SB Nation DC: All Posts by Matt Brigidihttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48897/dc-fave.png2013-01-03T13:19:28-05:00https://dc.sbnation.com/authors/matt-brigidi/rss2013-01-03T13:19:28-05:002013-01-03T13:19:28-05:002013 NBA standings: Wizards in last place
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<p>A weekly update of where the Washington Wizards rank in the NBA.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> (4-26) claim ownership to the worst record in the NBA.</p>
<p>Currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak, the team dropped their most recent contest against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> (19-13, first place in the Central Division) on Wednesday night by a final score of 89-81.</p>
<p>In addition to being the only team in the league with a sub-.200 winning percentage, the Wizards are in dead last in the Southeast Division and trail the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> (22-8, first place in the Eastern Conference) by 18 games for the division lead.</p>
<p>In the rest of the Southeast, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a> (20-10) trail Miami by two games for the division lead. Atlanta won their most recent contest against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Hornets</a> (7-25, last place in the Southwest Division) on Tuesday night and have won five of their last six games.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> (12-20) are 11 games back of Miami for the Southeast lead, while the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> (8-23) are 14.5 games back.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-wizards/2013/1/3/3832348/nba-standings-2013Matt Brigidi2013-01-02T15:01:55-05:002013-01-02T15:01:55-05:00Richmond hosts Air Force on Wednesday night
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<p>The Richmond Spiders will host Air Force in their final non-conference game on Wednesday night. </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/richmond-spiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Richmond Spiders</a> will conclude non-conference play when the team hosts Air Force on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>Entering the game with a 9-5 overall record, Richmond is currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak, which began on Dec. 18 against Kansas. Their most recent effort came in a 70-64 loss against Davidson on Saturday night.</p>
<p>If the team can defeat Air Force on Wednesday, it will mark the third time in four years that Richmond has been able to record 10-wins over the course of their non-conference schedule. The team has managed at least eight wins during their non-conference schedule over the last five consecutive seasons.</p>
<p>Air Force will be entering the contest with an 8-3 overall record this season. After registering two consecutive victories, the team fell to Florida in their most recent effort on Saturday night by a final score of 78-61.</p>
<p>Wednesday night's game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., ET at Robins Center.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2013/1/2/3828550/air-force-vs-richmond-basketball-previewMatt Brigidi2013-01-02T14:46:25-05:002013-01-02T14:46:25-05:00Redskins injury report from Wednesday
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<figcaption>Win McNamee</figcaption>
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<p>A daily round-up of the Washington Redskins injury report. </p> <p>Four members of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> were unable to participate in practice on Wednesday afternoon, <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeJonesWaPo/statuses/286553602959482880">according to head coach Mike Shanahan during his daily news conference</a>.</p>
<p>Quarterback <span>Kirk Cousins</span> has fallen ill with the flu and sat out practice. In addition, cornerback <span>D.J. Johnson</span> (knee), linebacker <span>London Fletcher</span> (ankle) and guard <span>Kory Lichtensteiger</span> (ankle) were all unable to participate.</p>
<p>Lichtensteiger suffered his injury in Week 17 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>. He has managed to start every game this season and only missed time after hurting his ankle against Dallas. The 27-year-old guard <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyKerstein/status/286556105960742912">stated on Wednesday</a> that his ankle has improved and he anticipates that he will be available to play against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> on Sunday.</p>
<p>Defensive back <span>Cedric Griffin</span> returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since being suspended by the league for violating the performance enhancing drug policy at the start on December. <a href="https://twitter.com/granthpaulsen/status/286554957287669760">Shanahan stated</a> that Griffin looked like he hadn't played for some time but was pleased with the quality of his practice.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-redskins/2013/1/2/3828504/washington-redskins-seattle-seahawks-2013-nfl-playoffs-injury-reportMatt Brigidi2012-12-31T15:41:27-05:002012-12-31T15:41:27-05:00Monday injury report: Lichtensteiger sprains ankle
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<figcaption>David Richard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A recap of Mike Shanahan's weekly Monday afternoon press conference. </p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a> guard <span>Kory Lichtensteiger</span> has <a href="https://twitter.com/dshif/status/285839632128675840">sprained his left ankle</a> and will be evaluated on Wednesday, according to head coach Mike Shanahan on Monday afternoon.</p>
<p>Lichtensteiger <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/31/3821292/nfl-injury-report-nfc-east-week-17-washington-redskins">sustained the injury</a> during Sunday night's Week 17 meeting with the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a>. The 27-year-old was forced to leave the game in the third quarter and was replaced by rookie <span>Josh LeRibeus</span>. Lichtensteiger started all 16 games this season.</p>
<p>On Monday morning, he stated that he hopes to be ready for the team's Wild Card playoff game against the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a> this Sunday.</p>
<p>Shanahan also stated that cornerback <span>Cedric Griffin</span> will <a href="https://twitter.com/dshif/status/285838732093976576">return to practice this week</a>. Griffin was suspended for four games on Dec. 4 for violating the league's performance enhancing drugs policy. His status for Sunday's game will be evaluated at the end of the week.</p>
<p>In addition, Shanahan acknowledged that quarterback <span>Robert Griffin III</span> might be slightly bothered by the brace on his knee. While he admits that the quarterback is <a href="https://twitter.com/TarikCSN/status/285840423740649473">not fully recovered yet</a>, he does not believe that Griffin <a href="https://twitter.com/Redskins/status/285841213356138496">is hiding the severity of his injury</a> or at risk of re-injuring the area.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-redskins/2012/12/31/3822714/nfl-injury-report-redskins-week-17Matt Brigidi2012-12-31T14:54:28-05:002012-12-31T14:54:28-05:00Washington earns first division title since 1999
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<figcaption>Rob Carr</figcaption>
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<p>A recap of the Washington Redskins victory in Week 17 using responses from SB Nation blogs. Lets us know what you think about the game in the comments section.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a> defeated the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a> in Week 17 by a final score of 28-18. The victory clinched the Redskins first NFC East title since 1999 and earned the team their first trip to the postseason since 2007.</p>
<p>The game was highlighted by running back <span>Alfred Morris</span> and quarterback <span>Robert Griffin III</span>, who accounted for all four of Washington's touchdowns. SB Nation's Redskins blog Hogs Haven details the key moments of Sunday night's victory, <a href="http://www.hogshaven.com/2012/12/30/3820114/redskins-defeat-cowboys-28-18-win-nfc-east">here</a>.</p>
<p>On the Dallas side of things, Girffin's performance was frustrating. With the rookie quarterback only weeks removed from an LCL sprain, he was visibly not as mobile as he has proven to be in performances earlier this season.</p>
<p>Despite Washington's inability to fully utilize Griffin's skill-set, the team still managed to capture the division title from Dallas in what amounted to the NFC East championship game.</p>
<p>However, Griffin was not the most frustrating quarterback on the field on Sunday night, as that dubious distinction belongs to <span>Tony Romo</span>. Having thrown two interceptions already, Romo threw a third pick in the closing minutes of the game still with an opportunity to win, which effectively ended the Cowboys' season.</p>
<p>Here's what SB Nation's Cowboys blog, <a href="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/12/30/3820110/dallas-cowboys-washington-redskins-cowboys-lose-28-18">Blogging the Boys</a>, had to say about the interception:</p>
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<p>In the end, when Dallas had a chance, Tony Romo threw the dumbest pass in a history of questionable decisions. I've spent a lot of time defending Romo, but that was indefensible.</p>
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https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-redskins/2012/12/31/3822466/redskins-vs-cowboys-2012Matt Brigidi2012-12-31T12:24:45-05:002012-12-31T12:24:45-05:00Redskins to host Seahawks on Sunday afternoon
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<figcaption>Rob Carr</figcaption>
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<p>The Washington Redskins will make their first playoff appearance since 2007 on Sunday afternoon when they close out Wild Card weekend against the Seattle Seahawks. </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a> will host the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a> in the Wild Card round of the 2013 NFL playoffs on Sunday, Jan. 6 at 4:30 p.m. ET.</p>
<p>Sunday's game will mark the first time since the 2007 season that the Redskins will make an appearance in the NFL's second season. Coincidentally, that game also featured a matchup against the Seahawks in the Wild Card round. Washington lost the game by a final score of 35-14.</p>
<p>Sunday's game will be broadcast nationally on Fox and will be the final game of Wild Card weekend.</p>
<p>The other NFC playoff game will feature a rematch of the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a>. The two NFC North Division rivals split the season series, with the Vikings' winning the most recent meeting in Week 17 to clinch the final Wild Card spot in the NFC.</p>
<p>The game will be broadcast nationally on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.</p>
<p>In the AFC, the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a> and <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a> will kick off Wild Card weekend on Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indianapolis Colts</a> and <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> will act as the opening game on Sunday. The game will begin at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-redskins/2012/12/31/3821840/nfl-playoff-schedule-2013Matt Brigidi2012-12-29T08:15:09-05:002012-12-29T08:15:09-05:00American University to challenge Kansas
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<figcaption>Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>American University will attempt to end a three-game losing streak on Saturday night when the team travels to Kansas to challenge the Jayhawks. </p> <p>American University will attempt to end a three-game losing streak when the team travels to Kansas to challenge the Jayhawks on Saturday night.</p>
<p>Currently possessing a 4-8 overall record, American has lost seven of their last nine games and has amassed a 2-6 record on the road this season. The team has been inactive since challenging Georgetown last Saturday. American lost the game by a final score of 65-48.</p>
<p>Kansas will be entering Saturday night's game in the midst of a nine-game winning streak and has assembled a 6-0 record at home. Boasting a 10-1 overall record this season, the game will mark the first of a three-game home stand for the Jayhawks. The team has been inactive since last Saturday when they defeated Ohio State by a final score of 74-66.</p>
<p>Saturday night's game is tentatively scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., ET. The game will be televised on ESPN Full Court, as well as <a href="http://espn.go.com/ncb/fullcourt/">streamed on the service's website</a>.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/12/29/3811782/american-university-kansas-game-time-tv-schedule-previewMatt Brigidi2012-12-28T14:43:39-05:002012-12-28T14:43:39-05:00Mike Gonzalez agrees to terms with Milwaukee
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<figcaption>Mike Ehrmann</figcaption>
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<p>Right-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez has signed with the Milwaukee Brewers.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a> have come to terms on an agreement with right-handed relief pitcher <span>Mike Gonzalez</span>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/284732654190993409">according to a report by Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com on Friday afternoon</a>.</p>
<p>The deal is for one-year and is worth $2.25 million (plus incentives), <a href="https://twitter.com/JimBowdenESPNxm/status/284739915818872832">according to a report by Jim Bowden of ESPN.com</a>.</p>
<p>Gonzalez spent last season as a member of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Washington Nationals</a>. In 47 appearances, he recorded a 3.03 ERA, 39 strikeouts and 16 walks in 35.2 innings pitched.</p>
<p>Acquired as a free agent prior to the 2012 season, Gonzalez has made several stops during his 10-year MLB career.</p>
<p>Originally drafted in the 30th round of the 1997 MLB amateur draft by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a>, Gonzalez made his major league debut in August of 2003 with Pittsburgh. After four seasons with the team, he was traded to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> where he played three seasons before signing with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a> as a free agent.</p>
<p>After two seasons in Baltimore, he was dealt to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> in August of 2011 before signing with the Nationals prior to last season.</p>
<p>Over the course of his career, Gonzalez has made 434 appearances and has registered a 17-21 record with a 2.94 ERA, 451 strikeouts, 180 walks and 56 saves.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/12/28/3812286/washington-nationals-mike-gonzalez-milwaukee-brewers-free-agencyMatt Brigidi2012-12-27T12:50:40-05:002012-12-27T12:50:40-05:00Wizards have worst record in the league
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<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A look at where the Washington Wizards currently sit in the NBA standings.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> currently possess the worst record in the NBA.</p>
<p>As of Thursday afternoon, the Wizards own a 3-23 record and sit in last place in the Southeast Division, as well as the Eastern Conference. They are also the only team in the league to have a sub-.200 winning percentage (.115).</p>
<p>Trailing the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a> (20-6) by 17 games for the division lead, Washington has bolstered that total with the aide of an eight-game losing streak that began two weeks ago with a loss to the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a>. The streak reached its current mark of eight games following a loss to the Eastern Conference's second-worst team, the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>, on Wednesday night (final score: 87-84).</p>
<p>While the Wizards may own the Southeast's worst record, they fortunately do not claim ownership to the worst losing streak, as that dubious honor is bestowed upon the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Charlotte Bobcats</a> (7-21). Currently in the midst of a 16-game skid, the Bobcats sit in fourth place in the division.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a> (12-16) possess a losing streak of their own (three games) and claim ownership to third place in the Southeast.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> (17-9) are in second place and trail the Heat by three games for the division lead.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/12/27/3808340/2012-nba-standingsMatt Brigidi2012-12-26T12:47:28-05:002012-12-26T12:47:28-05:00'It doesn't get any bigger than this'
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<p>The Washington Redskins are one win away from their first division title since 1999.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a> cornerback <span>DeAngelo Hall</span> stated that Sunday's Week 17 match-up against the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a> (8-7) is the biggest game of the season.</p>
<p>With the Redskins (9-6) on the verge of clinching their first NFC East title since 1999, Sunday night's nationally televised game will act as a one-game playoff for the division title.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Hall-Enjoying-X-Factor-Role-On-Defense/3696d1b2-c949-449d-92c8-cb7ff41e5fc6">In a report by Brian Tinsman on the Redskins' official website</a>, Hall cited the history of the rivalry between the two teams and stated that Sunday's game is good for football:</p>
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<p>"It doesn't get any bigger than this. This rivalry dates back a long time. I remember being a kid and watching these guys go at it-Darrell Green and Michel Irving and Troy Aikman and all these other guys. It's good for football; it's obviously good for us.</p>
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<p>Entering Sunday night's game, Washington possesses a 4-1 record against division opponents, which includes a Week 12 victory against the Cowboys in Dallas. Currently in the midst of a six-game winning streak, the team will make their first trip to the postseason since 2007 if they can extend the streak to seven games.</p>
<p>If they are unable to defeat Dallas, the Redskins can still earn a Wild Card playoff spot if the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> and <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> both lose in Week 17.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-redskins/2012/12/26/3804878/redskins-cowboys-deangelo-hall-rivalryMatt Brigidi