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Read More: carmelo anthony injury, baron davis injury, Carmelo Anthony (F – NYK), Baron Davis (G – NYK), New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers

According to Howard Beck of the New York Times, the Knicks will be without both Carmelo Anthony and Baron Davis this weekend when they play the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets on the road this weekend.

Carmelo taking next two games off to rest his injuries, D’Antoni says. Could return tues.

[snip]

No Baron this weekend either.

Carmelo has been nursing wrist and ankle injuries for a while now and has not been performing at his usually high level. In his last six games Melo has attempted 126 shots, converting on only 40. In those six games the Knicks are 1-5 and 7-11 overall. They currently sit in third place in the Atlantic Division, five games behind the division-leading Philadelphia 76ers.

The Knicks will also be without the services of point guard, Baron Davis, who has yet to play in a game this season.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

Article source: http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-knicks/2012/1/27/2752367/new-york-knicks-carmelo-anthony-injury-update-baron-davis-injury-nba

Since the blockbuster trade of Jesus Montero to Seattle for pitcher Michael Pineda there has been a great deal of conjecture about how the Yankees would fill their designated hitter role in the 2012 season.

Several free agents expressed interest in the role, and some of those are still on the market.

One of those candidates is veteran left hitter Raul Ibanez, and the New York Post is reporting that the Yankees “have interest” in Ibanez, who will be 40 in June.

Ibanez hit just .245 with 20 home runs, 84 RBI and a .s89 OBP for Philadelphia last season, his worst year in more than a decade. Ibanez is a .280 lifetime hitter with a lifetime on-base percentage of .342. Ibanez has averaged 24 home runs and 100 RBI during the past six seasons.

The Yankees have also reportedly had discussions about free agents Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, as well as possibly using some of their surplus starting pitching to make a trade.

Article source: http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/1/27/2752589/yankees-rumors-raul-ibanez-designated-hitter-mlb-free-agency

Read More: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights

New Tampa Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano was a surprise hire on Thursday. He’s also a bad hire, asserts Sports Illustrated’s Michael Rosenberg.

In a column on SportsIllustrated.com, Rosenberg writes that Tampa Bay adding Schiano was “the most baffling NFL coaching hire” he can remember, citing Schiano’s “lousy” game coaching and 8-13 Big East record during the past three seasons. He claims Schiano will struggle to match wits with opposing NFL coaches, and to motivate NFL players who “know bad coaching when they receive it.”

I suppose there is an outside chance Schiano can win by delegating — hire an offensive whiz, a defensive mastermind, and do the motivating himself. But I doubt he’ll try that. Football coaches who pride themselves on organization don’t like to delegate, and they really don’t like to delegate when they get the biggest opportunity of their lives.

If Schiano bombs, the Bucs will have no excuse, because they are thinking so far outside the box here that they can’t even see the box. …

Greg Schiano? He isn’t qualified for this. The things he did well at Rutgers — getting the community to believe, recruiting, taking academics seriously — don’t matter in the NFL. I love when unconventional moves work in the NFL, but this is beyond unconventional. I don’t know how you win the NFC South with a guy who had 11 years to win the Big East and never did.

READ ROSENBERG’S ENTIRE COLUMN.

For more on information on this story, check back to this SB Nation New York Storystream. For more on the Rutgers football program, check out the SB Nation blog On The Banks.

Article source: http://newyork.sbnation.com/rutgers-scarlet-knights/2012/1/27/2752568/tampa-bay-buccaneers-head-coaching-search-2012-greg-schiano-rutgers-scarlet-knights-football

Read More: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and new head coach Greg Schiano official agreed to terms on a five-year deal Thursday, and SI.com gave the move a letter-grade of D. With all seven of the 2012 NFL head coaching vacancies filled, the website graded them and Schiano’s hiring received the worst evolution.

“The thing about Schiano (one that supporters of this move are citing already) is that he ran a very NFL-style system at Rutgers. That professional approach helped turn a dormant program into a moderate success — Rutgers had six winning seasons in the past seven years and currently holds a five-game bowl win streak.”

Read more about what SI.com had to say here.

Just a few weeks ago, SI.com’s Peter King said on The Dan Patrick radio show that he thinks that Schiano would make a decent NFL head coach.

“If you asked (New England Patriots head coach) Bill Belichick right now, and I know because I’ve seen Schiano at Patriots training camp a couple of times,” said King. “Bill has tremendous regard for Greg Schiano and I think he believes that Schiano will be an excellent NFL coach someday.”

“And, everybody says, ‘Geez? Rutgers? What is that?’,” continued King. “I lived in New Jersey at the time of their sorta Renaissance a few years ago. You know how hard it is to get where Greg Schiano got them to be at Rutgers? Do you know what Rutgers was? Rutgers was the ’76 (Tampa Bay) Buccaneers for years and for Schiano to get them competitive in college football is a tremendous accomplishment.”

For more on information on this story, check back to this SB Nation New York Storystream. For more on the Rutgers football program, check out the SB Nation blog On The Banks.

Article source: http://newyork.sbnation.com/rutgers-scarlet-knights/2012/1/26/2742156/greg-schiano-tampa-bay-buccaneers-rutgers-football-new-nfl-head-coaches-2012

Read More: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Syracuse Orange

Greg Schiano, former head coaching rival of Syracuse’s Doug Marrone, was hired Thursday by the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be their new headman. The move is a small blessing from the college football gods for Orange fans, who witnessed Schiano beat Syracuse six times during his 11-year tenure at Rutgers.

“There’s always been something about Schiano that just made you want to hate him,” wrote SB Nation’s Sean Keeley, who’s the creator of the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician. “And I can’t put my finger on an exact thing. He’s like the Bobby Hurley of football coaches. You don’t have a specific reason why you hate him, you just hate him.”

However, the decision by Schiano to join the NFL could benefit Syracuse, especially since National Signing Day, Feb. 1, is just a few days away.

According to an ESPNNY.com report, Syracuse has already contacted three-star wide receiver Leonte Carroo, who was had already verbally committed to Rutgers and was suppose to meet with Schiano Thursday but coach never showed.

In the same report, four-star defensive end Darius Hamilton, who SU has offered a scholarship to, is also mention. However, Hamilton is more than likely going to chose the Florida Gators.

There’s no more news about any more Syracuse targets being effected by the move of Schiano, however, this late in the game it will more than likely come down the wire.

So, if you’re an Syracuse football fan start praying that the college football gods can be just a bit more kinder to the Orange and that he SU recruiters can steal some prospects away from the Scarlet Knights.

For more on information on this story, check back to this SB Nation New York Storystream.

Article source: http://newyork.sbnation.com/syracuse-orange/2012/1/26/2741172/syracuse-football-recruiting-2012-how-much-will-greg-schiano-tampa-bay-buccaneers-rutgers

Read More: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rutgers Scarlet Knights athletic director Tim Pernetti held a press conference today to discuss the head coaching situation as Greg Schiano has left to take the job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Offensive line coach Kyle Flood has been named the interim coach.

Pernetti fielded questions from the assembled reporters about saving the impressive incoming recruiting class Schiano had put together and finding a new head coach.

Pernetti said that finding a new head coach by college football’s national signing day (Feb. 1) was “doable.” He also said that “it’s a very quick turnaround and obviously it requires a lot of moving parts, but I think it’s very achievable.”

Pernetti said Schiano informed him about what was going on every step of the way. Pernetti said he “absolutely” tried to talk Schiano out of taking the Tampa Bay job.

When asked about what the school will tell recruits who just heard about Schiano leaving today, Pernetti said that Rutgers is”the same program that it was two days ago.”

The values of the school will not change no matter who the new hire is, Pernetti went on to say.

When asked about the legacy of Schiano at Rutgers, Pernetti said it was the “culture change that people said could never get done here was probably Greg’s greatest accomplishment.”

Pernetti also said about Rutgers football before Schiano arrived “I think this was the worst program in college football 11 years ago.”

Pernetti deflected most questions relating to things Schiano has been purported to have said about taking the Tampa Bay job. However, Pernetti did touch on the stability of the Big East Conference saying that “anybody who tells you conference membership is not an issue is lying to you.”

For more on information on this story, check back to this SB Nation New York Storystream. For more on the Rutgers football program, check out the SB Nation blog On The Banks.

Article source: http://newyork.sbnation.com/rutgers-scarlet-knights/2012/1/26/2743273/rutgers-football-tim-pernetti-greg-schiano-press-conference-recruiting-signing-day-kyle-flood

Read More: John Tavares (C – NYI), New York Islanders

Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins and Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators were the captains for the NHL All-Star Draft on Thursday night. John Tavares, the New York Islanders’ sole representative in this year’s game, had to wait around until the later stages of the draft before being selected. Eventually, Team Alfredsson came calling with their 16th pick of the night. Taveres is 12th in the league with 49 points (20 goals, 29 assists) so far this season.

Here are the full results:

Team Chara

1) Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

2) Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

3) Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

4) Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks

5) Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers

6) Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks

7) Carey Price, Montreal Candiens

Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs

9) Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators

10) Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings

11) Brian Campbell, Florida Panthers

12) Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

13) Dion Phaneuf, Toronto Maple Leafs

14) Jerome Iginla, Calgary Flames

15) Dennis Wideman, Washington Capitals

16) Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers

17) Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers

18) Tyler Seguin, Boston Bruins

19) Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars

Team Alfredsson

1) Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators

2) Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators

3) Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

4) Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers

5) Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins

6) Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

7) Brian Elliott, St. Louis Blues

Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

9) Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

10) Dan Girardi, New York Rangers

11) Keith Yandle, Phoenix Coyotes

12) Milan Michalek, Ottawa Senators

13) Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

14) James Neal, Pittsburgh Penguins

15) Alex Edler, Vancouver Canucks

16) John Tavares, New York Islanders

17) Scott Hartnell, Philadelphia Flyers

18) Jason Pominville, Buffalo Sabres

19) Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks

For more on the Islanders, head over to the SB Nation blog Lighthouse Hockey.

Article source: http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-islanders/2012/1/26/2748229/2012-nhl-all-star-draft-results-new-york-islanders-john-tavares

Read More: Dan Girardi (D – NYR), Henrik Lundqvist (G – NYR), Marian Gaborik (RW – NYR), New York Rangers

New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist and defenseman Dan Girardi will join forces for Team Alfredsson against fellow teammate Marian Gaborik, who will play for Team Chara in Sunday’s NHL All-Star Game. Lundqvist acted as Daniel Alfredsson’s co-captain for the mock draft, selecting Girardi with the team’s 10th pick. Gaborik was picked up with Zdeno Chara’s 16th choice.

Gaborik joins this year’s No. 1 overall pick Pavel Datsyuk for the game. Alfredsson selected Ottawa Senator teammates Erik Karlsson and Jason Spezza with his first two picks of the draft.

Here are the full results:

Team Chara

1) Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

2) Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

3) Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

4) Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks

5) Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers

6) Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks

7) Carey Price, Montreal Candiens

Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs

9) Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators

10) Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings

11) Brian Campbell, Florida Panthers

12) Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

13) Dion Phaneuf, Toronto Maple Leafs

14) Jerome Iginla, Calgary Flames

15) Dennis Wideman, Washington Capitals

16) Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers

17) Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers

18) Tyler Seguin, Boston Bruins

19) Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars

Team Alfredsson

1) Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators

2) Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators

3) Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

4) Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers

5) Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins

6) Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

7) Brian Elliott, St. Louis Blues

Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

9) Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

10) Dan Girardi, New York Rangers

11) Keith Yandle, Phoenix Coyotes

12) Milan Michalek, Ottawa Senators

13) Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

14) James Neal, Pittsburgh Penguins

15) Alex Edler, Vancouver Canucks

16) John Tavares, New York Islanders

17) Scott Hartnell, Philadelphia Flyers

18) Jason Pominville, Buffalo Sabres

19) Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks

For more on the Rangers, head over to the SB Nation blog Blueshirt Banter.

Article source: http://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/1/26/2749028/2012-nhl-all-star-game-draft-results-new-york-rangers

Read More: Will Blackmon (CB – NYG), David Baas (C – NYG), Chase Blackburn (LB – NYG), Osi Umenyiora (DE – NYG), Corey Webster (CB – NYG), Ahmad Bradshaw (RB – NYG), Hakeem Nicks (WR – NYG), Jacquian Williams (LB – NYG), New England Patriots, New York Giants

The New York Giants released their injury report today as they prepare for their Super Bowl rematch with the New England Patriots on Feb. 5. There were seven Giants listed on it who did not participate in practice on Thursday. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee) was limited in practice.

Here’s the Giants’ list of guys who didn’t practice today:

C David Baas (abdomen)

LB Chase Blackburn (calf)

DB Will Blackmon (knee)

RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot)

WR Hakeem Nicks (shoulder)

DB Corey Webster (Hamstring)

LB Jacquian Williams (foot)

The Patriots also released their injury report today. Tight end Rob Gronkowski was again not practicing. Twelve players were limited: WR Deion Branch (knee), T Marcus Cannon (ankle), S Pat Chung (foot), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), DT Kyle Love (ankle), OG Logan Mankins (knee), LB Rob Ninkovich (hip), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (foot, back), WR Wes Welker (knee) and LB Tracy White (abdomen). Center Dan Connolly (groin) and Matthew Slater (shoulder) were listed as full participants in today’s practice.

For the latest news on the 2012 Super Bowl, check back to the SB Nation New York StoryStream. See Big Blue View for more discussion about the Giants, and Pats Pulpit for the New England side of the story.

Article source: http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-giants/2012/1/26/2744502/super-bowl-2012-giants-vs-patriots-injury-report-ahmad-bradshaw-hakeem-nicks-osi-umenyiora

Read More: Mohamed Sanu (WR – Rutgers), San Francisco 49ers

Former Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu has been projected to go No. 30 in the first-round on the 2012 NFL Draft in a Rob Rang’s CBS Sports Mock Draft (via CBS Sports).

Here’s what Rang had to say about the selection of Sanu by the 49ers in his mock

The injury to Josh Morgan and relative disappointment that Michael Crabtree has been since being the 49ers’ 2009 first-round pick makes wide receiver an area of concern. A prototypical receiver for the West Coast system, Sanu’s size, physicality and toughness make up for a lack of elite speed.

While the knock on Sanu may be his speed, his hands are certainly not in question. During his senior season at Rutgers in 2011, Sanu caught 115 passes, a Big East and Rutgers record.

Mocking The Draft has Sanu at No. 31 in their 2012 NFL Draft Overall Rankings.

For more on Rutgers football, check out the SB Nation blog On The Banks. To keep track of the draft status of Sanu and his former Rutgers teammates, check back to this StoryStream.

Article source: http://newyork.sbnation.com/rutgers-scarlet-knights/2012/1/26/2745534/mohamed-sanu-2012-nfl-draft-49ers-first-round-rutgers-football