NESN.com » Mike Romanella

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has Emergency Surgery, Tweets to Fans Post-Op (Photo)

Mike Romanella — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:28:27 +0000

For those of you who were worried about the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, he’s more then OK — he’s great.

The 40-year-old professional wrestler turned movie star suffered three hernia tears at WrestleMania 29. Johnson decided to let his 4.5 million Twitter followers know he is doing well by giving them an aesthetically pleasing photo from his hospital bed.

The Superman shirt fits his mold but the bonnet is easily the best part of this pic. One thing is for sure, Johnson never backs down from any challenge, but rather says “Bring it on” to anyone or anything.

Check out Johnson’s pumped-up pose below.

Surgery a success! Dr repaired 3 hernial tears (fun pain). Superman is on the mend.. #WeFallWeRise http://t.co/VnLUVVdkFV
—
Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 23, 2013

Manny Ramirez Blasts Two-Run Home Run in Extra Innings in Taiwan, Takes 30 Second Trot Around Bases (Video)

Mike Romanella — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:16:44 +0000

Here’s another reason you can never hate Manny Ramirez.

In a tie game on Tuesday in the CPBL (Chinese Professional Baseball League), Manny decided to take matters into his own hands. The situation? Top of the 11th, one on and no outs in a 2-2 ballgame. In classic fashion, Manny ripped one to left and stared it down as it easily cleared the fence.

As always, the confident Ramirez slowly — I mean very slowly — trotted around the base paths, soaking in every bit of the moment. The homer put him in a tie for the league lead in longballs.

Check out the video below and keep a close eye on the replay, as it looked like Manny completely missed home plate.

Duke Track Team Remakes Backstreet Boys Song ‘I Want It That Way,’ Under Alias Trackstreet Boys (Video)

Mike Romanella — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:06:21 +0000

Duke University has always been known for its honor, commitment and achievement. Although they look committed in this video, I don’t think the words “honor” or “achievement” come to mind.

The Trackstreet Boys, formerly known as the Duke track team, decided to sway just a bit outside of their lanes when they decided to make this year’s tribute video. The five athletes owned the stage with some not-so-bad choreography and stellar costumes — mocking one of the 1990s’ greatest hits. One thing is certain, Nick Carter and company would be proud of these bros.

Check out the Trackstreet Boys’ debut song below.

Top Hoops Recruit Andrew Wiggins Displays Skills Against USA at 2013 Nike Hoop Summit (Video)

NESN Staff — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:08:09 +0000

If you’re an avid basketball fan you will know who Andrew Wiggins is. If not, just watch the video and you will instantly become a fan.

The Canadian phenom is quickly taking over the basketball world, and he took a small step toward that last week as a member of the World Team at this year’s Nike Hoop Summit. The 6-foot-7 Wiggins, who is expected to choose among Florida State, Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina, finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists Saturday in a win over Team USA. Wiggins reportedly also took part in a quick 3-point contest during his week in Portland with Kentucky-bound Karl Towns Jr. – and lost. The kicker? Towns is 7-1.

But for those Wildcat fans with visions of Wiggins and Towns combining to give coach John Calipari the nation’s most dominant inside-out game, time for a reality check. Not only has Wiggins yet to commit to Kentucky, but Towns has reclassified to the class of 2014, meaning even if Wiggins does play in Lexington next season, it seems pretty far-fetched to imagine him sticking around for a sophomore season to team up with Towns.

Check out some highlights from Wiggins at the Nike camp in the video below.

Thumbnail photo via Facebook/Andrew Wiggins

Bruins, NHL, NHLPA, TD Garden Teaming Up to Donate $250,000 to Boston Marathon Victims

Mike Romanella — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:06:58 +0000

The Bruins continue to show their heroic efforts in the community — making huge plans to help those affected after the Boston Marathon tragedy.

On Wednesday, the B’s announced various initiatives to support everyone affected by the Boston Marathon. Most notably, the Bruins will be part of a $250,000 donation to The One Fund Boston supporting Boston Marathon victims and their families.

Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs has pledged $100,000 to the charity foundation on behalf of the entire Bruins organization and players. The One Fund Boston was established to raise money to help those families affected by the Boston Marathon. The TD Garden, NHL and NHLPA will also be making a donation of $50,000 each, raising the combined total to $250,000.

“Our family has been touched by the heroic moments of so many individuals and the strength and resiliency of this community to stand together in solidarity in support of those who were injured and those who lost their lives in this unimaginable tragedy,” Jacobs said in a press release. “On behalf of our entire family, we pledge our unwavering support to this community as the process of healing begins.”

In addition to the donation to The One Fund, the Bruins will also be holding a series of events to help show their support for the families and people affected by the recent events. These events include a player and team staff ticket donation for first responders to tonight’s game, Bruins and Sabres in-game support and a Brad Marchand suite raffle for the team’s first playoff game.

The Bruins players and team staff also combined to donate 80 tickets to first responders.

“The efforts that have taken place from ownership, management, players and all our associates to put together the proper recognition at tonight’s game for those who responded, helped and comforted all those who have been affected by the tragic events this past Monday have been remarkable,” Bruins president Cam Neely said.

During Wednesday night’s game, both the Bruins and Sabres players will be wearing “Boston Strong” decals on their helmets. Members of the Bruins organization will also be wearing blue and yellow ribbons in remembrance of those affected. Furthermore, the TD Garden will be illuminated with blue and yellow lighting and will have two dasher boards that will display the TheOneFundBoston.org with a blue and yellow “Boston Strong” ribbon alongside. TD Garden legend Rene Rancourt will sing the national anthem with fellow members of the Boston Fire Department Honor Guard.

The Boston Bruins Foundation and the 50/50 raffle will be going around during the game to collect any donations fans wish to give to The One Fund Boston.

The last event will include Marchand — who will be raffling off his own TD Garden suite for the Bruins’ first home playoff game. All proceeds from the raffle with go directly to the Richards family of Dorchester, whose son Martin passed away on Monday.

“Our whole team saw the photos of Martin at our game from last Thursday and learned that he and his family are big fans of ours,” Marchand said. “This is just one small gesture which I hope can help the Richard family during this incredibly sad time for them. What they are going through is unimaginable and we will try to assist them in any way we can.”

The raffle is currently live if you visit www.bruinsraffles.org. This raffle includes not only Marchand’s suite for the evening, but also a visit from the Bruins forward after the game and a meet-and-greet session.

Report: NHL Plans to Have Six Outdoor Games in 2014, Including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Vancouver

Mike Romanella — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:23:34 +0000

After cancelling this year’s Winter Classic event at Michigan Stadium, the NHL announced the game would still take place in 2014. This is usually the only outdoor game of the year, but for the 2013-14 season all that will change.

According to ESPN, the NHL is in the final planning stages of its outdoor stadium series scheduled for next season. The series will include six games — including both American and Canadian teams. The games will be played in various football and baseball stadiums across North America.

The first game will be the rescheduled and much-anticipated matchup in Ann Arbor at the “Big House” — the largest stadium in North American – between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The next five games will follow in the coming weeks proceeding the Winter Classic. The report includes cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Vancouver — additional cities will be announced in the next two weeks.

One game to have leaked is an All-California matchup at Dodger Stadium between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings on Jan. 25. This will be one of three games outdoor games scheduled that week leading up to Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2, 2014, in New Jersey.

The league would like to schedule two of those games in the New York area during Super Bowl week — both featuring the New York Rangers. The plan proposes two outdoor games at Yankee Stadium on Jan. 26 and Jan. 29. The Rangers would play the New Jersey Devils in the first game and the New York Islanders would make the trip down the Long Island Expressway on the 29th — oddly enough the Rangers would be the visiting team in both contests.

The next two games will take place after the Super Bowl during Hockey Week Across America — which starts Feb. 28 and runs through Mar. 2. One of the NFL’s most popular stadiums, Solider Field, will host one of those games. The Pittsburgh Penguins will make the trip out to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks on Mar. 1 — the last outdoor game in Chicago was in 2009 at Chicago’s other classic park, Wrigley Field.

On Mar. 2 the last outdoor game will take place. The Vancouver Canucks will host the third Canadian-based Heritage Classic in a matchup against the Ottawa Senators at B.C. Place.

“We set the bar pretty high on all these. If you’re going into a market that’s had [a Winter Classic], the bar is high,” NHL chief operating officer John Collins told ESPN.com’s Craig Custance. “If you’re going into a market that hasn’t had it and they’ve seen it, they’ve heard about it and they want to experience it. The bar is possibly even higher for them.”

What the people want is what the people get — eventually. Man, are we in for a show next season.

LeBron James Makes Local Storm Report With Instagram Picture of Flood (Photo)

Mike Romanella — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 19:37:19 +0000

Saturday’s forecast in South Beach was Cloudy with a chance of rain — and oh did it rain.

LeBron James just so happened to be caught up in the brutal flood that ran through the streets of the Coral Bay, Fla., area Saturday afternoon. And, of course, the reigning MVP had to keep us informed of what was going on by tweeting an Instagram picture of the flooding.

The National Weather Service of Miami caught wind of the flood by seeing James’ tweet and included it in their report.

Check out James’ Instagram photo and the weather service report below.

Storm photo via Instagram/@kingjames

Storm report photo via Twitter/@nsj

Kobe Bryant Reacts to Mike Rice’s Antics, Says He Would ‘Smack the Hell Outta Him’ (Video)

Mike Romanella — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:41:05 +0000

Thankfully for former Rutgers coach Mike Rice, he didn’t have to deal with a young Kobe Bryant on any of his rosters — or else he would’ve been “smacked.”

Bryant tweeted his feelings, just like many athletes did, when the video of Rice chucking balls at and kicking players was released. On Wednesday, the Lakers guard made his feelings very clear on what he would have done to coach Rice if he were a player for the Scarlet Knights.

“I’d smack the hell outta him,” Bryant sternly responded when asked on Jim Rome on Showtime. “I mean no question about it, no question about it.”

Bryant went on to explain, “The only person that had a license to hit me was my mom with a belt.”

Check out Bryant’s full interview in the video below.

Spike Albrecht Tweets Kate Upton After Appearance at NCAA Championship Game, Hopes to ‘See You Again’

NESN Staff — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:57:50 +0000

Michigan freshman Spike Albrecht had himself a coming out party during the National Championship Game, playing so well he thought he could try his luck with Sports Illustrated cover girl Kate Upton.

Albrecht rained 3-pointers off the bench during the first half of the NCAA Tournament championship game against Louisville after National Player of the Year Trey Burke went down with two fouls. Albrecht finished with 17 points and was 4-of-5 from beyond the arch. He thought that was a good enough performance to try and pick up one of the world’s most successful models.

@kateupton hey saw you at the game last night, thanks for coming out! Hope to see you again 😉

@KateUpton hey saw you at the game last night, thanks for coming out! Hope to see you again 😉—
spike albrecht (@SpikeAlbrecht) April 09, 2013

Taking a page from Darnell Dockett’s playbook, eh? Spike’s performance was great, especially for a freshman, but I don’t know if it was that good — better luck next time, kid.

Thumbnail photo via Facebook/Michigan Basketball

Metta World Peace Returns to Lakers Lineup, Says His Performance Was ‘Too Sexy for My Cat’ (Video)

Mike Romanella — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:39:18 +0000

There are just some people in Los Angeles that were made to be in front of the camera all the time. First there was Shaquille O’Neal and now there’s Metta World Peace.

World Peace accomplished a lot on Tuesday night. He played 15 minutes in the Lakers’ 104-96 win over the Hornets, just 12 days after he had surgery on his left knee. And, in classic World Peace fashion, that just wasn’t enough. He had to make the headlines after the game, too — in Right Said Fred style, that is.

“I’m just too sexy for my cat. … If I wasn’t as sexy for my cat, I probably wouldn’t have came back,” said the man formerly known as Ron Artest.

Thanks for the lengthy explanation, Mr. World Peace. Check out the video below to see his full interview.

Aaron Hernandez Inks Two-Year Partnership with Puma (Photo)

Mike Romanella — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:01:04 +0000

Puma is a company mainly recognized for their flashy futbol shoes and equipment, but it seems, now, they’re making ties with American football, too.

On Wednesday morning, Puma announced a two-year partnership agreement with Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, as part of a new Puma training team that will feature athletes from “a variety of sport backgrounds.” Hernandez is the first athlete to join their new team.

“I’m very excited to be working with Puma, I have admired the brand for many years and it really fits my overall lifestyle,” Hernandez said in a statement. “Most people know me for what I do on the football field, but I have to train hard behind the scenes and Puma helps me to perform at my highest level and look my best.”

“It isn’t every day that we welcome such a young talent to our team and we couldn’t be more excited to be working with Aaron Hernandez,” said Jay Piccola, president of Puma North America. “His talent, athleticism and ability to overcome adversity have made him a rising star, and all this matched with his personality and intense training regimen is what makes Aaron a key part of the Puma family.”

Check out Hernandez in his first Puma photo shoot in the photo below, via Darren Rovell.

Photo via Twitter/@DarrenRovell

Report: Darrelle Revis Would Cost Buccaneers ‘A Lot More’ Than Just First-Round Pick, Jets Say

Mike Romanella — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:35:06 +0000

The drama between the Buccaneers and Jets over Darrelle Revis has hit yet another wall.

On Sunday, the Jets said they will be forcing Revis to attend spring workouts if he wants to receive his $3 million roster bonus.

Many analysts believed the only thing preventing the Jets from dealing Revis to the Buccaneers was Tampa Bay’s unwillingness to give up a first-round pick in this year’s draft. Now, the Bucs want Revis and now say they are willing to give up a first-rounder for the Jets cornerback. Done deal right?

Not quite. Pro Football Talk reports that the Jets want more then that for their All-Pro guy. They want “a lot more” than just the 13th overall pick from the Bucs. What exactly New York wants is still uncertain.

The Buccaneers added former 49ers safety Dashon Golston on March 14, but they’re going to need a lot more help in the secondary to improve a pass defense that ranked last in the NFL last season.

Report: FBI Investigating Former Rutgers Director of Basketball Operations Eric Murdock for Extortion

Mike Romanella — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 23:27:04 +0000

More details continue to emerge from 249 University Avenue.

On Monday, ESPN’s Outside the Lines reported on a video of former Rutgers coach Mike Rice swearing at players, throwing basketballs at them and violently grabbing and pushing them.

New details have emerged indicating that former director of basketball operations Eric Murdock is being investigated for extortion of the university, as first reported by the New York Times. The FBI’s investigation says that in December Murdock’s lawyer reportedly sent a letter to Rutgers officials two weeks after Rice’s initial suspension. The letter states that Murdock demanded $950,000 from the university — a sum in which the university didn’t pay.

Murdock has since released dozens of hours of footage showing Rice’s actions and he, along with Athletic Director Tim Pernetti, have since been relieved of their duties.

LeBron James, Warren Sapp Among Those Calling Out Rutgers Coach Mike Rice

Mike Romanella — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:01:28 +0000

The sports world is asking one question right now: What was Mike Rice thinking?

No one knows exactly what was going through Rice’s head when he was taped shoving players and pegging others with basketballs during practices at Rutgers, but athletes and other sports figures have been quick to share their opinions. LeBron James, Warren Sapp and others spoke up Wednesday about what they thought Rutgers should do with Rice.

See what they had to say when they found out about Rice’s coaching tactics.

Luke Joeckel, Geno Smith Headline 19 Prospects Attending 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall

Mike Romanella — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:30:02 +0000

For many draft hopefuls April 25 will be a nerve-racking day filled with emotion and, to some, enjoyment.

The NFL has reached out to many high-profile draft prospects to attend this year’s event in New York City. Nineteen players have accepted invitations so far, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Among those attending are Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M and Florida’s Sharrif Floyd. Others include West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, Smith’s former teammate Tavon Austin and Florida State’s signal caller E.J. Manuel.

Many people suspected Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o would be in attendance, but he declined the NFL’s invitation. USC quarterback Matt Barkley and Oregon defensive lineman Dion Jordan were granted an invitation, but have yet to respond, according to Pro Football Talk.

The final 14 players who have officially committed include Alabama’s Dee Milliner, Chance Warmack and D.J. Fluker, BYU’s Ezekiel Ansah, LSU’s Barkevious Mingo, Florida State’s Xavier Rhodes, Bjoern Werner and Menelik Watson, Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson, North Carolina’s Jonathan Cooper, Tennessee’s Cordarrelle Patterson, SMU’s Margus Hunt, Texas’ Kenny Vaccaro and Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher.

The NFL Draft will kick off on Thursday, April 25 from Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

A.J. Burnett’s Rosin Bag Bursts During Opening Day Start for Pirates (Animation)

Mike Romanella — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:28:35 +0000

Simple accident, or April Fools’ Day prank?

A.J. Burnett was mowing down Cubs batters left and right — striking out nine batters through four innings and surrendering just one home run in the process.

But when Burnett took the mound before the start of the fifth inning, his luck suddenly changed. When he reached for the rosin bag — usually used to dry a pitcher’s hand — the bag exploded into a cloud of white smoke all over the Pirates pitcher.

Who knows if the Cubs or Burnett’s teammates were responsible for this misfortune, but if there was a bit of foul play, we don’t expect the culprits to come clean anytime soon.

Check out Burnett’s bad break below.

GIF via Business Insider

Andy Pettitte Expects Yankees to Make World Series, Win AL East Despite Early-Season Injuries

Mike Romanella — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 19:43:07 +0000

As if things weren’t bad enough for the New York Yankees, now they have one of their veterans making some bold predictions.

The Bronx Bombers made a trip to West Point on Saturday afternoon to close out a very long and stressful spring training, but it’s what longtime Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte said before the game that has baseball analysts scratching their heads.

“I don’t let my mind go [thinking the Yankees will be bad] because I think we’re going to win our division and I expect us to be in the World Series. Bottom line,” Pettitte told ESPN.com. “I think we got the pitching and bullpen to do that and I feel like if people think we’re going to be short on scoring runs, we’re going to figure out how to score enough runs to me. To me, I feel great about our club.”

The Yankees are already without starters Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Michael Pineda to open up the season against the Red Sox on Monday afternoon. They acquired Vernon Wells from the Angels on Tuesday to try and help replace the bats in the lineup they will be missing.

Christian Laettner, Lorenzo Charles Highlight Top 10 NCAA Tournament Buzzer-Beaters of All-Time (Videos)

Mike Romanella — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:12:43 +0000

This is the time of year when everyone, no matter who they are or what they’re a fan of, turns into a college basketball guru.

March Madness will always be the best time of year for sports fans. It’s finally time for people to print out brackets and start making their picks, with the upsets and unpredictability of the weeks ahead the best part of the tournament.

Perhaps no part is better, though, than the way the games end. The field may start with 68 teams and expectations of who will win, but it all changes when the final seconds are counting down.

The Big Dance started in 1939 with just eight teams, and the field has slowly grown over the years. In 2011, the NCAA expanded the tournament to include 68 teams across four regions, with four play-in games.

Throughout those years, fans have watched games end in ways that will never be forgotten. Lorenzo Charles and Christian Laettner, Bryce Drew and the “David” Valparaiso team, U.S. Reed‘s half-court heave — fans have seen (or watched) some incredible buzzer-beaters, the backbone of the NCAA Tournament.

Every year provides plenty of choices, but which are the best ever?

Click here for the Top 10 buzzer-beaters of all-time>>

NESN.com’s college basketball coverage is presented by Bovada.net. Download a bracket here.

Marshall Henderson Mocks Kentucky, NIT Tournament on Twitter for Wildcats’ First-Round Loss

Mike Romanella — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:59:57 +0000

Love him or hate him, the Rebels’ loose cannon is making himself a household name entering this week’s NCAA Tournament.

Marshall Henderson earned national recognition during last week’s SEC Tournament after making headlines and becoming a YouTube sensation through his crazy antics following consistent buckets against some of the nation’s top-talent. Well, he’s back at it again, and with even more people “following” his every word.

kentuckys not afraid of the atmosphere, im almost positive they just dont wanna be there, i know i wouldnt wanna be playin in the NIT
—
marshall henderson (@NativeFlash22) March 19, 2013

Henderson’s definitely soaking in every aspect of the NCAA Tournament spotlight. Whether this cockiness will turn him into the next tournament sensation has yet to be seen, but one thing we do know is he isn’t backing down from anyone.

Thumbnail photo via Facebook/Marshall Henderson

Andrew Bynum to Have Season-Ending Knee Surgery, Miss Entire 2012-13 Season

Mike Romanella — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 03:09:29 +0000

I know what you’re thinking — trade of the century, right? Not quite.

Philadelphia acquired Andrew Bynum from the Lakers in a four-team trade back in August and the big man was expected to make the 76ers instant contenders in a weak Eastern Conference.

On Tuesday, the Sixers announced Bynum will undergo arthroscopic surgery on both knees, thus ending his entire season without having appeared in a single game.

“After many months of rehabilitation and consulting with numerous doctors, Andrew and the doctors treating him determined that this is the best course of action at this point,” 76ers general manager Tony DiLeo said in a statement. “We will continue to monitor and evaluate his status moving forward.”

The 25-year-old former lottery pick is a restricted free-agent after this season and may very well never play a single game in a Philly uniform.