...The college football season moves into the spotlight this weekend.
...USC opens the season at Virginia tomorrow afternoon, with Mark Sanchez, coming off a dislocated kneecap, starting at quarterback. The Trojans are (70-8) in the last 6-years under Pete Carroll.
...UCLA opens the Rick Neuhisel era on Monday against Tennessee in the Rose Bowl. JUCO-All American Kevin Craft debuts at quarterback. The Vols, who lost 3000-yard passing quarterback Eric Ainge, return 16-starters from last year's team.
...The Ryan Lindley era begins at San Diego State as the Aztecs open their season with the highly regarded fiery freshman quarterback starting tomorrow nite against Cal Poly, 1-of the top 1AA-Programs in the nation. The Mustangs triple option package is led by 3000-yard passing quarterback Jon Dalley, tailback James Noble, who has over 3000-career yards rushing, and an offense that averaged 487-yards a game last year. A setback for State; top tailback Atiyyah Henderson may miss the game with a hamstring injury.
...In the Pac-10.
Oregon opens conference play against the Washington Huskies and explosive scrambling quarterback Jake Locker.
California, with new QB-Kevin Riley, hosts Michigan State.
Washington State starts life after quarterback Alex Brink, as the Cougars host Oklahoma State.
Rudy Carpenter, who already has 22-career wins, leads Arizona State against Northern Arizona.
Arizona and video game quarterback Willie Tuitama faces Idaho.
...In the Mountain West.
A week one conference clash; TCU meets New Mexico in a battle of top running backs Rodney Ferguson and Aaron Brown.
Colorado State coach Steve Fairchild makes his debut as the Rams meet Colorado.
Utah's explosive offense led by QB-Brian Johnson and tailback Darrell Mack, play at Michigan, as Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez debuts.
Wyoming, with JUCO QB Dax Crum starting, hosts Ohio U.
UNLV, with coach Mike Sanford under fire with a (6-29) record, faces Utah State.
Air Force, which lost 14-starters, including Shaun Carney and Chad Hall, opens with Southern Utah.
Hi powered BYU, led by QB-Max Hall hosts Northern Iowa.
...In the WAC.
Hawaii begins life after June Jones, by play Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators.
Fresno State, led by big play QB-Tom Brandstetter, opens at Rutgers.
Boise State is home with Idaho State; Nevada faces Grambling; San Jose meets UC Davis.
...USD, with JUCO-QB-Sebastian Trujillo from Saddleback, replacing record-setting Josh Johnson, hosts Marist of New York tonite.
...Top games from the Top 25-tomorrow:
Number 1-Georgia and big play QB-Matt Stafford meets Georgia Southern.
2nd ranked Ohio State, with freshman QB-Terrell Pryor set to play, faces Youngstown State.
4th ranked Oklahoma and passing star Sam Bradford take on UT-Chattanooga.
The best game of the day will have Chase Daniel, the 4000-yard passer, and 6th ranked Missouri meeting scrambling QB-Juice Williams and 20th ranked Illinois in St-Louis.
9th ranked Clemson, led by big backs James Davis and CJ Spiller, plays Alabama tomorrow nite.
...Last nite. Stanford survived a 404-yard passing performance from Oregon State QB Lyle Moevao, coming up with 3-takeaways in the Cardinal win over the Beavers last nite in Palo Alto.
...Wake Forest ripped Baylor.
...UTEP was bombed in Buffalo, giving up 464-yards in the Miners loss.
...Syracuse University has given AD-Daryll Gross a contract extension thru 2014; Gross says the Orange will tear the program down to the ground if Greg Robinson cannot win; he is (6-29)
(NFL)
...The Chargers close out their preseason schedule in San Francisco tonite, with roster cuts looming tomorrow. Toughest decisions tomorrow are whether they keep Malcom Floyd, Kasim Osgood or Legedu Naane. They also must decide about the logjam at linebacker involving Tim Dobbins, Brandon Siler, Carlos Polk and Marquise Harris.
...The Raiders close out their preseason with Seattle, trying to determine whether they keep receiver Chaz Schilens or Todd Watkins.
...The Denver Broncos traded starting guard Montrae Holland to the Dallas Cowboys last nite for a mid-round draft pick.
...The Seattle Seahawks have signed veteran long-snapper Jeff Robinson.
...The Baltimore Ravens have signed veteran backup QB-Casey Bramlett.
...Pete Carroll, the USC-coach, criticized the Arizona Cardinals, saying their tough love tactics against Matt Leinart will destroy the QBs confidence.
...Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall will have his 3-game suspension reduced to just 1-game by the Commissioner after going thru anger-management counseling.
...Pac Man Jones, reinstated last nite by the NFL, has now signed a 4-year-13 million dollar deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
...Former Indy Colts center Chuckie Nwokorie has been charged with 2-sex assault counts in Philadelphia.
...Another tough nite of injuries in the NFL.
...Tennessee Titans QB-Vince Young is being treated for a jammed throwing wrist.
...Jacksonville starting guard Maurice Williams is out with a sprained knee.
...Detroit lost running back Brian Calhoun last nite with a bruised thigh.
...New England linebacker Bo Ruud is being examined for a possible fractured leg.
...The Eagles have lost starting guard Max Gilles with a sprained knee.
...Cleveland starting guard Rex Hadnot is out with a bruised kneecamp.
...The Rams lost 2nd round pick Donnie Avery with a sprained knee.
...A strange windup to NFL preseason.
...New England finished (0-4), with a lot of injuries, the big story was rookie San Diego State quarterback Kevin O'Connell, who led the team to 5-scoring drives in 3-games.
...Miami has won 3-in a row to finish preseason; and Detroit finished (4-0).
...Jessie Chatman had 180-yards rushing and receiving for the Jets.
...Cowboys 3rd string QB-Richard Bartels threw for 233-yards in the Dallas win.
(Baseball)
...The grossly underachieving Dodgers drag a 7-game losing streak into Arizona. The Dodgers are now three and a half back of the D-Backs, have lost 9-straight on the road, and are (1-9) in the last two weeks.
...Joe Torre's job could be in jeopardy; GM-Ned Colletti is in big trouble; and rumors persist that Larry Lucchino might come in as CEO and clean house.
...The Dodgers optioned struggling rookie Clayton Kershaw to Las Vegas last nite.
...The Padres go for their 4th win in a row tonite against Colorado, but they won't have Scott Hairston in the outfielder; he is gone for the the year with a chip fracture in his thumb.
...The Angels host Texas tonite; Frankie Rodriguez picked up his 51st save of the season last nite. They put 2nd baseman Howie Kendrick on the DL with a hamstring problem.
...Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett is being examined for a possible blood clot in his arm, causing numbness in his pitching hand.
...Washington has shut down starter Shawn Hill for the year with a swollen elbow.
...Toronto today traded DH-Matt Stairs to the Phillies.
(Basketball)
...Luoel Deng, the hi scoring Chicago Bulls free-agent, has arrived in London and is negotiating a contract with a pro team there.
...The Memphis Grizzlies have signed 7-2 center Hamed Haddadi, who averaged 16-points and 11-rebounds a game in the Olympics.
...The Houston Rockets today dealt rookie Pat Ewing-Junior to the Knicks for the rights to 7-1 Euro center Frederick Weis.
...San Antonio Spurs star Manu Ginobli needs surgery for a ligament injury in an ankle; he could be sidelined 3-months.
...The LA Lakers have rejected a request to negotiate a contract extension with center Andrew Bynum; he has l-year left on his deal, and his agent wants a 5-year 80-million max deal. Bynum, recovering from kneecap surgery, is training in Atlanta and appears to be 100-percent healthy.
...(Hockey)
...The Ottawa Senators have offered a contract to former Boston Bruins 40-goal scorer Andy Murray.
(General)
...Brutal heat and humidity hit drivers today at the California Speedway, this weekends stop on the NASCAR circuit. It was 96-degrees with 78-percent humidity and 111-degrees on the track.
...Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards have combined to win 14-races this year; they have won 5-of the last 7-races, and they don't like each other. They face each other Sunday in the Pepsi 500-at Fontana.
...Pressure continues to build in the Chase for the Championship. Clint Bowyer holds down the 12th and final spot, but only 181-points separate him from 15th ranked Ryan Newman.
...The IRL heads into Michigan for the Detroit Bell Isle Grand Prix.
...The NHRA says it will stay with 1-thousand foot races, and not go back to quarter-mile races to protect drag racing drivers. They shortened races after the death of Scott Kalitta.
...Formula 1-driving star Phil Hill has passed away at the age of 81-in Santa Monica; he won 2-Formula 1-titles in the 1960s.
...The US Open tennis tourney is still buzzing about last nites shocking upset; top seed Ana Ivonovic losing to the l88th seeded player. Today, 2nd ranked Jelena Jankovic had to go to 28-points in the final game to post a win. Roger Federer, second seed, has a late afternoon game.
...The US World Cup team has added Poway's Marvell Wynn from UCLA to its active roster for qualifying games with Cuba and Trinidad.
...Olympic track star Usain Bolt will run the 100 and the 400-relay late tonite in the Zurich Games in Switzerland.
...In boxing, longtime WBA heavyweight star John Ruiz fites 7-foot Russian Nicolai Valuev in Berlin tomorrow. Valuev is (48-1) but has never fought in the states.
...Shawne Merriman went thru another walkthru workout with the Chargers today, but he is getting blitzed with criticism around the nation from NFL-Players and TV analysts for his decision to bypass knee surgery on those 2-torn ligaments.
Chargers doctors reportedly told him in his exit physical the lst week of February they wanted him to have knee surgery, but he deferred instead to do rehab. As his conditioned worsened in late July, he sought out 4-knee specialists, who told him the exact same recommendation.
Response has been swift and mostly negative.
Deion Sanders said on ABC there is 'no logic' to the decision.
ESPN's Eric Allen said Merriman is jeopardizing his career at age 25.
Marcellus Wiley, the ex-Charger, said he will get no reward from the club for what he is doing, they will use him up then get rid of him.
Rod Woodson of the NFL-Network called GM-AJ Smith and Coach Norv Turner shameful for putting Merriman on the field 'hurt'.
NFL doctor Neal El-Attrache fears there will be more physical damage to the knee as he tries to play, using words career-threatening.
NFL.com said Merriman's decision is all based on money, his urge to get another 1.5-million bonus this year, that would net him 4.4-million overall, even at the risk of blowing next year's 3.7-million guarantee and putting his free-agent status in jeopardy.
Merriman has been a 'lightning rod' for reaction since he was drafted. He told Chargers fans he would make them forget Junior Seau; he was criticized for showboating with his stomp-sack dance; his games have been marked by big hits and questionable hits on Priest Holmes and Vince Young; and the negative reaction he received from the steroid suspension.
So the questions remain; how long can he hold up; how much practice will he get; will he be targeted by other players using chop blocks; why would he ignore his agent and doctors; what responsibility do the Chargers have to 'take care' of their players?
...The Chargers have to cut from 75-to-53 players by Saturday afternoon after tomorrow nites game with the 49ers. Jobs in jeopardy include wide receiver and linebacker, where Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee may be fighting for a spot. At linebacker, they have decisions to make on veteran Carlos Polk and young players Brandon Siler-Tim Dobbins and Antwan Applewhite. Chargers starters will play only 10-plays tomorrow nite against the 49ers.
...13-NFL games are scheduled tonite; Brett Favre wants to play when the Jets meet the Eagles; battered New England may let Tom Brady play a couple of series, but will take a long look at ex-Aztec Kevin O'Connell against the Giants; Miami tries to win its 3rd in a row, as play Drew Brees in New Orleans.
...Adam 'Pac Man' Jones is back, reinstated by the NFL today to start the season. Pac Man was contacted while having lunch at a Hooters in Valley Ranch. 6-arrests, 12-incidents, 1-last chance with the Dallas Cowboys.
...Green Bay nose-tackle John Jolley, arrested last month for possession of 200-grams of codeine, faces possible indictment next week.
...Jacksonville receiver Dennis Northcutt is being sued by a former girlfriend, charging he hired a man to beat her because she would not have an abortion.
...A Newark judge has ruled in favor of ex-Giant Michael Strachan, that having to pay 216,000-dollars a year in child support payments, on top of alimony to his ex-wife is excessive. His wife Jean has already been given some 21-million of his estate, but wants more in an adultery lawsuit.
...The Seattle Seahawks have put rookie long-snapper Tyler Schmitt on IR with a serious back injury.
...The Miami Dolphins have released veteran safety Keith Davis, a former Dallas Cowboy.
...The Pasadena Star-News is reporting Ed Roskie is negotiating a 2-year deal with the Rose Bowl that would allow an NFL team to move their next season, while he begins construction of his Irwindale Stadium.
..The New York Times is reporting NFL-Union lawyers have contacted longtime agent Tom Condon to discuss his interest in replacing Gene Upshaw as Union chief.
(College Football)
...San Diego State is expecting only 22,000-for their home opener with Cal Poly-Saturday nite.
...The Aztecs say freshman running back Ramon Judkins will redshirt this year while the NCAA-Clearinghouse evaluates his transcripts.
...UCLA is disappointed; they sold only 55,000-home tickets for Rick Neuhisel's debut against Tennessee. Only 65,000-are expected for the Saturday game with the Vols.
...Kevin Craft threw 2-more interceptions last nite in practice for the Bruins. Meanwhile a 4th QB has gone down with injuries; Nick Cressman is out with a shoulder injury; Ossarr Rasshan has knee problems, joining Pat Cowan and Ben Olson on the injury list.
...The Bruins are getting bashed for running newspaper ads that say there no more 'football monopolies' in Los Angeles, with pictures of Rick Neuhisel.
...USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, battling arm fatigue, took a day off from Trojans practice; they are headed to Virginia for their opener.
...USC recruit Nick Perry, the defensive end, may be released from his grant, and enroll at Michigan State; his academics are still tied up in the NCAA-Clearinghouse.
...Bad news at Oregon; doctors say Ducks starting quarterback Nate Costa tore 2-ligaments and is gone for the year.
...Arizona State tailback Keegan Herring will miss the Sun Devils opener with Northern Arizona with a hamstring injury.
...Colorado AD-Mike Bohn says he will no longer negotiate to play Colorado State at Invesco Field; he says the Buffaloes-Rams game should be at Folsom Field in Boulder.
...Florida State may have lost star DT-Emanuel Dunbar for the year with a feared broken back; he was hospitalized last nite.
...The Pac-10 season opens tonite in Palo Alto, with Oregon State facing the Stanford Cardinal.
...Other opening nite games have South Carolina hosting N-C State and Wake Forest playing at Baylor.
(Baseball)
...An off-nite for the Padres after their sweep of Arizona. The Friars put a 3-game winning streak on the line tomorrow nite when Colorado comes to town.
...Padres outfielder Scott Hairston could be headed to the DL with a chip fracture of his thumb.
...The reeling Dodgers, who have lost 6-in a row, and 8-straight on the road, play again in Washington tonite. The Blue are still just 3-games back of lst place Arizona, because the D-Backs have lost 5-in a row.
...Jeff Kent, who hit at a .428 clip for 2-weeks, is now in a (5-28) hole on the road trip; Manny Ramirez has gone 9-games without an RBI, and has 1-homer in 11-games.
...The Angels host Texas tonite; the Halos have lost 9-of-14, and now have 3-ailing infielders. Howie Kendrick and Eric Aybar both hurt hamstrings last nite and Chone Figgins went down with a toe injury.
..The Bronx Bloodbath continues for the Yankees; they have lost 10-of-17, and have been blasted at home by scores of 11-3 and 14-4 in the last week.
...Casey Kotchman has left the Braves indefinitely; his mother is dying of a blood clot to the brain.
...Jose Guillen of Kansas City had to be restrained from going into the rightfield stands to get to a Royals fan heckling him.
...Instant Replay starts tonite in baseball, at Angels Stadium. The Umpire in Chief will be the only 1-with the right to ask for evaluation. Any manager arguing a replay call will be ejected automatically.
(Basketball)
...A big trade rumor in the NBA. Memphis, which has 3-point guards, is discussing a deal to send lead guard Mike Conley to Portland for a lst round pick; it would reunite Conley with former Ohio State teammate Greg Oden.
...The Golden State Warriors today brought in ex-Clippers free-agent guard Shaun Livingstone for a physical; he has missed 2-years with knee surgery.
...New Orleans Hornets have signed free agent Phoenix backup center Sean Marks.
...Portland has signed ex-Cleveland Cavaliers lst round pick forward Luke Jackson.
(Hockey)
...The Montreal Gazette is reporting the Canadiens are discussing a trade for hi-priced Anaheim Ducks defenseman Matthieu Schnieder; the Ducks have to move 6-million off their payroll to make the NHL-salary cap.
...The Philadelphia Flyers have signed veteran free-agent New York Islanders defenseman Brian Berrard.
...The Chicago Blackhawks have signed free-agent winger Tim Brent.
...1-year-6 million dollars lured Joe Sakic back to the Colorado Avalanche; he signed last nite
...The LA Kings have signed 2-18 year old draft picks, defenseman Via Vkoyno and winger Andrei Loktionov from Russia.
(General)
...Michael Phelps, the Olympic hero, is donating 20,000-dollars to the YMCAs of New York City.
...In boxing, circle December 6th on your calendar; Oscar DeLaHoya meets Manny Pacquiao in a huge fite in Las Vegas.
...In tennis, Top seed Ana Ivanovich plays tonite in 2nd round action in the US Open; Venus Williams needed just 59-minutes this afternoon to get a win. James Blake also posted a win.
...103-degree temperatures greeted NASCAR teams as they arrived at Fontana for this weekends race.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 02:32 PM PST [General]
(Football)
...The San Diego Chargers get Shawne Merriman, their star linebacker back. But they get an injured player, a lot of questions, and a possible distraction. Shawne Merriman, going against the advice of 4-doctors and his agent Tom Condon, says he will attempt to play this season despite 2-torn knee ligaments and cartilage problems. Admitting he was told further damage could be career-threatening, the 39-career sack linebacker will be limited in workouts during the week, but believes he can play on Sundays. Merriman spent the week travelling to Coral Gables, Minnesota, New York and Mobile to see specialists, after the rehab program the Chargers put him on escalated swelling and pain in the knee. There will be questions everywhere. Do you compliment Merriman for his loyalty, do you criticize him for the risk he is taking; and do the Chargers need to be questioned for allowing an at-risk injured player on the field.
...Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall met for 2-hours with NFL-Commissioner Roger Goodell asking his 3-game domestic abuse suspension be reduced to 1-game because he has been going thru counseling. He has been involved in 3-arrests and at least 6-other 911-calls for problems off the field.
...Jacksonville's lst round draft pick, Derrick Harvey, ended his nasty 33-day holdout, signing a deal that includes a 17-million guaranteed bonus package.
...The New York Post is reporting that Michael Strachan asked the Giants to double his salary from last year's 4-million mark to 8-million to come out of retirement.
...Peyton Manning went thru a full throwing workout today; he had bursa sac knee surgery on July 14th.
...Indy Colts star center Jeff Saturday has been told he needs knee surgery for torn cartilage. The Colts put top kick return man TJ Rushing on the IR list for the year with a knee injury.
...Bad news in Green Bay. Pro Bowl pass rusher Kabeer Gbaja-Biamilia left workouts after just 12-minutes when pain returned to his surgically repaired knee.
...Houston has put star DB-Dunta Robinson on the PUP list to allow him more time to recover from a broken leg.
...Tampa Bay star running back Cadillac Williams is on PUP, still not recovered from last year's ligament surgery.
...Baltimore quarterback Kyle Boller is out with a possible torn labrum. The Ravens also lost defensive tackle Devan Edwards, put on IR with a back injury.
...The Seahawks have put rookie left tackle Will Robinson, the ex-Aztec, on IR for the year with a severe ankle sprain.
...Cleveland has lost receiver Kevin Kasper for the year, on IR, with a neck injury.
...On the roster front:
...Kansas City released veteran kicker Jay Feely, despite going (24-30) on field goals over a 2-day period.
...Tampa Bay has waived veteran receiver Paris Warren.
...New England has cut veteran DB-Jason Webster.
...Jacksonville cut young receiver Jon Broussard.
...The Chicago Bears bought out the contract of veteran DB-Ricky Manning.
...The Raiders released veteran kicker Aaron Elling.
...Denver waived receiver Taylor Jacobs.
...The Bears today offered a contract to veteran offensive tackle Fred Miller.
...Longtime Cowboys receiver Bob Hayes and legendary Falcons tackle Claude Humphrey have been nominated by the Veterans Committee for consideration for the NFL-Hall of Fame.
(College Football)
...USC, concerned about Mark Sanchez's conditioning in the heat and humidity, say he and Aaron Corp will both likely play at Virginia on Saturday.
...Virginia coach Al Groh is refusing to name a starting quarterback for Saturday's game with the Trojans. He has Pete Lalich and his 2-backups all listed as possible starters. U-Va lost its starter Jameel Sewell to academics this summer.
...UCLA, beset by injuries, may have problems with top receiver Marcus Everett, missing workouts with knee tendonitis. The Bruins open with Tennessee on Monday nite. Only 55,000-UCLA tickets have been sold; 7,000-Vols fans are coming, and there will upwards of 30-thousand empty seats at the Rose Bowl.
...Tennessee has suspended starting corner Brett Vinson and defensive tackle Don Lanley with academic issues for the UCLA game.
...San Diego State coach Chuck Long says he will use all 3-running backs Saturday against Cal Poly, saying he has packages designed for Tyler Campbell, Atiyyah Henderson and Brandon Sullivan
.
...Ohio State says it will not redshirt freshman recruit Terrelle Pryor; he will rotate with Todd Boeckman at the quarterback slot this weekend against Youngstown State.
...Navy has lost its starting quarterback for the opener; Kaipo Enhada has a chronic hamstring problem.
...Cincinnati Bearcats QB-Ben Mauck, still battling the NCAA for a 6th year of eligibility will be granted a final appeal hearing; he missed 2-years with injuries at Wake Forest, but the school lost its medical documentation and would not help in the appeal process. Mauck threw for 3100-yards and 30-touchdowns at UC-last year. He suffered 3-major injuries with the Demon Deacons.
...The Miami Hurricanes went thru a walkthru today at Dolphins Stadium; they open tomorrow nite against Charleston Southern, after leaving the Orange Bowl.
(Baseball)
...The Padres staff will meet tonite to discuss September lst callups from the minors, amidst reports the club may not want to promote 7-top prospects because it would start their arbitration clocks. The Padres farmclubs are a combined 24-games over 500 and none have losing records.
...A dazzling pitchers duel today between the lst place Arizona Diamondbacks and last place Padres as Randy Johnson and Cho Sueng Baek of the last place Padres matched 6-shutout innings today before the D-Backs jumped on the bullpen and Clay Hensley to take a 4-0 lead..
...The Padres optioned (3-6) righthander Josh Banks to Portland, to open a spot for reliever Bryan Corey to come off the DL.
...The reeling Dodgers, who have lost 5-straight and 7-of-8, facing Washington again tonite. They have scored just 15-runs in their last 8-games. Greg Maddux gets his 2nd start for the Blue.
...Dodgers manager Joe Torre is upset at ESPN's Orel Hirshiser, for saying the Dodgers have no passion, no chemistry and are playing like a team 30-games out of lst place.
...Instant replay makes its debut tonite at Angels Stadium when the Angels meet the Oakland A's again. Joe Saunders goes for win number 15-tonite.
...Trouble in Pittsburgh; Pirates lst round pick Pedro Alvarez says the 6-million contract he agreed to is not legal. Reports say Alvarez went against Scott Boras' advice and signed the deal; the agent wants the contract voided.
...The Dodgers have reportedly put a waiver claim in on Colorado lefthanded releiver Brian Fuentes.
...The Red Sox today acquired Atlanta Braves outfielder Mark Kotsay, giving up .300-hitting Class A-slugger Luis Sumoza for him.
...The Pirates optioned reliever Craig Hansen, who had an 8.10-ERA, to Indianapolis.
...The Red Sox have put JD Drew on the DL with back issues.
...Washington outfielder Austin Kearns went on the DL with a fractured foot.
...Good news for Atlanta lefthander Tom Glavine; doctors repaired scar tissue, and say there was no other damage in his elbow.
...The Phillies are a half game ahead of the Mets in the NL-East now; the nitemare in the Mets bullpen continue. They blew their 22nd save last nite, lost a 7-run lead, and lost a lead in the 9th inning for the 10time this season. Jimmy Rollins, brutally booed last nite, hitting .086, had 5-hits in the win. They play again tonite.
...The Red Sox, with a 6-and-a half lead over New York, meet the Yankees tonite. An awful nite for Alex Rodriguez; he banged into 2-bases loaded double plays and struck out twice and committed an error at Yankees Stadium. A-Rod is (1-10) in bases loaded situations this year.
...The Bosox are just 3-and a half back of lst place TampaBay.
...Cleveland's winning streak is now 9-straight, after Cliff Lee ran his record to (19-2) last nite.
(Basketball)
...Golden State star guard Montae Ellis will miss 3-months of action, out till December, with a severe ankle injury.
...NBA legendary GM-Jerry Colangelo, who built the Olympic Gold Medal team, praised the players today and Coach Mike Krzyzewski, saying he told the 12-man roster to check their ego at the door, when the Olympics began.
(Hockey)
...Joe Sakic is returning to the Colorado Avalanche, signing a 1-year extension, turning down offers from Vancouver and the Flyers, and shunning retirement.
(General)
...The uproar continues on the LPGA-Tour, 24-hours after they issued a memo, threatening 2-year suspensions for any foreign player that refuses to learn the English language. 11-of the top 20-players this year do no speak English. Lawyers say it would be a violation of the Origin Discrimination Act. Critics say the LPGA wants to sell sex and sizzle and is upset with the 'Lesbian' image portrayed on the tour. Columnists today say the LPGA should hang a sign outside their office reads 'Non-Speaking need not apply'. Another columnists said LPGA should stand for "Ladies Please Go Away'.
...In tennis, Roger Federer won 10-straight games, to get his lst win at the US Open.
...Andy Roddick battling shoulder problems, plays tonite.
...2nd seed Jelena Jankovic was wildly erratic, but grinded thru a 3-set win over the 150th ranked player; Svetlana Kuznetsova struggled early, but the 3rd seed won.
...Usain Bolt, the Olympic superstar, arrived in Zurich, and will run this weekend in the 100-in the Switzerland track festival.
...NASCAR has put Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards on probation for the rest of the 13-race schedule, for their rough riding tactics last weekend at Bristol
...Las Vegas Speedway today agreed to spend 870-thousand dollars to put Safe-Walls along their inside walls after scary crashes this past year.
...San Diego Chargers star linebacker Shawne Merriman was in Miami today and heard a 4th doctor say what the other 3-outside opinions said to him, have reconstructive knee surgery for 2-torn ligaments and on-going cartilage problems. NFL sources say Chargers doctors had prescribed rest and rehab work, but as pain and swelling persisted, Merriman, thru the NFL Union sought outside opinions. Merriman wants all 4-doctors to do a conference call with him to compare notes. He would face 8-months of rehab, miss 2008, and have just 1-year left on his current San Diego contract. Merriman's agent Tom Condon is reportedly upset at the medical advice and Merriman's contract status. The Chargers have signed 6-players to extensions since Condon first raised the possibility of an extension. Yesterday the Chargers gave backup linebacker Jyles Tucker, who never started a game, a 6-million signing bonus.
...Coach Norv Turner said today he believes left tackle Marcus McNeil, out 3-weeks with neck stinger issues, will be able to practice next week.
...The Chargers defense got gashed again last nite, their 3rd poor outing in a row when it was 1s-vs-1s on the field. The Seattle Seahawks had 195-yards in the first half and finished the nite with 392-yards overall in the preseason game. The number 1-defense gave up 14-plays of 7-yards or more in the lst half last nite.
...Daren Sproles continues to be the highlite in camp after his 102-yard rushing nite; Vincent Jackson averaged 28-yards a catch; and Philips Rivers threw for 143-in the win.
...Today was roster cutdown day in the NFL, as teams went from 80-to-75.
...The Bolts cut QB-Casey Bramlet, receiver Billy Pittman and punter Billy Vinnedge.
...The Raiders released safety Jarrod Cooper, defensive end Greg Spires, and put receiver Drew Carter and fullback Oren O'Neil on IR.
...Denver cut free-agent receiver Sammy Parker
...The Jets released veteran fullback Musa Smith and rookie running back Rod Kinlaw.
...The Steelers pink-slipped kick returner Jeremy Bloom.
...Arizona cut veteran pass rusher Brian Robinson.
...Green Bay waived former starting fullback Ryan Powdrell.
...Jacksonville chopped veteran guard Chris Liewinski.
...Washington let go veteran safety Vernon Fox.
...Minnesota released linebacker Derrick Pope.
...Baltimore released receiver Darnerien McCants.
...Atlanta cut defensive tackle Trey Lewis.
...Buffalo cuts pass rusher Shaun Nua.
...Houston released fullback Jameel Cook, who had been arrested on drug charges last week.
...Carolina signed just released receiver Sammy Parker, and veteran free-agent Travis Taylor.
...Kansas City signed Miami field goal kicker Jay Feely, who was (21-of-23) last year.
...The Raiders signed ex-Green Bay safety Marveil Underwood., and Eagles fullback Luke Lawton.
...The Giants have contacted free-agent pass rusher Michael Strachan about coming out of retirement, but have not offered him a deal.
...On the injury front:
...The Boston Globe is reporting QB-Tom Brady has a deep bone bruise on his foot, but is practicing.
...Doctors refused to clear Derek Anderson of the Cleveland Browns because of on-going concussion issues.
...Colts QB-Peyton Manning practiced for the lst time today since bursa sac-knee surgery.
...Dallas corner Terrance Newman, out 4-weeks with a groin injury, practiced today.
...Bengals receiver Chad Johnson has a minor tear of his shoulder labrum but does not need surgery.
...Colts Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday was having an MRI on an injured knee.
...Seattle quarterback Charley Frye had an MRI on an injured knee today, as did linebacker Lofa Tatupu.
...Baltimore QB-Troy Smith has lost 11-pounds with a viral infection.
...Carolina has put receiver Jason Carter on IR with a knee injury.
...Buffalo is without 3-offensive lineman, with Langston Walker out with a badly bruised arm; Jason Peters is in day 30-of a bitter holdout, and Matt Murphy has had rotator cuff surgery.
...Cleveland put receiver Kevin Kasper on IR and Joe Jurevisicius on PUP.
...Green Bay put former lst round pick Justin Harrell on the PUP list, meaning he will be out 6-weeks.
...The Giants put Super Bowl receiver David Tyree on PUP.
...Off the field:
...NFL boss Roger Goodell met today with Dan Rooney and his 4-brothers, trying to convince them to sell their ownership shares to their oldest brother, to keep the franchise in the family.
...Longtime NFL players Trace Armstrong and Troy Vincent have been approached as candidates to replace Gene Upshaw as head of the Union.
...A bankruptcy judge has put a trustee in place to investigate the loss of Michael Vick's earnings. The jailed Atlanta Falcons QB is 19-million dollars in debt, despite earning 121-million in his career. 2-financial advisors are under investigation for skimming money from his accounts.
...Drew Bledsoe, Rick Mirer and Kelly Holcomb have filed a lawsuit against the UBS bank for financial losses they incurred in a computerized shopping program; they combined may have lost 7-million dollars in investments.
...The Jets, under heavy criticism for PSL taxes in the new stadium, reversed field today, saying 27,000-upper deck seats at the Meadowlands will not have PSL's. They were asking 1-thousand dollar per ticket for the upper deck; the Giants have PSLs on every seat for their home games.
(College Football)
...San Diego State shook up its depth chart heading towards their opener with Cal Poly on Saturday night. Tony DeMartinis was moved back to starting defensive end; defensive tackle Saiosi Fafita will miss 1-week with injuries; Jonathon Soto, who had excelled outside, was moved back inside to tackle today; 350-pound JUCO transfer Darias 'Big House' Jones was moved to 2nd team nose-tackle; Ohio State transfer Ryan Williams was flipped to right defensive end after failing to win a starting job.
...XTRA Sports has been told Aztecs offensive tackle Mike Matamua faces 12-to-14 months rehab for a torn tendon between the toes on a foot, the exact same injury that sidelined receiver DeMarco Sampson for 2-seasons. Sampson, who missed camp with academic issues, rejoined the team in workouts last nite, but could be 3-weeks away from playing because of conditioning problems.
...The UT, commenting on Chuck Long's (7-17) record, wondered today where the Aztecs football program would be had San Diego State hired Rick Neuhisel, Dennis Erickson, Jeff Tedford, Jim Harbaugh or Mike Riley, when all expressed interest in the Aztecs job over the last 8-years.
...USC quarterback Mark Sanchez is way behind on conditioning, but may platoon with Mitch Mustain in Saturday's game at Virginia.
...UCLA has another injury to deal with; kick return star Terrance Austin has a jammed wrist.
...Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez says he will play both quarterbacks opening day, Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan.
(Baseball)
...The Padres go for another win tonite, facing 19-game winner Brandon Webb this evening when they meet the Arizona Diamondbacks.
...Jody Gerut continues to be hot; his 2-run walkoff homer last nite, pushed his batting average to .327 with 10-bombs since mid July.
...Padres Double A-slugging lst baseman Kyle Blanks, hitting .310 at San Antonio had 5-hits and 9-RBIs in a Texas League last nite.
...CBS Sportsline called John Moores and Sandy Alderson the 2nd worst owners in baseball with a (49-82) record.
...The Dodgers, swept in Philadelphia, are 3-games out of lst place, head into Washington tonite to meet the (46-85) Nationals.
...Manny Ramirez is in a slump, 1-homer in 11-games; a (9-38) dryspell; and no RBI's in 11-games. The Blue are now (11-12) since the trade.
...The Angels have dropped 6-of-9, after losing last nite to the A's; (10-2) John Lackey starts tonite.
...The Phillies, winners of 8-of-10, open a big series with the Mets tonite; they are a half-game back of New York in the NL-East.
...Slump ridden Jimmy Rollins catching huge heat; he is batting (.086) since he blasted Phillies fans for being frontrunners.
...The Red Sox open a series at Yankees Stadium, 5-games ahead of New York in the standings.
...The Pirates are benching .129-hitting lst baseman Andy LaRoche, the key player in the Jason Bay-Boston-Dodgers trade.
...The Mets have put pitcher John Maine on the DL with bone spurs of his shoulder.
...Cincinnati is shutting down rookie pitcher Johnny Cuerto with shoulder fatigue; he has made 27-starts.
...Detroit pulled Dontrelle Willis in the lst inning last nite in Toledo with forearm pain.
...Minnesota has released third baseman Mike Lamb, to make room on the roster for Texas reliever Eddie Guardardo.
...Chicago Cubs owner Sam Zell says he will sell the lst place team and Wrigley Field separately. 5-groups, including Mark Cuban, have put in bids on the Cubs. 5-other unnamed groups have made offers on Wrigley Field.
...Instant Replay comes to major league parks starting on Thursday. The Umpire in Chief, not the manager, will have the right to call for instant replay; all 4-umpires will review the video.
...Barry Bonds has asked a judge to throw out his 14-count perjury indictment from the Balco case, saying the charges stem from ambiguous answers to ambiguous questions he did not understand.
...The Hall of Fame Veterans committee today nominated 9-time Indians and Yankees 2nd baseman Joe Gordon, Yankees pitching ace Allie Reynolds, 8-time St-Louis Browns all star Vern Stephens, and former Senators and Red Sox lst baseman Joe Vernon for consideration to the Hall of Fame.
(Basketball)
...The Portland Trailblazers say former 7-foot center Kevin Duckworth has passed away while running a basketball camp for the team in Oregon; he had heart problems and weighed nearly 400-pounds.
...The Houston Rockets have traded rookie guard Sean Singletary to the Phoenix Suns for 2nd year guard DJ Strawberry.
...The FBI is investiging longtime Pistons guard Lindsey Hunter in the theft of nearly 1-million dollars in a real-estate scam in Pontiac, Michigan.
(General)
...IOC Chairman Juan Rogge returned to Switzerland today refusing to answer questions about the IOC probe of at least 17-documents challenging the age of 5-Chinese gymnasts, who won Gold Medals.
...US Volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon, with a Gold Medal, arrived in Minnesota today for funeral services for his father-in-law, knifed to death on the opening day in Beijing.
...Michael Phelps is facing a heroes welcome home in Baltimore on Friday with his 8-Gold Medals.
...Usain Bolt arrives tomorrow in Kingston, Jamaica with his 3-Gold Medals.
...US Track leader Doug Logan flew into Colorado Springs to begin evaluation of how to resurrect the failing American track program.
...Roger Federer plays tonite in lst round action at the US Open Tennis Tourney. He is seeded 2nd for the first time in 5-years.
...Top seed Ana Ivanovic (E-vano-vich) struggled all day but posted a win against a 136th ranked player.
...Controversy in golf; Golfweek Magazine says the LPGA tour has sent a memo threatening suspension to foreign players if they do not learn the English language, saying they will be slapped with a 2-year suspension from the tour. There are 121-International Players on the ladies tour; their contract says they will help market the LPGA globally including the US.
...In auto racing, young driver Reed Sorenson is leaving Chip Ganassi Racing, signing a deal with Gillet-Evernaham Sports for next year. He won 3-races in 97-NASCAR starts for Ganassi-Dodge.
...18-year old Joey Logano will replace Tony Stewart next season on the Joe Gibbs Racing team.
...Herbert Muhammad, the longtime manager for Muhammad Ali, has died during heart surgery at 79. He was the son of the late Nation-of-Islam leader Elijah Muhammad, and had handled Ali for nearly 20-years.
...The San Diego Chargers face the Seattle Seahawks in Monday Nite Football tonite, but the big story is the 'emotional tug-of-war' involving Shawne Merriman. He has been told by 3-doctors he faces additional risks if he tries to play this season with a torn PCL, a torn lateral ligament and cartilage damage. Doctors say he will need 8-months to rehab if he has total reconstructive surgery, but would be stronger and healthier to play in 2009. They say he would have pain, swelling, have limited practice time, and likely cause greater risk if he tried to play in 2008 in his current condition. Merriman is wrestling with surgery, weighing playing for a Super Bowl ring (reward) vs the damage he might cause by playing (risk). Merriman could also be putting at risk his future at age 24 by trying to play this year.
...Philip Rivers and the veteran starters will play the lst half tonite against the Seahawks. Seattle will start Charley Frye at QB, and will be without Matt Hasselback and receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram with injuries.
...A brutal weekend of injuries around the NFL.
...The Giants will play this year without either one of their pass rushers from their Super Bowl season. Osi Umeniyora caught a cleat on the turf pass rushing and tore a ligament and will miss the year; that came after Pro Bowl pass rusher Mike Strahan retired. The Giants today moved linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end.
...Redskins Pro Bowl pass rusher Jason Taylor will miss 14-days of action with a sprained knee ligament.
...The Raiders have lost starting wide receiver Drew Carter for the year with a torn knee ligament, the 4th time he has injured that knee.
...Dallas has lost starting tackle Kyle Kosier for 6-weeks with a fractured foot, and kick returner Ike Stanback with a sprained shoulder.
...Houston receiver Harry Williams' career is likely over after suffering a fractured spine over the weekend; he had vertebrae fusion surgery, but did recover feeling in his legs and arms after being paralyzed for 20-minutes on the field.
...Colts Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday will have an MRI today for a sprained knee; quarterback Jim Sorgi bruised a knee.
...Buffalo tackle Langston Walker is out with a badly bruised arm.
...Eagles safety Brian Dawkins is out with a sprained ankle tendon.
...Tennessee DB-Antoine Cash is out with a sprained neck.
...Green Bay has lost young receiver James Jones with a sprained knee.
...Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer suffered a fractured nose and deep lip cuts, when sacked 3-straight plays over the weekend.
...On the field:
...The Arizona Cardinals are benching Matt Leinart after 3-interceptions over the weekend; Kurt Warner will start the season as the number 1-quarterback.
...Vince Young is under fire in Tennessee; the Titans number 1-offense has 0-touchdowns in 12-drives.
...Brett Favre is struggling with the Jets; 1-TD in 11-drives with the lst string offense.
...Cincinnati has problems everywhere. Carson Palmer 0-TDs in 10-drives in preseason; the defense gave up 458-yards a game in preseason.
...Cleveland is reeling, getting hammered 30-3 by the Giants then 26-6 by Detroit.
...The Colts, without Peyton Manning, have 3-TDs in 3-preseason games. Manning returns to practice tomorrow.
...Kansas City is disheartened with its offense after getting shutout 24-0 by the lowly Cardinals.
...Miami has won 2-in a row; Ricky Williams averaging nearly 5-yards per carry. Chad Pennington (11-115) 94-yards.
...Pittsburgh's Rashard Mendenhall had runs of 16-18-21 yards, but fumbled twice.
...Detroit has won 3-in a row.
...Rookie Joe Flacco may get consideration for the starting Ravens QB job, after throwing for 152 over the weekend.
...The CFL Toronto Argonauts have traded quarterback Michael Bishop to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for a draft pick; Bishop was (10-1) as a starter last year.
(College Football)
...A wild weekend for UCLA's Kevin Craft; he threw 3-interceptions on 3-passes in a row on Friday; Saturday he came back and went (11-for-12) passing. The Bruins host the Tennessee Vols next Monday.
...Mitch Mustain and Mark Sanchez will share starting QB snaps tonite as USC begins preparing for Saturday's game at Virginia.
...San Diego State remains undecided as to who will be their starting tailback, Brandon Sullivan, Tyler Campbell or Atiyyah Henderson for Saturday's opener with Cal Poly.
...UCLA is mooring the death of former star center Frank Cornish, who died in his sleep Saturday at the age of 41 in Texas.
(Baseball)
...The woeful Padres open a 6-game homestand tonite against lst place Arizona. San Diego drags with them a 7-game losing streak and a (48-82) record, 34-games under .500. Jake Peavy faces Dan Haren in a battle of hard throwers. It does not get easier for the Friars; they face Brandon Webb tomorrow then Randy Johnson on Wednesday.
...CBS Sportsline, rating owners in baseball, called John Moores the 2nd worst owner in baseball behind Orioles owner Peter Angelos, accusing Moores and Sandy Alderson of being phonies and pulling a 'bait and switch' deal on the city and its fans in the Petco Park scam.
...The Dodgers, staggering with an (11-11) record since the Manny Ramirez trade, close out their series in Philadelphia tonite. The Blue have a major problem with Jonathan Broxton, who has 3-losses and 2-blown saves in his last 8-outings. In 8-innings, Broxton has given up 7-runs and 11-hits. The Dodgers are 3-games behind lst place Arizona.
...Manny Ramirez has cooled off. After hitting .565 the first two weeks, he is hitting .261.
...Andru Jones has reinjured his knee a 2nd time at Las Vegas, where he is hitting .365 in a pCL rehab assignment..
...The Angels open a series against the collapsing Oakland A's. The A's have lost 12-series in a row, their worst showing since 1950, and have lost 20-of-26 since trading pitchers Joe Blanton and Rich Harden. Mark Teixeira, is hitting .400-since coming to the Angels in a trade-deadline deal. Frankie Rodriguez picked up his 50th save last nite.
...The Minnesota Twins picked up veteran reliever Eddie Guardardo from the Texas Rangers today for a minor league pitcher; he has 187-career saves and batters were hitting .220-against the lefthander this season.
...Showdown time coming in the AL-East. The Red Sox open a series tomorrow in New York against the Yankees. The Bosox have won 11-of-16 on the road; the Yankees have won 3-straight.
...The Cubs are red-hot again, (80-50) for the year.
...Cleveland, in rebuilding mode, has won 7-straight.
...Texas is fading fast, they have lost 14-of-17.
...Boston has pulled Josh Beckett from another start with on-going numbness in his hand.
...The Phillies have lost Geoff Jenkins.with a hip injury.
...Arizona starter Doug Davis is ailing, with back problems.
(Basketball)
...Team USA is coming home, red-white-blue and gold their colors, after beating down Spain yesterday. Kobe Bryant took over the game with a 3-point shot, a 4-point shot and 2-big assists to stun a Spanish comeback. The Gold Medal game turned into a Global game of horse; the US shot 61-percent from the floor, Spain shot 51-percent. Jerry Colangelo, the GM, and Coach Mike Krzyzewski rate big honors for bringing price, passion and star power together.
(General)
...The Olympics are history, and it rained hard in Beijing today. The Chinese finished with the Great Haul to the Great Wall, winning 51-Gold Medals. But China is still being criticized for its forced migrant labor camps, where 1.3-billion workers were on call and forced to work 20-hour days. The Power Show display with the Opening and Closing ceremonies was offset by the on-going power struggle at places like Tianemmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple Heaven.
...The snapshots are many from the Olympics, Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. The emotional US women's soccer win and the tears in the eyes of US Volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon, who goes from the Gold Medal ceremony to go home to a family funeral for his murdered father-in-law. It also includes a US swimmer heading home for cancer surgery; and a 1-legged Russian swimmer, and the Kenyan Marathon winner Sam Wansiru kneeling at the finish line to pray..
...The pictures include the 5-Chinese cheats, the medal winning gymnasts with their questionable passports; the dropped batons that ruined likely track relay victories; the ugly Cuban incident in which an athlete kicked a ref in the face; and the expulsion of a Swedish wrestler who threw his medal on the mat in protest of a bad refs call.
...The Opening ceremony that featured 7-6 Yao Ming and the 9-year old Chinese earthquake survivor; the lost boy of Sudan-US distance runner Lemong Lopez, who carried the US Flag; and an athlete from Iceland winning a medal.
...The best remembrance may have been a Georgian gymnast, hugging a Russian gymnast, the lst day of the bloody invasion and all the killings in that civil war in their country back home.
...The Olympics, a flawless show in a flawed country; all that Goodwill in a country where Bad Oppression still exists; handing out Gold Medals where heavy handed tactics still exist.
...IOC Chairman Juan Rogge said today he hopes the 'World Knows China better". I say we know "China will not change."
...In auto racing, NASCAR has another feud to deal with; Carl Edwards bumped Kyle Busch out of the way to win the Bristol 500-after Busch had led for 417-laps. Busch hit Edwards on the victory lap, and Edwards then spun Busch into the infield.
...Helio Castroneves broke a 30-race drought, winning the Sonoma Grand Prix, 2-days after a fire caused 3-million dollars damage, destroying his and teammates Ryan Briscoe's top cars.
...Some weekend in horse racing for Garrett Gomez; he wins the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday, then wins the Pacific Classic on 'Go Between' , coming from 8th place to lst yesterday.
...The tennis world turns its attention to the US Open tonite for its 2-week run in New York. Roger Federer tries to regain his fame, having lost at Wimbledon, then losing top seed to Raf Nadal.
