Four days after being praised as a hero for helping Russia win its first gold at the Sochi Olympics, Evgeni Plushenko was taking criticism Friday for dropping out of the mens figure skating.
[b]Authentic Ken Daneyko Jersey[/b] . Plushenkos strong performance in the team event brought wide accolades for his determination to overcome injury. But on Thursday he withdrew before the mens short program, complaining of severe spinal pain during the warmup. Plushenko was Russias only men singles skater in Sochi. He won the slot in a closed exhibition skate that cut out Maxim Kovtun, who beat him in the Russian nationals. Among his critics was longtime rival Alexei Yagudin, the 2002 Olympic gold medalist. He told the R-Sport news agency he supports "people who go to the end." "I think Zhenya will understand my words," he said, using the familiar version of Plushenkos name. "We always competed through the pain." The choice of Plushenko as the sole Russian man was debatable. Although he was the dominant skater the past 15 years, with an Olympic gold and two silvers before coming to Sochi, he is 31-years-old and underwent back surgery a year ago. When he was selected, advocates argued his long international experience made him a stronger choice than the 18-year-old Kovtun. Decision comes under fire But that came under sharp questioning Friday. "You should go when its time," Ruslan Nugmatullin, a former Russian national soccer goalkeeper said on Twitter. "Kovtun earned the right to participate in Sochi2014." Alexei Urmanov, the 1994 Olympic gold-medal winner, suggested that Plushenkos hubris backfired. "Its on the conscience of Zhenya, the team and the federation," he was quoted by R-Sport. To some politicians, Plushenkos withdrawal was a blow to Russias national pride. "Perform through the pain for the honor of the country," Igor Lebedev, a parliament member from the nationalist Liberal Democrats, said on Twitter. Elena Vaitsekhovskaya, the figure skating correspondent for Russias Sport-Express newspaper, seemed weary not only of the intrigue behind Plushenkos selection but also of the appearances of his flamboyant wife, Yana Rudkovskaya, in the mixed zone to support him. "All of this was reminiscent of an incompetently directed stage show," she wrote. "It became harder and harder to sympathize with the athlete." "The one-man show in Sochi has concluded. Real sport has begun," she said in the newspapers Friday edition. But more complaints may still come. "After Sochi, the federation will have to answer for its choice," nationalist lawmaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky said.
[b]Adidas New Jersey Devils Jerseys[/b] .J. - New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara left Monday nights game against the Indianapolis Colts with a torn biceps.
[b]Cheap Adidas New Jersey Devils Jerseys[/b] .com) - The San Francisco Giants delivered plenty of big hits to tie the World Series. SANDY, Utah -- Real Salt Lake stretched its unbeaten streak to 12 games with a 0-0 draw with FC Dallas on Saturday night, matching Major League Soccers record undefeated streak to start the season with a 6-0-6 mark. The Los Angeles Galaxy opened the inaugural season with a 12-0 record (including two shootout victories) in 1996, before the league had draws. The Galaxy opened the 2010 season with a 10-0-2 record. FC Dallas (5-6-3) is winless in seven straight games and was coming off a 2-1 loss to the Galaxy on Wednesday night. "We just had a tough time kind of creating chances through possession tonight," said RSL defender Nat Borchers, who saw his header cleared off the line in the 55th minute. "Thats how its going to be some nights." Real Salt Lake, in second place in the Western Conference, beat the Colorado Rapids 2-1 at Rio Tinto Stadium last weekend. Salt Lake continuees to be without goalkeeper Nick Rimando and midfielder Kyle Beckerman, who are training in Northern California after being selected for the U.
[b]Authentic Kyle Palmieri Jersey[/b]. S. national team competing at the World Cup next month. RSL was hurt in the 42nd minute when Joao Plata injured his left hamstring and left the game. Tesho Akindele got a good shot off from the right side of the box in the 53rd minute but Jeff Attinella -- standing in for Rimando -- came up with a big save in the corner. Attinella finished with three saves for the clean sheet. "I thought we came out flat," RSL coach Jeff Cassar said. "We were moving and possessing the ball, but really without purpose." Salt Lake saw the return of Robbie Findley, who entered the match in the 65th minute. Findley has been rehabbing from knee surgery following last seasons MLS Cup Final against Kansas City. 02:00ET 25-05-14
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