Morning Jolt: Wednesday, August 18
Wednesday, August 18
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Mike Shanahan didn't like what he saw. Frustrated with the Redskins' performance, [Shanahan] stopped practice to express his feelings to the team Tuesday at Redskins Park. Coaches and players encircled Shanahan as he delivered his message about remaining focused during the final days of training camp, which ends Thursday. Although Shanahan declined to reveal specifics of what he said, he made things clear to the group. "If you emphasize something, it's important to them," Shanahan said. "What you do, if you're making a few mistakes, you stop practice and you emphasize points you're trying to get across." (The Washington Post)Comment
Willingham's season in jeopardy
Though they may wait until Thursday to make a roster move, the Nationals are probably going to lose Josh Willingham for the rest of the season. With an injury to the meniscus in his left knee worsening, Willingham's season with the Washington Nationals -- the best of his career before the onset of knee pain -- is likely over. "It's almost a certainty he's going to have season-ending surgery next week," Matt Sosnick, Willingham's agent, said Tuesday. "They want him to clean it up so he can come in fresh for the season next year." (The Washington Post)Comment
World Championships losing luster
Team USA will play the Worlds without many of its brightest stars. It's not just the United States. The bottom has dropped out of the world championships on a lot of fronts. Pau Gasol declined to play for Spain, the biggest threat to dethrone Team USA. Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman decided against reprising Beijing roles with Germany, and other stars are sitting out because of injury or just because. No other group of players boasted so proudly, though, of reclaiming a special place on the victory stand at the 2008 Games and pledging to keep the forward momentum going. (NBA.com)Comment
Must-See Photo
Curtis Granderson lays out for a diving catch during the Yankees' 6-2 win over the Tigers. (AP)
Must-See Video
Peter King visits Eagles' training camp.
Game To Watch
Giants at Phillies, 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN
SI Vault: More Floyd Patterson
This Day in Sports
- 1957 -- Floyd Patterson knocks out Roy Harris to retain his heavyweight title.
- 2004 -- Paul Hamm becomes the first American man to win the all-around gymnastics gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
- 2008 -- Rafael Nadal takes over the No. 1 ATP ranking, unseating Roger Federer, who had been No. 1 for 235 consecutive weeks.