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What the Pittsburgh Pirates Need to Do to Make the Playoffs
COMMENTARY There are countdowns for the Pittsburgh Pirates season everywhere you look on Twitter.
20GamesToGo
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As they sit 22 games above .500 with a 1.5 game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central the importance of the five game series they're currently in with St. Louis has been exacerbated through the local and national media. However let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Beginning August 27 Pittsburgh will face a divisional opponent in 25 of its final 32 games including six against the Cardinals and six against the Reds.
So what does that mean
While yes this mid week series against the division leader is important and the Pirates have won the first three games the Pittsburgh Pirates' season will not be won or lost before the weekend rolls around.
What the team needs to focus more of their efforts on is something that quite frankly isn't getting enough attention from anyone.
In their recently concluded 10 game road trip following the All Star break they went a respectable 5 5 against Cincinnati Washington and Miami. However what was alarming was the number of strikeouts Pirates hitters racked up over that span.
In just 10 games they struck out 112 times including a 15 strikeout performance in a 9 7 loss to the Nationals. That's right the Pirates managed to score seven runs in the same game they whiffed 15 times. Incredible.
As Colin Dunlap pointed out in column on CBSPittsburgh.com this Pirates team would be better served if they put the ball in play more
As of late especially and in general all season the Pirates have simply swung and missed too much they have struck out 887 times on the season second only in the National League to the Atlanta Braves. The Pirates better cut down on their strikeout rate if they truly want to contend for the division crown.
He's absolutely right and it starts at the top.
Leadoff hitter Starling Marte who has done a fantastic job of getting in position to score once he's reached base has fanned 107 times. In contrast he has drawn only 17 walks all season which is by far the lowest of any starter.
Isn't your leadoff hitter's primary job to get on base by any means necessary
Those numbers have to change.
Then there's Pedro Alvarez. In the early part of his career he was striking out a lot while also failing to hit for any steady power. Now his strikeout numbers are still too high 124 Ks in 348 at bats. But with an NL leading 27 home runs the Pirates can live with those results.
Andrew McCutchen and Russell Martin are the only two Pirates that have an on base percentage above .350. Neil Walker and Gabby Sanchez are close but they need their top of the order guys to improve especially against teams familiar with their tendency to chase bad pitches.
So while yes fans in Pittsburgh would be on cloud nine if the Pirates could sweep this five game series from the Cardinals there are bigger fish to fry.
Or should I say birds.
Kevin Connelly is a Pittsburgh native who's been alive for five of the city's 14 sports championships. He has a journalism degree from the University of Tennessee and is currently a sportswriter at The Vindicator in Youngstown Ohio. You can follow him on Twitter Kevin_Connelly.
Former MLB player Frank Castillo dies
(CNN) Former Major League Baseball pitcher Frank Castillo drowned while swimming in a lake near Phoenix Arizona authorities said Monday. He was 44.
Castillo and a friend were on a pontoon boat Sunday at Bartlett Lake according to a statement from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Castillo got into the water to go swimming. He did not resurface.
Sheriff's deputies searched the area and recovered Castillo's body Monday afternoon the statement said.
Castillo made his MLB debut in 1991.
Throughout his career he played for the Chicago Cubs Colorado Rockies Detroit Tigers Toronto Blue Jays Boston Red Sox and Florida Marlins.
Castillo's family released a statement to CNN affiliate KVIA thanking friends and fans for their support.
Frank was a wonderful son terrific brother and an extraordinary father to his two beautiful girls it read. Everyone who knew Frank loved Frank. We are devastated by this loss.
People we've lost in 2013
' document.write(OB_MarkUP) if (typeof(OB_Script) 'undefined') OutbrainStart() else var OB_Script true var strPistons to acquire Brandon Jennings in trade with Bucks
Brandon Jennings (right) spent his first four seasons in Milwaukee. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The Pistons and Bucks have agreed to a sign and trade deal that will send point guard Brandon Jennings to Detroit according to multiple reports.
SI.com s Chris Mannix confirmed from sources close to the negotiations that the Bucks will receive guard Brandon Knight forward Khris Middleton and center Slava Kravtsov from the Pistons. Jennings a restricted free agent will sign a three year $24 million contract as part of the deal.
Jennings 23 was one of the few big names remaining on the free agent market. He becomes the latest high profile addition for the Pistons who signed forward Josh Smith to a four year $54 million contract and brought back guard Chauncey Billups on a two year $5 million deal. Detroit also drafted shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell Pope in the first round to join a young core featuring big men Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe.
Jennings the 10th pick in the 2009 draft spent his first four seasons in Milwaukee where he averaged 17 points 3.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists. He shot only 39.4 percent from the field in those four years including 39.9 percent last season when the offensive minded backcourt of Jennings and Monta Ellis led the Bucks to a 38 44 record and a first round playoff loss to the Heat.
Knight 21 the eighth pick in the 2011 draft was a full time starter in both of his seasons with Detroit. He averaged 13.3 points 3.3 rebounds and four assists last season for the Pistons who finished 29 53 to miss the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. Knight shot 40.7 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three point range last season.
Middleton 21 averaged 6.1 points in 27 games for the Pistons last season. He was the 39th pick in the 2012 draft. Kravtsov 25 a 7 footer from Ukraine averaged 3.1 points in 25 games in 2012 13.
Milwaukee general manager John Hammond said before the start of the free agent negotiating period that the Bucks planned to re sign Jennings.
Our intentions would be to negotiate with Brandon and hopefully we can come to an agreement before he goes out into the market or needs to go out into the market Hammond said last month. If it does happen and he goes on the market and signs an offer sheet our intentions will be to match that.
Jennings never signed an offer sheet with another team. Meanwhile the Bucks signed Hawks restricted free agent point guard Jeff Teague to a four year $32 million sheet. Atlanta matched the offer to retain Teague.
With the departure of Jennings and Ellis (who signed with Dallas) the Bucks revamped backcourt features Knight and Luke Ridnour at point guard and O.J. Mayo and Gary Neal at shooting guard. All four were acquired this offseason.
Eddie Lacy not distracted by social media storm
Green Bay Monday should have been a relaxing day off for Eddie Lacy.
Kick back. Maybe watch Tom and Jerry. All in all take a break from the grind.
Instead an unflattering photo of Lacy catching a swing pass captured by the Green Bay Packers' official website overwhelmed the Internet and the rookie became national fodder.
On Tuesday Lacy asserted he is in shape. The former Alabama running back says he had no reaction to the social media firestorm. While he wouldn't disclose his weight Lacy said during organized team activities he was 238 pounds he insists he is exactly where I want to be.
Meanwhile coast to coast Lacy was a punch line for a day.
Welcome to the NFL.
That's something I don't really worry about Lacy said. That's an external factor. I learned in college to pretty much you know distance yourself from that.
Before training camp Lacy indicated pro teams did question his love of the game to which Lacy vows there's no reason to worry. At his locker after practice Lacy said he's at a weight where I'm comfortable at. And at the podium coach Mike McCarthy said if any players had problems with conditioning they wouldn't be on the field right now.
In a strange twist Lacy had his best practice yet Tuesday. Through one red zone drill anyway he had squashed concerns. Defenders weren't tackling but Lacy likely would have scored on three of his runs from 11 5 and 3 yards. Through the sequence Lacy bowled over would be tacklers and also used his go to spin move.
Yes Lacy does carry extra weight. No he does not see that as any sort of detriment.
I've always been big. I'm a power back said the 5 foot 11 Lacy. I get the tough yards and I'm fast enough to get around the outside and make big plays.
Defensive end Mike Daniels saw the photo like so many others and had a much different take.
I'll tell you what when defenses see him and see his tape they say 'The bigger they are the harder they're bringing that wood when they're coming downhill.' They're not looking at it laughing. They're looking at it like 'Crap.' The people who know they're looking at that like 'That boy has some weight to him. He ain't going to go down easy.'
No Lacy is not as wide as the photo may suggest. He does however enjoy crawdads back home in Louisiana and Alabama.
How did he spend this past month With a chuckle Lacy didn't flinch.
I spent it doing what I had to do he said.
House returns Davon House won't say exactly where he had dinner in Las Cruces N.M. on July 20. But the Packers cornerback ate salmon that night and hasn't been 100% since. Food poisoning led to an ear infection which led to House not even being able to see straight.
The illness keeping House off the field for three practices was labyrinthitis. House estimated he's about 85 90% now and on Tuesday he pulled out of practice due to cramps. The entire experience he said was pretty scary.
While traveling House threw up at the airport and couldn't walk. He needed a wheelchair to move from gate to gate. His weight dropped from 198 pounds to 189 pounds.
It was scary House said. I had never experienced anything like that before.
House is up to 194 pounds but isn't back to full strength. He is still dizzy at times.
He'll now join the competition at cornerback with the harness he needed over his shoulder last season.
I feel I'll be a better player from last year and years before that smarter knowing the defense all around the D Line the linebackers the safeties knowledge of the game House said. All around I should be better.
Hayward Williams out House may be back but the Packers will be without cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Tramon Williams for a while. McCarthy does not believe Williams' knee injury is serious although he said the cornerback like Hayward may be out a couple weeks.
Williams suffered the injury at a recent practice but isn't sure how.
Add it all up and the Packers are getting an early look at their young cornerbacks. Rookie Micah Hyde particularly continues to stand out.
I think they're all showing that they can play McCarthy said. I think it's going to be clearly one of our more competitive groups positions.
Elsewhere there's an obvious disconnect between the Packers and running back DuJuan Harris. Whereas Harris (knee) has repeated he'll be back very soon McCarthy said Tuesday the running back wouldn't return this week adding I think it's probably closer to two or three weeks.
Jones incoming It's an unusual sight a defensive end barreling downfield on kickoff coverage. But the Packers also believe Datone Jones is an unusual athlete. At Tuesday's practice Jones was part of the second kickoff unit.
He has a unique skill set McCarthy said and it's important for our young guys to come in and make sure they're ready to go on special teams.
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Share this comment atJake Peavy to Boston in 3 team deal
BOSTON The Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox have been discussing a possible trade for Jake Peavy for days but were unable to find an agreeable match.
It wasn't until they engaged the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday Boston general manager Ben Cherington said that the pieces finally fell into place. The end result was a three team seven player deal in which Boston received the 32 year old veteran starter they were seeking to bolster their rotation for a postseason run.
More On The Trade
The Red Sox got Jake Peavy cheaply but David Schoenfield wonders what else might go down in the last hours before the deadline. SweetSpot
Losing Jose Iglesias hurts but acquiring Jake Peavy gives the Red Sox a chance to finish what they started Gordon Edes writes. Story
Law Breakdown of deal SportsNation Good for Boston Red Sox blog Workman to bullpen Red Sox Report ESPN Boston White Sox Report ESPN Chicago
The Tigers meanwhile acquired gifted gloveman Jose Iglesias from Boston as the shortstop they will need if All Star Jhonny Peralta is suspended as anticipated as part of MLB's Biogenesis investigation. The White Sox acquired outfielder Avisail Garcia regarded as the top power prospect in the Detroit system plus three prospects from the Red Sox 100 mph throwing right hander from Class A Greenville 20 year old Dominican Francelis Montas righty J.B. Wendelken and infielder Cleuluis Rondon.
Boston also acquired another player from Detroit's 40 man roster right handed reliever Brayan Villarreal who is currently with Triple A Toledo and has been sidelined with a sprained thumb. Villareal will be assigned to Boston's Triple A team Pawtucket.
Peavy who was scratched from his scheduled start for the White Sox on Tuesday is expected to arrive in Boston on Wednesday Cherington said but will not start Wednesday night's game against the Seattle Mariners.
The deal would appear to strengthen two teams who expect to be playing in October the Red Sox who are a half game behind the surging Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East and the Tigers the defending AL champions who are 2 games ahead of the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central. The White Sox last in the AL Central continue the process of rebuilding they already made one deal with Boston earlier this month acquiring outfield prospect Brandon Jacobs for left handed reliever Matt Thornton.
We're really excited to bring Jake in here said Cherington who noted that Red Sox special assignment scout Mark Wasinger was the scout who originally signed Peavy to a big league contract after he was drafted in the 15th round by San Diego in 1999. He's obviously a proven major league starter with a ton of success in his career.
The one thing we wanted to do if we could pull it off when we looked at the next two months we're in a position to compete for a playoff spot and adding a starting pitcher was the most important thing we could do to add to that.
Peavy took to Twitter to thank the South Side faithful.
THANK YOU Chicago It's been an honor a privilege to pitch for u You are 1st class I will never forget you So many emotions right now
Jake Peavy ( JakePeavy_44) July 31 2013The Red Sox explored other options including talks with the Philadelphia Phillies about left hander Cliff Lee but those talks went nowhere as the Phillies reportedly were seeking a package in return that included top prospect Xander Bogaerts the 20 year old shortstop who is projected to be in the big leagues by next season if not sooner.
Iglesias a Cuban defector who signed a four year $8.24 million contract as a 19 year old in 2009 was recently praised by Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz as the best fielder he has ever seen better even Ortiz loudly proclaimed in the Boston clubhouse last week than Omar Vizquel an 11 time Gold Glove winner at shortstop.
Mike and MikeESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney dishes on the Red Sox's acquisition of Jake Peavy in a three team deal with the Tigers and White Sox his expectations for the trade deadline Alex Rodriguez's future and more.
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Iglesias seamlessly made the transition to third base when called up in a utility role by the Red Sox on May 24 and took over the position full time when Will Middlebrooks was sent down to Pawtucket in late June. He surprised everyone by maintaining a .400 plus average until July 6 when he went into a 11 for 62 slide (.177) in which his average dropped from .403 to its current .330. He singled in three at bats Tuesday.
We are excited to be adding a quality player to our middle infield Tigers GM David Dombrowski said in a statement. He is a young player that will provide a lot of depth and has had success playing a variety of roles in the infield.
Peralta could receive as much as a 50 game suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis investigation with reports that a suspension could come as soon as this week. Iglesias also gives the Tigers a viable alternative to re signing the 31 year old Peralta a prospective free agent after the season. Peralta was batting .308 with 10 home runs and 53 RBIs but the Tigers should have enough offense to withstand the loss of his bat while getting a major boost defensively.
Cherington said the Red Sox were satisfied after reviewing Peavy's medical records that he could sustain his record of success not only for the rest of this season but in 2014 when he will be owed $14.5 million in the last year of his contract. There is also a $15 million club option for 2015.
A Winning MoveSure Jake Peavy is a former Cy Young Award winner but his Wins Above Replacement since 2012 indicate he's now the Red Sox's best starter.
ESPN Stats InformationPeavy has a history of shoulder and elbow problems and has thrown 200 innings or more only once since 2007. He had shoulder surgery in 2010 and went on the disabled list in 2011 with an inflamed rotator cuff. He also was on the DL in both 2004 and 2008 with elbow issues had a severe ankle injury that caused him to miss a big chunk of the 2009 season and had a rib fracture that sidelined him from June 4 until he returned to the White Sox rotation on July 25.
We're comfortable with where he is physically Cherington said. We went through his medical records. The rib injury was a freak thing and he has had no arm issues since his surgery. We feel comfortable with where he is for this year and next year as well.
Boston had multiple scouts at both of Peavy's recent starts and while there was some sentiment that Peavy was not throwing as well as he did in 2012 when he struck out 194 batters in 219 innings while posting a 3.37 ERA the consensus was that Peavy represented a major upgrade for a rotation that is uncertain as to when undefeated ace Clay Buchholz who has been on the DL with shoulder bursitis since June 8 will return.
Dombrowski confirmed Cherington's account that the deal came together quickly with talks between the clubs not picking up in earnest until early Tuesday evening.
It didn't really start taking place until close to game time Dombrowski said. And what ended happening you know the Red Sox are deep at shortstop they got Stephen Drew at short now they got Iglesias who they like they have Bogaerts coming.
They asked us about a couple other players that we weren't willing to do not that we wanted to give up Garcia but it came along pretty quickly. I said basically I don't want to see Avisail Garcia play against us 18 19 times a year for the next 10 years but would agree if we also come up with a real good player at shortstop.
Garcia 22 has been dubbed mini Miggy' for his Venezuelan roots and facial resemblance to AL MVP Miguel Cabrera. He made his big league debut last season for the Tigers hitting .319 in 23 games. Garcia split this season between Detroit and Toledo batting .241 with two home runs in 30 games with the Tigers while posting an impressive slash line of .382/.414/.549 in 32 games for Toledo hitting five homers.
Cherington would not say who will replace Iglesias as the team's third baseman. Right handed hitting Brandon Snyder who has played third 13 times for the Red Sox this season is still with the club. The Red Sox called up Brock Holt on Wednesday. He has played third nine times for the Sox. The team did not recall Middlebrooks who was demoted after hitting .192 in 53 games or Bogaerts who was promoted to Triple A earlier this season. Middlebrooks is hitting .257 with eight homers and 30 RBIs in 36 games for Pawtucket.
Asked if Boston planned to do anything more before Wednesday's 4 p.m. deadline Cherington said There's a few hours left so we'll keep working but there's nothing imminent nothing close. We'll see if anything makes sense but I wouldn't handicap it wouldn't expect it.
ESPN's Buster Olney and ESPNChicago.com's Doug Padilla and Bruce Levine contributed to this report.
Recommend0 Tweet0 Comments0Email Print Subscribe Gordon EdesRed Sox reporter ESPNBoston.comFollowArchiveHas covered Red Sox for 15 years Award winning beat reporterJoined ESPNBoston.com in 2009
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San Francisco Giants players happy for ex teammate Brian Wilson
PHILADELPHIA Brian Wilson's decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday might have come as a shock to much of the Giants fan base but Wilson's former teammates were happy that the mercurial closer is getting another chance.
I'm definitely curious to see what he's featuring Tim Lincecum said.
Asked if he was talking about Wilson's on field ability or his trademark black beard Lincecum smiled.
All of the above he said.
Lincecum and the Giants should get an up close look at Wilson before the season is through. The Giants go to Los Angeles on Sept. 12 and host the Dodgers during the season's last homestand.
Wilson had his second Tommy John surgery in April 2012 and has
been rehabbing ever since. According to the Los Angeles Times Wilson's $1 million contract is guaranteed and runs through the end of this season. He is expected to return to the big leagues in the middle of August.After seven seasons with the Giants Wilson is sure to draw an interesting reaction from those at ATT Park but his former teammates said the matchups won't be contentious.
It's kind of a bittersweet thing Matt Cain said. He's with the Dodgers our biggest rival but I'm happy for him because he's back playing. Probably a lot of people thought he'd be done.
You know that once he comes back he might have some hard feelings from the fans. But just as many will be excited to see him back out there again.
Cain was one of several Giants to send Wilson a congratulatory text when news of the signing broke.
I told him that hopefully he'll hang a slider if I get to hit off of him Cain said.
Current Giants closer Sergio Romo also texted Wilson offering support to a man who helped Romo adapt to the big leagues.
I said it when he first got hurt he was going to play again Romo said. He's the best example of willpower I've ever seen.
Romo has a bit of a history with Wilson's new team. During the last meeting between the rivals Romo mocked Hanley Ramirez's celebratory gesture then was yelled at by Ramirez and Yasiel Puig when the Dodgers stormed to a ninth inning victory the next day. Still Romo said it won't be weird to see Wilson in Dodger blue.
I'm just happy he's got a job Romo said. To see him in another uniform is just seeing a friend playing baseball.
A day before the trade deadline Wilson stole the headlines with his decision to switch to the other side of a storied rivalry. The move was even discussed in the home clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park where the Giants began a three game series with the Phillies on Tuesday night. Former Giant Kevin Frandsen said he had talked to Wilson his former roommate.
He's excited Frandsen said. He wants to compete. He wants to compete at the highest level. He made sure he was ready and made sure he was right.
Frandsen knows better than most what Wilson has been going through. The infielder grew up a Giants fan but in a Phillies clubhouse swirling with trade rumors he pointed out that this is simply the business side of the game.
People are going to have their allegiances to the Giants he said. But put yourself in that situation. You understand that there's going to be a lot of hate. People 'can't believe he's doing that to us.' But at some point people will realize that he was a great Giant. A great Giant.
For more on the Giants see Alex Pavlovic's Giants Extra blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/Giants. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/AlexPavlovic.
GIANTS fall in philly
Barry Zito (shown handing the ball to manager Bruce Bochy) couldn't escape the fourth inning in Tuesday's loss. PAGE 5
Bradley Manning acquitted of aiding the enemy
Updated 7 26 p.m. ET
Bradley Manning the 25 year old Army private who gave thousands of classified U.S. military and diplomatic documents to WikiLeaks was acquitted of aiding the enemy in a military court martial but was convicted on multiple other counts.
As CBS News correspondent David Martin reported Manning had chosen to have his fate decided by a judge Army Col. Denise Lind rather than a military jury. Col. Lind gave no explanation for her verdict or why she was not convinced by the government's contention that manning knew the material he provided to WikiLeaks would make its way to the enemy.
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Manning verdict Acquitted of aiding the enemy convicted of lesser chargesThe charge of aiding the enemy was the most serious of 21 counts. It carried a possible life sentence without parole.
Manning was convicted of six espionage counts five theft charges a computer fraud charge and other military infractions. Manning's sentencing hearing is set to begin Wednesday.
Manning pleaded guilty earlier this year to reduced versions of some charges. He faces up to 20 years in prison for those offenses but prosecutors pressed ahead with the original eight federal Espionage Act violations five federal theft counts and two federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act violations each punishable by up to 10 years and five military counts of violating a lawful general regulation punishable by up to two years each. All told Manning faces a maximum of up to 136 years in prison for his various convictions. There is however no minimum sentencing requirements for Judge Lind to follow.
A courtroom sketch from the sentencing hearing of Army Pfc. Bradley Manning on July 30 2013.
/ Bill Hennessy/Courtroomart.comAccording to the Associated Press Manning did not appear to react to the verdict although his attorney David Coombs smiled faintly when he heard not guilty on aiding the enemy.
We won the battle now we need to go win the war Coombs said outside the courtroom after the verdict Wednesday. Today is a good day but Bradley is by no means out of the fire.
Assange Manning conviction a dangerous precedentManning a native of Crescent Okla. had prior to the verdict admitted to sending 470 000 Iraq and Afghanistan battlefield reports 250 000 State Department diplomatic cables and other material including several battlefield video clips to WikiLeaks while working in Army intelligence in Iraq in early 2010.
WikiLeaks published much of the material on its website as well as in cooperation with several news outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian.
Prosecutors had argued that Manning had a general evil intent because he knew the classified material would be seen by and help terrorists. They claimed when Navy SEALs raided Osama bin Laden's Pakistani compound in 2011 they found copies of WikiLeaks documents that Manning had provided. Prosecutors also argued that Manning simply wanted to make a name for himself by leaking the classified material.
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WikiLeaks suspect Bradley ManningManning himself did not testify during the trial but in a pre trial hearing said he wanted to expose what he called the American military's bloodlust and disregard for human life in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as its dishonest diplomacy and that he carefully selected material that wouldn't put troops in harms' way. His attorney has tried to portray Manning as a whistleblower with good intentions.
Reactions to the Manning verdict have been mostly positive out of Washington D.C.
Rep. Mike Rogers R Mich. and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger both members of the House Intelligence Committee released a joint statement after the verdict hailing the multiple convictions.
Justice has been served today the statement read. PFC Manning harmed our national security violated the public's trust and now stands convicted of multiple serious crimes. There is still much work to be done to reduce the ability of criminals like Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden to harm our national security.
Manning's supporters however were dismayed by Tuesday's verdict. WikiLeaks said on its official twitter feed the conviction on espionage charges was dangerous national security extremism from the Obama administration.
Bradley Manning's convictions today include 5 courts of espionage. A very serious new precedent for supplying information the press.
WikiLeaks ( wikileaks) July 30 2013Following Tuesday's espionage conviction WikiLeaks's founder Julian Assange said the conviction against a whistleblower was dangerous precedent.
Bradley Manning's alleged disclosures have exposed war crimes sparked revolutions and induced democratic reform said Assange in a statement. He is the quintessential whistleblower.
This is the first ever espionage conviction against a whistleblower. It is a dangerous precedent and an example of national security extremism. It is a short sighted judgment that can not be tolerated and must be reversed. It can never be that conveying true information to the public is 'espionage.'
Many legal analysts said earlier that a conviction of Manning would mark a new precedent in prosecutions of U.S. secret leakers because the Army private never actually shared the information directly to an enemy of the U.S.
Most of the aiding the enemy charges historically have had to do with POWs who gave information to the Japanese during World War II or to Chinese communists during Korea or during the Vietnam War Duke law school professor and former Air Force judge advocate Scott Silliman told the Associated Press.
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Do too many have access to America's top secretsManning's supporters have expressed fears that this new turn in leak prosecutions will have a chilling effect on potential whistleblowers of government wrongdoing.
The actual effects of Manning's leaks are still being debated three years later.
One of the videos leaked by Manning included a 2007 U.S. Apache helicopter attack in Baghdad that killed at least nine men including a Reuters news photographer and his driver. The video inflamed anger among many in the both the U.S. and abroad because it allegedly showed unarmed civilians being killed something the U.S. military disputed was incorrectly portrayed due to editing.
Other material leaked by Manning included thousands of confidential diplomatic cables that revealed the frank and often embarrassing discussions America's diplomatic corps had about various world leaders and geopolitics. For a time there was anger amongst foreign diplomats and governments about some of the exposed secrets but three years on the latest series of U.S. government leaks produced by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden have received nearly all of the international outrage towards America's clandestine behavior and actions. An example of one of the many revelations Manning leaked was a diplomatic cable claiming Saudi Arabia a key regional ally for the U.S. is one of the largest origin points for funds supporting international terrorism.
From the documents Manning leaked that came from the Pentagon one of the many revelations was that there were 109 032 violent deaths recorded in Iraq between 2004 and 2009 including 66 081 civilians which is 15 000 more than previously reported.
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Private Benjamin actress Eileen Brennan dies
LOS ANGELES (AP) Eileen Brennan who went from musical comedy on Broadway to wringing laughs out of memorable characters in such films asPrivate BenjaminandClue has died. She was 80.
Brennan's managers Jessica Moresco and Al Onorato said she died Sunday at home in Burbank after a battle with bladder cancer.
Our family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and respect for Eileen her family said in a statement. She was funny and caring and truly one of a kind. Her strength and love will never be forgotten.
Brennan got her first big role on the New York stage in Little Mary Sunshine a musical comedy that won her the 1960 Obie award for best actress. Along with her excellent singing voice her performance was radiant and comic said a New York Times review.
But it was a series of sharp tongued roles that won her fans on television and in movies including gruff Army Capt. Doreen Lewis in 1980's Private Benjamin aloof Mrs. Peacock in 1985's Clue and mean orphanage superintendent Miss Bannister in 1988's The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.
I love meanies and this goes back to Capt. Lewis in Private Benjamin Brennan said a 1988 interview with the Associated Press. You know why Because they have no sense of humor. People who are mean or unkind or rigid think about it cannot laugh at themselves. If we can't laugh at ourselves and the human condition we're going to be mean.
Private Benjamin brought her a supporting actress nomination for an Oscar. She also won an Emmy for repeating her Private Benjamin role in the television version and was nominated six other times for guest roles on such shows as Newhart thirtysomething Taxi and Will Grace.
Brennan's Private Benjamin role led to an enduring friendship with the movie's star Goldie Hawn. A couple of years after they filmed the movie Brennan and Hawn had dinner one night in 1982 in Venice Calif. As they left the restaurant Brennan was struck by a car. Her legs were smashed bones on the left side of her face were broken her left eye socket was shattered. Brennan said she fought her injuries with rage.
I was no saint she said in an interview with Ladies Home Journal. I was angry and anger is a powerful emotion. It increased my determination not to go under to get well.
Brennan became dependent on painkillers and two years after the accident she entered the Betty Ford Center to cure her addiction in 1984.
We get addicted to dull the pain of life she told the magazine. But once we accept that life is tough and painful we can move on and grow and evolve.
A decade after the accident she said she was glad she was struck by the car.
You learn from powerful things she said in 1992. Initially there's enormous anger but your priorities get shifted around.
Brennan was a member of the original company of Hello Dolly on Broadway. From the New York stage she moved to the screen in Divorce American Style and The Last Picture Show a pair of appearances on Rowan Martin's Laugh In and TV guest shots on everything from All in the Family and McMillan Wife to Kojak The Love Boat Murder She Wrote and Mad About You.
Brennan was born Verla Eileen Regina Brennan in Los Angeles. She was educated in convent schools and studied at Georgetown University and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
She is survived by her two sons Sam and Patrick Brennan.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast rewritten or redistributed.
Nick Jonas shows off ripped body in sexy shirtless photo I never do this
Move over Geraldo Rivera. Nick Jonas is showing how to take a proper bathroom selfie.
The 20 year old singer posted a sexy snapshot on Instagram Tuesday displaying his firm physique.
I never do this but he wrote. Healthy living and fitness update. Post workout picture. diabeticinshape 2.0.
Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2005 and immediately began learning how to properly take care of himself.
PHOTOS SEXY CELEB VACATION TWITTER PHOTOS
For someone who had no bad medical history ever he said in a previous interview to suddenly have the shock of diabetes was a bit overwhelming in itself and then I had to learn all about it learn all these things in such a short period of time. All of it was crazy.
Over time the In the End singer has adjusted to managing his diabetes and living a healthy lifestyle.
Workout done. Food. Then set he tweeted on May 10.
In addition to working out and keeping in shape Jonas also has a wholesome diet.
RELATED GERALDO RIVERA POSTS NUDE SELFIE TO TWITTER
I love dried kale with seasoning on it he told Us Weekly about his healthy eating habits.
Now he shows off the result of that hard work to the delight of his fans.
Marry me and make babies one devotee wrote after seeing his photo where Jonas stares into the camera seductively while flexing his biceps and six pack abs.
This totally made me feel better after my crappy day at work another fan wrote.
Jonas may be a single man after splitting with Australian pop star Delta Goodrem in February 2012 but he certainly knows how to turn heads.
As for living with diabetes the New Jersey native advised others Don't let it slow you down at all. Just keep a positive attitude and keep moving forward with it. Don't be discouraged.
Blog recap Detroit Tigers make it five straight with dominent 11 1 ...
Note If you're viewing this on MLive's mobile app click here for our mobile site where you can get regular updates and comment. Link will be live prior to first pitch.
NINTH INNING Tigers 11 Nationals 1
Evan Reed comes in to pitch the ninth and takes care of business. Ian Desmond grounds out to first Rendon singles to third and steals 2nd with Suzuki up to bat. Steve Lombardozzi flies out to end the game.
EIGHTH INNING Tigers 11 Nationals 1
Just like Phil Coke in the 7th Alburquerque throws a 1 2 3 8th inning. Ryan Zimmerman grounds out Jayson Werth grounds out and Adam LaRoche pops out to third.
Ryan Mattheus replaces Ian Krol on the mound for the Nats. Don Kelly flies out to left fielder Roger Bernadina. Victor Martinez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jayson Werth and then is replaced by pinch runner Andy Dirks. Mattheus walks Peralta moving Dirks to 2nd. Perez then grounds into a double play and the inning is over.
SEVENTH INNING Tigers 11 Nationals 1
One triple shy of the cycle it looked like Torii Hunter had done it. But just as he rounded 2nd and was on his way to third Tom Brookens holds up the runners. Hunter then had to reverse course and ends up not making it back in time and was tagged out at 2nd. Despite 1 more RBI for Hunter on the day he was none too thrilled with Brookens.
SIXTH INNING Tigers 10 Nationals 1
The Nationals haven't scored since a run in the first inning and Justin Verlander has only gotten better throughout. Verlander struck out Desmond forced Rendon to fly out to left and Suzuki to ground out to third.
The Tigers had a 1 2 3 inning themselves with Martinez lining out to the shortstop Peralta with a ground out and Perez with a ground out to first.
FIFTH INNING Tigers 10 Nationals 1
Verlander gives up two singles to Span and Haerper but gets Zimmerman to ground into a double play. After walking Werth he strikes out LaRoche swinging.
Craig Stammen makes it a quick inning for the Nats striking out Jackson.
FOURTH INNING Tigers 10 Nationals 1
It's like batting practice out there. After walking Avila Gonzalez gives up a single to Jackson then a single to Hunter (scoring Avila) then a single to Tuiasosopo (scoring Jackson). A visit to the mound accomplished nothing as it was followed by a Fielder single (scoring Hunter) and then a VMart single (scoring Tuiasosopo).
Tigers lead 9 1 and we've got a pitching change.
Ross Ohlendorf replaces Gio Gonzalez. Fielder then scored off a Perez single although that run goes on Gonzalez.
This is the Tigers' 13th 10 run game which is tied with St.Louis for most in MLB.
THIRD INNING Tigers 5 Nationals 1
After an eventful second inning it was all pitching in the third. Verlander walked one more (Jayson Werth) but struck out . Verlander has 2 hits 1 run 4 walks and 3 strikeouts through the first three innings.
Martinez Peralta and Perez went 1 2 3 for the Tigers.
SECOND INNING Tigers 5 Nationals 1
What an inning for the Tigers bats. VMArt gets a single Peralta and SAntiago get doubles and both Avila and Hunter get home runs. It was the first 5 run inning Gio Gonzalez has given up since August.
Avila is now hitting .500 in the month of July with runners in scoring position.
FIRST INNING Tigers 0 Nationals 1
Justin Verlander struggles in the first. He walks Denard Span and gives up a single to Bryce Harper to start the inning. Then with Ryan Zimmerman batting he throws a wild pitch Span to 3rd and Harper to 2nd. He then walks Zimmerman to load the bases. Jayson Worth sac flies a 4 seam fastball to score the run. A double play ends the inning.
PREGAME
If the Detroit Tigers (60 45 2.5 games ahead of Indians in AL Central) hope to get their fifth straight win today they'll need Justin Verlander to duplicate his only other start against the Washington Nationals.
They'll also have to do so without the services of Miguel Cabrera who left the game Tuesday night at the start of the eighth inning after tweaking the abdominal injury.
First pitch is at 1 08 p.m. but the pregame party kicks off at noon. Like always if you have a question ask us in the section below. In the meantime get all of your gameday details here.
Download the Detroit Tigers on MLive app for iPhone and Android. Follow Chris Iott James Schmehl and Gillian Van Stratt on Twitter. Like MLive's Detroit Tigers Facebook page.
OJ Simpson wins parole but not freedom
O.J. Simpson won parole Wednesday on some of the charges that have kept him in a Nevada prison for almost five years but still faces at least four more years behind bars.
The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners order says the decision relates to two kidnapping and two robbery convictions and one conviction for burglary with a firearm. But Simpson 66 will continue to be held for related convictions for which he is not yet eligible for parole.
The case stems from a confrontation Simpson had with two sports memorabilia collectors at a Las Vegas hotel room in 2007. Simpson a former superstar in the National Football League said he was attempting to retrieve his own memorabilia.
Three co defendants pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Simpson who was convicted and sentenced to 33 years in prison with the possibility of parole in nine years.
Simpson appeared before two members of the board last week. He told them that he has been a model prisoner and that other inmates come to him to tell their stories and seek guidance.
They were trying to steal other people's property Simpson told the commissioners. They were trying to steal other people's money. My crime was trying to retrieve for my family my own property.
His oldest daughter and a prison official provided letters of support for Simpson. Prison officials say he's had no disciplinary actions against him.
The board said it granted parole because Simpson has an otherwise minimal criminal conviction record because he has a positive record in prison and has participated in programs that address the issues that put him in prison and because he will remain in prison on other charges anyway.
Simpson still faces time for four weapons related sentences and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Simpson who is serving his time at Lovelock Correctional Center 90 miles from Reno faces at least four more years in prison on those sentences.
We expected it Patricia Palm one of Simpson's current lawyers said of the decision. There is no reason not to grant him parole. I'm glad they did what they should have done.
Palm said Simpson called from prison to let her know of the board's decision. He's very happy and grateful she said.
Contributing Associated Press
Bagged salad possible cause of cyclospora outbreak illness may last weeks
NEWS
The Nebraska Health and Human Services have identified the source of the latest cyclospora outbreak that sickened 78 Nebraskans since mid June.
By Jenn HarrisJuly 31 2013 9 53 a.m.
Bagged salad could be the cause of the recent cyclospora stomach bug outbreak that has sickened more than 350 people in at least 15 states.
Iowa has reported the most cases of the cyclospora bug with 143 people falling ill. An investigation by the Iowa Department of Public Health has linked a prepackaged salad mix to the outbreak after the agency determined at least 80% of reported cases were exposed to the same mix reported CBS News.
The mix whose brand or manufacturer have yet to be named contains iceberg and romaine lettuce carrots and red cabbage. Ingredients in the mix are not believed to be Iowa grown. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health the salad mix is no longer being sold in the state.
Alsojenn.harris latimes.com
' jQuery(document).ready(function() jQuery(' story body text').append(harrissig) ) KFC 7 foot bucket found on front lawn. Where's the chicken Giant honey mushroom It weighs 33 pounds Easy dinner recipes for gluten free Wednesday Shrimp quinoa and moreAn investigation in Nebraska has also implicated a salad mix as the source of the outbreak according to a statement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Cases of the infection began popping up early this month. It is caused by the parasite cyclospora found in contaminated food or drinking water. The bug causes watery diarrhea that if untreated can last an average of 57 days. Specific lab tests are needed to detect cyclospora which requires specific treatment. Other symptoms include fatigue loss of appetite weight loss bloating increased gas stomach cramps nausea vomiting muscle aches and low grade fever.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cases have also been found in Texas Nebraska Florida Wisconsin Illinois Georgia Missouri Arkansas Connecticut Kansas Minnesota New Jersey New York and Ohio.
The FDA recommends safe food handling and preparation measures including washing hands utensils and surfaces with hot soapy water before and after handling food and thoroughly washing all fresh produce before consumption.
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Justin Bieber denies spitting on fans claiming he bought them hot chocolate ...
Justin Bieber hasn't been through the best of times lately after becoming involved in an altercation with a paparazzi having his pet monkey confiscated in Germany and urinating into a mop bucket as he left a nightclub before swearing at picture of a former US president.
But it appears the star's most recent controversial behaviour which involved him seemingly spitting on a crowd of fans in the street below his hotel room didn't actually happen at all as there were apparently no screaming Beliebers there at all.
Now let us break this down for you into a couple of nice bite sized information chunks so we all know exactly where we stand.
The 19 year old pop star hit the headlines last week when he appeared to gob on a group of adoring fans who were standing in the street and screaming up at him while he stood on the balcony of his hotel in the Canadian city of Toronto.
Was this aimed at someone
Images were also posted online of the devotees down below which suggested Justin may have been offering them his saliva as some sort of modern day autograph or a special gift.
But a representative for the Baby singer denied he was doing anything of the sort telling Us Weekly Justin didn't spit on anyone. No fans were below the balcony.
In fact earlier in the day Justin bought his fans hot chocolate and played them some of his new music. Justin loves his fans.
This lot got hot chocolate not spit apparently
All seems very civilised does it not
And it does match up with a comment Justin wrote on Instagram which he posted along with a group of lovers (of the Bieber music kind).
Justin's caption read I wake up this morning to this. ) best fans in the world. beliebers sexyfans.
Justin is yet to speak out on the matter but has been retweeting appreciative messages from fans who appear to have been loving him with so much energy they might actually not be able to fall out of love with him again for the rest of their lives wouldn't that be a shame
Maybe not Whatever floats your boat.
Barbara Morgan Anthony Weiner Aide Lashed Out At Former Intern Olivia Nuzzi
NEW YORK A former campaign intern who was heavily criticized by embattled mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner's chief spokeswoman in an expletive laced tirade has accepted her apology.
The ex intern Olivia Nuzzi tweeted her acceptance of the apology by spokeswoman Barbara Morgan on Wednesday.
Morgan had ranted about Nuzzi in an interview with the political news website Talking Points Memo. She later apologized for using vulgar language to describe Nuzzi and said she believed her interview was off the record.
Talking Points said it contacted Morgan on Tuesday for an unrelated story when she launched into her attack on Nuzzi for writing an unflattering first person article for the Daily News about her experience working on Weiner's campaign.
In the Tuesday cover story Nuzzi wrote that Weiner often called interns Monica a reference to former White House intern Monica Lewinsky and that many people worked on the campaign only to get close to Weiner's wife Huma Abedin an ex aide to former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Nuzzi also said many of the campaign staffers including Morgan had short resumes noting that the communications director last worked as the press secretary for the New Jersey state education commissioner.
Morgan said Nuzzi was bad at her job and threatened to sue her.
She was clearly there because she wanted to be seen. ... she would just not show up for work Morgan said adding that she tried to fire Nuzzi but gave her a second chance when Nuzzi begged to come back.
Nuzzi stopped interning for the campaign about four weeks ago Morgan said.
Later she issued an apology.
In a moment of frustration I used inappropriate language in what I thought was an off the record conversation she said. It was wrong and I am very sorry which is what I said tonight when I called and emailed Olivia to apologize.
Nuzzi a college student and writer tweeted that she of course accepted Morgan's apology.
Morgan tweeted a photo of a swear jar stuffed with $100 bills and said Not my best day yesterday. Should've known better been better. Gotta pay up.
Last week Weiner a married Democrat acknowledged exchanging sexually explicit messages with women online after similar behavior spurred his resignation from Congress in 2011. He released a new campaign video Tuesday evening saying he won't quit the mayor's race despite pressure from politicians and newspaper editors.
A poll released Monday found Weiner's support fell from 26 percent last week to 16 percent.
Also on HuffPost
Loading Slideshow Mark SanfordAs South Carolina governor in 2009 Sanford admitted that he was having an extramarital affair with an Argentine woman and lied about his whereabouts the Associated Press a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/huff wires/20130410/us anthony weiner mayoral run glance/ target _blank reported/a. He recently won a GOP runoff for the congressional seat in South Carolina's 1st district and is engaged to his mistress Maria Belen Chapur.
Chuck RobbVirginia Democrat Chuck Robb took another shot at the U.S. Senate in 1994 years after admitting to a secret history of partying and sexual encounters according to the a href http //www.nytimes.com/1994/03/14/us/after six years of scandal senator seeks redemption.html target _blank New York Times/a. He won his bid for a second term.
Eliot SpitzerThe Democrat resigned as governor of New York in 2008 in a call girl scandal and has since worked as a commentator for CNN and other media organizations the Associated Press a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/huff wires/20130410/us anthony weiner mayoral run glance/ target _blank reported/a.
Newt GingrichFormer GOP Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich's a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/11/newts women newt gingrich_n_860341.html s277211title 19621980 target _blank history of marriages divorces and affairs/a reemerged in the spotlight while making an unsuccessful bid for the White House in 2012.
Barney FrankMassachusetts Democratic congressman Barney Frank's career was almost derailed in 1989 after he admitted to a relationship with a male prostitute but went on to serve for two more decades before retiring the Associated Press a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/huff wires/20130410/us anthony weiner mayoral run glance/ target _blank reported/a.
David VitterHe won a second term as a Republican senator from Louisiana in 2010 three years after he was identified as a client of a prostitution service in what was dubbed the DC Madam scandal the Associated Press a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/huff wires/20130410/us anthony weiner mayoral run glance/ target _blank reported/a.
Bill ClintonFormer President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House in 1998 but acquitted by the Senate over his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky the Associated Press a href http //www.huffingtonpost.com/huff wires/20130410/us anthony weiner mayoral run glance/ target _blank reported/a.
Ted KennedyMassachusetts Democrat Edward Ted Kennedy was serving in the Senate in 1969 when he a href http //www.upi.com/Audio/Year_in_Review/Events of 1969/Chappaquiddick/12303189849225 7/ target _blank was involved in/a a post party car accident that resulted in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne. Kennedy pled guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and while the incident was thought to have damaged his presidential prospects he ultimately served in the Senate until 2009 when he died of brain cancer.
Ken CalvertThe California Republican was serving his first year in Congress in 1993 when he was a href http //www.croftononline.com/calvert.JPG target _blank busted by police/a while engaged in sexual conduct with a prostitute. The incident didn't slow down his political career as Calvert is still serving on Capitol Hill.
Princess Diana was madly in love with Hasnat Khan
On the heels of the celebrated birth of Prince William's first child Vanity Fair is remembering his mother Princess Diana who died in a tragic car crash in 1997 at the age of 36.
Britain's young new Prince George of Cambridge may never meet his paternal grandmother but as her story prepares to go to the big screen in Diana this fall the magazine presents a new account of the princess' love affair with Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan in the last years before her death.
Diana was madly in love with Hasnat Khan and wanted to marry him even if that meant living in Pakistan said Jemima Khan a friend to the princess of no relation to the surgeon.
RELATED WATCH NAOMI WATTS REIGNS IN 'DIANA' TEASER
And that's one of the reasons why we became friends.
The Princess of Wales reportedly spent a lot of time trying to get to know members of the Khan family with the intent to quietly marry into it which was not entirely acceptable.
For a son to marry an English girl is every conservative Pashtun mother's worst nightmare said Jemima Khan.
RELATED KATE MIDDLETON TAKES FASHION CUE FROM PRINCESS DIANA AS SHE DEBUTS ROYAL BABY
Antony Jones/UK Press via Getty Images Dr. Hasnat Khan in London 1997 Friends describe the former lover of Princess Diana as a private man who was worried about how it would work between them.Even for Hasnat Khan discussions of a secret wedding were thought to be ridiculous.
I thought it was a ridiculous idea Khan was quoted as saying in his official interview with police after Princess Diana's death adding that he told her that the only way I could see us having a vaguely normal life together would be if we went to Pakistan as the press don't bother you there.
She saw he was horrified by the secret wedding plan Daily Mail reporter Richard Kay who was close to Princess Diana told Vanity Fair. Suddenly she saw all these pitfalls looming.
RELATED PRINCESS DI GOWN WORN DURING DANCE WITH TRAVOLTA SELLS FOR $362K
Frustrated their relationship spiraled downwards and that was when she met Dodi Al Fayed the new boyfriend that was with her in the car when she died in Paris.
Many friends interviewed by Vanity Fair believed the relationship with Al Fayed may have been only to make Khan jealous. He promised her a ring one day according to Rosa Monckton the former managing director of Tiffany Co.
Hasnat was a decent intensely private man from a traditional conservative Pakistani family and he was worried about how it would work Jemima Khan added.
And he hated the thought of being in the glare of publicity for the rest of his life.
Simon Cowell expecting first child with close friends wife Lauren Silverman ...
Simon Cowell has a little American Idol on the way and he never saw this future star coming.
The prickly TV talent judge was blindsided by the news that his good friend s wife stunning New York socialite Lauren Silverman was pregnant with his baby the Daily News has learned.
The pregnancy has taken him by surprise. He assumed she was using birth control a source close to Cowell said.
Simon thought this was a casual relationship friends with benefits. The pregnancy was not planned.
He is feeling tricked added the source.
akm gsi At one point during their vacation in Saint Tropez Cowell and Silverman look as though they snuck in a kiss.No question that Simon will want to be part of the baby s life but I m not so sure he wants to be part of Lauren s.
The 36 year old Silverman who was photographed cavorting with Cowell 53 and her hubby last year in the Caribbean is nearly three months pregnant and in the midst of a nasty divorce.
Apparently incensed over the illicit affair Silverman s real estate mogul husband Andrew Silverman 37 filed for divorce on July 15.
PHOTOS THE WOMEN OF SIMON COWELL
The papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court name Cowell as a co respondent suggesting the tryst will be a major issue in the divorce fight.
Spread/X17online.com Simon Cowell soaking up the sun with a Lauren Silverman in St. Barths on his yacht in January 2012 Andrew Silverman Lauren's husband was present on the trip.He has to be a very angry guy because they have no fault divorce in New York said Raoul Felder a celeb divorce lawyer who is not involved in this case.
Felder noted that Andrew Silverman must prove he is not the father of the baby in order to avoid paying years of child support.
This could be a knockdown drag out fight Felder said.
Cowell also the creator of The X Factor only found out about the pregnancy around July 10 a source said.
She told him around that time a second source said.
INFphoto.com Cowell pictured with married New York socialite Lauren Silverman in January 2012.He didn t have a clue before then and it has come as a complete surprise. . . . Simon has repeatedly said he doesn t want kids.
The revelation sent Cowell a notorious bachelor who has been open about his aversion to fathering children into crisis mode.
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He immediately reached out to PR guru Max Clifford to plan a strategy to deal with it.
He feels let down by Lauren the source added.
Dave M. Benett/ Getty Images Lauren Silverman attends a party celebrating the launch of Sweet Revenge The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell by Tom Bower at The Serpentine Gallery in 2012.They were friends first and foremost. This could be a spite my husband sort of thing. Simon is convinced it was her friends who leaked the story.
Cowell s friendship with the monied Silvermans was no secret. The three were pictured together lounging on a yacht in St. Barts as recently as last Aug. 9.
In one shot Lauren Silverman was caught cuddling up to a shirtless Cowell and running her hands through his hair as her hubby looked on.
By last year the Silvermans marriage was already on the rocks.
Lauren and Andrew have been unhappy in their marriage for some time a source told Us Weekly.
Lauren Silverman poses with husband Andrew at New York City event in January 2013.As their marriage deteriorated she and Simon became close.
RELATED CARMEN ELECTRA WANTS A BABY
The Silvermans had been living the good life. They reside in a massive upper East Side apartment valued at more than $6 million.
Silverman s family run real estate firm the Andalex Group owns a slew of luxury buildings around the country including the Arris Lofts in Long Island City Queens.
An alum of the University of Pennsylvania Andrew Silverman began his career on the trading floor of Credit Lyonnais before becoming the chief investment officer at Andalex according to an online biography.
Simon Cowell with ex fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy along with Lauren and Andrew Silverman on a yacht in St. Barths on Jan. 4.Silverman s curvy brunette wife was a frequent presence in the city s social scene.
One of Cowell s pals described her as a gold digger.
She has a thing for rich powerful men said the friend.
She knows having Simon s baby will mean he will always be in her life and he is a very wealthy and generous man.
Lauren Silverman remained in hiding Wednesday. The doorman at her building said she was away for the summer.
PacificCoastNews.com Simon Cowell and Andrew Silverman in St. Barths on Jan. 4.PHOTOS CELEBRITY BABY BUMPS
But her mother is thrilled. I m delighted. It s wonderful Lauren Silverman s mother Julie told the Daily Mail.
Silverman s stepmother was equally ecstatic. We are all excited for the baby Rosy Davis told the paper. It s beautiful. We feel blessed. Any kid is a blessing.
Andrew Silverman wanted no part of the media attention Wednesday. He bolted out of a service entrance of his Park Ave. office and jogged to a waiting SUV after spotting a scrum of reporters.
Neither Lauren Silverman s lawyer Bernard Clair nor Andrew Silverman s Jeffrey Cohen returned repeated requests for comment.
Getty Images/ FilmMagic/ Getty I Some of Simon Cowell's exes have striking similarities (from left) Jackie St.Clair Terri Seymour and former fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy.And Cowell could not be reached Wednesday.
His rep Ann Marie Thomson referred calls to his lawyer Martin Singer who did not return requests for comment.
The entertainment mogul has a long history of dating beautiful women. His last public relationship was with TV personality Carmen Electra. The couple announced their romance this past December but Cowell confirmed their split just three months later.
I m now a single man he told People magazine at the time. We spent time together and she is so much fun.
RELATED SIMON COWELL TAKING 'A BREAK' FROM FIANCEE
WENN.com Cowell was all smiles when photographed leaving St. Martin's Theatre with Silverman in late March after watching the longest running show in the world in London.Before his fling with Electra Cowell was engaged to makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy. But the couple broke off their 18 month engagement in 2012.
The British TV mogul won t have a problem finding space for his bundle of joy.
Cowell who earns an estimated $95 million a year owns an 11 550 square foot mansion in Beverly Hills. The $22 million estate is equipped with a private tanning salon gym spa and lap pool.
In addition to The X Factor Cowell s entertainment empire includes Britain s Got Talent as well as stars Leona Lewis and boy band One Direction.
Despite his eye popping wealth Cowell has admitted that parenthood was not something he felt he was cut out for.
INFphoto.com Simon Cowell hangs out on his super yacht with ex girlfriend Sinitta and Andrew Silverman and Lauren Silverman in St. Tropez France in early August 2011.God no. I couldn t have children Cowell said in 2009. If I had them here drawing on the walls I d go nuts.
With kids you ve got a routine you can t escape from. You ve got to be up at a certain time got to listen when all you want to do is sit in a corner thinking.
But Cowell had appeared to soften a bit on the idea of having kids.
Well ... yes he said when asked by AOL in March 2012 if he had had a change of heart on the topic. And no. I do really really like kids because I can talk to them and listen to them. The problem has always been how much time you need to devote to bringing up kids.
I ve always dedicated all my life to work and at 52 I ve probably missed the opportunity.
With Rachel Maresca Edgar Sandoval and Nicholas Wells
rmaresca nydailynews.com
Riley Cooper vows apology to black teammates after slur
PHILADELPHIA Embarrassed Eagles receiver Riley Cooper stood fittingly with his back to a wall outside the team's training complex press room Wednesday night apologizing for a racial epithet used after a confrontation with an African American security guard working a June 8 Kenny Chesney concert.
The six minute 45 second apology which followed a Twitter apology was only the beginning for Cooper who was fined an undisclosed amount by the team and now awaits word on whether the NFL will tack on more discipline.
The receiver said he intended to apologize later to his teammates many of whom are African American following a 7 p.m. walk through practice.
VIDEO Cooper's outburst
It's going to be very difficult for me. I'm going to tell them 'I'm extremely sorry ' tell them exactly what I'm telling you guys. There was a confrontation and I handled it extremely extremely poorly '' Cooper said to 25 reporters and six local television cameras. This is kind of the lowest of lows. This isn't the type of person I want to be portrayed as. This isn't the type of person that I am.
I know no one in Philadelphia is happy with me right now. I accept that. I just hope they see the true me. And accept my apology.''
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to say if the league would take further discipline adding The NFL stands for diversity and inclusion. Comments like this are wrong offensive and unacceptable.
In a video that has gone viral Cooper said I will jump that fence and fight every (N word) here bro.
He was asked if he had too much to drink that night when he also was caught on video in a heated argument.
I was drinking '' he said. But that is no excuse for what I said and what I did. I'm willing to accept any consequences.''
Cooper was asked how he let a racial slur shown on CrossingBroad.com come out of his mouth
Marcus Vick Brother of Eagles QB issues bounty on Cooper
I shouldn't have '' Cooper said. I'm disgusted. And I'm sorry. That's not the type of person I am. I wasn't raised that way. I have a great mom and dad at home. And they're extremely extremely disappointed in me. They are disgusted with my actions.
Cooper's profane epithet was the first test of first year coach Chip Kelly's crisis management.
He said 'Go out and face this and tell them exactly what you just told me how sorry you are for what you said ''' Cooper said.
The fourth year receiver who is the team's No. 2 receiver opposite DeSean Jackson following last weekend's season ending knee injury suffered by Jeremy Maclin said he met with owner Jeffrey Lurie general manager Howie Roseman and Kelly.
Cooper declined to reveal the amount he was fined but said the punishment was a joint decision by the three.
It was a good amount of money but that's really not important '' he said. The situation should not have been dealt with the way I dealt with it.''
Laurie said in a statement We are shocked and appalled by Riley Cooper's words. This sort of behavior or attitude from anyone has no role in a civil society. He has accepted responsibility for his words and his actions. He has been fined for this incident.
Cooper was asked if he expects to be a marked man in the league now.
I haven't thought that far ahead '' he said. I just know how sorry I am right now.''
Curiously Marcus Vick brother of Eagles quarterback Michael Vick placed a $1 000 bounty on Cooper via Twitter on Wednesday night offering the money to any safety who laid a good lick on the receiver. Later after being criticized by his brother Marcus Vick deleted the tweet.
If there is someone Cooper can look to for a road back it is former NFL quarterback Kerry Collins who used a racial slur in jest after a night out drinking with black teammates on the Carolina Panthers in the late 1990s before the New York Giants threw Collins a lifeline and he made the most of it leading the team to the Super Bowl in the 2000 season.
Before that Collins was arrested for drunken driving and was accused by Carolina Panthers teammates of quitting on his team.
I've been called a racist a drunk and a quitter. Other than that I'm fine '' Collins said at the time.
After he apologized once more Cooper left to say he was sorry to those he must convince of his contrition his teammates.
Most of the ones that know me they know what kind of person I am '' he said.
Follow Jim Corbett on Twitter ByJimCorbett.
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What the Pittsburgh Pirates Need to Do to Make the Playoffs
COMMENTARY There are countdowns for the Pittsburgh Pirates season everywhere you look on Twitter.
20GamesToGo
MagicNumber50
OnPaceFor97wins
As they sit 22 games above .500 with a 1.5 game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central the importance of the five game series they're currently in with St. Louis has been exacerbated through the local and national media. However let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Beginning August 27 Pittsburgh will face a divisional opponent in 25 of its final 32 games including six against the Cardinals and six against the Reds.
So what does that mean
While yes this mid week series against the division leader is important and the Pirates have won the first three games the Pittsburgh Pirates' season will not be won or lost before the weekend rolls around.
What the team needs to focus more of their efforts on is something that quite frankly isn't getting enough attention from anyone.
In their recently concluded 10 game road trip following the All Star break they went a respectable 5 5 against Cincinnati Washington and Miami. However what was alarming was the number of strikeouts Pirates hitters racked up over that span.
In just 10 games they struck out 112 times including a 15 strikeout performance in a 9 7 loss to the Nationals. That's right the Pirates managed to score seven runs in the same game they whiffed 15 times. Incredible.
As Colin Dunlap pointed out in column on CBSPittsburgh.com this Pirates team would be better served if they put the ball in play more
As of late especially and in general all season the Pirates have simply swung and missed too much they have struck out 887 times on the season second only in the National League to the Atlanta Braves. The Pirates better cut down on their strikeout rate if they truly want to contend for the division crown.
He's absolutely right and it starts at the top.
Leadoff hitter Starling Marte who has done a fantastic job of getting in position to score once he's reached base has fanned 107 times. In contrast he has drawn only 17 walks all season which is by far the lowest of any starter.
Isn't your leadoff hitter's primary job to get on base by any means necessary
Those numbers have to change.
Then there's Pedro Alvarez. In the early part of his career he was striking out a lot while also failing to hit for any steady power. Now his strikeout numbers are still too high 124 Ks in 348 at bats. But with an NL leading 27 home runs the Pirates can live with those results.
Andrew McCutchen and Russell Martin are the only two Pirates that have an on base percentage above .350. Neil Walker and Gabby Sanchez are close but they need their top of the order guys to improve especially against teams familiar with their tendency to chase bad pitches.
So while yes fans in Pittsburgh would be on cloud nine if the Pirates could sweep this five game series from the Cardinals there are bigger fish to fry.
Or should I say birds.
Kevin Connelly is a Pittsburgh native who's been alive for five of the city's 14 sports championships. He has a journalism degree from the University of Tennessee and is currently a sportswriter at The Vindicator in Youngstown Ohio. You can follow him on Twitter Kevin_Connelly.
Former MLB player Frank Castillo dies
(CNN) Former Major League Baseball pitcher Frank Castillo drowned while swimming in a lake near Phoenix Arizona authorities said Monday. He was 44.
Castillo and a friend were on a pontoon boat Sunday at Bartlett Lake according to a statement from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Castillo got into the water to go swimming. He did not resurface.
Sheriff's deputies searched the area and recovered Castillo's body Monday afternoon the statement said.
Castillo made his MLB debut in 1991.
Throughout his career he played for the Chicago Cubs Colorado Rockies Detroit Tigers Toronto Blue Jays Boston Red Sox and Florida Marlins.
Castillo's family released a statement to CNN affiliate KVIA thanking friends and fans for their support.
Frank was a wonderful son terrific brother and an extraordinary father to his two beautiful girls it read. Everyone who knew Frank loved Frank. We are devastated by this loss.
People we've lost in 2013
' document.write(OB_MarkUP) if (typeof(OB_Script) 'undefined') OutbrainStart() else var OB_Script true var strPistons to acquire Brandon Jennings in trade with Bucks
Brandon Jennings (right) spent his first four seasons in Milwaukee. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The Pistons and Bucks have agreed to a sign and trade deal that will send point guard Brandon Jennings to Detroit according to multiple reports.
SI.com s Chris Mannix confirmed from sources close to the negotiations that the Bucks will receive guard Brandon Knight forward Khris Middleton and center Slava Kravtsov from the Pistons. Jennings a restricted free agent will sign a three year $24 million contract as part of the deal.
Jennings 23 was one of the few big names remaining on the free agent market. He becomes the latest high profile addition for the Pistons who signed forward Josh Smith to a four year $54 million contract and brought back guard Chauncey Billups on a two year $5 million deal. Detroit also drafted shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell Pope in the first round to join a young core featuring big men Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe.
Jennings the 10th pick in the 2009 draft spent his first four seasons in Milwaukee where he averaged 17 points 3.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists. He shot only 39.4 percent from the field in those four years including 39.9 percent last season when the offensive minded backcourt of Jennings and Monta Ellis led the Bucks to a 38 44 record and a first round playoff loss to the Heat.
Knight 21 the eighth pick in the 2011 draft was a full time starter in both of his seasons with Detroit. He averaged 13.3 points 3.3 rebounds and four assists last season for the Pistons who finished 29 53 to miss the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. Knight shot 40.7 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three point range last season.
Middleton 21 averaged 6.1 points in 27 games for the Pistons last season. He was the 39th pick in the 2012 draft. Kravtsov 25 a 7 footer from Ukraine averaged 3.1 points in 25 games in 2012 13.
Milwaukee general manager John Hammond said before the start of the free agent negotiating period that the Bucks planned to re sign Jennings.
Our intentions would be to negotiate with Brandon and hopefully we can come to an agreement before he goes out into the market or needs to go out into the market Hammond said last month. If it does happen and he goes on the market and signs an offer sheet our intentions will be to match that.
Jennings never signed an offer sheet with another team. Meanwhile the Bucks signed Hawks restricted free agent point guard Jeff Teague to a four year $32 million sheet. Atlanta matched the offer to retain Teague.
With the departure of Jennings and Ellis (who signed with Dallas) the Bucks revamped backcourt features Knight and Luke Ridnour at point guard and O.J. Mayo and Gary Neal at shooting guard. All four were acquired this offseason.
Eddie Lacy not distracted by social media storm
Green Bay Monday should have been a relaxing day off for Eddie Lacy.
Kick back. Maybe watch Tom and Jerry. All in all take a break from the grind.
Instead an unflattering photo of Lacy catching a swing pass captured by the Green Bay Packers' official website overwhelmed the Internet and the rookie became national fodder.
On Tuesday Lacy asserted he is in shape. The former Alabama running back says he had no reaction to the social media firestorm. While he wouldn't disclose his weight Lacy said during organized team activities he was 238 pounds he insists he is exactly where I want to be.
Meanwhile coast to coast Lacy was a punch line for a day.
Welcome to the NFL.
That's something I don't really worry about Lacy said. That's an external factor. I learned in college to pretty much you know distance yourself from that.
Before training camp Lacy indicated pro teams did question his love of the game to which Lacy vows there's no reason to worry. At his locker after practice Lacy said he's at a weight where I'm comfortable at. And at the podium coach Mike McCarthy said if any players had problems with conditioning they wouldn't be on the field right now.
In a strange twist Lacy had his best practice yet Tuesday. Through one red zone drill anyway he had squashed concerns. Defenders weren't tackling but Lacy likely would have scored on three of his runs from 11 5 and 3 yards. Through the sequence Lacy bowled over would be tacklers and also used his go to spin move.
Yes Lacy does carry extra weight. No he does not see that as any sort of detriment.
I've always been big. I'm a power back said the 5 foot 11 Lacy. I get the tough yards and I'm fast enough to get around the outside and make big plays.
Defensive end Mike Daniels saw the photo like so many others and had a much different take.
I'll tell you what when defenses see him and see his tape they say 'The bigger they are the harder they're bringing that wood when they're coming downhill.' They're not looking at it laughing. They're looking at it like 'Crap.' The people who know they're looking at that like 'That boy has some weight to him. He ain't going to go down easy.'
No Lacy is not as wide as the photo may suggest. He does however enjoy crawdads back home in Louisiana and Alabama.
How did he spend this past month With a chuckle Lacy didn't flinch.
I spent it doing what I had to do he said.
House returns Davon House won't say exactly where he had dinner in Las Cruces N.M. on July 20. But the Packers cornerback ate salmon that night and hasn't been 100% since. Food poisoning led to an ear infection which led to House not even being able to see straight.
The illness keeping House off the field for three practices was labyrinthitis. House estimated he's about 85 90% now and on Tuesday he pulled out of practice due to cramps. The entire experience he said was pretty scary.
While traveling House threw up at the airport and couldn't walk. He needed a wheelchair to move from gate to gate. His weight dropped from 198 pounds to 189 pounds.
It was scary House said. I had never experienced anything like that before.
House is up to 194 pounds but isn't back to full strength. He is still dizzy at times.
He'll now join the competition at cornerback with the harness he needed over his shoulder last season.
I feel I'll be a better player from last year and years before that smarter knowing the defense all around the D Line the linebackers the safeties knowledge of the game House said. All around I should be better.
Hayward Williams out House may be back but the Packers will be without cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Tramon Williams for a while. McCarthy does not believe Williams' knee injury is serious although he said the cornerback like Hayward may be out a couple weeks.
Williams suffered the injury at a recent practice but isn't sure how.
Add it all up and the Packers are getting an early look at their young cornerbacks. Rookie Micah Hyde particularly continues to stand out.
I think they're all showing that they can play McCarthy said. I think it's going to be clearly one of our more competitive groups positions.
Elsewhere there's an obvious disconnect between the Packers and running back DuJuan Harris. Whereas Harris (knee) has repeated he'll be back very soon McCarthy said Tuesday the running back wouldn't return this week adding I think it's probably closer to two or three weeks.
Jones incoming It's an unusual sight a defensive end barreling downfield on kickoff coverage. But the Packers also believe Datone Jones is an unusual athlete. At Tuesday's practice Jones was part of the second kickoff unit.
He has a unique skill set McCarthy said and it's important for our young guys to come in and make sure they're ready to go on special teams.