ger Stadium. He also plans to get tips on the drive from utilityman Skip Schumaker, who also lives in the coastal area | Forum

SACRAMENTO, Calif. http://www.atleticomadridfcteamshop.com/Authentic-Blank-Jersey/ . -- Vivek Ranadive has made a fortune in the software industry by betting on the right people. The new owner of the Sacramento Kings is now betting big on DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings signed Cousins to a four-year maximum contract extension worth a reported $62 million Monday, saying the 23-year-old centre is the foundation the franchise will build on to lead a struggling team into a new era. Sacramento hasnt had a winning season since 2006, but the new Kings management is comfortable investing in a player considered one of the NBAs best young big men but who also has drawn multiple suspensions from both the team and the league for his behaviour. "From my perspective, it isnt really that much of a leap of faith," said Ranadive, whose purchase of the team from the Maloof family was approved by the NBA in May. "Im just doing what I do in my business every day, just betting on the best. And he represents the best." The fifth overall selection of the 2010 NBA draft, Cousins led the Kings last season with averages of 17.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals and also averaged 2.7 assists. He ranked ninth among the leagues leading rebounders. But the Kings once again finished among the worst teams in the Western Conference at 28-54, Sacramentos fifth consecutive season with fewer than 30 victories, and Cousins was reprimanded several times for his conduct. The 6-foot-11 veteran said those problems are behind him and he accepts the accountability that comes with his lucrative new deal. "Ive got big shoulders, so I can handle that," Cousins said. "I consider myself a leader on this team, so I take all the responsibility that comes with it. Ive had pressure from the beginning, so I dont have a problem with it. I was doing it in the beginning, so I definitely dont have a problem doing it now." Cousins tumultuous 2012-13 season was marked by several incidents during which his behaviour and discipline came into question. Cousins was suspended one game by the Kings on Dec. 22 for "unprofessional behaviour and conduct detrimental to the team" after an incident involving then-coach Keith Smart in the locker room during a loss at the Los Angeles Clippers. He was suspended by the NBA for one game without pay for striking O.J. Mayo in the groin during a loss at Dallas on Dec. 10. Following a loss at San Antonio on Nov. 9, the league suspended Cousins two games without pay for confronting Spurs announcer Sean Elliott in a "hostile manner." But Ranadive began his push to make Cousins a centerpiece of Sacramentos future as soon as he became owner. The Kings had until Oct. 31 to come to terms on an extension to prevent Cousins from becoming a restricted free agent next summer. "I consulted people way smarter than myself and there was never a doubt in my mind that he was going to be the foundation of this franchise moving forward," Ranadive said. "People have said a lot of things about DeMarcus, but hes a fine young man. I think of DeMarcus as really the prototypical, 21st century player. Hes one of the most talented big men in the business and has an understanding of the game that is truly unique." Cousins already is working on improving his image. He will donate $1 million from his new deal to "the families and community of Sacramento," he said. Cousins also will donate money to several organizations launched by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. "Thats something I have to get better at," Cousins said. "I mean, Im the type of guy, if I know you dont like me, Im not going to just be able to smile in your face and say everything is cool. But Im blessed to be in this situation, I believe in this organization and Im glad they gave me this chance to prove it to them and this team." The Kings will begin their first training camp under a new regime that includes coach Michael Malone and general manager Pete DAlessandro with their first practice Tuesday morning on the UC Santa Barbara campus. The team will train there for a week before it begins the preseason Oct. 7 against the Golden State Warriors. The signing of Cousins came hours before the Kings annual media day at the teams practice facility in Sacramento. With a new downtown arena set to open in 2016, and NBA great Shaquille ONeal now on board as a minority owner and new mentor for Cousins, Ranadive said Cousins new deal is the latest example of the teams recent progress. "Its a good day for the new-era Sacramento Kings," he said. "We always knew this is where we were heading, so we are exactly where we want to be. Now we head off to training camp, and weve tied a bow on this (deal) and were excited to move forward." http://www.atleticomadridfcteamshop.com/ .ca NFL Power Rankings, overtaking the Denver Broncos and remaining ahead of NFC competition San Francisco, Carolina and New Orleans. http:///...-Filipe-Luis-Jersey/ . After dropping their final six games of December, the Wild opened the new calendar year with four consecutive wins. Following a loss to Colorado on Saturday, Minnesota rebounded the following night to blank Nashville 4-0, but then had the tables turned on them Tuesday. http://www.atleticomadridfcteamshop.com/Authentic-Koke-Jersey/ . The mixed zone is not a place to make friends.LOS ANGELES -- Dan Haren wanted to pitch for a World Series contender next season, and he was eager to get back to his native Southern California. Haren found everything he wanted at Dodger Stadium. The right-hander agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with the Dodgers on Monday, adding another veteran arm to Los Angeles deep rotation. The deal includes $3 million in performance bonuses and a $10 million vesting option for 2015. Haren was eager for a change after spending last season in Washington, where he went 10-14 with a 4.67 ERA even with a strong finish to the season. He missed his wife and children during his year on the East Coast, and the 11-year veteran seized the chance to return home after spending the previous three seasons with the Angels. "My kids are growing up, and to have the opportunity to come back so close to home and pitch for a championship-level club, it couldnt have happened any better for me," Haren said. The three-time All-Star went 33-27 with the Angels, enduring a rough final season. He also got off to a slow start with the Nationals, but Haren regained enough of his form to make him attractive on the limited free-agent market. Haren will compete for a prominent spot in Los Angeles loaded rotation alongside Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu and injured veterans Chad Billingsley and Josh Beckett. "We were looking for somebody that we could lean on to provide us starts and innings, and obviously had a good track record," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. "Hes also somebody from the area, so he understands the Dodgers and has respect for the organization and everything. ... Were more than willing to take a chance on somebody with his makeup, with his ability, with his experience, and with his track record." If Haren pitches 180 innings for the Dodgers, hell have a $10 million player option for 2015. He had pitched at least 180 innings in nine straight seasons before last year in Washington, where he finished with 169 2-3 innings pitched after a stint on the disabled list. Haren will get $250,000 each in performance bonuses if he makes 24, 27 and 30 starts, with a $500,000 bonus for 32 starts. Hell get $250,000 each if he pitches 150, 160 and 170 innings, with a $500,000 bbonus for 180 and 190 innings. http:///...ne-Griezmann-Jersey/. If he reaches 180 innings in 2014 and is traded before the season ends, then there is a player option for 2015 at $11 million. "Could I have gotten more in other places? Maybe, probably," Haren said. "But the Dodgers seemed like a good fit for me, and at this point in my career, it looks like the Dodgers priority is winning now, and thats my priority too." The 33-year-old has 129 career victories. The Dodgers will be the sixth major league team for Haren, who also pitched for St. Louis, Oakland and Arizona. Haren knows hell be competing with Billingsley and Beckett for a rotation spot, and the Dodgers are eager to see how it develops. "Josh we expect to be ready when camp opens, and Chad at some point during the season," Colletti said. "Im not going to close the door to any more starters. We certainly like the four we have, and we hope we get Josh back and we hope we get Chad back." Haren isnt sure how the rotation will shake out, but hes confident hell have a spot if he performs to his usual capabilities. Hes also eager to suit up for the NL West champions, who lost to the Cardinals in the league championship series. "The talent is second to none," Haren said. "Weve got stars at every position." Haren pitched alongside Greinke in 2012 with the Angels, and theyve stayed in regular contact. Greinke welcomed Haren to the Dodgers earlier in the day -- and then hit him up for fantasy football advice. After he realized last winter that he wouldnt return to the Angels, Haren and his wife kept their home in Irvine, where he lives in the same gated community as Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire. Haren isnt suggesting a carpool with Big Mac, but hes thinking about buying an electric vehicle to ease the pain of a daily commute from Orange County to Dodger Stadium. He also plans to get tips on the drive from utilityman Skip Schumaker, who also lives in the coastal area thats home to dozens of athletes, including Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. "Ill get used to it," Haren said. "Ill get satellite radio or something. ... Or maybe I could (get a ride on) Kobes plane. With his extension today, he could probably afford to give me a few rides." Cheap Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Authentic China Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NHL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys ' ' '