NFL 2015 Schedule News: NFL Playoff Expansion Plans Has Scheduling Conflicts

NFL NFL

The NFL wants to expand its playoff tournament

Christian Post Report – The NFL wants to increase the size of their playoff field from 12 to 14 teams. While it seems simple to add a few games to the season ending tournament the NFL is facing significant scheduling difficulties as it tries to add games to the Wild Card Round without playing playoff games on Monday night, which could lead to a potential conflict with the College Football Championship games.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodel said the league will probably put off the decison. 

“This is something we’ve been evaluating over the last couple of years and I think several factors went into the decision to at least postpone the expanded playoffs,” he explained. “We want to make the regular season more important, more exciting and have more teams in the race. … We also have scheduling issues as far as when we could play the games: Saturday, Sunday, we’ve looked at a Monday night.”

“College football has the national championship on Monday night, we certainly don’t want to conflict with that. So there are a number of factors that are going on, so we just felt the right thing to do was take another year and evaluate all this,” he said.

The obvious solution to this is to have the lowest seeded teams to make the playoffs play on Thursday night. That would tie in with the league’s apparent decision to tie the added playoffs to its Thursday night TV package. Under this scenario one playoff game would be played Thursday night, two on Saturday and three games on Sunday during the Wild Card round.

Giving the lowest seeded teams what amounts to one addition day off if they win is not such a disadvantage considering they would be playing the highest seeded teams the following week which is most cases had a bye for the Wild Card round.

Source : Christian Post

‘Scandal’ Season 4 News, Spoilers: Olivia Pope Advises Cyrus to Walk Down the Aisle ASAP, B-613 in Danger

"Scandal" Season 4 FACEBOOK/ Scandal

ABC’s “Scandal” Season 4

Christian Post Report – Set to air yet another suspenseful and thrilling new episode this week, the next segment of the hit political drama TV series “Scandal” Season 4 titled “Put A Ring On It” will drop the spotlight on Cyrus (Jeff Perry) and his upcoming wedding.

A report from TV Line (via Design N Trend) indicated that Olivia (Kerry Washington) will urge Cyrus to “get married ASAP” with fiancé Michael (Matthew Del Negro) following the sticky situation he was in.

As fans remembered, the White House Chief of Staff was found out by the media to be sleeping with the male prostitute. With that in hand, Pope and Co. needs to control the situation by painting a romantic story and have the two wedded as soon as possible. This further means that the union wouldn’t be about love but about saving faces.

Meanwhile, the upcoming segment’s synopsis also mentioned about the B-613. The Futon Critic pointed out that David (Joshua Malina) will take the first step to bring down the organization. Will he succeed with his plans?

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, cast member Guillermo Diaz (who plays as Huck) dished out some details about the B-613.

“There are thousands of B-613 agents out there that we haven’t seen or touched on, if not more. It’s quite a large community. In these upcoming episodes, we’ll find out that there are a lot of more B-613 agents than we know of,” he said.

“Scandal” Season 4 episode 17 “Put a Ring On It” airs this Thursday, March 26 at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Source : Christian Post

NASCAR 2015 News, Rumors: Slugger Labbe Fined and Suspended

Duck Commander will sponsor the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway in April. (PIERRE DUCHARME/Reuters)

Duck Commander will sponsor the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway in April.

NASCAR has suspended Crew Chief Slugger Labbe of the no. 33 race team for three weeks and fined him $50,000. Labbe will also be placed on probation through the end of 2015 and car owner Joe Falk has been docked 25 car owner points. All of these punishments stem from violations on the no. 33 car driven last week in California by Brian Scott.

The no. 33 team was outside the NASCAR rule book for having an unapproved truck trailer arm installation and it was a P4 rules violation that is among the most serious offenses. NASCAR also levied a penalty for actions detrimental to stock car racing which is the racing leagues personal conduct penalty. NASCAR confiscated the pieces after the car failed its pre race inspection. Scott qualified for the race in the 25th spot and finished in the 27th earning a purse of over 100 thousand dollars.

The #33 team is a team driven by several drivers in a joint effort by Richard Childress Racing and Circle Sport. They are running all of the races to keep the car in the top 35 in owner’s points for a guaranteed starting spot each week. RCR is suing the car to get seat time for its young drivers like Scott and Ty Dillon.

While the fine is a hefty one the real damage could be the loss of 25 points owner’s point which could drop the no. 33 team out of a guaranteed starting spot. With 46 teams trying to qualify for 43 places this weekend at Martinsville that could be the difference between making the race and going home.

The no. 33 team was not the only team to receive penalties.

“NASCAR issued behavioral penalties to five XFINITY crew members for failure to comply with a directive from track security during pre-race activities March 21 at Auto Club Speedway. The crew members, who were working for driver Blake Koch’s No. 8 XFINITY Series team, were Mark Armstrong, Tyler Bullard, Nathaniel House, Jeremy Howard and Ryan Mulder.” FoxSports reported.

Source : Christian Post

Detroit Lions NFL 2015 News, Rumors: Make or Break Year for Lions and Matthew Stafford

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford looks to throw a pass against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Soldier Field in Chicago, October 22, 2012. (Photo: Reuters/Jeff Haynes)

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford looks to throw a pass against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Soldier Field in Chicago, October 22, 2012.

Christian Post Report – Those who watch the Detroit Lions play their games say that if the team is going to take the next step it needs better, or maybe more consistent, play for its quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Stafford has put up a lot of numbers in his NFL career but rarely have those stats led to on the field success for his team. In what was a very down 2014 year for Stafford, in his sixth season as a NFL starter, his team won 11 games and made the playoffs. In his statistical best season, 2011, the Lions went 10-6. In each of those seasons the Lions lost in the opening round of the NFL playoffs.

That led his Coach, Jim Caldwell, to make the following comments as reported by Pro Football Talk:

“Someone said something about ‘Hey, well Coach, you really need your quarterback to take off. No, we don’t really need him to really take off. He’s been doing well. He’s improving steadily. Things in this league don’t happen that way. No one makes a meteoric jump. It’s gradual, it’s too competitive. There are too many good players. And it’s a tough league, and I do think he’s making really good progress.”

Even though it is his seventh Stafford’s first two seasons were marred by injury. He only played in 13 games those two seasons, which makes 2015 his fifth full year as the starter and a real make or break campaign for the franchise QB.

If Stafford plays more consistently and can lead his team on the field, and the Lions get a playoff win under their belt they are clearly on the right path. If he regresses and the Lions falter on the field the Lions may be stuck with a highly paid QB who cannot get them to the next level.

Source : Christian Post

Houston Rockets NBA 2015 News, Rumors: Howard Back in the Line-Up, Beverly to Undergo Surgery

After getting Dwight Howard back from several weeks of absence due to injury, the Houston Rockets again received bad news.

Christian Post Report – According to ESPN, Rockets starting point guard Patrick Beverley could undergo surgery, and possibly end his season prematurely. Beverley tore his ligaments in his left wrist during the team’s win against Indiana. The injury reportedly caused swelling and pain.

James Harden Reuters/File

Houston Rockets guard James Harden

The guard reportedly consulted a doctor in Houston, but is looking for other options for the treatment of his injury. According to an insider, the entire team is hoping that a favorable prognosis would be needed after a re-evaluation of the injury.

Beverley, who is averaging 10.1 points and 3.4 assists a game, would be a huge loss for Houston in the backcourt. Not known for his offensive prowess, the 26-year-old guard is among the team’s best defenders and guard stoppers.

Meanwhile, in case Beverley does undergo surgery, he would be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Taking his place would be veterans Jason Terry and Pablo Prigioni. Unfortunately for the Rockets, the two has not adjusted yet.

During Houston’s match against New Orleans, Terry only registered two points and three assists in 27 minutes. Meanwhile, Prigioni did a little better with his two points and four assists in 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, those numbers and performances may not be enough to back-up James Harden in his scoring, especially during the playoffs.

Source : Christian Post

‘King’s Quest’ 2015 Release Date on PS3, PS4, Xbox One, 360: A Re-Imagining of an Old Classic

The world’s first animated adventure game ever made for PC is making a comeback. In this age of reboots, a re-imagining of “King’s Quest” is being developed by The Odd Gentlemen and will be published by Sierra Entertainment. It is scheduled to be released between the third and fourth quarters of 2015.

King's Quest Trailer Screenshot YouTube/IGN

Christian Post Report – A screenshot of the reveal trailer of King’s Quest.

“King’s Quest” 2015 is actually not a sequel to the “King’s Quest” franchise. The franchise, according to the IGN report, has produced seven sequels, the last being “King’s Quest: Mask of Eternity” published in 1998. The upcoming game is still very much an adventure game, with King Graham of Daventry as the main protagonist. In the game, he is an old man telling his adventure stories to his granddaughter Gwendolyn.

His adventures are presented as flash back episodes where the player needs to solve puzzles in order to proceed. The old game series used point-and-click gestures, but the new game features third-person action/adventure controls.

“At its heart, though, it’s still very much a pure adventure game that relies on wits (and perhaps some trial and error) to solve fiendish puzzles. Objects in the game world are context sensitive, letting you know with an on-screen prompt whether they can be examined (from a first-person perspective, no less), picked up, or otherwise manipulated,” IGN reported.

Another feature of the game is the many ways that one can solve a puzzle or destroy an enemy. Everything a player does in the game will have consequences, which the player must live with throughout the game’s duration.

IGN’s initial preview of the game noted the game’s “gorgeous” graphics. The review says: “It evokes the whimsy and cartoonish aesthetics of the original games with a modern cinematic flair. Animated sequences wove so seamlessly with the gameplay that the effect was like watching a beautifully lush CG cartoon rather than a game.”

A demo of the game on PlayStation 4 was featured during the GDC 2015. The game will be available for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One and Xbox 360.

Source : Christian Post

NBA 2015 News, Rumors: 2 Pre-Season Games Between Clippers and Hornets Happening in China in October

NBA.com posted an official press release this Wednesday, saying that the NBA Global Games China 2015 will be featuring two preseason games between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers in China.

Christian Post Report – The first Far East hard court clash will take place on Oct. 11 at the Shenzhen Universiade Center, the site announced. The game will continue on Oct. 14 at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai.

As it was further detailed during the press conference which took place in Shenzen this week, the Global Games China 2015 edition will also feature a “variety of off-court activities including NBA Cares community programs.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Reuters/File

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks at a press conference before Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat in San Antonio, Texas, June 8, 2014.

“We are delighted to have to young and talented teams in the Clippers and Hornets showcase the best NBA basketball to our fans in China,” NBA China CEO David Shoemaker said in a statement.

“We are honoured to bring the NBA Global Games to Shenzhen for the first time,” said Zhang Heyun, the culture, sports and tourism director of Shenzhen.

The Charlotte Hornets feature the talents of 2013-14 All-NBA Third Team selection Al Jefferson, which will be joined by emerging stars Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. This will be first time that the franchise will be brought to China.

“The Charlotte Hornets are excited to play in NBA Global Games China and help grow the NBA’s brand internationally, while showcasing the strength of our franchise and team to millions of Chinese basketball fans,” owner and former Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan said.

Meanwhile, the Clippers will be led by the eight-time NBA All-Star player Chris Paul and five-time All-Star Blake Griffin. This will be the team’s second trip to the country following their games in Beijing and Shanghai in 2012.

“Basketball is more popular than ever, and Global Games China 2015 is part of our ongoing commitment to growing the game in the world’s most populous nation,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “These games will not only bring the excitement of NBA action directly to Chinese fans, but will also provide the league another opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of China.”

Source : Christian Post

‘Teen Wolf’ Season 5 News: Premiere Episode to Feature Scott-Kira Moments, Alpha Losing the Pack?

The upcoming brand new fifth season of the hit supernatural teen drama TV show “Teen Wolf” is now edging closer towards its outing date and fans are hankering for more information about what to expect when the show kicks off once again on the small screen. Here’s what we heard:

Christian Post Report – Avid followers of the show might get some hints in the previous season that there’s really something going on between Scott (Tyler Posey) and Kira (Arden Cho) but can’t really put it in a definitive way.

Teen Wolf Reuters/File

Cast members Dylan O’Brien playing the role of Stiles and Tyler Posey as Scott McCall in the MTV supernatural/teen TV series ‘Teen Wolf’ were seen during the recent San Diego Comic-Con.

This issue might be given attention, pronto, when Season 5 airs live.

“There will be hotter scenes from these two at the beginning of “Teen Wolf” season 5,” VC Post reported.

As for Kira, it was also speculated that the Japanese fox spirit will display more of her fighting skills using the sword. In the case of Scott McCall, a report from Enstarz.com meanwhile indicated that the Alpha may lose his hold on his pack.

Scott is “headed for a major mistake” when the MTV drama returns, they reported. One of the consequences will be that of “his best friend [Liam, played by Dylan Sprayberry] questioning the True Alpha’s leadership skills.”

Series creator Jeff Davis teased some downfalls of the protagonist.

“We’re going to test Scott in big ways,” Davis told Buzzfeed. “He’s done very well as a leader, but what happens when he fails? What happens when everyone’s faith in him is tested? He’s going to go through a lot of difficulty this season.”

“Teen Wolf” returns to MTV with the brand new Season 5 on June 29.

Source : Christian Post

Did Mila Kunis Inadvertently Reveal Her Marriage to Ashton Kutcher on ‘James Corden’? (VIDEO)

Mila Kunis  and Ashton Kutcher Reuters/File

Mila Kunis (L), seen at the Toronto Film Festival on September 10, 2013 and Ashton Kutcher, seen at an LA Lakers game in Los Angeles May 1, 2012, are seen in a combination photo.

Christian Post Report – Actress Mila Kunis all but admitted she was married after being prodded by late night talk show host James Corden early this week.

“Jupiter Ascending” star Mila Kunis may have given a definite positive answer to ribbing from “The Late Late Show With James Corden” host who egged her to respond to his question on her marital status.

Kunis, 31, who has been engaged to her “That 70’s Show” co-star, Ashton Kutcher since 2014, was wearing what was reported to be a diamond wedding ring on the show where she guested with Oscar winner, Tom Hanks.

Corden pressured the “Black Swan” actress into admitting she was married to Kutcher, to which she answered a non-committal “maybe,” prompting Hanks to point out she was wearing a huge sparkler.

While the diamond jewelry may have been her engagement ring, Corden danced around Kunis’ “maybe” and congratulated her on what was assumed to be her recent secret nuptials, supported by Hanks, who hummed the wedding march to the background of the studio audience’s applause.

Kunis responded by laughing and waving her hands as if in resignation.

The actress earlier appeared on Ellen last month where she didn’t deny she was married, either. Added to several hints she has posted on social media, and a mysterious Jan. 1 beach photo on Ashton Kutcher’s Facebook page where a “Happy New Year – The Kutchers” was written on the sand.

Whether the couple, who share a 5-month-old daughter, will officially announce their marital status still remains to be seen.

Kunis and Kutcher began dating in April 2012, shortly after Kutcher separated from actress, Demi Moore whom he divorced in November 2013. Kunis has previously been in a nine-year relationship with “Home Alone” actor, Macaulay Culkin.

Source : Christian Post

Halo Online Beta Release Date News Update: Game’s Multiplayer PC Version Coming Exclusively to Russia

Excitement bursts out on every fan of the hit sci-fi first-person shooter video game franchise, “Halo,” when an announcement broke out to the Web saying that Microsoft, through 343 Industries, is releasing an online multiplayer for PC version of the game.

Christian Post Report – The delight felt among fans was, however, quickly quelled out when they learned that it will only be exclusively rolled out to Russia.

Halo 4 YouTube Screenshot

YouTube Screengrab: Microsoft Studios’ “Halo 4,” developed by 343 Industries

The announcement from Halo Waypoint said that the studio has been working closely with affiliates Saber Interactive and Innova Systems to deliver an “all-new” and totally “free” Halo Online game.

The report further indicated that the title will be launching in the said country “this spring.”

Halo Online will be running on a highly modified version of the Halo 3 engine, the website went on to reveal. Unlike the vanilla game, the online variant will contain no campaign mode and it will be set entirely on a secret UNSC space station called “Anvil,” a Spartan training facility.

IGN.com meanwhile dished out more details about the game by citing their Russian affiliate who was able to attend the reveal event.

It was found out that that Halo Online “will take place right after the events of Halo 3.”

The unveiling occasion also mentioned that players can use a variety of “classic weapons and vehicles,” and get into action on a number of “fan-favourite maps” including one Russian town.

The game has also been “optimized for keyboard and mouse controls.”

Further details from the website also mentioned that Halo Online won’t be adapted to Microsoft’s gaming console, Xbox One.

Source : Christian Post