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Career playoff points for Sidney Crosby, who had hat trick Friday

The conduct of Joe Paterno and other Penn State officials in response to a Feb. 2001 allegation of sexual misconduct by Jerry Sandusky is inexcusable. However, the vilification of Paterno has gone far beyond what is contained in the Freeh Report. Paterno was a flawed man who made a horrific error in judgment. He was not a monster.

Sen. Arlen Specter, who died Sunday of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, was a passionate sports fan. Eric Fisher found that out first-hand one night when seated next to Sen. Specter at dinner.

With the Eagles on their bye week, this is a good time to assess playoff possibilities. Will the Eagles or Packers make the playoffs? We sort through the disappointments and surprises as we assess each team’s playoff chances.

First-and-10

A quick look at 10 sports stories in the news…

1. Phillies edge Reds After losing lead in top of 8th, Phillies push across 2 runs in bottom of 8th to defeat visiting Reds, 5-3. Cliff Lee pitches 7 strong innings, striking out 7 while allowing 2 runs. Lee also doubles and scores 2 runs. But lead disappears 2 pitches after Lee departs when Joey Votto homers off Antonio Bastardo, who has taken over 8th inning role while Mike Adams deals with back spasms.  But Phillies regain lead in bottom of 8th when Michael Young scores on Domonic Brown’s fielder’s choice. Ruiz adds insurance run on sacrifice fly, with Ryan Howard called safe on very close play at plate. Justin De Fratus finishes 8th inning to earn win. Jonathan Papelbon picks up 8th save. Phillies call up reliever B.J. Rosenberg and send reliever Raul Valdes to Class AAA Lehigh Valley. Kyle Kendrick opposes Bronson Arroyo when Phils, Reds meet again today (4 p.m.).

2. Halladay surgery labeled a “success” Phillies release statement saying Roy Halladay has arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Wednesday. Surgery was to remove inflamed bursa and to repair partial tear of rotator cuff and fraying of labrum. Statement says Halladay could begin throwing in 6-8 weeks. Phillies team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti says surgery reveals best-case scenario in terms of condition of Halladay’s shoulder. Prior to surgery, Halladay says he might pitch again this season and that surgery could “turn back the clock” 2 or 3 years, but Ciccotti says that refers more to how Halladay will feel rather than a return to that level of performance. Halladay, in final year of contract, apologizes to fans upset that he tried to pitch with sore shoulder.

3. Full speed ahead Eagles head coach Chip Kelly sets frenetic paces for full-squad OTA this week. Music blaring, clock ticking, players move quickly from one drill to another create atmosphere change. Next set of OTAs begin on Monday. Eagles sign injury-prone RB Felix Jones to 1-year contract. Cowboys selected Jones with 22nd overall draft pick 5 years ago, but injuries have kept him from reaching potential.

4. Moore radio talk Tom Moore, Sixers beat writer for Calkins Newspapers, will be special guest Sunday (6:30-7 p.m.) during PhillyPhanatics.com’s Internet Blog Talk Radio show. If you have a question for Tom or host Eric Fisher, an opinion to express or simply want to listen in live, please call 1-805-727-7014. (To listen to this show later or to listen to past shows, click on “radio show” on bar near top of this page, then select the show you want to hear.)

5. Sixers hire Hinkie Sixers make it official Tuesday by introducing Rockets assistant GM Sam Hinkie as their new president and GM. Former Sixers president Rod Thorn is retiring and will become consultant. Tony DiLeo will not return as GM. Hinkie is known for being actively using statistical analytics to evaluate players. Sixers receive permission to interview Rockets assistant coach Kelvin Sampson.

6. Knicks try to stay alive Pacers may be without guard George Hill for 2nd straight game when they meet Knicks tonight (8 p.m.) in Game 6 of Eastern Conference semifinals. In previous game, Carmelo Anthony pours in 28 points as Knicks defeat Pacers, 85-75, to cut Pacers’ series lead to 3-2. In Thursday’s other game, Spurs hold off Warriors charge in 4th quarter to post 94-82 triumph and win series in 6 games. Spurs open Western Conference finals Sunday (3:30 p.m.) against Grizzlies. Heat, who eliminated Bulls in 5 games, will face Knicks-Pacers winner in Eastern Conference finals.

7. Crosby tricks Senators Sidney Crosby’s hat trick boosts Penguins past visiting Senators, 4-3, to increase series lead to 2-0. On Friday, Patrice Bergeron, hero of Game 7 comeback against Maple Leafs, sets up Brad Marchand for game-winner 15:40 into overtime as Bruins defeat Rangers, 3-2, in Game 1 of Eastern Conference semifinals. In Friday’s other game, Kings score two goals in 22 seconds with less than 2 minutes remaining to shock visiting Sharks, 4-3. Working on 5-0n-3 power play due to tripping and delay of game (shooting puck into stands) penalties, Kings tie game when Dustin Brown slams home rebound of Jeff Carter shot then take lead 22 seconds later when Trevor Lewis puts home rebound with 1:21 remaining. Saturday’s games include Red Wings vs. Blackhawks (1 p.m.) and Kings vs. Sharks, who won’t have forward Raffi Torres for rest of series due to suspension for hit to head of Kings center Jarret Stoll.

8. Orb sets sights on Preakness Orb is even-money favorite today at Preakness as he goes for second leg of Triple Crown.

9. Beckham to retire David Beckham, 38, announces he will retire at end of current season. Beckham recently won championship with Paris team. Beckham also won titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid and L.A. Galaxy. He played 115 matches with England’s national team.

10. Union host Fire  Union, with just 1 home win this season, host Chicago Fire tonight (7:30 p.m.). On Wednesday, Landon Donovan scores goal, assists on 2 others as  visiting L.A. Galaxy pull away from Union, 4-1, with 3 second-half goals. Union’s lone goal comes on header by Amobi Okugo after long throw-in by Sheanon Williams.

(Listen live to PhillyPhanatics.com’s weekly Internet Blog Talk Radio program every Sunday from 6:30-7 p.m. — or call in to express your opinion or ask a question — by calling 1-805-727-7014. To listen to past shows, click on “radio show” on bar near top of this page, then select the show you want to hear.)

WEEKEND RESULTS

Friday
Phillies 5, Reds 3

Saturday
Reds at Phillies, 4 p.m.
Orlando at Soul, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Union, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday
Reds at Phillies, 1:30 p.m.

LOCAL SCHEDULE

Monday
Phillies at Marlins, 7:10 p.m.

Tuesday
Phillies at Marlins, 7:10 p.m.

Wednesday
Phillies at Marlins, 7:10 p.m.

Thursday
No games scheduled

Friday
Phillies at Nationals, 7 p.m..

Saturday
Phillies at Nationals, 7:15 p.m.
Union at Montreal, 7 p.m.
Soul at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
College men’s lacrosse
NCAA Championships
(at Lincoln Financial Field)

Sunday
Phillies at Nationals, 1:30 p.m.
College men’s lacrosse
NCAA Championships
(at Lincoln Financial Field)

FOR LEAGUE-WIDE SCORES AND STANDINGS, CLICK ON THE LINKS UNDER THE “STANDINGS” HEADING IN THE SIDEBAR TO THE RIGHT, OR IN THE HEADING AT THE UPPER-RIGHT OF THIS PAGE


 

Phillies notebook: Living in interesting times

There is a Chinese proverb - or at least a line in a speech by Robert F. Kennedy - that says "may you live in interesting times." Whether to view that as a blessing or a curse is the choice of ...
Phillies notebook:  Living in interesting times

Eagles draft opinions

How do you think the Eagles did in the 2013 NFL draft? Should they have taken Geno Smith in the second round? Should they have traded down in the first round, or is Lane Johnson – the third tackle taken – worthy of the #4 overall pick?

Asking right questions

Gordon Glantz immediately immerses himself in controversy by questioning the timing of Jason Collins’ revelation that he’s gay. We hope you enjoy Gordon’s debut column for PhillyPhanatics.com.

Numbers don’t add up

The hiring of Sam Hinkie as 76ers president and general manager brings the analytics craze to Philadelphia. Eric Fisher questions whether the numbers will add up to success.

Top 10 list

With the Eagles selecting offensive tackle Lane Johnson with the 4th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, PhillyPhanatics.com brings you a Top 10 list of the best and worst Eagles first-round picks of the last 40 years

Heel Turns: Extreme undercard rules!

May - 17 - 2013 Reporter: Achilles Heel Respond

The Greek god of wrestling seems to be in a better mood this week. In addition to explaining why the impressive undercard could elevate WWE’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view, Achilles Heel offers his opinion on the Austin Aries-Christy Hemme incident, extends “unpredictable” birthday wishes to an underrated mid-card wrestler on his 75th birthday, and informs you of the latest victim of the world championship jinx.

NHL playoffs: More perfection in Round 2?

May - 14 - 2013 Reporter: Eric Fisher Respond

Eric Fisher accurately predicted the winner of all eight first-round series. Can he remain undefeated while picking the conference semifinals? Eric and Ron Opher analyze each series and predict the winners.

How to fix the Flyers

May - 12 - 2013 Reporter: Eric Fisher 3 Responses

Do the Flyers need a complete overhaul, a few minor moves or a few key trades? Should they use the amnesty clause on Ilya Bryzgalov (pictured), Danny Briere or both? Eric Fisher has an offseason plan to fix the Flyers.

Heel Turns: Rock rolls with the punches

May - 11 - 2013 Reporter: Achilles Heel Respond

The Greek god of wrestling is angry this week after his Heel Turns column did not appear last week. When he’s done unloading on PhillyPhanatics.com’s Eric Fisher and Ron Opher, Achilles Heel finds time to explain how The Rock saved WrestleMania, praise WWE for a string of excellent televised matches and tell us why it has been a bad week for world champions Dolph Ziggler (WWE) and Jay Briscoe (Ring of Honor).

Fish ‘n Chips

May - 9 - 2013 Reporter: Eric Fisher Respond

Eric Fisher’s weekly column on a variety of topics. This week Eric serves up opinions on Roy Halladay’s shoulder surgery, the Sixers’ silence regarding Andrew Bynum’s dancing escapades and J.A. Happ’s fortunate break.

Phillies notebook: (Over)due for a correction

May - 5 - 2013 Reporter: Ron Opher Respond

The scary thing is that the Phillies may be worse than they appear. They’ve fattened up on the Mets and Marlins while not doing so well against the rest of the league.

Andrew Bynum continues knee "rehab"