FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
[b]Cheap USA Jerseys[/b] . -- Rob Gronkowskis season appears to be over after he hurt his knee when hit after a reception. The New England Patriots star tight end, who missed the first six games recovering from off-season forearm and back surgeries, was injured just before the midpoint of the third quarter Sunday and driven off the field on a cart. Gronkowski suffered a suspected torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and is expected to undergo an MRI on Monday. Coach Bill Belichick said he was taken to a hospital for evaluation. The Patriots beat the Cleveland Browns 27-26 on Tom Bradys two touchdown passes in the last 61 seconds. "Weve sustained some pretty big injuries this year with really important, critical players," Brady. "I think we all feel sorry for Rob, but I dont think anyone feels sorry for the Patriots." Gronkowski raised his right arm to the crowd as he left on the cart with team physician Dr. Thomas Gill sitting next to him. Gronkowski was hurt on a hit by Browns safety T.J. Ward after a 21-yard reception with the Browns leading 12-0. Ward was among many players from both teams who went up to Gronkowski before he left the field. "My intention is never to hurt anyone. Thats not what this game is about. Thats not how I play," Ward said. "I hate to see guys go down with any type of injury. I just wanted him to know, whether he accepted it or not, it wasnt intentional to injure him. But we have to play this game. We have to play it the way that they force us to, and unfortunately, it incurred an injury for him." Ward said if he hit Gronkowski high, there was a chance he might be fined. "Its not a decision where Im going to go low on every play," he said, "but, actually, it has kind of turned into that in those situations, in those split-second decisions where you have a guy running down the field whos 280 (pounds), and Im 200, and the fact that if you do even hit him in his chest and he decides to hunch down or flinch or lower his head, then I could have the chance of being fined." "Its kind of being caught between a rock and a hard place," Ward said. "Its a decision you have to make, but you have to follow the rules at the same time." He said he had been fined three times and "I dont like playing for free." Asked if he had an issue with Ward hitting Gronkowski low, Belichick said, "Thats a question you should take up with the league." The Patriots (10-3) have won three straight games and hold the No. 2 spot in the AFC despite numerous injuries. Gronkowski, wide receiver Danny Amendola, running back Shane Vereen and defensive players Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo and Tommy Kelly all have missed an extended amount of time. In the six games before Sunday, Gronkowski led NFL tight ends with 37 catches and 560 yards receiving. He had two catches for 32 yards Sunday. Now hes out again. "As a team, we want him to play," Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty said, but "you just hate to see that for him. A guy thats battled back through his arm and his back (injuries) and been very productive for us this year, it stinks to see him get carted off the field like that."
[b]Cheap Egypt Jerseys[/b] . The attacking midfielder arrives on a free transfer from Spains Malaga. The 28-year-old joins Scottish striker Kenny Miller and Argentine midfielder Matias Laba as designated players on the Whitecaps roster.
[b]Cheap Wales Jerseys[/b] . Meeks has agreed to a $19.5 million, three-year deal with Detroit, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday night. The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because free agents cant sign contracts until the leagues moratorium ends July 10, also said Cartier Martin had agreed to a one-year contract with the rebuilding franchise.DENVER - This rookie just may be called up from the American Hockey League after catching everyones attention in an impressive debut.Sorry, though, its not the next Sidney Crosby, but a new overtime rule that should allow players like Crosby to showcase their skills even more with the game on the line.The minor-league organization has long been the place to experiment with new directives, just to see how well they work — or dont work — before the NHL takes a look. Some (oversized blue lines) werent popular. Others (not being able to change players after an icing call) have been promoted.The new OT rule possibly could be coming soon to an NHL rink near you.Its certainly entertaining for fans and a lot of fun to watch, said David Andrews, the president and CEO of the AHL for the last 21 years.Currently, the NHL uses a 4-on-4 OT model for five minutes. If no one scores, then it goes to a shootout.But heres how the extra period works on the AHL level: Its seven minutes long — or until someone scores, of course — with the opening three minutes 4-on-4. Then, after the next whistle, it switches to 3-on-3 for the last four, leading to lots of room for creativity and scoring chances. If that doesnt decide things, it goes to a shootout, a concept that drives many a coach bonkers since its almost like a skills competition.Thats the thing, though. This new overtime system has cut down significantly on shootouts.Last year, the AHL had 65 per cent of its OT games decided in a shootout, Andrews said. This season, its shrunk to 25 per cent.Even more, of the 99 overtime games so far, 35 of them have been decided in 3-on-3 action.Initially hesitant over the newfangled OT ordinance, Roy Sommer, the coach of the AHL Worcester Sharks, has warmed up to the idea. He thinks it would be a big hit with fans and players on the next level.If you put your three best NHL players against each other with all that ice and creativity, man, it would be something to watch, said Sommer, one of the all-time winningest AHL coaches. I know I wouldnt leave.As for when — or even if — this version of overtime arrives at the NHL level, thats hard to predict. In a statement, the NHLs hhockey operations branch said the league follows the American Hockey League and other leagues closely.
[b]Cheap Paris Saint-Germain FC Jerseys[/b]. ... Were always interested in ways to make an already great game better.Colorado and Toronto had a 3-on-3 situation in overtime earlier this season after both teams drew penalties. It was riveting as players raced from end-to-end, unable to risk heading to the bench for fear of an odd-man rush going the other way.If we did this, theres no way games would go to a shootout, Colorado forward Matt Duchene said. As much as shootouts are fun to watch, Im not a big fan of them, because it stinks to finish a game on a non-hockey play.But Id love to see overtime 4-on-4 and then 3-on-3, because it would be amazing.Chris Wideman can attest to that. The defenceman for the Binghamton Senators has scored two of his 12 goals in overtime this season — one in 3-on-3 and the other on a 4-on-3 power play.Lots of odd-man rushes, breakaways, explained Wideman, whos in his third season with the minor-league affiliate of Ottawa. From the pure entertainment side, you cant beat it. As far as for the players, its a lot of fun for us. It gives you a chance to show off a little skill.One possible downside? More ice time for players, which could take its toll over an already grueling regular season.NBC hockey analyst Eddie Olczyk wouldnt mind seeing something similar to college footballs overtime rules. His suggestion is this: One team receives a 4-on-3 power play for two minutes and if it scores, then the opponent gets its chance. The one that stops the other wins.If were trying to get away from the shootout, there are ways of trying to do that, said Olczyk, a former NHL player and coach.Hey, maybe another test idea for the AHL. But the minor-league outfit isnt just a petri dish for the NHL. A lot of times, its the AHL that institutes a rule that causes the NHL to take notice and later implement, like the delay penalty for flipping a puck over the glass in the defensive end. Or the trapezoid area behind the goal.Or, maybe soon, this new OT rule.The fans love the shootout, Avs defenceman Erik Johnson said. But theyd LOVE 3-on-3 in overtime. ' ' '