Raiders make deal to acquire Palmer

A source close to the Oakland Raiders indicated Tuesday morning that the team finalized a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals for quarterback Carson Palmer(notes).

Terms of the deal, which was initially reported by Foxsports.com, were not known but ESPN reported that the Raiders gave up their first-round pick in 2012 and a conditional first-rounder in 2013 for Palmer. The Raiders made the deal after losing quarterback Jason Campbell(notes) for perhaps the rest of the season on Sunday with a broken collarbone. In addition, the Raiders reportedly had interest in quarterback David Garrard(notes) until finding out he needed back surgery and is out indefinitely.

The deal smacks of leverage for the Bengals and desperation for the Raiders and coach Hue Jackson. Oakland is 4-2 and has moderately exceeded expectations so far this season, Jackson’s first as head coach. In the aftermath of owner Al Davis’ death, Jackson has taken a larger role in the personnel operations.

Jackson, a former Cincinnati assistant coach, has been interested in Palmer ever since the quarterback informed the Bengals in the offseason he wanted a trade or would retire if not dealt. As part of the deal, the source said, Palmer is expected to sign a contract extension with the Raiders that would reduce his $11 million salary and keep him with Oakland for years to come.

The potential for Cincinnati to get two first-rounders enticed owner Mike Brown to give up Palmer, who had struggled in the Bengals’ system since 2007. Brown, who historically has been unyielding to player demands for deals even when he has received significant offers, had previously been unwilling to move the quarterback.

The Raiders had little choice in the matter after the Garrard news. The team currently has Kyle Boller(notes) and Terrelle Pryor(notes) on its depth chart. Oakland briefly considered trading for Kyle Orton(notes), according to the source, but quickly concluded he wasn’t worth even a fourth-round pick.

Putting the Raiders in an even further bind was the fact that the team had already traded or used its second-, third- and fourth-round picks in 2012. The team traded the second-rounder to New England in April as part of an exchange of selections, used the third-rounder to take Pryor in the supplemental draft this year and parted with its fourth-rounder when it acquired Jason Campbell during the 2010 draft.

Raiders make deal to acquire Palmer

A source close to the Oakland Raiders indicated Tuesday morning that the team finalized a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals for quarterback Carson Palmer(notes).

Terms of the deal, which was initially reported by Foxsports.com, were not known but ESPN reported that the Raiders gave up their first-round pick in 2012 and a conditional first-rounder in 2013 for Palmer. The Raiders made the deal after losing quarterback Jason Campbell(notes) for perhaps the rest of the season on Sunday with a broken collarbone. In addition, the Raiders reportedly had interest in quarterback David Garrard(notes) until finding out he needed back surgery and is out indefinitely.

The deal smacks of leverage for the Bengals and desperation for the Raiders and coach Hue Jackson. Oakland is 4-2 and has moderately exceeded expectations so far this season, Jackson’s first as head coach. In the aftermath of owner Al Davis’ death, Jackson has taken a larger role in the personnel operations.

Jackson, a former Cincinnati assistant coach, has been interested in Palmer ever since the quarterback informed the Bengals in the offseason he wanted a trade or would retire if not dealt. As part of the deal, the source said, Palmer is expected to sign a contract extension with the Raiders that would reduce his $11 million salary and keep him with Oakland for years to come.

The potential for Cincinnati to get two first-rounders enticed owner Mike Brown to give up Palmer, who had struggled in the Bengals’ system since 2007. Brown, who historically has been unyielding to player demands for deals even when he has received significant offers, had previously been unwilling to move the quarterback.

The Raiders had little choice in the matter after the Garrard news. The team currently has Kyle Boller(notes) and Terrelle Pryor(notes) on its depth chart. Oakland briefly considered trading for Kyle Orton(notes), according to the source, but quickly concluded he wasn’t worth even a fourth-round pick.

Putting the Raiders in an even further bind was the fact that the team had already traded or used its second-, third- and fourth-round picks in 2012. The team traded the second-rounder to New England in April as part of an exchange of selections, used the third-rounder to take Pryor in the supplemental draft this year and parted with its fourth-rounder when it acquired Jason Campbell during the 2010 draft.

Raiders make deal to acquire Palmer

A source close to the Oakland Raiders indicated Tuesday morning that the team finalized a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals for quarterback Carson Palmer(notes).

Terms of the deal, which was initially reported by Foxsports.com, were not known but ESPN reported that the Raiders gave up their first-round pick in 2012 and a conditional first-rounder in 2013 for Palmer. The Raiders made the deal after losing quarterback Jason Campbell(notes) for perhaps the rest of the season on Sunday with a broken collarbone. In addition, the Raiders reportedly had interest in quarterback David Garrard(notes) until finding out he needed back surgery and is out indefinitely.

The deal smacks of leverage for the Bengals and desperation for the Raiders and coach Hue Jackson. Oakland is 4-2 and has moderately exceeded expectations so far this season, Jackson’s first as head coach. In the aftermath of owner Al Davis’ death, Jackson has taken a larger role in the personnel operations.

Jackson, a former Cincinnati assistant coach, has been interested in Palmer ever since the quarterback informed the Bengals in the offseason he wanted a trade or would retire if not dealt. As part of the deal, the source said, Palmer is expected to sign a contract extension with the Raiders that would reduce his $11 million salary and keep him with Oakland for years to come.

The potential for Cincinnati to get two first-rounders enticed owner Mike Brown to give up Palmer, who had struggled in the Bengals’ system since 2007. Brown, who historically has been unyielding to player demands for deals even when he has received significant offers, had previously been unwilling to move the quarterback.

The Raiders had little choice in the matter after the Garrard news. The team currently has Kyle Boller(notes) and Terrelle Pryor(notes) on its depth chart. Oakland briefly considered trading for Kyle Orton(notes), according to the source, but quickly concluded he wasn’t worth even a fourth-round pick.

Putting the Raiders in an even further bind was the fact that the team had already traded or used its second-, third- and fourth-round picks in 2012. The team traded the second-rounder to New England in April as part of an exchange of selections, used the third-rounder to take Pryor in the supplemental draft this year and parted with its fourth-rounder when it acquired Jason Campbell during the 2010 draft.

World Series Ring

shakes his head and allows a wry smile. Nearly 20 years of deprivation and all of a sudden he’s showered in blessings. Less than a week shy of his 42nd birthday, the left-handed relief pitcher is in his first World Series, and he is guaranteed of getting a championship ring because he’s played for both teams this season, becoming the seventh player in baseball history to do so.

Rhodes was with the Texas Rangers until they released him Aug. 8. It appeared his career might be over. It certainly seemed his best chance to reach a World Series had slipped away. But three days later the St. Louis Cardinals signed him. Lo and behold, the Cardinals were all but gifted the wild-card berth, got hot, stormed past the Phillies and Brewers, and here they are hosting Game 1 on Wednesday at Busch Stadium.

Another player might be reluctant to accept a championship ring from a team that unceremoniously cut him. But if the Rangers happen to beat the Cardinals, Rhodes has no doubt what he’d do.

“Yeah, you gotta take the ring, man,” he said with a soft chuckle.

Hard to blame him. Go 20 years without a sniff at a World Series, and you’d take the ring, too.

Rhodes is regarded as a marvel and an oddity, and his current situation is bizarre. The Rangers are paying all but $100,000 of his $1.2 million salary for him to pitch against them. He’s been a teammate of every player in the World Series. Rangers manager Ron Washington summoned him from the bullpen 32 times and Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has called on him 24 times, including five postseason appearances.

Everybody seems to be rooting for him, even Darren Oliver(notes), one of two left-handed relievers on the Rangers’ roster after Rhodes was cut.

“This is sweet revenge for him,” Oliver said. “We’re going to try to beat him, but we’ll stay friends off the field.”

Rhodes says he isn’t upset with the Rangers for releasing him. He knows all about the business of baseball. He’s played for nine teams since breaking into the big leagues in 1991, the Rhodes most traveled. Only Mariano Rivera(notes) has made more appearances among active pitchers. One former teammate calls him Benjamin Button.

“I was disappointed when the Rangers released me because I was happy with my role there and they are a good team,” he said. “But you’ve got to keep your head up. I was really happy to sign with the Cardinals, and now, here we are.”

The Cardinals’ clubhouse and bullpen have benefited from Rhodes’ age and experience, just not in the way one might imagine. He plays loud music, plays practical jokes and invites younger teammates out for dinner and drinks.

“We’ve livened up the bullpen,” he said. “We just have fun. I was the same way with the Rangers and every team I’ve been on.”

Rhodes, like so many ballplayers, is a perpetual adolescent. It’s kept him productive. His most significant career accomplishments have come after his 40th birthday. In 2010, he tied a single-season record with 33 consecutive scoreless appearances and made his first All-Star team. Rhodes stays in top physical condition and still throws in the low 90s.

“It’s very inspiring to see what he’s been able to do for so long,” Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse(notes) said. “He’s been a big boost. He gets big outs for us and he’s ramped up the energy in the clubhouse.”

For all his mirth, Rhodes has also known heartache. The scoreless appearance record and his All-Star and World Series trips came after the biggest tragedy in his life, the death of his 5-year-old son, Jordan, in 2008 after an undisclosed illness. Rhodes writes “J.R.” on the side of the mound every time he enters a game.

“I wish my little boy was here to see this, but he’ll be right behind me on the mound,” Rhodes said. “He loved baseball.”

Players to appear in games for both teams that reached a World Series.

Player	Year	Teams
Arthur Rhodes	2011	Rangers	Cardinals
Bengie Molina(notes)	2010	Giants	Rangers
Jim Bruske	1998	Yankees	Padres
Lonnie Smith	1985	Royals	Cardinals
Sid Monge	1984	Tigers	Padres
Johnny Schmitz	1952	Yankees	Dodgers
Jack Kramer	1951	Yankees	Giants

The Giants won the World Series, and Molina got his ring, even though he’d been on the losing side. Molina’s brother, Yadier, is the Cardinals catcher. He said the ring is meaningful to Bengie because of all the time he put in with the Giants. Furthermore, Molina and Lonnie Smith are the only players who appeared in the World Series after playing for both teams during the regular season. Jim Bruske, Sid Monge, Johnny Schmitz and Jack Kramer played for both teams during the season but didn’t appear in the World Series.

So the first time Rhodes is called upon – to face Josh Hamilton(notes) in the late innings, perhaps? – he’d join an exclusive club with Molina and Smith.

Rhodes would like to exact that revenge, he’ll do everything he can to ensure the Cardinals are the ones doing the celebrating, but he knows he’s covered either way. After 20 years, he’ll have a World Series ring.

“It’s special, man,” he said. “I worked my tail off for 20 years. Gotta love it.”

World Series Ring

shakes his head and allows a wry smile. Nearly 20 years of deprivation and all of a sudden he’s showered in blessings. Less than a week shy of his 42nd birthday, the left-handed relief pitcher is in his first World Series, and he is guaranteed of getting a championship ring because he’s played for both teams this season, becoming the seventh player in baseball history to do so.

Rhodes was with the Texas Rangers until they released him Aug. 8. It appeared his career might be over. It certainly seemed his best chance to reach a World Series had slipped away. But three days later the St. Louis Cardinals signed him. Lo and behold, the Cardinals were all but gifted the wild-card berth, got hot, stormed past the Phillies and Brewers, and here they are hosting Game 1 on Wednesday at Busch Stadium.

Another player might be reluctant to accept a championship ring from a team that unceremoniously cut him. But if the Rangers happen to beat the Cardinals, Rhodes has no doubt what he’d do.

“Yeah, you gotta take the ring, man,” he said with a soft chuckle.

Hard to blame him. Go 20 years without a sniff at a World Series, and you’d take the ring, too.

Rhodes is regarded as a marvel and an oddity, and his current situation is bizarre. The Rangers are paying all but $100,000 of his $1.2 million salary for him to pitch against them. He’s been a teammate of every player in the World Series. Rangers manager Ron Washington summoned him from the bullpen 32 times and Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has called on him 24 times, including five postseason appearances.

Everybody seems to be rooting for him, even Darren Oliver(notes), one of two left-handed relievers on the Rangers’ roster after Rhodes was cut.

“This is sweet revenge for him,” Oliver said. “We’re going to try to beat him, but we’ll stay friends off the field.”

Rhodes says he isn’t upset with the Rangers for releasing him. He knows all about the business of baseball. He’s played for nine teams since breaking into the big leagues in 1991, the Rhodes most traveled. Only Mariano Rivera(notes) has made more appearances among active pitchers. One former teammate calls him Benjamin Button.

“I was disappointed when the Rangers released me because I was happy with my role there and they are a good team,” he said. “But you’ve got to keep your head up. I was really happy to sign with the Cardinals, and now, here we are.”

The Cardinals’ clubhouse and bullpen have benefited from Rhodes’ age and experience, just not in the way one might imagine. He plays loud music, plays practical jokes and invites younger teammates out for dinner and drinks.

“We’ve livened up the bullpen,” he said. “We just have fun. I was the same way with the Rangers and every team I’ve been on.”

Rhodes, like so many ballplayers, is a perpetual adolescent. It’s kept him productive. His most significant career accomplishments have come after his 40th birthday. In 2010, he tied a single-season record with 33 consecutive scoreless appearances and made his first All-Star team. Rhodes stays in top physical condition and still throws in the low 90s.

“It’s very inspiring to see what he’s been able to do for so long,” Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse(notes) said. “He’s been a big boost. He gets big outs for us and he’s ramped up the energy in the clubhouse.”

For all his mirth, Rhodes has also known heartache. The scoreless appearance record and his All-Star and World Series trips came after the biggest tragedy in his life, the death of his 5-year-old son, Jordan, in 2008 after an undisclosed illness. Rhodes writes “J.R.” on the side of the mound every time he enters a game.

“I wish my little boy was here to see this, but he’ll be right behind me on the mound,” Rhodes said. “He loved baseball.”

Players to appear in games for both teams that reached a World Series.

Player	Year	Teams
Arthur Rhodes	2011	Rangers	Cardinals
Bengie Molina(notes)	2010	Giants	Rangers
Jim Bruske	1998	Yankees	Padres
Lonnie Smith	1985	Royals	Cardinals
Sid Monge	1984	Tigers	Padres
Johnny Schmitz	1952	Yankees	Dodgers
Jack Kramer	1951	Yankees	Giants

The Giants won the World Series, and Molina got his ring, even though he’d been on the losing side. Molina’s brother, Yadier, is the Cardinals catcher. He said the ring is meaningful to Bengie because of all the time he put in with the Giants. Furthermore, Molina and Lonnie Smith are the only players who appeared in the World Series after playing for both teams during the regular season. Jim Bruske, Sid Monge, Johnny Schmitz and Jack Kramer played for both teams during the season but didn’t appear in the World Series.

So the first time Rhodes is called upon – to face Josh Hamilton(notes) in the late innings, perhaps? – he’d join an exclusive club with Molina and Smith.

Rhodes would like to exact that revenge, he’ll do everything he can to ensure the Cardinals are the ones doing the celebrating, but he knows he’s covered either way. After 20 years, he’ll have a World Series ring.

“It’s special, man,” he said. “I worked my tail off for 20 years. Gotta love it.”

World Series Ring

shakes his head and allows a wry smile. Nearly 20 years of deprivation and all of a sudden he’s showered in blessings. Less than a week shy of his 42nd birthday, the left-handed relief pitcher is in his first World Series, and he is guaranteed of getting a championship ring because he’s played for both teams this season, becoming the seventh player in baseball history to do so.

Rhodes was with the Texas Rangers until they released him Aug. 8. It appeared his career might be over. It certainly seemed his best chance to reach a World Series had slipped away. But three days later the St. Louis Cardinals signed him. Lo and behold, the Cardinals were all but gifted the wild-card berth, got hot, stormed past the Phillies and Brewers, and here they are hosting Game 1 on Wednesday at Busch Stadium.

Another player might be reluctant to accept a championship ring from a team that unceremoniously cut him. But if the Rangers happen to beat the Cardinals, Rhodes has no doubt what he’d do.

“Yeah, you gotta take the ring, man,” he said with a soft chuckle.

Hard to blame him. Go 20 years without a sniff at a World Series, and you’d take the ring, too.

Rhodes is regarded as a marvel and an oddity, and his current situation is bizarre. The Rangers are paying all but $100,000 of his $1.2 million salary for him to pitch against them. He’s been a teammate of every player in the World Series. Rangers manager Ron Washington summoned him from the bullpen 32 times and Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has called on him 24 times, including five postseason appearances.

Everybody seems to be rooting for him, even Darren Oliver(notes), one of two left-handed relievers on the Rangers’ roster after Rhodes was cut.

“This is sweet revenge for him,” Oliver said. “We’re going to try to beat him, but we’ll stay friends off the field.”

Rhodes says he isn’t upset with the Rangers for releasing him. He knows all about the business of baseball. He’s played for nine teams since breaking into the big leagues in 1991, the Rhodes most traveled. Only Mariano Rivera(notes) has made more appearances among active pitchers. One former teammate calls him Benjamin Button.

“I was disappointed when the Rangers released me because I was happy with my role there and they are a good team,” he said. “But you’ve got to keep your head up. I was really happy to sign with the Cardinals, and now, here we are.”

The Cardinals’ clubhouse and bullpen have benefited from Rhodes’ age and experience, just not in the way one might imagine. He plays loud music, plays practical jokes and invites younger teammates out for dinner and drinks.

“We’ve livened up the bullpen,” he said. “We just have fun. I was the same way with the Rangers and every team I’ve been on.”

Rhodes, like so many ballplayers, is a perpetual adolescent. It’s kept him productive. His most significant career accomplishments have come after his 40th birthday. In 2010, he tied a single-season record with 33 consecutive scoreless appearances and made his first All-Star team. Rhodes stays in top physical condition and still throws in the low 90s.

“It’s very inspiring to see what he’s been able to do for so long,” Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse(notes) said. “He’s been a big boost. He gets big outs for us and he’s ramped up the energy in the clubhouse.”

For all his mirth, Rhodes has also known heartache. The scoreless appearance record and his All-Star and World Series trips came after the biggest tragedy in his life, the death of his 5-year-old son, Jordan, in 2008 after an undisclosed illness. Rhodes writes “J.R.” on the side of the mound every time he enters a game.

“I wish my little boy was here to see this, but he’ll be right behind me on the mound,” Rhodes said. “He loved baseball.”

Players to appear in games for both teams that reached a World Series.

Player	Year	Teams
Arthur Rhodes	2011	Rangers	Cardinals
Bengie Molina(notes)	2010	Giants	Rangers
Jim Bruske	1998	Yankees	Padres
Lonnie Smith	1985	Royals	Cardinals
Sid Monge	1984	Tigers	Padres
Johnny Schmitz	1952	Yankees	Dodgers
Jack Kramer	1951	Yankees	Giants

The Giants won the World Series, and Molina got his ring, even though he’d been on the losing side. Molina’s brother, Yadier, is the Cardinals catcher. He said the ring is meaningful to Bengie because of all the time he put in with the Giants. Furthermore, Molina and Lonnie Smith are the only players who appeared in the World Series after playing for both teams during the regular season. Jim Bruske, Sid Monge, Johnny Schmitz and Jack Kramer played for both teams during the season but didn’t appear in the World Series.

So the first time Rhodes is called upon – to face Josh Hamilton(notes) in the late innings, perhaps? – he’d join an exclusive club with Molina and Smith.

Rhodes would like to exact that revenge, he’ll do everything he can to ensure the Cardinals are the ones doing the celebrating, but he knows he’s covered either way. After 20 years, he’ll have a World Series ring.

“It’s special, man,” he said. “I worked my tail off for 20 years. Gotta love it.”

California record-setter

High school football games usually take at least two hours to play. But during Friday night's contest between Desert Hot Springs (Calif.) High School and Big Bear (Calif.) High School it took the two schools nearly four hours and eight overtimes before Big Bear prevailed, 56-50.

The game ended up breaking the California High School record for overtimes, besting a 1991 game between Perris and Palm Springs that went seven OTs. It also set the record for longest football game in state history.
"It was just a phenomenal game, probably the best football game I've ever been involved in," Big Bear High coach Dave Griffiths told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm not sure how much longer the teams could have gone. After eight overtimes, the kids were worn out and the coaches too."
At one point during the contest it looked like there was no way the two teams were headed to overtime. As the San Bernardino County Sun noted, it took a furious rally by Big Bear to turn the game from a blowout into one of the greatest finishes in state history.
After being down 15 points in the third, Big Bear scored 22 unanswered points to take the lead. With the game in the balance and Desert Hot Springs looking at a shocking defeat, the school made one final push to tie the game.

Griffiths felt his team had a good chance to put it away as a punt was about to pin the Eagles deep in their own territory, but Christian Guzman returned the punt to set up a game-tying drive. Desert Hot Springs tied it 22-22 with a touchdown in the final minutes before Big Bear missed a 47-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds that would have won the game.

While the finish of regulation was incredible, overtime produced a couple of gems that made both coaches rub their eyes in disbelief. The Desert Sun said the best moment of the game came with Desert Hot Springs trailing Big Bear 43-36 and facing third-and-36.

Running a go route, [Christian] Guzman expected quarterback Nolan Hayes to throw the ball to his outside shoulder. But the 6-3, 200-pound receiver was forced to adjust as the pass approached his inside shoulder. He jumped underneath the Big Bear defensive back, who was playing textbook coverage, to catch the pass for a 35-yard gain.

"I've never played so much football in my life," Guzman told the Desert Sun. "My guys fought, my line fought, my QB was throwing dimes. It was amazing."

Amazing, indeed. There has to be some direct correlation between multiple overtime games and the month of October. Just last season, Nacogdoches (Tex.) High School and Jacksonville (Tex.) High School went an eye-popping 12 OTs to set the national record in an 84-81 game.

California record-setter

High school football games usually take at least two hours to play. But during Friday night's contest between Desert Hot Springs (Calif.) High School and Big Bear (Calif.) High School it took the two schools nearly four hours and eight overtimes before Big Bear prevailed, 56-50.

The game ended up breaking the California High School record for overtimes, besting a 1991 game between Perris and Palm Springs that went seven OTs. It also set the record for longest football game in state history.
"It was just a phenomenal game, probably the best football game I've ever been involved in," Big Bear High coach Dave Griffiths told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm not sure how much longer the teams could have gone. After eight overtimes, the kids were worn out and the coaches too."
At one point during the contest it looked like there was no way the two teams were headed to overtime. As the San Bernardino County Sun noted, it took a furious rally by Big Bear to turn the game from a blowout into one of the greatest finishes in state history.
After being down 15 points in the third, Big Bear scored 22 unanswered points to take the lead. With the game in the balance and Desert Hot Springs looking at a shocking defeat, the school made one final push to tie the game.

Griffiths felt his team had a good chance to put it away as a punt was about to pin the Eagles deep in their own territory, but Christian Guzman returned the punt to set up a game-tying drive. Desert Hot Springs tied it 22-22 with a touchdown in the final minutes before Big Bear missed a 47-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds that would have won the game.

While the finish of regulation was incredible, overtime produced a couple of gems that made both coaches rub their eyes in disbelief. The Desert Sun said the best moment of the game came with Desert Hot Springs trailing Big Bear 43-36 and facing third-and-36.

Running a go route, [Christian] Guzman expected quarterback Nolan Hayes to throw the ball to his outside shoulder. But the 6-3, 200-pound receiver was forced to adjust as the pass approached his inside shoulder. He jumped underneath the Big Bear defensive back, who was playing textbook coverage, to catch the pass for a 35-yard gain.

"I've never played so much football in my life," Guzman told the Desert Sun. "My guys fought, my line fought, my QB was throwing dimes. It was amazing."

Amazing, indeed. There has to be some direct correlation between multiple overtime games and the month of October. Just last season, Nacogdoches (Tex.) High School and Jacksonville (Tex.) High School went an eye-popping 12 OTs to set the national record in an 84-81 game.

California record-setter

High school football games usually take at least two hours to play. But during Friday night's contest between Desert Hot Springs (Calif.) High School and Big Bear (Calif.) High School it took the two schools nearly four hours and eight overtimes before Big Bear prevailed, 56-50.

The game ended up breaking the California High School record for overtimes, besting a 1991 game between Perris and Palm Springs that went seven OTs. It also set the record for longest football game in state history.
"It was just a phenomenal game, probably the best football game I've ever been involved in," Big Bear High coach Dave Griffiths told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm not sure how much longer the teams could have gone. After eight overtimes, the kids were worn out and the coaches too."
At one point during the contest it looked like there was no way the two teams were headed to overtime. As the San Bernardino County Sun noted, it took a furious rally by Big Bear to turn the game from a blowout into one of the greatest finishes in state history.
After being down 15 points in the third, Big Bear scored 22 unanswered points to take the lead. With the game in the balance and Desert Hot Springs looking at a shocking defeat, the school made one final push to tie the game.

Griffiths felt his team had a good chance to put it away as a punt was about to pin the Eagles deep in their own territory, but Christian Guzman returned the punt to set up a game-tying drive. Desert Hot Springs tied it 22-22 with a touchdown in the final minutes before Big Bear missed a 47-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds that would have won the game.

While the finish of regulation was incredible, overtime produced a couple of gems that made both coaches rub their eyes in disbelief. The Desert Sun said the best moment of the game came with Desert Hot Springs trailing Big Bear 43-36 and facing third-and-36.

Running a go route, [Christian] Guzman expected quarterback Nolan Hayes to throw the ball to his outside shoulder. But the 6-3, 200-pound receiver was forced to adjust as the pass approached his inside shoulder. He jumped underneath the Big Bear defensive back, who was playing textbook coverage, to catch the pass for a 35-yard gain.

"I've never played so much football in my life," Guzman told the Desert Sun. "My guys fought, my line fought, my QB was throwing dimes. It was amazing."

Amazing, indeed. There has to be some direct correlation between multiple overtime games and the month of October. Just last season, Nacogdoches (Tex.) High School and Jacksonville (Tex.) High School went an eye-popping 12 OTs to set the national record in an 84-81 game.

Keisel to dance

Polamalu pays homage to his American Samoan descent with some taualaga-like hip-shaking, while Keisel -- well, I'm not really sure what Keisel is doing other than getting confused about who's leading.

Not that you need a recap of last season's "Dancing With The Stars" because you surely committed all this information to memory, but Ward won the season 12 competition, outlasting fellow participants including Sugar Ray Leonard, Chris Jericho, Ralph Macchio and Kirstie Alley.

His partner, Kym Johnson, was a far superior dancer to either Polamalu or Keisel and easier on the eyes, too, though her hair and beard can't hold a candle to either.

Keisel to dance

Polamalu pays homage to his American Samoan descent with some taualaga-like hip-shaking, while Keisel -- well, I'm not really sure what Keisel is doing other than getting confused about who's leading.

Not that you need a recap of last season's "Dancing With The Stars" because you surely committed all this information to memory, but Ward won the season 12 competition, outlasting fellow participants including Sugar Ray Leonard, Chris Jericho, Ralph Macchio and Kirstie Alley.

His partner, Kym Johnson, was a far superior dancer to either Polamalu or Keisel and easier on the eyes, too, though her hair and beard can't hold a candle to either.

Keisel to dance

Polamalu pays homage to his American Samoan descent with some taualaga-like hip-shaking, while Keisel -- well, I'm not really sure what Keisel is doing other than getting confused about who's leading.

Not that you need a recap of last season's "Dancing With The Stars" because you surely committed all this information to memory, but Ward won the season 12 competition, outlasting fellow participants including Sugar Ray Leonard, Chris Jericho, Ralph Macchio and Kirstie Alley.

His partner, Kym Johnson, was a far superior dancer to either Polamalu or Keisel and easier on the eyes, too, though her hair and beard can't hold a candle to either.

Goal Celebration

Mexican Primera División sides Chivas and Tecos met on Saturday night, with the former coming out 5-2 winners thanks in part to a Marco Fabian hat-trick. The prolific midfielder poured a scalding bucket of controversy on proceedings, however, when he celebrated the second strike by unloading his finger gun into the forehead of teammate Alberto Medina.
In a country where there were over 15,000 recorded murders last year alone, this doesn't seem like an incredibly smart thing to do. A Chivas spokesperson was quick to concur with the general condemnation of this display of poor taste:

"The players who participated in this celebration will be called to account because they are role model for children and youth of our country."

In the canon of dumb celebrations — which includes David Norris' handcuff gesture and not-a-drug-taker Robbie Fowler's line-sniffing antics — this ranks pretty highly. Hopefully, if Fabian learns anything from this experience, it's that the glorification of drug-related violence should be left where it belongs — Hollywood cinema.

Goal Celebration

Mexican Primera División sides Chivas and Tecos met on Saturday night, with the former coming out 5-2 winners thanks in part to a Marco Fabian hat-trick. The prolific midfielder poured a scalding bucket of controversy on proceedings, however, when he celebrated the second strike by unloading his finger gun into the forehead of teammate Alberto Medina.
In a country where there were over 15,000 recorded murders last year alone, this doesn't seem like an incredibly smart thing to do. A Chivas spokesperson was quick to concur with the general condemnation of this display of poor taste:

"The players who participated in this celebration will be called to account because they are role model for children and youth of our country."

In the canon of dumb celebrations — which includes David Norris' handcuff gesture and not-a-drug-taker Robbie Fowler's line-sniffing antics — this ranks pretty highly. Hopefully, if Fabian learns anything from this experience, it's that the glorification of drug-related violence should be left where it belongs — Hollywood cinema.

Goal Celebration

Mexican Primera División sides Chivas and Tecos met on Saturday night, with the former coming out 5-2 winners thanks in part to a Marco Fabian hat-trick. The prolific midfielder poured a scalding bucket of controversy on proceedings, however, when he celebrated the second strike by unloading his finger gun into the forehead of teammate Alberto Medina.
In a country where there were over 15,000 recorded murders last year alone, this doesn't seem like an incredibly smart thing to do. A Chivas spokesperson was quick to concur with the general condemnation of this display of poor taste:

"The players who participated in this celebration will be called to account because they are role model for children and youth of our country."

In the canon of dumb celebrations — which includes David Norris' handcuff gesture and not-a-drug-taker Robbie Fowler's line-sniffing antics — this ranks pretty highly. Hopefully, if Fabian learns anything from this experience, it's that the glorification of drug-related violence should be left where it belongs — Hollywood cinema.

$3 million luxury

The Chevy Corvette car and speedboat hybrid might be the slickest amphibious vehicle on the planet, but when it comes to campers, nothing compares to the luxury the Elemment Palazzo offers. The mere mention of campers and RVs invokes images of cramped living quarters that can house only your essentials. But the Elemment Palazzo with its lavish fixture and ornate designs obliterates that notion completely. As it should, what with a coronary-inducing price tag of $3 million.

Austrian company Marchi Mobile designed Palazzo as part of its Elemment line of luxury vehicles that very visibly displays the trappings of wealth. You'll see in Palazzo what you never thought you'd see inside an RV. Master bedroom with an adjoining bathroom? Check. Leather interior? Check. Rainfall shower, fireplace, and 40" TVs? Check, check, check.

 Impressive enough as it is, it doesn't end there — the 40' long Palazzo also has a pop-out bar replete with a skylight and underfloor heating that you can activate by pushing a single button. The bar adds 80% more room to the camper's original 430 square feet floor space. When it comes to the exterior side of things, you may or may not be glad to know (depending on how you feel about it) that the Palazzo is covered in glow-in-the-dark paint.

The 20-ton Palazzo can reach speeds of 93 mph, and uses 20% less fuel than vehicles of comparable size due to its aerodynamic design. The designers at Marchi Mobile say Palazzo is completely customizable, and if you have more money to spare, they'd welcome any outrageous modifications, going as far as to cover it in diamonds.

$3 million luxury

The Chevy Corvette car and speedboat hybrid might be the slickest amphibious vehicle on the planet, but when it comes to campers, nothing compares to the luxury the Elemment Palazzo offers. The mere mention of campers and RVs invokes images of cramped living quarters that can house only your essentials. But the Elemment Palazzo with its lavish fixture and ornate designs obliterates that notion completely. As it should, what with a coronary-inducing price tag of $3 million.

Austrian company Marchi Mobile designed Palazzo as part of its Elemment line of luxury vehicles that very visibly displays the trappings of wealth. You'll see in Palazzo what you never thought you'd see inside an RV. Master bedroom with an adjoining bathroom? Check. Leather interior? Check. Rainfall shower, fireplace, and 40" TVs? Check, check, check.

 Impressive enough as it is, it doesn't end there — the 40' long Palazzo also has a pop-out bar replete with a skylight and underfloor heating that you can activate by pushing a single button. The bar adds 80% more room to the camper's original 430 square feet floor space. When it comes to the exterior side of things, you may or may not be glad to know (depending on how you feel about it) that the Palazzo is covered in glow-in-the-dark paint.

The 20-ton Palazzo can reach speeds of 93 mph, and uses 20% less fuel than vehicles of comparable size due to its aerodynamic design. The designers at Marchi Mobile say Palazzo is completely customizable, and if you have more money to spare, they'd welcome any outrageous modifications, going as far as to cover it in diamonds.

$3 million luxury

The Chevy Corvette car and speedboat hybrid might be the slickest amphibious vehicle on the planet, but when it comes to campers, nothing compares to the luxury the Elemment Palazzo offers. The mere mention of campers and RVs invokes images of cramped living quarters that can house only your essentials. But the Elemment Palazzo with its lavish fixture and ornate designs obliterates that notion completely. As it should, what with a coronary-inducing price tag of $3 million.

Austrian company Marchi Mobile designed Palazzo as part of its Elemment line of luxury vehicles that very visibly displays the trappings of wealth. You'll see in Palazzo what you never thought you'd see inside an RV. Master bedroom with an adjoining bathroom? Check. Leather interior? Check. Rainfall shower, fireplace, and 40" TVs? Check, check, check.

 Impressive enough as it is, it doesn't end there — the 40' long Palazzo also has a pop-out bar replete with a skylight and underfloor heating that you can activate by pushing a single button. The bar adds 80% more room to the camper's original 430 square feet floor space. When it comes to the exterior side of things, you may or may not be glad to know (depending on how you feel about it) that the Palazzo is covered in glow-in-the-dark paint.

The 20-ton Palazzo can reach speeds of 93 mph, and uses 20% less fuel than vehicles of comparable size due to its aerodynamic design. The designers at Marchi Mobile say Palazzo is completely customizable, and if you have more money to spare, they'd welcome any outrageous modifications, going as far as to cover it in diamonds.

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and his wife

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and his wife just bought part of the 76ers

o most of your parents, Will Smith owns the only rap lyric they can reliably relate word for word -- "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" theme. And because everyone seems to know that Will Smith was "born and raised" in West Philadelphia, it makes complete and total sense that he and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, are members of the latest group to pay way too much for an NBA team. The team, as you and your parents would guess, is the Philadelphia 76ers.

This is from a press release sent out on Tuesday, announcing the sale of the 76ers to a group led by Joshua Harris:

The investor group is led by Harris, who will serve as Managing Owner of the 76ers and as the team's Governor on the NBA Board of Governors. Other investors include David Blitzer, who will serve as Co-Managing Owner and an Alternate Governor of the NBA, CEO Adam Aron who will also serve as an Alternate Governor of the NBA, Martin Geller, David Heller, Travis Hennings, James Lassiter, Marc Leder, Jason Levien, Michael Rubin, Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith, Handy Soetedjo, Erick Thohir and Art Wrubel, all of whom have made personal investments in the team.

Don't know, don't know, don't know, don't know, billion-dollar action star and actress-turned-heavy metal singer, don't know, don't know.

The group is purchasing the 76ers from Comcast, a company that didn't mind spending quite a bit of money in running the Sixers. Comcast went after boffo free agents like Elton Brand(notes), didn't shy away from firing coaches that still had guaranteed money left on their contracts, and often traded one eight-figure-making superstar for another. Money wasn't an issue for this big-market team. Sound decision-making was.

How the new group will handle the team, trying to lead them from their perennial first-round ousters, is anyone's guess. We can only tell you that Will Smith's influence on the team will likely be clean, non-threatening, and very accessible.

There have been rumors that Will and Jada are separating, but they've been denied by family members. Here's hoping it's a good match for the 76ers.

 

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and his wife

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and his wife just bought part of the 76ers

o most of your parents, Will Smith owns the only rap lyric they can reliably relate word for word -- "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" theme. And because everyone seems to know that Will Smith was "born and raised" in West Philadelphia, it makes complete and total sense that he and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, are members of the latest group to pay way too much for an NBA team. The team, as you and your parents would guess, is the Philadelphia 76ers.

This is from a press release sent out on Tuesday, announcing the sale of the 76ers to a group led by Joshua Harris:

The investor group is led by Harris, who will serve as Managing Owner of the 76ers and as the team's Governor on the NBA Board of Governors. Other investors include David Blitzer, who will serve as Co-Managing Owner and an Alternate Governor of the NBA, CEO Adam Aron who will also serve as an Alternate Governor of the NBA, Martin Geller, David Heller, Travis Hennings, James Lassiter, Marc Leder, Jason Levien, Michael Rubin, Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith, Handy Soetedjo, Erick Thohir and Art Wrubel, all of whom have made personal investments in the team.

Don't know, don't know, don't know, don't know, billion-dollar action star and actress-turned-heavy metal singer, don't know, don't know.

The group is purchasing the 76ers from Comcast, a company that didn't mind spending quite a bit of money in running the Sixers. Comcast went after boffo free agents like Elton Brand(notes), didn't shy away from firing coaches that still had guaranteed money left on their contracts, and often traded one eight-figure-making superstar for another. Money wasn't an issue for this big-market team. Sound decision-making was.

How the new group will handle the team, trying to lead them from their perennial first-round ousters, is anyone's guess. We can only tell you that Will Smith's influence on the team will likely be clean, non-threatening, and very accessible.

There have been rumors that Will and Jada are separating, but they've been denied by family members. Here's hoping it's a good match for the 76ers.

 

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and his wife

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and his wife just bought part of the 76ers

o most of your parents, Will Smith owns the only rap lyric they can reliably relate word for word -- "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" theme. And because everyone seems to know that Will Smith was "born and raised" in West Philadelphia, it makes complete and total sense that he and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, are members of the latest group to pay way too much for an NBA team. The team, as you and your parents would guess, is the Philadelphia 76ers.

This is from a press release sent out on Tuesday, announcing the sale of the 76ers to a group led by Joshua Harris:

The investor group is led by Harris, who will serve as Managing Owner of the 76ers and as the team's Governor on the NBA Board of Governors. Other investors include David Blitzer, who will serve as Co-Managing Owner and an Alternate Governor of the NBA, CEO Adam Aron who will also serve as an Alternate Governor of the NBA, Martin Geller, David Heller, Travis Hennings, James Lassiter, Marc Leder, Jason Levien, Michael Rubin, Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith, Handy Soetedjo, Erick Thohir and Art Wrubel, all of whom have made personal investments in the team.

Don't know, don't know, don't know, don't know, billion-dollar action star and actress-turned-heavy metal singer, don't know, don't know.

The group is purchasing the 76ers from Comcast, a company that didn't mind spending quite a bit of money in running the Sixers. Comcast went after boffo free agents like Elton Brand(notes), didn't shy away from firing coaches that still had guaranteed money left on their contracts, and often traded one eight-figure-making superstar for another. Money wasn't an issue for this big-market team. Sound decision-making was.

How the new group will handle the team, trying to lead them from their perennial first-round ousters, is anyone's guess. We can only tell you that Will Smith's influence on the team will likely be clean, non-threatening, and very accessible.

There have been rumors that Will and Jada are separating, but they've been denied by family members. Here's hoping it's a good match for the 76ers.

 

NAHBS 2011 – Austin Day 2

Day two at the North American Handmade Bike Show (NAHBS) brought in a really good crowd. The show was bustling all day with excitement. Stu and I dragged ourselves out of bed after a late night out with our friend Wade, the Vulture of Vulture Cycles who we met up with at the party at Mellow Johnnies, and then headed over to see the lewd and crude and all-around entertaining Mojo Nixon.

We powered through motivated by the enthusiasm for cycling in the air. And after a few technical difficulties on the video end, captured a whole lot of great video that we should be offering up over the next few days–including an over-the-top interlude with Gary Fisher.

With some of our interviews focused on the discussion of integrated accessories, I began to realize that custom builders are in a unique position to critique. As I mentioned yesterday, the intimate relationship between bike builders and customers results in a requirement for a very high level of reliability.

 
Customers are not only trusting the builder to fit the bike frame to their function, they are often relying on the builder to bring together all aspects of the bicycle, frame, parts and bicycle accessories together into a seamless and long-lasting solution that fits their needs and unleashes their cycling potential.

NAHBS 2011 – Austin Day 2

Day two at the North American Handmade Bike Show (NAHBS) brought in a really good crowd. The show was bustling all day with excitement. Stu and I dragged ourselves out of bed after a late night out with our friend Wade, the Vulture of Vulture Cycles who we met up with at the party at Mellow Johnnies, and then headed over to see the lewd and crude and all-around entertaining Mojo Nixon.

We powered through motivated by the enthusiasm for cycling in the air. And after a few technical difficulties on the video end, captured a whole lot of great video that we should be offering up over the next few days–including an over-the-top interlude with Gary Fisher.

With some of our interviews focused on the discussion of integrated accessories, I began to realize that custom builders are in a unique position to critique. As I mentioned yesterday, the intimate relationship between bike builders and customers results in a requirement for a very high level of reliability.

 
Customers are not only trusting the builder to fit the bike frame to their function, they are often relying on the builder to bring together all aspects of the bicycle, frame, parts and bicycle accessories together into a seamless and long-lasting solution that fits their needs and unleashes their cycling potential.

NAHBS 2011 – Austin Day 2

Day two at the North American Handmade Bike Show (NAHBS) brought in a really good crowd. The show was bustling all day with excitement. Stu and I dragged ourselves out of bed after a late night out with our friend Wade, the Vulture of Vulture Cycles who we met up with at the party at Mellow Johnnies, and then headed over to see the lewd and crude and all-around entertaining Mojo Nixon.

We powered through motivated by the enthusiasm for cycling in the air. And after a few technical difficulties on the video end, captured a whole lot of great video that we should be offering up over the next few days–including an over-the-top interlude with Gary Fisher.

With some of our interviews focused on the discussion of integrated accessories, I began to realize that custom builders are in a unique position to critique. As I mentioned yesterday, the intimate relationship between bike builders and customers results in a requirement for a very high level of reliability.

 
Customers are not only trusting the builder to fit the bike frame to their function, they are often relying on the builder to bring together all aspects of the bicycle, frame, parts and bicycle accessories together into a seamless and long-lasting solution that fits their needs and unleashes their cycling potential.

Wheldon’s final days

Four days before he died, Dan Wheldon sat next to me on a couch reflecting on a year in which he started out unemployed, won the Indianapolis 500, then went back to the unemployment line to look for a job. I expected a bittersweet tone. Instead I got classic Dan Wheldon, ever the grounded optimist.

Wheldon’s career

Dan Wheldon won the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and 2011.

Year	Starts	Wins	Poles	Top 5	Top 10
2011	2	1	0	1	1
2010	17	0	0	4	10
2009	17	0	0	3	9
2008	17	2	0	10	12
2007	17	2	1	6	11
2006	14	2	2	9	12
2005	17	6	0	12	15
2004	16	3	2	12	13
2003	14	0	0	5	9
2002	2	0	0	0	1
Total:	133	16	5	62	93

“It’s been incredibly enjoyable,” he said with complete sincerity. “My wife gave birth to our second son, Oliver, and I was able to enjoy spending time with them because I didn’t have a ride.”

Wheldon died Sunday in a violent 15-car wreck at the IndyCar season finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The native of Great Britain was 33 years old. He’ll be remembered as much for his engaging personality off the track as his dominating skills on it.

Wheldon was airlifted to a local hospital and IndyCar officials halted the race for more than two hours. When word spread that Wheldon had died, drivers decided not to race, returning to their cars only for a five-lap tribute.

“There are no words for today,” Danica Patrick said via Twitter. “Myself and so many others are devastated.”

Perhaps nothing explained Wheldon better than his ability to find peace and perspective in the midst of such an inexplicable season. Here was an out-of-work driver who couldn’t land a decent job in a series in which he was a champion, in which he’d won the sport’s signature event, the Indianapolis 500. It doesn’t sound fair because it’s not, but that’s how it works sometimes in auto racing, where sponsor dollars trump talent.

Wheldon got a ride in the Indy 500 only because friend and team owner Bryan Herta was able to put together a competitive deal. Still, no one gave Wheldon a shot to win it until he actually did. The next day, he was unemployed again.

But not bitter.

He used the time off as an opportunity to promote the sport that wouldn’t give him a full-time job. When he won the Indy 500 back in 2005, he hit up David Letterman, did a few other promotional events, then went back to racing the next weekend. After this year’s win, with no job, he made appearance after appearance after appearance. He worked television broadcasts of IndyCar events, became an ambassador for Indianapolis Motor Speedway and served as the official test driver for the new race car the series will unveil next season.

He was happy, content, smiling like he was in love.

“It’s been a crazy year,” he said, “but really, really enjoyable.”

The tragic irony is Wheldon was only racing Sunday because of a promotion. Earlier this year as a way to bring attention to the fledgling series, CEO Randy Bernard put up a $5 million award to any non-series regular who could win the finale. As a non-regular, Wheldon was eligible.

One condition was that he start at the back of the 34-car field, a huge deficit to overcome, but one Wheldon said could be done in the 200-lap race. Just 12 laps in, two cars touched in front of him, setting off a horrific chain reaction of events that Patrick described as straight out of a movie.

Wheldon, having moved up some 10 spots already, couldn’t slow in time. His car launched over the back of one in front of him, turned in midair and slammed into the catch fence. Rescue workers were quick to the scene, but neither they nor doctors at a local hospital could save him.

“IndyCar is sad to announce that Dan Wheldon passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” Bernard announced at a press conference. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan and his family.”