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Report: Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers close to finalizing contract extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have no intention of allowing Ben Roethlisberger to play out the final year of his contract in 2019, and they appear to be on the verge of signing the Pro Bowl quarterback to a contract extension.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Roethlisberger and the Steelers have made “significant progress” on a new deal and could finalize it as soon as Wednesday.

The #Steelers and QB Ben Roethlisberger have made significant progress on a contract extension that will make him, once again, one of the highest paid players, source say. The two sides are in the final stages and a deal could be announced as soon as today.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2019

Roethlisberger is entering the final year of a four-year, $87.4 million contract he signed during the 2015 offseason. He still played at an incredibly high level in 2018, throwing for 5,129 yards, 34 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. It makes sense that his new deal would make him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.

It was not that long ago that Big Ben made some comments indicating he was close to calling it a career, but that is clearly not the case.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2W2FoJb

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Enes Kanter takes another shot at Knicks after Blazers advance in playoffs

Enes Kanter has made a significant impact with the Portland Trail Blazers since they signed him two months ago, and the veteran big man would like to thank his former team for providing him an opportunity to contend for a championship.

After the Blazers advanced to the second round of the playoffs with a 4-1 series win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kanter began his postgame press conference by thanking the New York Knicks for waiving him in February.

Blazers' Enes Kanter after advancing to second round: "First, I would definitely like to thank the Knicks for waiving me." pic.twitter.com/U7z68BAqsf

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 24, 2019

Kanter played a key role in Tuesday night’s 118-115 win, scoring 13 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. He averaged 13.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game for the series, which ended up going five games.

The Knicks wanted to go in a younger direction once their season became a disaster yet again, and the 26-year-old Kanter apparently did not fit in with their plans. This is the second time he has taken a jab at his former team this postseason, so he is clearly enjoying the ride.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2GyXXy8

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Marshawn Lynch reportedly planning to retire

The Oakland Raiders have a plethora of draft picks to use this week as a result of some blockbuster trades they made last season, and they may have to consider using one of them on a potential starting running back.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Marshawn Lynch, who is currently a free agent, is planning to retire.

After two seasons playing for his hometown Oakland Raiders, Marshawn Lynch is not planning to play football again, league sources tell ESPN.

Now, with the three-day draft kicking off Thursday night in Nashville, the Raiders have one more potential need to address: running back.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2019

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media added that Raiders head coach Jon Gruden had made it clear the team was not planning to re-sign Lynch. They intend to use an early draft pick at the position.

The #Raiders love Marshawn Lynch, but Jon Gruden had moved on and made it clear. They plan to take a RB early. Josh Jacobs in the 20s is a possible target for Oakland. https://t.co/TOPHFnQ9S8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2019

Lynch grew up in Oakland, and he came out of retirement after a year off in 2016 because he wanted to play for the Raiders. He was still pretty effective in two seasons with the team, averaging more than 4.2 yards per carry and scoring 10 total touchdowns. However, he appeared in just six games last season.

Either plans have changed for the Raiders, or what Gruden said about Lynch earlier in the offseason was yet another lie from the head coach.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2GEIPAJ

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Damian Lillard gave coldest wave to Thunder after incredible shot

Damian Lillard could not have been more spectacular on Tuesday night, and he capped off his incredible performance with a shot for the ages.

The Portland Trail Blazers point guard made a 3-pointer from way downtown at the buzzer to give his team a 118-115 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. Then he gave the Thunder bench the coldest wave ever after making the shot, telling them adios after knocking them out of the playoffs.

Damian Lillard waves by to Westbook and the Thunder after the game-winner. Cold. Blooded. pic.twitter.com/SQ9jyJUrQG

— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) April 24, 2019

It doesn’t get colder and cooler than that.

Lillard scored 50 points in the game on 17/33 shooting, including 10 threes. The 50 points were a franchise playoff record, no surprise. The stellar performance and series win had to have been especially satisfying after all the back-and-forth between him and Russell Westbrook.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2ISHjMY

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Blake Griffin had great show of respect to media after season ended

Blake Griffin had a great show of respect for the media after the Detroit Pistons’ season ended.

The Pistons lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 127-104 in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Monday to end the series with a sweep. Griffin had an end-of-season press conference with the media a day later and then shook the hand of each member after he was done, wishing them all a good summer.

After his end of the year press conference, @blakegriffin23 shook hands with every media member and wished them a great summer. @DetroitPistons pic.twitter.com/7itEDSLg00

— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) April 23, 2019

This may not seem like much, but it’s significant. When you contrast this with what has happened with Russell Westbrook and a local Oklahoma City media member, you see how much of a difference a small gesture makes. Just ask Peyton Manning what showing respect for reporters can do you for you. When you’re well-liked by the people who cover you, it’s naturally tougher for them to be critical of you.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2Pueck7

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3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Whirlpool Tub

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Are you buying your first whirlpool bathtub? Let us help you narrow down the choices. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

Will it fit in the bathroom? Make sure to measure your bathroom before you even look at a whirlpool, including any space you might gain taking down dividing walls or showers. “Most whirlpools come in three standard sizes,” says Morey. “Five feet, five and a half and six. But you can’t just consider the tub size — they’re all designed to be dropped into a deck, and that will take up more space, with the bare minimum adding at least a half-inch to your measurements on all sides.

“If you think you’d like to hold a lot of stuff like candles and oils near the water, you’ll also need extra space on the deck,” says Morey. “If you’re over six feet tall, you may want to forfeit deck space for more tub room.” Source: HGTV

Is your current heating system enough? If you choose to heat your whirlpool with your existing in-home heating system, make sure it can handle the amount of water needed to fill the whirlpool. With an external system, the water in the tub will get cool quickly due to the circulating jets, so you will need to frequently refill the tub with hot water. A 50 gallon quick recovery system should be sufficient.

The other option is a self-heating system. A self-heating whirlpool comes with its own internal heating system that circulates the tub water and reheats when necessary. This is a good energy-saving option and the best way to keep your water temperature consistent. Source: DoItYourself

Which type of jet should you pick? Choose between water jets or air jets. Water-jet whirlpool tubs force water through jets, giving more pressure and a forceful massage. In air-jet whirlpool tubs, air is forced through tiny holes for a lighter massage. A combination whirlpool tub uses both, but will be more expensive and may use more energy.

One drawback of water-jet and combination tubs is that you can’t use bath salts or oils, as these will damage the pumping mechanism.

Another water-jet and combination tub drawback is that some water stays in the jets, and mold can develop if they’re not regularly cleaned out. Source: WikiHow

We can help you figure out which brand or type of whirlpool tub will work best for your needs. Find out more when you call us today!

  Contact: Perfect Bath Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641 Calgary, Alberta Email: [email protected]

The post 3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Whirlpool Tub appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

from Perfect Bath Canada http://bit.ly/2W6LBE4

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Ronda Rousey considering quitting WWE after getting pregnant

Ronda Rousey is keeping the option open to never return to the WWE once she starts a family.

Rousey posted a video on her website and YouTube channel Monday. In the video, Rousey talks about her future plans. She and husband Travis Browne, who was in the video with her, are trying to get pregnant and have children. Rousey was transparent about her feelings entering this time in her life, saying that there is a chance she will be so focused on her baby that she might not want to return to wrestling after having a child.

“As for WWE plans in the future, we want to have a baby first,” Rousey said. “I don’t know what it’s like to have a baby. I could look down at this beautiful child and be like, ‘f— everything, I don’t care about anything else other than this baby,’ and you’ll never see me again. Or I could be like my mom. She trained until she was 8 months pregnant and won the US Open six weeks after giving birth.

“I’m just saying, you never know. I don’t want to make any promises about the future when I don’t know how I’m going to feel in the future.”

The words from Rousey are not a retirement threat, but rather a disclosure to her fans and the public about her feelings and position. Rousey made it clear in an Instagram post last week that she and Browne were trying to get pregnant.

The 32-year-old former UFC champion is signed with the WWE through 2021. On April 7, she headlined the main event at WrestleMania 35 along with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair — a huge accomplishment for all involved.

H/T TMZ Sports

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2XF31Ia

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Rich Hill to return to Dodgers after dominant rehab start

Rich Hill didn’t think he needed another rehab start before joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he backed it up with his performance.

Hill has not pitched in the majors this season due to a left knee problem, and was sent for another rehab start despite his protestations. He took the mound and showed just how ready he was to join the MLB team.

Rich Hill reluctantly went and made an additional rehab start against extended spring training hitters and struck out 16 in 6 innings and that is hilarious.

— Joe Davis (@Joe_Davis) April 23, 2019

Unsurprisingly, Hill has been slated to start Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Rich Hill will start Sunday for Dodgers against Pirates.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 23, 2019

Hill can be a bit ornery, and it sounds like he was ready to return sooner. He’s definitely ready now, though.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2IDNAwF

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Chris Harris, Jr. and John Elway are heading for a showdown

Chris Harris, Jr. has formally requested to be traded if he does not get a new contract, according to Adam Schefter. Harris, Jr., one of the top cornerbacks in the league, has made his wish for a new contract known throughout the offseason, and has so far been rebuffed by Denver Broncos GM John Elway.

Harris, Jr. did not attend the offseason program in early April. In March, Elway said he would address it after getting through the draft. On Tuesday, Elway took time out from meeting with the press to specifically address it even further, and added that just because they would talk, it doesn’t guarantee a deal will get done.

Here are Elway's full comments on Chris Harris Jr.'s contract situation. Why they are waiting until after the draft: "I don't have time right now."@CBSDenver #4Broncos pic.twitter.com/Giey60DAWX

— Michael Spencer (@MichaelCBS4) April 23, 2019

It cannot make Harris, Jr. happy that while he was seeking a new deal, the team went out in free agency and signed Kareem Jackson and Bryce Callahan to deals at the same position worth $11 million per year and $7 million per year, respectively, putting them roughly in line with Harris, Jr.’s salary even though they are not in the same stratosphere as players.

Those moves seem to be a misstep in managing personalities and people, while not having the time to address Harris, Jr.’s contract demands. The truth is that Harris, Jr. is the second-most valuable player on the roster behind Von Miller. Now, the world knows that he wants out–or according to Mike Klis, wants $15 million per year. From Harris, Jr.’s perspective, this is the best time to put this out, as teams can figure out if they want to make a trade heading into the draft that remains Elway’s only focus at the moment.

Things could come to a head quickly in Denver, and if Denver does not make a trade, expect continued fireworks this offseason, and Harris, Jr. not being happy unless he is clearly paid as the top cornerback on the team.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2Zy6Wbs

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Bruins’ David Pastrnak trash talks Justin Bieber after eliminating Maple Leafs

The Boston Bruins knocked the Toronto Maple Leafs out of the NHL Playoffs on Tuesday with a Game 7 victory, and one of their players celebrated the win with a victory lap around Justin Bieber.

Bieber was spotted at the game in Boston, and the Ontario native made it no secret that he was rooting for the Leafs to advance. The Bruins claimed a decisive 5-1 victory, however, leaving the singer disappointed.

Perhaps even worse was the fact that Bruins winger David Pastnak went straight to the locker room and took to social media to troll him about it.

David Pastrnak’s social-media crusade against Justin Bieber is my main takeaway from Game 7. pic.twitter.com/yMvAIC7JcR

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) April 24, 2019

Not satisfied with the Instagram comment, Pastrnak even shared a similar message on Twitter.

Not today @justinbieber #BostonStrong

— davidpastrnak (@pastrnak96) April 24, 2019

Pastrnak could have done plenty of things after closing out the Leafs. He went after Bieber, which is really quite hilarious. The pop singer will have to pick another team to back for the playoff run. Luckily, he doesn’t seem to have any aversion to doing so, though Pastrnak may have taken the Bruins out of contention for his support.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2W4UmhV

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Kawhi Leonard addresses narrative surrounding Kyle Lowry

Kawhi Leonard talked about the narrative surrounding teammate Kyle Lowry following the Toronto Raptors’ series clinching victory over the Orlando Magic.

A popular talking point so far during the NBA playoffs has been Lowry’s play in the first round. After going scoreless in the first game of the series, Lowry played a key role in Toronto winning four consecutive games to end Orlando’s season.

Lowry has been criticized for performances in the postseason throughout his career. Leonard chalked it up to just a bunch of noise.

"You know how it is. If you lose a game you're terrible, if you win a game you're a superhero." Kawhi Leonard on the Kyle Lowry narrative

— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) April 24, 2019

One series won’t answer all of his critics but Lowry bouncing back after a poor showing in Game 1 was certainly a good sign for Toronto. Next up for the Raptors will be a matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. If Toronto is going to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, Lowry will likely be a big reason why.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2vhejXb

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Zack Wheeler accomplishes impressive feat with arm and bat

Zack Wheeler became the first pitcher this season to accomplish a pretty impressive feat.

During the New York Mets 9-0 win over Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, Wheeler did it all. The Mets’ starting pitcher earned the victory after throwing seven scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Wheeler hit a solo home run to left center field.

The home run was the first of Wheeler’s career. It allowed him to become the first pitcher this year to throw a pitch 100 or more miles per hour as well as hit a ball over 100 miles per hour.

Zack Wheeler is the first pitcher this season to join the 100/100 club. Throw a pitch 100 MPH+ and hit a ball 100 MPH+.

— Daren Willman (@darenw) April 24, 2019

Wheeler joined Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom on the list of Mets pitchers who have hit home runs so far this season. Not only do the Mets have quality starting pitchers, they can swing the bat as well.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2GvrsRs

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Charles Barkley does not think much of the East’s first round games

Charles Barkley has never been one to mince words if he thinks the quality of the NBA isn’t up to standard, and in his mind, it very much wasn’t on Tuesday.

The Philadelphia 76ers opened up a 60-31 lead over the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of Game 5 of their series, while the Toronto Raptors comfortably dispatched the Orlando Magic in a game that they led by 36 points at one point in the fourth quarter. In other words, neither of Tuesday’s Eastern Conference playoff games were remotely competitive, and Barkley was not afraid to say so at halftime of the Philadelphia blowout.

Barkley on Sixers-Nets and Raptors-Magic: “If you’re watching these games, you have no life.” #NBAPlayoffs

— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) April 24, 2019

The NBA and TNT executives would probably prefer it if Barkley tried to give viewers a reason to stay tuned in, but competitive basketball was never going to be it. Besides, his honesty is one of the reasons he’s worth watching, and he’s said things like this before and probably will again.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2GzVK5t

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Watch: Joel Embiid gets technical foul for fingerpoint after dunk

Joel Embiid can’t help winding up his opponents a bit.

Embiid threw down a monster dunk on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson during Game 5 of the first round game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets, and gave him a finger-point after the fact. That got Embiid a technical.

JEL

@JoelEmbiid #PhilaUnite | #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/FptKQyf8xv

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 24, 2019

It’s worth noting that Embiid and Hollis-Jefferson are friends, but the referee clearly viewed it as taunting.

Joel Embiid throws down a hammer dunk along the baseline and points at Rondae Hollis-Jefferson – a friend of his – who failed to stop him. Embiid picks up a T.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 24, 2019

It’s unlikely to go down well with the Nets, who haven’t exactly been thrilled with how Embiid has been officiated this series. That said, it was a perfect encapsulation of how the game was going, with Philadelphia scoring the first 14 points of the game and leading 25-3 with three minutes left in the first. Embiid has probably earned the right to style a bit with dominance like that.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2Pzg0IV

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Watch: Julian Edelman chugs beer on big screen to get Bruins fans fired up

Julian Edelman served as an honorary captain for the Boston Bruins prior to their Game 7 matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, and the three-time Super Bowl champion did everything he could to get the home fans ready for battle.

Not long after the Bruins took a 1-0 lead in the first period, Edelman was shown on the TD Garden jumbotron waving a yellow towel. He then went Stone Cold Steve Austin and pounded a beer. As you might expect, the fans loved it.

Julian Edelman just made TD Garden lose it. pic.twitter.com/8AUkjX3xIo

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) April 23, 2019

The earliest cheers from Bruins fans came when Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen let up an incredibly soft goal, but perhaps it was Edelman’s influence that helped the Bruins take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2Dvmio1

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Frederik Andersen’s Game 7 struggles continue with incredibly soft early goal

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen has struggled mightily in Game 7’s during his NHL career, and that theme continued early in his team’s winner-take-all matchup against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.

The Bruins jumped out to a 1-0 lead 14:29 into the first period when Andersen allowed a brutally soft goal to fourth-line center Joakim Nordstrom. On what should have been a routine save for an NHL goalie, Andersen failed to close out the near post on a bad angle shot.

Nordstrom finds some space between the glove and the leg. Bruins get the first goal. 1-0. pic.twitter.com/e44LOQMFVn

— Flintor (@TheFlintor) April 23, 2019

Maple Leafs fans probably were not surprised. In three career starts in Game 7’s, Anderson is 0-3 and has a 4.51 goals against average. His save percentage is just .840.

ALERT

Toronto Maple Leaf's Frederik Andersen is Game 7's in his career

Anderson – (0-3, .000) .840 Save% – 4.51 GAA

Stanley Cup is alive

details pic.twitter.com/T1WjA59im7

— Boston Sports Info (@bostonsportsinf) April 22, 2019

The Bruins took a 2-0 lead shortly after on a goal from Marcus Johansson, though that one came on a beautifully placed shot. In fairness to Andersen, both goals came off bad turnovers from the Leafs.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2IEDuvt

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Report: Josh Gordon signs tender with Patriots

Josh Gordon will be sticking with the New England Patriots, suspended or not.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, Gordon signed his restricted free agent tender on Tuesday, ensuring that he would remain with the Patriots no matter what.

Source: Patriots WR Josh Gordon has officially signed his restricted free agent tender. While he’s uncertain to play in 2019, this ensures that if he plays anywhere, it’ll be in New England.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 23, 2019

Gordon was due to be a restricted free agent. New England could have let him walk, but they opted not to do so, even though he’s currently suspended and has no guarantees of being reinstated ahead of the 2019 season. If he is, he’ll be playing for New England, where he seemed to find a home last season.

from Larry Brown Sports http://bit.ly/2IPWO8h