Lake Forest, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago Bears formally introduced John Fox as their new head coach on Monday, with the recently dispatched Denver Broncos sideline boss expressing both his gratitude toward his new employers as well as a confidence hell be able to restore the franchise back to its winning ways. This is a great, great honor (and) privilege to be the head coach of the Chicago Bears, said Fox, who mutually parted ways with the Broncos shortly after Denvers upset loss to Indianapolis in an AFC divisional playoff game. To be standing here in the same role as George Halas is pretty remarkable and one I take very seriously. Foxs track record of success in previous stops in Denver and Carolina, where he led both teams to Super Bowl appearances within three years on the job, made him the Bears top choice to replace Marc Trestman. And the soon-to-be 60-year-old was optimistic he could orchestrate a similar turnaround in Chicago. I cant predict how fast it will happen, said Fox. I just believe it will. I cant make you any promises except Im going to give you everything Ive got. That (one Super Bowl) trophy looks pretty lonely out there. Foxs response was more vague when asked about quarterback Jay Cutlers future in the organization, telling reporters he has yet to begin evaluating the roster. It doesnt matter what player (it is), were going to start that process and Im not there yet, he stated. Fox did say that he and Cutler did exchange text messages following the announcement of his hiring, and that hes anticipating meeting the embattled signal-caller. Im looking forward to getting to know Jay, Fox remarked. He did text me, welcomed me to Chicago, was very excited that I was coming here. I just reminded him that the games only fun when we win, and we will, and that I was looking forward to getting to see him. Fox, who amassed a 46-18 record with the Broncos and led Denver to the AFC West title in all four of his seasons at the helm, takes over a Bears team that lost eight of its last 10 games under Trestman to finish at 5-11, the clubs worst record since 2004. . FIFA said the suspension was requested by ethics prosecutor Michael Garcia, making Beckenbauer the first person to be punished as a result of the case. Beckenbauer refused "repeated requests for his assistance, including requests that he provide information during an in-person interview or in response to written questions provided in both English and German," FIFA said in a statement. .com) - The Carolina Hurricanes hope to remain perfect at home in January on Friday night as they welcome the Vancouver Canucks to PNC Arena.
http://www.celticsofficialsstore.com/ki ... cs-jersey/. Plata blasted a rising shot to the upper left corner for his team-leading seventh goal of the season. He got the kick after referee Allen Chapman ruled Chris Tierney fouled John Stertzer in the penalty area. . Thats 14 consecutive losses to the two-time defending champs, and most of them were over before they even began. Result notwithstanding, Sundays game had a very different feel to it. . Van Slyke drove in a career-high four runs with two homers off struggling left-hander Tony Cingrani, and the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled away to a 6-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night, a rare comfortable win in their pitching-dominated series.BARCELONA, Spain -- Getafe fought back for a sorely needed 3-1 victory at Valencia on Sunday, breaking a 15-round winless streak and escaping from the Spanish leagues relegation zone. Getafes first away win since Oct. 31 and first under new coach Cosmin Contra lifted the struggling Madrid-based side one point clear of the drop. Forwards Angel Lafita, Ciprian Marica and Pedro Leon scored for Getafe after Eduardo Vargas opened at Mestalla Stadium. Tempers flared in the final moments after Leon apparently provoked the crowd following his goal. Valencia defender Jeremy Mathieu was sent off for slapping Leon before Contra was also banished from the dugout. Valencia joined a group of teams fighting for an upper-table finish and a European berth who all dropped points this round. Real Sociedad was held to a 1-1 draw at Osasuna and Villarreal drew 1-1 at home with Elche, so none were able to fully capitalize of the losses by Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, and Espanyol on Saturday. That left Bilbao in fourth place and in control of the last Champions League spot. Sevilla and Real Sociedad are six points behind in fifth and sixth places, while Villarreal is a further point back in seventh. Valencia had the goal of returning to the Champions League next season, but with this stinging loss it looks set to not even make the Europa League as it sits nine points adrift of Villarreal and in ninth place. "The reality is that right now we are not better than" Getafe, said Valencia coach Juan Pizzi. Valencia appeared to be in control after Vargas headed in Dani Parejos well-placed corner kick six minutes into the match. But Lafita unleashed a blistering low strike between two defenders that went in off the post in the 25th, and two minutes later Ciprian Marica dived to head in a pass, beating Valencias offside trap on a set piece. Getafe goalkeeper Jordi Codina palmed Philippe Senderos header over in the 64th and was fortunatte Paco Alcacers shot rattled the woodwork a minute later before Leon sealed the win in the 88th.dddddddddddd "This is very important because the team was in a very delicate situation," Contra said. "This gives us a little bit of breathing room. I believe with this attitude and character we can turn this around." Sociedad also started well in Pamplona, with forward Gonzalo Castro hitting in the seventh from Carlos Velas unselfish pass following a defensive lapse from Osasuna. But Osasuna settled down and began to threaten from corners and free kicks, while Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez almost scored in the 49th from the centre line with a long lob that hit the crossbar. Osasuna striker Oriol Riera finally converted on his fourth shot attempt from a set piece when he headed in Roberto Torres cross in the 59th, and Sociedad needed goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to protect the point after Osasuna pressed them into their area in stoppage time. Villarreals quest to catch Bilbao was likewise frustrated in a dull match against Elche. After American sprinter Justin Gatlin took the honorary kickoff at El Madrigal Stadium, Elche went ahead in the 31st when Damian Suarez converted a penalty following Jeremy Perbets foul on Alberto Botia. Forward Jonathan Pereira scored the hosts equalizer a minute before halftime when he used one touch to turn in a high ball that fell to him in the box in one of few scoring chances. Valladolid beat 10-man Almeria 1-0 at home in a match between two teams fighting to avoid relegation. Valladolid striker Manucho scored what proved to be the winner in the sixth. Almeria defender Marco Torsiglieri was dismissed in the 75th with his second yellow card for fouling Manucho. Almeria was left in the drop zone along with Osasuna and Real Betis. Atletico Madrid leads the league by one point over Barcelona and three points ahead of Real Madrid with seven games to play. ' ' '
