Bayer Leverkusen Vs. Atletico Madrid Live Stream: Watch Champions League Online

Bayer Leverkusen probably admires Atletico Madrid’s entry into the ranks of European soccer’s elite. The German club now must defeat the Spanish side in order to accomplish something similar this season.

Bayer Leverkusen has reached the UEFA Champions League round of 16 for the fifth time its last six attempts but hasn’t advanced to the quarterfinals since 2001-02. Atletico Madrid lost in the Champions League final in 2014 and 2016, but its progress through the competition shows how smaller-budget teams can compete against teams with seemingly unlimited resources.

The teams will face off Tuesday at BayArena in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 series. It’s their first competitive meeting since the 2014-15 round of 16 when Atletico Madrid defeated Bayer Leverkusen on penalty kicks.

Here’s how to watch Bayer Leverkusen vs. Atletico Madrid online.

When: Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 2:45 p.m. ET
Watch: FOX Soccer 2Go

Click to read Bayer Leverkusen vs. Atletico Madrid preview/prediction >>

Thumbnail photo via YouTube/FOX Soccer

NBA Rumors: Bulls Telling Teams They Have No Plans To Trade Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler shouldn’t pack his bags just yet.

Butler has been the subject of trade rumors for a while, and those rumors have intensified with Thursday’s NBA trade deadline fast approaching. It sounds like the Chicago Bulls might keep their superstar when the dust settles, though, unless they’re blown away by an offer in the coming days.

Consider the following from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Takes 1 blockbuster offer to change, but Bulls are rebuffing Butler inquiries/have told teams they have no plans to trade him, per source.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 21, 2017

There's posturing at this time of year. And if Celts engaged w/ Nets' pick, Bulls have to listen. But point is: Bulls aren't shopping Butler

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 21, 2017

The Celtics reportedly have shown interest in Butler as they continue to search for a star player. But it’s unclear whether Boston is willing to trade the 2017 first-round draft pick it owns from the Brooklyn Nets — a pick that could be the No. 1 overall selection — for Butler or if Chicago would part with the three-time All-Star in a deal centered on that particular asset.

In other words, stay tuned. Because while the Bulls might not be shopping Butler, things can change quickly, as Johnson noted, and one phone call could alter the entire NBA landscape.

Thumbnail photo via Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports Images

Houston Police Value Tom Brady’s Missing Super Bowl Jersey, And It’s Not Cheap

Whoever stole Tom Brady’s Super Bowl LI jersey might not have realized how much trouble they were getting themselves into.

The New England Patriots quarterback’s jersey went missing almost immediately after the team’s win over the Atlanta Falcons, and it still hasn’t turned up. But Houston police put a value on the jersey, and it turns out the theft actually is a major crime.

According to a police report obtained by TMZ Sports, Brady’s jersey is worth a whopping $500,000, and the crime is listed as a first-degree felony. The Houston police department even has a special major offenders unit on the case, but there reportedly have been no new leads.

It seems unlikely anyone will come forward at this point, though, considering the maximum punishment for a first-degree felony in Texas is five to 99 years or life in prison with a $10,000 fine. Brady might have to be satisfied with owning just four Super Bowl jerseys rather than five.

Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images

Manchester City Vs. Monaco Live Stream: Watch Champions League Online

Manchester City vs. Monaco could be one of the best UEFA Champions League matchups of the season.

The teams will meet Tuesday at Etihad Stadium in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 series.

Manchester City hasn’t lost in its last eight home Champions League games, largely thanks to a stingy defense that has conceded just five goals in that span. Fans will tune in to see if Monaco’s high-powered attack can break Manchester City’s defensive resolve.

108 – Only Barcelona (109) have scored more goals in all competitions this season than Monaco (108) across the big 5 Euro leagues. Threat. pic.twitter.com/1BhkFv707G

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2017

Here’s how to watch Manchester City vs. Monaco online.

When: Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 2:45 p.m. ET
Watch: FOX Soccer 2Go

Click to read Man. City vs. Monaco preview/prediction >>

Thumbnail photo via YouTube/NBC Sports

NASCAR’s New Monster Energy Girls’ Outfits Aren’t Popular With Everyone

A new sponsor means a new look for NASCAR — and not just in the logos that will be seen on the cars, firesuits and signs around the track.

The sport’s switch to Monster Energy from Sprint as a title sponsor meant the arrival of the new Monster Energy Girls, whose outfits are a bit, well, different than their predecessor Miss Sprint Cups’ firesuits.

The “girls” showed off their new outfits ahead of their appearances at the Daytona 500, and they’re proving to be fairly controversial. Have a look:

https://twitter.com/WBLZSportsChica/status/833724768469688320

To say that fans are torn on the matter would be quite an understatement.

These Monster Energy girls are going to be far more obnoxious than the Sprint girls. Oy. #NASCAR

— 🖤❤️ Katelyn 🧡🖤 (@KKinnett) February 19, 2017

@NASCAR You make your visitors on pit row where more clothes then the @MonsterEnergy girls do!!!!
Not Right!!!!!

— Michelle Kovatch (@KovatchMk) February 21, 2017

@DGodfatherMoody Those new Monster energy girls need a few more clothes on in pit lane!

— Neil Weston Earley (@neilearley) February 19, 2017

While plenty of fans clearly were offended by the outfits, others didn’t seem to understand what all the fuss is about.

https://twitter.com/markymark930/status/833505681705750528

https://twitter.com/johnsongrass24/status/834000387661246464

Already see people complaining how the monster energy girls are dressed really get over it.

— Stephanie (@stephanie_b_89) February 19, 2017

For the special few who were disturbed by the Victory Lane attire of the Monster Energy girls today, I offer a history lesson. #NothingNew pic.twitter.com/jxhKy4hYOI

— . (@Karrion_WWE) February 19, 2017

Regardless of how you feel about the new outfits, let’s hope the focus Sunday afternoon remains solely on the long-overdue return of great racing.

Old Jeep Finally Being Moved After 40 Years In Cape Cod Sand Dune

Jeep claims to design its vehicles to endure the harshest conditions Earth has to offer. Perhaps none have had a rougher go of it, however, than an old Jeep Wagoneer on Cape Cod that’s about to see daylight for the first time in four decades.

After being buried in a ruined garage and battered by a sand dune in Truro, Mass., for 40 years, the Jeep is being unearthed Friday to accommodate the shifting dune, the Cape Cod Times reports. Located near a local beach, the Jeep has withstood years of stormy coastal conditions, and could be unrecognizable upon its return to the surface.

“It’s probably going to fall apart like something out of Indiana Jones,” Basil Musnuff, whose mother owns the Jeep, told the Times. “I’m not even sure it’s a Jeep.”

The dune, which helps protect coastal areas from heavy storms and rising seas, is shifting toward a nearby public parking lot. The town is reportedly ordering the relocation of the Jeep, which lies in the dune’s path.

Jeep buried in Truro dune for 40 years to be removed this week https://t.co/bQZofrWEy7 @MaryAnnBraggCCT #CapeCod pic.twitter.com/Vxih2YfikM

— Cape Cod Times (@capecodtimes) February 20, 2017

Prior to its long sleep, the Jeep probably helped forge plenty of summer memories for its owners. But its life in the garage also has created plenty of memories.

“Part of my memory of the place is that the Jeep was there,” Musnuff, who began visiting the Cape in the late 1970’s, told the Times. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen it driven. It really was the only reason they had it, so they could drive on the beach.”

While the Jeep will be removed, the walls of the garage may remain in place in order to support the dune, Musniff said, via the Times.

NBA Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Probably Won’t Leave Knicks Before Trade Deadline

Carmelo Anthony’s departure from the New York Knicks isn’t imminent, as the NBA trade deadline nears.

As of Monday, the Knicks weren’t close to trading the 10-time All-Star y ahead of Thursday’s deadline because the “have nothing strong on the trade front for Anthony,” The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears reported, citing a source. The Knicks told one NBA general manager they don’t believe Anthony is willing to waive his no-trade clause in order to facilitate a deal, according to Spears.

Anthony said Sunday after the NBA All-Star Game suggest he won’t leave the Knicks just for the sake of changing scenery.

“I haven’t figured out a situation that makes sense for both parties,” Anthony said, per Spears. “I am not the kind of guy who just goes out there and says, ‘Get me outta here … get me outta here,’ without having a plan. It’s bigger than that.”

Despite being the subject of trade rumors for months, Anthony doesn’t sound like he’s expecting to leave the Big Apple anytime soon.

“I haven’t heard anything,” Anthony said. “I haven’t talked to anybody.”

Unless some team makes the Knicks an offer they can’t refuse, and Anthony also agrees to it, he’ll be staying put.

That means his saga with the Knicks will roll into the offseason and perhaps beyond.

Just as we suspected.

Thumbnail photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images

Andre Drummond Fuels Celtics Trade Rumors By Using Isaiah Thomas Tweet

Consider yourself warned: This story is about as 2017 as it gets.

We won’t let that stop us from having a good time, though, and a couple of tweets from Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas and Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond have generated some buzz with Thursday’s NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching.

Thomas tweeted the following eye emojis Monday night, which put a whole bunch of Celtics fans on the edge of their seats wondering if Boston was on the verge of making a move.

https://twitter.com/Isaiah_Thomas/status/833849682656796673

Why? Well, as pointed out by several astute C’s followers, including MassLive.com’s Jay King, Thomas sent out the same tweet just before Boston signed Al Horford over the offseason.

Not saying it means anything, but…

Another time Isaiah Thomas tweeted the eyes emoji: right before the Al Horford signing. pic.twitter.com/MNmZ2qFRbR

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 21, 2017

The question thus shifted: If the Celtics are about to make a trade, who could they be getting? Jimmy Butler? Paul George? Andrew Bogut?

Hmm … how about Drummond?

Drummond not only retweeted Thomas’ eyeball tweet. He also tweeted the emojis himself Tuesday morning, adding additional fuel to the Celtics trade speculation.

👀

— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) February 21, 2017

If that wasn’t enough, Drummond apparently did some work to his Twitter profile, removing any references to the Pistons and changing his profile photo.

https://twitter.com/AjaxBeatz4/status/834071409383071748

Maybe Drummond wanted to mess with people’s heads. Maybe he just wants to be like I.T. Hell, maybe he’s a big fan of eyeballs and sight is his favorite of the senses.

It doesn’t really matter. Because even though not a single word was said or tweeted by Thomas or Drummond, the internet started going crazy, which really speaks to the unpredictability surrounding this year’s trade deadline, especially as it relates to the Celtics.

Should Celtics trade 2017 Nets draft pick for superstar? >>

Five NBA contenders that need to make a trade >>

Three NBA stars who could be traded before deadline >>

Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images

Mookie Betts’ Case For 2017 MVP Is As Good As Any Player In American League

The list of baseball players with more talent and potential than Mookie Betts isn’t very long.

As far as 2017 goes, Betts again should contend for the MVP. Here’s a closer look at why he might or might not bring home the hardware:

THE CASE FOR BETTS

He obviously came close last year
Mike Trout was the best player in baseball last season. There’s quite a case for Betts at No. 2. He posted a career-high 7.8 wins above replacement (via Fangraphs), trailing only Trout and National League MVP Kris Bryant. But Betts’ traditional stats obviously were off the charts, too. He batted .318, hit 31 home runs, drove in 113 runs and stole 26 bases while also playing tremendous defense in right field. He lost the MVP race to Trout by 43 points and earned nine of 30 first-place votes.

He plays for a good team that should contend for the playoffs
Since 2004, 10 of the 13 American League MVP winners came from a first-place team. Two more came from division runners-up, both of which made the playoffs. The AL MVPs from 2004 through 2015 played on teams that averaged 93 wins. More often than not, MVP winners come from the best teams in the league. The lone exception in the last 12 years is Trout, who won last season on the relatively simple merit of being the best player in the world. Trout winning seemed to signal a shift in narrative-driven voting, but the Red Sox are the best team in a bad division, meaning Betts will get plenty of exposure and love.

He doesn’t strike out
This might seem random and terribly simple, but one thing Betts does very well is make contact. His already solid strikeout rate dropped from 12.5 percent in 2015 to 11 percent in 2016. Among qualified hitters, only 10 players struck out a lower rate than Betts. He also hits the ball hard, generating an average exit velocity of 91.43 mph last season, nearly 2 mph better than the major league average. Hitting the ball often and hitting the ball hard often should ease any concerns Betts was overly “lucky” in 2015, as his .322 batting average on balls in play could suggest.

He does everything well
Betts doesn’t have an MVP in his trophy case, but he does have a Gold Glove for his incredible right field defense in 2016. It’s still insane to think he was a full-time second baseman as recently as 2013. He played outfield at an elite level last season.

via MLB Statcast

Look at those charts above. According to MLB’s Statcast information, Betts allowed just one ball categorized as “easy” fall in for a hit last season while catching 34 balls categorized as either “tough” or “highlight.” And he routinely makes it look easy, an indication that he’s almost always taking an ideal route to the ball even in a spacious right field like Fenway’s. What does that mean in relation to the MVP? Now more than ever, voters are using advanced statistics to help guide them, making defense even more important than it already was.

Betts still is only 24(!), so we’re not expecting his physical skills to diminish anytime soon. If anything, he’ll continue to get better.

THE CASE AGAINST BETTS

Mike Trout
There’s not much else to say. Trout’s the best player in baseball, and he’s on a path to becoming the best player of all time. He could roll out of bed and win the MVP.

Regression?
Given the aforementioned contact numbers and Betts’ age, we don’t expect to see a sharp decline in production from him this season. But there’s a very, very short list of players who are able to put up 30 home runs and 100 RBIs on a season-to-season basis while also swiping at least 25 bags and playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. There’s also no shortage of tape on Betts, who will eclipse 1,600 career plate appearances on Opening Day. Betts is the guy in the Boston lineup opposing teams will focus on most. Which brings us to our next point …

No more David Ortiz
When you lose a player like David Ortiz, there’s going to be an obvious ripple effect throughout the lineup. And no disrespect to Mitch Moreland, but he’s not going to fill that gap. He’s not being asked to, either, as Boston clearly put an emphasis on run prevention with the additions of Moreland (a Gold Glover) and pitchers like Chris Sale and Tyler Thornburg to reinforce the rotation and bullpen, respectively. You never say never, but the Red Sox probably aren’t going to lead the majors in runs like they did last season. We’ll soon learn how much Betts’ environment affected his 2016 production.

Thumbnail photo via Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports Images

MLB Rumors: Nationals Close To Signing Matt Wieters To Two-Year Contract

Matt Wieters might finally have a home, and he doesn’t have to move too far.

The free-agent catcher reportedly is close to signing with the Washington Nationals, FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman reported Tuesday. The contract is for two years and includes an opt-out for Wieters, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman.

The 30-year-old was the best remaining free agent on the market with four All-Star appearances and two Gold Gloves to his name over eight seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. Wieters will join catchers Jose Lobaton, Derek Norris and Pedro Severino when he heads south on the Beltway.

However, Heyman doesn’t seem to think there’ll be a logjam behind the plate in D.C. for much longer. He reported the Nats might view Norris as trade bait once Wieters is in the picture.

Wieters batted .243 with 17 home runs and 66 RBIs in 124 games with the Orioles in 2016.

Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images

LeGarrette Blount Predicted James White’s Super Bowl-Winning Touchdown

After James White reached the ball across the goal line to win Super Bowl LI for the New England Patriots, the first teammate to celebrate with him was LeGarrette Blount. And Blount wasn’t even on the field for the game-winning touchdown.

The Patriots running back said Monday on “NFL Total Access” he knew before the play even began White would score. As soon as he did, Blount immediately sprinted in from the sideline and tackled White in the end zone.

“It was adrenaline, man,” Blount said. “Right when we got into the formation, I knew what the play was, and I knew he was going to score. I knew he was going to get in right there. There was nothing that was going to stop him.

“He had been having an amazing game. He made some great plays for us throughout the whole course of the game. And once we got the play call and I knew what it was, I was already getting ready to run out there and celebrate with him.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkIpZ3JnA_U

White’s overtime touchdown capped the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, with New England rallying from 25 points down late in the third quarter to stun the Atlanta Falcons 34-28.

Blount echoed several of his teammates in saying the Patriots’ confidence never wavered even after the Falcons thoroughly outplayed them for two-and-a-half quarters.

“We can’t make it this far and not get the job done,” Blount said. “We never thought for one second that we were going to lose this game. You probably saw on NFL Films when (Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels) came and asked everyone, ‘Do you think we’re going to win this game?’ and nobody had a doubt in their mind.”

More than two weeks after Super Bowl Sunday, the historic victory still feels surreal to Blount.

“Obviously, being a part of a comeback that was unheard of, obviously hadn’t been done before, and actually seeing it happen — obviously, you guys know how I feel about Tom (Brady) and about Bill (Belichick) — and actually seeing it happen was crazy,” Blount said. “And to this day, I still can’t see how they pulled it off.”

Blount, an impending free agent, also said during his “NFL Total Access” interview he “definitely” wants to re-sign with the Patriots.

Thumbnail photo via Dan Powers/USA TODAY Sports Images

Dale Earnhardt Jr.-Inspired Soapbox Racer Burns Up New York Streets

It’s an inarguable fact that NASCAR stock cars are faster than soapbox race cars. But in the case of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet, the soapbox version actually might be cooler than its stock car counterpart.

Earnhardt and his No. 88 made a pit stop before Sunday’s Daytona 500, appearing Monday morning on NBC’s “Today.” Earnhardt wound up judging a soapbox race between show co-host Matt Lauer and correspondent Carson Daly, who stepped into the No. 88 soapbox.

And although the speeds weren’t familiar, the results certainly were.

[protected-iframe id=”56dc1ddba7d9044b35556fe846258266-38215605-109952733″ info=”http://www.today.com/offsite/watch-nascar-s-dale-earnhardt-jr-judge-matt-lauer-and-carson-daly-s-soapbox-derby-race-on-the-plaza-881542211832″ width=”640″ height=”360″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”]

In case the No. 88’s wooden iteration was going too fast for you to get a good look, here’s a closer look at its awesomeness.

🚙 + 8️⃣8️⃣ = 👍🏻👍🏻#NW88JR pic.twitter.com/i1V9mRjDpy

— Nationwide Sports (@NW_Sports) February 21, 2017

Earnhardt’s return from last year’s concussion-related absence is one of the biggest storylines of the 2017 NASCAR season. His season is off to a promising start, as a strong showing at last Sunday’s qualifying has him starting on the front row Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

Joe Maddon Gives Tour Of His Ridiculous RV On ‘Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel’

Joe Maddon isn’t a very conventional guy, so it should come as no surprise that his favorite place to hang out isn’t very conventional, either.

The Chicago Cubs manager could live anywhere he wants after leading the team to its first World Series in 108 years this past season, but he prefers the company — or lack thereof — of his RV, “The Cousin Eddie.” But this isn’t any old RV; Maddon’s boasts a king-sized bedroom, one-and-a-half bathrooms, heated floors and four TVs, which the 63-year-old himself deemed unnecessary.

And Maddon recently gave Bryant Gumbel a tour for an episode of HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” that’s set to air Tuesday.

Unfortunately for Maddon, he doesn’t get to spend as much time doing nothing nowadays, but we’re sure he doesn’t mind now that he’s a World Series champion.

Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images

Jimmy Garoppolo’s Family Has Been Hounding Him With Trade Rumors

For the better part of the past year, Jimmy Garoppolo’s name has been mentioned in trade rumor after trade rumor after trade rumor. The NFL is chock full of quarterback-needy teams, and with Tom Brady still playing at a Pro Bowl level, Garoppolo is a prime target.

The New England Patriots’ backup QB tries to block out the noise as best he can, eschewing ESPN and avoiding the rampant speculation that often dominates Twitter. But his family doesn’t always follow his lead.

“I try to (avoid trade talk),” Garoppolo said on Adam Schefter’s “Know Them From Adam” podcast. “I can’t say that I do it completely, but I try to. My mom loves telling me the news updates, so she’s all over that stuff, but it’s been working really well.”

That’s right: Garoppolo says he gets more NFL news from his mother than he does from Schefter, Ian Rapoport or any other plugged-in insider.

“I’m telling you, she could be your assistant,” Garoppolo told Schefter. “She’s all over the place. Her and my dad on Twitter and stuff like that — I don’t even think they know how to tweet, but they always have something going on.”

He added: “They know what to hit me with and what to keep quiet. They know me so well that they know what I’d like to hear and what I don’t need to hear. There’s a couple slip-ups here and there, I’m not going to lie to you, but they’re just so excited about it. It’s an exciting time, and they’re loving it.”

The Garoppolo family has to be especially excited about the rumors linking the 25-year-old quarterback to the Chicago Bears. Garoppolo grew up just outside Chicago in Arlington Heights, Ill., and played his college ball a few hours south at Eastern Illinois.

“I get asked about (a potential trade to the Bears) all the time from my friends and family back in Chicago,” Garoppolo said. “… They’re good reporters, my family. But I keep telling them I really don’t know how it would feel until — if it was to happen, I wouldn’t know how I’d feel until it did, you know? So it’s kind of one of those things that’s hard to say right now.

“I know it’s a very cliche answer and not very exciting for you, but I’ve only been in Foxboro, so I don’t know anything different in the NFL yet. So I guess we’ll kind of just see how it goes.”

Garoppolo deflected most questions about his future during his 20-minute conversation with Schefter, noting that because he is under contract with the Patriots, any move would be out of his control.

“Your guess is probably as good as mine,” Garoppolo said. “… When you really start thinking about it, your head will start spinning. You’ve just got to take it all in stride, and whatever happens, it was meant to be.”

Some other highlights from the podcast:

On Julian Edelman comparing Garoppolo to Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers: “I can’t say I was surprised, because it was Jules, and you never know what that guy is going to say. He’s awesome. I love Jules. But it’s tremendous just to be in the same sentence as those two guys. It really is a privilege.”

On Garoppolo’s lasting memory of Super Bowl LI: “When (linebacker Dont’a) Hightower came around the edge and got that sack, it just ignited the sideline. I’ve never seen a sideline like that. And that image — I had a great view of it — and the image I have stuck in my head is something that will last with me forever.”

On fellow Eastern Illinois product Tony Romo: “I’ve texted with Tony a couple times. Throughout the whole draft process was when I first got introduced to him. We keep in touch here and there.”

Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images

Watch DeMarcus Cousins Cry While Saying Goodbye To Sacramento, Kings Fans

DeMarcus Cousins will begin the next chapter of his basketball career with not only a heavy heart, but also with good wishes from Sacramento Kings fans.

The NBA All-Star said goodbye to a group of group of Kings fans Monday night, one day after Sacramento traded him to the New Orleans Pelicans. Cousins immediately became emotional and seemingly choked back tears as he addressed the crowd.

House of Highlights recorded the scene and shared it on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by House of Highlights (@houseofhighlights)

“My love for this city has never changed,” Cousins said. “My love for this city has never changed. Even though I’m gone, it’ll still be the same. You know, I’m still lookin’ out for these kids. Every family in this city matters to me; every soul in this city matters to me.

“Everything’s the same. I’m just not in a Kings uniform anymore, which is OK, because, you know, the love is still here. It’s still gonna go on.”

Cousins, 26, told ESPN Radio last week he hoped to spend his entire career in Sacramento, where he participated in several community-based organizations and causes.

“That’s home,” Cousins said. “I’m loyal to the city, I’m loyal to the fans and I’m loyal to the organization. This is part of my legacy, and I want to bring us back to the promised land.”

He’s now moving on to New Orleans, but he obviously leaves Sacramento with close ties and fond memories.

H/T to Coed.com
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images

LeGarrette Blount ‘Definitely’ Wants To Re-Sign With Patriots: ‘I Love It There’

Has LeGarrette Blount played his final game in a New England Patriots uniform? He hopes not.

The Patriots running back, who’s set to become an unrestricted free agent next month, said Monday on “NFL Total Access” he wants to return to Foxboro for another season.

“I just want to make sure that I go (into) this free agency with an open mind knowing that I definitely want to go back to New England,” Blount said. “I love it there. I love the culture. I love the players. I’ve become close with a lot of the guys. Obviously, you know how my running back group is. But we’ll cross that bridge whenever we cross it.”

The 2016 season was the best of Blount’s career. He set career highs in all three rushing categories and broke Curtis Martin’s single-season franchise record for rushing touchdowns. His 18 scores were the most by any NFL rusher since Adrian Peterson equaled that mark in 2009.

Blount, one of several high-profile Patriots players set to hit the open market, also played in all 19 of New England’s games and said he feels fully healthy entering the offseason.

“I feel great,” the 30-year-old said. “I’m in amazing shape, and I feel like I could play 100 more years if I have to.”

Watch Blount’s full “NFL Total Access” interview in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkIpZ3JnA_U

Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images

Chris Hogan Explains How He Earned Tom Brady’s Respect In First Patriots Season

Chris Hogan knew the only way to get on Tom Brady’s good side as a wide receiver was to produce. So that’s exactly what he tried to do when he signed with the New England Patriots last spring.

Speaking Monday on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” Hogan described how he went about securing a spot in the Patriots quarterback’s circle of trust ahead of his first season in Foxboro.

“I think (Brady) has been around the game for a long time,” the wideout said, “and if you want to play on that team and you want to get on the field, you’ve got to produce and play well. So my main focus was going in there, kind of proving to those guys that I could play during camp and during the preseason — kind of earning that respect from Tom and from all the other guys. And after I did that, we just got rolling during the season.”

That they did. The Patriots won 17 of their 19 games — including 14 of the 15 Brady played in — en route to their fifth Super Bowl title. And Hogan enjoyed the best season of his career, cementing his status as the Patriots’ preeminent deep threat and finishing the regular season tied for the NFL lead in yards per catch.

The 28-year-old caught 38 passes for 680 yards and four touchdowns during the regular season, then added 17 more receptions for 332 yards and two scores in the playoffs, including four grabs for 57 yards in Super Bowl LI.

Hogan and several of his teammates still are in the midst of their respective post-Super Bowl media tours, but the receiver said he’s already begun training for next season.

“My trainer’s on top of me, too, because he said he’s only got ‘X’ amount of days to fix my problems that I had in the season and get ready,” Hogan said. “… I’m in shape, but I took a couple of weeks off, and you get out of shape pretty quickly. The offseason starts at the end of April. It’s right around the corner.”

See more from Hogan’s “Good Morning Football” interview in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4j4gHsprGc

Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images

Patriots Offseason Preview: Will LeGarrette Blount Be Back After Career Year?

The New England Patriots will look to defend their Super Bowl title in 2017. But first, they have some questions to answer.

Before the NFL Scouting Combine kicks off next week, marking the unofficial start of the NFL offseason, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the Patriots’ roster. We’ll examine which players stood out in 2016, which ones have some work to do this offseason and which ones could be leaving town. 

Next up: the running backs. 

UNDER CONTRACT
Dion Lewis
James White
D.J. Foster
Tyler Gaffney (practice squad)
Glenn Gronkowski (fullback; practice squad)

IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
LeGarrette Blount
Brandon Bolden
James Develin (fullback)

STANDOUT PERFORMER
Blount was the bell cow for the Patriots this season, carrying the ball 299 times for 1,161 yards and an NFL-best 18 touchdowns and setting career highs in all three categories. He played in all 16 games, broke Curtis Martin’s single-season franchise record for rushing touchdowns and also ranked in the top five in the league in carries (second) and rushing first downs (fifth).

Blount’s production tailed off in the playoffs (109 rushing yards, one touchdown, one fumble in three games), but this easily was the best season of his career.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
The most disappointing Patriots running back this season probably was Bolden, who made zero impact outside of special teams. But with Blount staying healthy and productive, Lewis coming back strong midseason and White emerging as one of quarterback Tom Brady’s favorite passing targets, they really didn’t need him.

BY THE NUMBERS
17-0: The Patriots’ record with Lewis in the lineup. They’ve yet to lose a game with him active.

16: The number of touchdowns Blount scored in 33 games over his first three seasons with the Patriots. It took him 15 games to surpass that mark this season.

60: The number of passes White caught during the regular season, the highest single-season total by any Patriots running back during the Bill Belichick era.

BIGGEST OFFSEASON STORYLINES
1. Will Blount be back? He’s 30, and while he was tremendously productive this season, backs with his running style tend to break down around this age. The Patriots also have to make decisions on Bolden and Develin, the latter of whom saw his role increase following tight end Rob Gronkowski’s season-ending back injury.

2. Can Lewis stay healthy? The dynamic 26-year-old has yet to play a full NFL season, with a torn ACL in 2015 limiting him to 14 regular-season games over his first two campaigns in New England. He suffered a hamstring injury late in Super Bowl LI, but he should be good to go in time for offseason workouts. That was not the case last year when Lewis practiced just once all summer before undergoing a second knee surgery and then sitting out until October.

3. What’s next for White? The pass-catching specialist had the game of his life in Super Bowl LI, hauling in a Super Bowl-record 14 receptions and scoring three touchdowns (plus a key two-point conversion) in the Patriots’ dramatic win over the Atlanta Falcons. He also ranked second among all Patriots players in catches during the regular season but never has been viewed as one of Brady’s top weapons. Will that change in 2017?

4. Will the Patriots draft a running back? If Blount doesn’t re-sign, New England would have a need at the position. Stanford star Christian McCaffrey at No. 32 could be an option if the Pats chose to go down this road.

Patriots offseason preview: Quarterbacks | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive line | Defensive line/ends | Linebackers | Secondary

Thumbnail photo via Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports Images

Five NBA Contenders That Need To Make A Move By The Trade Deadline

The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching.

Feb. 23 marks the last chance for teams to bolster their rosters in the hopes of making, or strengthening, a playoff push.

For some squads, like the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, the trade deadline will more than likely come and go, as their rosters are well-equipped for a title run. For others, a trade could be just what the doctor ordered.

Here are five contending teams that need to make a move by the deadline.

Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, and many are torn as to what the team will do moving forward. Some reports have Paul George on the trading block, while others indicate the All-Star forward likely will stay put. The team has some bright complementary players in Jeff Teague and Myles Turner, but another high-end talent could take Indiana to the next level. George has been vocal about his frustrations this season, so adding a marquee player could not only improve Indiana’s playoff hopes but also make PG13 more inclined to stick around.

Utah Jazz
The Jazz have been a pleasant surprise this season, currently fifth in the Western Conference standings. After a long run of mediocrity, Utah is now a legitimate playoff contender, but could still use some improvement. Strengthening the backcourt could benefit the team immensely. George Hill and Rodney Hood have played well for the Jazz this season, but the team would have trouble against Western Conference teams with strong guard play, such as the Warriors, Spurs, Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies. The Jazz will want to pay impending free agent Gordon Hayward in the offseason, so going for broke at the deadline would not make sense long-term. But adding a solid, veteran guard could improve Utah’s playoff aspirations.

Washington Wizards
The Wizards are arguably the hottest team in the NBA, going 17-3 in their last 20 games. Their recent surge has taken them to third place in the East, behind only the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. Washington’s dynamic backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal have carried the team thus far, but as we’ve seen over the course of NBA history, a supporting cast is critical. The Wizards’ bench has been suspect all season, and their lack of depth could prove costly come playoff time. Adding a quality role player by the deadline could bolster Washington’s bench, and in turn, take some pressure off of the starting lineup.

Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is currently on the outside looking in of the Western Conference playoffs, but a trade could improve its chances greatly. The Trail Blazers have one of the NBA’s best guard tandems with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, but their front court is mediocre at best. The addition of a scoring big man could work wonders for Portland, as it could open up the floor for its guards. Not to mention, the Trail Blazers will be competing with New Orleans for one of the last playoff spots in the West, and the Pelicans just got a whole lot better with the addition of DeMarcus Cousins. If Portland has any hopes of playing in the postseason, a move needs to be made.

Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been tied to trade rumors for quite some time. As the team is loaded with assets and bright young players, many have expected Boston to cash in for a superstar player. While this very well would take place by the Feb. 23 deadline, it is not a necessity for the C’s. However, the team could improve mightily with the addition of a legitimate interior presence. As the NBA has shifted into a shooter’s league, a rebounding big man could come to the Celtics for relatively cheap. Boston is in good shape at present, but a move to aid the front court would be a significant addition.

Thumbnail photo via Jaime Valdez/USA TODAY Sports Images

Should Celtics Trade 2017 Brooklyn Nets Draft Pick For Superstar Player?

All eyes are on the Boston Celtics as the NBA’s trade deadline approaches.

The C’s have the most quality trade assets of any team in the league and need another star player to join the upper echelon of championship contenders. Boston’s best asset is its 2017 first-round pick swap with the Brooklyn Nets. It could end up being the No. 1 pick in a loaded draft, though, so there’s been plenty of debate on whether the C’s should give it up.

With less than 72 hours before Thursday’s deadline, NESN.com is going to settle the debate once and for all. Be sure to make your voice heard by voting in the poll below.

Celtics should trade the pick
The Celtics, thanks to new rules, can protect the Nets’ picks in trades. This should make the Celtics even more willing to include them in a deal for a superstar like Jimmy Butler or Paul George.

The Eastern Conference is right there for the Celtics to win. The Cleveland Cavaliers are dealing with injuries to key players and LeBron James is playing way too many minutes. The Toronto Raptors are good on paper but have played poorly over the last month, and the surging Washington Wizards are young and inconsistent.

Adding a player of Butler’s or George’s caliber would give the Celtics a great chance to return to the NBA Finals, and neither player is a rental, either. Both players are excellent scorers and would take some of the offensive burden off Isaiah Thomas. In Butler’s case, he’s also a tremendous perimeter defender.

Furthermore, this year’s draft class, while deep and loaded with high-end talent, is highlighted by two points guards in Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball. Point guard is the last position that the Celtics need to tweak. They have plenty of depth there.

The Celtics wisely have been patient with their quality trade assets, but it’s time to cash them in for a chance at championship banner 18. This year’s Nets pick will never be more valuable than it is now.
–Nicholas Goss

Celtics should not trade the pick
Trading away the Nets’ 2017 pick could be a huge opportunity squandered by the Celtics. Brooklyn has far and away the NBA’s worst record, meaning the pick very well could turn out to be the No. 1 overall selection in June’s draft. If so, it would be the first time Boston held the first pick since 1980. Dealing a draft pick for a proven superstar talent seems like a no-brainer, but there’s a lot to consider before pulling the trigger on such a move.

There’s no denying the Celtics are a piece or two away from contending for an NBA title, but they can find that piece without trading the Brooklyn pick. Boston will have enough cap space to sign a marquee free agent to a max contract this offseason. High-level talents will be available this summer, including Blake Griffin, Gordon Hayward and Paul Millsap. Any of those players would bolster the Celtics’ roster, without having to give up such an impactful asset.

If the Celtics made a move for a superstar player, it would require much more than just the Brooklyn pick. A deal would more than likely include a combination of young and/or proven players, such as Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart or Jaylen Brown. The Celtics’ roster is built to last at present but could radically change following a blockbuster deal.

Bringing in a superstar player at the expense of the Nets’ pick could bring immediate success, but the future would be very much in doubt. Adding a No. 1 overall draft probably won’t reap immediate benefits, but could set up the Celtics nicely for years to come. As Boston is already within striking distance of the Cleveland Cavaliers, adding a top draft choice and high-profile free agent in the offseason could put the team over the top.
— Adam London

Thumbnail photo via Dennis Wierzbicki/USA TODAY Sports Images

NBA Rumors: Celtics, Mavericks Expected To Talk Andrew Bogut Trade

Many players have been linked to the Boston Celtics in trade rumors this season, but perhaps no player makes more sense for Boston’s needs than Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut. Yes, even more than Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler.

Mike Fisher of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas reports the Celtics and Mavericks are expected to discuss a deal around Bogut before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

NBA source tells me #Celtics & #Mavs expect to talk Bogut trade – dependent on what bigger move Boston can make.

— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) February 21, 2017

The Mavericks are in a rebuild and are looking for draft picks.

Mark Cuban tells ESPN that Dallas is willing to take on contracts in advance of Thursday's trade deadline if draft compensation is attached.

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 21, 2017

Let’s face it, the Celtics are a poor rebounding team. They have several undersized frontcourt players and it shows. Boston ranks 29th in defensive rebounding percentage and allows the fifth-most second-chance points.

The Celtics don’t have anyone to combat Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson, and the Toronto Raptors now have an even greater rebounding edge over the C’s after acquiring power forward Serge Ibaka via trade last week.

Bogut has championship experience after reaching the NBA Finals in each of the last two seasons as a member of the Golden State Warriors. He blocks shots, plays good interior defense and rebounds well. He would provide a bit of low-post scoring, too.

This move should be Boston’s Plan B if it cannot swing a larger deal for a superstar like Butler.

Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images