Giants Season is Probably Close to Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson says his season is likely over.

The San Francisco Giants' bearded and boisterous closer said before Sunday's series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates that he will probably have elbow-reconstruction surgery, ending his season with only a save. An MRI showed the structural damage.

Wilson says he will seek at least one other opinion and probably two, including from the renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, who performs Tommy John elbow-reconstruction surgeries.

The 30-year-old Wilson, led the majors with 48 saves in 2010, already had one Tommy John surgery during college. The three-time All-Star right-hander complained of discomfort in the elbow Friday and was sent for tests.

The Presence of Brian Wilson Will be Missed

News came down on Saturday and it was not very good: an MRI right elbow Brian Wilson revealed structural damage to the starter of the season in jeopardy.

San Francisco Giants will close one or two other opinions, but if they move to their second surgery Tommy John - he was the one playing in college for LSU - it is not surprising. Wilson said that he would often throw as hard as he can, until his arm falls off, well, it seems, this time finally arrived.

This is a huge loss for the Giants, of course. ESPN Steve Berthiaume points indicates that Wilson has recorded 164 saves since becoming a full time team closer in 2008, two more than Mariano Rivera. He was the leader of the team in the 2010 title of World Series, intense presence, which appear in the ninth inning to record a 48-key MLB games this season. Wilson has been used successfully in the spotlight in October to become one of the most recognizable baseball (that marks the beard, of course). His antics provided the perfect fodder for the Big League Stew on more than one occasion, when he was put to the ESPYs to stop, angering the enemy with Taco Bell advertising or blow innocent water coolers.

(A few favorites while we are at: Wilson, dressed as a sea captain, a new air slogans, paying tribute to his late father with a record gift of the Air Force, raging with YouTube Star, Keenan Cahill and complaints about his drawing distracting orange shoes. )

The flow of pleasure comes to an end, however, if the worst fears were confirmed. The same goes from San Francisco to show off body without any problems. Wilson is only 30 and still a lot of time to return, but the history of pitchers return from Tommy John surgery second is less than encouraging. I know some people do not enjoy watching Brian Wilson on the field and outside it, as some of us, but it's still sad to see the entertainment during the baseball off its path.

Nats Pay Tribute to Jackie Robinson Day

The Nationals took part in a league-wide celebration of Jackie Robinson Day by honoring the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. Before the game, the Nationals had a trivia show with fans about Robinson.

The team also recognized the Jackie Robinson Scholars program prior to the series finale against the Reds.

Robinson was the first player to break baseball's color barrier and bring the Negro Leagues' electrifying style of play to the big leagues in 1947. He quickly became one of the game's top draws, most daring baserunner and a symbol of hope to millions of Americans. The Brooklyn Dodgers won six pennants in Robinson's 10 seasons, and he was named National League Most Valuable Player in 1949. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

Because the league-wide tribute officially took place Sunday, the anniversary of Robinson's barrier-breaking debut, all Nationals players wore Robinson's No. 42.

Nationals right-hander Edwin Jackson is one person who appreciates what Robinson did for him.

"He is the reason we are able to play today," Jackson said. "Without him, who knows where we would be in the game, how long it would have taken to open up doors for African Americans to play baseball. To endure the things he endured, all the death threats, everybody hated him, he still continued to play. It says a lot."

Former Nat Harris likes what he sees in DC

Reds infielder/outfielder Willie Harris is not surprised the Nationals are off to a great start. Entering Sunday's action, Washington was 7-2 and in first place in the National League East.

Harris said it helps that the Nationals have added a leader in the clubhouse in Mark DeRosa, and an experienced bench.

"They have the role players on the bench. Those guys are solid doing it -- DeRosa, [Xavier] Nady, [Roger] Bernadina if you need somebody to steal a base. They have a great team. They designed it well. It's going to be exciting to see those guys. I just wish them the best. Hopefully, they will continue to play well."

Harris also credits manager Davey Johnson for the good camaraderie in the Nationals' clubhouse.

"He has been in the game for a long time. He can look at a player and tell if they are in the game or spaced out somewhere," Harris said. "He has an edge over some managers. He and [Reds manager] Dusty Baker are pretty much the same managers. They are both icons. Davey knows what he is doing over there. He just a great guy to talk to, and great guy to be around. Those guys love playing for him. You can see it."

Harris knows the Nationals well. He played for the Nationals from 2008-10 and was considered one of the better bench players they've had in recent years.

Storen looking forward to rejoining 'pen

Entering Sunday's action, the Nationals' bullpen had a 1.98 ERA with two saves. The bullpen will be even better once closer Drew Storen returns from his right elbow injury.

After getting a bone chip removed from his right elbow this past week, Storen is not expected back until right before the All-Star break.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," Storen said about his return. "The tough part is that it's not easy being patient and seeing those guys have so much fun. But it's good being around it and seeing how much fun they are having. It's definitely a lot of fun to watch."

Ice Hockey: Capitals Need to Create More Scoring Chances Against The Bruins

On Hockey: Capitals need to create more scoring chances against Bruins: Washington, DC Thursday are quite optimistic because believe it will be a long series.

But they also have problems just skeptical enough to provide sufficient evidence for a strong case in front of the building.

Let's start with the fact that the right to Braden Holtby and his teammates.

No one knew how Holtby, the pressure of his first series start of the NHL. But after 22 years as a rookie 17 saves in the second period of Game 1, including two on the rich Peverley to Bruins blank is pressed on the power play, we now know. He is ready.

"We told you it would be a good goalie," Capitals forward Matt Hendricks said.

Holtby took the blame for the overtime winner, Chris Kelly, but as a veteran of the injured Tomas Vokoun once said, "if you do not score, it's hard to beat."

Capitals played a solid game in defense. Boston 3.17 goals per game was tied to a second place in the league in the regular season, but Tyler Seguin and the rest of the deep and diverse, "Bruins was limited to six or chances to score in 60 minutes plus.

In addition to blunting of the velocity Boston through the neutral zone and limit the space on the offensive end, the capital also blocked 22 shots, including nine in the first period. The effort was headed by Roman Hamrlik, who blocked five years, and Troy Brouwer, who beat four.

The optimistic atmosphere in the locker room guests at TD Garden, after the game will be just as important as everything that happened during the race. In the past playoffs, the capital, probably a crushing defeat for overtime work must be transferred into practice the next day and maybe for the next game.

It will not happen this time. In the unfamiliar role of underdog, they freely and confidently before the game after.

"We bent, but we did not break," Brooks Laich said. "In the third period, we have 9.3 shots, and I liked our chances going into overtime. Thus, a game, there is a lot of hockey left, and we return the rink is very pleased to return to the game 2. "

Ovechkin added: "We know we can play against them, there is nothing special, we just focus ..."

Now the issues of concern.

They need a way to have a better chance at an offensive set and forget. These nine chances to score, they have collected (17 shots) is not enough against Tim Thomas.

In Game 2, they will have more photos and the traffic in front of the reigning Vezina Trophy. Thomas stopped every puck, he clearly sees, but he tends to over-commit to the shots and easily excited, in particular, by contact in the crease.

"We just need to find ways [the puck] to the network and go online," forward Jay Beagle said. "This is a fat, dirty goals. It will not be pretty. We just need to find a way to more traffic, more and more pictures."

If a coach Dale Hunter ends his lines intact on the morning of Saturday, the Capitals' top unit of Ovechkin, Laich and Brouwer would be better.

Ovechkin, in particular, have to fight harder to make room for maneuver and get your wrist fatal shot as Zdeno Chara and the defenders and Dennis Seidenberg on the face of each shift to find. The first line is the only chance to score, it should be noted, was shot from Ovechkin in the third period, and he came up with Chara in the cross-checking penalty.

Ovechkin, Laich can help us better in the circle against Faceoff specialist Patrice Bergeron. Laich won only seven of the 26 tracks that are left behind Ovechkin the puck more than he was.

This can be a difficult decision for the capital: they tried to play Bruins physical bruises, but could not. Ovechkin convex game high seven hits, but he was on the receiving end of much, if not more. In the end, it was Bruins, winners in a row with the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers, the capital of the blow-40-29.

During a long series, which will take its toll.

"They have a ton of talent and how to slow down the body to" Bruins forward Brad Marchand said. "We have a physical team and if we play like we play our best hockey."

Capitals, meanwhile, is not far from their best.

Game 1 could go both ways. But if Ovechkin and hopes to win the series - and the answer to the skeptics - they have to go to my Saturday.

Julien, do Not Hesitate to Call For Corvo

In mid March, when Joe Corvo couldn’t find his way out of a suit and tie, Claude Julien was quick to note that the defenseman would be called upon again. The Bruins coach was correct.

Corvo was in the Game 1 lineup Thursday night at TD Garden. With Adam McQuaid (eye/head) sidelined indefinitely, Corvo got the nod for the stay-at-home defenseman’s position on the third pairing alongside Greg Zanon. He finished with 19 minutes 10 seconds of work in the Bruins’ 1-0 overtime win.

During the regular season, Corvo didn’t play at the consistent level the Bruins hoped he would. In 75 games, he had 4 goals and 21 assists. Corvo’s 25 points were second among Bruins defensemen after Zdeno Chara (12-40-52). But he didn’t deliver the offensive pop his bosses were seeking on the power play. On the man advantage, Corvo had 1 goal and 8 assists.

Corvo’s most troublesome area was his own zone. He especially struggled with his down-low coverage, both in the corners and in front of the net.

All of that, however, has been forgotten.

“I feel very confident,’’ Julien said before the game. “Everyone that we have here is very capable of playing. We’ve got one guy that’s going to be out for sure tonight in McQuaid. But the other seven, we can put any one of them in there. They’ve done a great job. If anything, I feel extremely confident.’’

Corvo proved his coach correct. In overtime, Corvo made a critical play to initiate the game-winning play. After Tim Thomas kicked out Marcus Johansson’s shot, Corvo collected the puck and rapped it off the right-side boards. Two passes later - Brian Rolston to Benoit Pouliot, Pouliot to Chris Kelly - the Bruins were enjoying a 1-0 OT win.

“Very happy,’’ Corvo said of seeing Kelly’s goal. “It’s one of those games that kind of scares you because they’re hanging in there, hanging in there. Their goalie’s playing well. You just don’t want to let them steal the first one. It was a relief.’’

Corvo is also more familiar with the Capitals than his teammates. On March 3, 2010, Washington acquired Corvo from Carolina for Brian Pothier, Oskar Osala, and a 2011 second-round pick. Corvo appeared in seven playoff games for the Capitals that year.

“They’ve always been a fast team and a skilled team,’’ Corvo said. “That hasn’t changed.’’

Depending on McQuaid’s situation, Corvo could fill the role played by Tomas Kaberle last year. Kaberle, paired mostly with McQuaid, saw plenty of time on the power play. But the coaches were careful to keep Kaberle away from dangerous matchups. Kaberle didn’t play on the penalty kill.

Corvo could be in a similar position. During practices leading up to Game 1, Corvo was on the point on the No. 1 power-play unit alongside Chara.

Assignment: Ovechkin  
 
During the three regular-season games he played against the Bruins, Alex Ovechkin went head-to-head with Chara and Johnny Boychuk. In Game 1, Ovechkin battled Dennis Seidenberg for the first time this year. In the second period, Seidenberg and Ovechkin came together in one of the most jarring smashes of 2011-12.

Seidenberg isn’t as punishing a hitter as Boychuk, but he was just as thorough as Chara during last year’s postseason run. Seidenberg’s toughness, positioning, and big-game capabilities make him a natural to play against Washington’s most potent sharpshooter. Chara and Seidenberg also got assistance from Patrice Bergeron, who was used in a matchup role.

In 17:34 of ice time, Ovechkin had just one shot. It came on the power play, when he teed up one of his trademark one-timers from the left circle. Thomas followed the play well and kicked out Ovechkin’s shot with his right pad.

“It’s two big, strong defensemen he has to go through, and probably one of the best two-way centermen in the league in Bergy,’’ said Julien. “He was good, but our guys were better tonight. We did a good job of minimizing that. He’s a big part of their offense.’’

Power play misfires

The Bruins went 0 for 4 on the power play. In the second period, during four-on-four play (David Krejci and John Carlson were sent off for roughing), the Bruins got a four-on-three man-advantage after Braden Holtby was whistled for roughing. Even with more space, the Bruins couldn’t find a weakness in Washington’s penalty kill.

“Our guys weren’t seeing much tonight,’’ said Julien. “There were some openings we could have used. We were dusting the puck a little too much versus shooting it. When we made some of those passes, some of those guys should have ripped a shot right away. Instead, we stopped and started looking for another play.’’

The Bruins went 0 for 21 on the power play in last year’s first round against Montreal.

Boychuk good to go

Boychuk shook off his left knee sprain and dressed for Game 1. He has been using a knee brace along with a heavy tape job. add Boychuk had one shot, two hits, and three blocked shots in 17:58 of ice time . . . At the end of the game, Krejci was hit by a pane of glass knocked loose by celebrating fans. Krejci fell to the ice, but got up and skated off on his own . . . Mike Mottau and Jordan Caron were Boston’s healthy scratches . . . Bergeron won 18 of 25 faceoffs (72 percent).

Capitals Slip Past Bruins in Overtime Thriller

The new decoration, Chris Kelly, a heavy padlocked chain he wore around his neck, scoring the winning goal in the first leg play-off in Boston on Wednesday night.

Message: Try not to be the weakest link

"It was not" Bruins goalie Tim Thomas Kelly after the goal on a long strike on goal 1:18 into overtime gave the Stanley Cup champions to defend a 1-0 victory over Washington in Game 1 of their first round playoff series.

"I had a good feeling he was going to go, and I had a good feeling about this guy who had the puck," said Thomas, the reigning Vezina and Conn Smythe Trophy winner. "I can say that it is something today. It was a detachment of some past me in practice, in recent days."

Thomas stopped all 17 shots he faced in Boston to win his sixth career shutout in the playoffs - four of them running for the championship in Boston in 2011. But it was adapted for the three periods goaltender Braden Holtby of the capital, third-stringer to debut in the playoffs because of an injury of Tomas Vokoun and Michal Neuvirth.

Holtby made 29 saves for the capital, and is always great, when Marcus Thomas Johansson returned from the legs, which began in the Bruins break. Brian Rolston has decreased by Benoit Pouliot, to clear the area, and he pushed it to Kelly.

At the top of the circle to the left of the playoffs, Kelly opened the Slapper who sailed on the glove Holtby for the game winner. What Kelly has earned the necklace, which took place last year's lucky charm, ragged, as the Bruins windbreaker returned to star in a game during their execution in accordance with the NHL franchise for the first time since 1972.

"It's always nice to finish early," said Kelly, who thought that the attack is deflected by a defender with a stick. "Goalkeepers are so good, I think it survived the wing and beat the goalkeeper is long gone. So I was pleasantly surprised when he saw him enter the "

Washington star Alex Ovechkin on the ice comforted Holtby, and Bruins celebrated their first victory in its quest to become the first champions of the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings repeated in 1997-98.

2 games on Saturday at the TD Garden before the series moves to Washington for Games 3 and 4, Monday and Thursday.

"The next game will be different," Ovechkin said. "We know we can play against them. Holtby played a damn game. He was nervous, but once he made the first save, he calmed down."

Kelly, 31, had career highs with 20 goals and 39 points with a plus or minus 33 who was tied for third place in the league.

"Coaches talked about how he was the unsung heroes of this year," coach Claude Julien said the Bruins. "Scored 20 goals, the fact that he had never done before -. It was not always the same wing of the He created more than ever this year and was very solid defense."

Veteran NHL 21 games, only 21 Holtby moved in line with the Capitals because of a groin injury and Vokoun left leg injury on Neuvirth. He played only seven games this season, but he started five final 10 games of Washington and graduated with a 2.48 goals against average.

He helped the capital killed almost six minutes of consecutive man advantage late in the first and the beginning of the second period with a 4-for-3 Boston power plays late in the second.

"I was a little sloppy with some things, and these things I need to do better next game," he said. "Most importantly, I was not there for the boys, overtime, and I will definitely be better for him."

Note: The last two times these teams met in the playoffs, the winner went to the Stanley Cup finals. Bruins did in 1990, and the capitals in 1998. ... Dale Hunter, Washington directed his first game today, the NHL playoffs. As a player, a hunter was 42 goals and 76 programs with 729 penalty minutes and 23 battle staffs in 186 career playoff games with Quebec, Washington and Colorado. ... NCAA champion Boston College hockey team was honored during a break in the first period. ... Capitals, № 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, not to win a playoff spot until the last week of the season. They beat Boston in three of four games this season, including two trips to the Garden of TD.

Andrew Luck, RG3 Among Top Prospects to Attend 2012 NFL Draft

Record 26 top prospects have confirmed participation in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York, the NFL announced Thursday. This includes a record five players to BCS champion Alabama: safety Mark Barron, Dont'a Hightower linebacker, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, Trent Richardson, running back and linebacker Courtney Upshaw.

Louisiana will be represented by three players, and Baylor, South Carolina, Southern California and Stanford will have two players in New York this year.

The complete list of players confirmed to attend this year's draft:

1. Mark Barron, S, Alabama
2. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
3. Michael Brockers, DT, Louisiana State
4. Morris Claiborne, CB, Louisiana State
5. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
6. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
7. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
8. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
9. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
10. Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia
11. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
12. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
13. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
14. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
15. Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California
16. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
17. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
18. Shea McClellin, LB, Boise State
19. Nick Perry, DE, Southern California
20. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
21. Rueben Randle, WR, Louisiana State
22. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
23. Devon Still, DT, Penn State
24. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
25. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
26. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The NFL draft returns to prime time this year, with the first round taking place on Thursday, April 26. The event begins at 8 p.m. ET with the selection of the first round. Rounds 2-3 will take place on Friday, April 27 starting at 7 p.m. ET, and Rounds 4-7 will take place on Saturday, April 28 starting at noon ET. Watch and follow all of the excitement of the 2012 NFL Draft on NFL Network and NFL.com.

Osi Doesn’t like Being a Backup to Tuck And Pierre-Paul

Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora had a good postseason, recording 3.5 sacks and helping his team win the Super Bowl. But that doesn’t mean he’s happy with his situation.

Umenyiora was not in the starting lineup for any of the Giants’ four postseason games, and even though he got plenty of playing time behind Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul in the Giants’ defensive line rotation, he says that’s not enough.

“I don’t like being a backup, I can tell you that,”

Umenyiora told the New York Daily News. “It worked for us last year, but I was coming of an injury or whatever. But I see myself as a starter in the NFL. I see myself as a Pro Bowl type player. That’s the way I see myself.”

Umenyiora said he “didn’t complain” last season, and “I’m not complaining now.” But he might start complaining if he spends time on the bench behind Tuck and Pierre-Paul this year.

“I don’t like being on the bench,” Umenyiora said. “I’m not OK with that.”

NFL teams frequently rotate their defensive linemen to keep everyone fresh, and for the Giants, it’s great that they have three defensive ends who are good enough to start. At least, it would be great if they could do it and keep everyone happy. Umenyiora, however, won’t be happy if he’s looking up at anyone else on the depth chart.

Umenyiora is also unhappy with his contract, which pays him $3.975 million this season. He is not expected to participate in the team’s voluntary offseason program, which begins on Monday. There’s been talk that the Giants might trade Umenyiora, but the best way for Umenyiora to get what he wants may be to play out the final year of his deal, play well, and then hit free agency next year and find some other team that’s willing to make him a starter, and pay him like a starter.

Christmas Nerlens Picks Kentucky

Nerlens Noel, the No. 1 recruit in the ESPNU 100, committed to Kentucky over Georgetown and Syracuse on ESPNU's "Signing Day Special" on Wednesday night.

"It was the toughest decision of my entire life," the 6-foot-10 center from Everett, Mass., said. "Georgetown and Syracuse are great programs."

However, in the end it was John Calipari, Kentucky's winning ways and the rabid fan base that swayed Noel to Big Blue Nation.

"Coach Cal recruited me real hard. He is a good person who cares about his players, he helps them reach their goals and the team's goals," Noel said. "They play as a unit and are very unselfish. Also the fans were incredible on my visit. They are behind the program 100 percent."

In three years, Calipari has taken Kentucky to two Final Fours and is fresh off a national championship, the eighth in school history, which certainly didn't hurt the school's chances of landing the nation's top high school prospect.

"It opened my eyes to what a good job they do developing young talent and winning it all," Noel said.

SportsNation: College basketball Top 25

SportsNation Andy Katz has come up with his early rankings of the top 25 college basketball teams for 2012. Where do you have them ranked?
• Cast your votes!

Noel joins fellow ESPNU 100 prospects Alex Poythress (Clarksville, Tenn./Northeast), Archie Goodwin (Little Rock, Ark./Sylvan Hills) and Willie Cauley (Spearville, Kan./Olathe Northwest), giving Kentucky its fourth consecutive No. 1 recruiting class.

"It's a big family down there and I am excited to be a part of it," Noel said.

Noel wants to make his own mark and help Kentucky win another national championship.

"That's the plan."

Christmas Nerlens land in Lexington

Kentucky struck gold again. John Calipari and the Wildcats hit a grand slam with a statement that the seven-foot Christmas Nerlens wear the uniform of Kentucky.

Why is this guy so important? Every time you lose a quality player, Anthony Davis, you need to recharge. Wildcats lose a lot of team championships, as well as create a class of dynamite Calipari, led by Noel in the middle. Then, add Alex Poythress, Archie Goodwin and Willie Koli Big Blue Nation and smiles again. Mr. Calipari can recruit hard.

These guys will be vital contributors, but Christmas is a star a star. His shot-blocking ability is unprecedented, I saw myself in the tournament Palms in Fort Myers, Fla., and was very impressed. Christmas as a good shot-blocker, as I've ever seen on a school ranks.

How do I put it on the college level? Only time will tell, but I think it will be a great success in Lexington.

Look for Kentucky will again be dynamite. Wow, fans of this region has something to celebrate. Louisville Cardinals' Rick Pitino will be special with Peyton Siva, Gorgui Dieng and Chane Behanan have to go back. Of Indiana has 10 recruiting class and the return of Cody Zeller and Christian Watford and both said no money from the NBA to return to Bloomington.

They had three of the five best teams in the preseason rankings. Good times are coming to the Lexington, Louisville and Bloomington, baby!

It is also said to send greetings to Ben Howland has UCLA as a kind of quality talent, which he loved, was when the Bruins Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and company.

Bring to class, led by Muhammad Shabazz and Kyle Anderson is really special. That duo will be. The universality of Mr. Anderson, as he showed to play for Bob Hurley at St. Anthony. Then add Muhammad, a prolific scorer who put points on the board.

There is much to celebrate in Westwood after the fiasco of last season.

Pac-12 will return to Los Angeles and Arizona dandy sporting layers high.

College basketball in the news big time these autographs.

Coach Bobby Petrino Should Have Been Dismissed, Arkansas Fans Say

After hearing that football coach Bobby Petrino had not only lied about who he was with when he had a motorcycle accident on April 1, but that he was also having an affair with that young woman, had paid her $20,000 and had arranged for her to get a job with the university, Arkansas Razorbacks fans are saying they agree with the decision to fire him.

"I'm disappointed," but it was the right thing to dismiss Petrino, says fan Donnie Holt, one of a series of Razorbacks faithful interviewed on video by Arkansas Online. Petrino deceived the univerisity, its fans and its players, says another fan, Janis Harrison.

As UALR Public Radio reports, University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long announced Tuesday that Petrino was dismissed because "he made a conscious decision to speak and mislead the public ... and in doing so he negatively and adversely affected the reputation of the University of Arkansas and our football program."

Long also said the university does not plan to pay an $18 million buyout in Petrino's contract because he's being dismissed for his conduct.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Petrino says he accepts "full responsibility for what has happened. ... I have hurt my wife Becky and our four children. I've let down the University of Arkansas, my team, coaching staff and everyone associated with the Razorback football program. ... I wish nothing but the best for the Razorback football program, the University and the entire Razorback Nation."

He had been at Arkansas for four seasons and, as Arkansas Online recounts, "led the Razorbacks to prominence in the Southeastern Conference, with a 34-17 record ... and to the school's first Bowl Championship Series appearance after the 2010 season."

Bobby Petrino at Arkansas Fired After 4 Years

Bobby Petrino said time and time again to win the national championship in Arkansas. From the day he was hired in 2007, Petrino never wavered in purpose or belief.

Petrino will have a chance now, shot by a scandal, and he blamed no one but himself to escape.

"The simplest answer I have: I'm sorry," he said. "These two words seem very inadequate. But this is my heart."

Athletic Director Jeff Long shed Petrino Tuesday and presented a long list of great harm to the man whom he hired from the Atlanta Falcons four years ago.

He tore the Petrino hire him and his mistress for deliberately misled about the secret relationship that had been exposed as a result of his journey in April, along with the bike, which ended in disaster. Petrino said he missed several chances in the last 10 days to tell the truth about the case, who crossed the line into infidelity of favoritism in the workplace.

"He decided to deliberately mislead the public on Tuesday, and thus adversely affects the reputation of the University of Arkansas and our football program," Long said, choking as he spoke the players say their manager was not there. "In short, Coach Petrino is engaged in pattern of deception and manipulation, designed to deceive me and athletics staff before and after a motorcycle accident."

Petrino, 51, a married father of four children, maintained relations with inappropriate Jessica Dorrell 25 years of "significant" amount of time and at some point in his $ 20,000, Long said.

Long would not disclose details of the payment, or when the money changed hands, but said that both sides have confirmed a "gift." Kevin Trainor, press Long, said the money came from Petrino, not university funds.

Petrino apologized at length and said he was inclined to try to make amends to his family.

"All I could think of is the number of people that I gave up the decision-making, self-centered," he said. "I have decided to participate in an abusive relationship. J" I also made some bad decisions after the end of this relationship, and as a result of the accident. I accept full responsibility for what happened. "

Dorrell, a former volleyball player Razorbacks, Razorbacks worked in the Fund before she was hired Petrino March 28, four days before the accident on a rural road 20 miles outside of Fayetteville. Long said that she was one of three finalists out of 159 candidates, and got the job after only a short time.

Petrino never disclosed his conflict of interest in hiring or pay Dorrell and clearly was an unfair advantage over other candidates, Long said.

"Coach Petrino has abused his authority when, in recent weeks, he decided on a personal and individual choices that benefit themselves and jeopardize the integrity of the football program," said Long.

Petrino Arkansas built a national power in the four seasons, including a record 21.5 in the last two years, and he was in the midst of a seven-year contract under which the average salary of 3.53 million dollars per year. The article has long been granted the right to suspend or dismiss a coach of conduct "or adversely affect the reputation of sports programs (university) in any case."

Long Petrino was dismissed "with cause" - meaning that it has received a ransom of 18 million are detailed in the contract - and there were no discussions on ways to keep in Arkansas Petrino. Long Petrino met Tuesday morning to inform him that there are grounds for termination and that the coach was "concerned" about it. Long sent a letter Petrino today officially inform him that he was fired.

"I decided to do this in writing because it is the conditions of his contract," he said.

Long declined to comment when asked about the status of Dorrell. She was hired as coordinator of student athletes of Arkansas football, paid $ 55,735 a year to organize visits to the campus set for the team and help in the initial right of each player's input

She was "at some point," seeks to Josh Morgan, director of competitive swimming and diving, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the details I have not been disclosed. Morgan said that the man is still working at the University of .

Petrino finished his tenure in Arkansas with a 34-17 record in four years, which led to the Razorbacks № 5 in last season's final ranking and the Cotton Bowl victory over Kansas State. In the fourth Tyler Wilson, running back Knile Davis and others return, we're talking about Arkansas, because the two giants SEC West, Alabama, national champion and vice-LSU.

And maybe pigs will be. But they will not do with Petrino.

Beginning of the end came on April 1, Petrino, who first described as a Sunday spent with his wife in the lake region.

Instead, he went and Dorrell for evening walks and skidded off the road in an accident that left him with four broken ribs, cracked vertebrae in his neck and bruises on his face. Motorcycle enthusiasts say that the sun and the wind caused him to lose control.

The fact that he did not mention at the press conference after two days and long term for another two days, Dorrell is the presence, except for a vague reference to a "lady" who stopped the passage of the drivers. Everything changed when the state police released an accident report. Petrino, warned the State Trooper, which normally provides security for him during the season, have long been told 20 minutes before the report was released, and he admitted that he calls the inappropriate relationship with the previous Dorrell. Long put him on paid leave.

He can not do better for Petrino. Audio 911 call reporting the accident revealed that he and Dorrell did not want the police called in an accident, and police later revealed that he asked whether it was necessary to give the name of the passenger in the accident.

Petrino was named Dorrell and the presence of the investigators, but only after a long time to mislead both the public and during his press conference. The school even made a statement in the family Petrino on the day after the accident, who said "no" to other persons were involved.

Fraud and how Dorrell was hired for too long.

"Our expectations of quality and integrity of our employees can not be less than we expect from our students," Long said. "No one more than the team, Razorback football program at the University of Arkansas."

The constancy of the coach with the Razorbacks began under a cloud of second guessing after the abrupt departure from Atlanta's 13 games in a season in 2007.

Petrino left a farewell note in the lockers of players in Atlanta, but did not tell them of his resignation in the face. He was inducted into the end of the night, as the new coach Razorbacks, taking with him the image of wandering after the 15 jobs in 11 different programs and organizations in 24 seasons. He is infamous meeting with Auburn in 2003 to talk about adoption of the Tigers head coach Tommy Tuberville at the same time was not.

Nevertheless, he was met in Arkansas and took the school to its BCS bowl game after the first season in 2010, losing in the Sugar Bowl in Ohio. It has improved its win total each year. 5.7 Arkansas its first season in 2008, the second 5.8 until the end of 10-3 and 2.11 in the last two seasons.

In a statement, Petrino said he and his staff had left Arkansas in better shape, and wished him success.

"Because of my own mistakes, we will not get to finish our goal of building a championship program," he said. "My only goal at this point to try to repair the damage I have done for my family. They do not ask for this and deserve better. I'm going to be a better husband, father and man, as a result of this and are working every day to prove that for my family, my friends and others.

"I love football. I love to workout. I certainly hope I can find my way back to the profession I love. At the same time, I will do everything possible to heal the wounds that have" created ".

Assistant coach Taver Johnson will continue the program until spring practice, ending the game with a spring school on April 21. Long said he has asked other staff, including offensive coordinator Paul Petrino, brother of Petrino, to stay at least until then.

Arkansas Razorbacks: Bobby Petrino Made The Right Decision?

Bobby Petrino was dismissed as coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks Tuesday Sports Director Jeff Long described as "manipulative and deceptive conduct."

It is hard to disagree with this assessment action football coach, after hearing a long list of atrocities Long Petrino - including the hiring of women with whom he had an affair and deliberately induced to mislead about the long secret relationship.

Petrino, his father 51 years old, married with four children, maintained relations with inappropriate Jessica Dorrell, a 25-year-old former volleyball player on the Razorbacks 'significant' amount of time, according to Long. Athletic Director also noted, Petrino once Dorrell gave $ 20,000 "gift", which was confirmed as a Petrino and Dorrell for undetermined reasons.

All this became known after a motorcycle accident involving Petrino and Dorrell April 1, four days after Dorrell was hired Petrino as the development coordinator of student-athletes of Arkansas football.

"He decided to deliberately mislead the public on Tuesday, and thus adversely affects the reputation of the University of Arkansas and our football program," Long said. "In short, Coach Petrino is engaged in pattern of deception and manipulation, designed to deceive me and athletics staff before and after a motorcycle accident."

Petrino released a lengthy statement on Tuesday night, apologized to the university team, and especially his family for his "selfish decisions." He said his only goal is to make amends with his family.

He also said: "After my own mistakes, we will not get to finish our goal of building a championship program," which brings a good point, he certainly was in the right direction Razorbacks, p. Report 34-17 in four seasons, № 5, the final ranking last season and Cotton Bowl to win the state of Kansas.

So, if Petrino was asked to direct a program of the national championship, he shot the right decision? It's a little less extreme, as a suspension or fine, was more suitable? He certainly does not serve as an example to follow for their young players, but he was also able to give these players the best chance to realize their dreams of football.

What do you think? Vote in the poll, leave a comment explaining why you voted the way you did.

Toast Masters of The History of The legendary Stars

Sun comes up, just look at the trees in August. People are lining up before dawn to get a better idea about this. On the first tee, depending on the instrument panel, three names with the numbers of players unusual.

But this is not the numbers, it's been years. And now, three people who could teach us a lot of competition, and respect, decades after their first.

Time was running. Three men who walked on the tee in the morning gave 13 names of not only teachers, but 49 grandchildren. Their winning time here began in 1958 and television in black and white, and ended in 1986, and the child is online.

"Three great players, three great men,'' the chairman Billy Payne in August it was said through the microphone. Palmer struck first." I'm nervous,'' he said, bent over to put on the target.

Face in the crowd early in the morning: Phil Mickelson. His start-up time was six hours, but he was there because it was the first masters of the three giants, never served as a snack with the ceremony, so that the time to say something.

All three found the fairway, the player is the longest.

The story was blown up. Wizards can begin.

They sat together at a press conference later, three guys in a green jacket. Nicklaus, on average, a player on his left, Palmer right away.

"We even cried together and we laughed together, and we had a good time,'' said the player.

Thus, we noticed a man who has led a long?

"I do not think any of us can see that far,'' said Nicklaus." We can hear them all the land, though.''

They were fierce competitors, ready to cut each other's heart on the golf course. But they were friends. No tweets stupid or ill-chosen gestures and silly rhetoric. They respected each other and to respect his game, and they respect their incredible success.

They are now old men and young people can learn a lot.

"It was amazing that you could play, in fact, as you know,` I want to beat the hell out of you. However, these can be good friends,'' Player said this week. " And in the East and good friends should be.''

Each of them one by one on Thursday morning to reiterate its appreciation for golf. "I think that these young people come together to be understood that if we do,'' said Palmer.

They teased each other on aging and retirement. "You guys are all saying you are going to retire in 35 years," Palmer recalled them. "I said, 'Bull (beep).

Someone asked if they had called for lawyers to find each other.

Palmer: "What was the question?''

Palmer, Nicklaus, "You need help, this morning, you (gently stroking it, and repeating the question)?''

Palmer: "The last time you called me, you wanted to fish.''

Nicklaus. "And you have not taken''

Palmer. "` I will, if''

Nicklaus: "` You can always'' on Monday.?

Palmer. "No, it's too early''

It does not take much to see, as they wanted, they were there to guide him to the real on Thursday.

"We would still be able to play,'' Nicklaus said." But you know, if you go out and look where our tee shots were. . . I think you'll understand why we are not.''

"If I could do it,'' said Palmer," I will do now.''

They noted their concern about the decline of golf. As the game takes too long and expensive. How to play advanced the ball goes too far, causing the rate design to emphasize the length of common sense. They worry about the hobby they love.

Palmer grumbled that he was hungry, and soon the conference was over.

This is one of the beauties of the masters of the deck is living there now, and the Titans is dedicated to never stop. In what other sport would be an asset, according to Mickelson showed six in the morning to watch the three men between the ages of hitting a golf ball?

"Appropriate'' Palmer word for all three, as the ceremony." We played golf all his life together.''

What they will not to do it again in 1962. But the applause did not stop.

Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player Kickstart 2012 Masters in Augusta

Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus.

The Big Three.

Among them, 13 Masters victories (Nicklaus 6, Palmer 4, Player 3).

On Thursday, as they kickstarted the Masters, I imagined three words for the current state of the Big Three: older, wiser, weaker.

They were labeled as honorary starters, but this had all the earmarks of a super-senior long-drive contest. This was a showdown to establish bragging rights for a year, until they return in 2013 for another one-shot exhibition off the first tee at Augusta National Golf Club.

For the record, Palmer is 82, Player 76, Nicklaus 72.

Also for the record, here were their carry distances Thursday on the first hole: Player 236 yards, Nicklaus 218 yards, Palmer 185 yards.

They were hitting into a severe hill, so carry distances and total distances were identical. There was no roll.

In case there are any questions about my credentials as a long-drive judge, I stood at the edge of the first fairway and measured the distances very carefully (from the ball back to the player) with a rangefinder.

Palmer and Player split the fairway. Nicklaus also was in the fairway, but to the left side.

How much did Player want to win this little contest? Very, very, very much.

On Tuesday, two days before the Big Three would start the Masters, Player was asked if he wanted to hit the longest tee shot of the three.

“Absolutely. Absolutely,” he said. “I’ve been training very hard. I’ve just come from the gym right now, in fact. I increased my sit-ups and my weights. Absolutely. We’ve (always) been very competitive.”

Player has been using a new driver that is a big longer.

“I’ve been driving the ball 275 yards with this driver,” Player said. “You must realize there was no roll in that first fairway. Arnold and Jack would have hit the ball 30 or 40 yards farther. That’s true for me, as well.”

Honorary starters are a tradition at the Masters. When I first came here in 1971, Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod were the honorary starters. They played two holes, Nos. 1 and 2.

Over the years, some honorary starters actually played the entire front nine. Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead would have played all day if allowed to do so.

What a joy it would be to watch Palmer, Player and Nicklaus play two holes - say, 1 and 9, which run parallel to each other. In the natural amphitheater that is Augusta National, this would be high drama.

“I would love to play,” Player said.

Sure he would, because he remains a workout demon despite his age.

“Whoever thought of that idea (honorary starters) was very smart,” Player said Tuesday. “Because the people - you’ve got to entertain the people. Without the people, you don’t have this tournament. They just love it.

“And playing with Arnold and Jack, they’re just (he paused) ... you know, it’s coming to an end. If you want to say our lives, our careers, it’s the sunset. To be able to replay, it’s like having a mulligan.”

The players have memories, the fans have memories, and golf is clearly the game of a lifetime. There are so many years in which to collect so many reflections.

We don’t mind seeing our golf heroes grow old, because they are doing exactly what we are doing - playing the game, loving the game, always looking forward to the next shot.

I stood still and listened to the applause. The earth seemed to be shaking. It could just as easily have been 1986, when Nicklaus roared home with a 30 on the back nine.

That was the last time a member of the Big Three would win the Masters, although golf has a way of recapturing its most glorious moments.

Mega Millions lottery Winner did not Claim The Prize

One of the three winners of the biggest lottery in history has not yet come to the price of life is changing, multi-million dollar lawsuit.
Winner of the Mystery Jackpot, a fortune of $ 656 million (£ 410 million), share, Kansas, and still communicate with the persons responsible for the Mega Millions lottery.
Kansas Lottery Director Dennis Wilson. "We want the winner to meet, but we want to tell them, sign the back of the ticket and security."
The other two winners from Illinois and Maryland, said that their prices, but their identity is not disclosed.
In accordance with the rules of the state lottery, Illinois is the latest multi-millionaire before the public, but in Maryland and Kansas will be permitted to request anonymity.
The ticket was purchased in Illinois in the small town of Red Bud, which has a population of 3640, and was the result of a random "Quick Pick".
Under the rules of the lottery shop which sold the lucky numbers, jackpot and bonus checks will be $ 500,000 (€ 312,000) were received.
Denise Metzger, head of the Moto-Mart supermarket that sold the ticket, said: "It's just amazing Someone who wants to know who he is ..
"All day yesterday I was selling tickets, and I was hoping that someone will win the Red Bud. Never in my wildest dreams I thought. I'm just thrilled."
He added that the store employees all share the bonus.
Maryland ticket was purchased at the store 7/11 in Milford, Baltimore County.
Steven Martino, director of the Maryland State Lottery, said: "It was a quick choice, and there was a ticket purchased by a player at this time."
Kansas Lottery officials said the ticket was sold in the northern part of the state, and the store is still unknown winner will receive a $ 10,000 price (£ 6,200).
The biggest lottery jackpot ever inspired millions of Americans to buy tickets, spending about $ 1.5 billion (937 million pounds) in preparation for the draw on Friday night.
Almost all were disappointed with a draw to live at 11 am, when the winning numbers 02, 04, 23, 38, 46 and Mega Ball 23 were found.
Those jackpot can choose between a lump sum is heavily loaded or small annual payments.

3 Winners, More Than 100 Million Mega Millions losers

Mega Millions winner - at least three of them - were out of sight. Losers, who could number 100 million, said a lot on Saturday to lose the jackpot in the world's largest lottery and their dreams of wealth colossal disappointment.

Journalists attacked shops in Illinois and Maryland, as well as lottery officials in Kansas, proudly announced that they had sold the winning ticket in the world $ 640 million jackpot Mega million records. The winners will receive $ 213 million before taxes. Three other ticket holders have become millionaires.

But on the street, the Internet and not in stores, where winners bought tickets, the Americans grumbled about the hopes, and then disappeared. And they thought they had done with the money.

"What do I do with this worthless lottery ticket today?" Laurel Ashton Brooks of Greensboro, North Carolina, said on Twitter.

As the jackpot grows with every hour on Thursday and Friday, the Americans had tickets snapped up dreaming about leaving jobs, debt repayment, building hospitals, the purchase of the island. On Saturday, they took to Twitter and Facebook, to mourn their losses, the edge of possibility for millions of people.

"I knew when I bought the ticket, I would not win. But I did it anyway," said Shawn Flaherty, a tester of video games in New York. "The concept of" if "has a bit of money with me."

Even U.S. President Barack Obama presidential campaign tapped into widespread frustration lottery. He sent an e-mail to raise funds with a "Jackpot," which began: ".. Yes, we do not so that we always"

All told, Americans spent $ 1.5 billion for the opportunity to hit the jackpot, which is a lump sum $ 462 million and nearly 347 million U.S. dollars after the federal tax. With the chances of a jackpot on the 176 million it would cost $ 176 million to redeem all of the combinations. In this case, the strategy will receive a $ 171 million less if your state does not want all the taxes.

Winner of Illinois used the Quick Pick - automatic dialing - select the winning numbers in the store in the small town of Red Bud, south of St. Louis, Illinois Lottery spokesman Mike Lang said. The winning numbers were purchased at 7-Eleven stores in Milford Mill, Maryland, just north of Baltimore, and somewhere in the northern state of Kansas.

"It's just incredible. Everyone wants to know who they are," said Denise Metzger, director of the MotoMart where the winning ticket was sold in Illinois.

"All day yesterday I was selling tickets, and I was hoping that someone will win the Red Bud. Never in my wildest dreams I thought. I'm just thrilled," said Metzger, whose store will receive $ 500,000 for selling the winning ticket, lottery officials.

Paramedic Dan Parrott left the store with $ 5 income after checking rooms at a cost of $ 40 tickets. He will not pay for a new house, new car and new ambulances, which decided that the jackpot will help him to buy in 3700 that the farming community about 40 miles south of St. Louis.

"I would like to see all this money, but with all this money comes responsibility," he said outside the store. "But it would still be great."

Sitzes James left the MotoMart where his control of the six pieces failed. "I bought them in the right place," he shrugged. "I was just not the right numbers."

"I thought for years I'll be doing with all that money," said Sitzes, 70. He had to pay into the house, invest the rest and give her a small shop coating.

In Maryland, camera, hit the 7-Eleven, where the winning ticket was purchased by the state. Manager repeatedly harassed said: "No," told journalists pressed for more detailed information that customers are pushed through a crowd of media over morning coffee.

Nyeri Murphy, holding two tickets to scratch, she said, but usually plays Powerball resulted in a neighboring county to buy $ 70 worth of tickets for Mega Millions this week. "I would have bought here," she said.

Maryland does not require the lottery winners will be determined; Mega Millions winner can claim the prize anonymously. Shop gets a bonus of $ 100,000 for selling the winning ticket was purchased on Friday evening.

The third winning ticket was purchased in North Kansas City, but no further information will be published in the Kansas Lottery until the winner comes forward, the representative of the Kara S. Sloan-Ramos said. Location of Kansas, who sold the ticket will receive $ 10,000.

No winner has contacted the agency on Saturday morning, the Kansas Lottery Director Dennis Wilson. "We want to meet with the winner, but we want to tell them, go to the back of the ticket and fix it."

Kansas law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous, if the winners are determined in Illinois.

Winning numbers for the draw on Friday night were 02-04-23-38-46 and the Mega Ball 23.

Maryland Lottery spokeswoman Carole Everett said the last time a ticket from the state won the jackpot nationwide was in 2008 when he won a ticket for $ 24 million.

"We are very happy," she said. "We are bound and excited."

The owner of the winning ticket in Maryland have 182 days to go and get the win. Winners in Kansas and Illinois to one year, but if the winner of Illinois wants to be paid in a lump sum, they must report within 60 days, said Lang.

Although only three tickets matched all the winning numbers, the jackpot was a millionaire at least three other winners, and gave a boon to more than 100 others. Three ticket holders won $ 1 million each, and 158 won $ 250,000 in accordance with the first five numbers drawn, said Chuck Strutt, executive director of the Multi-State Lottery Association in Urbandale, Iowa.

According to the jackpot eclipses the previous record $ 390 million, which was divided in 2007, two winners who purchased tickets in Georgia and New Jersey.

For some, dreams were beautiful. Kathy Kapczynski bought his first lottery ticket with the neighbors in a gas station in Washington, DC. The duty was to show him how to buy.

"We went a little bit more experience than 'if'," she said.

On Saturday morning, Kapczynski, manager of visitor services in the Newseum, which was in New York on vacation and left her $ 6 tickets at home behind.

It remains unclear if she won.

UPDATE 6-Three Winning Tickets Sold in Record U.S. $ 656 Million lottery

The biggest lottery jackpot in U.S. history - a whopping $ 656 million - will be divided into three buyers winning Mega Millions ticket in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland - but their identity remains a mystery, the Lottery said Saturday.

Call before dawn warned Denise Metzger, director of store Motomart, new lottery officials that his store sold the winning ticket in a tiny rural community in Red Bud in southern Illinois, with less than 4000 inhabitants, about 30 miles (48 km) south-east of St. Louis.

"I cried, I woke my husband," said Metzger, whose selling point will receive $ 500,000 for selling the winning ticket.

Mega Millions lottery had an impact across the country, and people rush to buy a $ 1 bill time for a shot at the jackpot is huge. Overall, more than one billion tickets were sold.

At least two tickets were winners of the "fast peaks" - that is, all six numbers in the lottery, Mega Millions chose computer lucky numbers announced in the drawing, Friday night in Atlanta: 2-4-23-38-46 and Mega Ball 23.

Lottery officials said the winning tickets were purchased at 7-Eleven store in Milford Mill, Maryland, near Baltimore, and troubleshoot Motomart Red Bud. Kansas Lottery said one winning ticket was sold in the most populous northern state, but does not give the exact location.

Winners can receive timely payment from them or take it in 26 annual installments.

Three tickets, each worth more than U.S. $ 213 million before tax, if the payment was more than 26 years. If you take a lump sum, contingencies will be about $ 105.1 million, officials said.

"Each winner receives $ 105.1 million in cash, net of taxes of about, but who cares about a penny at this point?" said Carol Everett, a representative of the Maryland Lottery.

Regardless of who wins the jackpot, winning some, is the income of American domestic life. The tax collection agency of subjects lottery winnings over $ 5,000 and 25 percent federal tax withholding.

"Everyone in town"

Metzger said residents flooded into the store for a few hours after the announcement, to check their tickets, even if the winner has not yet appeared, she said.

"I think everyone in town was already there," she joked.

Although the winner - who has not appealed to the Illinois State Lottery officials - can remain anonymous, in the State of Illinois should, eventually, a list of his identity in public folders.

The winning ticket was one of Maryland's Quick Pick ticket sold on Friday at 7-Eleven franchise in Milford Mill, Everett said.

"They were shocked, they get a bonus of $ 100,000," said Everett Ethiopian immigrants and Mimi Abera Tessema, who owned 7-Eleven for 10 years and I knew they would receive a bonus seller winner.

In addition to the three winners of the jackpot, there were three tickets that match Mega Ball number to win $ 1 million each and 158 tickets have selected five of the six winning numbers selected for $ 250,000 each, said Kelly Cripe, a representative of Texas Lottery, which is observed playing Mega Millions.

The largest Mega Millions jackpot was over $ 390 million in 2007, which separates the two ticket holders in Georgia and New Jersey.

About half of the lottery money goes back to the ticket holders in the form of income, 35 percent of the state governments and 15 percent of the fees and expenses of operating the lottery retailers. (Additional reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles, Barbara Goldberg in New York, Teresa Carson in Portland, Keith Coffman in Denver and Laura Zuckerman in Idaho, edited by Will Dunham and Philip Barbara)

Mega Millions Jackpot Winner Bought the Ticket in Baltimore Co.

Somebody walked into a Baltimore County 7-Eleven Friday evening and spent $1 on a Mega Millions ticket with randomly selected numbers. It turned out to be a winner of a record-breaking $656 million jackpot.

So far, that lucky person has not come forward, Maryland Lottery Director Stephen Martino said at a news conference held at the store on Liberty Road in Milford Mill. Winning tickets were also sold in Kansas and Illinois. The winners will split the jackpot, which is believed to be the single largest in world history.

The winning numbers are 2-4-23-38-46 and Mega Ball 23.

The jackpot jumped from an estimated $640 million to $656 million, as lottery officials continued to crunch the sales numbers Saturday. The cash option will pay $474.2 million.

In addition to the jackpot ticket purchased in Baltimore County, Maryland retailers sold four $250,000-winning tickets. Tickets for the second tier prize were sold at the Redner's Warehouse Markets on 2126 N. Foundation Green Road in Bel Air, the Sheetz at 20723 National Pike in Boonsboro, the 7-Eleven at 9709 Beaver Dam Road in Timonium and the 7-Eleven at 4918 Harford Road in Baltimore.

Carole Everett, a Maryland Lottery spokeswoman, said ticket sales for the Mega Millions game reached $11.8 million on Friday, more than doubling the state's previous one-day record of about $5.8 million.

Maryland will collect $13.4 million in taxes if the Maryland winner takes the $158 million cash option, lottery officials said. The money will go to the state's general fund and can be spent at lawmakers' discretion.

"It's a tremendous opportunity," Martino said. "We're very excited that it happened in Maryland."

Though the identity of the real winner remains a mystery, the fact that the drawing took place on the weekend of April Fools' Day has spurred a number of Internet hoaxes.

Tom Kreft, a 25-year-old graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County used a computer program to edit one of his Mega Millions tickets to show the winning numbers and moved forward with the prank.

"First, I made a panicked fake Facebook status, saying things like 'I can't stop shaking' and 'I'm turning off my phone now,' " Kreft said in an email. He has a degree in video and film. "I guess that's where the Photoshop skills came in handy," he added.

Kreft said his friends "started freaking out," especially because one of the winning tickets came from Baltimore County. He continued to play the joke for three or four hours, before posting that it was a prank. By then, word had gotten out.

He's gotten calls from reporters across the United States and one from the United Kingdom. Several people on Twitter posted his account as news, which was also picked up in the blogosphere.

"Sorry to say it was a prank; all I won was a little attention," Kreft said.

At the 7-Eleven, Rodney Gould of Milford Mill was making no such claims.

He walked to the store Saturday morning to buy a pack of Halls cough drops for a sore throat and saw satellite trucks from national news outlets including CNN and ABC filling the parking lot and lining the street. He grabbed his chest and sighed when he heard the news.

Gould said he had three Mega Millions tickets, including one Thursday from the 7-Eleven and two others he bought at a shop down the road.

"I should have went there yesterday," he said.

As he stood in line to buy a few Mega Million tickets for the next drawing Tuesday, James Martin of Garrison quipped that the only network not clamoring to tell the story was the Cartoon Network. Though the new jackpot is much smaller at $12 million, he was willing to take a chance.

"Maybe lightning will strike twice," Martin said.

The jackpot had jumped by $100 million from Thursday to Friday alone as ticket sales reached a frenzy, and Maryland lottery officials had to stock retailers with extra rolls of paper to print tickets.

The biggest Mega Millions jackpot before Friday was $390 million, a record set in 2007.

The Mega Millions game is played in 44 states and jurisdictions, also including Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia.

Employees at the 7-Eleven in Milford Mill declined to comment Saturday. But Martino said the store has been owned by the same people for about 10 years. The owners will collect a $100,000 winning bonus, on top of the 5 cents retailers collect on every ticket sold, he said.

Terell Blackwell of Pikesville said he stops at the 7-Eleven on Liberty Road every day before he heads to work for Amtrak in Washington. He spent $20 on tickets, but he bought them from a gas station a few miles away.

"Maybe it's someone I know," Blackwell said, as his cell phone rang from a friend who saw him on TV in the background of a live shot from the store parking lot.

His advice for the winner: "Spread the wealth. Who can be selfish with all that money?"

Martino, the state's lottery director, has some recommendations for the winner as well.

"Our advice to the player is, safeguard the ticket, sign the back of it," Martino said. "We would encourage them to seek out legal and financial advice."

The odds of winning the jackpot were one in 176 million, Martino said. In Maryland, state law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous, unlike many other states that requires winners to come forward publicly.

"You have people who are wagering a very small amount of money against some very long odds for an extremely large prize," Martino said. "The nature of the lottery is, you're playing to dream. In this case, you're going to have somebody whose dreams are going to be realized."

Donald R. Watson Sr., a home improvement contractor from Randallstown stopped by the store on his way to a job site to buy more Mega Millions tickets. He had 40 for Friday's night drawing.

"It's just a shot," Watson said. "I work every day."

Whoever claims Friday's jackpot will join others in Maryland who have won big in recent years.

A $125 million Powerball ticket was sold in December at Wesley's restaurant and liquor store in Elkton. A $26 million Mega Millions jackpot-winning ticket was sold at Mace Liquors in Essex in 2007.

Ellwood August "Bunky" Bartlett and his wife, Denise, won $330 million from a Mega Millions ticket they bought five years ago at Walther Liquors in Nottingham.

Bitter Rivals Kentucky and Louisville Meet in The Final Four

Bluegrass State rivals will compete in the NCAA Final Four tournament this year, the fourth seed Louisville Cardinals Wildcats take on top seed Kentucky Mercedes-Benz at the Superdome in New Orleans. The winner advances to the national championship game Monday in the face or the State of Ohio and Kansas.

The rivalry between these two schools outside the traditional boundaries that the two coaches, Rick Pitino of Louisville Kentucky and John Calipari, just do not love each other. The bad blood existed between them for several years, but only a few months ago has risen to a new level when Calipari made statements about his team is the only really matters in the state of Kentucky. Clearly annoyed, Pitino, who was head coach at UK from 1989-1997, said that he did not have time for jealous, wicked, ignorant or paranoid - obviously beats Calipari.

Both teams, who met for a total of 43 times in history (Kentucky leads 29-14), were central in Lexington last New Year's Eve, and the Wildcats prevailed 69-62 in the finals. Obviously, not enough drama, the game also presents a lot of interesting pieces and some outstanding performances, as UofL Russ Smith scored a career-high 30 points at the top of the Cardinals back from an early 15-point deficit, while the UK, Michael Kidd Gilchrist entered the monster double -double with 24 points and 19 rebounds. Both teams were trying to find their shooting touch, the Cardinals hit 32.3 percent of their attempts and the Wildcats the ball only 29.8 percent of them, but the hosts dominated the glass (57-31), the dominant users of second chance points, 20-6, as a result.

Louisville is 30.09 this season and the Cardinals won the tournament in the Big East Conference for the second time in four years with a 50-44 victory over Cincinnati in the championship game. Club Pitino said the narrow victory over Davidson (69-62) and New Mexico (59-56) in two or three rounds of the tournament NCAA, then won a double-digit victory over Michigan State head series (57-44) in the West Regional semifinals. This paved the way to the maps that will be taken former Gators Billy Donovan of Florida Pitino students in the regional final last Saturday, and the cards were saying 72-68 triumph. Consequently, Louisville is in Final Four for the ninth time, the first since 2005, and an overall assessment teams in the Big Dance is $ 64-39. UofL has two NCAA titles to his credit (1980, 1986).

Pitino led the last six, four teams, and is the first (official), the coach in the history had three different teams to the national semifinals. Despite the tension between him and Calipari, Pitino has recently talked about his respect for Kentucky, "I look like in Kentucky, and as I look at their coaching staff, I marvel at perfection. I respect perfection. So I have great respect for excellence."

He is also proud to say that his team never doubted, "What's going on, you can not lose confidence. I kept saying to children:" We will be Final Four. Winning the Big East tournament, you go to the Final Four, "and they did."

Kentucky, perhaps the best team in the country, and his 36-2 record a year, certainly confirms this. Wildcats won his forty-fifth SEC title this year will be a perfect 16-0 in the league, but dropped 71-64 decision to Vanderbilt in the slope of the tournament title of the conference. As the first overall seed in the tournament, NCAA, the UK has notched double-digit victory over Western Kentucky (81-66), Iowa (87-71), Indiana (102-90) and Baylor (82-70) to reach its second consecutive Final Four, and 15th overall. "Cats 109-46 in this case for many years and has seven national championships to their credit (1948, 1949, 1951, 1958, 1978, 1996 (under Pitino), 1998).

Calipari is wrapping up his third year in Lexington, and has the reputation of 100-14 at the school. As already mentioned, this is the second consecutive year in which he has his team in the Final Four, and even his original team was deep in the tournament, reaching the top eight. How Pitino, Calipari also took three teams to the Final Four, but the appearance in 1996, Massachusetts, and the appearance in 2008, Memphis was later canceled due to violations of the rules of NCAA. However, Calipari is one of the best coaches in the country, and despite the differences that suffer throughout his career, he has an impressive 503-152.

Calipari wanted to minimize the competition, but with his latest comments: "When you play at this stage of the season, the profit or loss, it does not matter if it's against the school, which is located 12 miles from you, or thousands of miles in fact, has no value. We play in a fantasy basketball team, which has fantastic players who play a style that is aggressive and fast, they are really good. It does not matter how close they are to us, they are very, very good team and it will be a difficult game for us. "

Never one to shy away from attention, Calipari, who has never won a national title, was asked about this is the only team to do so, finally, on the hump, "I'm more concerned about our team played great and these guys are putting all this praise and things, "he continued," I just coach the team. (I want) for these fans, for these players, for this program. "

In Louisville to win this game, the pressure on the defensive end will be the key. The Cardinals, who did a great job in a meeting between the two earlier this season, returned only 60.8 points per game, and they are in fact, this figure dropped to 57.5 points in the tournament. The reality is that they simply can not work with a team as talented sports such as Kentucky, so that instead of relying on a star or two to provide the most offensive fireworks, enjoy a more balanced attack UofL with six players average at least nine 1 points per game. Kyle Kuric (12,7 points, 4,2 RPG) and Russ Smith (11.6 points) are the only two double digit scorers and the team has a positive but small, the edges and recovers (1.6) and turnover (1.5). Smith, who comes off the bench most of the time, energy has three double-digit scoring in this event, including the game-high 19 points in a recent victory over Florida.

Like its counterpart today, Kentucky, is also playing solid defense (60.6 points), but the Wildcats are much more potent offensive team (77.9 points). Their four opponents in this tournament looking to travel as much as 81 points, and took revenge on the Indiana one of the two losses this season, putting up 102 points in the third match of the tour. Britain, led by freshman sensation Anthony Davis (14.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.6 BPG), but also outstanding performance does not end with him, as Doron Lamb (13.6 points per game FG percentage of 0471 three points), Terrence Jones (12.6 points, 7.2 RPG), Gilchrist Kidd (12.0 points, 7,6 RPG), Marquis Teague (10.0 points per game, 4.8 assists per game) and Darius Miller (10.0 points per game) everyone is able to take the game on any given night. While at Baylor really won the battle on the boards over the weekend (34-32), Kentucky, is one of the best teams in restoring the nation to require a differential 7.1. Kidd, Gilchrist became the top scorer in the last two games, while Davis led an attempt to rebound in the last three years.