SB Nation Arizona: All Posts by Jen Nealehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-12-18T09:01:20-07:00https://arizona.sbnation.com/authors/jen-neale/rss2012-12-18T09:01:20-07:002012-12-18T09:01:20-07:00NHL Lockout: Couples counseling needed
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>What do you do when you hear a rumor? You launch a preemptive strike in the courts, of course!</p> <p>The NHL and NHLPA are in desperate need of couples counseling. The two factions have gone from arguing about the issues and who won't talk to whom to filing lawsuits based simply on the media reporting one side's possible strategy.</p>
<p>Late last week, word got out the NHLPA was leaning toward filing a "disclaimer of interest" with the courts. By doing so, the players association would be on the path to decertification as a union, a tactic used in the most recent NBA and NFL lockouts. In the simplest of terms, by decertifying, the players, acting as individuals, are able to file anti-trust lawsuits against the owner of the team they are under contract with, starting a snowball of other issues.</p>
<p>Remember, no decision has been made by the players to file the motion with the courts. The NHLPA is <b>considering</b> this path.</p>
<p>As a preemptive measure, the NHL went to court first and filed a class action lawsuit against the players union and specific players on the negotiating committee. The primary argument in their complaint is that the NHLPA is "negotiating in bad faith." This lawsuit could take months, maybe even years, to resolve, should there not be a deal between the two parties.</p>
<p>Fire meet tinder.</p>
<p>Starting Sunday, the NHLPA began voting to authorize the executive committee to decertify, should they choose to do so. Two-thirds of players voting need to be in favor of the move for it to pass. Should it pass, this doesn't mean the NHLPA automatically decertifies; it is simply giving the negotiating committee permission to decertify, if they want to.</p>
<p>Bettman and his deputy, Bill Daly, claim decertification will definitely lead to a cancellation of the season. It could be a bluff. Who knows?</p>
<p>As of Monday night, no talks between either side are scheduled.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/18/3779202/nhl-lockout-couples-counseling-needed-for-nhl-nhlpaJen Neale2012-12-17T21:48:18-07:002012-12-17T21:48:18-07:00Scola, Gortat lead Suns to third straight win
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Suns overcame a 19 point deficit to beat the Sacramento Kings on Monday night.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> continue to keep <span>Alvin Gentry</span> employed by winning their third straight game. Phoenix handed the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sacramento Kings</a> their fifth loss in a row Monday night by a score of 101-90.</p>
<p>Much of the Suns success came from the double-doubles posted by Marcin Gortat and Luis Scola. Gortat scored 14 points, had 13 rebounds and added in six blocked shots. Scola contributed 10 assists and 14 points. Leading scorer for the team was Shannon Brown with his 22 points. Brown hit 10 of 13 on the floor.</p>
<p>Coming into the game, Phoenix's primary objective was to shutdown Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins loves playing against the Suns. He carries his highest average points scored of 22.8 against the team. Phoenix accomplished their goal, holding Cousins to nine points. Cousins shot 1 for 10, scoring a majority of his points on the free throw line by sinking 7 of 8.</p>
<p>Some how the Kings were able to lose this game despite out-rebounding Phoenix 51 to 38 and converting more fast break points, 26 to 13. It probably didn't help they squandered a 19 point lead</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/17/3779082/kings-vs-suns-final-score-recapJen Neale2012-12-11T10:01:11-07:002012-12-11T10:01:11-07:00Wilson looking beyond Cardinals for next season
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<figcaption>David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Adrian Wilson holds the longest games-played tenure with the Arizona Cardinals. As this disappointing season comes to an end, the veteran realizes it may be his last with the team.</p> <p>No one on the current <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a> roster has played more games for the franchise than <span>Adrian Wilson</span>. The strong safety is in his 12th season in the NFL and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fsports%2Fcardinals%2Farticles%2F20121209adrian-wilson-time-with-arizona-cardinals-ending.html%3Fnclick_check%3D1&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farizona.sbnation.com%2F2012%2F12%2F11%2F3753832%2Fnfl-cardinals-adrian-wilson" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">likely his last with the Cardinals</a>. As the team continues to struggle, Wilson's contribution has lessened, leading him to contemplate his future.</p>
<p>Wilson acknowledges the team's struggle has left him with doubt as to if he even wants to play football anymore, even though he knows he still has the ability to play.</p>
<p>No matter what his future with the Cardinals holds, he is not going to give up on his team and teammates. Even though his playing time has been declining, he continues to be the leader he knows he needs to be to his teammates.</p>
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<p>"I think guys still look up to me and look up to the way that I work," he said. "I'm not a hard guy to read. I wear my emotions on my sleeves, and I try my best to just go out and practice hard ... "</p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/11/3753832/nfl-cardinals-adrian-wilsonJen Neale2012-12-11T09:01:12-07:002012-12-11T09:01:12-07:00Mercury's No. 1 Pick Televised
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<figcaption>Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>in the 17 year history of the WNBA draft, the event has never been televised. Now, ESPN2 will air the first round on April 15th. For the third time, the Phoenix Mercury hold the first overall pick. </p> <p>For the first time in WNBA history, the <a href="http://espn.go.com/wnba/story/_/id/8733110/wnba-draft-headed-prime-time-first-time">league's entry draft will be televised</a>. On April 15th, the Phoenix Mercury's first overall selection, and the rest of the top picks, will be selected at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2 from the ESPN studios in Bristol, Connecticut. The second and third round selections will also televised; however, it will be on ESPNU.</p>
<p>This is not the first time the Phoenix Mercury have selected first overall. In 2004, the Mercury selected Diana Taurasi from the University of Connecticut. Phoenix held the top spot in 2007, but traded it in favor of Tangela Smith.</p>
<p>Of the seniors available for the WNBA draft, most eyes are on Baylor's Brittney Griner. The 6'8" senior holds various NCAA records. In the 2010, Griner set a single season record for blocked shots at 223, averaging 6.4 blocks <b>per game </b>with a game high 14 against Georgetown. Through the end of her junior season, she had hit the 2,000 point and 500 blocked shots achievement.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/11/3753686/wnba-mercury-brittney-grinerJen Neale2012-12-11T08:01:21-07:002012-12-11T08:01:21-07:00No pink-slip for Suns' Gentry just yet
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>After Sunday's loss to the Orlando Magic (8-12), the Phoenix Suns extended their losing streak to seven games and have dropped to 7-15 on the season. In some cities, this would lead to a pink slip for the coach. This isn't the case in Phoenix, yet.</p> <p>The last time the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> won a game, it was Nov. 27 against the now 3-11 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>. Since then, the Suns have played seven games and lost each of them. If the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> fired <span>Mike Brown</span> after a handful of games, the future of Phoenix head coach Alvin Gentry would seemingly be in doubt; however, ESPN's Chris Broussard tweets the Suns aren't in a rush to shake things up on the bench.</p>
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<p>Suns owner Robert Sarver tells me Coach <span>Alvin Gentry's</span> job is safe despite 7-game L streak & 7-15 mark.</p>
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) <a data-datetime="2012-12-10T22:12:14+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard/status/278260862588973056">December 10, 2012</a>
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<p>Sarver on Gentry:"we've got confidence in our coaching staff & we're not considering making changes. It's still early in the season."</p>
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) <a data-datetime="2012-12-10T22:13:21+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard/status/278261145947762689">December 10, 2012</a>
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<p>Ownership realizes the team is in a state of flux and, when making massive changes, the situation will probably get worse before it gets better. This, for now, is saving Gentry's job.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2F2012%2F12%2F10%2Fnba-coaches-on-the-hot-seat%2F1759593%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farizona.sbnation.com%2F2012%2F12%2F11%2F3753592%2Fnba-suns-alvin-gentry" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">organization began its restructure in the offseason</a> by parting ways with <span>Steve Nash</span>. The departure of the aging veteran led to more responsibility for 2008 draft pick <span>Michael Beasley</span>.</p>
<p>Beasley has disappointed and there are reports of the player being a "toxic" force in the locker room. It's likely that Beasley will be dealt before Gentry is shown the door.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/11/3753592/nba-suns-alvin-gentryJen Neale2012-12-11T07:01:51-07:002012-12-11T07:01:51-07:00Cardinals make roster changes
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<p>The Arizona Cardinals are attempting to save face for the rest of the season by making changes to the active and practice rosters.</p> <p>Sunday's blowout loss to the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a> was the lowest of low points for the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a> this season. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt was so disgusted by the loss, he apologized for his team's performance in the game. With such a beating, <a href="http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Cardinals-Claim-QB-Brian-Hoyer/52e5aa5e-04f7-49bb-b41b-0a2e03f54578">changes needed to be made</a> on both the active roster and practice squad.</p>
<p>Quarterback <span>Brian Hoyer</span> was picked up off waivers from the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. Hoyer joined the Steelers after the team sustained multiple injuries to the quarterbacking group. He didn't see any playing time while with Pittsburgh. Hoyer is brought into the Cardinals' carousel of QB's as another option for the team to go to in the remaining three games of the season.</p>
<p>Center <span>Rich Ohrnberger</span> is now out for the season after he sustained a knee injury in Sunday's game. Rookie Scott Wedige replaced Ohrnberger in the game and will probably start at center against Detroit. This is the second center lost for the Cards this season. <span>Lyle Sendlein</span> was injured on Nov. 25, putting Ohrnberger in his spot.</p>
<p>The final move on Monday was to release practice squad wide receiver <span>Isaiah Williams</span>. Williams was on the practice squad's injured reserve when cut.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/11/3753794/nfl-cardinals-injured-reserve-practice-squadJen Neale2012-11-27T06:02:37-07:002012-11-27T06:02:37-07:00ASU QB Kelly evolved into a leader
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>With a full season under his belt, ASU quarterback Taylor Kelly now knows what it is to be a leader in a locker room. </p> <p>Coming into camp, Arizona State's redshirt sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112766/taylor-kelly">Taylor Kelly</a> knew he would have to compete with redshirt freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135485/michael-eubank">Michael Eubank</a> for the starting quarterback position. Eubank made a strong push to earn the job, but in the end, it went to Kelly. Having completed his final regular season game, a win against in-state rival Arizona, Kelly remarked how he <a href="http://arizonasports.com/44/1591118/Taylor-Kelly-excited-to-take-on-leadership-role">felt he'd developed into a leadership role</a> by the end of the season.</p>
<p>As this year's class of seniors graduates, the QB knows he needs to fill their void. To earn the trust and respect of teammates, he wants them all to know how much he believes in what they can do. Just the thought of taking on such a role has left Kelly 'excited' for the next season.</p>
<p>In his first year as a starter, Kelly played in all 12 games. He completed 2,772 yards for 25 touchdowns with only nine interceptions and was sacked 30 times. After starting the season hot at 5-1, the Sun Devils went on a four game losing streak and finished the season with a 7-5 record.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/11/27/3696278/arizona-state-quarterback-taylor-kellyJen Neale2012-11-17T21:48:18-07:002012-11-17T21:48:18-07:00'Zona has slim lead over Utes at halftime
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<p>Arizona's normally high powered offense was held to only a field goal in the first quarter. The second was far different. Both Utah and Arizona scored two touchdowns for a total of 14 points in the second quarter. After multiple lead changes, Arizona ended the half ahead of Utah, 17-14.</p>
<p>With Arizona up 3-0, Utah scored its first touchdown 12:10 minutes into the second quarter on a three-yard touchdown run by Coleman Peterson. Three minutes later, Arizona answered with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135340/ka-deem-carey">Ka'Deem Carey</a> rushing one yard for the TD to give 'Zona the lead. Always a threat to run, Wildcats quarterback Matt Scott did just that with a 10-yard dash into the endzone. After the successful point-after, Arizona is up, 17-7.</p>
<p>Utah closed the gap with 3:45 left in the half. Travis Wilson threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jake Murphy for Utah's second touchdown of the quarter, bringing the Utes within three points.</p>
<p>The score stayed at 17-14 as both teams headed into the locker room.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/11/17/3660406/arizona-vs-utah-score-update-zona-maintains-slim-lead-over-utes-17-14Jen Neale2012-11-17T21:25:15-07:002012-11-17T21:25:15-07:00Arizona picks up first road win over Utah, 34-24
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>For the first time this season, the weather will play a big factor in Arizona's game. Will the cold temperatures slow down their high-flying offensive attack?</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/11/17/3660334/arizona-wildcats-utah-footballAsher FeldmanScott ColemanJen Neale2012-11-12T22:26:01-07:002012-11-12T22:26:01-07:00Phoenix Snaps Denver's win streak, 110-100
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>Thanks to Marcin Gortat's double-double and Goran Dragic's 4-for-5 effort from the three-point line, the Suns broke the Nuggets' four-game win streak.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a> were riding a four-game win streak coming into Monday night's game. The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> decided to snap that streak and get themselves to .500 with a 110-100 win.</p>
<p><span>Goran Dragic</span> led Phoenix in scoring with 21 points, with 12 of those points coming from the three-point line. Center <span>Marcin Gortat</span> had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Off the bench, <span>Shannon Brown</span> contributed 19 points, second-highest behind Dragic, and four assists. The Suns shot 81 percent from the free-throw line.</p>
<p>For Denver, <span>Kenneth Faried</span> earned his double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort. <span>Andre Iguodala</span> had 17 points and was one rebound away from a double-double. <span>JaVale McGee</span> came off the bench to go 8-for-12 in the field for a total of 16 points.</p>
<p>Denver now has a 4-4 record and will host Miami on Thursday.</p>
<p>Wednesday, the Suns will host the Chicago <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a>.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/11/12/3638886/nba-suns-nuggetsJen Neale