America's Newest Soccer Ambassador President Clinton Honored

"America's Newest Soccer Ambassador - President Clinton Honored in Harlem"

U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati named former U.S. President Bill Clinton the Honorary Chairman of  the USA Bid Committee, the official committee focusing on bringing the World Cup back to the States in 2018 or 2022.  Gulati made the announcement in Harlem, New York at the home of youth soccer club F.C. Harlem.
A host of political and soccer dignitaries, from Congressman Charles Rangel to MLS Commissioner Don Garber, were on hand for the occasion.  Prior to the press conference, three of New York Red Bull’s finest, Juan Pablo Ángel, Chris Albright and Seth Stammler took part in a soccer clinic with the kids.

Rafael Nadal Planing To Reclaim French Open Title from Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal Planing To Reclaim French Open Title from Roger Federer

Everyone anticipates how the “The King of Clay,” Rafael Nadal, who remains to be undefeated this season (12-0) will beat his opponents at the French Open.

Being on top is never new to Nadal for he was World’s No. 1 from August 18, 2008 to July 5, 2009 but fell behind Swiss tennis player Roger Federer soon after. Since after becoming one of the top 50 players as a 17 year old, Nadal had been riveting the courts taking 31 consecutive match wins in the French Open from 2005 to 2009 and Grand Slams on clay in the Australian Open tying up with Roger Federer.

Tennis ace Jankovic downs compatriot Ivanovic

Jelena Jankovic said she took little notice of compatriot Ana Ivanovic across the net Wednesday, emerging with a scratchy 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 win in a Serbian struggle to reach the third round of the Madrid Masters.
"I treated it as just another match," said the seventh seed who played the Rome final last weekend. "Over the years you play so many matches and go through so many things.
"Maybe at the start of our careers it was important, Now you just want to play your tennis. You try your best and try to win."
2008 Roland Garros champion Ivanovic led the series 6-2 going into the contest after making a move back to form last week in Rome with a semi-final which improved her ranking to 42nd on the WTA.
But the one-time number one was bedevilled on serve with a dozen double-faults which did not help her cause in the struggle lasting just over an hour and three-quarters.
Jankovic probably didn't even notice. "It doesn't matter if it's a Serb or anyone else. I just played my tennis.

Sports Commissioners should boycott Arizona Events

This is not the time for silence. It's time for our various sports commissioners to speak.
Loudly and clearly.That means NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell should make his opinion known. So should MLB Commissioner Bud Selig.The same goes for the heads of the NBA, the NHL and any other sports league that does business in Arizona.
Their collective message to Arizona should leave no room for interpretation:
If Senate Bill 1070, which requires police to question people about their immigration status and demand to see their documents if they suspect the person is in the U.S. illegally, goes into effect July 29, then you can say goodbye to a plethora of sporting events.

49ers Offers Huge Deal $50M to LB Patick Willis for 5-year Contract

The San Francisco 49ers signed linebacker Patrick Willis to a long-term contract extension on Tuesday.
Willis was the 11th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and has proven to be one of the elite linebackers in the game in just three seasons in the league.
The 49ers gave him a five-year, $50 million extension according to FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer.
His current contract runs through 2011 at which point the new deal will kick in, keeping him in San Francisco through 2016.
The 6-foot-1, 240 pound Willis has started in 48 consecutive contests and led the team in tackles and been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons.

Venus Cruises into Rome Third Tennis Round

Williams sisters Venus and Serena had few problems between them as they cruised into the third round of the WTA Rome Open at the Foro Italico here on Tuesday after straight sets victories.
World number one Serena, the reigning Australian Open champion, overcame a tough first set to beat Switzerland's Timea Bacsinszky 7-6 (7/2), 6-1.
Before that, five-time Wimbledon champion Venus breezed to a 6-2, 6-2 dismantling of another Swiss, Patty Schnyder.
Serena was playing for the first time since winning in Melbourne and she certainly took her time to adjust.
In the first set she quickly found herself two breaks down at 1-4 but broke back straight away to love with a drop-shot winner on game point.

Humility of seniors inspires Raina in International Cricket

After scoring a match-winning 60-ball 101, Suresh Raina on Sunday credited his growth as a reliable batsman to a disciplined regime and inspiring atmosphere in the dressing room.
Riding on Raina’s knock, India posted a huge 186 for five and beat South Africa by 14 runs to qualify for Super Eight stage of the World T20.
“Fleming, Mahi (Dhoni) and Hayden supported me a lot during the IPL. Likewise, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid always backed me in the national team. It is very important for me to fulfill my potential and repay their faith in me,” Raina said after the match.

The Day In Sports MLB - Ernie Harwell Dies at Age 92

After a long battle with cancer, beloved Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell died in his home Tuesday at the age of 92. Harwell was the voice of the Tigers for 55 years, ending his career after the 2002 season. He also became the only announcer in MLB history to be traded for a player when the Brooklyn Dodgers needed one in a pinch.

Bud Selig (MLB Commissioner) - "Without question, Ernie was one of the finest and most distinguished gentlemen I have ever met. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathy to Ernie's beloved wife Lulu, his four children, his friends and his countless admirers throughout our game."

Vin Scully (HOF Dodgers Broadcaster) - "He was with the Dodgers in '48 and '49, then I sat in his chair. I didn't follow or succeed him, I just sat in his chair. He was so gracious and kind. Probably the best word is that he was a gentleman, and it came across. He just cared for people. He loved baseball. He was such a nice guy, so you can understand why the people of Detroit just loved him."

Federer embarks on clay campaign still happy to bow to Nadal

Federer embarks on clay campaign still happy to bow to Nadal as slow-court king

Despite victory in last year's French Open, World No 1 believes 'tearaway' Spaniard remains the one to beat

He is the world No 1, holds three of the four Grand Slam titles and is the French Open champion, but when Roger Federer goes to Roland Garros next month he believes the favourite to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires will be a rival who has just won his first tournament for 11 months. Federer has always held Rafael Nadal in the highest respect and believes the Spaniard is rapidly putting his recent difficulties behind him.

Tennis Star Andy Murray looking to make a comeback in the Rome Masters

Out of form tennis player Andy Murray is upbeat about his chances at the Rome Masters.

After two back-to-back defeats in major tournaments, the former world no.2 slipped to no.5. Undaunted by his poor performances, the Scottish tennis player is looking ahead. He has been training around the clock for his match with world no.47, Italian Andreas Seppi.

"My confidence isn't as high as it was at the start of the year but I've just had two bad tournaments, that's all it is.” The Sun quoted Murray as saying.

The tennis star is completely focussed on his upcoming match "Getting through my first match is my goal here in Rome and we'll take it from there." says Murray.