Pierre Garcon sues FanDuel for using his name and likeness for profit

Washington Redskins' Pierre Garçon sued the daily fantasy sports site FanDuel on Friday, alleging that the company "knowingly and improperly exploits" his name and performance for profit.

The wide receiver filed the class-action lawsuit against the billion-dollar fantasy sports site on behalf of all NFL players in the U.S. District Court for Maryland, charging that the site is improperly using the names and likenesses of NFL players for its own gain and not compensating the players.

"FanDuel routinely uses the names and likenesses of some of these NFL players without authorization to promote FanDuel's commercial enterprise, collecting huge revenues and entry fees," the release argues.

"FanDuel has taken the liberty to engage in these actions without my consent and without proper licensing rights," Garçon said in an accompanying statement. "As a result of these activities, FanDuel daily fantasy contests have shown increasing revenues leading to large profits. Therefore, on behalf of myself as well as any other players who are being treated unjustly, I chose to file a complaint."

In September, the NFL Players Association signed a licensing agreement with DraftKings, the largest daily fantasy site and FanDuel's chief rival in the industry. The agreement allows DraftKings to use NFL players in its marketing and promotional campaigns. 

This seems to be quite an audible for Garcon, who promoted FanDuel heavily on social media last year.

"Don’t forget! Enter my week 3 FANTASY league on Fanduel. $40K in prizes and a pair of free TIX to one entrant," he tweeted in September of 2014.

Don’t forget! Enter my week 3 FANTASY league on Fanduel. $40K in prizes and a pair of free TIX to one entrant. http://t.co/EqUNkAuIUD

— Pierre Garçon (@PierreGarcon) September 19, 2014

Garcon has played the last four years in Washington after starting his career with the Indianapolis Colts. The 29-year-old speedster had his best season in 2013, with 113 receptions for 1,346 yards.

He has a Bye Week.

Noah Syndergaard's Game 3 ball he threw at Alcides Escobar's head is for sale

Mets starter Noah Syndergaard opened Game 3 of the World Series with a 99 mph fastball that buzzed by the head of Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar. 

Syndergaard, sounding a little peeved at the Royals' quick triggers before the game, pretty much predicted this scenario earlier as the Mets entered the night down 0-2 in the World Series.

"I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I'll be able to break out tomorrow night," the hurler said Thursday. "I'm looking forward to it." 

And it didn't take long to figure out what "tricks" he was talking about.

Syndergaard dà il benvenuto ai @Royals in questo modo #WorldSeries #LGM pic.twitter.com/wgm971SM7Q

— Giacomo Moccetti (@mocc88) October 31, 2015

And before you could say Mrs. Met, that same baseball was already available on Major League Baseball's auction site.

The first pitch of #WorldSeries Game 3 came in real HOT. Be careful if you get it: https://t.co/ns84Jll6YP pic.twitter.com/uYv6qlTud3

— MLB (@MLB) October 31, 2015

There are six days left to bid and the latest offer is already $1522, so who knows how high the price will climb.

But don't expect any bids on Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas' reaction to Syndergaard's chin music, that's priceless.

Go to bed kids, Mike Moustakas is cursing at folks. #WorldSeries #Royals #Mets https://t.co/kl4BkC1uR8

— Joe M's Right Arm (@JoeMsrightarm) October 31, 2015

Here's the first close-up look at Jason Pierre-Paul's mangled hand (PHOTO)

The Giants re-signed defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to a one-year deal Tuesday, after the defensive end played a cat-and-mouse game regarding the rehabbing of his hand and condition of his body since a horrific fireworks accident on July Fourth.

On Friday, JPP showed off his mangled right hand during a 12-minute session with reporters.

The hand of so much contention was finally out there in front of the cameras for the world to see — no longer the guarded secret that almost cost the 26-year-old NFL star his career.

WARNING: Photo might be a little GRAPHIC:

Here's the first close-up look at @Giants star Jason Pierre-Paul's mangled right hand. https://t.co/Vujk8om6zC pic.twitter.com/1jxjKglEqQ

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) October 30, 2015

Pierre-Paul, who lost his whole index finger and half of his thumb and the middle one, offered no apologies for his actions and few words of regret in his first interview since the incident. He declared himself a better player with nothing to prove, and explained that his lack of communication with the Giants was simply the consequence of medication.

“You can’t do nothing when you’re on anesthesia, waking up, going in and out of conscious,” he said. “I had no reason not to let them in (the hospital). I just didn’t know.

“I don’t know who was making my decisions. It could’ve been the doctors.”

Pierre-Paul worked out with the team this week and the hope is that he will be back on the field by late November.

Mean old dude snatches souvenir puck from young Penguins fan (VIDEO)

They don't call Pittsburgh Steel City for nothing. But, after this old jerk with the Homer Simpson comb over almost ruined a young Penguins fan's night, they might want to change the spelling and call it Steal City.

During a stoppage in play, Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma tossed a puck over the glass, intended for a little boy in a Pirates hat — only to have it snatched away by the old dude.

This mean old man took a puck from a little kid: https://t.co/caWyw18jvZ https://t.co/8WNEVXcJdc

— SB Nation (@SBNation) October 30, 2015

After fans complained and word about the d-bag spread on social media, Bylsma tossed the kid another puck. Only this time, the coach first tossed it to an usher, who then made sure it ended up in the kid's hands.

And things got even better for the youngster, Iceburgh, the Penguins’ mascot, gave the kid another puck PLUS a Sidney Crosby sweater.

You deserve it, little man! pic.twitter.com/vSVPEPtWpL

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 30, 2015

Not to mention that the Penguins won too.

Don Mattingly hired as Miami Marlins manager: Report

The Miami Marlins have hired Don Mattingly to be their next manager, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who is not yet authorized to speak publicly.

Mattingly's  deal is for four years, according to the source. He will become the club's eighth manager since 2010. The Marlins are reportedly waiting until after the World Series to make a formal announcement, reported ViceSports.com.

Mattingly will move to Miami from Los Angeles, where the former Yankees star managed the Dodgers for the past five seasons. Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria grew up in New York as a Yankees fan.

During his time in Los Angeles,  Mattingly guided the team through a bankruptcy filing and an ownership change, and led the club to a 446-363 record. Mattingly managed to keep his job when general manager Ned Colletti was replaced by Andrew Friedman last October, and he went on to lead the Dodgers to their third straight NL West title. 

But after a disappointing first round playoff exit, the Dodgers and Mattingly mutually agreed to part ways last week. Mattingly is still under contract with L.A. for another year, and the Dodgers said they would pay him the remaining money he is owed. It is not yet clear if the Dodgers will be paying part of his salary next season now that he has landed a new job. Los Angeles has not yet hired a manager to replace him.

It is also unclear if Mattingly will be taking his coaching staff from Los Angeles with him to Miami.

But Donnie Baseball will always have this little incident with Andre Ethier in the NLDS to carry with him:

@gbaumgaertner Here is a Vine of Andre Ethier respecting Don Mattingly: https://t.co/sGYambIo35

— Sebastian Shepard (@seb_shepard) October 22, 2015

Fantasy football becomes point of contention at GOP debate

The dog-and-pony show disguised as a GOP debate in Boulder, Colorado Wednesday night turned into a full-fledged joke after the CNBC moderators' line of questioning turned to that all important issue on everybody's mind — fantasy football.

Claims of media bias were already a major theme of the night, with Ted Cruz launching the night's first volley against the blatantly slanted moderators Carl Quintanilla, Becky Quick and John Harwood — accusing them all of being Democrats intent on damaging the GOP field. 

That was even before an incredulous New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie laid into the trio for asking a question about whether the federal government should regulate pay-for-play fantasy football competitions online.

"Wait a second," the Jersey guy fired back at the moderators. "We have $19 trillion in debt, people out of work, ISIS and al Qaeda attacking us – and we're talking about fantasy football? 

"How about we get the government to do what they’re supposed to be doing?" an agitated Christie shouted. "Enough on fantasy football. Let people play! Who cares?" 

We have ISIS attacking us & we're here talking about Fantasy Football? #CNBCGOPDebate https://t.co/v1pKSXovgc

— Chris Christie (@ChrisChristie) October 29, 2015

Yes, fantasy sports is popular and the industry's two biggest startups, DraftKings and FanDuel, are facing allegations that improper use of data gave employees an unfair advantage when playing on competing sites. A controversy which has given rise to questions over whether the billion dollar business of fantasy sports should be considered illegal gambling.

But was it relevant at the debate? At least Jeb Bush thought so.

Bush said the burgeoning daily fantasy industry needs to face "some regulation" before Christie went off on the CNBC trio.

"This is something that needs to be looked into," Bush said. "When you have insider information which apparently has been the case... there has to be some regulation."

And it gave ol' Jeb a chance to tout his undefeated fantasy football team.

Jeb Bush broke the No. 1 rule of fantasy sports: absolutely NO ONE cares about your team. https://t.co/RZ3nRfUkXo https://t.co/0h0OEnn0VP

— SB Nation (@SBNation) October 29, 2015

Hey Jeb, nobody likes a braggart. Just ask Donald Trump.

High school runner stripped of first-place title for helping rival finish race

In an age where every young athlete seems to get a trophy for just showing up, this high school cross country runner lost his first-place award for an act of good sportsmanship.

Zachary Hougland, a 17-year-old senior and member of Iowa's Davis High School cross country team has been stripped of his first-place title — because he helped an injured rival to finish the race.

Hougland competed at a meet last week and finished first, according to WHOtv.com. But after he crossed the finish line, the teen looked back at the course and saw a runner from an opposing team, Garret Hinson of Mediapolis High School collapse.

"Is anyone going to help him?, " he shouted before running back to lift Hinson and carry him to the finish line.

But despite his act of kindness, officials told him it was grounds for disqualification according to National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) rules, and rescinded his winning title.

Hougland will be able to compete in the state championships as part of a team because his classmates qualified — but not as a solo competitor.

And nobody was more upset than the runner Hougland helped.

"When I first found out from his coach that he had been disqualified," Hinson told  ABC. "I was more upset over that than I had been over how my own race had went. 

"Cross-country is a sport that takes months of dedication and training. To take away someone's chances at a state run for helping out someone that was obviously struggling when it was too late to have really affected any results doesn't seem right."

In a statement to ABC, administrator Jared Chizek said: "NFHS rules do not allow a competitor to receive or give assistance from or to another competitor during a race. 

"If a competitor receives or gives assistance, that competitor is disqualified from the event."

And while Hougland won't have the chance to win an individual title, the runner told WHOtv.com he has no regrets about what he did. 

"If I could do it all again, I wouldn't change a thing because I did what I thought was right."

Too bad they don't give out trophies for benevolence. 

Legends (Lingerie) Football League posts 'creepy' video of its #1 Hottest Player (VIDEO)

It's not a surprise to find most of you men out there watch the Legends Football League (formally the Lingerie Football League) games for the football. And, just like you used to read Playboy for the articles, in between all the brutal hits and touchdowns, there is a softer and more intellectual side to the women which you would like to inquire about.

And the LFL wants you to see that sexy side — in case you didn't notice through all the visible undergarments, cleavage and buttcheeks.

So the LFL is marketing a video of Alli Alberts on its YouTube channel ranking her as the league's  “Hottest Athlete of 2015.”

On the video, a narrator says the two-way player is known for "Her sleek body, haunting blue eyes and flowing blonde hair, Alberts is the prototypical LFL athlete."

And, if that wasn't enough to earn her the honor, he throws in this little nugget:

“Not only is she the hottest doctor you’ll ever see, but she’s the only player who will chug a beer with you!”

We're sold.



But those comments have a lot of people getting their own panties in a twist.

Sure Alberts is a respected dentist and I've never really watched more than a couple of minutes of the LFL (that's all I need) to know any players, but the women, who are basically naked, do play some good hard-nosed football — just not the kind I want to spend a whole evening watching.

And to anyone who thinks the video is creepy or misogynistic, get over it. What were you expecting?

The league know what puts fannies in the seats and it's the players' own derrieres that does that job.

It's called marketing to your audience. So if you don't like it, change the channel or start your own league.

Manhattan bar changes name to 'Daniel Murphy's Pub & Restaurant' during World Series

After Daniel Murphy broke the MLB postseason record for home runs in consecutive games, the Mets second baseman became the most talked about sports figure around New York City bar stools. So it seemed only natural that at least one NYC pub would honor the slugger who was on everyone's beer-drenched tongues.

And with a name like Murphy, what better way to pay tribute than naming an Irish pub after the sports hero.

At least during the World Series.

And this week, one of the most well-known baseball bars in the city announced the name change on their website, as a new banner with Murphy's name was unfurled across the bar's facade.

Foley's owner Shaun Clancy, who is from Ireland and markets his Manhattan restaurant as "an Irish bar with a baseball attitude," said that the fact that Murphy is Irish American made honoring him even more applicable.

"Daniel Murphy is having a month, or two weeks, for the ages," Clancy said.

And while pundits claim chances of the Mets keeping Murphy after the World Series are slim, Yankees fans drowning in their Guinness can only hope Brian Cashman is once again tending bar at the establishment if Murphy stops by.

Photo by Tony Mangia

Who knows? Maybe the GM can give the free-agent Murphy a buy-back and a contract.

Woman plasters 5,000 flyers around Michigan campus claiming Jabrill Peppers gave her chlamydia ... twice: Report

Jabrill Peppers, the second-year star safety at Michigan, became the subject of some nasty Internet rumors this week when a student reportedly posted thousands of flyers throughout a UM campus building this week claiming the football player gave her chlamydia twice in the last year.

In a 660-word letter addressed to Peppers, the woman claims that she believed they were in a monogamous relationship at the time she is accusing him of giving her the STD, which can cause permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system if left untreated. 

The accusations went viral after a Twitter user named @gaytee uploaded a photo of the letter along with the caption, "Posted in the girls bathroom at UMich. @ Jabrill Peppers." 

The passionate and expletive-filled letter was copied 5,000 times and passed around one of the university's main classroom buildings, Mason Hall, according to Barstool Sports.  

She explains that Peppers not only gave her the STD once, but that he infected her with it twice in the last year. 

"I cannot stomach to see your face again knowing that you're infecting other young women unbeknownst to them, which as you may know, is a felony," she wrote.

Later she calls the Wolverine safety a "despicable piece of s***." 

"I hope you can feel the hatred coursing through my veins for you. I hope you rot in hell. I don't wish too hard though because you're sending yourself down that road all by yourself," she wrote. 

The former New Jersey high school star was quick to defend himself on Twitter, claiming the letter is "slander."

"The slander is crazy. My word is all I have, I will continue to walk w. my chest and chin high. People love bringing someone down. #prayedup," he wrote:

The slander is crazy. My word is all I have, I will continue to walk w. my chest and chin high. People love bringing someone down. #prayedup

— PeppyPep (@JabrillPeppers) October 26, 2015

The woman finishes off her letter telling Peppers to warn his "girlfriend" about the STD and tells the football star that he "should have known better than to try to f***. Me. Over."

What's that saying? Fool me once ....

Obama shuts out Hope Solo at White House ceremony (VIDEO)

President Barack Obama welcomed the U.S. women's 2015 World Cup champion soccer team to the White House Tuesday, saying the team's 5-2 victory over Japan inspired the whole country.

"They've inspired millions of girls to dream bigger and, by the way, inspired millions of boys to look at girls differently, which is just as important," Obama said to applause in the White House East Room. "This team taught all America's children that playing like a girl means you're a bad ass."

Adding, "Perhaps I shouldn't have used that phrase. Playing like a girl means being the best."

And with everyone from the World Cup championship team gathered at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Obama called out several players by name including Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd, Sydney Leroux, Becky Sauerbrunn, Megan Rapinoe and Heather O'Reilly.

But Obama distanced himself from Hope Solo ... with POTUS refusing to acknowledge the goalie at the ceremony.

Solo — who won the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper in the World Cup — was notably left off the list of shout-outs.

And it's a good guess it has to do with the soccer star's domestic violence case.

Hope is facing criminal charges for allegedly beating up her half sister and nephew in a drunken rage back in 2014 ... allegations Solo still denies.

Solo was arrested following the alleged rampage — and cops say she went on a tirade, berating several police officers  calling one a "bitch" and saying she'd kick his ass.

And, despite the charges, soccer's bad girl was allowed to play.

While the President's apology for using the term 'bad ass' scored as a joke — his shut out of Solo said much more.

Kenyan 'marathon' runner hides in crowd before joining race half-mile before finish and still finishes second (VIDEO)

A Kenyan runner cheated his way into a marathon by hiding among the crowd before joining the race with about a half-mile to the finish line — and still ended up in second place.

Julius Njogu (in black) was later arrested and is now facing fraud charges after falsely claiming the silver medal finish during Kenya's Nairobi International Marathon. 

The 28-year-old breezed past Shadrack Kiptto, the real second-place finisher, down the final stretch after popping out of the crowd at Nyayo National Stadium. 

He was in line to claim around $7,000 in prize money before being caught out and disqualified.

Stanchart Marathon : Julius Njogu akamatwa kwa kuwalaghai waandalizi kwa kukimbia kwa njia ya mkato https://t.co/Lb6pZ9GRox

— HAPPENING (@HAPPENINGKENYA) October 25, 2015

Officials said they became suspicious because Njogu showed no signs of fatigue and was not sweating when he had supposedly just run 26 miles.

Video images later showed Njogu arguing with race officials, and even removing his running shoes in an apparent attempt to show organizers the blisters on his feet to prove he'd run the entire course.

They discovered that Njogu barely ran one mile after emerging from a bunch of spectators and joining the leading group of runners just outside the stadium.

Sounds like he has more blisters on his brain.

Former NFL star Eddie George to take on Broadway as Billy Flynn in 'Chicago'

Former NFL star Eddie George is trading in his spikes for a pair of spats as he prepares to make his Broadway debut next year in the musical “Chicago.” 

The 42-year-old Heisman trophy winner will take on the role of lawyer Billy Flynn, the Broadway part originated by the great Jerry Orbach and famously played in the movie adaptation by Richard Gere.

.@NFL Legend & Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George will make his Broadway debut in the role of Billy Flynn. pic.twitter.com/7ML5pL4Yll

— Chicago The Musical (@ChicagoMusical) October 26, 2015

George, who won the Heisman in 1995 and went on to a nine-year career in the NFL, leading the Tennessee Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV, will make his Broadway debut at the Ambassador Theatre beginning Jan. 11.

And putting the former running back on The Great White Way is not just some Hail Mary casting stunt.

George has shown some serious acting chops and has an impressive the on-stage resume since retiring from football. 

He's previously appeared in Matthew Lopez's The Whipping Man at the Nashville Repertory Theatre, Suzan-Lori Parks' Topdog/Underdog at Amun Ra Theatre, also in Nashville, and played both Othello and Julius Caesar at the Nashville Shakespeare Festival.

You can hear George sing All I Care About until Feb. 28.

Jeremy Roenick attempts to tackle an alligator on golf course (VIDEO)

Alligators on a golf course are nothing new to duffers, but when Jeremy Roenick is on the links, the toothy hazard is no problem for the former NHL star.

Actually, Roenick is more of a nuisance to the sunbathing gator.

Roenick, currently an NHL analyst, jumped on a live alligator during what appears to be a golf outing. The video was posted by Rhea Huges of Sportsradio 94WIP in Philadelphia.

Jeremy Roenick vs. The Alligator pic.twitter.com/YCO1IZzWdY

— Rhea Hughes (@rheahughes) October 26, 2015

Luckily, the gator didn't take the hand out of Roenick's golf handicap.

Fill in your own "Happy Gilmore" joke about Chubbs here.

Deer runs across soccer pitch and scores goal (VIDEO)

A young deer sprinted across the pitch during a youth soccer match — and somehow managed to score a goal.

And that's deer — not dear, grandma.

On a video posted on YouTube, the runaway animal can be seen leaping across a playing field towards the woods while a game was taking place. Seconds later, the deer charges towards the action and manages to deflect a shot as it sprints across the goalmouth.

The ball ends up in the corner of the net to the disbelief of players and spectators.

It is not clear where this footage of the goal-scoring Bambi was taken, but it didn't stick around for a tryout for Jurgen Klinsmann.

Dez Bryant says last-place Cowboys will still 'run the East' (VIDEO)

Dez Bryant didn't let Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Giants take any of the bluster out of the Cowboys' goal of winning the NFC East title — even before he hit the locker room.

The Cowboys, who have now lost four games in a row since Tony Romo went down with a broken collarbone in Week 2, face an uphill battle to even make the playoffs. But that didn't phase the sidelined wide receiver as he was walking off the field at MetLife Stadium and brashly told Giants fans that the Cowboys are "still gonna run the East" this year.

#Cowboys @DezBryant leaves the field with a promise - "We still gon' run the East!" #WFAACowboys #NFL pic.twitter.com/5u5gyo2IiT

— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) October 25, 2015

Considering that the Cowboys (2-4) will go with either Brandon Weeden or Matt Cassel for at least the next three weeks, that's a mighty bold statement from Bryant.

Romo isn't expected to return until Week 11, which means the Cowboys will have to play the Seahawks and the Eagles in the next two weeks without him.

Bryant is hoping to get back on the field for next Sunday's game against Seattle. But beating the Seahawks with Cassel or Weeden at quarterback is going to be a tall task.

But, as with every year in the NFC East, it's crap shoot. And this year might be the wildest division finish ever.

Tom Coughlin not happy with Rodgers-Cromartie's celebration on way to end zone (VIDEO)

Tom Coughlin was more than happy to see Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie pick off a Matt Cassel pass and take it into the end zone Sunday. 

But the head coach wasn’t exactly thrilled with how Rodgers-Cromartie held the ball up high in celebration 45 yards from the goal line while a bunch of Cowboys were still giving chase down the sideline.

DRC started celebrating his 58-yard pick-6 at the 40-yard line. #DALvsNYG (no @DeionSanders 2-step though) https://t.co/SSPt4s4TSl

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2015

“I tried to get him to not hold the ball up in the air with a guy running 4.3 behind him,” Coughlin said. “I just mentioned it to him and he agreed.”

Rodgers-Cromartie's 58-yard pick-6 did put the Giants up 17-13 during the third quarter of the 27-20 victory, but the premature finger-waving might have been a little presumptuous.

Or maybe DRC was just signaling a medic for the referee who was taken out on the sideline by a Cowboys player during the play:

Alabama lights up traditional stogies after beating Tennessee (PHOTOS)

Call it close, but yes cigar.

It's a tradition, when Alabama beats Tennessee, cigars are smoked. And on Saturday, those stogies were lit after the Crimson Tide eked out a 19-14 win over the Volunteers in Tuscaloosa.

After two touchdowns from running back Derrick Henry, the Heisman candidate celebrated quite appropriately with his coach Nick Saban:

While the PC Police will find so much wrong with these pictures, you have to love that Alabama don't give a lick.

One last time to spark the cigars with lil bro #BPsiPhi #FlyHighMyGuy #HeyVols #WeJustBeatTheHellOutOfYou pic.twitter.com/FFBFf1OJng

— John Fulton (@_Elvis_Freshley) October 24, 2015

The host team preserved their lead after the Vols fumbled with little over a minute left in the contest:

This left Peyton Manning, who was watching the game on the sideline of his alma mater, with what looks like well ... smoke in his eyes.

Flyers' Michael Raffl OK after bench collapse scare (VIDEO)

At first, when Michael Raffl suddenly slumped on the bench 2:58 into the second period of a 3-2 shootout victory over the Rangers, his Flyers teammates thought their left wing was just up to one of his old pranks. After all, the Austrian has been known for trying almost anything to get a laugh.

But it didn't take long before everyone quickly found out this was no joke. Something seemed to be seriously wrong with Raffl.

“I thought he was joking around and I told him to move,” said Flyers captain, Claude Giroux. “And I realized he wasn’t joking around.”

Raffl was woozy after skating into Jarret Stoll’s elbow moments earlier before coming off the ice and, while talking to Giroux, he suddenly passed out.

Michael Raffl leaves the bench in Philadelphia, pretty scary moment. https://t.co/weOSKsQcn7 .. GM Hextall says he's OK

— Bobby (@montrealdesign) October 25, 2015

"I told him to move," Giroux said. "Then I realized he wasn't joking around. Then I started freaking out and started yelling at (athletic trainer) Jimmy (McCrossin). It wasn't a fun moment. The whole team was pretty worried."

Screams could be heard from the Flyers bench as the Rangers began a power play. Players smacked their sticks on the boards and someone threw a glove on the ice to get the attention of officials, which led to a stoppage of play for about five minutes.

Here's the incidental elbow to Raffl's head by Stoll as he checked the New York forward from behind.

Possibly a 'delayed' concussion for Michael Raffl https://t.co/OGRmIorLBX #Flyers

— Bobby (@montrealdesign) October 25, 2015

Happily, for Raffl, he didn't even require a trip to a hospital.

"He's fine," GM Ron Hextall said. "I would not say that if he wasn't fine. Michael's fine."

It's still too early to tell though if Raffl will be good to go for the Flyers' next game, Tuesday night at home against the Devils.

But there was another good sign, claimed Hextall.

"I just talked to him," he said. "He's actually cracking jokes."

Mose Shrute lookalike catches controversial Mike Moustakas home run (VIDEO)

Mike Moustakas added to the Kansas City Royals' lead in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series with a second-inning home run to right field against Toronto Blue Jays pitcher David Price, giving Kansas City a 2-0 lead. 

The ball was caught by a fan who obviously reached over the railing to make the grab with his mitt, but the home run call was upheld after replay review.

Royals take a 2-0 Lead with a home run by Mike Moustakas! #royals #bluejays #jays #kcroyals pic.twitter.com/9C8u1VNnuo

— T.H.O.T.N (@_thotn) October 24, 2015

Amazing that the MLB replay booth, with all their gadgetry, couldn't see that it was caught below the wall — making it a ground-rule-double.

More fantastic was seeing Mose Shrute from "The Office" go back to Lancaster with a nice souvenir though.

After checking out the resemblance, look at how close the call actually was.

Clearly not a home run pic.twitter.com/gEisB5Iee3

— Tulontoo (@FakeTulo) October 24, 2015

That horse and buggy ride back to Pennsylvania might take some time, Mose. But once again, it seems a Luddite shows us technology is good for nothing.

MLB looks to end on-field champagne celebrations: Report

Major League Baseball, seemingly taking a lead from that No Fun League, had a message to teams that carry their postseason champagne celebrations onto the field to spray fans: Don't pop that cork outside.

MLB, concerned that such celebratory interaction in the stands is getting out of control and poses potential danger for fans, especially young ones, claimed there could even be disciplinary action involved.

After the Mets clinched the NLCS in Game 4 on Wednesday night, officials stopped several players at the door of the visitors' clubhouse at Wrigley Field and asked them not to go onto the field carrying champagne bottles.

Some players were annoyed, but soon after, manager Terry Collins was on the field spraying a few dozen jubilant Mets fans — who seemed to love every spritz from the bottle.

Amazing video of Terry Collins spraying the Mets fans at Wrigley with champagne! @SNYtv pic.twitter.com/W9FYWGbPjR

— Matt Dunn (@MattDunnSNY) October 22, 2015

It was not clear whether Collins had any idea that MLB had been trying to curtail such behavior.

But Collins' celebration was shared widely on social media and further cemented his popularity among the Mets faithful.

UCLA and Cal bands troll USC together by reenacting the Trojan War (VIDEO)

On Thursday night, fans got to see the  Cal Golden Bears and UCLA Bruins battle it out on the football field, but during the halftime show, both of the schools' marching bands joined together for a rare show of harmony.

While both nationally-ranked Cal and UCLA football teams mixed it up in a Pac-12 match-up, the bands of the two schools ganged up to stomp on the less fortunate turn of another conference rival — namely the USC Trojans.

Together, the Cal and UCLA bands not only trolled a team both schools hate, they turned it into a history lesson by recreating the fall of the Trojan empire — only with tubas, trumpets and togas.

What? pic.twitter.com/l7zTT8hy9k

— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) October 23, 2015

And yes, that was a Trojan Horse.



We are Sparta! Oh wait. That's another school and conference.

Arizona high school bans patriotic gear and anything 'Trump' from football game: Report

Administrators at an Arizona high school put the kibosh on a planned "USA" themed football game Friday night after banning anything they deemed "offensive" or "racist" in the stands including: USA gear, flags and even pro-Donald Trump clothing.

Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona — which, ironically, are known as “The Tribe” — is set to play Marcos de Niza High School Friday in an anticipated rivalry game. The game was supposed to have a “USA” theme. But that idea was considered problematic and tossed out.

"The Tribe tweeted out that the theme for the game would be "USA," and students should wear red, white and blue. Administration recognized that this theme had negative connotations," according to a statement Thursday by the Editorial Board of the Corona student newspaper.

When a Twitter user asked what constituted inappropriate dress, the publication responded that American flags and any Trump merchandise would be considered too offensive:

The tweets and school sites have since been deleted.

“This is not something that can be denied—past games, even as far back as over eight years ago, have showcased themes and chants that appeared racist or offensive toward Marcos [school].

The theme was changed to “Orange Out” after the administration decided it was best to avoid any possible offensive connotations the theme would have.”

Orange is the team color.

The student publication also warned that “Students dressed inappropriately will not be admitted.”

The two schools have a longstanding rivalry that, as described by the paper, has led to problems at sporting events in the past. 

“Most recently, students of both schools and even a Corona security guard were pepper sprayed by police after conflicts escalated and led to hostile confrontations after a basketball game in early 2013.”

For the record, 63% of Corona del Sol's student body of approximately 2600 is White, while 68% of the 1700-plus students at Marcos de Niza are minorities.

Just wondering how they'll confiscate the "USA USA" chants at the gate.

Jason Pierre-Paul still a no-show at meeting with Giants: Report

The mystery surrounding Jason Pierre-Paul's return continued on Wednesday after the Giants defensive end had been expected to meet with team officials this week for a second time — since he injured his right hand in a Fourth of July weekend fireworks accident — but never showed up.

Even head coach Tom Coughlin had no idea when JPP will be bringing his mangled hand back to practice.

"I wish I knew," Coughlin said when asked if he had any info on Pierre-Paul's meetings expected to take place with the team and, more importantly, the medical staff, this week. 

Asked if Pierre-Paul was visiting with the Giants on Wednesday, Coughlin said: “Not that I know of. As soon as I have information, I’ll let you know.”

Pierre-Paul has been away from the team almost the whole time since the July 4 incident that resulted in the amputation of his right index finger and damage to his thumb and middle finger. 

He visited in early September, hoping to be cleared to play and sign his $14.8-million tender but was sent home to Florida for further rehab and recovery.

Since then, he has been peppering social media with images of himself working out and lifting weights.

The Giants have only one more chance to meet with Pierre-Paul, technically a free agent although the team holds his rights as a franchise tag player. According to league rules, free agents are limited to two medical evaluations before signing. So now it appears the negotiations between the two sides are how to make certain that Pierre-Paul's hand is as close to football functional as possible without actually having team doctors examine him.

There is also the business matter to be worked out. Pierre-Paul will collect nowhere near the $14.8 million he would have earned had he been uninjured and signed the tender at the start of training camp as many expected.

And the Giants' best pass rusher last season better hurry. If Pierre-Paul is not signed by Nov. 17, he will be ineligible to play this season.

Raging bull jumps into stands and gores fans who teased it at bullfight (VIDEO)

A group of Peruvian bullfight fans found out what it's like to be behind the red cape when an angry bull jumped over the barriers of a bullring and ran wild in the stands, causing injury to at least 20 people.

The wild change of perspective took place during the closing of a traditional feast to celebrate the patron saint of Taraco, in the province of Huancane, Puno.

The video showed the distressed animal charging at the stands in response to the spectators, who could be seen provoking it by throwing objects and beer at it. Suddenly the bull runs towards the barricade, leaping into a crowd of people after clearing the security barrier.

Screaming can be heard as the frenzied bull begins running wild among the stands while terrified spectators jump into the ring and even climb stadium poles to escape the rampaging animal.

According to local publication Canal N, several people were gored by the animal although none were seriously injured.

The newspaper reported that prior to the event, none of the bull fighters had wanted to fight that bull due to its ferocity.

Bullfighting is a popular sport in Peru with around 540 fights being held in the country every year. 

This event is now being investigated by authorities.

The fate of the bull is unknown, but you can probably guess what it is.

Terry Collins sprays Mets fans with champagne after team sweeps Cubs (VIDEO)

A small group of Mets fans got to be part of an amazing celebration after their team beat the Cubs, 8-3, to clinch a World Series berth in Chicago Wednesday night.

To show his appreciation for their away game support, Mets manager Terry Collins made the loyal fans part of the team's celebration when he playfully sprayed them with champagne as they chanted, "Let's go Mets" behind their Wrigley Field dugout after the game.

Amazing video of Terry Collins spraying the Mets fans at Wrigley with champagne! @SNYtv pic.twitter.com/W9FYWGbPjR

— Matt Dunn (@MattDunnSNY) October 22, 2015

It's been 15 years since a Mets team won a pennant, so the fans also chanted the manager's name, "Terry Collins," in gratitude as well.

Terry Collins just doused Mets fans with champagne. They are chanting his name in gratitude.

— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) October 22, 2015

Royals players pretend to take cover from trash-tossing Blue Jays fans (VIDEO)

The Royals and Blue Jays haven't have trouble with Rogers Centre fans throwing trash on the field during the ALCS in like visiting players did in an ugly scene last week.

Still, some Royals players were more than ready to protect themselves from flying objects in case anyone in the crowd decided to make their feelings heard after a call on Tuesday.

The dugout hijinks happened when Alcides Escobar was hit by a pitch on his knuckles in the second inning, but only awarded first base after a video review. When the call was overturned, fans booed loudly, Jeremy Guthrie and Paulo Orlando covered their heads in mock anticipation of being pelted. Johnny Cueto jumped up and down, and others pointed but no foreign objects came.

Here's the call which made the Royals take cover. If you look closely, you can see the players in the dugout getting ready for the deluge which never happened.

Now if the Canucks could only keep the fruits and vegetables out of the cheap seats.

Drew Butera, who was a few feet away, believes object thrown from 500 level last night that just missed Toronto policeman was a green pepper

— Vahe Gregorian (@vgregorian) October 20, 2015

Giants fan gets laid out with two punches by Eagles fan after game (VIDEO)

Eli Manning wasn't the the only one who got knocked out in Philadelphia Monday night. An Eagles fan also had his way with a man in No. 10. 

A Giants fan wearing a bright red  Manning jersey got waylaid by an Eagles fan in the aftermath of Monday night’s 27-7 loss, according to footage posted to YouTube.

The video, shot in a Philadelphia transit station, shows an Eagles fan trailing a couple of Giants fans repeatedly saying, “C’mon now.”

VIDEO WARNING: Naughty language and Eagles fans

One of the Giants fans finally turns around, telling the persistent Eagles goon to "F--k off" before getting laid out with two punches. It appears the larger Eagles fan then spat on the stunned Manning fan as he walked by.

Typical Giants fan - DO NOT mess with @Eagles fans!! https://t.co/jVY0Lf0sRM via @YouTube

— Matt McCall (@MatthewMcCall) October 20, 2015

 That's the City of Brotherly Love in case you didn't know.

Matt Harvey ‘sore and swelled up,’ putting Game 5 in question: Report

Matt Harvey is still scheduled to pitch a potential Game 5 of the NLCS for the Mets, but there is still some concern about the right-hander’s availability.

Manager Terry Collins on Monday described Harvey as “sore and swelled up,” two days after the pitcher was hit by a line drive near his right shoulder in Game 1 of the NLCS, reported the New York Post.

“The big day will be (Tuesday),” Collins said, referring to Harvey’s scheduled throw day.

In the sixth inning of Saturday night’s game, Dexter Fowler hit a line drive that careened off Harvey between the elbow and the shoulder, bouncing high in the air before the pitcher completed the out.

If Harvey isn’t deemed fit to pitch a potential Game 5, the start could go to Bartolo Colon, according to Collins.

College football team used the botched Colts play once...and it worked (VIDEO)

By now you have seen and scratched your head over the Colts botched punt play late in the third quarter of Sunday night's game against the Patriots. The epic fail where head coach Chuck Pagano's odd formation had two guys standing over the ball in the middle of the field and the rest of the team clustered together off to the side.

 Just in case you haven't seen it, here it is again for you amusement:

*Probably RT @TheCauldron Possibly the worst play ever run in the NFL pic.twitter.com/RCA0T1AFhi

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) October 19, 2015

But discombobulated as this play looked — and it had failure written all over it — there’s at least one example of it working to win a game.

The University of Maine pulled it off in 2011 against James Madison in overtime. 

The only differences were that Maine used its regular quarterback and center with the ball, and they lined up in a shotgun formation — and it worked:

Hey @Colts, this is how it's done. #BlackBearNation #CAAFB pic.twitter.com/QgokyjOK7m

— Maine Football (@BlackBearsFB) October 19, 2015

Something tells me if the Colts used someone who could throw the ball from the shotgun position, it might have actually worked.

But have fun finding a coach willing to risk his job by giving it a try.

Al Michaels throws shade on 'DeflateGate' mention prop bet (VIDEO)

The New England Patriots-Indianapolis Colts game was one of the most anticipated of the season — partly because of the Tom Brady-Andrew Luck rematch but mostly because of that whole DeflateGate thing.

And an online sportsbook offered a prop bet on how many times the word "DeflateGate" — or a reasonable facsimile thereof — would be mentioned on NBC’s "Sunday Night Football" broadcast during the game.

Al Michaels, NBC’s lead play-by-play broadcaster for the NFL, became aware of such a wager and made sure to mention the D-word on air not just once, but four times in a rapid fire sequence: “DeflateGate, DeflateGate, DeflateGate, DeflateGate” taking the air out of the whole bet.

The over/under was 2.5.

Michaels then added, “Four. You won the over.”

Wonder how many of Michaels' buddies cashed in on that one?