Brooklyn Nets Unveil New Logo

The New Jersey Nets are officially the Brooklyn Nets. Why? Because the team finally unveiled their brand new logo today. The black-and-white shield features the word NETS and a basketball with a B in the middle. Rapper Jay-Z, a part owner of the team, helped design the logo.

The Nets, who will play next season in the borough of New York, will wear black and white, which in theory sounds cool, but in practice I'm not sure how it will look. Color is good.

Here is a statement released by Jay-Z: "The Brooklyn Nets logos are another step we've made to usher the organization into a new era. The boldness of the designs demonstrate the confidence we have in our new direction. Along with our move to Brooklyn and a state-of-the-art arena, the new colors and logos are examples of our commitment to update and refine all aspects of the team."

The Nets, obviously, will be the only team in the league to have a black and white color scheme. They will unveil the new uniforms closer to the start of the season.

State Of The Red Sox III: Boston Has Best Week Of Baseball Since August, 2011, After Successful Road Trip

  By Matt Straub  

Our State of the Red Sox column is back for its third installment with, finally, some positive momentum in their best week in months. As always, we want to hear what you have to say about your favorite (or least favorite) team below in the comments section. And check back next week for the latest from the Red Sox right here.

  Opening Statement  

Everything is fine in Red Sox Nation. Everyone’s happy and getting along and the fans love their team. No, I didn’t forget to take my meds this morning. The Red Sox are just coming off their first good week since August of 2011. Wow, that’s even more amazing as I write it. The Sox lost Sunday afternoon despite a strong showing from Josh Beckett, but managed to win all the other games on this road trip, doing exactly what needed to be done. Beat up on some bad teams and start the healing process. Boston is only a game closer in the standings than it was at the start of this run, but this team’s fragile psyche needed wins badly.

State Of The Yankees III: Breaking Down A Tough Stretch For The Yankees, With Sabathia Leading Way

Our State of the Yankees column is back for its third installment after a tough stretch against two of the league's best, two prime performances by ace CC Sabathia and a captain who's playing better than ever. As always, we want to hear what you have to say about your favorite (or least favorite) team below in the comments section. And check back next Sunday night for the latest from the Yankees right here.

  Opening Statement  

This was a huge week for the Yankees, going against the two best teams in the American League, the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers. If the Yankees want to get back to the World Series, they're going to have to go through those two clubs, so it was important to play well in the back-to-back series. The Yankees held up well, splitting the six games, including winning two of three from Detroit. The most important thing to come out of the two series was the pitching of CC Sabathia. The Yankees ace beat the Rangers last Monday and then the Tigers Sunday afternoon. Sabathia, as usual, is key to the Yankees season. The Bombers are 12-9 and in third place in the AL East, 1.5 games behind Baltimore.

State Of The Mets III: Mets Get Much-Needed Sweep Of Jose Reyes, Marlins, Plus Best And Worst Of The Week

Our State of the Mets column is back for its third installment with the return of a superstar player, a sweep of a rival and some very bad losses. As always, we want to hear what you have to say about your favorite (or least favorite) team below in the comments section. And check back next Saturday night for the latest from the Mets.

  Opening Statement  

The Mets had a terrible start to the week and an up-and-down end, but the middle was pretty darn good. The Mets hosted the Miami Marlins for a three-game set at Citi Field, which meant the return of their former superstar shortstop Jose Reyes. The Mets made news, not the good variety, when they said they would play a video tribute to Reyes before the game. That, obviously, isn't the norm when a player leaves for greener pastures. The Mets fans' reaction to Reyes' return was mixed, with some cheering, some booing, but the biggest thing here would be wins and losses. And the Mets did what they absolutely had to do - they won all three games. The sweep and a victory Saturday over the Rockies clinches a winning mark over the week, at 4-3. The Mets are 12-9 this season, 2.5 games out of first place.

Jets 2012 Draft Class: We Break Down The Newest Members Of The Jets

Quinton Coples is the newest Jets defensive end. (AP photo)

This was a critical draft for the New York Jets, with the jobs of general manager Mike Tannenbaum and coach Rex Ryan possibly on the line if another season goes awry. The Jets had many holes to fill over the draft's seven rounds and the choices in the first two of those are going to be expected to pay immediate dividends. Here's our thoughts on each of the selections.

First Round

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Jets absolutely had to draft a player with the ability to rush the opposing quarterback, so this pick makes complete sense, even though there were two others players (Melvin Ingram and Courtney Upshaw) still on the board that many fans preferred. Coples could become a star, as he has the size (6-6, 284 pounds) and talent to create havoc at defensive end. But there are also questions surrounding his work ethic and love for the game, which has the same exact red flags that Vernon Gholston, a No. 1 pick gone very wrong, had when he was drafted sixth overall. The Jets can't be burned twice, can they? Don't answer that question. Coples played poorly last season at North Carolina, but the Jets are hoping that had more to do with the scandal involving several players that resulted in many suspensions in Chapel Hill. Coples was exonerated of any wrong-doing. If Coples plays to his ability, watch out. If he doesn't, well, that would be worst case scenario for Tannenbaum and Ryan. The Jets need Coples to make an immediate impact next season and should be given every opportunity to succeed.

Giants 2012 Draft Class: We Break Down The Newest Members Of Giants

Roger Goodell, Rueben Randle and Michael Strahan. (AP photo)

The NFL draft is finally in the books, so of course it's time to start the analysis of the selections. The world champion New York Giants added seven players, and while none of them project to become starters, there is plenty of talent among the choices. Here's our immediate thoughts on each of the selections.

First Round

David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

The Giants say they had Wilson ranked No. 2 on their running back chart, behind Trent Richardson and ahead of Boise State's Doug Martin, even though the latter was taken one pick before the Giants selected Wilson. While that might be hard to believe, the Giants certainly though highly enough to go with the Virginia Tech back instead of filling a few other needs. Wilson will compete to be Ahmad Bradshaw's primary backup next season. He also can return kicks on special teams, which is an added bonus. He had trouble holding onto the ball last year in college, fumbling seven times. It's a stretch, but the Giants went with need, and Wilson (5-9, 206 pounds) will be given every opportunity to replace Brandon Jacobs, who went to the 49ers this offseason.

Giants Select LSU WR Rueben Randle

Rueben Randle is a Giant. (AP photo)

The New York Giants went with offense again on Day 2 of the NFL draft, selected LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle with their second round pick. The Giants actually talked about taking Randall at the end of the first round, so they are obviously happy he fell to them in Round 2.

Randall has good size, at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, and could step in right away and take over the third receiver slot for the Giants. The Giants have Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz as the big two and Randall would have the inside track to take over the third spot. He would compete with Ramses Barden and Domenik Hixon.

The Giants took Virginia Tech running back David Wilson in the first round.

Jets Trade Up, Select Georgia Tech WR Stephen Hill In Second Round

Stephen Hill is already a fan favorite. (AP photo)

The New York Jets do what the New York Jets do at draft time, they traded up in second round and selected Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill. Fittingly, former Jets great Wesley Walker, a wide receiver himself, announced the pick at Radio City Music Hall Friday.

The Jets gave up a second, fourth and seventh round pick to move up four spots to take the wide receiver they coveted. Hill has impressive size, at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, something the Jets desperately need on offense. The Jets reportedly had Hill ranked higher on their draft board than Notre Dame's Michael Floyd, who went early in the first round.

Giants Select Virginia Tech's Wilson

Virginia Tech's David Wilson is a Giant. (AP photo)

The Giants took care of one of their needs with the final pick of the NFL draft's first round Thursday night, selecting Virginia Tech running back David Wilson. The pick of Wilson was a bit of a surprise, as there were several players at the spot that could have been chosen instead.

But the Giants got the player they wanted. Wilson, at 5-foot-9 and 206 pounds, will be the change-of-pace rusher to starter Ahmad Bradshaw. D.J. Ware will also figure to battle Wilson for carries in the backfield as well. Wilson should be a contributor on special teams, with the ability to return kicks.

Jets Select UNC's Quinton Coples

New Jets defensive end Quinton Coples. (AP photo)

The New York Jets pulled a minor surprise tonight at the NFL draft, picking North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples with the 16th overall selection. They passed over Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw and South Carolina linebacker Melvin Ingram, both of which the team was linked to in the days leading up to the draft.

But the Jets had targeted Coples from the start, even telling the North Carolina product he would be the team's pick if he fell to them. Coples did drop to 16 and the Jets snatched him up.

Coples is 6-foot-6 and 284 pounds with all the tools to be a great player. Ryan likened him to Shaun Ellis and Trevor Pryce. But the negatives surrounding Coples are his work ethic, especially during an underwhelming final season with the Tar Heels. Watching some game tape, Coples looked slow getting to the ball.

Coples will play opposite last year's first round pick, Mohammed Wilkerson. That should give the Jets a tremendous tandem on the ends for the next 10 years. At least, the team and their fans hope they will produce enough to stick around for a decade.

Jets Seven-Round Mock Draft With Video Highlights Of Major Picks

  By Craig Carroll   

Here is a round-by-round mock draft of who the New York Jets should take in Thursday's NFL draft. The Jets have 10 picks this year, with their first round pick coming at No. 16. General manager Mike Tannenbaum has a habit of trading up in draft's past, but here's what the Jets will do if they stand pat, with video of the major players.

Round One, Pick 16

Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

If the Jets are smart they go with Upshaw with the pick. After watching game tape of all the possible choices at linebacker and defensive end, Upshaw is the best of them all. That includes Melvin Ingram, the linebacker from South Carolina. The Jets might go with Ingram, but Upshaw should be the pick.

Michael Pineda Lost For The Season

Michael Pineda won't pitch for the Yankees this season. (AP photo)

There's hopefully still plenty of baseball left in the careers of Michael Pineda and Jesus Montero, but so far the Yankees look like complete fools for making the trade of the two highly-touted prospects this offseason with the Seattle Mariners. News today is that Pineda will be out for the season with a labrum tear in his right shoulder.

This is horrible news for a franchise that already had many questioning the trade to begin with, in which the Yankees gave up one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory in Montero for a young pitcher who looked great in the first half of last season but terrible in the second for Seattle.

Alabama RB Trent Richardson Says Jets Contacted Him About His Info

Trent Richardson to the Jets? We'll see. (AP photo)

Whether they pick first or last (wishful thinking) the Jets are always the talk of the draft. They pack the fans into the draft like no other team. They are always willingly to make a deal. And they always are in the middle of seemingly every rumor there could be.

So this news isn't shocking for Jets fans. Things are supposed to get crazy leading up to the draft.

State Of The Yankees II: Yankees Embarrass Red Sox With Two Wins That Could Set Up Rest Of Season

As we throw out the first pitch here on our second State of the Yankees column, the mood couldn't get any better if you're a fan of the Bronx Bombers. On both Friday and Saturday, the Yankees not only beat the rival Red Sox, but humiliated them. It makes for a fun edition of this breakdown. Remember, every Sunday night, we'll analyze the Yankees and Red Sox. Every Saturday night, it's the Mets turn. As always, we want to hear what you have to say about your favorite (or least favorite) team below in the comments section.

  Opening Statement  

Two innings of a game in April may have changed the complexion of the entire American League. That's right, just two innings this early in the season just may have catapulted one team to great heights while another gets buried. Of course, the key word is "may" because, as cliche as it is, anything can happen in baseball. But the two-inning offensive outburst the Yankees had against the Red Sox Saturday afternoon was the kind of spurt that changes everything. The Yankees erased a 9-0 deficit, powered by a seven-run inning in both the seventh and eighth innings to win 15-9. It was as wild a scene as it sounds. For Boston, the frustration for the team and mostly manager Bobby Valentine could be felt everywhere, but Matt Straub has that side in our State of the Red Sox breakdown. If the Yankees can bury the Red Sox, well, that will make things that much easier in winning the AL East. Overall, the Yankees are 9-6 and are tied with the Blue Jays and a half-game ahead of both the Orioles and Rays.

State Of The Red Sox II: We Have The Breakdown As Boston Tries To Put Horrible Losses To Yankees Behind It

  By Matt Straub  

We're back with the second part of our State of the Red Sox series and there is plenty of discuss this week, although not much of it is good. As always, we want to hear what you have to say about your favorite (or least favorite) team below in the comments section. And check back next Sunday for the latest from the Boston Red Sox.

  Opening Statement  

There’s an old debate in sports: Would you rather be competitive right until the very end and get your heart broken in a loss, or is it easier to get blown out, saving the heartbreak of losing a game you thought you could win? The 2012 Red Sox spent the early part of the season losing close games most days, which we examined last week. Lately, however, the Red Sox have just been getting drubbed every night. Games feel over in the sixth inning. I can assure you that the latter is far worse, at least to this fan. Early in the week, the excitement of a wonderful celebration for Fenway Park was enough to make it OK. Once that was over, however, things went back to being depressing. At least narrow losses are exciting.

State Of The Mets II: Breaking Down The Week That Was For A Cooled-Off Mets Team After A Red-Hot Start

Our State of the Mets column returns for its second week, and while the mood among fans has mellowed a bit since a red-hot start, there is still plenty to break down and discuss in this second installment. As always, we want to hear what you have to say about your favorite (or least favorite) team below in the comments section. And check back next Saturday night for the latest from the New York Mets.

 Opening Statement   

The Mets had a great start to the season, buoying hope for a fanbase that needed it in the worst way. That 6-2 start, however, was followed with a 2-4 mark this past week, including a three-game losing streak, so it would be easy to look at that as a true sign of things to come for the franchise. While that might end up being true as the season moves along, right now, the Mets are right where they need to be to make a run at the postseason. The big picture says the Mets are 8-6 and three games back in the NL East. It should also be noted they are one game better than the rival Philadelphia Phillies. Of course, the season is still in its infancy stage, but being two games over .500 at this point is something to be proud of.

Jets Open To Bringing Braylon Back, Team Needs To Make It Happen

Jets haven't ruled out bringing back Braylon Edwards. (AP photo)

It's no secret that us here at GameDay want the Jets to bring back wide receiver Braylon Edwards. We wanted the team to sign him instead of Santonio Holmes last offseason, and this offseason we have pleaded with the team to bring back the deep threat on offense that clicked so well with quarterback Mark Sanchez.

The Jets, however, haven't come around to our thinking. Until now, possibly. Today, after comments made by Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, it is apparent the team has at least had discussions about bringing Edwards back.

New York Giants 2012 Schedule

The NFL announced the 2012 schedule tonight and here is the New York Giants breakdown. The team has a host of primetime games, including the overall opening night game against the Dallas Cowboys at home on a Wednesday night. Then, Big Blue has a Thursday night game (at Carolina), two Sunday night affairs (at Philadelphia and home against Green Bay) and a Monday night matchup at Washington.

Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:30 p.m. (Wednesday night)
Opening the season on a Wednesday night at MetLife Stadium against the hated Cowboys should be quite the experience for the defending Super Bowl champs and their fans. Even though Dallas should be right at the top of the division at the end of the season, with the Giants and Eagles, the Giants should ride the momentum to an opening win and stake claim early as a favorite to repeat.

New York Jets 2012 Schedule

The NFL announced the 2012 schedule tonight and here is the New York Jets breakdown. The team has three primetime games, including two Monday night matchups (vs. Houston and at Tennesee), a Thursday night showdown at home against the Patriots on Thanksgiving and, for now, a Sunday night game against the Chargers at home late in the year.

Week 1: vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
The Jets typically start with a big matchup, so this isn't going to get anyone excited, although opening day is opening day. The Jets have owned the Bills in recent years and this one should be chalked up as a victory as well.

Santonio Holmes Doesn't Want To Talk About Past, Just New Beginning

Jets fans are hoping they see more of this from Santonio Holmes. (AP photo)

If you were still wondering what was going through Santonio Holmes' head during his late-game meltdown against the Miami Dolphins in last season's finale and its aftermath, well, you'll have to wait a little bit longer. During a conference call with the media, Holmes wouldn't talk about the incident, saying it was all in the past.

"It happened down in Miami and that's where it's going to stay," Holmes said in his first comments since the incident. "Down in Miami."

Aaron Maybin Signs Contract With Jets, Starts Second Year With Team

Aaron Maybin signed his one-year tender today. (AP photo)

Perhaps no other football player had a bigger transformation last year than linebacker Aaron Maybin, likely saving his career. Maybin went from a first-round draft bust with the Buffalo Bills to a pass-rushing specialist with the New York Jets in just one year. Today, he's back in Jets camp with a new contract, albeit a one-year restricted deal.

Maybin tweeted today that he signed his one-year, $1.26 million contract and will be in attendance at the opening of the first offseason workouts for the Jets.

State of the Red Sox: We Break Down Drama-Filled Start For The Red Sox, With David Ortiz, Cody Ross Shining

You might be surprised to see the logo on the right headlining a story here on GameDay, but those who follow New York baseball should also know all about the team that calls Fenway Park home. That's the exact reason we brought in Matt Straub as our new Red Sox columnist. Nobody knows Red Sox baseball like Matt, so he's a great addition to the team. It also means you have three team breakdowns to sink your teeth into each week, with the State of the Mets column every Saturday, the State of the Yankees column every Sunday, and now our State of the Red Sox piece every Monday. As always, we want to hear what you have to say about your favorite (or least favorite) team below in the comments section.

State of the Yankees I: We Break Down The Yankees' Start To Season, Led By Derek Jeter, Hiroki Kuroda

Saturday we debuted our State of the Mets column, today it's the New York Yankees turn. Our State of the Yankees piece is rather simple, we'll break down the best and worst of the week that was for the Bronx Bombers. Every Sunday, we'll analyze the Yankees. Every Saturday, it's the Mets turn. As always, we want to hear what you have to say about your favorite (or least favorite) team below in the comments section.

  Opening Statement  

The Yankees' 4-4 start to the new season isn't anything to get excited about, but considering the Bombers were swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in the opening series, it's not anything to get worried about either. After losing the first three games, the Yankees went on to sweep the Baltimore Orioles and took the first game of a three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels before losing big Saturday. The Yankees get the primetime treatment tonight as the series with the Angels wraps up at 8 p.m. Good news is Derek Jeter is picking up right where he left off last season, batting .361 early, and Hiroki Kuroda rebounding from a tough first start to shut out a powerful Angels lineup in a victory Friday. Bad news is Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, Raul Ibanez, Russell Martin and Mark Teixeira are all batting under .230. There's no reason to panic, however, as the Yankees are winning games even with those struggles.

Giants QB Eli Manning To Host Saturday Night Live May 5 On NBC

Giants quarterback Eli Manning will host SNL on May 5. (AP photo)

Proving he's indeed a household name after winning his second Super Bowl championship back in February, Giants quarterback Eli Manning will host Saturday Night Live on May 5. He will be joined by musical guest Rihanna. Manning's brother, Peyton, hosted the show in the past.

Manning will join an impressive list of athletes over the show's storied history that have hosted in the past, including Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. He will get $5,000 to host, but the starring gig could mean much more in endorsements and commercials if he does well.

State Of The Mets I: We Break Down The Mets' Successful Start To Season, Led By David Wright, Johan Santana

It's never too early to analyze and opine about baseball in New York, so even though we're still under two weeks into the season, there's no better time to debut our State of the Mets column than right now. The basis for the piece is rather simple, we'll break down the best and worst of the week that was for guys in Queens. Every Saturday, we'll analyze the New York Mets. Then, on each and every Sunday, the New York Yankees will take their turn on the hot seat. As always, we want to hear what you have to say about your favorite (or least favorite) team below in the comments section.

Remembering The Hartford Whalers Exit From NHL 15 Years Ago Today

  By Matt Straub  

I wasn’t there, and it’s the greatest regret of my life as a sports fan. “It” was the last game for the Hartford Whalers, and it happened 15 years ago today: April 13, 1997.

By the end of the Whalers' time in Hartford, it became cool to make fun of the team. I’ll admit it wasn’t hard. After all, this is the team that had a parade after winning a playoff series. Not a championship, a series.

The “Failers,” as some liked to call the team, became known by the rest of the country more for their quirks than for their play on the ice. The team played in the same complex as a shopping mall. They had a goofy song, the Brass Bonanza, which played during the team’s introductions and after goals. They once made a trade that set up a Stanley Cup dynasty… for Pittsburgh.

Seahawks Unveil New Nike Uniforms

So here we have the much talked-about new Seattle Seahawks uniforms. The neon green is back, still not sure why. Otherwise, not really all that earth-shattering. Either way, the Seahawks have a new look and players appear to like them, at least that's what they are writing on Twitter.

As for the Jets, as far as I can tell from an immediate look, is they are more or less the same. That, however, is a good thing, because the Jets do have one of the best looking uniforms in football.