COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Republican go

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook on Thursday said he found out about Kevin Durants departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder like yall found out.On the news, on the cellphones, the social media, Westbrook said Thursday during a news conference to announce an extension with the Thunder that is potentially worth $85.7 million over the next three seasons. I talked to Kevin early on in the process. But nothing after. Just a text message from him, thats about it.After eight seasons playing with Westbrook in Oklahoma City, Durant signed a two-year, $54.3 million contract with the Golden State Warriors on July 4. The Thunder led Golden State 3-1 in the Western Conference finals before losing in Game 7.Asked whether Durants choosing the Warriors stings more, Westbrook was blunt.Sting for who? he said, smiling.Listen, I understand free agency, Westbrook said. I understand having the opportunity to go where we need to go. But once that happened, I told [GM] Sam [Presti], Whats next? To me, thats just my mentality: Whats the next thing we need to do to help our team win? Thats all Im worried about, to find ways to come in and figure out ways to make the team become a great organization.Asked whether he was surprised by the way Durant handled his free agency, Westbrook said he was: Some people handle things differently than others, and thats the way he wanted to handle it, which is fine.Durant and Westbrook appeared in four conference finals and one NBA Finals. As teammates, they blossomed into one of the most successful and potent duos in the NBA.However, since Durants decision, he and Westbrook have not spoken.Wed been together eight years, Westbrook said. You dont throw that away. Obviously hes now with a new team. But we definitely will talk eventually. But obviously now we havent.Westbrook was asked whether hes anticipating forthcoming matchups against Durant and the Warriors.Do you want to say it, or do you want me to say it? he said. You know what Im going to say.Like I said before, no game is no bigger, no less, no player, no place. I stand behind that because I play every game like its my last. I go out to compete regardless of whos on the floor, regardless of if were playing Golden State, Philadelphia, Milwaukee. It doesnt matter to me. My job is to go out and compete for our team.In Rio de Janeiro, where he is part of the U.S. mens Olympic team, Durant said he wouldnt immediately be reaching out to Westbrook to discuss his decision to stay in Oklahoma City.Nah, thats a touchy deal, Durant said. At some point, well sit down and talk. But I dont know when.Asked if he was happy for Westbrook, Durant said he was.Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Custom College Jerseys China . Fred Couples, captain of the U.S. side, put it all into perspective. "We know whos in charge," he said. Cheap Custom College Jerseys .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. http://www.collegejerseyscustom.com/ . - Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings was speaking to a group of local high school students earlier this week when the conversation turned to the importance of being prepared when opportunities in life arise. Cheap Custom Jerseys . Roman Josi had a goal and an assist to lead the Predators to a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night. Cheap Custom Jerseys Free Shipping . - Goaltender Philippe Desrosiers of the Rimouski Oceanic has broken a shutout record that was only three months old in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Republican governors of Illinois and Ohio are betting cases of beer, pizza and other ballpark favorites on the World Series beginning Tuesday between the Cubs and the Indians.On his Twitter page Monday, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner wagered a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and microbrew beer from Chicago if Cleveland wins.Ohio Gov. John Kasich (KAY-sik) returned the challenge on his Twitter page , promising to send Rauner fan favorites if Chicago wins. A Kasicch spokeswoman says those would include items such as local beer and ballpark mustard from Cleveland.ddddddddddddThe states two Democratic U.S. senators also made a beer wager with one another, as did their Republican counterparts. The Illinois lawmakers get beer from Cleveland if the Cubs win, and the Ohioans get Chicago beer if the Indians triumph. ' ' '