ANAHEIM, CA (January 8, 2008) Riley Salmon of League City, Texas, scored nine points on seven kills and two blocks to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team over Puerto Rico in straight sets (25-21, 25-23, 25-22) on Tuesday to win its pool and advance to the semifinals of the NORCECA Men’s Continental Olympic Qualification Championship at Hector Sola Bezares Coliseum in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
Team USA (3-0) will get to rest on Wednesday while Puerto Rico (2-1) will play Mexico (1-2) and Cuba (2-1) will play Dominican Republic (1-2) in the quarterfinals.
On Thursday, the U.S. Men and Canada will play the winners of each of the quarterfinals in the semifinals.
The tournament winner will qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The United States came close to qualifying for Beijing at the 2007 FIVB World Cup. However, Puerto Rico upset Team USA and the United States went on to finish fourth.
On Tuesday, Puerto Rico put up another fight, taking the lead in all three sets. But the U.S. Men were determined to win and found a way to come back every time they needed to. Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawai’i) led the U.S. scorers with 14 points on 10 kills and a match-high four blocks. Ryan Millar (Palmdale, Calif.) added 12 points 11 kills and one block.
Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) added eight points on seven kills and one ace and David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) tallied eight points on six kills and two blocks.
Setter Lloy Ball (Woodburn, Ind.) totaled one point on an ace and set the U.S. Men to a kill percentage of 56. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tustin, Calif.) was credited with four digs and 12 receptions with an “excellent” percentage of 67.
Hector Soto led Puerto Rico with 14 points on 11 kills, two blocks and one ace. Jose Rivera and Luis Rodriguez each scored nine points.
The U.S. Men out-blocked Puerto Rico 9-5 and Puerto Rico struggled with eight attack errors as opposed to four for the United States.
“Now it is time to think about the next phase,” said U.S. Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon (Christchurch, New Zealand). “We played well in some significant moments and we are happy with the win.”
Puerto Rico took an 8-7 lead into the first technical timeout of the first set. The two teams battled back and forth and Puerto Rico entered the second technical timeout with a 16-14 advantage. Kills from Salmon and Victor Rivera made the score 17-15. But Team USA went on a 5-0 run, including an attack and a block from Stanley, for a 20-17 lead and Puerto Rico could not recover.
Team USA held the 8-7 lead at the first TTO of the second set thanks in part to two kills and a block from Stanley along with kills from Millar and Salmon. Again the two teams battled back and forth and it was Puerto Rico who took the 16-15 lead into the second TTO on a kill by Soto, his sixth point of the set.
Later, with the scored tied at 19-19, Team USA scored two straight points on two straight Puerto Rico errors for a 21-19 lead. A kill by Rodriguez cut the U.S. lead to one, but Team USA managed to hold the one-point lead, thanks in part to three kills by Millar, to take the 25-23 set win.
Things looked better for Puerto Rico in the third set as it held an 8-7 lead at the first technical timeout and by the second had increased it to two points at 16-14. A kill by Jose Rivera made it 17-14 before a kill by Lee and a block from Stanley made it 17-16.
Later, with the scored tied at 22-22, Team USA scored on a Priddy kill. Puerto Rico Head Coach Carlos Cardona called timeout, but Puerto Rico came back with an attack error to reach the U.S. match point. Lee blocked Soto for the final U.S. point and the match victory.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Congressional Hearing with Clemens, Pettite Postponed
By Chris Price
WASHINGTON, DC (January 9, 2008) According to published reports, the congressional hearing involving Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and former trainer Brian McNamee has been postponed.
A lawyer involved in the hearing says the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is informing witnesses that the Jan. 16 session will be pushed back.But plans are still in place for a Jan. 15 hearing before the same committee about the Mitchell Report on baseball’s Steroids Era. Scheduled witnesses that day include commissioner Bud Selig, union leader Donald Fehr and former Senate majority leader George Mitchell, the report’s author.Plenty has happened since that committee arranged the second hearing.
Clemens filed a defamation lawsuit Sunday against McNamee, who told Mitchell he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone in 1998, 2000 and 2001. A TV interview with Clemens aired, and the pitcher also held a news conference and played a recording of a 17-minute telephone conversation he had with McNamee.
WASHINGTON, DC (January 9, 2008) According to published reports, the congressional hearing involving Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and former trainer Brian McNamee has been postponed.
A lawyer involved in the hearing says the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is informing witnesses that the Jan. 16 session will be pushed back.But plans are still in place for a Jan. 15 hearing before the same committee about the Mitchell Report on baseball’s Steroids Era. Scheduled witnesses that day include commissioner Bud Selig, union leader Donald Fehr and former Senate majority leader George Mitchell, the report’s author.Plenty has happened since that committee arranged the second hearing.
Clemens filed a defamation lawsuit Sunday against McNamee, who told Mitchell he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone in 1998, 2000 and 2001. A TV interview with Clemens aired, and the pitcher also held a news conference and played a recording of a 17-minute telephone conversation he had with McNamee.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Transcript of Clemens-McNamee Phone Conversation
By Chris Price
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 8, 2008) Below is selected portions of the phone conversation between former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens and hios former trainer Brian McNamee. It is interesting reading and raises some questions about who knew what and what was said.
Clemens: I got your e-mail about Brian. (McNamee's son)
McNamee: He's not doing good.
Clemens: I don't like hearing that.
McNamee: No, it's real, man. This is real. Everything else is a joke.
• • •
McNamee: It is what it is, and it's not good. And I want it to go away. And I'm with you. I'm in your corner. I don't want this to happen. But I'd also like not to go to jail, too. But it has nothing to do with you. But I would like to sit down with you in person and talk with you.
Clemens: I get home from vacation here and I found out now - I'm just hearing a ton of other things. Just the stuff that I'm reading or hearing. So much of it is untrue that it's just tearing everybody apart.
• • •
McNamee: I reached out to you because - I mean, I tried to help as much as I could, as late as I could. And it was too late, I guess, to help. But what it comes down to is the way it affects our kids. They got nothing to do with this. They've got nothing to do with any of this.
• • •
McNamee: I'm on a cell phone. And I understand that I don't expect - I can't open up to you the way I want to, and I know you can't. And you know how I feel about you.
Clemens: I don't know who's on our lines or whatever.
McNamee: I got nobody on my line. I don't know.
Clemens: I just want the truth out there, and if I got to go - whatever I'm doing - I just want the truth out there. And like I said, I just can't believe what's being said. We're getting it from all angles. And, you know, I haven't talked to anybody other than my representatives - and Randy (Hendricks). Everybody is just - everybody is just so upset.
• • •
McNamee: The pain this is causing you and me and everybody is nonsense. You know, Brian, your kids, my kids, they have nothing to do with this. The truth is the truth. It is what it is.
Clemens: That's why I answered your e-mail when I heard - again, like I said, I just don't know why - I just don't know why you did it? I mean, I just can't - like I said, you know, everybody asks me about you and I tell them I treat you like I treat anybody else in the world. I think you know that. I treated you just like anybody else.
McNamee: No, you treated me better. You treated me like family. From day one I was family to you, and you treated me like that. You know, I'm glad to hear your voice. I just - you know, I don't believe that, you know, it is, whatever. I just - the bottom line is I'm glad to hear your voice. I'm sorry that your family is going through this. And I'll do whatever I can do to help.
Clemens: You just need to come out and tell the truth.
McNamee: I don't have any money. I have nothing. I'm not doing a book deal. I got offered seven figures to go on TV. I didn't do it. I didn't take it. I didn't do anything. All I did was what I thought was right - and I never thought it was right, but I thought that I had no other choice, put it that way. And I think when I spoke with your guys, that I laid it out there. And I was sick. I was in the hospital.
• • •
Clemens: I'm just, like I said, I'm numb, my family is numb.
McNamee: I know that. I know that.
Clemens: I mean all the calls we get from the people that we worked with. They're just going crazy. So. They just can't believe what's being said.
McNamee: Like I said, I'll fly out tomorrow to talk to you face to face, whatever you want me to do. What do you want me to do? Tell me what you want me to do.
Clemens: I don't know. I'm just saying -
McNamee: (unintelligible). You treated me better than anybody. You treated me - I learned from you how to raise my kids. I learned from you how to raise my kids.
• • •
Clemens: I didn't do it, this, you know, all this stuff. And I just, like I said, I'm numb to everything. And we get, you know, Deb is, you know, she's a mess. And I mean, like you said, when it affects Brian, you know, I got Koby in the game, and he's getting, he's getting crushed.
• • •
McNamee: Roger, what do you want me to do? What do you want me to do? What do you want me to do?
Clemens: Mac, I'm doing a press conference and - on Monday and -
McNamee: You want me to go? You want me to show up?
Clemens: I'm going to just tell the truth, flat out tell the truth. But it never seems to get behind me. I mean, I had to deal with the (expletive deleted) from the LA Times and alls I got was an apology when they found out that wasn't true. I had to deal with that. And, like I said, I asked you about -
McNamee: That was the greatest thing in the world.
Clemens: The other thing is, I don't know how many months ago it was, I asked you, you know, I didn't know who this cat was in the New York Mets - this guy.
McNamee: I told your guys, man. I told (Jim) Murray, I told him his name. I told Murray.
Clemens: I asked you point blank, I said, do you know who this cat is when we were working. I said there's some rumblings about some guys with the Mets. Do you know who this guy is? You told me no.
McNamee: You know what, I would have told you yes. If you told me, if I remember that, if you told me that, I would have told you yes.
Clemens: I asked you point blank. Randy and them all called me to ask. Said who -
McNamee: I told Jim Murray, I told Jim Murray. I told him. I told him. I sat down with him in Starbucks on the corner where you used to live and I told him the guy's name. And I told him please don't tell Roger yet, but to be careful, but no. If you had asked me, I would have told you that. If you remember, if you remember, I was trying to get with you to talk with you. I was reaching out to you.
Clemens: Brother -
McNamee: I didn't want Kenny around -
Clemens: You were a foot in front of me doing ab work.
McNamee: All right, then, you know what, then I messed up. I should have done. But you know what, if I had remembered that, then I would have told you. I would have told. Like I told - I told Jim Murray his name. I told him to be careful.
Clemens: Again, Jimmy has never told me.
McNamee: He sat down writing on the stupid yellow pad. He took notes. And he said he spoke to Randy. And he said he's covered. And I said, all right, well, don't tell Roger because I don't want to mess up -
Clemens: Nobody said a word to me, just like everything else.
McNamee: Well, I'm telling you the truth. I met with Jimmy in '04, and I told him. I said Jimmy, I just wanted to give you guys a heads up because you better have some information. I'd rather you be prepared than unprepared. And he took all these notes and (unintelligible) -
Clemens: I need somebody to come tell the truth. And I got this press conference on Monday that I've got to deal with next. And, like I said, everybody's got ulcers here, and it's, it's a, it's a, it's, it's, it's ridiculous. So, and I like I tell everybody, when I trained - I enjoyed training with you and I treat you like - I treat you like you were - like I would treat anybody else.
McNamee: I can't say it over and over again. You treated me better than everybody else and I couldn't have - like I said, you treated me like family. You brought me into your house. I ate with your family. I helped you with school projects. I can't deny that. And I've used how you were as a dad to your kids, I tried to be like you. I told people that. You know, that's one thing, this is another.
• • •
McNamee: I've got a car that doesn't work. I got (expletive deleted) attorneys saying (expletive deleted) they shouldn't be saying and trying to make a name from themselves where I lose control.
• • •
McNamee: Everything I have to this day I have because of you.
Clemens: I'm just, like I said, Mac, I'm just - I can't, you know, for the life of me, I'm trying to find out why you would tell guys that I used steroids from -
McNamee: I understand that. I understand that. And like I told the guys that tape-recorded me -
Clemens: Who's the guys that tape-recorded you?
McNamee: (unintelligible)
Clemens: You're talking about the two investigators that came down and talked to you.
McNamee: Right. If I was lawyered up. If I had any idea what the (expletive deleted) was going on, why would I do that?
Clemens: I just don't know why, and I like I said, I got the press conference Monday and I need to, you know, somebody's got to come tell the truth.
McNamee: Roger, Roger, tell me what the (expletive deleted) you want me to do. What do you want me to do. My son is dying. He's 10.
Clemens: I understand that. And Mac, listen to me, that's why I answered your e-mail immediately. For me, there's more important things to me, and those things are important to me. I just had my college coach's son pass away. I got to go to his funeral. It's on Monday, the same time I'm supposed to have this press conference. And, so, I just need - Like I said, I'm telling the truth and I want it out there and -
McNamee: Tell me what you want me to do. I told you in the (unintelligible). What do you want me to do? I'll go to jail, I'll do whatever you want.
Clemens: I need somebody to tell the truth, Mac.
McNamee: What do you want me to do right now?
Clemens: It's ridiculous.
McNamee: What do you want me to do right now, Roger?
Clemens: It's just being ridiculous.
McNamee: Who? Me?
Clemens: No, I said everything.
McNamee: Right.
• • •
McNamee: Tell me what you want me to do. I'm firing my lawyers. I'm getting rid of everybody. I have nothing. What do you want me to do? My wife is gone. My kids are gone. What do you want me to do?
Clemens: I didn't do this Mac. Let me, let me just - I didn't do it and, and, and just, just - I need, I need some - you know, like I said, I'm trying to get a direction and, and, and trying to comfort everybody and like I said, you know, you know what I think about your wife and your boys. You know that. I don't think I've left that uncovered one bit. Like I said, I do anything for them. And, and that's just, that's what's just, just eating at my gut in this whole thing. And, so, I mean, let me, just give me a little time here tonight and, just give me a little time. I'm glad at least you told me that. And, you know, about your boys, because, I don't want - they can't - I know over the years the up and downs that the little man's had. And all of our boys. And it's killing them. Right now, Kacy's just like, they're all, they're all in just a state, and it's, it's just, it's, it's, you know, like I said. They're coming. I mean, it's, it's unbelievable so - I just need somebody to tell the truth. And, and let me, let me just - I got to visit with some people and - because, you know, like I said, I'm just, I'm just devastated by this. And, and, I mean that's just where I'm at it. I'm just, I'm just so, I mean, I'm hurt, I'm upset, I'm shocked by some of the other, the other things that have been said. And I just know that I didn't do it and we need to, you know, move on from there.
McNamee: Just tell me what you want me to do. Just tell me what you want to me do.
Clemens: Let me just get back with you bro. I just can't - I mean, I'm, I'm about ready - like I said, I'm - you know, I just wanted - again, I need to - you know, like I said, I'm with you on - with your boy and everything that's being said there and I hear you. That's why I got back with you so quick, because that, that bothers me. And so. Let me just -
McNamee: I knew you would.
Clemens: Let me just visit with some people, and, and, and, and, and we'll go from there.
McNamee: All right.
Clemens: All right.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 8, 2008) Below is selected portions of the phone conversation between former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens and hios former trainer Brian McNamee. It is interesting reading and raises some questions about who knew what and what was said.
Clemens: I got your e-mail about Brian. (McNamee's son)
McNamee: He's not doing good.
Clemens: I don't like hearing that.
McNamee: No, it's real, man. This is real. Everything else is a joke.
• • •
McNamee: It is what it is, and it's not good. And I want it to go away. And I'm with you. I'm in your corner. I don't want this to happen. But I'd also like not to go to jail, too. But it has nothing to do with you. But I would like to sit down with you in person and talk with you.
Clemens: I get home from vacation here and I found out now - I'm just hearing a ton of other things. Just the stuff that I'm reading or hearing. So much of it is untrue that it's just tearing everybody apart.
• • •
McNamee: I reached out to you because - I mean, I tried to help as much as I could, as late as I could. And it was too late, I guess, to help. But what it comes down to is the way it affects our kids. They got nothing to do with this. They've got nothing to do with any of this.
• • •
McNamee: I'm on a cell phone. And I understand that I don't expect - I can't open up to you the way I want to, and I know you can't. And you know how I feel about you.
Clemens: I don't know who's on our lines or whatever.
McNamee: I got nobody on my line. I don't know.
Clemens: I just want the truth out there, and if I got to go - whatever I'm doing - I just want the truth out there. And like I said, I just can't believe what's being said. We're getting it from all angles. And, you know, I haven't talked to anybody other than my representatives - and Randy (Hendricks). Everybody is just - everybody is just so upset.
• • •
McNamee: The pain this is causing you and me and everybody is nonsense. You know, Brian, your kids, my kids, they have nothing to do with this. The truth is the truth. It is what it is.
Clemens: That's why I answered your e-mail when I heard - again, like I said, I just don't know why - I just don't know why you did it? I mean, I just can't - like I said, you know, everybody asks me about you and I tell them I treat you like I treat anybody else in the world. I think you know that. I treated you just like anybody else.
McNamee: No, you treated me better. You treated me like family. From day one I was family to you, and you treated me like that. You know, I'm glad to hear your voice. I just - you know, I don't believe that, you know, it is, whatever. I just - the bottom line is I'm glad to hear your voice. I'm sorry that your family is going through this. And I'll do whatever I can do to help.
Clemens: You just need to come out and tell the truth.
McNamee: I don't have any money. I have nothing. I'm not doing a book deal. I got offered seven figures to go on TV. I didn't do it. I didn't take it. I didn't do anything. All I did was what I thought was right - and I never thought it was right, but I thought that I had no other choice, put it that way. And I think when I spoke with your guys, that I laid it out there. And I was sick. I was in the hospital.
• • •
Clemens: I'm just, like I said, I'm numb, my family is numb.
McNamee: I know that. I know that.
Clemens: I mean all the calls we get from the people that we worked with. They're just going crazy. So. They just can't believe what's being said.
McNamee: Like I said, I'll fly out tomorrow to talk to you face to face, whatever you want me to do. What do you want me to do? Tell me what you want me to do.
Clemens: I don't know. I'm just saying -
McNamee: (unintelligible). You treated me better than anybody. You treated me - I learned from you how to raise my kids. I learned from you how to raise my kids.
• • •
Clemens: I didn't do it, this, you know, all this stuff. And I just, like I said, I'm numb to everything. And we get, you know, Deb is, you know, she's a mess. And I mean, like you said, when it affects Brian, you know, I got Koby in the game, and he's getting, he's getting crushed.
• • •
McNamee: Roger, what do you want me to do? What do you want me to do? What do you want me to do?
Clemens: Mac, I'm doing a press conference and - on Monday and -
McNamee: You want me to go? You want me to show up?
Clemens: I'm going to just tell the truth, flat out tell the truth. But it never seems to get behind me. I mean, I had to deal with the (expletive deleted) from the LA Times and alls I got was an apology when they found out that wasn't true. I had to deal with that. And, like I said, I asked you about -
McNamee: That was the greatest thing in the world.
Clemens: The other thing is, I don't know how many months ago it was, I asked you, you know, I didn't know who this cat was in the New York Mets - this guy.
McNamee: I told your guys, man. I told (Jim) Murray, I told him his name. I told Murray.
Clemens: I asked you point blank, I said, do you know who this cat is when we were working. I said there's some rumblings about some guys with the Mets. Do you know who this guy is? You told me no.
McNamee: You know what, I would have told you yes. If you told me, if I remember that, if you told me that, I would have told you yes.
Clemens: I asked you point blank. Randy and them all called me to ask. Said who -
McNamee: I told Jim Murray, I told Jim Murray. I told him. I told him. I sat down with him in Starbucks on the corner where you used to live and I told him the guy's name. And I told him please don't tell Roger yet, but to be careful, but no. If you had asked me, I would have told you that. If you remember, if you remember, I was trying to get with you to talk with you. I was reaching out to you.
Clemens: Brother -
McNamee: I didn't want Kenny around -
Clemens: You were a foot in front of me doing ab work.
McNamee: All right, then, you know what, then I messed up. I should have done. But you know what, if I had remembered that, then I would have told you. I would have told. Like I told - I told Jim Murray his name. I told him to be careful.
Clemens: Again, Jimmy has never told me.
McNamee: He sat down writing on the stupid yellow pad. He took notes. And he said he spoke to Randy. And he said he's covered. And I said, all right, well, don't tell Roger because I don't want to mess up -
Clemens: Nobody said a word to me, just like everything else.
McNamee: Well, I'm telling you the truth. I met with Jimmy in '04, and I told him. I said Jimmy, I just wanted to give you guys a heads up because you better have some information. I'd rather you be prepared than unprepared. And he took all these notes and (unintelligible) -
Clemens: I need somebody to come tell the truth. And I got this press conference on Monday that I've got to deal with next. And, like I said, everybody's got ulcers here, and it's, it's a, it's a, it's, it's, it's ridiculous. So, and I like I tell everybody, when I trained - I enjoyed training with you and I treat you like - I treat you like you were - like I would treat anybody else.
McNamee: I can't say it over and over again. You treated me better than everybody else and I couldn't have - like I said, you treated me like family. You brought me into your house. I ate with your family. I helped you with school projects. I can't deny that. And I've used how you were as a dad to your kids, I tried to be like you. I told people that. You know, that's one thing, this is another.
• • •
McNamee: I've got a car that doesn't work. I got (expletive deleted) attorneys saying (expletive deleted) they shouldn't be saying and trying to make a name from themselves where I lose control.
• • •
McNamee: Everything I have to this day I have because of you.
Clemens: I'm just, like I said, Mac, I'm just - I can't, you know, for the life of me, I'm trying to find out why you would tell guys that I used steroids from -
McNamee: I understand that. I understand that. And like I told the guys that tape-recorded me -
Clemens: Who's the guys that tape-recorded you?
McNamee: (unintelligible)
Clemens: You're talking about the two investigators that came down and talked to you.
McNamee: Right. If I was lawyered up. If I had any idea what the (expletive deleted) was going on, why would I do that?
Clemens: I just don't know why, and I like I said, I got the press conference Monday and I need to, you know, somebody's got to come tell the truth.
McNamee: Roger, Roger, tell me what the (expletive deleted) you want me to do. What do you want me to do. My son is dying. He's 10.
Clemens: I understand that. And Mac, listen to me, that's why I answered your e-mail immediately. For me, there's more important things to me, and those things are important to me. I just had my college coach's son pass away. I got to go to his funeral. It's on Monday, the same time I'm supposed to have this press conference. And, so, I just need - Like I said, I'm telling the truth and I want it out there and -
McNamee: Tell me what you want me to do. I told you in the (unintelligible). What do you want me to do? I'll go to jail, I'll do whatever you want.
Clemens: I need somebody to tell the truth, Mac.
McNamee: What do you want me to do right now?
Clemens: It's ridiculous.
McNamee: What do you want me to do right now, Roger?
Clemens: It's just being ridiculous.
McNamee: Who? Me?
Clemens: No, I said everything.
McNamee: Right.
• • •
McNamee: Tell me what you want me to do. I'm firing my lawyers. I'm getting rid of everybody. I have nothing. What do you want me to do? My wife is gone. My kids are gone. What do you want me to do?
Clemens: I didn't do this Mac. Let me, let me just - I didn't do it and, and, and just, just - I need, I need some - you know, like I said, I'm trying to get a direction and, and, and trying to comfort everybody and like I said, you know, you know what I think about your wife and your boys. You know that. I don't think I've left that uncovered one bit. Like I said, I do anything for them. And, and that's just, that's what's just, just eating at my gut in this whole thing. And, so, I mean, let me, just give me a little time here tonight and, just give me a little time. I'm glad at least you told me that. And, you know, about your boys, because, I don't want - they can't - I know over the years the up and downs that the little man's had. And all of our boys. And it's killing them. Right now, Kacy's just like, they're all, they're all in just a state, and it's, it's just, it's, it's, you know, like I said. They're coming. I mean, it's, it's unbelievable so - I just need somebody to tell the truth. And, and let me, let me just - I got to visit with some people and - because, you know, like I said, I'm just, I'm just devastated by this. And, and, I mean that's just where I'm at it. I'm just, I'm just so, I mean, I'm hurt, I'm upset, I'm shocked by some of the other, the other things that have been said. And I just know that I didn't do it and we need to, you know, move on from there.
McNamee: Just tell me what you want me to do. Just tell me what you want to me do.
Clemens: Let me just get back with you bro. I just can't - I mean, I'm, I'm about ready - like I said, I'm - you know, I just wanted - again, I need to - you know, like I said, I'm with you on - with your boy and everything that's being said there and I hear you. That's why I got back with you so quick, because that, that bothers me. And so. Let me just -
McNamee: I knew you would.
Clemens: Let me just visit with some people, and, and, and, and, and we'll go from there.
McNamee: All right.
Clemens: All right.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Monday, January 07, 2008
Clemens Opinion Polls from ESPN and Yahoo
By Robert H. Kelly
PASADENA, TEXAS (January 7, 2008) Numerous polls have sprung up concerning allegations aimed at Roger Clemens and his use of performance enhancing drugs.
Yahoo.com posed this question: After listening to Roger Clemens' denials, do you believe he took steroids?
The poll results at 8:41 CST have 5855 total votes with 64% responding YES and 36% saying NO.
ESPN.com asked this question: Whom do you believe in the Roger Clemens-Brian McNamee saga?
With 42,914 votes at 8:49pm CST, 25% believe Roger Clemens, 40% believe Brian McNamee and 34% do not know what to believe.
I will keep my eyes open for further polls and data on this story.
PASADENA, TEXAS (January 7, 2008) Numerous polls have sprung up concerning allegations aimed at Roger Clemens and his use of performance enhancing drugs.
Yahoo.com posed this question: After listening to Roger Clemens' denials, do you believe he took steroids?
The poll results at 8:41 CST have 5855 total votes with 64% responding YES and 36% saying NO.
ESPN.com asked this question: Whom do you believe in the Roger Clemens-Brian McNamee saga?
With 42,914 votes at 8:49pm CST, 25% believe Roger Clemens, 40% believe Brian McNamee and 34% do not know what to believe.
I will keep my eyes open for further polls and data on this story.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Roger Clemens' Houston Press Conference
By Robert H. Kelly
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 7, 2008) Former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens held a press conference on Monday afternoon at the George R. Brown Convention Center, speaking to the media about allegations brought forth in the Mitchell Report. He was accompanied by his attorney Rusty Hardin.
A video clip of the press conference, provided by the Houston Chronicle is below.
Much was said by Clemens, Hardin and members of the press. It was a classic "he said, she said." This case will definitely go on for a while. TexSport Publications will continue to report on this breaking story.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 7, 2008) Former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens held a press conference on Monday afternoon at the George R. Brown Convention Center, speaking to the media about allegations brought forth in the Mitchell Report. He was accompanied by his attorney Rusty Hardin.
A video clip of the press conference, provided by the Houston Chronicle is below.
Much was said by Clemens, Hardin and members of the press. It was a classic "he said, she said." This case will definitely go on for a while. TexSport Publications will continue to report on this breaking story.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Club America, Atlas Notch Wins in Interliga Action
By Chris Price
FRISCO, TEXAS (January 7, 2008) Richard Nunez scored in the 75th minute to lead Club America to a 2-1 victory over Toluca on Sunday in the InterLiga tournament in Frisco.
With the win, Club America clinched a spot in one of the tournament's final two matches, which will be played Saturday.
Nunez took a pass from Enrique Esqueda and kicked a shot over the head of Toluca goalkeeper Hernan Cristante.
Alejandro Arguello, who scored the only goal in Club America's 1-0 victory against Morelia on Thursday, had a goal to tie the game in the 64th minute.
In the nightcap, Argentinean forward Bruno Marioni scored twice as Atlas moved a step closer to the InterLiga final four, beating Moralia 2-0.
Marioni took advantage of an wide Morelia kickoff in the 14th minute to convert against goalie Moises Munoz.
In the 68th minute, Marioni received a pass from Jorge Acucharro, turned and shot against Munoz.
FRISCO, TEXAS (January 7, 2008) Richard Nunez scored in the 75th minute to lead Club America to a 2-1 victory over Toluca on Sunday in the InterLiga tournament in Frisco.
With the win, Club America clinched a spot in one of the tournament's final two matches, which will be played Saturday.
Nunez took a pass from Enrique Esqueda and kicked a shot over the head of Toluca goalkeeper Hernan Cristante.
Alejandro Arguello, who scored the only goal in Club America's 1-0 victory against Morelia on Thursday, had a goal to tie the game in the 64th minute.
In the nightcap, Argentinean forward Bruno Marioni scored twice as Atlas moved a step closer to the InterLiga final four, beating Moralia 2-0.
Marioni took advantage of an wide Morelia kickoff in the 14th minute to convert against goalie Moises Munoz.
In the 68th minute, Marioni received a pass from Jorge Acucharro, turned and shot against Munoz.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Clemens Files Suit Against McNamee
By Chris Price
HOUSTON TEXAS (Janaury 7, 2008) Former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens has filed a defamation suit against former trainer Brian McNamee in Harris County District Court. The 14-page document, as published by ESPN can be found here.
Sources indicate that McNamee will likely be filing a counter lawsuit.
One part of the law suit states:
When McNamee told others that when he first was interviewed by federal law enforcement last June, he denied Clemens had used steroids or human growth hormone. The suit quotes McNamee as saying he was pressured by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Parrella and IRS Special Agent Jeff Novitzky -- key members of the BALCO prosecution -- to implicate Clemens. The suit did not attribute where the quote from McNamee was obtained.
"After this exchange, and for the first time in his life, McNamee stated that he had injected Clemens with steroids in 1998, 2000 and 2001," the suit said. "Following his recantation, McNamee has relayed that he magically went from a 'target' in a federal criminal drug investigation to a mere 'witness,' so long as he continued to 'toe the line.'"
Clemens will hold a press conference today at 4 PM Houston time.
HOUSTON TEXAS (Janaury 7, 2008) Former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens has filed a defamation suit against former trainer Brian McNamee in Harris County District Court. The 14-page document, as published by ESPN can be found here.
Sources indicate that McNamee will likely be filing a counter lawsuit.
One part of the law suit states:
When McNamee told others that when he first was interviewed by federal law enforcement last June, he denied Clemens had used steroids or human growth hormone. The suit quotes McNamee as saying he was pressured by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Parrella and IRS Special Agent Jeff Novitzky -- key members of the BALCO prosecution -- to implicate Clemens. The suit did not attribute where the quote from McNamee was obtained.
"After this exchange, and for the first time in his life, McNamee stated that he had injected Clemens with steroids in 1998, 2000 and 2001," the suit said. "Following his recantation, McNamee has relayed that he magically went from a 'target' in a federal criminal drug investigation to a mere 'witness,' so long as he continued to 'toe the line.'"
Clemens will hold a press conference today at 4 PM Houston time.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Defending Champ, Course Record Holders Among Elites Heading to Houston Marathon
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 6, 2008) The women’s defending champion and course record holder in the marathon and the women’s course record holder in the half marathon will be among the elite runners on the start lines of the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon on January 13, 2008.
The elites will race the clock and each other for $232,500 in prize and time bonus money.
The men’s marathon course record of 2:10:04, set in 1989, is within reach of several runners this year. Among the most likely to challenge are Ethiopian Kasime Adilo, who clocked a 2:10:20 in September; Kenyan David Cheruiyot, who won here in 2005 and 2006 and set a PR of 2:10:35 in May; and Tomas Abyu of Great Britain, who ran 2:10:37in October. Also expected in the lead pack are Ridouane Harroufi, who owns a 1:01:01 PR in the half marathon distance, Joseph Chirlee of Kenya and Mikhail Khobotov of Russia.
In the women’s race, Dire Tune of Ethiopia returns to Houston to defend the course record of 2:26:52 that she set in 2007. Her most likely competitors include fellow Ethiopian Worknesh Tola, who ran 2:25 in 2005 and Julia Vinokurova of Russia, who ran 2:33:25 for a third-place finish here in 2006. Other women expected to lead the field include Olga Kovpotina of the Ukraine, who owns a 2:27:37 PR, and Larisa Malikova of Russia, who has a PR of 2:32:17.
The Aramco Houston Half Marathon will again host the USA Half Marathon Championships, ensuring a stellar field on race day.
Dan Browne, who finished sixth in the Marathon Olympic Trials in New York City in November, finished third here in 2005, 8th in 2007 and set his half marathon PR (1:03:09) here in 2004, finishing second. Jason Lehmkuhle finished fifth here in 2007 with a PR of 1:02:51, took fourth place in 2005 and was a Top 5 finisher in the Olympic Trials in November. Fernando Cabada clocked a 1:02:45 for his half marathon PR in 2006 and Travis Laird, the 9th place finisher here in 2007, crossed the finish line in 1:03:57.
Rounding out the field are Matt Gabrielson, who ran his half marathon PR of 1:04:06 here in 2005, Peter Gilmore, Ryan Kirkpatrick, Steve Sundell and James Carney.
Elva Dryer, the women’s defending champion who broke the tape in 1:11:42 in 2007, will be back, with plenty of competition. Looking to challenge for this year’s half marathon National Championship title are Kate O’Neill, Michelle Lillienthal, Kristin Price, Ann Alyanak and Blake Russell. O’Neill, Lillienthal, Price and Alyanak set half marathon PRs in 2007, and Price and Alyanak also PR’ed at the marathon distance last year.
Also returning to Houston are Colleen De Reuck, a three-time Olympian who set the half marathon course record of 1:10:55 in 2004 at age 39 and Kelly (Keane) Liljeblad, who won the marathon in 2005.
Rounding out the field for the women are Desiree Davila, who ran a PR 1:12:54 in
2007, Kristen Fryburg, who clocked her 1:12:57 PR in 2007, and Zoila Gomez, who ran her PR of 1:13:49 here in 2007.
The elites will race the clock and each other for $232,500 in prize and time bonus money.
The men’s marathon course record of 2:10:04, set in 1989, is within reach of several runners this year. Among the most likely to challenge are Ethiopian Kasime Adilo, who clocked a 2:10:20 in September; Kenyan David Cheruiyot, who won here in 2005 and 2006 and set a PR of 2:10:35 in May; and Tomas Abyu of Great Britain, who ran 2:10:37in October. Also expected in the lead pack are Ridouane Harroufi, who owns a 1:01:01 PR in the half marathon distance, Joseph Chirlee of Kenya and Mikhail Khobotov of Russia.
In the women’s race, Dire Tune of Ethiopia returns to Houston to defend the course record of 2:26:52 that she set in 2007. Her most likely competitors include fellow Ethiopian Worknesh Tola, who ran 2:25 in 2005 and Julia Vinokurova of Russia, who ran 2:33:25 for a third-place finish here in 2006. Other women expected to lead the field include Olga Kovpotina of the Ukraine, who owns a 2:27:37 PR, and Larisa Malikova of Russia, who has a PR of 2:32:17.
The Aramco Houston Half Marathon will again host the USA Half Marathon Championships, ensuring a stellar field on race day.
Dan Browne, who finished sixth in the Marathon Olympic Trials in New York City in November, finished third here in 2005, 8th in 2007 and set his half marathon PR (1:03:09) here in 2004, finishing second. Jason Lehmkuhle finished fifth here in 2007 with a PR of 1:02:51, took fourth place in 2005 and was a Top 5 finisher in the Olympic Trials in November. Fernando Cabada clocked a 1:02:45 for his half marathon PR in 2006 and Travis Laird, the 9th place finisher here in 2007, crossed the finish line in 1:03:57.
Rounding out the field are Matt Gabrielson, who ran his half marathon PR of 1:04:06 here in 2005, Peter Gilmore, Ryan Kirkpatrick, Steve Sundell and James Carney.
Elva Dryer, the women’s defending champion who broke the tape in 1:11:42 in 2007, will be back, with plenty of competition. Looking to challenge for this year’s half marathon National Championship title are Kate O’Neill, Michelle Lillienthal, Kristin Price, Ann Alyanak and Blake Russell. O’Neill, Lillienthal, Price and Alyanak set half marathon PRs in 2007, and Price and Alyanak also PR’ed at the marathon distance last year.
Also returning to Houston are Colleen De Reuck, a three-time Olympian who set the half marathon course record of 1:10:55 in 2004 at age 39 and Kelly (Keane) Liljeblad, who won the marathon in 2005.
Rounding out the field for the women are Desiree Davila, who ran a PR 1:12:54 in
2007, Kristen Fryburg, who clocked her 1:12:57 PR in 2007, and Zoila Gomez, who ran her PR of 1:13:49 here in 2007.
San Luis Downs Pumas 2-0 in InterLiga Action
By Robert H. Kelly
San Luis took another step towards the finals of the Interliga 2008 by beating Pumas 2-0 at Robertson Stadium in Hosuton.
With goals from Colombian Tressor Moreno in the 8th minute and Argentine Alfredo Moreno in the 35th minute, San Luis moved a bit closer to their berth in the continental tournament.
With this result, Raul Arias’ team stands alone on top of Group B with six points, while Pumas have three, as Cruz Azul, their rival in the next matchday. In the other match of this group, Monterrey, with no points, was eliminated by Cruz Azul.
Action contines Sunday with Group A games at Pizza Hut Park in Dallas.
San Luis took another step towards the finals of the Interliga 2008 by beating Pumas 2-0 at Robertson Stadium in Hosuton.
With goals from Colombian Tressor Moreno in the 8th minute and Argentine Alfredo Moreno in the 35th minute, San Luis moved a bit closer to their berth in the continental tournament.
With this result, Raul Arias’ team stands alone on top of Group B with six points, while Pumas have three, as Cruz Azul, their rival in the next matchday. In the other match of this group, Monterrey, with no points, was eliminated by Cruz Azul.
Action contines Sunday with Group A games at Pizza Hut Park in Dallas.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Cruz Azul Downs Monterrey 1-0 in InetrLiga Group B Action
By Robert H. Kelly
HOUSTON, TEXAS, (January 5, 2008) With two teams hoping to get a second win and two others hoping to notch a victory, Interliga 2008 continued at Robertson Stadium in Houston on Saturday night.
Playing under better condition than the previous four games, with temperatures in the mid- 60s, fans were looking for fantastic soccer as Cruz Azul taking on Monterrey and San Luis facing Pumas in the nightcap.
In the first game of the doubleheader, Cruz Azul defeated Monterrey 1-0 to gain 3 points and stay alive in Group B action.
Azul took early control of the game when midfielder Edgar Andrade took a pass 15 yards out and booted it past goalkeeper Christian Martinez in the 18th minute.
Spirited play bolstered by substitutions in the second period kept both teams aiming for the goal, but the solid defense and excellent goalkeeping of Azul would not allow Monterrey to penetrate its goal.
Azul was 0-1 after Wednesday games in Dallas, while Monterrey, also 0-1 will now have to hope for a win against San Luis on Tuesday at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Azul showed a solid offense against Monterrey after losing to San Luis 1-0 in Dallas on Wednesday. They will now face Pumas in the nightcap game on January 8 in Carson.
As a result of his goal, Andrade was selected as the AT&T Man of the Match.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, (January 5, 2008) With two teams hoping to get a second win and two others hoping to notch a victory, Interliga 2008 continued at Robertson Stadium in Houston on Saturday night.
Playing under better condition than the previous four games, with temperatures in the mid- 60s, fans were looking for fantastic soccer as Cruz Azul taking on Monterrey and San Luis facing Pumas in the nightcap.
In the first game of the doubleheader, Cruz Azul defeated Monterrey 1-0 to gain 3 points and stay alive in Group B action.
Azul took early control of the game when midfielder Edgar Andrade took a pass 15 yards out and booted it past goalkeeper Christian Martinez in the 18th minute.
Spirited play bolstered by substitutions in the second period kept both teams aiming for the goal, but the solid defense and excellent goalkeeping of Azul would not allow Monterrey to penetrate its goal.
Azul was 0-1 after Wednesday games in Dallas, while Monterrey, also 0-1 will now have to hope for a win against San Luis on Tuesday at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Azul showed a solid offense against Monterrey after losing to San Luis 1-0 in Dallas on Wednesday. They will now face Pumas in the nightcap game on January 8 in Carson.
As a result of his goal, Andrade was selected as the AT&T Man of the Match.
AAFL Hires Jenkins to Lead Team Texas
By Robert H. Kelly
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 6, 2008) The All American Football League (AAFL) recently announced that former University of Houston coach John Jenkins has been named head coach for Team Texas, which will be based in Houston.
Jenkins, who coached the Cougars from 1990-1992 will direct a team of former Texas collegiate players when the league begins play in April.
The AAFL will field teams in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee and Texas.
Team Texas in under negations to play their home games at Rice Stadium. The six teams will play a ten week season concluding with their first ever championship on July 3, 2008.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 6, 2008) The All American Football League (AAFL) recently announced that former University of Houston coach John Jenkins has been named head coach for Team Texas, which will be based in Houston.
Jenkins, who coached the Cougars from 1990-1992 will direct a team of former Texas collegiate players when the league begins play in April.
The AAFL will field teams in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee and Texas.
Team Texas in under negations to play their home games at Rice Stadium. The six teams will play a ten week season concluding with their first ever championship on July 3, 2008.
USA Soccer to Host Mexico at Reliant Stadium in Houston
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (January 5, 2008) The 2007 CONCACAF Champion U.S. Men’s National Team will host Mexico on February 6, 2008 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game will be shown live on ESPN2 and Univision at 8 p.m. CT, and fans can follow online via ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.
The last USA vs. Mexico match in Reliant Stadium drew a passionate sellout crowd of 69,582 fans on May 8, 2003 and remains the largest home crowd for the U.S. Men’s National Team this decade.
Four out of the last five USA-Mexico meetings on U.S. soil have been sellouts, including two matches in 2007, and tickets will be in high demand for the 2008 edition of the biggest soccer rivalry on this continent.
The last USA vs. Mexico match in Reliant Stadium drew a passionate sellout crowd of 69,582 fans on May 8, 2003 and remains the largest home crowd for the U.S. Men’s National Team this decade.
Four out of the last five USA-Mexico meetings on U.S. soil have been sellouts, including two matches in 2007, and tickets will be in high demand for the 2008 edition of the biggest soccer rivalry on this continent.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Clemens' Video Response to Doping Allegations
By Chris PriceHOUSTON, TX (January 4, 2008) Former Houston Astros and New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens as posted a video on YouTube to defend against allegations that the used performance enhancing drugs while he played for the Montreal Expos and the Yankees.
You can view the video on YouTube by clicking here.
Clemens continues to deny the allegations of drug use. He is scheduled, along with New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, to appear before a House Committee on January 16 concerning said allegations.
Clemens, Pettitte Asked to Appear Before House Committee
By Chris Price
WASHINGTON, DC (January 4, 2008) Former Houston Astros pitchers Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens were asked Friday to appear and testify before the House Oversight Committee concerning doping in Major League Baseball.
In addition, Brian McNamee, who was their former trainer, and former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski were asked to take part.
Radomski's allegations were the basis of former Senate majority leader George Mitchell's report on doping in baseball.
Clemens and Pettitte are to appear on January 16. The day before, the committee is to slated to hear testimony from baseball commissioner Bud Selig, union leader Donald Fehr and Mitchell.
WASHINGTON, DC (January 4, 2008) Former Houston Astros pitchers Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens were asked Friday to appear and testify before the House Oversight Committee concerning doping in Major League Baseball.
In addition, Brian McNamee, who was their former trainer, and former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski were asked to take part.
Radomski's allegations were the basis of former Senate majority leader George Mitchell's report on doping in baseball.
Clemens and Pettitte are to appear on January 16. The day before, the committee is to slated to hear testimony from baseball commissioner Bud Selig, union leader Donald Fehr and Mitchell.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Club America Wins, Toluca-Atlas Tie in InterLiga Action
By Robert H. KellyHOUSTON, TEXAS, (January 3, 2008) On a very cold Thursday evening in Houston where temperatures neared freezing, Group A of InterLiga 2008 kicked off with Toluca facing Atlas and Morelia playing Club America in the nightcap.
These games were marred before the tournament by criticism from players and coaches concerning the staging of the InterLiga. However, none of that showed as the Toluca and Atlas battled to a 0-0 tie.
The games was a struggle as both teams played heartily in an attempt to fight off the cold, but neither team was able to gain an advantage
The cold did not seem to bother either team; however, it definitely did make a difference in the quality of play. Players seemed rushed as the approached the ball and neither team had the offensive punch to take control of the game.
Atlas' Mario Rodriguez and Toluca's Hernan Cristante each had four saves as both teams earned a single point in the Group A standings. Toluca totaled seven shots on goal while Atlas had nine.
Toluca had the best scoring opportunity ion the second half, when Santiago Fernandez entered the game in the 69th minute and got clear 3 meters from the goal. He sent in a low shot which Rodrguez blocked with his head.
Atlas came back in extra time when defender Omar Flores headed a free kick past midfielder Eduardo Rergis that was deflected off the cross bar.
With Club America and Morelia facing off in the second game, the cold did not seem to affect the quality of play. Club America came out with a spirited attack and took control early in the game.
Midfielder Alejandro Arguello found the goal in the 12th minute on a cross shot from 25 meters out to make the score 1-0 for America.
Morelia made a good attempt to tie the score in the 45th minute as midfielder Aldo Leao Ramirez took a shot directly at the goal from 8 meters. The shot was body-blocked by goalkeeper Moises Munoz.
In the second half, Morelia drew a penalty kick in the 55th minute which could have tied the score. Unfortunately for Morelia fans, it was blocked by goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
Pumas, San Luis Win in InterLiga Openers
By Chris Price
FRISCO, TEXAS (January 3, 2007) Pumas, fielding a team of reserves, defeated Monterrey 1-0 on Wednesday night at Pizza Hut Park to open the InterLiga tournament.
Pablo Bonells, recovered a cross pass from forward Gaston Caprari which deflected off the goal post for the score.
Monterrey controlled most of the first half, but was unable to find the goal in front of 8,504 freezing fans.
Ismael Iniguez's shot in the 10th minute was wide right against Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco. Three minutes before the half, Morales took aim against Monterray, however defender Edgar Solona deflected his shot.
Monterrey's Jared Borgetti, the all-time leading scorer for the Mexican national team, left the game in the 61st minute. Borgetti had an opportunity to score in the 31st minute, but Pumas keeper Odin Patino stopped his header.
Cruz Azul and San Luis played in the second game at Pizza Hut Park. Sam Luis went on to win 1-0 on an Alfredo Moreno penalty kick in the 17th minute.
The tournament continues with Group A matches on Thursday evening in Houston. Toluca will play Atlas in the 7:00 PM game, with Morelia and Club America taking the field in the nightcap.
FRISCO, TEXAS (January 3, 2007) Pumas, fielding a team of reserves, defeated Monterrey 1-0 on Wednesday night at Pizza Hut Park to open the InterLiga tournament.
Pablo Bonells, recovered a cross pass from forward Gaston Caprari which deflected off the goal post for the score.
Monterrey controlled most of the first half, but was unable to find the goal in front of 8,504 freezing fans.
Ismael Iniguez's shot in the 10th minute was wide right against Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco. Three minutes before the half, Morales took aim against Monterray, however defender Edgar Solona deflected his shot.
Monterrey's Jared Borgetti, the all-time leading scorer for the Mexican national team, left the game in the 61st minute. Borgetti had an opportunity to score in the 31st minute, but Pumas keeper Odin Patino stopped his header.
Cruz Azul and San Luis played in the second game at Pizza Hut Park. Sam Luis went on to win 1-0 on an Alfredo Moreno penalty kick in the 17th minute.
The tournament continues with Group A matches on Thursday evening in Houston. Toluca will play Atlas in the 7:00 PM game, with Morelia and Club America taking the field in the nightcap.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Jamaal Charles Enters NFL Draft
By Robert H. KellyAUSTIN, TEXAS (January 2, 2007) KXAN, the NBC affiliate in Austin, has reported that University of Texas running back Jamaal Charles has decided to leave the Longhorns to enter the NFL draft. Charles, a junior, this season rushed for 1,619 yards this season.
I feel his is a bad choice by Jamaal. He will be at best a 3rd round pick. There are too many good backs ahead of him (Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Jonathon Stewart, Rashard Mendenhall, Allen Patrick, Mike Hart, Kevin Smith, Steve Slaton, Ray Rice, James Davis). Come draft day, we will see how high he goes. It might have been better for him to stay at Texas for one more year.
Below is a clip from their website:
Charles joined Ricky Williams, Earl Campbell and Cedric Benson as the only Longhorns rush for over 1,500 yards in a season.
Charles had 161 yards and two touchdowns in UT's Holiday Bowl win over Arizona State.
The Longhorns finished 10-3.
Charles had a career-high 290 yards in a 28-25 win over Nebraska. He had 216 yards and three long touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
"I can't thank Coach Brown, Coach Rucker, everyone at UT and all of the fans enough," Charles said. "They gave me a great opportunity and supported me so much. UT is a wonderful place and everyone has been so good to me. But, playing in the NFL has always been my dream and when the NFL report came back, I was happy with the grade and felt like it was best for me to enter the draft."
"I had fun playing with a lot of great players and winning a bunch of games.
"I have so many friends at UT and everyone is close, like a family, so it's really hard to leave. But, after finishing the season strong, I think I'm ready. I've worked really hard and the coaches have done a great job preparing me. I had a lot of success this year but I wouldn¹t have been able to accomplish anything if it wasn't for the great job the offensive line and all of the coaches did. We got better every game and it showed in how we played so I can't thank them, especially my O-line, enough.
"Now, it's my job to get ready for all of the NFL workouts and make everyone proud. I may be going to the NFL but I'll always be a Longhorn. I'm definitely going to continue working towards my degree. Finishing school is really important to me because I want to have a good life after football."
UT Wednesday also announced that assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator Larry Mac Duff, who spent one season on Coach Mack Brown's staff, is leaving.
"Larry and I met this morning and he informed me that he is not returning for the 2008 season, citing philosophical differences," Brown said. "Larry is a great coach and man and we appreciate all he's done for our program. We want to wish him luck in the future and will begin looking for a replacement immediately."
Mac Duff joined the Texas staff after spending four seasons with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Its INTERLIGA Time Again
By Robert H. KellyHOUSTON, TX, (Janaury 1, 2008) If you are a hard core soccer fan and you’re near Dallas, Houston or Los Angeles, be sure to use these next two weeks to check out Interliga.
The Interliga is a competition used by Mexican clubs to decide which teams get the two automatic qualification berths for the South American club competition Copa Libertadores. All games are played in the United States and officiated by Major League Soceer referees.
The eight qualifying team are divided into two groups and play in round robin format. The top two teams from each group advance to the two final matches, which are being played this year at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on Saturday, January 12, 2008. Since Mexico gets two automatic qualification slots for the Copa Libertadores, winners of both games advance.
The teams competing this year are:
Group A:
Club America (Mexico City)
Atlas (Guadalajara)
Toluca (Toluca de Lerdo)
Morelia (Morelia)
Group B:
Cruz Azul (Mexico City)
Pumas (Mexico City)
Monterrey (Monterrey)
San Luis (San Luis PotosÃ)
The first set of games will be Wednesday and Thursday in Frisco and Houston.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008 – Pizza Hut Park (Frisco, Texas)
Group B Game 1: Monterrey vs. Pumas
Group B Game 2: Cruz Azul vs. San Luis
Thursday, January 3, 2008 - Roberston Stadium (Houston, Texas)
Group A Game 1: Toluca vs. Atlas
Group A Game 2: Morelia vs. América
TexSport Publications will be on hand in Houston to bring you all the action.
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications
Astros Sign Villarreal to 2-Year Contract
The Houston Astros announced today that the club has signed right-hander Oscar Villarreal to a two-year, $2.85 million contract through the 2009 season ($1 million in 2008, $1.6 million in 2009, $250,000 signing bonus). The deal also includes a $2 million club option for 2010. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Ed Wade.
The 26-year old Villarreal was acquired from Atlanta in exchange for outfielder Josh Anderson on Nov. 16, 2007. This season, Villarreal was 2-2 with one save and a 4.24 ERA (36ER/76.1IP) in 51 games for Atlanta in 2007. The right-hander has appeared in 223 career Major League games (five starts) and owns a 23-12 record with one save and a 3.71 career ERA (123ER/298.1IP). He has pitched the last two seasons for the Braves (2006-07) after three big league seasons with Arizona (2003-05).
The 26-year old Villarreal was acquired from Atlanta in exchange for outfielder Josh Anderson on Nov. 16, 2007. This season, Villarreal was 2-2 with one save and a 4.24 ERA (36ER/76.1IP) in 51 games for Atlanta in 2007. The right-hander has appeared in 223 career Major League games (five starts) and owns a 23-12 record with one save and a 3.71 career ERA (123ER/298.1IP). He has pitched the last two seasons for the Braves (2006-07) after three big league seasons with Arizona (2003-05).
TWO MEXICAN CLUBS TO PROGRESS TO 2008 COPA LIBERTADORES
The two Mexican clubs to join CD Guadalajara (Mexico) in the 2008 Copa Santander Libertadores will be determined by the InterLiga™ tournament that is taking place in three cities (Carson, California; Frisco & Houston, Texas) in the USA from 2-12 January.
The eight-team tournament has two groups of four with Atlas CF, Club América, CA Monarcas Morelia, and CD Toluca in Group A, while Group B has CD SC Cruz Azul, Pumas UNAM, CF Monterrey and San Luis.
The finals will take place on Saturday, 12 January in Carson and will consist of Group A winner taking on Group B runner-up, and then the Group B victor meeting the second-place finisher from Group A. The two winners of Saturday’s encounters will progress to the 2008 Copa Santander Libertadores.
The eight-team tournament has two groups of four with Atlas CF, Club América, CA Monarcas Morelia, and CD Toluca in Group A, while Group B has CD SC Cruz Azul, Pumas UNAM, CF Monterrey and San Luis.
The finals will take place on Saturday, 12 January in Carson and will consist of Group A winner taking on Group B runner-up, and then the Group B victor meeting the second-place finisher from Group A. The two winners of Saturday’s encounters will progress to the 2008 Copa Santander Libertadores.
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