SOCHI, Russia -- An international journalism watchdog on Tuesday criticized Russian authorities for restricting news coverage of preparations for the Sochi Olympics.Dan Marino Jersey . The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists detailed in a report how Russian and international journalists have been harassed and prevented from covering sensitive stories in Sochi such as the abuse of migrant workers and environmental issues. The report documented how Russian state-controlled media have been ignoring critical issues while few local journalists working for independent news outlets faced a campaign of smear and harassment. "Russian authorities have cracked down on journalists, rights defenders, and civil activists in a way not seen since the break-up of the Soviet Union," CPJ co-ordinator Nina Ognianova said in a statement. There was no immediate response from Russian authorities to the criticism levelled by CPJ. The Associated Press last year documented stories of local journalists and activists who found themselves at the front lines of a struggle to reveal corruption and environmental damage in the run-up to the games. Months before the start of the games, journalists and activists were detained and some of them put on trial. Svetlana Kravchenko of the Caucasian Knot website, a prominent local journalist who has covered environmental travesties in Sochi and the heavy-handed tactics of local officials, was tried and found guilty of beating up a security guard. Rights groups including Human Right Watch called local authorities responsible for the campaign of harassment against journalists and activists. Local authorities insist that criminal prosecution against members of the public including journalists is a matter of law enforcement agencies and is in no way politicized. The Black Sea resort of Sochi will host the Winter Games Feb. 7-23. Reshad Jones Dolphins Jersey . The major league service time required for arbitration this off-season was 2 years, 122 days, according to calculations by the commissioners office and the players association. Bob Griese Womens Jersey . But Kobe Bryant borrows a term from former coach Phil Jackson to describe anybody who doubts what the Lakers veteran point guard can do in the clutch. "Thats inherently idiotic," he said. CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Kemba Walker outdueled Kyrie Irving and the Charlotte Bobcats earned their first win of the season. Walker won the battle of small, but speedy point guards, scoring 23 points and handing out seven assists to help the Bobcats beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 90-84 on Friday night in their home opener. Walker hit a 3-pointer over Irving with 58 seconds left to break a tie. The Cavaliers had two chances to tie, but Josh McRoberts came up with a steal and Jarrett Jack had an air-ball on a 3-pointer with 12 seconds left. Gerald Henderson added two free throws in the final 11 seconds to make it a two-possession game and help seal the win. Bismack Biyombo, who filled in for injured centre Al Jefferson, came up big for Charlotte scoring 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting and grabbing 10 rebounds. CJ Miles had 22 points, and Tristan Thompson added 21 for the Cavaliers. Irving had 16 points on 7-of-17 shooting, but was held to one point in the fourth quarter. He attempted only three shots in the fourth and missed them all. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist finished with 15 points and six rebounds for the Bobcats. Henderson had 10 points on 2-of-10 shooting. The Bobcats led throughout the first half and was up 54-49 behind 12 points from Walker and eight apiece from rookie Cody Zeller and resserve Ramon Sessions. Brandon Gibson Jersey. Zeller, the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, outplayed No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett in his first game in front of the home crowd. The 7-footer showed terrific athleticism getting up and down the court and knocked down two mid-range jumpers while finishing with nine points and five rebounds. Bennett failed to score in 12 minutes and had four fouls. Zeller got a chance to guard his older brother Tyler -- and even deflected one of his shots. The Bobcats played without Jefferson, their top free agent acquisition this off-season. The 6-10 centre re-aggravated his ankle in Charlottes loss at Houston on Wednesday night. Coach Steve Clifford said Jefferson will be reevaluated over the weekend. "Its significant," Clifford said of having to play without Jefferson. "Hes our best offensive player. I dont want to go crazy, but hes of the two or three best low post scorers in the league." Jeffersons absence meant the Bobcats had to change their style of play using more pick and rolls instead of pounding the ball into the low post. NOTES: Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera took in the game from courtside. ... Walker has scored in double digits in 26 of his last 27 games dating to last season. ... The Bobcats have won their last four home games dating to last season. ' ' '