over the Jazz on Friday night, winning their third straight and for the fourth time in five games. [url=http://www.hockeypanther

I might get my red, white and blue patriotism card pulled for this one, but the way swimmer Lilly King handled herself after Sundays 100-meter breaststroke semifinals wasnt exactly the finest example of sportsmanship.King, who swims Wednesday night in the 200m breaststroke semifinal, was caught on camera from the green room Sunday waving her finger at Russian rival Yulia Efimova, who had just won her heat and put up a victorious No. 1 finger. King smugly wagged her finger at the screen before going out to swim in her heat.Later, after King won her race, she explained her gesture in an interview with Michele Tafoya of NBC: You know, youre shaking your finger No. 1 and youve been caught for drug cheating. Im just not, you know, a fan.While the comment did drum up some drama for Monday nights showdown between the two in the events final, it also established the long drawn-out narrative of USA vs. Russia, or perhaps more specifically, good vs. evil -- despite most people not even knowing many of the details of Kings claims. The viewing public, of course, ate it up.The 19-year-old American ultimately won the gold medal, and Efimova won the silver. But despite winning, King just couldnt let it go. She wagged her finger again while in the pool, refused to shake hands with Efimova and later threw another jab at her rival, saying, Its incredible, just winning a gold medal and knowing I did it clean.She subsequently drew praise and cheers from the media and fans alike for her honestly and candor. But she looked more like a playground bully, playing up the worst of American stereotypes -- brash and rude in victory.Kings comment seemed deliberate and malicious. Instead of being a gracious winner and taking the high road, she took the moment to continue to trash the reputation of someone else.Efimova, who was booed by spectators and was unsure until Saturday if she would even be allowed to compete, has two marks on her doping record. But they arent exactly Jose Canseco-level.In 2013, she failed a drug test after testing positive for DHEA -- a banned substance to be sure, but something found in your local vitamin store as an over-the-counter supplement. NBA players O.J. Mayo and Rashard Lewis were both given 10-game suspensions for testing positive for the substance in the past, and American track star LaShawn Merritt, who will be competing in the 200m and 400m events in Rio, also served a ban for a positive DHEA test. Efimova claimed to have inadvertently purchased the product at a GNC, but took full ownership for her mistake and didnt appeal her 16-month ban.In March of this year, Efimova tested positive for meldonium -- the same drug used by fellow Russian Maria Sharapova -- and was provisionally banned by the International Swimming Federation. However, because the substance was just added to the banned-substance list on Jan. 1, the World Anti-Doping Agency has since recanted on punishments, as they are uncertain how long the substance stays in the body. The agency is investigating, but Efimova was ultimately cleared to compete.Efimova has not disputed anything and instead quietly made her return to the pool, as anyone cleared to do so would do. The ruling bodies allowed her to be there. But that apparently wasnt enough for King.While other athletes who make similar returns are often touted as tales of redemption, including Merritt, Efimova has been given the big, bad villain treatment -- despite no evidence of her currently using any banned substance.Yes, the Russian Olympic team has been highly scrutinized after a doping scandal resulted in the banishment of several athletes and teams across sports, but Efimova was not given such a punishment. Furthermore, she lives and trains in Southern California and is regularly privy to the same testing American athletes receive.And if Efimova is ultimately found guilty of anything in the future, Im sure well hear about it, and shell have her silver medal stripped away and removed from the record books.But in the meantime, Efimova is a person, and not just a symbol of Russias perceived shattered system, and on Monday night, she won the countrys first-ever medal in the 100m breaststroke. While she said after the race she was just happy to be here after the turmoil leading up to the Games, she didnt even fully get to enjoy her historic achievement thanks to King and the narrative she helped create.Doesnt such an accomplishment deserve a little bit of respect from her peers? Isnt that what the Olympics are all about, after all?In a chaotic world, the Olympics provide a rare moment of global unity and togetherness. At its best, the spirit of the Games transcends borders and politics, but it seems no one bothered to tell King. Perhaps in her next victory, shell instead choose to appreciate the moment and wont feel the need to ruin someone elses. Frank Vatrano Panthers Jersey . Clarkson had been dealing with an elbow injury in early January and will be out of action for at least one week. He has three goals and five assists through 36 games with the Leafs this season. Denis Malgin Panthers Jersey .ca. Kerry, Just watched the shootout in the Coyotes/Leafs game and I have to ask, why was the James van Riemsdyk goal allowed to count? All of the video replays we were shown on TV were inconclusive about whether the puck had entirely crossed the line or not. http://www.hockeypanthersofficialonline.com/henrik-borgstrom-hockey-jersey/ . Those lessons were more than enough to overwhelm the Utah Jazz. Lou Williams scored 25 points and the Hawks continued their offensive upswing as they rolled to an easy 118-85 victory over the Jazz on Friday night, winning their third straight and for the fourth time in five games. Vincent Trocheck Jersey . Nigeria beat surprise package Ethiopia 2-0 in the second leg of their playoff for a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory. Victor Moses converted a 20th-minute penalty after an Ethiopian handball, and Victor Obinna made certain of Nigerias place in Brazil with his powerful free kick in the 82nd at UJ Esuene Stadium. Denis Malgin Jersey . But the quarterback hopes to stay involved in football after officially calling it quits Tuesday. "Id love to look at those opportunities as they arise," Pierce said in an interview from his Winnipeg eatery. BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Sabres general manager Tim Murray doesnt believe defenseman Rasmus Ristolainens decision to join the team for practice without a contract will have any effect on thawing negotiations.With a big laugh, Murray told the Associated Press on Friday that the only way Ristolainen could speed up contract talks is if he got all lovey-dovey and elected to take the Sabres latest offer.Ristolainen is a restricted free agent whose rights were retained by the Sabres in June. After representing Finland in the World Cup of Hockey, Ristolainen reported to the Sabres on Thursday in what was regarded as a sign of good faith.Murray said the two sides are still negotiating.Though hes not allowed to playy because hes not under contract, Ristolainen is practicing with the team and also taking part in meetings.dddddddddddd. Ristolainen is not making himself available to reporters.Murray says he didnt see anything wrong with allowing Ristolainen to practice, saying hed rather the player be in Buffalo than working out elsewhere.In three seasons, Buffalos 2013 first-round draft pick has established himself as the Sabres top defenseman. Last year, Ristolainen led the team with 25 minutes of ice time per game, and led Buffalo defensemen with 41 points (nine goals, 32 assists). ' ' '