Bulls guard Derrick Rose was named the NBA Most Valuable Player and became the youngest player to ever win the award, according to ESPN.com.

The 22-year-old led the Bulls to an Eastern Conference-best 62-20 record and No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

The former No. 1 pick out of the University of Memphis also averaged 25 points, 7.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game in only his third season.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau was named the NBA Coach of the Year on Sunday.

Following an 11-15 April, the Red Sox hopefully will have a lot of victories in store, as they face an easier May schedule, matching up against four of the AL Central teams (and Tigers twice) and two other sub-.500 teams.

On Sunday, the Red Sox kicked off the month with a walk-off win, backed by Carl Crawford's RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to lift the team over the Mariners.

On Monday night, they took on the AL West's first-place team, the Angels. Just last week, the Sox swept the Halos on the West Coast, backed by incredible pitching that allowed only five runs during the four-game series.

In the next series, the Red Sox welcome the struggling Minnesota Twins, whose run production and run prevention ranks last in the American League with just 85 runs scored and a league-worst 5.06 ERA.

After opening May with nine straight in front of the home crowd, the Red Sox travel to two AL East opponents — first the Blue Jays, then the Yankees. This will be Boston's most difficult stretch of the month, as they face two high-powered offenses, but it's only a five-game stretch.

Starting May 13, the Red Sox will close out the month with 19 games in 19 days, including a seven-game homestand and seven-game road trip. The homestand consists of the Orioles, losers of 12 of their last 18 games, the Tigers, who have the AL's second-worst ERA (4.72), and the Cubs, who have had plenty of struggles this season.

The Red Sox then head out on the road to Cleveland to play the first-place Indians. The Tribe did sweep the Red Sox earlier this season. And Cleveland does have the third-best ERA in the AL (3.48) and the most runs scored this season (146). But how long can this success last? Both injury-prone Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore are having All-Star seasons, and seven starters have four or more home runs already, on pace for 25 home runs each.

However, the Red Sox do also visit the Tigers — playing them for a second series in the month of May — before hosting the White Sox. The White Sox have struggled mightily, entering Monday as losers of 15 of their last 18 games.

If the Red Sox can turn things on in May, it will be the second year in a row they'll follow up a subpar April with a strong May. The Sox finished April with an 11-12 record, but that was after winning three of their last four to close out the month. From there, they went 18-11 in May, all part of helping them get back near the top of the AL East before injuries took their toll.

Even several of the hitters' numbers improved that May. David Ortiz hit .363 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs, while Kevin Youkilis and J.D. Drew both hit at better than a .300 clip and added 15 RBIs. All three could use a boost right now.

Only a 17-13 record in May will bring the team to .500. They're about to enter a stretch where they will take on teams with a collective winning percentage of .487. With the team's easy schedule ahead, it might be time for the Red Sox to break out and get over the .500 mark.

Do you think the Red Sox will close out May with a .500 record? Leave your thoughts below.

Following Ryan's new book, Play Like You Mean It, in which he writes that the Jets would have beaten the Packers in the Super Bowl and are better than their "big brother," a Giants player and representative have fired back, asserting that "Talk is cheap," according to ESPN.com.

Pat Hanlon, the Giants' vice president of communications, tweeted his opinions about the book, saying "You gotta be in it to win it," and, "Talk is cheap."

Hanlon later tweeted, "Tom Coughlin [Giants head coach] wrote a book too, It was about a team and an HC that won a Super Bowl."

Giants defensive end Justin Tuck also sounded off on the book, and pointed to his Super Bowl ring in response to questions about Ryan's writing.

"The last time I check, I have a Super Bowl ring and he doesn't," Tuck said, according to the New York Post, "so if he's proud of coming up short, I guess he should be proud of that."

Earlier this year, Ryan predicted a Super Bowl win for the third year in a row. However, in the last two years, his team has fallen short in the AFC Championship game.

The Giants and Jets are scheduled to play on Christmas Eve, and Ryan is still out to prove his team is the real "big brother."

The annual draft will kick off on Monday night at 8 p.m. ET. UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue will announce the first-round selections of the draft, and the head coaches will complete the final nine rounds. But there's a carch: all picks will be revealed through Huyghue's and the head coaches' Twitter accounts.

"We believe this will be a social media first as our head coaches announce their selections exclusively to their Twitter followers," said Huyghue, whose Twitter account is @UFLCommissioner.

"The UFL Draft plays an important role in stocking our teams' rosters and we hope fans enjoy this innovative means of communicating each pick."

The five current head coaches of the UFL teams all have NCAA or NFL coaching experience.

Former Oilers and Falcons coach Jerry Glanville of the Hartford Colonials has the first overall selection. His Twitter account is @JerryGlanville.

Former University of Nebraska mentor Joe Moglia (@UFLJoeMoglia) of the Omaha Nighthawks has the second pick and former Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green (@UFLDennisGreen) of the Sacramento Mountain Lions has the third.

Marty Schottenheimer (@DestroyersMarty), former head coach of the San Diego Chargers and current head coach of the Virginia Destroyers, has the fourth selection. Former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel (@LocosJimFassel) of the Las Vegas Locos rounds out the top five.

During the draft, the picks will also be posted on the UFL website. On Tuesday, free agency begins.

However, for one young boy, he's learned how to kick a soccer ball and already signed a contract with a professional club.

According to Fox News, Baerke van der Meij signed a 10-year, symbolic contract with Dutch soccer team VVV Venlo — the same soccer team his grandfather played for.

"One can speak of a right-footed player with a very good kick technique, perseverance and, importantly, football genes of grandfather Jan van der Meij," the Dutch club said.

The team spotted the toddler on YouTube kicking three soccer balls into a toy box and were very impressed with his skills.

"Baerke did his best to amaze professional footballer Ken Leemans with his football techniques."

You can see the video below of the young phenom, which has already accumulated more than a half million views:

According to ESPNsoccernet, Everton manager David Moyes revealed that his defenseman Leighton Baines will not be sold to Liverpool this summer.

“I can’t see it,” Moyes said of Baines possibly moving. “It’s not for me that one and I think Liverpool know that as well.”

The English defender has been with the Everton club since 2007, and his manager stands firm that he’s not going anywhere.

“We have signed Leighton on a five-year deal. I don’t want to sell him and Everton don’t sell cheap.”

In 34 games with The Toffees this season, the 26-year-old has four goals and 11 assists, along with 27 shots.

Just ask Tom Brady, Alex Rodriguez or Derek Jeter, as all three have done quite well for themselves.

But are any of them part of the world’s top athlete-celebrity couple?

Here’s a clue: Were they in attendance at Prince William and Princess Kate‘s wedding?

Click here to count down the top 10 athlete-celebrity couples in sports >>

Bengals wide receiver and Twitter sensation Chad Ochocinco sent an update to his fans: "#OCNN Awesome development for the players but we are still not sure when it will go into effect, could be in a few days or a few months."

Steelers linebacker James Farrior also updated his followers: "Judgement went in players favor today to lift the lockout. Maybe a season after all. Let's see what the owners come up with next."

Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry still plans to go on vacation: "Lockout lifted for now!! I can only expect more appeals!!! But who cares Puerto Rico here I come!!"

Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart expressed his eagerness to start again: "one step back to work !!!"

Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal knows his fans are happy: "Happy to hear the news about the lockout being lifted.. how about u? (like i dont know what ur answer is gonna be lol)"

Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman praised the decision: "One for the good guys…#NFL"

Ravens wide receiver Donte Stallworth also had plenty of praise for Judge Susan Nelson: "Way to go Judge Nelson!!!!!! **bbm dancing face**"

Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley thanked his fans: "Bye bye lockout!!!! thank u for all u fans who stood behind us players and supported us through it all!!!!!"

And lastly, the McCourty Twins, Jason McCourty of Tennessee and Devin McCourty of New England retweeted Colts linebacker Gary Brackett's tweet: "RT @GaryBrackett58: Lockout Lifted #nowletsplayball"

According to sportsillustrated.com, Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson closed his Twitter account just two hours after creating it following "a flood of abusive comments."

Gibson's social networking experiment was inspired by fellow teammates Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, who also use Twitter. But, rather than fans "showing him some love," they sent attacking remarks toward the midfielder, including one that read "nothing would make me happier than if we sold you this summer."

Following the abusive comments, the Irish soccer player deleted his account just two hours after opening it. However, some Twitter users have started a campaign to bring the Red Devil midfielder back to the social networking world.

According to Ferdinand, Gibson lost interest in the Twitter scene pretty quickly.

"Darron Gibson says he came on to see what the lads were up to," Ferdinand's tweet about the incident read. "He came off because he couldn't be bothered with it not any other reason."

According to ESPN.com, 25 players will be attending the NFL draft on Thursday night at Radio City Music Hall in New York, the league announced on Monday.

Highlighting the attendees include Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, as well as other possible top five picks, including Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, Georgia receiver A.J. Green, Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.

Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich will also be present, while the Detroit Free Press reported that teammate and offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo turned down the invitation and will not be attending to spend time with family and friends.

The previous record for the number of prospects attending the draft was 17, set in 2010.

After tweeting about how the Bengals should draft a receiver, like AJ Green or Julio Jones, he responded to one of his fan's tweets about the possibility of being a receiver in New England, restating that he wouldn't mind playing with the Patriots.

Here is Ochocinco's response to the tweet:

"Great minds think alike RT @jamescuff: @ochocinco I also hope that happens so that the Patriots trade a draft pick for you."

It's evident that at this point in his career, he wants a ring, not more Pro Bowls, regardless of whether he has to earn it or buy it himself.

But if one thing's for sure, it's that his flirtation with the Pats continues.

Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski returned to professional boxing, and on Saturday he won his third fight since the start of the lockout, knocking out Blake Warner with a vicious upper cut in the first round.

"This was my best win since coming back from a five-year layoff," the cruiserweight Zbikowski said, according to the South Bend Tribune. "I felt composed and relaxed out there."

The former Notre Dame All-American started his pro boxing career in 2006, while competing with the Fighting Irish, and he is now 4-0 in his career. The 25-year-old, listed at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, is making between $35,000 – $50,000 a fight, according to Terez Owens.

Zbikowski's next fights are scheduled for May 21 in Cabazon, Calif. and for June 4 at Los Angeles' Staples Center. In the event of no NFL season, the Ravens safety will at least be occupied and making some extra money.

Kalish is considered the top outfield prospect in the organization, often compared to former Sox outfielder Trot Nixon.

Last year, the 23-year-old showed flashes of greatness in the outfield in 2010 — especially during one particular play against the Rays — as well as on the base paths, stealing a team-high 10 bases on 11 attempts.

Although he only had a .252 batting average in just 53 games last year, it was his first year at the professional level and he’s still viewed by several experts, including Peter Gammons, as having great potential at the plate.

“I see him being a guy, he doesn’t swing and miss a lot, who’s going to hit somewhere between .280 and .300, hit 25 home runs, he can run,” Gammons said, according to WEEI.com. “I think he’s going to be a really exciting player.”

However, there is the possibility of surgery to repair the outfielder’s “partially torn” labrum in his throwing shoulder if it does not heal on its own. But the Red Sox can’t afford to shut him down just yet.

Behind the starting three outfielders — Carl Crawford, Jacoby Ellsbury and J.D. Drew — the outfielders on the Sox’ bench has been struggling. Mike Cameron has just three hits in 22 at-bats this season, none of which for extra bases.

Darnell McDonald also served as a great role player last year, batting .270 and .294 against left-handed pitchers. However, he only has two hits in 15 at-bats this season, and his only flash of life was his solo shot against David Price on April 12.

The Red Sox could also look elsewhere in Triple-A to find players to roam the outfield while one of their starting three outfielders takes a day off, but they won’t find much immediate talent.

In 29 games last year, Josh Reddick had a low .194 batting average, a .206 on base percentage and a .323 slugging percentage. The 24-year-old has a lot of promise, as he continues to produce at the Triple-A level, but the outfielder has shown little life at the major league level. He’ll have his time in Boston at some point, but for now he fits best in Pawtucket.

Then there’s Daniel Nava, who was, for lack of a better term, a one-hit wonder in 2010, when he posted a .242 batting average and did not hit a home run following his first-pitch grand slam in June. Nava did hit well at Fenway Park, however, posting a .291 batting average. It was a different story on the road, where he had a mere .187 average.

Do you think the Sox’ current backup situation in the outfield is stable? Share your thoughts below.

The Celtics shooting guard has made 15-of-20 three-point shots this postseason against the Knicks. On top of that, Allen set the all-time regular season record for number of three-pointers made earlier this season, and right now he sits on 2,612. He also holds the record for the most three-point field goals made in an NBA Finals series with 22 and in a single game with eight.

Now, you can know how the legend does it and be able to put your opponents "in for a long night." In the video below, he shows his preparation in shoot-around and breaks down his approach before actually taking the shot.

After Thursday’s win against the 76ers, James corrected a reporter when he referenced Cleveland as “your city.”

“It wasn’t my city. It wasn’t my team either,” the Akron native said, according to New York Daily News. “I was just a player, you know, I helped get that franchise to leaps and bounds that they haven’t seen before.”

A 10-story mural of the star forward was erected in downtown Cleveland, and the massive banner hung over the city with the phrase “We Are All Witnesses” next to his picture.

“But there were players before me – Mark Price, Larry Nance, Brad Daugherty and guys way before me,” the 26-year-old said. “The city was not built on LeBron James.”

Last July, James left the city of Cleveland, and on Friday he reiterated the reason for playing in Miami.

“We came together to win championships. That’s the only reason we’re here.”

In the first minute of the third period, with the game tied 1-1, Ryan stole the puck in his own end, dangled Nashville’s David Legwand and scored past keeper Pekka Rinne.

However, the Ducks lost the game 4-3 in overtime, and the series lead to the Predators.

You can see the incredible goal below:

In the first 10 games through April 11, the Red Sox disappointed and allowed an average of 6.9 runs per game, which was the worst team ERA in the league. Since then, the team has allowed an average of only 2.89 runs per game, and its 2.85 ERA during that stretch would rank third overall in the MLB.

Not only has the starting pitching clicked — throwing seven straight quality starts and overcoming its atrocious first two weeks — but the back-end of the bullpen also has appeared dominant.

Since April 12, lefty Jon Lester has recorded three straight solid starts, allowing only four runs over his last 19 innings and striking out 21 batters. His one loss in that span came on a 3-2 defeat to Tampa Bay, a game in which ace David Price silenced the Sox’ bats.

Along with Lester, Josh Beckett has continued his lights out start, allowing only three runs, six hits and four walks over 15 innings in two starts. Beckett’s 1.93 April ERA is his lowest since 2005′s 1.36 start, and his stuff is just as impressive.

After two rough starts, Clay Buchholz has also pitched well in his last two outings. On Wednesday he allowed only one run in Oakland. Last week, the right-hander’s three runs allowed over five innings wasn’t impressive, but it was enough to keep the Red Sox in the game until Bobby Jenks allowed 4 runs over one-third of an inning in relief. If Buchholz can limit his number of walks, Terry Francona will be able to let his young starter pitch later into games and build up his pitch count, which topped 100 pitches per game last year.

Even John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka have pitched well in each of their most recent starts. While Lackey allowed only one run and four hits over six innings, a game in which the team could not score a run, Dice-K was nearly unhittable, surrendering only one walk and one hit over seven scoreless innings against the loaded Blue Jays offense. On Saturday, Matsuzaka looks to build off his last start, and record back-to-back quality starts for the first time since July 2010.

But without solid relief pitching, the Red Sox would not have had this successful stretch, as four of the six wins were of three runs or less. In two of the three losses during their 6-3 run, the middle relief faltered, as Jenks allowed four runs and Hideki Okajima gave up three in less than an inning each.

If one thing’s sure, the Jonathan Papelbon of 2011 is not looking like the Jonathan Papelbon of 2010. 

During the current run, Pap has converted four of four save opportunities and has allowed only one run over 5 1/3 innings, good for a 1.69 ERA in the last five appearances. His 1.08 WHIP is his lowest in April since his 2008 campaign.

Set-up man Daniel Bard has also recovered from his slow start. Since April 12, Bard has tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings, lowering his ERA from 12.27 to its current 4.82, and allowed only three hits and one walk over that span.

Once the offense clicks, this team will be formidable. But for now, the starting rotation and back-end relievers appear to be in good form and have been enough to get the Red Sox going as they near what once looked like an impossible feat — ending April with a winning record.

In order to promote ticket sales for a series between the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays that is more than a week away, the Twins made an extreme commercial that features their star designated hitter dressed as a lumberjack while walking a blue ox a la Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.

As he walks down the tunnel, Thome passes by two of his teammates. Michael Cuddyer spits out his water and Joe Mauer appears shocked as well.

In the end, Thome poses in his signature batting stance to point a delivery man in the direction of the clubhouse.

Below is the full commercial, courtesy of the Minnesota Twins’ Twitter page

According to terezowens.com, the city has a billboad that reads, "Dwight Howard, This is Your City." Under that, the sign says "StayDwight.com."

The website includes a page on why the two-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-Star should stay in Orlando. It says, "Orlando has declared you the hero in this community. In an ego-driven sports world, it's easy to jump ship and try to seek new opportunities."

Howard will be a free agent in 2012, but he does not plan on handling the situation like James did last summer.

"I never said anything about leaving," Howard said, according to ESPN.com. "I never said anything about me not being happy here or me 'pulling a LeBron' like people say on Twitter. But I'm just really tired of it. I want to help this franchise win a championship."

Like James, Howard wants to win an NBA title, and his team is loaded with enough talent to do so. The Magic have All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson, and added Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Gilbert Arenas this season.

If Howard does not win the championship this year or the next, though, he could test free agency and pursue a title while wearing a different jersey. That's what Orlando already fears.

You can also watch Howard's top 10 plays of the 2010-2011 season below:

On a loose ball that ran towards the sidelines, soccer phenom Lionel Messi booted the ball directly at the opposing team’s fans rather than clearing the ball or kicking it out to stop the play. As a result, fans threw objects on the field, and several Real Madird players confronted Messi’s dirty play to his face.

But, Messi isn’t the only player to have attacked the opposing fans.

• In 2005 at Fenway Park, Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield got in a scuffle with a Red Sox fan.
• In 2008, Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis threw a snowball at a Seattle Seahawks fan.
• This past October, Vancouver Canucks center Rick Rypien shoved a Minnesota Wild fan after fighting on the ice.
• In perhaps the most memorable altercation, in 2004, Pacers forward Ron Artest attacked an Indiana Pacers fan in the stands.

Messi’s dirty play may not have been harmful, but it definitely was enough to show his animosity towards his team’s rival fans.

You can see the full video below: