playoffs following three straight trips to the NFC

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - For weeks, Frank Gore has been pondering the reality he could be playing his final game with San Francisco on Sunday.He briefly became quiet Tuesday just talking about it, saying he would like nothing more than to return to the 49ers next season, his only team as a pro. Especially after the way this year went, missing the playoffs following three straight trips to the NFC championship game and a Super Bowl near miss.Ive been thinking about it these last two weeks very hard, Gore said Tuesday in a short interview with The Associated Press. Im OK. I was just thinking about, Dang, it really can be.But I know the business of it. The organization has been great, theyve been great to me. I just want to finish strong in front of my fans. Hopefully we can get a win, and Ill see from there.San Franciscos all-time leading rusher needs 38 yards Sunday against Arizona for his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season and eighth in his 10 NFL seasons. The Niners (7-8) need to beat the Cardinals to avoid their first losing season under embattled fourth-year coach Jim Harbaugh.The University of Michigan on Tuesday posted a birthday greeting and photo of Harbaugh via Twitter as he turned 51. His alma mater is a suitor for his services, with unconfirmed reports over the past week the university has already made a six-year offer.Gore, who has voiced support of Harbaugh, finished with 158 yards against the Chargers after breaking four tackles on the 52-yard scoring run in the first quarter. Hes showing no signs of being slowed after the concussion sustained at Seattle on Dec. 14.I expect a lot out of Frank and theres not too much he does that amazes me anymore because thats just the standard hes set for himself, quarterback Colin Kaepernick said. Hes a huge asset and Im hoping hes back here. Feel a lot more comfortable with 21 in the backfield.Gore said there have been no formal discussions with the front office about what might be next. General manager Trent Baalke on Thursday acknowledged the mutual interest to CSN Bay Area and said the 49ers hope Gore returns.Hopefully Ill be back, Gore said. The organization, they love me and they respect me. I want to be back, yeah, hey, I was raised here. I dont know nothing else.The running back doesnt even know who the coach will be come 2015, so that person would likely have a say. Harbaugh has kept quiet throughout the speculation about his future.I respect that. Thats hard, man, thats hard to do. He still came to work every day, worked hard and tried to win, Gore said. Hes a great coach. I just feel like its hard to come in this league and do what he did.Harbaugh has praised Gore for his handling of a difficult season and a year in which his workload has been less than what hes accustomed to or desires.Hes an unwavering professional in everything that he does. Great to be around. Loved by his teammates and coaches. Hes a joy to be around every day, Harbaugh said. Boy, hes the most or as motivated as any player Ive ever been around to play the game. I think back to 2011 when he had the ankle injury and we were playing against the Eagles. He really wasnt able to walk on it all week and then went out and rushed for over a hundred yards. Its special.At 31, when people questioned whether Gore could still run like an elite NFL back, he arrived at training camp and said he was ready to prove wrong all the critics.Now, theres some unfinished business with the 49ers before he leaves, such as turning things around again in 2015 and getting back to the Super Bowl and winning this time.Its been tough. You look at the last three years, weve been the top dogs of the NFL. This year has been very tough for us. Thats stressful, Gore said. Thats my goal. When you play this game that should be your goal. We got there and we didnt finish. I know weve got the people to do it. This year was a crazy year, too many injuries and just a lot.___Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Eden Hazard Jersey . That little deal worked out in a big way for the Mavericks. Nowitzki had 21 points Tuesday night to pass Oscar Robertson for 10th on the NBAs career scoring list, leading the Mavs to a 95-83 victory over the Utah Jazz. Toby Alderweireld Jersey .Carla Fontes hadnt cut her hair since intermediate school, but her coach at Waiakea High School, Stan Haraguchi, thought the locks flowing below her waist were interfering with the sport. http://www.soccerbelgiumteamonline.com/Dedryck-Boyata-UEFA-European-Belgium-Jersey/ . Catch the game on TSN starting at 7pm et/4pm pt. You can also listen to all the action live on TSN 1050 at 7pm et. The Knicks are two games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference race. Thibaut Courtois Jersey . In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Tonight, Michigans Nik Stauskas of Mississauga, Ontario. Kevin De Bruyne Jersey . Reyes, 26, was traded from Atlanta to Toronto in July 2010 and spent the remainder of the season in the minors. He began 2011 in the majors and made 20 starts with the Blue Jays, going 5-8 with a 5.40 earned run average before he was waived on Aug.Canadian freestyle aerials competitor Olivier Rochons season is over. The Canadian Freestyle Ski Association announced Friday that Rochon, 24, suffered a season-ending torn left anterior cruciate ligament that will prevent him from competing in the Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, in February. The resident of Gatineau, Que., suffered the injury Monday on a free run in Apex, B.C. According to the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association, Rochon lost his balance, hit a bump and then heard a pop in his knee. "It was pure bad luck," Rochon said. "I will get through this. "Next year are world championships and I plan on being on the podium." Rochon has overcome adversity before. He was suspended from the national team in 20011 for bad behaviour and rather than brood about it, he returned to become the worlds top aerials performer in 12.dddddddddddd Rochon captured a bronze medal in the season-opening World Cup event in China and was also fourth in the aerials test event for the 2014 Sochi Games. But he also had surgery in May to repair a hernia on his left side. "He came back with the perfect balance," said coach Daniel Murphy. "A bit of bad boy craziness that keeps you in the sport, but more professional and precise with his training. "Its a disappointment but hes overcome so many things to get here I have no doubt hell be back in full training mode in no time." Rochon is expected to meet with reporters next week. ' ' '