USC’S MAYO DECLARES FOR THE NBA DRAFT

As Tim Floyd states below, this announcement comes as no surprise to anyone. OJ Mayo has been destined for the NBA since he was a 7th grader. I covered several of his games this season on FSN, and I found him to be much different than so many people had tried to portray him. He's friendly, respectful and courteous. He may not be the most outgoing player in the country--or on his own team for that matter--but I never saw him not make time to answer anyone questions following a game. By the way, remember this following statement for future reference: I think OJ Mayo will be a better pro than a college player. Good luck, OJ!

Mayo Decides To Forego His Eligibility And Enter The 2008 NBA Draft

LOS ANGELES – USC freshman guard O.J. Mayo has decided to forego his eligibility at USC and declare for the 2008 NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-5 freshman, is a dynamic all-around player widely regarded as the top player in his class since the seventh grade. Mayo has not signed with an agent, but plans to in the near future.

“I am so thankful for the fans and alumni at USC and around the nation that have been so supportive of me and my teammates throughout the season,” said Mayo. “I’d like to express my appreciation to my coaches and teammates for their support in one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made. I will be entering the 2008 NBA Draft.

“I am going to finish the semester here at USC and then focus on preparing for the NBA Draft,” added Mayo. “Attending USC has been such a great experience for me and has really helped prepare me for my next step in life.”

Coach Tim Floyd offered his support to Mayo and his family regarding his decision.

“This comes as no surprise,” said coach Floyd. “We are appreciative of everything O.J. did for all of us the year he was with us. We wish him well. I have no doubt that he will be a great professional.”

Mayo led USC in scoring (20.7), steals (51), three-pointers (88) and assists (109), was second in free throw percentage (.803) and third in rebounds (150). He established the USC freshman single-season record for points (684) and three-point baskets. Mayo’s point total was the second most ever in a season by a Trojan and the three-point basket total ranks third all-time at USC.

His scoring average of 20.7 is the best ever by a USC freshman and trails only Shareef Abdur-Rahim of California who set the Pac-10 Conference freshman record with an average of 21.1 points per game in 1995-96.

The freshman from Huntington, W.Va. was named to the All-Pac-10 First Team, Pac-10 All-Freshman Team, NABC District 15 Team and was honorable mention to the All-Pac-10 Defensive team, as well as receiving Wooden Award and Naismith Award consideration.
Mayo also was named a Rivals.com and CollegeHoops.net Third Team All-American and a CollegeHoops.net First Team All-Freshman selection.

ANGELS TO HOLD FIRST-EVER MEMORABILIA YARD SALE

WHAT: Angels Baseball will hold its first-ever Yard Sale this Saturday, April 12th at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels' memorabilia available for purchase include stadium banners, game used jerseys and helmets, Angels t-shirts, baseballs, books, programs and more! All sales are final and purchases must be CASH ONLY. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Angels Baseball Foundation.

WHO: The Angels' Yard Sale is open to the public.

WHEN: The Yard Sale begins at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 12th. Angels Season Seat Holders will be given early entry at 9 a.m.

WHERE: The Yard Sale will take place at Angel Stadium of Anaheim under the giant hats located in front of the Home Plate Gate.

SHAUN LIVINGSTON MEDICAL UPDATE

Los Angeles Clippers guard Shaun Livingston had his left knee re-examined on Monday, April 7 by Dr. James Andrews of the Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

Dr. Andrews examination revealed that Livingston still has some tendinitis that is showing improvement. He will be allowed to pick up the intensity of his on-court workouts by the end of the season. Livingston will continue to maintain strength work and progress with his workouts.

Livingston was originally injured during the first quarter of the Clippers win over the Charlotte Bobcats on February 26, 2007 at STAPLES Center, when he suffered tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral meniscus. Livingston also suffered a patella dislocation, in addition to a tibia/femoral dislocation. Andrews performed the surgery to repair the injuries on March 13, 2007 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham.

NBA Dance Team Bracket Challenge

Not sure if you were aware, but there was another version of March Madness brackets this year. NBA.com pitted the league's top dance teams against one another in a "win and advance" playoff with victories determined by fan voting.

After several rounds of voting, the tournament is down to the final two: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat. Funny, this title will be the only championship either franchise will win this season.

Now, I'm not telling you who to vote for. But I'm just wondering why the Clippers dancers look like cheerleaders while the Heat dancers look like Pussycat Dolls. Check out the pics. Am I wrong?

http://www.nba.com/features/dance08_west5_lac_v_mia.html

ANAHEIM DUCKS WIN INAUGURAL FREEWAY FACE-OFF

Check Presentation Airs on FSN WEST Saturday, April 5
During Ducks at Kings Pre-Game Show

Los Angeles – This Saturday, April 5, FSN WEST delivers coverage of the Freeway Face-Off check presentation. Los Angeles Kings’ President/General Manager Dean Lombardi will present Anaheim Ducks’ Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Burke and the “Ducks Care” Community Foundation with a check for $50,000. The donation comes after the Ducks won this season’s inaugural Freeway Face-Off series five games to two.

Coverage of the presentation begins at 12:30 PM on the “FSN Live” pre-game show prior to the eighth and final regular season matchup between the Ducks vs. Kings on FSN WEST. The 2007-08 Freeway Face-Off series began across the Pond in London on September 29, 2007.

Following a seven-week online contest in 2007, the “Freeway Face-Off” became the official name of the Kings vs. Ducks rivalry. The “Name the Rivalry” contest winner Jenny Keane was introduced, congratulated and presented with the grand prize, which included two tickets to each of the 2007-08 “Freeway Face-Off” games. Keane, one of 65 fans who submitted “Freeway Face-Off”, was randomly selected as the winner per contest rules.

About the Los Angeles Kings on FSN WEST
FSN WEST continues its long-standing tradition of telecasting Los Angeles Kings games as it enters its 22nd season with a 65 game schedule. The first Ducks-Kings rivalry game on FSN WEST is on Thurs., Nov. 15 at 7:00 PM followed by two additional games: Thurs., Jan. 24 at 7:30 PM and Sat., April 5 at 12:30 PM.

About the Anaheim Ducks on FSN PRIME TICKET
FSN PRIME TICKET is the destination for the most Anaheim Ducks games on television. In their 14th season as telecast partner, FSN PRIME TICKET delivering 60 Ducks games to Southern California fans. The Ducks host their first Kings-Ducks rivalry game of the 2007-08 season on home ice on Tues., Nov. 13 at 6:30 PM.

-- FSN WEST & FSN PRIME TICKET --

Breaking News: Elton Brand To Play Tonight

I just got word that Elton Brand will make his much-anticipated return to the Clippers lineup tonight when they face the Sonics in Seattle. Mike Dunleavy hopes to get Brand 10-15 minutes off the bench.

It will be Brand's first game of the season after rupturing his achilles tendon in an off-season workout. He had been medically cleared about a week ago, but the Clippers decided to continue their cautious approach with Brand's rehab. He received the "go-ahead" from trainer Jasen Powell earlier today. Originally, the team thought Brand would make his return Thursday in Sacramento.

In his absence this season, the Clippers have struggled to a 22-52 record. If for nothing else, I believe his return will be a huge boost for the morale of the players as well as the entire organization.

In his 9-year career, Brand has posted averages of 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds. Numbers the Clippers have desperately missed this season.

Chargers Sign Harris And Gordon

Chargers restricted free agent linebacker Marques Harris and exclusive rights free agent cornerback Cletis Gordon have both signed their one-year contract tenders and are now under contract for the 2008 season.

Harris has been a key reserve and special teams player throughout his three years with the Bolts. In 2007, he appeared in 15 games and started two at outside linebacker, recording 1.5 sacks and eight special teams tackles. He originally joined the Chargers in 2005 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Southern Utah State.

Gordon saw action in 14 games last season, mostly on special teams where he recorded eight tackles. Gordon joined the Chargers in 2006 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Jackson State.

With Harris and Gordon signed, the Chargers now have all of their restricted and exclusive rights free agents under contract for 2008.

DODGER FANS: FSN PRIME TICKET WANTS TO TELL YOUR STORY

FSN PRIME TICKET, Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB.com
Combine Resources and Interact with Fans During 50th Anniversary Year

Stories Will Be Shared All Season Long at www.dodgers.com/yourstory

Los Angeles – FSN PRIME TICKET, the destination for the most comprehensive coverage of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has teamed with the Dodgers and MLB.com to develop an interactive fan experience in celebration of the team’s 50 years in Los Angeles.

“Every Southern Californian has a unique Dodger story, from the fond memory of attending a game to a family tradition that is practiced season after season, and everything in between,” said Steve Simpson, senior vice president and general manager, FSN PRIME TICKET. “We look forward to hearing from Dodger fans and sharing their stories on FSN PRIME TICKET throughout the anniversary.”

Dodger fans are invited to visit www.dodgers.com/yourstory, powered by MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, to participate in “Your Story”. There will be no limit to the number of stories – each totaling 500 words or less - a fan may share. FSN PRIME TICKET will reserve the right to approach select fans and share their story on air.

FSN PRIME TICKET created the “Your Story” fan experience online as a compliment to the team’s 2008 slogan: “We’re All Dodgers”. The “Your Story” integrated marketing campaign by FSN PRIME TICKET includes on-air and outdoor components in addition to the online portion. FSN PRIME TICKET is currently running the first “Your Story” spot featuring Neil Adams at Dodger Stadium. The longtime Dodger fan shares his memories of watching the stadium’s construction in Chavez Ravine with his dad. Additionally, “Your Story” creative is running on billboards and bus kings in Los Angeles through May. The artwork features Kirk Gibson; his larger-than-life image created by a collage of photos of Dodger players and fans.

The Emmy Award-winning FSN PRIME TICKET offers Dodger fans 100 game telecasts during 2008. This year is the team’s 50th anniversary year in Los Angeles and the regional sports network’s twelfth as a Dodger team partner. The Dodgers game viewing experience on FSN PRIME TICKET is enhanced by “Dodgers Live”, a 30-minute pre-game show and full post-game coverage, and telecast tools such as the X-mo and FSN Diamond Cams.

FSN PRIME TICKET and FSN WEST have provided local sports coverage to Southern California, Nevada and Hawaii for over 20 years. Together, the regional sports networks present more live, local sports programming than any other network or broadcast system in the market, producing over 700 live sporting events and 5,000 hours of original programming each year. For complete national and regional sports news, provocative opinions, telecast schedules and updated statistics, log on to www.foxsports.com.

LAKERS SIGN IRA NEWBLE FOR REMAINDER OF SEASON

This is announcement is both good and bad news potentially. It's good news for Ira Newble. He's worked hard enough and performed well enough to earn a contract for the remainder of the season, as well as a possible playoff bonus. As far as the Lakers are concerned, however, this move may very well indicate that one or possibly even two of their injured players will not be 100% healthy for the playoffs. Let's hope that's not the case.


EL SEGUNDO - The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forward Ira Newble for the remainder of the season, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

Newble, currently in his eighth NBA season, signed a 10-day contract with the Lakers on March 21st. In one game with the Lakers, Newble recorded two points and one rebound in four minutes. Earlier in the season, Newble played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Seattle Supersonics, averaging 4.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 15.5 minutes in 43 combined games, including 13 starts.

Prior to playing in the NBA, Newble played in the International Basketball Association for the Wisconsin Blast (1997-98) and played in the CBA with the Idaho Stampede from the 1997-98 season through the 1999-2000 season.

Undrafted by an NBA team, Newble played two seasons with Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College before attending Miami (OH) University, where he averaged 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in 58 games over two seasons, while being named Honorable Mention All-Mid American Conference his senior year.

In 375 career games including 197 starts, Newble is averaging 5.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 20.3 minutes.

ANGELS PLACE FOUR PLAYERS ON 15-DAY DISABLED LIST

The Angels are not starting the season in the most ideal situation with two of their best starters and one of their best relievers on the disabled list. Hopefully, John Lackey will be back in the rotation in a couple of weeks. However, the futures of Kelvim Escobar and Scot Shields are much more in doubt. Escobar's career could be over, while the issues affecting Shields may be as much mental as physical.

ANAHEIM, CA - The Angels Saturday placed right-handed pitchers John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Scot Shields and Chris Bootcheck on the 15-day disabled list. The DL assignments are all retroactive to March 21. This announcement was made by General Manager Tony Reagins.

Lackey, 29, was placed on the disabled list due to a strained right triceps. This marks his first DL assignment of his career. Lackey made one Spring Training start, posting no record and a 5.40 ERA (1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO). He registered a 19-9 record with two complete game shutouts and an AL-best 3.01 ERA (224 IP – 75 ER) in 33 starts in 2007.

A native of Abilene, TX, Lackey was selected by the Angels in the second round of the 1999 free agent draft. He owns a lifetime record of 79-58 with 10 complete games, seven shutouts and a 3.82 ERA (1161.1 IP – 493 ER) in 183 games (182 starts).

Escobar, 31, was placed on the disabled list due to a torn right labrum. This marks the seventh tie he has been on the DL in his career. Escobar did not appear in Spring Training this season. He posted an 18-7 record with three complete games, one shutout and a 3.40 ERA (195.2 IP – 74 ER) in 30 starts in 2007.

A native of La Guaira, VZ, Escobar signed with the Angels as a free agent, Nov. 24, 2003. He owns a lifetime 101-90 record with 10 complete games, four shutouts, 59 saves and a 4.15 ERA (1502 IP – 693 ER) in 410 games (201 starts).

Shields, 32, was placed on the disabled list due to tightness in his right forearm. This marks the first time he has been on the DL in his career. Shields appeared in two Spring Training games, posting no record and an 18.00 ERA (2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 1 WP). He registered a 4-5 record with two saves and a 3.86 ERA (77 IP – 33 ER) in 71 appearances. Shields led the AL for the second straight season with 31 holds.

A native of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Shields was selected by the Angels in the 38th round of the 1997 free agent draft. He owns a lifetime 39-34 record with 16 saves and a 2.95 ERA (570 IP – 187 ER) in 364 games (14 starts). His 35 wins in relief are the most by an Angels’ reliever in club history.

Bootcheck, 29, was placed on the disabled list due to a strained left oblique muscle. This marks his second time on the DL in his career. Bootcheck appeared in one Spring Training game, posting no record and an 18.00 ERA (1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HB, 1 BB). He finished 3-3 with a 4.77 ERA (77.1 IP – 41 ER) in 51 games with the Angels in 2007.

A native of La Porte, IN, Bootcheck was selected by the Angels in the first round (20th pick) of the 2000 free agent draft. He owns a lifetime 3-6 record with one save and a 5.48 ERA (116.2 IP – 71 ER) in 67 games (3 starts).



-- ANGELS --
Visit the Angels on the Internet at: www.angelsbaseball.com