South Carolina vs. LSU: Game Moved to Baton Rouge Due to Flooding

South Carolina is moving its scheduled home game against LSU on the opponent's Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, because Gamecocks' home state sets out to recover from devastating floods.

Brett McMurphy of ESPN first reported what is the news. Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee provided comments from South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier regarding the change of venue.

"It appears the best thing is to journey to LSU," Spurrier said. "We look forward towards the challenge and competing up against the Tigers in Baton Rouge."

Athletic director Ray Tanner stated Tuesday that Williams-Brice Stadium actually came over the weather in great shape, as outlined by ESPN. Road conditions plus the availability of first responders were one of several concerns school officials were working with, however.

Holly Yan and Ray Sanchez of CNN reported Tuesday that South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley remained concerned around the situation, however the rain has moved out for now.

"We still have to be aware," Haley said. "The next 36 to 48 hrs are going to be a period of time that we have to continue for being careful."

Clearly there are many important things to be concerned about in South Carolina immediately than playing a football game. While the stadium is ready in working order, the resources needed to put on a celebration for more than 80,000 fans will be better utilized elsewhere.

It's a move that can help LSU since it looks to be undefeated against a Gamecocks squad seeking to get back on track after the sluggish 2-3 start. That said, this really is more about providing support in a moment of need than wanting to gain almost any tactical advantage.

South Carolina is scheduled to get a second straight home game against Vanderbilt on Oct. 17. Another decision will need to be made in a few days to determine whether enough progress has been produced throughout the state to host that contest.

Louisville investigating claim escorts were paid to get sex with players

The University of Louisville along with the NCAA is investigating allegations in a upcoming book that the former staffer taken care of escorts to possess sex with recruits and players, the college announced on Friday. According to some report from Yahoo!, the novel alleges that former grad assistant and director of basketball ops Andre McGee paid a madam thousands over a four-year period, and hosted 19 parties for Louisville and McGee. The book alleges that more than a four-year period, Katina Powell brought women into Billy Minardi Hall – the basketball dormitory within the Louisville campus that is certainly named after Pitino's late brother-in-law – by using a side door to entertain players and recruits. Powell also says her dancers – which included her daughters – also entertained Louisville players at other locations off-campus. After the women danced with the players with an agreed-upon sum, Powell alleges that they would negotiate an additional payment with the women to obtain sex using the athletes. The book alleges: “At the peak on the dormitory and off-campus entertainment a lot more than $10,000 cash exchanged to Katina for supplying the women. This does not add the hundreds of $ 1 bills thrown in the dancers at intervals of party by McGee, the recruits and players. Nor does it range from the money paid towards the women who had sex with all the recruits afterward. So frequent were the escapades that Katina would later say, especially following Cardinals won the 2012-2013 NCAA championship: I felt like I was part on the recruitment team. A lot of them players traveled to Louisville as a consequence of me.” McGee currently is an assistant at UMKC under former Louisville assistant Kareem Richardson. UMKC has now placed him on administrative leave, the teachers announced. "We were very disappointed," Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich said within a press conference following reports. "We were surprised and shocked that something such as this would take place in our program." "To say I'm disheartened or disappointed may possibly be the biggest understatement I've made since I've been a coach," Louisville coach Rick Pitino said within his portion with the presser. Pitino stated that he did a small amount of investigating on his own when he learned in the allegations, but was banned by his compliance department. He also said he spoke with 15 of his assistants, and the man "couldn't find anybody in any way who knew anything about" precisely what is being alleged. He stated that he spoke once with McGee after learning on the allegations, understanding that McGee never owned up towards the allegations. "Andre was anybody to make sure that nobody got struggling," Pitino said of his former director of basketball operations. The NCAA is additionally investigating the claim, and as outlined by ESPN has spoke with former potential recruits -- including LSU guard Antonio Blakeney -- regarding their experiences on visits. "We're a book," Jurich said around the investigation. "Anything they desire, they are able to have." For its part, Louisville has released your firm stand out that it has retained outside counsel to research the claim. "The University of Louisville first stumbled on these allegations if the Indianapolis Business Journal contacted the University's sports information department seeking comment in late August. The University was shocked to hear from the allegations. The University's athletics compliance department was immediately notified. Chuck Smrt in the Compliance Group was retained to conduct an intensive, objective article on this information. Mr. Smrt can be an outside expert who's 34 numerous NCAA regulatory experience, including over 17 years together with the NCAA enforcement staff. In coordination together with the University's lawyer and faculty athletics representative, Mr. Smrt's review was quickly launched to evaluate the validity from the information and also the potential for any NCAA rules violations. The University, by itself initiative, notified the NCAA Enforcement Staff regarding this matter and has now been in regular communication with these. The University of Louisville continue its review entirely cooperation and coordination with all the NCAA in case warranted, take any appropriate action. The allegations happen to be taken very seriously. In no way would anyone with this institution condone the alleged activities. To preserve the integrity on the review process, the University will withhold touch upon any details before the review is concluded." The book, in accordance with Yahoo!, is referred to as “Breaking Cardinal Rules: Basketball as well as the Escort Queen,” and it's really being published by IBJ Book Publishing of Indianapolis. It alleges how the madam, Katina Powell, has "a huge selection of text messages with (McGee) to create her services, together with pictures of her girls with players and recruits." The IBJ itself released a statement for the forthcoming book, detailing it alleges "high school-age recruits were offered alcohol by McGee, who also arranged additional payment to her and her dancers if your recruits wanted to get sex with him or her."

FIFA Sponsors Coca-Cola, McDonald’s Call on Sepp Blatter to Resign

“Every day that passes, the whole picture and standing of FIFA is constantly on the tarnish,” says Coca-Cola as Swiss authorities pursue a criminal case up against the soccer boss.
Coca-Cola and McDonald’s have requested FIFA president Joseph "Sepp" Blatter to step down immediately, becoming the initial major sponsors to withdraw their support from your beleaguered head of world soccer.

"For the advantages of the game, the Coca-Cola Company is calling for FIFA president Joseph Blatter to step down immediately to ensure a credible and sustainable reform process will start in earnest,'' Coca-Cola said inside a statement.

Both Coke and McDonald’s are major FIFA sponsors and have absolutely paid millions of dollars backing FIFA events such as World Cup. On Friday, both demanded FIFA’s long-reigning president resign immediately.

“Every day that passes, FIFA's image and reputation carries on tarnish,” Coca-Cola said.

D.C. United On Verge Of Making Playoffs, New York City FC Need Victory To Stay Alive

D.C. United will likely be hosting New York City FC on Friday at RFK Stadium. Both clubs cannot leave the nation’s capital without three points, anything lower than victory will take their Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs lives at risk.

United hasn't won a game title in six attempts. Their current record is 0-1-5 and they've got a negative ten goal differential. The Red and Black started the month of August in beginning of the Eastern Conference, however, they've got fallen to fourth place and they are in danger of slipping out from the playoff picture.

United already have got 45 points and following your home match against NYCFC they merely have two games left in MLS season.  Regardless of the struggles, if D.C. can take out a victory on Friday resistant to the expansion side, they'll clinch a place in the postseason. Losing the match might drop these phones sixth place when the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC win their matches last week.

That being said, United will require their goalie Bill Hamid to square tall as they faces NY’s resurgent attack. New York’s currently is on a three game winning streak where they have got outscored their opponents seven to 3. The expansion side offense is led by: David Villa, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo. He will probably be busy, but when the midfield can contain this new confident attack, it can help decrease Hamid’s role.

At the very center of United's midfield, Perry Kitchen need to be certain that he prevents Lampard and Pirlo from developing any rhythm inside match. However, it doesn't matter how good United’s defense and midfield play, their forwards requires to return to scoring quickly. In their current six games slump, United just has scored three goals, it pretty sure that their offense is lacking a punch. Forwards like: Chris Rolfe, Álvaro Saborío and Fabián Espíndola need to break their slump on Friday should they want to get over New York in your house.

As for NYCFC, it is simple whenever they lose this match then they'll need the Philadelphia Union to defeat Toronto at BMO Field on Saturday. Then New York need a favor from fellow expansion club, Orlando City SC, to get over Montreal on the Citrus Bowl on Saturday simply to keep their playoff hopes alive. In other words, New York needs to win with just two games remaining left inside the regular season there is absolutely no room for error.

Prediction: D.C. United 2-0 New York City FC

United understands that they are just three points far from qualifying towards the playoffs. In front of these home fans, the Red and Black will have inspired and appearance to break down the NYCFC defense. New York’s goalie, Josh Saunders, is playing now this season and contains done his share to aid his club fight for any postseason berth. However, their playoff lives can come to an end on Friday at RFK Stadium.  

Rugby World Cup: New Zealand All Blacks complete mistake-ridden 43-10 make an impression on Georgia

The All Blacks have delivered their messiest performance yet for the Rugby World Cup, stuttering with a 43-10 wow staunch Georgia in Cardiff.

The defending champions scored 22 points inside the first 22 minutes, including a spectacular opening seek to Waisake Naholo as well as a double to fellow-wing Julian Savea.

However, several early tries were as well as just three more in a very stuttering performance when in front of a sold-out crowd at Millennium Stadium.

It would have been a third unconvincing pool display following wins over Argentina, 26-16, and Namibia, 58-14, even though it is enough to guarantee New Zealand's put in place the quarter-finals.

Their first-ever game against world number 13 Georgia was an error-ridden effort, dotted by loose passes and handling mistakes.

Captain Richie McCaw, whose demands that his team lift their performance on Friday went unanswered, limped out from the game within the 60th minute.

Sporting ice packs on his shin and hip, that it was unclear how serious the destruction was to the veteran flanker.

His team lacked physicality up against the muscular Europeans, who decide to field a largely second-string team.

The All Blacks were usually the architects of these struggles, using attempts to play at speed coming unstuck against an obdurate defence.

They made 10 handling errors from the first half alone.

Naholo designed a memorable begin in his first Test since fracturing his leg on Test debut against Argentina 11 weeks ago.

The 24-year-old used sheer speed and strength within a sizzling 60 metre solo run regarding his first touch in the ball from the second minute.

Georgia struck straight back using an opportunistic try and full-back Beka Tsuklauri off a New Zealand turnover.

New Zealand established control through Savea's early double and another to hooker Dane Coles before errors begun to permeate its game.

Up 22-10 at halftime, they finally pushed clear through a try and No.8 Kieran Read before late tries Savea and replacement back Malakai Fekitoa.

Savea's hat-trick gives him a tournament-leading five following his double against Namibia.

New Zealand's pool campaign finishes against Tonga in Newcastle next Friday before returning to Cardiff for his or her quarter-final.

Blatter defies calls from FIFA sponsors to relinquish immediately

ZURICH — Sepp Blatter defied calls from FIFA sponsors Budweiser, Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Visa on Friday to relinquish immediately as president of world soccer's governing body instead of clinging on prior to the emergency election in February.

The interventions in the long-standing sponsors come weekly after the 79-year-old Blatter was placed under criminal investigation by Swiss authorities for alleged financial wrongdoing at FIFA, that he has led since 1998.

The 79-year-old Blatter "respectfully disagrees" using the sponsors' demands, the president's lawyer, Richard Cullen, said in the statement.

"(He) believes firmly that his leaving office now couldn't survive in the interest of FIFA nor wouldn't it advance the operation of reform and for that reason, he'll not resign," Cullen said.

Coca-Cola, which includes advertised in stadiums each and every World Cup since 1950, was the initial of the sponsors on Friday to demand Blatter's resignation.

"For the benefit from the game, The Coca-Cola Company is calling for FIFA President Joseph Blatter to step down immediately in order that a credible and sustainable reform process can start in earnest," Coca-Cola said in a very statement. "Every day that passes, the picture and trustworthiness of FIFA will continue to tarnish. FIFA needs comprehensive and urgent reform, which can only be accomplished by way of a truly independent approach."

That call was echoed by McDonald's, which includes been a World Cup sponsor since 1994.

"The events of contemporary weeks have continued to decrease the trustworthiness of FIFA and public confidence to use leadership," rapid food giant said in the statement. "We trust it would be inside best interest in the game for FIFA President Sepp Blatter to step down immediately making sure that the reform process can proceed together with the credibility that is required."

A further blow originated Visa, containing a FIFA deal throughout the 2022 World Cup.

"We believe no meaningful reform can be achieved under FIFA's existing leadership," Visa said. "And considering the events of the other day, it's clear it would be within the best interest of FIFA plus the sport for Sepp Blatter to step down immediately."

The fourth statement was delivered by brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev, whose Budweiser branding has appeared on hoardings in World Cup stadiums since 1986 as well as the current deal runs until 2022.

"It could well be appropriate for Mr. Blatter to step down even as we believe his continued presence for being an obstacle inside the reform process," the beer maker said in a very statement.

Blatter's own position may be weakened as lawyers oversee key decisions at scandal-battered FIFA and the man waits to listen to whether he's going to be suspended from the ethics committee.

English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke known as the strong intervention from sponsors "a game changer" that ought to prevent Blatter from standing inside the Feb. 26 election.

"It is irrelevant what Mr. Blatter says now, in the event the people who spend on FIFA require a change they are going to get a change," Dyke said. "What is essential is that it isn't only about Mr. Blatter standing down, it is more about making sure you will find there's comprehensive and effective reform programme.

"So for anyone of us who desire fundamental change it is good news."

Kevin Durant Says Stephen A. Smith Is A Big Fat Liar

Stephen A. Smith isn't a stranger to saying wild shit on TV, but it’s always more pleasurable when he attempts to add some legitimacy to his takes together with his insider credentials. He did this on Tuesday when relaying what “sources” had told him about Kevin Durant’s free-agency plans. Today, Durant called bullshit on Stephen A.

Here’s what Smith needed to say on Tuesday’s episode of First Take (via Larry Brown Sports):

    “Regardless of how senseless it might (sound), a single breath I’m hearing that in case Kevin Durant doesn’t live in Oklahoma City, L.A. is his primary objective and landing spot rather than South Beach as well as his home of Washington, D.C.,” Smith said.

    [...]

    “I heard Melo, Kevin Durant, Kobe,” Smith added. “And once you take into account that Phil Jackson is for the record saying it is Kobe’s not too long ago in L.A. — opening the entrance that there are possibilities for him to visit elsewhere. All I’m saying is that you just never know.”

Here’s what Durant needed to say when he was mentioned Smith’s report today:

Did Stephen A. Smith just keep his mouth shut and proceed? Of course he didn’t. Instead, he posted this message to his Twitter account:

    Regarding @KDTrey5 with the exceptional negative comments about me, ok, i'll say this: At NO time did I ever say I SPOKE to K.D. Or his family. Or his brother, friends, teammates, etc. (although I can assure you all I have on several occasions during the past). I said I HEARD from folks I know — within a league I’ve been covering for 19 years — that when he were to leave OKC as being a free agent, fundamental essentials cities I was told he was considering. OKC. LA. Miami. DC. NY. I get ready it all. And that is that.

    His assertion that I was lying isn't only FALSE, but totally uncalled for. Especially from your player who receives outright praise not merely from me, but from practically every media member you will discover. Yet, for reasons unknown, we’re the same folks who don’t know *&%$ around the game of basketball. Whose thoughts he could supply a &^%$ about. Essentially, individuals he wishes he’d never have to talk with.....that he’s needing to tolerate.....almost like someone does something to him.....OF ALL PEOPLE!

    Don’t determine what has happened to Mr. Durant throughout the years. But I know these many: We all win together with his return, when he is an absolute superstar. The NBA is much better with him. We’re all confused without him.

    It just appears that @KDTrey5 has to learn something about today’s world in professional sports:

    We don’t must talk TO HIM to talk ABOUT HIM!

    Folks like ME it is still here. Watching! Listening! Waiting! Reporting!

    Whether he likes it you aren't. While he’s here and even after he’s gone.

    Time to obtain use going without running shoes.

You got that, Kevin Durant? Stephen A. Smith isn’t going anywhere, a great idea is “use” with it.