
Alfie Crow
Mar 01, 2010 May 29, 2012 5189 7716
Senior Manager of Big Cat Country. Manager of SB Nation Tampa Bay and SBNation.com Contributor.
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A new documentary, coming this fall.
Could the Jaguars finally build an indoor practice facility?
Jaguars Hire Sales Firm
The Jacksonville Jaguars have already made some swift changes under new owner Shad Khan. One big move was hiring team president Mark Lamping, who will deal with rebuilding the community and non-football related efforts. The Jaguars have hired Legends marketing firm, to help with ticket sales and branding. Legends executive Chad Johnson will work full time within the Jaguars' offices, according to The Sports Business Journal. Legends jointly owned by the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys.
The New Jersey based marketing firm will spearhead ticket sales for the franchise, in efforts to build on momentum the past few seasons.
The Jaguars have also hired Scott Massey as the new VP of corporate sponsorships, according to The Sports Business Journal. This will mean that Senior VP of sales and marketing Mackey Weaver will focus exclusively on ticket sales.
Massey formerly worked as the VP of business development and title sponsor relations for the PGA Tour.
Titus Young's Statement On His Absence From Lions OTAs
Detroit Lions wide receiver Titus Young has been absent from OTAs after an incident with teammate Louis Delmas, being held out by the team. Young reportedly punched Delmas in the face, resulting in the wide receiver missing a week of OTAs.
Young has released a statement about his absence from practices:
"My recent actions have not always been up to the standards the Lions expect or the standards that I expect from myself. I am truly sorry for those times when I didn't meet those standards.
"My absence from the practice facility and the OTAs last week was necessary for both myself and the team.
"The time away from the team afforded me the opportunity to reflect and come to the realization that by putting those incidents behind me I will be able to focus on becoming the best teammate and player that I can be."
There has been no announcement in regards to when Young will return to the voluntary practices.
For more on the Lions' offseason, head over to the SB Nation blog Pride of Detroit. Stay tuned to this StoryStream for more from OTAs.
Nick Fairley's Arrest Doesn't Mean Lions Will Give Up On Him
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley was arrested for a DUI and eluding police over the weekend. While it's another mark on Fairley's record after coming out of Auburn as the Lions first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Dave Birkett says expecting something as drastic as his release is unrealistic.
Some fans have gone overboard asking for Fairley, Leshoure and others to be released. That's not going to happen, of course. They're too talented and too important -- one person within the organization went so far as to say Fairley looked "great" in practice before his most recent arrest -- and the Lions already are financially vested in both.
If Fairley is ever going to reach his potential and be a dominant player in the NFL like he was at Auburn, he'll need to get all his ducks in a row and begin to focus on football.
For more on Fairley and the Lions, visit Pride of Detroit and SB Nation Detroit.
Jaguars Offseason Report: Tight End
With the majority of the offseason in the books, at least with NFL free agency and the NFL Draft, we can start to look at the Jacksonville Jaguars position by position and see what we can begin looking for when training camp rolls around. One position that could have a big role change with the new coaching staff and offense is the tight end position. Head coach Mike Mularkey is a former tight end and has utilized the position in the past.
Victoria Zarlenga Sings Worst National Anthem Ever
Hey, you guys remember how terrible U.S. Olympic great Carl Lewis was at singing the National Anthem?
Well, we've found someone who was able to do it worse. Victoria Zarlenga, who sang the National Anthem at EverBank Field for the USA Vs. Scotland friend, performed what was probably the worst rendition of the National Anthem known to man.
Don't believe me? Check out Landon Donovan's reaction after the perfomance (h/t @bubbaprog):

You can listen to it yourself after the jump.
Happy Memorial day everyone. I'm taking the day off. There's probably not anything going on anyway.
Stay safe the wake of devastation that is Beryl. I leave you with a Foxy Shazam video. They're playing a Mavericks today.
Jacksonville Jaguars Roundup
HBO wants a Hard Knocks team locked in by June 1 | ProFootballTalk
Over the past several weeks, ample discussion and speculation have emerged regarding the teams that will (or, more accurately, won’t) appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks. Michael Shain of the New York Post (via SportsBusiness Daily) reports that HBO wants to have its team picked by June 1.
4) A question of efficiency. We’re two weeks into 2012 organized team activities – essentially halfway through the on-field off-season – so we’ll kick off this Fabulous Four 2012 Memorial Day edition by examining a main task of OTAs: the installation of the offense. While the development of quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the receivers is the most-high profile off-season storyline, from Head Coach Mike Mularkey’s perspective, as important may be installing the offense to a level where it can run efficiently.
Coca Cola 600: Danica Patrick Ready To Race
Danica Patrick is starting the Coca Cola 600 in the 40th position, but she's excited to be on the racetrack.
"I'm racing in the Coke 600, and that's a pretty darn big event. It's a new challenge. It's a big challenge," Patrick told Brian Hall of WFMY. "I'm sure there are going to be some points in time that I feel like it's going on forever, and that's because it is. But that's the fun of the Coke 600, lots of time to have fun."
Patrick didn't have to worry about qualifying for the race, as she's in the Top 35 of owner points and locked into the field, the only thing that she could have changed was where she started in the race, which is unfortunately in the back of the pack.
For more on the Coca Cola 600 be sure to stay tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation's dedicated NASCAR hub.
Belmont Stakes 2012: Dullahan Fresh To Make A Run
Trainer Dale Romans was initially upset that Dullahan was skipping The Preakness, as the colt was coming off a third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby and Romans felt the horse could make a push. With skipping the race however, it seems like Romans feels Dullahan will be more fresh than some of the other horses, giving the colt an advantage.
"I did want to run in the Preakness," Romans told Marty McGree of The Racing Form Saturday morning at Churchill Downs. "But Jerry said no, and in hindsight, I think he made the right call. We've got a fresh horse for the Belmont, and I couldn't be happier with how he's doing."
Dullahan is expected to be one of the top wagering choices for the Belmont right behind favorite I'll Have Another.
For more on the world of horse racing, visit And Down The Stretch They Come and stay tuned to this StoryStream.
Crowne Plaza Invitational 2012: Jason Dufner Still Atop Leaderboard
As the 2012 Crowne Plaza Invitational teed off on Saturday morning, Jason Dufner was still on top of the leaderboard with an 11-under. Dufner hasn't teed off yet in Round 3, but neither has anyone else immediately trailing him.
As for the action so far in Round 3, Kelly Kraft is shooting a 6-under through the first nine holes, while David Hearn and Ken Duke are both 4-under on the day through 15 and 13 holes, respectively.
Kevin Na, who stormed through the early rounds of The Players before falling apart on the final day, is even so far on the day, shooting a 1-over for the tournament.
On the other end of the leaderboard, Heath Slocum and Hunter Haas are both continuing to struggle, shooting a 5-over so far on the day, bringing both of their tournament totals to 8-over through three rounds.
For a live leaderboard, visit Golf.com.
For news and updates on the Crowne Plaza Invitational throughout the week, stay locked to this StoryStream. For more news and analysis on the PGA Tour, visit SB Nation Golf.
Coca Cola 600: Richard Petty Says Coke 600 Bigger Than Indy 500
There are two races taking place this weekend and NASCAR icon Richard Petty usually bounces back and forth between Charlotte, NC and Indianapolis, IN for the races. This year however, Petty is focusing his attention on the Coca Cola 600 and says that it's a bigger deal than the Indy 500 now.
"I'm concentrating entirely on the 600," he said. "Even though I don't have much to do with the race, I just feel like if I'm here ... concentrating on what's going on here, things really work better," Petty told the Sporting News.
"Really, we just never put anything together to go to Indy this year, so it's all the 600. As far as I'm concerned, the 600 is a lot bigger race than the 500 anyway."
On Thursday night, Petty Motorsports put two of their cars in the front row during qualifying.
For more on the Coca Cola 600 be sure to stay tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation's dedicated NASCAR hub.
VIDEO: Joe Maddon Rips Red Sox For Brawl
The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 7-4 on Friday night up in Boston, but the big story was a near bench clearing brawl late in the game. Franklin Morales hit designed hitter Luke Scott, who then made his way to the mound and incited a near brawl.
Rays manager Joe Maddon didn't hold back after the game, putting the blame on the Red Sox coaching staff. From Tampa Bay Times writer Marc Topkin's blog The Heater, check out video of Maddon ripping the Sox after the jump.
Veterans talk to SB Nation about their favorite sports moments.
Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore Out Against Scotland
The rosters for the international friendly between Team USA and Scotland in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday evening were announced earlier, but Team USA will be without two of their star players. Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore will be out of the lineups according to Team USA head coach Jurgen Kilnnsman.
Klinsmann says Dempsey is out for Scotland, hopes he'll be ready for Brazil. Everybody else is available #USMNT
— Seth Vertelney (@svertgoalcom) May 25, 2012
Altidore is also unavailable for Scotland due to just recently getting in from Holland
— Seth Vertelney (@svertgoalcom) May 25, 2012
In place of Dempsey and Altidore in the lineup, Chris Wondolowski and Herculez Gomez will both get a shot to play against Scotland. Gomez was on the 2010 US World Cup 23-man roster and played in three of their four 2010 FIFA World Cup games. Wondolowski played with the US team in their friendly against Chile back in January.
For more on the USMNT, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay, or check out SB Nation's soccer hub.
SEC Baseball Tournament 2012: Florida Gators Take On South Carolina
The Florida Gators earned the No. 3 seed in the 2012 SEC baseball tournament, knocking out the Auburn Tigers in the first round with a 6-1 win. The Gators moved on to face Vanderbilt in the next round, but couldn't quite muster enough runs in the pitching battle to pull away with the victory, losing 2-1 on Thursday.
On Friday afternoon the Gators will now take on the South Carolina Gamecocks for the chance to advance in the tournament. If the Gators lose, they'll be eliminated, but if Florida wins they'll move on to the Semifinals. In the semis, the Gators would get a rematch with Vanderbilt and have the chance to move on to the SEC Championship Game on Sunday.
Game Time: Friday May 25, 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Regions Park, Hoover, AL
TV: CSS Television Network
For more on the Florida in the SEC tournament, check out Alligator Army.
ACC Baseball Tournament 2012: FSU, Miami Back In Action
The Florida State Seminoles earned the No. 1 seed to the 2012 ACC baseball tournament, but dropped their first game to Georgia Tech on Wednesday 5-4, failing to rally back late. The Noles had the day off on Thursday, but they're back in action on Friday going up against the Clemson Tigers.
Like Florida State, the Miami Hurricanes lost on the first day by a single run, going down to N.C. State 3-2. The Hurricanes were back in action on Thursday however knocking off North Carolina 5-3 and look to stay alive in the tournament with a matchup on Thursday evening against Wake Forest.
Here is the rest of the ACC baseball tournament schedule for Friday:
11:00 a.m. ET: No. 4 Virginia Vs. No. 8 Georgia Tech
3: 00 p.m. ET: No. 1 Florida State Vs. No. 5 Clemson
7: 00 p.m. ET: No. 6 Miami Vs. No. 7 Wake Forest
For more on the 2012 ACC Baseball Tournament and the Hurricanes, head over to The 7th Floor. Check out Tomahawk Nation for more on the Seminoles.
VIDEO: Giancarlo Stanton Almost Kills Logan Morrison
The Miami Marlins were in the process of being pounded by the San Francisco Giants on Thursday night. Giants catcher and former Florida State star Buster Posey hit a ground ball to the right side for a base hit and Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton fielded the ball and tried to hit his cutoff man.
You see, the Marlins have been working with Stanton to get him to more consistently getting to the cutoff man rather than trying to get guys out with long throws. As you can see in the video after the jump, Stanton nearly decapitates first baseman Logan Morrison with the throw.
Tampa Bay Rays Players Are Huge Nerds, Apparently
The Tampa Bay Rays are flying to take on the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, but they'll be dressed a little differently than normal. The Rays are apparently dressing up as "nerds" or like broadcaster Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal has been wearing bowties for charity, through BowTieCause.org, and the Rays have decided to join the cause, donating $3,000 with 30 players/people wearing bowties at $100 each.
"I'm really flattered. Honored is not too strong a word," Rosenthal told the Tampa Bay Times. "The other night in Philly, the Phanatic came on camera with me wearing a bow tie. Joe talked about that, mentioned the thing with the Rays and some other stuff and said, 'You're like a Kardashian.' "
You can check out pictures of the team as a whole and individually here.
Jacksonville Jaguars Roundup
Before the Jaguars’ Thursday practice — their last organized team activity practice before Memorial Day weekend — they heard from former Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier. Collier was partially paralyzed and had part of a leg amputated after suffering multiple gunshot wounds early one morning in 2008. He spoke to the team about choices. "We had a speaker this morning talking about doing things the right way when you’re out on the streets at night," Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey said. "… He did an outstanding job, and I thought it was very impactful for our football team to hear his story."
2012 Atlantic Sun Baseball Tournament: Stetson Survives In 2-1 Upset Win
The second round of the 2012 Atlantic Sun baseball tournament come to a close on Thursday night in DeLand, FL with the host team pulling out a gritty win.
No. 6 Stetson Vs. No. 2 USC Upstate, Stetson pulls upset 2-1: The Stetson Hatters were coming off a 15-inning loss to Belmont and were tasked with playing the early game of Thursday against the No. 2 seed in the tournament. Stetson was able to guy out a 2-1 upset win over USC Upstate, however.
No. 3 Kennesaw State Vs. No. 1 Belmont, State wins in upset 3-1: The No. 1 seeded Belmont Bears had a bye in the first round of the tournament, but Kennesaw State was the team who got the jump. For the first time in school history, Kennesaw State earned a win in the A-Sun tournament and did so by knocking off the No. 1 seed.
No. 4 FGCU Vs. No. 5 Mercer, FGCU wins 4-3: Like Stetson, Mercer was coming off a 15-inning game from the night before but Mercer won and therefore drew the late game of the day. The rest didn't appear to be enough for Mercer however, as FGCU pulled the close win 4-3.
For news and results from the Atlantic Sun tournament, follow this StoryStream from SB Nation Tampa Bay.
2012 Big East Baseball Tournament: St. John's Continues To Dominate
The second day of the Big East baseball tournament in Clearwater, FL kicked off with a matchup between Rutgers and Notre Dame and ended with South Florida taking on Pittsburgh.
No. 6 Rutgers Vs. No. 7 Notre Dame, Irish shutout Rutgers 9-0: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were coming off a crushing loss to 12-2 to Saint John's, but were able to take out some of their frustration on Rutgers on Thursday night with a 9-0 shutout win.
No. 2 St. John's Vs. No. 3 Seton Hall, St. John's wins 6-1: Both St. John's and Seton Hall were coming off first round blowout wins, but the Red Storm kept their momentum going and beat up on Seton Hall for the 6-1 win.
No. 8 Pittsburgh Vs. No. 4 USF, Offense propels Bulls 12-5: South Florida dropped their first game of game of the tournament struggling to score with just two runs, but their offense exploded against Pitt piling on 12 runs.
For those that want to watch the Big East Tournament, go to BigEastbaseball.com.
For more on the Big East tournament and the Bulls, visit USF blog Voodoo Five.
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