07/23/2008 - Lyon, France (Soccer Betting) - French champions Lyon have won the race to sign highly-rated Rennes defender John Mensah, who had been a target for several clubs in England.
The 25-year-old Ghana international had been linked with the likes of Portsmouth, Wigan and Reading in recent months, but has opted to remain in France.
Mensah said after completing his big-money move: "I had a few offers, mostly from English clubs, but I opted for Lyon on the insistence of my agent.
"It's not going to be easy for me but I'll do my best.
"I'm looking forward to linking up with manager Claude Puel, who is one of the best managers in France and who has a great future in the game."
Mensah spent two seasons with Rennes, having previously made his name in Italy with Genoa, Chievo, Modena and Cremonese.
(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)
<< Hawks lose Childress to Greek team
Atlanta, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Atlanta Hawks lost the services of Josh
Childress when the swingman signed with the Greek franchise Olympiakos on
Wednesday.
"We were informed this morning [Wednesday] by Josh Childress representa
<< Bruins give Wideman contract extension
Boston, MA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Boston Bruins signed defenseman Dennis
Wideman to a multi-year contract extension. Per team policy, terms were not
disclosed.
Wideman posted career-highs with 13 goals, 23 assists and 36 points
<< Chiefs sign second-rounder Flowers
Kansas City, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Kansas City Chiefs signed second-round
draft pick, cornerback Brandon Flowers to a four-year contract Wednesday.
Selected with the 35th overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, Flowers made 158
tackles
<< Millwood leaves game with sore groin
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kevin Millwood
left Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox with soreness in his right
groin.
Millwood lasted just 1 2/3 innings allowing three runs on two hits and a wal
Blackburn accepts bid for Friedel >>
Blackburn, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Blackburn Rovers have reportedly
accepted an offer of $4 million from Aston Villa for veteran American
goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
The 37-year-old had said last week that he was keen t
Benfica's Fonte completes switch to Crystal Palace >>
Lisbon, Portugal (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Benfica defender Jose Fonte has finally
completed his permanent switch to Crystal Palace.
The 24-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Selhurst
Park, has penned a three-year con
Galarraga, Tigers roll over Royals to complete sweep >>
Kansas City, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Armando Galarraga was perfect through six
innings, and wound up allowing three hits and a run over seven frames as
Detroit topped Kansas City, 7-1, in the final test of a three-game set from
Kauffma
Hammers seal Behrami signing >>
London, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - West Ham United have sealed the $10 million
signing of versatile Switzerland international Valon Behrami from Serie A
outfit Lazio.
The 23-year-old, who can play in defense or midfield, has penned a
MySportsbook.com and Kentucky Derby Offer Bonuses
The 2008 Kentucky Derby has announced a $1-million bonus for this weekend’s 134th ‘Run for the Roses’ and MySportsbook.com is doing the same.
Well, not quite $1 million, but MySportsbook.com is offering a 75% rebate for Kentucky Derby lines. Check out the exclusive horse racing bonus for all the details.
According to MySportsbook.com, the favorites for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky are: Curlin (+250); Street Sense (+500); Scat Daddy (+700); Circular Quay (+750); and Nobiz Like Shobiz (+800).
Derby organizers announced this week that there will be a $1-million bonus at the 2007 Kentucky Derby odds if the first-place horse wins by more than 6 1/2 lengths – the margin of Barbaro's victory last year. The bonus would be divided Saturday among the winning trainer, jockey, owner and a charity, with each receiving 25 percent. The designated charity is the Barbaro Memorial Fund.
''It's certainly creative, it's certainly fun and it has something for the horsemen, which we always want to embrace,'' Churchill Downs president and chief executive Robert Evans said at a news conference. ''What's really cool is it will force us to remember Barbaro.''
Meanwhile, the Derby favorite – Curlin – is going against the odds this year. It's been 125 years since Apollo won after skipping his 2-year-old season, and not since Regret in 1915 has such a lightly seasoned horse worn the blanket of red roses.
Arkansas Derby winner Curlin – unbeaten in three career races – tries to overcome both those obstacles in Saturday's 133rd Derby.
''We're not running against history,'' trainer Steve Asmussen said Monday. ''We're running against who they load up.''
Six other horses have run in the Derby without benefit of 2-year-old races and with three or fewer starts. The best any of them managed was a sixth-place finish by Showing Up last year.
Asmussen dismissed suggestions that Curlin's lack of racing experience could keep him from the winner's circle.
”He exudes confidence and he's got a great presence about him,'' the trainer said. ''I feel great about the position we're in. He's not worried about anything, why should you be?''
The Kentucky Derby is at 4:04 p.m., ET Saturday.
For complete odds on the Kentucky Derby, visit MySportsbook.com. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
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