RIO DE JANEIRO - They dont necessarily compete for attention, but years from now people will know they passed through here because of the indelible bookmarks they placed in history. Rio will be remembered as the place where American swimmer Michael Phelps said goodbye by finishing his career with a staggering 28 medals, 23 of them gold, yet preferred to talk more about how he spent so much of his career in the shallows, battling unhappiness and resurrecting himself from alcohol issues to become a man of greater depth.Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt did the unprecedented here, too: winning his third consecutive gold medals in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes after confirming this will be his last Olympics as well. But the grin Bolt broke into even before he crossed the finish line in the 100 will be remembered just as much because it was so emblematic of him. Exuberance defined Bolt throughout his career, along with his unmatched speed, and long after hes retired hell be remembered for how he brought lightness and joy to a sport so often defiled by doping.American tennis star Venus Williams is as quiet as Bolt is extroverted. But her love of the Olympics runs just as deep. Amid all the jaded mens golf pros who backed out of Rio and blamed their busy schedules, or U.S. mens basketball players who bunked on a yacht and chartered out of town the moment their gold-medal game Sunday was won, Venus stayed in town for more than a week after a virus left her vomiting between the second and third sets of her first-round singles defeat to Kirsten Flipkens -- still too sick to talk to reporters an hour after their 3-hour, 13-minute match.Williams couldve discreetly tanked against Flipkens. She fought. She couldve skipped her doubles match with sister, Serena, the next day. Instead, she played. She couldve dialed up a private jet of her own and hurried back home after she and her sister failed to defend their doubles gold medal, too. She wouldnt hear it. Venus instead teamed up with unsung Rajeev Ram, who wouldnt even have been here in Rio if not for the last-minute withdrawal of the Bryan brothers. Together they won a silver medal in mixed doubles -- her fifth in five Games, tying the record for tennis players.Like Bolt and Phelps, Williams milked every moment here because she loves the Olympics. And at 35, she knows she wont be back to the Games again.All of them provided moments that remind us for all the problems the Games may have, starting at the top with the buffoonery and corruption and lack of transparency in the International Olympic Committee itself -- which is crying for a good FIFA-style fumigation and overhaul -- its the athletes that always save the Olympics.The American team was a juggernaut in Rio, winning 121 medals, more than 50 more medals than Chinas total.Repeat American gold-medal winners Allyson Felix, beach volleyballer Kerri Walsh Jennings, cyclist Kristin Armstrong and members of the unconquerable American womens eight rowing team are all unlikely to be back. The same goes for Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman, two of the best gymnasts America has ever had.All of them are legends in their sports.Four-time Olympians Diana Taurasi, 37-year-old Tamika Catchings, and 35-year-old Sue Bird said their goodbyes here in Rio, too, after the U.S. womens basketball team crushed its way to its sixth straight gold medal with an 8-0 tear that extended its Summer Games winning streak to 48 games.Taurasi said to avoid the emotional elephant in the room -- the knowledge this was her last ride as an Olympian, her last go-round with close friends like Bird, a teammate for so long in the Euro League and the University of Connecticut before that -- she decided to treat this journey as if it was her first Olympics. I made a point to just enjoy every bus ride, every team dinner, every practice we had, Taurasi said Saturday night. And it worked.Bird reminisced about the tone-setting veteran players -- Hall of Famers like Lisa Leslie and Dawn Staley, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson -- who taught her, Taurasi and Catchings when they were Olympic rookies about what it means to play for the national team, adding, I hope weve done them proud.Catchings, asked to sum up her own Hall-of-Fame career, smiled serenely and said just one word:Blessed.Womens basketball coach Geno Auriemma and longtime U.S. womens gymnastics national team coordinator Martha Karolyi hit on the same theme -- gratitude -- after their teams won gold in the most impressive ways imaginable.Four years ago in London, it was Taurasi who cried buckets of tears on the medal stand, but this time around she made two-time U.S. head coach Auriemma cry in the postgame scrum by telling her former UConn mentor and alter ego that shed have never become who she is without him.It was an emotional exchange from one ultimate winner to another. And it was a conversation that, in many ways, mirrored what happened to the 73-year-old Karolyi after the U.S. women won the gymnastics team gold medal in a rout. In her 16 years on the job, Karolyi has turned the American program into a dynastic power. When team members Simone Biles, Douglas, Madison Kocian, Laurie Hernandez? and Raisman told her theyd decided to nickname themselves The Final Five, partly as an homage to her since shes retiring after these Games, Karolyi astonished them for a change.She burst into tears.I am not a sentimental person -- I am known as a very tough person, Karolyi told a crowd of reporters afterward, laughing at the enormous understatement along with everyone else. But once the tears started, Karolyi blinked and added, I was like, What is happening to me?The Olympics happened. Thats what. Wholesale Bills Jerseys . It might not have mattered. While the Dodgers are preparing for the playoffs, the Padres showed their future has promise behind two rookies. Womens Bills Jerseys .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. http://www.cheapbillsjerseyselite.com/?tag=cheap-tremaine-edmunds-jersey . Coach Tom Thibodeau says the former MVP will probably start travelling with the team in the next few weeks. Rose tore the meniscus in his right knee at Portland in November and was ruled out for the remainder of the season by the Bulls. Cheap Bills Jerseys . Brandon Morrow allowed five runs on six hits over three innings. He struck out two, walked one and hit a batter. Edwin Encarnacion had a two-out, bases loaded two-RBI double in the third inning. Cheap Harrison Phillips Jersey . The judges scored it 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 for Jones (19-1). It was the champions closest call. Despite the loss, it was a remarkable show by the confident Swedish challenger, who had the best of the early rounds and then hung on in the fourth and fifth. #NBArank is back!For the sixth season in a row, ESPN.com is ranking the top players in the NBA. Who will be the best player this season?To get the final ranking, we asked our expert panel to vote on pairs of players.LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry. Russell Westbrook vs. Kevin Durant. Damian Lillard vs. Chris Paul.We asked, Which player will be better in 2016-17? To decide, voters had to consider both the quality and the quantity of each players contributions to his teams ability to win games.Well roll out our top 200 players over the next two weeks. If you want to get involved in the discussion or just follow along, #NBArank is the Twitter hashtag to use. You also can follow along @ESPNNBA and on Facebook.Here are Nos. 101-150.#NBArank: 101-150101.?Markieff Morris Washington Wizards | PF @keefmorris Last years rank: 1062016-17 projected RPM: 0.47Insiders scouting report102. Greg Monroe Milwaukee Bucks | C @M10OSE Last years rank: 472016-17 projected RPM: 1.22Insiders scouting report103. Kenneth Faried Denver Nuggets | PF @KennethFaried35 Last years rank: 822016-17 projected RPM: 1.61Insiders scouting report104. Robin Lopez Chicago Bulls | C @rolopez42 Last years rank: 832016-17 projected RPM: 0.75Insiders scouting report105. Rajon Rondo Chicago Bulls | PG @RajonRondo Last years rank: 2232016-17 projected RPM: -1.44Insiders scouting report106. Marcin Gortat Washington Wizards | C @MGortat Last years rank: 742016-17 projected RPM: 2.79Insiders scouting report107. Jonathon Simmons San Antonio Spurs | SF @ThaRealJsimms Last years rank: 4232016-17 projected RPM: -2.96Insiders scouting report108. Elfrid Payton Orlando Magic | PG @elfrid Last years rank: 972016-17 projected RPM: -0.51Insiders scouting report109. Brandon Knight Phoenix Suns | PG @Goodknight11 Last years rank: 912016-17 projected RPM: -3.06Insiders scouting report110. Zach Randolph Memphis Grizzlies | PF @MacBo50 Last years rank: 312016-17 projected RPM: 0.54Insiders scouting report111. Bismack Biyombo Orlando Magic | C @bismackbiyombo Last years rank: 2572016-17 projected RPM: -0.10Insiders scouting report112. Gorgui Dieng Minnesota Timberwolves | C @GorguiDieng Last years rank: 1542016-17 projected RPM: 1.87Insiders scouting report113. Tony Parker San Antonio Spurs | PG @tonyparker Last years rank: 542016-17 projected RPM: -2.27Insiders scouting report114. Marcus Smart Boston Celtics | PG @smart_MS3 Last years rank: 852016-17 projected RPM: 0.74Insiders scouting report115. Patty Mills San Antonio Spurs | PG @Patty_Mills Last years rank: 1622016-17 projected RPM: 2.96Insiders scouting report116. Otto Porter Jr. Washington Wizards | SF @WashWizards Last years rank: 1112016-17 projected RPM: 1.47Insiders scouting report117. Kyle Korver Atlanta Hawks | SG @KyleKorver Last years rank: 532016-17 projected RPM: 1.93Insiders scouting report118. Emmanuel Mudiay Denver Nuggets | PG @emmanuelmudiay Last years rank: 1232016-17 projected RPM: -3.51Insiders scouting report119. Will Barton Denver Nuggets | SF @WillTheThrillB5 Last years rank: 2982016-17 projected RPM: -1.22Insiders scouting report120. Ben Simmons Philadelphia 76ers | PF @BenSimmons25 Last years rank: NR2016-17 projected RPM: N/AInsiders scouting report121. Patrick Patterson Toronto Raptors | PF @pdpatt Last years rank: 1572016-17 projected RPM: 3.00Insiders scouting report122. Luol Deng Los Angeles Lakers | SF @LuolDeng9 Last years rank: 922016-17 projected RPM: 1.98Insiders scouting report123. Tobias Harris Detroit Pistons | SF @tobias31 Last years rank: 892016-17 projected RPM: -0.888Insiders scouting report124.dddddddddddd Rudy Gay Sacramento Kings | SF @RudyGay8 Last years rank: 702016-17 projected RPM: -0.42Insiders scouting report125. Deron Williams Dallas Mavericks | PG @DeronWilliams Last years rank: 1142016-17 projected RPM: 0.29Insiders scouting report126. Nerlens Noel Philadelphia 76ers | PF @NerlensNoel3 Last years rank: 762016-17 projected RPM: -1.34Insiders scouting report127. Marvin Williams Charlotte Hornets | PF @hornets Last years rank: 2242016-17 projected RPM: 1.21Insiders scouting report128. Allen Crabbe Portland Trail Blazers | SG @allencrabbe Last years rank: 3262016-17 projected RPM: -1.99Insiders scouting report129. Shaun Livingston Golden State Warriors | PG @ShaunLivingston Last years rank: 1172016-17 projected RPM: 0.01Insiders scouting report130. Maurice Harkless Portland Trail Blazers | SF @moe_harkless Last years rank: 2692016-17 projected RPM: -1.10Insiders scouting report131. Amir Johnson Boston Celtics | C @IamAmirJohnson Last years rank: 1152016-17 projected RPM: 2.28Insiders scouting report132. Brandon Jennings New York Knicks | PG @brandonjennings Last years rank: 1212016-17 projected RPM: -1.15Insiders scouting report133. Mason Plumlee Portland Trail Blazers | PF @masonplumlee Last years rank: 1282016-17 projected RPM: 0.34Insiders scouting report134. Joe Johnson Utah Jazz | SG @TheJoeJohnson7 Last years rank: 1022016-17 projected RPM: 0.21Insiders scouting report135. Courtney Lee New York Knicks | SG @CourtneyLee2211 Last years rank: 1482016-17 projected RPM: -0.04Insiders scouting report136. Wilson Chandler Denver Nuggets | SF @wilsonchandler Last years rank: 1362016-17 projected RPM: N/AInsiders scouting report137. Cody Zeller Charlotte Hornets | PF @CodyZeller Last years rank: 1512016-17 projected RPM: 2.73Insiders scouting report138. Tyler Johnson Miami Heat | SG @RealTJohnson Last years rank: 3822016-17 projected RPM: -0.74Insiders scouting report139. Willie Cauley-Stein Sacramento Kings | C @THEwillieCS15 Last years rank: 1752016-17 projected RPM: -1.69Insiders scouting report140. Timofey Mozgov Los Angeles Lakers | C @Lakers Last years rank: 782016-17 projected RPM: -1.10Insiders scouting report141. Marcus Morris Detroit Pistons | PF @MookMorris2 Last years rank: 1912016-17 projected RPM: 1.48Insiders scouting report142. Jamal Crawford LA Clippers | SG @JCrossover Last years rank: 1202016-17 projected RPM: -2.96Insiders scouting report143. T.J. Warren Phoenix Suns | SF @TonyWarrenJr Last years rank: 2502016-17 projected RPM: -2.33Insiders scouting report144. Stanley Johnson Detroit Pistons | SF @DetroitPistons Last years rank: 2062016-17 projected RPM: -2.52Insiders scouting report145. Dario Saric Philadelphia 76ers | SF @Sixers Last years rank: NR2016-17 projected RPM: N/AInsiders scouting report146. Jahlil Okafor Philadelphia 76ers | C @JahlilOkafor Last years rank: 902016-17 projected RPM: -4.70Insiders scouting report147. Kelly Olynyk Boston Celtics | C @KellyOlynyk Last years rank: 1222016-17 projected RPM: 2.85Insiders scouting report148. Matthew Dellavedova Milwaukee Bucks | PG @matthewdelly Last years rank: 1982016-17 projected RPM: 1.03Insiders scouting report149. Joakim Noah New York Knicks | C @JoakimNoah Last years rank: 332016-17 projected RPM: 0.98Insiders scouting report150. Cory Joseph Toronto Raptors | PG @Cory_Joe Last years rank: 2002016-17 projected RPM: -0.10Insiders scouting report Cheap Jerseys 2019 NFL Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys Outlet Cheap NFL Hoodies Wholesale Black NFL Jerseys NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale ' ' '

Tom Marshall, Eric Gomez and Cesar Hernandez, Mexico writers
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After an eventful debut weekend in Liga MX, another loaded slate of games promises even more excitement in the second week of the Apertura. Our Liga MX writers Tom Marshall, Eric Gomez and Cesar Hernandez all pick out a matchup to watch for this weekend.

Chivas vs. Cruz Azul

Few topics could accentuate just how quickly things can change in Liga MX -- a league with two seasons (and two playoffs) per year -- than the volatile fortunes of Cruz Azul and Chivas over the last few months.
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Chivas were crowned kings of CONCACAF last April and while there were signs of trouble, Matias Almeyda was still head coach and there hadn't been any confirmation of the "financial consolidation" the club was undergoing.