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UT words are few on status of Bryce
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Derek Dooley says he still hasn’t talked to running back Bryce Brown about the possibility of returning to the Volunteers.
Dooley announced in March that Brown had decided to leave the program. At a Knoxville Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday, the coach said Brown hasn’t approached him to ask for a release from Tennessee to join another program either, which he acknowledged was “bizarre.”
Dooley says he’s been open to the possibility of the would-be sophomore returning but also did not expect that to happen.
A university spokesman would not comment on reports that Brown missed a planned meeting with the coach. Read More ...
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Suing Titans shock Kiffin
NEW YORK (AP) — Southern California coach Lane Kiffin says he was surprised by the lawsuit filed against him and USC by the Tennessee Titans after he hired away one of the NFL team’s assistant coaches.
Kiffin hired Kennedy Pola on Saturday to be offensive coordinator and running backs coach for the Trojans.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher said he was upset by the fact that Kiffin didn’t contact him before reaching out to Pola.
On Monday, Tennessee Football Inc., the company that owns the Titans, filed a suit accusing Kiffin and USC of violating Pola’s contract.
Kiffin, in New York on Tuesday for a Pac-10 event, says Pola’s hiring “was done no differently than any we did at SC or Tennessee. I didn’t anticipate this. No one would have.” Read More ...
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Ocho-T.O. show is a go for Cincy
CINCINNATI (AP) — A year after they were featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” the Bengals have scripted their own reality show.
T.O. and Ocho. Two self-conscious stars, one NFL team.
How will they fit? How will it work? Which receiver will provide most of the drama?
And, more importantly, will any of it help the Bengals get back to the playoffs?
The Bengals reached a contract agreement with receiver Terrell Owens on Tuesday, two persons familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. He’s expected to report to training camp in a day or two and sign a one-year deal that will pay him $2 million with a chance for an additional $2 million in bonuses.
The Bengals were his first choice, giving him a chance to team with close friend Chad Ochocinco, who has already dubbed the pair Batman and Robin. Read More ...
By JOE KAY, AP Sports Writer |
Sam to be a Ram in very near future
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Rams are optimistic they’ll sign No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford soon, perhaps by Thursday when quarterbacks and rookies are due for their first training camp workout.
Whenever Bradford arrives, he won’t be throwing to Terrell Owens. The franchise is thin at wide receiver, but coach Steve Spagnuolo said Tuesday that the team has decided against signing Owens.
“We took everything into play and we came up with a decision, and I really want to talk about the 2010 Rams,” Spagnuolo said.
The coach declined the say how serious the Rams were in contract talks with the volatile wide receiver.
“I’m not going to put it in a category,” Spagnuolo said. “We sat down, talked about it. We went about it the right way and the decision was made.” Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Garza gives Tigers no-no shot
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Matt Garza insists the first no-hitter in Tampa Bay history and the fifth in the major leagues this season isn’t the most satisfying moment of his career.
That, Garza said Monday night after facing the minimum 27 batters to beat the Detroit Tigers 5-0, came during an MVP performance as the winning pitcher in Game 7 of the 2008 AL championship series.
“It’s not even close to that feeling. Shoot, we went to the World Series,” the hard-throwing right-hander said in a hastily set up interview room after the Rays finally wound up on the right side of a memorable pitching performance. Read More ...
By FRED GOODALL, AP Sports Writer |
New Vol boss, Auburn mentor put blame on athletes
HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Tennessee coach Derek Dooley and Auburn’s Gene Chizik both say the onus isn’t just on agents to follow the rules, college athletes know the difference between right and wrong.
“A lot of this has got to go back to the young guy,” Chizik said Friday. “He’s got to have an allegiance to his school. He’s got to have an allegiance to his teammates. He’s got to have an allegiance to his coaches and to his university. The bottom line is, I think everybody probably does a really good job of trying to educate their kids.
“If they know right from wrong and they choose to do wrong, then they don’t really have an allegiance to the people that I just mentioned. They know right from wrong.” Read More ...
By JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Writer |
Scorned Titans put Kiffin in fast ‘Lane’ to court
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans are suing Southern California and coach Lane Kiffin for “maliciously” luring away assistant running backs coach Kennedy Pola a week before training camp opens.
Tennessee Football Inc., the company that owns the Titans, filed the lawsuit Monday in Davidson County Chancery Court against both the university and Kiffin.
The lawsuit accuses Southern California and Kiffin of violating Pola’s contract that required him to have written permission to discuss a job with anyone other than the Titans.
Tennessee hired Pola as running backs coach in February only to lose him Saturday to Southern California as the Trojans’ new offensive coordinator and running backs coach. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Cubbie Big Z sorry for tirade
CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano apologized for his dugout tirade last month.
Zambrano went off after allowing four runs in the first inning against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on June 25 and had to be separated from teammate Derrek Lee.
He was suspended for three games and placed on the restricted list on June 29 with a mandate that he seek anger management counseling.
Zambrano said Monday on ESPN he apologizes “from the bottom of my heart” and that the confrontation “was my fault.”
“It’s hard to think right when you’re mad,” he said. “Thank God the Cubs sent me to this doctor. I’ve been seeing this doctor for anger management, and hopefully, good things will come out of the treatment.”
Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he believes Zambrano is “contrite” and “looking forward to coming back,” but reiterated he needs to address his teammates when he returns this weekend at Colorado. Read More ...
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Pitino to take stand soon
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Rick Pitino’s lawyer said the Louisville basketball coach might testify today or Wednesday in the case of a woman accused of trying to extort him.
Attorney Steve Pence, a former federal prosecutor, told The Associated Press that Pitino’s testimony could last at least half a day in the case of Karen Cunagin Sypher. Pitino was not at the trial Monday.
Sypher, 50, has pleaded not guilty to extortion, retaliating against a witness and lying to the FBI.
She is accused of demanding college tuition for her children, her house to be paid off and $10 million.
A jury of eight men and eight women were selected to hear the case. Four jurors will be excused as alternates before deliberations begin. Testimony was expected to pick up at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Read More ...
By BRETT BARROUQUERE, Associated Press Writer |
Lopez longball helps Cards to avoid broom of Cubbies
CHICAGO (AP) — Felipe Lopez was simply trying to get on base when he hit his go-ahead homer.
Lopez hit a tie-breaking solo shot in the 11th inning to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Sunday night and avoid a weekend sweep.
“Games like these we have to find a way to win because the other team isn’t going to let up,” he said. “We’ve got to get as many wins as we can.”
Lopez did his part by driving a 3-2 pitch from Brian Schlitter (0-1) over the right-field wall with two out in the 11th for his sixth homer of the season to put the Cardinals back in the National League Central lead, a half game ahead of Cincinnati.
The big hit came one day after Lopez was scratched from the starting lineup for reportedly arriving late to the ballpark. It also made a winner of closer Ryan Franklin (5-1), who pitched two innings. Read More ...
By ANDREW SELIGMAN, AP Sports Writer |
Highest honors belong to Jamie
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jamie McMurray’s a big believer in fate, that things work out in the end if you just keep at it.
It’s an ethos that’s buoyed the NASCAR driver throughout his often bumpy career, one that’s been a mixed bag at best, disappointing at worst.
McMurray remained upbeat last summer when he knew he was on his way out at Roush-Fenway Racing, optimistic he’d eventually find a new home. Opportunity came in a surprising place: driving for Chip Ganassi, the owner he’d left five years earlier for the deeper pockets at RFR.
It was a detour McMurray felt he needed to take. He came back to Ganassi — who had merged operations with Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the interim — a more mature, more appreciative driver. Read More ...
By WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer |
New Vol boss diplomatic in debut at league podium
HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Derek Dooley is no Lane Kiffin.
The new Tennessee coach remained politically correct and controversy-free in his first address at Southeastern Conference media days. He talked of hanging out at the lake this summer with one-time boss, Alabama coach Nick Saban, and praised former Vols’ coaches Phillip Fulmer and Johnny Majors.
And five times in his 40 or so minutes in a packed hotel ballroom Friday with reporters, he fielded questions about his predecessor, Kiffin, who ruffled plenty of feathers in his lone season in Knoxville before taking over the Southern California program.
Welcome to the SEC, coach. Really. Read More ...
By JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Writer |
Hawk, Herzog take Hall perches
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — “The Hawk” has landed in Cooperstown.
Andre Dawson, who endured 12 knee surgeries to forge an impressive 21-year major league career, was inducted Sunday into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming just the 203rd player in the game’s long history to receive the honor.
“Thank you for welcoming this rookie to your team” said Dawson, who played for a decade in Montreal before signing with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent. “It’s an honor beyond words. I didn’t play this game with this goal in mind, but I’m living proof that if you love this game, the game will love you back. I am proof that any young person who can hear my voice right now can be standing here as I am.” Read More ...
By JOHN KEKIS, AP Sports Writer |
Titans’ boss irked by courting Kiffin
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Add Titans coach Jeff Fisher to the list of people Lane Kiffin had ticked off in Tennessee.
Kiffin hired Titans assistant coach Kennedy Pola on Saturday to be his offensive coordinator and running backs coach at Southern California, irking Fisher by failing to follow the usual protocol in courting another team’s assistant.
Fisher voiced his displeasure with his alma mater’s new head coach to the Tennessean newspaper, saying Kiffin hadn’t made the customary contact to tell the NFL team he was interested in Pola, a former USC player and assistant coach who joined the Titans after last season ended. Read More ...
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer |
Phils make do with a little
By The Associated Press
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Placido Polanco homered leading off the 11th inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies survived another poor offensive showing with a 2-0 victory that ended the St. Louis Cardinals’ eight-game winning streak and averted a four-game sweep on Thursday.
Publishedi n The Messenger 7.23.10 Read More ...
AP |
Minor leaguers tested for HGH
By The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball implemented random blood testing for human growth hormone in the minor leagues on Thursday, the first professional sports league in the United States to take the aggressive step against doping.
The blood testing becomes part of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, which commissioner Bud Selig introduced in 2001 to test for performance-enhancing drugs.
Published in The Messenger 7.23.10 Read More ...
AP |
Torre thinks Dodgers last stop
By BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers skipper Joe Torre says he’s not ruling anything out, but he doesn’t anticipate managing anywhere else, including Chicago.
Torre’s name has emerged as a possible candidate to replace Lou Piniella, who is retiring as Cubs manager at season’s end.
Published in The Messenger 7.23.10 Read More ...
AP |
Vols do damage control
NASHVILLE (AP) — The reputation for Tennessee football has been ugly since a bar brawl two weeks ago, and the Volunteers are on the road, trying to fix that perception.
Published in The Messenger 7.23.10 Read More ...
AP |
New Vandy boss an early hit
By JOHN ZENOR
AP Sports Writer
HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Robbie Caldwell spun yarns about his days as a “turkey inseminator” and joked about being so anonymous he got a tip for opening a restaurant door for a guy Wednesday evening.
“Oh man, I got a dollar-and-a-half,” Vanderbilt’s new interim coach said gleefully.
Published in The Messenger 7.23.10 Read More ...
AP |
To party or not still a hot topic
By JOHN ZENOR
AP Sports Writer
HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — A party on Miami’s South Beach and sports agents were once again hot topics at the Southeastern Conference media days, with South Carolina and Georgia taking center stage on Thursday.
Published in The Messenger 7.23.10 Read More ...
AP |
NASCAR docks Edwards big
By WILL GRAVES
AP Sports Writer
NASCAR docked star Carl Edwards 60 Nationwide Series driver points, fined him $25,000 and placed both Edwards and Brad Keselowski on probation through Dec. 31 following their last-lap antics at Gateway International Raceway.
Published in The Messenger 7.22.10 Read More ...
AP |
Streaking Redbirds don’t let up
By R.B. FALLSTROM
AP Sports Writer
ST. LOUIS (AP) — With the bases loaded, two outs and the game tied in the top of the seventh, Charlie Manuel let his pitcher, Joe Blanton, hit. It was all downhill from there for the sagging Philadelphia Phillies.
Published in The Messenger 7.22.10 Read More ...
AP |
TSSAA approves trauma policy
NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee high school athletes with concussion symptoms will have to be cleared by a doctor before returning to sports under a new policy approved Wednesday by the state’s athletic association.
Published in The Messenger 7.22.10 Read More ...
AP |
Judge says no to cheerleading as college sport
By PAT EATON-ROBB
Associated Press Writer
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Competitive cheerleading is not an official sport that colleges can use to meet gender-equity requirements, a federal judge ruled Wednesday in ordering a Connecticut school to keep its women’s volleyball team.
Published in The Messenger 7.22.10 Read More ...
AP |
Saban emphatic about bad agents
By JOHN ZENOR
AP Sports Writer
HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Nick Saban didn’t pull punches Wednesday when discussing the improper contact with athletes by unscrupulous agents, comparing their behavior to that of a “pimp.”
Published in The Messenger 7.22.10 Read More ...
AP |
Heads rolling at So. Cal
By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Embattled Southern California athletic director Mike Garrett will be replaced by Pat Haden next month, and the school will return its copy of Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy in its ongoing effort to repair its reputation after last month’s severe NCAA sanctions.
Published in The Messenger 7.21.10 Read More ...
AP |
Lou will be part of Cub past
By ANDREW SELIGMAN
AP Sports Writer
CHICAGO (AP) — Just like a long line of predecessors, Lou Piniella thought he could lead the Chicago Cubs to that elusive championship and end a drought that dates to 1908.
Published in The Messenger 7.21.10 Read More ...
AP |
’Bama issues latest
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama coach Nick Saban told ESPN.com that school compliance officials are trying to determine if end Marcell Dareus violated NCAA rules by attending an agent’s party.
Published in The Messenger 7.21.10 Read More ...
AP |
Off-field incidents hot topics for coaches
By JOHN ZENOR
AP Sports Writer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Bar brawls and NCAA investigations will be hot topics at the Southeastern Conference media days — not just national championships.
Published in The Messenger 7.21.10 Read More ...
AP |
Newest college Hall of Fame class humbled by inclusion
By TOM COYNE
Associated Press Writer
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Tim Brown struck the Heisman Trophy pose on stage at the urging of a fan after putting on his new College Football Hall of Fame blazer, then moments later, Steve McMichael playfully rushed past emcee Mark May like he was about to chase down a quarterback.
Published in The Messenger 7.20.10 Read More ...
AP |
Favre knows damage is done before ’10 decision
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Brett Favre was badly beat up in Minnesota’s overtime loss at New Orleans last January, a well-documented part of that epic NFC championship game.
The grandfather of NFL quarterbacks, however, doesn’t sound worried about his health as it relates to returning for a 20th season.
Published in The Messenger 7.20.10 Read More ...
AP |
Bump in pay ensures CJ won’t miss training time
By TERESA M. WALKER
AP Sports Writer
NASHVILLE (AP) — Chris Johnson’s agent says the running back and the Tennessee Titans have agreed on a revised deal that will ensure he reports with the rest of the team for training camp.
Published in The Messenger 7.20.10 Read More ...
AP |
Cards clean up without cleanup
By R.B. FALLSTROM
AP Sports Writer
ST. LOUIS (AP) — No worries about offense on Matt Holliday’s day off. The St. Louis Cardinals had plenty of it without their cleanup hitter.
Published in The Messenger 7.20.10 Read More ...
AP |
Gators, NCAA probe claim
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida and the NCAA are investigating an allegation that former Gators offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey received $100,000 from a representative of a sports agent before last season ended, ESPN.com reported Monday.
Published in The Messenger 7.20.10 Read More ...
AP |
Irish eyes not smiling now
By TOM COYNE
Associated Press Writer
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — The son of former Notre Dame standout Joe Montana was among 11 Fighting Irish athletes arrested on misdemeanor charges of underage drinking at a party late Friday night.
Published in The Messenger 7.19.10 Read More ...
AP |
Memory fading for UNC legend
By AARON BEARD
AP Basketball Writer
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Dean Smith still plays golf, still pops into his campus office and still savors watching the North Carolina program he led for more than three decades take the court under Roy Williams’ direction.
Published in The Messenger 7.19.10 Read More ...
AP |
Titans’ Johnson losing $$ with visual image
By RACHEL COHEN
AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson led the NFL in rushing the last two seasons, so why is Peterson in seemingly every commercial while Johnson is rarely seen?
Published in The Messenger 7.19.10 Read More ...
AP |
Redbirds use broom on LA in last at-bat
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Matt Holliday remembers facing Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton from the days when he was still playing in the NL West, and those memories sure came in handy Sunday.
Published in The Messenger 7.19.10 Read More ...
AP |
Vandy mainstay Caldwell is boss
NASHVILLE (AP) — Robbie Caldwell has a thick drawl thanks to his South Carolina hometown, a place he notes had a population of 1,500 counting cats and dogs.
There were so few people he used to hunt dove out of his backdoor.
But Caldwell says he has always wanted to be a head football coach.
Now he’s getting his shot in arguably the toughest job in the mighty Southeastern Conference — at Vanderbilt, the smallest school in the SEC and the league’s only private institution.
And to make his task even tougher, Caldwell is replacing his old friend Bobby Johnson just seven weeks before the season opener. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Cards rout Dodgers in return
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Chris Carpenter looked like an All-Star again. The break did Clayton Kershaw no good at all.
Improved mechanics allowed Carpenter to go after hitters instead of trying to trick them. He was in command, allowing four hits in eight innings of a 7-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night.
“I definitely felt better,” Carpenter said. “I’ve still got some work to do, but no question it was way better than it’s felt the last two times.”
Rookie Allen Craig got the first two RBI of his career without a hit off Kershaw (9-5), who dug his own hole with consecutive walks on 11 pitches to start the Cardinals’ two-run first, meriting a quick visit from pitching coach Rick Honeycutt. Kershaw also got tagged with a liner off his right leg for an infield hit by Aaron Miles in the second and allowed four earned runs in 4 1-3 innings with one strikeout. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Brave phenom dazzles in field
ATLANTA (AP) — Jason Heyward’s impact in his return from a thumb injury was lost in the boxscore.
Heyward was hitless in four at-bats in his first game with Atlanta since June 26, but the rookie’s lead role on the field was unmistakable.
Two standout plays by Heyward in right field helped Jair Jurrjens give up only one run, and the Braves beat the Milwaukee Brewers 2-1 on Thursday night.
“Defense wins games and defense allows good things to happen,” Heyward said.
Martin Prado and Chipper Jones hit home runs in the third inning off Dave Bush (4-7).
Corey Hart’s 22nd homer gave Milwaukee a 1-0 lead in the first inning. It was the only run allowed by Jurrjens, who gave up five hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings.
Jurrjens (2-3) earned his second win in three starts since returning from a hamstring injury.
Billy Wagner pitched a perfect ninth for his 21st save. Read More ...
By CHARLES ODUM, AP Sports Writer |
Leader Oosthuize a surprise to many
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) — South Africa’s on quite a roll.
Coming off the rousing success of the World Cup, the country made another splash in the British Open when Louis Oosthuizen surged to a three-stroke lead in the second round this morning.
The 27-year-old from Mossel Bay — whose given name is Lodewicus Theodorus Oosthuizen — shot a 5-under 67 for a 12-under 132 at the midway point of the tournament. He pulled ahead of Rory McIlroy, the 21-year-old Northern Irishman who tied the major-championship record with a 63 on Thursday. Read More ...
By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP National Writer |
LeBron no quitter in eyes of new bud
MIAMI (AP) — They’ve been teammates for only a week, and Dwyane Wade is already standing up for LeBron James.
Wade defended the NBA’s two-time reigning MVP on Thursday, telling The Associated Press that James “didn’t quit” on Cleveland during the playoffs. That was the accusation made by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert last week, not long after James went on television to reveal he was leaving Cleveland for Miami.
“He’s not a quitter,” Wade said. “He didn’t quit.” Read More ...
By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer |
Volunteer video guy eyeing new heights
Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl has added an experienced coach to his staff.
Pearl announced that former Appalachian State University head coach Houston Fancher has joined the Volunteers program in a full-time capacity as director of video scouting.
Fancher’s resume inc-ludes more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, with a dozen as a head coach. His responsibilities at UT will include oversight of all opponent scouting and recruiting data while assisting with on-campus recruiting.
“Houston and his family fit in so well in this community and as a part of the Tennessee basketball family,” Pearl said. “He’s had a lot of success as a former head coach, and he’s got tremendous ties‚ both personally and professionally to this area.” Read More ...
By UT Sports Information |
Daly wardrobe talk takes backseat on Day 1
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) — John Daly’s scorecard was the only thing getting more attention than his pants.
Golf’s most entertaining sideshow was at it again this morning, tying his best round at the British Open with a 6-under 66 on the Old Course. It put him near the top of the leaderboard, a spot that, regardless how brief the stay, would have been unimaginable during the latest chapter in his pulp fiction life.
“I’ve never ran from my mistakes. I’ve always kind of been the man that you’re supposed to be when you screw up — and I’ve screwed up an awful lot, not just on tour, but in other aspects of life,” Daly said. “I think it’s how you come back and deal with it. I don’t know if it’s motivation for fans or if it’s helping them. Whatever it is, as long as it’s a positive, to me that’s all that matters.
“When you have so many ups and downs in life, like everybody does, some smaller and bigger, it makes it so much more gratifying when you do something special.” Read More ...
By NANCY ARMOUR, AP National Writer |
McIlroy goes low to claim early lead
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) — The Old Course was defenseless and no one took advantage of it more than Rory McIlroy.
The 21-year-old from Northern Ireland tied the major championship record this morning by shooting a 9-under 63 in the opening round of the British Open.
One of golf’s brightest prospects, McIlroy started his romp with an eagle at the 352-yard ninth, where he drove the green and rolled in the putt. He then made six birdies on the homeward holes for a 30 that tied the tournament’s back-nine record.
McIlroy became only the eighth player to go so low at the British Open, equaling a mark from 17 years ago by the late Payne Stewart at Royal St. George. Overall, just 22 players have shot 63 in one of the four major tournaments, including Greg Norman and Vijay Singh, who each did it twice. Read More ...
By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer |
Vandy’s Johnson calls it a career
NASHVILLE (AP) — Bobby Johnson said Wednesday that there’s never a good time for a football coach to quit — as he retired less than a month before Vanderbilt starts fall practice.
The 59-year-old Johnson said it was a very difficult decision, one that he began seriously considering month ago.
He said he informed vice chancellor David Williams in a meeting some time Monday.
The announcement came Wednesday after Williams couldn’t talk Johnson out of retiring even with offering more money.
“Football is not life, but it’s a way of life and it consumes your life,” Johnson said. “You only have so many years to live, and you want to see a different way.”
During the 35-minute news conference and in follow-up interviews, Johnson never said why he chose now to retire.
He did say neither he nor his wife have any health concerns.
The timing of his retirement could not come at worse time for Vanderbilt. Read More ...
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Change of culture could do UT good
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley says he is embarrassed by the recent arrests of some his players and has vowed to change the culture of the Volunteer program.
But those changes can’t come soon enough.
Police continue to investigate the off-campus bar brawl involving several athletes. A seventh player, defensive tackle Chase Nelson, was named as a possible suspect in a Knoxville police report released Wednesday. Two players have already been arrested for their role in the incident.
Sophomore defensive back Darren Myles Jr. was charged Friday with assault, resisting arrest and evading arrest and has been dismissed from the team. Incoming freshman wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, but remains on the team. More players could be charged. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Braves go ‘Gonzo’
ATLANTA (AP) — The NL East-leading Atlanta Braves, looking to bolster their lineup for the second half of the season, acquired Alex Gonzalez in a swap of shortstops that sent Yunel Escobar to Toronto on Wednesday.
The Braves also traded left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes to the Blue Jays in the five-player deal while also adding left-handed minor league pitcher Tim Collins and minor league shortstop Tyler Pastornicky.
The 33-year-old Gonzalez is hitting .259 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI. He is tied for fifth in the American League with 43 extra-base hits. Read More ...
By CHARLES ODUM, AP Sports Writer |
Not guilty is LT’s line in court on rape rap
NEW CITY, N.Y. (AP) — Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to an indictment that alleges he had sex with a 16-year-old girl in a New York hotel room.
The former NFL star allegedly paid $300 to the girl, a Bronx runaway, for their encounter in May. Taylor pleaded not guilty through his lawyer to third-degree rape, patronizing a prostitute, sexual abuse and endangering a child.
In the gallery, before his case was called, Taylor, 51, smiled, looked around and said, “It must be a slow news day.” He also said to a friend, “You’re not playing golf today, are you?”
Earlier, when a reporter asked outside court if he was guilty, Taylor responded, “Grow up.”
Taylor was arrested May 6, after the girl’s uncle contacted New York City police.
He could be imprisoned for up to four years if convicted. Read More ...
By JIM FITZGERALD, Associated Press Writer |
Putter switch big deal to Tiger
ST. ANDREWS, Scot-land (AP) — After 12 years using the same putter, Tiger Woods finally is switching to the swoosh.
Woods said Tuesday he will use a Nike Method putter at the British Open when he tries to become the first player to win the claret jug three times at St. Andrews.
In an era when some players switch putters during a tournament — Jesper Parnevik once carried two putters during a round — Woods has not changed the most important club in the bag since the 1999 Byron Nelson Classic. Over the next 12 years, he won 72 times around the world, including 13 majors.
He did bring his Scotty Cameron putter made by Titleist — a Newport 2 model — with him to St. Andrews. But as he made his way through a practice round, he said, “I think I’m going to stick with this one.”
It will be the first time that all 14 clubs in his bag were made by Nike. Read More ...
By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer |
‘Forward’ UT step to include Fields
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl has added another forward to his squad, senior John Fields from UNC-Wilmington.
Fields has one year of eligibility remaining after playing three years at the Division I level, one at UNC-Wilmington and two at East Carolina. He sat out a year after transferring from ECU to the Seahawks.
Fields received his undergraduate degree from UNC-Wilmington. Tennessee expects the 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward from Fayetteville, N.C., to be able to play immediately, pending an NCAA waiver.
“Joining the Vols is an incredible opportunity that I’m blessed for,” said Fields, who began graduate studies at Tennessee on Monday. “I’m ready to help the team in whatever capacity I can and advance far in the NCAA Tournament. The relationship I’ve been able to develop already with coach Pearl and the rest of the coaches has been amazing. I felt right at home and felt like I fit in perfectly.” Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
NL celebration time finally comes
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Brian McCann, Scott Rolen or Heath Bell might really appreciate what happened on this July night come October. Charlie Manuel, too.
An All-Star win the National League thought was long overdue. And with it, home-field advantage in the World Series.
McCann earned MVP honors with a three-run double in the seventh inning, right fielder Marlon Byrd alertly threw out David Ortiz to slow a ninth-inning rally and the NL captured its first Midsummer Classic since 1996 with a 3-1 victory Tuesday night.
“Enough was enough,” St. Louis’ Adam Wainwright said.
In a year of dominant pitching, young starters David Price and Ubaldo Jimenez set the tone — and got even more help from the tricky shadows. Nearly the entire field at Angel Stadium was bathed in odd patterns of sunlight for a twilight first pitch, creating more awkward swings and misses than usual in baseball’s annual talent show. Read More ...
By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer |
Brave McCann shines as MVP
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Bases loaded, two outs, a real chance for the National League to break through after years of waiting.
So when Brian McCann lofted a foul fly down the right-field line, there was only one thing to do.
“I just put my head down and prayed that it got into the seats, that I would get another shot,” he said.
Luckily for him, the ball landed in the stands, just beyond the reach of scrambling American League fielders.
And moments later, he lined a three-run double in the seventh inning that gave the NL a 3-1 victory Tuesday night and made him the All-Star game MVP.
McCann atoned for his silent showings in the summer showcase — the Atlanta catcher was a quiet 0-for-3 in his previous All-Star trips.
This was McCann’s fifth straight All-Star appearance, a fact that did not escape Toronto catcher John Buck. Read More ...
By BEN WALKER, AP Baseball Writer |
Yankee Boss Steinbrenner was no hog to charities
NEW YORK (AP) — George Steinbrenner was suspended from baseball for trying to disgrace his high-paid outfielder, Dave Winfield.
A low point for “The Boss,” for sure. But rather than let the episode fade away, the Yankees owner reached out nearly a decade later to repair the rift.
For those who knew Steinbrenner, behind a feisty facade was a fiercely loyal friend.
“It’s almost like you see a curtain drawn back, a veil lifted, just a complete change,” Winfield said of Steinbrenner after the reconciliation. “And our relationship changed from then on. And we got to know each other real well. I know that over the years, he admired me, he respected me and he liked me. And I did the same with him. It was very important.”
The 80-year-old Stein-brenner died in Tampa, Fla., early Tuesday after having a heart attack. He was remembered as much for his dictatorial style as he was for his generosity. Read More ...
By HOWIE RUMBERG, AP Sports Writer |
Madness to start with First Four
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Get ready for a First Four before the Final Four.
The NCAA unveiled its plans for the expanded 68-team men’s basketball tournament on Monday, opting for a format that involves the lowest seeds and last at-large qualifiers in a “First Four” round.
Beginning next March, eight teams will play early in the first week, with the winners advancing to games on Thursday or Friday.
The NCAA decided against picking the lowest eight seeds for the new round. Instead, two of the early games will match the tournament’s lowest seeds, Nos. 65 through 68, with the winners advancing to play a top seed.
The other two games will match the last four at-large qualifiers. Read More ...
By CLIFF BRUNT, AP Sports Writer |
Heart attack claims Yanks’ Boss
NEW YORK (AP) — George Steinbrenner, who rebuilt the New York Yankees into a sports empire with a mix of bluster and big bucks that polarized fans all across America, died this morning. He had just celebrated his 80th birthday July 4.
Steinbrenner had a heart attack, was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla., and died at about 6:30 a.m, a person close to the owner told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not disclosed those details.
His death was the second in three days to rock the Yankees. Bob Sheppard, the team’s revered public address announcer from 1951-07, died Sunday at 99.
For more than 30 years, Steinbrenner lived up to his billing as “the Boss,” a nickname he earned and clearly enjoyed as he ruled with an iron fist.
While he lived in Tampa he was a staple on the front pages of New York newspapers. Read More ...
By RONALD BLUM, AP Sports Writer |
‘Papi’ power prevails at end
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — David Ortiz believes his power swing is all the way back. After a big finish in the Home Run Derby, Boston’s beloved slugger has a trophy to prove it.
Big Papi won his first derby title Monday night, hitting 11 homers in the final round to beat Florida’s Hanley Ramirez at Angel Stadium.
Showing plenty of potency in the fierce swing that once made him one of the majors’ most feared hitters, the Red Sox star put a relentless series of drives into the elevated stands above the right-field wall.
With Yankees bench coach Tony Pena crossing rivalry lines to feed fastballs straight into his wheelhouse, Ortiz hit 21 homers in the first two rounds of his fourth derby before holding off Ramirez to emerge from a field missing most of baseball’s top power hitters. Read More ...
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer |
More UT players may face music
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee players involved in a bar brawl must wait at least another day before learning if they will be charged in the incident that left an off-duty Knoxville police officer seriously injured.
Knoxville Police Dep-artment spokesman Darrell DeBusk said Monday that more charges are pending. He said there are witnesses of the early Friday morning fight at Bar Knoxville who still need to be interviewed for a first or second time.
There is no surveillance video of the fight at the 18-and-up bar, which spilled out into the street.
“We still have some additional interviews that we need to do, and (additional) charges are pending the conclusion of that investigation,” DeBusk said. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Plenty of aces up each squad’s sleeve
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Tim Hudson remembers when throwing fastballs registering in the upper 80s and low 90s was considered impressive. Now, in baseball’s Year of the Pitcher, that kind of speed is almost laughable.
Youngsters like Ubaldo Jimenez and Josh Johnson are routinely blasting the strike zone with severe heat, reaching near 100 mph.
“I do know the caliber of arms coming up these days are better than the ’90s and early 2000s,” said Hudson, a three-time All-Star with Atlanta who made the majors 11 years ago.
“You kind of scratch your head and you wonder what’s changed? Are the pitchers better or are the hitters worse? Now a 91, 92 fastball is bottom of the barrel. Guys just have better stuff nowadays.” Read More ...
By BETH HARRIS, AP Sports Writer |
Ending drought tops NL to-do list
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Ryan Howard is sick of all the talk about the American League’s dominance in the All-Star game.
The Phillies slugger knows all too well it’s been 13 years of AL bragging rights. And, no, that wacky 7-7 tie in 2002 did little to boost NL morale in baseball’s Midsummer Classic.
In this year of the pitcher, the National League is downright loaded, even for an All-Star game with the best of the best coming to Orange County tonight.
“This should be the year for us to go out there and hopefully end this drought,” Howard said. “I’m getting tired of hearing about the American League winning and how long they’ve won, every year for the last 13 years or whatnot. Basically go out there and try to change it up.” Read More ...
By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer |
LeBron hoopla irks commish
NBA commissioner David Stern congratulated LeBron James on his decision. He just wishes it came without “The Decision.”
Stern said Monday he would have advised James to tell the Cleveland Cavaliers of his choice to leave for the Miami Heat earlier than he did, and that the two-time MVP’s public announcement shouldn’t have come in a made-for-television special that attracted nearly 10 million viewers.
The commissioner said James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh violated no league rules in discussing free agency among themselves, and that the league isn’t investigating how the Heat managed to land all three.
That doesn’t mean Stern didn’t take issue with elements of free agency, particularly James’ decision to say he was leaving Cleveland on ESPN. Read More ...
By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer |
Spain is the champion at last
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — They kissed and hugged and held high the golden trophy for all of Soccer City and Africa and the world to see. The exhaustion was gone now for Spain’s players, replaced by the exhilaration of winning the World Cup at long, long last.
A testy and often dirty match was won by Andres Iniesta’s goal late in extra time Sunday night. The 1-0 victory over the Netherlands before a shivering crowd at Soccer City Stadium gave Spain its first World Cup, and put the European champion Spaniards in elite company.
“I remember (Italy captain Fabio) Cannavaro told me that being world champion doesn’t happen every day,” captain Iker Casillas said. “This really is quite a cup. The European Championship was the most important moment of our lives, but today is much bigger than anything else.” Read More ...
By BARRY WILNER, AP Sports Writer |
Reutimann proves worth
JOLIET, Ill. (AP) — David Reutimann agreed to join Michael Waltrip Racing when it was closer to an abstract idea than a functioning, full-time race team in NASCAR’s top series.
Of course, Reutimann was hardly an established commodity himself.
Now the calculated gambles both parties made are paying off.
“David came when we had nothing,” MWR general manager Ty Norris said. “When I say ‘nothing,’ I mean nothing.”
Now they just might be on to something.
Reutimann won Saturday night’s Sprint Cup series race at Chicagoland Speedway, zooming past Jeff Gordon in the late stages of the race and holding on to claim his second career victory in convincing fashion. And Reutimann is on the verge of making Waltrip’s team his long-term home, with a handshake deal on a new contract.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Reutimann said. “I’ll be at Michael Waltrip Racing. I may be cutting the grass, but I’ll be at Michael Waltrip Racing.” Read More ...
By CHRIS JENKINS, AP Sports Writer |
Tiger British draw is ‘Rosy’
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) — Tiger Woods will play the first two rounds of the British Open with Justin Rose of England, one of the hottest players in golf with two PGA Tour victories in his last three starts.
It will be the first time Woods and Rose have been drawn together in the Open since 2002 at Muirfield, although the circumstances were far different eight years ago.
Rose had just won his first tournament as a professional and was starting to turn his career around. Woods was going for the third leg of the calendar Grand Slam. Read More ...
By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer |
Superb Johan blanks Braves
NEW YORK (AP) — Johan Santana saved the Mets from a sweep with another spotless outing and rookie Ike Davis hit his latest titanic home run in New York’s 3-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.
Alex Cora and pinch-hitter Josh Thole delivered RBI singles with two outs, and Angel Pagan had three of New York’s 13 hits.
The Mets also got flawless relief work from Bobby Parnell and Francisco Rodriguez in their major league-best 13th shutout.
Fantastic at Citi Field for most of the first half, New York averted a three-game whitewash by its NL East rival but finished 2-4 on a disappointing homestand against a pair of first-place teams.
The Mets head into the All-Star break four games behind Atlanta, with star center fielder Carlos Beltran set to come off the disabled list Thursday night in San Francisco. Read More ...
By MIKE FITZPATRICK, AP Baseball Writer |
Cards put positive cap on 1st half
HOUSTON (AP) — After a sweep in Colorado, the St. Louis Cardinals were looking for a positive finish to the first half of the season.
They found it in Houston, where Matt Holliday hit a three-run homer in a 4-2 win over the Astros on Sunday that gave them a series win over their NL Central rival.
The Cardinals trailed 2-0 before Holliday’s shot to left field in the fourth inning. It was his 16th home run of the season.
“We were playing for our lives,” Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said of his team, which ended the first half in second place behind Cincinnati. “That describes what we did. We’re alive and kicking. Houston has played us pretty tough. They have a winning record against us. To win the series, it’s a really good win.” Read More ...
By KRISTIE RIEKEN |
Alleged Volunteer brawlers feel punishment punch
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Two Tennessee players were charged during an early morning bar brawl that left an off-duty police officer who tried to break up the fight knocked unconscious, and more could be facing charges, police said Friday.
Incoming freshman receiver Da’Rick Rogers was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, Knoxville police said. Rising sophomore defensive back Darren Myles Jr. was charged with assault, resisting arrest and evading arrest, University of Tennessee police said. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Childress reboot returns stable to top
By JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Richard Childress Racing was shut out of the championship hunt last season, when all four of its drivers struggled through a winless year.
A slew of changes followed, from personnel and shop procedures to dropping a driver to make it a three-car team. Now, at the midseason mark in the Sprint Cup Series, RCR is NASCAR’s most improved team.
Published in The Messenger 7.9.10 Read More ...
AP |
Colorado ‘ace’ topples ‘Cards’
DENVER (AP) — Ubaldo Jimenez had another dominating outing in his last start of the first half of the season. Now, he’s ready to take on the American League’s best.
Jimenez became the first pitcher in 10 years to reach 15 wins before the All-Star break and the Colorado Rockies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 Thursday to sweep the three game series.
Published in The Messenger 7.9.10 Read More ...
AP |
Griz get Gay to stay
By ADRIAN SAINZ
Associated Press Writer
MEMPHIS (AP) — The Grizzlies serenaded Rudy Gay on Thursday even though he had already agreed to remain in Memphis.
Published in The Messenger 7.9.10 Read More ...
AP |
UK Big Dipper commits suicide
JEFFREY McMURRAY
Associated Press Writer
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Mel Turpin, an All-American center dubbed “The Big Dipper” who led Kentucky to the Southeastern Conference championship in 1984 and played in the NBA, committed suicide Thursday, authorities said. He was 49.
Published in The Messenger 7.9.10 Read More ...
AP |
Cavalier fans feel pain already
By MEGHAN BARR
Associated Press Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland fans gathered around televisions and yelled in anguish Thursday night as LeBron James announced he will leave the Cavaliers and sign with the Miami Heat.
Published in The Messenger 7.9.10 Read More ...
AP |
Phillies dropped further back as Braves continue rule of East roost
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — These Atlanta Braves seem to have that swagger the Philadelphia Phillies carried around the last few years.
Brian McCann hit a go-ahead three-run double during a six-run sixth inning, Kris Medlen pitched neatly into the seventh and Atlanta beat the Phillies 7-5 on Wednesday night.
Martin Prado had a pair of solo homers and Matt Diaz also connected for the NL East-leading Braves, who roughed up Jamie Moyer (9-8).
“It’s two out of three. That’s all it is,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said, downplaying the importance of the series.
But the two-time NL championship Phillies now are six games behind Atlanta with their seventh loss in 10 games. It’s the furthest they’ve been out of first place since Sept. 13, 2007 when they were 61⁄2 behind the New York Mets. The Phillies overcame a seven-game deficit with 17 to play to win the first of three straight division titles. Read More ...
By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer |
End to LeBron hoopla is in sight
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — More than two years of hype, drama, conjecture and expectation have dwindled to a few more hours.
LeBron James’ big moment is here — not as an NBA champion but as a free agent. There will be no parade, no ring ceremony, no banner raising.
Instead, on a prime time made-for-TV special his handlers contracted with ESPN, James will announce tonight where he’ll play next season and beyond. Fans from coast to coast will tune in to watch, with the ones in his home state of Ohio praying they won’t have their hearts broken again.
The Decision, it’s been dubbed. Read More ...
By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer |
Cubbies hopeful after sweep of free-swinging Rattlers
PHOENIX (AP) — Aramis Ramirez seemed to take the first steps toward breaking out of his season-long funk. The rest of the team was swinging, too, scoring more runs than the previous 10 games combined. Even the pitching was decent.
Their first three-game sweep at Chase Field could go a long way in turning the Chicago Cubs from woeful to at least hopeful.
Ramirez hit a three-run homer, Ryan Dempster labored through five innings and the Cubs beat the free-swinging Arizona Diamondbacks 8-3 Wednesday night.
“Let’s enjoy it,” Dempster said. “We’ve had a tough go of things, so we’re going to enjoy this and build off it. It gives us positive energy.”
Outscored 35-12 in a recent seven-game homestand, the Cubs heated up in Chase Field’s air conditioning, scoring 23 runs to notch their first three-game sweep at Arizona’s spacious stadium in 16 series all-time. Read More ...
By JOHN MARSHALL, AP Sports Writer |
Pitino’s accuser possibly no novice
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Federal prosecutors said Wednesday that a Louisville woman charged with trying to extort money from University of Louisville men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino had made earlier, false claims of sexual harassment against a businessman.
Prosecutors said in a court document that Sypher filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against an auto glass business owner in 2001, a case prosecutors say had similarities to the Pitino case.
In the earlier case, prosecutors say, Sypher had consensual sex with the man, then was hired by him. She claimed to be pregnant when he ended the relationship and sued the man after she was fired a few months later, claiming sexual harassment.
Prosecutors alleged that the accusation was false. They made the argument in a trial brief filed in U.S. District Court in Louisville in advance of Sypher’s trial on charges she attempted to extort $10 million from Pitino, then lied to the FBI about it and falsely accused Pitino of rape in retaliation for his reporting the extortion attempt. Read More ...
By BRETT BARROUQUERE, Associated Press Writer |
Vol brass says no to USC matchup
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee has turned down a chance to face Southern California and coach Lane Kiffin in the 2011 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.
Volunteers athletic director Mike Hamilton said Wednesday he’s been approached several times by Chick-fil-A Bowl president Gary Stokan about a potential 2011 matchup in Atlanta. Hamilton said it would be too much for the Vols’ schedule, which already includes meetings with Cincinnati and North Carolina in addition to the regular Southeastern Conference schedule.
“We’ve got plenty to keep us busy in 2011 already,” Hamilton said. “We’re building our program back, and our schedule is tough enough as it is. The reality of it is if it was Texas or UCLA in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game, we just couldn’t do it in 2011.” Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Rockies upend Cards again
DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies didn’t need another ninth-inning rally to beat St. Louis. One swing in the final frame was enough to beat the Cardinals again.
Chris Iannetta hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Rockies pulled off another comeback win against St. Louis, beating the Cardinals 8-7 Wednesday night.
A day after the Rockies scored a remarkable nine runs in the ninth to stun St. Louis 12-9, Colorado came back this time after trailing 5-0 in the middle innings.
“Very similar to last night,” Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. “We kept playing.”
It was another disappointing loss for St. Louis, which has pounded out 27 hits in the first two games of the series and has nothing to show for it. Read More ...
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Braves double Phillies in extras
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Matt Diaz hit a tiebreaking double in the 11th inning, Eric Hinske added a two-run homer and NL East-leading Atlanta beat Philadelphia 6-3 on Tuesday night.
Yunel Escobar singled off David Herndon (0-2) to start the 11th and scored when Diaz ripped a liner to the gap in right-center. Hinske connected two outs later.
Jesse Chavez (1-1) pitched a scoreless 10th to earn the win. Billy Wagner finished for his 18th save.
Raul Ibanez hit a two-run homer for Philadelphia, which managed just three hits.
The two-time NL champion Phillies fell five games behind the Braves.
Phillies starter Cole Hamels allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings, striking out eight.
Atlanta’s Jair Jurrjens allowed three runs and two hits in six-plus innings. Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
USC defensive end flees to Tennessee
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Southern California junior defensive end Malik Jackson will transfer to Tennessee and be eligible to play for the Volunteers during the 2010 season.
Trojans coach Lane Kiffin said in a statement Tuesday that Jackson was seeking more playing time. Kiffin also said the USC staff wished him the best of luck.
The NCAA is allowing Southern California juniors and seniors to transfer without sitting out a season in the wake of sanctions issued against the Trojans. Jackson, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound native of Van Nuys, Calif., has two years of eligibility left.
Jackson is expected to start summer classes this week at the school that Kiffin bolted from in January after one season as head coach. Read More ...
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Rockies’ rally vs. Cards one for the ages
DENVER (AP) — Seth Smith struggled to remember what had just happened, it was all such a blur.
The ninth inning began with the Colorado Rockies down six runs and ended with him rounding the bases and getting mobbed by his delirious teammates following a colossal comeback for the history books.
“Baseball’s crazy, even stupid sometimes,” Smith said after his three-run homer off Ryan Franklin with two outs in the ninth capped a nine-run rally Tuesday night that gave the Rockies a 12-9 win over the stunned St. Louis Cardinals.
“It’s just one of those things, tomorrow he could come out and be nails and we go three up and three down.”
No team in the modern era had ever scored nine runs in the bottom of the ninth to win a game, according to STATS LLC, whose data goes back to 1918. Just six weeks ago, the Atlanta Braves trailed Cincinnati 9-3 before scoring seven times in the bottom of the ninth. Read More ...
By ARNIE STAPLETON, AP Sports Writer |
LeBron TV time will be telling
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — LeBron James’ dramatic and historic free agency will have a fitting conclusion — on TV.
ESPN reported Tuesday night that James will announce his future NBA plans during a one-hour special on its network at 8 p.m. Thursday. ESPN’s Chris Broussard said James’ “representatives” contacted the network and asked for the unusual arrangement.
It is not known which team James will join or where the announcement will take place.
The two-time MVP and marquee name in a stellar free-agent class also featuring Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, recently met with six teams — the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets.
Both James’ publicist Keith Estabrook and ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz declined comment to The Associated Press.
Citing anonymous “independent sources,” Broussard reported James’ group requested they be allowed to sell sponsorship for the special with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Read More ...
By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer |
Tiger replies frigid on hottest topics
ADARE, Ireland (AP) — After another warm welcome from the Irish public, Tiger Woods turned cold and dismissive at a news conference Tuesday when asked about his state of mind since the sex scandal that’s wrecked his marriage.
Woods was questioned following his 3-under-par 69 in his final round of the charity J.P. McManus Invitational Pro-Am, his first foreign appearance since the turmoil.
When asked whether his liaisons with other women had been “worth it” since it cost him his marriage and endorsements, Woods replied, “I think you’re looking too deep into this.” He torpedoed the follow-up question with an icily firm “Thank you.”
Woods is returning immediately to his Florida home rather than heading to Scotland to prepare for next week’s British Open at St. Andrews, one of his favorite courses and where he won Opens in 2000 and 2005.
Once the subject was broached, the previously easy-speaking Woods flipped a switch into staccato half-sentences.
How will you prepare? “Practicing.” Read More ...
By SHAWN POGATCHNIK, Associated Press Writer |
Business as usual is slogan for interim Georgia AD
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Frank Crumley was named Georgia’s interim athletic director on Tuesday, though university president Michael Adams said he wants to look outside the university first for a full-time replacement for Damon Evans.
Evans resigned following a DUI arrest last week.
Crumley received the promotion on Tuesday after working as Evans’ top assistant — executive associate athletic director for finance — since 2007.
“Not to make light of it, but it will be business as usual,” Crumley said.
Crumley said Evans’ arrest brought “some surprise and shock” to the athletic department.
“I think it’s sort of shock but everybody is adjusting and happy to get back to work today. I know I was ... to get some normalcy back in it,” Crumley said. Read More ...
By CHARLES ODUM, AP Sports Writer |
Chase tweaks could be on horizon
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR fans are reluctant to change, even when tweaks are made to grossly outdated policies and procedures. They like how things were done “in the old days” and are quick to criticize new ideas.
So there’s been a decent amount of consternation about the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, the 10-race, title-deciding format adopted in 2004 and altered three years later.
Now NASCAR chairman Brian France is again considering a tweak or two, and it’s imperative that he keep in mind just how fans will react. After all, every move of late has been made with a focus on stopping the slide in both attendance and television ratings.
And while many recent changes have greatly improved the on-track product, NASCAR is not receiving an overwhelming return on its investment. Read More ...
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer |
Tiger pro-am efforts awful
ADARE, Ireland (AP) — Tiger Woods looked just as out of form in a celebrity pro-am as he did on the PGA Tour.
The world’s No. 1 golfer arrived Monday in Ireland just hours after his 46th-place finish at the AT&T National in Pennsylvania and shot a 7-over 79 in the first round of the J.P. McManus Invitational Pro-Am.
The unranked event in County Limerick featuring Hollywood celebrities and Irish billionaires was his first overseas event since revelations of his extramarital affairs surfaced last year.
While more than 40,000 Irish golf fans offered him a friendly and forgiving welcome, Woods’ opening round at the 7,453-yard, par-72 Adare Manor Golf Resort was often dreadful.
He bogeyed six holes, double-bogeyed the 7th, and managed a lone birdie on the 17th.
He followed that up by gamely trying to reach the green on the 18th — a five-par 548-yard hole on the far side of the River Maigue — in two. Read More ...
By SHAWN POGATCHNIK, Associated Press Writer |
Benched Zambrano to pitch
PHOENIX (AP) — Carlos Zambrano is expected to resume working sometime this week, though the Chicago Cubs aren’t sure when he’ll return to the team.
The hot-tempered right-hander was placed on the restricted list after a June 25 tirade in the dugout led to a verbal confrontation with teammate Derrek Lee. Last week, Zambrano was scheduled to undergo a treatment program agreed upon by doctors from the Players’ Association and Major League Baseball. Read More ...
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Whiffing Rattlers bail Cubbies out
PHOENIX (AP) — Shortly after pulling off a pair of early-game escapes, Tom Gorzelanny half-jokingly told manager Lou Piniella he had just walked more in one game than Seattle’s Cliff Lee had all season.
He was close. Gorzelanny actually matched Lee’s total with six in five innings.
Not that it mattered. The way he was pulling off escapes and the rest of Chicago’s pitchers were making hitters miss, the walks could be tolerated.
Gorzelanny got out of one jam in the first inning, a bigger one in the third and the Cubs struck out 12 in a 9-4 win over the still-struggling Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday. Read More ...
By JOHN MARSHALL, AP Sports Writer |
Philly ace finishes off Braves
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nearly an hour after going the distance again, Roy Halladay walked over to reporters with ice on his arm and sweat dripping from his forehead.
Maybe it’s his postgame workouts that make Halladay such a workhorse on the mound.
Halladay pitched his major league-best seventh complete game this season, Greg Dobbs hit a two-run homer and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1 on Monday night. Read More ...
By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer |
Apologetic Evans resigns Georgia AD post
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Damon Evans offered another apology on the day his resignation as Georgia’s athletic director was announced by the school’s president.
The announcement by Michael Adams came after a conference call with the executive committee of the athletic association’s board of directors Monday. Adams said Evans resigned Sunday, less than a week after Evans was arrested on a DUI charge.
Evans released a statement Monday in which he offered “my sincerest apology” to Adams, Georgia officials, coaches, fans and student-athletes.
Evans was 34 when he was chosen athletic director in 2004. Read More ...
By CHARLES ODUM, AP Sports Writer |
No proclamation regarding future from King James
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — A pointed finger, smile, chuckle and head shake. That was all.
If LeBron James has made up his mind, he’s not saying so.
The world must wait.
The NBA’s most wanted man offered no clues about his highly anticipated free agent decision on Monday after making an unexpected appearance — and getting in a few full-court hoop games with good friend Chris Paul — at his Nike skills academy on the University of Akron campus.
After working out for two hours and then icing both his knees and right elbow for another hour, James, wearing a white T-shirt and his familiar New York Yankees cap, headed toward the door of Rhodes Arena. Read More ...
By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer |
Strasburg a no-go; Pujols tops NL list
NEW YORK (AP) — In the year of the pitcher, no-hit aces Ubaldo Jimenez and Roy Halladay lead a formidable National League All-Star staff. Rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg will have to wait at least another season before he gets the nod.
AL MVP catcher Joe Mauer was announced Sunday by Major League baseball as the fans’ top choice for the July 13th All-Star game in Anaheim, Calif. Albert Pujols earned the most votes in the National League.
In the closest voting, the Mets’ David Wright overtook the Phillies’ Placido Polanco in the final week to win the NL starting third baseman spot. Read More ...
By HOWIE RUMBERG, AP Sports Writer |
Remembering Titan McNair is in Mississippi ‘Air’
MT. OILVE, Miss. (AP) — The celebrations of July Fourth in this little town have taken on a sad aspect this year.
For people here, it’s not only the birth of the nation, it’s the anniversary of the death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair.
Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of McNair’s murder in Nashville. McNair, the former Alcorn State University and Tennessee Titans’ great, was shot and killed by his mistress, Sahel Kazemi, a 19-year-old who then turned the gun on herself. McNair was 36 and retired.
The Clarion Ledger reported on Sunday that Mount Olive Mayor Robert McNair, not related, said the town identified with Steve.
He says that what happened last year on July 4 will never be forgotten here among the natives who adored the former NFL superstar.
“Not a day goes by people don’t remember Steve McNair and what he meant to this town,”’ the mayor said. “I think this Sunday, a lot of people are going to reflect back.” Read More ...
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Champs Nadal, Serena make ‘racket’
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Rafael Nadal looked like a guy who absolutely couldn’t wait to get out there, clutching his racket and hopping in place near the entrance to Centre Court before the Wimbledon final.
He jiggled his left leg, unable to sit still on the sideline. He even bopped around during the prematch coin toss. When it was finally time to start warming up, he zigzagged to the baseline in a full sprint.
And when it ended, Nadal marked his victory with a celebratory somersault. That endless energy, and so many superb strokes, allowed the No. 2-seeded Nadal to outclass No. 12 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 Sunday for his second Wimbledon trophy and eighth Grand Slam title overall. Read More ...
By HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Tennis Writer |
Calm Harvick crosses line 1st as tempers flare at Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The cracked, patched and deteriorating track held up better than most of the cars and some of the competitors.
A wild night race at Daytona International Speedway — the last one on the track’s 32-year-old surface — ended with Kevin Harvick taking the checkered flag, teammate Clint Bowyer spinning through the infield grass and several angry drivers searching for answers.
Just another restrictor-plate race?
Maybe.
But this one also might be remembered as one of the more chaotic events at NASCAR’s most famous track.
“Every time I looked up, there was a crash going on,” second-place finisher Kasey Kahne said.
It sure seemed that way, especially over the final 45 laps Saturday night. Read More ...
By MARK LONG, AP Sports Writer |
Cardinal All-Star Adam has more to smile about
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Adam Wainwright abandoned his game face when St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa informed the right-hander he was a first-time All-Star.
But not for long.
“I was grinning. You can’t not grin unless your Albert Pujols and you do it every year,” Wainwright said. “I knew I had to pitch, but I think it’s all right to be excited about it.”
Wainwright threw a five-hitter and hit a three-run double off fellow first-time All-Star Yovani Gallardo, who left in the third inning with a side injury, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-1 Sunday.
“I think that shows you his powers of concentration,” La Russa said. “That could be distracting. It’s a big day, but he had a job to do and zeroed in.”
Wainwright’s double was the big hit in a five-run third as the Cardinals capitalized on consecutive fielding errors by shortstop Alcides Escobar. Gallardo (8-4) was hurt on the second pitch to the next hitter, Tyler Greene, clutching his side and then departing after visiting with a trainer. Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
Cleveland will suffer if LeBron bolts
CLEVELAND (AP) — Before LeBron James, there were thousands of empty seats for most Cleveland Cavaliers games and downtown was silent after dark. With him, every game is a sellout and nearby bars and restaurants bustle.
As they face the possibility of losing the free-agent NBA superstar, residents wonder if the man they call King James might take a little of this struggling city’s economy with him.
“The kingdom lies where the king resides,” said Nick Kostis, owner of a restaurant and comedy club on East Fourth Street, a pedestrian-only district near the Cavaliers’ arena that began to take off in the early 2000s.
James has been with Cleveland since he was drafted in 2003, but now is at the center of a high-profile pursuit by several NBA teams. Read More ...
By MEGHAN BARR, Associated Press Writer |
Best Memphis player cashes in early
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
AP Sports Writer
Rudy Gay landed the first max deal of the summer while LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the rest of the star-studded free agent class mulled over offers from NBA suitors.
Gay agreed to a five-year contract on Thursday that will pay him more than $80 million to stay with the Memphis Grizzlies, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.
Published in The Messenger 7.2.10 Read More ...
AP |
Wolf huffs and puffs silent Cards
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The smallest of adjustments made the biggest difference for Milwaukee left-hander Randy Wolf on Thursday night.
Wolf, who tinkered with his windup between starts, allowed one run over 6 1/3 innings and Prince Fielder hit one of three Milwaukee home runs to lead the Brewers to a 4-1 victory over St. Louis.
Published in The Messenger 7.2.10 Read More ...
AP |
Lakers’ Jackson will return again
By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — After just one relaxing week in Montana, Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson decided he can handle another season of the NBA grind.
Published in The Messenger 7.2.10 Read More ...
AP |
LenDale suspended 4 games
The NFL has suspended free agent running back LenDale White for four games for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy and free agent defensive tackle Hollis Thomas for eight games for violating its performance-enhancing substances policy.
League spokesman Randall Liu confirmed the suspensions Thursday in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
Published in The Messenger 7.2.10 Read More ...
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Titans’ Simms denies charges
By COLLEEN LONG
Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Police say Tennessee Titans backup quarterback Chris Simms told them he’d been smoking marijuana before he was stopped while driving Thursday — but he says he was just talking about cigarettes.
Published in The Messenger 7.2.10 Read More ...
AP |
NCAA ticket biz producing big $$
By ALAN SCHER ZAGIER
Associated Press Writer
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — College sports fans searching for a coveted ticket to a sold-out game can bypass the shady guys hanging outside the stadiums and arenas. Just try your favorite school’s website. Or go straight to the NCAA.
Published in The Messenger 7.1.10 Read More ...
AP |
Vick’s story untrue
By HANK KURZ Jr.
AP Sports Writer
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) — The spokesman for the nightclub where Michael Vick held his birthday bash says the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback left in a car minutes before a shooting outside, contradicting Vick’s attorney’s timeline of the incident.
Published in The Messenger 7.1.10 Read More ...
AP |
LeBron suitors making pitches
By BRIAN MAHONEY
AP Basketball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Finally free to leave Cleveland, LeBron James is ready to hear reasons why he should.
Published in The Messenger 7.1.10 Read More ...
AP |
Cardinals can’t finish off Arizona
The Associated Press
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Barry Enright gave Arizona five solid innings as the fill-in for Edwin Jackson and Chris Young hit a two-run home run in the Diamondbacks 4-2 victory over St. Louis Wednesday.
Published in The Messenger 7.1.10 Read More ...
AP |
Jurrjens’ return keeps Braves in 1st
By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) — Jair Jurrjens was anxious after spending “the worst two months in my life” on the disabled list with a hamstring injury.
Published in The Messenger 7.1.10 Read More ...
AP |
Saban statue may be delayed
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — A statue of Alabama football coach Nick Saban might not be ready in time for the Sept. 4 season opener against San Jose State.
Thad Turnipseed, the Crimson Tide’s director of athletic facilities, said the unveiling might have to wait until midseason in order to get it just right. The statue will honor Saban for the program’s latest national title.
Published in The Messenger 6.30.10 Read More ...
AP |
Ageless Brockwell again wears Ken-Tenn crown
Age was just a number to Mickey Brockwell.
The 55-year-old Fulton native bested the field that included a number of younger challengers to win the championship flight of the annual Ken-Tenn Golf Tournament last weekend.
Published in The Messenger 6.30.10 Read More ...
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Ending chapter reads as classic for SC, stadium
By ERIC OLSON
AP Sports Writer
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — South Carolina closed out the final College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium with its first baseball title and big-time bragging rights.
“To be the last team to win it here,” winning pitcher Matt Price said, “that’s amazing.”
Published in The Messenger 6.30.10 Read More ...
AP |
Redbird skipper denies scheme
By R.B. FALLSTROM
AP Sports Writer
ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa says getting ejected near the end of a comeback victory was definitely not a strategic move.
Published in The Messenger 6.30.10 Read More ...
AP |
Federer bounced in upset
By STEPHEN WILSON
AP Sports Writer
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Roger Federer was knocked out of Wimbledon in the quarterfinals by Tomas Berdych today, stopping his bid for a record-tying seventh title at the All England Club.
Published in The Messenger 6.30.10 Read More ...
AP |
Suitors lined up for LeBron flair
By BRIAN MAHONEY
AP Basketball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — The date has been circled on calendars around the NBA for years.
July 1, 2010: The day LeBron James becomes a free agent.
The day the league might begin to change forever.
Published in The Messenger 6.30.10 Read More ...
AP |
Venus, Roddick both ousted
By STEPHEN WILSON
AP Sports Writer
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Five-time champion Venus Williams was ousted in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon today, losing 6-2, 6-3 to 82nd-ranked Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria.
Published in The Messenger 6.29.10 Read More ...
AP |
Coach K already recharged following title season
By JOEDY McCREARY
AP Sports Writer
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Mike Krzyzewski welcomed back a star who turned down the NBA. He also did the same thing himself — as he has done several times through the years.
Since he won his fourth national championship, it’s been an eventful summer for Coach K.
Published in The Messenger 6.29.10
Read More ...
AP |
Redbirds accept rally gift
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Aaron Heilman induced infield grounders to all three batters he faced, just what the Arizona Diamondbacks wanted. Somehow, the St. Louis Cardinals were the ones celebrating.
Published in The Messenger 6.29.10 Read More ...
AP |
Big Z ordered to get help
CHICAGO (AP) — Carlos Zambrano will be placed on the restricted list and the Chicago Cubs expect to be without the hot-tempered pitcher until at least the All-Star break.
Zambrano has been suspended by the team without pay for the past three games, after he threw a tirade in the dugout Friday that led to a verbal confrontation with teammate Derrek Lee.
Published in The Messenger 6.29.10 Read More ...
AP |
Federer, Venus move on to common ground
By STEPHEN WILSON
AP Sports Writer
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Multiple champions Roger Federer and Venus Williams moved into the quarterfinals at Wimbledon with straight-set victories today, while Kim Clijsters rallied to beat fellow Belgian Justine Henin in three sets for a spot in the final eight.
Published in The Messenger 6.28.10 Read More ...
AP |
Push and shove just fine with JJ
By DAN GELSTON
AP Sports Writer
LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Jimmie Johnson sent the ultimate payback to Kurt Busch.
Johnson answered Busch’s bump with a late nudge of his own that let him take the lead with two laps left and win the Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday for his fifth victory of the season.
Published in The Messenger 6.28.10 Read More ...
AP |
Americans watched soccer
By CHRIS JENKINS
AP Sports Writer
It won’t be much consolation after a stomach-churning loss that knocked it out of the World Cup, but the U.S. soccer team accomplished something remarkable Saturday: It got a big slice of Americans back home to plan the day around watching soccer.
The U.S. might not be known as a hotbed for the “other” football. At least for one afternoon, that changed.
Published in The Messenger 6.28.10 Read More ...
AP |
UCLA seeking diamond trophy
By ERIC OLSON
AP Sports Writer
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — UCLA has won a nation-leading 106 NCAA championships in 17 sports. Not one of them is in baseball — yet.
Published in The Messenger 6.28.10 Read More ...
AP |
Calipari plans include adding NBA prospects
By WILL GRAVES
AP Sports Writer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — John Calipari spent Thursday night in New York City, watching five of his players shake NBA commissioner David Stern’s hand after being selected in the first round of the draft.
Published in The Messenger 6.28.10 Read More ...
AP |
Zambrano not a variable in Cubs’ immediate plans
By ANDREW SELIGMAN
AP Sports Writer
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs were awaiting feedback from Major League Baseball to determine the length of Carlos Zambrano’s suspension for his wild outburst on Friday.
The Cubs filed a report on the incident, and general manager Jim Hendry said he hopes to get a response “in the next day or so” after the league and players union look into it.
Published in The Messenger 6.28.10 Read More ...
AP |
Fisher sends Titans off with fun, familiar tune
NASHVILLE (AP) — Jeff Fisher likes to keep football interesting. So he managed to turn the final day of organized team activities for the Tennessee Titans almost into the final day of school.
Published in The Messenger 6.28.10 Read More ...
NASHVILLE, AP |
Wizards’ rebuild to have UK Wall
NEW YORK (AP) — John Wall needed only one year to take a reeling Kentucky program to the brink of the Final Four.
He’s ready to spark a similar turnaround with the Washington Wizards.
“I know this is a different level, but I just have to go in and show those guys I’m willing to work and listen as much as I can and be a leader,” Wall said. “That’s the key, is being a leader and trying to help them win games.”
Wall was chosen by the Wizards with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft Thursday and four more Wildcats were among the top 30 selections, making them the first school ever to put five players in the first round. Read More ...
By BRIAN MAHONEY, AP Basketball Writer |
Griz bolster bench with picks
MEMPHIS (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies went searching for a backup point guard and to improve their scoring off the bench in the NBA draft in their quest to return to the playoffs. They picked Xavier Henry and Greivis Vasquez and swapped their second first-round pick for a little cash.
Holding three first-round picks for the first time in franchise history, the Grizzlies went guard-heavy Thursday night in taking Henry from Kansas with the No. 12 pick overall. They added Dominique Jones from South Florida at No. 25, then followed up with Maryland’s Vasquez at 28th overall to help Mike Conley. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Marthon man Isner exits quickly
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — One day after winning the longest tennis match ever, John Isner lost in about 75 minutes.
The Wimbledon marathon man looked weary from the outset Friday, required treatment for a neck injury and was beaten by unseeded Thiemo de Bakker 6-0, 6-3, 6-2.
Isner had no aces after hitting a record 112 in his epic three-day victory over Nicolas Mahut.
Starting shortly after noon in warm sunshine, Isner received a standing ovation when he walked onto court. He immediately lost his serve — something that didn’t happen once in his 70-68 fifth set against Mahut. Read More ...
By STEPHEN WILSON, AP Sports Writer |
Titans needing new CB again
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans are looking for a new starting cornerback, and they can only hope to be as fortunate as the last time they threw open competition for that job.
Cortland Finnegan won the job in his second year back in 2007 during Adam “Pacman” Jones’ season-long suspension and became an All Pro.
The competitors include Jason McCourty, Ryan Mouton, Tye Hill and rookie Alterraun Verner.
A young player could earn this job too.
McCourty and Mouton are both entering their second season. Read More ...
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Locally-tied Brady is Gamecock hero
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — South Carolina’s Brady Thomas was 0-for-5 with two strikeouts and a bad bunt attempt in his previous at-bat when he came up in the 12th inning with two outs and the Gamecocks tied with Oklahoma.
No worries.
“I knew the pressure was going to be on them,” he said.
The confident Thomas, who stayed in Larry Vernon’s household during the Union City-hosted 2000 Southeast Regional, swung at closer Ryan Duke’s first pitch, drilling it into center field to score Jackie Bradley from second and give the Gamecocks a 3-2 victory in a College World Series elimination game Thursday night. Read More ...
By ERIC OLSON, AP Sports Writer |
NCAA may make prep stars wait
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Prep players may have to wait a little longer to start accepting scholarship offers.
An NCAA committee announced Thursday that it will back a proposal to prohibit making scholarships offers to recruits before July 1 in the summer between their junior and senior years in high school. If passed, it would apply to all sports.
Coaches also would have to receive high school transcripts documenting at least five semesters or seven quarters worth of academic work for a young recruit before they can offer a scholarship.
It is the first recommendation to come out of the Recruiting and Athletics Personnel Issues Cabinet, which is reviewing recruiting conduct. Read More ...
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Frogs make leap with grand HR
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — TCU’s Matt Curry was barely out of the batter’s box when he started celebrating his go-ahead grand slam.
“I’ve hit some home runs, and I usually know when I get them,” he said.
One problem. Florida State center fielder Tyler Holt was positioning himself as if he were going to catch the fly.
“My heart just sank to my stomach,” Curry said.
Suddenly, Holt turned to face the high fence in center field, looking up. Read More ...
By ERIC OLSON, AP Sports Writer |
Wizards certain to add a Wall
NEW YORK (AP) — John Wall will almost certainly be the choice when the Washington Wizards make the first pick in the NBA draft.
Maybe that’s the wrong Kentucky kid.
DeMarcus Cousins, Wall’s college teammate, said he is the best player in the draft and “it’s that simple.”
“I am the most dominant, and I believe I am the biggest game changer,” Cousins said Wednesday. “I believe I am the best talent in the draft.”
Still, don’t expect the Wizards to change their minds.
Though NBA rules prevent them from confirming it, they’ve been expected to take Wall from the moment they landed the No. 1 pick. Read More ...
By BRIAN MAHONEY, AP Basketball Writer |
Celebration time is now for US fans
They celebrated the U.S. team’s big moment in bars, restaurants and office cubicles from coast to coast, die-hard soccer supporters and curious casual fans united as they shouted, sang and even sobbed with joy.
Farshid Niroumand celebrated in solitude.
Niroumand, who coached U.S. star Clint Dempsey in high school, watched Wednesday’s monumental World Cup victory over Algeria at his home in Nacogdoches, Texas, a city of 31,000 about 180 miles southeast of Dallas.
“I don’t want anybody to see my emotion — yell or scream, or maybe use the wrong language,” Niroumand said.
That might have been for the best, as Dempsey had a goal disallowed on a questionable offside call in the first half, an agonizing miss from point-blank range in the second half and even was hit in the face, leaving his lip bleeding. Read More ...
By CHRIS JENKINS, AP Sports Writer |
Unhappy Haynesworth not popular among debtors
Albert Haynesworth apparently hasn’t been living up to his end of the deal on or off the football field.
Haynesworth issued a statement Wednesday saying he will report for training camp after staying away from the Washington Redskins all offseason trying to force a trade despite being paid a $21 million bonus in April.
Off the field, the defensive tackle faces three lawsuits and other legal filings.
A Tennessee bank is suing him for not paying a $2.38 million loan. His ex-wife, Stephanie, is back in court charging him with not paying her health insurance or their children’s bills. A Tennessee man, Corey Edmonson, has his parents caring for him with his lawsuit pending charging Haynesworth with wrecking his car in 2008. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Late Holliday gift in time for Cards
TORONTO (AP) — St. Louis’ Matt Holliday hit an RBI single off Kevin Gregg with two outs in the ninth inning, handing a 1-0 win to Chris Carpenter.
Holliday came up with runners on the corners and lined a full-count pitch into left field to give St. Louis the lead. Holliday’s homer streak ended at four games but the surging slugger had two hits and is 13-for-22 with 11 RBI in his last five games. Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
Titans thickening playbook with new offensive options
NASHVILLE (AP) — Justin Gage and Nate Washington feel they are earning Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger’s trust. How do they know? Well, he’s opening up his playbook a bit wider this offseason.
“Coach Dinger has done a great job of loosening the reins on us a little bit and letting us have free will out there,” Washington said.
For a 10-game stretch last season, Tennessee put up more yards and points than just about anybody in the NFL. The Titans climbed out of their 0-6 hole to an 8-8 finish by ranking fifth down the stretch with 27 points per game and seventh with 375.8 yards total offense. They allowed nine sacks in those games — stingiest in the NFL. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Donovan a dandy for advancing US
PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — Landon Donovan scored a stunning goal in the first minute of injury time off a rebound, advancing the United States to the second round at the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Algeria.
With the U.S. perhaps three minutes from elimination this morning, Donovan brought the ball upfield on a counterattack and Jozy Altidore’s shot on the breakaway was tipped by Clint Dempsey into goalkeeper Rais Bolihi. The rebound went to Donovan, who kicked it in from about 8 yards for one of the biggest goals in U.S. soccer history.
It gave the Americans first place in Group C. With just its fifth shutout in World Cup play, the United States (1-0-2) won a group for the first time since 1930 and will face the runner-up in Group D this weekend. Read More ...
By RONALD BLUM, AP Sports Writer |
Furture uncertain for Cub boss Lou
SEATTLE (AP) — Lou Piniella heard the roar from the Seattle crowd. He smiled and raised his right arm to wave to the people he helped thrill during the city’s baseball heyday in the 1990s.
It was quite the day for the Chicago Cubs manager.
Piniella got a warm ovation when he presented the lineup card before Chicago opened a rare series at the Mariners on Tuesday night. Hours earlier, Piniella went to lunch with the top executives who first brought him to Seattle almost 20 years ago.
“We laughed a lot, and talked about the old times,” he said. Read More ...
By GREG BELL, |
Battle of birds goes way of Cards
TORONTO (AP) — Matt Holliday extended his hitting binge into a brand new week.
The streaking slugger connected for one of St. Louis’ four home runs, and the Cardinals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 9-4 on Tuesday night.
Felipe Lopez, Yadier Molina and slumping Colby Rasmus also went deep for the Cardinals to back rookie left-hander Jaime Garcia (7-3).
Holliday got off to a slow start after signing a $120 million, seven-year contract in the offseason. But he was selected NL player of the week after batting .435 (10-for-23) with four homers and eight RBI from June 14-20.
He kept that streak going against the Blue Jays with a single in the first inning, a homer in the third and a double in the fifth. He finished 3-for-5 with two RBI. Read More ...
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Gamecocks rule roost against top seed
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Usually, Ray Tanner is cautioning his team about the perils of the big inning.
This time, the South Carolina coach was celebrating one.
Jackie Bradley and Adrian Morales homered during an eight-run second inning that propelled the Gamecocks to an 11-4 victory over No. 1 national seed Arizona State on Tuesday, knocking the Sun Devils out of the College World Series.
“That second inning for us — eight runs — and eight hits is the most we’ve had in one inning the entire season,” Tanner said. “We don’t score runs like that very often, but we had some big, big at-bats in that inning and gave us an opportunity to get some great runs.” Read More ...
By ERIC OLSON, AP Sports Writer |
Ohio St. recruit shot again
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio State football recruit was shot and wounded twice in two months, and authorities believe the cases are unrelated.
Jamel Turner, 18, was left in critical condition by a shooting early Saturday in Youngstown. A 17-year-old girl was killed in the shooting.
Police Capt. Rod Foley said Monday the case apparently was unrelated to a drive-by shooting on April 16, when Turner was wounded.
Foley declined to discuss a possible motive for the latest shooting, but said Turner and Tracy Banks, who was killed, apparently were intended victims of a shooter who fired from outside a house.
Police were trying to determine Turner’s relationship with Banks. Read More ...
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Rallying Gators run out of gas
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mike McGee hit a tie-breaking three-run homer in the third inning and picked up the save after Florida made things interesting in the ninth, leading Florida State to an 8-5 victory in a College World Series elimination game Monday.
The Seminoles (48-19) will play TCU in an elimination game Wednesday night.
The Gators (47-17) lost for the fourth time in five meetings this season with their instate rival.
Florida loaded the bases against Daniel Bennett and Preston Tucker’s double drove in three runs.
McGee, who was playing left field, came on and gave up a single and hit a batter, loading the bases with one out. Shortstop Stephen Cardullo caught Mike Zunino’s line drive and flipped to second baseman Devon Travis for a game-ending double play.
It was McGee’s 13th save. Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
Glaus comeback tale a good read for Braves
ATLANTA (AP) — Jason Heyward’s bat has cooled off considerably.
Jair Jurrjens is still hurt. Chipper Jones might be on his way to retirement when the season ends.
Yet no matter how much difficulty the Atlanta Braves seem to face, they keep winning.
Since ending a nine-game losing streak on April 30, the Braves are 34-14, best in the major leagues, and their 42-28 overall record leads the NL.
“We’ve held our own as a team,” Heyward said last weekend. “All year everybody’s been picking each other up.”
Ask around the Atlanta clubhouse who’s most responsible for the surge, and Troy Glaus is the consensus answer.
“It’s an amazing story,” manager Bobby Cox said. “A great pickup. He’s played a great first base as well. And he’s a gamer.”
Nobody, including Glaus, imagined a few weeks ago that he would lead the National League in RBI or that Atlanta would have the NL’s best record. Read More ...
By GEORGE HENRY, Assocaited Press Writer |
3-peat is talk of Laker parade
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Thousands of screaming fans saluted the world champion Los Angeles Lakers Monday in a two-mile parade that left no doubt that expectations for a three-peat are high.
Laker starters Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest waved to the crowd from a flatbed truck festooned in purple and gold and surrounded by a white picket fence.
Bryant has five titles, but “this is the best one by far because it was the hardest one to get,” he said.
Looking ahead, Bryant told reporters, “When next season starts, we’ll be ready, that’s for sure.”
The parade capped a season that ended Thursday with an 83-79 Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics and a 16th NBA title for the Lakers. Read More ...
By NARDINE SAAD, Associated Press Writer |
Serena overpowering vs. opening opponent
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Serena Williams finished with an ace and a curtsy, showing she’s ready for the queen and a lot more at Wimbledon.
The defending champion won her opening match Tuesday, relying on an overpowering serve to beat 17-year-old Michelle Larcher de Brito of Portugal 6-0, 6-4.
Williams won all 27 points on her first serve and hit 15 aces, the last on her final shot.
As the crowd applauded her victory, Williams curtsied, mindful Queen Elizabeth II is expected to visit Wimbledon for the first time since 1977 on Thursday.
Williams plays her second-round match that day and has said she hopes to meet the queen.
Not that she needed additional motivation to advance. Williams is 43-0 in first-round matches at majors and has won 58 of her past 59 matches against players ranked outside the top 100. Read More ...
By STEVEN WINE, AP Sports Writer |
Ambrose gaffe puts J.J. on top
SONOMA, Calif. (AP) — Marcos Ambrose was easily in command at Infineon Raceway when his crew tried to tell him what a good job he was doing circling the scenic road course.
“Stop talking to me!” he screamed over his radio.
Those nerves should have been a sign of things to come as Ambrose made a late-race gaffe that cost him his first career Sprint Cup Series victory and instead gave Jimmie Johnson his first win on a road course.
Ambrose stalled his engine while trying to conserve gas under caution Sunday, and his car came to a stop while leading with six laps remaining. He restarted and tried to re-claim his position at the front of the field, but NASCAR ordered him back to seventh place and Johnson inherited the lead. Read More ...
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer |
Delayed Okies OK in end
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Sunny Golloway was plumb tuckered out Sunday night, and he wasn’t even one of the guys playing.
After two rain delays totaling more than six hours, the Oklahoma coach watched Jeremy Erben and Ryan Duke worked out of bases-loaded situations in the eighth and ninth innings to hold off South Carolina 4-3 in the College World Series on Sunday night.
“That was not an easy day,” Golloway said. “I kept looking at my watch during the delay and thinking we left the hotel at 10 o’clock, and we were at the 10-hour mark at one point. It’s a good thing the student-athletes were performing. I don’t know that my body would have allowed it after that long of a delay.” Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
Bear necessity for Griz is GM deal
MEMPHIS (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace has signed a multiyear contract extension that gives the team continuity among its leadership.
The team announced Sunday that Wallace had agreed to the deal, though neither the Grizzlies nor Wallace would discuss its length or financial terms. The team also signed coach Lionel Hollins to a three-year contract in April.
“It’s always good to get a contract,” Wallace said after a pre-draft workout Sunday. “My family and I are very happy here in Memphis. We love this city, love to be here a long time running. And the team made real strides last year.”
Wallace watched six players audition for the Grizzlies, including Kentucky forward Patrick Patterson, West Virginia forward Devin Ebanks and Mississippi guard Terrico White, who is from Memphis. Read More ...
By ADRIAN SAINZ, Associated Press Writer |
Peyton like papa in terms of giving
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Peyton Manning always dreamed of being as good a football player as his dad.
Archie Manning might be more even impressed with how his son has embraced the importance of giving back to his community.
On Sunday, the NFL’s four-time MVP winner was honored for his charitable work by earning the Youthlinks Indiana National Pathfinder Award, becoming the first second generation member to win the award.
“It’s neat,” Peyton Manning said. “You know this morning we were all together down in Jackson, Miss., for something Eli was doing and it’s not often we all get to be together like that. But it’s really an honor to be here to get this award.”
The award is given to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to helping children, and few have been more active in that pursuit than football’s first family. Read More ...
By MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer |
Steady McDowell prevails
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — There was the group of players he beat and the group of players he joined.
With his whole career in front of him and a U.S. Open title behind him, 30-year-old Graeme McDowell now goes about trying to be remembered more as the guy who knocked off Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els and not merely the latest on an eclectic list of surprising champions at golf’s most unpredictable major.
McDowell played a fourth straight round of unflappable golf Sunday at Pebble Beach and held off the sport’s fearsome threesome to prove, yet again, that a great track record guarantees nothing when it comes to the U.S. Open. Read More ...
By EDDIE PELLS, AP National Writer |
Disallowed U.S. goal could spark interest
IRENE, South Africa (AP) — London Donovan thinks the controversial decision by a referee to disallow a U.S. goal will serve to increase interest when the United States plays Algeria on Wednesday.
The Americans would advance to the second round with a victory over the Desert Foxes and they could advance with a tie, depending on what England does.
The decision by referee Koman Coulibaly of Mali to call off a Maurice Edu goal left the U.S. with a 2-2 tie against Slovenia on Friday, sparking outrage in the United States. Read More ...
By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer |
Charge of Big 3 never comes
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — When Phil Mickelson made his birdie attempt from off the green on the opening hole Sunday, the gallery roared its approval. The fans were prepared to see Lefty charge.
They did the same every time Ernie Els or Tiger Woods made a move, creating a rumble of energy through Pebble Beach on Sunday at the U.S. Open.
By the end, those roars were reserved for unknown Graeme McDowell on the 18th green as the new U.S. Open champ. Lefty, Ernie and Tiger were nowhere to be found.
“It just wasn’t there. Other than the first six or seven holes, it just wasn’t there,” Mickelson said. “It got progressively tougher, the pins placements got progressively more difficult. And there just wasn’t the opportunities really for birdie.”
When third round leader Dustin Johnson faltered early bringing the likes of Els, Woods and Mickelson closer to the front, it was expected the champion would come from that group. Read More ...
By TIM BOOTH, AP Sports Writer |
Defense rebuild is trying on Titans
NASHVILLE (AP) — Chuck Cecil’s first season as the Tennessee Titans’ defensive coordinator couldn’t have been more memorable — and for all the wrong reasons.
The Titans started 0-6 and hit a low point with a 59-0 rout in New England, giving up a franchise-worst 619 yards in the loss.
A defense that returned 10 starters from one of the NFL’s best units in 2008 lost three defensive backs to injury during the skid.
Cecil took much of the blame as furious fans flooded message boards and radio shows demanding that he be fired.
Cecil looks back now a few months later and calls it a trying time.
“It was quite the perfect storm, I guess you’d say in a bad sort of way. If that doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger so we survived it and learned a lot from it and moved on,” he said.
That can only help as Cecil pulls together a defense that could feature as many as four new starters in 2010 thanks to the Titans’ youth movement. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Gritty Lakers wear crown in end
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kobe Bryant sprinted after the ball, which Lamar Odom joyously flung downcourt to burn the remaining seconds in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. With the celebration starting behind him, Bryant chased it down and then held it aloft to his teammates.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ 16th championship was secure following a gritty 83-79 victory over the Boston Celtics.
Bryant’s legs may have been dead, but he didn’t stop running until the buzzer.
The two-time finals MVP has a ring for every finger on one hand precisely because he never slows down, even with injuries, the Celtics’ defense and his own erratic shot conspiring against him.
That’s why this ring will have a special place in his collection, and this banner in the Staples Center rafters will loom a little larger than the rest to Kobe. Read More ...
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer |
Tough course tames Tiger, Lefty
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — The two best players in the world couldn’t make a birdie. A dozen others got to the top of the leaderboard only to see themselves fall right back down.
The winner on Thursday at the U.S. Open was prickly Pebble Beach, the toughened-up beauty — a wind-blown course that tamed Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson and drained the momentum from any player who dared get too far under par.
“It’s survival,” said Tim Clark, after shooting a 72 to finish three strokes behind clubhouse leaders Shaun Micheel and Paul Casey.
Mickelson shot 4-over-par 75 during a birdie-less morning round that included one shot onto the beach and another off the rock wall on 18 that went careening into the ocean. Read More ...
By EDDIE PELLS, AP National Writer |
Contract still a sore subject for Titan C.J. at youth camp
FRANKLIN (AP) — Chris Johnson has returned to Tennessee for football, just not with the Titans. The running back coming off a historic season still wants a pay raise and isn’t happy with his contract status.
He just wouldn’t comment about it Wednesday.
The Associated Press’ 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year held his second annual camp for children Wednesday and refused to comment when asked about a contract paying him $550,000 for 2010. Johnson lives in Orlando, and the camp is his first visit to Tennessee since the season ended with him becoming only the sixth person in NFL history to run for at least 2,000 yards.
“We are out here just to talk about the camp today. No contract talks or anything like that,” Johnson told reporters. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Stingy Seattle keeps Cards at bay
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Another off-night for the Seattle Mariners’ offense? Jason Vargas and two relievers were stingy enough to make it work.
Vargas stymied the St. Louis Cardinals into the eighth inning and Matt Holliday failed again in the clutch in a 2-1 victory that prevented a three-game sweep on Wednesday night.
The Mariners scored two or fewer runs for the seventh time in 13 games, winning for the first time in that stretch.
“It was an unbelievably pitched game,” manager Don Wakamatsu said. “To me, he dominated an awfully good lineup, he took us deep into the ballgame.”
Holliday struck out on an 0-2 count on a ball in the dirt against Brandon League with the tying run at third to end the eighth, dropping his average to .194 with runners in scoring position. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Give bonus back is Redskin line on Haynesworth
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The Washington Redskins are going to try to get their $21 million back from absentee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
An official within the league with knowledge of the deliberations tells The Associated Press that the Redskins are going to examine Haynesworth’s contract to see if they can recoup some or all of the bonus they paid him on April 1.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because coach Mike Shanahan has declined to make the team’s plans public.
Haynesworth was a no-show for the Redskins mandatory minicamp Wednesday. He is unhappy with the team’s switch to a 3-4 defense. Teammates called his actions “selfish.” Read More ...
By JOSEPH WHITE, AP Sports Writer |
Brave 3B Chipper making no call
ATLANTA (AP) — Call it Day 2 of the Chipper Jones retirement watch.
The Atlanta Braves third baseman said Wednesday he’s still not ready to announce whether he’ll call it a career after the season.
“There’s no change,” he said, standing at his clubhouse locker before practice. “After all the courtesy that I’ve given (the media) over the years, I would hope that I would be given the same courtesy to kind of do this in my own time, in my own way. That’s that.”
A day earlier, Jones met with manager Bobby Cox, general manager Frank Wren and team president John Schuerholz to discuss his future. The 38-year-old player has struggled with injuries and is clearly frustrated about the way he’s played the last two seasons. Read More ...
By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer |
Latest to receive invite into Pac-10 ball is Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah is poised to become the 12th member of the Pac-10 as the conference quickly pivoted Wednesday to invite the Utes after being turned down by Texas and four other members of the Big 12 two days ago.
Utah officials did not immediately say whether the invitation would be accepted, but it would be shocking if the Utes didn’t leave the Mountain West Conference for the Pac-10.
Spokeswoman Liz Abel said the athletics department would not comment until today, after the school’s board of trustees meets to discuss the school’s conference affiliation. A news conference was scheduled at the football stadium following the meeting.
Pac-10 officials are expected to attend today’s news conference in Utah.
Utah has been a member of the MWC since the league began in 1999 — and one of its most successful in football and basketball.
There had been speculation on Tuesday that Utah would be the next school to be approached by the Pac-10. When asked about the possibility, school president Michael Young told The Associated Press “we wouldn’t anticipate making a move of this magnitude without the concurrence of our board of trustees.” Read More ...
By BROCK VERGAKIS, Associated Press Writer |
Officials pledging to keep on ‘course’
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — The bright blue skies at Pebble Beach are almost always deceiving in June, mainly because they’re almost always accompanied by a brisk, humidity-sapping north wind.
Beautiful days like these can be rough on golfers, and can prompt statements like these from the leaders at the USGA: “This golf course will not get away from us.”
That USGA secretary Tom O’Toole felt the need to make that point may have been the best sign of where things were when the U.S. Open got under way this morning. One of America’s most beautiful, memorable and, yes, occasionally devilish golf courses was teetering on the edge between challenging and something more difficult. Read More ...
By EDDIE PELLS, AP National Writer |
Titans’ LB jobs all up for grabs
NASHVILLE (AP) — There are more questions than answers swirling around the linebacker position at the Tennessee Titans this offseason.
None of the Titans’ three starters from a year ago have practiced during the voluntary organized team activities.
Keith Bulluck tore the ACL in his left knee last December and still is rehabbing and unsigned as a free agent. David Thornton is healing from pectoral surgery, and middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch has been AWOL, finally signing his $2.521 million tender Monday as a restricted free agent. But he still hasn’t shown up as the team wraps up its on-field work this offseason by June 25.
The NFL announced Monday that Gerald McRath, a projected starter this season, will miss the first four regular season games after a positive test for a banned substance under the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Read More ...
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Titans score four draftees
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have started agreeing to terms with their draft picks, reaching deals on multi-year contracts with cornerback Alterraun Verner and safety Myron Rolle — the Rhodes scholar.
The Titans announced the deals Tuesday with the first of their 11 draft picks.
A few hours later, they announced deals with both of their seventh-round draft picks in Montana receiver Marc Mariani and defensive lineman David Howard of Brown.
Verner is their fourth-round pick at 104th overall.
Rolle was the last pick in the sixth round at No. 207 overall. Read More ...
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Unhappy camper Haynesworth skips out on Redskins
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The stakes just got a little higher in the showdown between the Washington Redskins and Albert Haynesworth, who now says he will skip the team’s mandatory minicamp that starts today.
The two-time All Pro defensive tackle released a statement late Tuesday through Comcast SportsNet affirming his discontent with the team’s new defensive scheme and declaring that he will “continue to work individually to prepare for training camp and the start of the 2010 season.”
He will likely be fined for not showing up.
Haynesworth is unhappy that the Redskins are switching to a 3-4 defensive scheme under new coach Mike Shanahan and new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. Read More ...
By JOSEPH WHITE, AP Sports Writer |
Lakers take ‘rout’ to Game 7
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Just a few seconds after seldom-used Boston reserve Shelden Williams missed an uncontested dunk, Kobe Bryant floated to the rim and somehow willed a layup through tight defense to put the Lakers ahead by 22 points.
It was only the second quarter, but Game 6 was pretty much over. Los Angeles had responded to the threat of elimination from the NBA Finals with the closest thing to a shutout anyone is likely to see in big-time basketball.
Buckle up, Boston and L.A. This epic series between old rivals is going to Game 7.
Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 17 points and 13 rebounds, and the Lakers emphatically earned a grand finale with a 89-67 victory over the Celtics on Tuesday night. Read More ...
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer |
Suppan success sets tone for Cards
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tony La Russa flashed back to 2006 with a postseason star on the mound.
Jeff Suppan did his best to stay in the moment.
The right-hander was wearing his old No. 37 jersey and even got his old locker stall back after signing with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Then he was a success in his comeback start for a franchise where he thrived earlier this decade, setting the tone for a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
“I couldn’t help but think, seeing him back out there, how many really big games he pitched for us,” La Russa said. “I mean, games that meant a huge difference to the history of this franchise.
“You couldn’t help but think about that. I couldn’t.” Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Braves pay ‘Price’ for miscue
ATLANTA (AP) — David Price kept getting into trouble. No problem.
Carl Crawford fell face-first on the wet grass while rounding third. That worked out just fine, too.
Price became the AL’s first 10-game winner, Evan Longoria hit a two-run homer and Crawford picked himself up to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to a 10-4 victory Tuesday night over the Atlanta Braves, who learned that longtime star Chipper Jones is considering retirement.
After a rain delay of nearly 2 1/2 hours at the start, a throwing error led to three unearned runs in a four-run first that sent Kenshin Kawakami (0-9) to another loss. He became the first starting pitcher in Braves franchise history to begin a season with nine straight defeats. Read More ...
By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer |
Dominoes fall in place for Big 12 as Texas decides to stay
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Staring at extinction, the Big 12 is once again in play.
The beleaguered conference made a rousing comeback Monday, when Texas declined an invitation to join the Pac-10 and decided to stay in the Big 12.
Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M quickly followed the Longhorns by recommitting to the conference after commissioner Dan Beebe convinced his members they would make more money in television and media deals in a 10-team Big 12 then in a 16-team Pac-10. Read More ...
By JIM VERTUNO, AP Sports Writer |
Plunked Pujols paces Cards
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Albert Pujols has a souvenir from the St. Louis Cardinals’ latest victory: a good-sized welt on the left side of his neck.
The three-time NL MVP took one off the noggin on a perfect day at the plate, stand-in cleanup hitter Ryan Ludwick homered and the Cardinals beat the Seattle Mariners 9-3 on Monday night behind a reworked batting order.
“You could have written that group any way you wanted to and we would have had some runs,” manager Tony La Russa said.
Pujols singled three times and walked twice as the Cardinals bounced back after totaling 19 runs during a 1-5 West Coast swing that dropped them out of the NL Central lead. Plus, he stayed in the game after a throw to the plate struck him near the left ear flap in the fifth.
“Took it like a champ,” Ludwick said in admiration. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Tussling Titan VY admits mistake
NASHVILLE (AP) — Vince Young had done almost everything right since Tennessee owner Bud Adams gave him his job back last fall.
Now he’s busy explaining — and apologizing — for an incident at a Dallas strip club. Even his coach is wondering if Young’s poor decision will be another setback.
“I’d like to think he’s learned a lesson, had no business making the decision that he made and obviously he’s got to deal with those consequences,” coach Jeff Fisher said Monday. “I can’t comment any further. The league will look into it. The commissioner is very strict about these type of things, and I’m sure we’ll hear from him after we get more information.” Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Suspended Titan wants ‘clean’ slate
NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Titans linebacker Gerald McRath wants to be known for playing the right way, the clean way. So he said Monday that’s why he dropped his appeal of a four-game suspension for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.
McRath said he learned in February he had tested positive early in his rookie season, a year in which the fourth-round draft pick out of Southern Mississippi started five games at outside linebacker. Standing in front of his locker, McRath said it was not for steroids though the NFL did not tell him exactly substance they found in the positive test. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Titan VY cited for assault
DALLAS (AP) — Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young received a misdemeanor assault citation after getting into a fight at a Dallas strip club and leaving before authorities arrived early Sunday, police said.
Surveillance video footage released by police showed the former University of Texas star and several people talking in a small room before Young attacked someone in the room. Others tried to break up the fight.
Young wasn’t at Club Onyx when police responded to a call about the fight, said Dallas police Lt. Andy Harvey.
Harvey said an investigation led to Young receiving a Class C assault citation, punishable by a fine up to $500. Read More ...
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Redbirds could add Suppan
PHOENIX (AP) — St. Louis manager Tony La Russa says the Cardinals expect to add Jeff Suppan to their injury-depleted rotation early this week.
Suppan was cut by the Milwaukee Brewers last week. He was the MVP of the 2006 NLCS with St. Louis.
Suppan threw a bullpen session before the Cardinals’ game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday.
La Russa said he expects the 35-year-old Suppan to start in the three-game series against Seattle that begins tonight in St. Louis. The Cardinals have not announced a starter for Tuesday’s game. Read More ...
By BOB BAUM, AP Sports Writer |
Cubbie Lilly nearly no-hits ChiSox
CHICAGO (AP) — First, a championship celebration. Then, a near no-hitter.
It was quite a night at Wrigley Field and in the end it belonged to Ted Lilly — no matter how close Gavin Floyd came to matching him.
Lilly took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before pinch-hitter Juan Pierre led off with a single, and the Chicago Cubs held on to beat the White Sox 1-0 Sunday night in a revved-up old ballpark.
“There was so much energy,” Lilly said. “I can’t remember that much energy. I guess I’d have to go back to 2001 in the World Series, some of the big game-winning homers, to get that kind of a feeling. It was awesome — really, really special.”
On a night when the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks were saluted for their Stanley Cup championship, Lilly and Floyd put on a jaw-dropping display on the mound. Read More ...
By ANDREW SELIGMAN, AP Sports Writer |
Young Rattler HRs strike Cards down
PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks went from stunned to elated in one wild ninth inning.
Chris Young rescued Arizona’s much-maligned bullpen with his second homer of the game, a two-run shot in the bottom of the ninth that gave the Diamondbacks a 7-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
“You talk about a range of emotions. What a game,” Arizona manager A.J. Hinch said. “We scored a lot of runs (five) with two outs and that’s a good sign.”
Albert Pujols had three RBI for the Cardinals, who trailed by three going into the ninth before rallying to tie it on a wild pitch by winner Esmerling Vasquez (1-2).
Kyle McClellan (0-2) retired the first two Diamondbacks in the bottom half before Miguel Montero singled and Young hit a drive to left. Read More ...
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Memphis winner eyeing big prize
MEMPHIS (AP) — Only eight men have won a PGA event the week before a major championship. No one has won on tour, then gone onto victory at a U.S. Open.
Lee Westwood now gets his chance to be the first do just that. He gave himself a chance to join the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson when he birdied the fourth hole of a sudden-death playoff Sunday to beat Swede Robert Karlsson at the St. Jude Classic.
It was just the Englishman’s second PGA Tour victory and first since 1998 to go with his 20 career European Tour wins.
“I like being competitive before a major championship, to be competitive with the tournament and boost my confidence,” Westwood said.
He became the first European to win in Memphis in the tour’s third-longest event dating back to 1958. The opportunity to win came when Robert Garrigus blew a three-stroke lead on the 72nd hole of regulation with a triple-bogey to set up a three-way playoff. Garrigus bogeyed the first hole. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Lakers against wall as Boston prevails
BOSTON (AP) — Paul Pierce is heading back to his hometown, and a second NBA championship could be waiting for him.
A Los Angeles native who has played his entire career with the rival Celtics, Pierce scored 27 points to help Boston withstand 38 points from Kobe Bryant to beat the Lakers 92-86 on Sunday night and move within one victory of an unprecedented 18th NBA title.
The Celtics lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. Game 6 is Tuesday night, and a victory then or in Game 7 in L.A. on Thursday would give Pierce the chance to celebrate in the city where he grew up.
“It’s going to have to happen if we’re going to win the title,” Pierce said. “I mean, that would be great. I’m not going to try to jinx it right now. We’ve got to win one game; that’s the goal. But it would be amazing if we get it done.” Read More ...
By JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer |
Focused Denny 1st to checkered flag again
BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Sitting in his trailer on Saturday night trying to watch a movie, Denny Hamlin couldn’t concentrate.
Sorry, too much going on these days.
“I constantly am thinking ... my mind is racing of what we can do to make the car better,” Hamlin said.
Judging by the way Hamlin crushed the field at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, the answer appears to be: not much.
Hamlin rolled to his second straight win and fifth of the season by easily pulling away from Kasey Kahne on a late restart to extend a dominant run that began in March at Martinsville. He’s now won half of the last 10 races, his No. 11 Toyota apparently getting stronger as summer approaches. Read More ...
By WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer |
Vandy bid falls short of CWS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Walkon Sherman Johnson’s eighth inning bases-loaded double provided the winning margin Sunday as Florida State defeated Vanderbilt 7-6 to advance to the College World series for the 20th time.
The Seminoles (47-18) were up 4-3 when Johnson slammed a 2-2 pitch into the right center-field gap to clear the bases. Vanderbilt chose to walk Tyler Holt and have right-hander Chase Reid pitch to the left-handed hitting Johnson, who had driven in one of Florida State’s second inning runs and had six RBI in the three Super Regional games.
Vanderbilt (46-20) scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth before Florida State’s Mike McGee struck out Joe Loftus to end the Commodores’ bid for their first CWS appearance. Read More ...
By BRENT KALLESTAD, Associated Press Writer |
Ex-cop disputes McNair murder findings
NASHVILLE (AP) — Nashville Police are sticking to their findings in the murder-suicide of ex-NFL player Steve McNair despite a request for a new investigation of the case, the department’s spokesman said.
The 36-year-old quarterback who spent most of his career with the Tennessee Titans was shot to death July 4, 2009, by his mistress, 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi, who then killed herself.
Today, a three-member team from the Davidson County grand jury was expected to review a complaint filed by Vincent Hill, who’s asking that a new investigation of McNair’s death be opened. Read More ...
By LUCAS JOHNSON II, Associated Press Writer |
(Orient)ation gelled Vandy
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin credits a weeklong trip to Japan in late November for jump-starting a young Commodore baseball team now just a pair of wins away from its first trip to the College World Series.
Vanderbilt (45-18) came out of the loser’s bracket to knock off top-seed Louisville is last week’s regional round and advance to the super regional against Florida State in a best-of-three series that begins today. The host Seminoles (45-17) swept through their region in Norwich, Conn., with three straight wins to advance.
“We went to Tokyo for a week during Thanksgiving,” Corbin said Thursday. “When we played those games against that competition, and it was very good competition, I thought our season already started.”
Corbin said a tough early season schedule against teams on the West Coast also helped.
“From that point on our kids have responded in a very positive way, a very consistent way,” he said. Read More ...
By BRENT KALLESTAD, Associated Press Writer |
Many Big 12 exits could create chaos
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — College athletics are on the verge of a monumental shift, a realignment that could disintegrate one conference, turn others into 16-school goliaths and have huge financial implications on some of the biggest programs in the country.
The first card flipped on Thursday, when Colorado ditched the Big 12 for the Pac-10. Next up are Nebraska and Missouri, both facing decisions that could spark another exodus and the collapse of the Big 12.
“(Now) the first move is made, I think you’ll see the dominos start falling,” said Joel Maxcey, sports economist at the University of Georgia.
It’s already been a wild ride. Read More ...
By JOHN MARSHALL, AP Sports Writer |
USC punishment is ban from college football bowling lanes
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California was no ordinary football program over the past decade, winning seven straight Pac-10 titles and two national championships while annually fielding a gleaming array of NFL prospects.
That’s just one reason the Trojans received no ordinary penalties when the NCAA finally announced on Thursday the results of its four-year investigation.
The NCAA threw the book at storied USC, imposing a two-year bowl ban, four years’ probation and signficant scholarship losses that likely will damage the program’s foundations. The Trojans also must vacate 12 wins from the 2005 season, all stemming from improper benefits given to Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush by fledgling sports marketers dating back to the 2004 national championship. Read More ...
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer |
Tune up the goal for leader Westwood
MEMPHIS (AP) — Lee Westwood prefers competition the week before a major to tune up his play. The Englishman looks quite ready now for the U.S. Open based on his opening round at the St. Jude Classic.
Westwood took advantage of no wind and a rain-softened course to shoot a 7-under 63 Thursday that equaled his best on the PGA Tour and gave him a one-stroke lead in the suspended first round. The world’s No. 3-ranked player tied the course record for the back nine with a 29 with four of his five birdies and an eagle. He parred out his final eight holes.
“Pleased with the start, 63 is always a good start,” Westwood said. “I couldn’t be disappointed with that. Could have been better, but I’m not going to cry too much about missing from 4 feet on the last.” Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Boston ‘Baby’ talk is of Laker lashing
BOSTON (AP) — When Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers gave his starters a breather to start the fourth quarter in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, he told them not to get too comfortable.
“Doc was like, ‘One minute, and I’m putting you in the game. You’re not sitting too long, so just be ready,’” Celtics captain Paul Pierce said. “Then you look up: we tie the game, then go up two, three and then they push the lead to seven. ... It was beautiful to watch, just being a cheerleader on the sideline.” Read More ...
By JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer |
Grounded Roethlisberger blames Big Ben hoopla
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A contrite Ben Roethlisberger said he got caught up in being a caricature called Big Ben, not the grounded player and person he once was, leading to his off-field problems and affecting his play as the Steelers quarterback.
In his first detailed interviews since a Georgia college student accused him of sexually assaulting her in a nightclub bathroom on March 5, Roethlisberger told Pittsburgh TV stations KDKA and WTAE that he doesn’t have an alcohol problem. Before the alleged assault, Roethlisberger and his party ordered considerable amounts of alcohol.
When the NFL announced Roethlisberger’s six-game suspension on April 21, commissioner Roger Goodell said the quarterback was required to undergo evaluation. Neither the league nor Roethlisberger have detailed what was being evaluated.
While Roethlisberger told KDKA there were drinking issues on his late mother’s side of the family, he said his father, Ken, never permitted alcohol in their house, even when the quarterback played at Miami (Ohio). Read More ...
By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer |
‘Bounced’ Cards swept by Dodgers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jonathan Broxton got another save, this one with the help of a fortuitous bounce on the warning track and the short fences at Dodger Stadium.
Albert Pujols had to hold up at third on a two-out ground-rule double by Yadier Molina, and Broxton retired Randy Winn on a grounder to preserve a 4-3 victory for Los Angeles over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night. Molina’s opposite-field drive to right-center fell just out of the reach of Gold Glove center fielder Matt Kemp, who lunged for the ball before it hopped over the 8-foot wall.
“Usually he doesn’t hit balls too deep to right field. If he hits the ball deep, it’s going to be to left-center, so he kind of surprised us,” Kemp said. “He got good wood on it and it kept carrying. I’m just glad it didn’t hit my glove and that it bounced over the wall, because Pujols would have scored and the game would have been tied.” Read More ...
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Cubbies not afraid of Milwaukee Wolf
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Cubs manager Lou Piniella called a few hitters in at different points on Wednesday afternoon to try to help Chicago break out of its offensive funk. Derrek Lee? There was no need for a pep talk for the veteran slugger.
Lee hit his 300th homer, Marlon Byrd and Geovany Soto each connected twice and the Cubs showed some surprising pop to power past the Milwaukee Brewers 9-4 on Wednesday night.
“I was aware, but I wasn’t going up there thinking let’s try to get to 300. But now that I’m there, it feels good. It’s a nice accomplishment,” said Lee, a 14-year veteran. “It says that you’ve had some success over a period of time.”
Chicago’s five homers marked its biggest outburst this season and were more than the Cubs hit in the previous nine games combined. Chicago has not had a winning streak of longer than four games this season.
“All we’re trying to do is create a little sense of urgency here,” Piniella said of his pregame meetings. “We’ve got to keep grinding. That was the purpose.” Read More ...
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Blackhawks not down as title drought ends
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — There was no red light, just Blackhawks flying over the boards in celebration.
Sticks and helmets were thrown, scattered all over the ice and still no signal for a goal.
After a brief review, there was no dispute — the Chicago Blackhawks were the Stanley Cup champions.
Patrick Kane sneaked the puck past Michael Leighton 4:06 into overtime and stunned Philadelphia to lift the Blackhawks to a 4-3 overtime win in Game 6 on Wednesday night for their first championship since 1961.
No one but the Blackhawks appeared to know what was going on for a few frozen moments. Kane and his linemates seemed the only players on the ice who knew the puck found the side of the net. Read More ...
By DAN GELSTON, AP Sports Writer |
Plenty of notables in Memphis field
MEMPHIS (AP) — Sweat dripped off Rory McIlroy’s face even as he stood in the shade behind the 18th green. This good Irish lad isn’t used to the muggy, hot South.
Call it the price of taking advantage of the PGA Tour’s last tuneup for the U.S. Open.
McIlroy is at the St. Jude Classic for the first time along with Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter looking for some competition before heading to Pebble Beach. The TPC Southwind course bears little resemblance to what golfers will face in California next week, down to the weather, but they will face a strong field starting Thursday with eight of the world’s top 20 on hand.
“It’s a tough test. It’s going to be tough all week, and it looks like it’s going to be pretty steamy,” McIlroy said Wednesday after finishing his pro-am practice round. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Dodgers outduel Redbirds
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The calendar says June, not October. Yet the Cardinals and Dodgers played as though something big was on the line, with outstanding outings by their starters and stellar defense.
Manny Ramirez hit an RBI double in the eighth inning and the surging Dodgers won 1-0 Tuesday night to take sole possession of first place in the National League West for the first time this season.
“It’s June,” said Jonathan Broxton, who got the save. “We want to be there at the end of the season.”
The Dodgers lead San Diego by a half-game and their 35-24 record is the best in the NL. With their eighth win in 10 games, they’re back in first for the first time since being tied on May 22. Eight of their previous nine victories were by one run, including three by scores of 1-0. Read More ...
By BETH HARRIS, AP Sports Writer |
Strasburg debut one for the ages
WASHINGTON (AP) — Poor Stephen Strasburg. Too much pressure to put on a 21-year-old kid. No way he could live up to the hype, right?
Ha!
Strasburg didn’t fall short of the hype. If anything, the hype fell short of him. Fourteen strikeouts. Not a single walk. An electrifying performance, including an unforgettable final inning in which he struck out the side while all of Nationals Park roared with every pitch.
Last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick put on a dazzling display of power pitching in his major league debut Tuesday night, clocking 100 mph with his fastball and baffling hitters with nasty curves in the Washington Nationals’ 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“He pitched,” Nationals slugger Adam Dunn said, “probably the best game I’ve ever seen pitched.” Read More ...
By JOSEPH WHITE, AP Sports Writer |
Living links legends raise big charity bucks
BRISTOL, Va. (AP) — Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player individually remain big draws. Together they’re a mesmerizing trio on a golf course.
The trio also knows how to harness that star power to raise money.
They combined Tuesday to raise just over $15.1 million at an event titled the “Big 3 for Mountain Mission Kids.” It was the single biggest fundraising day in PGA Tour history and the first public event at the Olde Farm club in Virginia.
The previous mark was estimated to be about $8.5 million by Tour officials. Organizers had hoped to raise at least $12 million for the Mountain Mission School, an 89-year-old school for needy children. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Fisher ‘lures’ Lakers to rally
BOSTON (AP) — Derek Fisher rallied his teammates with a motivational speech on the bench during the break before the fourth quarter.
Then he went out and showed them how it’s done.
“Derek, he’s our vocal leader. He’s the guy that pulls everybody together and is always giving positive reinforcement,” Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said after Fisher made five baskets in the final period to lead Los Angeles to a 91-84 victory Tuesday night over the Boston Celtics and a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals. Read More ...
By JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer |
‘Extra’ Vandy effort pays huge dividends
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Vanderbilt freshman Connor Harrell was called on to do the unexpected at just right time.
Harrell’s squeeze bunt with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning gave Vanderbilt a 3-2 win over Louisville on Monday night, sending the Commodores to the super regionals to face Florida State this weekend.
“It kind of freaked me out a little when I got the sign because I didnt have many bunts this season,” Harrell said. “But I got the sign and laid the bunt down to win the game, it was pretty simple.”
Curt Casali, who was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on Mike Yastrzemski’s single, scored the that allowed the Commodores (45-18) to advance to the super regionals for the second time. Read More ...
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Dodger DeWitt batters Redbirds
LOS ANGELES (AP) — For the first time in a while, there was no walk-off celebration for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
They got enough runs early and made them hold up.
Blake DeWitt hit his first home run of the year and drove in a career-high five runs in a 12-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.
“It was a great night all around,” he said. “We put pressure on them and had great pitching.”
The Dodgers won for the seventh time in nine games, giving themselves plenty of breathing room this time. Their six previous wins were all by one run, with four coming in walk-off fashion.
“This was a little easier for me,” Los Angeles manager Joe Torre said. Read More ...
By BETH HARRIS, AP Sports Writer |
Pirates prep for Strasburg like any other
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates know all about Stephen Strasburg’s 100-mph fastball, the breaking ball that leaves batters looking foolish and, too, all the millions of dollars the Washington Nationals threw at him to sign.
Still, after facing two-time NL Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum and the Cubs’ unbeaten Carlos Silva in successive days, the Pirates said they won’t be intimidated when they oppose Strasburg in a sold-out Nationals Park tonight in the nation’s capital.
The Pirates are 11 games below .500 and have scored the fewest runs (187) in the National League, yet they’re contending it’s Strasburg that needs to show them something, not the other way around.
Former Nationals outfielder Lastings Milledge’s take: We’ll treat Strasburg just like any other pitcher. Even if he isn’t one.
“You can’t downplay it, it’s a pretty big thing going on in Washington,” Milledge said. “We expect it to be electric. But are we expecting anything different than anybody else? No. We face good pitchers all across the league. We know he’s going to bring it, but he’s got nine tough guys to get out, so we’re going to battle.” Read More ...
By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer |
Newest National phenom is Bryce
SECAUCUS, N.J. (AP) — The Washington Nationals are becoming the franchise of phenoms.
First, Stephen Strasburg. Now, Bryce Harper. Suddenly, the future looks bright in the nation’s capital.
“Other teams are recognizing now that the Nationals aren’t just a pushover,” said Davey Johnson, in his first year as a special adviser for Washington.
The Nationals drafted the much-hyped Harper, a 17-year-old slugger with prodigious power from the College of Southern Nevada, with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft Monday night.
“It’s what I’ve wanted since I was 7 years old,” Harper said. Read More ...
By DENNIS WASZAK JR., AP Sports Writer |
Expanded instant replay a tough sell to Selig
SECAUCUS, N.J. (AP) — Bud Selig will continue to look at expanding the use of instant replay in baseball, but doesn’t think it will happen this year — if at all.
“I doubt it, but I wouldn’t ever say never,” the baseball commissioner said Monday night at the site of the draft at MLB Network studios. “It’s worked out well. Look, I am a traditionalist, but I also want to do what I think is best for the sport.”
Last Wednesday, first-base umpire Jim Joyce erred on what would have been the final out of a perfect game by Armando Galarraga in Detroit, where the Tigers beat Cleveland 3-0, calling the Indians’ Jason Donald safe. Read More ...
By DENNIS WASZAK JR., AP Sports Writer |
Lady Vol magic runs out in semis
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Tennessee softball team finally ran out of magic on Sunday.
UT, which was dismissed by many experts as being a couple years away from national title contention, finished just one victory short of a berth in the Women’s College World Series best-of-three national title round.
The Lady Vols’ final defeat was a 5-2 decision to No. 3 Arizona on Sunday night at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla. UT was also run-ruled by Arizona (8-0 in five innings) in an afternoon game that forced the do-or-die night game for the Lady Vols. Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
Top tier of Central crowded with Cards, Cindy deadlocked
A pair of extra-inning games forced a tie atop the National League Central when Sunday’s play was complete.
The Milwaukee Brewers edged the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 on Sunday evening, while the Cincinnati Reds slipped past the Washington Nationals 5-4 in the same amount of frames.
With the dual extra-inning decisions, the Cardinals and Reds are now both 33-24, sharing the top spot in the NL Central.
Today’s action has the Cardinals at Los Angeles, while the Giants visit Cincy. Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
Wooden at peace during final days
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jamaal Wilkes answered his phone a week ago and heard Michael Warren’s voice urging him to get to the hospital to see John Wooden.
The former UCLA coach and Hall of Famer had been in and out of the hospital in recent years, but this time, it was different.
Warren told Wilkes that Wooden might be nearing the end of his inspiring life. A few days later, a grave Bill Walton called Wilkes, saying, “Jamaal, you need to get over here.”
So Wilkes headed to campus to see his 99-year-old former coach, one of many long-ago UCLA basketball greats who gathered at Wooden’s bedside in his final days to say farewell.
“There were lots of people coming through,” said Keith Erickson, who starred on the 1964 and ‘65 national title teams. “Everybody wanted to give their last regards to him and let him know for sure that we had been there and how much we loved him.”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, known as Lew Alcindor in his college days, rushed back from Europe, reaching Wooden’s side hours before he died Friday night. Gary Cunningham, a player and assistant under Wooden and later head coach of the Bruins, cut short a vacation in the Sierra Nevada. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre, a longtime friend, came by, too. Read More ...
By BETH HARRIS, AP Sports Writer |
Dominant Denny has to work at end
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Denny Hamlin was 100 yards from victory at Pocono when the caution flag came out. In a flash, his two-second lead was gone.
Panic time? Not for NASCAR’s hottest driver.
After a quick debate with crew chief Mike Ford on what line to take on the restart, Hamlin pulled away from teammate Kyle Busch and roared to his fourth career victory at the peculiar 2.5-mile oval.
To be honest, it was the kind of triumph Hamlin savors more than a simple stroll to the checkered flag.
“I like winning them better this way,” he said after notching his fourth win of the season. “It’s not just walking away. You really got to earn it.” Read More ...
By WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer |
Gritty Celtics get even in L.A.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — When Pau Gasol swatted Kendrick Perkins’ hook shot right back where it came from, Rajon Rondo scooped it up.
Boston’s slick point guard leaped to the rim and scored before Gasol even knew what hadn’t hit him, giving the Celtics a fourth-quarter lead they didn’t relinquish in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
While Ray Allen’s finals-record eight 3-pointers gave the Celtics some glitz, Rondo’s triple-double exemplified much of the grit in their 103-94 victory Sunday night, evening the series before the teams headed to Boston. Read More ...
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer |
‘King of Clay’ Nadal wears crown again
PARIS (AP) — Twice Rafael Nadal sprawled onto the clay he loves. He joined the crowd in applauding and shed tears of joy. Then the King of Clay posed for photos with the queen of Spain.
The celebration of Nadal’s fifth French Open title was exuberant but brief. It didn’t include plans for a party in Paris on Sunday night.
“Difficult to have a big celebration if you have to practice tomorrow,” Nadal said.
Wimbledon awaits. The year’s third and most prestigious Grand Slam tournament is only two weeks away, and Nadal wanted to begin his grass-court preparations Monday.
The switch in surfaces comes after he completed an undefeated clay-court season Sunday by beating Robin Soderling in the final at Roland Garros, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. With the win, Nadal regained the No. 1 ranking from Roger Federer, magnifying the stakes should the two meet in the Wimbledon final July 4.
Their rivalry has been dormant lately — they’ve met only once in the past year, and haven’t played each other in a Grand Slam tournament since February 2009. Read More ...
By STEVEN WINE, AP Sports Writer |
TCA product Ivy shines as UT rolls
Trinity Christian Acad-emy product Ivy Renfroe struck out six in a spotless World Series debut and Tennessee took advantage of a wild outing by Arizona starter Kenzie Fowler to coast to a 9-0 victory in five innings.
Lady Vols Erinn Webb and Jessica Spigner both knocked two-run doubles.
Fowler (34-7) walked eight in three-plus innings marred by eight illegal pitches, including a pair that brought in runs for the 15th-seeded Lady Vols (48-13).
Webb’s double to right-center was the only hit in a four-run third inning for Tennessee, which tacked on three more runs in the fourth.
Spigner’s two-run double made it 9-0 and put the Lady Vols in position to stop the game after five innings because of the mercy rule.
It was the second straight mercy rule defeat at the World Series for eight-time national champion Arizona (48-12), which was eliminated in a 14-0 loss to Alabama last year. Read More ...
By JEFF LATZKE, AP Sports Writer |
Im(perfect) game to stay that way
NEW YORK (AP) — The imperfect game stands.
An umpire’s tears and admission he blew a call failed to move baseball commissioner Bud Selig to award Armando Galarraga the perfect game he pitched. The play and its aftermath quickly became the talk of the sports world and beyond, even reaching the White House.
Selig said Thursday that Major League Baseball will look at expanded replay and umpiring, but didn’t specifically address umpire Jim Joyce’s botched call Wednesday night that cost Galarraga the perfect game — 27 batters up, 27 batters down. No hits, no walks, no errors. Read More ...
By BEN WALKER, AP Baseball Writer |
Physical Lakers trounce Celtics
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ron Artest proved it in his opening-minute scuffle with Paul Pierce, tumbling to the ground with a vise grip on the Celtics star’s elbow.
Kobe Bryant emphasized it one last time with a rub-it-in 3-pointer in the waning seconds of an NBA finals opener that was already a rout.
These aren’t the same Los Angeles Lakers who got pushed around by their biggest rivals on the NBA’s biggest stage two years ago.
They’re rougher and tougher — and surprisingly willing to play the Boston Celtics’ bad-tempered game.
Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and the defending champion Lakers did a remarkable job of the dirty work in a 102-89 victory over Boston in Game 1 on Thursday night. Read More ...
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer |
Card Holliday may be wrapping slump up
ST. LOUIS (AP) — When the season ends, St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is confident the numbers will be there for Matt Holliday. Right now, all the signs are pointing up for the struggling slugger.
Holliday is batting .520 in his last seven games, with two homers and six RBI. He’s been more patient, too, drawing eight walks after only 14 his first 45 games.
La Russa recently tried swapping Holliday and Albert Pujols in the batting order, to little effect. It appears patience was the best course with the Cardinals’ $120 million, seven-year investment.
“You take career stats similar at the end of the year, if he stays healthy he’s going to be right around his average,” La Russa said. “Which is a nice average and good production.” Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Im(perfect) ump torn up over error
DETROIT (AP) — Armando Galarraga bitterly sipped a beer minutes after he almost pitched a perfect game, lashing out at first base umpire Jim Joyce for blowing a call on what would have been the final out to negate his place in baseball history.
An apology and hug changed Galarraga’s attitude.
Joyce, in tears, asked for a chance to apologize after the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 3-0 Wednesday night.
“You don’t see an umpire after the game come out and say, ‘Hey, let me tell you I’m sorry,’” Galarraga said “He felt really bad. He didn’t even shower.”
The perfect game that wasn’t.
MLB declined comment on Joyce’s call. As it stands, baseball replays can only be used for questionable home runs.
There’s no appealing a judgment call, either by replay or protest. Read More ...
By LARRY LAGE, AP Sports Writer |
Griffey Jr. quietly retires
SEATTLE (AP) — Ken Griffey Jr. arrived in baseball a fresh-faced teenager with a radiant smile, a carefree attitude and unlimited potential.
He spent 22 seasons becoming lauded as the greatest player of his generation.
Even as his career declined through injuries and age, Griffey left the game on his own terms and still held in the highest of regards.
Now relegated to part-time duty, Griffey unexpectedly decided Wednesday to retire after 22 mostly brilliant seasons.
The 40-year-old Griffey wasn’t at Safeco Field on Wednesday. He simply released a statement through the Seattle Mariners — the franchise he saved in the ’90s and returned to for the conclusion of his career — that he was done playing. Read More ...
By TIM BOOTH, AP Sports Writer |
Atlanta East cushion is largest in a while
ATLANTA (AP) — Troy Glaus didn’t let the rain bother him.
Neither did Tim Hudson.
Glaus stayed hot with a three-run homer, Hudson pitched six strong innings around a delay, and the streaking Atlanta Braves extended with lead in the NL East with a 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.
With the showers splattering off his helmet, Glaus homered in the first off Cole Hamels to give the Braves a quick lead they never relinquished on the way to their 17th win in the last 21 games, including seven in a row.
“It’s not easy. You’ve got to keep your focus,” Glaus said of hitting in the rain. “They wouldn’t have redone it if he had gotten me out. As long as we’re out there playing, you’ve got to play through it.” Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
Familar Arizona is initial UT foe
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The No. 15-seeded Tennessee Lady Vols’ road at the Women’s College World Series is slated to begin on Thursday night at 6 when the Big Orange face off with 10th-seeded Arizona, an all-too familar foe, live on ESPN2.
Tennessee, behind the pitching of Olympian Monica Abbott, finished as the NCAA runner-up in 2007 to Arizona.
UT is 3-0 all-time in opening match-ups at the WCWS with victories over Arizona (in 2005), UCLA (in 2006) and Texas A&M (in 2007). Read More ...
By UT Sports Information |
LeBron tells fellow King that Cavaliers have a leg-up
CLEVELAND (AP) — One month from the start of the NBA’s free agency frenzy, LeBron James said he’s not close to making any decision.
However, he has handicapped his field of suitors.
The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the pack.
In his first interview since the Cavs’ season ended with a shocking, second-round loss to Boston, James told CNN’s Larry King that Cleveland “does have an edge” to re-sign him when the greatest collection of free agents in league history hits the open market on July 1. Read More ...
By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer |
Surging Cards topple Cincy
ST. LOUIS (AP) — An hour-long rain delay was just what Jaime Garcia needed to refocus.
The St. Louis Cardinals knocked out Bronson Arroyo in the fifth inning and their rookie left-hander overcame a shaky start in a 12-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, forging a first-place tie in the National League Central.
“I think in the first inning, sometimes it’s kind of like a shaky one for me because I’m learning,” Garcia said. “After the delay I was able to stay focused, stay in the game mentally and physically.”
Pujols extended his streak of reaching base to nine straight plate appearances with two intentional walks and a single his first three at-bats. He finally made an out in the fifth inning, hitting into a double play. Pujols added an RBI single in a five-run sixth, one day after hitting three homers at Chicago. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Lakers setting out to ‘rock’ Celtics
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Although Andrew Bynum didn’t play in the 2008 NBA Finals, he remembers how it all ended. Boston Celtics fans celebrated their clinching victory by throwing rocks and other projectiles at the Los Angeles Lakers’ departing bus, also rocking it back and forth.
“I only saw a couple of games, and it was crazy — the energy, the fans,” said Bynum, who was out for the season with an injured kneecap. “That bus ride back to the hotel, it wasn’t the greatest.”
Bynum kept that memory close for the past two years, and so did most of his teammates. Although the Lakers’ roster is remarkably similar to the group that lost to Boston two years ago, Bynum sees two big reasons Los Angeles might have a better shot to do the rocking this time. Read More ...
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer |
Arizona State a no-brainer as No. 1 seed
NEW YORK (AP) — Arizona State is No. 1 — for now.
The pressure’s on the Sun Devils to finish the season in that same spot after being selected Monday as the top seed for the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament.
“They really didn’t make very many mistakes throughout the course of the season and down the stretch,” selection committee chairman Tim Weiser said. “I think they, for the most part, from beginning to end have been a team that people have recognized and looked at as kind of separate from a lot of other teams.”
Arizona State (47-8) has had an outstanding season under interim coach Tim Esmay, who replaced Pat Murphy after he abruptly resigned in November after 15 years. The Pac-10 champions will host one of 16 four-team, double-elimination regionals that begin Friday. Arizona State opens against Horizon League champion Milwaukee (33-24). Read More ...
By DENNIS WASZAK JR., AP Sports Writer |
Busch again victor at Charlotte track
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Chip Ganassi had already celebrated one victory. He was fine having Roger Penske get a turn.
Two of the top team owners in American motorsports collected wins Sunday — one of the most storied days in auto racing — when Penske driver Kurt Busch denied Ganassi a Memorial Day weekend sweep by beating Jamie McMurray.
“My old buddy Penske beat me tonight,” a smiling Ganassi said after settling for second in the Coca-Cola 600.
Earlier Sunday, Ganassi became the first owner to win both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 in the same season when Dario Franchitti won the open-wheel race. After the post-race pageantry, Ganassi hopped a flight to North Carolina to catch the second half of NASCAR’s longest race of the season. Read More ...
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer |
Dario has just enough
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — One lap to go, running on empty and a car bearing down on his tail.
After having the dominant car and the perfect game plan, Dario Franchitti still needed more Sunday — one break to win his second Indianapolis 500.
He got it in the form of a spectacular, airborne crash that brought out a yellow flag and allowed him to cross the line with a scant 1.6 gallons of fuel left.
That 1.6 gallons left him holding a quart of milk, a winner at the Brickyard for the second time in four years.
“Still running,” the winner told his crew over the radio as he crossed the finish line, while wreckers were moving out to scoop up debris from an accident that sent Mike Conway into the wall and to the hospital with a broken left leg.
The victory made Franchitti’s boss, Chip Ganassi, the first owner to win Indy and NASCAR’s Daytona 500 in the same year.
It validated the Scottish driver’s return to the IndyCar circuit two years after celebrating his 2007 Indy victory by making an unsuccessful move with Ganassi to NASCAR. Read More ...
By EDDIE PELLS, AP National Writer |
Phillies’ ace Halladay is latest Mr. Perfect
MIAMI (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay threw the 20th perfect game in major league history, delivering the marquee performance of his All-Star career in a 1-0 win over the Florida Marlins on Saturday night.
It was the second perfect game in the majors this month alone, unheralded Dallas Braden doing it for Oakland against Tampa Bay on May 9. It’s the first time in the modern era that there were a pair of perfectos in the same season — Colorado’s Ubaldo Jimenez threw a no-hitter, too, in April.
Halladay struck out 11, then got pinch-hitter Ronny Paulino to ground out to end it, and was cheered by a crowd of 25,086 throughout much of the night. Read More ...
By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer |
Lohse going under the knife
SAN DIEGO (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Kyle Lohse is set to undergo surgery on his right forearm today.
Lohse, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with exertional compartment syndrome, will have the surgery performed by Dr. Stephen Shin in Los Angeles.
Published in The Messenger 5.28.10 Read More ...
AP |
Cards avoid broom of Padres
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Albert Pujols hit his first homer and drove in his first runs in 12 games, and Brendan Ryan tied a career high with four hits to lead the St. Louis Cardinals over the San Diego Padres 8-3 Thursday night.
Published in The Messenger 5.28.10 Read More ...
AP |
Titan Bo shows up
NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Titans tight end Bo Scaife wants the security of a long-term deal. He insists not getting that contract isn’t the reason why he stayed away from Tennessee’s offseason program until this week.
The tight end arrived Monday and took part in Tuesday’s minicamp session. Tagged as the team’s franchise player in 2009, Scaife missed unrestricted free agency thanks to the league’s labor deal.
He had signed the team’s one-year tender for $4.9 million but had been working out on his own in Colorado.
“I’ve really just been doing my own thing,” Scaife said. “I’ve got a little girl and taking care of her and just preparing myself to have the best season of my career. You know when it’s a good time when you feel it, and I just felt it.”
So he wasn’t unhappy not being given a long-term contract yet? Just stayed away trying to make his feelings known?
Scaife said that might have been a little part of it. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Heroic Hairston KOs Cards again
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jerry Hairston Jr. watched Albert Pujols crush a ball that ended up being caught in Petco Park’s vast center field.
An inning and a half later, with two outs in the 13th, Hairston lined a shot that cleared the fence in left-center to carry the San Diego Padres a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night.
“I knew I hit it well, but this ballpark sometimes holds these balls,” Hairston said. “I’m glad it went over. Everybody knows this park is really, really tough. There’s reasons why we have one-run ballgames at night here. It’s so hard to hit.” Read More ...
By BERNIE WILSON, AP Sports Writer |
Celtic celebration delayed by Magic
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Not ready to go home just yet, the only place the Orlando Magic are headed is back to Boston.
Halfway to history.
Taking another step toward overcoming an improbable 3-0 series deficit, Dwight Howard had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Magic to a 113-92 victory over the Celtics on Wednesday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
“I don’t know if you can say you have momentum when you’re down 3-2 going into their place,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “I still look at it like we’re climbing a huge mountain here. But we are playing better.”
Much better. Read More ...
By ANTONIO GONZALEZ, Associated Press Writer |
Fisher trying to lure unhappy Titan C.J. in for talks
NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Titans’ coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday the team would like to meet and talk with unhappy running back Chris Johnson before the team’s next minicamps in June.
Johnson has stayed away from the team’s offseason program and voluntary minicamps including Tuesday’s session.
The Associated Press NFL 2009 Offensive Player of the Year wants a pay hike after becoming the sixth man in league history to rush for at least 2,000 yards.
The Titans have argued publicly that Johnson has three years left on the five-year, $12 million deal signed in 2008 that guaranteed him about $7 million. Team officials also have noted rules in the final year of the league’s collective bargaining agreement limit pay raises to 30 percent, also making a new deal impossible without paying millions up front. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Cardinals are unable to seize only moment
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jon Garland believes getting out of a first-inning jam Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals was the thin line between a win and a loss.
He was probably right.
Garland escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the first inning with two strikeouts and went on to throw seven strong innings to help the San Diego Padres to a 1-0 victory over the Cardinals.
Jerry Hairston Jr. hit a two-out homer in the second inning for the game’s only run as Garland narrowly outpitched St. Louis’ Adam Wainwright. Read More ...
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NY Super Bowl bid not left out in cold
IRVING, Texas (AP) — February. Gray skies. Snowflakes. Brrrrrrrr.
Well, grab your boots and plow the snow.
The Super Bowl is coming to the Meadowlands.
In New Jersey?
In the dead of winter? Read More ...
By JAIME ARON, AP Sports Writer |
Phoenix call for back-up handcuffs Lakers
PHOENIX (AP) — Hold that foregone conclusion. The Los Angeles Lakers are in a fight out West after all.
The Phoenix Suns, led by a hustling, scrappy bench and a zone defense that again disrupted the vaunted triangle offense, beat the reigning NBA champions 115-106 on Tuesday night to even the Western Conference finals at two games apiece.
The series moves back to Los Angeles, where a week ago a columnist was lamenting that the Suns wouldn’t provide the necessary competition to ready the Lakers for Boston in the NBA finals. Game 5 is Thursday night, with Game 6 Saturday back in Phoenix.
Kobe Bryant and his teammates still are in control, with two of the three games potentially remaining in the series at home, but the margin of error isn’t what it appeared to be after the Lakers blistered the Suns for 128 and 124 points in the first two games of the series. Read More ...
By BOB BAUM, AP Sports Writer |
Slump wearing on Card Pujols
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Albert Pujols has no RBI in nine games and he’s just a few more towering pop-ups or infield choppers from having his average drop below .300. No wonder the frustration is showing at times for a player who’s always made production look easy.
May has not been a good month for the three-time NL MVP, who has one homer and 10 RBI to go with a pedestrian .267 average.
On Friday, when Ryan Ludwick was caught stealing for the last out of the eighth inning with Pujols at the plate and the Cardinals ahead by four runs, Pujols slammed his bat to the turf. He carried a mini-tantrum to the dugout where he and manager Tony La Russa had a brief exchange. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Snowy Super Bowl, OT on NFL agenda
IRVING, Texas (AP) — Ready for an outdoor Super Bowl in cold, possibly snowy weather? Thinking that new overtime rule adopted for playoff games should be used in the regular season, too?
NFL owners will discuss those things and more today.
The 2014 Super Bowl site definitely will be picked. It’s widely expected to go to the new $1.6 billion Meadowlands stadium that will become home to the Jets and Giants this season, although Miami and Tampa, Fla., also are bidding. Read More ...
By JAIME ARON, AP Sports Writer |
Major Michigan football confession involves minor violations
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The University of Michigan admitted this morning to a series of violations in its storied football program and insisted the problems related to practice time and the activities of graduate assistants were not enough to warrant major punishment from the NCAA.
Michigan released more than 150 pages detailing its investigation and self-imposed sanctions it hopes will satisfy the NCAA, whose staff will hold a hearing on the case in August. A final decision on NCAA penalties could take months.
The sanctions included a recommendation for two years of probation for the NCAA’s winningest football program, which is 8-16 in two seasons under coach Rich Rodriguez. The school also said seven people, including Rodriguez, had been reprimanded and another was fired. Read More ...
By LARRY LAGE, AP Sports Writer |
Weekend finishes with Cards at top
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Felipe Lopez was so focused on the game-deciding at-bat, he failed to notice the Angels had a five-man infield.
Lopez beat the alignment when he lofted a bases-loaded single in the 10th inning well past the two remaining outfielders who were drawn in, giving the St. Louis Cardinals a 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.
“They can have the whole team in the infield, I don’t care,” Lopez said. “I don’t pay attention to that. Sometimes they do that to distract the hitter, I just try to stay within myself and what I can do.”
With the win, St. Louis regained first place in the National League Central with Sunday’s victory after losing it to Cincinnati over the weekend. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
UT galsattain ‘Super’ status
KNOXVILLE (AP) — The University of Tennessee softball team is headed to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time since 2007 after a win over the Louisville Cardinals.
The 3-1 win Sunday sends Tennessee on to Ann Arbor, Mich., where they will face the Michigan Wolverines.
The time and date of the game has not been announced. Read More ...
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Go for broke Gibbs attitudes open door for Kurt Busch
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — As teammates Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch lined up side-by-side for the final segment of the All-Star race, one way or another, a Joe Gibbs Racing victory seemed a mere 10-lap shootout away.
But with a cool $1 million prize on the line, neither driver had any intention of lifting off the gas in the no-points, dash-for-cash Saturday night showdown.
Of course, it ended badly.
Hamlin used defensive driving to protect his lead, Busch wrecked and his big brother, Kurt, sailed by both JGR drivers to grab his first career All-Star victory. Read More ...
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer |
Sun Amare shines vs. Lakers in Game 3
PHOENIX (AP) — Amare Stoudemire had been criticized for just about everything: his defense, his rebounding, even his desire.
The Phoenix forward listened calmly all week, then responded with a monster game. Stoudemire attacked the Los Angeles Lakers relentlessly, matching his career playoff high with 42 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to power the Suns to a 118-109 victory Sunday night. The win sliced the Lakers’ lead in the Western Conference finals to 2-1.
All that talk about a Lakers-Boston final has been put on hold. The Suns can pull even in the series with a victory at home in Game 4 on Tuesday night. Read More ...
By BOB BAUM, AP Sports Writer |
Happy (Holliday)! Cards back on top
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Two doubles and two RBI qualifies as a monster day for Matt Holliday. So far, it’s been a fairly weak season for the St. Louis Cardinals’ big free agent pickup.
Holliday snapped a six-game RBI drought and drove in his first runs in four games since moving to third in the lineup, getting the go-ahead hit for Adam Wainwright in a 4-2 victory over the Florida Marlins on Thursday. St. Louis regained first place in the NL Central after three days out of the lead in the National League Central.
“It feels good to help the team win,” Holliday said. “Anytime you do something to help the team, it’s a gratifying feeling.” Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
BCS exec tells Senators to back off
WASHINGTON (AP) — BCS executive director Bill Hancock responded to a letter from two U.S. Senators who are unhappy about the way the sport determines its champion — and Sen. Orrin Hatch wasn’t pleased with the answers to his questions.
A five-page letter and six more pages of information pulled from the BCS website about how revenue is distributed, teams are selected and the system is run were sent to Hatch (R-Utah) and fellow Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.). Read More ...
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Braves rally grand
ATLANTA (AP) — Brooks Conrad slowed up as he rounded first base, unsure if his drive had cleared the left field wall to give the Atlanta Braves an improbable victory.
Then he saw Laynce Nix swat at his empty glove in frustration.
The ball went over. Game over.
Conrad hit a pinch-hit grand slam Thursday to finish off a seven-run ninth inning that gave the Atlanta Braves a 10-9 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, who fell out of first in the NL Central and can only hope the stunning loss doesn’t leave a hangover on their surprisingly strong start. Read More ...
By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer |
Unlikely Titan shuffle is on offensive line
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans’ youth movement is hitting the unlikeliest part of this franchise: The offensive line that just helped produce a rare 2,000-yard rusher while allowing a measly 15 sacks.
Eugene Amano is moving from left guard to center, while Leroy Harris has moved to left guard and the chance of being a full-time starter for the first time in his career. Gone, for now, is 16-year veteran center Kevin Mawae despite coming off his eighth Pro Bowl season.
Now a free agent, Mawae wants to stay in Tennessee but would likely be a backup if he returns. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Fans petition for C.J. raise
NASHVILLE (AP) — Chris Johnson now has some online fan support in his bid for a big pay hike from the Tennessee Titans to reward him for his record-setting season.
A new petition titled “Pay CJ2K (Get Chris Johnson A New Contract)” has been set up to support Johnson and had 64 signatures by Tuesday afternoon. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Mad Marlin Hanley helps to sink Cards
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Hanley Ramirez shrugged off the boos and got back to work.
Ramirez returned to the Florida Marlins’ lineup with three hits and Anibal Sanchez threw seven impressive innings Wednesday night in a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
“I’m happy to be in the lineup,” Ramirez said. “That’s what I like to do, play every day.”
As for the negative reaction? “I’m in St. Louis, not Florida.”
Ramirez was yanked from Monday’s game for loafing and benched Tuesday after criticizing manager Fredi Gonzalez and teammates.
The two-time All-Star apologized individually to the Marlins before the game.
Ramirez was booed before three of his first four at-bats.
The reigning NL batting champion answered with three singles, two of them infield hits, and drove in a run. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Titans proceed with defensive caution
NASHVILLE (AP) — So much for the eagerly anticipated arrival of Tennessee’s top draft pick. The Titans are going to have to wait just a little bit longer to see how defensive end Derrick Morgan does with the whole team.
Morgan watched Tuesday as the Titans convened for their first minicamp as a full team this offseason with veterans and rookies combined. The 16th pick overall tweaked a hamstring running sprints Monday, and the Titans chose to let him rest up rather than risk further injury.
“He is just a little tight,” coach Jeff Fisher said of Morgan. “It is a precautionary thing. We are just going to watch him. A significant injury right now could result in a huge setback, so we are just going to watch him.” Read More ...
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Cubbies abandon Big Z bullpen ship
CHICAGO (AP) — As for that Carlos Zambrano-to-the-bullpen experiment, the Chicago Cubs are saying: “Never mind.”
Having failed to fix the team’s eighth-inning relief woes or to improve his own performance during his three weeks in the bullpen, the $91.5 million right-hander is returning to the rotation.
“We took a chance that we needed to take,” manager Lou Piniella said before Tuesday night’s 3-2 victory against Colorado. “We thought his velocity would increase. It hasn’t.
“We’re going to stretch him out to get him back in the rotation, and we’ll see when he’s ready.” Read More ...
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Ailing Vol post to play elsewhere
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee forward Emmanuel Negedu says he is following his dream to play basketball by transferring to New Mexico less than a year after he suffered sudden cardiac arrest.
Negedu told The Associated Press he has signed a scholarship offer to play with the Lobos and coach Steve Alford, has been cleared by New Mexico doctors and will enroll in classes in June. He is waiting to find out if he will receive an NCAA waiver that will allow him to play in the 2010-11 season. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Cards clean up with Pujols at 4th
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Moving Albert Pujols to fourth in the lineup helped the St. Louis Cardinals clean up.
The NL MVP had three hits and a walk and helped fuel a four-run first inning from the cleanup spot in the St. Louis Cardinals’ 6-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Monday night.
“It’s who plays, not where they hit,” manager Tony La Russa said. “The lineup wasn’t anything magical or special, it’s how they played.” Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Reds knock Cards to 2nd
CINCINNATI (AP) — Moments after Jay Bruce caught a routine fly for the final out, the public address announcer called everyone’s attention to the standings board behind the right-field seats, the one that was about to reflect a seismic shift in the NL Central.
Finally, the Cardinals had been knocked off their perch.
Scott Rolen homered and drove in three runs, and Bronson Arroyo pitched a complete game and drove in two more Sunday, leading the surging Cincinnati Reds to a 7-2 victory that ended St. Louis’ long run as the division’s top team. Read More ...
By JOE KAY, AP Sports Writer |
Lucky victor a scratch for Belmont
BALTIMORE (AP) — Bob Baffert was still smiling and laughing the morning after winning his first Triple Crown race in eight years.
As Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky prepared to walk onto a van leaving Pimlico on Sunday, Baffert petted the bay colt on the neck and told him, “Thank you so much.”
Horse racing, however, is not quite so buoyant — the sport remains without a Triple Crown champion since 1978.
And the winners of this year’s first two Triple Crown races — Super Saver in the Kentucky Derby and Lookin At Lucky — are skipping the Belmont.
It’s another big letdown for a sport struggling to capture wide interest outside the major races. Read More ...
By BETH HARRIS, AP Racing Writer |
Kyle Busch speedy on track
DOVER, Del. (AP) — Kyle Busch would like to believe he would have defeated Jimmie Johnson even without the four-time champion making a rare pit road mistake.
Busch never will know, and he doesn’t really care.
When Johnson was penalized for speeding on the final pit stop, that was all the opportunity Busch needed to pull away late Sunday and win his second race in two days at Dover International Speedway.
Johnson made a quick burst out of the box and accelerated trying to catch a departing Busch coming off pit road. Busch joked that he wanted to “coax him into speeding a little bit.” Read More ...
By DAN GELSTON, AP Sports Writer |
Serious Titan VY hires top tier agent
NASHVILLE (AP) — Vince Young has gotten very serious about his NFL career.
He has just switched from agent Major Adams, the family friend who negotiated his current six-year, $58 million contract, to Tom Condon, whose client list includes Peyton and Eli Manning and LaDanian Tomlinson. The timing is perfect because Young has two years left on his current deal.
Young said Thursday he researched the move with help from his girlfriend and people he called experts close to him. He also talked to another quarterback from the class of 2006, Matt Leinart, and heard nothing but appreciation for what Condon provides.
“To finish my legacy and my career with, I just had to make a decision on my own. It’s something I had to do for VY only,” Young said. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Kentucky brass confident Cal won’t bolt
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart hears the reports that NBA teams are pursuing John Calipari.
He’s fine with it. In a way Barnhart views it as a compliment for the remarkable job Calipari has done reviving the Wildcats.
“I think that any time you’ve got a coach of his quality, there’s going to be conversations about that,” Barnhart said Thursday.
Yet Barnhart isn’t worried about Calipari bolting for the pros.
“I’m very confident he’s going to be our coach next year,” he said. “He’s made comments to me that he wants to be here a long time.”
Calipari led the Wildcats to a 35-3 record in his first year of an eight-year contract that averages just under $4 million annually.
Barnhart and Calipari are already in talks about a restructured deal that could have the 51-year-old Calipari on the Kentucky sidelines well into his 60s. Barnhart said the focus is on extending
Calipari’s contract, not fattening up his salary, already the highest in the country.
“We just wanted to send a message that we’re doing OK and we’re heading in the right direction,” Barnhart said. “We wanted to send a message in recruiting that we’re committed to the long term and we’re committed to keeping John around here to allow us to have success in our program.”
There is no timetable on when a new deal could be reached.
“These things don’t happen at the speed of sound,” Barnhart said. “It takes a little time to work through it. There’s a lot of moving parts to those things. We want to make sure we’ve covered all of our bases the right way. We’ll get it together.”
Several reports have linked Calipari to the vacant head coaching position with the NBA’s Chicago Bulls.
Calipari has ties to the organization through star point guard Derrick Rose,who played for Calipari at Memphis.
Calipari also raised eyebrows on Tuesday night by making an appearance in Cleveland, where good friend LeBron James and the rest of the Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Calipari could not be reached for comment on Thursday. He was hosting a dinner party for a select group who contributed to the successful “Hoops for Haiti” telethon he spearheaded in January.
The event raised over $1 million to help the earthquake ravaged Caribbean nation.
He said last week that he was “very happy at Kentucky” and not interested in a raise, though he was open to any ideas Barnhart may have on helping grow the program.
Barnhart declined to get into specifics about the restructuring the deal, saying only negotiations have been “cordial.”
For all his collegiate success, Calipari’s NBA resume is woeful by comparison.
He went 72-112 in two-plus seasons with the New Jersey Nets in the late 1990s and spent the 1999-2000 season as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He has stirred the echoes at Kentucky, embracing one of the nation’s toughest jobs in a way not seen since Rick Pitino’s teams were making it to Final Fours with regularity in the 1990s.
Calipari did it by bringing in one of the top recruiting classes in college basketball history. The Wildcats soared to the Southeastern Conference title behind the play of freshmen John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins. Yet Wall and Cousins are heading to the NBA after one season, as are classmates Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton and junior forward Patrick Patterson.
The rebuilding process has already begun. The Wildcats have signed guard Brandon Knight and Turkish center Enes Kanter. And while buzz around Calipari’s future builds, he’s already making plans for next season.
Kentucky is planning to play exhibition games in Canada over the summer to help the reconfigured roster gel before practice begins next fall.
Read More ...
By WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer |
Cardinal errors at SS open door for Astros
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Finally, the Houston Astros gave Wandy Rodriguez some runs to work with.
Rodriguez carried a one-hitter and an eight-run cushion into the sixth inning and Lance Berkman homered for the second straight game in a 9-6 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday night.
Cardinals shortstop Brendan Ryan endured a second straight two-error game and his fielding miscue in the fourth helped the Astros score five unearned runs to go ahead 6-1. Jeff Keppinger’s three-run double and Berkman’s fourth homer of the season that glanced off the right-field foul pole came on consecutive pitches from Kyle Lohse (0-3).
“I was praying, leaning — let the thing stay straight,” Berkman said. “Anytime you can score runs early and let your guy relax a little bit, that’s good.” Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Titans doing part in flood clean-up
NASHVILLE (AP) — The flood-beaten ticket booth washed away from a resort and was carried miles across town by raging waters until it came to rest upside down in someone’s backyard — until Vince Young and some of his Tennessee teammates arrived.
They broke it apart and carried the sodden chunks of wood up to the street to be taken away. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Braves to retire Glavine jersey
ATLANTA (AP) — Tom Glavine thought of his rocky first full season with the Atlanta Braves when the team announced Tuesday it will retire his number.
Glavine’s highlights with the Braves included two NL Cy Young awards and the decisive win over the Cleveland Indians in the 1995 World Series.
Before he enjoyed five seasons with 20 or more wins with Atlanta, Glavine went 7-17 in 1988. He says at that point there was no way he could know his No. 47 would one day be retired by the team.
“It’s not something you ever envisioned and not something I ever envisioned, certainly with the way my career started in Atlanta,” Glavine told The Associated Press.
The Braves will induct Glavine into the team’s Hall of Fame and retire his number on Aug. 6 before a home game against the San Francisco Giants. Read More ...
By CHARLES ODUM, AP Sports Writer |
NASCAR Hall means a lot to Gibbs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Joe Gibbs is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for winning three Super Bowl titles as a coach.
Maybe someday he’ll make it a double with the new NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Although the car owner said that’s “probably a long ways off,” Gibbs insisted Tuesday’s opening of the stock car racing shrine in his home state means just as much as his football honor.
“I’ve never been able to separate them,” Gibbs said. “Obviously, with this one you get my family being a part of it. Having it here, for us it’s a big family deal. That’s a big part of my feelings toward this sport and this town. Read More ...
By MIKE CRANSTON, AP Sports Writer |
Cardinal backstop Molina now also a hit at the plate
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Defense has always been enough to keep Yadier Molina in the St. Louis Cardinals’ lineup. This season, the youngest of three catching brothers in the major leagues has been even more impressive with his bat.
Molina has won the last two National League Gold Gloves with an arm that dissuades base-stealers from even trying and a devastating pick-off move to first. And so far this year, he also has 22 RBI, a .301 average that goes up to .325 with runners in scoring position and a few clutch performances at the plate. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Tiger must go on minus swing man
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Tiger Woods’ longtime swing coach resigned Monday night, leaving the world’s No. 1 player without one of his top advisers as he tries to rebuild his game.
Hank Haney said in a statement to the Golf Channel that he enjoyed working with Woods but he thinks it’s time for him to step aside as his coach.
“I will always look back upon our past half-dozen years together as my best days in professional golf,” he said. “It would be a dream of any coach to have a student like Tiger Woods and for me it has come true. Just so there is no confusion I would like to make it clear that this is my decision.
“I know Tiger Woods will be successful in the future no matter who helps him.”
There had been speculation at The Players Championship that Woods was about to leave Haney, his swing coach since 2004. But he said earlier Monday he was working with Haney on his swing. Read More ...
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Grieving Virginia learns lacrosse fate
The Virginia men’s and women’s lacrosse teams both anticipated playing for a national championship this month. They just never expected it to be like this.
Both teams awaited word of their NCAA Tournament seedings Sunday night, a day after women’s player Yeardley Love was buried in her native Maryland. The 22-year-old was found beaten in her apartment earlier in the week and Charlottesville authorities have charged George Huguely of the men’s team with first-degree murder in her death.
Both teams decided to play on with the support of Love’s family. Read More ...
By AARON BEARD, AP Sports Writer |
Big Ben ‘clocked’ by mad Steeler fans
PITTSBURGH (AP) — It’s fans like Becky Rickard that Ben Roethlisberger has lost.
The 33-year-old Rickard is a Pittsburgher and a fan of every team in town. She’s come out to see the Pittsburgh Pirates play, even though they haven’t had a winning season since 1992, when Roethlisberger was just a backyard quarterback.
She should love the Steelers and their six Super Bowl titles, including two under the direction of Roethlisberger. Right? Read More ...
By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer |
Tigers salute Harwell
DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers honored late broadcaster Ernie Harwell by raising a flag with his initials at Comerica Park.
The team paid tribute to Harwell on Monday night before playing the New York Yankees, its first home game since Harwell died last Tuesday from cancer. He was 92.
Detroit’s uniforms include a circle patch with the initials “EH” on the right sleeve.
Grammy-winner Jose Feliciano sang the national anthem after a long moment of silence.
Harwell invited Feliciano to perform the anthem before Game 5 of the 1968 World Series — after booking Marvin Gaye and Margaret Whiting — and Feliciano created a stir with a folk-tinged interpretation of the song, leading to calls for Harwell to be fired. Read More ...
By LARRY LAGE, AP Sports Writer |
Lakers, Magic can rest up
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have a little more time to rest before their third straight trip to the Western Conference finals.
The Lakers advanced again by completing a four-game sweep of Utah with a 111-96 win on Monday night in Utah, eliminating the Jazz and any threat of playing a Game 5 back in Los Angeles.
Instead, the Lakers have almost a week to prepare for the conference finals against the Suns, who wrapped up their own sweep on Sunday night at San Antonio.
“I look forward to a couple days of rest, but I really look forward to starting it up against a very good Phoenix team,” said Pau Gasol, who had 33 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers on Monday. Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
Dallas graded perfect with A’s
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — So much for Dallas Braden’s 15 minutes of fame. He is going to be around a lot longer now that he pitched himself into the baseball history books.
Braden tossed the 19th perfect game in major league history on Sunday, shutting down the hottest team in baseball and leading the Oakland Athletics to a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
All this after his public spat with Yankees star Alex Rodriguez last month.
This time, there was little drama aside from several spectacular defensive plays to back his bid.
Braden’s beloved grandmother was in the stands to witness the pitcher’s greatest game yet.
He pumped his arms in the air after Gabe Kapler grounded out to shortstop for the final out, his feud with A-Rod merely a footnote to the first perfect game for Oakland in 42 years. Read More ...
By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer |
Delivering Hamlin back in the hunt
DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — It was just six races ago that Denny Hamlin’s championship chances were being seriously questioned.
His season started off slowly, he was headed for surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee and the preseason pick to dethrone Jimmie Johnson had slipped to longshot status.
Well, guess who’s back?
Hamlin, the driver of the FedEx Toyota, continued his quest to prove his doubters wrong by becoming the first driver in 17 years to sweep Darlington Raceway. His win Saturday night was his third in the last six races — second since his March 31st knee surgery — tying him with four-time defending champion Johnson for most in the Sprint Cup Series.
Hamlin, who has moved from 15th to sixth in the standings during that span, is now the hottest driver in the series. Read More ...
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer |
Withdrawn Tiger hits rock bottom at TPC
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Even at his worst, Tiger Woods has never looked this bad.
It was only a month ago that Woods returned to golf with a performance that satisfied everyone but him. He tied for fourth in the Masters, his first competition in five months. And while his personal life was a mess, it appeared his golf game wasn’t about to suffer.
So much has changed in such a short time.
Woods looked lost on the golf course in missing the cut at Quail Hollow last week with the highest 36-hole score of his career. He looked even more distant as he sat in front of his locker Sunday at the TPC Sawgrass with his head bowed, elbows resting on his knees. He failed to finish another tournament, this time because of a sore neck that forced him to withdraw after six holes. Read More ...
By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer |
Sales job not necessary for Dooley on Vol Caravan
CLEVELAND (AP) — At first glance, Tennessee fans might not have a lot to get excited about heading into the 2010 season.
The Volunteers have their third coach in three years, and the graduation and departure of a number of key players has left the team with hardly any depth.
Yet the fans don’t seem to be deterred by the situation.
“Our fans are the spirit of our whole organization,” first-year coach Derek Dooley said Thursday. “I don’t have to sell Tennessee.”
They’ve been turning out all week in places like Memphis, Atlanta and even a partially-flooded Jackson to meet Dooley during the Big Orange Caravan coaches’ tour.
Dooley discovered just how much the support the program has in late January, when he attended his first Volunteer basketball game. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Protecting Peyton new task for UT product McClendon
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jacques McClendon spent most of his life following Peyton Manning.
Now, the Colts’ rookie guard from Tennessee is adapting to his new role: lining up in front of his favorite player.
The stark reality hit McClendon like a 350-pound defensive tackle last weekend, hours after Manning spoke with Indy’s new rookie class.
Yes, the Colts brought him in to protect Manning, not admire him.
“He told us about the Colts expectations, to be champions,” McClendon said with an excited voice. “That means a lot coming from one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, if not the greatest of all time. That’s pretty cool.” Read More ...
By MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer |
Phillies rock Cards in tribute to Robin
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Roy Halladay has a way with words, too.
Halladay had another impressive outing, Jayson Werth hit a three-run homer and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-2 on Thursday.
There was a moment of silence before the game for former Phillies pitcher Robin Roberts, who died Thursday morning. The Hall of Famer’s No. 36 jersey was hung in the Phillies’ dugout and it will remain there the rest of the season.
Halladay (6-1) allowed two runs — one earned — and seven hits in seven innings. He tied a season high with nine strikeouts, and even talked manager Charlie Manuel into letting him get one more out after allowing a run in the seventh. Read More ...
By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer |
Latest addition to LT rap sheet is rape
SUFFERN, N.Y. (AP) — Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor was charged Thursday with raping a 16-year-old runaway who police said was forced into prostitution by a man who had beaten her up.
Taylor, a 51-year-old former New York Giants star who has faced drug and tax evasion charges in the past, paid the girl $300 for sex in a Holiday Inn, where he was arrested early Thursday, said Christopher St. Lawrence, supervisor of the town of Ramapo.
The man who’d beaten the girl drove her to Taylor’s suburban hotel room, police said.
Ramapo Chief of Police Peter Brower said Taylor was cooperative when police woke him up around 4 a.m. Taylor was arraigned Thursday on charges of third-degree rape and patronizing a prostitute. Read More ...
By JIM FITZGERALD, Associated Press Writer |
Tebow jersey tops bestseller list
NEW YORK (AP) — Tim Tebow already leads the NFL in one category: jersey sales.
His Denver Broncos No. 15 was by far the most popular on the NFL’s website for April. His celebrity clearly trumps the debate over whether he’ll ever make it as an NFL quarterback after winning the Heisman Trophy and two national championships at Florida.
Tebow is, at best, third on Denver’s depth chart at QB. But the 25th pick of the first round still had the best-selling rookie jersey since the NFL started keeping track in 2006. Thirty percent of the orders came from Florida. Read More ...
By RACHEL COHEN, AP Sports Writer |
DeMoss rejoins UT pal Summitt
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Mickie DeMoss is returning to Tennessee, where she previously spent 18 years as a Lady Vols assistant coach and was a part of six national championship seasons.
DeMoss left coach Pat Summitt’s staff seven seasons ago for the head coaching position at Kentucky.
Four seasons later, she abruptly resigned from Kentucky and later joined coach Gail Goestenkors’ staff at Texas as an assistant. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer |
Cards blanked as fans stay put
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kyle Kendrick and Placido Polanco gave Philadelphia fans reason to stand and cheer on a night when they all stayed in their seats.
Kendrick threw seven impressive innings, Polanco hit a two-run homer and the Phillies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 Wednesday night.
In a return to normalcy, no fans ran onto the field at Citizens Bank Park after consecutive games were marred by unruly behavior. Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
Tiger fans recall Harwell as g-r-r-e-a-t
DETROIT (AP) — Ernie Harwell’s mellow Georgia drawl carried Detroit Tigers baseball over the airwaves for decades, conjuring for generations of fans a trip to the ballpark.
That voice now silenced, fans began coming to Comerica Park to pay their final respects to the man whose love of the game enriched the Tigers’ successes and soothed the pain of losing. Read More ...
By COREY WILLIAM, Associated Press Writer |
Accused UT safety won’t pay on field
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee safety Darren Myles Jr. won’t miss playing time as punishment for his arrest on public intoxication, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest charges.
A team spokesman says coach Derek Dooley will handle Myles’ punishment internally within the Volunteers’ system and reiterated his disappointment in Myles after the freshman performed so well during the team’s spring practice period.
Knoxville police arrested Myles early April 18 after bouncers removed him from a restaurant and nightclub for being disorderly. Read More ...
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Titans’ flood damage described as minor
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have gotten a chance to check out LP Field where flood waters covered the football field, and the damage appears to be minor.
Senior executive vice president Steve Underwood said in a statement that water had receded enough to allow a preliminary assessment Tuesday morning. They found two inches of water in most of the service level but most of the water had been diverted to the field itself. Read More ...
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Ruiz ruins Cards’ night in 10th
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — For a guy who hadn’t gone deep this season, Carlos Ruiz took a couple powerful swings in the same at-bat. Fortunately for him, one of the balls he hit stayed fair.
Ruiz hit a leadoff home run in the 10th inning and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 Tuesday night after another fan ran onto the field at Citizens Bank Park.
On Monday night, a teenager was Tasered in the outfield after eluding security for about 30 seconds.
The 34-year-old man Tuesday gave himself up without incident, was booed by the sellout crowd and charged with defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and narcotics possession.
The interloper may have ruined Cole Hamels’ rhythm. Read More ...
By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer |
Bruceton NFL star rewarded
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — All-Pro linebacker and Bruceton product Patrick Willis has developed into an NFL star under Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, and the 49ers coach expects his top defender to become better.
Willis is a big deal to San Francisco — and he earned himself a big new deal because of it.
The standout inside linebacker signed a $50 million, five-year contract extension with the Niners on Tuesday that takes him through 2016 and includes $29 million in guaranteed money. Read More ...
By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer |
Kentucky shocker would be returns
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky coach John Calipari says he would be “shocked” if freshmen Daniel Orton and Eric Bledsoe decide to return to school rather than enter the NBA draft.
Three underclassmen — junior Patrick Patterson and freshmen John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins — have announced they will hire an agent, giving up their amateur eligibility. Calipari says he expects the center Orton and guard Bledsoe to also be early picks, even though they haven’t officially declared for the draft.
“I got another call today from a team that loves Daniel Orton,” Calipari said Monday during a news conference. “That team is going to pick in the middle of the first round. There are teams all over that first round that say we really like the guy.” Read More ...
By JEFFREY MCMURRAY, Associated Press Writer |
Philly fan tasered on field
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A police officer used a Taser gun to apprehend a fan who ran onto the field during a Phillies game Monday night, and the team and the police are investigating whether it was an appropriate use of force.
The fan, wearing a baseball cap, red T-shirt and khaki shorts, hopped a fence and scurried around the outfield, eluding two security officers in the bottom of the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals. One officer used a Taser and the fan went down in a heap. Several Phillies placed gloves over their faces and appeared to be stifling laughter at the wild scene.
Phillies spokeswomen Bonnie Clark said the police department is investigating the matter and discussing with the team whether using the stun gun was appropriate. Read More ...
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Cards get Garcia a win in ‘Nick’ of time
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — By the time Jaime Garcia was done throwing another six strong innings against the Phillies, he appeared headed toward a no-decision.
One timely pinch-hit home run by Nick Stavinoha got the Cardinals — and Garcia — the win.
Garcia allowed one run in his latest strong outing, David Freese had three RBI and Stavinoha hit a tiebreaking homer to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night.
“It’s pretty simple scenario,” Stavinoha said. “If I’m going to be here and be a Cardinal, that’s what I have to embrace. I want an opportunity and if it’s off the bench, then that’s great.”
Garcia (3-1) gave up three hits and struck out six in the latest strong outing from the left-handed sensation. He has pitched at least six innings in all five starts and allowed one earned run or less in four of them. Read More ...
By DAN GELSTON, AP Basketball Writer |
Actions speak louder for newest Titan RB
NASHVILLE (AP) — Stafon Johnson’s voice is husky, so scratchy it sounds painful listening to him to talk.
With a big smile, he insists he’s very comfortable.
“I went from a light whisper to not hearing me at all to being able to hear me. Thank God I’m not a quarterback, so I don’t really have to worry about that,” Johnson said. “You never know what could happen next. I’m a football player. That’s all I want, and all I care about is showing the Titans got a steal in a football player and that I’m OK and ready to play football.” Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Cincy can’t keep up with leader Cards
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Familiarity with Chris Carpenter’s stuff from opening day was of no advantage to the Cincinnati Reds.
Carpenter pitched seven innings of two-hit ball to beat the Reds for the second time and Albert Pujols broke the game open with a three-run double in the seventh as the St. Louis Cardinals won 6-0 Sunday to wrap up a 6-1 homestand.
“They know what I’ve got, they see me many times,” Carpenter said. “To go out and be able to make pitches, keep them off balance, it was a fun game.”
David Freese homered for the third time in four games on a three-hit day and Ryan Ludwick and Brendan Ryan had an RBI apiece for St. Louis, which took two of three for its seventh series win out of eight this season.
The Cardinals are an NL-best 17-8, and Freese is a big reason why. He doubled off the center-field wall in the eighth and is 12-for-22 during a six-game hitting streak. Read More ...
By The Associated Press |
LeBron a team player as MVP
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — LeBron James looked out at the sea of faces from his past and present. There’s no knowing if they’ll be in his future.
Scanning an audience which came to celebrate his second straight runaway NBA MVP award, James pointed out his former high school coaches and best friends. He praised his mom, Gloria, who somehow raised him after giving birth when she was just 16. He had a special message for his girlfriend, Savannah, and their two young sons, LeBron Jr. and Bryce.
James thanked them all, and then singled out one special group.
“I’m sorry,” he said Sunday, halting the ceremony at the University of Akron’s James A. Rhodes Arena. “But all my teammates, you have to come up here with me, man.”
He was soon surrounded on the podium by Shaquille O’Neal, Mo Williams, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team he led to 61 wins during the regular season and is determined to take all the way to an NBA championship. Read More ...
By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer |
Gordon 2nd again as Kyle takes flag
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Four times this season, Jeff Gordon has been in position for a win.
He came up short all four times.
Kyle Busch became the latest driver to deny Gordon a victory, passing him after the final restart Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway for his first win of the season.
For Busch, it snapped a 21-race losing streak, his longest since joining Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008.
“It stinks to not win every single weekend or not every 21 weekends or 21 races,” Busch said. “But it certainly feels nice to come out here with another good win and get another good finish.”
Gordon saw his drought reach 38 races. Since his last win, at Texas last April, Gordon has finished second a frustrating eight times. Read More ...
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer |
Borel ‘Super’ on latest victor
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A fist pump. That’s it. That’s all the emotion trainer Todd Pletcher showed after finally coming through in the Kentucky Derby.
No shouting. No running up and down the paddock when Super Saver and jockey Calvin Borel beat Ice Box by 21⁄2 lengths to snap his 0-for-24 mark in the Run for the Roses.
Next up for Super Saver is the second jewel of the Triple Crown in two weeks. It remains unclear how many of his fellow Derby horses will be alongside him in the starting gate at Pimlico.
Trainer Bob Baffert says he’ll likely wait until next weekend before deciding whether to ship beaten Derby favorite Lookin At Lucky to Baltimore. The colt went off as the 6-1 top choice despite starting on the rail. He was knocked around almost the entire trip in the Derby and finished sixth.
“I felt like this Derby got away from me but you need so much luck,” Baffert said. “When you have 20 horses, you’ve got to be so lucky.”
Lookin At Lucky was anything but. Read More ...
By WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer |
Earning Vol trust important to Dooley
KNOXVILLE (AP) — New Tennessee coach Derek Dooley promised his players from the day he was hired in January that he wouldn’t demand their trust.
Dooley found himself in what he described as a “delicate situation” as the Volunteers’ third coach in as many seasons.
“I told them I’m never going to ask them to trust me because I do think that’s something that you have to earn in time,” Dooley said in a Thursday teleconference. “That trust is built over time and in the consistency in how we treat them and in the consistency in how we coach them and the fairness and respect that we do it with.” Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Titan RB serious about pay gripe
NASHVILLE (AP) — Chris Johnson has been very vocal about wanting to be paid more after making NFL history, and now he’s taking his next step in making sure the Tennessee Titans know how serious he really is.
The Titans wrapped up their second on-field session Thursday, and Johnson wasn’t there. The two-time Pro Bowl running back who is staying away from the voluntary team practices as part of his campaign for a very big pay hike since becoming only the sixth player in NFL history to run for at least 2,000 yards.
“CJ’s had a phenomenal year,” Titans fullback Ahmard Hall said Thursday. “He broke some records that no one would expect an eight-, 10-year guy to break. And he broke it in his second year. I mean, he’s the best back in the league right now. He wants to get paid as such.” Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Georgia mentor doubts SEC expansion
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Georgia coach Mark Richt doesn’t think the Southeastern Conference is in any rush to add teams.
He figures other power conferences are more likely to expand so they can have two six-team divisions and a league championship game, a la the SEC.
“There’s some leagues that might be trying to get to that,” Richt said on Thursday’s SEC coaches teleconference. “That would make more sense to me than trying to get these super conferences. You don’t get to play everybody when you do that. It’s almost like two different leagues when you do that. Read More ...
By JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Writer |
‘Big Dance’ floor officially enlarged
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The road to the Final Four will have a new look next season.
On Thursday, the NCAA’s board of directors approved expansion from 65 to 68 teams and endorsed a proposal to add three more opening-round games to the schedule. The board also approved new rules governing concussions, and may sanction schools that do not comply.
It’s only the second time in a quarter-century the NCAA has increased the number of teams competing for the men’s national championship.
Now it’s time to start mapping out the details, which could include putting at-large teams in the early games.
“The (men’s basketball) committee will have to study any variety of options and certainly the notion of looking at options involving the last at-large teams in would be one possible option,” NCAA vice president Greg Shaheen told The Associated Press. “We would expect the committee to examine all of the options.” Read More ...
By MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer |
Cards’ rookie baffles Braves
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jaime Garcia made the St. Louis Cardinals’ rotation as the fifth starter. Against the punchless Atlanta Braves, the rookie left-hander looked like an ace again.
The 23-year-old Garcia lowered his ERA to 1.04 with seven scoreless innings and David Freese had two hits and two RBIs in a 6-0 victory Wednesday night, saddling the Braves with their eighth straight loss.
“Since I was in spring training when I was fighting for a spot I said, ‘This is going to be my year,’” the 23-year-old Garcia said. “So far, it’s been so good.” Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM |
Keep up is plan for SEC
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive says the league isn’t considering adding teams but is working on a plan to keep up with other conferences if they expand just in case.
The commissioner said Monday that the 12-member SEC hasn’t talked to any institutions about joining and has no plans to do so.
The expansion exploration is just an internal look at the potential advantages and disadvantages in case there is a “significant shift in the conference paradigm,” he said.
Slive didn’t elaborate on how much expansion would fit that billing.
“But I’ll know,” he said. Read More ...
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Links swarm buzz is about Air Jordan
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Tiger Woods was inside talking to reporters about playing his second tournament of the year Wednesday when a Tiger-like buzz began near the first tee.
Michael Jordan had been spotted near the putting green.
Soon a swarm of thousands craned their necks for a clear view as the new owner of the Charlotte Bobcats hit his first shot in the Quail Hollow Championship pro-am.
Throw in Bobcats coach Larry Brown following him for the final 10 holes, and you had a day of not only star watching, but intrigue, too.
Shouts of, “Thank you for buying the Bobcats, Michael!” battled for time with, “Are you coming back, Larry?” Read More ...
By MIKE CRANSTON, AP Sports Writer |
Early birdie for Tiger
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Tiger Woods got off to a fast start at the Quail Hollow Champhionship.
Woods began his second PGA Tour event this season with a birdie on the par-5 10th hole this morning. He gave that stroke back, however, with a bogey two holes later at Quail Hollow Club.
This is Woods’ first tournament since the Masters, his 2010 debut that followed a five-month hiatus and ensuing sex scandal.
Masters champion Phil Mickelson is expected to tee off at 12:50 p.m. Read More ...
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Cards’ catcher a hit with birthday boy
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Chris Carpenter had reason to celebrate after another big hit by Yadier Molina.
Carpenter won on his 35th birthday and Molina had the go-ahead hit for the second straight game in the St. Louis Cardinals’ 5-4 victory over the struggling Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night.
“I can’t really tell you what it is because I don’t know,” Molina said. “I just come through in those situations because I have confidence in myself.
“I think, if it’s there I’m going to make a good swing.”
Atlanta has totaled 13 runs during a seven-game losing streak, the franchise’s worst since a 10-game skid in June 2006. The Braves coughed up an early lead for the second straight game, 2-0 after three innings Tuesday and 3-0 after five on Monday.
“We played two solid games,” third baseman Chipper Jones said. “Swung the bats fairly well, played good defense, pitched well. It’s a pitch or a play or an at-bat here or there.”
Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
New NCAA president ready to make his ‘Mark’
SEATTLE (AP) — University of Washington president Mark Emmert has spent three decades in higher education and become a master at building support.
Emmert will now take his skills to a new level: The NCAA picked Emmert as its new president Tuesday, ending a search for Myles Brand’s successor by picking another university leader as its fifth CEO.
Emmert, who will begin serving his five-year term Nov. 1, said he would continue the era of “academic accountability” ushered in by Brand, who died of pancreatic cancer last September.
Read More ...
By DONNA GORDON BLANKINSHIP, Associated Press Writer |
Titans ‘Blount’ on RB’s chance
NASHVILLE (AP) — LeGarrette Blount, the Oregon running back suspended for punching a player last season, agreed to terms Monday with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent.
Blount missed eight games in 2009 for punching Boise State defensive end Byron Hout in the season opener Sept. 3. Blount returned late in the season and played in the Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement the team talked to a number of people, including Blount, before offering him a deal.
“He was a good college football player who, after talking to a number of people, merits a second chance,” Fisher said. “Certainly LeGarrette should understand consequences at this point and we have explained what our expectations are for him to be successful with this opportunity.” Read More ...
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Defensive centerpiece is resigned Titan tackle
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans and defensive tackle Tony Brown agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $17 million late last week to keep the restricted free agent with the team.
The Titans had tendered Brown at a first-round level worth $2.61 million, and team officials and his agent had been working on a long-term deal since February.
They finalized the details of a deal paying Brown $7.5 million this year, and agent Martin Magid said Brown was on his way to sign the deal.
The 6-foot-3, 290-pound Brown also has played for Carolina, Miami and San Francisco and is entering his sixth NFL season and missed out on unrestricted free agency with the collective bargaining agreement in its final year. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Appeal not on Big Ben’s timetable
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A chastened Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger accepted his six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy Monday and promised to “comply with what is asked of me — and more.”
In his first comments since the NFL handed down the penalty last week, Roethlisberger apologized to his teammates and fans for his behavior last month in a Georgia bar, where a 20-year-old college student accused him of sexual assault.
“The commissioner’s decision to suspend me speaks clearly that more is expected of me. I am accountable for the consequences of my actions. Though I have committed no crime, I regret that I have fallen short of the values instilled in me by my family,” Roethlisberger said in the statement. Read More ...
By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer |
Titans get defensive in draft, ship off loud LenDale
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans got defensive in the 2010 NFL draft, and now they hope they plugged some very big holes.
They used six of their nine picks for a unit that was one of the league’s worst in 2009 and also took care of a very big problem on the final day by trading a talkative backup running back with issues. In the process, they got younger, faster and really smart with a Rhodes scholar and an Ivy Leaguer.
The Titans expect defensive end Derrick Morgan, the 16th pick overall, to help immediately. UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner will push for playing time quickly as well. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Veteran trade show highlight of last day
NEW YORK (AP) — Time to draft and time to trade ... and trade ... and trade.
NFL teams were almost as busy dealing veterans as they were making draft picks Saturday. Jason Campbell, LenDale White, Kirk Morrison, Leon Washington and Bryant McFadden all changed teams on the final day of the draft.
With Donovan McNabb now in Washington, Campbell became expendable and was sent to Oakland for a fourth-round pick in 2012. Where that leaves JaMarcus Russell, the top overall pick of 2007 who has struggled with the Raiders, is anyone’s guess.
The Tennessee Titans dealt White to Seattle, reuniting the running back with his college coach, Pete Carroll. Later, the Seahawks acquired another runner, versatile Leon Washington, from the Jets — who also released standout guard Alan Faneca.
“Just a great one-two punch to add to our team,” Carroll said of the new runners, both of whom come with question marks. “We’re real excited about Leon Washington. Our guys loved him.” Read More ...
By BARRY WILNER, AP Football Writer |
Harvick ‘Happy’ in Victory Lane
TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — Kevin Harvick had the last laugh in the best place, Victory Lane, with an overdue but well-timed celebration.
Harvick used a last-second pass of Jamie McMurray to snap a 115-race winless streak Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway, where he closed out a dramatic week for his race team. Shell Oil Company told Richard Childress Racing this week it was moving its sponsorship at the end of the season, pushing the organization into a search for the funding neccessary to sign Harvick to a contract extension.
Harvick, who won the 2007 season-opening Daytona 500 in his first race with Shell, couldn’t help but delight at the timing.
“I think it’s great karma with everything that has happened this week with the sponsor,” he said with a sly smile. “I think it’s kind of funny in itself. I think, all in all, it was really good for our team, good for all the cars that have been running well all year and we’ve been really close to winning races.
“But the karma thing is the best part.” Read More ...
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer |
My bad is JJ line to buddy Gordon
TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — Four-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson took the blame for making a mistake that ultimately led to teammate Jeff Gordon’s wreck at Talladega Superspeedway.
Johnson said he was trying to slide in front of Gordon late in Sunday’s race so the two Hendrick Motorsports drivers could draft together toward the front. But, he said Gordon was coming too fast. Johnson’s move instead had the effect of a block, and Gordon was forced off the apron in a defensive move.
His momentum gone, Gordon slide back in traffic and was caught moments later in a multi-car crash.
“I misjudged the closing rate,” Johnson told The Associated Press. “We all make mistakes, I am no different.
“Certainly, that was my fault. I made the mistake there.” Read More ...
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer |
Titans thrilled with top choice
NASHVILLE (AP) — The first round of the NFL draft couldn’t have turned out any better for the Tennessee Titans if coach Jeff Fisher had scripted it himself.
The Titans were looking for help at defensive end Thursday night and took Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan, thought to be the top prospect at the position before he fell to Tennessee at No. 16.
“This was a good day,” Fisher said with a small smile. “It turned out very well.”
Morgan’s availability came as somewhat of a surprise. His work ethic, steadiness and ability to both rush the passer and stop the run made him the most complete player available at the position.
But Philadelphia traded up to grab Michigan’s Brandon Graham at No. 13 and the New York Giants took Jason Pierre-Paul of South Florida at No. 15. Read More ...
By CHRIS TALBOTT, Associated Press Writer |
Tebow, Bradford still forever linked
NEW YORK (AP) — Heismans and hoopla accompanied Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow during their college careers. Now, the quarterbacks share something else heading into the NFL: first-round status in the draft.
For Bradford, it was a matter of whether he would go at the top of the first prime-time draft Thursday night. He did, to the St. Louis Rams.
For Tebow, it was a question of how deep in the proceedings his name would be called, with many predicting it would not happen until the second round. The Denver Broncos ended the intrigue at No. 25 after trading with Baltimore to get that spot.
Celebration, drama and a touch of mystery at Radio City Music Hall: The Rockettes would have loved this show.
“I want to be a great quarterback,” said Tebow, who helped Florida win two national championships, earning the 2007 Heisman. “For the next few years, my mindset is going to be to repay (Denver coach Josh McDaniels) for what he did for me, believing in me. Just like it was when I was at Florida. My biggest joy was doing things for Coach (Urban) Meyer, winning championships, being able to help him.” Read More ...
By BARRY WILNER, AP Football Writer |
Chiefs pluck Vol star Berry at 5th spot
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — For many players, what they sneak around and do on Friday nights before games drops them lower in the estimation of NFL scouts.
Eric Berry’s Friday night activity helped persuade Kansas City to take the smart, playmaking Tennessee safety with the fifth overall pick in the 2010 draft Thursday night.
“They’d find him in the equipment room helping the equipment manager shine the helmets before a game day,” said Chiefs coach Todd Haley. “Little things like that on top of what you see on the football field, I think it just became clear this was the guy for the Chiefs.” Read More ...
By DOUG TUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
NCAA believes 68 is great for tourney when considering new broadcast deal
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Who says the NCAA is done expanding the men’s basketball tournament?
College sports’ largest governing body plans to expand next year’s March Madness field from 65 to 68 teams without making a major format change. It also said it has reached a new 14-year, $10.8 billion deal with CBS and Turner Broadcasting that keeps the door open to more expansion.
“What is remarkable is that it is exclusively at the NCAA’s discretion regarding field size for the championship,” NCAA vice president Greg Shaheen said, referring to language in the TV deal.
The new 68-team tourney is expected to be approved next Thursday by the NCAA’s Board of Directors, and Shaheen said there were no plans to immediately look at a 96-team field many were expecting for 2011. Read More ...
By MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer |
Vol Berry brushes dental dreams away
KNOXVILLE (AP) — As a high school senior, Eric Berry approached his family’s dentist about doing an internship.
Berry wanted to be a dentist too and was inquisitive and observant during the semester-long internship with Dr. Robert White.
It didn’t take White long to realize that Berry’s professional career would end up going a different direction.
“After his freshman year (in college) we talked about football,” White said with a laugh Tuesday. “At that point his potential was observed and shining through. I told him to focus on what he needed to do now.” Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Big Ben suspended
NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger’s off-field behavior might obscure his on-field achievements.
The two-time Super Bowl winner was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday for six games without pay for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
A week after Roeth-lisberger avoided sexual assault charges in Georgia,
Goodell said the league’s conduct policy gave him the right to impose discipline regardless of whether Roethlisberger broke the law. Read More ...
By BARRY WILNER, AP Football Writer |
Tough Titan sked starts at home
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans will play twice under the lights in 2010, and the team that opened last season playing away from home four of its first six games is staying in Music City for the first two this time around.
The NFL released the 2010 schedule Tuesday night.
The Titans already knew they had a schedule tied for the league’s toughest based on how teams finished last season with four opponents reaching the playoffs in 2009 but learned when those games will be played.
They visit Jacksonville on Monday night on Oct. 18, and the Titans host AFC South rival Indianapolis in a Thursday night game on Dec. 9. Tennessee opens the season Sept. 12 hosting Oakland with Pittsburgh visiting Sept. 19. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
GM seals lips on Haynesworth
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have had lots of talks with teams about trades. Just don’t expect any of the Titans to say whether one might involve trying to bring back former defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
The Titans held a news conference Tuesday with general manager Mike Reinfeldt and four of their scouts to preview the NFL Draft starting Thursday night.
Reinfeldt refused to comment when asked about the potential of trading for the defensive tackle who spurned an offer to stick with the team that drafted him in 2002 to sign with Washington.
“He’s under contract to another team, so I can’t talk about him,” Reinfeldt said.
Haynesworth has been absent from the Redskins’ offseason workouts, un-happy with a switch to a 3-4 defense under new coach Mike Shanahan. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Rattler hurler Haren strikes at plate against Cards
PHOENIX (AP) — Pitcher Dan Haren wouldn’t let an off-night on the mound slow him down at the plate.
Haren had a career-high four hits to overcome a shaky start and help the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the St. Louis Cardinals 9-7 on Tuesday night.
He tied a franchise record for pitchers with his four hits, set twice by former Diamondback Micah Owings.
The last major-league pitcher to get four hits in a game was the Chicago Cubs’ Carlos Zambrano on May 23, 2008. Read More ...
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1st marquee matchup
NEW YORK (AP) — The Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints will get an early test when they host the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL season opener, a rematch of their thrilling NFC championship game decided in overtime.
That nationally televised game will be Thursday night, Sept. 9. New Orleans won its first conference title by beating Minnesota 31-28 on a 40-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley 4:45 into overtime.
The Saints went on to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in the Super Bowl.
“I can’t imagine it being anymore charged than the last time we were down there,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said Tuesday night. “That’s always a great, hostile environment to play in.” Read More ...
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Alabama arsenal still full of big guns
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama found the best way to make sure Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson had enough chances to carry the ball in the spring game was to split them up.
The impressive tailback tandem each turned in big plays for opposing sides in the Crimson Tide’s spring game on Saturday. When Richardson wasn’t catching a 28-yard touchdown pass, Ingram was racing 60 yards to set up a score. They pretty much picked up where they left off in rushing for 100-plus yards apiece in the national championship game win over Texas.
They also gave the 91,312 Tide fans — and a national television audience — a glimpse of what could be a regular sight next season. Ingram and Richardson both played most of the game, and that’s OK with the Heisman Trophy winner. Read More ...
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Monday is again fun day for Denny
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart walked together toward pit road from the mangled messes that their cars had become after a spectacular race-changing wreck.
The frustration was obvious on the face of Gordon, who had already led six times for 124 laps and was trying to get back to the front when the nine-car crash happened on the Texas Motor Speedway frontstretch. Stewart, the polesitter who had led 74 laps, took the blame. Read More ...
By STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Sports Writer |
Young Vol QB shows poise
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray is young enough to still be a high school senior. In Saturday’s spring scrimmage, the freshman played with the poise of someone with much more experience.
Bray, who graduated high school a semester early and enrolled at Tennessee in January, threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Denarius Moore to lead the white team to a 16-7 win in the Orange and White game. Bray finished 18-for-40 for 200 yards to lead all quarterbacks. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Rockies’ Jimenez no-hits Braves
ATLANTA (AP) — Once Ubaldo Jimenez found the strike zone, the Atlanta Braves had no chance — and the Colorado Rockies had their first no-hitter.
Jimenez pitched the first no-hitter in the Rockies’ 18-year history and the majors’ first this season, getting help from a spectacular catch by Dexter Fowler in the seventh inning of a 4-0 win over the Braves on Saturday night.
“It is every pitcher’s dream to be out there for nine innings and throw a no-hitter,” Jimenez said.
Firing fastballs that reached 98 mph into the ninth inning, Jimenez pitched the first no-hitter since White Sox ace Mark Buehrle tossed a perfect game in a 5-0 victory over Tampa Bay on July 23, 2009.
The San Diego Padres, New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays are the remaining franchises without a no-hitter.
After walking the leadoff batter in the fifth inning — his sixth walk — Jimenez began working exclusively out of the stretch. Read More ...
By CHARLES ODUM, AP Sports Writer |
Astros break slide vs. Cards
ST. LOUIS (AP) — No champagne spray awaited the Houston Astros. Just an overwhelming sense of relief.
“On a scale of 1 to 10?” rookie manager Brad Mills said after the Astros beat St. Louis 5-1 Thursday for their first win of the season, avoiding a tie for the worst start in franchise history. “It’s pretty high. And that’s just being truthful.”
The Astros escaped their 0-8 rut behind Bud Norris’ arm and bat. They were the only winless team left in the majors and came close to matching the team’s 0-9 opening in 1983.
“I can’t say I sensed that we were pressing,” outfielder Hunter Pence said. “You can’t build up emotions and get angry and play harder or something.
“You’ve got to control what you can control, play baseball and let it happen.” Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
New defensive guru praised by UT peers
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox isn’t trying to match the coaching reputation of his predecessor, Monte Kiffin.
“When you step into a program like this, you’re always going to follow somebody good. Monte Kiffin is probably as well-respected a defensive coach as there is in the history of football,” Wilcox said. “I’m not trying to be Monte Kiffin. I’m just going to do the best job I can do preparing our team and preparing for coaches.”
So far he’s earning praise from his fellow Volunteers coaches. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Cal UK rebuild starting at Knight
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — John Calipari’s rebuilding project at Kentucky is well under way.
The Wildcats signed center Enes Kanter and received a commitment from guard Brandon Knight on Wednesday, two players Calipari hopes can step in and fill some of the holes left by the defection of five players to the NBA.
Knight, a McDonald’s All-American and a two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year, donned a blue Kentucky hat after making his nationally televised announcement at Pine Crest High in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Read More ...
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Titans’ stars Griffin, Finnegan headline Martin school stop
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans’ Pro Bowlers Cortland Finnegan and Michael Griffin will lead Titans Caravan XIII next Wednesday, the eighth day of the team’s annual tour through the Mid-South. Finnegan and Griffin will make appearances in Martin, Lexington, Jackson and Memphis.
The Caravan will begin the day with a school program event — which is not open to the general public — at 10 a.m. on the UT Martin campus. Read More ...
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Hapless Houston held back by Cards
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Another offensive failure left the Houston Astros one loss shy of the worst start in franchise history.
Houston dropped to 0-8 Wednesday night, limited to four hits by Brad Penny and the St. Louis Cardinals’ bullpen in a 2-1 loss Wednesday night.
The Astros remained the only winless team in the majors, mostly because of their big league-low 14 runs.
A day earlier, manager Brad Mills held a rare, off-day optional workout in an effort to help players relax. It was to no avail, as a lineup sorely missing Lance Berkman scored one or no runs for the fifth time. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Hurt Redbird backup LaRue placed on DL
ST. LOUIS (AP) — A hamstring injury has landed St. Louis Cardinals backup catcher Jason LaRue on the 15-day disabled list.
The Cardinals recalled rookie Bryan Anderson from Triple-A Memphis before Wednesday night’s game against the Houston Astros. The Cardinals chose the left-handed hitting Anderson over Matt Pagnozzi, who was considered the third catcher in spring training.
The 36-year-old LaRue hurt his right hamstring running to first Sunday in Milwaukee. He has appeared in two games, going 0-for-4. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Hendrick signing raises Kahne
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hendrick Motorsports isn’t scheduled to have an open seat in its lineup until 2012.
That didn’t stop owner Rick Hendrick from signing Kasey Kahne, a prized free agent in this year’s class who is willing to wait a year to partner with NASCAR’s winningest team.
Only there are more questions than answers in this pairing, officially announced Wednesday as a multiyear deal that runs through 2014 — although neither side has any idea where Kahne will be driving next season.
“There are so many possibilities, it’s not fair to anyone to speculate yet,” Hendrick said. “We don’t have A, B, C and D yet. If we laid out 10 options, there will be some more, so we just have to wait and see.” Read More ...
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer |
Pleased Dooley lauds Vol DEs
Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley said after Tuesday’s practice that he was pleased with what he saw Saturday from mid-term freshmen defensive ends Corey Miller and Jacques Smith.
“Let me tell you, those two guys are going to be really good football players,” Dooley said. “They have a great attitude and great character; they play with tremendous effort and have a lot of physical skills. They are progressing at a really rapid pace and are going to be important to us this year.
“I’m glad they are part of our program.” Read More ...
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Iowa prep coach killer facing at least life in prison
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The attorney for a man facing a life sentence for the slaying of a nationally known Iowa high school football coach maintains her client was insane at the time of the shooting.
Mark D. Becker, 24, was convicted last month of first-degree murder in the June 2009 shooting death of Aplington-Parkersburg coach Ed Thomas.
Becker is scheduled to be sentenced today in court in Allison.
He faces at least a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Read More ...
By NIGEL DUARA |
McGwire welcome is warm
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Mark McGwire drew a standing ovation before the Cardinals’ home opener Monday, a clear sign many St. Louis fans have forgiven the former home run king for using steroids.
There was an immediate burst of applause even before the official introduction prior to the game against the Houston Astros. McGwire is the Cardinals’ new hitting coach.
McGwire was riding in the back of a dark blue flat bed truck around the warning track in the team’s annual procession. He showed up on the jumbo scoreboard just behind manager Tony La Russa and third base coach Jose Oquendo. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Amped Card Pujols stars in home debut
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Albert Pujols got to bed about 3 a.m. after the St. Louis Cardinals’ six-game opening trip, and reported to Busch Stadium about seven hours later. Fatigue? Trumped by the adrenaline of playing the home opener.
Pujols homered and drove in four runs his first two at-bats against long-time nemesis Wandy Rodriguez and Adam Wainwright worked eight scoreless innings Monday in a 5-0 victory over Houston, dropping the Astros to 0-7. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
Writing was always on wall for new Cub boss
CHICAGO (AP) — Tom Ricketts was cleaning out some drawers last summer when he came across an old business school essay describing his dream job.
You can guess what he chose.
The Chicago Cubs’ home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday brought back a flood of memories for Ricketts, the new owner and a longtime fan who once lived across the street from Wrigley Field and met his future wife in the bleachers.
Ricketts, part of the family that founded the online brokerage TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. in Omaha, Neb., said he didn’t remember dreaming specifically of owning the team until he came across the essay he wrote more than 20 years ago.
In those days, he attended the University of Chicago and lived on the corner of Addison and Sheffield, right in the shadow of the old ballpark. Read More ...
By ANDREW SELIGMAN, AP Sports Writer |
Arm of NFL law may get Big Ben
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger may have avoided criminal charges after a college student accused him of sexually assaulting her in Georgia, but he must meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and could face punishment from the league.
And Roethlisberger said he knows he’ll have to work to regain the trust of teammates and fans.
Ocmulgee Circuit District Attorney Fred Bright said Monday that after exhaustive interviews and inconclusive medical exams, the 20-year-old student’s accusations could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Bright also revealed the accuser no longer wanted him to prosecute. Read More ...
By KATE BRUMBACK, Associated Press Writer |
Family friendly Lefty is victor
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — As Phil Mickelson strolled up to the 18th green, his third green jacket locked up, he wondered if his wife would be waiting for him.
She’d been there the first two times he won the Masters, but he would’ve understood if she decided to skip this victory celebration.
Yet there she was, waiting with an embrace they’ll remember for a lifetime.
“I normally don’t shed tears over wins,” Mickelson said, his eyes watering. “When Amy and I hugged off 18, that was a very emotional moment for us. I’ll cherish every moment of this week.”
Eleven months ago, Amy Mickelson was diagnosed with breast cancer. While the prognosis is good, she’s worn down physically. It’s tough to get out among the crowds at a place such as Augusta National. Read More ...
By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer |
Young UT linemen likened to newborns
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee’s offensive line is dotted with young, unknown faces. So for coach Derek Dooley, spring practice is all about one thing: baby steps.
“Well, you know when a newborn comes out and he can’t really even crawl yet,” Dooley said. “Our first goal really is to get them to crawl, and right now we’re kind of lying on our back going, ‘What is this new world I’m in?’”
The Volunteers graduated a number of seasoned offensive line veterans like Chris Scott, Jacques McClendon, Vladimir Richard and Cody and Cory Sullins.
Sophomore tackle Aaron Douglas was the most experienced returning player after making 10 starts last season but decided to leave the team in March for personal reasons.
That left only one player with any starting experience and three more with any playing experience at all. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Patterson UK book not closed just yet
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky forward Patrick Patterson says he hasn’t necessarily closed the book on his college career, even though the school announced he was going pro.
“I’m half in and half out right now,” Patterson said in an interview with The Associated Press Saturday while he was watching horse races at Keeneland.
Patterson called the decision on whether to leave or stay for a senior season “a tie,” adding that he hasn’t signed the paperwork to enter the NBA draft so “technically I haven’t declared.” Read More ...
By JEFFREY MCMURRAY, Associated Press Writer |
Decisions in clutch not good
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Derek Dooley wanted to see what his Volunteers could do in last-minute situations where the game might be on the line.
The Vols rehearsed such situations during their Saturday scrimmage, and Dooley wasn’t quite happy with what he saw.
There were penalties, substitution errors, coaching mistakes, special teams problems and clock management issues.
Read More ...
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Newman not in pits
AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Ryan Newman broke a 77-race Sprint Cup winless streak Saturday night at Phoenix International Raceway, taking the lead after a late caution and holding off Jeff Gordon in a two-lap shootout.
Kyle Busch was cruising to what would have given him a weekend sweep when a caution flag came out with three laps remaining. When the lead-lap cars pitted, Busch took four tires and came out eighth — behind six cars that took only two tires and Jimmie Johnson, who also took four and was seventh out of the pits.
Gordon beat everybody out of the pits, but spun his tires on the restart in a green-white-checker finish. Newman then charged inside and took the lead, and held on for his first victory since the 2008 Daytona 500. Read More ...
By STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Sports Writer |
Stephens to start, but not at UT
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Quarterback Nick Stephens plans to leave Tennessee and find a school where he’s assured of starting in his final year of eligibility, coach Derek Dooley said Thursday.
The redshirt senior was concerned that the competition for the starting spot with junior college transfer Matt Simms and incoming freshman Tyler Bray could end up costing him a chance to play.
“Nick’s in his fifth year and of course has been trying to get on the field his whole career,” Dooley said. “(He) just felt like it was too risky to go through another season because he just wants to play. We hate to lose Nick, but I certainly understand.”
Stephens hasn’t determined where he will play but will go to either a Football Championship Subdivision school or one in a lower division so that he won’t lose his final year of eligibility. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Pendergrass with Vols again
Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley announced Thursday that Brad Pendergrass is returning to Knoxville as UT’s director of football operations.
Pendergrass, a native of Huntingdon who played for the Mustangs, held the same position last year at Wisconsin after a five-year stint at Mississippi State. His first full-time position, however, was at Tennessee with his alma mater.
“I am extremely excited to begin working with Coach Dooley, our coaching staff, players and administration,” Pendergrass said. “The University of Tennessee is a leader in collegiate athletics in every area, and the opportunity to again be associated with this football program is something I couldn’t pass up. Read More ...
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Ageless Couples in best shape ever
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Wearing white tennis shoes with no socks, Fred Couples teed off today on a cool morning at Augusta National with Tiger Woods getting ready on the practice range.
The 50-year-old Couples shot a 6-under 66 on Thursday, his best round ever at Augusta National and making him the oldest golfer to lead outright after the opening round. He began Day Two with a one-stroke lead over five golfers, including 60-year-old Tom Watson, two-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson and PGA champion Y.A. Yang.
Woods was two strokes back. He was set to tee off at 10:35 a.m. after posting the best-opening round score of his Augusta career, emphatically answering questions about how he would fare coming back from a sex scandal and five-month layoff. Read More ...
By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer |
Ga. Cubbies peachy vs. Braves
ATLANTA (AP) — Randy Wells and the Cubs called on their Georgia connections to give Chicago its first win of the season.
Tyler Colvin, who was born in Augusta, Ga., and Marlon Byrd, from Sprayberry High near Atlanta, hit home runs and Wells pitched six scoreless innings to lead the Cubs past the Atlanta Braves 2-0 on Thursday night.
Carlos Marmol stranded two baserunners in the ninth inning for his first save.
Atlanta’s Chipper Jones left the game after the third inning with a strained right oblique and said he may miss the team’s weekend series at San Francisco.
Colvin and Byrd said they grew up as Braves fans. Colvin’s hometown is across the state line in North Augusta, S.C. He said it was easy to pull for the Braves as a kid.
“It’s only about two hours away,” said Colvin, making his first start. “It’s an easy drive.” Read More ...
By CHARLES ODUM, AP Sports Writer |
Card Motte left Red in end
CINCINNATI (AP) — Jonny Gomes saw both of them coming — the pitch and the pummeling.
Gomes expected a fastball and got one, connecting for a solo homer in the bottom of the ninth Thursday that sent the Cincinnati Reds to their first victory of the season, 2-1 over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Then, he threw himself into the celebratory scrum at home, flinging away his batting helmet before hopping on the plate with both feet. Teammates mobbed him after the second game-ending homer of his career.
“It’s always good getting that zero off the board, no matter what the category is — wins, hits, whatever,” Gomes said. Read More ...
By JOE KAY, AP Sports Writer |
Mass UK exit for NBA riches not a surprise
By WILL GRAVES
AP Sports Writer
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins delivered on their promise to help coach John Calipari return Kentucky to national prominence.
Next stop, the NBA.
Published in The Messenger 4.8.10 Read More ...
AP |
Tiger made to answer
By EMILY FREDRIX
AP Business Writers
NEW YORK (AP) — Nike aired a new TV commercial Wednesday featuring Tiger Woods and the voice of his late father, an edgy move that calls out his personal problems on the eve of his return to competitive golf.
Published in The Messenger 4.8.10 Read More ...
AP |
Prime tee off time belongs to Tiger
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods has an ideal tee time for his return to golf at the Masters — at least as far as TV is concerned.
After weeks of speculation about his playing partners for the opening two rounds at Augusta National, the starting times released on Tuesday had more to do with “when” than “who.”
Woods is to tee off at 12:42 p.m., Thursday in the penultimate group for the second straight year.
Barring any delays, his group likely will be on about the eighth hole when ESPN’s live coverage begins at 3 p.m. Read More ...
By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer |
Hank Aaron excited by youngest Brave
ATLANTA (AP) — Jason Heyward’s debut has Hank Aaron convinced that the rookie can stir up more excitement about baseball in the black community.
The legendary Atlanta Braves slugger told The Associated Press Tuesday that Heyward, who is black, “can mean an awful lot to what ails baseball.”
Aaron shares a growing concern that there are too few African-American players in the game. It’s a concern he expressed again during spring training. He says it’s a common problem that baseball has been slow to address.
Aaron isn’t wasting anytime promoting the Braves’ newest African-American star.
After Heyward’s debut on Monday — which included a three-run homer on his first swing — the Hall of Famer was even more optimistic that the 20-year-old rookie can make a difference. Read More ...
By CHARLES ODUM, AP Sports Writer |
Perfect UConn finds way in the end
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — His team whipped like never before, Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma walked off the court at halftime so slowly that there was no one else around him.
His left hand was on his hip, his eyes were straight down. His mind was churning with thoughts of how to snap his club out of its funk.
Leave it to Maya Moore to take care of that.
Moore scored 11 points during a 17-2 run to start the second half of the national championship game, a burst that put the Huskies back in control and on their way to a 53-47 victory over Stanford Tuesday night. Read More ...
By JAIME ARON, AP Sports Writer |
Champ Duke focuses on now
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Mike Krzyzewski clipped the final piece of the net and gave it a kiss. Then he hoisted it skyward for all those Duke fans to savor.
After claiming the fourth of his national championships, Coach K showed he still knows how to celebrate a title.
With Duke’s 61-59 victory over Butler on Monday night, Krzyzewski moved past Bob Knight and into a tie with Adolph Rupp for second place on the all-time list.
But just as he has throughout the postseason, he kept the emphasis on a different number: No. 1 — as in, the first championship for this current bunch of Blue Devils.
“You’re asked more (about) this could be Duke’s fourth national championship, and all that,” Krzyzewski said. “We just shied away from talking about that at all or try to think about it, and try to immerse ourselves in what these guys were doing. It’s much better. Like for me to think about being with them now is much better than thinking about the fourth national championship.” Read More ...
By JOEDY McCREARY |
‘Butler Way’ sure to catch on
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Matt Howard crumpled to the ground and covered his face with his hands. Gordon Hayward walked off the court, the sparkle gone from his eyes. Willie Veasley sat in the locker room, his jersey pulled over his head.
Life will never be the same for Butler. The team from the tiny school was the biggest thing going in college basketball for a few days, captivating the whole country with a heartwarming story that seemed tailor-made for Hollywood.
But Butler never wanted some bit part. It wanted the whole thing, and coming so close makes it hurt that much worse.
“They’re crushed,” Butler coach Brad Stevens said after the Bulldogs’ 61-59 loss to Duke in the NCAA championship Monday night. “I mean, this matters. They didn’t come in here thinking they were just going to roll over and not have a chance. They wanted to win.” Read More ...
By NANCY ARMOUR, AP National Writer |
Talkative Tiger ready to hit links
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods got that first day at the Masters out of the way. The practice round. The news conference.
And now, time to “try to win this thing.”
Woods’ fellow players are sure ready to move on.
“As the tournament develops and goes through, the tournament will get in front,” Geoff Ogilvy predicted. “If he’s involved, it will be crazy. If not, the tournament will be the biggest thing here. By Sunday, that will be evident.
“Hopefully,” Ogilvy added, “he’s in the competition — and that will make it really good.”
Woods’ return to golf for the first time since a Thanksgiving night crash exposed the sordid details of his personal life passed a major test Monday when he practiced in front of a largely forgiving gallery at Augusta National. Then he reported to the media center for a 35-minute news conference that was lacking in new details but big on charm and humility. Read More ...
By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer |
Pujols is ace of deck as Cards leave Reds blue in opener
CINCINNATI (AP) — On only his second swing of the season, Albert Pujols knocked one over the wall. A few innings later, he did it again.
The National League’s MVP each of the last two seasons is off to another invaluable start, this time with Mark McGwire providing the pointers.
Pujols went 4-for-5 and had two of the Cardinals’ team-record four homers on opening day Monday, routing the Cincinnati Reds 11-6 on an unseasonably warm afternoon that belonged to power hitters.
Past and present.
Yadier Molina completed the Cardinals’ first four-homer opener with a grand slam in the ninth. Only two other Cardinals have hit slams in season openers — Scott Rolen and McGwire, who was back in uniform on Monday as St. Louis’ batting coach.
Not that they needed much of Big Mac’s help in this one. Read More ...
By JOE KAY, AP Sports Writer |
Stanford last hurdle for UConn to clear
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Stanford Cardinal have wanted another shot at Connecticut ever since a 12-point loss in late December.
They’ll get their chance tonight with the national championship and UConn’s place as one of the most dominant teams ever at stake.
The two teams have developed a cross-country rivalry over the past three seasons after Stanford beat UConn in the 2008 national semifinals.
The Huskies haven’t lost since, beating the Cardinal twice during their NCAA-record winning streak — including in last season’s Final Four. Read More ...
By DOUG FEINBERG, AP Basketball Writer |
Butler mirrors Duke of old
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Duke is going for its fourth national title.
Butler has never been here before.
Duke could field an entire NBA team with its lottery picks.
Butler is still waiting for its first. Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski writes books about coaching.
Butler’s Brad Stevens reads them.
Yes, the teams playing for the national title tonight would seem to be polar opposites.
Dig a little deeper, though, and basketball fans might see two programs that come from almost the same place. Though one hails from Tobacco Road and the other from Hoosier heartland, hoops is their common language.
Academics, too. Both are private institutions that don’t let just anyone in the door. Read More ...
By EDDIE PELLS, AP National Writer |
Still-perfect UConn set for final exam
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Maya Moore and the Connecticut Huskies have rarely been challenged during their vaunted winning streak.
So when Baylor and 6-foot-8 freshman Brittney Griner presented a stiff test to the Huskies, instead of panicking, they relished it.
“We like the challenge, we like the competitiveness,” Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma said. “Makes you feel like you really accomplished something at the end of the night. That’s how we feel tonight. Like we really earned that win.”
Moore had 34 points and 12 rebounds to lead Connecticut to a 70-50 win over Baylor on Sunday night. The 77th straight victory left the Huskies one win away from becoming the first women’s team to go undefeated in consecutive seasons. Standing in the way of a second straight national championship is Stanford — the last team to beat the Huskies. Read More ...
By DOUG FEINBERG, AP Basketball Writer |
Uncaged Tiger already on course
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods wasted no time getting some practice in for his return to golf, teeing off shortly after the course opened as fans streamed in by the thousands to get a look.
Woods and Fred Couples were off in the second group just after 8 a.m. this morning on a pristine day at Augusta National.
The two played down the first fairway before most fans even got into position to see the world’s best player preparing for the start of the Masters.
Woods also practiced the day before, getting a big hug from an old friend, along with some encouraging words for his return to competition at the Masters.
“This is the place where you belong,” Mark O’Meara said he told Woods as they walked down the 10th fairway Sunday on the final day of practice before the gates to Augusta National Open. “This is what you love to do.” Read More ...
By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer |
Harvick hums ‘Happy’ tune
GLADEVILLE (AP) — Kevin Harvick took advantage of a late caution to win the NASCAR Nationwide Series race Saturday at Nashville Superspeedway.
Harvick and crew chief Ernie Cope gambled by taking two tires when the eighth yellow flag of the day came out with 34 laps to go. That enabled Harvick to seize the lead from Kyle Busch, who was unable to mount a challenge as the race wound down.
“We were 10 laps short (on fuel) and it seemed like there were a lot of cautions,” Harvick said. “We were in conservation mode so we did what we needed to do to play it both ways. We had options and weren’t in a box like some other guys were, having to pit under green. If you have to do that you’re pretty much done.” Read More ...
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Irish recruit remembered
CINCINNATI (AP) — A star high school football player from Ohio who was recruited by Notre Dame died after falling from a hotel balcony while on spring break in Florida, a high school spokesman said.
Students at St. Xavier High School gathered on the football field Friday evening to remember senior Matt James following reports of his death in Panama City Beach, Fla., spokesman Mark Motz said Saturday.
James, 17, apparently died instantly after he fell from the third-floor balcony of the Days Inn Motel at around 6:30 p.m. Friday, police told WJHG-TV in Panama City.
Police had not confirmed James’ identity as of Saturday morning, but Motz said the school was “devastated” by the news. Motz said the impromptu vigil was organized as word of James’ death spread through social-networking sites such as Facebook and others. Read More ...
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Typical Volunteers keep Dooley calm
Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley maintained an even temperament about his team’s first spring scrimmage, a two-hour affair Thursday at Neyland Stadium.
“It was pretty typical of a first scrimmage,” Dooley said. “The defense was very dominant early in the scrimmage; offense really struggling to get a first down.
“Then after halftime, the defense is feeling pretty good and they give up a big play to start the second half. It happens all the time. (Tauren) Poole makes a great run, it energizes the offense and they come right back and put another drive together that leads to a touchdown pass.” Read More ...
By UT Sports Information |
Defense got all in Final Four to last dance
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The West Virginia players came to the stadium with T-shirts that read “Do What We Do” — an unabashed acknowledgment that their style of basketball is often more effective than pretty.
If they could make the shirts in Duke, Butler and Michigan State colors, too, they might have a best seller.
Hard-nosed, stingy defense, combined with a few flying elbows and some well-timed rebounds, is what got this year’s Final Four teams to Indianapolis.
Expect baskets to come at a premium and bruises to be in abundance when Michigan State plays Butler and West Virginia faces Duke in the national semifinals Saturday. Read More ...
By EDDIE PELLS, AP National Writer |
Expansion plans examined
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA appears to be on the verge of expanding the men’s basketball tournament to 96 teams.
Insisting that nothing has been decided, NCAA vice president Greg Shaheen nonetheless outlined a detailed plan Thursday that included the logistics and timing of a 96-team tournament, how much time off the players would have and even revenue distribution.
Shaheen said the NCAA looked at keeping the current 65-team field and expanding to 68 or 80 teams, but decided the bigger bracket was best fit logistically and financially.
It would be played during the same time frame as the current three-week tournament and include first-round byes for 32 teams.
Although the plan still needs to be approved by the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee and passed on to the board of directors, most of the details already seem to be in place. Read More ...
By JOHN MARSHALL, AP Basketball Writer |
NIT not for UNC as Flyers take title
NEW YORK (AP) — If this was the end of the NIT, Marcus Johnson and the Dayton Flyers made themselves a lasting memory.
Johnson scored 20 points and Dayton denied last year’s national champs another title, beating North Carolina 79-68 Thursday night to win its first NIT crown in 42 years.
With officials discussing expanding the NCAA Tournament to 96 teams as soon as next year, this could be the final National Invitation Tournament, an event with a rich history that dates to 1938.
“Might be a fitting way to end it, for us to win it,” Dayton coach Brian Gregory said. “Our national brand, in a lot of ways, was built right here in Madison Square Garden.”
Indeed, the Flyers have been a regular participant in the NIT. Read More ...
By MIKE FITZPATRICK, AP Baseball Writer |
Only a fool would break UT-Dooley deal early
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee has written some hefty protection for the program and the coach into its deal with new coach Derek Dooley.
Dooley would have to pay $4 million if he resigns before Feb. 15, 2012, a number that drops to $3 million through the next year, and down to $1 million in February 2014. The buyout then drops by $250,000 each of the following two years, according to a memorandum of understanding signed by Dooley on March 3 and released Wednesday by the school.
Tennessee’s buyout to get rid of Dooley is even steeper. He would be owed $5 million through Feb. 15, 2013, a number that drops to $4 million into 2014 and 2015. The buyout falls to $2.5 million after Feb. 15, 2015. Read More ...
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House of Cards mostly in order
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tony La Russa loves to tinker with the lineup card, using a whopping 135 variations last year in what was a pretty typical campaign.
No doubt there’ll still be some juggling for the St. Louis Cardinals this season as La Russa factors in lefty-righty matchups and pitcher-vs.-hitter numbers when the team opens the 2010 season on Monday at Cincinnati.
He will also have input from new batting coach Mark McGwire, whose hiring and subsequent admission to steroids use caused a stir. But a full season penciling in an order anchored by Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday figures to provide much more stability than usual. Read More ...
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer |
UT sting to linger, but Pearl is proud
Tennessee overcame the embarrassment of player arrests and the loss of its star player to go farther in the NCAA Tournament than any Volunteers squad in history.
Senior point guard Bobby Maze isn’t satisfied with that, though.
The Vols fell one basket short of reaching their first Final Four, instead losing 70-69 to Michigan State in the Midwest Regional semifinals on Sunday.
“It’s going to stick with us,” Maze said. “Anytime we watch college games or during tournament time, we’ll always come back to that very moment where we were just too short, especially when you only lose by one point.” Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Wall stands tall with Cousins as UK reps
Having a couple of freshmen on The Associated Press’ All-America team is nothing new. This year, however, they are from the same school.
Kentucky’s John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins were on the All-America team announced Monday. Joining them were Ohio State junior Evan Turner, who received all but one first-team vote, Syracuse junior Wes Johnson and Villanova senior Scottie Reynolds.
In the age of one-and-done players, the All-America team has become a home for freshmen.
Kevin Durant of Texas and Greg Oden of Ohio State were on the 2007 team, while Michael Beasley of Kansas State and Kevin Love of UCLA were on it the next year. Read More ...
By JIM O'CONNELL, AP Basketball Writer |
Final Hamlin slice stops early bleeding
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) — Denny Hamlin is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday morning, and then rehabilitation to get his left knee back into driving shape as soon as possible.
What better way to prepare than to begin rehabilitating his sagging season first?
The NASCAR star may have done just than in his home state Monday, rallying from ninth place after giving up the lead on a late trip to pit road and almost recklessly bull-rushing his way through the field in a pair of stirring two-lap sprints at Martinsville Speedway.
“This is probably the most gratifying win I’ve had simple because we came through adversity so many times, whether it be because of pit road or that dash at the end,” Hamlin said of his ninth victory. “We just flat out drove through them at the end and got the win.” Read More ...
By HANK KURZ Jr., AP Sports Writer |
Final freebie closes UT book
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Michigan State was reeling, stung by its beating from North Carolina in the NCAA title game, when Draymond Green asked coach Tom Izzo if he could speak.
A year earlier, North Carolina had suffered a similar humiliation in the national semifinals, the freshman reminded his teammates. Now, Green said, the Tar Heels were cutting down the nets as national champions.
“That was our call for the next year,” Izzo recalled Sunday. “So I said, ‘You put yourself in a position where you have a chance to do something you talked about. Not many people get a chance to do that.’”
Not many teams are like Michigan State, though, either.
The fifth-seeded Spartans are on their way to their second straight Final Four and sixth in 12 years after Raymar Morgan’s free throw with less than two seconds left Sunday lifted Michigan State to a 70-69 victory over Tennessee in the Midwest Regional final. Kansas, UCLA, Kentucky, even North Carolina — no team in the country has been better during the Spartans’ run.
Michigan State (28-8) plays Butler, also a No. 5 seed and sure to be the hometown favorite, in the semifinals Saturday night. The Spartans are the only team from last year’s Final Four to make it back, with North Carolina and Connecticut not even making the tournament and Villanova getting knocked out last weekend. Read More ...
By NANCY ARMOUR, AP National Writer |
Country roads send UK home
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Country roads, take me home.
Or better yet, Indianapolis.
It’s almost heaven, West Virginia. Da’Sean Butler and the Mountaineers are off to the Final Four for the first time since 1959.
Joe Mazzulla scored a career-high 17 points in his first start this season and West Virginia handled a cold-shooting Kentucky team stocked with future NBA players almost from the opening tip for a 73-66 victory in the East Regional final Saturday night.
“It’s something we’ve been preaching,” Butler said. “Not even just two more. Ever since we won our first game. Five more, four more, three more. It doesn’t mean anything unless you win the whole thing.” Read More ...
By DAN GELSTON, AP Basketball Writer |
Baylor blocks Lady Vol path
MEMPHIS (AP) — Freshman sensation Brittney Griner has grown up a lot this season — just ask Tennessee.
Griner scored 27 points and blocked 10 shots, leading fourth-seeded Baylor to a 77-62 win over the top-seeded Lady Vols on Saturday to advance to the NCAA Tournament regional finals.
“She was the X factor,” said Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, whose team was taken out in the first round last season.
Baylor’s only other appearance in the round of eight was in 2005, the same year it won the national championship. The Lady Bears (26-9) will face No. 2 seed Duke tonight.
The Lady Vols’ loss spoiled the highly anticipated matchup between Tennessee and Connecticut, which could have happened in this year’s national semifinals. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Urban says sorry to writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida coach Urban Meyer apologized Saturday to the reporter he berated earlier this week for publishing a quote by one of his players.
Meyer spent more than 20 minutes with the Orlando Sentinel’s Jeremy Fowler following spring practice. Fowler declined to divulge details of the discussion, but called it a “constructive” conversation.
Meyer lashed out at Fowler on Wednesday, calling him a “bad guy” and threatening to ban the newspaper for publishing a quote in which receiver Deonte Thompson called John Brantley a “real quarterback.” Thompson meant to say that Brantley was a more conventional or prototypical passer than Tim Tebow. Read More ...
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Cornell slipper falls off vs. UK
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Big Red came readied for the big upset. Cornell turned the regional semifinal into a home game, with fans dressed in red and chanting, “Let’s Go, Red!” in nearly every section of the massive Carrier Dome.
When Cornell pounced to 10-2 lead, the roar could be heard 55 miles away on its campus in Ithaca, N.Y.
But you don’t have to be an Ivy Leaguer to know the real team to beat didn’t come in red, but Big Blue.
John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Patrick Patterson stopped Cornell’s captivating NCAA Tourn-ament run, giving the top-seeded Wildcats a 62-45 win Thursday night in the East Regional semifinals.
“They’re a group that has a will to win,” Kentucky coach John Calipari said. “But they hadn’t been in a game like this where the other team makes a little run ... and we got away from playing how we play.”
Only for a little bit. Read More ...
By DAN GELSTON, AP Basketball Writer |
Balanced Buckeyes worrisome to Vols
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The last time Tennessee faced Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament, the Buckeyes had a roster that made NBA general managers drool, with monstrous Greg Oden dominating inside and Mike Conley Jr. making sure everything flowed smoothly.
Must be a relief to the Volunteers that they won’t have to see those guys again in tonight’s Midwest Regional semifinal, huh?
Yeah, right.
The second-seeded Buckeyes (29-7) might look a lot different than they did when they held off the Vols in the regional semifinals three years ago, but they’re no less formidable. In fact, Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl said this Ohio State squad might be even more daunting. Read More ...
By NANCY ARMOUR, AP National Writer |
Douglas departure leaves Volunteers with no returning starters on O-line
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Freshman offensive tackle Aaron Douglas has been granted his release from the Tennessee program.
New Volunteers coach Derek Dooley said Thursday night that he met with Douglas earlier in the day, and the freshman asked for his release. The coach said Douglas has dealt with personal issues.
“Aaron Douglas has decided that he’s no longer a part of our football team,” Dooley said after practice. “It’s unfortunate that we never got a chance to coach him. But as I’ve told you guys and I’ve told the team, our concern is not who or what we don’t have, it’s who we have. We have 84 guys who are excited about our program.
“We’re shaping a new culture here, and as we do that, it’s a process.” Read More ...
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Butler does it against Syracuse
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Butler missed three times as many 3-pointers as it made, yet never hesitated to keep on shooting them.
A couple of them finally fell late and the Bulldogs went from being pesky defenders to stifling, holding Syracuse scoreless for almost five minutes and upsetting the top-seeded Orange 63-59 on Thursday night in the West Regional semifinals.
Butler is in the regional final for the first time in school history, facing Kansas State on Saturday for a ticket to the Final Four in Indianapolis — home of the Bulldogs.
“I’m going home Saturday night or Sunday morning whenever the charter gets here,” coach Brad Stevens said. “I just hope we’re going there with some season left.”
There just might be.
The Bulldogs scrapped through a poor shooting night and were ultraprotective of the ball — even while chucking it 24 times from beyond the arc — as they tried to crack Syracuse’s acclaimed 2-3 zone defense. Read More ...
By DOUG ALDEN, AP Sports Writer |
Mountaineers still climbing
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Da’Sean Butler says his right hand is fine. If that’s the case, so too are the West Virginia Mountaineers’ hopes in preparing to face Kentucky in the East Regional finals of the NCAA Tournament.
The second-seeded Mountaineers survived a momentary scare when Butler fell hard to the court and jammed his right hand midway through the second half of a 69-56 win over Washington on Thursday.
After spending a few minutes writhing in pain, Butler got up and continued playing in helping West Virginia (30-6) set a school record for victories — surpassing the 29-5 mark set by the Jerry West-led team that lost in the 1959 NCAA Tournament final.
“I’ve played with worse,” Butler said, pointing to his hand that was heavily wrapped in ice. Read More ...
By JOHN WARWOW, AP Sports Writer |
Other Cards’ All-Star now out
JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Albert Pujols was hitless in his return to the lineup, but Yadier Molina left the St. Louis Cardinals’ 4-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday because of a side injury.
The All-Star catcher left the game in the second inning with a strained right oblique and will be reevaluated today.
He was injured while sliding into second base with a double.
Molina advanced to third on David Freese’s single to center, but did not even try to score.
He left the game immediately thereafter, walking off the infield holding his right side.
Freese finished 3-for-4 and drove in three runs for the Cardinals. Read More ...
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Prince must be king of court for Vols to have best chance
KNOXVILLE (AP) — J.P. Prince takes charges, steals balls, gets his fellow Volunteers involved in the offense and plays defense.
In short, the senior guard does everything for Tennessee.
To gauge Tennessee’s chances of winning a particular game just check the stat monitor and see how many points Prince has.
The Vols head into their Midwest Regional semifinal Friday night against Ohio State in St. Louis having won the last nine games when Prince scores in at least double figures — they’re 0-3 when he doesn’t.
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl said Prince’s value to the Vols is obvious and called him a real key to their season. But he also thinks the senior has become more assertive. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
UK Big Blue seeing ‘Red’ as Cornell showdown looms
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Cornell has made itself the early tournament darlings of March. The Big Red win with seniors, goof off at news conferences, and have embraced every second of the sudden national spotlight.
Kentucky plays richly talented teams in the SEC, is on national television as often as “30 Rock,” and counts the round of 16 as another step toward the national championship and not a reason to celebrate.
Kentucky coach John Calipari has a roster dotted with potential one-and-done players.
Cornell (29-4) might be a one-year wonder. Read More ...
By DAN GELSTON, AP Basketball Writer |
Lions willing to try out Pacman game
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Adam “Pacman” Jones is getting looks from NFL teams again.
Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Wednesday at the NFL meetings that the Lions are gathering more information about Jones’ level of commitment and how he could fit in Detroit’s system. The Lions were among a few teams that worked out Jones last week in New Orleans.
“Not only did we send someone down there to work him out, but also someone to spend some time with him,” Schwartz said. “I wouldn’t say anything’s imminent, but we’re definitely interested and gathering information.”
Once considered a promising star, Jones’ tattered history is a big reason other teams have stayed clear. Read More ...
By ANTONIO GONZALEZ, Associated Press Writer |
NFL pulls trigger to alter playoff OT
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Losing the coin toss for overtime in the playoffs might be a little less painful next season.
Far more swiftly than anyone predicted, including the competition committee that made the recommendation, the NFL changed its overtime rules for postseason games Tuesday. Starting with the 2010 season, if a team wins the OT coin toss and then kicks a field goal, the other team gets the ball. If the game becomes tied again after that next series, play will continue under the current sudden-death rules.
If the team winning the toss immediately scores a touchdown, however, the game is over.
Team owners voted 28-4 on Tuesday in favor of the proposal at the NFL meetings, with Minnesota, Buffalo, Cincinnati and Baltimore opposing the change. Read More ...
By BARRY WILNER, AP Football Writer |
Vols looking to break bad Sweet 16 habits
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Reaching the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament has become quite a habit for Tennessee. Figuring out how to win once the Vols get there? Well, that’s the problem.
The Vols have never advanced past the round of 16.
Tennessee is in the regional semifinals for the sixth time in school history and for the third time in Bruce Pearl’s five seasons. The second-seeded Vols (27-8) play No. 2 seed Ohio State (29-7) on Friday night in St. Louis — a rematch of the 2008 regional semifinal Tennessee lost 85-84 after blowing a huge halftime lead against Greg Oden and Michael Conley. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Vacate is mandate for Memphis hoops
MEMPHIS (AP) — Memphis must vacate its record 38-win men’s basketball season from 2007-08 after the NCAA rejected its appeal.
The NCAA announced Monday that its Infractions Appeal Committee ruled against Memphis, which was found to use an ineligible player, believed to be Derrick Rose. The Tigers lost in overtime to Kansas in the national title game that season.
The NCAA originally ordered Memphis to vacate the season and forfeit money on Aug. 20. Memphis had appealed, arguing the penalties were unprecedented and that the school was held to a strict liability when Rose was ruled retroactively ineligible for an SAT score that was invalidated by the Educational Testing Service in May 2008. Read More ...
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Focused UT gals ground Flyers
KNOXVILLE (AP) — After an unprecedented early loss in the NCAAs last year, it’s back to business as usual for Tennessee.
The No. 1-seeded Lady Volunteers beat eighth-seeded Dayton 92-64 in the second round of the tournament on Monday night.
Tennessee (32-2) will make its 28th appearance in the regional semifinals Saturday, this time playing 350 miles from home in Memphis. The Lady Vols’ lone absence from the round of 16 in the tournament’s 29-year history came after last season’s loss to 71-55 to Ball State in the opening round. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Pujols sits out as Cards best Sox
JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — While Matt Holliday returned for the St. Louis Cardinals, Albert Pujols was out of the lineup again.
Pujols was scratched from Monday’s 13-8 victory over the Boston Red Sox with back tightness.
The three-time NL MVP got an anti-inflammatory shot and is expected to be out of action for the next couple of days.
“He received an MRI today and then an injection to put him over the hump, make him feel better,” general manager John Mozeliak said. “He’s day to day. We’ll see how he feels on Wednesday.”
The Cardinals are off today. Read More ...
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Tiger takes blame for swift downfall
Tiger Woods acknowledged “living a lie,” saying he alone was responsible for the sex scandal that caused his shocking downfall from global sporting icon to late-night TV punchline.
“It was all me. I’m the one who did it. I’m the one who acted the way I acted. No one knew what was going on when it was going on,” Woods told the Golf Channel in one of two interviews Sunday night.
A second one was aired on ESPN, which will also televise the first two rounds of the Masters. Woods plans to end four months of seclusion and return to golf at the tournament next month. Read More ...
By JIM LITKE, AP Sports Writer |
UT clears bench for right reason
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl cleared his bench at the end of the game, a victory over No. 14 seed Ohio and a berth in the Midwest Regional semifinals secure.
It was time to reward the guys who helped the Volunteers get there.
J.P. Prince scored 18 points and Scotty Hopson had 17 to lead sixth-seeded Tennessee to an 83-68 victory over Ohio on Saturday and give the Vols their third Sweet 16 berth in four years. The other starters pitched in, too: Brian Williams and Bolivar product Wayne Chism had 12 rebounds apiece, and Bobby Maze had nine assists.
But Pearl wanted them to share the celebration with the reserves who filled in after a New Year’s Day gun, drug and alcohol bust left Tennessee with just six scholarship players. Read More ...
By JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer |
Lady Vols leave little doubt in opener
KNOXVILLE (AP) — When Tennessee lost in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament last year, coach Pat Summitt sent the team to the practice court immediately.
That extra work helped the Lady Vols secure a No. 1 seed this season and return to their winning ways with a 75-42 victory over No. 16 seed Austin Peay on Saturday in the opening round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament.
“They were confused why would we go right back to practice. They thought it was punishment,” Summitt said. “I said, ’No, it’s an opportunity for this basketball team to get better.” Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Rebooted Kentucky plays memory game
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Ashley Judd grabbed a copy of the Kentucky-Wake Forest boxscore and stared at the final numbers, shaking her head in wonder.
“It was flashbacks to ’96 — a team that was so good we actually got mad if the other team touched the ball,” said Judd, one of Kentucky’s most famous fans. “That was a really spectacular win.”
It’s starting to look like the good old days for Kentucky’s proud basketball program. John Calipari’s top-seeded Wildcats are young and inexperienced, but no longer unproven in the NCAA Tournament, during which their average margin of victory now stands at 29.5 points. Read More ...
By BRETT MARTEL, AP Sports Writer |
Racers cut off at pass
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Butler’s Gordon Hayward instinctively left his man for a double-team, deflected a freshman’s desperate pass and slammed Murray State’s storybook shut.
Those rip-roaring Racers were awfully close to a second straight bracket-busting upset before the tournament-tested Bulldogs reminded them which small school almost always plays big in March.
Ronald Nored’s three-point play snapped a tie with 25.4 seconds left, and Butler narrowly evaded a second stunner by the 13th-seeded Racers in three days, advancing to the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament with a 54-52 victory Saturday. Read More ...
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer |
Longshot Jimmie conquers Bristol
BRISTOL (AP) — The record book is pretty clear when it comes to Bristol Motor Speedway: Kurt Busch is good at the bullring, Jimmie Johnson is not.
So of course Busch had Sunday’s race circled as a place to make up ground on Johnson, the four-time defending NASCAR champion.
And Johnson, most likely, figured his annual Bristol frustrations would continue.
Both were wrong.
Johnson grabbed his first career win Sunday at Bristol with a masterful final 10 laps, denying Busch a victory in a race he had dominated.
“To pour my heart and soul into this race to beat (Johnson), I was trying to hit my marks every lap. I feel exhausted, I feel disappointed,” Busch said. Read More ...
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer |
Murray strikes it rich at end
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Murray State coach Billy Kennedy went with his gut and drew up a play his team had never run before, with Isacc Miles the go-to guy at the end.
Third option Danero Thomas became the hero instead.
Thomas hit a 15-footer as the buzzer sounded and 13th-seeded Murray State stunned No. 4 seed Vanderbilt 66-65 on Thursday in an NCAA Tournament opener in the West Regional.
“That shot was bigger than he could imagine,” Murray State’s B.J. Jenkins said. “It wasn’t just a game-winning shot. We’ll remember this for the rest of our lives.”
President Barack Obama must have been onto something picking these revved-up Racers (31-4) to get past the first round. It was the school’s first victory in the NCAA Tournament since a 78-75 win over North Carolina State in 1988. Read More ...
By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer |
Pearl present is Vols’ victory
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The whole family came down from Massachusetts to join Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl on his 50th birthday.
“He’s from 20 minutes away from here, so it’s really special to be here, playing in front of his old family,” said his son Steven, a backup forward on the Volunteers. “All of our aunts and uncles live up here, so that’s been special, and a lot of friends have come to support us.”
But it wasn’t until midnight had passed, San Diego State’s last shot had sailed wide and the Volunteers had advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament that the Pearls were able to celebrate. Read More ...
By JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer |
Fab UK freshmen cruise in opener
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The initiation of Kentucky’s fabulous freshmen to the NCAA Tournament went as well as John Calipari could have hoped.
Eric Bledsoe set a school record for 3-pointers in a tournament game with eight during a 29-point effort, and the top-seeded Wildcats led by 30 in the first half and 40 in the second while cruising to 100-71 blowout of East Tennessee State.
“Hopefully, we’re this good,” Calipari said. “I’m not sure if we are, but we’ll see if we can keep it going.” Read More ...
By BRETT MARTEL, AP Sports Writer |
Bryce says bye to UT football program
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Running back Bryce Brown left the Tennessee program on the first day of the Volunteers’ spring practice, coach Derek Dooley said.
Dooley said Brown told him Thursday that he was dealing with family and personal problems that included “some of the reasons why he came here.” Brown was not present for practice.
“I was a little surprised, but you can only control what you can control,” Dooley said. “He went through the entire offseason, but I also think that this wasn’t something from the last three weeks. But I’m not here to recruit. I’m here to coach.”
The Wichita, Kan., native averaged 38.3 yards in 12 games as a freshman in 2009.
Brown was rated as one of the top recruits in the nation in 2009, and his recruitment process drew a lot of attention thanks to his relationship with adviser Brian Butler.
The NCAA investigated whether money was improperly raised for Brown to visit colleges while in high school. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Dooley set to ‘spring’ into action on UT grid
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Coach Derek Dooley’s efforts to mold his new Tennessee team begin in earnest when the Volunteers begin spring practice today.
Dooley, who was hired in January after Lane Kiffin bolted for Southern California, has his work cut out for him.
“I think everybody’s anxious to get to practice because you can only jump over bags and run shuttles for so long before you say, ’It’s time to play football,”’ Dooley said in a Wednesday press conference.
The Vols, who finished 7-6 last season with a loss in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, will participate in 14 practices before holding the annual Orange and White spring scrimmage game on April 17. Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Cal mission is to keep young UK calm in trenches
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — John Calipari has coached in enough NCAA Tournaments to know that youth can be more of a liability at this time of year than any other.
With the talent he has in freshmen such as John Wall, Eric Bledsoe and DeMarcus Cousins, a lack of tournament experience doesn’t have to be an issue. The problem, Calipari said, is that you never know.
“When you have a team this young, you’re in the survive-and-advance mode,” Calipari said Wednesday, a day before his No. 1-seeded Wildcats (32-2) were slated to open tournament play against 16th-seed East Tennessee State (20-14).
“What we’re talking about and the message I’ve given the team: Land the plane,” Calipari said. “There’s storm, there’s lightning, people drinking their “hater-ade” and coming at you. There are going to be things written and said. It’s all coming at you. ... We’re not worried about score and who scores and what. Just land the plane and move on.” Read More ...
By BRETT MARTEL, AP Sports Writer |
Summitt offspring aspires to coach
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tyler Summitt spent his entire childhood around gyms — no surprise he wants to spend the rest of his life in one.
As the son of the NCAA’s winningest basketball coach, he grew up making trips to the Final Four with his mom, Pat Summitt, and doing homework with the Tennessee Lady Volunteers.
“It was a lot of fun,” Tyler says. “It was really different from my peers just because they would be at sleepovers, and I’d be in another state. It was like having big sisters. Now it’s turned around, and I’m back with them except now it’s kind of like I’m a big brother instead of their little brother.” Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Guarded Tiger secure enough to emerge from seclusion den for Masters
PALM HARBOR, Fla. (AP) — For Tiger Woods, this figures to be a Masters like no other.
Woods said Tuesday he will end more than four months of seclusion and play at Augusta National in three weeks, shielded by the most secure environment in golf as he competes for the first time since a sex scandal shattered his image.
“The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect,” Woods said in a statement. “After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I’m ready to start my season at Augusta.”
The Masters begins April 8. Read More ...
By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer |
Raw UK talent expected to see Cats through
Kentucky senior Perry Stevenson isn’t worried about the Wildcats’ youthful roster turning into a liability during the NCAA Tournament.
Perry, one of three seniors on the roster who get limited playing time, says the talent of Kentucky’s fabulous freshmen will more than make up for their inexperience.
The top-seeded Wildcats play East Tennessee State on Thursday night in New Orleans.
“The seniors on this team are just lucky to have guys that we’re surrounded by now,” Stevenson said. “They just have high basketball IQs and unbelievable athletic ability. They just know what to do.” Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, AP Sports Writer |
Kentucky women lead way
ATLANTA (AP) — Kentucky has a proud men’s basketball tradition.
The women are getting in on it, too.
Victoria Dunlap was a unanimous choice for Player of the Year and Matthew Mitchell took the coaching honors on The Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference women’s team released Tuesday.
South Carolina freshman Kelsey Bone picked up the award for newcomer of the year.
Dunlap, a junior forward who ranks third in the league in scoring (17.7 points a game) and fourth in rebounding (8.3), was one of two unanimous picks to the first team. The other was LSU senior guard Allison Hightower, who made the elite group for the second year in a row. Read More ...
By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer |
Dance expansion is hot hoops topic
NEW YORK (AP) — It wouldn’t take an act of Congress, and in the overall scheme of things, expanding the field for the NCAA men’s basketball championship wouldn’t solve or create any problems for most Americans.
Then why have so many people offered so many opinions on something that’s only in the discussion stage, at best, and might not even happen?
Because the three-weekend, 65-team format has become as much a March staple as cold rain in the Northeast and the sound of batting practice in Florida and Arizona.
Talk about expanding the field, from three more teams — to take away the stigma of a lone play-in game — to as many as 96, is getting much of the attention as the 2010 tournament begins. Read More ...
By JIM O'CONNELL, AP Basketball Writer |
Play-in victors no road (Bluff)ers
DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — When it mattered most, Arkansas-Pine Bluff turned into kings of the road.
Losers of their first 11 games — all on the road — the Golden Lions turned their first trip to the NCAA Tournament into one worth the extra packing. Allen Smith made clutch 3-pointers on a night when shots wouldn’t go down easily, setting up a 61-44 victory over Winthrop in the opening game on Tuesday night.
The Golden Lions (18-15) will play Duke, the No. 1 seed in the South Regional, on Friday in Jacksonville, Fla. Read More ...
By JOE KAY, AP Sports Writer |
Top seed Kansas a no-brainer as No. 1 in final poll
Kansas was on top of the preseason poll and the Jayhawks were in the same spot in the season’s final Top 25.
The Jayhawks, the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, were a unanimous pick Monday, their 15th week this season on top of the rankings. That matches Kansas in 1996-97 and Illinois in 2004-05 for the most weeks at No. 1 in a season since Duke ran the table in 1991-92.
Kansas (32-2) received all the first-place votes from the 65-member national media panel and was on top for the second straight week. The Jayhawks were No. 1 in the preseason poll and for the first eight weeks of the season until losing at Tennessee. They had another four-week stretch at No. 1 ended by a loss at Oklahoma State. Read More ...
By JIM O'CONNELL, AP Basketball Writer |
Lady Vols could end up in path of perfect UConn
On their way to a record 72-game winning streak, the Connecticut Huskies have beaten just about every power program in women’s college basketball.
Stanford, Duke, Notre Dame, and North Carolina haven’t posed any kind of challenge. The only test left for the Huskies is rival Tennessee.
The Huskies’ path to another perfect season and seventh national championship could include a matchup with the Lady Vols. Undefeated UConn earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Monday night and will open against Southern in Norfolk, Va. Read More ...
By DOUG FEINBERG, AP Basketball Writer |
Kentucky wagon filled with awards
ATLANTA (AP) — Kentucky is back in a familiar place — atop the Southeastern Conference and dominating the league awards.
Freshman sensation John Wall was named Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year on The Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference team released Monday, and John Calipari made it a clean sweep for the Wildcats by taking the coaching honor.
After two tumultuous seasons under Billy Gillispie, Wall and Calipari led Kentucky to its 44th regular-season SEC championship, 26th conference tournament title and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Read More ...
By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer |
Kentucky works OT for crown
NASHVILLE (AP) — John Calipari only had questions once he and his Kentucky Wildcats finished celebrating their Southeastern Conference Tournament championship.
“How did we win this game? How did we go to overtime? I don’t know,” Calipari said.
Credit his fantastic freshmen who scored to get them to overtime and then won the game, even if they celebrated a little prematurely.
John Wall scored seven of his 15 points in overtime, and No. 2 Kentucky rallied from five down with 2:28 left in regulation to beat Mississippi State 75-74 on Sunday. The Wildcats rewarded their faithful by adding their 26th SEC tournament championship and an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament to their 44th regular season title.
Two down, one to go? Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
UT men cry foul over low seeding
KNOXVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Volunteers beat two of the No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament this season. It hasn’t helped them.
For the third consecutive year, the Volunteers were less than thrilled with their seed.
The NCAA Tournament seeded Tennessee sixth in the Midwest Region on Sunday even though the Vols were ranked 15th this week and had an RPI of 14.
Tennessee (25-8), which received its fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament bid, will play No. 11 seed San Diego State (25-8) on Thursday in Providence, R.I. Read More ...
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Kansas blessing is also top burden
The selection committee made its choices. Now, it’s America’s turn.
The country’s biggest office pool, otherwise known as March Madness, serves up the usual smorgasbord of choices, starting with Kansas, the overall top seed in the 65-team NCAA Tournament bracket released Sunday.
“It’s a blessing, it’s a burden,” Kansas coach Bill Self said of being No. 1.
The Jayhawks are the early 2-1 betting favorite to make the Final Four and win their second national title in three years on April 5 in Indianapolis, but there are plenty of candidates to knock them off. Read More ...
By EDDIE PELLS, AP National Writer |
Memphis tumbles to NIT
MEMPHIS (AP) — For the first time since 2005 and in Memphis’ first year without coach John Calipari, the Tigers will not be in the NCAA Tournament.
They did not hear their names called Sunday when the NCAA bracket was announced, but a couple of hours later learned that they will host St. John’s (17-15) in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament on Wednesday night. Read More ...
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Nashville like home as UK thumps Vols
NASHVILLE (AP) — No. 2 Kentucky treated 15th-ranked Tennessee with little hospitality during a 74-45 victory Saturday in the tournament semifinals — the Volunteers’ most lopsided under coach Bruce Pearl.
“As a coach you owe it to them to give them your best,” UK coach John Calipari said. “They tell me 180,000 fans came to Nashville. Is that true? Kentucky fans. And only 17,000 could get in the building. ... It’s unbelievable. The blue dust is everywhere. It’s incredible.” Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Nashville like home as UK thumps Vols
NASHVILLE (AP) — No. 2 Kentucky treated 15th-ranked Tennessee with little hospitality during a 74-45 victory Saturday in the tournament semifinals — the Volunteers’ most lopsided under coach Bruce Pearl.
“As a coach you owe it to them to give them your best,” UK coach John Calipari said. “They tell me 180,000 fans came to Nashville. Is that true? Kentucky fans. And only 17,000 could get in the building. ... It’s unbelievable. The blue dust is everywhere. It’s incredible.”
Some Kentucky fans spent up to $1,000 per ticket and vactioned in Nashville to support the Cats.
DeMarcus Cousins had 19 points and 15 rebounds as Kentucky advanced to the final for the first time since 2004. Eric Bledsoe had 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point range, and John Wall added 14. The Wildcats improved to a league-best 113-22 in this tournament and 35-2 in the semifinals. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Slower UT men survive
NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl slowed his Volunteers down against LSU in the opening round of the SEC Tournament, hoping to conserve energy with Mississippi waiting in the quarterfinals.
The 15th-ranked Vols nearly conserved too much energy.
Wayne Chism had 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Tennessee overcame 25.9-percent shooting in the first half — its worst performance of the season — to beat the Tigers 59-49 on Thursday.
“If we would have lost that game I would have put that one on myself,” Pearl said. “I’m already putting it on myself that we didn’t come out as aggressively as we should have.” Read More ...
By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer |
Gators take step toward NCAA goal
NASHVILLE (AP) — Alex Tyus scored 24 points, and Florida snapped a three-game skid by beating Auburn 78-69 Thursday night in the opening round of the Southeastern Conference tournament.
Coach Billy Donovan didn’t want to discuss how many wins his Gators need to ensure their first NCAA Tournament berth since they won their second straight national title in 2007. Now Florida (21-11), already 7-0 against the SEC West, has a chance to add another win tonight against Mississippi State, the West’s No. 1 seed, in the quarterfinals.
Auburn (15-17) beat Florida in the quarterfinals last year. But the Tigers now have lost 12 of 13 games to Florida in what could be coach Jeff Lebo’s final game with Auburn. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
Tiger could prowl on Masters course
DORAL, Fla. (AP) — Tiger Woods intends to remain out of golf at least until the Masters, two people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press.
Woods has been practicing at Isleworth near his Orlando home the last two weeks, and swing coach Hank Haney flew there during the weekend to work with him. That led to speculation Thursday he was close to playing again.
The two people, who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because only Woods is supposed to release such information, say he is likely to play first at Augusta National in April.
Woods twice has gone nine weeks without competing before showing up at a major. The first time was in 2006, when he didn’t play after the Masters while coping with his father’s death, then missed the cut in a major for the first time in the U.S. Open at Winged Foot. Read More ...
By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer |
Tide trio impressive with NFL looking on
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Terrence Cody showed NFL teams he had the willpower to shed excess pounds, while Rolando McClain demonstrated his willingness to push through health issues.
Mount Cody, a two-time All-America nose guard, weighed in at 349 pounds at Alabama’s pro day on Wednesday with representatives from all 32 NFL teams present.
Cody continues to trim down as the NFL draft approaches.
He has dropped 22 pounds since the Senior Bowl and another six since the NFL combine two weeks ago.
“I just motivated myself after all the critics said after the Senior Bowl that I’m not going to do it, I’m not disciplined,” said Cody, who is aiming for 340. “I took that kind of personally. And I came to the combine light and showed up today light. It’s a big difference.”
Cody, McClain, cornerback Kareem Jackson and guard Mike Johnson were among the group of players from the national championship team auditioning for scouts. Read More ...
By JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Writer |
Cal easing pressure on UK
NASHVILLE (AP) — Maybe Kentucky coach John Calipari wants to ease the pressure on his young Wildcats.
He’s busy talking about playing for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, though ending a drought with Kentucky’s first Southeastern Conference Tournament title since 2004 would a big deal, too.
All those blue-clad fans heading to Nashville, determined to sneak through every nook and cranny to watch? They want to see the Wildcats resume their rightful place atop the SEC. No. 2 Kentucky is the heavy favorite to take home a 26th tournament title after running to its 44th regular season crown. Read More ...
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer |
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