Moments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuHGZ5PsepQ

Here's a sweet video about the 2016 Olympics. The best part is MJ in the end!

Olympian and former Chicago Bulls champion Michael Jordan displays his support for Chicagos bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in dramatic fashion.

The Olympic spirit—its alive in Chicago, Jordan declares in a surprise appearance at the end of a new film that features Olympians and Paralympics with Chicago ties.

This film was shown publicly for the first time at a news conference at Douglas Park on the citys West Side—a key Games venue in Chicagos plan—where Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan gathered a crowd of civic and business leaders, as well as Olympians, Paralympians and volunteers, in anticipation of the arrival of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission to Chicago.

This film, entitled Moments, is among those that will be shown to the IOCs Evaluation Commission.

Michael Jordan is a Chicago icon, but he also is a global icon, said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016, the not-for-profit organization that is seeking to bring the Games to Chicago. He is a beloved and respected figure around the world, and his name and likeness are known on every continent.

Michaels endorsement of our bid is something that we prize, Ryan said. We thank him and all the other great athletes—including those who appeared with him in the new film—who have stepped forward to support Chicago.

Jordan competed in the 1984 Games as a young athlete out of the University of North Carolina and, after joining the Bulls, as a member of the Dream Team that played in 1992 in Barcelona and won the gold.

Ive had some tremendous memories in my professional basketball career, Jordan said. But the memory of standing as a representative at the Olympics representing the United States is one of the proudest moments of my life. To step up on that podium representing your country—theres no greater honor than that.

Olympians and Paralympians who also appear in the film include:

· Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olympian (Athletics, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996)

· Bart Conner, Olympian (Gymnastics, 1984)

· Adolph Kiefer, Olympian (Swimming, 1936)

· April Holmes, Paralympian (Athletics, 2008)

· Paul Moran, Paralympian (Sitting Volleyball, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004; Tennis, 2008)

· David Diaz, Olympian (Boxing, 1996)

· Greg Louganis, Olympian (1984, 1988)

Jordan said it was a thrill as a young athlete to compete outside the U.S. for the first time in the 1984 Games, and he enjoyed being teammates in 1992 with basketball greats he played against in the National Basketball Association. They included Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and Clyde Drexler.

We always fought against one another in the course of a season, and here were spending time with each other and representing our country and trying to win, he said.

The basketball competition in Chicago 2016s plan would be held at the United Center, where a sculpture of Jordan stands today as testament to his feats on the court

The film was directed by Malik Sayeed, an accomplished African-American industry professional with RSA Films. His previous credits include work on Spike Lees The Original Kings of Comedy, as well as Eyes Wide Shut. He also was director of photography on Just Married and Frailty.

Element 79, a Chicago advertising agency, created the concept for the film and oversaw its production. Cutters and Another County, also Chicago-based firms, did post-production work.

San Diego Padres Pounce On White Sox 6-1 In Final Game at Home

Written By Kendahl Damico for Mouthpiece Sports

In their final home game at Camelback Ranch, the Chicago White Sox fell to the San Diego Padres in a final 6-1 loss. Padres' Adrian Gonzalez hit a two-run homer in the fourth and helped keep the Sox at bay.

Playing their final Spring Training game at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, the Chicago White Sox fell to the San Diego Padres in a disappointing 6-1 loss.

Apparently the Sox needed more than a state-of-the-art facility to compete with their opponent's offensive efforts, as the Padres' Adrian Gonzalez got things rolling in the fourth with a two-run home run to center field.

The White Sox only managed one run thanks to A.J. Pierzynski's hit that drove one home, but Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, Alexei Ramirez and Jordan Danks all took a slice off Jake Peavy.

Clayton Richard started the outing for the Sox, though he won't be part of the starting rotation during regular season. Richard threw four strikeouts, one walk and three runs for six innings against San Diego, with Mike MacDougal relieving him in the seventh.

Hawks Squawk: Blackhawks Beat the Blues, 3-1

Written By Sarah Spain for Mouthpiece Sports

After a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens last night, the Chicago Blackhawks came out firing at the United Center Wednesday, beating the St. Louis Blues 3-1. The Hawks earned a big two points and, even more importantly, they earned their confidence back.

What a difference a day makes. The very same Chicago Blackhawks team who looked outmatched and outplayed Tuesday night in Montreal came to play Wednesday night, dominating the St. Louis Blues in a 3-0 victory.

On Tuesday night the Hawks were outshot 33-29 and lost 40 of 64 faceoffs. They struggled to get the puck out of their own zone and looked unfocused and uninspired. They were trailing 1-0 just 25 seconds into the game. Montreal fans chanted “Hu-et, Hu-et” as the Hawks’ net-minder got beat again and again.

On Wednesday night the Hawks outshot the Blues 30-17 and won 28 of 49 faceoffs. They kept the pressure on the St. Louis net-minder all night, using crisp passes and aggressive play to keep the puck out of their zone. They were up 2-0 after just 16 minutes of play. Chicago fans chanted “Kha-bby, Kha-bby” as their goalie almost earned a shutout.

It was apparent immediately that the Blackhawks came ot play Wednesday night. Halfway through the first period Chicago had already gotten a number of outstanding looks on net. Blues goalie Chris Mason stood tall throughout, but fans at the United Center could smell blood, as their Hawks finally looked hungry again.

Midway through the period Jonathan Toews slipped it stick side on Mason for his 31st goal of the season. Toews moved the puck from right to left across the goal, eluding two Blues players before sending the puck in under the stick of the Blues’ net-minder.

Toews’ goal broke a seven-period scoring drought for Chicago against Mason. Fans breathed a sign of relief as “Go Johnny Go” chirped out of the speakers—when the Hawks have scored first this season they’ve gone 29-5-4.

Martin Havlat earned an assist on the tally, upping his season points total to 69—a new career high.

With 4:08 remaining in the first period Samuel Pahlsson made it 2-0, notching his first goal as a Chicago Blackhawk. Andrew Ladd made a spectacular pass, picking up the puck behind the goal and feeding Pahlsson for the point-blank shot from the left crease.

The Hawks’ dominance wasn’t limited to offense. Cam Barker had two spectacular diving poke checks to stop breakaways and the rest of the Hawks defensemen did a fantastic job of pushing the puck up the ice and denying St. Louis their chances.

Late in the third period Colin Fraser scored his first goal since Feb. 14, a shorthanded beauty to give the Hawks a 3-0 lead. Fraser picked up the puck near the Blues’ blue line and flipped a backhanded shot past Mason for the score.

Jeff Woywitka scored a throwaway goal with two seconds remaining to ruin Khabby’s shutout, but he couldn’t ruin the night for Chicago, who looked like real competitors again.

The last two times the Hawks faced the Blues they suffered two shutout losses, causing many to think Wednesday’s game would be another disappointing performance from a Chicago team that has been out of sync. Instead, the Hawks came out firing and never let up.

With the win, the Blackhawks earned a big two points to bring them back into fourth place in the Western Conference. The Vancouver Canucks remain in third and the Calgary Flames drop into fifth. Chicago will look to keep their momentum going when they host the Nashville Predators Friday night.

Bulls Fall to Pacers 107-105

By Associated Press

The Chicago Bulls left the Conseco FIeldhouse with looks of disappointment after T.J. Ford hit a jump shot with 3.9 seconds remaining in regulation to help the Indiana Pacers snag the 107-105 victory Tuesday night.

STATS LLC

INDIANAPOLIS -- T.J. Ford hit the go-ahead jumper with 3.9 seconds left, and the Indiana Pacers beat the Chicago Bulls 107-105 on Tuesday night to tighten the race for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago had a chance to tie or win, but Ben Gordon missed a long shot that was signaled as a 3-pointer in the closing seconds.

Ford finished with 22 points and nine assists. Danny Granger led the Pacers with 31 points, while Troy Murphy had 15 points and 12 rebounds after missing the previous three games with a strained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Derrick Rose had 24 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, Kirk Hinrich had 20 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, and Tyrus Thomas added 20 points for the Bulls.

Indiana won for the fourth time in five games and is 3½ games behind Chicago with seven games left.

Chicago led 103-100 and could have been up by more, but didn't take advantage and failed to score on its next three possessions. Granger scored on a putback to make it 103-102, then the Pacers forced Chicago into a shot clock violation.

Indiana worked the ball to Granger again, and he drained a 3-pointer with 43 seconds left to give Indiana its first lead of the quarter.

Gordon responded with a fallaway jumper from the free-throw line to tie the score with 38 seconds left.

Indiana worked for a shot, and Murphy missed, but the ball went out of bounds off a Chicago player, giving the Pacers a new 24-second clock with 26 seconds to play.

Ford worked the shot clock down, then drove left against Rose before hitting the fadeaway.

The Bulls led 52-50 at halftime, but the Pacers opened the half with a flurry that included a 3-pointer and a reverse dunk by Murphy to take a 59-54 lead with just over eight minutes left in the quarter.

Chicago rallied, and back-to-back 3-pointers by Tim Thomas and Hinrich gave the Bulls a 69-63 lead.

Josh McRoberts' two-handed baseline jam in the final second of the third quarter cut Chicago's advantage to 79-76.

A two-handed dunk and a layup by Tyrus Thomas increased Chicago's lead to 85-78. Indiana rallied again, and a 3-pointer by Granger trimmed the Bulls' lead to 87-85 and caused Chicago to call a timeout.

Chicago responded with a 12-6 run during which four different Bulls scored to take a 99-91 lead.

Get Over Orton; Chicago Bears Need to Lock Down Jay Cutler

Written By: Kendahl Damico for Mouthpiece Sports

Now that the Denver Broncos have made it official that they entertain trade offers for their quarterback Jay Cutler, the Chicago Bears need to push themselves into the mix for the 25-year-old rocket-arm.

Now that the dust has settled and Denver has officially chosen to recognize Jay Cutler’s disinterest in staying with the team, it’s time to shop around the 25-year-old QB and move on.

Though he comes with some baggage following this whole ordeal, that’s no reason to overlook the potential Cutler has to offer a new team, not to mention, victories. If there’s any decency left in this sport, the Chicago Bears need to move swiftly and productively to snatch Cutler before the Buccaneers, Lions or Jets do.

Cutler is 17-20 as Denver’s starter and has amassed 4,526 passing yards in his two seasons in the NFL. An 11^th overall pick out of Vanderbuilt in 2006, Cutler has quickly risen to the top of his game despite some apparent emotional issues.

Though Orton was moderately consistent in 2009, Cutler was constant. If the Bears secured Cutler, they’d find a more-than-reliable back-up QB in Orton and an unwavering starting QB in Cutler -- someone who has proven they can bring their A-game day in and day out.

This is a no-brainer for the Bears and at this point in the off-season; Chicago needs to move swiftly if they’d like to improve upon last season’s disappointment and head straight into the playoffs this year.

The potential hiccups for locking down this deal, however, are serious: as previously mentioned, timing is of the essence here. Tampa Bay, New York and Detroit have already made their intentions known, so the competition is steep. Plus, there’s always salary to combat.

Cutler is currently half-way through his 6-year, $48 million contract with Denver. Considering Chicago needs to fill a handful of other key positions, money, per usual, may quickly make or break this pursuit.

As any businessman knows, you need to spend money to make money and if the Bears want to set their sights on Tampa this season, GM Jerry Angelo better starting digging into those pockets and make the money talk. Period.

The Chicago Cubs Tie the Athletics 8-8

Written By: Associated Press

The Chicago Cubs tie the Oakland Athletics today in spring training. Pitcher Carlos Zambrano pitched well through the fourth inning. Geovany Soto also had a great game hitting a grand slam helping the Cubs tie the game.

PHOENIX (AP) -Geovany Soto hit a grand slam and a solo shot, and Carlos Zambrano pitched effectively into the fourth inning Wednesday, helping the Chicago Cubs to a 8-8 tie with the Oakland Athletics.

Zambrano was scheduled to pitch three innings because he had already built up endurance for the season. He went 3 1-3 innings, giving up two hits and a run.

"I felt good, strong, I'm ready to go," Zambrano said after his final appearance before starting the opener on Monday in Houston. "I'm ready to start the season, I'm healthy. I'm ready to do my job."

Zambrano will be facing the Astros for the first time since he pitched a no-hitter against them in Milwaukee - a game moved because of Hurricane Ike last September.

"They didn't have Carlos Lee (who was hurt) or Ivan Rodriguez in that lineup," Zambrano pointed out. "I have to be careful with them."

Soto's homers were his first two of spring training. The grand slam came against Dallas Braden, capping a six-run third inning. In the sixth, the reigning Rookie of the Year hit a towering homer to straightaway center off right-hander Andrew Bailey, who had not allowed a run all spring.

"It felt good to square up a couple balls," Soto said. "It's going to be a work in progress."

Meanwhile, A's manager Bob Geren finally announced the team's rotation after the game.

Braden, who gave up six runs in five innings, will be the opening day starter, as expected. He'll be followed by Trevor Cahill, Dana Eveland, Brett Anderson and Josh Outman.

Sean Gallagher, who began the season penciled into the No. 2 spot, is now "competing for a bullpen spot," Geren said.

"What I'm looking for from him this spring was to attack the strike zone a little better," Geren said. "I'm looking for his stuff to be a little crisper."

Cahill and Anderson, the A's highly touted pair of 21-year-olds, will each be making their big league debuts. Neither has pitched a regular season game above Double-A. Cahill will start the second game in Anaheim, about an hour from his home in the San Diego area.

"It's awesome," Cahill said. "I'm still shaking. All my friends are already asking me for tickets."

Braden said the news that he was going to get the opening-day start took some of the sting out of a poor performance against the Cubs.

"When you think about it you've been given a go ahead from an entire organization, a front office, to try and get the season off on the right foot, to try to set the tone," Braden said. "And you know what? I think we're all ready to have this spring come to an end and kind of get it crackin' for real."

Sox Skim By For 5-4 Win Over A's

Written By: Kendahl Damico for Mouthpiece Sports

The Chicago White Sox managed a victory over the Oakland A's on Wednesday afternoon at Camelback Ranch. The win brings their Spring Training record to 12-14-1.

The Chicago White Sox pulled out a 5-4 victory over the Oakland A's on Wednesday afternoon thanks in part to Bartolo Colon's performance on the mound and the starters' skills in the batter's box.

With all eyes on him, Colon pitched 4 1/3 innings managing four strikeouts of his 43 pitches. Randy Williams relieved him in the fourth.

Wilson Betemit continued to shine in Spring Training blasting his sixth home run of camp. Jim Thome also snagged himself a homer and matched his teammate Jermaine Dye with a double in the fourth.

Veterans Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski each had RBIs.