CrossFire N/A » debut, after a couple of years in the NFL, playing 21 ga

MONACO, Monaco - Michel Platini wont fight Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency, though he still hopes somebody will. The UEFA president decided Thursday not to challenge Blatter in an election next May, insisting he was not dodging a battle with his former mentor. Platini denied FIFA critics a potentially bitter contest, but then urged more conflict within the Blatter-led executive committee. His decision, which was expected, leaves the 78-year-old Blatter clear to win a fifth presidential term — possibly unopposed for a third straight time. Platini will focus instead on being re-elected to lead European football in March and a probable FIFA candidacy in 2019. "Now is not my time, not yet," the 59-year-old Platini said at a news conference after meeting leaders of Europes 54 football federations. "I hope that somebody will oppose Mr. Blatter and nobody will oppose me for UEFA." Platini, a FIFA vice-president, then challenged his colleagues to be "braver" standing up to Blatters power. "To bring ideas and want to change things and not just be sheep who always say yes," Platini said through a translator. The former France great seemed likely to avoid a FIFA contest after a successful World Cup strengthened Blatters position as president, which he has held since 1998. Blatter already has support from FIFAs other five continental confederations. Leaders of most of the 209 member countries have shown little desire for change as successful World Cups have raised FIFA cash reserves close to $1.5 billion. Platini dismissed one description of a contest against Blatter as "unwinnable." "No, my choice was not based on who was running," said Platini, who recalled beating another longtime sitting president, Lennart Johansson, for the UEFA job in 2007. "So I cant be accused of being afraid of Mr. Blatter." UEFA members were meeting for the first time since they confronted Blatter in Brazil in June over his style of leadership and alleged corruption implicating FIFA. They also reminded the veteran Swiss official of his 2011 promise to step aside after his current mandate. That hostile encounter in Sao Paulo on the eve of the World Cup fueled speculation of a FIFA challenge by Platini or a senior UEFA nominee. "We went for peace. I think it is the logical decision," Iceland football association president Geir Thorsteinsson told The Associated Press on Thursday. In Brazil, one option emerged for UEFA to put Netherlands federation president Michael van Praag as a candidate after he delivered Europes blunt message to Blatter. Van Praag dismissed that option Thursday. "It wont be me," the UEFA board member told the BBC. "There was no backing because (UEFA members) also believe that if our candidate is not being Michel Platini, he wont have any chance at all." Platini opting out could prompt another candidate to launch a challenge, Van Praag suggested. "Now it is known that he doesnt do it so maybe there is somebody else in the world who thinks, Now I have a chance," the Dutchman said. Platini said he would "support him or her that will bring something new to world football and will defend the interests of European football." "I know some of you were expecting me to attack FIFA but that is not my goal here," Platini said. "Quite obviously we want a FIFA that works better, more transparency, more solidarity and more respected by those that love football." Platini, whose campaigning for Blatter in 1998 helped defeat Johansson for the vacant presidency, now questioned the integrity of the FIFA presidents public statements. "Im not sure he always believes what he says," Platini said, referring to Blatters recent support for video replay, coaches challenges of referee decisions and additional substitutes in extra time. "I think deep down he is against all that." FIFA has set a late-January deadline for candidates to declare for the secret ballot scheduled for May 29 in Zurich. Former FIFA international relations director Jerome Champagne has said he will stand, though acknowledged in January he could not beat his former boss and longtime ally. Larry Robinson Jersey . Marek Hamsik, who had earlier missed a penalty, headed Napoli in front in the 23rd minute and Pandev added a second goal five minutes from halftime. Alessandro Matri got Juventus back into the game just after the break but Pandev was on hand to score again in the 68th. Mats Naslund Jersey . Here are some of the best from Week One and some to watch in Week Two: TOP PERFORMERS Anthony Allen, RB, Saskatchewan (176 YDS, 2 TD, 30 touches vs. Hamilton) - Powerfully-built back burst onto the scene in his CFL debut, after a couple of years in the NFL, playing 21 games with the Baltimore Ravens. http://www.canadienssale.com/authentic-ken-dryden-canadiens-jersey/ . -- Coyotes coach Dave Tippett thinks of one thing when he watches Eastern Conference teams struggle against Western opponents before they get to Phoenix: His team must keep pace. Dickie Moore Jersey . "Last year didnt go the way we wanted it to, but we need to look at what went well and what didnt go so well. Hopefully this year we will be better," Brendan Gallagher said after practice. This year, the Canadiens have a little more depth to work with by adding players like Daniel Briere, Dale Weise, Mike Weaver, Douglas Murray and arguably, the biggest addition to this playoff roster, Thomas Vanek, who the Canadiens were able to land at the trade deadline. Custom Montreal Canadiens Jerseys . "Theyve been good against everybody," he said. Carlos Gomez launched a three-run homer and Matt Garza battled into the seventh inning for his first win in four starts to help the Brewers continue their mastery of the Rockies with a 7-4 victory Saturday.(SportsNetwork.com) - The San Antonio Spurs will put their three-game winning streak on the line Saturday night when the Los Angeles Clippers come calling at AT&T Center. The Spurs won the first three during this six-game homestand. San Antonio will get visits from the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat before heading off of a nine- game road trip wrapped around the All-Star break. On Wednesday, the Spurs collected their third straight win with a 95-86 decision over the Charlotte Hornets. It was their ninth victory in the last 11 and they havent lost consecutive games since late December. Tim Duncan, who was named as a Western Conference All-Star on Thursday, posted his second straight double-double and five Spurs reached double figures in the win. Duncan had 12 points and 14 rebounds, while Tony Parker and Danny Green scored 17 and 16 points, respectively. Duncan and Green finished with three blocks and two steals apiece. The Spurs led by as many as 18 in the first half before taking a 55-38 cushion into the half. The Hornets got back in the game with a strong third quarter in which they held San Antonio to 4-of-21 shooting and 14 points. We went through a little dry spell in the third quarter, said Green. It seemed like there was a lid on the basket, but we kept moving, kept finding each other, and kept penetrating. Charlotte got within two, but Matt Bonner and Manu Giinobili, both of whom scored 10 points, hit consecutive 3s to jumpstart a 12-0 run.dddddddddddd Duncan scored twice on the flurry that gave the hosts an 81-67 edge that all but sealed the outcome. The Clippers had a six-game winning streak snapped on Friday in a 108-103 road loss to the Anthony Davis-less New Orleans Pelicans. That was game two of an eight-game odyssey that includes stops in Brooklyn, Cleveland, Toronto, Oklahoma City and Dallas. Chris Paul, who was named a Western Conference All-Star reserve, finished with 24 points, Blake Griffin scored 19 and DeAndre Jordan contributed 12 points and 15 rebounds for the Clippers Sometimes the basketball gods say you shouldnt win the game, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said. I thought tonight was one of those nights. Paul scored 10 points during a 12-0 swing to get Los Angeles within 95-94 with 5:07 remaining. With under two minutes to play, Eric Gordon knocked down a turnaround fadeaway shot and Dante Cunningham threw down a dunk to give the Pelicans a six-point lead and seal the win. Clippers guard JJ Redick returned after missing Wednesdays game with back spasms and scored 12 points The Spurs won both meetings this season, one in LA and one in San Antonio. The Spurs have won four straight against the Clippers and since late 2002, are 22-2 as the host in this series, including playoffs. Cheap Twins Jerseys Wholesale Royals Jerseys Cheap Tigers Jerseys Authentic Indians Jerseys Cheap White Sox Jerseys Discount Blue Jays Jerseys Wholesale Rays Jerseys Cheap Yankees Jerseys Discount Red Sox Jerseys Discount Orioles Jerseys Discount Astros Jerseys Cheap Angels Jerseys Cheap Athletics Jerseys Cheap Mariners Jerseys Rangers Jerseys From China Braves Jerseys Outlet Cheap Marlins Jerseys Wholesale Mets Jerseys Wholesale Phillies Jerseys Cheap Nationals Jerseys Cubs Jerseys From China Reds Jerseys From China Cheap Brewers Jerseys Wholesale Pirates Jerseys Cheap Cardinals Jerseys Cheap Diamondbacks Jerseys Authentic Rockies Jerseys Dodgers Jerseys From China Wholesale Padres Jerseys Giants Jerseys From China ' ' '