Das Jahr 2008 » acter. Its probably one of the main reasons

ATLANTA -- Falcons owner Arthur Blank announced a $100,000 donation to The Gleason Initiative Foundation, established by former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason as he battles the neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).The donation, via The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, was made public Friday, when Blank and his family hosted an Atlanta-area screening of the film Gleason, which documents Gleasons everyday challenges with the deadly disease.Steve Gleasons story touched me as a father and recent cancer survivor, Blank said. Stories like his bring into focus what is truly important. His story is about a life that was dramatically changed by a disease, and how he has courageously chosen to face it. Its about family and what is most important in life -- more important than any game, any play or any rivalry ever will be.Funds from Blanks donation will be used to help provide innovative communication devices for ALS sufferers.Gleason posted a tweet Friday evening to thank Blank.The Falcons screening of Gleason is one of many that have taken place around the league. At least 20 NFL teams have already held or scheduled screenings, in addition to the league office and NFL Films, and more are expected.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Troy Aikman, Ronnie Lott, Brian Urlacher and Marques Colston are among several prominent supporters to host various premieres or screenings.Gleason, 39, became a recognized name on the football field in 2006, when he blocked a punt against the rival Falcons, and the ball was recovered for a touchdown during the first game back in the Superdome post-Hurricane Katrina. Gleasons first-quarter play sparked the Saints to a 23-3 victory.The Week 3 matchup between the Falcons and Saints, which will be on ESPNs Monday Night Football on Sept. 26, marks the 10-year anniversary of the Saints return to the dome following Hurricane Katrina.Earlier Friday, Gleason posted a message about the film on his Twitter account.Blank, who turns 74 next month, had his own health issues when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last December. Blank took an aggressive approach with surgery and declared himself cancer-free in March. Jordan From China . Siddikur, whose previous win on the circuit came in Brunei three years ago, finished his bogey-free round with a birdie on the 18th for a total of 17-under 199. Indias Shiv Chowrasia, who has finished runner-up in this tournament twice, was in second place after a 66. China Shoes Wholesale . -- For the first time in two months, an opponent was standing up to Alabama. https://www.chinashoes.us/ . James, who turned 29 on Monday, injured his groin Friday during the Heats overtime loss at Sacramento. He sat out the following game, a 108-107 win Saturday in Portland, before coming back to help send the Nuggets to their seventh consecutive loss. China Shoes . And follow TSN.ca right through Deadline Day for all the updates. From Pierre LeBrun While Anaheim GM Bob Murray said earlier this season he was not going to trade Jonas Hiller despite the fact hes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, some sources have told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun that Murray might be willing to move another goalie. Air Max From China . There was no hesitation from the 40th-ranked Pospisil, from Vernon, B.C., who admitted that he cut back on his training sessions over the last few days to conserve energy as the long ATP season finishes next week at the Paris Masters. KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Cleveland Indians could end their regular season Sunday against the Kansas City Royals after 161 games.Or they could play a makeup game Monday in Detroit if it has playoff ramifications for either or both clubs.But this the Indians do know for sure: They will be playing Thursday in the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox.Indians manager Terry Francona said its not that tough balancing the finish of the regular season and knowing the playoffs are ahead.Its kinda nice in the fact that even though theyre playing, it could mean home field, but its not life or death if we lose, Francona said. So it gives the guys a little bit of a mental break, which I think is good. You dont want to take too much (off) because its hard to turn that button on, but I think our guys have handled it pretty good.While Francona managed the Red Sox to two World Series championships, he does not want the series against Boston be about him versus his former club, but keep the focus on the players.The one thing I think I need to be cognizant of is the players have worked so hard to, both sides, to get to this, Francona said. I cant let my personal feelings ever get in the way of or take away from what theyve done. So, whatever my feelings are need to remain my feelings and let the players, like I said, theyve worked so hard for this. It needs to be about them.Francona named Trevor Bauer his starting pitcher for the series opener Thursday while staff ace Corey Kluber, who has not pitched since Sept. 26 at Detroit and leaving after four innings with quadriceps tightness, starts the second game Friday.Kluber will throw a bullpen session Sunday and an extended mound session Tuesday. Francona said he did not think it would fair to the team or Kluber to ask him to pitch Thursday and possibly on short rest for the fifth game of the ALDS if necessary.In fact I know its the right thing for everybody, Francona said. I dont think its fair for Kluber to have him sit for 10 days and have him pitch two games in foour days.dddddddddddd He certainly wanted to. I kind of -- again not just me, but talking to everybody -- I just took it out of his hands, Now he can prepare for Game 2. He can do that without the anxiety and worry of rushing.Francona jokingly had one message for Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, who has announced this is his final year.I wish Ortiz would consider retiring early, but I dont see that happening, Francona said.With Carlos Carrasco on the 60-day disabled list (broken finger) and Danny Santana out since Sept. 9 with a forearm strain, the Indians rotation is shallow entering the postseason. With the injuries, Bauer emerged as the starter for the opener after beginning the year in the bullpen.Hes had some ups and down, like everybody pretty much, Francona said. I think he relishes whats ahead of him. Obviously, hes going up against a good lineup, but I think hell be OK.The Royals, who start right-hander Ian Kennedy on Sunday in their season finale, try to snap a three-game slide. They need a victory to finish with a winning record for the fourth straight year.Weve talked about it, said utility player Whit Merrifield, who made a costly fielding error leading to three unearned runs in the eighth inning of the Indians 6-3 victory Saturday. Weve talked about needing a win this series. We have one more chance at it. Well come here tomorrow and be ready to go.The Royals, however, have lost 13 of 18 to the Indians this year and have been outscored by 32 runs.Right-hander Josh Tomlin, who has not pitched in six days, will be the Indians starter. This will be his 17th career start and 22nd career appearance against the Royals. He is 7-4 with a 4.24 ERA in his 16 starts.And if the Indians play Monday, Francona said he has no idea who would start.Some of it may depend on what the games for, Francona said. Well see. Some of it will depend on who pitches tomorrow (Sunday) and how much. ' ' '