...The fire-sale players of Padres players continues. Veteran rightfielder Brian Giles, hitting. .296, may be headed to the Boston Red Sox in a waiver-trade. The Red Sox, hurting with injuries to David Ortiz, Mike Lowell and Jason Veritak, put in a waiver claim for Giles and are now trying to work out a deal to acquire Giles. The Red Sox would pick up the 11-million dollar option on next year's contract in addition to the remainder of this years contract.
Padres scouts have been at Pawtucket and Portland looking at Red Sox prospects. Amongst the players they are interested in are 24-home run hitting outfielder Chris Carter, young shortstop Jed Lowrie, and 5-Red Sox pitchers. Included that group are starter Clay Buckholz, who threw a no-hitter last year, Dave Pauley, who is (12-4) at Pawtucket; Hunter Jones, who is (7-2) as a reliever; Justin Masterson, who has a 2.89-at Triple Al, and Mike Bowden, who is (9-4) at Double A-Portland. Red Sox slumping centerfielder Coco Crisp, hitting .248, might also be on the block.
By virtue of expiring contracts and the deals involving Giles-Tony Clark and Randy Wolfe, the Padres will have 43-million dollars off next years payroll. That would include the expiring 10-million of Greg Maddux, 9-million to Giles, 6-million for Trevor Hoffman, and 4-million for Michael Barrett.
...The Padres bullpen cost them another game today. David Wright crushed a 2-run home in the 9th off Heath Bell to give the New York Mets a 5-3 over the Friars. Jody Gerut had homered in the top of the 9th to tie the game. Wright had a single-double and the walkoff home run. San Diego fell to (44-71), and heads to Colorado for a weekend series. The Padres have lost 32-of their last 45-games.
...Manny Ramirez hit another homer, a 2-run shot, giving the Dodgers a (4-1 win in St-Louis. The ex-Red Sox star is now (13-23), with 4-homers and 8RBIs in 6-games in LA, hitting .562. The Blue are 2-games behind Arizona in the pennant race.
...Derek Lowe had the worst outing of his Dodgers career, 3-innings, 8-runs, 13-hits allowed last nite.
...The Angels (71-43) are off tonite. The Yankees come to town tomorrow.
...The Yankees have put Joba Chamberlain on the DL with tendonitis in his shoulder after just 69-innings of work this year. He's the 4th Yankees starter on the DL, joining Chien Wang, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy out of the rotation.
...Yankees catcher Pudge Rodriguez is out for a week with a bruised knee.
...Texas outfielder David Murphy is out 4-weeks with a sprained knee.
...Red Sox slugger Kevin Youkilis had x-rays today on a badly bruised wrist after getting beaned last nite.
...The Indians have called up relievers Brendan Donnelly and Anthony Reyes from Buffalo.
...Tampa Bay has acquired reliever Chad Bradford from the Orioles for a minor league player.
...The Cubs traded reliever Scott Eyre to the Phillies for a minor leaguer.
...Trouble in Texas. Reliever CJ Wilson, who has bone spurs on his elbow, threw a ball at manager Ron Washington as he was being pulled from the game; the manager grabbed him by the arm, and made him stand on the mound till the reliever arrived.
...Detroit is in trouble with 19-blown saves from their bullpen of Joel Zumaya, Fernando Rodney and Todd Jones; the Tigers have lost 6-straight.
...Karl Keuhl, a longtime scout, who spent 12-years building and rebuilding the A's farm system, has passed away from a blood clot at the age of 70.
(Football)
...Brett is a Jet. In a stunning midnite trade, the Green Bay Packers traded quarterback Brett Favre to the New York Jets for a 4th round draft pick, that could be elevated as high as a number 2-pick. Green Bay gets a 3rd round pick if Favre plays 50-percent of the plays next year. The pick becomes a 2nd round choice if Favre gets the Jets into the playoffs. As part of the deal, the Packers put a poison pill in the deal; if the Jets were to trade Favre to Minnesota-Chicago or Detroit, they would have to send 3-number 1-picks to the Packers. Green Bay broke off trade talks with Tampa Bay after the Bucs refused to move off their offer of a 4th pick straight up.
...Favre leaves Green Bay coming off a marvelous 2007-season in which he threw 28-TDs with 15-picks. But in 2005-06 he had 38-TDs and 47-interceptions. He joins a (4-12) Jets team that has a journeyman running back in Thomas Jones and not the big play receivers he had in Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones in Green Bay. He will throw to Lavernius Coles and Jerome Cotchery in New York.
...Chad Pennington, coming off 2-shoulder surgeries, was released at 1pm this afternoon, after trade attempts failed. .
...The Packers called it a bittersweet moment, parting with Favre, calling it a no-fault divorce that had to happen.
...There are 5-NFL preseason games tonite.
...New England hosts Baltimore with Kevin O'Connell and Joe Flacco, the rookie quarterbacks, likely to play in the 4th quarter.
...The Giants without Jeremy Shockey and Michael Strachan play in Detroit.
...Brodie Coyle starts at quarterback for Kansas City against Chicago.
...Brady Quinn will play a lot tonite as Cleveland hosts the Jets.
...Drew Brees goes against Matt Leinart as New Orleans plays Arizona.
...Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young was impressive in 3-workouts against the Rams, (49-63) throwing the ball.
...Chris Long, the Rams lst round pick, had 3-quarterback sacks in a scrimmage with the Titans.
...Pittsburgh lst round draft pick running back Rashard Mendenhall has been moved to their number 1-punt return unit.
...Miami's coaching staff is furious with its receiving corps; 19-drops in 3-practices.
...Feisty Bears quarterback Rex Grossman says he and Kyle Orton don't care what the fans think; boos us if you want.
...The 49ers are benching Alex Smith, the lst round draft pick; JT O'Sullivan will start at quarterback against the Raiders.
...On the injury front:
...Not good news on the Chargers front; left tackle Marcus McNeil had an MRI for on-going neck stinger problems, and Luis Castillo and Igor Olshansky will miss this weekend with back woes.
...The Broncos have lost rookie running back Ryan Torain for 6-weeks with a broken elbow, and Dre Bly with a bruised forearm.
...Carolina lst round pick Jonathon Stewart left workouts today with pain in his surgically repaired toe.
...St-Louis Rams receiver Reche Caldwell is out with a hamstring injury.
...Cincinnati has lost rookie receiver Travis Brown with a hamstring injury.
...The Pittsburgh Steelers sale took a new turn today, and that is not good news for owner Dan Rooney. Pittsburgh billionaire Stan Druckenmiller has offered cash to buyout 4-Rooney brothers, which would alleviate all the clubs debt, but would leave Dan Rooney a minority owner.
...Ron Lancaster, a legendary 17-year star quarterback in the CFL, has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
...The autopsy on the body of drug dealer Dave Jacobs in Texas, showed he had 3-times the normal testosterone level in it. He killed his girlfriend with 7-shots and shot himself 3-times, days after he told the NFL he was dealing HGH and steroids to NFL players.
(College Football)
...UCLA has another quarterback injury issue; Ben Olson has developed severe soreness in his surgically repaired broken foot after just 2-workouts.
...USC has lost starting guard Jeff Byers with an enlarged spleen.
...Trojans football coach Pete Carroll says he has turned down a Nike request that USC used a 3rd jersey this year, black with Cardinal & Gold trim.
...Maurice Simmons, a USC recruit, has been found guilty of armed robbery and assault and faces 3-years in prison.
...San Diego State lost 1-recruit today, when receiver Malcom Culver elected to leave camp, to sign a pro baseball contract with the Kansas City Royals. It means SDSU, stripped of 3-scholarships next year because of APR grade problems, will not replace Culver, meaning they give up 2-grants next year.
...Aztecs coach Chuck Long said today SDSU is now number 2-in the Mountain West Conference in football GPA and 2nd to the Air Force in graduating players. ESPN.com wrote yesterday that Long is 1-of 6-coaches on the hot-seat, in danger of being fired, if the Aztecs don't win this year.
(Basketball)
...The Charlotte Bobcats signed ex-Cleveland free-agent guard Shannon Brown.
...A former University of Toledo guard, Sammy Villegas, has been indicted with shaving points in games over a 2-year period, and for giving money to another teammate to influence the outcome of games from 2004-to-2006. He was photographed with a known Michigan gambler. Villegas is playing pro ball in Puerto Rico. He averaged 13-points a game and was all Mid-American Conference but his game fell apart his final season, when he began shaving points and playing poorly.
(Hockey)
...Veteran Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild defenseman Sean Hill has signed to play in Switzerland.
...The Montreal Canadiens have signed ex-Flyers defenseman Chad Anderson.
...Brian Burke, who built the Anaheim Ducks into a Stanley Cup winner, has been named winner of the Lester Patrick Award for his service to hockey in the United States.
(General)
...President Bush arrived in Beijing for the Olympic Opening ceremonies, but was greeted with a stern warning from China's Foreign Ministry, President Hu, who said no one from the outside should interfere with China's internal affairs.
...The US Olympic Committee has chosen distance runner Lopez Lomong of Northern Arizona, to carry the American flag in the opening ceremonies. Lomong defected from the Sudan, where he was kidnapped from a church at age 6, taken to a forced labor camp, made a child soldier. He went AWOL, defected to Kenya as a teenage refugee, then was adopted by an American family in Syracuse. He went to school at NAU and qualified to run in the 1500-meter race.
...The Denver Post is reporting an American dissident, arrested on Wednesday for waving a Tibet flag outside of the Olympic stadium, has disappeared and not been heard from.
...An Islamic faction today released a video onto a website claiming China destroyed Islamic schools and forded Muslim women to have abortions in an outcry over religious harassment. The video showed up on computer websites in the Media Center.
...America's top 1500-man, Bernard Lagat, left Beijing last nite because of the pollution, to train in Dalian, 3-hours west of the city.
...Another setback for the American gymnastics team; Morgan Hamm has pulled out the floor exercises because of bone spurs problems; last week his brother Paul, dropped out because of wrist problems.
...Marvell Wynne of San Diego, the former UCLA star, set up the lone goal as the US beat Japan 1-0 this morning in a qualifying game.
...Ratief Goosen has the lead midway thru the lst round of the PGA Championships in Oakland, Michigan, at 3-under par. Robert Karlsson of Sweden is in the clubhouse at 2-under 68; Segio Garcia at 69. Phil Mickelson had three birdies in a row at the turn, and finished at 70. VJ Singh was 4-over still on the course.
...In NASCAR news, JJ Yeley has been fired as the driver for Hall of Fame racing.
...Martin Truex has signed a contract extension to stay as lead driver next year with DEI racing.
...The IRL is leaving ESPN-TV; they signed a deal to put 5-races on ABC-TV, the rest on Versus, which now has Indy racing, the Tour-de-France and the NHL.
...Brett Favre is no longer a Green Bay Packer. By late tonite he might be a Tampa Bay Buc or a New York Jet. The Packers were conducting trade talks with both teams thruout the day, as GM-Ted Thompson cancelled his press briefings and did not even watch Green Bay's practices. Green Bay reportedly is interested in a 2nd round pick and quarterback Chris Simms from the Bucs. They wanted a 2nd and 4th round pick from the Jets.
Meanwhile Favre left Green Bay at 12-25 this afternoon, headed to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Favre took part in a conference call at 11pm last nite with Tampa Bay coach John Gruden and reportedly was in contact with the New York Jets at mid-morning.
Favre met a 3rd time last night at 8pm, with Coach Mike McCarthy, but his bitterness remained towards the organization, and then had a late night meeting with Thompson, team President Mark Murphy and lawyer Russ Ball. Agent Bus Cook said the additional meetings made Favre feel 'unwelcome' on the team. Cook called it an insult that the team refused to allow Favre in the lockerroom on Sunday night or on the sidelines during their scrimmage. His wife, Deanna, before boarding the plane today said her husband deserved better treatment from the front office, calling the 'brutally honest meeting with the coach, grossly unfair, consider all Favre has done for the team..
Packers players sounded off for the lst time today. Cornerback Charles Woodson said it was time for the crisis to be over. Receiver Greg Jennings called it an ugly distraction. Linebacker Nick Barnett said it was time for the town support QB-Aaron Rogers.
On the field, Aaron Rogers, threw 3-interceptions yesterday and another one this morning in practice; Brian Brohm threw 2-picks in practice this morning.
A Milwaukee Journal survey showed 71-percent of their subscribers polled sided with the Packers not Favre in the controversy.
...The Dallas Cowboys, ready to break camp in Oxnard, say rookie running back Felix Jones and receiver Patrick Crayton have been the most impressive players in camp.
...Raiders quarterback J'Marcus Russell is struggling in camp, overloaded with information. He reportedly has separate meetings each day with Lane Kiffin, Greg Knapp, consultant Paul Hackett and Daryl Lamonica. Russell will play a whole half against the 49ers this weekend. The Raiders depth chart is out, and San Diego State rookie Chaz Schilens climbed to 3rd in the receivers corps.
...New England says Kevin O'Connell, the ex-Aztecs quarterback, will play possibly a quarter on Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore lst round pick Joe Flacco will play the entire 2nd half.
...Chicago says Kyle Orton will start at quarterback against Kansas City.
...Chiefs rookie running back Jamal Charles broke off 2-explosive runs in a scrimmage last nite,covering 17-and-32 yards.
...Miami, upset at John Beck and Josh McCown's poor play, used rookie QB Chad Henne with the number 1-offense today.
...The NFL has slapped Falcons corner Jimmy Williams, a former lst round pick, with a 5-game suspension for a drug violation.
...Denver receiver Brandon Marshall will miss 3-games with a suspension for 3-off the field domestic abuse incidents.
...On the NFL injury front:
...San Diego Chargers big play receiver Vincent Jackson missed his 8th straight workout with hamstring problems.
...Cleveland Browns safety Gary Baxter, coming off 2-torn patella tendons, has now had cartilage surgery and is out 4-weeks.
...Atlanta has put rookie linebacker Robert James from Arizona State on the IR-list for the year with severe concussion problems.
...Kansas City linebacker Donnie Edwards left workouts with hamstring problems.
...Detroit defensive tackle Corey Redding went down with a groin injury.
...Denver center Tom Nalen could be out 4-weeks with knee scope surgery.
...On the roster front:
...The Houston Texans have signed ex-Eagles DB-Dexter Wynn.
...The Washington Redskins released safety Stuart Schwigert, the ex-Raiders safety.
(College Football)
...USC opened workouts today with a veteran walkthru and a newcomers walkthru in the morning. Arkansas transfer quarterback Mitch Mustain ran the 2nd team offense. The Trojans must replace 3-offensive line starters.
...UCLA gave Ben Olson 60-snaps with the lst unit, and ex-Aztec Kevin Craft just 10-snaps with the number 1-offense in their first workout yesterday. The Bruins announced this morning that Olson will be their starting quarterback for the rest of camp. Ossar Rasshan, a 3rd quarterback-receiver, will not practice because of knee surgery.
...San Diego State, with another workout at Camp Pendleton, has lost defensive lineman Peter Nelson with a recurring hand injury. He was being moved to offensive guard. Tight end Eric Micolot will be held out with the flu again. Aztecs coach Chuck Long praised his two redshirt freshmen bookend tackles Kurt Guenther and Mike Matamua, saying they are ready to play at this level. Only 2-of-105 players on the Aztecs roster has an academic issue. Freshman running back Raymond Judkins is being held up by the NCAA clearinghouse. DeMarco Sampson will be held out till September lst. 42-of 44-recruits, who signed at State the last two years, have remained eligible, as SDSU upgrades its academic side of the program.
In Mountain West-and-WAC notes:
...Hawaii has lost starting quarterback Tyler Graunke with academic issues; he will not report to camp.
...BYU has lost starting center Tom Sorenson for 6-weeks with shoulder surgery; they may be forced to move left tackle Dallas Reynolds to center.
...UNLV has named Omar Clayton as starting QB, and moved last year's starter Travis Dixon to starting safety.
...Utah got good news; top tailback Matt Asiata, who broke a leg last year, and has been cleared for all workouts.
...Wyoming's top receiver Greg Bolling, who missed last year academic problems, cleared eligibility today.
In the PAC-10.
...Oregon State shutdown quarterback Sean Canfield, coming off shoulder surgery, with more should soreness.
...Stanford has elevated Michigan transfer quarterback Jason Forcier to number 2-behind Tavita Pritchard.
...Cal has lost its left tackle Mike Tipper with a hamstring and pectoral injury.
(Baseball)
...The Padres, losers of 31-of-43, play the Mets again tonite in New York. They face a struggling Pedro Martinez, who has a (3-2) record with a 6.16-ERA.
...Edgar Gonzales made another poor defensive play last nite, his 5th in 2-weeks, allowing the Mets to build an early lead last nite to hold on for the 6-5 win.
...The Dodgers are in St-Louis again tonite. Manny Ramirez is hitting, no-one else is. The ex-Red Sox slugger is now (10-18) batting .625. But Russell Marin is (4-17) and James Loney is (2-9). The Blue are two and a half games back of lst place Arizona.
...Brad Penney, out 7-weeks with shoulder woes, is coming off the DL and will start on Friday.
...A steamed Mike Scosia is denying he is over-using Frankie Rodriguez, to try and get him the baseball save record. K-Rod is on a pace for 67-saves this year. The Halos play the Orioles tonite, with Erwin Santana shooting for his 13th win..
...The Angels are (70-43) this season; their Salt Lake Triple A-club is (70-47) in the PCL.
...Tampa Bay is refusing to wilt in the pennant race; they now have a 3-game lead over the Red Sox and 6-over the Yankees. New York, ravaged by injuries, has lost 7-of-10.
...Yankees pitching ace Joba Chamberlain has flown to Pensacola to have his ailing shoulder examined by Dr-James Andrews.
...Baltimore outfielder Adam Jones has left the team to fly home with a possible fractured foot.
...St-Louis pitcher Chris Carpenter comeback continues; he has allowed 1-run in 11-innings.
...Tampa Bay benched outfielder BJ Upton for failing to run out a ground ball.
...The Colorado Rockies have claimed Minnesota Twins pitcher Livan Hernandez on waivers.
...Seattle has put DH-Jose Vidro, batting .234, on waivers.
...Tampa Bay is considering calling up lst round draft pick David Price from Double A ball; he is (6-0) with a 2.08-ERA and 48-strikeouts in 52-innings.
...Kris Benson, coming off shoulder surgery, has a 2.15-ERA at Lehigh Valley and may be recalled by the Phillies.
(Basketball)
...Sources close to LeBron James say the Cleveland Cavs superstar would consider signing a 50-million dollar marketing contract to play in Europe when he becomes a free-agent after the 2009-season. CSK-Moscow has had creative dialogue with James marketing firm. He would want a David Beckham type contract. NBA rumors are flying that the Knicks and New Jersey Nets have cleared cap room to make a run at LeBron in 2-years.
...Earl Boykins, the Cavaliers backup guard, has left the NBA, signing with the Bologna team in Italy.
...Longtime New York Knick guard Alan Houston, out 2-years with microfracture surgery, has worked out with the Suns and may consider a comeback with them. The Suns are also talking to ex-Celtics guard Sam Cassell.
...The LA Clippers have traded a 2nd round draft pick to the Houston Rockets for 6-10.. 3-point shooting forward Steve Novak.
...The Miami Heat have set up a free-agent workout with ex-Clipper guard Shaun Livingston.
...Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon, tired of off the court problems, said today guard Jamal Tinsley will be traded before opening day.
...The NBA released its schedule today. The Lakers will open at home with Greg Oden and the Portland Trailblazers on October 28th; they also play the Champion Boston Celtics on Christmas Day. The Lakers play 15-of-19 games at home in November and December; they have 6-and-7 game road trips in January and February.
(Hockey)
...The New York Islanders today interviewed ex-LA Kings coach Mark Crawford, who just last week took a job with the CBC and Hockey Nite in Canada.
(General)
...Team USA's women's soccer team turned the ball over twice infront of their net early, allowed 2-goals in 4-minutes, and lost to Norway 2-0 in an Olympic qualifying game in China.
...In a surprise, Brazil's women's team was tied 0-0 by Germany.i
...Problems in Beijing continued today. 4-tourists, 2-Americans, were arrested for unfurling the Tibet Flag near the Olympic Stadium.
...China revoked the passport of Gold medal speed skater Joe Cheek, who was planning to protest on behalf the oppression of people from Darfur.
...An AP writer was hassled for filing a story, calling Beijing a 'sanitized city', saying China is putting flags and banners over decrepit buildings, whorehouses, and shutting down all little businesses. The writer said the real Beijing will be hidden behind fences and flags, and what the world will see will be 'only for face'.
...A former University of Arizona swimmer Amanda Beard was detained for hanging a nude poster of herself to protest for PETA and the killing of animals in China.
...4-Japanese journalists were detained and beaten yesterday, for taking pictures in Tiananmen Square
...A divorce is coming in Green Bay with the Packers and quarterback Brett Favre, likely within hours. Favre met for 5-hours last nite with Coach Mike McCarthy, then met for another 3-hours this morning. In the process, the two lashed out at each other over 'honesty'. Favre drove away at 1-30 this afternoon and was headed for a showdown meeting with GM-Ted Thompson, likely to evaluate trade offers for the 38-year old quarterback.
NFL-Network is reporting that McCarthy, in last nites meeting, that went from 6-till after 11pm, backpedaled on giving Favre a chance to take part in open competition for the starters job, telling Favre, Aaron Rogers would get the bulk of the lst team snaps. They met again this morning, with Favre questioning the team's honesty and wondering where their 100-percent commitment to him was.
The Milwaukee Journal reported that McCarthy criticized Favre for his lack of off-season commitment, if he wanted to play so badly in April, how come he never once came to off-season workouts.
The Green Bay Press Gazette reported the stormy meetings led to McCarthy cancelling a team meeting last nite, a quarterback meeting this morning, and arriving late for the 2-30 practice. When he arrived, Packers fans starting chanting 'We Want Brett' thruout drills.
The Wisconsin State Journal reported also that Favre was not allowed access to the teams lockerroom before Sunday nights scrimmage, and the club would not allow Favre to stand on the sidelines. ESPN quoted Favre this afternoon saying 'they don't want me back' calling the talks a waste of time and a stalemate. He also says he is softening his stance on a possible trade to Tampa Bay.
...The Chargers suffered a setback when Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick had more pain with his surgically repaired foot, while running, and has been placed in a boot, setting back his rehab even further. Linebacker Anthony Waters, who missed 2-full seasons with knee surgeries, was activated from the PUP list and moved to 2nd string linebacker. Carlos Polk, the oft-injured linebacker, was dropped to 3rd string. The Bolts began putting plays in for this weekends exhibition game with the Dallas Cowboys, in what could be a matchup of Super Bowl contenders. San Diego, with the best running back in the NFL, the best tight end, the best nose-tackle, linebacker and cover corner appear to have the deepest, most athletic team in the league.
...Controversy and criticism hit the Raiders camp today. Javon Walker, who talked about retirement last week, has been ripped by Coach Lane Kiffen about being overweight and uninspired. Meanwhile quarterback Javon Walker seems overloaded with information, having to listen to input from Kiffin, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, consultant Paul Hackett, and now former legend Daryle Lamonica.
...Carolina DB-Ken Lucas, facing surgery for facial fractures after getting assaulted by teammate Steve Smith, has forgiven him for the attack, saying it will bring the team together.
...Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Shawn Andrews has flown to that city to see a psychiatrist for severe depression.
...Jacksonville tight end Matt Jones, facing drug possession charges, says he does not have a cocaine problem, despite being arrested with 6-grams of cocaine last month.
...Rams running back Steven Jackson will lose 1-year seniority towards NFL free-agency, if he does not report to camp by midnite tonite. He is demanding a multiyear contract extension with a 20-million signing bonus.
...On the roster front:
...The New England Patriots have signed ex-Falcons tackle Barry Stokes, and ex-Chiefs guard John Wellbourn..
...The Arizona Cardinals have released veteran backup running back Marcel Shipp, and signed for San Diego State center Jasper Harvey, who had been with the Eagles and Redskins.
...Atlanta has signed ex-Bills safety Coy Wire.
...The Detroit Lions have signed ex-USC safety Darnell Bing, who had been with the Redskins,.
...Seattle guard Chris Gray, who started 121-straight games, retired because of spinal stenosis.
...Chicago Bears top draft pick, Vanderbilt left tackle Chris Williams, missed his l0th day of practice with back problems.
...Houston's new running back Mike Bell left workouts today with hamstring problems.
...Cleveland rookie linebacker Beau Bell is hobbling with hamstring problems.
...Redskins receiver Malcom Kelly will be out 2-weeks with knee surgery, joining their top rookie Devin Thomas, who is out 2-more weeks with hamstring problems.
...On the field:
...Green Bay moved rookie Brett Swain of San Diego State to their number 2-slot receiver and number 2-punt return man.
...The Bears named Matt Forte as their starting tailback.
...Denver moved veteran tailback Michael Pittman to fullback.
...Kansas City demoted veteran Damon Huard to 3rd string quarterback, elevating Tyler Thigpen to number 2.
...Baltimore named Kyle Boller as starting QB this weekend.
...Miami demoted free-agent receiver Ernest Williford and moved Derek Hagan to the top spot.
...Pittsburgh benched center Sean Mahan, replacing him with Justin Hartwig.
...New Orleans Pro Bowl back Deuce McAlister, plagued by knee fluid problems, went thru 2-workouts without problems.
...Redskins coach Jim Zorn criticized rookie QB-Colt Brennan for throwing too many balls up for grabs, despite a (9-for-10) nite-Sunday.
...49ers receiver Jason Hill of Washington State burned Raiders DB-D'Angelo Hall for 2-TD catches in joint workouts.
(College Football)
...USC opened camp today losing 1-recruit, offensive tackle Dan Campbell, who is going to Hargreaves Military Academy The Trojans welcome back 4-top tailbacks, new quarterback Mark Sanchez, Arkansas transfer receiver Damian Williams and a loaded defense.
...UCLA is in crisis mode, opening camp with only 2-offensive lineman who have ever played in a PAC-game, new quarterback Kevin Craft, 2-running backs coming off surgeries, and moving a defensive end and defensive tackle and a tight end into offensive line positions. Rick Neuhisel add 7-walkon non-scholarship lineman to camp today.
...San Diego has 105-players on the field this afternoon, opening 2-days of helmet only workouts at Camp Pendleton. The Aztecs players slept in barracks last nite on the post, got up with the Marines at 5-30am, had Mess Hall at 6am, took a tour of the base then went to meetings. They will take part in a Marine lecture at 7pm tonite.
...Arizona State is pulling out of Camp Tontozona, where they trained since the l950s-Frank Kush era; they will practice in their new on campus indoor bubble.
...Kentucky has expelled quarterback Curt Pulley, following arrests for DUI and marijuana.
...2-Miami Hurricanes running backs were hospitalized with heat stroke this afternoon, including Damien Berry and Lee Chambers.
(Baseball)
...The surging Dodgers will have Manny Ramirez in left field tonite in St-Louis. He went (8-for-15) over the weekend in LA. Chad Billingsley starts against Cris Carpenter.
...The Red Sox-Dodgers trade brought the Dodgers a big influx of cash over the weekend. They sold 351-extra season tickets, worth 1.7-million dollars for the final 22-home games of the schedule. They also sold 746,000-dollars in tickets and Man-Ram tee shirts over the weekend. A net gain of 3.2-million dollars for a player they are paying nothing for for the rest of the season.
...The Padres open a 6-game road trip in New York tonite, their final trip into Shea Stadium. They have lost 4-of-5 and 30-of-42 since June 15th. Righthander Chris Young starts tonite against Mike Pelfrey.
...The Angels, who survived a Frankie Rodriguez meltdown last nite, when he allowed 4-runs in the 9th, go for another win tonite against Baltimore. The Halos, who won on bases loaded walks last nite, are now (70-42).
...Milwaukee manager Ned Yost says there will be no fines from last nites dugout fite with Prince Fielder and pitcher Manny Parra; the slugger shoved the pitcher to the floor after he gave up 6-runs in 6-innings and wanted to go to the clubhouse. The heat of the pennant race is getting to the Brewers; they have lost 7-of-9. Fielder apologized today.
...Huge controversy in Chicago, where umpire Wally Bell let the Cubs and Astros play 2-innings in a rain, with lightning all around Wrigley Field and where a tornado warning was issues. They wound up in a 2-plus hour rain delay finally, but there was danger all around the stadium and he did not stop play.
...The American League suspended KC pitcher Zack Grienke and White Sox catcher Miguel Olivo for 5-games and manager Ozzie Guillen for 3-for triggering a bean ball brawl over the weekend.
...The Yankees have sent top young starter Joba Chamberlain home for examination of deltoid muscle damage in his shoulder.
...Mets relief ace Billy Wagner has gone on the DL with a strained pitching forearm.
...Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, coming off surgery, has reinjured his ailing wrist.
...Baltimore's Adam Jones had an MRI for a possible fracture of a foot, caused by a foul ball.
...The Cubs activated closer Kerry Wood from the DL-he had blister problems.
...Tampa Bay is without outfielder Carl Crawford, with a hamstring problem, and shortstop Jason Bartlett, with a jammed finger.
...Oakland A's slugger Eric Chavez will have surgery for a frayed labrum, and faces 6-months rehab.
...Baseball is mourning the passing of longtime Braves announcer Skip Caray, the Mouth of the South, and son of legendary Harry Carary.
(Basketball)
..Team USA is headed to Beijing, after struggling today to beat Australia in their final exhibition game. Coach Mike Krzyzewski called this team a sharing-trusting-understanding team, playing quality team basketball. They went (5-0) in exhibition games averaging 110-points a game.
...Lakers guard Jordan Farmar has arrived in Jerusalem to meet with college students and put on basketball clinics. Invited by Nobel Prize winner Shimon Peres, Farmar is the only Jewish player in the NBA.
(Hockey)
...The Buffalo Sabres have stolen highly regard Kevin Dineen from the Anaheim Ducks; Dineen will coach the Buffalo AHL farmclub in Portland, Maine. He was (45-26-9) with the Ducks top farmclub.
(General)
...The battles are beginning in Beijing. 16-police officers were killed by a car bomb blast last nite in that Western Province with a Muslim terrorist group taking credit. Today, 2-Japanese reporters were confronted an beaten by Military police, taking pictures in Tienneman Square.
...Chinese IOC officials were upset with American cycling athletes, who showed up today, wearing face masks because of pollution.
...Last weekend, 9-German athletes were detained for handing out circulars of pictures of arrested dissidents being held in Beijing.
...In soccer, the LA Galaxy reportedly are about to fire GM-Alexi Lalis; the team, despite having goal scorers David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Carlos Ruiz on offense, has gone 7-games without a win, and might not make the playoffs for the third year in a row.
...Brett Favre is in Green Bay, whether he is the leader of the Pack remains to be seen. The NFL reinstated him at 1-this afternoon, and Favre was taking a physical this afternoon and doing running drills this afternoon. He is slated to be on the field at 2-tomorrow afternoon; still to be decided is whether he is Aaron Rogers backup or is given the chance to go head-to-head for the starting job.
...Aaron Rogers had a horrible night last nite in the Packers controlled scrimmage at Lambeau Field. 60-thousand fans booed him when he struggled thruout the evening. Rogers was (1-for-11) passing early and finished (7-for-20) with an interception and no TDs in the scrimmage.
...Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith, who sucker punched teammate Ken Lucas shattering his nose and forehead, apologized to his teammates today; he was suspended for 2-games and fined 205-thousand dollars for the violent act, the 2nd time he has assaulted a teammate.
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...The Indianapolis Colts, ripped apart by injuries, are interested in Pro Bowl safety John Lynch, who left the Denver Broncos camp.
...The Raiders say Javon Walker met twice owner Al Davis to discuss retirement, and offered to repay his 11-million signing bonus, but the coaching staff talked him out of quitting. Walker is struggling to come back from head injuries suffered when he was robbed in Las Vegas.
...The Raiders are having more problems with their defensive front; big money tackle Tommy Kelly's weight has ballooned to 331-pounds and tackle Terdell Sands has fluid buildup in a knee. Oakland has moved 6-3 tailback Michael Bush into their lead back on the goaline offense.
...Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jon Runyon told his teammates to forget about holdout guard Shawn Andrews, saying he doesn't want his job or his paycheck, move on.
...Cincinnati lst round pick Keith Rivers remains out of camp in the l0th day of his holdout.
...Jacksonville is furious with pass rusher Derrick Harvey, who is asking for a 20-million dollar bonus, more than QB-David Garrard got.
...Baltimore coach John Harbaugh is catching heat; 21-Ravens are out of camp with injuries.
...The Seattle Seahawks are without 14-players in workouts with injuries.
...New England quarterback Tom Brady left workouts with a calf strain; the Pats put tackle Anthony Clement on IR with a knee injury.
...Kansas City lst round pick Glen Dorsey will miss 1-week with a sprained knee; the other lst round pick, tackle Brandon Albert has a sprained foot and could be out 4-weeks.
...Philadelphia running back Brian Westbrook has been quarantined with a viral infection. Tight end Matt Schobel has a bruised leg.
...Atlanta Falcons big money running back Michael Turner left workouts with a bruised shoulder.
...Tampa Bay has lost receiver Antonio Bryant with fluid buildup on his knee.
...Colts running back Joseph Addai saw doctors today for a strained neck and a concussion.
...Houston receiver Andre Johnson is out with a groin injury.
...Washington now has 10-major injuries; tackles Todd Wade and Stephen Beyer were both hurt last nite; an ankle and a knee strain.
...Arizona is without their number 2-and-3 receivers, Early Doucet and Anquan Bolden, both with hamstring problems.
...Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, who has missed 14-workouts, has been cleared to begin running workouts.
...On the field:
...Miami's quarterback crisis continues. John Beck went (2-10) in a scrimmage last nite; Josh McCoun was (3-11) with 2-picks, and the number 1-offense had 2-TDs in 11-series.
...Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens was awful last nite (8-22).
...Washington rookie QB Colt Brennan of Hawaii was (9-10) for 120 and 2-scores in last nites Hall of Fame game win.
...Chicago Bears QB-Rex Grossman came up hot, (15-for-18) in a scrimmage last nite.
...49ers backup quarterback JT O'Sullivan went (7-for-7) in his lst scrimmage.
...Denver field goal kicker Matt Prater went (10-for-10) this weekend including 54-and 68-yard field goals in practice.
...New England coach Bill Belichick praised rookie quarterback Kevin O'Connell, saying he shows great confidence under center after being converted from a shotgun formation, and says he makes the quickest decisions of any rookie QB he has seen.
...Kansas City demoted Jeff Webb to 4th on the depth chart, replaced by Baltimore free-agent Devard Darling.
...On the roster front:
...New England has signed ex-49ers offensive tackle Barry Stokes.
...Buffalo has signed ex-Denver linebacker Donnie Spragen.
...Baltimore signed ex-Redskins receiver Darrien McCants.
...The Steelers have signed ex-Eagles kick returner Jeremy Bloom.
...Veteran Seattle Seahawks center Chris Gray, with back problems, retired today.
...A 4th co-defendant in the OJ Simpson case armed robbery Las Vegas case plead guilty today, and will testify against the former NFL star.
...Ex-New England safety Tebucky Jones is under investigation for a sexual harassment case in Las Vegas.
...Ex-Florida quarterback John Reaves was arrested for pulling a gun on a man and for possession of cocaine.
..Army football coach Stan Brock has undergone prostate cancer surgery and will take part in limited coaching for a month.
...Georgia coach Mark Richt has suspended 3-more players for a bar brawl. 8-Georgia players have been arrested since 2008.
...Penn State coach Joe Paterno met with the the schools President over the weekend over 17-arrests this year.
(Baseball)
...Travel day for the Dodgers and Padres.
...Manny Ramirez has had some start for the Blue; (8-13), 2-homers and 5-RBIs. Ramirez and 3rd baseman Casey Blake are hitting a combined .448 in the lineup. The Dodgers play in St-Louis tomorrow.
...Player Agent Scott Boras is denying reports in Boston he called the Red Sox an hour after the Ramirez trade was made with the Dodgers, begging Boston to let Man-Ram stay on the roster for the rest of the year.
...The Padres are headed to New York to face the Mets tomorrow. Catcher Nick Hundley threw out 3-straight baserunners over the weekend.
...The Angels, who allowed the Yankees to score 10-straight unearned runs yesterday, open a homestand with the Orioles tonite.
...Ken Griffey has apologized for making a slit throat sign in a Reds game last weekend.
...Baseball is mourning the death of Skip Caray, the longtime voice of the Atlanta Braves for 33-years; he died in his sleep yesterday from diabetes and heart problems.
...Minor league baseball suspended Carmelo Martinez for 20-games and fined him 1500-dollars for triggering a Midwest League brawl in a game between Dayton and Peoria. 15-players were also suspended, and pitcher Jose Castillo is facing felony assault charges.
...The St-Louis Cardinals have released pitcher Matt Clement, who failed to come back from shoulder surgery.
...The Atlanta Braves have released lefthanded reliever Royce Ring.
...Boston 3rd baseman Mike Lowell had an ailing hip examined.
...New York Mets reliever Billy Wagner had an MRI on his ailing forearm today; pitcher John Maine was put on the DL with rotator cuff issues.
...Atlanta pitcher Tim Hudson faces 12-months of rehab after he has elbow ligament transplant surgery this week.
...Braves closer Ralf Soriano has gone on the DL for a third time this year with elbow miseries.
...St-Louis outfielder Chris Duncan will have surgery for 2-disc replacements in his neck tomorrow and is done for the year.
...The Dodgers have activated starter Brad Penny from the DL after a 55-pitch rehab start at Las Vegas.
(Basketball)
...Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce was handcuffed and questioned by Las Vegas police over a drinking incident, but was not charged.
...Orlando Magic guard Carlos Arroyo, who averaged 7-a game last year, has signed to play for Maccai Tel Aviv in Israel.
...The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed guard Terance Kinsey, who played in Turkey last year.
...A Dallas judge has ordered Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to pay 6.5 million back salary and 1.6-million in legal fees for violating Don Nelson's buyout clause.
...Pat Summitt, the Hall of Fame coach at Tennessee, has donated 600-thousand dollars to the University to fund woman's scholarships and endow grants for assistant coaches.
(Hockey)
...John Van Boxmeer, a longtime Montreal Canadiens star, and a minor league coach, is in critical condition after a heart attack while working at a hockey school in Berne, Switzerland.
...The LA Kings fired assistant coaches Mike Johnston and Dave Lewis today; new head coach Terry Murray is hiring goalie coach Bill Ranford and longtime NHL players Mark Hardy and Nelson Emerson to assist him.
(General)
...Reuters News Service is reporting that the Chinese government has rejected 21-applications from groups that want to protest at the Olympics. The Chinese Olympic Committee had set aside a protest area 7-miles from the Stadium, but is refusing to grant permits.
...Reuters also reported 221-websites have been blocked at the Media Center, stopping the flow of outside information to reporters in Beijing.
...Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps arrived in Beijing today for final training before competition next week.
...Carl Edwards gambled on fuel, and went 41-laps at Pocono without a final pit stop to win yesterday's NASCAR race.
...The 2-big names in the Hungarian Grand Prix failed to win yesterday; points leader Lewis Hamilton had tired problems and Felipe Massa had a fire in the pits.
...Big Brown is back; the Triple Crown hopeful came from behind to win the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, and now will likely head to Saratoga.
...Soccer star David Beckham is tired of losing; despite his 6-million dollar a year salary, the LA Galaxy are (6-8-5) and he has scored 1-goal this year in the MLS.
...A new month, and a new leftfielder, and a new power hitter in the pennant race. It's August lst, and Manny Ramirez will be in the Dodgers lineup tonite against the Arizona Diamondbacks, as they meet in Game 2-of their series in Los Angeles. The Dodgers are 2-games behind Arizona in the fight for lst place, and add 518-career home runs to their batting order tonite. Renting the free-spirited slugger from the Red Sox, Ramirez could rocket the Dodgers to the top in the NL-West and into the playoffs.
The Dodgers have 18-games left against good clubs; 9-games left this season with Arizona, 6-with the Phillies and 3-with Milwaukee. The other 31-games are against staggering Colorado, and the also ran Padres-Pirates-Giants and Washington Nationals.
Critics are everywhere over the deal. The Dodgers gave up only 3rd baseman Andy LaRoche and top minor league Class A-pitcher Brian Morris. But they inherit a bad glove in left, a bad baserunner, and a bad attitude. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said Manny was all about personality. In Boston, they were tired of his petulance. Moaning about his money; the dugout fite; shoving a 64-year old man; begging out of games; taking 3-strikes standing against the Yankees killing a rally; begging out of ballgames; dogging it on the basepaths; loafing in leftfield..
The Red Sox are being ripped too, for not only paying all 7-million left on Man-Ram's contract, but also shipping away 2-top prospects, and not getting the 2-first round draft picks as compensation. They do put Jason Bay, who came from the Pirates in the lineup tonite in place of Ramirez, but most wonder if the Bosox traded themselves out of the AL-East pennant race.
...The Dodgers have rookie Clayton Kershaw on the mound tonite against Arizona lefthander Randy Johnson. The Big Unit is (4-0) with a 1.71-ERA in the last month; he is also (8-0) in his last 9-starts against the Dodgers.
...The Padres open a weekend series with the Giants tonite, without shortstop Khalil Green, likely gone for the year with a broken hand after punching a locker on Wednesday night. Tim Lincecum (11-3), the strikeout leader, starts for the Giants.
...The Angles continue to bludgeon opponents, ripping the Yankees last nite after sweeping the Red Sox at Fenway. The Halos have won 12-of-14, went (19-6) in July, and are (68-40) this year. The Halos have also beaten the Yankees 22-of the last 34-times they have played. Erwin Santana goes against Sidney Ponson. Big bats are carrying the Angels; Tori Hunter is hitting .369 during a 13-game hitting streak and Vlad Guerrero is batting .321 since July lst.
...White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen pulled his team off the field last nite in Minnesota after Twins fans threw bottles, baseballs and debris on the field after manager Ron Gardenhire was tossed from the game.
...The Washington Nationals have released .230-hitting catcher Paul LoDuca and 2nd baseman Felipe Lopez.
...Dontrelle Willis, using a no-windup delivery, threw 5-strong innings, giving up 1-run, pitching for Detroit's Class A-Lakeland team.
...The Pirates, who dealt away sluggers Xavier Nady and Jason Bay, have acquired 6-pitchers, a 3rd baseman and leftfield heading for their 16th straight losing season.
...The Oakland A's continue to plummet. They are (2-10) since trading away pitchers Rich Harden and Joe Blanton; they have acquired 20-young players in 5-trades since the lst of the year.
(Football)
...The Brett Favre circus continues, amidst reports, the Commissioner has given the Packers till midnite tonite to determine their relationship; reports Favre wants to meet with former Packers CEO-Bob Harlan to negotiate a settlement; and a third report he would consider a front office job with the club. The Green Bay Press Gazette reported the Packers actually made the offer of a front office job back on March 6th when Favre said he was retiring. He did not respond. The 10-year-20 million dollar offer was presented a 2nd time on Wednesday by team President Mark Murphy.
...The USA-Today preseason college football poll is out, with hi-powered Georgia and quarterback Matt Stafford ranked number one. USC, with its running game and loaded defense is 2nd. Hi-powered Ohio State is 3rd, with Sam Bradford and Oklahoma rated 4th and Florida with quarterback Tim Tebow 5th. There were surprises with LSU, without a quarterback rated 6th. Arizona State, loaded on offense with quarterback Rudy Carpenter, 3-receivers and 2-running backs, was ranked only 16th.
...In NFL training camp notes:
...Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith, who knocked out a teammate in a film room fight in 2004, injured safety Ken Lucas in an of the field fight today at camp, closing his eye with a punch and opening a large gash on his head in a sideline fight. Smith was expelled from practice.
...Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio is furious at holdout lst round pick, pass rusher Derrick Harvey; he is asking for a 20-million bonus, more than quarterback David Garrard just signed for.
...The Raiders today decided to let lst round pick Darren McFadden return punts, and also will give him snaps at wide receiver.
...Atlanta says it will go to a 'Power Ball' offense, with running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, and wants to run the ball 40-times a game.
...Miami demoted starting center Matt Spanos and guard Shawn Murphy after they allowed 3-sacks on 3-straight plays.
...The Tennessee Titans released wide receiver Mike Williams, a former lst round draft pick, overweight and lacking speed.
...Miami worked out free-agent quarterback Vince Carter twice yesterday; he is the ex-Cowboys starter who has battled drug issues in the NFL-CFL and Arena League.
...The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former Pro Bowl kick return man Eddie Drummond of the Detroit Lions.
...The Houston Texans signed ex-Denver starting running back Mike Bell.
...Detroit has signed ex-Rams starting center Andy McCollum.
...Arizona has signed former Browns right tackle Kelly Butler.
...Carolina has signed ex-Arizona State defensive tackle Mark Marquardt.
...On the NFL injury front:
...13-Rams players missed workouts today with injuries.
...Eagles tight end LJ Smith went down with a calf injury.
...Kansas City lst round pick Brandon Albert sprained an ankle.
...colts linebacker Gary Brackett injured his hip.
...Cleveland starting linebacker Antwan Peek will miss 6-weeks with knee surgery.
...Buffalo safety Ko Simpson, out all last year with a broken ankle, reinjured it last nite.
...Arizona is without their top 2-centers, Al Johnson and Scott Peters, both having MRI's for knee problems.
...It's Hall of Fame Weekend in Canton, Ohio, with ex-Redskin Darrell Green, 49ers and Chargers pass rusher Fred Dean, legendary Washington receiver Art Monk, ex-Chief safety Emmitt Thomas, New England linebacker Andre Tippett, and Broncos lineman Gary Zimmerman to be enshrined.
...Legendary quarterback Warren Moon, now a broadcaster with the Seahawks, has undergone evaluation for alcohol abuse after 3-DUI incidents.
...San Diego State football coach Chuck Long, speaking at the Aztecs Media Day, says the team has only 1-academic issue, 1-injury issue, and all 21-recruits have been cleared to enter school and take part in preseason workouts, starting Monday. Good news, tight end Eric Miclot, who spent 2-years recovering from a catastrophic knee injury, has been cleared to play; center Tom Draheim will be out 6-weeks with a shoulder injury suffered when he fell during an offseason workout. Receiver D'Marco Sampson will not join the team till September lst to clear up academic issues. The Aztecs expect to add 1-more JUCO transfer player next Monday, and are awaiting word on 1-recruit being evaluated in the NCAA-Clearinghouse. He praised quarterback Ryan Lindley, saying he has never seen a freshman quarterback who can read defenses as quickly and get thru his progressions as quickly as the redshirt freshman does.
(Basketball)
...Houston forward Ron Artest has told center Yao Ming he won't change his ways on the court, saying "I am ghetto'. Yao said he hoped Artest, who came in the trade from Sacramento, would quit fighting with people and play basketball.
...The LA Clippers have signed 6-9 defensive forward Brian Skinner to a contract; he has averaged 5-points-5 rebounds a game in his career.
...The 76ers ended the threat they would lose hi scoring young guard Louis Williams, signing him to a 5-year deal.
...The Detroit Pistons have lost 6-ll draft pick Trent Plaisted; he has signed with Biella-Italy in the European Pro League.
..Illinois has expelled guard Jamal Smith for violating his 3-years probation and getting arrested for drinking again. Smith was convicted of drunk driving and felony assualt for an auto accident 2-years ago, in which he left the scene of an accident, leaving badly injured 6-11 center Brian Carwell in the vehicle to die. Carwell recovered but transferred to San Diego State.
(Hockey)
...Reuters News Service says 37-year old NHL star Mats Sundin is thinking of retiring. He has been offered a 10-million dollar a year deal by the Vancouver Canucks, 9-million by the Montreal Canadiens, and 7-million in Toronto.
...Veteran free-agent center Petr Nedved has been invited to the New York Rangers camp.
...The Detroit Red Wings are shocked by Scotty Bowman's defection, to take over Hockey Operations of the Chicago Blackhawks.
(General)
...Big Brown, the Triple Crown hopeful, who quit in the Belmont, returns to the track Sunday to run in the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.
...Kyle Busch, with 4-wins in 7-weeks, heads the field for this weekends Pocono 500 with more concerns about extensive tire-wear after last weekends embarrassing Brickyard 400.
...Lewis Hamilton goes for his 3rd straight Formula 1-win this weekend in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
...Phil Mickelson shot a 68-and then a 66, and is at 6-under 134-midway thru the 2nd round of the Bridgestone Tourney at Firestone in Akron, Ohio.
...1,500-athletes begin arriving Sunday in Beijing for the Olympics, and problems began brewing this morning. 9-German athletes, who have Chinese family ties, had their photo taken with Chinese dissidents, throwing their support in protesting the government's oppression of its own citizens. The athletes held pictures of jailed protestors; others wore Orange robes of jailed Tibet monks.
