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Saturday, February 20, 2016

Thunder honor Monty Williams"s wife, memorialize her seat

Service for Ingrid Williams held

The Oklahoma City Thunder remembered assistant coach Monty Williamss late wife, Ingrid, by memorializing her seat at Chesapeake Energy Arena and giving fans W7 pins on Friday night.

Ingrid Williams died Feb. 10 from injuriessustained in an automobile accident the night before. Williams, 44, was involved in the accident after she was hit by a woman who crossed over the center lane.

The Thunder also honored Williams with a moment of silence was observed before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans last week.

Monty, Ingrid Williams take care of Ryan Anderson after girlfriends suicide

Monty Williams was the head coach of the New Orleans Hornets, and later the Pelicans, from 201015 before joining Billy Donovans staff in Oklahoma City.

On Thursday, Monty Williamsoffered forgiveness to the driver of the car who killed his wife last week, asking for prayer for the drivers family during the eulogy at her funeral. Ingrid Williams is survived by five children as well as her husband.

Video of Monty Williams delivering a moving eulogy at wifes funeral

That to me is one of the reasons I love working with the Thunder: because people I work with inspire me, general manager Sam Presti said of Williams. They dont motivate me, they inspire me. The people to me are what make the place.

The Thunder host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Williams stayed at home with his family.

- Christopher Chavez

Source: http://www.si.com/nba/2016/02/19/monty-williams-wife-ingrid-honored-oklahoma-city-thunder

Meet the Champs: Putnam Valley"s Kyle Sams

2015 ISSA Grace Kennedy Champs Boys Class 1 400m Final New Record
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Putnam Valley"s Kyle Sams (left) wrestles Pearl River"s Dylan Urban. Pearl River defeated Putnam Valley 46-31 to claim the Section 1 Division 2 dual meet championship title at Pearl River High School on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015.(Photo: John Meore/The Journal News)

LOHUD WRESTLING"S MEET THE CHAMPS

Kyle Sams, Putnam Valley

Year: Sophomore

Weight class: 113pounds in Division 2

What was it that made you initially want to wrestle? I just felt like trying a new sport and my dad had mentioned doing it when he was younger.

What makes the sport unique in your mind? No other sport is mentally as tough.

Have there been moments when you had doubts about whether you could accomplish your goals? Well I haven"t really accomplished my goals yet, but I have no doubt that they are possible.

What obstacles did you have to overcome this season to become a champ? Going to both school practice and club practice.

How would you describe yourself on the mat? A savage.

And off of the mat? A savage.

What are some of your favorite things to do with your spare time? Go to Bliss.

Who is your favorite band/artist? Drake.

What is your favorite kind of sandwich? Chicken parm on a wedge.

What was going through your mind when you had your hand raised as a section champ? Back-to-back.

WATCH: Sams" 9-3 decision against Pearl River"s Dylan Urban in the section final

NOTE: We plan on profiling all 30 Section 1 champions before the New York State tournamentbegins on Friday,Feb. 26. If you"re a champ anddidn"t receive the questions, email beat writer Vincent Mercogliano atvmercoglia@lohud.com.

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Source: http://www.lohud.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2016/02/19/meet-champs-putnam-valleys-kyle-sams/80605418/

Foot Locker names new leaders

2016 Footlocker 3 Point Contest - Full Highlights | February 13, 2016 | NBA All-Star 2016

Foot Locker named new CEOs to lead the athletic retailers North America and International divisions.

President and CEO Richard Johnson announced the promotion of Stephen D. (Jake) Jacobs to the position of executive vice president and CEO of North America and Lewis P. Kimble to the position of executive VP and CEO of International, effective Feb. 29.

"Jake Jacobs and Lew Kimble have done exceptional work leading their respective teams in the execution of the key initiatives of our strategic plan, and in the process of doing so they have contributed tremendously to the outstanding financial performance we have achieved as a company over the last several years," Johnson said. "I am very pleased to announce the board"s decision to recognize Jake"s and Lew"s leadership with these much-deserved promotions."

Jacobs, an 18 year veteran of the company, previously served as president and CEO of Foot Locker so in his new role as executive VP and CEO of North America the leaders of each of the companys store division will now report to him. They include Andrew Gray, Foot Locker U.S. and Lady Foot Locker; Bryon Milburn, Champs Sports; Christopher Santaella, Kids Foot Locker; Kenneth Side, Footaction; Franklin Bracken, Foot Locker Canada; Natalie Ellis, SIX:02.

"Foot Locker, Inc."s depth of talent around the globe is a tremendous strength, and I look forward to supporting each of these leaders in creating even stronger connections with our customers," Jacobs said. "Of particular note, we have created a new position focused on the development of our rapidly expanding Kids business, and separated the leadership of SIX:02 from Lady Foot Locker."

The companys new international president and CEO, Lew Kimble, has been with the company for 40 years and began as a store associated in 1976. He has served as president and CEO of Foot Locker Europe since 2010 and prior to that was managing director of Foot Locker Asia/Pacific. The leader of each division outside North America will report to Kimble, including Nicholas Jones, Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker Europe; Bart de Wilde, Runners Point and Sidestep; Phillip Laing, Foot Locker Asia/Pacific.

"Our new organizational structure will be a catalyst for us to deliver on our 2020 strategic initiative to aggressively pursue European expansion opportunities in both our stores and digital platforms," Kimble said. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity the Board has given me to take on an even larger role in driving our international growth initiatives."

Foot Locker operates 3,383 stores in 23 countries as of Jan. 30.

Source: http://www.chainstoreage.com/article/foot-locker-names-new-leaders

Ryan Anderson still impacted by Monty Williams" powerful speech on forgiveness

Monty Williams Memorial for his wife &Charles Barkley Kenny Smith&EJs react

After Friday night"s victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson didn"t talk just about his impressive 26-point performance off the bench.

He expressed how much he was impacted by Monty Williams" powerful speech on forgiveness during Thursday"s memorial service for his wife, Ingrid, in Oklahoma City.

Anderson, along with several of his teammates and Coach Alvin Gentry, attended the service for Ingrid Williams, who died last Wednesday from injuries sustained in a car crash in Oklahoma City.

""Unforgettable and I"ve read what a lot of people have said about his speech,"" Anderson said. ""If you know him well, that"s the guy Monty is. He"s a strong guy. He"s a resilient guy but he"s faith and family first. Just to be there to witness somebody who had gone through something so traumatic. The word I think is sacrifice. He made it not about himself and his family, but was asking everyone else were they OK, trying to console everyone else. He"s such a selfless guy.

""I have to say in a world of negativity and you look on the news or yahoo, it"s like Kardashians and all this stupid stuff that is pointless and means nothing. All of sudden Monty"s video is getting some press and it"s getting to people hearts. People are learning about things that"s more important on what we focus on for a day-to-day basis.""

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said Williams" speech was one of the greatest he"s ever witnessed.

""Just the overall thing and the theme of it and the way his kids handled it, to me, they"ve got great faith and you can see G*d is right there with them,"" Gentry said before Friday night"s game. I have no doubt that Monty is going to be fine. There are going to be some tough days, as he said, but just the strong family ties that they have.

""I was glad I was there. Monty made everyone feel better in a really difficult situation and what has happened and and the tragedy that"s gone on and even making reference to the other family. To me, that"s something of the highest character of a person that you could possibly ever think of.""

Monty Williams" entire powerful speech:

Source: http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/02/ryan_anderson_still_impacted_b.html

An exhausted Kimbo Slice knocks out equally fatigued Dada 5000 at Bellator 149

Kimbo Slice vs Dada 5000 Full Fight 2016-02-19
By Jake Russell February 20 at 1:00 AM

Kimbo Slice, far removed from his days as a street fighter whose fists were glorified on YouTube, took on Dada 5000 no, not one half of Outkast in a highly-anticipated heavyweight match in Bellator 149 on Friday night. Things didnt quite turn out as expected. In the third round, with both fighters clearly fatigued, Slice swung and missed, but the ensuing gust of wind provided enough force to blow Dada 5000 down to the mat for good.

Dada was in such bad shape, he left the ring on a stretcher.

Not shockingly, the Internet was ready for tonight.

The Bellator 149 card was headlined by Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie, which had a lowlight of its own in the form of a low blow from Gracie.

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNFR_HUnNbE4gITOoeyX6lnUczYY2A&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=52779050252360&ei=FHTIVqD3Ns7W3gGfo4uwCg&url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/02/20/an-exhausted-kimbo-slice-knocks-out-equally-fatigued-dada-5000-in-bellator-149/

Steelers tight end Heath Miller retires after 11 seasons

Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger Hits TE Heath Miller in the End Zone | 49ers vs. Steelers | NFL
Tight end Heath Miller has retired after 11 NFL seasons, all with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving a legacy that includes two Super Bowl wins and several franchise records.

The team announced the news Friday afternoon.

Miller, 33, validated his status as a 2005 first-round pick with 592 receptions, 6,569 yards and 45 receiving touchdowns -- all franchise highs for the tight end position. He"s one of four Steelers to catch at least 500 passes. His career catches and yardage totals rank in the top four among tight ends in the period since he was drafted, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

Miller was considered the consummate pro, a great teammate and an all-around tight end, handling run-blocking duties as deftly as his pass-catching.

Team president Art Rooney II said in a statement that Miller informed the franchise of his plans early Friday.

"On behalf of the entire Steelers organization and Steelers Nation around the world, I would like to congratulate and thank Heath of his many contributions to the Steelers," Rooney said. "The chants of "HEEATH" will be missed at Heinz Field and around the entire NFL. Heath is the most accomplished tight end in team history and his efforts will not soon be forgotten."

Miller released a statement later Friday thanking the team "for giving me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream."

"I will always cherish and value the special bonds that I formed with my teammates. It was truly an honor for me to take the field with them," Miller said. "I am also appreciative of my entire family and all of the coaches who helped me along the way. Additionally, I want to thank Steelers Nation, the best fans in the NFL!"

Miller"s best season came in 2012, when he caught 71 passes along with a career-high 816 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He was still effective in 2015, with 60 catches for 535 yards and two touchdowns. He has been a favorite target of quarterbackBen Roethlisbergerfor many years.

Mike Tomlin was Miller"s coach for nine years, which he called "an honor and a pleasure."

"It would be selfish of me to view it in any other way other than a great deal of admiration and appreciation for having the opportunity to work with Heath for nine of the 11 years he has done it," Tomlin said.

Miller was due $4.4 million in 2016 salary, so the Steelers now save that money for their 2016 salary cap.Miller had one year left on his deal, and the Steelers drafted tight endJesse Jamesin the fifth round last year -- though that was hardly the focus Friday.

"Heath Miller was as great a combination of character and football player as I have ever been around," general manager Kevin Colbert said.

Source: http://abc7ny.com/sports/steelers-tight-end-heath-miller-retires-after-11-seasons/1207735/

Meet the Champs: Nanuet"s Connor Breit

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Nanuet"s Connor Breit wrestles Hendrick Hudson"s Matt Kempski in a 195-pound match in the division 2 wrestling finals at Pearl River High School on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. Breit won by a pin.(Photo: John Meore/The Journal News)

LOHUD WRESTLING"S MEET THE CHAMPS

Connor Breit, Nanuet

Year: Junior

Weight class: 195pounds in Division 2

What was it that made you initially want to wrestle? My brother Dan started when he was little, so I wanted to as well.

What makes the sport unique in your mind? Although it is a team sport, it is also an individual sport when you do your part for the team.

Have there been moments when you had doubts about whether you could accomplish your goals? Whether I accomplished them or not, I always had full confidence in myself.

What obstacles did you have to overcome this season to become a champ? Cutting from 215/220 in football season to 195.

How would you describe yourself on the mat? Aggressive and mean.And off of the mat? Humorous.What are some of your favorite things to do with your spare time? Perfect the "swag single" with coach (Sean) Conklin.

Who is your favorite band/artist? Mac Miller and Lana Del Rey.

What is your favorite kind of sandwich? Italian combo.

What was going through your mind when you had your hand raised as a section champ? I can"t wait to grow out my mustache for states.

P.S. Hail Panthers. Big things coming for next season. #KeepPounding

WATCH: Breit"s first-period pin ofHen Hud"s Matt Kempski in the section final

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Source: http://www.lohud.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2016/02/19/meet-champs-nanuets-connor-breit/80619314/