Jean van de Velde knows the pitfalls of Carnoustie better than most players, and spoke of the courses ability to take away quickly ahead of his return there in the Senior Open on Thursday. Van de Valde famously blew a five-shot lead in the final round of the 1999 Open at the Scottish course, providing one of golfs enduring images when he removed his shoes and socks while contemplating hitting a ball in the water as his lead disintegrated entirely at the 18th.The Frenchman decided against the shot, instead taking a drop which - when combined with his other strokes - saw him register a triple-bogey seven which meant the Open would go to a play-off. Justin Leonard and Paul Lawrie also contested that showdown, with Scotsman Lawrie prevailing to leave Van de Velde with thoughts of what might have been.Ahead of his return to Carnoustie for the Senior Open, Van de Velde remains fully aware of such memories but does not feel he is under any additional pressure because of his part in Carnoustie - and golf - folklore. Van de Veldes collapse led to a play-off, which was won by Paul Lawrie Its been such a long time since I really played so there is no expectation, he told Sky Sports News HQ. Its a cliche but its a case of taking it a shot at a time and a hole at a time and hopefully I can be somewhere around on Sunday.Before that Open I played there in a Scottish Open in the early 1990s so I know this course - I know what it can do.Its a course that can give but it can take away quite quickly too, sometimes. Todd Hamilton, who won the 2004 Open at Royal Troon, will also contest this weeks seniors event, although he admits he is not currently producing his best golf.This is a different course for the seniors, it is set up short but it is still a very difficult test, Hamilton said. As always with links golf you have to stay out of the bunkers.I havent been playing very well but you never know when its going to click like it did 12 years ago at Troon. Also See: VOTE: Best shot at The Open A year of first-time winners Better than Duel in the Sun? Beef looking for more success Asics Outlet Uk .C. -- Ryan Sproul scored the winner late in double overtime to lift the Grand Rapids Griffins to a 2-1 win over the Abbotsford Heat on Friday in Game 1 of their American Hockey League playoff series. Asics Shoes Uk Cheap .com) - The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to complete a sweep of the Washington Capitals when the clubs cap a quick home-and-home series Tuesday night in the Steel City. http://www.clearanceasicsuk.com/. - Chelseas 1-0 win at the Etihad, spoiling Manchester Citys perfect home record continues to be the talking point of the week. Asics Shoes Uk Sale . Freddie Roach said if the Rios fight "does not go well, we will seriously talk about his retirement," but that Pacquiao was training as well as ever for the Nov. Asics Shoes Clearance Sale . Under the deal, the Vikings will donate an undisclosed sum of money to five gay rights-related charities over the next five years. Kluwe said he wont receive any money as part of the settlement. "This will help a lot of people that really do need that help," Kluwe said.INDIANAPOLIS -- Michael Sam needed no introduction. He provided one anyway, subtly spelling out his desire to be known simply as a football player whose sexuality isnt a national story. "Good afternoon. My name is Michael Sam. I play football for the University of Missouri," he said to commence his first public appearance since announcing hes gay. Sam smiled and laughed often during a 12 1/2-minute news conference at Lucas Oil Stadium, looking relaxed, jovial and confident while taking questions from the hundreds of reporters surrounding the podium. Despite credentials that include the Southeastern Conference co-defensive player of the year award, Sam is projected only as a mid-round pick in the draft in May. Hes 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds, falling somewhere between a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and an outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. Where he winds up, Sam said he doesnt care. "Im a pass rusher. If you put me in a situation to get the quarterback, Im going to get the quarterback. Whoever coaches or GMs, this league is a passing league. Id like to believe in myself as a good pass rusher," Sam said. Hes not worried about being accepted, either, in light of the bullying scandal that emerged in Miami. "If the Miami Dolphins drafted me I would be excited to be a part of that organization," Sam said. "But Im not afraid of going into that environment. I know how to handlle myself.dddddddddddd I know how to communicate with my teammates. I know how to communicate with the coaches and other staff I need to communicate with." Mostly, Sam wants to communicate this: "I just wish you guys would just see me as Michael Sam the football player instead of Michael Sam the gay football player." His former Missouri teammates certainly did. "Hes happy with who he is. He doesnt shy away from who he is. Mike Sam has got a lot of personality. Hes a great guy. Hes not going to be any different than who he is every day," said wide receiver LDamian Washington, one of several ex-Tigers stars here for the NFLs annual scouting combine. If Sam were to slip down the draft board, determining a bias against his orientation or a fear of the potential distraction would be near impossible. If teams pass on him, theyre likely unsure how his combination of size and speed fits with their defence. "You only need one team. One team that believes in you. Theres 32 teams. You need one team," Washington said. Coaches and executives around the league were asked often this weekend for their thoughts on how Sam would fit, both on the field and in the locker room. "He would be welcomed, no different than any other player we have," New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said, adding: "The big thing we always talk about is respect in our locker room." ' ' '