s the Supporters Shield winner
LOS ANGELES -- Doc Rivers is staying with the Los Angeles Clippers for another five years. In Steve Ballmers first big move since taking over as the new owner, he gave Rivers a contract extension through the 2018-19 season. Ballmer said Wednesday it was one of his top priorities to ensure that Rivers remains as the long-term leader of the team. Rivers was a stabilizing force for the franchise during the upheaval created by former owner Donald Sterlings racist remarks that led to his ouster after 33 years of ownership. \"Not only is Doc one of the best coaches and executives in the game, but he continually embodies the hardcore, committed and resilient character and winning culture that the Clippers represent,\" Ballmer said, repeating the \"hardcore\" theme he uttered during last weeks fan rally. Interim CEO Dick Parsons testified during Sterlings court battle with his estranged wife to keep the team, saying Rivers would quit if Sterling was successful. \"I didnt think I was going to have to, honestly,\" Rivers said last week. \"But I think a lot of us would have been willing to, for sure.\" Now, Rivers can settle in knowing he has a new owner who is passionate about the game and eager to support the team. \"With Steves leadership, we have this opportunity to be this great organization,\" Rivers said last week. \"Thats probably what makes me the most excited because I know if you get that part right, the basketball part will become easier in some ways, and thats good.\" Rivers joined the team in June 2013 and added president of basketball operations to his responsibilities two months ago. The 52-year-old coach guided the Clippers to the best record in franchise history at 57-25 and a second straight Pacific Division title last season. They lost to Oklahoma City in the second round of the playoffs. Rivers has a career regular-season record of 644-498 and a 70-64 playoff mark, with previous head coaching stints in Boston, where he won the 2008 NBA title, and Orlando. Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping . A 29-year-old left-hander, Lannan is expected to compete for the fifth starters job at spring training. He was 3-6 with a 5.33 ERA last year in 14 starts for Philadelphia. Cheap Jerseys . Ray Petkau issued the following statement pertaining to a Tuesday night tweet, clarifying that it was not a direct response to Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle. http://www.cheapjerseyschinass.us.com/.com) - The Toronto Blue Jays will look to snap a three-game skid Friday night when they continue their road trip in the opener of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Cheap Jerseys Wholesale . Zvonareva, who won the tournament in 2009 and 10, couldnt handle her opponents big groundstrokes in only her third event back after 17 months out with a shoulder injury. Zvonareva made her comeback in January in Shenzhen and played in the Australian Open but lost her first matches at both tournaments.NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Portland Timbers will compete in CONCACAFs 2014-15 Champions League under a U.S. allocation change approved Friday. Portland earned the spot as the MLS team with the best record in the conference opposite the Supporters Shield winner as the regular-season points champion. Previiously, that spot went to the MLS Cup runner-up.dddddddddddd The other three U.S. spots remained unchanged, with the New York Red Bulls getting in as the Supporters Shield winner, Sporting Kansas City as the MLS Cup champion, and D.C. United as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winner. Cheap Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China ' ' '