Clanregeln » Charles Walker, DE, OklahomaThe Sooners

NEW YORK -- The NBA has denied the Toronto Raptors protest of their 102-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 20.The league announced the decision Friday.Toronto argued that the game officials incorrectly called for an instant replay review of whether the Raptors Terrence Ross released a 3-point shot prior to the expiration of actual time remaining.The Replay Center official reviewed video of the play using a digital timer and determined the actual time remaining in the game expired before Ross released his shot, and the shot therefore did not count.The league found that calling for an instant replay review in this case was consistent with the playing rules because the game officials determined that there was a clock malfunction.Javier Hernandez Mexico Jersey . He was followed closely by David Clarkson, donning red, seconds later. Clarksons actions one night earlier, leaping off the bench in defence of Kessel during a pre-season game against the Buffalo Sabres, will cost him the first 10 games of the regular season. Miguel Layun Mexico Jersey . Toronto has dropped games to Indiana and Miami since a five-game winning streak and closed out a three-game road trip at 1-2. http://www.nationalsoccermexico.com/hector-herrera-mexico-jersey/ . - Connor McDavid scored 53 seconds into overtime as the Erie Otters came from behind to defeat the visiting Guelph Storm 4-3 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Carlos Vela Mexico Jersey . With the short-handed Warriors needing help from someone -- anyone -- to stop a three-game skid, ONeal returned from right knee and groin injuries that had sidelined him for four games and put up season highs with 18 points and eight rebounds. It was just enough to help lift Golden State to a 102-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Jorge Torres Nilo Mexico Jersey . Now tied for second in the league in shootout goals, the 24-year-old likes to see what the opposing goaltender has in store before he ultimately lands on a move.As Charlie Strong has learned in two years as Texas coach, the Big 12 is not a conference for a team trying to find an offensive identity. In a league filled with fast-paced spread attacks, it is difficult to hide deficiencies at quarterback.So before diving into identifying six pivotal players in the Big 12 this season, it should be noted: It is a given that whomever plays quarterback (sophomore Jerrod Heard or freshman Shane Buechele) for the Longhorns could end up as the most important player in the conference.As usual, the Big 12 has some star quarterbacks. None bigger than Oklahomas Baker Mayfield. Though Oklahoma States Mason Rudolph and Texas Techs Patrick Mahomes will likely put up numbers to rival the Sooners Heisman Trophy contender.Looking past the stars, here six players whose performances will be pivotal for their Big 12 teams in 2016.Denzel Johnson, S, TCUJohnson is one of those of those hybrid-type defensive players that every good defense needs when facing spread offenses. Looks like a safety (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), often plays like a linebacker up near the line of scrimmage (two sacks, eight passes broken up, 11 1/2 tackles for loss). While the Horned Frogs retool their offense this season, a defense that ranked second in the Big 12 in yards per play allowed (5.16) can help pick up any necessary slack, with Johnson as a prominent playmaker.Seth Russell, QB, BaylorRussell is coming off neck surgery that ended his 2015 season just as he was starting to get rolling (2,104 yards and 29 touchdown passes). Hes been cleared to play, but the senior hasnt taken a hit since last season. Making Russells recovery even more vital is the fact that Jarrett Stidham, last seasons promising freshman backup, has decided to transfer. The Bears are a hard team to predict after a tumultuous offseason, but this much is certain: Russell must be as good as new for Baylor to have any shott to finish near the top of the Big 12.ddddddddddddIan Sadler, WR, Texas TechJakeem Grant, maybe the fastest player in college football last year, is gone and the Red Raiders need to replace 1,268 yards and 10 touchdowns from their inside receivers. No one is saying Sadler (42 catches for 596 yards and three touchdowns) needs to double his production and make up for what Grant did alone. But Mahomes will need reliable slot guys who can turn a short gain into a big one occasionally and either Sadler or Cameron Batson will be asked to fill that role.Rushel Shell, RB, West VirginiaShell is a bruiser at 220 pounds and a former four-star recruit. Hes been a good player for the Mountaineers, sharing carries the last two seasons but never emerging as the best of a bunch. With Wendell Smallwood (and his 1,519 yards rushing) gone, Shell is the go-to-guy. The senior will be running behind one of the best lines in the league, too.Charles Walker, DE, OklahomaThe Sooners were second in the Big 12 in sacks last season with 39, but Erik Striker and Charles Tapper (combined 14.5 sacks) need to be replaced. That means a bigger role for Walker (six sacks in 2015). The Sooners will need the junior to turn into a terror. At 6-foot-2, 305 pounds, he has the potential to be the best defensive lineman in the conference.Michael Wilson, OG, Oklahoma StateThe Cowboys running game was awful last season (3.58 yards per rush, ninth in the conference) and a line filled with new starters was a big part of the problem. The good news is all those guys are back with a year of experience. Or is that the bad news? Singling out Wilson is not entirely fair. The whole group needs to play better, and maybe the senior can lead the way.----Follow Ralph D. Russo at www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP ' ' '