'Electrifying' Banks impressing Redskins coaches

Football Betting Lines

08/16/2010 -

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -Brandon Banks has a bloodline for speed to offset a body not meant for football.

The undrafted Washington Redskins rookie is no longer just a long shot to make the team, not after his 77-yard punt return for a touchdown against Buffalo on Friday. The 5-foot-7, 151-pound receiver out of Kansas State flashed his 4.24-second speed down the right sideline before performing hometown buddy John Wall's signature dance in the end zone.

Yet, Banks is barely the fastest person in his family.

It wasn't until middle school that he could outrun his mother, Sharonda Banks, who reached the U.S. Olympic time trials over 200 meters in 1995. His half-sister Gabby Mayo was part of an NCAA record 400-meter relay team while setting a Texas A&M record over 60 meters. Several uncles also ran track in college.

``I was a track guy, but I loved football more than track so I chose football,'' Banks said.

Banks' rise is reminiscent of Redskins predecessor James Thrash, an unknown rookie receiver whose two kickoff return touchdowns in 1997 fueled a 12-year pro career. Banks might seal a roster spot with another score versus the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

``Look at my size - I'm a short stature guy,'' he said. ``I'm a good special teams guy. It's what I've always been in high school and college. I'm a playmaker. I call myself 'Electrifying.'''

Banks went undrafted despite ranking fifth nationally in kickoff return yards at Kansas State last season, including four touchdowns to tie for most in the country. Banks was Big XII Special Teams Player of the Year.

Coach Mike Shanahan has noticed Banks, whose best chance of making the team is a returner.

``That's what camp's about - giving people an opportunity to make plays,'' Shanahan said. ``I can't say that it surprised me at all with the way he has played, not necessarily as a returner but as a wide receiver. He consistently makes plays; he has great speed, cutting ability and an excellent set of hands.''

Banks used his left hand to signal a tribute to Walls, now a Washington Wizards rookie who was in the FedEx Field stands as his boyhood pal's guest. The two often played basketball at the community center in Garner, N.C.

``John Wall is one of my best friends,'' Banks said. ``I talk to him on a daily basis. I'm real cool with him.''

Notes: Shanahan rated receiver Malcolm Kelly's hamstring at 50 to 60 percent and ``Very, very slim'' to return versus Baltimore on Saturday. Shanahan hopes Kelly returns next week. ... Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth worked some with starters in nickel packages. Shanahan was noncommittal on whether Haynesworth will be promoted from second team against Baltimore. ... Shanahan canceled the afternoon workout to take the team bowling.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Wwgamble Football Betting News

<< Reina's blunder is the least of Liverpool's concerns
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Every English Premier League season is a 38-game grind that spans nine months, so the events that take place on the opening weekend of the season are often long forgotten by the time the leaves begin t

<< Toulouse striker Pentecote set to miss six months
Toulouse, France (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Ligue 1 leaders Toulouse have suffered a major injury blow as striker Xavier Pentecote will miss the next six months after sustaining a knee injury in Sunday's 2-1 win over Bordeaux. "Having taken a b

<< Kerr back to No. 1 in world rankings
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Cristie Kerr returned to No. 1 in this week's edition of the world rankings. Despite the LPGA Tour having the week off, Kerr, who moved to first with her win at the LPGA Championship, is up one to

<< Rachel Alexandra goes through Monday work
Saratoga Springs, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra had her next-to-last workout for her next start at Saratoga Race Course. Trainer Steve Asmussen is preparing the champion filly for Saratoga's $300,00

<< Liverpool will not appeal Cole red card
Liverpool, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Liverpool have decided not to appeal against the red card dished out to Joe Cole in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday. Cole, who was making his league debut for the Reds, was shown

New QB Jake Delhomme steadying Browns >>
BEREA, Ohio (AP) -One drive. That's all it took for Jake Delhomme to convince Cleveland Browns fans not to worry about their starting quarterback.For the first time in ages, the Browns are not in the midst of a QB controversy and there isn't one bre

Blackhawks re-sign D Boynton >>
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed defenseman Nick Boynton to a one-year contract, the team announced Monday. Chicago acquired Boynton, 31, from Anaheim in March, and the defenseman played in seve

Grambling State star Anthony still hospitalized >>
Grambling, LA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Grambling State senior defensive end Christian Anthony remains hospitalized in stable condition after being admitted last week for chest pains, a university spokesperson said on Monday. Third-year football co

Team USA turns the page >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With Mike Krzyzewski at the helm of USA Basketball, the operative word is always going to be "team." You probably aren't going to describe the 2010 USA Men's World Championship club with the adjective "dream"

Zenyatta and Blame top thoroughbred poll >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Champion mare Zenyatta and Whitney champ Blame continue to lead the NTRA National Thoroughbred Poll. The top five positions remain unchanged from last week. Zenyatta, perfect this year in four starts, ag

Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

Bet on NFL

Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

Bet on NFL

Mysportsbook.com online online sportsbook accepts Visa & Mastercard

It's less than a month until the NHL hockey betting season opens at MySportsbook.com and preparations are underway for another battle in the race to hoist Lord Stanley's mug in 2007.

As cup crazy fans prepare to place their bets, one online sportsbook ,MySportsbook.com, is offering hockey betting lines on the 2007/2007 Stanley Cup , who will bring it home this upcoming season.

Despite a poor showing in last season's playoffs and the loss of Steve Yzerman to retirement, the Detroit Red Wings are early favourites at this online sportsbook with wagering odds of 6-1. The Wings will look to offensive powerhouse Pavel Datsyuk and newly appointed captain Nicklas Lidstrom to lead one of the league's most prominent franchises.

Always a threat are the Ottawa Senators, with newly acquired goaltender Martin Gerber from the Stanley Cup champion ,Carolina Hurricanes. The Sens are second best in the rankings at a 7-1 bet, and odds makers at this sportsbook are optimistic that the Ottawa squad will fare better than last season's Eastern Conference semi-final upset to the Buffalo Sabres.

Also worth noting are the defending Stanley Cup champs Carolina Hurricanes, a 10-1 bet to repeat. Behind the Canes are the New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers, and Anaheim Mighty Ducks all sit at 12-1. In the basement are the Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, and St. Louis Blues who all have 100-1 odds to win.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your hockey betting needs.