(AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Welcome to this post 4th of July edition of the Lunch Break!  Here are the latest headlines from around the sports world.

Brewers continue to struggle
Even at the friendly confines of Miller Park, the Milwaukee Brewers found a way to drop another game.  This one to the Arizona Diamondbacks.  After leading 6-1, the D’Backs scored seven unanswered to send the Brewers to their sixth loss in seven games. The crew have been without slugger Ryan Braun who is recovering from a calf injury. There is no word on whether Braun will suit up for tonight’s game two against Arizona.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm.

Pujols could be back tonight
St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols could be back in action as soon as tonight, returning from a fractured wrist he suffered on June 19th.  Pujols was initially expected to miss 4-6 weeks but a CT scan on Friday showed the injury was progressing rapidly.  The Cardinals lead the Brewers by one game in the National League Central.

NFL owners, players to resume talks Tuesday
Another day, another round of negotiations on the NFL labor front.  A day after a group of NFL retirees filed class action lawsuit against both the league and the union, to be included in the talks, the two sides are expected to meet again in New York.  The sides have met five times over the last few weeks but still no resolution appears imminent.  Sources within the NFL have said that July 14th is a “drop dead date” to have a deal done without affecting the start of training camp or the preseason.

Woods to miss British Open
Tiger Woods says he will not play in the British Open as he continues to recover from pain in his left knee and achilles.  Woods said on his website that he was advised by doctors not to play in the third major of the season.  Woods said last week that he would not return to competition until he was 100 percent recovered.  Tiger has dropped all the way to  17th in the latest World Golf Rankings.

Evans wins Stage Four, Hushovd leads
Cadel Evans of Australia won stage four of the Tour de France today, while Norway’s Thor Hushovd maintained his overall lead.  Defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain is in 69th place, and trails his main rival, Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, by 1 minute, 38 seconds.

Tonight on FOX 11:

• We’ll hear from the Milwaukee Brewers as they get set for game two against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
• We’ll have the latest from the NFL, as negotiations continue on a new collective bargaining agreement.
• Another major missed for Tiger, we’ll have the latest on his continued fall from greatness.
• The Tour de France is four stages in, how do they favorites stack up?  We’ll have an update.
• Join Drew Smith and the rest of the FOX 11 Sports Team at 5:00pm and 9:00pm.

Join us each day at Noon on www.fox11online.com for the “Lunch Break.”

Content from the Associated Press was used in this article

On Twitter: @josh_morgan

Welcome to this Thursday edition of the Lunch Break!  Here are the latest headlines from around the sports world.

(AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

Sharapova, Kvitova to Wimbledon final
Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova will meet in the women’s Wimbledon final after both won their matches this morning. The men’s semifinals are tomorrow with three of the top four seeds remaining in the tournament.

Owners, players back to the bargaining table
After taking a day off from negotiations, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith were joined by a group of owners and players to continue negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement. The group met in Minneapolis with U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan.  There has still been no timetable set for a deal to be reached and no deal appears imminent at this time.

Lockout looms in the NBA
Speaking of lockouts, the NBA is frantically working on a new labor deal, just 12 hours before the current agreement is set to expire. If a deal is not is not reached by the end of the day the owners could lock the players out.  There is a possibility that the deadline could be extended if progress has been made.  This would be the first work stoppage since 1998-99.

Brewers hope to avoid sweep in the Bronx
The Milwaukee Brewers will look to avoid a sweep in New York this afternoon after dropping the first two games of the series to the Yankees.  After a 5-2 loss in game two, the Brewers will send Randy Wolf to the mound to face former Brewer C.C. Sabathia. Game time is set for 12:05pm.

Tonight on FOX 11:

• We’ll have highlights and reaction from the Brewers final game in New York.
• We’ll have the latest on the NFL and NBA labor talks
• And we’ll hear from a local soccer coach who fulfilled a promise by getting a tattoo!  Our Doug Ritchay has that story.
• Join Drew Smith and the rest of the FOX 11 Sports Team at 5:00pm and 9:00pm

Join us each day at Noon on www.fox11online.com for the “Lunch Break.”

Content from the Associated Press was used in this article

Welcome back to this Wednesday edition of the Lunch Break.  Here are the latest headlines from the around the sports world.

(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Federer out at Wimbledon
Six-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer was upset by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinals at Wimbldeon this morning. Federer won the first two sets before losing the final three.  Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray all advanced to the semifinals as well.

Gamecocks do it again
The South Carolina Gamecocks beat Florida 4-2 on Tuesday night to claim the College World Series.  It is the second straight national title for South Carolina, who beat UCLA in last year’s championship round.

Brewers struggle in the Bronx
The Milwaukee Brewers will look to bounce back today after losing big to the New York Yankees last night in the Big Apple. Shawn Marcum will look to even the series for the crew who only got two innings from ace Zack Greinke in the opener.  Game time is set for 6:05pm.

Timber Rattlers head to Miller Park
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Peoria Chiefs will play tonight at Miller Park in the “Border Battle.”  This has become an annual tradition for these two teams.  Game time is set for 7:05pm.

Goodell, Smith meet with rookies in Florida
Leaders of the NFL and NFLPA talked with first-year players at the rookie symposium today.  Both Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith were on hand to answer questions from the rookies. One question that was not answered was when the lockout was going to end.  However, the joint appearance by the two leaders makes it appear things are moving in the right direction.

Tonight on FOX 11

• We’ll look at the latest in the NFL labor situation.  Does the appearance at the rookie symposium mean a deal is imminent?
• With Roger Federer out at Wimbledon, can anyone beat Rafael Nadal?
• One of the newest Bucks, Steven Jackson, will address the media for the first time today
• We’ll also look at the final day of the huge youth soccer tournament in Appleton

Join us each day at Noon on www.fox11online.com for the “Lunch Break.”

Content from the Associated Press was used in this article

Welcome back to this Tuesday edition of the Lunch Break!  Here are the latest sports headlines from around the sports world.

(AP Photo/Jim R. Bounds)

Hopes are high in Madison
One day after the announcement that former N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson would be transferring to Wisconsin, expectations have sky-rocketed.  With no QB on the current roster that had ever started a game, Wilson fills a hole that could make the Badgers the favorite in the Big Ten.  Badgers head coach Bret Bielema is expected to address the media today at noon.

World Cup run starts for the United States
The United States women’s soccer team began their quest in the World Cup today in Germany.  The Americans opened up with a 2-0 win over North Korea. In an earlier Group C match, Sweden topped Columbia 1-0.  The U.S. Is looking for their first World Cup title since 1999.

Women’s day at Wimbledon
Maria Sharapova has advanced in straight sets at Wimbledon after dominating Dominika Cibulkova, 6-1, 6-1, who upset world number one Caroline Wozniaki yesterday.  Sharapova advances to the semifinals.  The men are back in action tomorrow with quarterfinal play.

Labor talks likely in the NFL
According to the Associated Press, the negotiating teams for both the owners and the players are in Minneapolis today and are expected to get together for more labor talks.  The lockout is now in its fourth month, with most NFL training camps starting in about a month.  You can check out an interactive timeline of the labor talks here.

Brewers head to the Bronx
The Milwaukee Brewers look to extend their Central Division lead out East tonight as they travel to the Bronx for a three-game set against the Yankees.  New York holds the second-best record in the MLB at 45-31.  The Brewers have struggled on the road this season, only compiling 15 wins in 39 games.  Zack Grienke is on the hill for the Brewers and he will be opposed by Freddy Garcia.  Game time is 6:05pm.

College hoops legend passes away
The man who dunked home arguably the most historic shot in the history of college basketball, has died in a bus wreck in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Lorenzo Charles, who gave underdog N.C. State the national championship in 1983 was killed Monday when an empty bus he was driving crashed along the highway.  Charles was 47 years old.

Tonight on FOX 11:

• We’ll hear from head coach Bret Bielema as the Badgers head coach talks about his newest QB.
• We’ll have full highlights and reaction from the United States’ opening round match in the World Cup.
• And we’ll have the latest from the NFL as labor talks continue just a month before training camps are set to open.
• Join Drew Smith and the rest of the FOX 11 Sports Team at 5:00pm and 9:00pm!

Join us each day at Noon on www.fox11online.com for the “Lunch Break.”

Content from the Associated Press was used in this article

Good Monday afternoon!  Here’s a look at the latest headlines from around the sports world.

Brewers break out the brooms
The Milwaukee Brewers now hold a three game lead in the National League Central following a sweep of their interleague rival Minnesota Twins. Combine that with the Cardinals dropping three straight to the Toronto Blue Jays and the Brewers hold their biggest lead of the season.  The crew is off today and will open a three-game set against the New York Yankees in the Bronx on Tuesday.

Wilson commits to Badgers
Former N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson is coming to Madison. The QB was released from his scholarship so he could play his final season at a different school.  Badgers head coach Bret Bielema announced this morning that Wilson has committed to play for Wisconsin. Wilson is eligible to play this year because he graduated from N.C. State in three years.

Preble names Donart head coach
Green Bay Preble has a new head football coach. Just announced this morning, Paul Donart, a longtime assistant at Preble, will take over for the legendary Pat Prochnow.  Prochnow retired last week after 35 years in the program. Donart becomes only the third coach in school history since 1955.

Players talk with attorney’s; no owners present
In the NFL, a small group of players met with attorneys in Minneapolis this morning. According to an AP source, no owners were present at these meetings.  More negotiations between the players union and the owners are expected this week.  We are now about a month away from the start of most NFL training camps.

Serena, Venus, Wozniaki out at Wimbledon
Defending Wimbledon champion Serena Williams was upset in the 4th round today at the All England Club.  Williams was beat in straight sets by Marion Bartoli.  Sister Venus was also bounced from the tournament in straight sets by Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria.  Top-seeded Caroline Wozniaki was ousted in a three-set loss to Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia.  Maria Sharapova did advance on the women’s side, while Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray all advanced in the men’s draw.

Dodgers file for bankruptcy protection
The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially filed for bankruptcy protection.  The move comes after Major League Baseball did not approve a multibillion-dollar TV deal last week.  Dodgers owner Frank McCourt made the move knowing the team would likely not be able to make payroll by June 30th without the TV contract.  Bankruptcy will allow the Dodgers time to seek a different media deal in hopes of stabilizing the franchise financially.

Tonight on FOX 11:

• We will have much more on the new hire of Paul Donart at Green Bay Preble.  FOX 11 Prep Expert Doug Ritchay will join us with the latest.
• We’ll take a closer look at the amazing home record of the Milwaukee Brewers, coming off that sweep of the Minnesota Twins.
• We’ll look at the signing of Russell Wilson as the Badgers were facing a huge question at QB.
• We’ll also announce this week’s Finish Line Challenge winner!
• Join Drew Smith and the rest of the FOX 11 Sports team tonight at 5:00pm and 9:00pm!

Join us each day at Noon on www.fox11online.com for the “Lunch Break.”

Content from the Associated Press was used in this article

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, poses with the trophy after winning the U.S. Open Championship golf tournament in Bethesda, Md., Sunday, June 19, 2011. McIlroy won the U.S. Open for his first major with a record setting 16-under 268. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

So who came into Sunday thinking the U.S. Open wasn’t over quite yet?  Who thought Sunday in Bethesda might end up like Sunday at Augusta?  Who said “uh oh” after Lee Westwood birdied the first hole and looked poised to make a run at the unproven Northern Irishman?

My guess is that there was plenty of doubt in people’s minds when 22-year-old Rory McIlroy walked up to the first tee on Sunday, despite all that he had accomplished through 54 holes.

He never trailed.  He increased his lead each day.  His swing was silky smooth and his putter was rock solid.  But what about his nerves?  What about people’s doubts?  What about his doubts?  Was an eight stroke lead safe in the hands of a kid just two and half months removed from his 22nd birthday?

You better believe it.

It only took three shots to know that this major championship Sunday would be anything but a meltdown.  Rory McIlroy was simply magnificent.  His birdie on the first hole left no doubt that this U.S. Open was indeed over.  Sure, there was still a lot of golf to be played, but that birdie sent a message to the rest of the field saying, “don’t even think about it.”

He continued to hit great shots despite his big lead.  He didn’t want to cruise to victory, he wanted to dominate.  He may not have the demeanor of a Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus, but don’t think for a second that this kid doesn’t have a killer instinct.  He let his game do the talking.

Speaking of talking, how about some of the reaction from other tour players following his eight-shot win at Congressional.

“Nothing this kid does ever surprises me,” said 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell.  “He’s the best player I’ve ever seen.”

And this from Phil Mickelson. “You could tell that Rory’s had this type of talent in him for some time now and to see him putting it together is pretty neat to see.”

Even Tiger Woods couldn’t help but congratulate McIlroy after his dominating performance saying, “What a performance from start to finish. Enjoy the win. Well done.”

Now, I’m not going to start comparing Rory to Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus, or anyone for that matter, but this win can’t be overlooked.  What he was able to accomplish over the course of four days in what is widely known as the toughest test in golf, was nothing short of impressive.  And to think, had he hung on at Augusta, he would be heading to the British Open with the first two legs of the grand slam already under his belt.

His talent is undeniable, but so are the lessons he has learned.  Maybe he doesn’t win the U.S. Open had he won the Masters.  With all great golfers, we can always look back to one turning point in their career that catapulted them into stardom.  Some may say it was this past weekend’s U.S. Open.  I, however, will forever argue that it was the Masters.  It was that tournament when Rory McIlroy realized just how good he could be, but that talent alone isn’t enough to win.  You have to know how to finish.

That Sunday at Augusta was probably the longest round of golf he’s ever played.  But each and every tormenting minute made him a little bit stronger.  He felt the pain, frustration, and even embarrassment of a Sunday collapse in a major.  And that’s a feeling he never wanted to feel again.

After seeing him this weekend…I can’t imagine he ever will.

Content from the Associated Press was used in this article.

Matt Kuchar hits from the sand to the 18th green during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio Sunday, June 5, 2011. Kucher finished at 15-under par, tied for second with Brandt Jobe. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

The second major of the year tees off at Congressional this Thursday and the field is WIDE OPEN!  And no, it’s not just because Tiger Woods is out with a knee/achilles injury.

It’s been an exciting year on tour, highlighted by what seems to be a weekly playoff for either the tournament champ or the number one ranking in the world.

So who’s the favorite heading into the 111th U.S. Open?  Here are five players to watch when they tee it up on Thursday.

5. Adam Scott
Scott played very well in the year’s first major at Augusta and is itching to get that first major under his belt.  He will actually have Tiger Woods’ caddy Steve Williams on the bag (with Tiger’s permission of course), at a course that Williams is very familiar with.  Unfortunately for Scott, he’s got history working against him…no major champion has ever won with a long putter.  If he gets the ball rolling like he did at the Masters, look out.

4. Jason Day
I guess I like the Australians to play well, although I don’t plan on adding Geoff Ogilvy to this list.  Day can get on a roll like few others can on tour right now.  His consistency scares me a bit, but with the way others have backed into championships lately, I can see a run on Sunday getting Day into contention.  He’s has to avoid the blow-up though.  He’s still a young kid and a couple of bad holes could crush him  Bad holes are okay…really bad holes are not.

3. Lucas Glover
My long shot, if you will.  Picking from the American golfers is a chore right now but I like Glover’s toughness.  He has the resolve to get through four grueling days at the U.S. Open, as he did in 2009.  He won earlier this year and he seems to quietly find his way onto leaderboards in big tournaments.  Is he playing like he did in 2009?  Probably not.  But I think he’s as mentally tough on tour as anyone, something that can’t be overstated in golf’s toughest test.

2. K.J. Choi
Choi made a believer out of me at The Players Championship and gives me no reason to believe he couldn’t walk away with the U.S. Open.  So often K.J. just can’t seem to put four rounds together.  But his triumph at The Players not only proves to me, but to him as well, that he can play championship golf.  A level head and a straight hitter is never a poor choice at a U.S. Open.

1. Matt Kuchar
I think it’s finally his time.  Matt Kuchar took his time to make a name for himself on tour, but his arrival has been worth the wait.  He’ll make that arrival official Sunday evening.  He’s been so good over the last two years.  It’s almost been annoying seeing his name every Sunday near the top of the leaderboard.  He’s won a few times and he’s been close at the majors.  But that will change this week.  This guy deserves a U.S. Open and he’s got the game to back it up.  He’s long enough, consistent enough, and tough enough…and that’s enough for me.

Shackleford, right, and Animal Kingdom, left battle through the stretch during 136th Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course, Saturday, May 21, 2011, in Baltimore. Shackleford won the Preakness by a 1/2 length. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

After a long two-week layoff, it’s finally time for the final leg of the Triple Crown!  Unfortunately, we don’t actually have a horse that has a chance at the coveted title, but we have a lot of good horses with a chance to win.  Should make for a great race this Saturday at Belmont Park!

Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness winner Shackleford are both in the field and don’t be surprised if those two are up front once again.  But remember, the Belmont is the longest of the three Triple Crown races.  Animal Kingdom has looked strong at the end of both races, but I’m a little worried about a front-runner like Shackledford.

And don’t forget about Nehro, the runner-up to Animal Kingdom

in the Kentucky Derby.  He’s back after passing on the Preakness and will likely have the freshest legs of the top contenders.  He stands as the second favorite to Animal Kingdom, just ahead of Shackleford.

One other horse to watch is Brilliant Speed.  That’s all I’m gonna say about him…I’ll brag about him later!

Anyway, here’s a complete rundown of the post positions and who I think will win the final leg of the Triple Crown.  Good luck!

Belmont Stakes – Saturday, 5:30pm/central
1: Master of Hounds (G. Gomez, 10-1)                             Win: Nehro
2: Stay Thirsty (J. Castellano, 20-1)
3: Ruler on Ice (J. Valdivia, Jr., 20-1)                              Place: Animal Kingdom
4: Santiva (S. Bridgmohan, 15-1)
5: Brilliant Speed (J. Rosario, 15-1)                                 Show: Brilliant Speed
6: Nehro (C. Nakatani, 4-1)
7: Monzon (J. Lezcano, 30-1)
8: Prime Cut (E. Prado, 15-1)
9: Animal Kingdom (J. Velazquez, 2-1)
10: Mucho Macho Man (R. Dominguez, 10-1)
11: Isn’t He Perfect (R. Maragh, 30-1)
12: Shackleford (J. Castanon, 9-2)

John Velazquez rides Animal Kingdom to victory during the 137th Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2011, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

It’s leg two of the Triple Crown!  Surprise Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom leads a field of 14 horses to the gates of Saturday’s 136th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Downs.

I had some success in the Oaks and Derby.  In the Kentucky Oaks my horses finished 1st (Plum Pretty), 3rd (Zazu) and 4th (Joyful Victory) while in the Derby my horses finished 2nd (Nehro), 3rd (Mucho Macho Man) and 8th (Dialed In).  It’s a whole new cast of fillies in the Black Eyed Susan but should be a great race with horses like Wyomia and Royal Delta.  As far as the Preakness goes, I’m convinced Dialed In is a lot better than his Derby finish.  I do think Derby winner Animal Kingdom has a great shot to win this race because the field, once again, isn’t very impressive (no Nehro and still no Uncle Mo).

Anyway, here’s a complete rundown of the post positions and who I think will win the two biggest races of the weekend: The Black Eyed Susan and the Preakness Stakes.

Black Eyed Susan – Friday, 3:46pm
1:   Royal Delta (J. Lezcano, 3-1)                                Win: Wyomia
2:   Hot Summer (R. Dominguez, 5-2)
3:   Coax Liberty (G. Gomez, 8-1)                                Place: Buster’s Ready
4:   Wyomia (J. Leparoux, 9-5)
5:   Buster’s Ready (J. Velazquez, 8-1)                       Show: Royal Delta
6:   Love Theway Youare (J. Rosario, 15-1)
7:   Art of the Hunt (TBD, 20-1)

Preakness Stakes – Saturday, 5:19pm
1: Astrology (M. Smith, 15-1)                                       Win: Dialed In
2: Norman Asbjornson (J. Pimentel, 30-1)
3: King Congie (R. Albarado, 20-1)                              Place: Animal Kingdom
4: Flashpoint (C. Velasquez, 20-1)
5: Shackleford (J. Castanon, 12-1)                               Show: Mucho Macho Man
6: Sway Away (G. Gomez, 15-1)
7: Midnight Interlude (M. Garcia, 15-1)
8: Dance City (R. Dominguez, 12-1)
9: Mucho Macho Man (M. Maragh, 6-1)
10: Dialed In (J. Leparoux, 9-2)
11: Animal Kingdom (J. Velazquez, 2-1)
12: Isn’t He Perfect (E. Prado 30-1)
13: Concealed Identity (S. Russell, 30-1)
14: Mr. Commons (V. Espinoza, 20-1)

Click on this link for a look at a photo gallery of every Preakness winner since 2000.

Tiger Woods chips from a sand trap along the seventh green during a practice round for The Players Championship Tuesday, May 10, 2011 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

I told you not to pick him in your Masters pool.  And I don’t want to hear that he was tied for the lead going into the back nine on Sunday, because I’m not listening.  Let’s be honest, he  never had a chance to win that tournament and he doesn’t have a chance to win this week at The Players Championship either…just ask Bubba Watson.

This past Wednesday Watson said the following: “I’ll just go ahead and say it.  I think Tiger’s going the wrong way.  I think he’s so mental right now with his swing.  Just go ahead and play golf.  He used to hit shots, he used to bomb it, he used to do all that stuff.”

THANK YOU!  Bubba finally said what everyone else was thinking.  Tiger is so wrapped up in every little facet of his new swing that he’s simply forgot how to be Tiger Woods.  He’s not letting his talent lead the way.  I know he’s gone through a swing change in the past and come out better for it, but I’m not so sure this change results in more wins.  As Bubba said, just go ahead and play golf, Tiger.

Woods responded to Watson on Tuesday, saying Watson’s statement was “interesting.”

What’s interesting is that Tiger used to use these statements from other golfers as fuel to his fire.  Remember what Stephen Ames said when asked if he had a chance to beat Tiger in the 2006 Accenture Match Play Championship… “Anything can happen…especially where he’s hitting the ball.” He was right, anything could happen, and what happened was Tiger laying a 9&8 beat-down in the ensuing match.  Back then you didn’t mess with Tiger.  Now, I’m not sure he can do anything about it…especially at The Players Championship.

Tiger has only one win at The Players and that was all the way back in 2001.  Since then he’s only finished in the top 10 once, an 8th place finish in 2009. Aside from that finish in ’09, Tiger hasn’t played a complete 72-hole tournament here since finishing 37th in 2007.  He skipped the tournament in 2008 with an injury and withdrew from last year’s tournament with a neck problem.

So what can we expect this week from the world’s no. 8 golfer? Probably a lot more of the same.  Honestly, I think Tiger might be in danger of missing the cut for the first time in his career at The Players Championship.  His putter is off and he’s admittedly a little rusty after his time off from resting his knee/achilles.  I just don’t think Tiger’s anywhere near what he used to be and I’m not sure we’ll see the Tiger of old yet this year.  Will we ever see Tiger back in championship form?  I’m not sure.  I’m not going to doubt the guy because I’ve seen first-hand what he’s capable of on a golf course.  What worries me the most, however, is what he’s capable of off of the course.

Tiger, do us all a favor, listen to Bubba.