TORONTO -- Marcus Ball had to take the long road to realizing a childhood dream. [url=http://www.outletnfljerseys.com/]Wholesale

TORONTO -- Marcus Ball had to take the long road to realizing a childhood dream. Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping . The former Toronto Argonauts linebacker will finally get a shot at cracking an NFL roster after signing a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. Ball, wholl turn 27 in July, was undrafted out of Memphis and had to look north to get his start in pro football. "Im very blessed," Ball said during a telephone interview. "Its a fortunate opportunity to be able to achieve one of my ultimate goals and something Ive dreamt about since I was a kid starting out playing football. "This doesnt guarantee anything. I still have to go and fight for a position and spot on the roster but Im looking forward to the challenge." The six-foot-one, 209-pound Ball spent two seasons with the Argos, helping them win the 100th Grey Cup in 12. He recorded 142 tackles, seven sacks, four interceptions -- returning two for TDs -- and three fumble recoveries. Ball is expected to compete for a spot as a backup safety with the Saints and also play special teams. The club has two other safeties -- Jairus Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro -- on its roster. But Ball said his time in Toronto has prepared him well to compete for an NFL roster spot. "Being in a professional system and figuring out how to be a pro and learning how to be a pro in Toronto really helped me," he said. "Being in such a great organization in terms of ownership, (GM) Jim Barker, (former defensive co-ordinator) Chris Jones and (head coach) Scott Milanovich and being part of that championship mentality taught me a lot." Barker released Ball in February even though Ball was entering the option year of his CFL deal. Ball said hell forever be grateful to the Argos GM for allowing him to pursue his NFL dream. "That just speaks volumes about the kind of guy and person Jim Barker is," Ball said. "He has always believed in me, he has always been there for me and treated me like his own, as has the entire Argos staff and front office, thats what I really appreciated. "This is bitter-sweet because I love Toronto and will always consider Toronto home. Its tough to leave but now I have the opportunity to accomplish my dream." Dan Vertlieb, Balls Vancouver-based agent, echoed his clients sentiments. "Marcus is incredibly grateful to Jim Barker and the Toronto Argonauts for allowing him this opportunity," Vertlieb said. "Jim, in particular, has been a leader and visionary on this issue and in doing so has given Marcus the opportunity to best provide for his family. "Its not something that will soon be forgotten -- Marcus will be forever grateful for his time with the Argos." Last fall, receiver/kick-returner Chris Williams -- also a Vertlieb client -- became embroiled in a dispute with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats regarding his desire to pursue NFL opportunities while still under contract. Williams went to arbitration to be released from the final year of his CFL deal before ultimately reaching an agreement with the Ticats that allowed him to sign as a free agent with the Saints. Williams is now with the Chicago Bears. Ball is the third Toronto player to sign in the NFL after being released by the club, joining defensive back Nieko Thorpe (Oakland Raiders) and receiver Dontrelle Inman (San Diego Chargers). Thorpe also had time remaining on his CFL deal but Inman was released in December, just over a month before he was poised to become a free agent. Shortly after Torontos 12 Grey Cup victory, Barker released defensive lineman Armond Armstead, allowing him to sign with the NFLs New England Patriots. "Every situation is different," Barker said. "Its my job to win Grey Cups and I do whatever I have to do in order to win Grey Cups. "Ive never let a player go just because Im a nice guy. I do whats in the best interests of this football organization." Barker praised Ball for the contributions he made to the Argos. "Obviously, Marcus Ball is a great football player and you always have room and find a place for great football players," Barker said. "He always brings great energy and hopefully he can go and have a very successful career there." Balls departure adds to whats already been a whirlwind off-season for Toronto. Other players leaving include cornerback Patrick Watkins (free agent, Edmonton), linebacker Jason Pottinger (expansion draft, Ottawa), offensive lineman Joe Eppele (expansion draft, Ottawa), defensive lineman David Lee (free agent, Saskatchewan) and quarterback Zach Collaros (free agent, Hamilton). Defensive tackle Khalif Mitchell was also released to pursue NFL opportunities and remains a free agent. There was a revamping of the coaching staff as well with the departures of Jones and special-teams co-ordinator Mike OShea (head coach, Winnipeg) and assistants Steve McAddo, Jason Shivers, Ed Philion and Craig Davoren (all with Jones to Edmonton). The front office wasnt immune either as player-personnel director Ted Goveia left to become Winnipegs assistant GM. "This league is about change and either you prepare and can handle it or youre not going to be in league very long," Barker said. "The one thing I feel like Ive learned is you adapt to the situation you have. "Wed love everybody back but were dealing in a SMS (salary management system) world and it is what it is. Were proud that two of the three new head coaches came from our coaching staff because it means we have the right kind of people." And the nature of the business, Barker said, is always planning for the day when quality people within the organization get the opportunity to shine elsewhere. "Youve got to have a progression plan and to me, thats part of what Scott and I do," Barker said. "Well talk about replacements for these guys that are here now . . . its all about preparation. "You have to prepare for a worst-case scenario." Cheap NFL Jerseys China . The Arena das Dunas in the northeastern city of Natal sustained minor damage during the protests, but demonstrators stayed away on Sunday and officials said the stadium passed its first test, with only minor adjustments needed going forward. Cheap China Jerseys . UCI President Brian Cookson said Wednesday the commission will investigate allegations "that the UCI has been involved in wrongdoing in the past -- allegations which have done so much to hurt the credibility of the UCI and our sport. http://www.outletnfljerseys.com/ .Gasol had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and the Bulls beat the winless Orlando Magic 98-90 on Tuesday night.Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 21 points and Taj Gibson added 16 for Chicago, which finally pulled away in the final minutes of a game that was tied after three quarters.Sacramento, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Rudy Gay scored 29 points to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 101-92 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday. Darren Collison had 16 points and six assists, while rookie Nik Stauskas broke out of a slump with 15 points and eight rebounds for the Kings, who are back above .500 again after dropping five of their last six games. Its about time something went in for me, Stauskas said. Its good to have a smile on my face and enjoy playing basketball again. Gordon Hayward finished with 19 points and seven helpers, while Alec Burks and Trey Burke scored 16 and 13 points, respectively, for Utah, which lost its ninth straight game. With the game tied at 68-68 heading into the final stanza, Burks two free throws gave Utah a brief lead before the Kings pulled away with a 12-0 run. Stauskas and Williams each provided five points during the spurt to make it an 80-70 game with 8:19 to go. Utah whittled the deficit down to three points twice, but Sacramento had an answer each time as Stauskas three-point play with just over three minutes to play gave the Kings enough of a cusshion to hold on for the win. Clearance NFL Jerseys Sale. The Jazz used a 12-2 run, which was capped by Burkes jumper, to take a 19-4 lead with under five minutes to play in the opening stanza. Hayward knocked down a trey with 1.3 seconds remaining as the Jazz took a 31-23 lead into the second quarter. Stauskas jumper put the finishing touches on an 8-0 run that gave the Kings a 44-41 lead. Sacramento ended the half with back-to-back dunks courtesy of Gay and Ben McLemore for a 55-49 score heading into the break Utah got within a point after a pair of Burks free throws for a 60-59 game less than three minutes into the third and Rudy Gobert slammed his own rebound to give the Jazz a 67-66 edge. Game Notes The Jazz havent lost nine in a row since March 4-19, 2005 ... Sacramento has won five of its last seven games as the host in the series ... Kings center DeMarcus Cousins missed his sixth straight game due to a viral infection ... Kings forward Reggie Evans had a game-high 13 boards ... Sacramento shot 47.3 percent from the floor, while Utah shot 40.5 percent. ' ' '