News » 91st time on the Cup circuit, and this is his first three-win seaso

PHILADELPHIA - DeSean Jackson went from the trading block to the chopping block. Jackson is out in Philly — just as Mark Sanchez was on his way into town. Unable to find a taker on the trade market, the Eagles released him, ending the Pro Bowl wide receivers six-year stint with the team. His playmaking days are over in Philly, and the tailspin from key cog to unexpected free agent comes with a hint that off-field issues are at the root of the split. Jackson thanked the Eagles organization and fans in a statement Friday, and also denied "unfounded reports" that he was released for any reason related to his lifestyle. "I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang," Jackson said. "I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible. I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. "I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions. These reports are irresponsible and just not true." Before releasing Jackson, the Eagles announced they had signed Sanchez. Bounced out of New York after the Jets signed Michael Vick last week, Sanchez moved down turnpike to Philadelphia in what essentially was a swap with Vick. "I think we passed each other on the train," Sanchez said, laughing. Sanchez can wave goodbye to Jackson, too. Jackson was coming off a career-best season in Philadelphia, leading the team with 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns. He had a $10.25 million contract for the 2014 season and was signed through 2016. "After careful consideration over this off-season, the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with DeSean Jackson," the Eagles said in a statement. The Eagles had no other comment. Jacksons agent, Joel Segal, did not immediately return a request for comment. Jackson has 356 career receptions for 6,117 yards and 32 touchdowns. Hes a dangerous returner who went to the Pro Bowl in 2009 after taking two punts the distance. Jackson has four career scores on punt returns, including the memorable 65-yard game-ending return to cap a comeback win over the New York Giants in 2010. The 27-year-old receiver is entering his seventh NFL season. The Eagles had been put out feelers that Jackson was available. Coach Chip Kelly refused to commit on Jacksons return at this weeks NFL meetings. But other teams could be quick to sign one of the NFLs top receivers. Speaking at the NFL meetings, Jets owner Woody Johnson expressed interest in Jackson, saying: "Were looking at a number of players, including DeSean." Jackson could be a showboat — memorably dropping the ball in celebration before the goal line after an apparent long touchdown — and upset the Eagles this season when he lobbied for a new contact shortly after they were eliminated in the playoffs. His departure leaves the Eagles with Riley Cooper, who survived a video scandal that showed him using the N-word at a concert, and Jeremy Maclin as the starting wide receivers. "We just made an extremely unpopular decision, but I couldnt be more excited and happy with where this organization is going!! #FlyEaglesFly," offensive lineman Jason Kelce tweeted. Theres no locker room divide at quarterback. Sanchez, in his sixth year in the league, will be added to a mix of quarterbacks that includes Nick Foles, Matt Barkley and G.J. Kinne. In college, Barkley succeeded Sanchez at Southern California. "Im not stirring up a controversy," Sanchez said at a news conference. "Im here to help this team win." While Vick will compete with Smith for the starting job in New York, Sanchez comes to Philadelphia as insurance. Foles had a breakout sophomore season and led the Eagles to the NFC East title after replacing an injured Vick in Week 5. Foles threw 29 touchdowns and only two interceptions in 11 starts, including a playoff loss to New Orleans. The Eagles still have plenty of offensive playmakers, trading for running back Darren Sproles to go along with NFL rushing champion LeSean McCoy. The options were part of what made Philadelphia so appealing to Sanchez. "This team, this coach, the kind of offensive firepower they have," Sanchez said, "its just an exciting element to being here in Philadelphia." Yogi Ferrell Jersey . J.J. Hardy drove in a run for the Orioles, who bounced back from an 8-4 loss in the series opener on Friday. Fresh off the 15-day disabled list, Derrek Lee went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Jake Arrieta (7-3) gave up three runs on five hits over six innings to pick up the win. Kyle Guy Jersey .com) - No Sidney Crosby, no problem. https://www.kingslockerroom.com/Justin-James-City-Edition-Jersey/ . -- Down to 10 men and behind on the scoreboard, Toronto FC displayed its perseverance. Chris Webber Kings Jersey . -- J.R. Sweezy was the one part of the Seattle Seahawks offensive line that had avoided injuries or having to change positions this season. Zach Randolph Kings Jersey . Carling Bassett-Seguso was a world No. 8 almost 30 years ago. Currently 13th, Bouchard is assured of equalling that when the next rankings are released Monday. BROOKLYN, Mich. -- It had been 13 years since Jeff Gordons last victory at Michigan -- which came during the same season as his most recent championship on NASCARs top series. One of those droughts is finally over. Can the 43-year-old driver end the other as well? "Certainly things are going well -- theres no doubt about that," Gordon said. "Im as shocked as anybody else." Gordon raced to his third Sprint Cup victory of the year, holding off Kevin Harvick on Sunday for his first win at Michigan International Speedway since 2001. Gordon broke the track qualifying record Friday when he took the pole at 206.558 mph. He followed that up with his third Cup victory at MIS -- and took over the points lead from Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. After a series of cautions, Gordon came off the final restart well and led with 16 laps remaining. He fought off a challenge from Joey Logano and maintained a comfortable margin over Harvick, winning the 400-mile race by 1.412 seconds in his No. 24 Chevrolet. "Joey, as we rolled up to some of the restarts -- not that last one, but some of the other ones -- as guys were starting to sort of anticipate it, he was slowing down, and when he slowed down, everybody got bottled up, and then hed take off," Gordon said. "That last one, I thought he had a good start, but I had a good one, too." Harvick was second, followed by Logano, Paul Menard and Earnhardt. Gordon completed a sweep at MIS for Hendrick. Jimmie Johnson won the June race on the two-mile oval. "I think all of our teams are running well, but this is a big, big win," owner Rick Hendrick said. "Its great to see Jeff so happy. Hes like a little kid again, so I think its going to be really, really important for the momentum hes carrying right now into the Chase." Logano was second to Gordon in qualifying. He led 86 laps and Gordon was in front for 68. "We can win a championship. I really feel we can do that. Thats the message I want to put out there," Logano said. "Weve got to find a little bit more speed to keep up with one car today -- 24 car was the best, only because he was good on the long run. We werent as good on the long run. There were eight cautions, including a ffairly early one when Danica Patricks car spun and Justin Allgaier crashed into her.dddddddddddd Nine cars were caught up in that incident, including Matt Kenseths No. 20 Toyota. Kenseth never really recovered, finishing 38th. Brad Keselowski rubbed against the wall with about 32 laps remaining and finished eighth, remaining winless at this track in his home state. Johnson overcame some problems of his own to finish ninth, his first top-10 showing in six races. Jeff Burton was 37th after replacing Tony Stewart in the No. 14 car. Stewart skipped his second straight Cup race after he struck and killed a driver at a dirt-track race in New York last weekend. Hendrick and Stewart-Haas Racing are alliance teams. Hendrick said he hasnt talked to Stewart, but hes been in touch with Eddie Jarvis, Stewarts longtime business manager. "I think theyre making the best of the situation that theyre in," Hendrick said. "Tonys got a lot of good folks around him." Gordon won for the 91st time on the Cup circuit, and this is his first three-win season since 2011. He took over the lead in the standings by three points over Earnhardt. Gordon also won this season at Kansas and Indianapolis. "As a driver, especially somebody thats been getting beat up over the years about restarts, its pretty nice to have the last two wins come down to restarts." Assuming they attempt to qualify for the final three races of the regular-season, the 12 drivers with victories this season have all wrapped up spots in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Kenseth remains the top driver without a victory in the standings, but he dropped to fifth place. If the regular season ended now, the last four drivers in the Chase would be Kenseth, Ryan Newman, Clint Bowyer and Greg Biffle. Bowyer and Biffle both moved ahead of rookie Kyle Larson, whose car caught fire against the wall just before the halfway point. Larson ended up 43rd. Bowyer finished sixth but sounded concerned about his situation. "Were behind, theres no question. We just did what we needed to do today," he said. "Right now, everything has to be perfect to get a decent finish and today everything was perfect. This is a tricky part of the season. Everybody is pushing hard." ' ' '