Rams’ Fisher breaks loss record, loses job

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/12/2016 (3216 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LOS ANGELES — Jeff Fisher’s tenure in Los Angeles didn’t last one full season.

The Rams fired their coach on Monday. Special teams co-ordinator John Fassel will serve as interim coach. The Rams play the Seahawks in Seattle on Thursday night.

Fisher was the NFL team’s coach since 2012, and compiled a 31-45-1 record with the Rams. He oversaw the move from St. Louis to Los Angeles this past off-season.

The lack of success on the field, capped by a 42-14 home rout at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, spelled the end for Fisher, who tied Dan Reeves with 165 regular-season defeats. That’s the most in league history, and Fisher has the lowest winning percentage (.512) among coaches with 130-plus losses.

Los Angeles is 4-9 this season and has scored a league-low 194 points.

“Making a decision such as this, especially during the season, is one of the most difficult in sports,” Rams owner Stan Kroenke said.

“Starting today we are going to have a complete review of the entire organization… this team is not where it needs to be.”

Voracek named

top star of the week

NEW YORK — Philadelphia Flyers right-winger Jakub Voracek, New York Rangers goaltender Antti Raanta and Columbus Blue Jackets centre Sam Gagner are the NHL’s three stars of the week.

Voracek led the league with six assists and nine points in four contests to help the Flyers extend their overall winning streak to nine games, their longest run since they won nine in a row in April 1995.

Raanta went 3-0-0 with a 0.33 goals-against average, .984 save percentage and two shutouts in three games to lead the Rangers to six of a possible eight points.

Gagner had three goals and three assists in three games to help the Blue Jackets pick up three wins and extend their overall point streak to eight games (7-0-1).

Oilers’ Nurse out

for up to 12 weeks

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse has undergone surgery to repair ligament and bone damage to his ankle and will be out of action for up to 12 weeks.

Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli made the announcement today via the team’s Twitter account. Nurse was injured in the Oilers’ 6-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 1.

He has three goals and two assists in 25 games for the Oilers this season.

Arizona’s Floyd arrested for DUI

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd was arrested early Monday on charges of driving under the influence and failure to obey a police officer.

Floyd was found unconscious behind the wheel of his running vehicle at a Scottsdale intersection shortly before 3 a.m., police said.

Police said Floyd also was charged with obstructing a roadway.

He was booked and released from the Scottsdale jail at 4:58 a.m., police said.

Coach Bruce Arians said he was gathering as much information as he can to determine, “what our options are going forward.”

Floyd had three alcohol-related brushes with the law at Notre Dame, including a DUI in his final season.

Tannehill will avoid knee surgery

DAVIE, Fla. — Ryan Tannehill was back at the Miami Dolphins’ complex Monday, his left knee injury less serious than first feared.

The injury was diagnosed as a sprained ACL and MCL, coach Adam Gase said, meaning the quarterback will avoid surgery.

It remains unlikely he’ll play again this season, and Matt Moore will make his first start since 2011 on Saturday against the New York Jets.

When Tannehill was hurt Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, the Dolphins (8-5) feared a torn ACL that would require surgery and a long, arduous rehabilitation.

Pro Bowl to featurea dodgeball game

NEW YORK — The NFL is adding some schoolyard fun to Pro Bowl week.

The league announced it will have a Skills Showdown, featuring Pro Bowlers competing in a game of dodgeball.

The showdown will be Thursday, Jan. 26 in Orlando, Fla., site of the all-star game.

The other competitions will include a timed relay race and precision passing as well as “best hands,” in which QB and wide receiver duos from each team will try to connect on as many pass attempts as possible in a certain amount of time.

— from the news services