LA Kings To Hold 8th Annual 5K Run/Walk

WHO:        Los Angeles Kings

WHAT:      Daryl Evans Hosts 8th Annual Los Angeles Kings 5k Run/Walk Benefiting American Heart Association

WHEN:      Saturday, February 13

WHERE:    STAPLES Center


The 8th Annual Los Angeles Kings 5k Run/Walk benefiting American Heart Association will take place on Saturday, February 13, in Downtown Los Angeles on the streets surrounding STAPLES Center.  In partnership with the Kings Care Foundation, a portion of the event’s proceeds will go to the American Heart Association and their Go Red For Women Initiative.

Check-in begins at 7 a.m. and the race begins at 8 a.m.  Pre-registration is available by logging onto www.LAKings.com/5k.  The cost is $35 ($45 walk-up) and includes a commemorative T-shirt and a ticket to that day’s 7:30 p.m. Kings-Colorado game at STAPLES Center.  Former Kings forward/current radio broadcaster Daryl Evans will once again host this year’s race and participate in the event.  Upgrades (as well as add-ons) are available for the Kings-Colorado game tickets.

“I’m really excited to be participating in this event once again and teaming up with the American Heart Association,” Evans said.  “This event is for a great cause and will help people stay healthy.  We’re going to give out some great prizes as well, so I look forward to seeing a lot of people out there running or walking.”

Prizes will be given to the top competitors at each male and female age level.  All participants will be entered into a raffle for Kings 2010-2011 season tickets and other great prizes.  Any racers who beat Evans in the run will be given a second raffle ticket.  This is a great event for families, Kings fans and hard-core runners.

For more information, call 1-888-KINGS-LA or contact Heather Bardocz at hbardocz@lakings.com.




TicketMaster fees are blacked out for all February games and premier tickets are only $85 for all five Kings home games that month.

For all Kings season ticket, mini-plan and group discount information, call 1-888-KINGS-LA and visit LAKings.com.



-- LAKINGS.COM --

Angels Trade Matthews To Mets In Exchange For Stokes

This move may come as very little surprise to those who follow the Angels closely.  After his first season in Anaheim, Gary Matthews, Jr. and Mike Scioscia were like oil and water.  Their personalities didn't work well together, and they rarely viewed things the same way.  

But even beyond that dynamic, from a baseball standpoint there just wasn't enough room in the outfield or the lineup for Matthews.  It was something he noticed immediately after the signing of Torii Hunter, and that's why he's been open to trade scenarios for quite some time.  And who can blame him?  The guy wants to play and compete.

ANAHEIM, CA – The Angels Friday acquired right-handed pitcher Brian Stokes from the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. in an announcement by General Manager Tony Reagins.

Stokes, 30, comes to the Angels after making 64 relief appearances with the Mets in 2009 going 2-4 with a 3.97 ERA (70.1 IP – 31 ER).  New York purchased Stokes from Tampa Bay on November 28, 2007. In two seasons with the Mets, Stokes compiled a 3-4 record with a 3.82 ERA in 93 appearances, including one start.

The Montclair, CA native was originally signed by Tampa Bay as a non-drafted free agent in 1998.  He saw Major League time with the Rays in 2006 & 2007, combining for a 3-7 mark and a 6.46 ERA (86.1 IP – 62 ER) in 64 appearances (4 starts). In four seasons at the Major League level, Stokes has posted a 6-11 mark with one save and a 5.02 ERA in 157 appearances (5 starts).

Stokes graduated from Jurupa High School in Riverside, CA and attended Riverside Community College.

Matthews Jr. was signed by the Angels to a five-year contract on Nov. 22, 2006 and spent three seasons with the Halos.  In that span, he appeared in 369 games batting .249 (312/1255) with 30 home runs and 168 RBI.

www.angelsbaseball.com

1-on-1 With Blake Griffin

I sat down recently with Clippers rookie Blake Griffin to talk about his decision--and it was his decision--to have surgery on his fractured knee cap, thus ending a season which never really started for him.  In fact, he says it's not season-ending surgery, it's debut-prolonging surgery.

In this interview you will learn a couple of things: 1) he is not depressed about the situation--frustrated, yes, but definitely not depressed  2) he's not concerned whatsoever that he won't be the same explosive player after the surgery that he was before.  In other words, Griffin couldn't have a better attitude going into surgery.

But enough of me telling you what he said, why not just take a look for yourself?

foxsportswest.com: Michael Eaves goes 1-on-1 with Blake Griffin

Zach Randolph Helps Heat Memphis

Memphis, TN--On the court, Grizzlies Power Forward Zach Randolph is used to making power moves. Wednesday, he scored major points off the court footing the bill to restore power to Jerry Powell's Clearpool Circle home.

"He's wonderful. He's a blessing from God!" exclaimed Jerry Powell.

Powell's been without utilities for about two months. Her job slashed her hours and MLGW cut her power after she racked up a $600 bill.

Now the heat is back on thanks to Randolph's kindness. He's agreed to pay the overdue bills for Powell and fourteen other MLGW customers.


wreg.com: Zach Randolph Helps Heat Memphis


 

Help Haiti Earthquake Victims By Donating Shoes

NASHVILLE, Tenn./LOS ANGELES, Ca. (January 14, 2010) – Soles4Souls (www.giveshoes.org) and Sport Chalet have joined forces to bring shoes to victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Sport Chalet will help collect footwear to support Soles4Souls’ commitment to donate more than 250,000 pairs of shoes to affected areas. Beginning January 15 through January 31, customers at Sport Chalet’s more than 55 stores will have the opportunity to drop off a gently worn pair of shoes. All donations will directly support relief efforts.

Soles4Souls has partnered with Operation Compassion, a charity that mobilizes support for victims of natural disasters around the world, to transport and distribute the aid. Thirty containers of supplies, including work boots, rain boots, children’s athletic shoes and clothing items, are already en route to Haiti.

“As we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, we cannot forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “We deeply appreciate the support of Sport Chalet and their customers in helping us provide shoes to survivors and volunteers as they work in horrific conditions.”

The death toll from Tuesday’s quake continues to rise, and survivors and rescuers are facing dire health conditions including stifling heat, lack of clean water, broken glass and raw sewage.

"Being reminded of how fragile our world is, and seeing the devastation that has affected so many, makes it evident that our continued partnership with charities like Soles4Souls is more relevant than ever," said Craig Levra, Chairman and CEO of Sport Chalet. "With 55 Sport Chalet drop-off locations in four states, we are asking our customers, our employees, and our vendors to stop by and donate their gently worn shoes for those so tragically affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Since we live with this same threat every day, it is a natural response for Sport Chalet  to help, and we are so pleased to be able to do so."

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.

About Soles4Souls®
Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you.  We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

Time Will Tell If Kiffin Is The Right Move

To say that USC's hiring of Lane Kiffin came as a surprise would be like saying the school's tuition fees can be a bit pricey.  This move didn't just come out of left field, it came right out of nowhere according to the some Trojan players I spoke to shortly after USC announced the news.
 
Although there are obvious reasons why Kiffin might be considered for the job (i.e. the six years he spent there as an assistant coach under Pete Carroll), there are many who will question the move.


foxsportswest.com: Time Will Tell If Kiffin Is The Right Move 

Baron Being Baron in NYC

Has anyone seen this video of Baron Davis dribbling through the streets of New York? If you've ever wanted a better idea of Baron's personality, check it out. This is truly an example of Baron being Baron.

ANGELS BROADCASTER RORY MARKAS PASSES AWAY

ANAHEIM, CA:   Angels Baseball Tuesday announced that veteran broadcaster Rory Markas passed away yesterday at his home in Palmdale, CA.  No other details are available, and funeral service information is pending. 

Markas, 54, spent eight seasons calling play-by-play with the Angels, both on television and radio.  In addition to his responsibilities with the Angels, Markas also served as the play-by-play voice for the University of Southern California men's basketball team, and as a reporter for FOX 11 KTTV in Los Angeles.

Prior to joining the Angels, Markas handled the play-by-play duties for the USC baseball team on the Trojan Radio Network, as well as pre-game reporting for Trojan football.  During that time, he also served as a sports reporter on KNX Newsradio 1070 in Los Angeles, and a sports anchor on FOX 11.  From 1994-97, he was the lead announcer for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers on the Clippers radio network.

Markas had extensive baseball broadcasting experience prior to joining the Angels, as he worked as a play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers television network (1992-94) and as a substitute radio play-by-play announcer with the Brewers radio network from 1984-1994.  He spent six seasons calling Pacific Coast League baseball, including three years with the Salt Lake City Gulls and three years with the Vancouver Canadians.

Markas' career included stints as an on-air sports talent for KCBS 2 (1990-97) and Prime Ticket (1987-90).  He was honored with several broadcasting awards, including four Golden Mike Awards for radio reporting, and two Associated Press Sportscasting Awards.  He also received the 2008 Radio Play-by-Play Award from the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association.

A native of San Fernando Valley, CA, Markas attended Chatsworth High School.  He later attended Los Angeles Valley College and Cal State Northridge.  He is survived by his mother, Billie and brothers, Gary and Troy.

 --ANGELS--

USC Self-Imposed Sanctions Include Post-Season Ban and Forfeiture of Wins

Los Angeles, Calif. - The University of Southern California (USC) today announced that it has implemented self-imposed sanctions on its men’s basketball program for violating NCAA rules. 

The sanctions are a result of a University investigation that found NCAA rules violations related to O.J. Mayo, who played for the USC’s men’s basketball team during the 2007-2008 season.

“USC takes allegations of NCAA rules violations very seriously.  When allegations were made regarding our men’s basketball program we immediately began an investigation and worked closely with the NCAA and the Pac-10 in an attempt to ascertain the truth,” said USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett.  “When we’ve done something wrong, we have an obligation to do something about it and that is exactly what we are doing here.”

The self-imposed sanctions for the men’s basketball program include a one-year ban on post-season competition following the 2009-2010 regular season, including the Pac-10 Conference basketball tournament; a reduction of one scholarship for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 academic years; a reduction by one of the number of coaches permitted to engage in off-campus recruiting activities during the summer of 2010, and a reduction in the total number of recruiting days by twenty days (from 130 to 110) for the 2010-2011 academic year.

In addition, because of Mayo’s involvement with Rodney Guillory, whom under NCAA rules became a USC booster due to his role in Mayo’s recruitment, USC will vacate all wins during the 2007-2008 regular season, which was when Mayo competed while ineligible.  USC will also return to the NCAA the money it received through the Pac-10 Conference for its participation in the 2008 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament. 

These self-imposed sanctions impact only the men’s basketball program, and do not affect any other program.

“We have very high standards for our faculty, athletic department, staff and students,” said USC Senior Vice President Todd R. Dickey.  “We expect and demand that everyone associated with the University live up to these standards.  Nothing is more important than the integrity of this institution and its people.”

Mr. Garrett said, “We believe the self-imposed sanctions are consistent with penalties imposed at other NCAA member institutions which have been cited with similar rules infractions.  Although we are disappointed that rules were violated, we look forward to moving past this matter and to the future success of our men’s basketball program.”

Kevin O’Neill, head men’s basketball coach for USC added, "I think the University did the right thing in self-imposing sanctions.  I respect and understand the action that was taken. Our players have risen to many challenges already this season and I am proud of what they have accomplished.  I am confident that they will rise to this latest challenge. 

“As their coach, I will do everything in my power to make our program better on and off the court every day,” he said. “Our job as a team now is to move forward in a positive manner.  We have 16 games left to play this season.  I have no doubt that our players will prepare and play well in those games. While it is unfortunate that our players won't have the chance to compete in the post-season, that just makes every game for us now a post-season game.”

Mr. Garrett concluded, “While we recognize there may be additional questions about our announcement today or other alleged NCAA infractions, until the NCAA concludes its inquiries, we cannot make any further comment.”