Total Pageviews
Public health alerts issued for more than 40 sites across SEQ
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
BBC NEWS - TikTok launches legal action against Trump over ban
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53877956
BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: Is the US the worst-hit country for deaths?
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53780196
BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: Croatia's culture capital Rijeka tries to salvage year
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53841227
BBC NEWS - US trans rights: The teen who sued his school, and won, over bathroom use
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-53834065
BBC NEWS - Why a Somali-born fighter is being honoured in Rome
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-53837708
BBC NEWS - Coronavirus vaccine: Short cuts and allegations of dirty tricks in race to be first
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-53864069
BBC NEWS - 'It's a scary time for stand-up comedians'
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53846365
BBC NEWS - Belarus: What lies behind the protests?
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53877211
BBC NEWS - Death Valley: What life is like in the 'hottest place on Earth'
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53825593
BBC NEWS - Mpape Crushed Rock: Nigerians flock to new Abuja beauty spot
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-53806880
BBC NEWS - The two students who took on Coke and Pepsi
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53593138
New on Sports Illustrated: Dustin Johnson Holds Five-Shot Lead at TPC Boston After Big Third-Round Finish
The birdie-eagle ending to Dustin Johnson's round Saturday at The Northern Trust gave him a 7-under 64 and stretched his lead to five shots in the FedEx Cup playoffs opener.
NORTON, Mass. — Dustin Johnson could have used a finish like this for a record score. The birdie-eagle ending to his round Saturday at The Northern Trust gave him a 7-under 64 and stretched his lead to five shots in the FedEx Cup playoffs opener.
Johnson, coming off a remarkable day in which he was 11 under through 11 holes and finished with seven pars for a 60, pulled away from Harris English and Scottie Scheffler with a 20-foot birdie putt on the 17th and a 40-footer for eagle on the closing hole at the TPC Boston.
He was at 22-under 191, his lowest 54-hole score by three shots.
“I’m in a great position and like where I’m at, but I’m still going to have to go out and shoot a good score,” Johnson said. “You can go low out here and guys are going low every day, especially with the conditions we have — perfect greens, golf course is in great shape and not a lot of wind.”
English had three birdies in a four-hole stretch early on the back nine and was tied for the lead when Johnson made his lone bogey of the round on the 13th hole when he failed to get up-and-down from a bunker.
English, however, followed with consecutive bogeys when he missed the green well to the right of the water on the par-3 16th, and three-putted from 70 feet on the 17th. He missed a third consecutive putt from 7 feet or closer, the last one for birdie, and had to settle for a 66.
Scheffler closed with a birdie to follow his second-round 59 with a 67. He played in the final group with Johnson, just like he did two weeks ago on the final day of the PGA Championship.
Even so, they are five shots behind Johnson, who is going for his second victory of the year and could go to No. 1 in the world—provided Jon Rahm does not finish second—for the first time since May 2019.
“Try to make as many birdies as I can and see what happens,” English said.
Louis Oosthuizen (68) was seven shots behind, and his best hope now would appear to be moving into the top 70 who advance to the second playoff event next week at Olympia Fields south of Chicago.
Tiger Woods predicted Friday there would be low scoring in the third round, and he was right—just not from him or Rory McIlroy, a star pairing for the breakfast hour. Woods birdied the last hole for a 73. McIlroy made two triple bogeys in his round of 74. They get to play again Sunday morning.
Johnson will be going for his fifth FedEx Cup playoff victory, and third in this event on a third course. What matters more is how he finishes the season. The FedEx Cup already features some of the best players in golf—Woods, McIlroy, Vijay Singh, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth among them—and Johnson wants to be on that list.
Johnson set the target with four birdies in eight holes before heavy rain moved in and halted the third round for 45 minutes. It also softened a TPC Boston that was getting slightly firmer.
He came back and hit to tap-in range for birdie on the 12th, and then had his great finish.
Johnson needed a birdie on the 18th on Friday for his first 59 and said he regrets hitting driver off the tee with a shot that tumbled down a small slope into the rough. Lesson learned? Not really. With the rain, he opted for the driver again, teed it low and hit this one perfect, setting up a 5-iron to the green and his long eagle putt.
August 23, 2020 at 05:39AM
Dustin Johnson Holds Five-Shot Lead at TPC Boston After Big Third-Round Finish
New on Sports Illustrated: Karrion Kross Seeks Start of First NXT Title Run at 'TakeOver XXX'
Karrion Kross meets reigning champion Keith Lee in the main event of Saturday's 'NXT TakeOver XXX.'
Karrion Kross is ready to climb a massive step in his WWE ascent.
In order to do that, Kross needs a run as NXT Champion. He meets reigning champ Keith Lee in the main event of Saturday’s NXT TakeOver XXX, though at first glance, the timing does not appear to be working in his favor.
Kross has only been part of the NXT roster since February, and he is still building an aura and mystique around his character. Lee only won the title a month ago, defeating Adam Cole during the Great American Bash special in July. Given the time, Lee would make a tremendous long-term champion. But there are factors playing in Kross’ favor. A fan favorite chasing a heel champ leads to compelling television, which would help the weekly NXT product, and Lee has been heavily rumored to be on his way to the main roster. So could tonight be the start of the Karrion Kross era in NXT?
“I’ve heard that I haven’t put in enough time yet to be champion, and I understand why people are saying it, but respectfully, that is not the case,” said Kross. “The reality is I’ve been in wrestling for quite some time. I have been around the world attempting to find the best version of myself and bring that to WWE, which is what people will see at TakeOver.”
Kross is 35-year-old Kevin Kesar. He worked for a number of promotions before his arrival in WWE, including AAA and Impact Wrestling, but was never too closely associated with one particular company. Instead, he and business/life partner Scarlett Bordeaux have combined to create one of the more entertaining brands in all of professional wrestling.
Kross and Bordeaux are two very talented performers, and even more compelling when working together.
“She has such a natural presence,” said Kross. “The very first time I ever met her, she took over the room the moment she walked in. Attention gravitates toward her, and as a professional, she’s perfected the art of projecting that through the TV. After you see her, you’ll never forget here. She’s solidified her role and identity in NXT, and we make the perfect team together.”
Kross said his career in wrestling will never be defined by titles, but a win against Lee at TakeOver is a necessity if he plans to elevate his status in the company.
“A title run provides credibility,” said Kross. “Do I personally feel I need a belt to have a successful career? The answer to that is no. My job is to make people feel something. We’re telling a story of light vs. dark. That’s a very old story, and the magic of what we do is eliciting a new response.
“Do I want to become NXT Champion? Yes, 100 percent, and when I get it, I never want to let it go. But in terms of what I really want to accomplish, I have a greater scope and image of how I will contribute to this business.”
The right opponent is critical in wrestling. Fortunately for Kross, he is sharing the ring at TakeOver with a consummate professional in Lee.
“Keith is one of the most impressive people in the business,” said Kross. “His skillset and repertoire for someone his size is something we won’t see again for a very long time. His style is a little bit of power and a little bit of lucha, which I know very well. We are the perfect opponents for each other, and people are going to witness a match they’re not expecting at TakeOver.”
Kross has never been placed in a position where a card of this magnitude was built around him. There is certainly a heavy load on his shoulders to deliver at the seminal TakeOver XXX, especially in a title match. Yet this is exactly why he chose to work in NXT, spurning offers from other promotions. Starting with a memorable entrance, followed a hard-hitting title match, Kross looks forward to seizing full control of the long-awaited opportunity to show why he belongs atop NXT.
“This TakeOver match is going to be violent,” said Kross. “It’s going to be visceral, it’s going to be carnal, it’s going to be intense–and it’s going to make history.”
Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
August 23, 2020 at 05:18AM
Karrion Kross Seeks Start of First NXT Title Run at 'TakeOver XXX'
Victoria records more than 200 cases and 17 deaths
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
'Wonderful timing': UWA Choral Society to return to the stage at Government House
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Wettest August day in 20 years; chilly day ahead before week warms up
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Solving the Fremantle Port and bridge puzzle
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Belarusian Opposition Leader Sees Herself as Symbol of Change
VILNIUS, LITHUANIA - Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya sees herself as a symbol of change whose role is to help deliver new elections as President Alexander Lukashenko wi
from Latest Breaking News RSS feed – Big News Network
via READ MORE
Victoria records more than 200 cases and 17 deaths
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
'Wonderful timing': UWA Choral Society to return to the stage at Government House
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Wettest August day in 20 years; chilly day ahead before week warms up
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Solving the Fremantle Port and bridge puzzle
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Will US Make Clear-cut Commitment to Defend Taiwan From China
For almost 70 years, the United States has never explicitly committed itself to the defense of Taiwan against Chinese invasion. Now, with U.S.-China relations at a historic low, worries over a Chin
from Latest Breaking News RSS feed – Big News Network
via READ MORE
Cold snap delivers snow to alps and windchill to Sydney
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Seven stables locked down, three jockeys stood down after COVID positive
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Woman found dead on Sunshine Coast street on Saturday morning
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Australian Lee just two shots behind Women's British Open leader
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Concerns for teenage girl missing since Thursday
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
'It is most likely to be COVID, not flu': Top doctor urges testing
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Strip Xi Jinping of 'president' title, US Congress members urged
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
McGowan cracks down on travel by federal politicians ahead of Parliament's return
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
BBC NEWS - Alexei Navalny: Putin critic taken to airport for flight to Germany
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53871617
New on Sports Illustrated: Detroit Lions Hall of Fame Players: A Complete History
There are 21 former Lions enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including 15 who played most of their career in the Motor City.
How Many Lions Are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
As one of the oldest teams in the NFL, the Lions have developed some of the best players to ever grace a professional football field. As of the 2020 induction ceremonies, there are 21 individuals enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, who spent at least one season with the Lions (6% of the 346 individuals inducted). Among them, 15 played a significant portion of their career in Detroit.
Included on this list are one of the greatest running backs to ever play in the NFL, four standout defenders who played at least 11 seasons with the Lions and numerous players who helped lead Detroit to three championships during the 1950s. With titles in 1952, '53 and '57, that decade proved to be the greatest dynasty in Lions history. Seven of Detroit's Hall of Famers were prominently featured on those championship teams.
What follows is a list of every Hall of Famer who has played at least one game for the Lions. The players are listed in order by the number of seasons each spent in the Motor City.
Joe Schmidt
- Position: Linebacker, coach
- College: Pittsburgh
- Seasons Played: 1953–65
- Seasons With the Lions: 1953–65
- Seasons Coached: 1966–72
- Seasons Coached With the Lions: 1966–72
- Year Inducted: 1973
- Stats: 24 interceptions, 3 defensive TDs
- Awards: NFL Defensive MVP (1960, '63), NFL Lineman of the Year ('57)
- Legacy Honors: NFL Top 100 All-Time Team, NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- All-Pro: 1954–62
- Pro Bowl: 1954–63
During a 13-year playing career with the Lions, Joe Schmidt was among the best defenders in the league and revolutionized the middle linebacker position. With 10 straight Pro Bowl and nine straight All-Pro selections, Schmidt burst onto the scene—despite being selected as a seventh-round draft pick. He didn't miss a start throughout his first seven years in the league, and his prowess in the middle of the field helped the Lions finish in the top three in scoring defense in three of those seasons. Detroit also won a pair of NFL championships during his tenure.
In 1955, Schmidt tied the NFL record by recovering eight fumbles lost by his opponents (the mark was broken in 1963), and his 17 career fumble recoveries are tied for the most in team history among defenders. He set his career high with six interceptions in 1958, a nice continuation of his postseason success in 1957. That year, he intercepted a pass in playoff wins over the 49ers and the Browns, which helped bring the Lions their third NFL championship in six seasons.
Schmidt sustained a shoulder injury in the 1960 preseason, which forced him to miss the first games in his career. Once he came back to the field, however, he returned an interception for the first touchdown of his career. Over his final five seasons, Schmidt started every game of a campaign three times, and in both 1961 and '65 he had four interceptions.
He announced his retirement in March 1966 and joined the team as an assistant coach. The next season, he was promoted to head coach and was involved in the drafting of multiple future Hall of Famers. Schmidt had a 43-34-7 record in Detroit and led the team to the playoffs in 1970. By the end of his coaching tenure in 1972, he had served the Lions for 20 straight seasons.
Dick LeBeau
- Position: Defensive back
- College: Ohio State
- Seasons Played: 1959–72
- Seasons With the Lions: 1959–72
- Year Inducted: 2010
- Stats: 62 interceptions, 3 TDs
- All-Pro: 1964–65, '70
- Pro Bowl: 1964–66
Dick LeBeau spent 14 seasons as a defensive back for the Lions. Despite season after season of strong play, he is remembered just as much for his time as a defensive coordinator. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 1959 NFL Draft by the Browns but was cut in the preseason. LeBeau then came to Detroit, and by 1960, he was slated in the starting lineup and rarely missed time until he retired in 1972.
LeBeau became a ball-hawking defensive back, intercepting at least four passes in all but one season between 1960 and '71—which included a career-high nine in 1970. His career total of 62 is tied for 10th in NFL history and stands as the team's all-time record. In four separate seasons, he snared a pair of interceptions in two different games.
Following his playing career, LeBeau revolutionized NFL defenses by perfecting the zone blitz as a defensive coordinator. When he retired from coaching in 2017, he had spent 59 straight seasons in the NFL.
Alex Karras
- Position: Defensive tackle
- College: Iowa
- Seasons Played: 1958–62, 1964–70
- Seasons With the Lions: 1958–62, 1964–70
- Year Inducted: 2020
- Stats: 16 fumble recoveries, 4 interceptions
- Legacy Honors: NFL 1960s All-Decade Team, Pride of the Lions
- All-Pro: 1960–61, ‘65
- Pro Bowl: 1960–62, ‘65
Many Detroit fans long asked the question, "Is Alex Karras in the Hall of Fame?" As of 2020, they can finally answer that question with a resounding, "Yes!" He was inducted as part of that year's Centennial Class.
Karras had all the qualifications expected of a Hall of Famer, but some off-the-field concerns are believed to have left him out of Canton for so many years. He was suspended in 1963 due to gambling—a negative mark on his stellar on-field record that saw him make four Pro Bowls and earn seven first- or second-team All-Pro selections from the Associated Press.
He was credited with 97.5 sacks in his 12-year career, even though sacks weren’t an official statistic when he played.
Lem Barney
- Position: Cornerback
- College: Jackson State
- Seasons Played: 1967–77
- Seasons With the Lions: 1967–77
- Year Inducted: 1992
- Stats: 56 interceptions, 10 total TDs
- Awards: Defensive Rookie of the Year (1967)
- Legacy Honors: Pride of the Lions
- All-Pro: 1968–69
- Pro Bowl: 1967–69, 1972–73, 1975–76
Throughout 11 seasons with the Lions, Lem Barney was among the best defensive backs in the NFL. With multiple interceptions every season, he is remembered as one of the best defenders in Lions history. He is also tied for 18th all-time in NFL history for career interceptions.
Barney was a second-round draft pick in 1967, and he made an immediate contribution for the Lions. He intercepted Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr in the first quarter of his debut and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown. After four weeks, Barney already had six interceptions for the 3-0-1 Lions. He'd cool considerably in the middle of the season, but then he electrified a home crowd with three interceptions in the season finale. That showing gave him an NFL-leading 10 interceptions on the season, which he returned for a league-best 232 yards and three touchdowns. Those touchdowns remain a single-season franchise record.
In 1968, Barney led the NFL with five fumble recoveries and also added another seven interceptions. Over the next two seasons, he had 15 more interceptions. By the end of his career, he had snared 56 interceptions, which ranks second on Detroit's all-time list. His 1,077 interception return yards and seven touchdowns are both franchise records, and he is also tied for the all-time team lead among defenders with 17 career fumble recoveries.
Yale Lary
- Position: Defensive back, punter
- College: Texas A&M
- Seasons Played: 1952–53, 1956–64
- Seasons With the Lions: 1952–53, 1956–64
- Year Inducted: 1979
- Stats: 50 interceptions, 503 punts for 22,279 yards
- Legacy Honors: NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, Pride of the Lions
- All-Pro: 1956–59, 1962–63
- Pro Bowl: 1953, 1956–62, '64
After being taken as a third-round draft pick in 1952, Yale Lary was a dependable defender and punter for the Lions for more than a decade. Other than missing two seasons due to military service, he played in all but seven games throughout an 11-year career. He grabbed at least two interceptions every season as a safety, while doubling as the team's punter. He led the NFL in punting average in three seasons.
In his first two seasons, he helped the Lions win the NFL championship, and he picked up a third title in 1957. In each of those seasons, Detroit defeated Cleveland for the league crown. Following his military service in 1954 and '55, Lary returned to the Lions and had his best season. In 1956, he intercepted a career-high eight passes and returned one for a 73-yard touchdown. He was joined in the defensive backfield at times throughout his career by three other Hall of Famers.
Known as one of the greatest punters in the history of the league, Lary had an average of 44.3 yards on 503 punts, and he booted a punt at least 60 yards in all but two seasons. He's ranked 32nd all-time in punting average, but when he retired, he was second only to fellow Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh. Among players whose careers began before 2000, he is ranked third. Lary led the NFL in punting average in 1959 (47.1 yards per punt), '61 (48.4 YPP) and '63 (48.9 YPP). His mark from 1963 is tied for the 16th-best mark in NFL history.
Lou Creekmur
- Position: Offensive lineman
- College: William & Mary
- Seasons Played: 1950–59
- Seasons With the Lions: 1950–59
- Year Inducted: 1996
- Legacy Honors: Pride of the Lions
- All-Pro: 1951–57
- Pro Bowl: 1950–57
Lou Creekmur was nothing if not durable. He happened to be a pretty good offensive lineman, too. As a sturdy force up front for the Lions during the 1950s, Creekmur never missed a practice. Nor did he ever miss a preseason, regular season or postseason game during the first nine years of his 10-year career—all while helping Detroit win championships in 1952, '53 and '57. Despite that and his many All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections, it took 32 years for him to finally win election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Creekmur began his career as an offensive guard, but he switched to left tackle after two seasons and dominated that side of the line for many years. He was a 26th-round draft pick of the Eagles in 1948, but Creekmur elected to keep playing in college. The Lions acquired his rights in 1950, and they watched him block for several high-flying offenses. From 1950 to '57, the Lions never finished worse than fifth in total offense, and only twice did they finish outside the top five in scoring offense.
Toward the end of 1958, Creekmur announced he would be retiring at the end of what would become only the second losing season during his career. When the Lions began the 1959 season at 0–4, they summoned Creekmur—who returned for the final eight games of the season to help salvage a 3-8-1 record.
Barry Sanders
- Position: Running back
- College: Oklahoma State
- Seasons Played: 1989–98
- Seasons With the Lions: 1989–98
- Year Inducted: 2004
- Stats: 15,269 rushing yards, 99 TDs
- Awards: Offensive Rookie of the Year (1989), NFL MVP (1997), NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1994, '97), Bert Bell Award (1991, '97)
- Legacy Honors: NFL All-Time 100 Team, NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, Pride of the Lions
- All-Pro: 1989–98
- Pro Bowl: 1989–98
Sanders burst onto the scene as a rookie after being selected with the third pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. Despite missing training camp due to a contract dispute, he finished 11 yards shy of the league rushing title to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Sanders closed his season with a 158-yard, three-touchdown showing against the Falcons. He'd lead the league in rushing in 1990 and then have a breakout season in '91.
Sanders eclipsed the 1,500-yard rushing mark for the first time that season while adding a 220-yard, four-touchdown game against the Vikings. Detroit won 12 games in 1991, and Sanders helped the Lions to their only playoff victory since 1957. He'd again lead the league in rushing in 1994, '96 and '97, which is when he became the third player in history to rush for at least 2,000 yards in a season. He had 10 games with at least 100 yards in 1994, and that included a career-high 237-yard effort against the Buccaneers.
The best season during Sanders's career was his MVP season of 1997. He gained 2,053 yards and rushed for at least 100 yards in the last 14 games of the season to set an NFL record. Included in that stretch were a pair of games with more than 200 yards, and he added 11 touchdowns during the year. It was the fourth straight season for Sanders with at least 1,500 rushing yards—no other player in league history has accomplished the feat. He nearly added a fifth such season when he gained 1,491 yards on a league-high 343 carries in 1998.
Charlie Sanders
- Position: Tight end
- College: Minnesota
- Seasons Played: 1968–77
- Seasons With the Lions: 1968–77
- Year Inducted: 2007
- Stats: 4,817 receiving yards, 31 TDs
- Legacy Honors: NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, Pride of the Lions
- All-Pro: 1969–71
- Pro Bowl: 1968–71, 1974–76
In 1968, in a third-round draft selection, the Lions found a player who would be their starting tight end for the next 10 seasons: Charlie Sanders. As a dependable blocker and adequate receiver, Sanders was among the NFL's premier players at his position throughout the 1970s. It's likely he would have played longer, but a severe knee injury ended his career before the 1977 season. After retirement, he stayed with the Lions as a scout, coach and broadcaster.
Playing in an era when tight ends were relied on as blockers more so than pass catchers, Sanders helped evolve the position with at least 40 catches in each of his first three seasons. He retired with the team record of 336 receptions, which wasn't broken until Herman Moore eclipsed the mark in 1996—while being coached by Sanders. He's now seventh all-time in team history, but he still has the most receptions, yards (4,817) and touchdowns (31) by a Detroit tight end.
Sanders was the only rookie selected to the Pro Bowl for the 1968 season, and he'd go on to make six more appearances. He closed his rookie season with a career-high 10 catches for 133 yards against the Washington Football Team, and in 1974 he had his career-best yardage total of 146 in a win over the Packers.
Bobby Layne
- Position: Quarterback
- College: Texas
- Seasons Played: 1948–62
- Seasons With the Lions: 1950–58
- Year Inducted: 1967
- Stats: 26,768 passing yards, 196 TDs
- Awards: NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, Pride of the Lions, Lions No. 22 Retired
- All-Pro: 1952, '54, '56, 1958–59
- Pro Bowl: 1951–53, '56, 1958–59
Bobby Layne played for four different NFL teams, but many of his best seasons came during the nine years he spent with the Lions. There was, however, a lot of travel in the two years leading up to his acquisition. Originally drafted by the Steelers in 1948, Layne was then traded to the Bears after the draft. Going into the 1949 season, he was sent to the Bulldogs. When he finally arrived in Detroit in 1950, Layne began to develop into a Hall of Fame quarterback.
Layne's passing offenses finished no worse than sixth in the NFL standings while in Detroit, and he helped engineer NFL championship wins in 1952, '53 and '57 (though he did not play in the 1957 title game due to a broken leg). In 1950, Layne led the NFL in passing attempts and yardage, and during the next season, he paced the NFL in attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns. He was steady over the next five seasons, keeping his passing yards between 1,800 and 2,100 each year.
In 1950, Layne threw for 374 yards against the Bears for his top passing performance with the Lions. During his time in Detroit, Layne had three games where he threw four touchdowns. He had a 53-29-2 record with the Lions, and his 15,710 passing yards and 118 touchdowns stood as team records for more than 50 years. Layne struggled in the postseason, however, throwing 12 interceptions to one touchdown, but he did secure a 3–1 record.
Alex Wojciechowicz
- Position: Center, linebacker
- College: Fordham
- Seasons Played: 1938–50
- Seasons With the Lions: 1938–46
- Year Inducted: 1968
- Stats: 19 interceptions
- Legacy Honors: NFL 1940s All-Decade Team, Pride of the Lions, Polish Sports Hall of Fame (1975)
- All-Pro: 1939, '44
Alex Wojciechowicz was a first-round draft pick of the Lions in 1938, and he became a regular on the team's offense and defense for the next nine seasons. He played in 86 games for Detroit as a rare two-way player. Defensively as a linebacker, he scored his only career touchdown in 1940 on one of his 14 interceptions with the Lions. Included in that total were seven in 1944, which was Detroit’s single-season record for several years, and his career total was a franchise record until the 1950s. He also served as the team's center. Because of his two-way status, he was known as “Iron Man.”
He was released with two other Lions players following a 0–3 start to the 1946 season, and he was purchased by the Eagles two days later. Wojciechowicz, who became exclusively a linebacker, went on to win a pair of NFL championships in Philadelphia.
Dutch Clark
- Position: All-Purpose
- College: Colorado College
- Seasons Played: 1931–32, 1934–38
- Seasons With the Lions: 1931–32, 1934–38
- Seasons Coached: 1937–42, '49
- Seasons Coached With the Lions: 1937–38
- Year Inducted: 1963
- Stats: 1,507 passing yards, 2,772 rushing yards, 36 rushing TDs
- Legacy Honors: NFL Top 100 All-Time Team, NFL 1930s All-Decade Team, Associated Press Player of the Decade (1930s), Pride of the Lions, Lions No. 7 Retired
- All-Pro: 1931–32, 1934–37
Dutch Clark, also known as "The Flying Dutchman," was among the most popular football figures in the 1930s. As a versatile offensive force, Clark regularly scored touchdowns as a quarterback, running back and receiver. Not only that, he was a league-leading kicker in several seasons. While the Lions do not officially retire numbers, there was a ceremony held on Oct. 15, 1939, to honor Clark—and no one has worn his No. 7 since.
Clark's NFL career began when he was granted a leave from his coaching duties at Colorado College in 1931. In two seasons with the Portsmouth Spartans—who relocated to Detroit and became the Lions in 1934—Clark became an All-Pro talent, but he elected to return to college coaching at the Colorado School of Mines in 1933. He returned to the NFL with the Lions right before the 1934 season and became a superstar. He led the league in rushing touchdowns in 1934, '36 and '37. In 1935 and '36, he paced the NFL in total points scored, and he helped lead the Lions to the 1935 league championship.
Clark played 75 games and amassed 2,772 rushing yards, 1,507 passing yards and 341 receiving yards. He scored 42 total touchdowns and kicked 72 extra points and 15 field goals for 369 career points. In two seasons as player-coach of the Lions, Clark had back-to-back 7–4 records in 1937 and ‘38. He was one of 11 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural induction class.
Jack Christiansen
- Position: Safety
- College: Colorado A&M
- Seasons Played: 1951–58
- Seasons With the Lions: 1951–58
- Year Inducted: 1970
- Stats: 46 interceptions, 3 TDs
- Awards: NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, Pride of the Lions
- All-Pro: 1952–57
- Pro Bowl: 1953–57
Jack Christiansen was a steady hand in the secondary for the Lions after being taken as a sixth-round draft pick in 1951. He worked his way into the starting lineup as a rookie, and he became one of several Hall of Famers in Detroit's defense to hold down opponents in the 1950s. He led the league in interceptions twice, and he held the NFL record with eight punt returns for touchdowns when he retired in 1958. He remains tied for fourth all-time.
As a rookie, Christiansen established a still-standing NFL record by returning four punts for touchdowns, and three other players have since accomplished the same feat. Christiansen needed just two games to establish the record, scoring twice against both the Rams and the Packers. After helping the Lions win the NFL championship in 1952, Christiansen had a breakout season the following year. He matched the franchise record with 12 interceptions and added three fumble recoveries on the way to another championship.
Christiansen remained a standout and broke out again in 1957, when he led the league with 10 interceptions and picked up his third championship with the Lions. He briefly held the franchise's career record for interceptions with 46, and he is now fourth all-time. Following his retirement in 1958, he coached in the NFL for 25 years.
Dick "Night Train" Lane
- Position: Cornerback
- College: Scottsbluff J.C.
- Seasons Played: 1952–65
- Seasons With the Lions: 1960–65
- Year Inducted: 1974
- Stats: 68 interceptions, 6 TDs
- Legacy Honors: NFL 100 Team, NFL 75th Anniversary Team, NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, Pride of the Lions
- All-Pro: 1955, '56, '58, 1961–63
- Pro Bowl: 1954–56, '58, 1960–62
After establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL, Dick "Night Train" Lane came to the Lions to close his career. Lane was traded to the Lions in the 1960 preseason, and he quickly established the fans' trust by racking up four interceptions through six games, making him a favorite for six seasons. A major knee injury took its toll over the last two years of his career—but even today, he is still regarded as one of the best defensive backs ever to play professionally.
In his first season with the Lions, Lane intercepted Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas and returned it for an 80-yard touchdown. Two games later, he picked off two passes against the 49ers. In the opening games of the 1961 and '63 seasons, Lane had two interceptions to set each of those campaigns into positive motion. After 20 interceptions in four seasons, Lane's career was derailed starting in 1964. He'd play just seven games each of the next two seasons after a knee injury.
Known as one of the most ferocious tacklers of all time, Lane was the only Lions' player represented on the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team, which was revealed in 1994. In 66 games with the Lions, he intercepted 21 passes and returned them 272 yards. He also recovered four fumbles. Following his retirement, he remained with the team through 1972 as a special assistant to Lions owner William Clay Ford.
Doak Walker
- Position: Running back, kicker
- College: SMU
- Seasons Played: 1950–55
- Seasons With the Lions: 1950–55
- Year Inducted: 1986
- Stats: 1,520 rushing yards, 2,539 receiving yards, 534 points
- Awards: Rookie of the Year (1950)
- Legacy Honors: Pride of the Lions, Lions No. 37 Retired
- All-Pro: 1950–51, 1953–54
- Pro Bowl: 1950–51, 1953–55
Doak Walker did a little bit of everything for the Lions. As an All-American and Heisman Trophy winner as a running back at SMU, Walker came into the NFL with high expectations. And while his statistics weren't necessarily eye-popping, his versatility made him a valuable commodity to a team that would win a pair of NFL championships during his tenure.
As a rookie, Walker had 920 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns, while adding eight field goals and 38 extra points. By involving himself in so many aspects of the game, he helped the Lions finish in the top five in total offense every season he played and in scoring offense in all but the 1955 season. He led the league with 43 extra points in both 1951 and '54, and he booted a career-high 12 field goals in 1953.
He retired after just six seasons to pursue other business interests, and he was immediately honored by the team. His jersey number became the second ever to be unofficially retired by the Lions, but he didn't make it to the Hall of Fame for three more decades.
Dick Stanfel
- Position: Offensive guard
- College: San Francisco
- Seasons Played: 1952–58
- Seasons With the Lions: 1952–55
- Year Inducted: 2016
- Awards: NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, Pride of the Lions
- All-Pro: 1953–54, 1956–58
- Pro Bowl: 1953, 1955–58
Dick Stanfel played the first four years of a seven-year career with the Lions, helping pave the way for a prolific offense that won a pair of NFL championships. The offensive guard was selected with the 19th pick of the 1951 NFL Draft, but he was unable to play that season due to a knee injury he sustained in a college All-Star game. Once he recovered, however, Stanfel became one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
He helped the 1952 Lions to the NFL championship by blocking for the NFL's No. 2 offense. The following season, he was named the team's MVP as the Lions held the No. 3 rushing attack on the way to a second straight title. He missed several games in 1954 due to a back injury but still contributed to the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense. The next year, he sustained a spinal injury as the Lions fell to their first losing season since 1949, and he was traded to the Washington Football Team. He made three straight Pro Bowl appearances in Washington and later spent 31 seasons as an assistant coach.
Hall of Famers Who Made a Stop With the Lions
While the bulk of the Hall of Famers who represent the Lions played most of their career with the team, several other legends only made quick stops in Detroit. The six players who spent three or fewer seasons with the Lions are featured below.
Bill Dudley
- Position: Running back
- College: Virginia
- Seasons Played: 1942, 1945–51, '53
- Seasons With the Lions: 1947–49
- Year Inducted: 1966
- Stats: 36 offensive TDs, 23 interceptions
- Awards: NFL MVP (1946)
- Legacy Honors: NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
- All-Pro: 1942, '46
- Pro Bowl: 1950–51
Bill Dudley came to the Lions via a trade with the Steelers, and he became the highest-paid player in Detroit history. His only full season in Detroit came in 1949, but during his tenure he had 801 rushing yards, 775 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. Additionally, he played special teams as a punter, kicker and return man. On defense, he had seven fumble recoveries, six interceptions and a touchdown. He spent three seasons with the Steelers before coming to the Lions, and he finished his career with three seasons for the Washington Football Team.
John Henry Johnson
- Position: Running back
- College: Arizona State, St. Mary's (Calif.)
- Seasons Played: 1954–66
- Seasons With the Lions: 1957–59
- Year Inducted: 1987
- Stats: 6,803 rushing yards, 48 rushing TDs
- All-Pro: 1962
- Pro Bowl: 1954, 1962–64
The Lions traded for John Henry Johnson prior to the 1957 season, and he made himself a player to remember by helping Detroit win an NFL championship. Injuries would ail him in 1958, and he faced team discipline in 1959 after missing a team plane. In three seasons with the Lions, he rushed for 1,145 yards and seven touchdowns. He was traded to the Steelers after the 1959 season.
Curley Culp
- Position: Defensive tackle
- College: Arizona State
- Seasons Played: 1968–81
- Seasons With the Lions: 1980–81
- Year Inducted: 2013
- Stats: 13 fumble recoveries
- Awards: NEA NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1975)
- All-Pro: 1975, 1978–79
- Pro Bowl: 1969, '71, 1975–78
The Lions signed Curley Culp in 1980 after he was waived by the Houston Oilers and the Washington Football Team during the season to bolster a defensive line that was hoping to lead Detroit into the playoffs. The Lions fell one win shy of the division title, and Culp would retire after a handful of games in 1981. He played just five total games with the Lions after building a reputation as one of the NFL’s strongest defensive lineman with the Chiefs and the Oilers.
Frank Gatski
- Position: Center
- College: Marshall, Auburn
- Seasons Played: 1946–57
- Seasons With the Lions: 1957
- Year Inducted: 1985
- All-Pro: 1952–55
- Pro Bowl: 1956
Frank Gatski knew how to win championships. He joined the Lions in 1957 after picking up seven titles with the Browns from 1946 to ‘56. He won another in 1957—by beating the Browns. Gatski was a true ironman, having played every game of his career and never missing a practice.
Ollie Matson
- Position: Running back
- College: San Francisco
- Seasons Played: 1952, 1954–66
- Seasons With the Lions: 1963
- Year Inducted: 1972
- Stats: 5,173 rushing yards, 40 rushing TDs, 23 receiving TDs
- Legacy Honors: NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- All-Pro: 1952, 1954–57
- Pro Bowl: 1952, 1954–58
Ollie Matson played one season with the Lions, but he didn't leave a lasting mark on franchise history. In eight games, he gained just 40 offensive yards and had 61 yards returning kicks, leaving 1963 as the only year in his career in which he didn't score a touchdown. Matson also played for the Cardinals, Rams and Eagles.
Hugh McElhenny
- Position: Running back
- College: Washington
- Seasons Played: 1952–64
- Seasons With the Lions: 1964
- Year Inducted: 1970
- Stats: 5,281 rushing yards, 38 rushing TDs, 20 receiving TDs
- Legacy Honors: NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- All-Pro: 1952–54, 1956–57
- Pro Bowl: 1952–53, 1956–58, '61
Hugh McElhenny closed a Hall of Fame career with one season for the Lions. He was most known for his exploits with the 49ers; while in Detroit he only appeared in eight games. During those few games, he gained 64 offensive yards and had 72 return yards.
August 22, 2020 at 05:30AM
Detroit Lions Hall of Fame Players: A Complete History
McGowan cracks down on travel by federal politicians ahead of Parliament's return
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Victoria records 182 new coronavirus cases, 13 more deaths
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Faith column: See you next week, Mum
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Australia's best beer: Wee dream turns big for Burswood brewer
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Taxpayer to foot McGowan's defamation bill, Harvey lashes Premier's 'unnecessary, intemperate language'
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Victoria records 182 new coronavirus cases, 13 more deaths
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
What Queensland's new restrictions on gatherings mean for you
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Faith column: See you next week, Mum
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
The Block back after filming shutdown
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Australia's best beer: Wee dream turns big for Burswood brewer
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Taxpayer to foot McGowan's defamation bill, Harvey lashes Premier's 'unnecessary, intemperate language'
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Snow, sleet: Victoria battens down for wintry weekend
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
US Triggers Return of Iran Sanctions at UN
NEW YORK - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo formally notified the United Nations on Thursday that the United States is initiating a "snapback" of all international sanctions on Iran dating back to 20
from Latest Breaking News RSS feed – Big News Network
via READ MORE
US election 2020 LIVE updates: Joe Biden, Andrew Yang to speak as DNC continues on day four
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
The real state of China's economy remains a mystery
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
The latest illustrations from artist Cathy Wilcox
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
AFL grand final venue to be announced next week
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
The latest illustrations from artist Simon Letch
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Best of cartoons, August 21, 2020
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
How Apple grew into the most valuable company on earth
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
How Apple grew into the most valuable company on earth
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/2FKdfn9
Read More
Global travel restrictions hit TPG Telecom earnings
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/3l1u9xz
Read More
A2 Milk grows up, launches $251m offer to buy Kiwi dairy manufacturer
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/31dKKq4
Read More
New on Sports Illustrated: D.C. United-FCC Preview
After modestly overachieving at the MLS Is Back tournament, FC Cincinnati looks to sustain that momentum Friday night when it hosts D.C. United.
Despite being only a second-year MLS franchise, FC Cincinnati (2-3-0) is already on its fourth coach – though Yoann Damet has already served as interim boss on two occasions. The Orange and Blue, though, appear to have found some stability under first-year coach Jaap Stam.
The former Dutch international and Manchester United centre back coaxed his team into the knockout round of the Florida tournament, avenging early season losses to both the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United before pushing eventual MLS Is Back champion Portland to penalties in the round of 16.
After winning just six games all of 2019, Stam is confident his team is in a good place heading into a stretch of six matches over the next 23 days. One possibility is utilizing a 4-3-3, something that put the Timbers back on their heels as former PSV Eindhoven teammates Jurgen Locadia and Siem de Jong rekindled their connection.
"I played with him in Holland also, and I know what kind of player he is, and he knows what kind of player I am," Locadia told the club's official website. "The connection's there, and there's a connection with all my teammates."
Locadia and Yuya Kubo have accounted for four of FC Cincinnati's seven goals. To mark its long-delayed home opener, FC Cincinnati will be sporting its BOLD kits for the first time.
D.C. United (1-2-2) has had a longer layoff between matches after failing to reach the knockout round of MLS Is Back. The Black-and-Red put themselves in position to advance after draws versus Toronto FC and New England, but a 1-0 loss to Montreal left them at the bottom of Group C.
The lack of offense has been problematic for D.C., which has totaled just six goals in its five matches. Federico Higuain scored two of the team's three goals in Florida, making an instant impact off the bench.
That may be needed again given the unique and challenging set-up for road teams in Phase One of the league's revamped schedule. United will be chartering an early flight to Cincinnati, eat multiple meals at the team hotel, play the match and then fly home Friday night after a post-match meal at Nippert Stadium.
"We're a work in progress. We'll continue to be a work in progress, in particular over the next six games," United coach Ben Olsen told The Washington Post. "… A lot of this stuff is still up in the air, and these next six games, we hope to pick up points while we are still figuring out who we are."
D.C. United took four of a possible six points in last year's two matchups, winning 4-1 in Cincinnati as the since-departed Lucas Rodriguez had a brace on either side of halftime before goals by Wayne Rooney – also no longer with the team – and Paul Arriola, who is sidelined with a torn ACL.
August 21, 2020 at 04:56AM
D.C. United-FCC Preview
Former City of Perth councillor's brother charged with fraud
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Global travel restrictions hit TPG Telecom earnings
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Former City of Perth councillor's brother charged with fraud
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Airbnb bans house parties worldwide, citing virus mandates
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
A2 Milk grows up, launches $251m offer to buy Kiwi dairy manufacturer
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
'We just keep forging forward': Robinson reflects on 200 games at Roosters
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Suncorp slashes its dividend as cash profits fall in the pandemic
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
'Best sailing harbour in the world': Aussies fight to save event
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Serial fraudster Peter Foster arrested over betting scam
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Four youths charged over six-hour Melbourne crime spree
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Trump's curious attack on Goodyear makes America worse
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
BBC NEWS - Democratic convention: Obama to blast Trump's 'reality show'
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-53844037
BBC NEWS : Coronavirus: 'My dad built me a beauty salon in the garden'
August 20, 2020 at 04:46AM
from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-53580173
Origin's profit dives 93% as virus hammers energy sector
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/2FxwpfI
Read More
Trump's curious attack on Goodyear makes America worse
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/3gebJ96
Read More
Coca-Cola Amatil slumps to a loss, hit by COVID-19 lockdowns
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/31dH2Nc
Read More
Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/34cpS4B
Read More
Medibank profit slides as claims expenses increase; Wilkins named as new chair
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/3aDa8sy
Read More
‘Tesla’ Review: Lightning Strikes, but Quietly
By BY A.O. SCOTT from NYT Movies https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/19/movies/tesla-review-lightning-strikes-but-quietly.html?partner=IFTTT
Ethan Hawke plays the melancholy visionary Nikola Tesla in Michael Almereyda’s meditative anti-biopic.
Young Adelaide women 'breached hotel quarantine' to party with Perth rapper
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Horsewoman and farmer was a leading force in the community
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Brisbane youth detention centre worker tests positive to COVID-19
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Young Adelaide women 'breached hotel quarantine' to party with Perth rapper
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Horsewoman and farmer was a leading force in the community
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Smart locks pose different challenges, but not more
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Brisbane youth detention centre worker tests positive to COVID-19
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Coca-Cola Amatil slumps to a loss, hit by COVID-19 lockdowns
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Medibank profit slides as claims expenses increase; Wilkins named as new chair
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Wesfarmers takes $500m Target hit as profits slide
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Victoria records 240 new COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Michelle Obama had an urgent message. Her necklace spelled it out
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Crown Resorts profit slumps 80% on COVID-19 closures
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
AMP to release sexual harassment report, stands by execs
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
BBC NEWS - Mali's president resigns and dissolves parliament
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-53830348
BBC NEWS : Pizza Express to close 73 outlets hitting 1,100 jobs
August 19, 2020 at 05:08AM
from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53830064
BBC NEWS : 'I'm very anxious about getting back to work'
August 19, 2020 at 05:18AM
from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53826719
AMP to release sexual harassment report, stands by execs
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/2CDi4gH
Read More
Wisetech sees long-term tailwinds from COVID despite short-term clouds
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/348PFup
Read More
Tabcorp in $600m equity raising after COVID-19 inflicts heavy loss
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/3ggDNsQ
Read More
Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/3haR2wk
Read More
Carsales.com profit hit by pandemic but maintains dividend
from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/326C3gu
Read More
New on Sports Illustrated: Report: NBA Progressing on Virtual Draft Combine Plans
The 2020 NBA Draft Combine was initially scheduled to occur between May 21-24 in Chicago.
The NBA is moving towards plans for a virtual draft combine that will be held at various regional sties throughout September, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
According to ESPN, prospects would potentially attend workout sites at regional team facilities and workout sessions would be shared virtually with teams. Per ESPN, the combine sites would hold coronavirus testing for participants. Teams can also request to do virtual interviews from the combine sites.
The NBA Draft Combine was initially scheduled to occur between May 21-24 in Chicago.
The 2020 NBA Draft was initially currently scheduled for June 25 in Brooklyn, but it will now be held on October 16 at ESPN's facilities via videoconferencing.
The NBA is conducting its draft lottery to determine the order of the first 14 picks on Thursday night from Secaucus, N.J.
August 19, 2020 at 04:54AM
Report: NBA Progressing on Virtual Draft Combine Plans
New on Sports Illustrated: Celtics aim to keep Embiid, 76ers on heels in Game 2
The Boston Celtics will attempt once again to wear down Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid when the Eastern Conference clubs continue their best-of-seven, first-round playoff series with Game 2 on Wednesday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando.
The third-seeded Celtics prevailed 109-101 in the series opener, getting 32 points from Jayson Tatum and 29 from frontcourt partner Jaylen Brown.
Equally important, the Celtics rotated fresh bodies on Embiid, who scored 11 points in the game's first 7:08, helping the 76ers take a 17-16 lead, but then just 15 more the rest of the way.
Embiid did not make a field goal over the final 11:36, with his last hoop -- a 22-footer on the first possession of the fourth quarter -- giving Philadelphia an 81-75 lead.
The Celtics outscored the 76ers 34-20 the rest of the way.
Despite having been his team's leading scorer and rebounder with 26 and 16, respectively, Embiid knew exactly where to place the blame for the Game 1 defeat.
"I've got to do more," he declared after the game. "I got one job to do: to carry us. I'm going to need my teammates to help, but I need to do more. I've got to take more shots, I've got to be more aggressive, I've got to help my teammates."
Embiid didn't do a good job of helping his teammates Monday, assisting one hoop while committing a game-high five turnovers.
The teams shot relatively evenly, and the 76ers enjoyed a 50-43 advantage on the boards. But the big difference in Game 1 was the fact the Celtics committed just seven turnovers, compared to the 76ers' 18.
The news coming out of the game wasn't all good for the Celtics. Their leader in steals with four, Gordon Hayward suffered a Grade III right-ankle sprain in the fourth quarter. He almost surely is out for the rest of the series and could miss the next round as well if the Celtics get that far.
Hayward played 34 minutes in the opener, contributing 12 points, four rebounds and three assists to the win along with the four steals.
Marcus Smart is the logical replacement, but that further weakens the Boston bench, which was single-handedly outscored by the 76ers' Alec Burks, 18-8, in Game 1.
Even before the news of the severity of Hayward's injury, Tatum knew the road to eliminating the rival 76ers would be a bumpy one.
"They're not going to go away," he assured the media Monday. "They're a tough team. It's the playoffs. You've got to come together as a team. You've got to play hard. You ain't going to be perfect. That's what we did. We came together and stuck it out."
That was especially the case among forward tandems, where Tatum and Brown combined to dominate the 76ers' Tobias Harris and Al Horford in scoring (61-21) and 3-point shooting (7-for-13 to 0-for-4). The Celtics duo also enjoyed a 19-15 edge on the boards.
The win was just the Celtics' second in five meetings with the 76ers this season.
--Field Level Media
August 19, 2020 at 04:30AM
Celtics aim to keep Embiid, 76ers on heels in Game 2
Victoria records 216 new COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths
from Sydney Morning Herald - National
Read More
Israel and Sudan Close to Peace Deal, Officials Say
Israel and Sudan said Tuesday they are close to reaching a peace agreement, just days after Israel concluded a historic agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
A Sudanese Foreign Ministry of
from Latest Breaking News RSS feed – Big News Network
via READ MORE
Wisetech sees long-term tailwinds from COVID despite short-term clouds
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Why one of the first phone calls to Doueihi came from a Roosters coach
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Tabcorp in $600m equity raising after COVID-19 inflicts heavy loss
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Carsales.com profit hit by pandemic but maintains dividend
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Victoria records 216 new COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
CSL books $US2b profit despite 'sobering' COVID conditions
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
Coronavirus costs weigh on Domino's Pizza as local profits drop
from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More
New on Sports Illustrated: Whitecaps FC-Toronto FC Preview
With the NHL currently enjoying success pertaining to COVID-19 in its respective Canadian bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton, Toronto FC looks to continue that on behalf of the MLS on Tuesday night when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Like the NHL bubbles, this contest – as well as Sunday's rematch between at BMO Field – will be played in an empty stadium. They are part of the league's Phase One revised regular season schedule among the three Canadian teams in the league in which they will play six games apiece.
Toronto FC (2-0-3) had a solid showing at the MLS Is Back tournament in Orlando, posting a win and two draws in group play before losing to New York City FC 3-1 in the round of 16 on July 27. Much of the Reds' success was attributed to Ayo Akinola, who accounted for five of the team's seven goals in those four matches.
Alejandro Pozuelo set up four of those goals, and the challenge for Greg Vanney's team is to get back into a flow with two games in four days.
"It's the most normal stretch that we've had in a long time, when you think about the last week or 10 days," talisman Michael Bradley said, "and you look ahead to what the next four or five weeks are going to look like in terms of training every day at our facility, playing home games at BMO and normal away road trips. That's exciting. When you think about what the last five or six months have been, any semblance of normal in terms of routine, what we're all doing, it's exciting.
"We've talked a lot as a group that we have to get on with things."
The three weeks between matches has allowed some players – notably striker Akinola, Jozy Altidore and Jonathan Osorio – to get healthy for TFC. Akinola, who was forced to sit out the round of 16 loss to NYCFC with a hamstring injury, is questionable for this match and may result in coach Greg Vanney being unable to partner him with Altidore in the first XI.
Since only the group matches counted towards Toronto's regular-season record, the Reds carry a 15-match unbeaten streak in regular-season play (6-0-9) dating back to 2019.
Vancouver (2-0-3) also found its way to the knockout round of MLS Is Back, but reaching the round of 16 before exiting on penalties against Sporting KC was a surprising positive given the absences of starters Lucas Cavallani, Fredy Montero, and Tosaint Ricketts as all three opted out of playing in Orlando.
Whitecaps coach Marc Dos Santos will have to keep one required change as keeper Thomas Hasal continues to deputize between the sticks for injured No. 1 Maxime Crepeau – sidelined with a broken thumb. Hasal did not allow a goal in either of his two starts during MLS Is Back and had eight saves versus Sporting while getting them to penalties.
"This first game against Toronto is really important. The more points we bring home, it gives us belief, an advantage," Dos Santos told Vancouver's official website. "We're playing for points in the Canadian Championships, but we're also playing for points that will affect our MLS standing. The club wants to be in the Champions League, and hopefully we can put ourselves in that position."
This will be the first match for Ricketts against his former team, having played with Toronto FC from 2016-18 before joining Vancouver in August 2019. He has two goals and two assists in 10 matches with the Whitecaps in all competitions.
The teams played to a 1-1 draw in British Columbia in their lone matchup last year as Nick DeLeon's goal on 90 minutes canceled out a penalty from Montero six minutes prior. The teams have split 10 all-time meetings, claiming four wins apiece with two draws.
August 18, 2020 at 04:47AM
Whitecaps FC-Toronto FC Preview
Highlights Today !
Salma Hayek portrait
Salma Hayek Hi all, This Salma Hayek portrait is made on an A4 size brustro paper with the help of charcoal and graphite pencils. You can ...
Most viewed post
-
[allAfrica] The world lost one of its most optimistic souls this month, 64-year-old David Applefield. David was a wanderer in the modern Jew...
-
Victoria holds the key to the completion of the AFL season, after three matches had to be postponed and relocated because of Queensland’s sn...