MUNICH - Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness was found guilty Thursday and sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for evading millions of euros (dollars) in tax through an undeclared Swiss bank account. LeGarrette Blount Jersey . The 62-year-old Hoeness, one of the most powerful figures in German soccer, was initially charged with dodging 3.5 million euros ($4.85 million) in taxes through the Swiss account. But when his trial opened Monday he admitted to avoiding 15 million euros more. Then it came out through an examination of documents he provided to investigators shortly before the trial that he owed 27.2 million euros in total — a number Hoeness did not dispute. Hoeness had faced up to 10 years in prison, and the sentence came between the 5 1/2 years suggested by the prosecution and the defences plea for probation, based on the fact that he had turned himself in for tax evasion and provided details to the court, the dpa news agency reported. Following the verdict, defence attorney Hanns Feigen said he would appeal the decision to see how a higher court would value Hoeness "not ideal" confession. He added that he was convinced the appeals court would come to a "better result" than the Munich state court did. Hoeness will remain free on bail pending the outcome of the appeal. German authorities have been cracking down on tax evaders in recent years, and have recovered hundreds of millions of euros. Their widely-publicized purchase of leaked account information on thousands of investors, as well as high-profile cases such as that against Hoeness and former Deutsche Post AG CEO Klaus Zumwinkel, has led to thousands of people turning themselves in. Hoeness, who also is part owner of a Nuremberg sausage factory, reported himself to the tax authorities last April — around the same time that German media were investigating reports of high-profile tax evaders. News of the case against the national icon prompted even Chancellor Angela Merkels spokesman to weigh in and say the countrys leader was disappointed in him. As a player, Hoeness was a Bayern star who won the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup with West Germany and three straight European Cups — the predecessor of the Champions League — before retiring in 1979 with chronic knee problems. He became the Bundesligas youngest coach when he was 27. Bayern has been enjoying unprecedented success under Hoeness presidency. The club stood by him during the investigation, and its supervisory board was expected to meet following the verdict to see what steps to take next. Bayern Munich said it would issue a statement later Thursday. In three decades as manager and president of Bayern, Hoeness conducted a prudent financial policy that left the club not only without debts but with a fat bank account. Hoeness refused to spend lavishly on foreign superstars but brought in the best of German talent. In recent years, Bayern started spending more on players and the result was its first treble last season, when it won the Champions League, the Bundesliga and the German Cup. The club is on course to win the Bundesliga again — perhaps even undefeated — and could become the first team to defend the Champions League title. Bayern could accomplish the treble again. Hoeness was also instrumental in signing coach Pep Guardiola. With three "strategic partners" — Adidas, Audi and Allianz, which each have an 8.33-per cent stake in the club — Bayern has some of Germanys best known companies behind it. The club has also paid off its stadium. Cameron Heyward Authentic Jersey . That four-game skid in early January seems as if its a long time ago. Kessel scored twice, James van Riemsdyk had a goal and an assist and the Maple Leafs beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-2 on Tuesday night for their sixth straight win. Jason Worilds Authentic Jersey . -- Whenever a Royals pitcher has issued a walk lately, the runner has usually scored. MIAMI -- Casey McGehee tied the game in the eighth inning with a two-out, two-run double, then drove home the winning run with a sacrifice fly in the 10th, and the Miami Marlins averted a series sweep by beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 Sunday. Pittsburghs Vance Worley pitched seven innings in his season debut and departed with a 2-0 lead. But the Marlins tied the game when McGehee doubled off Tony Watson, who entered the game with a streak of 21 1-3 consecutive scoreless innings. Leading off the 10th, Rafael Furcal fouled a ball off his leg and tumbled to the dirt in pain, but stayed in the game long enough to single. Pinch runner Ed Lucas advanced on a sacrifice, and Giancarlo Stanton was intentionally walked. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, and McGehees fly to right field against Jared Hughes (3-2) scored Lucas without a play. The Marlins earned their sixth walkoff win and broke a three-game losing streak. The Pirates had won four in a row and were bidding for their first three-game series sweep in Miami since 1993. Miamis A.J. Ramos (4-0) loaded the bases with none out in the 10th but escaped. On a 3-2 pitch, Russell Martin grounded into a 5-2-3 double play, and Clint Barmes struck out to end the threat. Worley was recalled from Triple-A before the game to fill in for left-hander Francisco Liriano, who went on the disabled list Wednesday with a left oblique strain. Worley allowed five hits and no walks. Miamis Henderson Alvarez allowed two runs in seven innings. Pittsburghs Jared Hughes escaped a jam in the ninth, retiring two batters with a runner at second. Pirates leadoff hitteer Gregory Polanco, who has had a hit in all six games since breaking into the big leagues, had two infield singles and is batting . Black Mens Le Veon Bell Elite Jersey. 387. Andrew McCutchen had two hits and is batting .444 during an 11-game hitting streak. Polanco singled in the third and scored the games first run on Starling Martes double. That ended Alvarezs streak of 27 consecutive scoreless innings at Marlins Park. Josh Harrison singled home a run in the fourth to put the Pirates ahead 2-0. Miamis rally in the eighth began when pinch hitter Jeff Baker led off with an infield single, and Rafael Furcal also singled. Reed Johnson and Giancarlo Stanton struck out, but McGehee tied the game with his third hit. McGehee leads the majors with 30 hits with runners in scoring position, and hes batting .411 in those situations. Notes: Marlins RHP Nathan Eovaldi went on the paternity list before the game and left for Texas to be with his wife for the delivery of their first child. Hes expected to start as scheduled Wednesday against the Cubs. Miami recalled RHP Sam Dyson from Triple-A New Orleans. ... The Pirates optioned INF Michael Martinez to Triple-A Indianapolis. ... Marlins LF Christian Yelich (back) missed his second game in a row and could be headed for the disabled list, manager Mike Redmond said. ... Pittsburgh begins a three-game homestand Tuesday when RHP Brandon Cumpton (2-2, 6.06) starts against Cincinnati RHP Johnny Cueto (6-5, 1.85). ... The Marlins open a three-game series at home Monday against the Cubs when RHP Tom Koehler (5-5, 3.68) starts against RHP Jason Hammel (6-4, 2.81).wholesale jerseys ' ' '
