Larcenous Packers Defense Makes Anemic Jets Eat Their Words

Filed under: Jets, Packers, AFC East, NFC North, Fantasy Football

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Tramon Williams has watched Charles Woodson every day in practice during his four seasons in Green Bay.

On Sunday, it was Woodson,who emulated Williams, stripping the ball from the Jets' Dustin Keller for a fourth-quarter interception the way his younger teammate had done it from Jerricho Cotchery in the second.

Strip interceptions. Two of them. Plus a "fumble'' that was also a strip -- this one by rookie linebacker Frank Zombo from Brad Smith on a run in the first quarter of the Packers' 9-0 win over the Jets Sunday. And two stops on fourth down by Green Bay -- "I count it as five turnovers we got,'' coach Mike McCarthy said.

This old-fashioned slugfest, the kind they used to play in the early days of the NFL when scoreless ties were not unusual, was in part set up by the Jets themselves before the season started, even before "Hard Knocks.'' You know, the "we're going to the Super Bowl talk.''

Several Packers said this made New York a team they wanted to beat although until Sunday, the Jets had backed up the talk pretty well, winning five straight after an opening-night loss to Baltimore in a game that was similar to Sunday's: field position was huge and a field goal almost seemed like a touchdown.


Packers 9, Cowboys 0: Quick Hits | Recap | Box Score


Or more than a touchdown -- Mason Crosby's 20-yard field goal with 4 minutes and 46 seconds left in the first quarter held up for nearly three quarters more, what almost seemed like (using soccer terms) an insurmountable 3-nil lead. It held up for 42 minutes and 45 seconds, or until Crosby kicked a 41-yarder with 6:36 left in the game for a truly insurmountable 6-0 lead -- with a 20 mph wind swirling around in what was the New Meadowlands Stadium's first true "wind game,'' it was hard to see Mark Sanchez getting the Jets into the end zone.

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FanHouse Fab 40: Oregon Solidifies Its Status as Nation's Top Duck

Filed under: ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Big East, Conference USA, SEC, Top 25
FanHouse national college football writer Brett McMurphy shares his weekly Associated Press Top 25 ballot along with his next 15 best teams for FanHouse's Fab 40.

There's no question, Oregon solidified its status as the No. 1 team on my Associated Press ballot after its impressive 53-32 victory at USC Saturday.

In fact, the top five teams on my AP ballot -- Oregon, Boise State, TCU, Auburn and Utah all remained the same as last week. I can guarantee that won't be the case next week as TCU visits Utah on Saturday.

With losses by unbeatens Michigan State and Missouri, a plethora of one-loss teams all moved closer to the top of my AP ballot -- No. 6 Wisconsin, No. 7 Alabama, No. 8 Nebraska, No. 9 Arizona, No. 10 Ohio State, No. 11 Oklahoma, No. 12 Stanford, No. 13 LSU and No. 14 Iowa.

Besides TCU visiting Utah, Alabama visits LSU in a game which will eliminate the loser from any national title aspirations.

Baylor, UCF and Hawaii made my Top 25 ballot for the first time this season as USC, Florida State and Miami all dropped out after losses last weekend.

Here is my AP ballot for this week. Last week's ranking in parentheses.

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Versus Gives Jenn Sterger the Boot

Filed under: Jets, Vikings, NFL Media WatchJenn Sterger, the woman at the center of the Brett Favre texting controversy, is out of a job after her show was canceled by Versus on Friday.

Though The Daily Line is still listed on the Versus website as airing next week, Phil Reese, Sterger's manager, called the cancellation "unfortunate" and "part of the business."

Sterger, who was first noticed on live television by Brent Musburger as a fan at a Florida State football game, and later became a columnist for Sports Illustrated.com, allegedly received unwanted texts and pictures from Favre in 2008 when he played for the New York Jets. Sterger was an in-stadium game hostess for the Jets at the time. She has not, to date, responded to requests from NFL investigators for information or testimony regarding Favre.

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US practices, expects to look sharper (AP)

ISTANBUL (AP)?After one lackluster victory during pool play, Mike
Krzyzewski encountered some feistier competition in his news conference than the
U.S. faced on the court.
?Why didn?t the USA score more?? one reporter asked.
?Why isn?t the team practicing?? questioned another.
Maybe the two issues were related.


The Americans finally got into the gym for practice Saturday, the first step
in what they believe will be cleaner play during the elimination round of
basketball?s world championship.
?We haven?t played as consistent in the preliminaries as we wanted to for
the most part, but I think this practice helps us get our execution and timing
back and our aggression on defense,? guard Stephen Curry(notes) said. ?So I like
where we?re at going into Monday.?
The U.S. will play Angola that night in the round of 16, which began
Saturday with Serbia ousting Croatia 73-72 and Spain eliminating Greece 80-72.
The Americans earned some extra time off by winning Group B with a 5-0 record.
Krzyzewski said the practice Saturday was the Americans? first since Aug.
27, the day before the tournament started. They then had games on three straight
nights, opted not to practice on the group?s off day before closing with games
on consecutive days.
The players were given a day off Friday, with Krzyzewski saying ?they
needed to just get away from everything? before finally having what he called a
hard practice Saturday. They?ll work out again Sunday.
?Somebody said, ?Well, why aren?t you practicing?? Well, we?re playing
games,? Krzyzewski said. ?And that?s just the nature of international
tournaments, how they bunch everything up at one time and all of a sudden you?ve
got time. But hopefully it?ll be productive time for us.?
Forward Rudy Gay(notes) of the Memphis Grizzlies took part in the entire practice
after sitting out the second half of the Americans? 92-57 victory over Tunisia
on Thursday with a sore right groin.
That was just a four-point game early in the third quarter after a sluggish
first half by the U.S. The Americans weren?t impressive in the 88-51 victory
over Iran that preceded that, but they believe the lack of sharpness was because
they were playing overmatched opponents in games that didn?t matter to their
seeding.
?These practices are going to really help us, because we really didn?t have
any practice time in those games,? forward Kevin Durant(notes) said. ?None of those
games, actually.?
Krzyzewski had warned that teams can have slippage when just playing games
and not practicing, so the players welcomed the chance to work, even in the
steamy gym belonging to a Turkish club team.
?You can get better in the games, but when you have time to break down
plays, run repetitions, just compete against each other, I think it definitely
will get us excited and prepared for the next four games,? Curry said.
Four games would mean the Americans would be playing next Sunday for the
gold medal, and they have a draw that gives them a chance. They should be
heavily favored against Angola and the Russia-New Zealand winner before they
would likely face either unbeaten Lithuania, Argentina or Brazil, which the U.S.
beat 70-68 in pool play.
?It?s not so much about who we play, it?s about how we play,? USA
Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said. ?And if we take care of our business
and we improve the way we feel we need to improve in those certain areas, then
we?re going to be fine. Do we win it? Time will tell. I think we have a great
shot. I said that from the beginning and I believe it even more so now.?
Krzyzewski said he expected Angola to attack on offense, and that?s probably
what the Americans need to bring out their best. They knew they were going to
beat Iran and Tunisia no matter what, so they rarely even pressed and didn?t use
normal rotation patterns, not interested in embarrassing their opponents.
?They?ll do better in a game where they know they can lose than in a game
where you know pretty much, those last two, they?re not going to lose those
games,? Krzyzewski said.
Unlike his NBA players, who play best-of-seven series in the postseason,
Krzyzewski is used to playing games in a single elimination format from coaching
in college?s NCAA tournament. So he knows the consistent play that often was
absent in the last round must arrive right from the start of this one.
?We need to play really well and get into the mood for this week, that
one-and-done mood,? he said.










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Dwyane Wade, Not LeBron James, Emerging as Miami Heat Leader

Filed under: Heat, Magic, NBA Last Night, Chris Bosh

MIAMI -- It's hard to imagine two-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James -- once the center of the basketball universe -- being anyone's sidekick or set-up man.

It just might be happening here.

This is still Dwyane Wade's town. This is still his team.

Wade, who coaxed both James and Chris Bosh to Miami as free agents this summer, has wasted no time asserting himself as the dominant player on what is expected to be the league's most dominant team.

After missing all but three minutes of the exhibition schedule with a hamstring injury, Wade (shown above in pregame introductions of Friday's contest) has used the first week of the regular season to step confidently into his role as The leader -- not A leader -- of the Miami Heat.

Three games into the season, it's starting to look clear.

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Dwyane Wade, Not LeBron James, Emerging as Miami Heat Leader

Filed under: Heat, Magic, NBA Last Night, Chris Bosh

MIAMI -- It's hard to imagine two-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James -- once the center of the basketball universe -- being anyone's sidekick or set-up man.

It just might be happening here.

This is still Dwyane Wade's town. This is still his team.

Wade, who coaxed both James and Chris Bosh to Miami as free agents this summer, has wasted no time asserting himself as the dominant player on what is expected to be the league's most dominant team.

After missing all but three minutes of the exhibition schedule with a hamstring injury, Wade (shown above in pregame introductions of Friday's contest) has used the first week of the regular season to step confidently into his role as The leader -- not A leader -- of the Miami Heat.

Three games into the season, it's starting to look clear.

Dwyane Wade Chris Bosh Pat Riley Kevin Durant Amare Stoudemire

Commissioner Goodell 'just looking for facts' in Favre case

CHICAGO -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday there isn't a timetable for wrapping up an investigation of an Internet report that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sent racy text messages and lewd photos to a former New York Jets game hostess two years ago. "We're just looking for facts now," Goodell said at the NFL Fall League Meeting. "I am going to deal with it as we get the facts."

Goodell said he didn't have plans to meet with Favre, "but if it is something that would help us get to a conclusion and it is warranted, I will do so." The investigation, announced last week, centers on a report by the sports website Deadspin that Favre, then with the Jets, sent the photos and messages to Jenn Sterger in 2008. Sterger's manager, Phil Reese, declined to say if his client has talked with the NFL. "This is something that allegedly happened two years ago," Reese said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "We don't want a quick resolution, but the proper resolution." Favre could be fined or suspended under the NFL's personal-conduct policy. "One of the reasons we instituted the personal-conduct policy ... to make everyone understand their responsibilities," Goodell said. "We're not going down a line of speculation and hypothetical situations." Favre hasn't responded to questions about the Deadspin report. Deadspin also reported that Favre pursued two female massage therapists who worked part-time for the Jets. The website didn't identify the women, but the Jets have said they gave contact information about them to the league. Two high-profile quarterbacks recently were penalized for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy. Former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick returned to the league in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles after missing two seasons for his role in a dogfighting ring. He served an 18-month sentence in prison. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games in April after he was accused of, but not charged with, sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at a bar in a Georgia college town. Goodell shortened that ban to four games just before the season, and Roethlisberger will return to the field for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Vincent Jackson Finally Signs Tender, Reports to Chargers

Filed under: ChargersVincent Jackson ended his lengthy holdout from the Chargers, signing his one-year tender contract on Friday.

The 27-year-old Jackson was a restricted free agent heading into the 2010 offseason, but balked at the initial $3.268 million tender offered by San Diego in hopes of securing a more lucrative, long-term deal. That offer eventually reduced to $583,000 -- 110 percent of what Jackson made in 2009.

Jackson finally signed the smaller contract Friday, though he'll make only a little more than $171,000 on the season. He's ineligible to play for San Diego's next three games because of a team-issued suspension, stemming from the Chargers having to place Jackson on the roster-exempt list during his holdout -- he will be eligible to play again on Nov. 28, when San Diego hosts Indianapolis in a Sunday night game.

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Danroy Henry Memorial a Requiem for a Young Life Lost

BOSTON -- At Danroy Henry's memorial service Friday, the football players of Pace University wore dark suits and somber expressions and a few signs of a long season.

One walked on crutches with his foot in a cast. Another wore a bandage on his wrist with his arm in a sling. Others moved slowly, limping slightly. But their aches and pains were inconsequential to the reason for the gathering.

The players were among about 2,000 persons in a big room of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center who met to honor a teammate slain almost two weeks ago by police bullets in Thornwood, N.Y., a suburb north of New York City.

Desmond Hinds, a wide receiver, recalled that Henry, who was from the Boston suburbs, was a Celtics fan and had looked forward to Tuesday's NBA opener against LeBron James and the Miami Heat and had frequently predicted a Boston victory.

"I can't wait! I can't wait!" Hinds said, recalling his friend's words in the days before his death. The Celtics won the game, nine days after Henry died.

"I believe they won because he was on their side," Hinds said while standing on a flower-filled stage that included a photograph of Henry and various football decorations.

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No Easy Answers to Giants' DH Question

Filed under: Giants, Rangers, MLB Playoffs, World SeriesARLINGTON, Texas -- So far this postseason, just about every time Bruce Bochy has had a choice among Door No. 1, 2 or 3, he's picked the one with the new car behind it.

As the World Series shifts to Texas and American League rules, the Giants' manager won't be tested by quite so many in-game decisions, but he'll have one more big issue facing him each day he fills out his lineup.

Who will be the DH?

Bochy was giving few hints as to which way he'd lean before the Giants left for Texas. However the Giants play it, the extra hitter they put in the lineup is not likely to have much of an impact. Their two-game World Series outburst notwithstanding, the Giants are usually stretching to get eight quality hitters in the lineup, so don't expect the the ninth to be a difference-maker.

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Well-Traveled Colby Lewis Holds Texas' Hopes in Game 3

Filed under: Giants, Rangers, MLB Playoffs, World SeriesARLINGTON, Texas -- Eight and a half years ago, Colby Lewis took the mound in a spring training game in Tampa, Fla., and blew away the Yankees. He faced seven hitters, retired them all, struck out three, hit 97 mph on the radar gun and showed a big, hard curve.

And with that, Lewis, at 22, clinched a spot on the Rangers roster.

Fast forward to Saturday, and Lewis has been handed the responsibility of saving Texas' chance at its first World Series title as the starter for Saturday's Game 3 against San Francisco.

It was a long trip, literally and figuratively, from hot prospect to a true pitcher who this postseason is 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA in three starts.

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Report: Jenn Sterger to Meet With NFL Regarding Brett Favre Investigation

Filed under: Vikings, NFL Media WatchOn the same day that Brett Favre said his injured ankle is feeling good enough that he expects to play against the Patriots, Favre got some bad news about the investigation the NFL is conducting into whether the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback broke league rules on workplace conduct.

Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting Sterger's attorney, Joe Conway, said his client is expected to meet with the NFL about the league's investigation into explicit text messages that Favre has been accused of sending to Sterger.

"There is a very strong likelihood that Ms. Sterger will agree to meet with the NFL in their ongoing investigation," Conway told Schefter on Saturday. "I expect that such a meeting will take place late next week at an undisclosed location."

The NFL was expected to wrap up its investigation soon, and it seemed that Favre was in the clear because no one had come forward to publicly accuse him of anything that would constitute a violation of the league's personal-conduct policy.

But Favre may not be in the clear anymore: Sterger's long silence is apparently close to ending.

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Heat Tickets for Home Opener vs. Magic Still Available

Filed under: Heat, Sports Business and MediaWant to watch the Big Three's debut in Miami on Friday night? Surprise, surprise. There are still tickets available. With all the buzz regarding the Heat, the AmericanAirlines Arena is still not sold out for the team's home opener against the Orlando Magic.

Individual tickets are still available, according to the Heat's website.

There is also a surplus of tickets available on stubhub.com in the range of $70-$105 per ticket -- and all these seats are not nosebleeds either.

Still, the hype of the Heat got the better of one buyer.

Even with tickets available, a pair of courtside seats reportedly sold for $25,884 on stubhub.com, company spokesman Glen Lehrman told The Associated Press. Lehrman also said that the site has an average price for any seat at $325, much higher when compared to last year's Heat home-opener against the Knicks at $50.

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Allen Iverson Officially Agrees to Play in Turkey

Filed under: 76ers, NBA Rumors, NBA Transactions, ULEBAllen Iverson has officially agreed to a two-year, $4 million contract with Besiktas, a professional team in Turkey. Rumors of negotiations have existed for weeks, but Iverson's management confirmed a deal was in place with a release Thursday.

Iverson and Besiktas officials will hold a news conference Friday in New York.

"He's ecstatic," Iverson's manager, Gary Moore, told the Associated Press by phone. "He's very excited, very happy the people in Turkey want him, the people in Turkey appreciate what he brings to the game, and he can't wait to get over there."

Iverson, 35, heads overseas after spending 14 season in the NBA. The No. 1 overall pick in 1996 was a four-time scoring champ, winning the MVP award in 2001 and climbing to 17th on the league's all-time scoring list.

However, after bouncing between four teams in the last two years, he seems to have worn out his NBA welcome, failing to draw a single contract offer or even a training camp invitation this fall.

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Delonte West, Von Wafer Reportedly Exchange Punches After Practice

Filed under: CelticsThe Celtics took a bit of a risk when they decided to bring Delonte West back to the team for a second tour of duty this season. Besides the fact that West wouldn't even be able to play during the first 10 games of the season due to a league suspension for pleading guilty to multiple weapon charges in July, there was the possibility that West's emotional state could randomly force him to miss time, as it did with the Cavaliers last season.

West's emotions got the better of him at Celtics' practice on Friday when he reportedly got into a physical altercation with teammate Von Wafer in the locker room after practice. According to the report from Hoopsworld, the problems began during the practice session, with West getting so physical with Wafer in a three-on-three game that Wafer left midway through and headed to the locker room.

West approached Wafer from behind as Wafer sat at his locker and threw the first punch, with Wafer quickly responding by connecting two blows of his own before the two wrestled to the ground and had to be separated.

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Owners, Goodell want new labor deal with players soon

CHICAGO -- For now, optimism is the NFL owners' approach in negotiations with the players on a new collective-bargaining agreement. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Tuesday that it's a realistic goal to reach a new labor deal before the end of the season. At the conclusion of the NFL Fall League Meeting, Kraft said: "We're moving ahead. I'd like to see this get done before the season ends." Asked if that was a realistic objective, he added "to me it is."

Even as the 32 team owners discussed strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many of them expressed confidence that the league isn't headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials steadfastly claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn't reached. "It's taken a lot of time and energy to build the league into what it is, and we want to keep it going," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday. "I don't think it's doomsday, and we're taking it a day at a time. Everybody is engaged, and from my perspective, the key thing is to find a solution. That's where both sides are. "I know that energy (to reach a deal) will be there." Added Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Our issue is to get there sooner rather than later, bargaining in good faith and get an agreement with the players that is fair." NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, who recently retired after a 16-year playing career, also called for an early agreement. "We should recognize the business we are both in, and for our fans and workers, let's wrap this up by the holidays," Mawae told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I agree on both time and energy. Since 2006, the players contributed almost $3 billion to stadium construction and improvements, so our investment is at risk, too. The players are the ones losing their health care, and yet it was the owners who opted out of this deal and are threatening a lockout."

Expanding the regular season to 18 games wasn't discussed, except when Irsay joked about it. Colts president Bill Polian recently said that it was a "fait accompli," then was admonished by Goodell. "There's nothing else to report," Irsay said with a laugh. "My president said some things, and then the commissioner said some things to him, and I said some things." Goodell reiterated Tuesday that the league wants all of its partners involved in such a decision. "We're trying to do it the right way, in a comprehensive fashion and understanding all perspectives of this," Goodell said. "We recognize the player-health-safety issues and what we do to prepare our players in the offseason. I think we've been both thoughtful and intelligent. We made a proposal to the players on this. "Every day you go by without implementing it, that's probably another day it is into the future. We're not as focused on when as much as doing it properly." Goodell and the NFL Alumni also announced a partnership to benefit retired players that will include the Gay Culverhouse Players' Outreach Program. Efforts will include hiring case workers, establishment of a toll-free hotline and personal contact with retired players and their families through events sponsored by NFL Alumni and the Culverhouse program. "There are very comprehensive benefits and services available," Goodell said. "But too often former players and their families don't know what they are or how to gain access to the programs." Hall of Famer Mike Ditka spoke to the owners about treatment of retired players. Ditka is an active critic of how the league has handled taking care of retired players. "Ain't no one going broke in football," Ditka said. "Greed is a great sin." For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Ageless Mark Brunell, 'Last of the Mohicans,' Keeping NFL Career Alive

Filed under: Jets, NFL Quarterbacks, NFL AnalysisFLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- He will see the Packers' green and gold on Sunday. It will serve as another NFL deja vu moment for Mark Brunell, since the Packers drafted him in 1993. Of course, when you have played for five teams (Packers, Jaguars, Redskins, Saints and Jets) over 17 NFL seasons, toiled in 176 NFL games and thrown nearly 5,000 passes for nearly 32,000 yards, what goes around comes around in vivid circles.

Brunell is the Jets' backup quarterback now, which should mean he is the next man up to starter Mark Sanchez when Green Bay visits the Jets on Sunday. Both Jets coach Rex Ryan and Brunell saw what happened to the Cowboys on Monday night, when starter Tony Romo went down and backup Jon Kitna went in. No team relishes injury to its starting quarterback, but if that reality smacked the Jets, Ryan said that's simply "the nature of the game.'' Ryan said he'd talk about such a scenario with his coaches and decide whether Brunell or No. 3 quarterback Kellen Clemens would be the quarterback "who gives us the best chance to win that week.''

Brunell has a simpler view: "I'm the backup quarterback. I'd go in.''

And just what would that mean for the Jets?

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Delonte West, Von Wafer Reportedly Exchange Punches After Practice

Filed under: CelticsThe Celtics took a bit of a risk when they decided to bring Delonte West back to the team for a second tour of duty this season. Besides the fact that West wouldn't even be able to play during the first 10 games of the season due to a league suspension for pleading guilty to multiple weapon charges in July, there was the possibility that West's emotional state could randomly force him to miss time, as it did with the Cavaliers last season.

West's emotions got the better of him at Celtics' practice on Friday when he reportedly got into a physical altercation with teammate Von Wafer in the locker room after practice. According to the report from Hoopsworld, the problems began during the practice session, with West getting so physical with Wafer in a three-on-three game that Wafer left midway through and headed to the locker room.

West approached Wafer from behind as Wafer sat at his locker and threw the first punch, with Wafer quickly responding by connecting two blows of his own before the two wrestled to the ground and had to be separated.

Braves Indians Phillies Tigers Astros

Owners, Goodell want new labor deal with players soon

CHICAGO -- For now, optimism is the NFL owners' approach in negotiations with the players on a new collective-bargaining agreement. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Tuesday that it's a realistic goal to reach a new labor deal before the end of the season. At the conclusion of the NFL Fall League Meeting, Kraft said: "We're moving ahead. I'd like to see this get done before the season ends." Asked if that was a realistic objective, he added "to me it is."

Even as the 32 team owners discussed strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many of them expressed confidence that the league isn't headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials steadfastly claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn't reached. "It's taken a lot of time and energy to build the league into what it is, and we want to keep it going," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday. "I don't think it's doomsday, and we're taking it a day at a time. Everybody is engaged, and from my perspective, the key thing is to find a solution. That's where both sides are. "I know that energy (to reach a deal) will be there." Added Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Our issue is to get there sooner rather than later, bargaining in good faith and get an agreement with the players that is fair." NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, who recently retired after a 16-year playing career, also called for an early agreement. "We should recognize the business we are both in, and for our fans and workers, let's wrap this up by the holidays," Mawae told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I agree on both time and energy. Since 2006, the players contributed almost $3 billion to stadium construction and improvements, so our investment is at risk, too. The players are the ones losing their health care, and yet it was the owners who opted out of this deal and are threatening a lockout."

Expanding the regular season to 18 games wasn't discussed, except when Irsay joked about it. Colts president Bill Polian recently said that it was a "fait accompli," then was admonished by Goodell. "There's nothing else to report," Irsay said with a laugh. "My president said some things, and then the commissioner said some things to him, and I said some things." Goodell reiterated Tuesday that the league wants all of its partners involved in such a decision. "We're trying to do it the right way, in a comprehensive fashion and understanding all perspectives of this," Goodell said. "We recognize the player-health-safety issues and what we do to prepare our players in the offseason. I think we've been both thoughtful and intelligent. We made a proposal to the players on this. "Every day you go by without implementing it, that's probably another day it is into the future. We're not as focused on when as much as doing it properly." Goodell and the NFL Alumni also announced a partnership to benefit retired players that will include the Gay Culverhouse Players' Outreach Program. Efforts will include hiring case workers, establishment of a toll-free hotline and personal contact with retired players and their families through events sponsored by NFL Alumni and the Culverhouse program. "There are very comprehensive benefits and services available," Goodell said. "But too often former players and their families don't know what they are or how to gain access to the programs." Hall of Famer Mike Ditka spoke to the owners about treatment of retired players. Ditka is an active critic of how the league has handled taking care of retired players. "Ain't no one going broke in football," Ditka said. "Greed is a great sin." For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Saints sign ex-Seahawks RB Jones, cut kicker Carney

The New Orleans Saints decided they needed a new running back more than two field-goal kickers. Hoping to boost a running game that ranks 31st in the NFL through five games, the Saints on Tuesday signed former Seattle Seahawks running back Julius Jones and released 46-year-old kicker John Carney.

The Seahawks released Jones on Oct. 5 to clear a roster spot for Marshawn Lynch, whom they acquired from the Buffalo Bills in a trade. Jones, 29, restructured his contract and took a hefty pay cut right before the start of the season, then carried the ball just 12 times for 30 yards in two games for Seattle this season. Jones was the Seahawks' leading rusher the previous two seasons, gaining 663 yards last season and 698 yards in 2008. Now he joins a Saints backfield that has been hurt by injuries and bad bounces. The Saints, who are averaging just 75.6 rushing yards per game, have lost two of three games since running back Reggie Bush fractured a bone in his lower right leg. Pierre Thomas, the team's leading rusher last season, has missed the past two games with a left ankle injury. Backup Ladell Betts lost a fumble that was returned for a score and tipped a pass that was intercepted Sunday during the Saints' 30-20 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Betts and undrafted rookie Chris Ivory have received all the work at running back the last two games, and Saints coach Sean Payton said as recently as Monday that he didn't plan to look for another option at the position. "These are guys that we have a lot of confidence in," Payton said Monday of Betts and Ivory. "I felt a week ago that Ladell played very well. ... I thought Chris ran hard (Sunday). We'll keep coaching them. These are our guys. There's no one walking in here to save the day on the street right now." The coach's stance apparently shifted Tuesday, when the Saints also announced that they signed safety Matt Giordano, a free agent, and waived reserve running back DeShawn Wynn.



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Carney signed with the Saints in late September to fill in for struggling Garrett Hartley, who was inactive the past two weeks but is poised to reclaim the job now. Carney made five of six field-goal attempts in two games, missing the final one -- from 29 yards out -- late in the third quarter of the Saints' loss at Arizona. Giordano is a six-year veteran who spent four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and was with the Green Bay Packers in 2009. The Saints must play at least one more week without free safety Darren Sharper, who began the season on the physically unable to perform list. New Orleans also lost reserve safety Chris Reis to a season-ending shoulder injury two weeks ago. Wynn has played in four games for the Saints this season and made two tackles on special teams. Running back Clifton Smith, a former Pro Bowl kick returner who was waived by the Miami Dolphins last month, and defensive back Quincy Butler, who was with the St. Louis Rams last year after being on the Saints' practice squad for part of the 2008 season, also worked out with the Saints on Tuesday, NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported, citing league sources. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Heat Tickets for Home Opener vs. Magic Still Available

Filed under: Heat, Sports Business and MediaWant to watch the Big Three's debut in Miami on Friday night? Surprise, surprise. There are still tickets available. With all the buzz regarding the Heat, the AmericanAirlines Arena is still not sold out for the team's home opener against the Orlando Magic.

Individual tickets are still available, according to the Heat's website.

There is also a surplus of tickets available on stubhub.com in the range of $70-$105 per ticket -- and all these seats are not nosebleeds either.

Still, the hype of the Heat got the better of one buyer.

Even with tickets available, a pair of courtside seats reportedly sold for $25,884 on stubhub.com, company spokesman Glen Lehrman told The Associated Press. Lehrman also said that the site has an average price for any seat at $325, much higher when compared to last year's Heat home-opener against the Knicks at $50.

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James Harrison: New Rules Responsible for 'My Least Productive Game'

Filed under: SteelersJames Harrison has been at the forefront of one of the NFL illegal hit saga. Even though the story has died down with a clean week of games played immediately after an increased emphasis was put on illegal hits, Harrison has brought it back into headlines.

"That was my least productive game this year," Harrison said in an interview with "Inside the NFL." "We can still play the game, but it's not the same."

When discussing instances during the Steelers' most recent game against the Dolphins in which it seemed Harrison laid off on certain hits, Harrison again referred to the new rules.

"If I shot in there I would have probably hit helmet to helmet, and I've already got one offense, so I could probably be looking at a possible suspension."

Harrison was originally fined $75,000 for a hit on Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, one of the initial hits that sparked the rule changes. After the game, he explained that he tries to hurt players, not injure them, explaining the difference. When the league approved suspensions as discipline for illegal hits, Harrison threatened retirement and missed practice, only to return.

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UConn Shifts Practice Habits Because of Alleged Spy

Filed under: Connecticut, RumorsRandy Edsall moved UConn's Wednesday practice indoors because of the rain and another, more interesting reason: someone is allegedly watching UConn's practices.

On Wednesday, when asked whether the Huskies would be practicing indoors, Edsall said, "Yeah, so people don't report on what we practice. No, we'll be inside because of the rain but we got an issue where we have somebody that wants to write everything we do from the dorm room so ... we have to look at that now.

"One of our former players' parents e-mailed [Program Assistant Joanne Fazio]. We had somebody that was giving a blow by blow of everything that happened in practice [Tuesday]. We might have to practice inside all the time now."

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Commissioner Goodell 'just looking for facts' in Favre case

CHICAGO -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday there isn't a timetable for wrapping up an investigation of an Internet report that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sent racy text messages and lewd photos to a former New York Jets game hostess two years ago. "We're just looking for facts now," Goodell said at the NFL Fall League Meeting. "I am going to deal with it as we get the facts."

Goodell said he didn't have plans to meet with Favre, "but if it is something that would help us get to a conclusion and it is warranted, I will do so." The investigation, announced last week, centers on a report by the sports website Deadspin that Favre, then with the Jets, sent the photos and messages to Jenn Sterger in 2008. Sterger's manager, Phil Reese, declined to say if his client has talked with the NFL. "This is something that allegedly happened two years ago," Reese said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "We don't want a quick resolution, but the proper resolution." Favre could be fined or suspended under the NFL's personal-conduct policy. "One of the reasons we instituted the personal-conduct policy ... to make everyone understand their responsibilities," Goodell said. "We're not going down a line of speculation and hypothetical situations." Favre hasn't responded to questions about the Deadspin report. Deadspin also reported that Favre pursued two female massage therapists who worked part-time for the Jets. The website didn't identify the women, but the Jets have said they gave contact information about them to the league. Two high-profile quarterbacks recently were penalized for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy. Former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick returned to the league in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles after missing two seasons for his role in a dogfighting ring. He served an 18-month sentence in prison. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games in April after he was accused of, but not charged with, sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at a bar in a Georgia college town. Goodell shortened that ban to four games just before the season, and Roethlisberger will return to the field for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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FanHouse Roundtable: Are the Vikings Better Off Without Brett Favre?

Filed under: Broncos, Browns, Cowboys, Eagles, Jets, Giants, Packers, Saints, Vikings, NFL Injuries, NFL Coaching, NFL Referees, NFL Rumors, NFL Quarterbacks, NFL Predictions, NFL AnalysisBrett Favre threw 33 touchdown passes last season -- his most since 1997 -- and just seven interceptions -- his fewest full-season total ever -- in leading the Vikings to a 12-4 record and a trip to the NFC championship game.

It was a remarkable season -- especially from a 40-year-old quarterback who was playing his first season with a new team.

But last year seems like a long, long time ago right now. The reeling Vikings are 2-4 -- and are coming off a loss to the arch-rival Packers that coach Brad Childress essentially blamed on his quarterback.

Favre has just seven touchdowns this season and has already thrown 10 interceptions. He has two fractures in his left ankle and has looked every one of his 41 years.

And then there's the entire Jenn Sterger/sexting embarrassment that has turned the certain first-ballot Hall of Famer into late-night television monologue fodder.

So, is it time for the Vikings to admit that bringing Favre back for an encore season at the age of 40 -- now 41 -- was a colossal mistake and move forward with Tarvaris Jackson?


Previous Roundtables: How to Fix the Cowboys | Breaking Down Cowboys-Vikings
The NFL at the Quarter Pole | Breaking Down the Randy Moss Trade

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Hawks sign free agent C Etan Thomas (AP)

ATLANTA (AP)?The Atlanta Hawks have signed free agent center Etan Thomas(notes)
to add bulk in the frontcourt.
The 6-foot-10 Thomas spent most of his career with the Washington Wizards
but finished last season with Oklahoma City. He?s averaged 5.8 point and 4.8
rebounds per game over his eight-year career, which includes 74 starts.


Hawks coach Larry Drew says Thomas will add veteran leadership and physical
toughness.
Terms of the contract were not released.










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James Harrison: New Rules Responsible for 'My Least Productive Game'

Filed under: SteelersJames Harrison has been at the forefront of one of the NFL illegal hit saga. Even though the story has died down with a clean week of games played immediately after an increased emphasis was put on illegal hits, Harrison has brought it back into headlines.

"That was my least productive game this year," Harrison said in an interview with "Inside the NFL." "We can still play the game, but it's not the same."

When discussing instances during the Steelers' most recent game against the Dolphins in which it seemed Harrison laid off on certain hits, Harrison again referred to the new rules.

"If I shot in there I would have probably hit helmet to helmet, and I've already got one offense, so I could probably be looking at a possible suspension."

Harrison was originally fined $75,000 for a hit on Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, one of the initial hits that sparked the rule changes. After the game, he explained that he tries to hurt players, not injure them, explaining the difference. When the league approved suspensions as discipline for illegal hits, Harrison threatened retirement and missed practice, only to return.

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Barry Bonds Wants to Be Hitting Coach

Filed under: GiantsSAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Barry Bonds broke Mark McGwire's single-season home run record. Now he wants to follow Big Mac into the coaching profession some day.

Bonds spoke just outside the San Francisco Giants' clubhouse before Game 1 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night.

"I love being home. I love being here," he said.

When asked if he'd like to do more than just cheer on his former team in the future, Bonds said he would be interested in becoming a hitting coach in the future.

"I have a gift and sooner or later I have to give it away," Bonds said. "I have to share it. Hopefully I'll get the opportunity here."

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US practices, expects to look sharper (AP)

ISTANBUL (AP)?After one lackluster victory during pool play, Mike
Krzyzewski encountered some feistier competition in his news conference than the
U.S. faced on the court.
?Why didn?t the USA score more?? one reporter asked.
?Why isn?t the team practicing?? questioned another.
Maybe the two issues were related.


The Americans finally got into the gym for practice Saturday, the first step
in what they believe will be cleaner play during the elimination round of
basketball?s world championship.
?We haven?t played as consistent in the preliminaries as we wanted to for
the most part, but I think this practice helps us get our execution and timing
back and our aggression on defense,? guard Stephen Curry(notes) said. ?So I like
where we?re at going into Monday.?
The U.S. will play Angola that night in the round of 16, which began
Saturday with Serbia ousting Croatia 73-72 and Spain eliminating Greece 80-72.
The Americans earned some extra time off by winning Group B with a 5-0 record.
Krzyzewski said the practice Saturday was the Americans? first since Aug.
27, the day before the tournament started. They then had games on three straight
nights, opted not to practice on the group?s off day before closing with games
on consecutive days.
The players were given a day off Friday, with Krzyzewski saying ?they
needed to just get away from everything? before finally having what he called a
hard practice Saturday. They?ll work out again Sunday.
?Somebody said, ?Well, why aren?t you practicing?? Well, we?re playing
games,? Krzyzewski said. ?And that?s just the nature of international
tournaments, how they bunch everything up at one time and all of a sudden you?ve
got time. But hopefully it?ll be productive time for us.?
Forward Rudy Gay(notes) of the Memphis Grizzlies took part in the entire practice
after sitting out the second half of the Americans? 92-57 victory over Tunisia
on Thursday with a sore right groin.
That was just a four-point game early in the third quarter after a sluggish
first half by the U.S. The Americans weren?t impressive in the 88-51 victory
over Iran that preceded that, but they believe the lack of sharpness was because
they were playing overmatched opponents in games that didn?t matter to their
seeding.
?These practices are going to really help us, because we really didn?t have
any practice time in those games,? forward Kevin Durant(notes) said. ?None of those
games, actually.?
Krzyzewski had warned that teams can have slippage when just playing games
and not practicing, so the players welcomed the chance to work, even in the
steamy gym belonging to a Turkish club team.
?You can get better in the games, but when you have time to break down
plays, run repetitions, just compete against each other, I think it definitely
will get us excited and prepared for the next four games,? Curry said.
Four games would mean the Americans would be playing next Sunday for the
gold medal, and they have a draw that gives them a chance. They should be
heavily favored against Angola and the Russia-New Zealand winner before they
would likely face either unbeaten Lithuania, Argentina or Brazil, which the U.S.
beat 70-68 in pool play.
?It?s not so much about who we play, it?s about how we play,? USA
Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said. ?And if we take care of our business
and we improve the way we feel we need to improve in those certain areas, then
we?re going to be fine. Do we win it? Time will tell. I think we have a great
shot. I said that from the beginning and I believe it even more so now.?
Krzyzewski said he expected Angola to attack on offense, and that?s probably
what the Americans need to bring out their best. They knew they were going to
beat Iran and Tunisia no matter what, so they rarely even pressed and didn?t use
normal rotation patterns, not interested in embarrassing their opponents.
?They?ll do better in a game where they know they can lose than in a game
where you know pretty much, those last two, they?re not going to lose those
games,? Krzyzewski said.
Unlike his NBA players, who play best-of-seven series in the postseason,
Krzyzewski is used to playing games in a single elimination format from coaching
in college?s NCAA tournament. So he knows the consistent play that often was
absent in the last round must arrive right from the start of this one.
?We need to play really well and get into the mood for this week, that
one-and-done mood,? he said.










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Out of Nowhere, Cliff Lee Rocked in 'Unacceptable' Game 1 Disaster

Filed under: MLBSAN FRANCISCO -- Sometimes the game of baseball throws a wicked curve. Sometimes a dead-set certainty turns into a pile of mush. Sometimes even an icon who thinks he's seen it all ends up scratching his head and huffing, "What the ... ?"

Nolan Ryan was as perplexed as anyone when he left the ballpark by the bay Wednesday night, following one of the most bewildering World Series games you'll ever witness. It wasn't just that the San Francisco Giants took Game 1 by a score of 11-7, big crooked numbers that rarely make an appearance this late in October. It wasn't just that Ryan's Texas Rangers lost a playoff game on the road, an event that was bound to happen but definitely not in such an ugly fashion.

It was all of that, absolutely, but most of all it was watching Cliff Lee self-destruct on the mound, on this stage, at this time of the year. That happens about as often as hens grow teeth, which is to say it doesn't happen at all. Until it did, and those who observed it still aren't quite sure how to describe the strange happenings down near McCovey Cove.

"We'll get 'em tomorrow," Ryan, the Texas president, told Lee, referring to Thursday night's Game 2. And there's no reason to believe the Rangers won't even this Fall Classic, considering they've defied reasoning and predictions all season long. But Lee was meant to be their one sure thing, and as he stood in front of his locker and talked clear-eyed and frankly about his stunning outing, it was impossible not to wonder how much of the hangover will linger.
More: Recap | Box Score | Series Schedule | Viewer's Guide | Complete Coverage

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US practices, expects to look sharper (AP)

ISTANBUL (AP)?After one lackluster victory during pool play, Mike
Krzyzewski encountered some feistier competition in his news conference than the
U.S. faced on the court.
?Why didn?t the USA score more?? one reporter asked.
?Why isn?t the team practicing?? questioned another.
Maybe the two issues were related.


The Americans finally got into the gym for practice Saturday, the first step
in what they believe will be cleaner play during the elimination round of
basketball?s world championship.
?We haven?t played as consistent in the preliminaries as we wanted to for
the most part, but I think this practice helps us get our execution and timing
back and our aggression on defense,? guard Stephen Curry(notes) said. ?So I like
where we?re at going into Monday.?
The U.S. will play Angola that night in the round of 16, which began
Saturday with Serbia ousting Croatia 73-72 and Spain eliminating Greece 80-72.
The Americans earned some extra time off by winning Group B with a 5-0 record.
Krzyzewski said the practice Saturday was the Americans? first since Aug.
27, the day before the tournament started. They then had games on three straight
nights, opted not to practice on the group?s off day before closing with games
on consecutive days.
The players were given a day off Friday, with Krzyzewski saying ?they
needed to just get away from everything? before finally having what he called a
hard practice Saturday. They?ll work out again Sunday.
?Somebody said, ?Well, why aren?t you practicing?? Well, we?re playing
games,? Krzyzewski said. ?And that?s just the nature of international
tournaments, how they bunch everything up at one time and all of a sudden you?ve
got time. But hopefully it?ll be productive time for us.?
Forward Rudy Gay(notes) of the Memphis Grizzlies took part in the entire practice
after sitting out the second half of the Americans? 92-57 victory over Tunisia
on Thursday with a sore right groin.
That was just a four-point game early in the third quarter after a sluggish
first half by the U.S. The Americans weren?t impressive in the 88-51 victory
over Iran that preceded that, but they believe the lack of sharpness was because
they were playing overmatched opponents in games that didn?t matter to their
seeding.
?These practices are going to really help us, because we really didn?t have
any practice time in those games,? forward Kevin Durant(notes) said. ?None of those
games, actually.?
Krzyzewski had warned that teams can have slippage when just playing games
and not practicing, so the players welcomed the chance to work, even in the
steamy gym belonging to a Turkish club team.
?You can get better in the games, but when you have time to break down
plays, run repetitions, just compete against each other, I think it definitely
will get us excited and prepared for the next four games,? Curry said.
Four games would mean the Americans would be playing next Sunday for the
gold medal, and they have a draw that gives them a chance. They should be
heavily favored against Angola and the Russia-New Zealand winner before they
would likely face either unbeaten Lithuania, Argentina or Brazil, which the U.S.
beat 70-68 in pool play.
?It?s not so much about who we play, it?s about how we play,? USA
Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said. ?And if we take care of our business
and we improve the way we feel we need to improve in those certain areas, then
we?re going to be fine. Do we win it? Time will tell. I think we have a great
shot. I said that from the beginning and I believe it even more so now.?
Krzyzewski said he expected Angola to attack on offense, and that?s probably
what the Americans need to bring out their best. They knew they were going to
beat Iran and Tunisia no matter what, so they rarely even pressed and didn?t use
normal rotation patterns, not interested in embarrassing their opponents.
?They?ll do better in a game where they know they can lose than in a game
where you know pretty much, those last two, they?re not going to lose those
games,? Krzyzewski said.
Unlike his NBA players, who play best-of-seven series in the postseason,
Krzyzewski is used to playing games in a single elimination format from coaching
in college?s NCAA tournament. So he knows the consistent play that often was
absent in the last round must arrive right from the start of this one.
?We need to play really well and get into the mood for this week, that
one-and-done mood,? he said.










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Tony Romo's Injury Turns Up Heat on Former Whiz Kid Jason Garrett

Filed under: Cowboys, NFC East, NFL CoachingARLINGTON, Texas -- When Jason Garrett appeared in the Cowboys locker room after the bone-breaking of his starting quarterback and the knuckle-wrapping dispensed by the Giants on Monday night, he was, as usual, smartly dressed in a coat and tie with briefcase in hand. He's a Princeton guy. He's 44. He played quarterback for the Saints, Cowboys, Giants, Bucs and Dolphins from 1989 through 2004. He has been the Cowboys' offensive coordinator since 2007.

So, Garrett is seasoned. He knew what was coming.

He offered that laser look. Few blinks.

It's as if a voice was whispering in his ear, "Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm ...''

The rapid shots began ...

"Jason, what about losing Tony Romo? Jason, what about going 0 for 10 on third-down conversions? Jason, what about Jon Kitna? Jason, what about this offense now?"


More Coverage: Tony Romo Fractures Clavicle | Fantasy Impact
Romo 'Upset, Disappointed, Frustrated' Following Injury
Injury Leaves 1-5 Cowboys Down and Most Likely Out

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Hawks sign free agent C Etan Thomas (AP)

ATLANTA (AP)?The Atlanta Hawks have signed free agent center Etan Thomas(notes)
to add bulk in the frontcourt.
The 6-foot-10 Thomas spent most of his career with the Washington Wizards
but finished last season with Oklahoma City. He?s averaged 5.8 point and 4.8
rebounds per game over his eight-year career, which includes 74 starts.


Hawks coach Larry Drew says Thomas will add veteran leadership and physical
toughness.
Terms of the contract were not released.










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Graduation Rates at Record Levels for NCAA Athletes

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The NCAA said Wednesday that college athletes are graduating at record rates and the latest numbers show major improvement among football and some men's basketball players.

The annual Graduation Success Rate shows 79 percent of all athletes entering college between 2000-01 and 2003-04 earned degrees within six years, matching last year's record mark. The freshman class of 2003-04 also graduated at a rate of 79 percent, matching the record of the past two years.

Federal numbers show the '03-'04 class graduated at a higher rate, 64 percent, than the overall student body, 63 percent. The NCAA's numbers are higher than those released by the federal government because the NCAA data accounts for transfer students who earn degrees. The federal rate does not.

The grad rate for football players jumped from 66 percent in the last report to 69 percent for players who entered college in 2003-04.

And while the overall men's basketball number, 66 percent, was the same as last year, the number of black basketball players who graduated increased three points from 2009, going from 57 percent to a record-high 60.

That's a 14-point jump since the NCAA first started calculating grad rates nine years ago.

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NFL official: Controversial 'catch rule' coming under review

CHICAGO -- Calvin Johnson's no-catch might become a catch in the future. The NFL expects to review the rule that cost the Detroit Lions' star wide receiver a potential winning touchdown during a season-opening loss to the Chicago Bears. It has been one of the season's most discussed -- and dissed -- calls. "The going-to-the-ground rule definitely will be discussed," NFL competition committee co-chairman Rich McKay said Tuesday at the NFL Fall League Meeting. "It's been discussed the last couple of years. It's a difficult rule. It was made for on-field officials, not as much for people watching on TV."

"There's a definite conflict," McKay added. "We have to go back and look if we extended it too far." With Detroit trailing Chicago, 19-14, with less than a minute left in the game, Johnson leaped to grab a pass from Shaun Hill in the end zone. Johnson got both feet and a knee on the ground before putting the ball on the grass and beginning to celebrate a touchdown. However, the pass was ruled incomplete because Johnson didn't maintain possession of the ball throughout the entire process of the catch. The league's competition committee will meet after the Super Bowl, then suggest any rules changes to team owners at the Spring Meeting in March. McKay also said another move that drew criticism, switching the umpire from behind the defense line to behind the offensive backfield, is working. He hasn't seen any video of an umpire being hit by another player; last season, there were "between 105 and 115 hits on video." But the move has affected the number of offensive holding penalties, which were up through four weeks. Placing umpires behind the offense apparently has given them a better view of blocking on the line. Several quarterbacks, particularly Peyton Manning, complained during the preseason that the new positioning of umpires delayed spotting of the ball to restart play. "That has not been an issue, like some thought it would be in the preseason," said McKay, the president of the Atlanta Falcons. One trend concerning the league is the number of helmets that have flown off players' heads. McKay informally charts such things, and the league office is keeping count. "We're going back to the each manufacturer and asking why it's happening," he said. "It's definitely something we should be looking at. The union ... and everyone is in on this issue." McKay said he was encouraged that some of the hits on defenseless receivers have disappeared, which he credited to "players adjusting to the way they play the game." Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Joe Girardi, Yankees Reportedly Close to Three-Year Contract

Filed under: Cubs, Yankees, MLB RumorsThe New York Yankees and manager Joe Girardi are close to agreement on a three-year contract worth between $9 and $10 million, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

Girardi, who guided the Yankees to a World Series title in 2009, has managed the team for three seasons -- missing the playoffs in his first campaign and bowing out to the Texas Rangers in the ALCS this month.

The Post reported that the deal could be finalized Wednesday or Thursday.

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Heat vs Celtics: LeBron Scores 31 but Boston Spoils Season Opener

Filed under: Celtics, HeatBOSTON -- It appears the Heat dynasty will need to wait to get started. With sluggish play in the first half which led to being in too big a hole to dig out of, the much-hyped Heat faltered in Game 1 of the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh era, 88-80 to the Boston Celtics.

Ray Allen led the Celtics with 20 points and Rajon Rondo dished 17 assists. James led all scorers with 31 points. Wade added 13 points and Bosh chipped in just 8.

FIRST QUARTER: Celtics 16, Heat 9

Neither team seemed to be in sync, but the Celtics looked marginally better. No one imagined, however, that the teams would combine for 25 points. Defense is an emphasis for both teams, but neither team could hit a shot. Doc Rivers mentioned the chemistry may be an issue for both teams. And it was.

The Celtics looked as if they've been playing together for some time, while the Heat looked as if they picked up each other in a rec league game and said, "OK, we've got the Celtics tonight."

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Owners, Goodell want new labor deal with players soon

CHICAGO -- For now, optimism is the NFL owners' approach in negotiations with the players on a new collective-bargaining agreement. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Tuesday that it's a realistic goal to reach a new labor deal before the end of the season. At the conclusion of the NFL Fall League Meeting, Kraft said: "We're moving ahead. I'd like to see this get done before the season ends." Asked if that was a realistic objective, he added "to me it is."

Even as the 32 team owners discussed strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many of them expressed confidence that the league isn't headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials steadfastly claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn't reached. "It's taken a lot of time and energy to build the league into what it is, and we want to keep it going," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday. "I don't think it's doomsday, and we're taking it a day at a time. Everybody is engaged, and from my perspective, the key thing is to find a solution. That's where both sides are. "I know that energy (to reach a deal) will be there." Added Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Our issue is to get there sooner rather than later, bargaining in good faith and get an agreement with the players that is fair." NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, who recently retired after a 16-year playing career, also called for an early agreement. "We should recognize the business we are both in, and for our fans and workers, let's wrap this up by the holidays," Mawae told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I agree on both time and energy. Since 2006, the players contributed almost $3 billion to stadium construction and improvements, so our investment is at risk, too. The players are the ones losing their health care, and yet it was the owners who opted out of this deal and are threatening a lockout."

Expanding the regular season to 18 games wasn't discussed, except when Irsay joked about it. Colts president Bill Polian recently said that it was a "fait accompli," then was admonished by Goodell. "There's nothing else to report," Irsay said with a laugh. "My president said some things, and then the commissioner said some things to him, and I said some things." Goodell reiterated Tuesday that the league wants all of its partners involved in such a decision. "We're trying to do it the right way, in a comprehensive fashion and understanding all perspectives of this," Goodell said. "We recognize the player-health-safety issues and what we do to prepare our players in the offseason. I think we've been both thoughtful and intelligent. We made a proposal to the players on this. "Every day you go by without implementing it, that's probably another day it is into the future. We're not as focused on when as much as doing it properly." Goodell and the NFL Alumni also announced a partnership to benefit retired players that will include the Gay Culverhouse Players' Outreach Program. Efforts will include hiring case workers, establishment of a toll-free hotline and personal contact with retired players and their families through events sponsored by NFL Alumni and the Culverhouse program. "There are very comprehensive benefits and services available," Goodell said. "But too often former players and their families don't know what they are or how to gain access to the programs." Hall of Famer Mike Ditka spoke to the owners about treatment of retired players. Ditka is an active critic of how the league has handled taking care of retired players. "Ain't no one going broke in football," Ditka said. "Greed is a great sin." For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Owners, Goodell want new labor deal with players soon

CHICAGO -- For now, optimism is the NFL owners' approach in negotiations with the players on a new collective-bargaining agreement. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Tuesday that it's a realistic goal to reach a new labor deal before the end of the season. At the conclusion of the NFL Fall League Meeting, Kraft said: "We're moving ahead. I'd like to see this get done before the season ends." Asked if that was a realistic objective, he added "to me it is."

Even as the 32 team owners discussed strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many of them expressed confidence that the league isn't headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials steadfastly claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn't reached. "It's taken a lot of time and energy to build the league into what it is, and we want to keep it going," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday. "I don't think it's doomsday, and we're taking it a day at a time. Everybody is engaged, and from my perspective, the key thing is to find a solution. That's where both sides are. "I know that energy (to reach a deal) will be there." Added Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Our issue is to get there sooner rather than later, bargaining in good faith and get an agreement with the players that is fair." NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, who recently retired after a 16-year playing career, also called for an early agreement. "We should recognize the business we are both in, and for our fans and workers, let's wrap this up by the holidays," Mawae told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I agree on both time and energy. Since 2006, the players contributed almost $3 billion to stadium construction and improvements, so our investment is at risk, too. The players are the ones losing their health care, and yet it was the owners who opted out of this deal and are threatening a lockout."

Expanding the regular season to 18 games wasn't discussed, except when Irsay joked about it. Colts president Bill Polian recently said that it was a "fait accompli," then was admonished by Goodell. "There's nothing else to report," Irsay said with a laugh. "My president said some things, and then the commissioner said some things to him, and I said some things." Goodell reiterated Tuesday that the league wants all of its partners involved in such a decision. "We're trying to do it the right way, in a comprehensive fashion and understanding all perspectives of this," Goodell said. "We recognize the player-health-safety issues and what we do to prepare our players in the offseason. I think we've been both thoughtful and intelligent. We made a proposal to the players on this. "Every day you go by without implementing it, that's probably another day it is into the future. We're not as focused on when as much as doing it properly." Goodell and the NFL Alumni also announced a partnership to benefit retired players that will include the Gay Culverhouse Players' Outreach Program. Efforts will include hiring case workers, establishment of a toll-free hotline and personal contact with retired players and their families through events sponsored by NFL Alumni and the Culverhouse program. "There are very comprehensive benefits and services available," Goodell said. "But too often former players and their families don't know what they are or how to gain access to the programs." Hall of Famer Mike Ditka spoke to the owners about treatment of retired players. Ditka is an active critic of how the league has handled taking care of retired players. "Ain't no one going broke in football," Ditka said. "Greed is a great sin." For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Commissioner Goodell 'just looking for facts' in Favre case

CHICAGO -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday there isn't a timetable for wrapping up an investigation of an Internet report that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sent racy text messages and lewd photos to a former New York Jets game hostess two years ago. "We're just looking for facts now," Goodell said at the NFL Fall League Meeting. "I am going to deal with it as we get the facts."

Goodell said he didn't have plans to meet with Favre, "but if it is something that would help us get to a conclusion and it is warranted, I will do so." The investigation, announced last week, centers on a report by the sports website Deadspin that Favre, then with the Jets, sent the photos and messages to Jenn Sterger in 2008. Sterger's manager, Phil Reese, declined to say if his client has talked with the NFL. "This is something that allegedly happened two years ago," Reese said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "We don't want a quick resolution, but the proper resolution." Favre could be fined or suspended under the NFL's personal-conduct policy. "One of the reasons we instituted the personal-conduct policy ... to make everyone understand their responsibilities," Goodell said. "We're not going down a line of speculation and hypothetical situations." Favre hasn't responded to questions about the Deadspin report. Deadspin also reported that Favre pursued two female massage therapists who worked part-time for the Jets. The website didn't identify the women, but the Jets have said they gave contact information about them to the league. Two high-profile quarterbacks recently were penalized for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy. Former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick returned to the league in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles after missing two seasons for his role in a dogfighting ring. He served an 18-month sentence in prison. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games in April after he was accused of, but not charged with, sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at a bar in a Georgia college town. Goodell shortened that ban to four games just before the season, and Roethlisberger will return to the field for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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FOX Goes to Musical Bullpen for MLB Playoffs

Filed under: MLB PlayoffsIf you were confused at the end of innings during National League Championship Series telecasts on FOX last week, thinking that you heard the network's football theme music rather than its baseball jingle, you were correct.

The network quietly swapped out its baseball theme, which includes a quick reference to its football theme, for the tune that has accompanied its NFL coverage since the sports division opened for business in 1994.

Eric Shanks, the new FOX Sports President, said during a Monday conference call, that the music the network had used for baseball postseason coverage the last 10 years had been slower, perhaps more "cathedral" and that FOX wanted to perk things up.

"When we were taking a look at recent tapes, we decided that baseball deserves a faster pace and more upbeat music," Shanks said. "There's no better music than the FOX Sports theme for the NFL."

Shanks said viewers should count on hearing what we've come to know as the FOX NFL theme across all the network's sports telecasts going forward, including NASCAR.

"It's becoming a real FOX Sports theme," Shanks said. "And it gives all of our sports sort of that marquee feel and it gives us a more upbeat way to come on the air."

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Commissioner Goodell 'just looking for facts' in Favre case

CHICAGO -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday there isn't a timetable for wrapping up an investigation of an Internet report that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sent racy text messages and lewd photos to a former New York Jets game hostess two years ago. "We're just looking for facts now," Goodell said at the NFL Fall League Meeting. "I am going to deal with it as we get the facts."

Goodell said he didn't have plans to meet with Favre, "but if it is something that would help us get to a conclusion and it is warranted, I will do so." The investigation, announced last week, centers on a report by the sports website Deadspin that Favre, then with the Jets, sent the photos and messages to Jenn Sterger in 2008. Sterger's manager, Phil Reese, declined to say if his client has talked with the NFL. "This is something that allegedly happened two years ago," Reese said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "We don't want a quick resolution, but the proper resolution." Favre could be fined or suspended under the NFL's personal-conduct policy. "One of the reasons we instituted the personal-conduct policy ... to make everyone understand their responsibilities," Goodell said. "We're not going down a line of speculation and hypothetical situations." Favre hasn't responded to questions about the Deadspin report. Deadspin also reported that Favre pursued two female massage therapists who worked part-time for the Jets. The website didn't identify the women, but the Jets have said they gave contact information about them to the league. Two high-profile quarterbacks recently were penalized for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy. Former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick returned to the league in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles after missing two seasons for his role in a dogfighting ring. He served an 18-month sentence in prison. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games in April after he was accused of, but not charged with, sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at a bar in a Georgia college town. Goodell shortened that ban to four games just before the season, and Roethlisberger will return to the field for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State Receiver, Arrested on Suspicion of DUI

Filed under: Oklahoma State, Big 12, Police BlotterJustin Blackmon, an Oklahoma State sophomore wide receiver who leads the nation in receiving, was arrested early Tuesday morning in Carrollton, Texas, on suspicion of driving under the influence, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to FanHouse.

Blackmon apparently was driving with three friends who had all attended the Dallas Cowboys' Monday Night Football game in Arlington, Texas. All three are believed to be friends with Dez Bryant, the former OSU star receiver who now plays for the Cowboys.

According to a report in the Tulsa World, the three were pulled over early Tuesday morning because the vehicle Blackmon was driving was clocked at 92 mph in a 60 mph zone. The officer smelled alcohol in the car and administered an alcohol test. Blackmon is under the age of 21.

According to Texas law, a minor who is determined to have been drinking can be charged with driving under the influence. According to a source, while Blackmon did admit to drinking earlier in the evening, he said it was his friends who were drinking later in the night, which is why he was driving.

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Playoff Pulse: World Series Winner Is ...

Filed under: MLB Playoffs, MLB Video, World SeriesThe 2010 World Series is loaded with red-hot starting pitchers. Cliff Lee, Tim Lincecum, CJ Wilson, Matt Cain ... the list goes on.

FanHouse TV's Steve Phillips thinks that the series may hinge on who follows these starters into the game. Phillips talks bullpens, shutting down star hitters and predictions in Tuesday's "Playoff Pulse."

Click to watch:

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Ron Artest Gives Away One Ring to Gain Another

Filed under: Lakers, RocketsEL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Derek Fisher understood Ron Artest's logic, even if he didn't plan on duplicating it.

His bad-boy-turned-beloved Lakers teammate isn't giving away his first championship ring for charity's sake alone, although Artest's desire to shed light on the issue of mental health is both altruistic and admirable. There's a motivational factor at play here, too, one that anyone who knew Artest's mindset before his road to redemption would fully understand.

Quick history lesson here: Artest once said he could die homeless and die happy so long as he had won the NBA ring that eluded him until last June. It was an effective, all-or-nothing psychological approach, to be sure, but how does one stay motivated after that carrot has been swallowed and enjoyed? By starting the ring count over at zero again, of course.

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Jon Kitna Replaces Injured Tony Romo at Quarterback for Cowboys

Filed under: CowboysThe Cowboys' season is heading nowhere fast, and Jon Kitna is now the quarterback to take them there.

The 38-year-old Kitna stepped under center for Dallas Monday night after Tony Romo fractured his clavicle, likely sidelining him for several weeks.

Kitna, who has previously been a starter for Seattle, Cincinnati and Detroit, didn't look particularly sharp upon entering the game. And the Giants reeled off 31 unanswered points to take a 38-20 lead. Kitna managed to rally Dallas late, but the Cowboys still fell short, losing 41-35.

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