Sunday Afternoon Doubles Final Kicks Off at 12:00 PM on Stadium Court! Session 10 of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic begins at 12:00 PM. Gates open at 10:00 AM and it is strongly advised that fans take Metro to the Van Ness - UDC Metro Station, or park for free at the Van Ness Center Garage (across the street from the Van Ness - UDC Metro Station) and take advantage of the free shuttle to the site.
Gael Monfils and Radek Stepanek go for it today at 3pm in the 2011 Legg Mason Tennis Classic.
ORDER OF PLAY - SUNDAY, AUGUST 07, 2011
MEN'S DOUBLES FINAL @ 12:00PM
[3] M Llodra (FRA) / N Zimonjic (SRB) vs R Lindstedt (SWE) / H Tecau (ROU)
MEN'S SINGLES FINAL @ 3:00 PM
[1] [WC] G Monfils vs R Stepanek (CZE)
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Results for Saturday, August 06, 2011
Men's Singles - Semifinals
Gael Monfils defeated John Isner in a thrilling three set match, 6-4, 3-6. 7-6(6), and will meet Stepanek for the 3:00 PM final. Radek Stepanek reached his first 2011 ATP World Tour Finals in Washington DC, beating American Donald Young in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.
Men's Doubles - Semifinals
M Melo (BRA) / B Soares (BRA) d [3] M Llodra (FRA) / N Zimonjic (SRB) 67(6) 76(7) 10-8 R Lindstedt (SWE) / H Tecau (ROU) d T Haas (GER) / R Stepanek (CZE) by walk-over
Suzuki Motor Corporation joins TV and radio personality Big Tigger to present the fourth installment of Big Tigger's HIV/AIDS RIDE FOR LIFE. Launching a bold and aggressive fundraising and awareness campaign benefiting HIV/AIDS, Suzuki and Big Tigger's Street Corner Foundation (SCF) will bring together over 2,000 bikers and enthusiasts for the extraordinary motorcycle charity ride & grand finale event. Big Tigger's 4th Annual HIV/AIDS RIDE FOR LIFE will be held Saturday, August 13, 2011 and will commence at Prince George's Stadium (Baysox Stadium) in Bowie, Maryland and conclude at United Medical Center in Washington, DC.
As the Presenting Sponsor of RIDE FOR LIFE, Suzuki has reinforced the commitment and goal to increase community action and raise local and national awareness about the importance and ease of HIV testing. The historic ride will assemble both veteran riders and newcomers to make the 23.4 mile trek to raise funds, support the Foundation's efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS, and to showcase the community's determination to end the devastating disease.
"Suzuki is a staple in the motorcycle community and we are excited to have the premier motor corporation to join us to help pass on the message 'Get Tested - Know Your Status,' states activist and TV and radio icon Big Tigger.
The primary goal of this monumental event is to address the increasing rate of infection in communities of color and in individuals under the age of 25 in the Maryland and Washington DC areas as well as the rest of the country. Additionally, the ride will renew our sense of urgency about HIV/AIDS as a national health problem.
Hosted by Big Tigger, RIDE FOR LIFE will begin registration and staging at 7am on Saturday, August 13th at Prince George's Stadium (Baysox Stadium), Bowie, MD. The official ride will commence at 12:00 noon, travel along the event route, and conclude at United Medical Center in Washington DC. Big Tigger will lead the convoy of approximately 2,000 riders, representing over 100 bike clubs from around the country to an inspiring Grand Finale event that will include HIV testing, health screening, and a fun-filled day with live music, entertainment, and food and merchandise vendors. Additionally, participants have an opportunity to participate in Suzuki sponsored bike raffle for a chance to win your choice of a 2011 Suzuki GSX-R100, Suzuki Hayabusa or Suzuki M109R.
Hailing as one of the largest African-American motorcycle benefits for HIV/AIDS awareness, RIDE FOR LIFE has historically garnished the support of over 180 motorcycle clubs, thousands of registered bikers, Washington DC Mayor's office and Prince George's County Executive Office and various government agencies. RIDE FOR LIFE holds the testing record of 854 participants during a single HIV/AIDS testing initiative.
Registration for this year's momentous ride is currently available at various locations including T.G.I. Friday's in Greenbelt, MD every Wednesday from 8pm -10 pm, Freestate Cycle located at 8601 Central Avenue in Capitol Heights, MD Tuesday- Sunday from 11am - 7pm, or online at www.streetcornerfoundation.org, www.wpgc.com or www.freestatecycle.com. The registration fee of $20 includes inclusion in the ride and entrance to the grand finale event.
Check out our video coverage of a previous Ride For Life event.
The Street Corner Foundation, LLC (SCF) is committed to empowering and strengthening diverse urban communities through proactive, innovative programming. Based in the belief that knowledge is the key to improving issues affecting the community, SCF's focus is two-fold; to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS by funding educational initiatives targeting prevention, and to improve quality of life for youth and by supporting programs that focus on literacy and self-esteem.
For more info, and to register, go to www.StreetCornerFoundation.org
Fans are 'really passionate and fun to be around'.
Redskins Park was getting a lot of appreciation during today's Redskin Fan Appreciation Day (FAD), the annual event where Washington Redskin fans watch the team practice, get glimpses of players, and have their favorite item signed by Redskin players.
A very appreciative fan wears her favorite players' names on her belly. Photo/CD Brown.
On this year's FAD turnout, head coach Mike Shanahan said it was "typical of Redskins fans".
"It didn't surprise me at all, especially when we have our whole football team in. Obviously, they didn't disappoint anybody".
Fan attendance at practices this year, have been disappointing, however.
Shanahan, who we saw taking delight in signing autographs for the fans, including signing the skin of one seven year old's cell phone, called the fans "passionate and really fun to be around".
Passionate would describe one fan who drove all the way down from Delaware.
"We make the trip every year", he said.
Remaining a fan favorite at FAD is tight end Chris Cooley who, to the shots of COOOO-LEEEEYY from the fans, signed footballs, T-shirts, helmets and race cars.
"Cooley, I've been waiting all day", said one fan.
We also caught up with Horatio Blades as he was signing autographs and asked him about his recent name change from H.B. Blades, back to Horatio.
DCUS: Why did you switch your name from H.B. to Horatio?
Horatio: "Horatio is my name so I just switched it back".
DCUS: Well, why'd you use H.B. in the first place then?
Horatio: "Actually it was my auntie who started calling me that", the 5'10, 242 linebacker from Pittsburgh told us. "And it just stuck".
Giving up the nickname is aunt has used since he was a youngster, Horatio says, "I wanted to let the media know to list me now as Horatio. That's my name".
"I like Horatio", Blades said.
We like Horatio too, but will miss the euphonious sound of H.B. Blades.
A player name change isn't the only change going on at the ever changing Redskins Park. Roster changes continue. This time the Redskin signed free agent right tackle Sean Locklear (a former Seattle Seahawk).
“I’m just glad to be on a team,” Locklear said. “I’m going to let them figure out where they want to play me, and go from there.”
Newly signed punter Fav Rocca also participated in today's FAD. Rocca, formerly of the Australian Football League (AFL) arrived on Friday after having some visa issues.
Said Coach Shanahan, "We're very lucky to get him back as quick as we did. We thought it was going to take anywhere from tow weeks to two and half weeks. It ended up taking five days. We sped up the process as best we could. It's great for us and great for him".
Shanahan said Rocca will have the role as holder as well.
The Redskins have released linebacker Robert Henson, defensive tackle Joe Joseph and linebacker Kyle O’Donnell.
Skins Injury Report Update Ryan Torain sustained a fractured left hand earlier in the week during training camp, on which he recently had surgery. He is expected to be out for 7-10 days.
Signing autographs today was returner Brandon Banks, who is said to be 'resting' his surgically repaired knee from last season, because of swelling.
LaRon Landry, also seen signing autographs, remains limited with a torn Achilles sustained last season, but is said to be "progressively healing".
John Beck is recuperating from a groin injury.
Injured players withstanding, one Redskin player who is totally healthy and ready to go is tight end Fred Davis.
"I'm great, I'm ready, said Davis, who jokingly predicted a 40-0 win over preseason rival Pittsburgh Steelers next Saturday, August 12.
"No, seriously", said Davis, "Just a W. That would be good. Whichever way you can get it".
Just finishing up practice the tired, but agile Davis, commented on the coaching stylings of Mike Shanahan. On Shananhan, Davis said tell us "He's great".
Redskins Hall of Fame Inductions A big day for the Washington Redskins today. In addition to Fan Appreciation Day, also on this day, former Redskin Chris Hamburger will officially (and finally) be inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. Hamburger is the 4th Redskin to be inducted in the last 4 years. He played linebacker for the Redskins from 1965-78 and earned nine Pro Bowl berths, a franchise record. He also earned first-team All-NFL acclaim four times from 1972-76.
Hamburger was picked in the 18th-round in the 1965 NFL Draft.
You can watch Hamburger become enshrined along with 'the other former Redskin' Deion Sanders, Marshall Faulk, Richard Dent, NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe (whom Shanahan coached in Denver, calling him "the best ever"), Les Richter, and Ed Sabol in the 2011 Hall of Fame ceremony on the NFL Network at 7pm.
**Update** Watch Hall of Fame speeches, and more, here.
Redskins training camp has been open to fans since July 29th. But where are the fans? Each day less and less fans show up at the Park to watch the Redskins practice.
In days of old, last year even, thousands of fans braved the hot, sweltering heat to watch their favorite player practice.
Devin Thomas signs autographs for the fans. Photo/CD Brown.
Not this year.
Less fan participation this year, 2011. Photo/CD Brown.
This year the Park is deserted.
Never seen before in the history of the Redskins franchise: No fans during training camp. Photo/CD Brown.
We're not sure why (but we're gonna ask). We definitely know it's not the heat that's keeping fans away. In near 100 degree heat, we saw legions of fans last year, and the year before that, everywhere at Redskins Park.
Maybe the expression 'favorite player' is the key. Not many recognizable names left. Shanahan has cut, or released, at least 22 of the Redskin players fans have come to love. As you saw in the Rex Grossman video, even his teammate said he was trying to get through all the new faces.
New faces, that the Shanahan era hopes will build a winning franchise with new acquistions.
Still, the team has guys fans will recognize: Cooley, Cabers, Davis, Doughty, Fletcher, Golston, Hall, Horton, Moss, and so on.
Those players should be enough to bring the fans out. Right?
Just a Few More Chances Left To See Players Practice Fans have a few more chances to see their team in action during this year's training camp. The Redskins will hold their annual Fan Appreciation Day this Saturday, August 6th, and their first preseason game the week after on August 12th against - the Pittsburg Steelers. Early morning (8:30 am) practices remain open to the public until August 15th.
After that, you'll have to wait until the start of the regular season.
So, come on out to the practices. (You know you're still a loyal fan, and besides, it's almost drama free this year).
As another Redskins training camp session comes to a close, we get a mouthful from two of the team's players: One newly signed. The other, a returning fellow.
We caught up with both.
Washington's new running back, Timothy Hightower, talked to the media about becoming a Redskin, fumbling in the NFL, and more.
Hightower is on a mission. He says he came to Washington "to win". . . and "be great".
"I'm taking advantage of the opportunity", he said.
The redskins acquired Hightower from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for the Skins’ Vonnie Holiday and a 6th round draft pick. Holiday is 35. Hightower is 25. (REWIND: Holiday is 35. Hightower is 25).
This is Hightower’s 4th season in the NFL. Last season, Hightower played in 16 games, including 13 starts, and led the Cardinals in rushing with 736 yards on 153 attempts (4.8 avg.). He also topped the team with five rushing touchdowns to give him 23 over the last three years, tied for the 10th-most in the NFL over that span.
Hightower struggled with missed passes and fumbles. Mike Shanahan, however, really likes his new acquisition. “I like everything about him,” Shanahan said. “He’s a good blocker, an excellent runner. He’s been very productive. Shanahan says Hightower is “just a guy that I’ve watched and I’ve liked.” “I think what Tim has done over the last three years speaks for itself.
Here’s our video of Tim, speaking for himself (leaving many to wonder why he didn’t’ have that opportunity in Arizona).
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Rex Grossman spoke for the first time, also, since signing with the Redskins.
He talked about coming in as the team's quarterback behind John Beck, and says he has "no regrets".
"When I'm in a groove, it's pretty hard to stop".
The 'Rexman groove' got him a one year deal with the Redskins.
Watch Grossman on getting back with the Redskins, below.
Grossman gets a surprise visitor during his press conference. Click here to watch.
This year's Legg Mason Tennic Classic is heating up with talented stars. Tonight's matches include David Nalbandian (l), 2010 Legg Mason Tennis Classic Champion returns to defend his title. Other featured players include 2011 Newport Champion and Atlanta Finalist John Isner, Fernando Gonzalez, Tommy Haas, and 2011 Los Angeles and Atlanta Semifinalist Ryan Harrison.
ORDER OF PLAY - TUESDAY, AUGUST 02, 2011
STADIUM start 4:00 pm [WC] R Harrison (USA) vs M Zverev (GER) Not Before 5:00 PM T Haas (GER) vs F Gonzalez (CHI) Not Before 7:00 PM J Blake (USA) vs [8] D Nalbandian (ARG) [11] J Isner (USA) vs T Kamke (GER)
GRANDSTAND start 4:00 pm R Sweeting (USA) vs A Bogomolov Jr. (USA) [Q] T Smyczek (USA) vs G Dimitrov (BUL) [16] J Nieminen (FIN) vs I Kunitsyn (RUS) [3] M Llodra (FRA) / N Zimonjic (SRB) vs K Anderson (RSA) / P Hanley (AUS)
COURT 1 start 4:00 pm M Ilhan (TUR) vs F Cipolla (ITA) O Marach (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) vs [WC] J Erlich (ISR) / A Ram (ISR) [Q] C Guccione (AUS) vs [13] K Anderson (RSA)
COURT 2 start 4:00 pm P Lorenzi (ITA) vs M Berrer (GER) S Lipsky (USA) / R Ram (USA) vs E Butorac (USA) / J Rojer (AHO) D Gremelmayr (GER) vs S Devvarman (IND)
Wednesday night will feature the #1 seed and 2011 French Open quarterfinalist Gael Monfils (r), as well as Gstaad finalist Fernando Verdasco. Austrian Jurgen Melzer, the #18 ranked player in the world will also be making his Legg Mason Tennis Classic debut. Doubles action for the evening will include the World #1 Ranked Doubles players Bob and Mike Bryan, making their 11th appearance at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic.
The Redskins continue to make roster moves to the 2011 Washington Redskins team, signing the following seasoned, unrestricted free agents: Stephen Bowen, Kellen Clemens, Barry Cofield, Donte’ Stallworth, and Josh Wilson.
The Redskins also signed the following college free agents Dante Barnes (Norfolk State), Kevin Gidrey (South Florida), Tyrone Grant (Delaware), Corey O’Daniel (Gardner-Webb) and Kyle O’Donnell (Liberty), while adding the following exclusive rights free agent Byron Westbrook.
The Redskins placed the following players on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP)list: Robert Henson (LB), and safeties LaRon Landry and Kareem Moore.
The Redskins said bye, bye to Josh Bidwell, Phillip Daniels, Ma’ake Kemoeatu, Casey Rabach, Roydell Williams, and Mike Williams. (Williams, as you may remember, missed all of last season due to having blood clots near or around his heart).
The Redskins also parted ways with running backs Shawnbrey McNeal, Andre Brown and Chad Simpson, defensive tackle Rashaad Duncan, safeties Sha’reff Rashad and Macho Harris, wide receivers Maurice Price and Taurus Johnson, and punter Sam Paulescu, but did resign Philip Buchanan, who will be out with a four game suspension for violating league rules.
Not wanting to go into details, head coach Mike Shanahan said, "It is a setback for us."
The team also adds Jammal Brown and linebacker Horatio Blades (formerly known as H.B. Blades), and acquires running back Tim Hightower from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday and an undisclosed draft pick.
If the roster seems to look more unfamiliar as the days go by, you can get the chance to see the newly formed team on August 24th during this year's Washington Redskins Welcome Home Luncheon.
We posted last week about more findings coming out about the affects of concussions on players. Now we learn that another professional footbal player has been diagnosed with a behavioral disorder.
Miami Dolphin wide receiver has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), a disorder caused by a range of events from childhood sexual abuse, to traumatic events, to genitics. (If you get tackled enough in the NFL in the wrong place (mainly the head), we'd bet the farm that would constitute a traumatic event).
Marshall plans to bring his condition to the forefront - documentary style. His documentary, 'The Borderline Beast', will chronicle his treatment sessions as he embarks on a road to a much wanted, and much needed, 'recovery'.
Marshall told reporters a press conference today that his symptoms began in 2006, the beginning of his rookie year in the NFL.
Brandon's troubles off the field began shortly thereafter included several domestic disputes with his wife, Michi Nogami-Marshall, which included Nogami stabbing Marshall in the stomach.
"I would have thrown away my career, and there was a good possibility my life. I’m still suffering from the consequences of this. Another reason why I am so passionate it is because I may lose my wife still and that hurts me. I am a very passionate person", Marshall said.
Apparently, Marshall's 'passion' includes beating up his then girlfriend, now wife, and being involved in a fight that led to the 2007 drive-by slaying of Darrent Williams, a teammate of Marshalls when they both played for the Denver Broncos.
To reporters, Marshall said, “The longer that BPD, Borderline Personality Disorder, goes untreated the worse it gets as you all have seen my life publicly.”
