sportball

Stuttgart announced on Tuesday on their official website that the club has terminated the contract of Romanian international Ciprian Marica. 

The 25-year-old striker has been a persona-non-grata at the club for four months after a dispute with coach Bruno Labbadia, and is now a free agent.

"VfB Stuttgart have terminated Ciprian Marica's current contract, which runs until 30th June 2012, by mutual consent," read a statement on the club's official website. 

"We wish Ciprian all the best in his fut...

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has saluted Samir Nasri's attitude despite intense transfer speculation suggesting his future may lie away from the Emirates.

Nasri only has a year left on his contract at the club, prompting Manchester rivals City and United to show an interest in the Frenchman.

The 24-year-old has hinted that he may be interested in a move away from the Emirates to fulfil his ambition of winning some silverware, but played in the Gunners' 4-0 win over a Malaysia XI on Wednesday, ...

Manchester United forward Michael Owen has admitted the chance to stay at a successful club was a key factor in his decision on whether or not to sign a further one-year contract at Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old strikers two-year deal expired at the end of last season, and despite only making 17 appearances last term, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool man featured on the bench in absence of Dimitar Berbatov during the 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final.

Whilst he did not f...

Chelseas technical director Michael Emenalo has insisted that the club will not be rushed into finding a replacement for midfielder Michael Essien.

The Ghana international was ruled out of action for six months after suffering knee ligament damage, and West Hams Scott Parker who could be available on loan and Newcastles Cheik Tiote have been touted as possible replacements for the 28-year-old at Stamford Bridge.

Emenalo, however, has suggested that the west Londoners have no need to seek a repl...

By Pat YasinskasWe’ve got a list of notable pro day workouts around the country over on our NFL Nation blog.

But the day that jumps out most to me is Tuesday. That’s when Auburn has its pro day. Carolina coach Ron Rivera already has said he’ll be there and I’m sure he’s going to have a ton of company from his coaching staff and front office.

There’s a decent chance that Carolina could use the No. 1 overall pick on an Auburn player. Quarterback Cam Newton and defensive tackle Nick Fa...

By Pat YasinskasThe Carolina Panthers continue to be the only NFC South team making news so far Tuesday. Our John Clayton reports the Panthers have placed the franchise tag on center Ryan Kalil.

That move should lock Kalil in at a one-year salary of about $10.5 million unless he and the team can work a long-term deal. I wouldn’t read too much into the fact the Panthers put the tag on Kalil, instead of defensive end Charles Johnson or running back DeAngelo Williams. This isn’t necessarily a...

By Pat YasinskasAP Photo/Chuck BurtonCarolina general manager Marty Hurney (left), with owner Jerry Richardson (center), and president Danny Morrison, are evaluating who the Panthers will chose with the No. 1 pick in the April draft.As he drove to work early Friday morning, Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said he knew exactly what the Panthers’ draft board looks like. As he closed his car door to begin the walk to his Bank of America Stadium office, Hurney said goodbye to a caller onl...

By Tim GrahamI once heard Tom Donahoe, the former Buffalo Bills president and general manager, call quarterback Drew Bledsoe a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Then again, Donahoe used to say a lot of things.

I was reminded of this when taking a glance at players who will make their first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot for 2012.

Buffalo News reporter Mark Gaughan, who's on the Hall of Fame selection committee and last weekend was elected president of the Pro Football Writers Association...

By Pat YasinskasThe Carolina Panthers just announced they’ll hold a 5 p.m. news conference Tuesday. They’re expected to announce Ron Rivera as their new head coach.

Rivera already has begun the process of seeking out assistant coaches to fill out his staff. He reportedly already is showing interest in hiring former University of Pittsburgh and NFL coach Dave Wannstedt as his assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. But Rivera may have some competition for Wannstedt. The San Diego Ch...