that his NBA uniform was concealing quite a few tattoos. Now he is surprising fans again with his latest tattoo, but mostly because there may be a typo in the text. Durant posted a picture of the new tattoo - which is a massive image of Jesus alongside scripture from the Bible - on Instagram. The quote is from James 1:2-4 and reads: Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. Washington Times sports blogger Sarah Kogod was one of the first to notice that the word "mature" seems to be spelled "mautre." Durant has yet to comment on whether or not his new tattoo contains the misspelled word. Thu, 23 May 2013 15:53:45 GMT 20270766 2013-05-23T15:53:45Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/canseco-accused-of-sexual-assault-in-las-vegas/-/416806/20260334/-/igg364/-/index.html Las Vegas police are investigating a woman's allegation that former major league player Jose Canseco sexually assaulted her. Canseco, 48, is considered a suspect in the case, Las Vegas police Officer Bill Cassell said Wednesday. No charges have been filed or an arrest made. According to reports, police said Canseco, a Las Vegas resident, had agreed to an interview with authorities. News of the investigation spread after Canseco posted information on Twitter. He incluced the accuser's name, phone number, the name of the employer and address. He also said he would agree to take a polygraph test. Canseco hit 462 home runs while playing for seven big-league teams from 1985 to 2001. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Canseco is still scheduled to be a player-coach for the Fort Worth Cats in their season opener on Thursday in the United League. Thu, 23 May 2013 10:30:05 GMT 20260334 2013-05-23T10:30:05Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/james-layup-at-ot-buzzer-lifts-heat-over-pacers/-/416806/20267068/-/gsas4n/-/index.html In a game that is already being regarded as an instant classic, Miami Heat star LeBron James traded clutch baskets with emerging Indiana Pacers standout Paul George. In the end, James, who had a triple-double with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, made one more play than George. James' layup at the buzzer -- he beat George on the play -- gave the Heat a 103-102 overtime victory over the Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals Wednesday. The winning play started with 2.2 seconds left and the Pacers clinging to a 102-101 lead. James caught an inbounds pass at the top of the key, took one dribble and hit the driving shot to sink the Pacers. Game 2 is Friday at AmericanAirlines Arena. James said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra drew up two plays and asked his star which one felt more comfortable. "Shane (Battier) made a great pass," James said of the inbounds play. "I peaked over my shoulder and saw George was a bit out of place. He was leaning, and I just took off. I knew I had plenty of time to get to the rim." George said he "slipped up" on the play. "I have to make LeBron shoot a jumper at that point," he said. "I pressured him, but I was up too close." Moments before James' game-winner, it appeared George would be the hero. George made three free throws with 2.2 seconds left in overtime after being hit by Dwyane Wade, who fouled out on the play. "I got nicked on the arm," George said. "I was glad the ref saw it." George scored 18 of his team-high 27 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Included in that total was the play he made with 0.7 seconds left in regulation. George caught the Heat switching on a screen and made a desperation 25-footer over James to tie the score. "I felt comfortable when David West handed me the ball," George said of his teammate, who had 26 points in a strong performance. "I was thankful the ball went in." With 42 seconds left in regulation, the Heat seemed to have the game locked up when Wade broke an 89-89 tie with a lefty layup over Roy Hibbert. The Pacers' next possession ended with a turnover on a George pass into the Indiana bench with 20 seconds left. Indiana fouled the normally reliable Ray Allen -- an 89.4 percent career foul shooter -- who gave the Pacers hope by missing the first of two free throws. George redeemed himself with his long 3 from the left wing. Allen then missed a corner 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. The Pacers led 42-37 at halftime, holding the Heat to their lowest first-half offensive output of the 2013 playoffs. The Heat had just two fast-break points, turned the ball over 13 times and were outrebounded 19-12. Offensively, the key for the Pacers was the 6-foot-9, 240-pound West, who was a load in the paint. He made eight of 11 first-half shots and had a game-high 18 points after two quarters. Hibbert finished the game with 19 points and nine rebounds. However, in a controversial decision, Pacers coach Frank Vogel took him out of the game on the Heat's two final overtime possessions. George said he regrets the fact that Hibbert was not in the game for those two plays, each of which ended with a James layup. "I think we all would (have liked Hibbert in there)," George said. "He does an amazing job protecting the rim. I'm 100 percent sure he would have been there (had he been in the game)." Vogel didn't seem to disagree but said there were extenuating circumstances. "That is the dilemma they present when they have (Chris) Bosh at the 5 and their ability to space the floor," Vogel said. "We tried to switch on everything and force a contested jump shot, but we pushed up too much, and LeBron beat us off the bounce." Vogel said that had he opted to keep Hibbert in the game, a Bosh jumper likely would have become a first or second option, the theory being that Hibbert can't guard him away from the hoop. Bosh wound up with 17 points. "The way it worked out, we would have rather had Roy in the game," Vogel said. "But if Bosh makes a jumper, we are all talking about that." Vogel also said he will re-evaluate his plan for Game 2. "I think," he said, "we'll probably have Roy in the game the next time." NOTES: Heat starting PG Mario Chalmers (bruised shoulder) left the game in the third quarter and did not return. ... The Heat shot 16-for-25 (64 percent) from the free-throw line. ... Miami got a boost from reserve F Chris Andersen, who scored 16 points in 18 minutes. He was 7-for-7 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the foul line. ... Wade, who scored 19 points, was wearing a bulkier brace than usual on his right knee, but he also seemed to have more spring in his vertical leap and lateral movement. ... James picked up two first-quarter fouls for just the third time all season. The last time it happened was in December. Thu, 23 May 2013 05:44:56 GMT 20267068 2013-05-23T05:44:56Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Jets-rookie-QB-settles-on-Jay-Z-as-agent/-/416806/20258640/-/7ilbnyz/-/index.html New York Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith is going with Jay-Z's new Roc Nation Sports to represent him, he announced after Wednesday's practice. Smith's contract agent will be Kimberly Miale, who is considered relatively inexperienced. Asked whether he was attracted to the Roc Nation by Jay-Z, Smith said, "Not that big of a role. It's just the agency. When you're talking about being in New York from the standpoint of what they can do through the city, all the connections they have, I think it's a good move. "My mother and my family is comfortable with it, I'm comfortable with it. I'm just going to move on from there, not let it be a big deal, remain humble and keep focusing on football." Smith fired his agency, Select Sports, after he was picked in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He interviewed several other agencies before settling on Roc Sports. "The only thing that's important to me is the image status perceived around this locker room," he said. "The guy I am to my teammates and my coaches, the work I put in on the football field. I'm all about football, I'm all about getting better. That's the one thing I have to focus on, and that's better myself daily, better myself to be there when the time comes." As far as the perception that Smith might be more interested in his image, he said, "I don't worry about the outside world's perception when it comes to that type of stuff. I'm comfortable with who I am, strong in my faith, I know this isn't because of an image thing or trying to market myself. It's just about being comfortable with the guys who are going to represent me. That's ultimately why I made that decision." Wed, 22 May 2013 20:47:35 GMT 20258640 2013-05-22T20:47:35Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Woods-Garcia-s-fried-chicken-jibe-hurtful/-/416806/20254238/-/i9qobez/-/index.html Golfer Tiger Woods has described a jibe aimed at him by Sergio Garcia as "wrong, hurtful and inappropriate," though the world No. 1 insists he wants to move on from their very public war of words. Garcia apologized to Woods after making a remark about the American at a players' dinner ahead of the European Tour's flagship tournament -- the PGA Championship at Wentworth that starts Thursday. Asked on stage whether he would be inviting Woods around for dinner during next month's U.S. Open Garcia replied: "We'll be having him round every night... and serving him fried chicken." Fried chicken is a common food in the American South, but when used in references to African-Americans, it often implies a negative stereotype. Garcia and Woods have been at loggerheads since an acrimonious round during the penultimate day of The Players' Championship earlier this month. "The comment that was made wasn't silly. It was wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate," Woods said on his official Twitter account. "I'm confident that there is real regret that the remark was made. The Players ended nearly two weeks ago and it's long past time to move on and talk about golf." Earlier on Wednesday Garcia released an apology via the European Tour and used his pre-tournament press conference at Wentworth to reiterate his remorse. "I want to send out an unreserved apology, I did not mean to offend anyone," Garcia told reporters. "I was caught off guard by the question but don't get me wrong, I understand my answer was totally stupid and out of place. "I can't say sorry enough. I would also like to say sorry to the European Tour and my Ryder Cup teammates for taking the shine away from a wonderful dinner that we all enjoyed to that point. "Finally and most importantly I want to apologize to Tiger and anyone that I could have offended. I feel sick about it and truly, truly sorry. Hopefully we can settle things down and move on. "As soon as I left the dinner I started to get a sick feeling. I didn't really sleep at all. I felt like my heart was going to come out of my body. "It was tough to hit a shot (in the pro-am) without thinking about it." Garcia said he had spoken to the head of the European Tour George O'Grady and the PGA Tour to apologize and subsequently will not face any punishment. His comments came at a dinner to honor the 12 members of Europe's victorious Ryder Cup team, whose dramatic comeback in Chicago to defeat the American team that included Woods has been dubbed 'The miracle of Medinah.' The 33-year-old's Ryder Cup teammate Graeme McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open champion, later tweeted when asked about the fried chicken comments: "Private/humor filled environment but he (Garcia) shouldn't have said it #slip." Fuzzy Zoeller comments Woods and Garcia have long enjoyed a fractious relationship that was again highlighted when they were paired together during the penultimate round of The Players' Championship earlier this month. Garcia claimed he was disrupted during one of his shots after the gallery following Woods cheered as the 14-time major winner pulled a club out of his bag that signaled his intention to go for the green despite being in the rough. Garcia sliced his shot and made a bogey that saw him relinquish the one-shot lead he held at the time. After the incident Garcia told reporters: "I think that I try to respect everyone as much as possible out there. I try to be careful what I do to make sure it doesn't bother the other players." Woods responded by saying: "It's not real surprising that he's complaining about something," prompting another provocative comment from the Spaniard: "That's fine. At least I'm true to myself. I know what I'm doing. He can do whatever he wants." Woods went on to cement his status as the world No. 1, winning the tournament by two shots with Garcia eventually six back after he faltered on the notorious 17th island hole, which is surrounded by water. The row rumbled on into this week as Woods was asked at a press conference whether he would consider contacting Garcia to end their spat. "No," came his brief response. Upon hearing that, Garcia hit back by reportedly telling a function in London: "He called me a whiner. That's probably right. It's also probably the first thing he's told you guys that's true in 15 years. I know what he is like. You guys are finding out." Garcia's remarks are similar to those made by two-time major champion Fuzzy Zoeller in 1997 after Woods won The Masters. Zoeller suggested at the champions dinner the following year Woods would choose to serve fried chicken to his guests. He later apologized and claimed the remarks had been taken out of context. At his own press call ahead of the PGA Championship, Lee Westwood, Garcia's Ryder Cup teammate, refused to be drawn into the row saying he was friends with both players. "It's an awkward situation where they obviously just don't get on. It's in the public (domain) and you guys (the media) will stoke it up and you don't need to," he told reporters. "I don't think Tiger will be particularly bothered. I get on with both of them but I have no interest of getting in the middle of that relationship. It's nothing to do with me." Wed, 22 May 2013 20:45:54 GMT 20254238 2013-05-22T20:45:54Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Report-49ers-Crabtree-has-torn-Achilles/-/416806/20257558/-/ak871pz/-/index.html Leading receiver Michael Crabtree appears to be the second devastating loss for the San Francisco 49ers in 2013. The Super Bowl runner-up in February, the 49ers could be without Crabtree for most or all of the 2013 season. USA Today reported Wednesday that Crabtree tore his Achilles tendon during organized team activities (OTAs) Tuesday and was likely to undergo surgery that could put him on the shelf late into the regular season, if not the entire season. The 25-year-old former first-round pick caught 20 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns in the playoffs and set career-best marks with 1,105 yards, nine touchdowns and 85 receptions in the regular season. Two defensive players, Terrell Suggs of the Super Bowl champion Ravens and Buccaneers' defensive lineman Da'Quan Bowers, were able to return last season from springtime Achilles tears. The difference in stress and strain placed on the lower body at the wide receiver position, and Crabtree and the 49ers not wanting to risk his promising long-term future, could combine to rule out him returning in 2013. The 49ers offered no comment on the injury. ESPN reported further tests were required Wednesday to determine the extent of the tear. In some cases, a partial tear can be treated through inactivity and support of a stabilizing boot. The 49ers acquired wide receiver Anquan Boldin from Baltimore for a sixth-round pick and coach Jim Harbaugh said in March the team has higher expectations for 2012 first-round pick AJ Jenkins. Jenkins added noticeable mass in the offseason, and is just shy of 200 pounds. He was a speed threat at Illinois but dropped the only pass intended for him as a rookie. A 2013 draft pick, Quinton Patton, could also play a role if Harbaugh's praise based on practice sessions is still warranted based on what Patton brings to the field in August and September. Mario Manningham, signed as a free agent in 2012, was the team's second-leading receiver with 42 receptions for 449 yards and one touchdown but the 26-year-old is coming back from reconstructive knee surgery and might not participate in on-field workouts until August or September. Manningham tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee in December. The 49ers didn't re-sign Randy Moss, who remains unsigned after catching 28 passes for 434 yards in 2012. Wed, 22 May 2013 20:39:56 GMT 20257558 2013-05-22T20:39:56Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Report-Krzyzewski-to-return-as-Olympic-coach/-/416806/20257560/-/14wl9a0/-/index.html Mike Krzyzewski will stay on as coach of the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team through the 2016 Games, according to multiple reports Wednesday. Krzyzewski will announce his intentions at a news conference on Thursday at Duke, where he is head coach of the Blue Devils. Sports Illustrated first reported this weekend that Krzyzewski was considering his decision to remain with USA Basketball. Under Krzyzewski's guidance, the U.S. Olympic team has won the past two gold medals and the 2010 World Basketball Championships. Krzyzewski had indicated that he would step away from international coaching after the 2012 Games in London, but USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo held out on pressing Coach K for a decision until after the college season ended. The next big tournament for the U.S. team is the World Cup of Basketball, formerly the World Basketball Championships, in 2014 in Spain. Winning that tournament would qualify the Americans for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The first minicap for Team USA will be held this summer in Las Vegas. Staff changes are expected, though Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said he's likely to return. Krzyzewski has led Team USA to a 62-1 record since 2005. Wed, 22 May 2013 20:33:33 GMT 20257560 2013-05-22T20:33:33Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/urlacher-retires-after-13-years/-/416806/20254988/-/bvehwez/-/index.html Longtime Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher announced his retirement after 13 seasons in the NFL on Wednesday with a message on Twitter. Urlacher walks away from football with a list of accomplishments that include an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, a five-time All-Pro and the 2005 Defensive Player of the Year award. "Although I could continue playing, I'm not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that's up to my standards," he said. "When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear. "I want to thank all of the people in my life that have helped me along the way. I will miss my teammates, my coaches and the great Bears fans. I'm proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss this great game, but I leave it with no regrets." The Bears released Urlacher after the 2012 season when they couldn't reach agreement on a new contract. Urlacher became a free agent and apparently was open to offers from other teams but decided to close the curtain on a career what many believe will ultimately win him election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Urlacher, the No. 9 overall draft pick in 2000 by the Bears, played safety in college at New Mexico but moved to linebacker with the Bears and became a defensive force that helped the Bears earn one trip to the Super Bowl. Wed, 22 May 2013 17:21:25 GMT 20254988 2013-05-22T17:21:25Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Charles-Woodson-returns-to-Raiders/-/416806/20247562/-/10orgjrz/-/index.html Charles Woodson's career has come full circle, as the defensive back signed with the Oakland Raiders following a visit with the team Tuesday. It's a one-year deal worth a maximum of $4.3 million, according to multiple reports. The fourth overall pick by the Raiders in 1998 out of the University of Michigan, Woodson was a four-time Pro Bowl player for Oakland before joining the Green Bay Packers in 2006 and going on to four more Pro Bowl selections and earning a Super Bowl ring over the past seven seasons. Woodson was released by the Packers over the offseason and stated his desire to hook on with a serious playoff contender. However, there was tepid interest in the 36 year old on the free-agent market and visits with the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos didn't result in contract offers. Woodson is admittedly in the final chapter of his storied career, and has suffered two broken collarbones in the past three years. The Raiders, meanwhile, had a need in their secondary and an initial offer on the table before bringing Woodson in for a visit Tuesday. "When this process first started out, that was my thing. I wanted to be on a contender," Woodson told the NFL Network earlier this week. "I know I'm getting toward the end of my career. But at this point, I want to play football. If it's a rebuilding stage at this point, and that's the circumstances that I have to play under, then that's what I'm going to do." Over the weekend at a benefit for the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan, Woodson discussed the possibility of returning to Oakland with reporters. "It would be a really big thing to go back to Oakland, being that I played there most of my career," Woodson said. "I played there eight years and Green Bay seven. So I spent most of my career in Oakland, and I still have a lot of friends there. I still know people in the organization. It would be a homecoming of sorts if it were to happen, so we'll see." Woodson also has a relationship with Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, who was a personnel executive in Green Bay when Woodson went there as a free agent in 2006. Michael Huff, who would have returned to free safety as the starter in Oakland, was instead released by the Raiders when he declined to take a pay cut. The Raiders signed free agent Usama Young in the offseason, and he is currently running with the first team alongside strong safety Tyvon Branch. "I don't fit into one particular scheme," Woodson said. "I can play the game of football and it really doesn't matter whether it's man defense, zone, 4-3, 3-4. I can play this game, so that really doesn't matter." Woodson has played in 206 career games with 203 starts, and ranks second among active players with 55 interceptions - 11 of which he has returned for touchdowns, second-most in NFL history. He also has 17 sacks and 24 forced fumbles. Wed, 22 May 2013 15:08:26 GMT 20247562 2013-05-22T15:08:26Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Spurs-escape-in-OT-after-blowing-big-lead/-/416806/20249216/-/mh4ttx/-/index.html No lead can be too big in the NBA playoffs. The San Antonio Spurs found that out Tuesday, but they received enough from Tony Parker and Tim Duncan to record a hard-fought win. Parker notched 15 points and a playoff-career-high 18 assists to lead the Spurs to a 93-89 overtime win against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals Tuesday night. The Spurs, who led by 18 points in the second half, emerged with a 2-0 lead in the series. Game 3 will be Saturday in Memphis. "They just made a run," Parker said of the Grizzlies' fourth-quarter comeback. "It's hard to keep a lead against a very good team. It's the NBA. It's the Western Conference finals. Stuff like that is going to happen." San Antonio led 83-70 with less than eight minutes remaining before Memphis went on a 15-2 run to pull even. The margin was down to 85-81 before a Grizzlies steal forced Manu Ginobili into a flagrant foul 1 on Tony Allen with 26.1 left in regulation. Allen made both free throws, and Mike Conley tied the game at 85 with a right-handed floater from seven feet with 18.2 seconds left. Tim Duncan's turnaround jumper bounced off the rim at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime. Duncan scored the Spurs' first six points in overtime, giving San Antonio a 91-87 lead with 1:07 remaining. "Obviously, (Duncan) took over for us in that overtime scoring-wise, did a great job," said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who is now 2-1 in overtime playoff games. "Just took it upon himself to be aggressive, and it helped us win." The Spurs appeared ready to put the Grizzlies away until Jerryd Bayless' jumper pulled Memphis within 91-89 with 16.9 seconds to go in OT. Parker and Cory Joseph each hit one of two free throws down the stretch to give the Spurs the win. San Antonio had all five starters score in double figures, with Duncan contributing 17 points, Tiago Splitter scoring 14, Kawhi Leonard 12 and Danny Green 11. The Spurs shot 43.4 percent from the field. Conley and Bayless each had 18 to lead the Grizzlies. Zach Randolph had 15 points and 18 rebounds, rebounding from a two-point performance in Game 1. He shot 3-for-8 from the free throw line. Marc Gasol added 12 points and 14 rebounds. Memphis made just 34 percent of its shots from the floor. "Well, I can be comfortable with the team," Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said. "We lost, we're down 0-2, but we played like us again. We just have to find a way to score earlier so they don't get out on us as far as they did and we have to battle back." Early on, San Antonio again forced its game plan on the Grizzlies with precision ball movement and 3-point shooting in a first-half assault on the NBA's best defense. The Spurs handed out an efficient 16 first-half assists on 18 field goals, with Parker getting eight of them. The Spurs started off hot, hitting four 3-pointers in the second quarter to jump-start a 15-3 run that ended with Duncan hitting two free throws with 16.5 seconds left in the half. San Antonio led 46-31 at the break. San Antonio's defense stepped up and held the Grizzlies to one point, a free throw in the final second by Bayless, in the last 4:44 of the half. Memphis shot 26 percent in the first half, leaving the Grizzlies grasping for answers. "We were breaking down too easily," Gasol said on his team's first-half play. "But it's a great team. We've got to give them credit. They do what they do, and they're good for a reason. But we've got to take some stuff away in order to be able to beat them." Memphis outrebounded San Antonio 60-46, but the Spurs blocked 12 shots to the Grizzlies' six. NOTES: Popovich is third all time in career playoffs wins with 128. He trails only Phil Jackson (229) and Pat Riley (171). ... Duncan, the all-time leader in postseason blocks, notched the 500th playoff block of his career Tuesday. He finished with four blocks on the night. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is second with 476 postseason blocks. ... A moment of silence was observed before the game to honor the victims of the tornado that hit Oklahoma on Monday. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:59:53 GMT 20249216 2013-05-22T14:59:53Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/cavs-win-top-pick-in-nba-draft/-/416806/20247666/-/exs7n9/-/index.html For the second time in three years, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. "It's huge for us," Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said after Cleveland won the draft lottery Tuesday. "This is our third year in a row in the lottery. Hopefully, it's our last for a long, long time." The Cavaliers chose LeBron James No. 1 overall in 2003 and took Kyrie Irving No. 1 overall in 2011. The 2013 draft is scheduled for June 27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The Orlando Magic, who had the best chance to receive the No. 1 pick at 25 percent in the lottery draw, will choose second. The Washington Wizards got the No. 3 pick despite having just a 3.5 percent shot at the No. 1 overall pick. Cleveland, still reeling from James' decision to head to Miami, now has had some good luck. The Cavaliers had a 15.6 percent chance of getting the top pick. "Two out of three years -- we'll take it," Gilbert said. "For us, it's about the city of Cleveland, giving them more hope as we build the franchise and try to get to the level we all want it to go to." The lottery included the NBA's 14 non-playoff teams with chances for the top picks weighted based on regular-season records. Orlando posted a 20-62 record and was guaranteed a top-four pick. The top overall prospect is arguably Nerlens Noel, the Kentucky freshman recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a projected return date around Christmas. Noel injured his left knee Feb. 21, and his defined NBA skill -- defense -- isn't going to create a queue of trade suitors. However, he's just 19 years old, and at 6-foot-10, he brings obvious potential because of his athleticism and length. Best-case scenario: Noel is an instant protector of the rim with his penchant for blocked shots and rebounds and eventually develops a modest offensive game. "I feel I should be the top pick because I'm a great teammate, I really care about where I'm going to play and I'm going to give all my heart and 100 percent effort to get my team back to the promised land, which is where we all want to be," he said before the lottery. A shooting guard hasn't been selected first since the 1975 NBA Draft, but David Thompson could be joined by Kansas freshman Ben McLemore, whom some NBA executives describe as a "safe" choice. But McLemore, 6-5, 200 pounds, with enough range to adjust quickly to the NBA game, didn't stand out in a positive way at last week's draft combine in Chicago. "Just coming from nowhere, coming from nothing, just being able to have the opportunity get a No. 1 spot is just a blessing," McLemore said. "I'm going to work for it the same way as (Noel). He's going to work for it, and I'm going to work for it. It definitely is neck-and-neck." Other potential top picks include Michigan sophomore point guard Trey Burke and UCLA freshman small forward Shabazz Muhammad. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:57:10 GMT 20247666 2013-05-22T14:57:10Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Trout-hits-for-cycle-as-Angels-rout-Mariners/-/416806/20249360/-/ldlrm8z/-/index.html He had never done it before. Not high school, little league, not even T-ball. Maybe that's why Mike Trout was so excited hitting for the cycle in leading the Los Angeles Angels to a 12-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. At 21 years of age, Trout became the youngest player ever to hit for the cycle in an American League game, and he is the sixth player in Angels history to do it. Trout had an infield single in the third inning, an RBI triple in the fourth and a three-run double in the sixth before coming to the plate in the bottom of the eighth with one out. The pitch from Mariners reliever Lucas Luetge appeared below the knees, but Trout golfed it over the fence in center field for his ninth homer of the year. "It's just a feeling I can't explain," Trout said of hitting for the cycle. "I didn't really think about it until the eighth inning, and when I got on deck, I started feeling it a little bit. I wasn't going to go up and swing first pitch and swing as hard as I could. I just stayed with my approach, got a good 2-0 count, the ball was down but I like the ball down, and just hit it out. "It's just a dream come true. To stand here after a night like this, it's definitely up there at the top of my list, personally. Hopefully there's some more to come." It was the first time an Angels player hit for the cycle since Chone Figgins accomplished the feat in 2006. Trout finished with five RBIs on the night. The Angels pounded out 15 hits, including three home runs, four doubles and two triples. Josh Hamilton had a home run and triple, Albert Pujols had two hits and two RBIs, Erick Aybar had two doubles, and Howie Kendrick hit a two-run homer. It was more than enough support for Jerome Williams (3-1), who shut out the Mariners on six hits for eight innings to get the win. He struck out six and walked two. "I wanted to have quick innings so the guys could keep on hitting," Williams said. Mariners starter Aaron Harang (1-5) was pounded early and often. He gave up seven runs and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings, and it included a horrific fourth inning, when he surrendered two doubles, two triples and a home run and was knocked out of the game. The victory was the Angels' third in a row, matching their longest winning streak of the season, accomplished twice previously. For the Mariners, the loss was their season-worst fifth in a row. The Angels scored three times in the first inning, two coming on Hamilton's sixth homer of the year. Hamilton led off the fourth with a triple, leading to a four-run inning. "After the first two at-bats, I thought Josh was going to have a chance at (the cycle) because you get the two toughest ones out of the way," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Mike, just seeing his talent, you have to continue to shake yourself and say this kid's 21 years old. He just has so many ways he can help you win a game. He stole a base tonight, looked good in the outfield, and obviously in the batter's box he had an incredible night. If I'm a betting man, I've got to believe there's another cycle in his career somewhere." NOTES: Angels RHP Jered Weaver, recovering from a broken bone in his left (non-throwing) elbow, will throw about 80 pitches to live hitters at extended spring training Wednesday in Arizona. Manager Mike Scioscia said that if all goes well, it might be Weaver's last rehab outing. If so, Weaver would be on schedule to pitch Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. ... Angels LHP Sean Burnett (forearm strain) was activated from the disabled list before the game. Burnett had been the Angels' most effective reliever before his injury, compiling a 1.04 ERA in 11 games (8 2/3 innings). To make room on the roster for Burnett, the Angels optioned RHP Ryan Brasier to Triple-A Salt Lake. ... Mariners 3B Kyle Seager was the only American League player with a minimum of 90 plate appearances who had not grounded into a double play this season going into Tuesday's game. However, in his second at-bat Tuesday, he grounded into a 6-4-3 double play. ... Mariners 1B Justin Smoak, who walked in the second inning, has reached base safely in 15 consecutive starts dating back to April 29. During that stretch, he raised his on-base percentage from .311 to .363. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:55:23 GMT 20249360 2013-05-22T14:55:23Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Hot-start-proves-enough-as-Sharks-even-series/-/416806/20249358/-/cx3d2fz/-/index.html Dominant through two periods, the San Jose Sharks held on for dear life in the third to beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 Tuesday and even their Western Conference semifinal series at two wins apiece. Los Angeles outshot San Jose 14-2 in the final 20 minutes but could not rally from a 2-0 deficit. Game 5 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday in Los Angeles. "They had a couple power plays, and we were on our heels a bit in the third," San Jose's T.J. Galiardi said. "But Nemo (goalie Antti Niemi) shut the door for us." Mike Richards jammed home a power-play goal at 9:46 of the third period to cut Los Angeles' deficit to one. The Kings enjoyed a long cycle in the San Jose end and finally solved Niemi after Brent Burns boarded Anze Kopitar at 8:14. Niemi turned back the Kings' final seven shots to close out San Jose's fourth straight playoff win on home ice in as many tries. He wound up with 22 saves while posting his second consecutive 2-1 victory. "We feel great at home, and we feel confident in our group," Burns said. "Obviously it's a lot better to be 2-2 than 3-1, so it was a big game." The ice that was tilted in San Jose's favor for one period carried over to the second session. The Sharks scored the only goal in the second -- Logan Couture's power-play tally made it a 2-0 game at 3:55 -- and San Jose tightened up defensively late in the period when the Kings finally made their first push of the game. "There comes a point where you have to look at things and see what we can do, look at what we did in the second period," Richards said. "We have had success whether it's being aggressive down the wall or being a little more patient." Kings forward Colin Fraser roughed San Jose's Andrew Desjardins in the L.A. end at 3:14 of the middle period, and it took the hosts just 41 seconds to convert after two failed opening-period 5-on-4s. Couture scored his fifth goal of the playoff season by redirecting Dan Boyle's point drive past Kings goalie Jonathan Quick. It appeared Boyle's blast might have hit the stick of Kopitar as well. Los Angeles was held without a shot on two late-period power plays. However, the Sharks dodged a bullet early in the second short-handed situation when Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin lifted a puck in front over an open cage. The visitors also had an apparent goal waived off at 6:06 of the second when the referee lost sight of a puck that trickled through Niemi and was pushed over the line by Los Angeles forward Dustin Penner. "I'm sure it's in the rulebook," Kings coach Darryl Sutter said. "When the whistle blows, what are they (refs) going to come and tell us? Are they going to come and say they lost the puck and they blew the whistle? The Sharks scored the only goal of a first period they completely dominated. San Jose outshot the Kings 15-3 in the period, had two power plays and scored at even strength. The Sharks won 17 of the period's 22 draws (15 of 17 at even strength) and had another 14 drives toward the Los Angeles net blocked. Joe Thornton's line caused trouble for Kings defensemen Drew Doughty and Robyn Regehr the entire period, and it was the San Jose captain's line that struck 5-on-5 when Thornton hooked up with Burns. "They were very good early, established a relentless forecheck and used their size to their advantage," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said of Thornton's line. "The momentum they created ran throughout the rest of the lines and everyone jumped on board." Richards blocked a Burns attempt off a Thornton feed, but the puck bounced back to the San Jose center, who found Burns alone to the right of Quick. Burns' one-timer beat Quick high at 6:09 on the host's fifth shot of the game. "It's a passer's dream to have a guy that size," Thornton said of Burns. "Instead of a three-foot range, it's like a 10-foot range to get him the puck. It's easy playing with him." Justin Williams put the Kings' third shot on goal at 10:02, but Los Angeles didn't force a save from Niemi the rest of the period. San Jose put a combined four shots on goal on consecutive power plays -- Fraser for hooking Patrick Marleau at 13:19 and Doughty for slashing Marc-Edouard Vlasic at 15:26. Tommy Wingels rang a drive off the crossbar with eight seconds left in the second minor. "I think we battled back and made it close, but you don't get much for making it close," Sutter said. NOTES: After much conjecture what line juggling might occur in the two idle days between Games 3 and 4, it turns out the Sharks and Kings made only one change each up front. San Jose promoted James Sheppard to play alongside Scott Gomez and Tommy Wingels on a third line that lost LW Martin Havlat to a recurring injury after just one period of Game 3. Tim Kennedy slid into Sheppard's former left wing spot on the fourth line next to Andrew Desjardins and Bracken Kearns. ... The Kings inserted rugged Kyle Clifford on to a fourth line that included Brad Richardson and Colin Fraser, as Tanner Pearson took a seat in the press box. Los Angeles made a change on defense, dressing Matt Greene in place of Keaton Ellerby. ... Injured Sharks D Jason Demers (ankle) and RW Adam Burish (hand) skated with the team, and they could see action before the series ends. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:36:48 GMT 20249358 2013-05-22T14:36:48Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/Bruins-open-commanding-3-0-lead/-/416806/20248208/-/kswopqz/-/index.html One of the universal truths in the Stanley Cup playoffs is that the teams that receive secondary scoring are usually the ones that win games and series. It is a axiom that the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers are experiencing firsthand with drastically different results. Daniel Paille's goal with 3:31 left in regulation was the winner in the Bruins' 2-1 victory over the Rangers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The Bruins lead 3-0 in the best-of-seven series. Game 4 is Thursday night in New York. "Every game is a tough game," Zdeno Chara said. "So we enjoy this win tonight and then get up and get ready for the next one." Paille shoved a rebound of a Shawn Thornton popup past Henrik Lundqvist at 16:29 of the third period for the winner. Lundqvist made the initial save on Thornton's shot but lost track of the rebound and Michael Del Zotto was unable to pick up Paille cruising behind the net. Boston has received major contributions from its fourth line of Gregory Campbell, Paille and Thornton in the series. The trio has two goals and four assists. "They were working hard," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. " They've scored some big goals for us in the playoffs. "We have confidence in that line." Paille's goal was Boston's second of the period. Johnny Boychuk tied the score at 1 with a slap shot which eluded Lundqvist. Boychuk gathered a Paille pass at the blue line and ripped a rocket that the New York netminder did not see. Boychuk has goals in consecutive games,and has scored four in the playoffs. "They are a good team at an important time of the year," New York captain Ryan Callahan said. "We knew they were going to push. I thought we had a pretty good third period, but we gave up (the tying and winnings goals) and we don't get one." The two goals were Lundqvist's lone mistakes, as he stopped 33 of 35 shots. Taylor Pyatt scored the only goal for the Rangers at 3:53 of the second period. Pyatt's second goal of the playoffs opened the scoring in Game 3. While tying up Dougie Hamilton and Chara in front of Rask, Pyatt tipped Ryan McDonagh's point shot. "Well, we were down, but we weren't playing that poorly," Chara said. "So we needed to stay aggressive, try to tie the game, and we just wanted to get pucks to the net. We did that and we were rewarded." But the Rangers were unable to expand their lead because of an inefficient power play (0 of 2 in the game and 2 of 38 in the playoffs) and Boston's defensive structure. New York was not able to get in front of Tuukka Rask, who had a relatively easy night for the third game in a row. Rask made 23 saves. "At times, we struggled to get through and when we got through we just didn't sustain our forecheck," John Tortorella said. "A team that is rolling their lines like they are, we need to have some time in their end zone. As the game went on, we were there less and less So it pops up on you. "It's pretty much a Catch-22. They kept on rolling and their fourth line scores a couple goals." NOTES: The Rangers-Bruins series was expected to be a war of attrition. Instead, one of the themes in the first two games was Boston's ability to use its speed effectively against the not-as-fleet-afoot Rangers. "Our transition game has been much better," Julien said. "Against the Rangers, you know you have to have a good transition game. You have less time to spend in your own end and I think our guys have understood that from the back end and the forwards. Our transition game has been better, no doubt, this round compared to the first (against the Toronto Maple Leafs)." ... Count Tortorella among Brad Richards' strongest backers. "He has made plays," Tortorella said when asked if he was surprised that Richards only has one point in nine playoff games. "He has made some plays along the way." ... After the Rangers' loss, home teams fell to 40-19 in the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs. "I think today's game, it's a lot different from back in the (1970's) where there was really a distinct advantage playing at home," Tortorella said. "I don't think there is but there must be. The records show it." ...The Original Six rivals have met nine previous times in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Even though the Bruins have won six of the nine series, Boston has never swept New York in a best-of-seven playoff series. ...The Bruins did not have a power play in the game. New York's only penalty was Derek Dorsett's rough of Brad Marchand at 7:42 of the first period, but that was offset by the Boston forward's matching penalty for a cross-check on the New York right winger. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:33:32 GMT 20248208 2013-05-22T14:33:32Z http://www.krdo.com/sports/3-indy-500-teams-penalized-for-infractions/-/416806/20242850/-/14i7y2f/-/index.html Three teams entered in the Indianapolis 500 were penalized by IndyCar following qualification technical inspections. Ryan Briscoe's car was fined $5,000 for an improper height with the mainplane trailing edge, Graham Rahal's entry was fined $10,000 for not complying with a rule regarding cooling forms outside of the assigned garage and Michel Jourdain Jr.'s entry was fined $1,000 for a bodywork infraction involving underwing parts. All three entries are able to contest the penalties if they desire. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:27:32 GMT 20242850 2013-05-22T14:27:32Z