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UFC 170 preview

by Lance Levan

I have decided to blog today about this weekends top 3 UFC fights and my predictions for the outcomes.  Just so you know...these are my "opinions".  I am entitled to them.  And usually, I am completely wrong...but here goes.

2014 NBA All-Star Game Live Coverage

RFSN is proud to announce that for the 3rd consecutive year we will be broadcasting LIVE from the 2014 NBA All-Star weekend in New Orleans, LA. To watch LIVE all you have to do is go to our home page and click on the Ustream Player.

Broadcast Schedule:

NBA: Interview with All-Star Dirk

Dirk Nowtizki is excited about making his return to the NBA All-Star
game for a 12th time. Photo credit NBA 
by Rodney Fisher 


Dirk Nowitzki, now 35-years old, is the oldest participate for the 63rd NBA All-Star. This will be his 12th appearance, and with Kevin Garnett or Kobe Bryant playing, he is now the veteran guidance for a plethora of young talent. But Dirk is humbled by it all.

NBA: Andre Drummond Knew Grabs MVP And Other Highlights

Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond wins MVP of BBVA Rising Stars
Challenge. Photo credit NBA 
by Rodney Fisher


The BBVA Rising Stars Challenge was another high scoring affair as we have become accustomed to. First-time GM Grant Hill’s team defeated Team Chris Weber 142-136. Sophomore center Andre Drummond put on a impressive show with 30 points and a Rising Stars record 25 rebounds to win MVP.

MLB: Who Will Replace Jeter?

by Steve Painter

Allow me to make one thing very clear: You can't replace Jeter. How would you? He's one of the greatest of all time. You can't just get the scouts on the phone and say, "Get me another Jeter." Impossible. Doesn't work that way.

NBA: David Stern Elected To Naismith Hall of Fame

David Stern elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball
Hall of Fame. Photo credit NBA 
by Rodney Fisher 

Finalists were announced today as the 63rd Annual NBA All-Star festivities kicked off in New Orleans. Among several worthy names, now ex-NBA chairman David Stern was elected to be enshrined at the August 8th ceremony. 

MLB: Derek Jeter, The Face of MLB Is Retiring

Derek Jeter to retire in 2014. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

Derek Jeter is everything a team, and a sport, could ever ask for. He will retire at the end of the 2014 season with his golden legacy and a certain trip to Cooperstown in store.

MLB: A.J. Burnett Signs With The Phillies

A. J. Burnett joins to the Philadelphia Phillies. Photo credit MLB 
by J.T. 

The Philadelphia Phillies signed pitcher A.J. Burnett to a one year $16 million deal today.

St. Louis Cardinals: Take What Experts Say With A Grain of Salt

St Louis Cardinals are more than most experts say. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

In 2010, experts such as Baseball Prospectus, ESPN's Keith Law, and Baseball HQ all had the Cardinal farm system at or near the bottom of their respective rankings. They weren't alone. Many smart observers were caught in that trap.

Houston Rockets: Six Game Win Streak Before All-Star Break

All-Star Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets are on a six game win
streak. Photo credit NBA 


Most teams look forward to the NBA All-Star break as a time to rest, regroup, and refocus. For  the Rockets, in the middle of their best win streak of the season, the break could not come at a more inconvenient time.

Ethics in MMA

Dana White terminates Silva contract after being arrested. Photo credit UFC 
by L.A. LeVan 

Anyone who keeps up with MMA, or more to the point, the UFC, has heard this weeks news about one of the UFC's fighters getting their contract terminated.  Tiago Silva was arrested this past friday on two counts of attempted murder, aggrevated battery with a deadly weapon and obstruction without violence, as reported by NBC Miami.  Miami SWAT was called to go in and get out of his house, where he had barricaded himself.  Within a very short time, UFC president Dana White announced that they were terminating his contract and that "This guy will never fight in the UFC again."

MLB: Remembering Dock Ellis, Who Threw A No No While On LSD

Dock Ellis
by Steve Painter

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis was quite a character. He sported hair curlers in the dugout, took handfuls of amphetamines before games, and pitched a no-hitter on LSD.

MLB: Schilling Faces Another Tough Battle

Curt Schilling recently announced he has cancer. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

Although he had plenty of talent, Curt Schilling had a rough start to his Major League Baseball career. He had to grow, physically and emotionally, into the role everybody remembers, as an ace.

MLB: Arroyo Goes Out West

Bronson Arroyo joins the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Photo credit MLB 
by J.T. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks just signed Mr. Innings eater himself. Who might that be? Bronson Arroyo. As a Reds fan I'm sad to see him go, but I knew we couldn't resign him.

MLB: Rodney Signs With Mariners

Fernando Rodney joins the Seattle Mariners. Photo credit MLB 
by J.T. 

The Mariners made another good signing by bringing in Closer Fernando Rodney. Rodney is known for having a top notch fastball that sits guys down.

MLB: Living Legend Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron, age 80, is a true living legend. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

This April 8th, when the Braves open their first home stand, there will be a ceremony honoring Hank Aaron on the 40th anniversary of becoming baseball's home run king. He has done much more than we can ever give back. And at 80, he stays in shape and still is as smart and savvy as he's always been.

MLB: The Braves Give Freddie the Keys to the Brinksmanship Truck

Freddie Freeman gets a pay day from the Atlanta
Braves. Photo credit MLB 
by J.T. 

After hearing his teammate  Jason Heyward got a new deal, the news of Freeman's deal hit the streets. The Braves extended the first baseman 8 years for the tune of around $125-135 million.

Aye Freddie, if you want to hook a brother up let me know! 

NFL: 2014 Mock Draft (2nd Draft)

by Brad Barrett

2014 NFL Mock Draft (Top 15 descriptions)

MLB: Braves Resign Heyward

Jason Heyward avoids arbitration with Atlanta Braves. Photo credit MLB 
by J.T. 

The Atlanta Braves resigned OF Jason Heyward to a 2 year $13.3 million deal. This deal avoids arbitration for both parties which is a win for both, less stress. 

St. Louis Cardinals: Better than 2013?

St. Louis Cardinals are ready to return to the World
Series again. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

Every season is different, that's true in any sport. In the spring, hope blooms eternal in every baseball fans heart, wanting to visualize their favorite team winning the championship in the fall. Diehard fans demand a lot from their team, and the St. Louis Cardinals usually deliver some sort of prize for theirs.

RFSN: 5G Sports Talk Podcast - Super Bowl Post Game Show


New Podcast from 5G Sports Talk

NBA: The Pacers Play Keep-Away From The Heat

Andrew Bynum joins the Indiana Pacers.
by J.T.

The Indiana Pacers signed C Andrew Bynum for the remainder of the season. Bynum will get around a million dollars for the rest of the season and provide big man insurance for the Pacers.

Peyton Manning: What's next?

What's next for Peyton Mannin? Photo credit Fox Sports 
by Brad Barrett 

After a record breaking season, a fifth MVP, and a trip to the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning could be walking out of the game. As we saw on Sunday, Manning couldn't get the job done in the 48th Super Bowl. The leagues’ best defense held one of the best offenses of all time to only eight points. To me that sounds pretty embarrassing, but to Peyton Manning, not so much.

Super Bowl XLVIII: Seattle Dominates Denver 43-8

Malcolm Smith was named MVP after the Seahawks beat the Broncos 43-8
in Super Bowl XLVIII. Photo credit Miami Herald. 
by Rodney Fisher 

Nobody knew Seattle's defensive was that good. The Seahawks simply bullied the Denver Broncos the entire game to win Suoer Bowl XLVIII 43-8. There were big plays made in all phases of the game. Here is a video recap of Super Sunday:

{video after jump}

MLB: Home Plate Collisions, Time to Act

MLB home plate collisions a thing of the past. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter

It's one thing for there to be a good, clean, close play at home plate; but it's another matter when a runner purposely tries to bowl over the catcher. And it's time for MLB to act on this issue.

Dallas Mavericks: Why You Should Still Love The Mavs

Where is your love for the Dallas Mavericks. 
by Rodney Fisher

How long does the feel of victory last? Sunday, June 12, 2011 is cemented in the memory Dallas Mavericks fans as the day it finally happened. After wallowing in NBA obscurity, losing in the playoffs, and even losing in The Finals in 2006, the little Mavs won it all. Add the fact they won by beating LeBron James and the Miami Heat and victory tasted 10-times sweeter.

NBA: 2014 All-Star Rosters

by J.T.

Thursday night the All-Star reserves were released. Their were some snubs, but that's for another article. Now that the All-Star rosters are set let's see who we will be watching on All Star weekend February 16th.

MLB: High Expectations for Kansas City Royals in 2014

Kansas City Royals are a legitimate playoff contender in 2014. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

In the AL Central, each team has made changes from last year, and you can arguably say those changes have brought overall improvement for each one, and thus, this division may surprise some with the level of play expected for 2014. 

Dallas Mavericks: Help Wanted

Dirk Nowitzki earns another All-Star squad.
Does he have the help he really needs? Photo credit NBA 
by Ace Feltman 

You knew it was coming.

Last week the title indicated we weren't closing, so naturally this week we're looking for help. Makes sense, right? Of course it does.

Super Bowl XLVIII Prediction: Seahawks Lose

Richard Sherman and the Seattle Seahawks look good
on paper, but the Broncos will win. Photo credit NFL 
by Nathaniel Herrick 

The National Football League's 48th Super Bowl is coming upon us quickly, and after a much needed 2 weeks off, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks square off in what might be the most anticipated Super Bowl match up since it's creation. No one knows for sure who will pull out the win here, but my gut is going with the Denver Broncos even though the statistics favor the Seahawks.

NFL: How Denver Can Win Super Bowl XLVIII

How can the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl.
Photo credit NFL 
by Brad Barrett 

It's what we’ve been waiting for, for two whole weeks. The big one. Manning v.s L.O.B. Seahawks v.s Broncos. The Super Bowl. It might be a bit chilly, a little snow may fall, but in the end who really cares? THIS IS SHOWTIME!

Lance Berkman: Saying Goodbye To One Of The Good Guys

Lance Berkman announces his retirement from baseball. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

Lance Berkman has had a terrific career in baseball, 15 years in fact, and it all started in Texas, where he played for Rice first and then headed for the Houston Astros, plying his trade with them from 1997 through 2010. After that, he played for the Yankees, Cardinals, and Rangers. 

NFL: Six Keys To Super Bowl XLVIII

Six things that will determine the outcome of Super Sunday between the
Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. 
by Steve Painter 

Here is a quick guide for what to expect this Super Bowl Sunday when the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos take the field.

Do You Understand The MMA Scoring System?

MMA refs have a complicated scoring system for
fans to follow. Photo credit MMA UK
by Lance LeVan

I'm hoping that today's blog is much more interactive on your part (the readers).  I am ACTUALLY asking a question, and if any of you guys/girls have a viable answer...I would sincerely appreciate it.

Can anyone explain (in detail) the scoring system in MMA today...?

RFSN:Super Bowl Preview 5G Sports Talk Podcast



Check out the latest podcast from 5G Sports Talk

NFL: Panthers Extend Rivera

Ron Rivera gets a three-year extension with the
Carolina Panthers. Photo credit NFL 
by J.T.

The Panthers took care of their sideline leader today. Ron Rivera received a three-year extension. Rivera still has a year left on his current four-year deal, so essentially its another four-year deal. We just don't know the financial numbers yet, but I'm guessing it will be a solid raise for him.

Ryan Braun: Forgive and Forget?

Can you support Ryan Braun? Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

It was Spring Training in 2012 when Ryan Braun held a press conference and proceeded to lie and dupe a lot of fans about his involvement with PEDS. He threw fans, MLB, and specimen collector Dino Laurenzi, Jr. under the bus. He was very believable, and I walked away from watching that believing him.

NFL: Drama In Dallas

Scott Linehan joins Jason Garrett's staff as the new play caller for the
Dallas Cowboys. Photo credit NFL 
by Brad Barrett 

Once again, the Dallas Cowboys will be switching play callers for their offense. The’ve tried Jason Garrett, Bill Callahan, and now Scott Linehan. Linehan was the Lions OC from 2009-13. He was hired this week as the Cowboys’ play caller. 

Houston Rockets: Snubs and Losses

Houston Rockets look to bounce back from two straight losses. Photo
credit NBA 
by Rodney Fisher

The Houston Rockets are probably more concerned about losing back-to-back games to the Memphis Grizzlies to end the week than anything else. But during the week, the somewhat quiet Rockets voiced their opinions on other basketball related activities that are not on the court.

St. Louis Cardinals: Keep Your Eye On Oscar Taveras

The Cardinals hidden gem, Oscar Taveras. Photo
credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

Cards fans are excited and so is the organization, although they are cautious, about the impact Oscar Taveras will have on the club, not only this year, but for years to come. But we all know about patience, right? When it comes to a player like Taveras, we want to see him now, and it seems Taveras is willing and ready.

MLB: The Brewers Get Garza

Matt Garza is now a Milwaukee Brewer. Photo credit
MLB 
by J.T. 

As Cincinnati Reds fans I don't like this at all, not at all. Aye man judge me, I don't care. Garza is a good pitcher and he's going to be hurling against my boys this year. Good move by the Brewers, I can hate and still congratulate.

MMA: Avoiding Injuries In Martial Arts

MMA training is key.
by Lance LeVan

I need to start my blog off with a disclaimer each time.  I am not a doctor, nutritionist, mental therapist, psychologist, physical therapist (PT), etc, etc, etc.  Everything you read in my blog is either my opinions or things that I have researched on my own.  With that being said...enjoy.


St. Louis Cardinals: La Russa Praises Matheny as Mozeliak's "Best Baseball Move Ever"

John Mozeliak and Mike Mathney have the St. Louis
Cardinals flying in the right direction. Photo credit CBS 
by Steve Painter

Tony La Russa will be the first to say he didn't create greatness on the diamond by himself. He always credits those around him - owners, front office staff and clubhouse personnel. That's a trait that good leaders and successful people share, by the way. But make no mistake, TLR does not suffer fools or lesser minds with grace.

Dallas Mavericks: Sorry, We're Not Closing

Dirk Nowitzki has no plans to give up on the Dallas Mavericks.
Do you? Photo credit NBA 
by Ace Feltman

Last week my article came on the heels of the epic meltdown at the Los Angeles Clippers. This week I was provided with multiple meltdowns to keep us on topic.

Senior Bowl: The Most Impressive Quarterback

Derek Carr helped his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. Photo credit CBS 
by Brad Barrett 

Many people and scouts have been underwhelmed by the quarterbacks practicing at the Senior Bowl. We’ve saw torn ACL’s to flat out horrid. In my eyes and many others, one young man has stuck out. Fresno State’s Derek Carr.

NFL: The Cleveland Browns Finally Get A New Head Coach

Meet Mike Pettine, new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Photo credit NFL 
by J.T. 

Out of all the head coaching vacancy's, the Browns was the one position that seemed like it would never get filled. Coaches stayed away for that spot like it was the plague. After their former HC got fired after one year who could blame them?

NFL: The Rise of The Hammer

Eddie Lacy, NFL Rookie of the Year.
Photo credit NFL 
by Jack Ballard 

  Eddie Lacy is arguably one of the best rookies in the NFL. He was drafted in the 2013 draft in the second round by the Green Bay Packers. Lacy was a star at Alabama, but many questioned his NFL career. He proved them wrong.

NFL: Has Sherman been painted as "the" NFL bad guy?

Is Richard Sherman a bad guy? Photo credit NFL 
by Nathaniel Herrick 

All over the internet and other media outlets, Seattle Seahawks defensive back Richard Sherman is either being portrayed as a "thug" or the NFL's newest bad guy. Even as a faithful San Francisco 49ers fan, I'm in inclined to believe that they've got the picture all wrong, Sherman was just caught up in the moment.