Dana White wants B.J. Penn to retire

By Mike Chiappetta on Dec 9, 2:13a

For 14 months, B.J. Penn was no longer a part of the world which he helped build, instead choosing a self-imposed exile to his homeland of Hawaii. He returned with thoughts of a future rich with success that would build upon his already established legacy. He left with more heartache. And headache. And ... well, you get the picture.

The former two-division champion was routed by Rory MacDonald at UFC on FOX 5, a beating so physically taxing that Penn had to be transported to a Seattle area hospital for observation, according to UFC officials. While he's expected to be OK, his fight career may not survive. If he was turned off to the idea of fighting by a lopsided loss to Nick Diaz in October 2011, his defeat by MacDonald can only serve to convince him his first instincts were correct.

Since Penn hasn't commented since the loss, that remains to be seen. As for UFC president Dana White, he's seen enough.

Following the event, White said during a FUEL TV interview that he wanted and expected to see Penn hang up his gloves for good.

"He didn't say it tonight but I think BJ is probably going to retire," White said. "I wouldn't mind seeing that. He came back with a fire lit under him. Let me tell you what: That kid looked so good tonight. Rory looked better than he ever looked. The body punches he threw, you dont see punches like that in mixed martial arts. He really put it to B.J. tonight.

"B.J. is a warrior," he continued. "Talk about a guy who doesn't give up, doesn't quit, and just keeps coming. I have so much respect for B.J. I always have, even though the good times and bad times. I‘d like to see him retire. He’s got plenty of money, he's got a great family that loves him, he's got babies, a beautiful wife ... He has nothing left to prove to anybody, and everybody loves him. You heard the arena here tonight. I'd like to see B.J. retire.

Penn has only won once in his last six fights, a knockout win over Matt Hughes at UFC 123 in November 2010.

He holds a 16-9-2 record, which doesn't look great on paper, but 12 of his 27 career fights took place above his natural 155-pound weight class. Penn is one of only two men who've won titles in two UFC weight classes. The other is Hall of Famer Randy Couture. Penn is likely to earn the same honor, making the only question about his career whether or not he decides to give it one more go.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!

If you enjoyed what you’ve read so far on my Empower Network Blog and how our team can help you succeed, you can click the logo above to get started and you’ll be plugged into our team training detailing the action steps you need to take in order to see results with your Empower Network business.

Your partner in success,

Manchester City vs. Manchester United: Final score 3-2, Robin van Persie wins match marred by crowd trouble

By Kevin McCauley on Dec 9, 10:44a

While it's the most visible aspect of the Manchester Derby, given the timing, late crowd trouble at Eastlands was nowhere near the biggest story in a spectacular match.

The Manchester Derby has become one of world football's marquee fixtures sinceManchester City's new ownership took over, but Sunday afternoon's match might go down in history as the most spectacular of this era.

Wayne Rooney put Manchester United ahead by two goals early, but the Citizens put in an incredible fight to claw back level. In the closing minutes, Robin van Persie rescued United with a stellar free kick, and the Red Devils lead the Premier League by six points after their 3-2 derby win.

Hopefully, the biggest post-match talking points have nothing to do with the late-game antics by some of the less civilized Manchester City fans in attendance. After the van Persie goal, Rio Ferdinand was hit with an object thrown from the stands and was visibly cut. A fan also ran onto the pitch and attempted to confront referee Martin Atkinson. Until those stoppage-time shenanigans, the match was the story, and was spectacular from start to finish.

Rooney's first goal was a bit of a gift, handed to him by Joe Hart, whose lack of alertness in the situation was inexplicable. David De Gea started the attack with a great toss out wide toAntonio Valencia, and Rooney finished it with a bit of a scuffed shot. As the ball rolled slowly into the net, Hart just stood still and watched it pass him by.

Vincent Kompany went off injured in the 21st minute, which might have had some bearing on United's second goal of the match. Yaya Toure failed to step up and close down Rooney on a cutback cross from Rafael, and the Red Devils forward stepped up to complete a brace with much better technique and much more power than his first goal of the match.

Just after halftime, Jonny Evans went down with an injury and was replaced by Chris Smalling. Around the same time, Mario Balotelli got himself removed by his manager with a Balotelli special, trying a cheeky backheel when a more simple kick of the ball would have done. Mancini was livid, and reacted by instantly substituting in Carlos Tevez.

The match's biggest turning point came between the 59th and 60th minutes, when a should-have-been 3-0 United lead turned into their advantage getting cut to 2-1. Van Persie hit the post with a spectacular shot and Ashley Young poked in the rebound, but he was flagged for offside incorrectly. Just seconds later, City stormed back and scored their first goal of the match. De Gea made brilliant back-to-back saves on Tevez and David Silva, but couldn't keep out City's third effort, from Toure.

Atkinson had an absolute shocker in the middle on the day, and had a serious of badly missed calls shortly after that Toure goal. He waved play on on a bad tackle by Kolo Toureon Patrice Evra in the box, then missed Smalling handling the ball just outside of the penalty area in the 65th minute. In the 73rd, he blew play dead to show Rooney a yellow card for a tackle on Toure when the City midfielder was off to the races, running through on goal uncontested.

City nearly leveled things up in the 79th minute on a spectacular play by Silva, but United got off lucky. The Spanish playmaker's cutback shot from a narrow angle hit the shoulder of De Gea, then bounced off the crossbar. United's luck wouldn't last long, as they eventually conceded an equalizer. Pablo Zabaleta netted in the 86th minute, hitting a great half-volley from the edge of the 18 after a corner kick deflected out to the edge of the box.

It appeared that a draw was on the cards until the third minute of stoppage time, when Tevez took down Rafael on the edge of the box to give United a free kick from 25 yards out. Van Persie stepped up and took a shot that took a slight deflection, which made a save nearly impossible for Hart. The ball curled perfectly inside of the far post, sending the United section of the crowd into raptures.

Ferdinand was hit with a projectile, while Atkinson was attacked by a pitch invader during United's celebration of their game-winning goal. Another two minutes of stoppage time were played when the match eventually resumed, but City failed to do anything with their last chance, and now find themselves in a tough position in the league.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!

If you enjoyed what you’ve read so far on my Empower Network Blog and how our team can help you succeed, you can click the logo above to get started and you’ll be plugged into our team training detailing the action steps you need to take in order to see results with your Empower Network business.

Your partner in success,

Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich: Final score 0-2, Bayern win Bavarian Derby

By Phillip Quinn on Dec 8, 2:08p

Mario Gomez made a second half appearance and scored a goal as Bayern won the Bavarian Derby.

Bayern Munich stretched their lead atop the Bundesliga table to 11 points with a 2-0 victory over Augsburg in the Bavarian Derby.

Augsburg pushed into the Bayern half in the first half showing no fear, but it allowed the visitors more space in the attack. Mario Mandzukic had the first real opportunity of the match, but Mohamed Amsif made a great save to keep him out. Bayern took the lead on a penalty just before halftime after Gibril Sankoh was judged to have handled the ball in the area. Thomas Müller stepped up and converted the penalty for the 1-0 lead.

Mario Gomez came on at the hour mark and scored within minutes. Franck Ribery played a through ball to Gomez, and the forward shot past Amsif and sealed the victory. The two sides will meet again in 10 days in the DFB Pokal.

The victory moves Bayern to 41 points and 11 points clear at the top of the table ahead of Bayer Leverkusen who play tomorrow. Augsburg remain in 17th place on 8 points.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!

If you enjoyed what you’ve read so far on my Empower Network Blog and how our team can help you succeed, you can click the logo above to get started and you’ll be plugged into our team training detailing the action steps you need to take in order to see results with your Empower Network business.

Your partner in success,

Cowboys tragedy: Jerry Brown dead, Josh Brent charged with intoxicated manslaughter

Josh Brent statement: Cowboys DL will live with fatal accident 'rest of my life'

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Josh Brent released a statement on Saturday night regarding an automobile accident that claimed the life of Dallas linebacker Jerry Brown. Brent, who was allegedly driving the car while intoxicated, was charged with manslaughter on Saturday morning.

Here is Brent's statement, via the Star-Telegram:

I am devastated and filled with grief. Filled with grief for the loss of my close friend and team mate, Jerry Brown. I am also grief-stricken for his family, friends and all who were blessed enough to have known him. I will live with this horrific and tragic loss every day for the rest of my life. My prayers are with his family, our teammates and his friends at this time.

Brent was drafted by the Cowboys in the 2010 supplemental draft after a rocky college career at Illinois. On top of having academic struggles and commitment issues, Brent served 30 days in jail on a DUI charge in 2009. The third-year player had taken over as the Cowboys starter at nose tackle with Jay Ratliff sidelined by injury.

Brown was a teammate of Brent's at Illinois and was initially signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011. After a stint in the CHL and AHL, Brown was signed in the offseason by the Indianapolis Colts and was active in Week 6 against theNew York Jets. Brown was signed by the Cowboys to the practice squad in October.

Brown was killed when the Mercedes, driven by Brent, hit a curb and then flipped on Highway 114 in Irving, Texas.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!

If you enjoyed what you’ve read so far on my Empower Network Blog and how our team can help you succeed, you can click the logo above to get started and you’ll be plugged into our team training detailing the action steps you need to take in order to see results with your Empower Network business.

Your partner in success,

Bears vs. Vikings 2012 game preview: Adrian Peterson tries to snap 6-game losing streak to Chicago

By Brendan Porath on Dec 9, 8:50a

The Chicago Bears travel to Minnesota for a critical NFC North matchup in Week 14. The Bears have lost three of the past four games, and are coming off an overtime loss to theSeahawks at home. At 8-4, they are even with Green Bay for first place in the division with a host of teams, including Seattle, jockeying for two Wild Card spots with just four games to go. At 6-6, the Vikings have an outside shot to get back in the postseason discussion but they'll need to run the table against a tough December slate.

Chicago has sustained a slew of injuries in the second half of the season. While they haveJay Cutler back under center, they'll play the Vikings without Brian Urlacher and Tim Jennings on the defensive side of the ball and without Earl Bennett on offense. Helping fill the void created by Bennett's absence should be Devin Hester and Alshon Jeffery, who are both expected to return.

The Bears handled the Vikings just two weeks ago, but Adrian Peterson managed to find running room against a touted rush defense. Minnesota is also 5-1 at home this season and desperate to avoid a third straight division loss.

Meet the Vikings

Minnesota is a starkly one-dimensional team on offense, and Peterson is simply a force of nature out of the backfield. No one really knew what to expect out of the veteran running back after he tore his ACL last December, but he made his way back for the start of the 2012 season and has ripped through the league again. The Vikings are third in the NFL averaging 154.9 yards per game, and that's been largely done on the back of Peterson. With 1,446 yards through the first three quarters of the season, he's well on his way to his second rushing title.

Peterson started the season somewhat slowly as he recovered from the ACL injury, but he's dominated opponents in the second half. He's broken the 100-yard mark in his last six games, including a 210-yard peformance last week against the Packers. Chicago's rush defense has been vulnerable over the past month, and Peterson will have another opportunity at a 100-yard day this week. He tallied 108 yards two weeks ago against this same Bears defense. If the Vikings pull it off, they'll need Peterson to gain traction on the ground and maybe break a big one for a quick strike.

If there's one back who can carry the league's worst passing offense, it's Peterson. The Vikings, with second-year QB Christian Ponder taking the snaps, are throwing for just 180.6 yards per game -- dead last in the NFL. Ponder has been healthy all year and has taken every snap, but the Vikings pass game has been stuck in neutral. Part of this is Ponder's ineffectiveness, and part is the dynamism of Peterson, who should be appropriately emphasized in the offense. Ponder has played much better in the second half of the season, but he took a step back in Green Bay last week. He'll need to at least threaten the Bears defense outside the numbers and down the field.

Meet the Bears

This is a crucial game for the Bears, who will host the Packers next week with the division likely on the line. Chicago is nursing injuries all over the field, and the defense that was this team's identity has suffered several key blows. Urlacher's season is likely over, and Lance Brigg and Charles Tillman have also been banged up in recent weeks. Jennings, the team's leader in interceptions, is a big loss in the secondary.

Chicago has defeated their division rival six straight times, but they'll need their defense to step up and slow down Peterson in order to keep that streak alive. That defense was exposed last week in the loss to Seattle, yielding nearly 460 yards against an offense led by rookie Russell Wilson. Chicago is still among the best in the NFL at forcing turnovers, and there will certainly be opportunities against Ponder.

Jay Cutler has had a solid season leading the Bears offense. The turnovers created by the defense have often spotted the Bears leads, and they rarely fail to capitalize on opportunities. Cutler repeatedly targets Brandon Marshall on the outside, who should have a significant size advantage this week. Cutler has a propensity for forcing the ball but he's limited his turnovers this season, and he'll need to do that again on the road.

The Bears have established a solid run-pass balance, mixing in Matt Forte and Michael Bush to support the Cutler-to-Marshall threat. Forte is probable after playing with a gimpy ankle last week, while Bush is questionable with injured ribs. The Vikings are in the top half of the league against both the pass and run, but they still give up over 115 yards per game. Chicago will have their hands full up front, however, with Jared Allen and Brian Robisonflying off the edge. The Bears held their own last week, but expect the Vikings to putt consistent pressure on Cutler and force him to get rid of it quickly. The battle along the Bears offensive line is likely the key to the game.

Local Takes: Vikings

Ted Glover of Daily Norseman writes about where the Vikings might turn on offense:

Who will step up on offense?: With Percy Harvin out for the rest of the year, Ponder's job got harder, and somebody needs to step up. My hope is that it's Jarius Wright, who's flashed some talent in his first few games, and he has the longest reception of the year for the Vikings. Bill Musgrave needs to find answers besides Adrian Peterson, and he needs to find them right now.

Local Takes: Bears

With injuries piling up, Dave Gilbert of Windy City Gridiron looks at the remaining schedule and wonders if it's time to panic -- starting this week in Minnesota:

This week sees them take on the Vikings again in what needs to be seen as a must win game. Slipping to 8-5 with a game against the Packers around the corner would put them in a really tough position and even though their last two matchups are against Arizona and Detroit, they really can't afford to lose games against teams like Minnesota.

The Vikings main threat remains running back Adrian Petersonwho should receive comeback player of the year, coming off a big ACL injury that many thought would hinder his ability. That hasn't been the case and he leads the league in rushing yards with 1446. After looking good earlier in the season, the play of Vikings quarterback, Christian Ponder has greatly diminished, and with wide receiver Percy Harvin ruled out, the Bears shouldn't have too many problems with the Vikings' offense.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!

If you enjoyed what you’ve read so far on my Empower Network Blog and how our team can help you succeed, you can click the logo above to get started and you’ll be plugged into our team training detailing the action steps you need to take in order to see results with your Empower Network business.

Your partner in success,

Tim Tebow active for Jets

By Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The New York Jets decided to activate only two quarterbacks Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but in a surprise, the backup is Tim Tebow, not Greg McElroy.

Tebow, who didn't play in the last two games as he heals from fractured ribs, was listed as questionable for the game. Coach Rex Ryan indicated as late as Thursday that he wasn't comfortable with Tebow playing in a game.

Tebow was limited in practice all week. On Friday, Ryan suggested he might dress all three quarterbacks, with Tebow and McElroy backing up embattled starter Mark Sanchez.

The Jets had planned to dress all three quarterbacks, a team spokesman said before the game, but a medical situation involving another player changed the plan. Running back Joe McKnight developed a migraine Sunday morning. As a result, the team felt it needed to activate running back Kahlil Bell.

Still, for the second time in three games, the Jets will have Tebow as the No. 2 quarterback even though he's not 100 percent.

McElroy was active last week and rallied the Jets to a 7-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals, fueling a quarterback controversy. Ryan said he considered McElroy for the starting job. In a span of a week, McElroy went from almost starting to inactive.

The crowd at EverBank Field will appreciate Ryan's decision. Tebow is a local icon, as he grew up in Jacksonville and starred at the University of Florida.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!

If you enjoyed what you’ve read so far on my Empower Network Blog and how our team can help you succeed, you can click the logo above to get started and you’ll be plugged into our team training detailing the action steps you need to take in order to see results with your Empower Network business.

Your partner in success,

What Does the Future Hold for Oakland Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor?

BY

CHRIS ROLING

 (FEATURED COLUMNIST) ON DECEMBER 2, 2012

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor is officially starting his NFL career this week in the Raiders' Week 13 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, but his NFL future is difficult to predict. Pryor, a third-round pick by the Raiders in the 2011 NFL supplemental draft, has yet to see any playing time this season. According to Adam Schefter via Twitter, Pryor is active against the Browns, and may even see some playing time:  

Adam Schefter 

@AdamSchefter

For first time this season, Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor will be active, though coaches are uncertain whether they will actually play him.

It's nice to finally see Pryor get his chance with the Raiders struggling. He's had a tumultuous football career thus far after partaking in the Ohio State tattoo scandal.

After being selected in the by the Raiders, Pryor appeared promising last preseason. He threw for 251 yards in four games with two touchdowns and one interception, giving him a 92.1 quarterback rating. Pryor also added 121 yards and one touchdown running the ball. Pryor's activation couldn't come at a better time. The Raiders are 3-8 and one of the worst teams in the NFL .Starter Carson Palmer has been horrendous, in part due to a horrible offensive line. Oakland gave up a boatload to bring in Palmer, but he's added nothing of value to the team. A dual-threat quarterback such as Pryor is the perfect fit behind a mediocre line as he can escape pressure and make plays with either his arm or feet. Whether or not Pryor can steal playing time into next season is something worth examining.  

  Looking to the Future  

Cary Emondson-US PRESSWIRE

  Pryor's chance is upcoming. The season for Oakland is already lost, so it makes sense that the coaching staff would insert Pryor into the lineup to see if he can earn a starting role for the future. The time is now for Pryor. Going into the draft, Pryor was considered a risk and a project player. In Oakland's remaining games he is going to have to prove he is a long-term option for the team or risk losing his job in Oakland permanently to a rookie. If Pryor doesn't show anything promising, the Raiders will be in a perfect position to land a top quarterback prospect in the 2013 NFL draft such as USC's Matt Barkley. Should the Raiders elect to go this route, Pryor's chances of ever being anything more than a backup in Oakland are over.

Given the situation, it seems as if Pryor has been given an unfair shake in the NFL already, especially considering he was stuck in the middle of two different regimes. That being said, Pryor has the athletic skill set that could end up surprising NFL fans everywhere, along with the Oakland coaching staff.

What Pryor needs to do the rest of the way is simple: play effectively enough to win a few games while giving the staff some confidence that they can build around him for the next few years. This means not turning the ball over and being a legitimate dual-threat option under center.

The odds are against Pryor, but that isn't a new thing. He has the tools to succeed in the NFL, he just has to prove himself quickly.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!

If you enjoyed what you’ve read so far on my Empower Network Blog and how our team can help you succeed, you can click the logo above to get started and you’ll be plugged into our team training detailing the action steps you need to take in order to see results with your Empower Network business.

Your partner in success,

Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund: Final score 1-1, Gotze salvages point for BVB

By Graham MacAree on Dec 1, 2:28p

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund battled it out to a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena, withToni Kroos and Mario Gotze exchanging goals in the second half and Roman Weidenfeller producing some spectacular saves at the death to deny the hosts all three points. However, the match was at least partially overshadowed by a severe injury for Bayern centre back Holger Badstuber.

As expected, Bayern pushed the visitors onto the back foot from the beginning. Dortmund spent most of the opening spell stuck in their own half, and Roman Weidenfeller's box was under significant pressure early. Franck Ribery was the cause of many of BVB's problems, with Jakub Blaszczykowski offering minimal resistance down the right flank and forcing Lukas Piszczek to give away far too many free kicks for Jurgen Klopp's liking.

Thomas Mueller was also proving troublesome, and it took a thumping challenge from Neven Subotic to nick the ball off the Germany international's feet as he danced through a swarm of buzzing yellow shirts and looked to pull the trigger.

The action wasn't entirely in Dortmund's half, however, and the visitors did have one major early chance. Granted, it was mostly the result of Manuel Neuer attempting to shoot his team in the foot by dawdling on a backpass and letting Marco Reus nick it off his toes. Fortunately for Bayern, Reus was too wide to do much more than fizz the ball into Robert Lewandowski's midriff, and the striker was unable to control the ball.

Ultimately the most important moment of the first half wasn't a goal or a clear-cut chance but an injury to centre back Holger Badstuber, who left his knee out while trying to tackle Gotze and came off by far the worse, ending up on the ground undergoing treatment for several minutes before the stretcher was summoned. Jerome Boateng was sent on in his place.

The Badstuber injury served to shift the momentum completely, with Dortmund clearly growing in confidence after the substitution. Suddenly they were able to bomb forward, and Neuer was forced into action with a flying save from a Reus volley. That was the first real chance of the match from either side, and it took 44 minutes to get there, a testament to the ferocity of the midfield battle that was taking place.

BVB continued their heavy pressure to start the second half. Mats Hummels very nearly broke the deadlock after breaking through the Bayern defence with a clever run on a quickly taken free kick, but the centre back couldn't get the vital touch and Neuer was able to scramble clear. The goalkeeper then denied Reus after he was played in with an excellent through ball before Marcel Schmelzer blasted wide following a scramble in the box.

But Bayern eventually managed to regroup and reassert control of the game. Ribery was again key, causing havoc on the Dortmund right and putting the defence under serious pressure. But it was Kroos who grabbed the opener, picking up a pass from Mueller at the top of the box before dancing himself into a yard of space and threading a lovely shot past Weidenfeller in the 67th minute.

That lead didn't last long. Blaszczykowski came close to an equaliser before being hauled off for Ivan Perisic, but Gotze managed to restore parity shortly thereafter, blasting in a loose ball from a corner to make it 1-1. That goal set up a grandstand finish as BVB desperately tried to haul themselves back into the title race with a win while Bayern broke at speed whenever given the opportunity.

Kroos came close (but no cigar, haha!) to reestablishing the home side's lead when some brilliant movement left him one on one with Weidenfeller four minutes from time, but he was denied his brace by a superb save. Then Mueller attempted an audiacious chip that was just punched over, and from the following corner Weidenfeller produced an incredible save, flinging himself to his left to prevent Javi Martinez from scoring Bayern's second.

Weidenfeller's triple save proved to be the last real action of the match. Bayern will be much happier with maintaining the status quo than Dortmund -- the defending champions remain 11 points adrift of the top spot. At this point, it'd be a major shock if Bayern don't win the title by mid April.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!

If you enjoyed what you’ve read so far on my Empower Network Blog and how our team can help you succeed, you can click the logo above to get started and you’ll be plugged into our team training detailing the action steps you need to take in order to see results with your Empower Network business.

Your partner in success,

West Ham vs Chelsea, Premier League 2012: Final score 3-1 as Hammers hit back to sink Blues

By Callum Hamilton on Dec 1, 9:50a

Rafael Benitez's Chelsea suffered a miserable defeat away to West Ham, throwing away a lead to lose 3-1 at Upton Park.

Rafael Benitez's task to convince the Chelsea fans that he is the right man for the job just got a lot harder after his team surrendered a lead to lose 2-1 to West Ham United at Upton Park.

Chelsea had gotten off to a strong start as they dominated the game from the kick-off, and they were soon in the lead after Juan Mata scored the first goal of the Benitez era after 13 minutes, ending a 5-hour goal drought for the blues by smartly finishing after fine work from Fernando Torres.

It was to be Torres' only meaningful contribution to the game however, as hopes that Benitez would rejuvenate him continued to look optimistic, the striker typically floundering up front, and when presented with an almost identical opportunity to tee up Juan Mata, his cut-back was overhit and the chance was gone.

Chelsea almost paid immediately when Kevin Nolan collected the ball in the area and swivelled to fire the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out for a push on Branislav Ivanovic, a controversial decision after replays showed there was very little in it.

West Ham had struggled up until half-time and were perhaps fortunate, despite their disallowed goal, to go in level, but Sam Allardyce responded assertively with his half-time changes. James Tomkins had looked lost in midfield and Gary O'Neil had contributed little, and both were withdrawn for Mohamed Diame and Matt Taylor respectively.

Diame in particular gave West Ham a renewed bite in midfield, and allowed the Hammers to come back into the game. Their goal finally came after 63 minutes, Carlton Cole rising over Ivanovic to head home a Matt Jarvis cross. Chelsea were incensed and demanded that the goal was disallowed for a foul - and had more than a case to suggest so - but perhaps justice had been done in the light of the earlier decision.

Minutes later, Chelsea almost immediately regained their advantage, Juan Mata smacking the ball off the post from a free-kick, but they were unable to stop a resurgent West Ham from putting them under yet more pressure. Matt Jarvis surged into the area, but Petr Cechwas alert to tip his shot around the post, and from the corner, Ashley Cole was called into action to clear Winston Reid's header off the line.

With Chelsea rocking, the Hammers finally found their breakthrough, Carlton Cole setting up Mohamed Diame to smash the ball into the net with a low ferocious drive. It was a richly-deserved goal for the midfielder, who had changed the game since coming on and was a surprise not to start after his excellent form since signing for the East Londoners.

That left Chelsea with little time to salvage something from the game - although it got even worse for the Blues. Ashley Cole tamely surrendered possession to present Modibo Maigawith a fine opportunity. After unselfishly setting up Matt Jarvis, Cech made the save from the former Wolves winger, but Maiga had followed up to smash home the rebound.

What started out brightly had turned into a disaster for Chelsea, with Rafael Benitez now the only manager of the Abramovich era to fail to win his first three games, and the first for the club since Gianluca Vialli all the way back in 1998. With the fans not on his side to begin with, performances and results will have done nothing to convince them they were in the wrong. His first two games were flat, dour affairs, but this - a meek surrender after a strong start - presents a different shade of incompetence.

Things are looking grim for the Blues unless Benitez can do something special in his next few games, although full credit should go to West Ham for the victory. Allardyce probably made two mistakes in his team selection, but he had the conviction to change them at half-time and was rewarded with a fine second-half performance. The Hammers looked out of place in the Europa League spots, but they would look similarly odd in the relegation places.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!

If you enjoyed what you’ve read so far on my Empower Network Blog and how our team can help you succeed, you can click the logo above to get started and you’ll be plugged into our team training detailing the action steps you need to take in order to see results with your Empower Network business.

Your partner in success,

Chiefs Player Shoots Girlfriend Then Kills Self At Arrowhead Team Facility: REPORTS [UPDATED]

AP/The Huffington Post  |  Posted: 12/01/2012 11:05 am EST Updated: 12/01/2012 12:08 pm EST



  

A Kansas City Chiefs player reportedly died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the team facility, shortly after shooting his girlfriend at a nearby location, according to various reports.

According to KCTV in Kansas City, the first shooting occurred at approximately 8 a.m. Although KMBC in Kansas City initially reported that victim of the first shooting "was listed in critical condition," KCTV later reported that she had died.

Police officials tell KCTV that the Chiefs player drove to the team's facilities at Arrowhead Stadium after the initial shooting and shot himself.

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported on Twitter that a shooting occurred at the team's facilities.

@JayGlazer  Jay Glazer

Scary situation in KC right now as a player and another person have been shot at the Chiefs facility. Don't want to ...http://t.co/KBbYwu6J

December 1, 2012 3:16 pm via UberSocial for iPhone Reply Retweet Favorite

The Chiefs released a statement, via NFL.com

"We can confirm that there was an incident at Arrowhead earlier this morning. We are cooperating with authorities in their investigation."

UPDATE 11:20 a.m.: Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports cites an unnamed source in reporting that Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher was involved in a shooting outside the team facility.

@JasonLaCanfora Jason La Canfora

Chief LB Jovian Belcher was involved in a shooting involving at least one other person outside the team's facility today, source said...

December 1, 2012 3:56 pm via Twitter for Android Reply Retweet Favorite

The Kansas City Star reports that the 25-year-old player involved in the shootings was confronted by coaches before taking his own life.

@KCStar  Kansas City Star

Police: #Chiefs player, 25, was met by coaches in the parking lot of the practice facility and then took his own life.

December 1, 2012 4:22 pm via Twitter for iPhone Reply Retweet Favorite

MORE FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A 25-year-old Kansas City Chiefs player shot his girlfriend early Saturday, then drove to Arrowhead Stadium and turned the gun on himself as two team officials were confronting him, police said.

Kansas City police Supervisor Andrea Khan would not release the name of the player involved and the condition of the two parties was not immediately known.

Police spokesman Darin Snapp said authorities received a call Saturday morning from a woman who said her daughter had been shot multiple times at a residence about five miles away from the Arrowhead complex. Snapp said a call was then received from the Chiefs' practice facility.

Upon arriving, Snapp said that police witnessed a black male in a car with a handgun to his head talking to two Chiefs officials. That's when police heard a gunshot.

Arrowhead Stadium has been lockdown since about 8 a.m.

"We can confirm that there was an incident at Arrowhead earlier this morning," the Chiefs said in a statement. "We are cooperating with authorities in their investigation."

The season has been a massive disappointment for the Chiefs, who were expected to contend for the AFC West title.

But they're just 1-10 and mired in an eight-game losing streak that has been marked by devastating injuries and fan upheaval, with constant calls the past few weeks for general manager Scott Pioli and coach Romeo Crennel to be fired.

Kansas City is scheduled to host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

The Chiefs have been ravaged by injuries, led the league in turnovers, can't settle on a quarterback and are dealing with a full-fledged fan rebellion. The Twitter account for a fan group known as "Save Our Chiefs" recently surpassed 80,000 followers, about 17,000 more than the announced crowd at a recent game.

Things have been so bad this season that Crennel fired himself as defensive coordinator.

NFL Players' Reactions To Chiefs Tragedy

@TorreySmithWR

Torrey Smith

Life is wayyyy bigger than football...people forget that at times...respect their situation and pray for them

@MikePouncey

Mike Pouncey

Thought and prayer go out to the families of both victims and Kansas chiefs.

@Jones_Drew32

Maurice Jones-Drew

Everyone please pray for the Kansas city chief player, players and everyone affected by this sad situation.

@GAlexander21

Gerald Alexander

Cancel the Chiefs game tomorrow please @nfl

@ChrisHarrisNFL

Chris Harris

It's not fair to the Chiefs if the #NFL makes them play. They will be in no emotional state to play a game tomorrow.

@DuaneBrown76

Duane Brown

Praying for the families of Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend. Rest In Peace. Shit is beyond sad.

@cliffavril

Cliff Avril

Praying for all those affected by the KC situation...

@ChandlerW11

Chandler Williams

Tell me this not true RT Kansas City beat writer reports that Belcher killed himself in front of the head coach and general manager.

@DonteStallworth

Donte' Stallworth

Blessings to the family, friends and all involved and affected by today's tragic news involving KC Chiefs LB Jovan Belcher and girlfriend.

@caleb_campbell

Caleb Campbell

Praying For the Kansas City Chiefs.

@brendon310

Brendon Ayanbadejo

Prayers go out to all those affected in the tragedy at Kansas City. A sad day for the families involved and the @nfl

@GAlexander21

Gerald Alexander

I wouldn't care about no football game of a teammate who's locker was next to mine just shot himself bruh. I'd just wanna hug my family

@QUDAvie

Q Davie Sr.

Man this world is getting more twisted day to day. Gotta find a purpose n God. Praying for Chiefs players who just took his gf and own life

@Mr4thAndLong

Jesse Holley

Thoughts and Prayers Go Out to The families Of The Girlfriend and The Chiefs player that killed her and then himself. 🙏🙏🙏

@LoJackson94

Lawrence Jackson

Crazy news coming out of Kansas City with the chiefs...

@IAmMannyJohnson

Manuel Johnson

Say Prayers for the Chief organization..Its never that Bad to take ur own life..crazy..

@DFranks24

Dominique Franks

Man this story is crazy… prayers out to chiefs family that’s dealing w this lost…. Sad day right now n Nfl hearing this

@Dajones19

Donald

Prayers to the families in kc

@LeRon_McClain33

Le'Ron McClain

Just heard some crazy new from Kansas City!!! I can't believe this real talk... Sad day... Just can't believe that...

@LeRon_McClain33

Le'Ron McClain

Man Stop and say a prayer for the KC Chiefs family... Sad day #sweater

@ChandlerW11

Chandler Williams

Yea but at the end of the day hes still a PERSON RT @DocSwag: People be blessed beyond measures and take their lives

@BenUtecht

Benjamin Utecht

Please lift up your prayers to the KC Chiefs during this tragic time, also to the family of the young man & his girlfriend. Life is Precious

@kassimosgood81

Kassim Osgood

Suicide is never an option. Love life, love it. There's always hope.. Prayers to the families in KC

@felixjones28

The Real Felix Jones

Thoughts and Prayers going out to the whole#KansasCityChiefs organization as well as those all affected family.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!

If you enjoyed what you’ve read so far on my Empower Network Blog and how our team can help you succeed, you can click the logo above to get started and you’ll be plugged into our team training detailing the action steps you need to take in order to see results with your Empower Network business.

Your partner in success,