Cardiff City has started legal action against Nantes, seeking 100 million euros ($108.8 million) ...

<p>Cardiff City has started legal action against Nantes, seeking 100 million euros ($108.8 million) in compensation for the death of striker Emiliano Sala as he was flying to join the Welsh club in 2019.</p><p>Lawyers representing the French Ligue 1 club, told AFP on Monday that Cardiff set an action in motion in the Nantes commercial court last week and that a first hearing is scheduled for June 22.</p><p>Sala, 28, died when the light aircraft taking him to the Welsh capital came down in the Channel on January 21, 2019, two days after he had signed for the then Premier League side.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In January of this year, Cardiff finally paid Nantes the first instalment of Sala's 17 million euro transfer fee, around six million euros, after losing an appeal to the Court for Arbitration in Sport against paying.</p><p>The Bluebirds claim Sala's transfer had not been finalised at the time of the crash which also killed the plane's pilot, David Ibbotson.</p><p>World football's governing body FIFA ordered Cardiff, who are in the second-tier Championship, to pay the first six million, a decision upheld by CAS last August.</p><p>"After having been strongly rejected by FIFA, CAS, and the Swiss Federal Court, Cardiff opens a new absurd judicial front," Nantes lawyers, Jerome Marsaudon and Louis-Marie Absil of Paris law firm RMT, said.</p><p>"Cardiff valued its so-called damages at 17 million euros and was totally rejected. Now, before the commercial court of Nantes, Cardiff consider that this same damage would be worth more than 100 million euros," the lawyer said.</p><p>They said they were "very confident" the court would reject "these extravagant demands" and added that Nantes "will not fail to seek compensation for the damage that these abusive procedures have caused for over four years".</p>

A supporter stands in front of flowers placed in front of a giant portrait of Argentinian former Nantes' forward Emilianio Sala outside La Beaujoire stadium before the French Cup football match between FC Nantes and Toulouse FC in Nantes on February 5, 2019.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/25004520/related

Cardiff start civil action in dispute with Nantes over Sala fee

A Spanish judge on Tuesday denied Brazil defender Dani Alves's second bail request while the foot...

<p>A Spanish judge on Tuesday denied Brazil defender Dani Alves's second bail request while the footballer awaits trial for alleged rape.</p><p>The 40-year-old was detained in January after he was accused of raping a young woman in the bathroom of a Barcelona nightclub late last year.</p><p>The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star will remain in custody after the court investigating him said there was a "high risk" he would try to flee.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It "rejected the request for release made by the defence," the High Court of Justice of Catalonia said Tuesday.</p><p>It said his wealth "could allow him to leave Spain at any time."</p><p>This was the second time Alves's legal team has pushed for his release after their first request was turned down in February.</p><p>His lawyers asked for bail again in April, shortly after he addressed the judge at a hearing where he said the pair had sexual relations but claimed they were consensual.</p><p>Alves's legal team proposed revoking his two passports, Brazilian and Spanish, to reassure the judge he could be granted bail this time, but the request was rejected.</p>

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 5: Dani Alves of Brazil during the World Cup match between Brazil v Korea Republic at the Stadium 974 on December 5, 2022 in Doha Qatar

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/24993870/related

Judge rejects Dani Alves' 2nd bail request

Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday he was "deeply shocked" by accusation...

<p>Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday he was "deeply shocked" by accusations that he made racist remarks about players when he was coaching Ligue 1 club Nice last season.</p><p>"I am deeply shocked by the remarks attributed to me and which have been relayed by some in an irresponsible way, which hurt me deeply," Galtier said at a press conference.</p><p>The 56-year-old has denied making racist and Islamophobic remarks following allegations which surfaced in an email apparently sent by the former Nice sporting director Julien Fournier and which have been reported by various French media.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The message, which AFP has not been able to verify, was reportedly sent by Fournier to Dave Brailsford, the former head of British Cycling and now Director of Sport at chemicals giant Ineos, the owners of Nice.</p><p>"I was brought up on a state housing estate and in a multicultural environment with shared values and respect for other people, whatever their origins, colour or religion," Galtier added.</p><p>"I cannot accept having my name tarnished in this way. I have therefore decided to take legal action against anyone who tries to damage my reputation."</p><p>Galtier was speaking shortly after the public prosecutor in the southern French city of Nice announced that a preliminary investigation had been opened into possible "racial or religious discrimination".</p><p>Nice prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme told AFP that police searches were being carried out at the club's offices.</p><p>Galtier has received threats since the reports surfaced and has been placed under protection by PSG.</p><p>"The club supports Christophe Galtier in the face of the many and unacceptable threats he has received, and now hopes that this matter will be dealt with by the courts," the Qatar-owned club said in a statement to reporters on Friday.</p><p>Galtier, who won the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2021, spent a year at Nice before moving to Paris at the end of last season.</p><p>PSG's leading supporters' group, Collectif Ultras Paris, has said it would "not be acceptable" for him to remain in charge if the allegations were proven to be true.</p><p>Galtier had already been under increasing pressure due to PSG's faltering form since they were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 by Bayern Munich last month.</p><p>They are currently six points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and host second-placed Lens on Saturday.</p>

Paris Saint-Germain's French head coach Christophe Galtier attends a press conference at the club's "Camp des Loges" in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris on April 14, 2023.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/24930975/related

PSG coach Galtier 'deeply shocked' by racism accusations

The BBC's flagship football highlights show Match of the Day was cut short on Saturday as pundits...

<p>The BBC's flagship football highlights show Match of the Day was cut short on Saturday as pundits and commentators pulled out after presenter Gary Lineker was taken off air by the corporation.</p><p>Lineker was told to "step back" from the role he has held since 1999 on Friday after an impartiality row broke out over the former England striker's comparison of the U.K. government's rhetoric in tackling illegal immigration to Nazi-era Germany.</p><p>But the decision sparked a major backlash from BBC pundits and commentators, decimating the publicly funded broadcaster's sports schedule.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>First broadcast in 1964, Match of the Day is the world's longest-running football television program and has grown into a cultural phenomenon in Britain.</p><p>For the first time, it was broadcast without a presenter, pundits, or even commentary, with only crowd noise accompanying a 20-minute highlights package of six Premier League games, an hour less than scheduled.</p><p>The program's famous theme tune was even dropped for an introduction apologizing to viewers for the curtailed show.</p>

The headquarters of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) are pictured in London on March 11, 2023. - The BBC's sport service was in meltdown on Saturday after pundits and commentators refused to work in support of presenter Gary Lineker, who was forced to "step back" after accusing the government of using Nazi-era rhetoric. Match of the Day presenter Lineker, England's fourth most prolific goalscorer, sparked an impartiality row by criticising the British government's new policy on tackling illegal immigration.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/24814489/related

Match of the Day reduced to 20-minute show without pundits or commentary

Gary Lineker was told by the BBC to "step back" from presenting his football show on Friday after...

<p>Gary Lineker was told by the BBC to "step back" from presenting his football show on Friday after the former England star sparked an impartiality row by criticizing the British government's new asylum policy.</p><p>The 62-year-old, who fronts the flagship Match of the Day program, this week compared the language used to launch the new policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany on Twitter.</p><p>The BBC said it considered Lineker's "recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines," adding he should avoid taking sides on political issues.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media," the broadcaster said in a statement.</p><p>The row was sparked by Lineker's response to a video in which Home Secretary Suella Braverman unveiled plans to stop migrants crossing the Channel on small boats.</p><p>Lineker, the BBC's highest-paid star, wrote on Twitter: "There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.</p><p>"This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the '30s."</p><p>The Conservative government intends to outlaw asylum claims by all illegal arrivals and transfer them elsewhere, such as Rwanda, in a bid to stop thousands of migrants from crossing the Channel on small boats.</p><p>Stopping the boats is the "people's priority," Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told the House of Commons earlier this week, vowing also to "break the criminal gangs" profiting from the journeys.</p><h3>Rights fears</h3><p>But rights groups and the United Nations said the legislation would make Britain an international outlaw under European and UN conventions on asylum.</p><p>Lineker tweeted on Thursday that he was "very much looking forward" to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.</p><p>He previously told reporters outside his London home that he stood by his criticism of the immigration policy and did not fear suspension by the BBC.</p><p>Friday's BBC statement described Lineker as "second to none" in his sports presenting.</p><p>"We have never said that Gary should be an opinion-free zone, or that he can't have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies," it added.</p><p>But shortly afterwards, former Arsenal and England forward Ian Wright said he would not be appearing on the program this weekend in a show of support for Lineker.</p><p>"Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I've told the BBC I won't be doing it tomorrow," he tweeted. "Solidarity."</p><p>Fellow pundit Alan Shearer, another former England striker, also said he would not appear on the show as many other broadcasters spoke up on Lineker's behalf.</p><p>The BBC said Match of the Day would air without a presenter or pundits.</p><p>"Some of our pundits have said that they don't wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary," said a spokesperson.</p><p>"We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry."</p><p>BBC director-general Tim Davie warned staff about their use of social media when he took on the role at the end of 2020.</p><p>Lineker is a freelance broadcaster for the BBC, not a permanent member of staff, and is not responsible for news or political content so does not need to adhere to the same strict rules on impartiality.</p><p>The former Barcelona and Tottenham player has hosted refugees at his home and has previously been vocal in his criticism of the government's handling of migrant crossings.</p><p>He has long insisted he is free to express his political opinions as he does not work for the BBC's news or current affairs departments.</p><p>However, in October, he was found to have broken the BBC's impartiality rules with a tweet about the Conservative Party.</p>

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: BBC Pundit, Gary Lineker presents Match of the Day with the FA Cup Trophy on display during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Leicester City and Manchester United at The King Power Stadium on March 21, 2021 in Leicester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/24797267/related

Lineker removed as Match of the Day host after criticizing UK government

Nanterre, France, Feb 27, 2023 (AFP) - French prosecutors on Monday opened an investigation into ...

<p>Nanterre, France, Feb 27, 2023 (AFP) - French prosecutors on Monday opened an investigation into alleged rape by Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi, a source close to the case said.</p><p>A 24-year-old woman has accused the Moroccan international of raping her at his home in a Paris suburb on Feb. 25.</p><p>According to the source, confirming an article in the Parisien newspaper, the woman reported the incident at a police station on Sunday but did not file charges.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The public prosecutor's office handling the case in Nanterre declined to comment but complained to AFP that "information already made public" in the media "undermined the necessary investigations to find out the truth."</p><p>Hakimi was part of the Morocco team that finished fourth in the World Cup in Qatar.</p><p>On Monday, he was at the FIFA Best awards ceremony in Paris, where he was named in the FIFPro men's world team of the year.</p><p>On stage to collect the award, he stood alongside another award winner, his PSG teammate and close friend, Kylian Mbappe.</p><p>Mbappe's France may have ended Morocco's World Cup adventure but Hakimi had spoken of their friendship before the competition: "We are two young men who have like the same things, we chat about music, video games, we go to restaurants," he told the Parisien.</p><p>Born in Madrid, his penalty secured a 3-0 shootout win over Spain to steer Morocco into uncharted territory, with the north African side going on to become the first from the Arab world to reach the last four at a World Cup.</p>

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 14: Achraf Hakimi of FC Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Bayern München at Parc des Princes on February 14, 2023 in Paris, France.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/24669217/related

Report: PSG's Hakimi under investigation for rape

Patrick Mahomes has his eye on Tom Brady's Super Bowl win record.  Ahead of his third Super Bowl ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> has his eye on Tom Brady's Super Bowl win record.</p><p>Ahead of his third Super Bowl appearance, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Kansas City Chiefs</a> quarterback told reporters he'll work hard to catch Brady's seven championship rings.</p><p>"It'll be tough. I mean, seven Super Bowl victories, 10 Super Bowls, there's a reason that he's so far ahead of everybody else," Mahomes said, according to <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/02/11/patrick-mahomes-tom-brady-with-seven-rings-is-far-ahead-ill-do-my-best-to-chase-him/">Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith</a>. "It's hard to do, but I'll do my best to chase it. I've got to start off with trying to win this one this week."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>When asked if he thinks he might achieve the feat, Mahomes responded, "Ask me when I'm 38."</p><p>The 27-year-old will be looking for his second Super Bowl ring Sunday when the Chiefs face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. He won his first ring and earned Super Bowl MVP honors in 2020 during his second season as a starter.</p><p>Brady's seven Super Bowl victories are the most by any player in NFL history, followed by Hall of Famer Charles Haley with five. </p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs speak after Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/24513498/related

Mahomes: 'I'll do my best' to chase Brady's 7 Super Bowl rings

Paris, June 19, 2022 (AFP) - France international Kylian Mbappe on Sunday accused the president o...

<p>Paris, June 19, 2022 (AFP) - France international Kylian Mbappe on Sunday accused the president of the French Football Federation (FFF) of ignoring racist abuse after his penalty miss at Euro 2020.</p><p>The Paris Saint-Germain star's decisive spot-kick against Switzerland was saved in the last-16 shootout, resulting in the world champions exiting the tournament.</p><p>The 23-year-old was vilified on social media by furious fans, and even considered quitting the national team as a result.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In an interview with a Sunday newspaper, FFF president Noel Le Graet spoke of the lack of support Mbappe had felt after the Euro elimination.</p><p>Le Graet said "he (Mbappe) considered that the federation had not defended him after his missed penalty and the criticism on social media networks."</p><p>"We saw each other for five minutes in my office," continued Le Graet, adding the striker "no longer wanted to play in the French team - which he obviously did not think."</p><p>On Sunday, Mbappe responded on Twitter, regretting that Le Graet had not taken into account the "racism" of which he would have been a victim.</p><p>"Yes, finally I explained to him (Le Graet) above all that it was in relation to racism, and NOT to the penalty," Mbappe said.</p><p>"But he considered that there had been no racism."</p><p>Le Graet had already come under fire last September after declaring that racism in football "does not exist or hardly exists".</p><p>A few months prior, the Paris prosecutor's office announced it was investigating racist messages towards certain French international players after the Euros.</p><p>On Saturday, FIFA published a report pointing to the increase in the number of insults against footballers on social media.</p><p>According to this study, 38 percent of them were racist in nature.</p>

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - JUNE 28: Kylian Mbappe of France reacts after having their side's decisive penalty saved by Yann Sommer of Switzerland (not pictured) in the penalty shoot out after the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between France and Switzerland at National Arena on June 28, 2021 in Bucharest, Romania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/22075450/related

Mbappe: FFF president ignored racist abuse at Euro 2020

Lausanne, April 5, 2022 (AFP) - The Russian football federation has dropped an appeal against FIF...

<p>Lausanne, April 5, 2022 (AFP) - The Russian football federation has dropped an appeal against FIFA's World Cup ban, imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Tuesday.</p><p>Russia was drawn to face Poland in a World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final, but the Poles received a bye and then reached the finals starting November 21 by beating Sweden.</p><p>"The process will soon be closed," said CAS which on March 18 refused to overturn the ban.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Russian Federation said it would continue its appeal against UEFA, who have banned Russian clubs from continental competitions.</p><p>CAS said it would not lift the UEFA ban on Russian clubs and is has as yet to decide upon a date for a final ruling.</p>

Russia flags are up during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt on June 19, 2018 at Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/21355393/related

Russia drops World Cup legal challenge against FIFA

London, March 24, 2022 (AFP) - The Saudi Media Group bid to buy Chelsea has failed to make the fi...

<p>London, March 24, 2022 (AFP) - The Saudi Media Group bid to buy Chelsea has failed to make the final shortlist, according to British media reports on Thursday.</p><p>The Saudi consortium were one of a host of bidders attempting to buy the troubled Premier League club from Russia owner Roman Abramovich.</p><p>The Raine Group, handling the sale after Abramovich's assets were frozen by the British Government following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has started informing prospective buyers of the status on their offers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Saudis, whose consortium was fronted by Blues fan Mohamed Al Khereiji, are reportedly the first to be told their bid for the Chelsea has been rejected.</p><p>Saudi Media insisted its offer was completely separate from the Saudi Arabian state, a move provoked by criticism of the country's human rights record.</p><p>Newcastle's Saudi-led takeover last year was widely criticised because of concerns over human rights.</p><p>Both the Government and the Premier League will have oversight of Chelsea's sale, in light of Abramovich's sanctions.</p><p>Chelsea must operate under strict Government license until a new buyer is found, with Abramovich unable to profit from Chelsea's sale.</p><p>Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly is among the front-runners for Chelsea, with Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family also in line to make Raine's shortlist of preferred bidders.</p><p>Martin Broughton and Lord Sebastian Coe have another potent offering lodged, with strong financing secured and both front men say they are proud of the submission.</p><p>British property tycoon Nick Candy has pushed hard with his offer for the Blues, while London-based global investment firm Centricus has also submitted a bid.</p>

A general view outside of Stamford Bridge, Home of Chelsea Football Club, after owner Roman Abramovich announced he is selling the club. The Russian-Israeli billionaire has owned the Blues since 2003 and helped steer the Stamford Bridge club to 19 major trophies. Picture date: Thursday March 3, 2022.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/21225302/related

Report: Saudi media bid for Chelsea fails to make shortlist

It all still seems hard to believe.   Below, we remember a truncated baseball season unlike any o...

<p>It all still seems hard to believe. </p><p>Below, we remember a truncated baseball season unlike any other.</p><h3>Rule change of the year</h3><p>I've been to two 19-inning baseball games. As a teenager in April 1984, it was a hoot to be at Tiger Stadium until nearly 1 a.m. on a Friday night. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198404270.shtml">Cleveland beat Detroit 8-4</a> with four runs in the top of the 19th for the Tigers' second loss of the season after starting 16-1. The most vivid memory is that the fans in the bleachers at Tiger Stadium had a garbage fight and the decisive runs were scored with the warning track in center field covered in debris. By the end of the second one, in July 2016, my knees just hurt from six hours in that Rogers Centre seat. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TOR/TOR201607010.shtml">Cleveland beat Toronto 2-1</a> when the Jays' second position player pitching, Darwin Barney, gave up a solo homer to Carlos Santana. Trevor Bauer pitched the last five innings in relief for the win.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>All that is to say: the extra-innings rule was a pretty good addition to baseball in 2020. Life's changed and baseball's pace doesn't readily fit with our current world. As the game is being played now, there's not much that can be done about the overall running time. For four years, from 2003-06, no more than 32% of the games lasted three hours. On a steady upward climb since then, 62% of games ran past three hours by 2019. So when extra innings arrive, let's just get on with it. Of the 68 extra-inning games in 2020, only one game went 13 innings and only four made it to the 12th. The vast majority of the tied games were wrapped up in 10 innings. <em>- Guy Spurrier</em></p><h3>Narrative failure of the year</h3><p>When the Baseball Hall of Fame announces the 2021 class on Jan. 26, the list might be empty. So far, according to the votes gathered and made by Ryan Thibodaux and his tracking team, no one will meet the 75% vote threshold for induction. In 2020, Yankees great Derek Jeter made it easily and could have joined former teammate Mariano Rivera as the only players in history to receive unanimous consideration. Except one voter among the 397 declined to participate in the Jeter party, spoiling the fun by leaving Jeter off their ballot. </p><p>Who was this person? Nearly a year later, no one knows. Despite the laudable work of Thibodaux and media members to encourage voters to share their ballots publicly, the Baseball Writers' Association of America does not mandate it, as it now does with its year-end award voting. The analytics community and its acolytes famously liked to poke holes in the Jeter Greatness narrative, so perhaps this person was making a little scratch on Jeter's plaque to remind everyone that while Jeter was great, he wasn't perfect. <em>- Spurrier</em></p><h3>Dunder-Mifflin industrial printing material of the year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/413010/cropped_GettyImages-1227995894.jpg?ts=1597158130" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/413010/w220xh124_GettyImages-1227995894.jpg?ts=1597158130 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/413010/w320xh180_GettyImages-1227995894.jpg?ts=1597158130 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/413010/w640xh360_GettyImages-1227995894.jpg?ts=1597158130 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/413010/w768xh432_GettyImages-1227995894.jpg?ts=1597158130 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/413010/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1227995894.jpg?ts=1597158130 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>If you were a commercial printer in a major-league city in 2020, it might have been a very good year for you. When MLB's season kicked off July 23, teams filled seats with cutout visages of their fans, their pets, and past and present team personalities. The workhorse of this scheme was the corrugated plastic medium variously known as Coroplast, Correx, or PP Sheet. The polypropylene stock used for yard signs and the like became the hot decoration accessory in baseball stadiums. It provided the varied background color, if not the sound and movement, viewers are used to seeing on telecasts. And it allowed fans willing to pay for the privilege to feel like they were there in spirit. One Dodgers fan became internet famous when his cutout was mangled by two home runs during the season. <em>- Spurrier</em></p><h3>Inanimate fan of the year</h3><p>Everyone had a lot of fun with the cutouts, but let's hear it for this brave patron in Oakland, who took one off the noggin and kept smiling. He was back the next day with a <a href="https://twitter.com/Athletics/status/1296849985254723584">bandage around his head</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HKwozZqbZKs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><h3>Animate fan of the year</h3><p>The ballpark shutdowns across baseball allowed the Houston Astros to skate through the 2020 regular season without having to face the wrath of fans who wanted to let them know they didn't approve of the sign-stealing scandal that came to light in November 2019. The players who contributed to, and benefited from, the scheme to steal opponents' pitch signs from live video feeds were never punished beyond having to answer a few uncomfortable questions from reporters at spring training three months later. </p><p>When the Astros and the American League Championship Series arrived in San Diego in October, Tim Kanter decided to use his unique access to give voice to all the fans who missed out in 2020. From an apartment balcony overlooking the stadium, Kanter used a megaphone during the fourth inning of Game 4 to call out several players individually and berate commissioner Rob Manfred for not meaningfully punishing the players. Reporters in the stadium took notice. The New York Times tracked Kanter down that night for a story. </p><p>Speaking to theScore for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2068373" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2068373">one of our year-end stories</a>, Kanter summed up his motive: "No one was really able to speak for the people who (wanted to shame the Astros). Except for, you know, the yahoo with the megaphone." <em>- Spurrier</em></p><h3>Small sample size of the year</h3><p>In 1875, the first baseball season counted as "major league," the eight National League teams played between 57 and 70 games, averaging 65. By 1879, NL teams were playing 80 games and schedules more or less grew from there. In order to salvage some part of the 2020 season, Major League Baseball drew up a 60-game season that will stand out in the history books. Small sample sizes were everywhere - the Houston Astros went from 107 wins in 2019 to 29 in 2020 and still made the playoffs.</p><p>The Yankees' Luke Voit won the MLB home run title with 22; the last time anyone led the majors in homers with fewer than 30 was Tommy Holmes' 28 in 1945. You have to go back to 1919 to find the next one (Babe Ruth, 29). </p><p>Perhaps the most startling small sample size comes from Brewers reliever Devin Williams, who was voted the NL's top rookie having faced only 100 batters in 2020. Under normal rookie rules, he could have competed for the award again in 2021 because he's yet to pitch 50 innings. Baseball adjusted its requirements in late September and also announced that the 2020 winners could not win again in 2021. It would be like nominating Emerson, Lake &amp; Palmer for the best new artist Grammy in 1972 and then nominating Carl Palmer and the rest of the prog-rock superstars from Asia for best new artist in 1983. That would just be weird. <em>- Spurrier</em></p><h3>Nickname of the year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/420865/cropped_GettyImages-1228838171.jpg?ts=1601642400" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/420865/w220xh124_GettyImages-1228838171.jpg?ts=1601642400 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/420865/w320xh180_GettyImages-1228838171.jpg?ts=1601642400 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/420865/w640xh360_GettyImages-1228838171.jpg?ts=1601642400 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/420865/w768xh432_GettyImages-1228838171.jpg?ts=1601642400 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/420865/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1228838171.jpg?ts=1601642400 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rob Leiter / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>"Slam Diego" - what else? </p><p>The Padres made history in August, becoming the first team to hit a grand slam in an obscene four straight games. The best part: San Diego's grandest stars did the slamming - Fernando Tatis Jr., Wil Myers, Manny Machado (his was a walk-off job), and Eric Hosmer. After a one-game break, Jake Cronenworth got in on the act, too, giving the Padres five grand slams in six games. Totally <em>bananas</em>.</p><p>The shortened 2020 season was San Diego's coming-out party, and the grand slams punctuated the club's arrival. Over and over and over and over again. And then again. And once more in September, too. It was awesome. <em>- Navin Vaswani</em></p><h3>Player &amp; team of the year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/432339/cropped_GettyImages-1280805495.jpg?ts=1608674065" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/432339/w220xh124_GettyImages-1280805495.jpg?ts=1608674065 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/432339/w320xh180_GettyImages-1280805495.jpg?ts=1608674065 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/432339/w640xh360_GettyImages-1280805495.jpg?ts=1608674065 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/432339/w768xh432_GettyImages-1280805495.jpg?ts=1608674065 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/432339/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1280805495.jpg?ts=1608674065 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Turns out, all the Dodgers needed was Mookie Betts. Simple.</p><p>In all seriousness: what Los Angeles did in 2020 was <em>stupendously</em> impressive. With all the pressure on them, after two heartbreaking World Series defeats, and after the 106-win 2019 squad was stunned in the division series, the Dodgers had one option and one option only: be baseball's best team. So they were. They won 43 of 60 regular-season games - a .717 clip. They opened the postseason with five straight wins, erased a 3-1 deficit in the National League Championship Series (and Game 7 deficits of 2-0 and 3-2), and eventually won 13 of 18 playoff games - a .722 clip - and the World Series. Finally, after more than a 30-year drought, the Dodgers are champions.</p><p>But think about it: even in normal times, baseball's best team often doesn't win. The cream rises to the top after a 162-game regular season ... and then the game gets nuts. Face it: baseball isn't built for the postseason; there isn't supposed to be a sprint once the marathon is over. But there is, and L.A. - without David Price, and with Justin Turner for perhaps the final time - wouldn't be denied in 2020.</p><p>The Dodgers had one job, one mission. They were singularly focused, to a man, and were led by Betts, who literally stepped into a clubhouse full of stars after signing a mammoth $365-million extension and immediately became L.A.'s best player. (Betts was the club leader in WAR and finished second in NL MVP voting.) From Day 1, when the Dodgers decided they were going to take the coronavirus absolutely seriously, and weren't going to toss the baseball around the diamond after a strikeout, it was clear: World Series or bust.</p><p>So much can and does go wrong in baseball. So much went wrong in baseball and in life in 2020. But the Dodgers were not deterred. Betts especially. He did it all in October, all over the place: in right field, at the wall, at the plate, and on the bases. And it was absolutely delightful to watch.</p><p>"I'm here to bring rings back to L.A.," Betts said July 22, the day he signed his extension.</p><p>Mookie's a man of his word. Don't you forget it. <em>- Vaswani</em></p><h3>Quote of the year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/433927/cropped_GettyImages-1229318890.jpg?ts=1609717470" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/433927/w220xh124_GettyImages-1229318890.jpg?ts=1609717470 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/433927/w320xh180_GettyImages-1229318890.jpg?ts=1609717470 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/433927/w640xh360_GettyImages-1229318890.jpg?ts=1609717470 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/433927/w768xh432_GettyImages-1229318890.jpg?ts=1609717470 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/433927/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1229318890.jpg?ts=1609717470 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>"World Series champ, World Series champ, World Series champ." - Clayton Kershaw</em></p><p>Those were the words Kershaw kept repeating to himself as he celebrated with his teammates while crying tears of joy after the Dodgers finished off the Rays; he was trying to get it to sink in. And they're the same words I've quietly said to myself all winter whenever I think about the Dodgers' ace. (Yes, I think about Kershaw quite regularly, thank you for asking.)</p><p>Here's the <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30202146/world-series-2020-night-clayton-kershaw-became-world-champion-hometown">full Kershaw quote</a>:</p><blockquote><p>I was trying to take it all in as best I could. You never really script what you're gonna do or how you're gonna feel, but it was a content feeling. Just like a: "Job is done. We won. We did it. We won our race, and it's over. We completed our mission." Just a feeling of contentment. Joy.</p></blockquote><p>No more misery - it only takes one October. Clayton Kershaw's a World Series champion, so let no one ever say nothing good happened in 2020. <em>- Vaswani</em></p><h3>Moment of the year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/424529/cropped_GettyImages-1282607489.jpg?ts=1603892634" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/424529/w220xh124_GettyImages-1282607489.jpg?ts=1603892634 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/424529/w320xh180_GettyImages-1282607489.jpg?ts=1603892634 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/424529/w640xh360_GettyImages-1282607489.jpg?ts=1603892634 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/424529/w768xh432_GettyImages-1282607489.jpg?ts=1603892634 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/424529/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1282607489.jpg?ts=1603892634 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Yeah, the Dodgers, <em>again.</em> </p><p>How can Baseball's Ultimate 2020 Moment be anything but Turner celebrating L.A.'s World Series win at Globe Life Field, oh, about an hour or so after he was removed from Game 6 - being played at a neutral site in Texas, mind you - after testing positive for COVID-19? It can't.</p><p>The chaotic moments - Turner's sudden departure and reported diagnosis, the <em>Dodgers winning the frigging World Series</em>, and Turner's mask-less face on the field when it was all over - perfectly encapsulated MLB's turbulent short season. The campaign was put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, was played and completed in the virus' shadow, and it was wildly fitting - in a twisted, extremely 2020 energy kind of way - that the virus left its mark on Game 6, the eventual champions, and one of the Dodgers' most important players.</p><p>After all the madness, I kept and keep coming back to one question: who was going to be the person to keep Turner off the field after L.A. had finally won the title that eluded it, that eluded Turner? No one, it turns out, and as absolutely insane as that seems with more than 350,000 Americans dead from COVID-19, that answer, after all the Dodgers and Turner went through ... sort of makes a little bit of sense to me. <em>- Vaswani</em></p><h3>In memoriam</h3><p>It seemed to be a particularly notable year for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2020-deaths.shtml">the deaths of former major-league players</a>. You could have constructed a pretty fine team if you count all the players who contributed at least 10 career bWAR, notwithstanding the lack of a catcher who fit that criterion. There are seven Hall of Famers on the list and we argued this year that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2066280" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2066280">Dick Allen should be in the Hall</a>, as well.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos</th>
<th>Players</th>
<th></th>
<th></th>
<th></th>
<th></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td> Dick Allen</td>
<td> Bob Watson</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td> Joe Morgan*</td>
<td> Tony Taylor</td>
<td> Frank Boiling</td>
<td> Horace Clarke</td>
<td> Glenn Beckert</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td> Tony Fernandez</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td> Denis Menke</td>
<td> Eddie Kasko</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LF</td>
<td> Lou Brock*</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CF</td>
<td> Jimmy Wynn</td>
<td> Jay Johnstone</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RF</td>
<td> Al Kaline*</td>
<td> Claudell Washington</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P</td>
<td> Tom Seaver*</td>
<td> Bob Gibson*</td>
<td> Whitey Ford*</td>
<td> Phil Niekro*</td>
<td> Johnny Antonelli</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P</td>
<td> Lindy McDaniel</td>
<td> Ron Perranoski</td>
<td> Mike McCormack</td>
<td> Don Larsen</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MGR</td>
<td>John McNamara</td>
<td> Jim Frey</td>
<td> Kasko</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Hall of Famer</em></p><p>As a group, these players appeared in 115 All-Star Games and collected 35 Gold Gloves, seven Cy Young Awards, four MVP trophies, and one rookie of the year award. The three late managers all appeared in at least 600 games in the role, led by McNamara's 2,395. <em>- Spurrier</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/16493593/related

Hindsight is 2020: Remembering a short baseball season like no other

Justin Boone, theScore's lead fantasy analyst, was named FantasyPros' most accurate fantasy footb...

<p><a href="https://www.thescore.com/author/justin-boone">Justin Boone</a>, theScore's lead fantasy analyst, was named <a href="https://www.fantasypros.com/2019/12/2019-fantasy-football-expert-accuracy-results/">FantasyPros' most accurate fantasy football expert in 2019</a>.</p><p>Boone broke through this year after fourth-place finishes in 2017 and 2018, his best since finishing third in 2014, and it was essentially a <a href="https://twitter.com/BillEnright/status/1210599275723476993">wire-to-wire victory</a>.</p><blockquote><p>Overall, Justin was consistently excellent among all four positions in the competition. He finished #2 among over 120 experts at wide receiver ranking accuracy, #6 for running backs, #8 for tight ends and #20 for quarterbacks.</p></blockquote><p>Boone closed the decade in style, taking top honors with his sixth straight top-seven finish.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Visit the <a href="thescore:///exclusives/2">NFL Fantasy News</a> section for positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications. You can also subscribe to theScore's Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Boone. Find the show on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/thescore-fantasy-football-podcast-with-justin-boone/id1426560594?mt=2">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ib6m36bls5g42mqjoorcnrhq7sq">Google Play</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/thescore-inc/thescore-fantasy-football-podcast-with-justin-boone?refid=stpr">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3rBmWfPjXvoCR3LYGbFA5F">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://anchor.fm/thescore-fantasy-football-podcast-with-justin-boone">Anchor</a>.</p><p>And don't forget to follow Boone on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/justinboone">@justinboone</a>.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/13082593/related

theScore's Justin Boone earns top 2019 fantasy football honors

Ben Roethlisberger logged on to Twitter on Christmas morning and in addition to spreading some ho...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/1879" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/1879">Ben Roethlisberger</a> logged on to Twitter on Christmas morning and in addition to <a href="https://twitter.com/_BigBen7/status/1209864690551140353">spreading some holiday cheer</a>, he also relayed an important message about his future:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">P.S. Contrary to recent reports out there about my football future and my ‘uncertainty’ about playing again, I am working hard and am more determined than ever to come back stronger and better than ever next year!</p>— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) <a href="https://twitter.com/_BigBen7/status/1209865007976067073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> quarterback was lost to season-ending elbow surgery after he suffered an injury in Week 2.</p><p>ESPN's Chris Mortensen <a href="https://twitter.com/mortreport/status/1209244247079165953">reported</a> earlier in the week that Roethlisberger still hasn't been cleared to throw, but that the Steelers are optimistic about his recovery. The QB will turn 38 on March 2, and the surgery involved the reattachment of three tendons, according to Mortensen.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pittsburgh's 8-7 heading into the final week of the season and will be without Roethlisberger and backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/83531" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/83531">Mason Rudolph</a> in a must-win game. The Steelers can still make the playoffs, but if they do, it'll be on the arm of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/88330" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/88330">Devlin Hodges</a>. </p><p>Here's how Pittsburgh can qualify for the postseason, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001091547/article/2019-nfl-playoffclinching-scenarios-for-week-17">according to the NFL</a>:</p><ul>
<li>PIT win + TEN loss or tie OR</li>
<li>PIT tie + TEN loss OR</li>
<li>TEN loss + IND win + OAK loss or tie OR</li>
<li>TEN loss + IND win + PIT ties OAK in strength-of-victory tiebreaker*</li>
</ul><div><span style="font-size:18px">*PIT ties OAK in strength-of-victory tiebreaker if ALL of the following teams win: MIN, GB, KC, MIA</span></div><p>The Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1912557" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/1912557">Ravens are resting Lamar Jackson</a>, among others.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA -DECEMBER 30: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass during the NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 30, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/13055193/related

Roethlisberger vows to come back 'stronger and better than ever'

Former NBA commissioner David Stern underwent emergency surgery Thursday after suffering a brain ...

<p>Former NBA commissioner David Stern underwent emergency surgery Thursday after suffering a brain hemorrhage, the <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1205326844704251904">NBA announced</a>. </p><p>"Our thoughts and prayers are with David and his family," commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement with few details.</p><p>Stern was the NBA's commissioner from 1984 through 2014. He succeeded Larry O'Brien in the role and oversaw the league as it exploded in growth and popularity across the globe.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Biggest prayers out to David Stern and the Stern Family....sad sad news, but we know he’s a fighter and will make it through!</p>— Danny Green (@DGreen_14) <a href="https://twitter.com/DGreen_14/status/1205329515691565063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 77-year-old collapsed at a Manhattan restaurant and was rushed to a local hospital, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1205328058187685894">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 6: David Stern attends Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz on May 6, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/12902206/related

Former NBA commissioner Stern undergoes emergency brain surgery

test

It's easy for Maple Leafs supporters to take Frederik Andersen for granted. Understandable, even....

<p>It's easy for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/5" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/5">Maple Leafs</a> supporters to take <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> for granted. Understandable, even. In Toronto, it's often been better to not think about the goalies. </p><p>Andersen's not <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>. Or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>. Not <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>, either. He isn't <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1900" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/1900">Jake Gardiner</a>, and he's not future Hall of Famer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1049" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/1049">Patrick Marleau</a>, or head coach Mike Babcock.</p><p>Andersen is none of those guys, but he is Toronto's undisputed MVP.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He proved it again Wednesday against the Nashville Predators, winning while making 40-plus saves for an NHL-leading fifth time and sending the Stanley Cup finalists away with only one point when they entirely deserved two.</p><p>The crowd at Air Canada Centre noticed, too, as chants of "Freddie! Freddie! Freddie!" bellowed throughout the third period, overtime, and shootout, as Andersen single-handedly got his team a point and then stole another.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/282534/cropped_GettyImages-900241588.jpg?ts=1518101895"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p>The unassuming 28-year-old has done the impossible - he's provided the Maple Leafs with legitimate No. 1 goaltending, finally, and despite a heavy workload has, for the most part, somehow managed to fly under the radar.</p><p>Until Wednesday. </p><p>Andersen, two nights after being removed from Monday's game following a skate to the head, demanded that everyone take note. There's no longer any doubt: He's as important - if not more - as any of the kids the rebuilding-on-steroids Maple Leafs have been built around.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leafs are on a hot streak again at 6-1-0. Even strength save percentage during run is .961, tops in NHL. Possession is 49.6%. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vezinandersen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vezinandersen</a></p>— James Mirtle (@mirtle) <a href="https://twitter.com/mirtle/status/961684224326512640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Two more things are clear:</p><ol>
<li>Toronto, with deep playoff aspirations, will go as far as Andersen takes the team, despite Matthews' otherworldly talents.</li>
<li>Andersen was absolutely worth the price (a first- and second-round draft pick, and $25 million over five years) - paid to acquire and sign him.</li>
</ol><p>The truth is, Andersen can already claim he's the best Maple Leafs goalie in modern times. He's been that good - and mostly everyone before him was that bad.</p><h3>Numbers don't lie</h3><p>Goaltending hasn't been the Maple Leafs' strong suit. Especially since the 2004-05 lockout. A lack of quality in the crease is arguably the main reason Toronto's hosted only six playoff games in 13 years.</p><p>Here's a fact: Andersen's the best Maple Leafs goalie to play at least 100 games for the club in the save-percentage era.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Goalie</th>
<th> SV%</th>
<th> GP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Andersen</td>
<td> .920</td>
<td> 112</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jonathan Bernier</td>
<td> .915</td>
<td> 151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Reimer</td>
<td> .914</td>
<td> 207</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ed Belfour</td>
<td> .912</td>
<td> 170</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Curtis Joseph</td>
<td> .910</td>
<td> 270</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Yep, the list of Toronto goalies with at least 100 caps and a .910 save percentage is only five deep. Told you, it's been bleak in the crease.</p><p>It gets better for Andersen. He's doing what he's doing while facing, on average, the most shots per game of any Maple Leafs goalie to play at least 100 games in the save-percentage era:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Goalie</th>
<th>Avg shots faced per game</th>
<th>GP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Andersen</td>
<td> 32.17</td>
<td> 112</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bernier</td>
<td> 30.71</td>
<td> 151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Allan Bester</td>
<td> 30.70</td>
<td> 205</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ken Wregget</td>
<td> 30.64</td>
<td> 200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Felix Potvin</td>
<td> 30.17</td>
<td> 369</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reimer</td>
<td> 29.56</td>
<td> 207</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Belfour</td>
<td> 28.09</td>
<td> 170</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vesa Toskala</td>
<td> 27.71</td>
<td> 145</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jonas Gustavsson</td>
<td> 27.22</td>
<td> 107</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph</td>
<td> 26.88</td>
<td> 270</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Andersen, it seems, thrives on the extra work.</p><h3>Elite and cheap</h3><p>It gets better, still. </p><p>Below are this season's top goalies who've played at least 30 games with at least a .913 save percentage (the 2016-17 league average), and their salary-cap hits:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Goalie</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>Cap hit</th>
<th>Age</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Andrei Vasilevskiy</td>
<td> .929</td>
<td> $3.5M</td>
<td> 23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pekka Rinne</td>
<td> .926</td>
<td> $7M</td>
<td> 35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tuukka Rask</td>
<td> .925</td>
<td> $7M</td>
<td> 30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Connor Hellebuyck</td>
<td> .924</td>
<td> $2.25M</td>
<td> 24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andersen</td>
<td> .922</td>
<td> $5M</td>
<td> 28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Smith</td>
<td> .922</td>
<td> $5666667</td>
<td> 35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Gibson</td>
<td> .922</td>
<td> $2.3M</td>
<td> 24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sergei Bobrovsky</td>
<td> .920</td>
<td> $7.425M</td>
<td> 29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jonathan Quick</td>
<td> .919</td>
<td> $5.8M</td>
<td> 32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ben Bishop</td>
<td> .919</td>
<td> $4916667</td>
<td> 31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Henrik Lundqvist</td>
<td> .917</td>
<td> $8.5M</td>
<td> 31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devan Dubnyk</td>
<td> .917</td>
<td> $4333333</td>
<td> 31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Braden Holtby</td>
<td> .915</td>
<td> $6.1M</td>
<td> 28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robin Lehner</td>
<td> .913</td>
<td> $4M</td>
<td> 26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cory Schneider</td>
<td> .913</td>
<td> $6M</td>
<td> 31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Martin Jones*</td>
<td> .913</td>
<td> $3M</td>
<td> 28</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Jones signed a six-year extension with a $5.75-million cap hit that kicks in next season.</em></p><p>The main takeaway: Among this season's league-leading goalies who are 28 or older, Andersen has the third-lowest cap hit at $5 million per season. Only Devan Dubnyk and Ben Bishop come cheaper, and they're three years older than Andersen, with Dubnyk turning 32 in May.</p><p>These details are crucial, especially when you remember Marner, Matthews, Nylander, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3961" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/3961">Kasperi Kapanen</a> - all 21 and younger - will need long-term contract extensions.</p><p>The Maple Leafs are set in goal through 2021. That's their Stanley Cup window.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/282774/cropped_GettyImages-858099748.jpg?ts=1518188077"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><h3>Feeling lucky</h3><p>Trading assets for Andersen and committing to him for five years and $25 million two months after <em>finally</em> bottoming out - and only a few days before drafting Matthews - was a risk. A massive one. Especially considering "The Rebuild" was mercifully underway, and factoring in Toronto's history of bringing in goalies with not-too-big track records from California; Toskala's career essentially ended after his Maple Leafs stint, while Bernier, despite a phenomenal first season in Toronto, remains a backup, albeit a serviceable one.</p><p>The Athletic's James Mirtle put it best in June 2016, writing in <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">The Globe and Mail</a>: </p><blockquote>
<p>... the Leafs see something exceptional in Andersen, something that warranted what looks like - from the outside - a risky bet on a goalie without a long track record.</p>
<p>In the past, those bets haven't turned out well in Toronto.</p>
<p>What's curious about it all is the Leafs had time on their side here. They didn't need to unearth a high-end goaltender right now because they don't need to be very competitive next season, not with how young the roster is and not with how far they have to climb from 30th place. They're not winning the Stanley Cup in 2017. They could have made some lower level wagers on younger, cheaper goaltenders and waited to find "the one" when the flurry of movement comes at the position sometime in the next 12 months.</p>
<p>Whatever the outcome, this is one trade and one contract that will go a long way toward defining Brendan Shanahan's time in charge.</p>
<p>It's that big of a move. It's a goalie.</p>
</blockquote><p>No, the Maple Leafs weren't winning - and didn't win - the Stanley Cup in 2017. But who could have imagined, despite their clear flaws, they'd be in the conversation, on pace for more than 100 points, in 2018?</p><p>The gamble paid off. Andersen's the real deal. He's going to need some rest down the stretch, but for the first time since Belfour in 2004 - the last 100-point season for the blue and white - Toronto's set in the crease.</p><p>The Maple Leafs continue to get it right. One day, maybe, that'll get easier to believe. We're not there yet. But, like the Maple Leafs themselves, we're awfully close. </p><p>(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)</p>

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 19: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs gets set to face the Washington Capitals in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 19, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Capitals defeated the Maple Leafs 5-4 to even series 2-2.

Andersen, not Matthews, is the Maple Leafs' real MVP

Adrian Gonzalez won't be moving to Atlanta.  The Braves designated the veteran first baseman for ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1169" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/1169">Adrian Gonzalez</a> won't be moving to Atlanta.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/15" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/15">Braves</a> designated the veteran first baseman for assignment <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/942117221001781248/photo/1">immediately</a> after acquiring him from the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/26" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/26">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1447245" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/1447245">stunning five-player trade</a> Saturday.</p><p>Gonzalez waived his no-trade clause and agreed to the deal after being told he'd hit the open market by Wednesday, reports <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/942119013353603072">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Adrian Gonzalez, who's in Italy, was told that if he stayed with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodges?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodges</a>, he'd be buried in the bench with limited at-bats. Now he can play for the minimum as the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Braves?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Braves</a> will pay rest of his $21 million salary</p>— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/942121689747304448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Signed through 2018 at a salary of $22.357 million, injuries and the emergence of star rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4899" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/4899">Cody Bellinger</a> spelled the end of Gonzalez's Dodgers career. He was limited to 71 games last season, hitting a career-low .242/.287/.355 with three home runs and 30 RBIs.</p><p>Gonzalez was traded to the Dodgers by the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/2" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/2">Boston Red Sox</a> in August 2012 and played 735 games with Los Angeles, hitting .280/.339/.454 with 101 home runs and 448 RBIs.</p><p>Shortly after the transactions were announced, the 35-year-old used his Twitter account to thank the Dodgers for his time in the organization.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dodgers</a> organization and fans for all the great years! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blessed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blessed</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thankful?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thankful</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a> <a href="https://t.co/p7FC3pZdzz">pic.twitter.com/p7FC3pZdzz</a></p>— Adrián González (@Adrian_ElTitan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adrian_ElTitan/status/942156834994921472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

Braves DFA Adrian Gonzalez after blockbuster trade

Six-time American gold medalist Aly Raisman says she was sexually abused by disgraced U.S. gymnas...

<p>Six-time American gold medalist Aly Raisman says she was sexually abused by disgraced U.S. gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, according to <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/aly-raisman-says-she-was-sexually-abused-by-u-s-national-team-doctor/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab7d&amp;linkId=44563031">CBS' "60 Minutes</a>."</p><p>Raisman will talk about her experiences in an interview airing Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on the program. She spoke to federal authorities after the Rio Olympics in 2016.</p><p>Nassar is currently imprisoned on child pornography charges. He pleaded guilty in July and is awaiting sentencing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Raisman says she was 15 when she first received treatment from Nassar. Now 23, she's one of many to accuse Nassar of sexual abuse. Over 130 women have filed civil lawsuits against Nassar, according to <a href="https://www.si.com/olympics/2017/11/10/aly-raisman-sexual-abuse-larry-nassar">Sports Illustrated</a>.</p><p>"I'm angry," Raisman says in her interview. "I just want to create change so that (young girls) never, ever have to go through this." </p>

Gold medalist Raisman says she was sexually abused by U.S. gymnastics doctor

Johnny Cueto's staying in San Francisco.  The 31-year-old starting pitcher has decided not to opt...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/760" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/760">Johnny Cueto</a>'s staying in San Francisco.</p><p>The 31-year-old starting pitcher has decided not to opt out of the remaining four years of his contract with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/28" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/28">Giants</a>, reports <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/927024964699590656">FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman</a>.</p><p>Cueto has a guaranteed $84 million remaining on his current deal, which has him signed through 2021, and after a disappointing injury-shortened season in the Bay, he won't be hitting the open market. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After a successful first season in San Francisco, Cueto pitched to a 4.52 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 147 1/3 innings this past season. He struggled with his control, walking 53 batters, and was victimized by the home run, allowing 1.34 per nine innings, the second-highest mark of his career. </p>

Report: Cueto will not opt out of contract with Giants

Dwyane Wade is the ultimate team player.  The veteran shooting guard, who started in the Clevelan...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/239" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/239">Dwyane Wade</a> is the ultimate team player.</p><p>The veteran shooting guard, who started in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/7" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/teams/7">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>' first three games this season, has agreed to come off the bench, head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters Monday, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor/status/922503419822256128">Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor</a>.</p><p>Wade approached Lue about moving to a reserve role for the benefit of both himself and the team, reports <a href="https://twitter.com/mcten/status/922504316006621184">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The change will bump <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/112" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/112">J.R. Smith</a> back into the starting lineup.</p><p>Wade's averaged only 5.7 points, 3.3 assists, and two rebounds over 23.7 minutes per game this season.</p><p>Meanwhile, Smith is averaging 6.3 points, 1.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds across 21.7 minutes per game to begin the campaign. He'd started regularly for Cleveland since being acquired in the 2014-15 season, and said he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1395601" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/1395601">was frustrated</a> with his move to the bench earlier this month.</p><p>On Sunday, Wade <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1404031" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/1404031">admitted</a> that he was still adjusting to his new role with the Cavaliers. "This has been a long, long week," the 35-year-old said. </p>

Wade volunteers to come off bench, J.R. Smith to start

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/navin-vaswani/content_cards

Navin Vaswani

Managing Editor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/guy-spurrier/content_cards