SPORTS N STUFF

If you want to make a best best sportsbook on Wisconsin football right now in these final days of June you have more information to go on… and more reason to rate the Badgers favorably.

Just this past week, Wisconsin received a big shot in the arm when Russell Wilson, formerly the quarterback at North Carolina State, decided to transfer to Wisconsin to play football in 2011. Whats more is that Wilson, a baseball prospect who could have opted to stay within the Colorado Rockies system if he wanted, made a clean break from the diamond to pursue a football career. Wisconsin wont just have a dual-threat quarterback; it will have a quarterback free from the distractions that have ensnared other baseball-football combo prospects in recent years. MLB baseball betting students would readily agree that athletes rarely pull off the baseball-football double. What is the Rockies loss is likely to be Wisconsins gain.

Adding Wilson would make the Badgers offense the best rushing attack in the Big Ten, perhaps in the nation. In 2010, James White and John Clay both rushed for over 1,000 yards and Montee Ball finished with 996. Clay is gone, but thats not devastating news. White and Ball will take Clays carries and the running game shouldnt lose much of any steam. Wisconsin will still be able to run the ball because three of the starting five offensive linemen from a year ago return. All in all, the line should have four senior starters. When the Badgers do throw the ball, senior wideout Nick Toon and tight end Jake Byrne are reliable targets that can punish any defense that loads up to stop the run. Provided that a suitable replacement steps up on the other half of the field across from Toon, the Badgers offense should once again be formidable.

Six starters return from last seasons excellent defense, but the players lost were particularly productive players that wont easily be replaced. J.J. Watt was one of Americas best defensive ends in 2010, and his departure will be hard to deal with because he was an emotional leader in the locker room and on the practice field. Still, the remainder of the defensive line is intact, powered by senior tackle Patrick Butrym and end Louis Nzegwu. Coach Bret Bielema will count on Nzegwu to become the pass rusher that Watt was last season. If he is able to come even close, the defensive line should be particularly solid.

In terms of the Saturday slate for this team, sports betting gurus would say that the Badgers schedule should allow for a hot start before hosting Nebraska on October 1. The Badgers should be 4-0 and settled at quarterback in time for what should be one of the Big Tens games of the year. They host Indiana before back-to-back road games at Michigan State and Ohio State that will determine if they will contend for the Leaders Division title. If they come through unscathed, they should win the division going away. If the drop one, the season finale at home against Penn State could be a play-in for the Big Ten title game.

Sports betting players should figure that Brazil will be the favorites in the second game of the Copa America group phase against Paraguay, but their opponents arent going to hold back and will give the holders a game, which is exactly what A Selecao needs, especially early in the tournament.

What: Soccer Betting
When: Thursday, July 9th, 4:00 PM ET
Where: Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Cordoba, Argentina
Pick: Brazil

Why Bet On Brazil

The defending champions have won four of the last five editions of the Copa America, and they have been generally pretty strong under new manager Mano Menezes, winning six and drawing one of their nine games. was dumped in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, which spelled the end of Dungas reign, and many criticized the former captain for being too defensive and straying from the principles of Brazilian soccer. Menezes looks to reclaim that swagger with players like Robinho, who even captained the side for six games under Menezes, and Alex Pato, even though he is slightly hurt. Many are expecting this to be the breakout tournament for 19-year-old Neymar, who is being chased by the biggest clubs in Europe, and a good Copa America will send his stock through the roof. The Brazilian midfield is young, but talented with Ramires, Elano and Lucas, who will shield a back four led by captain Lucio and possibly David Luiz, but there are a number of good defenders for a team that is known for offense. Goalkeeper Julio Cesar continues to shine for both club Inter Milan and his country.

If there are knocks on Brazil, who trails only Argentina when it comes to soccer betting odds for this tournament, it is that the midfield is a bit young. Lucas and Ramires did get some quality experience in the Premier League in England, but playing for Brazil is a different story. The onus will be on veterans like Lucio, Robinho and Elano, as well as Menezes, to get the kids ready.

Why Bet On Paraguay

Paraguay wont be a pushover for Brazil as they look to add to their victories in 1953 and 1979, and theyre a team that can score in a number of ways, through a number of different players. Roque Santa Cruz is probably the biggest name on the roster, but hell have help up front from Nelson Valdez, and then there is the always-dangerous Cristian Riveros lurking in midfield. also has a very good defense that has been very solid lately, posting four straight clean sheets, and keeper Justo Villar rules his defense with an iron fist. It also helps that Villar has a player like Paulo da Silva, who has the same number of caps as his captain as they both have 89 appearances with the national team.

The attack can be inconsistent for the Paraguayans as theyve been blanked in two of their last three matches, and even though theyve been toying with different lineups in preparation for the Copa America, they should hope to have everything sorted out before this match. Also, Santa Cruz has struggled this year for both club and country, and Paraguay need him to get going if theyre going to have a chance to steal this group from the Brazilians.

How It Will Play Out

Itll be the second match of the tournament for both teams as Brazil start off with Venezuela, while Paraguay will take on Ecuador, and that plays into Brazils favor as theyll likely be the soccer betting favorites in this contest. As we said before, Paraguay isnt going to back down as they beat Brazil at home by a score of 2-0 in 2008, and then they lost 2-1 in Brazil a year later, so theyre going to bring the fight to the favorites.

A draw is feasible for this match, but Paraguay cant afford to sit back and try and hit on the counterattack because Brazil will eventually break them down. The Paraguayan midfield has to harass their Brazilian counterparts to try and force turnovers, but Brazil has the talent to perform that one piece of magic that has won them five World Cups and has made them a religion in the world of football. Itll be a tight game, but take Brazil in your Sports betting picks.

Brazil Paraguay Betting Pick: Brazil

MINNEAPOLIS — Joined by a handful of owners and players, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith resumed talks Thursday aimed at ending the lockout with a new collective bargaining agreement.

The group met at a Minneapolis law firm with U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan. The participants, including New York Giants owner John Mara and Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday, declined comment as they arrived. The meetings were expected to continue Friday.

The latest round of negotiations between the two sides — the fifth since they began hopping from city to city for clandestine meetings — kicked off Tuesday with Goodell, Smith, their attorneys and staffs but no owners or players.

The location is significant because Minneapolis is where the players have filed a still-pending federal antitrust suit against the owners and the sides tried and failed to strike an agreement through court-ordered mediation under Boylan.

The two power brokers spent part of Wednesday in Florida. Smith invited Goodell to an orientation session for NFL rookies — put on by the players association after the NFL canceled the event — and the pair flew to Florida on Tuesday night. After a joint breakfast Wednesday, they talked for an hour with 155 rookies.

“We felt it was important to be down here with the players,” Goodell said. “This is an important few days. Were going to get back to work.”

Smith and Goodell certainly seem closer than when the lockout began March 12. Whether that will translate into a new deal is the big question. Training camps are scheduled to open in just over three weeks with the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 7.

Owners and players are seeking a deal that would divide revenues for the $9 billion business — the biggest hurdle to clear — and guide league activities for years to come.

Goodell and Smith didnt have a direct answer when asked by the rookies when the impasse will end. Still, their joint appearance was seen as a positive sign.

“Thats really the significance of this,” NFL Players Association spokesman George Atallah said. “Theres a lockout happening now, but weve got to look forward and consider the necessity to have a positive working relationship with the league.”

Quarterback Christian Ponder, a first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, said Goodell urged the rookies to be ready, whenever the lockout is lifted.

“The biggest thing he hammered home is we really have no idea when this thing is going to end,” Ponder said. “But us rookies have to prepare for it. Its going to end at some point. As rookies its our job to be prepared. Yeah, weve missed some practices, but we cant change that.”

Ponder added that players are “hurting for money right now.”

“Its a crazy time, especially with the uncertainty of when were going to start and get some money in our pocket,” he said.

Smith said both sides are “continuing to work hard” to keep the 2011 season intact. He called the question-and-answer session with rookies “important to ensure our young men appreciated how important we think these few days are.”

The legal fight includes a group of retirees led by Hall of Fame defensive end Carl Eller, who has been actively trying to secure better benefits and medical care from the league.

Eller and his attorneys were part of the court-ordered mediation sessions — six days in all — in Boylans chambers in April and May, and Eller met with Goodell and some owners in Chicago earlier this month.

Shawn Stuckey, one of the attorneys for Ellers group, said the retirees have been disappointed to not be more involved, citing a ruling by U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson that the two cases be combined.

“Were well within our rights to object and say these mediation sessions are not consistent with what Judge Nelson ordered,” he said. “However, we feel one of the best ways to get a resolution is to let the active players reach a resolution, and then we can reach a resolution on our issues.”

Stuckey indicated, however, that Ellers group doesnt want to be left out.

“If the active players and the league are serious about getting football under way soon, theyve got to start negotiating with the retirees,” he said.

Chad Ochocinco has turned to NASCAR in his ongoing search for thrills away from the football field.

Ochocinco was strapped in for the ride as Jeff Burton drove his No. 31 car around Atlanta Motor Speedway on Thursday. Burton estimated he reached speeds of 150 to 160 miles per hour with Ochocinco.

A smiling Ochocino says he has interest in the sport as an owner – for a No. 85 car, of course – but not a driver because “Id lose every damn day.”

Ochocinco, the six-time Pro Bowl receiver, took the ride about six weeks after visiting the Professional Bull Riders circuit near Atlanta to ride a 1,500-pound bull for 1.5 seconds.

He also has had a soccer tryout with Sporting Kansas City of the MLS and says he next plans to wrestle an alligator.

DETROIT — Tigers left-hander Phil Coke is moving back to the bullpen after struggling in his first half-season as a regular starter.

Coke is 1-8 with a 4.91 ERA after allowing seven earned runs in four-plus innings against the New York Mets on Wednesday night. Left-handed rookie Charlie Furbush will move from the bullpen to the rotation.

Coke has had tough luck at times this season. He threw 6 1-3 scoreless innings in a no-decision June 13 against Tampa Bay, but in his last three starts, he allowed 16 runs in 13 2-3 innings.

Furbush has made 12 appearances, all in relief. Hes 1-1 with a 2.49 ERA.

TAMPA, Fla. — Derek Jeter is set to rejoin the Yankees on Monday in his return from a calf injury.

The shortstop said Thursday he will play minor league rehab games Saturday and Sunday at Double-A Trenton and be with the Yankees for a series in Cleveland.

“I feel good now,” Jeter said after working out at the Yankees minor league complex. “Im ready to get out of here.”

The team captain is six hits shy of 3,000. A return next week could put him on track to reach the milestone at Yankee Stadium during a four-game series against Tampa Bay from July 7-10. Then comes the All-Star break, and New York opens the second half with an eight-game road trip.

Jeter had been eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Wednesday but wasnt ready. His bid to become the 28th major leaguer — and first with the Yankees — to get 3,000 hits has been on hold since he strained his right calf June 13 against the Indians.

The NBA is headed to deadline day, with perhaps one last chance to avoid a lockout.

Negotiators for owners and players will meet Thursday, about 12 hours before the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement and seemingly nowhere close to a deal.

The sides remain far apart on just about every major issue, from salaries to the salary cap, revenues to revenue sharing.

After meeting twice a week for most of the month, this is the only session scheduled this week. The two sides could continue bargaining past the deadline, but that probably requires owners to see evidence of the gap narrowing Thursday.

Otherwise, they could lock out the players for the first time since the 1998-99 season was reduced to 50 games, though Commissioner David Stern has refused to say what would happen if a deal is not done Thursday.

“Were not going to negotiate in the media,” he said Tuesday after meeting with owners. “We havent before, were not going to do it now. Were looking forward to having our discussion with the players.”

There may not be much to discuss. Players declined to offer a new economic proposal in the most recent meeting Friday, and they may still feel their previous offer to reduce their salaries by $500 million over five years is going far enough.

Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver said the league didnt know if the players would make another proposal.

Both sides have moved, but not nearly far enough for the other.

Players still consider the owners proposal for a “flex” cap, where each team would be targeted to spend $62 million, a hard cap because there is an eventual unspecified level that cant be exceeded. And though the league said total player compensation would never dip below $2 billion over the life of its proposed 10-year deal, that would amount to a pay cut for the players, who were paid more than $2.1 billion this season in salaries and benefits.

Owners have dropped their insistence that no contracts could be fully guaranteed, an issue the players strongly opposed.

“In this league, teams can easily just say, `We dont want this guy on our team anymore.” I think the security of having that contract goes a long way because youre taking care of your family, youve got a lot of things youre doing and this is your way of living,” All-Star Kevin Durant said.

“I think thats the biggest thing with us, having that security as a player, knowing coming in that youre guaranteed and youre straight. Hopefully we keep that.”

Owners still want a reduction in the players guarantee of 57 percent of basketball revenues. Players said their latest proposal would have taken them down to 54.3, but say the leagues offer would have them down to around 40 percent.

The meeting Thursday will include just small groups from each side, after many players attended the last session. Without a deal, there will be no free agency starting Friday, and the summer league in Las Vegas has already been canceled.

Real games could be next to go. Stern has said the offers only get worse once a lockout has started, though there is still plenty of time even if nothing gets done Thursday.

“I dont see us missing any games. But I see it coming down to the wire, though,” Milwaukees Stephen Jackson said.

Things will get much tougher for the Toronto Blue Jays after they wrap up their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the National League-leading Philadelphia Phillies the next team that will make the trip to the Rogers Centre for a three-game set this weekend. Blue Jays fans didnt get the chance to see Cy Young award winner and former staff ace Roy Halladay a year ago when the G-20 summit forced the MLB betting league to cancel a series between these teams in Toronto, but he is scheduled to make his first start in the city as a member of the opposition against Zach Stewart on Saturday.

Philadelphia Phillies @ Toronto Blue Jays

Friday, 1:07 PM ET

While the Blue Jays dont have any pitcher currently on their roster that is on par with Halladay, they should hold the edge in a pitching matchup between Kyle Kendrick and ace Ricky Romero in the Friday matinee that will open the series. Kendrick has managed to clinch just a single win in his past five appearances despite a relatively steady 3.23 ERA, and he will be in tough to get a win here against a determined Romero. When Halladay left town it was the 26-year old Romero that took over as the teams ace, and with all the buzz and anticipation around the series the Toronto starter will look to bring his best stuff and start the series off on a high note.

MLB Betting Pick: Toronto Blue Jays

Philadelphia Phillies @ Toronto Blue Jays

Saturday, 1:07 PM ET

It will be interesting to see how Halladay is received by the Toronto crowd, as the betting money says that he should get a standing ovation and rousing applause for all that he did for the organization during his time here before making the move to Philadelphia a year ago. Halladay was the citys biggest athlete and most recognizable name before he left, and what he has done since has given him that same status in the Phillies organization. The 34-year old veteran earned Cy Young award honors in his first year with Philadelphia, and is on pace for another with a 10-3 record and 2.40 ERA. He should have no problem reminding Toronto fans of just how good he is in a Saturday matinee that should be one of the most watched games of the year north of the border.

MLB Betting Pick: Philadelphia Phillies.

Philadelphia Phillies @ Toronto Blue Jays

Sunday, 1:07 PM ET

It wont get any easier for the Blue Jays after Halladay leaves the mound on Saturday, with star pitcher Cliff Lee set to get the call against Jo Jo Reyes on Sunday. For as good as Reyes has been with the Blue Jays through his last couple of sports betting bonus starts, Lee has been better registering four straight wins, including consecutive complete-game shutout efforts against the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals to prove he is still at the top of his game.

MLB Betting Pick: Philadelphia Phillies

The Pittsburgh Pirates are an ideal team to compare to the Toronto Blue Jays from the National League. A clubhouse that has managed to stay in contention for a postseason position, but that cant seem to close the MLB betting gap in a division that also features the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds, the Pirates know all too well the problems that Toronto has faced in a group that features the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay Rays. Those teams will get an even closer look at one another this week as Pittsburgh visits Toronto for a three-game set this week, as both look to stay relevant in deep divisions.

Pittsburgh Pirates @ Toronto Blue Jays

Tuesday, 7:07 PM ET

After waiting so long to get his first win of the season, Jo Jo Reyes hasnt had a problem getting even more this past month as he has registered three over his past five starts. The 26-year old hasnt allowed more than two earned runs in each of those victories, and will need another solid outing in order to get the Blue Jays on track against Kevin Correia and the Pirates. Correia is coming off of one of his better starts of the season after allowing three earned runs in six innings of work in a 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles, but he has been very inconsistent this season and could be due for a betting loss.

MLB Betting Pick: Toronto Blue Jays

Pittsburgh Pirates @ Toronto Blue Jays

Wednesday, 7:07 PM ET

One of the brightest spots for Pittsburgh a year ago was the play of Paul Maholm, something that hasnt transitioned over to 2011. The 29-year old left-hander has been better over the past month pitching three games in which he allowed just one earned run or less, and it is no surprise that the Pirates have won them all. Pittsburgh will need Maholm to continue to perform at that level in order to bounce back in the three-game set, with Brandon Morrow getting the call on the mound for the Blue Jays. Similarly, Toronto has been very high on Morrow but hasnt gotten the sports betting bonus numbers that they expected since their starter returned from the DL.

MLB Betting Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates @ Toronto Blue Jays

Thursday, 7:07 PM ET

Jeff Karstens has been one of the better pitchers in baseball this season, and there is no reason to think that he will slow down with this series on the line. Karstens has allowed just five earned runs in his past five starts to get his ERA down to 2.66 with a 5-4 record on the year, while the Blue Jays will turn to former reliever Carlos Villanueva for another start. Villanueva is actually 5-1 on the season with his only loss a 2-1 decision against the Reds a couple of weeks ago, and if the Toronto offense gets going they could surprise a Karstens and the visiting Pirates to take the set.

MLB Betting Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates

A Colorado judge delayed release of a document detailing allegations of sexual assault against Denver Broncos cornerback Perrish Cox.

District Court Judge Paul King granted a request Wednesday from Coxs lawyer to delay release to give him time to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Cox is accused of two counts of sexual assault stemming from a Sept. 6 incident. Cox has pleaded not guilty.

Such affidavits are often available to the public, but in January the judge ordered that it be kept secret, saying it could expose Cox and the alleged victim to abuse.

The Associated Press and The Denver Post asked the judge to reconsider and he granted the request last week. He said the alleged victims name and other personal information must be redacted before it is released.