Dwyane Wade Surprises Miami Teen as Her Prom Date



With Injuries Plaguing Yankees, Kuroda Leads on the Mound

Hiroki Kuroda’s eight-inning, two-hit performance on Friday lowered his earned run average to 1.99. (Ray Stubblebine)

The New York Yankees have been injury plagued like no other team in baseball. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira have yet to even play this season. Curtis Granderson only returned this week. That means that the Yankees were without four of their best hitters for the first quarter of the season. As far as the starting rotation is concerned, Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova and Andy Pettitte have all been or are currently on the disabled list.

The Yankees have seen a total of 13 players put on the disabled list this early in the season. Not good news for a team picked by many "experts" to finish last or second to last in the American League East. They claimed the Yankees were "too old" with "not enough depth" to make up for the injured regulars. That is interesting because if we take a look at our standings that does not seem to be the case.

The Yankees boast a 26-16 record and have gone 16-8 (.667) in their last 24 games. They currently sit in sole possession of first place in the AL East with the third best record in baseball. How have done it? Tonight's 5-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays featured the offensive prowess of Jayson Nix, David Adams and Austine Romine. They may not be Jeter, A-Rod and Teixeira, but they have been helping the Yankees win ball games all season long.

When you think of the Yankees pitching, the names CC Sabathia, Pettitte and Mariano Rivera are the first to come to mind. Sabathia has been inconsistent as has much of the rotation. Pettitte just went on the disabled list and will miss at least three starts. Mo has been Mo and actually the whole bullpen deserves a lot of credit. But we have yet to name the Yankees' MVP so far this season. That may be because he would be the last to let you know.

Hiroki Kuroda was offered more money this past offseason to pitch other places than the Bronx, but the veteran Japanese pitcher chose to don pinstripes once again because frankly he feels comfortable in them. When Kuroda came over to the Yankees from the Los Angeles Dodgers several years ago, many people thought he would struggle with the high expectations and tougher lineups in the American League. Instead, Kuroda has gotten better and better with every season with the Yankees.

At age 38, Kuroda is so far enjoying the best year of his six-year major league career. In tonight's 5-0 win over the Blue Jays, Kuroda’s eight-inning, two-hit performance lowered his earned run average to 1.99, which ranks fourth in the league. The right-hander has been the model of consistency the Yankees so desperately need. In fact, he has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his nine starts.

For a team that many thought would miss the playoffs, the Yankees seem to be in pretty good shape despite all the injuries. They will eventually get back some the regulars they have been missing and can hopefully stay healthy. There is still a lot of baseball left to be played, but the Yankees are not done with their winning ways. What seems certain is they will continue to rely on the quiet and steady Kuroda to lead the way on the mound.

Raffi Torres' Suspension Too Weak Given His History

Raffi Torres has been suspended for the remainder of the Western Conference Semifinals for his hit on Jarret Stoll. (Chris Williams)

It did not take Raffi Torres long to find his next target to be the recipient of one his infamous vicious hits. During Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll skated with his head slightly lowered in front of him. Torres did not take a path to the hit that would have made it body-to-body, but instead drove through Stoll's head with his shoulder. The hit sent Stoll sprawling to the ice.

The punishment for Torres would be decided by Brendan Shanahan. Ordinarily, this may have only been a one or two game suspension, but not when it is Torres. Shanahan knows him all to well. Torres has a rap sheet of priors and is a repeat offender when it comes to dirty hits. Shanahan knew he must make his decision have an impact.

With Stoll likely out for the remainder of the Western Conference Semifinals with head injury, Shanahan decided that a fair punishment would be take Torres out for the same length of time. Today, Torres was suspended for the remainder of the series with the Kings. Whatever that exact number of games ends up being remains unknown.

I see Shanahan's reasoning here. Stoll is out for the series, so take Torres out as well. The principle of an eye for an eye. My problem with the sentence is it simply isn't enough. This is not Torres' first dirty hit. You only have to look back as far as last postseason when he was suspended 25 games for his brutally vicious hit on Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa.

Shanahan's job title is the NHL's Senior VP for Player Safety. He has done his job of protecting the rest of the Kings' players. What happens if the Sharks win this series? This suspension does nothing to protect the Chicago Blackhawks' players or the Detroit Red Wings' players. There is no protection for them, unless their is another suspendable hit by Torres.

Torres is a dirty player. There is no other way to see it. Until he proves that has really changed, no one is going to believe him otherwise. Torres needs to learn from the Pittsburgh Penguins' Matt Cooke. Cooke was a dirty player, but the Penguins told him he had to clean up his act. Cooke has played the game the way it is meant to be played ever since. The NHL must do everything it can to protect its players. That means that the league's suspensions of Torres should be getting more severe every time, until he learns his lesson.

Chelsea Makes History as Europa League Champion

Chelsea becomes the first English team to win all three major European club competitions. (Martin Meissner)

Unlikely as it may seem, Chelsea is a European Champion once again. Last year, the club made an unlikely run to defeat Bayern Munich in dramatic fashion to win the Champions League final. Today, Chelsea earned the club's first Europa League trophy by beating Benfica, 2-1, in similar fashion with a goal in stoppage time.

Chelsea becomes the first English team to win all three major European club competitions, having won the Champions League last year and the Cup Winners’ Cup, which is no longer in existence. Today's win helps to bring closure to what can be described as a tumultuous season. This has seemingly become the norm for a club that has lately made an art of collecting trophies in unconventional fashions.

There are always high expectations for Chelsea and coming off a Champions League title made this situation even more extreme. Things not begin as the club had hoped. After a slow start in the Premier League, Chelsea had to settle for trying to secure a Champions League spot for next season’s tournament. Meanwhile, the Blues struggled in this season's competition. A disgraceful 3-0 loss to Juventus in November not only essentially eliminated the club from contention, but cost highly-decorated manger Roberto Di Matteo his job.

Chelsea supporters were shocked by Di Matteo’s dismissal, but became even more vexed by the appointment of the unpopular Rafael Benitez as the interim manager. Many questioned the club's direction and leadership at the top. A surprising loss to Corinthians in the World Club Cup final in December only fueled their fury.

With the turn of the calender year, things slowly began to turnaround for the club. The Europa League final presented Chelsea with one final opportunity for redemption. This would be the club's last opportunity to lift a trophy, be it one they had never won before.

The match did not start out the way the English side had hoped. Benfica, one of the top Portuguese clubs, was the aggressor for the opening whistle. Much the way Bayern dominated in its final against Chelsea last year, Benfica took control early and frankly was the better team. The Blues had to be grateful when the whistle blew, and the sides went to their locker rooms scoreless at the intermission.

To begin the second half, Benfica controlled the pace of play once again, until Chelsea caught the break they had been looking for. Goalkeeper Peter Cech threw the ball forward to midfield. Midfielder Juan Mata was on the receiving end and precisely passed it towards striker Fernando Torres. Torres broke through the Benfica defense, was able to dribble around goalkeeper Artur  and bury it for his ninth goal in Europe this season.

Benfica would not be deterred. The Portuguese side's persistent pressure finally paid off as they were rewarded a penalty kick. Oscar Cardozo calmly drilled it home to level the score.

Last year, Chelsea faced similar adversity against Bayern Munich with limited time left to play. Chelsea steadily improved as that game went on. That was true of today's match as well. Despite the setback, the Blues seemed to brim with confidence as they advanced forward a stream of scoring opportunities.

As stoppage time waned on, Chelsea earned one final corner kick. Mata's booming kick was headed to the far post. Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic kept his eyes on the ball the whole time. As he backpedaled into position, he rose over the Benfica defense and hit an arching header that was placed beautifully in the corner of the net for the match-winning goal.

Chelsea now joins Bayern Munich, Ajax and Juventus as the only clubs to have won all three major European club competitions (the Champions League, the Europa League and the Cup Winners’ Cup). The Blues also become only the second club to win both major competitions back to back and the first to hold them at the same time.

Chelsea's campaign may have gotten off to a tumultuous start, but is coming to an end in glorious fashion. Benitez will leave the club with yet another accomplishment to add to his impeccable record. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will rest easier tonight knowing that his club has now won its 11th trophy in his 10 years at the helm and made history yet again.

Man Dies Trying to Dribble Soccer Ball to World Cup in Brazil

Richard Swanson planned to walk from Seattle to Sao Paulo, Brazil, for next year’s World Cup. (Bill Wagner)

Do you have a bucket list? What have you dreamed of doing that other people might think is utter nonsense? Richard Swanson, a 42-year old man from Seattle, Washington decided that he was going to try and live out one of his dreams. He wanted to go to the World Cup. Like many Americans, Swanson had been recently laid off work. He did not have a steady stream of income, but he would not let this stop him.

Swanson decided to walk and dribble a soccer ball at his feet from Seattle to Sao Paulo, Brazil. His goal was to make it in time for next year’s international soccer tournament. Described as an "avid runner, soccer player, and all-around lover of the Pacific Northwest," Swanson planned to visit 11 countries during his one-year-plus trip south. Along the way, he would dribble an "indestructible" soccer ball to promote the One World Futbol Project, a charity that donates these balls to people in disadvantaged communities.

"All these pieces just started to come together in a way that — it almost felt that, it felt natural, it felt that I was doing what I should be doing, that this was my next leg in my life," Swanson said in a YouTube video before he started the trek.

Swanson was collecting monetary donations and asking people for places to sleep and food to eat as he journeyed south. He documented his journey with YouTube videos, Facebook posts and a website that he maintained, which included a map that tracked his travels via GPS.

Tragically, Swanson's journey ended prematurely Tuesday morning when he was mowed down by a pickup truck south of Lincoln City, Oregon. This was only two weeks and a few hundred miles into his journey. The public was informed of the accident via Swanson's Facebook.

“It is with a heavy heart to notify you that Richard Swanson passed on this morning,” someone posted on Swanson's “Breakaway Brazil” Facebook. “His team, family, friends, and loved ones will miss him and love him dearly. You made it to Brazil in our hearts, Richard. Team Richard.”

Outpourings of support and prayers filled the Facebook page. Among those who wrote, were the two sons, 18 and 22, Swanson leaves behind.

“We love you dad..with all our hearts!” Devin Swanson wrote. “You are a inspiration to all to continue doing what you love! One day..I will continue your journey in your name!”

Even though Swanson never made it to Brazil or saw a World Cup game in person, I do not believe he would wanted to go any other way. If you watch Swanson's YouTube videos, it is plain to see that he believed this is what he was supposed to do. Swanson passed way trying to accomplish what he dreamed of doing. This is his message to us. Do not let your dreams just be dreams. You can pursue them and seek to bring them to fruition.

Butler's Legacy Lives on in Hall of Fame and Hearts of Fans

Jack Butler, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in 2012, passed away last Saturday at the age of 85. (Gene J. Puskar)

Unless you an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan or old enough to have watched football in the 1950s, you probably just ignored Jack Butler as he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year. You did not recognize his name or know how good he really was.

Butler is used to being overlooked by now. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1927. Butler grew up playing football in the many parks ad streets of the city. When he was old enough, he attended seminary to become a priest. After Butler decided the priesthood wasn't for him, he decided to go to college at tiny St. Bonaventure University near Olean, New York. The school's athletic director, Dan Rooney, the brother of the Steelers’ owner, Art Rooney, encouraged Butler to try out for the school's football team.

At 6 foot 1 inch tall and weighing 200 pounds, Butler excelled as a defensive end during his football career at St. Bonaventure. When he was overlooked in the NFL Draft, Dan Rooney encouraged his young budding star to tryout for his brother Art at the Steelers camp in 1951. He made the team as a defensive end, but an injury to another player forced the Steelers to switch him to defensive halfback, the predecessor of today's cornerback position.

“He was the perfect guy for a defensive back in those days,” Ted Marchibroda, the quarterback who played with Butler at St. Bonaventure and with the Steelers before becoming an NFL head coach, told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “He did not have the greatest speed, but he had good speed, good size, good hands, and his instincts were tremendous.”

The Steelers reaped the benefits of Butler's position change. He thrived during his career as a defensive back. In his nine seasons with the Steelers, Butler intercepted 52 passes in 103 games, running four of them back for touchdowns. He retired as No. 2 on the league’s career interception list.

Butler may have intercepted even more passes if it had not been for a career-ending knee injury. He did not miss a professional game until he collided with Philadelphia Eagles end Pete Retzlaff during a game in 1959. Butler was never able to recover from the injury.

After being overlooked for so much of his life, Butler was finally recognized for his accomplishments following his career. He was selected for the NFL’s all-decade team for the 1950s. As I already mentioned, Butler was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Last Saturday, Butler passed away at the age of 85. The cause was complications of a staph infection in from the same knee injury that ended his career. Butler's life may be over, but his accomplishments and legacy will live on in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and in the hearts of those who were privileged to watch him play the game he loved.

Rangers Fight Back to Force Game Seven

The brawl at the end of the Rangers' 1-0 Game 6 victory over the Capitals shows both teams' desire to win the series. (Scott Levy)

Elimination games have a special edge to them. One team is trying to put the finish touches on their hard work, while the other is fighting to stay alive. It becomes like a chess match, which can be the perfect situation for the team desperate to survive. It certainly was tonight for the New York Rangers.

When Washington Capitals center Mike Ribeiro scored in overtime of Game 5 to give his team a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist slammed his stick in disgust. It was a save he felt he should of made. With his team facing elimination in just two days, Lundqvist knew he must be better in order to help his team survive.

Game 6 was a physical affair from the get go. Neither team was able to generate much of an offensive flow. It was not until midway through the second period that one of the series' top stars had the puck break his way. From just inside the blue line, Rangers center Derick Brassard faked a shot and then let one rip. The puck clipped the glove of Capitals defenseman Steven Oleksy and sailed through a screen set by Brassard's linemate Rick Nash in front.

The goal was originally credited to Nash, but was properly credited to Brassard after replay revealed the puck deflected off Oleksy instead of Nash. The goal was Brassard's second of the series to go along with five assists. Nash has not found the net yet, but has been a presence in front of the Capitals net creating traffic in front of netminder Braden Holtby.

Meanwhile, Lundqvist faced only 15 shots through the first two periods, but he knew he must stay sharp to protect the Rangers' slender lead. As it turned out, the Rangers relied on Lundqvist to come up with a number of crucial saves in the final period. When the final horn finally sounded, a fight broke out between the sides, but it did not matter. Lundqvist had stopped all 27 shots he had faced for his seventh career NHL playoff shutout.

The Rangers-Capitals series is now 3-3, but the task does not get any easier from here for the Rangers. They must now travel to and play in what is sure to be a hostile environment at the Verizon Center. The home team has won every game up to this point in the series. This means that the Rangers must now do what they have failed to do so far in the postseason, win in the nation's capital. Something tells me that Lundqvist and the rest of his teammates will be more than ready to give it their best shot.