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2B Daily News – Tuesday, November 6, 2012 NASCAR Final finish saved sluggish race Keselowski held off Kyle Busch on one late restart, and Jimmie Johnson on another. Doing it a third time was just too much to ask during a tense closing sequence at Texas Motor Speedway. It was Johnson who won that final frantic battle to the finish line, holding steady as Keselowski slammed into the side of his car. Keselowski took it all the way to the edge — refusing, though, to cross a line and wreck the competition — and Johnson never blinked. The five-time champion nudged ahead, got some separation and pulled away for the win. Johnson now holds a seven-point lead over Keselowski in the standings with two races remain- ing in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Brad Those three restarts over the closing 19 laps on Sunday will go down as some of the most memorable racing of the Chase. It also saved a race that would have been memorable for being largely forgettable up to that point. It took over three hours Sunday to get to the good stuff, and it's clearly not cutting it with fans. ESPN drew a 2.5 overnight rating, down 11 percent from a 2.8 in 2011. Texas owner Bruton Smith alluded to the issues this weekend, when he said NASCAR needs to work at ''making the racing more exciting.'' ''I think we can do better and we He led the first 48 laps, stopped for gas and tires, then led 51 more laps before NASCAR called its first cau- tion of the race, for debris. In fact, of the nine cautions on Sunday, five of them were for debris. And one of them may have set the tone for the finish that had everyone talking on Monday. Keselowski was leading with John- son in third when NASCAR called caution for debris 58 laps from the scheduled finish and teams in various stages of fuel-mileage strategy. Keselowski went on to pit road as the leader, but locked up his brakes and slid deep into his stall, a miscue that dropped him to eighth when he got back onto the track. Cautions breed cautions, and there were three more ahead. It set the sequence for Keselowski to take two tires during the final pit stops when everyone else took four tires so he could reclaim the lead, then try to hold off the field over those three final restarts. After successfully getting past Busch on the first restart, Johnson cried foul and argued Keselowski had gone too early. ''Come on, NASCAR,'' Johnson complained over his radio. ''Look at the tape.'' need to work at it diligently and make what we bring to the public better,'' said Smith, who suggested slowing the cars by 10-15 mph to increase rubbing between competitors, and smaller fuel tanks to force more frequent pit stops. Because, Smith said, races with long green-flag runs that are decided by fuel mileage are ''boring, boring, boring.'' many believe went early on the third and final restart, the one that got him past Keselowski for the victory. But NASCAR made no call in either case, reiterating Monday neither case war- ranted a penalty. Keselowski was ticked about some- thing after the race, when he radioed to his Penske Racing crew: ''Good job everybody. Can't do anything about it when somebody is handed the race time after time.'' Ironically, it was Johnson who And that's what Sunday was shap- ing up to be as Johnson, who started from the pole, shot out of the gates and jumped out to a sizeable lead. Hard to tell if he meant the debris caution that changed his strategy or the restart that Johnson won, because he was softer in his post-race interviews. ''I knew I wasn't going to be able to execute every restart and Jimmie did a great job on the last one,'' he said. ''I had to choose between wrecking him and winning the race and it didn't seem right to wreck him.'' It wouldn't have been right, but it sure would have been controversial, and that's something else Smith had called for more of the day before Sun- day's race. The track owner argued today's drivers lack the ''mean streak'' of NASCAR's blue-collar pioneers, and said interest in the sport would spike with more off-track contact. ''It would add a great deal to what we do, and we would have more drama if maybe some driver got out at the end of the race and hit somebody,'' Smith said. ''I think that's what's miss- ing. We used to have a lot of that.'' That creates post-race fireworks, Sean Payton could be coaching free agent in 2013 for NASCAR, which is working fever- ishly behind the scenes on its 2013 car. The hope is the new model will improve the racing on the intermediate tracks, where passing has become so difficult. But NASCAR chairman Brian France recognized some time ago there was a problem with the product, and that big finishes and debris cau- tions and controversial restarts and even post-race fisticuffs can't eclipse a bad show forever. We'll see what the next two weeks bring for this championship race. And then the slate is wiped clean for NASCAR, which gets a fresh start next season at proving the show can be exciting before the grand finale. Cabrera voted player of the year by peers crown that was presented to him at the World Series to arrive at his home. He'll give it a prominent spot in his office. ''I'll show it to my friends, my family,'' the Detroit Tigers NEW YORK (AP) — Miguel Cabrera is waiting for the first baseman said Monday after adding another honor by beating out Pittsburgh center fielder Andrew McCutchen and Los Angeles Angels rookie Mike Trout for player of the year as voted on by his fellow major leaguers. ''I think it's going to be something special for my kids. ... It's going to be a good story for my grandkids.'' Cabrera, the first Triple Crown winner in the big leagues since 1967, hit .330 with 44 homers and 139 RBIs for the AL Central champion Tigers. The slugger was given an actual crown by Major League Baseball during the World Series in honor of his achievement. Detroit was swept by San Francisco in the World Series. Cabrera hit .231 with three RBIs and ended the Series by taking a called third strike. ''It's really disappointing because we didn't want to fin- ish like we finished,'' he said. ''It was very hard to accept how we lost.'' RAIDERS (Continued from page 1B) McFadden got hurt. He also has 48 rushes for 234 yards in his career. ''Obviously with the health of our backs right now, he becomes more of an option there at the tail- back position, but Marcel, he's provided some options for us,'' Allen said. ''We've used him in a lot of different ways. Now every week he does- NHL (Continued from page 1B) The NHL appears ready to cover more of the costs of those deals as opposed to making them part of the players' share of revenue in future years. In its most recent offer last month, the NHL said it would honor the current con- tracts in deferred pay- ments, but those would be included in the play- ers' share of revenues. The union balked at that offer. The labor dispute, which began Sept. 16, has forced all games from Oct. 11 through Nov. 30 to be called off. It isn't known if any of those games will be rescheduled if the sides come to an agreement soon, but an NHL dead- line has already passed that would have allowed for each team to play all n't catch the ball for 100 yards or rush for a 100 yards, but he's very much a part of our offense and vital to our offense. Along with possibly signing a running back, the Raiders have roster decisions to make on injured cornerback Ron Bartell and linebacker Aaron Curry. Bartell has been on short-term injured reserve since breaking his left shoulder blade in the sea- son opener. He practiced 82 games. The season needed to start by Friday for that to happen, but the only hockey activity that day was the cancel- lation of the outdoor game at Michigan Stadi- um between the host Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. urgency now because nearly two months of the season have already been called off. If a deal isn't reached soon, the NHL could be looking at its second lost campaign since 2004. There is a sense of In its most recent pro- posal, the NHL offered the union a 50-50 split of hockey-related rev- enue, which exceeded $3 billion last season, but that offer was reject- ed. The players respond- ed with three offers that went nowhere. The NHL offer was pulled back because it was contingent on the league playing a com- For Cabrera, winning the Players Choice Award was spe- cial because the voters were his big league peers. ''It makes you feel proud and makes you feel like you've got to work harder, you've got to work to get better,'' the 29- year-old third baseman said. ''You've got to get better every year.'' Retiring Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones was voted Marvin Miller man of the year for excellence on and off the field over fellow finalists Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox and Michael Young of Texas in Players Choice voting announced Monday. Other awards went to Cabrera (AL outstanding player), McCutchen (NL outstanding player), Tampa Bay's David Price (AL outstanding pitcher) and the New York Mets' R.A. Dickey (NL outstanding pitcher). Trout and Cincinnati third baseman Todd Frazier were voted the outstanding rookies, and Adam Dunn of the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco catcher Buster Posey were chosen comeback players of the year. Voting took place in September. all last week and would be eligible to play against the Ravens if the Raiders decide to activate him. back,'' Bartell said. ''But I definitely feel a lot better, a lot more confident. I've got another week to get prepared, and that's what I plan on doing and we'll make that decision on Sat- urday.'' ''It's tough to get make a decision on Curry even sooner. He has been on the physically unable to The Raiders have to plete season. Players earned 57 percent of revenue in the recently expired con- tract, in which a salary cap was included for the first time. Owners sought to bring that number below 50 per- cent this time before their most recent offer. This is the third lock- out in Bettman's tenure as commissioner. The first forced a shortened 1994-95 season, and the second led to the cancel- lation of the entire 2004-05 season — the only time a major North American professional NASCAR Sprint Cup Points Leaders 1. Jimmie Johnson 2,339 2. Brad Keselowski 2,332 3. Clint Bowyer 4. Kasey Kahne 5. Matt Kenseth 6. Jeff Gordon 7. Denny Hamlin 8. Tony Stewart 9. Martin Truex Jr. 10. Greg Biffle 11. Kevin Harvick 12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2,188 2,303 2,281 2,267 2,267 2,266 2,259 2,259 2,256 2,238 perform list all season with injured knees. If he is not activated before Wednesday's practice, he would either have to be cut or placed on season-end- ing injured reserve. Also, defensive tackle Desmond Bryant was rest- ing at home Monday after spending the night the hospital with an irregular heartbeat. He did not play in the second half and will need to undergo further tests before he is able to resume practicing. sports league lost a full season to a labor dis- pute. MLS WILD CARDS Wednesday, Oct. 31: Houston 2, Chicago 1, Houston advances Thursday, Nov. 1: Los Angeles 2, Vancou- ver 1, Los Angeles advances WESTERN CONFERENCE Semifinals San Jose vs. Los Angeles Sunday, Nov. 4: San Jose 1, Los Angeles 0 Wednesday, Nov. 7: Los Angeles at San Jose, 11 p.m. Seattle vs. Real Salt Lake Friday, Nov. 2: Real Salt Lake 0, Seattle 0 Thursday, Nov. 8: Seattle at Real Salt Lake, 9:30 p.m. Championship Sunday, Nov, 11 or Monday, Nov. 12: semifinal winners, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 or Sunday, Nov. 18: semifinal winners, TBD EASTERN CONFERENCE Semifinals D.C. United vs. New York Saturday, Nov. 3: New York 1, D.C. United 1 Wednesday, Nov. 7: D.C. United at New York, 8 p.m. Kansas City vs. Houston Sunday, Nov. 4: Houston 2, Kansas City 0 Wednesday, Nov. 7: Houston at Kansas City, 9 p.m. Championship Saturday, Nov. 10: semifinal winners, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 or Sunday, Nov. 18: semifinal winners, TBD but doesn't do anything to fill the dearth of action Texas suffered through for the first 400-plus miles. NASCAR has two races left in this Chase and heads next to Phoenix, where Johnson is decidedly more experienced than Keselowski. He could pounce on Sunday and poten- tially turn the Nov. 18 finale at Home- stead into a coronation of his sixth championship. It would be a nightmare situation NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Dismissing speculation that he might be interested in Sean Payton, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he has ''a lot of faith'' in coach Jason Garrett and has no idea if the suspended New Orleans Saints coach might be available next season. Payton was suspend- ed for the season by the NFL for his role in the bounty scandal. The league has taken issue with a clause in the con- tract extension he agreed to more than a year ago, which was to have kept him in New Orleans through 2015. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, speaking to reporters before the Cowboys lost to the Atlanta Falcons on Sun- day night, said he does not know if Payton might become a coach- ing free agent after the season. ''The one contract that they sent in to us ... we told them what the issue was,'' Goodell said. ''Now it's up to the team and Sean Payton. So until I get something back, it's up to them.'' Saints spokesman and has yet to lead the Cowboys to the playoffs. ''I have a lot of faith in Jason,'' Jones said. ''Jason's future is ahead of him. I know how hard he works. I like his phi- losophy, so I've got a lot of confidence, a lot of faith. One of the bright- est spots I see is our head coaching and our coaching in the future.'' According to ESPN, the league objected to Payton being allowed to nix the deal if general manager Mickey Loomis was fired, suspended or left the organization for any reason. Loomis received an eight-game suspension for his involvement in the boun- ty case and is eligible to return after Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The report on Pay- Greg Bensel said Mon- day the team had no comment. Payton's agent, Don Yee, did not return a message. Jones was asked about the possibility of Payton coaching the Cowboys if he's avail- able. ''I have no idea,'' the ton's contract immedi- ately led to speculation that Payton could be bound for Dallas next season. The Cowboys (3-5) have been a major disappointment, with a 19-13 loss to the Falcons only turning up the heat on Garrett. Payton was an assis- tant head coach with the Cowboys before he took over the Saints in 2006. He has a 67-37 record, including four playoff appearances and New Orleans' first Super Bowl championship, but he kept alive speculation that he might someday return to Dallas by keep- ing a home in that city. Cowboys owner said. ''I have no understanding about anything to do with his or the Saints' business or their con- tracts. I don't have any — that was news to me.'' hasn't given up on Gar- rett, who has a record of 16-16 over three seasons Jones insisted that he NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE Pacific WL Pct GB Golden State 2 1 .667 — L.A. Clippers 2 1 .667 — Phoenix West 1 3 .250 1.5 L.A. Lakers 1 3 .250 1.5 Sacramento 0 3 .000 2 Southwest WL Pct GB San Antonio 4 0 1.000 — Dallas Memphis Houston 3 1 .750 1 2 1 .667 1.5 2 1 .667 1.5 New Orleans 2 1 .667 1.5 Northwest Minnesota Portland Denver WL Pct GB 2 1 .667 — 2 2 .500 .5 Oklahoma City 1 2 .333 1 Utah 1 3 .250 1.5 0 3 .000 2 EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic New York Brooklyn Boston Toronto WL Pct GB 3 0 1.000 — 1 1 .500 1.5 1 2 .333 2 1 2 .333 2 Philadelphia 1 2 .333 2 Central WL Pct GB Milwaukee 2 0 1.000 — Chicago Indiana Cleveland Detroit Southeast Orlando Miami Charlotte Atlanta WL Pct GB 2 0 1.000 — 3 1 .750 — 1 1 .500 1 1 1 .500 1 Washington 0 2 .000 2 —————————————————— Monday's Games New York 110, Philadelphia 88 Minnesota 107, Brooklyn 96 Miami 124, Phoenix 99 Memphis 103, Utah 94 Dallas 114, Portland 91 San Antonio 101, Indiana 79 Golden State at Sacramento, late Cleveland at L.A. Clippers, late Today's games Orlando at Chicago, 5 p.m. Toronto at Oklahoma City, 5 p.m. Detroit at Denver, 6 p.m. 2 1 .667 .5 2 2 .500 1 1 2 .333 1.5 0 3 .000 2.5 WL T Pct PF PA 49ERS 62 0 .750 189 103 Seattle 5 4 0 .556 170 154 Arizona 4 5 0 .444 144 173 St. Louis 3 5 0 .375 137 186 East WL T Pct PF PA N.Y. Giants 6 3 0 .667 254 185 Philadelphia 3 5 0 .375 133 183 Dallas 3 5 0 .375 150 181 Washington 3 6 0 .333 226 248 South WL T Pct PF PA Atlanta 8 0 0 1.000220 143 Tampa Bay 4 4 0 .500 226 185 New Orleans3 5 0 .375 218 229 Carolina 2 6 0 .250 149 180 North WL T Pct PF PA Chicago 7 1 0 .875 236 120 Green Bay 6 3 0 .667 239 187 Minnesota 5 4 0 .556 204 197 Detroit Week 9 Results Thursday's result San Diego 31, Kansas City 13 Sunday's results Green Bay 31, Arizona 17 Chicago 51, Tennessee 20 Houston 21, Buffalo 9 Carolina 21, Washington 13 Detroit 31, Jacksonville 14 Denver 31, Cincinnati 23 Baltimore 25, Cleveland 15 Indianapolis 23, Miami 20 Seattle 30, Minnesota 20 Tampa Bay 42, Oakland 32 Pittsburgh 24, N.Y. Giants 20 Atlanta 19, Dallas 13 Open: N.Y. Jets, New England, San Fran- cisco, St. Louis Monday's result New Orleans 28, Philadelphia 13 Week 10 Schedule Thursday's game Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 5:20 p.m. Sunday's game Atlanta at New Orleans, 10 a.m. Detroit at Minnesota, 10 a.m. Denver at Carolina, 10 a.m. San Diego at Tampa Bay, 10 a.m. Tennessee at Miami, 10 a.m. Buffalo at New England, 10 a.m. Oakland at Baltimore, 10 a.m. N.Y. Giants at Cincinnati, 10 a.m. N.Y. Jets at Seattle, 1:05 p.m. St. Louis at San Francisco, 1:25 p.m. Dallas at Philadelphia, 1:25 p.m. Houston at Chicago, 5:20 p.m. Open: Arizona, Cleveland, Green Bay, Washington Monday's game Kansas City at Pittsburgh, 5:30 p.m. 4 4 0 .500 192 188 —————————————————— NFL AFC West WL T Pct PF PA Denver 5 3 0 .625 235 175 San Diego 4 4 0 .500 185 157 Oakland 3 5 0 .375 171 229 Kansas City 1 7 0 .125 133 240 East N. England 5 3 0 .625 262 170 Miami WL T Pct PF PA Houston 7 1 0 .875 237 137 Indianapolis 5 3 0 .625 159 191 Tennessee 3 6 0 .333 182 308 Jacksonville 1 7 0 .125 117 219 North WL T Pct PF PA Baltimore 6 2 0 .750 199 176 Pittsburgh 5 3 0 .625 191 164 Cincinnati 3 5 0 .375 189 218 Cleveland 2 7 0 .222 169 211 NFC WL T Pct PF PA 4 4 0 .500 170 149 N.Y. Jets 3 5 0 .375 168 200 Buffalo 3 5 0 .375 180 248 South