Gatti's Body Exhumed, Canadian Government Wants More Info

((HT: Montreal Gazette/Mike De Souza))

The Harper government is calling on Brazilian authorities to shed light on the mystery surrounding the death of Montreal boxer Arturo Gatti ((pictured, thanks Teddy Blackburn/Reuters/Montreal Gazette file)).

With the Quebec coroner’s office agreeing to conduct a second autopsy on the body of the former world champion boxer this weekend, Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said on Friday that he has also asked his department to look into the matter.

“Today, I have asked officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada to formally seek more information from Brazilian authorities concerning the events surrounding the death, on July 11, 2009, in Brazil, of M. Arturo Gatti, a Canadian citizen,” Cannon said in a statement.

“The government of Canada is seeking more information on the investigation into the death of its citizen, and on the findings of the investigation.”

Cannon said that the government would continue to provide consular assistance to the family in the meantime.

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Gatti’s family during these difficult times,” he said.

After detaining the boxer’s wife for three weeks as a suspect in what they initially described as a homicide, Brazilian police released Amanda Rodrigues, 23, on Thursday.

A lead investigator in the case said that Gatti, 37, had committed suicide, but his family and friends in Montreal are not convinced that the boxer took his own life.

Jeremy Filosa, a Gatti childhood friend, said that the family is very encouraged by Cannon’s decision.

“This is what they wanted the whole time. They were crying out for the government to get involved in this case,” Filosa told Canwest News Service on Friday. “They still have a lot of suspicions and think some of the stuff doesn’t make any sense according to what Brazilian police are stating.”

He said the family has also hired a pathologist, well-known in the world of Hollywood, who will be flown to Montreal over the weekend as an observer to the autopsy.

Genevieve Guilbault, a spokeswoman from the coroner’s office, said the examination by two licensed pathologists from Montreal would begin on Saturday morning. She said the official results would be released in a coroner’s report at the end of the investigation which could take a few months.

Bernard Barre, a family friend who once trained the boxer, also welcomed the government’s announcement.

“We’re really talking about a sports hero for all of Canada,” Barre said. “It’s completely normal that the government is pushing further in this situation which is becoming more ambiguous with contradictory results, so I’m happy to know that someone in the government is getting involved.”

A spokeswoman for Cannon said the minister was not available for an interview to comment further since the file was under review.

“We are closely following the developments,” wrote Cannon’s director of communications, Catherine Loubier, in an e-mail.

In a phone interview given after she was released from jail, Rodrigues speculated that Gatti may have killed himself because he was afraid she would leave him after the two had a violent disagreement on the night before his death.

Meantime, Brazilian police have released new details about their investigation, explaining that Gatti was hanged with a bag strap from a wooden staircase column more than two metres off the ground, the Associated Press reported.

A police spokeswoman from the northeastern city of Recife told the news agency that investigators originally thought he had been strangled because his body was found on the floor.

The original autopsy indicated that Gatti was hanging from the column for about three hours, police said.

Gatti’s 11-month-old son remains in Brazil, where he is being cared for by Rodrigues’ family.

Gatti, who was born in Italy and raised in Montreal, turned professional at the age of 19 and went on to win two world boxing titles before retiring in 2007 with a record of 40-9.

GlobalTV's Domenic Fazioli has your local reaction...Kevin Newman is your anchor...

Lowe's, SMI Deny End Of Deal

((HT: CBSSports))

Officials from Speedway Motorsports Inc. and Lowe's insist they are still talking in the wake of a report that the home improvement chain is ending its sponsorship of SMI's flagship track.

The Sports Business Journal reported Friday that Lowe's will not renew its 11-year sponsorship of the 1.5-mile oval outside Charlotte, formerly known as Charlotte Motor Speedway.

SMI president and CEO Marcus Smith said both sides are still negotiating and that he remains confident a deal will be completed soon.

The track hosts several NASCAR events each year, including a pair of Sprint Cup races and the series' All-Star Race.

Lowe's is also the primary sponsor of three-time defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. That deal expires at the end of the 2010 season.

Schumi Takes Some Laps In Test Car

((HT: CBSSports))

Michael Schumacher was back in the cockpit of a Formula One car on Friday -- and it felt good.

The seven-time F1 champion borrowed an old Ferrari to test his form ahead of a comeback to F1 as substitute driver for the injured Felipe Massa.

"A great feeling to be back in an F1 car," Schumacher said after testing it on the Mugello circuit. "After a few laps, I was able to drive constant times and I am quite happy with the time I did."

The 40-year-old German organized the test to check his physical condition and drove a privately-owned Ferrari model used in the 2007 season, company spokesman Luca Colajanni said.

Schumacher could not drive the current Ferrari car due to F1's ban on in-season testing.

"Although those cars are not current or last year's ones, I simply like to drive as much as possible, so this is a good option," he wrote on his website. "Now, we will have to see how my body and my muscles will react to that day in the next days."

He said that on Thursday he had been at Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello to run tests in a simulator.

Schumacher, who retired in 2006, was back behind the wheel just two days after Ferrari announced the seven-time F1 champion would replace Massa until his return, starting with the European Grand Prix on Aug. 23, in Valencia, Spain.

The 28-year-old Massa underwent surgery on multiple skull fractures after he was hit in the helmet by a loose part from another car and crashed into a protective tire barrier during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix last Saturday.

Massa is expected to return home to Brazil on Monday.

Thanks to our friends at RTL for the footgage.
Unless you know German, it just video of him on the track and the post-lap reax...

Music For Your Weekend

Remember, everyone...

"Just another small flame... runnin' through the fire..."

Weis Reacts To McMakin Slur

((HT: WNDU-TV/South Bend))

Not wanting the story to linger until next week's media day, Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis issued a statement on Friday reacting to the comments made by Hawaii coach Greg McMackin ((pictured, thanks South Bend Tribune file)) this week.

Notre Dame, of course, romped Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve. Two days before the game, the two programs participated in a Bowl Banquet together.

At the dinner, a friendly dance off ensued.

This week at the WAC conference media day, McMackin referred to Notre Dame's routine as a "Little faggot dance."

Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis in regards to Hawaii coach Greg McMackin¹s comments yesterday:

"Coach McMackin demonstrated poor judgment when, while making comments critical of our football program, he used a derogatory word," Weis said in the statement. "Speaking only for our football program, we were offended by the remarks."

"[Friday] afternoon I received a phone call from Coach McMackin and he apologized to me and asked I pass that along to my players and coaches. We accept his apology and we will move on."

"As a parent of a daughter with global developmental delays, I am especially sensitive to offensive characterizations like the one at issue here. But in no way do I believe Coach McMackin's comments were intended to be offensive. In our phone conversation today, I expressed those sentiments."

"It is now time to put this incident behind us and return focus to the 2009 season."

The Irish hold their annual Media Day next Friday with the first day of practice next Saturday.

If you want to see the towel waving the Irish players did in the banquet room, you can view it here... thanks, again to WNDU-TV...

Here's the reaction from the Notre Dame football program...

Note: The anchor actually uses the quoted phrase in his story...

Most Coyotes Documents To Remain Sealed

((HT: Arizona Republic/Sanders))

Glendale must immediately reveal a sliver of documents related to Phoenix Coyotes negotiations that the city asked a Maricopa County Superior Court judge to review. But in a ruling Friday, the judge allowed 90 percent of the records to remain sealed.

Of 322 pages detailing talks between Glendale officials and interested buyers of the NHL team, only 35 must be made public, Judge Edward Burke decided.

Glendale has been fighting to keep its discussions under wraps, while the Goldwater Institute has been pressing in court to open them up.

The institute says taxpayers should know, in time to make objections, whether Glendale will offer money as a deal-sweetener with a new owner in order to keep the team playing at city-owned Jobing.com Arena ((pictured, thanks ballparks.com)).

Glendale says such incentives aren't on the table and that the public will be able to review any deal before it goes to the City Council for a vote.

After reading the sealed documents, Burke concluded the city has not yet clinched a deal with the two groups aiming to take over the Coyotes. Until that time, the "disclosure of the majority of the documents," he said, "would have a devastating impact on the city's ability to negotiate with the bidders."

Chicago White Sox and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and his investor team have offered $148 million for the bankrupt hockey franchise. A group of American and Canadian backers, under the name Ice Edge Holdings, say they intend to bid $150 million and propose splitting Coyotes games between Glendale and a city in Canada. Both groups say the team would remain based in the Valley.

Burke noted each group has stated team ownership depends on negotiating with Glendale.

The city must release the remaining 288 documents as soon as officials decide to bring a proposal to the City Council, not when a meeting agenda is posted, the judge ordered.

He said he was concerned whether the Goldwater Institute and Glendale taxpayers would "have sufficient time to digest, analyze and prepare to comment on any proposed agreement and/or concessions."

Vick to the Belichick's?

Yesterday, Michael Vick spoke of being "Close" to signing a deal to play football again. Today, the rumors are flying that the "Team" in question is the New England Patriots.

In his press conference today, the King of New England, Bill Belichick was asked directly about the possibility of taking in the formerly disgraced Quarterback.

The story from Boston.com here .

We also have the Belicheck on video: Courtesy// Boston.com and NESN:

Also coming out today, reports from a few outlets saying that Vick is likely to head west...to Seattle. The story from Yahoo Sports...here .

That, I don't buy. Having covered Vick and current Seahawks Head Coach Jim Mora for a few years with the Falcons, I don't buy this. While Mora is certainly not above taking on a charity case, trying to help someone who has fallen out of favor. Vick was a "Huge" letdown to Mora and his staff in Atlanta. He was never a "Team" guy and never put in the extra time needed to be successful.

We do think the Belichick story has some merit though. The Belichick has taken in Corey Dillon and Randy Moss and changed their lives/careers, so it can be done. As for those who say the owner, Robert Kraft's wife is a big animal rights advocate; what better way to prove that Vick is trying to redeem himself than have her in his corner.

Odds on this happening: Very Good

((Michael Vick in better days: Courtesy: wyclefjean.wordpress.com(don't ask)--))

7 Moves Forward In Bankruptcy Plan

((HT: Virginian-Pilot/McGlone))

A bankruptcy judge today refused to approve $1.7 million in Michael Vick’s legal fees from his bankruptcy case, but he will revisit the issue at Vick’s confirmation hearing in late August.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank J. Santoro heard from one of Vick’s pricey New York lawyers today, who tried to explain how his firm racked up thousands of billable hours in 10 months.

While none of the creditors’ lawyers objected to the legal fees, the assistant U.S. trustee noted some questionable expenses, such as a $1,200 airline ticket, a charge for turning on office air conditioning on a Saturday, and car service to and from the office.

Michael Blumenthal of the New York firm Crowell & Moring said his firm had five lawyers and more than two dozen support staff working on Vick’s case, sometimes working late into the night which explained the need for a car service.

He also corrected the judge’s statement Thursday that the firm had billed 8,000. Blumenthal said it was 7,200 hours and noted that the firm cut its fee from $2.6 million to $1.5.

Vick will return to bankruptcy court Aug. 27 for a confirmation hearing. Santoro has already rejected an earlier reorganization plan.

Vick declined to comment before and after the hearing. His lawyers said that they did not expect any news today on whether an NFL team would be willing to sign the former Atlanta Falcons star.

Brazilian Police: Gatti Hanged Himself

((HT: CBSSports))

Arturo Gatti ((pictured, thanks CP)) hanged himself with a handbag strap from a staircase column more than seven feet off the ground, Brazilian police said Friday as they released new details about the boxer's death.

Milena Saraiva, a spokeswoman for police in the northeastern city of Recife, provided more information about Gatti's suicide a day after authorities reversed their stance on the case. Until Thursday, they insisted it was a homicide and the boxer's wife was tagged as the primary suspect.

"This case has been resolved. While the evidence at the scene first led us to think Gatti was murdered, the autopsy results and a detailed crime scene analysis simply pointed to a different outcome," Saraiva said.

On Thursday, a judge ordered the release of Gatti's wife, 23-year-old Amanda Rodrigues, who had been held since July 12 in Recife. She and Gatti arrived with their 10-month-old son a few days before in the resort town of Porto de Galinhas, where they rented a two-level apartment.

Police ultimately concluded that Gatti hanged himself in the apartment early on July 11 from a wooden staircase column that was 7.3 feet off the ground. He stood on a stool and kicked it out from underneath him, police said. The autopsy report said Gatti was suspended for about three hours before his body fell to the floor.

Rodrigues said she was sleeping with the pair's son in an upstairs bedroom. She told police she went downstairs about 6 a.m. to get milk for the boy and saw Gatti's body on the floor, but assumed he was drunkenly sleeping. It was not until she went back downstairs at 9 a.m. that she discovered Gatti was dead and called police. Saraiva said no suicide note was found.

"The first investigators to arrive at the scene only saw his body on the floor and the bloodied strap near his body," Saraiva said. "They assumed his wife strangled him."

Saraiva said 17 witnesses told police that the pair got into a loud fight on a street near the beach in Porto de Galinhas the night before Gatti died. Saraiva said Gatti had seven cans of beer, along with two bottles of wine, over the course of dinner and partying at a bar.

Witnesses told police Gatti at one point picked up Rodrigues, who weighs about 100 pounds, by her chin with his right hand and tossed her to the ground.

Saraiva said at that point a security guard for a local hotel intervened, only to be punched in the face by Gatti. A small crowd that had gathered around the scene grew angry, with some throwing stones and even a bicycle at the boxer, the police spokeswoman said.

One stone hit Gatti in the back of the head, causing a wound that police originally said was caused by a small steak knife that was found near his body -- and which police showed off to reporters the day after Gatti's death.

The fracas eventually broke up, and Gatti and Rodrigues returned to the apartment in separate taxis.

In an telephone interview with the Associated Press as she walked out of jail Thursday, Rodrigues said Gatti may have killed himself because he feared she would leave him after their fight, one of many during a rocky two-year marriage.

"I believe that when we got home and he saw that he hurt me, he thought I would leave him, that I would tell him to just let me go, that I would separate from him," she said. "He did that in a moment of weakness. He was drunk, maybe he didn't know what he was doing, maybe he thought I would leave him the next day."

According to records at the Court of Quebec's criminal and penal division, Gatti was charged on April 16 for violating a restraining order that had been filed against him. Records didn't indicate who filed the restraining order, but Gatti's mother, Ida, confirmed it was Rodrigues who had taken one out against him.

Gatti, who captured two world titles in his 16-year pro career, retired in 2007 with a record of 40-9.

Gatti manager Pat Lynch said at a Thursday night memorial service for the boxer in northern New Jersey he was shocked when he heard about the suicide ruling and hopes the Canadian government will get involved.

"I'm not going to rest," he said. "We've got a lot of investigation ahead of us."

Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said Friday in a statement that government officials will seek more information from Brazilian authorities on the Gatti investigation and its findings.

Hossa Contract Under Investigation

((HT: TSN))

The National Hockey League is reportedly investigating Marian Hossa's ((Pictured, thanks Gregory Shamus/Getty)) new 12-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks amid allegations that it circumvents the collective bargaining agreement.

According to the Edmonton Sun, if Chicago is found guilty, it could face a maximum fine of $5 million and the loss of draft picks. Hossa and the Blackhawks allegedly agreed that the star forward would retire before the end of the contract, which would lessen the cap hit on the team.

Hossa's deal is for a total of $62.8 million but is front-loaded, as he will make $7.9 million for each of the first seven years before dropping to $4 million in 2016-17. In the final four years of the contract, Hossa makes a total of $3.5 million.

If he were to retire following 2016-17, the cap hit on the team following that season would disappear.

A four-time All-Star, Hossa led the Red Wings with 40 goals in 2008-09 and was third on the team with 71 points. He added 15 points (6 goals, 9 assists) in 23 playoff games as Detroit lost to Pittsburgh in the Cup Finals.

The Slovakian native has recorded 339 goals and 719 points in 775 career games with Ottawa, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and the Red Wings. He recently underwent surgery to repair a small tear in his rotator cuff suffered during Detroit's playoff run this past season.

Papi Acknowledges Positive '03 Test

((HT: National Post))

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz ((pictured, thanks Johnathan Hurst/Reuters file)) became the latest star implicated in baseball's ever-growing drug scandal, acknowledging on Thursday that the players' union confirmed he tested positive in 2003.

Shortly after hitting the go-ahead home run that beat Oakland 8-5, Ortiz responded to a story on The New York Times' website that he and former teammate Manny Ramirez tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs six years ago.

"I've just been told that the report is true," Ortiz said in a statement after contacting the union. "Based on the way I lived my life I'm surprised to learn I tested positive."

The popular Big Papi, who had never been linked to drugs, said he intended to find out what was in his system and would tell the Red Sox and the public.

"You know me - I will not hide and I will not make excuses," he said.

Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa are among the many all-stars tainted by the drug cloud, which has called into question some of the sport's greatest achievements over the last two decades.

Ortiz and Ramirez led the Red Sox to the World Series title in 2004 - their first in 86 years - and another championship in 2007.

Ramirez, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently served a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. Asked about this second alleged doping violation, he told reporters in St. Louis: "You want more information, I'm pretty sure you guys got the phone number to the union. Call the union, and they can explain that to you guys."

More than 100 major leaguers tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003 - the results were supposed to be anonymous and are now under court seal.

"Precisely for that reason, the Players Association will not, indeed cannot, comment on whether the information is accurate," outgoing union leader Donald Fehr said.

The Times' story cited lawyers involved in pending litigation over the testing results who spoke anonymously because the information is under seal by a court order. The newspaper did not say what the players tested positive for.

The results from the 2003 tests were supposed to remain anonymous but were seized by federal agents. Rodriguez admitted using performance-enhancing drugs after he was linked to the 2003 list. And in June, The Times reported Sosa also was on the 2003 list.

Ramirez was a long-established star in 2003. Ortiz, in contrast, had been a part-time player before that season.

Ortiz had never hit more than 20 homers in a season as a part-time player in Minnesota early in his career. He came to Boston as a platoon player in 2003 and had four homers by July 1, then hit 27 the rest of the year.

Ortiz followed up with seasons of 41, 47 and 54 home runs as he established himself as one of the best sluggers in the game.

Last year, he dipped to 23 home runs, and his slump continued this season. He went into Thursday's game hitting .224 with only 13 homers.

Ramirez returned from his suspension this month and quickly re-established his presence in the middle of the lineup for the NL West-leading Dodgers.

Boos have rained down on Ramirez throughout this week's series in St. Louis whenever he comes to the plate or touches the ball.

"He's a great player and I don't think the suspension has anything to do with it," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. "Personally, if he never got suspended they'd still be booing the hell out of him."

"I think the reception would have been the same. Some people hate the long hair or whatever it is, or the fact he's a free spirit," he said.

NHL Wants To Delay Coyotes Auction

((HT: GlobeSports/Waldie))

The NHL wants to postpone an auction for the Phoenix Coyotes until Sept. 10 to give two potential bidders more time to finalize their offers. U.S. bankruptcy court Judge Redfield T. Baum was scheduled to hold an auction Aug. 5 for bidders interested in keeping the club in Phoenix. If that auction failed to produce a decent offer, a second one would be held Sept. 10 for bidders who want to move the club.

In a court filing last night, the NHL and the City of Glendale argued the second auction is no longer necessary because the league has rejected the ownership application of RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie ((pictured, thanks GlobeSports file)), who wants to buy the club for $212.5-million (all currency U.S.) and move it to Hamilton. Balsillie “is not a viable purchaser of the club,” the league said.

The NHL said delaying the auction will give prospective bidders Jerry Reinsdorf and Ice Edge Holdings more time to arrange lease agreements with the City of Glendale, which said it is “very close to a definitive agreement with each of the Reinsdorf group and Ice Edge that would allow the team, under new ownership, to continue to play at the Jobing.com arena”.

Reinsdorf is offering $148-million while Ice Edge, made up of Canadian and American investors, has proposed a $150-million offer.

“The NHL believes that, if given several more weeks, the bids will be substantially more complete and in a form that allows the court to render a considered judgment on the merits,” the league said. The NHL believes that Ice Edge will formally submit its bid today.

The league said it rejected Balsillie because the NHL's executive committee had found that he “repeatedly turned his back on commitments and representations he had made to NHL owners, he had consistently acted in total disregard of established league rules, policies and procedures, and he had taken many affirmative actions both personally and through his representatives that had caused significant damage to the league and to many of its clubs.”

The NHL added that, during his interview with the committee, Balsillie “suggested he intends to challenge the league's assertions regarding the facts of his dealings with the league and individual clubs”.

The NHL also requested that if the court does not approve a bid at the Aug. 5 auction, an auction to relocate the club should only take place after the club has been extensively marketed. Therefore, the league said, no date should be set for that auction until after the 2009-10 season.

In its filing, the City of Glendale echoed many of the NHL's arguments and said the Aug. 5 auction should be put off for several weeks. The city also noted that Balsillie was not approved as an owner and would not be eligible to bid in the relocation auction, making it unnecessary since he was the only bidder.

The NHL said its board of governors “elected to disapprove Mr. Balsillie based in large part on his personal dealings with the league and individual clubs since his prior interview with the executive committee in 2006”.

Alleged Forrest Robber On Videotape

((HT: AJC/Garner))

Atlanta police on Thursday released surveillance video of at least one suspect in the shooting death of boxing great Vernon Forrest.

The video is from security cameras at the Whitehall Street gas station where Forrest was robbed and a nearby apartment complex ((screen grab, thanks APD)).

“The images are good enough to get a mug shot of the robber,” Detective Lt. Keith Meadows said of footage showing an armed man in jeans and a black T-shirt.

Police are looking for three to four men in connection with the Saturday night killing of the 38-year-old boxer.

“We believe that the person that robbed Mr. Forrest and the one who actually murdered him is not the same person,” Meadows said.

One man robbed Forrest at gunpoint, taking his diamond and gold “4X World Champion” ring and a Rolex watch, police said. Forrest pulled a gun from his waist and went after the robber, police said.

A second man shot Forrest multiple times in the back after he chased the robber, police said. And at least one other man was in a red Pontiac Grand Prix that later retrieved the robber and the shooter, police said.

“Security footage actually picks up the [robbery] suspect, but Mr. Forrest actually loses sight of the subject,” Meadows said.

Investigators used time stamps from video recorded at the 505 Fulton Street apartment building and the Whitehall Street convenience store to compile a timeline of events, Meadows said.

Footage from the gas station shows the Pontiac pull into the station, and the man police say was the robber get out.

Video from the apartment complex showed the same man enter a breezeway, carrying a silver handgun, just after police said Forrest had given chase.

“At that point Mr. Forrest comes around the corner, and he encounters another individual we believe has a gun in his hand,” Meadows said, citing witness accounts.

“Mr. Forrest and this individual exchange words, and he realizes this is not the individual that actually robbed him ... Mr. Forrest turns and walks away.”

The armed man shot Forrest seven or eight times, police said.

The apartment footage later showed the robber waiting in the breezeway and talking on his cell phone before being picked up by the Pontiac.

The car then drove south on McDaniel Street, Meadows said.

The Atlanta Police Department is asking anyone with information on this incident to call investigators at 404-577-TIPS (8477).

Here's the surveillance tape from the gas station, thanks again to the AJC

Moyes Challenges Reinsdorf Bid

((HT: CP))

Phoenix Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes has challenged Jerry Reinsdorf's bid to buy the financially troubled hockey team.

In a motion filed in bankruptcy court on Thursday, Moyes' lawyer said that Reinsdorf's bid "cannot be approved as a matter of law" and that "there are no qualified bidders" based on terms set by the court.

The motion did not elaborate but says that Moyes' objection will be laid out in court documents on Friday, the deadline for filing objections to Reinsdorf's bid.

By disputing the legality of Reinsdorf's offer, Moyes is setting the stage for a battle pitting him and unsecured creditors against the NHL and the city of Glendale.

Later Thursday, lawyer for Glendale and the NHL asked the court to postpone next Wednesday's local bid auction, saying Reinsdorf and another potential bidder, Ice Edge Holdings, needed more time.

The league said in its filing Thursday that it understood that Ice Edge would make a bid on Friday.

Glendale said that it is "very close to a definitive agreement with each of the Reinsdorf group and Ice Edge that would allow the team, under new ownership, to continue to play at the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale for the foreseeable future with strong economic essentials and support from all necessary constituencies."

The filings did not divulge what the "strong economic essentials" would be or provide details of the negotiations.

Glendale asked Judge Redfield T. Baum to postpone the sale to "early to mid-September." The NHL, meanwhile, asked Baum to set a Sept. 10 deadline.

The filings by Moyes, Glendale and the NHL came one day after the NHL Board of Governors approved Reinsdorf's US$148 million bid and unanimously rejected an application by Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie, who has offered $212.5 million contingent on moving the franchise to Hamilton.

An application by Ice Edge, led by Anthony LeBlanc of Thunder Bay, Ont., was deemed "incomplete," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. That consortium was encouraged by the board to continue with the application process.

The group headed by Reinsdorf, the owner of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, has said it plans to keep the team in Glendale, where the Coyotes have lost tens of millions of dollars in recent seasons.

Details of Reinsdorf's bid have not been made public. Reinsdorf's group has been negotiating with the city of Glendale to rework the lease agreement to play in Jobing.com Arena.

The NHL wants to keep the team in Arizona and believes the franchise can be successful with better management and a better product on the ice.

More than 500 documents have been filed in the complex case since Moyes surprised the NHL

by taking the team into Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 5.

Moyes says he is owed $300 million, and under the Balsillie deal, Moyes would receive about $100 million. But under the Reinsdorf proposal, Moyes would get little if anything because of the contention that the $300 million is lost equity and not a debt.

OSG College Football 2009 Predictions: Sun Belt Conference

Arkansas State Red Wolves

2008 Record: 6-6 Overall, 4-3 in the SBC

Arkansas State is highly motivated this season because of the way 2008 ended. The Red Wolves defeated FAU but the Owls went bowling and the Red Wolves stayed home.

Things To Like About Arkansas State:

Reggie Arnold: Arnold is a playmaker in every sense of the word. Can you believe Arnold, a senior from Little Rock McClellan High School, isn’t carrying the rock in the SEC? All Arnold has accomplished with the Red Wolves is gain 3,210 yards in his career and if he gains 1,000 yards this year can join an exclusive fraternity of backs that have gained 1,000 yards 4 straight seasons. Arnold can run a 4.3 and has size.

Corey Leonard: Leonard can be a superior duel threat quarterback. He has speed and can be pick up huge chunks of yards in the open field plus as an outstanding arm. Arguably the best quarterback in the Sun Belt.

Defense: Arkansas State might have the stoutest defense in the Sun Belt. 2 years ago the Red Wolves lead in league in “D” and was 2nd only behind Troy last year. ASU has a stud in Alex Carrington, the preseason Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. The senior defensive end lead the Sun Belt in Tackles For Loss in 2008 and was second in sacks. Carrington can blow up a backfield. They also have 8 returning starters on defense.

Things Not To Like About Arkansas State:

Schedule: It’s a doozy. with non-conference road trips to Nebraska (Sept. 12) and Iowa (Oct. 3) with a Sun Belt showdown against Troy in Jonesboro (Sept. 26) sandwiched in between. That’s a brutal stretch. Plus ASU plays at Louisville (Oct. 31) and gets FAU on the road.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: I think Arkansas State has the best talent in the league. If ASU can get through their 1st 5 games at 3-2 including a win over Troy, then the Red Wolves should have enough in the tank to claim the Sun Belt title.

Phil: I’m still trying to get past the “stoutest” defense line. No, just kidding. They are a good athletic team who will give Iowa and some of their other opponents fits. Troy is the known quantity in this conference, but I wouldn’t be surprised if State takes over that title.

Nelson: : As long as the coaching staff can keep players out of jail and, allegedly, shooting other people they should be the class of the conference. OSG HQ knows of three alums from the school- two of them are extremely attractive. Go Indians… oops, Wolves…

Troy Trojans

2008 Record: 8-5 Overall, 6-1 in the SBC (2008 Sun Belt Champions)
Lost to Southern Miss 30-27 (F/OT) in New Orleans Bowl

While Arkansas State may have the best talent in the Sun Belt but the Troy Trojans may have the best team in the league. Larry Blakeney has only 12 retuning starters overall but don’t let that number get you to thinking the Trojans are rebuilding. Troy is really good and have been there and done that.

Things To Like About Troy:

BCS Buster: Strange how the Big 12 conference won’t schedule a game at Troy anymore after the Trojans defeated Missouri 24-14 in 2004 and Oklahoma State 41-23 in 2007 at Movie Gallery Memorial Stadium. Troy has gone into the noisy dens of the SEC and have almost beaten LSU twice at Death Valley and has hung around Florida and Georgia making their fans very nervous. 2009 includes 2 road games against SEC opponents at Florida (Sept. 12) and at Arkansas (Nov. 14). Does anyone smell an upset?

Defense: Last year the Trojans had the best defense in the league. It’s a unit that’s fundamentally sound and rarely misses tackles. Defensive End Brandon Lang will be a force to be reckoned with. Lang led the SBC in sacks last year. Boris Lee and Bear Woods are a hell of a linebacking duo. Both Lee and Woods were in the Top 5 in the SBC in tackles in 2008.

Offense: The Trojans have playmakers, 2 at Quarterback. Jamie Hampton and Levi Brown do a great job running the spread offense. Having both might be good for Troy considering Troy’s non league schedule. The receiving corps is outstanding lead by Jerrel Jennigan.

Things Not To Like About Troy:

Offensive Line: The Trojans lost 4 starters on the O-line.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: This Troy team is loaded. They will give Florida a run for their money at the Swamp and Arkansas fits in Fayetteville. The Trojans just might win one of those games. Troy will play in a bowl game in 2009.

Phil: Yes, they will be a pain in the ass to the big boys. The difference is the amount of really good players and Trojan man always comes up a little bit short in that department. Without an experienced O-Line, the QB’s will be running for their lives. Again, look for an 8-4 record here.

Nelson: Larry Blakeney has turned Troy into the “factory” of the conference. They WILL be one of those “at-large” teams that will fill a hole somewhere. Bank on it…

Florida Atlantic Owls

2008 Record: 7-6 Overall, 4-3 in the SBC
Defeated Central Michigan 24-21 in Motor City Bowl

Florida Atlantic is the only SBC team to win back to back bowl games and they could make a bowl game for the 3rd straight year and if they do, a win just may be a lock. Head coach Howard Schnellenberger is 6-0 all time in post season bowl games.

Things To Like About FAU:

Recievers: The best set in the SBC. Cortez Gent just missed 1,000 yards in receptions last year and will be QB Rusty Smith’s prime target. Getting TE Jason Harmon back is huge.

Things Not To Like About FAU:

Defense: Only 3 returning starters on defense. There will be some growing pains here.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Here’s FAU’s first 2 games this year: at Nebraska and at South Carolina. They might be beat up in September. I never count a Howard Schnellenberger team out and FAU should have a 8-4, 7-5 type year and make a bowl.

Phil: We love the Schnellenberger though we wonder just how old he is. He has got to be at least 137. They will be a solid SBC team, but nothing special over all. They may sneak in a bowl game because anyone in Division 1 with a winning record gets to play in a bowl game. That is how it works.

Nelson: Rusty Smith has proven himself to be one of the most under-looked, and maybe underrated, quarterbacks in the country. He’s proven he can take apart “higher-level” D1 teams when given the chance. FAU could be the 3rd team from the Sun Belt to move on to the post-season. A real feather in the cap of the conference on the whole…

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

2008 Record: 5-7 Overall, 3-4 in the SBC

The talent is there to compete but the Blue Raiders need a few breaks along the way.

Things To Like About MTSU:

Big Guys In The Trenches: MTSU has the best lines in the SBC. The O-Line improved greatly during the 2008 season, the D-Line is fast and can get to the quarterback.

Things Not To Like About MTSU:

Schedule: Road games at Clemson, Maryland (who MTSU beat last year), Troy and Florida Atlantic, ouch. The Blue Raiders do host Mississippi State which could be a winnable game. MTSU is 3-28 all time vs the SEC with all 3 wins coming against Vanderbilt.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: MTSU will win a game against one of their BCS opponents. If MTSU gets consistent QB play than the Blue Raiders might breakthrough.

Phil: MTSU is football on skates. They have always lit things up and having Tony Franklin as the O-Coordinator won’t change that. Again, like FAU, they are a middle of the pack team. They may make it to 7-5 because of where they play and as we said earlier, 7-5 will get you a bowl game.

Nelson: The big question will be how the Blue Raiders adjust to having Tony Franklin as their new OC. Will the defense be there first, or will the offense click from the beginning…? Look to the MSU game for their D1 win outside of the conference in an, otherwise, average year in the ‘Boro.

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks

2008 Record: 4-8 Overall, 3-4 in the SBC

Things To Like About ULM:

Athletes: The Warhawks have great athletes in the skill positions on offense.

Experience: ULM has 17 returning starters for 2009.

Defense: Teams biggest strength. Linebackers Cardia Jackson and Josh Thompson are outstanding combining for 235 tackles, including 11 for losses last season.

Things Not To Like About ULM:

Quarterback: Trey Revell has the edge as starter out of spring. Zach Rhodes is a tremendous athlete that will be on the field if he isn’t the starting QB. Both need to be consistent if the Warhawks want to challenge for the SBC title.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: ULM is a hard team to figure out. The Warhawks seem to have the weapons on offense at the skill positions plus a decent O-Line but do they have the QB to get the job done. The defense will keep ULM in games so the offense must do it’s part. 6-6 at best for ULM.

Phil: They typically are an athletically gifted, technically deficient team. They, to quote Steve Spurrier “Should look real good comin’ out of the tunnel”. Don’t expect a lot here, because you won’t get it.

Nelson: that can surprise Alabama can surprise anyone. There’s always “one” of those games that will make a season. Unfortunately, ULM won’t be surprising anyone anymore. Another .500 year in conference and more paychecks outside the conference.

Louisiana-Lafayette Rajin’ Cajuns

2008 Record: 6-6 Overall, 5-2 in the SBC

Louisiana-Lafayette was strong last year and QB Michael Desormeaux was the best in the league. 2008 ending was a bummer for the Rajin’ Cajuns not getting into a bowl game. This year they won’t have Desormeaux back.

Things To Like About Louisiana-Lafayette:

Athletes: Though ULL suffered three huge losses on offense with Desormeaux, stud RB Tyrell Fenroy and WR Jason Cherry, the offense will still have enough quality athletes to keep ULL in games. Let’s see where they are at a mid-season.

Offensive Line: Might be the best in the SBC. They are big and experienced and will give who ever takes over at QB a chance to be successful.

Things Not To Like About Louisiana-Lafayette:

Quarterback: Who will it be? Brad McGuire or Chris Masson, both are sophomores. Both will battle for the job in fall camp.

Schedule: 4 SBC road games in 5 weeks might be too much for ULL to overcome.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Louisiana-Lafayette will be competitive but let’s see how the quarterback battle plays out. ULL might get a key win as they host Kansas State Sept. 12 and the Big 12 hasn’t fared very well on the road vs the Sun Belt. A win over K-State would be a huge confidence boost. After that its road games at LSU and at Nebraska. Ouch.

Phil: They started great last year and faded. They have lost a lot of experience and though the young guys may be good, it takes awhile in the smaller conferences for them to figure it out. They will be competitive later in the season, but will struggle early. Again, middle of the pack at beast, a bowl game only if they catch a humungous break.

Nelson: on the Kansas State idea, and that’s about it for the Cajuns this time around. Notice I left the “Fightin’ Rickey Bustles” comments to our previous commentor.

Florida International Golden Panthers

2008 Record: 5-7 Overall, 3-4 in the SBC

The fighting Cristobals made some big strides last year. With 16 returning starters FIU’s first winning season ever is a possibility

Things To Like About FIU:

Motivated Team: In 7 years of existence FIU has never had a winning season. This year the team is confident this could the year that changes. The pieces are in place in 2009 to breakthrough.

Things Not To Like About FIU:

Depth: While the starters are experienced the 2nd teamers are very young.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: You have to like the upside of FIU. Head Coach Mario Cristobal is steadily building the program to compete in the SBC. Will this be the year? It just might. FIU will get beat up on their opener against Alabama then travel to New Jersey hoping to leave Rutgers without wearing concrete boots. 0-2 start looks likely going into their home opener against Toledo before 2 SBC road games. 6-6 is probably the most likely outcome at best for the Fighting Cristobals.

Phil: Ditto most of what Wilkie says. This won’t be the year, the schedule will prohibit that.

Nelson: A lot of teams in the SBC will be .500 this year. So, what does that say about the talent level in the conference altogether…? Either everyone is really average, or they just enjoy beating up on each other and can be decent as a lot.

North Texas Mean Green

2008 Record: 1-11 Overall, 0-7 in the SBC

8 wins in the past 4 years. The once Mighty Mean Green have fallen on hard times.

Things To Like About North Texas:

You Can Only Go Up: With only 1 win last year it can’t be much worse. Oh sure you could go 0-12 but North Texas should win a game or 2 or maybe 3.

Things Not To Like About North Texas:

Defense: They were dead last in the SBC last year. They have 2 good linebackers to build around in Craig Robertson and Tobe Nwigwe but not much else.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Let’s face it, it’s going to be another long year for North Texas. 3 wins might be all they can get.

Phil: They are Green and they are supposed to be mean. They were a “Bottom of the Barrel” team pretty much all of last season. They are probably in over there heads, even in this conference.

Nelson: 3 wins…??? It all depends on how the Mean Green can close the deal at home. Ohio University, Western Kentucky, and Army are all in Denton this time. That will swing the schedule for them. The team could be 1-5 at the half-way point, and that will determine whether they have the fortitude to improve in the second half.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

2008 Record: 2-10, 0-5 in the SBC

Things To Like About WKU:

Influx Of Talent: Western Kentucky has a great recruiting class coming in with impact players who could and should contribute immediately for the Hilltoppers.

Things Not To Like About WKU:

Scoring Points On Offense: This was a big issue last year for WKU only averaging 17 points per game. That has to change for the Hilltoppers to move up the SBC latter.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: I’m intrigued with Western Kentucky because of the freshman class coming in. This is a program that should compete for the SBC crown in a few years but right now WKU will take it’s lumps.

Phil: Again, not ready for prime time. They are still adjusting to life in D-1 and that takes a long time. They were a good 1-AA Team, but this is different. Don’t wait on them this year.

Nelson: All I can really say here is: “Keep your head low…” It’s gonna be a long year for a young team… ,

OSG’s Take On The Sun Belt Conference:

SBC Champion:

Wilkie: Arkansas State
Phil: The Other Men of Troy
Nelson: Arkansas State

Best Offensive Player In The SBC

Wilkie: Reggie Arnold – Arkansas State
Phil: Arnold
Nelson: Rusty Smith - FAU

Best Defensive Player In The SBC

Wilkie: Alex Carrington – Arkansas State
Phil: Cardia Johnson- Troy (Just because he has endurance)
Nelson: Brandon Lang - Troy
J-Dub: Reggie Arnold - Arkansas State

Andrews Stalked by Paparazzi

According to a report in today's Atlanta Journal Constitution (well ajc.com anyway), Erin Andrews, ESPN's sideline reporter, called 911 on July 22nd saying she was being stalked by the paparazzi.

Andrews who has been in the news of late after a video of her walking around her hotel room naked was released on the internet, was very shaken by the incident, one where she said "I did nothing wrong and I'm being treated by Britney Spears".

((Erin Andrews isn't happy/Photo Courtesy: courier-journal.com))

The story from AJC.com here .

The 911 call here. ((Not family freindly language))

While we aren't big fans of Andrews' reporting skills, she has become immensely popular in the internet community. Unfortunately, some of the folks who haunt that part of the universe can be, well...a bit odd. There is some debate about the whole video thing, though for one, I don't think there should be, I find it hard to believe that she would willingly consent to that.

The paparazzi thing is another issue. There should be laws in place about those guys. Andrews apparently lives in a gated community, yet these guys got in. I get the whole "Get a picture" thing. Why can't that be done in a public place like everyone else?

Appeals Court Takes On Kentucky Speedway Suit

((HT: WXIX/Fox 19))

The former owners of the Kentucky Speedway are asking a federal appeals court for a green flag to pursue their antitrust claim against NASCAR.

"They were squeezed out," attorney Stan Chesley, who helped file the lawsuit in 2005, said after arguments Thursday in front of a three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

A lower-court judge last year rejected the speedway's claim that the racing body and a sister company that operates tracks and promotes races have conspired to monopolize control over who gets the top stock car events. The Kentucky track, some 40 miles south of Cincinnati, has new ownership that wants the case ended to help its chances of gaining a coveted NASCAR Sprint Cup race. But Chesley said there are important issues for a trial, and that the former owners also want hundreds of millions in damages.

"People have the right to have their case heard in court," Chesley said. NASCAR attorney David Boies said the lawsuit against the racing body and its International Speedway Corp. represented impatience by the Kentucky Speedway to get a Sprint Cup race. "They want one. Everyone wants one," Boies told the judges.

Boies noted that the speedway has hosted other NASCAR series races since opening in 2000 and was in effect saying: "We want it all and we want it now."

Plaintiffs' attorney Charles Rule, who headed the Justice Department's antitrust division during the Reagan administration, said the alleged conspiracy is meant to keep independent tracks from gaining top-tier races. "This is a classic case of anti-competitive illegal conduct," Rule told the judges.

Rule said the new Kentucky Speedway owners, Speedway Motorsports Inc., were co-conspirators. Boies told the judges there was no evidence of that claim.

Kentucky became the eighth NASCAR-sanctioned track in SMI's portfolio, but the only one without a Cup date. NASCAR has said the lawsuit must end before Kentucky Speedway could get a Sprint Cup race. "We're not a party to it, and we'd like to see it resolved," Mark Simendinger, general manager for the Kentucky Speedway, said in a telephone interview.

Appeals judges typically take months to decide and prepare their opinions. They repeatedly questioned Rule on his contentions they should overturn the January 2008 ruling by U.S. District Court Judge William O. Bertelsman.

Judge Ronald Lee Gilman asked whether a premium race was "in the eye of the beholder." Rule replied that NASCAR's top-tier races draw the most television revenue, fan interest and other benefits to tracks, and are the "major league" of racing.

NASCAR officials say there are limits to how many premium races they can run in a year - the Sprint Cup series currently has 36 points competition races and two "All-Star" races. "Like other sports - the NFL, Major League Baseball, the NBA - NASCAR has the right to create its schedule and host events where it wants to," said NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston

NY Times: Manny And Papi On '03 Steroids List

((HT: MyFoxBoston))

David Ortiz ((ictured, thanks WFXT-TV file)) and Manny Ramirez, the sluggers who led Boston to a pair of World Series championships, were among the more than 100 Major League Baseball players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, according to a report in The New York Times.

The article posted on the newspaper's Web site Thursday cited lawyers involved in pending litigation over the testing results who spoke anonymously because the information is under seal by a court order.

Ortiz declined comment to the paper before the Red Sox played Oakland. The popular-but-slumping Big Papi had not been previously linked to positive tests.

Ortiz came up in the second inning Thursday and was cheered by the sold-out crowd at Fenway Park. He lined the first pitch off the Green Monster for a double.

Ramirez, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently served a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy.

Major League Baseball declined to comment on the Times' report, telling The Associated Press it didn't have the list of the 104 players who tested positive six years ago. The players' union also declined comment.

Red Sox owner John Henry did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.

In 2004, Ortiz and Ramirez led Boston to their first World Series championship since 1918. The sluggers helped the Red Sox win another title in 2007.

The results from the 2003 tests were supposed to remain anonymous, but they later were seized by federal agents. Alex Rodriguez admitted using performance-enhancing drugs after he was linked to the 2003 list. And in June, The Times reported that Sammy Sosa also was on the 2003 list.

Ramirez was a long-established star in 2003. Ortiz, in contrast, had been a part-time player before that season.

Ortiz had never hit more than 20 homers in a season as a part-time player in Minnesota early in his career. He came to Boston as a platoon player in 2003 and had four homers by July 1, then hit 27 the rest of the year.

Ortiz followed up with seasons of 41, 47 and 54 home runs as he established himself as one of the best sluggers in the game.

Last year, he dipped to 23 home runs and his slump continued this season. He went into Thursday's game hitting .224 with only 13 homers.

Ramirez returned from his suspension this month and quickly re-established his presence in the middle of the lineup for the NL West-leading Dodgers.

Boos have rained down on Ramirez throughout this week's series in St. Louis whenever he comes to the plate or touches the ball.

"He's a great player and I don't think the suspension has anything to do with it," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. "Personally, if he never got suspended they'd still be booing the hell out of him."

"I think the reception would have been the same. Some people hate the long hair or whatever it is, or the fact he's a free spirit," he said.

WBZ-TV caught up with Big Papi during Spring training this year to ask him about that whole steroids thing...

Hawai'i Coach Doesn't Like Irish Dancing Skills

((HT: KGMB-TV))

University of Hawaii Warrior head football coach Greg McMackin ((pictured, thanks KHNL-TV)) used a gay slur three times during his news conference Thursday at the Western Athletic Conference football preview while recalling a story from last year's Hawaii Bowl against Notre Dame.

McMackin used the term first when discussing a team "dance" performed by the Irish during night-before-game festivities involving both teams.

In the game, Hawaii lost 49-21 to the Fighting Irish.

According to multiple media reports, McMackin asked reporters in attendance to "cover for me" after uttering the slur.

To hear the audio of his speech, click here.

He returned to the interview room after the session to apologize for using the phrase and again later for a formal statement.

"I would sincerely like to apologize for the inappropriate verbiage and words that I used," McMackin said. "I have nothing against the University of Notre Dame. I don't talk like that. I'm really ticked off at myself for saying that. I don't have any prejudices and it really makes me mad that I even said that. I'm disappointed in myself.

"What I was trying to do was be funny and it wasn't funny."

Gatti Death Ruled Suicide

The cororners report is in on the death of former boxer Arturo Gatti...and the verdict is...suicide. The former Welterweight champion's body was found on July 11th by his wife in Brazil. Unfortunately, the Brazillian authorities assumed that his wife, Amanda Rodrigues was the one who killed him and they threw her in jail. She has since been released.

The story from the New York Daily News here .

This puts an end to a violent and strange story of one of Boxing's most legendary competitors. Gatti, who was in Brazil on a "Second Honeymoon" with his wife and 10 month old, leaves a legacy of classic fights including battles with: Oscar DeLaHoya and Floyd Mayweather.

((Arturo Gatti/ Courtesy: Bello/Getty Images))

Back to Vallhalla

Though not the home to any known Vikings, Louisville's Vallhalla Golf Course will be home to the 2011 Senior PGA championship and the 2014 PGA Championship according to an announcement this morning in Louisville.

The course, which hosted the 2000 PGA Championship and a slew of other "Championship" level events along with last years Ryder Cup is considered one of the "Great" golf courses in the U.S.

The story from the Louisville Business Journal here

((Vallhalla/Courtesy: Louisville Bizjournals.com))

USC is at it Again....

This isn't quite as serious as the accusations involving Reggie Bush, but Pete Carroll and the USC Trojans are in hot water with the NCAA, again. Apparently, Carroll invited longtime NFL Assistant Pete Rodriguez to observe the teams Kicking and Special teams and make recommendations.

According to the byzantine rules of the NCAA, that friends...is a significant violation.

Check out the story from the LA Times and Paul Pringle here.

If we were way out west in L.A, we'd be concerned. The NCAA is looking hard at a "Lack of Institutional Control" thing with the Trojans, not only because of football but basketball too. While, the "Unofficial" coach thing certainly won't get them barred or banned from anything, the combination of this along with the numerous other "Investigations" could make for some "Hot" seats out there.

((Pete Carroll looks concerned/Courtesy: Alex Gallardo, LA Times))

The Next Wave Of Sports Reporters

((HT: WJTV/Jackson))

This is what happens when you let kids at a summer camp loose with microphones.
They're learning how to play baseball from the hometown Mississippi Braves.
They're learning TV reporting from the people not holding the microphone from WJTV



We think M-Braves Phillip Wellman ((the first interviewee)) had it down right.
The kids actually listen to him...

And a lot of you think your jobs are, actually, safe...
Some News Directors may actually dig this idea to kill time during local newscasts...
We're not kidding...

Balsillie Will Continue Coyotes Bid

((HT: GlobeSports/Shoalts, Waldie))

The level of hostility from the NHL’s board of governors caught Jim Balsillie ((pictured, thanks GlobeSports file)) by surprise, but the rejection of his bid for the Phoenix Coyotes did not.

Even though the NHL announced yesterday that its governors unanimously rejected Mr. Balsillie as a potential owner and approved a bid for the Coyotes from Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, the co-CEO of Research In Motion Ltd. vowed to press on.

Balsillie’s spokesman, Bill Walker, said a new version of his $212.5-million (all currency U.S.) offer for the team will be filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in a few days.

“We’re moving full steam ahead,” Walker said. “We don’t believe that Jim Balsillie’s qualification to be an NHL owner is an issue at all.”

The committee gave a welcome reception to a proposal by Ice Edge Holdings, a group made up of Canadian and American investors.

“We didn’t hear anything that would stop us,” said Daryl Jones, a partner in Ice Edge. “We’re still in the game.”

Like Reinsdorf, Ice Edge wants to keep the Coyotes in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, but it has not submitted its bid to the court – which will hold the first of two possible auctions for the team on Aug. 5 – because it has yet to line up all of its financing and arrange a new arena lease. The governors deferred a decision on the offer, and now the group says it plans to press ahead with a bid.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an e-mail message that Mr. Balsillie was rejected under bylaw 35 of the league’s constitution. That section says the league can reject potential owners if it does not believe they are of “good character and integrity,” as well as for financial reasons. Daly declined to comment when asked to be more specific.

Walker declined to comment on details of the meeting with the governors’ executive committee or on why the league rejected Balsillie.

A source familiar with the meeting said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called Balsillie shortly after the gathering to tell him why the league was rejecting him as an owner. According to the source, Bettman cited the way Balsillie “had interacted with other member clubs.”

The meeting, held in a Chicago airport hotel, was tense. For more than an hour, members of the executive committee took turns verbally pounding Balsillie. According to sources familiar with the proceedings, Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett and Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold led the charge.

Gillett was embarrassed last November when Balsillie told a reporter the Canadiens were for sale. It was denied at the time but later proved to be true. Leipold was the owner of the Predators in 2007 when Balsillie’s bid for the team was first accepted and then rejected.

The source said Gillett claimed the fallout from Balsillie’s comments on the impending sale destroyed the Canadiens’ season.

“It was not gentle,” the source said.

However, the NHL’s rejection of Balsillie as an owner may not stand up in bankruptcy court.

During a hearing in June, Judge Redfield T. Baum told the NHL that because it approved him as an owner when he tried to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006, it could only reject Balsillie as an owner if there was a “material change” in PSE Sports & Entertainment, the company Balsillie formed to handle the Penguins and Coyotes bids.

“We do not think that Jim Balsillie’s qualification to be an NHL owner is an issue in this case, given his 2006 approval as an NHL owner,” Walker said.

“Presumably the onus will be on the NHL to demonstrate a material change in PSE’s circumstances, although no such change was raised with us,” he said. “Beyond that, we have confidence in, and respect for, Judge Baum and the legal process as this case unfolds.”

Daly responded by denying Balsillie had been approved as an owner in 2006 and refuting Walker's comments.

"Mr. Walker must have been at a different meeting than the rest of the Executive Committee," Daly said via email Wednesday night. "Beyond the fact that Mr. Balsillie was never approved by the Board of Governors in 2006, his entire interview today was spent answering questions on the things he has done since 2006 that call into question his bona fides to be an NHL owner. Obviously, the board was not comfortable with approving him as a business partner, as is their absolute perogative."

Sources say the Balsillie camp believes the NHL wanted to reject him as an owner in advance of the Aug. 5 auction sale of the Coyotes, which is restricted to bidders willing to keep the team in Glendale. If Judge Baum declines to accept the bid from Reinsdorf, who is the only person to file one so far, then an auction for bidders like Balsillie, who wants to move the Coyotes to Hamilton, will be held on Sept. 10.

Balsillie is hoping Judge Baum will accept his bid because it offers $64.5-million more than Reinsdorf’s bid. The Reinsdorf bid is for $148-million and is largely based on the assumption of debt. It is also conditional on working out a new lease and revenue concessions from the City of Glendale, plus concessions from the major creditors.

Walker said by almost any measure Balsillie’s offer is far better than Reinsdorf’s. For example, he said, Balsillie has arranged a 32-year lease for the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, whereas Reinsdorf has yet to reach agreement with Glendale for Jobing.com Arena.

The Ice Edge group has only submitted a letter of intent so far, offering up to $150-million, and it still has to pull together a final offer. The NHL committee spent most of the meeting asking the group, which wants to have the Coyotes play five regular-season games in Saskatoon, about its background and financial assumptions.

Sportswriter Accused Of Prostitution Ring

((HT: Arizona Republic))

A veteran newspaper sports reporter was charged Wednesday with running a prostitution ring in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and possibly into Canada.

Kevin Provencher ((pictured, thanks MyFoxBoston)) advertised his prostitution ring's services on Craigslist and other Web sites and rented hotel rooms in Andover, Mass., and in New Hampshire where the women would have sex for money, prosecutors said. The ring may have operated in Canada, they said.

Provencher, a sports writer at the New Hampshire Union Leader for more than two decades, was arrested at his Manchester home early Wednesday and was taken to Massachusetts, where he was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail during his arraignment in Lawrence District Court. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of deriving support from prostitution.

Provencher, 50, has been suspended from the Union Leader, where he has been its primary motor sports reporter since 1990. He also has been the newspaper's beat reporter covering the Manchester Monarchs since the American Hockey League franchise's 2001 inception.

The newspaper's management issued a statement calling Provencher "a valued employee for many years."

"He is innocent until proven guilty," it said. "However, given the nature and seriousness of the charges, he is suspended until further notice."

Provencher's lawyer, Jessica Thrall, did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment Wednesday.

Sara Underwood, from our friends at MyFox Boston/Fox 25, was in the courtroom...

Stepmom Sues Jeremy Mayfield For Slander

((HT: CBSSports))

Jeremy Mayfield's stepmother sued the suspended NASCAR driver Wednesday, claiming he made slanderous, false and defamatory statements.

In civil court papers filed in Iredell County civil court, Lisa Mayfield argues her stepson falsely accused her of killing his father and taking money from NASCAR. She's seeking compensatory and punitive damages of more than $10,000 each and "further relief as the Court may deem just and proper."

Jeremy Mayfield's comments in several interviews came after his stepmother signed an affidavit claiming she witnessed him taking methamphetamine at least 30 times over seven years. Her affidavit was part of a NASCAR filing asking the federal judge who lifted the driver's drug suspension to reinstate the ban.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has since ruled in NASCAR's favor to keep Mayfield off the track.

The driver has denied ever using the illegal drug.

Lisa Mayfield attorney Edmund Gaines wrote in the three-page filing that Jeremy Mayfield made the comments with "intent to injure and damage the Plaintiff" and "with reckless disregard for the truth."

In interviews, Jeremy Mayfield suggested NASCAR paid his stepmother to lie about his alleged past drug use and accused her of killing his father.

"NASCAR did a great job, that is pretty much a low blow, especially with a lady who is involved with killing my dad," according to the court filing, quoting an interview with Charlotte, N.C., TV station WSOC.

Police ruled Terry Mayfield's death in 2007 a suicide.

John Buric, an attorney for Jeremy Mayfield, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Mayfield was suspended May 9 for failing a random drug test eight days earlier for what NASCAR has said was a positive test for methamphetamine. The driver sued, and the lawsuit has been set for a jury trial on Sept. 13, 2010, according to court documents filed Tuesday.

So, hey, let's show the exclusive interview with Jeremy and FoxCharlotte's Dao Vu
((HT: WCCB-TV/Fox Charlotte))

Arland Bruce Heads Down The QEW

((HT: GlobeSports/Naylor))

Arland Bruce ((pictured, thanks GlobeSports file)) is a Hamilton Tiger-Cat after the Toronto Argonauts completed a deal to move the disgruntled receiver on Wednesday morning, ending a week of drama that began when Argos head coach Bart Andrus decided to leave the veteran receiver home from last week’s road trip to Winnipeg.

Bruce’s critical comments about that decision provoked the Argonauts to begin exploring trade options which have resulted in them acquiring the rights to Canadian defensive end Cory Mace, who has spent the past two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2011 if Bruce is on the Hamilton roster in 2011.

“We believe we received the best value we could get for Arland given the circumstances,'' said Argos general manager Adam Rita in a statement. "We believe strongly in the direction in which our organization is headed.”

While Andrus dismissed Tuesday the notion that Bruce is a vital cog in the Argos offence, he certainly should make the Tiger-Cats better. Hamilton has a young group of receivers who struggle with consistency, meaning Bruce’s veteran presence should instantly give them a new dynamic.

The departing six-year Argo insisted his comments were never meant to provoke a trade and as of Tuesday he was disappointed when learning that he was likely to be traded.

Bruce, 31, was expected on the field at Tiger-Cat practice Wednesday in Hamilton and will be in uniform when Hamilton hosts the B.C. Lions on Friday night.

It is believed there was some debate with the Argonauts owners, management and coaching staff over whether Bruce should have been allowed to return to the team. Sources say Andrus insisted Bruce’s days as an Argonaut be over, and the first-year Toronto coach got his way.

"We we were trying to have things fall in line and his response was very negative and it was time for him to go,'' Andrus said Wednesday at the team's practice facility in Mississauga, Ont., "I wish him well and better luck with his new team.''

The Argos had no other trade partners besides Hamilton, largely because of the difficulty moving Bruce’s $190,000 contract. Had they released him, however, both the Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers may have had an interest in him.

Though the deal was agreed to between the parties late Tuesday, it wasn't completed until Hamilton head coach Marcel Bellefeuille and general manager Bob O'Billovich had a chance to meet with Bruce on Tuesday night.

"We are certain that in the environment Marcel Bellefeuille has created around our team this season, Arland will be a respected teammate in our locker room and a valuable member of our community," O"Billovich said in a statement released by the Tiger-Cats announcing the deal.

Mace is a native of Port Moody, B.C., who has spent most of the past two seasons on the Bills practice roster and been unable to come to terms on a contract with Hamilton so far this season.

As a Canadian defensive lineman with NFL experience, the 23-year-old University of Wyoming product would give the Argos some depth behind Adriano Belli, another player Andrus has criticized for performing in ways detrimental to the team this season.

"I don't know if you want to say I'm putting my own stamp on something,'' Andrus said, concerning his decision to suspend Bruce last week. "I'm trying to do what I'm used to doing at this level, doing the things I've seen work in the past. There needs to be a certain degree of responsibility on the part of the players.''

SunTV in Ontario interviewed Argos wideout Andre Talbot about everything double-blue including the whole Bruce distraction...
((HT: GrillRoomTV/SunTV Ontario))

Balsillie Rejected By NHL

((HT: GlobeSports/Waldie))

The NHL executive committee has rejected Jim Balsillie's application to become owner of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Balsillie can still bid for the club, which he plans to move to Hamilton, and he is expected to forge ahead with his offer.

The committee met with Balsillie today in Chicago to go over his application to buy the club. Balsillie had submitted an application as part of his bid to buy the Coyotes out of Chapter 11 protection.

The committee gave a welcome reception to a proposal by Ice Edge Holdings, which wants to buy the Coyotes, keep the club in Phoenix but play five regular-season games in Saskatoon. However, the committee did not formally approve the idea. Ice Edge is made up of about six investors, mainly from Canada. The group said it plans to press ahead with its offer.

A $148-million (U.S.) bid by Chicago businessman Jerry Reinsdorf, who also wants to buy the club and keep it in Phoenix, was given the thumbs up by the committee.

"Mr. Reinsdorf's application was unanimously approved by all those Board members present and voting, subject to the League's completion of its due diligence and review of the final transaction," the league said in a statement.

"In Mr. Balsillie's case, it was the unanimous vote of all members present and voting that his application not be approved. With respect to [Ice Edge], it was determined that, at this stage, since they've only recently begun the process, the application was incomplete and could not yet be acted on by the Board. However, the Executive Committee reported favorably on the [Ice Edge] group's interview and endorsed the group's continued efforts to complete a bid to purchase the franchise."

Full NHL statement below:

National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman issued the following statement following today's Board of Governors meeting:

"The National Hockey League's Board of Governors met this afternoon to review the ownership applications of three prospective ownership groups for the Phoenix Coyotes. The Board's process today represents the League's best efforts to comply with the League's review procedures pursuant to NHL Constitution Article 3.5 and NHL By-Law 35 within the timetable imposed by the ongoing court process.

"There were three applicant groups that were interviewed by the Executive Committee and considered by the Board. One was Jim Balsillie's. The second was a group headed by Anthony LeBlanc, involving Mr. LeBlanc, Keith McCullough, Todd Jordan and Daryl Jones. And the third group, headed by Jerry Reinsdorf, included as well Tony Tavares and John Kaites.

"After interviewing all of the applications, the Executive Committee brought forward recommendations to the full Board of Governors.

"Mr. Reinsdorf's application was unanimously approved by all those Board members present and voting, subject to the League's completion of its due diligence and review of the final transaction. In Mr. Balsillie's case, it was the unanimous vote of all members present and voting that his application not be approved. With respect to the LeBlanc group, it was determined that, at this stage, since they've only recently begun the process, the application was incomplete and could not yet be acted on by the Board. However, the Executive Committee reported favorably on the LeBlanc group's interview and endorsed the group's continued efforts to complete a bid to purchase the franchise.

"We will so advise the Bankruptcy Court and we will move this process forward."


The Balsillie camp statement below:

PSE Sports and Entertainment, the company which represents Jim Balsillie’s $212.5-million bid to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes and relocate the team to Hamilton, Ontario, issued a statement today regarding the NHL’s position on Mr. Balsillie’s ownership application.

“We do not think that Jim Balsillie’s qualification to be an NHL owner is an issue in this case given his 2006 approval as an NHL owner,” said PSE spokesman Bill Walker.

“We note that the bankruptcy court Judge Hon. Redfield T. Baum ruled in his June 15 decision that:

‘Absent some showing by the NHL that there have been material changes in PSE’s circumstances since 2006, it appears to the court that the NHL can not object or withhold its consent to PSE becoming the controlling owner of the Phoenix Coyotes.’

Walker noted that Judge Baum cited the legal precedent of Memorial Coliseum v. National Football League (known as the “Raiders” case) as showing that ‘a right of approval or disapproval or a discretionary power… must be exercised within the parameters of the duty of good faith.’

“Presumably the onus will be on the NHL to demonstrate a material change in PSE’s circumstances, although no such change was raised with us today,” Walker said. “Beyond that we have confidence in, and respect for, Judge Baum and the legal process as this case unfolds.”

Burress Testifies In Front Of Grand Jury

((HT: ESPN))

Plaxico Burress testified for nearly three hours Wednesday in front of a grand jury that is investigating weapons charges against him and told reporters outside that he was sorry for his actions.

The former Giants wide receiver, who shot himself in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub in November now will wait for the grand jury's vote on whether he will be indicted.

"I was truthful, I was honest, and I'm truly remorseful for what I've done and for what happened," the 31-year-old Burress said outside of a Manhattan courthouse.

Burress is charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 3½ years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $100,000 bail. The Giants released the receiver in April.

His attorney, Benjamin Brafman, said the one-time Super Bowl star wanted to address the grand jury, adding his client stressed in his testimony that the gun was not used in the commission of a crime and that he was the lone victim.

"I agreed that in order to humanize him they needed to see who he was and what this man was about," Brafman said, adding, "He asked the grand jury for compassion and understanding. I think it took a big man, not just physically, but a big man to come here today and acknowledge his responsibility and ask for the compassion of the people who he testified before."

Brafman contends that Burress' gun was registered in the state of Florida and that "my client was under the impression that the same was the case in the city of New York."

Brafman said he hopes that Burress' testimony will serve to balance out some of the comments made Monday by Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, whom Brafman characterized as having "a lapse in judgment" by speaking publicly about the Burress case while the case is in front of the grand jury.

Morgenthau told the New York Post that Burress was willing to agree to spend a year in jail, but prosecutors insisted on two, the newspaper reported.

"We've always taken the position that he's going to have to go to jail, whether by trial or by plea," Morgenthau said, according to the Post.

Burress, who caught the winning touchdown in the final minute of the 2008 Super Bowl, also could face disciplinary action by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell under the league's personal conduct policy. Burress has yet to sign with another team and Goodell's office announced in June that the league already had started its examination of the shooting.

Here's Chris McKendry tossing to Sal Paolantonio in front of the courthouse...

Indictment Likely For Jamar Hornsby

((HT: Jackson Clarion-Ledger/Brandt))

Ole Miss football signee Jamar Hornsby is expected to be indicted on felony aggravated assault and petit larceny charges on Friday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court, stemming from an alleged incident in early March, according to his attorney Steve Farese.

“We’re never certain, but we are anticipating an indictment,” Farese said. “All we know for sure is that we’ll be in court Friday morning.”

Hornsby, a 22-year-old rising junior, will plead not guilty, according to the attorney. But if an indictment comes, it likely signifies that Hornsby’s future with the Ole Miss football team is on very shaky ground.

UM coach Houston Nutt said he would wait until Friday before making any decisions about Hornsby’s future with the program.

Nutt has already said that Hornsby will not be allowed to practice until his legal issues are resolved. The team’s first day of practice is Aug. 10. If there is an indictment, Farese said a resolution to the trial would probably not come until at least the end of the year.

“We would certainly file a motion to speed up the trial,” Farese said. “But it’s up to the judge.”

Hornsby played at East Mississippi Community College last fall and signed with Ole Miss in February. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound defensive back is listed as a four-star recruit (on a five-star scale) by Rivals.com and a three-star recruit by Scout.com. He is expected to help the Rebels’ secondary immediately if allowed to play.

The charges stem from an incident on March 2. Benjamin Jenkins alleges that Hornsby repeatedly hit him with brass knuckles, causing a fractured nose, busted lips, swollen jaw and scrapes and cuts at a McDonald’s in Starkville. In a separate complaint, Jenkins also alleges that Hornsby stole $6 from him during the altercation.

Hornsby has been in trouble before.

He was arrested in May 2008 while a member of the Florida football team and was convicted of four misdemeanor counts of credit card fraud in Alachua County, Fla. He used a friend’s credit card following her death in October 2007, buying almost $3,000 worth of gas.

After his arrest, Hornsby was kicked off the Florida team. As part of his punishment, he was sentenced to a year of probation in December.

When Ole Miss signed Hornsby in February, Nutt said he knew about Hornsby’s past issues, but was confident he deserved a second chance.

“We talked to everybody involved,” Nutt said. “We talked to (Florida coach) Urban Meyer. We talked to the judge. We talked to his family. We wouldn’t have signed him if we weren’t confident he would represent our program in the right way.”

They Call Her The Brees...

((HT: Houston Chronicle/Tolson))

Scores of Houston restaurant owners received a letter from an Austin attorney last week offering them the “opportunity” to purchase one thing that all believed was already and irrefutably theirs — their name.

The letter, addressed “to whom it may concern,” informed the restaurateurs that their assumed names on file with the Harris County Clerk had expired. The new owner of all these names, a company called Chicksports Inc., was willing to sell each one back. The price? Some owners were told $25,000, others $20,000. The letter ended with what some considered a threat.

“If you have not contacted me by email or phone by August 14, 2009, Chicksports will explore its legal options for your use of the assumed name it now owns or contact other parties interested in owning the reservation of the right to this assumed name,” attorney Mina Brees ((pictured, thanks aamctx.org)) wrote.

Brees, the mother of NFL quarterback Drew Brees, also happens to be the president and registered agent for Chicksports. She did not return phone calls from the Chronicle, but in a brief e-mail Brees said that her client does not plan to maintain control over most of the names. Assumed names expire after 10 years.

“My client intends to release any assumed names it reserved in the next week or so, because it has selected the assumed name it wishes to use for its business,” Brees said in her e-mail. “However, it is important to know that once an assumed name is released, other individuals or entities will have the opportunity to reserve that name.”

Brees did not explain why she applied for the expired names or describe the nature of the business Chicksports was pursuing.

Local restaurateurs did not know what to make of the letter.

Many were alarmed at first, fearing they could lose control of their public identity.

“The first thing I thought was, ‘Oh my God, what is this?' I have heard such horror stories over the years,” said Elouise Adams Jones, owner of Ouisie's Table near River Oaks. “I was panicked at first. I thought I had missed something terrible. My assumed name had expired, so that made me concerned that I had a problem.”
Word spread quickly

Carmelo Mauro, owner of Carmelo's Italian Restaurant in west Houston, said he was “shocked” by the letter — and by the notion of paying someone to keep using a name that has been on his sign since 1981.

“The first reaction is, ‘No way I will pay $25,000,' ” Mauro said. “I will change the name to Carmelo's Cucina Italiano or something else. You start thinking so many things.”

Mauro did not know whether the letter was serious, but he was worried enough to call the Texas Restaurant Association. Over the next few days he found out that other local restaurateurs had received similar letters. Some of them had been offered their names back for “only” $20,000.

Calls and e-mails quickly went out from one owner to another and then to the restaurant group. Its general counsel, Glen Garey, was stunned when he finally read a copy of Brees' letter. It contained an ominous message, underlined and in all capital letters, at the top: “This letter contains information which is important to your business entity.”

“I was almost shaking I was so mad when I saw that letter,” Garey said. “I'm a member of the bar, and it's embarrassing for someone in our profession to do something like that.”

He reassured members that the letters carried no weight and posted an alert advising as much on the association's Web site.

“DO NOT PAY …” Garey wrote in capital letters. “The assumed name statute says clearly that there is no need to file an assumed name if your corporate name is your business name … .”

The owners' own lawyers reassured them with similar advice. Jeffrey Horowitz, who represents the owners of Shade, a restaurant in Houston Heights, said the letter made little sense from a legal standpoint.

“It looks like a weak attempt to do something like cyber squatting, but the law in Texas is such that — with trade names and trademarks — first use usually prevails,” Horowitz said. “Why they would send a letter like that … doesn't make any sense unless they were trying to take advantage of a restaurateur who does not know the law.”

Geary said he made no attempt to contact Brees. So far, he said, the restaurant association has not taken any action against her.

“I figured any attorney who would do something like that would not be disabused of their plans by a simple phone call,” he said.

Brees was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for the Texas Court of Appeals in 2006. She gained a dollop of national publicity when her son, who plays for the New Orleans Saints, demanded that she stop using him in her television campaign commercials.

Drew Brees characterized their relationship as “nonexistent,” and told the Austin American-Statesman at the time that as he had gotten older he had become more aware of his mother's “lies and manipulation.”

What If There was A Hoops Tourney And No One Showed But You...???

((HT: Birmingham News/Stock, Crenshaw))

The Venezuelan national men's basketball team ((pictured, thanks Pastora Castrillo/al.com special)) came to Birmingham last week expecting to play in an international tournament but left early because a promoter failed to provide meals, transportation and flight reimbursements, an official with the team claimed Tuesday.

"This was a real disaster," said Venezuelan team technical director Francisco Diez in a phone interview Tuesday. "There's no money. There's no games. I feel ridiculous and frustrated."

The promoter, Anthony Toney of Birmingham, had told team officials they would compete against a mix of local and international teams, but the Birmingham Gladiators were the only other team in the Freewill Games tournament in Birmingham last week, said Diez, who handles scheduling for the Venezuelan team.

The group ended up leaving Birmingham on Friday -- 10 days ahead of schedule.

Tuesday night Toney disputed the reason for the team's early departure but declined to elaborate. Last Friday, he told The Birmingham News that the team left early because it did not want to experience the embarrassment of losing again to the Gladiators, who had an 86-84 victory Thursday night at Bill Harris Arena at Fair Park in the one tournament game that was played.

Diez denied that.

Toney, commissioner of Americas Basketball International, told Diez that his team would play a team from Nigeria and also named teams from Uruguay and Liberia as participants, in a July 19 e-mail. Last week he told The Birmingham News that other teams did not come because player visas did not clear.

Diez said Toney agreed to cover hotel costs for 15 people, which he did. But Diez said Toney failed to reimburse the team for 15 plane tickets and didn't cover most meals. Nor did anyone pick the team up at the airport last Monday, Diez said.

Toney said he provided transportation and two meals a day for the team.

"They got all of that. I've got receipts and all," he said. "They got all of that. I provided for 15 people (and) I paid for 20. So tell me I didn't take care of them."

Toney said he had vans from Budget the first day the team was in town. "I've got receipts for them eating, I've got receipts for their transportation, and I've got receipts from the hotel."

Diez said he has been asked to personally reimburse $18,000 that the team lost.

Word began to spread in the Birmingham Hispanic community about the Venezuelan team's complaints, and several people mobilized on Friday to help feed the team and take them to the airport.

"Out of respect and embarrassment, I had to comb my resources," said Theresa De Leon, who found volunteers to help the team. "... All they knew was how to walk to the (downtown) Y and to the Magic City Grill."

Jefferson County Judge Scott Vowell ended up personally paying for the team to eat lunch at John's City Diner, after he got a call from Mavi Figueres, a court interpreter who was trying to help the team. Vowell also invited the team to his courtroom and apologized.

"It's a black eye for our city," said Vowell, the presiding judge in Jefferson County.

The Venezuelan team decided to play in Birmingham as preparation for an international tournament in Puerto Rico next month, Diez said.

The treatment the Venezuelans received from the promoter on U.S. soil could be seen as an insult not only to the team but to its country, said Figueres, who worked as a political adviser on Latin America for Gov. Don Siegelman and as an international business consultant.

At least one Venezuelan media outlet reported that the tournament was "a fraud." Others reported that it had been canceled because teams did not show up.

"Venezuela and the United States already have really bad relations," Figueres said.

Schumi Returns For Massa's Seat

((HT: CP))

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher ((pictured, thanks Clive Rose/Getty Images)) is making a comeback for Ferrari to replace injured driver Felipe Massa.

Ferrari said Wednesday in a statement that the German had agreed to get back in the cockpit until Massa is fit to return. The next race is the European Grand Prix on Aug. 21-23 in Valencia, Spain.

"Though it is true that the Formula One chapter has long been closed for me, it is also true that for team loyalty reasons I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation," the 40-year-old Schumacher said. "But as the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

The 28-year-old Massa was hit in the helmet by a loose part from another car and crashed into a protective tire barrier at 190 kilometres per hour during qualifying Saturday at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Brazilian receieved multiple skull fractures in the accident and doctors say he will not race again this season.

Massa took his first steps since the crash on Wednesday and was later scheduled to leave the intensive care unit of the AEK hospital in Budapest. He also received a visit from Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo.

Ferrari said Schumacher will undergo a special training program in the coming days to determine whether he will be able to drive in Valencia. There are six races left in the season after the European GP.

"Thanks God, all news concerning Felipe is positive. I wish him all the best again," Schumacher wrote on his Web site.

Schumacher, who had 91 wins in 250 F1 races starts, still acts as a consultant for Ferrari. Since retiring in October 2006, Schumacher has raced occasionally in a motorcycling series but was injured in a crash in February.

Schumacher won his first two F1 titles with the Benetton team. He joined Ferrari in 1996 and won five straight from 2000-04.

Here's Schumi's last laps at the Brazil GP in 2006...
((HT: Speed/F1))

Eagles DC Johnson Dies At 68

((HT: Philly.com))

Former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson ((pictured, thanks Yong Kim/Philly.com)) has died from cancer. He was 68.
A news conference is scheduled for 7 p.m. with Andy Reid and Joe Banner.

Here is a statement from the Eagles:

The Philadelphia Eagles are saddened to announce Jim Johnson has passed away this afternoon at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A veteran of 22 years as an NFL assistant, Johnson is regarded as one of the top defensive masterminds in National Football League history. Over the last decade, he gained a great deal of notoriety as the orchestrator of the renowned Eagles defense. His aggressive style kept Philadelphia at or near the top of the NFL in nearly every major defensive category since joining Andy Reid’s staff on January 22, 1999.

From 2000-08, Johnson's units ranked 2nd in the NFL in sacks (390), 3rd down efficiency (34.0%) and red zone touchdown percentage (43.9%), and fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game). During his 10-year tenure in Philadelphia, the Eagles earned seven playoff berths, five trips to the NFC Championship game and one Super Bowl appearance (following the 2004 season).

As the Eagles defensive chief, Johnson's defense has produced 26 Pro Bowl selections: Brian Dawkins (7), Troy Vincent (5), Jeremiah Trotter (4), Hugh Douglas (3), Lito Sheppard (2), Asante Samuel (1), Trent Cole (1), Michael Lewis (1), Corey Simon (1), and Bobby Taylor (1).

Four of his defensive assistants have gone on to successful careers with other NFL franchises: Steve Spagnuolo (head coach of the St. Louis Rams), John Harbaugh (head coach of the Baltimore Ravens), Ron Rivera (defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers) and Leslie Frazier (defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings).

Prior to his tenure in Philadelphia, Johnson served as the linebackers coach with Seattle in 1998. That year, Johnson helped the Seahawks register 10 touchdowns on defense, including eight interceptions returned for scores, 2nd most in NFL history. He arrived in Seattle after a four-year stint in Indianapolis, the last two as defensive coordinator. While with the Colts, Johnson helped them secure a berth in the AFC Championship game at Pittsburgh in 1995.

Johnson spent eight seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (1986-93). After overseeing the Cards defensive line for four seasons, Johnson excelled as their secondary coach, helping Aeneas Williams become the first rookie cornerback to lead the league in interceptions (6) since 1981.

Johnson began his coaching career as head coach at Missouri Southern (1967-68), before serving four-year tenures at Drake and Indiana. From 1977-83, Johnson served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Notre Dame, a stint that included a national championship in 1977.

An all-conference quarterback himself at Missouri (where he played in the same backfield with long-time NFL executive Bill Tobin), Johnson went on to spend two seasons with Buffalo as a tight end (1963-64).

A native of Maywood, IL, Johnson (born 5/26/41) earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in physical education from Missouri.

Johnson is survived by his wife, Vicky, two children, Scott and Michelle, and four grandchildren, Katie, Justin, Brandon, and Jax.

Here's coverage from our friends at WTXF-TV/Fox 29/MyFoxPhilly

4 Stays 10-7: Favre To Stay Retired

((HT: Minneapolis Star-Tribune/Zulgad))

Brett Favre won't be joining the Vikings.

Vikings coach Brad Childress told the Star Tribune late this afternoon that the quarterback informed the team he has decided to remain retired. Childress cited the daily grind both mentally and physically as part of the reason why Favre remained retired.

"I just think it was a rare opportunity to explore a Hall of Fame quarterback who had background in the NFC and in this division," Childress said. "He knows our system inside out ... This doesn't change anything about how I feel about our football team."

Favre's decision comes one day before players begin reporting to training in Mankato. Favre had told the team he would have a decision by Thursday, when players must officially report to camp. The Vikings begin practicing on Friday.

Favre's decision means that Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels will compete for the starting job. That was the plan when the Vikings acquired Rosenfels from Houston last February for a fourth-round draft pick.

Favre entered the picture when the New York Jets released him from their reserve/retired list on April 28 after the team drafted Mark Sanchez in the first round. Favre had retired from the Jets in February in part because he was bothered by a partially torn biceps in his throwing arm.

Favre, who will turn 40 on Oct. 10, had surgery in late May to repair the arm and began working out with receivers at a high school in Hattiesburg, Miss. Ultimately his concern became whether he could make it through the rigors of a 16-game season.

Earlier Tuesday, kicker Ryan Longwell, a former teammate of Favre's with Green Bay, had put the chances of Favre returning at only 50-50. This was after many thought Favre was a lock to return.

Zulgad and fellow Star-Trib Vikings beat writer Chip Scoggins discuss...
((HT: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune))

Gretzky Shut Out If Reinsdorf Wins Coyotes

((HT: The Star/Hunter))

If Jerry Reinsdorf is successful in his bid for the Phoenix Coyotes, he'll do something most NHL goalies never could pull off: shut out Wayne Gretzky.

Reinsdorf's offer to purchase the Coyotes, filed in bankruptcy court on Friday, excludes the acquisition of several employee contracts, including that of hockey's greatest all-time scorer.

The Great One has coached the team for the last four seasons.

Gretzky, who owns a small piece of the team with majority owner Jerry Moyes, signed an employment agreement in March 2008. It reportedly pays him $8 million (U.S.) a season.

So Gretzky faces two dramatically different fates if one of the suitors that wishes to keep the team in Phoenix is successful at a bankruptcy auction Aug. 5.

He'll either be on the unemployment line or heralded as a Coyote for life.

Another group of Canadian and American businessmen, known as Ice Edge Holdings, wants Gretzky to become a "major shareholder of the newly constituted Coyotes franchise."

In the group's "letter of intent" to purchase the team, which was also filed in bankruptcy court, the group states it intends to offer Gretzky a long-term coaching contract and use him more aggressively to court major corporate sponsorships.

Coyotes Saskatoon Games: A "Cash Cow"

((HT: GlobeSports/Shoalts, Waldie))

While even the leaders of a group of Canadian and American businessmen admit their 11th-hour attempt to buy the Phoenix Coyotes is a long shot, they will find an attentive audience when they face the NHL’s board of governors tomorrow in Chicago.

Brian Burke, the president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, said yesterday the board will listen carefully to Daryl Jones and his partners in Ice Edge Holdings, even though they have not formally submitted a bid to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and are still trying to raise money, and want to play five regular-season and some potential playoff games in Saskatoon.

The reason, Burke said, is the group is interested in keeping the Coyotes in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale.

“I believe the primary goal of [the governors] is to find a way to keep the team in Phoenix,” Burke said. “The idea of playing games in another city is unusual but it’s been done before. But I think they will find people listening attentively because they want to keep the team in Phoenix.”

The governors’ executive committee will have a busy day tomorrow.

In addition to taking part in the examination of the Ice Edge group, they will also question Jim Balsillie about his bid for the team and his relocation plans. Balsillie, the co-chief executive officer of Research In Motion Ltd., has offered $212.5-million (U.S.) for the Coyotes on the condition he can move the team to Hamilton.

Burke, who will not be able to attend the governors meeting, said he wants to know more about the plans of Jones and his group before he offers an opinion.

So do other governors, who did not want to be identified but wondered about the wisdom not only of playing in a remote Canadian city but removing five home games from the Coyotes’ schedule and adding the expense of five road games, not to mention the competitive effect that will have on the players. One governor also wonders about the economic effect NHL games will have on the Saskatoon Blades, the city’s junior team in the Western Hockey League.

What is clear is, in the unlikely event the NHL governors agree to let games be played in Saskatoon, they will be expensive for Saskatchewan hockey fans.

Jones said Ice Edge has run the numbers and is convinced the games in Saskatoon can generate millions of dollars in extra revenue for the Coyotes. He said ticket prices for the proposed Saskatoon games would reflect the average price for other Canadian NHL teams, although given the limited number of games the group may have some “incremental pricing power.”

He noted that the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon is also slated to be expanded this fall to accommodate 15,000 for hockey. Ice Edge has already discussed various scheduling options with arena officials and they are “pretty excited about it,” Jones said.

Jones declined to discuss the Saskatoon revenue projections in detail. But sources said the group hopes to average about $1.2-million (Canadian) in ticket sales for the five games thanks to the arena expansion.

That still works out to an average ticket price of $80, which is within shouting distance of the average ticket price of the Maple Leafs, which is more than $100.

The average ticket price in Phoenix is $37.45 (U.S.), more than $12 below the NHL average, according to court filings. Ice Edge also expects to earn some extra cash from added sponsorships and merchandise sales in Saskatoon.

“We’ve accounted for additional travel costs and we think the way it fits into the schedule would still make this very economical,” Jones added. “We think the reality is you do generate incremental cash flow in Saskatoon.”

The plans are to incorporate the Saskatoon games into road trips to Western Canadian cities to minimize expenses.

Toronto promoter John Graham owns the rights to NHL games in Saskatoon. He put together a visit in September by the New York Islanders, who will hold part of their training camp in Saskatoon, but it has nothing to do with the Coyotes.

Graham declined to comment yesterday other than to say he was advised by city officials about the plans a few days ago. “I’m just waiting to see what happens,” he said.

Jones admitted Ice Edge still has a long way to go before finalizing its bid. It needs NHL approval for the Saskatoon games and the City of Glendale to approve a new lease for the Jobing.com Arena where the Coyotes play. Ice Edge is also still working on arranging financing.

“If we don’t have the capital that makes us feel comfortable we’re not putting in a bid on this,” he said. “We’re not going to do it if it doesn’t make sense.”

The group is also well aware of the financial challenges facing the Coyotes, which have never made money according to court filings. Ice Edge is basing its plans on a presumption the club loses $32-million (U.S.) on operations. That is slightly higher than the club lost on operations last season. He said the Saskatoon games, while a key part of the overall plan, are just one of several sources of extra revenue.

One NHL governor, who did not want to be identified, wondered if the group hopes to sell any of the Saskatoon games to a Canadian television network.

Jones said that has not been discussed yet.

Here's coverage of the Phoenix-Saskatoon Coyotes from the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix with David Hutton and Cory Wolfe leading the way...

And the coverage of the Halifax side of the ledger- with an interesting connection to the Coyotes in Bobby Smith- in the National version of the Globe and Mail. Oliver Moore gets to write that one for you...

APD: Forrest Case Is "Coming Together"

((HT: WAGA-TV/MyFoxAtlanta))

Atlanta police said former boxing champion Vernon Forrest exchanged gunfire with robbery suspects before being shot to death.

The death of the boxer is one of several high-profile weekend crimes expected to draw a big crowd to City Hall Tuesday.

Lt. Keith Meadows said Monday that investigators believe between 20 and 24 shots were fired from two guns. Meadows says police recovered Forrest's gun and that one shell casing belonging to that gun was recovered.

Police say Forrest had stopped at a gas station Saturday night and was putting air in his tire at the time of the robbery. He was shot multiple times in the back.

Investigators returned to the crime scene Monday to search for more shell casings but didn't find any.

Forrest lived in Atlanta and was a former IBF welterweight and two-time WBC junior middleweight champion with a 41-3 career record with 29 knockouts. He also was on the 1992 Olympic team.

MyFoxAtlanta's Chris Shaw has the update on the investigation and ideas on how to stop the recent rash of crime overall in the city...

NASCAR: Witnesses Will Testify Against Mayfield

((HT: That's Racin'/St. Onge))

NASCAR has a “significant number” of witnesses who will testify that suspended driver Jeremy Mayfield ((PIctured, thanks NASCAR Images)) used methamphetamines, a NASCAR official said Monday.

The official said those witnesses would testify to recent and long-term use.

The official's remarks followed a court filing Monday by NASCAR attorneys in U.S. District Court. The filing asked U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen to lift an injunction he granted this month so Mayfield could return to racing.

Mayfield was suspended May 9 after a positive test for what NASCAR later identified as meth.

An appeals court last week put on hold Mullen's injunction, but Monday's filing is part of a larger lawsuit between NASCAR and Mayfield.

The NASCAR official declined to further characterize the witnesses to Mayfield's meth use, but in Monday's court filing, NASCAR attorneys said they were reluctant to testify after Mayfield angrily responded to similar testimony from his stepmother, Lisa Mayfield.

Jeremy Mayfield said Lisa Mayfield is “basically a whore” and accused her of killing his father, who died in 2007.

Attorneys say Mayfield apparently contacted one of the unnamed witnesses to convince her that despite her recollection, he never used drugs.

Mayfield continues to deny any methamphetamine use, his attorney John Buric said.

In the filing, NASCAR also asked Mullen to select an independent, third-party laboratory that could test a sample of Mayfield's urine.

Mayfield's attorneys have argued that he has tested negative for meth using the same sample that produced a positive NASCAR test, and that the positive NASCAR test might have come from a combination of allergy and other medication Mayfield was taking.

NASCAR attorneys have argued that Mayfield's lab did not use a test sophisticated enough to distinguish meth from those other medications.

Buric called NASCAR's request for a third-party lab “ridiculous.”

“There's clearly a process in place for this,” he said. “We think the rules require that we have the say in where our sample gets sent.”

Firebirds In, Firecats Out Of af2 Playoffs

((HT: Albany Times-Union/Singelais))

The Albany Firebirds are in the playoffs because the Florida Firecats didn't make the payoffs.

Albany earned an arenafootball2 postseason bid on Monday when the league booted the Firecats "due to their failure to honor league commitments," according to a Firebirds news release.

Citing a league source, the News-Press of Fort Myers, Fla., reported Florida wasn't allowed to participate because the franchise owed af2 more than $200,000.

As a result, the Firebirds (7-9) replace the Firecats as the eighth and final seed in the American Conference.

Albany will face the No. 1 seed Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (13-3) on Saturday night in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

"Hey, we'll go in because of (Florida's) mistake, so we'll take it anyway it goes," Firebirds wide receiver/linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson said.

The Firebirds are in the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

Af2 spokesman Marc Lestinsky didn't return calls to his office and cell phone. A phone message to Florida's office wasn't returned.

It appeared Albany was eliminated from playoff contention Saturday when Florida (7-9) beat Kentucky in the regular-season finale.

Florida had the head-to-head tiebreaker due to its 32-27 win in Albany on April 10.

But Firebirds general manager Garen Szablewski said he told the players and coaching staff to remain in the Capital Region because he'd heard Florida might be deemed ineligible for rules violations.

"We're really excited," Szablewski said. "We really thought our record this year didn't really reflect the quality of the team."

Albany started 0-5 before winning seven of its final 11 games.

Wilkes-Barre is 3-0 against Albany this season, including a 49-40 home win over the Firebirds on July 18.

"We couldn't be happer to get in the playoffs," Firebirds quarterback Stephen Wasil said. "We played them tough last time and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't have won."

The Firebirds return to practice this morning in Halfmoon.

The statement, in full, is pretty lengthy and can be found by clicking in black...

The Firecats explanation can be found here...

The Last Buick Open

((HT: MyFoxDetroit/WJBK-TV))

General Motors Co. will end its half-century run as sponsor of the Buick Open golf tournament as it tries to focus scarce marketing dollars on its cars and trucks, a person briefed on the decision said Tuesday.

GM and tour officials will make the announcement after this year's open, which begins Thursday and ends Sunday, said the person, who did not want to be identified because the announcement will not be made until the tournament ends.

The troubled automaker, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on July 10, has been cutting back on professional sports sponsorships for the past year to conserve marketing dollars. Earlier this month the company placed longtime product development chief Bob Lutz in charge of marketing, and he has said the company will focus its advertising more on products.

GM, which has racked up more than $80 billion in losses in the past four years, is trying to spend more promoting its new vehicles, especially its cars, which it says are competitive or better than those made by its Japanese rivals.

The company is selling or phasing out its Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and Hummer brands and will concentrate on selling Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC.

The century-old automaker has been cutting back on everything from professional baseball to NASCAR in the past year. In 2008 GM ended a nine-year endorsement deal with golf superstar Tiger Woods ((pictured, thanks WJBK-TV)), who will play in this week's Buick Open in Grand Blanc, Mich., about 50 miles north of Detroit.

GM is watching every dollar it spends, and sponsoring PGA Tour events is not cheap. Golfers will compete for $5.1 million in prize money at the Buick Open, starting with Thursday's first round.

The automaker already has cut costs at the open, ending a tradition of paying for dealers to travel to Michigan for the tournament and wining and dining select guests in lavish hospitality tents.

The end of GM's sponsorship is another ripple effect from the crisis hitting Detroit's three automakers. Michigan had the nation's highest unemployment rate last month at 15.2 percent, and the Flint area, where the tournament is held, reported 17.4 percent.

Both GM and Chrysler Group LLC had brief stays under bankruptcy court supervision and emerged this year free of staggering debt and burdensome contracts. The companies have received a total of $65 billion in federal aid.

Ford Motor Co. has avoided taking government aid by borrowing $23.5 billion before worldwide auto sales went into the worst slump in more than 25 years.

GolfWeek Magazine, citing two sources it did not identify, reported on its Web site last week that GM would end the PGA Tour's longest partnership and a new sponsor and venue would replace Warwick Hills.

Kenny Perry, who will not play this week, won the tournament last year as it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Vijay Singh has won a record three Buick Open titles. Woods, Perry, Julius Boros and Tony Lema have two Buick Open titles.

Woods provided the tournament with a boost last week when he committed to playing in Grand Blanc even though it will likely lead to him playing in three straight tournaments. He and rock legend Bob Seger highlight Wednesday's pro-am and will be followed by a throng of fans, starting with their 7 a.m. tee time.

Fox2's Simon Shaykhet has the bad news from Grand Blanc...

NASCAR's Indy Race Still In Good Hands Without Sponsor

((HT: IndyStar/Ballard))

The NASCAR race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will have a new name next year. Or, more likely, an old one.

Allstate announced Monday it would not renew its title sponsorship of the race, which ran for the fifth time Sunday as the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.

Speedway spokesman Ron Green said a replacement won’t be sought and the race will revert to its original name as the Brickyard 400.

“We weren’t actively or aggressively looking for a title sponsor when we landed Allstate,” Green said. “They were looking to do something and it just made sense at the time. If someone were to come along again, certainly we would listen, but this event does not need a sponsor to be financially successful.”

Terms of the IMS-Allstate deal never were made public, but track president Joie Chitwood said at the time it was announced it was on the “high end” of race sponsorships, which would put the number well into seven figures annually.

Allstate refused to pay an advertising premium required by ABC/ESPN and so its name was not used during Sunday’s telecast. The network struck a separate naming rights deal with a restaurant chain and billed the race as the “Brickyard 400 presented by Golden Corral.”

Attendance Sunday was estimated at 180,000, off about 20 percent from last year, but in a statement Allstate officials said their decision wasn’t based on that.

“When we looked at all of our business results,” said Pam Hollander, Allstate’s director of sponsorships and promotions, “they were just stronger in other properties.”

Montoya Swears On His "Wife and Child" He Didn't Speed...

Dan Wetzel of Yahoo!Sports has a cool column up resurrecting Juan Pablo Montoya's ((pictured, thanks NASCAR Images)) implosion at the stock car racing event in Indianapolis over the weekend...

The key points...

Speeding on the pit road by both .06 and .11-miles-per-hour cost him close to a quarter of a million bucks. He was leading the race and was about to turn it in to a horizon job, until he need to pit...

Wetzel continues...

The stock car circuit shrugged off the criticism, saying the sensors don’t lie. Helton declined comment.

“I would’ve been pissed too,” NASCAR competition director John Darby said.

Meanwhile, on Twitter, Montoya’s wife, Connie, was blasting NASCAR for a “bs call” and compared it to Juan Pablo’s days in Formula 1, which is famous for questionable decisions and penalties.

Montoya eventually cooled off, a little, after the race. He expressed a mood of resignation.

“I was cruise[ing],” he said. “I was super fast.”

He later tweeted that he “had a rough day to say the least” and “[I] don’t wanna say much of what happened, we just have to move on.”

Pattie said there would be no appeal, even though NASCAR had made a mistaken speeding call on Montoya at a race earlier this year.

“It’s electronic; they did their job,” Pattie said. “It’s not the days of the old handheld, so we’re fine.”


Here's the first part of the exchange with his pit...
((HT: ESPN/NASCAR))


Those of us at OSG HQ wonder, like Wetzel, if he talked to his wife and kids about part of that conversation...

SEC Title Game Stays In ATL Through 2015

From the SEC their own selves...

The Southeastern Conference championship game will remain at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta at least through 2015.

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said Monday the league has agreed on a five-year extension to keep the game at the Dome.

The game has sold out every year except for 1995, the year after its move to the dome.

Last year's matchup between Alabama and Florida drew nearly 76,000 fans, the most to attend a sporting event in the Georgia Dome.

The 2009 championship game will be Dec. 5.

APD: Forrest Shot At Suspects

((HT: CBSSports))

Atlanta police say former boxing champion Vernon Forrest exchanged gunfire with robbery suspects before being shot to death.

Lt. Keith Meadows said Monday that investigators believe between 20 and 24 shots were fired from two guns. Meadows says police recovered Forrest's gun and that one shell casing belonging to that gun was recovered.

Police say Forrest had stopped at a gas station Saturday night and was putting air in his tire at the time of the robbery. He was shot multiple times in the back.

Investigators returned to the crime scene Monday to search for more shell casings but didn't find any.

Forrest lived in Atlanta and was a former IBF welterweight and two-time WBC junior middleweight champion with a 41-3 career record with 29 knockouts. He also was on the 1992 Olympic team.

ACC Football Kickoff Day 2

Day 2 of the ACC preseason football kickoff is in the books with a day full of coach speak. Here's a few snap shots.

Ralph Friedgen is very fired up about his Maryland team. The Terps are picked to finish 5th in the Atlantic Division, have issues on defense and at wide receiver but Fridge is smitten' over this team. According to coach Friedgen, the Terps didn't have one bad spring practice, has a united locker room and doesn't complain. Whether that translates into wins remains to be seen but the Top Terp is in a good mood.

After Duke head coach David Cutcliffe left the table I was ready to run through a wall for him. Coach Cut is a master motivator. Remember yesterday they players said they expect to win 7 games and go to a bowl. Cutcliffe backed that statement, he expects the same thing from the Blue Devils. I'm a believer in Duke football and like I said yesterday I will be openly rooting for Duke.

Here's your answers as to why, thanks to our friends at WRAL-TV and WRALSportsFan.com

Bobby Bowden was well, Bobby B. Bowden joked about his "race" with Joe Paterno in their race to the death for most wins in college football.

He has no desire to leave the game. Here's the proof, thanks to our friends at 99.9 The Fan

Separated By Birth: Boston College Head Coach Frank Spaziani & Tom Selleck

Photos Courtesy: The ACC.com & AP

NASCAR: Mayfield Lied To Federal Court

((HT: That's Racin'/Jenna Fryer))

NASCAR accused Jeremy Mayfield of lying to a federal court about the chronology of a second random drug test, offering to provide an audio tape of the conversation in which Mayfield was told to submit a sample. The driver says the telephone call went to voicemail.

The accusation came Monday in court filings that ask U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen to lift the July 1 injunction he granted Mayfield so he could return to racing.

NASCAR disputed the sworn testimony Mayfield provided to U.S. District Court last week, including the assertion that a July 6 request for a second drug test went to his voicemail at 1:18 p.m. He said he didn't get the message until about 40 minutes later, making it difficult for him to meet the two-hour deadline to report for testing.

NASCAR provided a transcript of the actual conversation between Mayfield and Regina Sweeney, an employee of Aegis Sciences Corp., which runs NASCAR's drug-testing program. NASCAR said it would provide the recording upon request.

"I'm calling on behalf of NASCAR who has requested that you take a drug test today within the next two hours ... and I was going to help find you a location that you could go to based upon where you are right now," Sweeney said in the transcript.

"Right, well I'm gonna have to—let me talk to my attorney first. ... So, and I'll get back with you," Mayfield is quoted as replying.

According to Mayfield's affidavit from last week, he was in a meeting and did not receive the message until 2 p.m. and it was 2:44 p.m. when he was finally told what laboratory to go to—making it impossible for him to meet the testing deadline.

"Mayfield appears to have completely "forgotten" that he had a live conversation with Ms. Sweeney ... in which she advised him he could go to a testing place ... the address of which Mayfield did not take down because he wanted to talk to his attorney first," the filing said.

NASCAR also accused Mayfield of lying when he told the court he was instructed to return to his home at 5 p.m., where he waited almost three hours for NASCAR representatives to collect a sample.

"This account is contradicted by Mayfield's counsel, who claimed that at 5:32 p.m., Mayfield was still driving around Concord, looking for the testing location," the filing said. NASCAR submitted e-mail exchanges between Mayfield attorney John Buric and its counsel to contradict Mayfield's claims.

Buric did not immediately return a request for comment.

Mayfield was suspended May 9 for failing a random drug test taken eight days earlier for what NASCAR has said was a positive test for methamphetamines. The driver sued, and Mullen lifted the suspension based on the argument that NASCAR's testing system is flawed.

NASCAR has asked Mullen to reverse the injunction based on new evidence—the failed July 6 test, and sworn testimony from Mayfield's estranged stepmother that she witnessed him using meth at least 30 times over the years.

An appeals court last week issued a ruling that put Mayfield back under suspension, but the request to reverse the injunction is one of the unresolved legal challenges before Mullen.

NASCAR's filing Monday also contends that in addition to the eyewitness account from Lisa Mayfield, it has several other witnesses willing to testify about Mayfield's methamphetamine use if subpoenaed.

"Mayfield has apparently contacted at least one witness to convince the witness that despite her recollection, he never used drugs," the filing said.

Mets Fire Bernazard After Internal Investigation

((HT: NYPost))

The Mets today fired player development chief Tony Bernazard ((pictured with Fred Wilpon, thanks NY Post file)) after an investigation into a series of confrontations.

"After all was said and done, I had to make a recommendation to ownership, and my recommendation to ownership was that we had to let Tony Bernazard go," GM Omar Minaya said at a Citi Field press conference.

Minaya said the Mets' human resources department had been investigating Bernazard even before a series of published reports on recent behavior, which included confrontations with Mets minor leaguers in Binghamton and major-league closer Francisco Rodriguez.

"I was very surprised by some of the things in the report," Minaya said without elaborating. "I was not aware of the issues that made me make the final decision."

Reached by phone today, Bernazard said he did not want to comment on the situation.

Bernazard, the Mets vice president of player development, was pulled off the road while management conducted its investigation into the former big-league second baseman.

"The investigation was expedited by the reports that were out," Minaya said.

Minaya said he received the results of the investigation yesterday, and he discussed its findings with Bernazard.

"It was a thorough investigation, [and] a difficult decision for me to make," Minaya said. "I felt that after all the facts [were considered], I had to basically let Tony Bernazard go."

Minaya said he took responsibility for the controversy.

"It does reflect upon my watch," Minaya said. "I take full responsibility."

Rodriguez confirmed last week he exchanged angry words with Bernazard on the team bus in Atlanta.

"Yeah [it happened], but I'm not going to talk about that," Rodriguez told The Post. "Not going to get into it."

A team source confirmed the incident with K-Rod, which came to light hours after a published report said Bernazard cursed at the Double-A Binghamton Mets and challenged them to a fight in the clubhouse in Binghamton two weeks ago.

A veteran player described Bernazard to The Post last week as a cancer on the team.

"That guy [Bernazard] is crazy," the player said. "No one like[s] him."

Minaya said the internal HR investigation was launched because "Employees within the organization had complaints about Tony. But I can't get into details."

Several Binghamton Mets stepped up to defend Bernazard over the clubhouse incident, not surprisingly, considering he had significant control over their baseball futures as the Mets' minor-league overseer.

"This has been taken way too far," B-Mets catcher Josh Thole told the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin. "It's uncalled for as far as you guys [the media] blowing this out of proportion, so I don't think anything more should be said about it."

The Mets' minor-league system was not performing well under Bernazard. Triple-A Buffalo has the worst record in the International League and Binghamton has the poorest record in the Eastern League.

Early indications from several team sources were that Bernazard, who is close to Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon, would not be fired despite a long pattern of behind-the-scenes skullduggery since Minaya helped get Bernazard hired in December 2004.

Friends of former manager Willie Randolph told The Post last summer that Randolph held Bernazard -- with an assist from Randolph's replacement, Jerry Manuel -- responsible for orchestrating his midseason firing.

"Was Tony the most liked person in the world? No; we know that," Minaya said. "Was he a good baseball person? Yes."

Bernazard hit .262 with 75 home runs and 391 RBIs with Montreal, the Chicago White Sox, Seattle, Cleveland and Detroit from 1979-91.

Massa Improving, Future In Question

((HT: CBSSports))

Formula One driver Felipe Massa ((pictured, thanks Reuters/Fanhouse)) was awake and talking to family members Monday, making significant improvement after his high-speed crash two days earlier.

The chief surgeon at AEK hospital said Massa is now breathing unassisted and moving his limbs. In addition, a drain from his skull wound was removed.

Chief surgeon Lajos Zsiros said the 28-year-old Brazilian is groggy but able to answer questions. Zsiros says further improvement can be expected.

Massa is "sleepy but he gives adequate answers to questions we ask him and he gives spontaneous answers to questions we ask him," Zsiros said. "Further improvement of his condition can be expected."

Zsiros said Massa didn't have a fever and remained in stable condition in the military AEK hospital's intensive care unit alongside family members, which included his pregnant wife Anna Rafaela.

Massa crashed into a protective tire barrier at 120 mph Saturday during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix and was near death for two days.

"Felipe is awake. He's very well and everyone is very happy with his condition," Massa's family doctor, Dino Altman, said. "He wants to know what happened to him and he answered some questions."

Altman ruled out Massa being transferred from Budapest, with doctors suggesting Massa would have to remain at least a week to 10 days.

Raffaela, Massa's wife who is six months pregnant with their first child, doesn't think he will have any long-term physical injuries and hopes he can return to racing.

"He is doing good," she told Brazil's Globo TV. "Soon he will be giving joy to all in his little red car on the speedway."

Massa's father, Luiz Antonio, told the Associated Press that he remained "very optimistic" following Massa's improvement.

Massa, who received multiple skull fractures in the accident, had experienced some brain swelling before the encouraging news.

Dr. Robert Veres, part of the three-man crew who performed the two-hour operation, said Massa would not be able to race again this season. The Brazilian's long-term career plans are also uncertain.

"I don't know [if he can return]," Veres said. "It's too early to say anything concerning his future."

Massa was struck by a loose part from another car that bounced up and hit him in the helmet, causing a concussion. Several fragments of bone from the skull had to be removed during the operation, Veres said.

Doctors are concerned about injuries to Massa's left eye.

"[We don't] know the quality of this damage," Veres said.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemelo said his team's first priority was Massa's health.

"Felipe's been an important member of the Ferrari family for many years, since he arrived as a kid. We all hope that he can come back soon," Di Montezemelo said. "[Team principal Stefano] Domenicali has to think and make good proposals for the future. We don't want to wait too long for Felipe. First priority now is to find out about Felipe, only at that moment will we take a decision."

F1's governing body said Monday that it will investigate the accident. The report will also include conclusions from another debris-related incident following last week's death of an F2 driver who was struck in the head by a loose tire from another car.

For those of you who have been under a rock for the last few days, here's the coverage of the crash from our friends at FoxSports and Formula1 racing...

Ice Edge's Bid For Coyotes Includes Canadian Games

((HT: GlobeSports/Waldie))

A group intending to bid $150-million (all currency U.S.) for the Phoenix Coyotes ((pictured, thanks Christian Petersen/Getty)) wants to bring five of the franchise's regular-season games to Saskatoon or Halifax.

The group, officially known as Ice Edge Holdings, has been in discussions with officials from Saskatoon and Halifax about playing five Coyotes' regular seasons games in either community. Ice Edge is leaning toward Saskatoon, although no firm deal is in place. If the National Hockey League approves the plan, the Coyotes would play “home games” in Saskatoon's 11,300- seat Credit Union Centre against the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks.

If the Coyotes make the playoffs, Ice Edge would hold some of those games in Saskatoon as well. It also plans to move the Coyotes' farm team, the San Antonio Rampage, from Texas to Thunder Bay.

“Canada is obviously a tremendous hockey market, yet there are currently 6,000 kilometres of Canadian soil that have no exposure to the NHL in their home market,” said Daryl Jones, an Ice Edge partner. “Our plan from the outset was to work with a Canadian city that doesn't have NHL territorial rights issues, and also one that wouldn't be considered a threat to the fans in Phoenix.”

“It's a great opportunity to bring regular season NHL hockey to a Canadian city that otherwise would never have the opportunity. It is a great way to ensure the team stays in Phoenix for the long run, but partners with a Canadian city in the process.”

Ice Edge officials will present the idea – dubbed the “grassroots Canadian hockey strategy” – to the NHL's executive board Wednesday in Chicago. The group has no plans to relocate the Coyotes and sees the Canadian games as a way of generating additional revenue so the club can stay in Phoenix.

“Ultimately this is a plan to revitalize NHL hockey in Arizona and the southwestern United States,” Mr. Jones said.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league is aware of the plan but it would “have to be considered and approved by the NHL board of governors.”

Ice Edge raised the idea with several other Canadian cities, including Winnipeg where the Coyotes once played as the Jets, but the discussions have gone the farthest with Saskatoon and Halifax. The group did not approach Hamilton or Toronto, both targeted by other groups interested in NHL franchises.

The Coyotes filed for Chapter 11 protection in May and an Arizona bankruptcy court will hold an auction for the club on Aug. 5. The auction is only for bidders interested in keeping the Coyotes in Phoenix.

If the court determines the bids are too low, another auction for those who want to relocate the team will be held Sept. 10.

Jim Balsillie, co-chief executive of Research In Motion, has offered $212.5-million to move the Coyotes to Hamilton. On Sunday, his spokesman Bill Walker said Balsillie's offer “is not just miles but time zones ahead” of other competing bids and “offers the best outcome for the franchise.”

So far only Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago Bulls and White Sox, has submitted a formal bid for the Aug. 5 auction. His offer, worth up to $148-million, is conditional on a new arena lease and concessions from creditors.

Ice Edge has submitted only a letter of intent, but it hopes the bankruptcy court judge will take the proposal seriously and give the group time to finalize its offer for the August auction. The group has three main major financial backers, including Anthony LeBlanc, 39, a former RIM executive who lives in Ottawa.

LeBlanc was working on a deal to bring an Ontario Hockey League club to his hometown of Thunder Bay, but he decided to pursue the Coyotes after the club filed for court protection. He has been joined by Jones and Keith McCullough, who is also from Thunder Bay and runs an investment firm in New Haven, Conn., called Research Edge.

Jones, who hails from Alberta, also works at Research Edge and played hockey at Yale University with McCullough. Mr. LeBlanc is an Ottawa Senators' season ticket holder and he was introduced to NHL executives by Cyril Leeder, the Senators' chief operating officer.

The games in Canada are a key component of Ice Edge's proposal and it is unlikely the group will be able to pursue a bid if the NHL turns down the idea. Other features of Ice Edge's plan include offering Wayne Gretzky, the Coyotes' coach and co-owner, a long-term coaching contract and a major ownership stake.

Ice Edge is also considering opening a Gretzky's restaurant in the Jobing.com arena. Gretzky currently owns about one per cent of the Coyotes and he receives a share of profits and revenue from the club, according to documents filed in court.

Ice Edge officials have met with Mr. Gretzky to go over its plans. While no agreement has been reached, Gretzky is believed to be receptive to the ideas, including playing games in Saskatoon.

Reinsdorf's offer does not appear to include any role for Gretzky. According to documents filed in court Sunday, Gretzky's employment contract is not included in Reinsdorf's proposed purchase.

Another Coyotes' co-owner, Phoenix businessman John Breslow, has joined Ice Edge as an investor. Breslow runs the Coyotes charity and the NHL had indicated in a court filing that he was a potential bidder for the club. However, he recently agreed to join Ice Edge and continue working on the charity.

There is no guarantee Ice Edge's proposal will succeed even if the NHL approves the games in Canada. The group's plan hinges on a new lease agreement with the City of Glendale, the Phoenix suburb that funded construction of the Jobing.com arena and is a major Coyotes' creditor.

Ice Edge has had discussions with the city and it is hopeful a deal can be reached. The group is also still lining up financial backers and it recently held a meeting at the Magna Golf Club near Toronto for a dozen potential investors.

Ice Edge is convinced it can sort out the Coyotes' finances and break even within a couple of years. The club has never made money since moving from Winnipeg in 1996, according to court filings, and it lost $67.1-million last season.

Ice Edge plans to introduce a new ticketing system, cut costs, charge for parking and improve the Coyotes' marketing.

“In the last three weeks we have worked with the NHL, the City of Glendale and members of the Coyotes' organization and we are confident that the organization can thrive in Arizona,” Jones said.

IndyCar Heads To Birmingham, And We Don't Mean England...

((HT: TSN))

IndyCar racing will make a return to the U.S. Southeast next season after confirming a three year deal with Barber Motorsports Park((pictured thanks to them)) in Birmingham, Alabama.

The "Indy Grand Prix of Alabama," will be contested the weekend of April 9-11, 2010.

"The Barber Motorsports Park is the finest road track in North America and deserves an event of this caliber and prestige," said Gene Hallman, President of Zoom Motorsports, the track's exclusive promoter. "This will be the only IndyCar Series race in the deep-south meaning it is a great tourist draw for the region. Plus, having the automotive world focus on our state enables us to highlight our growing automotive industry."

CART first staged races in this region of the United States at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1979 and 1981 to 1983. The IRL visited the same track from 1998 to 2001.

Barber Motorsports Park has been attempting to lure the IndyCar series south since 2007. Series officials have staged two test sessions at the 2.38-mile circuit.

"We are thrilled to bring the speed and excitement of the IndyCar Series to Barber Motorsports Park, the greater Birmingham area and the state of Alabama,” said Terry Angstadt, president, commercial division for the Indy Racing League. "The nearly two-year pursuit to bring IndyCar Series racing to Birmingham only reinforces the professionalism and planning put into this by our newest scheduling partner."

Barber Motorsports Park opened in 2003. It is said to be the largest philanthropic project in the history of the state of Alabama, with more than $70 million private funds contributed. The track features 17 turns and 80 feet of elevation changes.

While the 2010 schedule has yet to be announced, the Birmingham event is expected to be the second of the season, slotting in behind the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and Long Beach.

Here's one of the funnier moments from one of the race at Atlanta back in 2001...
Funny unless you're Buddy Lazier...
((HT: ESPN2/IRL))

7 Conditionally Reinstated by NFL...

((HT: CBSSports))

Michael Vick was conditionally reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday and could play in regular season games as early as October.

Vick can immediately participate in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games -- if he can find a team that will sign him. A number of teams have already said they would not.

Goodell suspended Vick indefinitely in August 2007 after the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback admitted bankrolling the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation.

Goodell said then that Vick must show remorse and signs that he has changed before he would consider reinstating him.

Once the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19).

Goodell called a news conference for late Monday afternoon.

Here's how our friends at MyFoxAtlanta/WAGA covered the story...
Lisa Rayam and Tom Haynes are your anchors...
They toss to Sports Director Ken Kodriguez...

The announcement came after a busy first week of freedom for Vick, who met with union leaders and Goodell on consecutive days last week. His 23-month federal sentence ended when an electronic monitor was removed from his ankle early on July 20 at his home in Hampton, Va.

He met with DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, last Tuesday and, on Wednesday, he sat down with Goodell at a security firm in Allendale, N.J.

The conditions of the reinstatement are in black...thanks to the NFL itself...

They include- no committing of any further crime, prohibiting drug and alcohol abuse, and nothing to do with firearms or dogs. Seven has also submitted a plan to the Commisioner about how he plans to live his life. Commissioner Goodell hopes that he will abide by the plan.

So sayeth The Shield...
Thanks to our friends at CBSSports...

Beckham Has Another Run-In With Fan

And this time the fan was running smack about Beck's wife, Posh...

Sorry, we mean "Victoria..."

This time in Kansas City as the Wizards hosted the LA Galaxy over the weekend...

Beckham ((pictured with Landon Donovan, thanks Allison Long/Kansas City Star)) confronted a fan wearing an England shirt during Galaxy's 1-1 draw away to Kansas City Wizards on Saturday.

Beckham shook hands with the fan after speaking to him, but later called him a "disgrace" for comments he made about his wife Victoria.

"He shouldn't actually be wearing that shirt because what he was saying about my wife was a disgrace," Beckham told reporters.

Last week, the "Riot Squad" section at the Galaxy's home stadium went after the MLS part-timer last week. Beckham was fined a whole $1,000 for his charging the crowd.

Beckham and Landon Donovan's appearance in KC was to a standing-room only crowd, but much like every other game in the MLS, it ended in a 1-1 sister-kisser...

Thanks to our friends at ITN for a very pleasant-sounding VO package...

Virginia Tech Picked To 3-Peat In ACC Football

Here are the results of the media balloting from the 2009 ACC Football Preseason Kickoff:

Atlantic Division
Florida State (56) 479
Clemson (14) 387
NC State (10) 364
Wake Forest (7) 294
Maryland 157
Boston College 145

Coastal Division
Virginia Tech (78) 512
Georgia Tech (9) 415
North Carolina 350
Miami 282
Virginia 148
Duke 120

ACC Championship Game Winner: Virginia Tech

2009 ACC Preseason Player of the Year
Jonathan Dwyer - Georgia Tech

Holtz Coaches Notre Dame To Victory Over Japan

No, this isn't 1945 or something like that...

From the South Bend Tribune:
Jay Vickers ran for 139 yards, scored a touchdown and set up another Saturday to lead Lou Holtz's Notre Dame alumni team to a 19-3 win over Japan in the Notre Dame Japan Bowl.

Vickers, who played in seven games for Notre Dame in 1997 and 1998, sealed the win on a 3-yard run late in the third quarter after Michael Goolsby's interception.

Vickers' 77-yard run in the second quarter shifted the momentum in Notre Dame's favor. He was tackled at the 1, but quarterback Tony Rice punched it in to give Notre Dame a 10-3 lead.

"Coach Holtz said before the game that one play would likely be the difference and if that was it, so be it," said the 31-year-old Vickers, who was chosen MVP. "I wanted to do this for Notre Dame and for my kids and I'm glad they got to see this."

"To be out there one last time with my teammates was incredible, " he added. "I will remember this day for the rest of my life. The offensive line did a great job and the defense kept us in the game. "

Japan went ahead late in the first quarter on a 31-yard field goal from Daisuke Aoki that Notre Dame quickly answered on Scott Cengia's 37-yarder early in the second.

"I expected us to win but I knew it would be a tough game," Holtz said. "We're bigger but they were quicker and I give a lot of credit to Japan.

"It was all about meeting the challenges that were thrown at us and the players responded well," he said. "It was a wonderful experience. When you look at what we had to work with and the skill players who were out...but we found a way to do it."

The Notre Dame special teams unit downed a Geoff Price punt at the Japan 1-yard line early in the second half and two plays later Matt Hasbrook and Casey Cullen combined to sack quarterback Shun Sugawara for a safety and a 12-3 lead for Notre Dame.

Japan used the game to prepare for the American football world championship in 2011. It lost the 2007 final 23-20 in double overtime against the United States.

Here's Jay Vickers' TD that put the Irish up 19-3
Good enough for the final score...

We'd like to thank the shooter of the video for the occasional play-by-play since we didn't have a program...


Irish fans are now asking about that buyout again to see if Holtz will reassume the mantle of leadership in South Bend...

Hello From ACC Football Kickoff

The 2 days of ACC Football hype has begun at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, North Carolina and I'm happy to report it's not the media circus of the SEC Media Days in Birmingham. Much more toned down here. Nobody cares which coaches voted who as first team All-ACC Quarterback, no Lane Kiffin throw downs here.

Today was the players turn to talk. Here's a brief rundown of what was said.

Boston College and Virginia feel they have something to prove because the love just isn't there from the pre-season publications.

Matt Parsons was at Media Day for the Charlottesville Newsplex/WCAV-TV/CBS19 for the Virginia side of optimism...
N.C State for the first time in a few years has a united locker room. Every player on that team has bought into the Tom O'Brien way.

DE Willie Young gets to defend the ACC's honor here in this extended sit-down...
((HT: WRALSportsFan.com))

Virginia Tech can't wait to mix it up with Alabama at the Georgia Dome in a month.

Finally in the 5 years I have come to this event, this is the first time the Duke players were not going through the motions with their rehearsed answers as to how this year they were going to win more games (and keeping a straight face) This year both Thad Lewis and Vince Oghobaase were serious that things have changed. That Duke has a chance this time... really they do.

I can tell you this I will be openly cheering for the Blue Devils this year to win at least 6 games and go to a bowl. It will be a much deserved reward for Duke and that senior class that's been through hell and back.

Speaking of those Blue Devils, here's Thad Lewis being extremely positive about the kinds of recruits the university is bringing in...plus a whole lot more...
((HT: WRALSportsFan.com))

NASCAR Silly Season: McMurray Can Look Around

((HT: ESPN/Newton))

Roush Fenway Racing has informed Jamie McMurray he is free to talk to other organizations about next season, team president Geoff Smith said on Sunday.

But Smith said that is not an indication Roush doesn't want the driver of the No. 26 ((pictured, thanks NASCAR Images file)) associated with the organization in 2010.

Smith said Roush is willing to move any of its five drivers with sponsorship to partner Yates Racing next season if that would maintain the current Ford stable.

He said most of the drivers are willing to do that, understanding they will be in the same equipment with the same technology. The problem is convincing sponsors to move to what is perceived as the "B'' team. UPS, for example, is committed to keeping David Ragan at Roush.

"It's not moving apples to apples,'' Smith said from the garage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

NASCAR has mandated that Roush be at the four-car cap by 2010. Roush currently has five drivers, McMurray, Ragan, Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth.

Although Edwards, Kenseth and Biffle signed extensions last season, Smith is not opposed to moving one if that keeps all within the Roush/Yates umbrella.

"We would be open to any combination to keep them,'' he said.

McMurray is considered the most likely to be moved because his contract expires after this season. Smith said it did not make sense in this economic climate to re-sign him to a long-term deal without sponsorship commitment. Crown Royal, which sponsors a portion of races on McMurray's car, has two years left on its contract. Smith didn't rule out that could be moved to Kenseth's car if necessary.

Roush announced earlier this week that DeWalt, Kenseth's long-term sponsor, will not return in 2010. Smith said sponsorship for that car would be cleared up soon.

McMurray avoided conversations with the media on Friday and Saturday. He reportedly has been contacted by Earnhardt Ganassi Racing as a candidate to fill the spot being vacated by Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 1.

McMurray drove for Ganassi before moving to Roush after the 2005 season.

"We took a risk on losing Jamie when we made the decision not to re-sign him,'' Smith said. "It's been clear he's free to look around even though we've told him we want him. It's just hard to do right now.''

Smith said Roush and Yates would like to keep a combination of at least seven cars, preferably eight, for next season.

"No matter what Jamie decides to do, we still would like to have the same employment number,'' he said.

Here's one of McMurray's career highlights- winning the 2007 400-miler at Daytona...
((HT: TNT/TSN/NASCAR))

Vernon Forrest Gunned Down in ATL

Another sad day for boxing.

This latest incident is coming on the heels of Arturo "Thunder" Gatti's death.

Former boxing champion and U.S. Olympian Vernon "The Viper" Forrest was shot and killed in an attempted carjacking in Northwest Atlanta, a police spokesperson said. He was 38 years old.

APD Lt. Keith Meadows said, during an interview with WSB Radio, "Forrest was putting air in the tires of his Jaguar around 11 p.m. Saturday at a gas station on Whitehall St. at McDaniel Blvd. Investigators said at least two men jumped out of a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo and tried to steal Forrest's car. The boxer had a gun and started running after the suspects."

News reports say the would be carjackers and the three-time world champion both had guns. Police say Forrest pursued the robbers on foot and gunfire was exchanged. It is unclear if any of the suspects were shot.

"The victim and suspect became involved in a brief foot chase," Lt. Meadows continued on WSB. "At some point, gunfire was exchanged between the two of them. The victim was shot at least once in the head."

According to police, Forrest was shot 7 or 8 times by two semi-automatic weapons. Several witnesses were in the area at the time of the shooting, and APD is interviewing them. The shooters were described as black males, and police don't think the suspects knew Forrest was a professional boxer.

At the time of the shooting, the young son of the boxer's girlfriend was in the car. According to Lt. Meadows, family members from Texas are flying in to take custody of the boy. The 11-year-old did not witness the shooting.

Katie Leslie of the AJC caught up with Al Mitchell, Forrest's trainer:

“He didn’t take drugs,” said Mitchell, who learned of the news through Forrest’s manager Charles Watson. “He wasn’t involved with gangs. He lived his life the right way. He was a gentleman.”

Forrest beat Ricardo Mayorga in 2003 for the WBC welterweight title and WBA super welterweight title. In 2007, he won the WBC light middleweight title against Carlos Baldomir.

In his last major match-up, in 2008, he reclaimed his WBC 154-pound title at age 37 after battering his rival, 27-year-old Sergio Mora in a unanimous decision.

Mitchell says “The Viper” was training to fight again.

“He told me his plan was to fight again in September and then fight for the title in December,” Mitchell said. “He was supposed to call me this week with details.”

Here's an interview from last year with FOX5Atlanta's Mark Hayes...

Dan Roan Gets Managerial Win 1,000

((HT: KGPE/CBS47-Fresno))

The Fresno Grizzlies would like to congratulate Manager Dan Rohn who joined an exclusive club with (Tuesday) night's win over the Salt Lake Bees, as he now has 1,000 career wins in his 15-year managerial career. Rohn is the fourth active manager in the Pacific Coast League with 1,000 careeer victories. The other three being Memphis Manager Chris Maloney, Oklahoma City Manager Bobby Jones, and Round Rock Manager, Marc Bombard.

The two-time PCL Manager of the year owns a record of 194-189 in the three seasons as manager of the Grizzlies.

The Michigan native began his managerial career in 1991 with the Minnesota Twins organization where he remained in various roles through 1997. Rohn then joined the Seattle Mariners organization where he spent nine years. During this time he served with the Mariners big club as Administrative Coach in 2006, after managing at Double-A Orlando, Double-A New Haven and Triple-A Tacoma. He lead Tacoma to the division title and the PCL Championship Series in 2005.

CBS47's Andrew Marsden has the recap...

Fresno Coaches Face Furlough From Budget Cuts

((HT: Fresno Bee-Hostetter/Brooks))

Fresno State athletic director Thomas Boeh has been authorized to create and implement an employee-furlough process in Bulldogs athletics. The executive committee of the Fresno State Athletic Corp. board on Friday morning charged Boeh with the task of doing the seemingly impossible: Figure out a way to send coaches home without pay two days a month, even when their sport is in season.

It won't be easy, Boeh told the committee, because coaching "is, in essence, a seven-day-a-week endeavor."

Boeh said he is working with officials at other state universities, including San Jose State and San Diego State, to create a process that is fair and consistent within the California State University system. He said the process may have to take into account the unique requirements of a sport in season.

In other words, does it make sense to send football coach Pat Hill's defensive coordinator home for a day on the Tuesday before Boise State comes to town?

Boeh didn't say as much, but left the distinct impression that athletes in all Fresno State sports would be spared something like that. The committee meeting was brief, no more than 15 minutes, and short on details about the uncertain direction of Fresno State athletics. Less than 24 hours earlier, university president John Welty had described the stringent steps Fresno State must take over the next 11 months to close a nearly $45 million budget gap.

The entire university will feel the pain. Higher student fees, fewer class offerings, staff reductions and two-day-a-month furloughs for most employees are all but inevitable in the 2009-10 fiscal year that began July 1.

As Boeh and committee members made clear this morning, athletics will share the burden. Boeh said he's only in the "draft" stage of his plan, and could report back to the entire Athletic Corp. board as soon as September.

The meeting closed with university chief financial officer Cynthia Matson advising the committee that the September board meeting may include a revised 2009-10 athletic budget.

The public has yet to see the current 2009-10 budget. The Athletic Corp. board approved it this spring and sent it up the chain of command for Welty's review and signature. University officials said the budget would not be made public until it has the president's signature.

But board Chairman Paul Oliaro said recently that the original 2009-10 budget anticipated revenues and expenditures of about $23.6 million.

Revenues were $24.4 million in 2006-07 and $23.6 million in 2007-08. Expenditures were $22.6 million in 2006-07 and $25.5 million in 2007-08.

The 2008-09 budget anticipated revenues of $25.4 million and expenditures of $25.3 million. But Boeh admitted midway through the year that revenues were on a pace to come in at $24 million, and he was responding with a variety of cost-saving measures.

Here's KSEE-TV's coverage of the budget mess in Fresno...

Justin Willis was at President Welty's town hall...

Wasn't President Welty's joke about football a funny one...???

Breslow Named As Investor In Ice Edge's Coyotes Bid

((HT: Arizona Republic/Watters))

A former employee of Jim Balsillie’s company is part of an investment group that intends to bid on the Coyotes in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

A coincidence is how representatives for Ice Edge Holdings, LLC described Anthony LeBlanc’s connection to the man who attempted to move the team to Canada.

Meanwhile, the group, which on Friday filed a letter of intent to bid up to $150 million for the Coyotes, also named John Breslow among its investors. The Las Vegas resident is a minority owner in the franchise and has served as chairman of Coyotes Charities.

Anthony LeBlanc would act as chief executive of the Coyotes if the group’s bid wins. The Ottawa, Canada resident is a former vice president of global sales for Research in Motion, the maker of Blackberry wireless.

Balsillie, the co-CEO of Research in Motion, rankled Phoenix hockey fans when he offered $212.5 million to purchase the bankrupt Coyotes and relocate the team to Hamilton, Ontario.

A bankruptcy judge set Balsillie's offer aside until it is determined if a buyer willing to keep the team in Glendale can be found. Ice Edge Holdings is among two investment groups to come forward.

Daryl Jones, who has been speaking on behalf of the group, previously told The Arizona Republic he never met Balsillie, but declined to name all of the investors in his group.

On Saturday, Jones confirmed LeBlanc as a partner and his connection to Balsillie after a Canadian news report surfaced. Jones said he wanted to downplay the connection because it in no way influenced his group's interest in the team.

"There's a reason we didn't want this to get out. We just don't think it's relevant to the story," Jones said.

The group’s known investors now include: LeBlanc, Breslow, Jones and Keith McCullough, who works with Jones at a Connecticut-based investment research firm, Research Edge. Coyotes coach and minority owner Wayne Gretzky and others also may become partners, Jones said.

Jones called LeBlanc’s nine-year employment at Research in Motion a "non-starter" and a "strange coincidence."

LeBlanc left the company less than a year ago, he said.

Balsillie's attorney Richard Rodier called it "entirely coincidental," as well. He said Balsillie's group has not communicated with LeBlanc on his efforts to acquire the team.

Jones said Ice Edge Holding's intent is "100 percent" to keep the team in Arizona for the long haul. "We would be having absolutely no plans to leave," Jones said.

He also discounted speculation by a Canadian radio show that the Coyotes could play some of their games in Hamilton. "This is a Phoenix franchise. This is not a Hamilton franchise," Jones said. An auction of the team is Aug. 5, but the deadline to submit bids was Friday.

Jones' group missed that deadline, saying they only began exploring the team's finances three weeks ago. The group did file its intent to bid, and Jones said a detailed offer should be in place by the auction.

The only completed bid for up to $148 million came from Glendale Hockey, LLC, which includes sports mogul Jerry Reinsdorf, Valley attorney John Kaites and former sports executive Tony Tavares.

((Jobing.com arena is pictured, thanks Carlos Chavez/Arizona Republic))

Cheerleader's Friends Charged In Cash Box Theft

((HT: AJC/Cook))

Two young adults and a teenager have been charged with helping a friend steal a cash box containing $147 from two young girls who were trying to raise money to help their father’s struggling business.

Sgt. Dana Pierce of the Cobb County Police Department said Katie Leathers and Alexa Michalski, both 18, and a 16-year-old girl, all of Marietta, were charged Friday with being parties to a robbery. All three were booked into Cobb County’s jail.

Michalski was released on $15,000 bond while Leathers was still in custody midday Saturday.

Police did not release the name of the teenager, who was charged as a juvenile. They also did not say whether she had been released.

Telephone numbers for the parents of the three could not be located.

Earlier in the month, 17-year-old Chelsea Alexa Steele ((pictured, thanks AJC.com)), who was a Sprayberry High School cheerleader, was arrested on charges of snatching the cash box from the younger girls’ pool-side stand on July 3, and then getting into a waiting Ford Taurus that drove away.

Joe Greene — father of Sophie, 9, and Sidney, 11 — said his daughters and two of their friends, one of them in a wheelchair, had set up a stand at the pool in the St. Charles subdivision in east Cobb County. They hoped to raise enough money selling patriotic caps and T-shirts to have spending money for the summer and to help his business, JAG Designs.

“They were so excited about this,” Greene said, adding that it was Sidney’s idea to offer caps for $10 and T-shirts for $12.

The sisters told police that Steele acted as if she wanted to buy something and held out $20. But when one of the girls reached for the money, Steele snatched it back, grabbed the cash box and ran.

Greene said one of Steele’s friends was holding open the gate to the pool area so she could reach the waiting car faster. Steele, the friend at the gate and two others in the idling car sped away with the father chasing them.

Steele was arrested July 4 and held in jail for four days before she was released on $5,000 bond. She has pleaded not guilty to the robbery charge.

Pierce said the other three were arrested because they lied to investigators about what happened.

“The stories changed and people were not being forthcoming,” Pierce said.

Greene learned from other teens at the pool that Steele was a cheerleader. Moments earlier, he had heard the friend holding the gate call her by her first name.

Greene said he tracked down Steele by looking up the cheerleaders on the Sprayberry High School Web site and then using her full name to find her on Facebook.com.

“At that time, I was willing to drop the charges,” Greene said. “I didn’t think it would go that far. But Chelsea said she didn’t even know the other three girls. She wasn’t cooperating with authorities. I said, ‘I want all four girls held responsible.’

“If they had ’fessed up ... it wouldn’t go this far. I want them punished.”

Cancer Scammer Found Dead In Idaho

((HT:KPVI-TV Pocatello, Idaho-Suzanne Hobbs/Brooks))

A bizarre story is unfolding out of Bonneville County that is also getting attention from around the world. Investigators say a woman made up quite a story and committed a big scam. For more than a year, she created an on-line identity, taking advantage of celebrities, cancer charities and anyone who was willing to give. But she will not be facing criminal charges.

According to a news release, on Tuesday, the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office was notified that there is a woman pretending to be a teenager suffering from brain cancer but it was all a lie.

Late last week, Melissa Ann Rice from Ammon ((pictured, thanks KPVI-TV)), told a campaigner for Livestrong, the Lance Armstrong Foundation that Jonathan Jay White did not exist. On Wednesday, the Bonneville County Prosecutor was ready to charge Melissa Rice with grand theft by fraud but she was found dead in her car in the hills five miles east of Idaho Falls, from an apparent suicide.

In the blog for Jonathan Jay White it says he is a 15 year old boy from Idaho who, since April 2008 has been suffering from brain cancer. Thousands of people around the world followed his on-line postings.

But the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office says the real Jonathan Jay White is 24 year old Melissa Rice.

Most recently, the blogs talked about a life-saving operation in Arizona scheduled for mid- July. Even Lance Armstrong sent a Twitter to Jonathan last week wishing him the best. It said, "We're all pulling for you!!! Feel better my man. Lots of folks thinking about you!!"

Melissa reportedly confessed to her web of lies when it all caught up to her, says Sgt. Doug Metcalf with the sheirff's office.

Sgt. Doug Metcalf: "Last week she was supposed to arrive in Arizona for actual surgery and when the charities said hey good luck on your surgery, we'll have somebody there, that's when this Melissa contacted them and said hey this is a fraud I'm sorry."

That's when the sheriff's office got involved.

Metcalf says many people were victims of this scam. Detectives say a fund was set up where thousands of dollars was being collected. That money is safe because it was never sent to the Ammon address. But it's unclear how much money was sent directly to her Ammon apartment. With a warrant in hand, deputies went inside and recovered numerous items donated for Jonathan like an autographed guitar from country singer Kenny Chesney, and a skateboard from Tony Hawk.

On Jonathans blog, it reportedly said, "I dream about running the Ironman, about meeting Lance Armstrong and Miley Cirus, about becoming a doctor and achieving everything on my list."

Now with Melissa's apparent suicide this week, the criminal case is closed.

Sgt. Doug Metcalf: "The charges have been dismissed due to her death. The rest of the follow up is collecting information on victims and trying to return property."

This investigation is only days old. Detectives want to know who all the victims are. Sgt. Metcalf says there are many cancer foundations and celebrities and people who fell for this story and followed the postings and gave money.

The amount scammed is not known. Detectives want to return as many of the donated items as they can. They are getting calls from all over the United States from victims and this story is circulating around the world.

One woman named Gena who says she is with the CancerClimber Association writes that she chatted regularly with Jonathan. She wrote on-line that it was "a huge con by a sick person that took advantage of many people" but she hopes it won't stop others from giving.

On Jonathan's website, Rice posted a picture of all the items donated and autographed, apprarently by Lance Armstrong. His was one of many cancer groups that was allegedly scammed.

Lance Armstrong Twittered that learning of what happened was "seriously disturbing news."

The sheriff's office says a case like this is rare for the Idaho Falls community, and unfortunate to have happen.

Sgt. Doug Metcalf: "Going nationwide trying to fraud on people for donations and things like that, thats very unique, different for our area."

As for any information about who Melissa Rice is, Sgt. Metcalf says the only dealing they've had with her is a car accident and compaint a few months ago about some bad checks she wrote.

Neighbors in her apartment complex on Curlew said they didn't know her.

Here's the coverage from KIFI-TV in Idaho Falls...
Hailey Higgins is in the newsroom with more...

Coyotes Bid Highlights

((HT: Arizona Republic/Watters))

Friday's bid deadline for the Coyotes included one bid and a near-bid.

A group of Canadian and American investors who came forward earlier this month with interest in the bankrupt franchise filed a letter of intent to bid up to $150 million, according to those close to the deal.

As expected, sports mogul Jerry Reinsdorf waded in with a bid worth up to $148 million.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said he was pleased to see that offers to purchase the team were filed with U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

"We look forward to continuing the review and approval process," he said

At stake is whether the Coyotes, who moved to the Valley in 1996, will remain at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale.

The city and league have spent three months battling to keep the team in place.

The court could decide neither bid satisfies creditors and launch a second auction Sept. 10 for buyers interested in relocating the team.

The judge will review bids at an auction Aug. 5.

Daryl Jones, leading the Canadian-American investment group, said they should have a detailed bid to the judge by that date.

The group missed the court's June 26 deadline to submit term sheets outlining offers and now Friday's bid deadline.

Jones said the missed deadlines are because the group began reviewing the team's finances just three weeks ago.

"As excited as we are about this, we can't make major decisions in this time frame," he said.

Friday's filing attempted to show the judge the group is serious, he said.

Judge Redfield T. Baum has made it clear he would seek the best possible deal, and if Bill Gates walked in with an offer he couldn't refuse, he wouldn't.

"The only person that can determine the viability of a bid is Judge Baum," said Steve Roman, a spokesman for team owner Jerry Moyes.

Bid highlights

• Reinsdorf group: Glendale Hockey LLC would include Reinsdorf, Valley attorney John Kaites and former sports executive Tony Tavares.

The group was negotiating to buy the team before Moyes filed put the team for bankruptcy May 5.

Their offer reportedly followed the term sheet submitted last month which included negotiating new agreements with secured creditors such as the NHL and an affiliate of computer entrepreneur Michael Dell's MSD Capital, as well as unsecured creditors such as arena vendors.

Not included in the bid is money for Moyes, who wants paid at least a portion of the $104 million in loans he says he made to the team.

Those loans are just a portion of the investment Moyes made during his eight-year stint with the club. He estimates losing more than $300 million.

• Jones group: Ice Edge Holdings LLC should include about six investors. Among them are Jones and Keith McCullough, both from Research Edge, a Connecticut-based firm.

Jones declined to name other investors, although he said at least one was from the Phoenix area. The group also wants to keep Coyotes coach and minority owner Wayne Gretzky.

Said Jones: "He's been underutilized, and we have some plans and ideas."

He said he's talked to Gretzky about maintaining his head-coaching spot as well as taking a larger ownership stake and involvement in operations.

"He hasn't agreed, but we hope he will be a partner," Jones said.

Analysis: Keeping Coyotes In Glendale

((HT: Arizona Republic/Watters, Sanders))

Glendale officials have been tight-lipped about what they might do to entice buyers to keep the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes at the city-owned Jobing.com Arena ((pictured, thanks Arizona Republic/Carlos Chavez)).

But that could change today. A Maricopa County Superior Court Judge on Tuesday said the city must provide records related to negotiations once bids for the hockey team are submitted.

Those bids are due today in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

The Goldwater Institute, a conservative watchdog, sued the city to force disclosure of the records, saying it was protecting taxpayers from the city's giving up money to the team.

Up to this point, Glendale officials have maintained they would not give up city revenue. Rather, they have said they would help an owner find new sources of revenue for the NHL team.

Although details have not yet been released, here's a look at some possibilities for Glendale and a taste of what's happened elsewhere.

POSSIBLE CHANGES

Build a new parking garage: Glendale has a $25 million account intended for building a parking complex at Westgate City Center near the arena. The money was paid by Westgate developer and owner Steve Ellman last year to fulfill his agreement with the city to ensure enough parking as the shopping and entertainment development grows. The city has not built a garage yet, citing a current abundance of parking. But if Glendale built the garage, could it allow a new Phoenix Coyotes owner to charge fans to park there?

Form a special taxing district: Other cities, like Tempe, Chandler and Phoenix, have special taxing districts in their downtowns that pay for "enhanced services," such as security, parking control and marketing. A majority of property owners must vote to create the district, form a governing board and set the tax rates.

The extra property taxes are then collected by the city and used for the services the property owners choose. Could Ellman and other property owners around Jobing.com Arena, who have a big stake in hockey fans' continuing to visit the area, form such a district to help a new team owner pay for services?

PREDATORS PRECEDENT

The Nashville Predators took to the ice in 1998 with a 30-year lease at a city-owned arena.

Less than a decade later, a deal was in the works to sell the team to business mogul Jim Balsillie, the same guy who wants to buy and relocate the Coyotes to Canada.

When a local investment group came forward to purchase and keep the Predators in Nashville, city officials renegotiated a more favorable lease.

Among the 2008 changes:

Predators given a way out.

After 2010, if average paid attendance drops below 14,000 per game and cumulative losses reach $20 million, the team could opt out of its lease.

The team would have to pay Nashville an early-termination fee that ranges between $10 million and $25 million, depending on the year.

THE MONEY

Glendale has fought to keep the Coyotes, saying the impact of losing the team and the fans they attract could exceed $500 million.

The city counts on the team, and the commercial centers it bolsters, to pay off the $180 million it borrowed to build Jobing.com Arena.

City leaders promised residents they would not siphon money from local services, such as parks or road work, to pay that debt. Rather, they said growth in tax collections

and other revenue from the arena and new commercial development around it would cover the cost.

From fiscal 2006 to 2008, the city made good on its promise.

Glendale paid $25.9 million on its arena debt in that period and collected $27 million from the arena and developments linked to it.

However, financial projections included in the 2004 contract show the Coyotes deal has been far less lucrative than the city anticipated.

The projections were that the city would collect $23.3 million in the 2007-08 budget year.

In reality, the city collected only about half that.

KEY DATES

July 24: Bids to buy and keep the Coyotes in Glendale are due in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The city must reveal, under court order, what concessions, if any, it plans to give a future team owner.

July 31: Objections to bids must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court.

Aug. 3: Responses to those objections are due with court.

Aug. 5: Hearing on the team's auction.

Mayfield Assets Bought By John Carter

((HT: NASCAR.com))

Georgia-based team owner John Carter confirmed Friday he has acquired the assets of Jeremy Mayfield's Sprint Cup operation in what he called "a package deal."

Carter's operation recently announced plans to have Terry Labonte and Boris Said to drive the No. 08 for the rest of the season, beginning with this weekend's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Tony Furr was brought in to oversee the team, and he suggested to Carter to reach out to Mayfield, embroiled in litigation with NASCAR over a pair of failed drug tests.

"We needed some good equipment and Jeremy needed to sell because of his problems with NASCAR," Carter said in a brief phone conversation while on his way to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. "It was a package deal. We got cars, haulers and equipment."

An unconfirmed report said Carter was receiving a total of two cars from Mayfield. Carter said the cars and equipment remain in place at Mayfield's shop, even though Carter's team has its headquarters in Toccoa, Ga., where he runs a recycling business.

Carter entered Said in the season-opening Daytona 500, but Said failed to get into the race on either speed or through his qualifying race. However, a trip to California's Infineon Raceway proved more fruitful, as Said qualified ninth and finished 24th.

Two-time Cup champion Labonte hasn't been in a car since the season opener, when he started 43rd and finished 24th in Phil Parsons' No. 66 Toyota.

Ganassi "Interested" In Adding Danica... But...

((HT: Sporting News/Reid Spencer))

IndyCar and NASCAR owner Chip Ganassi made no attempt to hide his interest in hiring Danica Patrick—for the IndyCar Series—with the possibility of allowing her to test the NASCAR waters through an alliance with a Nationwide Series team.

"If I told you I didn't have any conversation about that, or I wasn't interested in that, I'd be lying to you," Ganassi said Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Like a lot of teams, they've had discussions, and she's on the market right now, and she's ready to make the next step in her career, wherever that takes her."

Ganassi, however, cautioned reporters not to make assumptions about the progress of any discussions with Patrick, the most marketable star in the IndyCar Series.

"I wish I could tell you I'm a lot further down the road on that, but I think the fact of the matter is—like most other teams—we're in the top of the first inning on that subject," said Ganassi, who fields two IndyCar teams in addition to Sprint Cup teams for Juan Pablo Montoya and Martin Truex Jr. through Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.

"You might characterize it as we're on the pace lap yet here, so it's way early."

If Patrick decides to make a full-time move to NASCAR racing, however, Ganassi feels she'd be better off with a team other than EGR.

"If she wanted to do NASCAR on a full-time basis, I would suggest that there are better places for her to go and do it with," Ganassi said. "I don't think our team's in a position to do that."

Ganassi has six Cup wins as an owner since he began fielding cars in NASCAR in 2001. His last Cup Series win came from Montoya in 2007. It was Ganassi's first Cup victory since 2002. Ganassi has six wins in the Nationwide Series.

Next Week's Buick Open Is Last Buick Open

((HT: ESPN))

Next week's Buick Open ((pictured, thanks Gregory Shamus/Getty)) , one of the oldest events on the PGA Tour, will be the final version of the event, with General Motors pulling its sponsorship after 51 years, Golfweek reported.

Tom Pernice Jr., a member of the Tour's Player Advisory Council, and a second, unnamed source, said the Tour planned to formally announce a new sponsor and venue the week after the July 30-Aug. 2 tournament is played, according to the report.

Pernice said he could not identify the new sponsor, but confirmed that next week's Buick Open will be the last. Tiger Woods is in the field for the tournament, which starts Thursday at Warwick Hills Golf Club in Grand Blanc, Mich

"Buick doesn't have the finances; GM can't afford it," Pernice said, according to the report. "From a perception standpoint, you can't lay off all those people and then sponsor a golf tournament."

"They've supported us forever. It's been a huge part of the Tour. I think a lot of people knew the writing was on the wall," Pernice told Golfweek.

Larry Peck, Buick-GMC's national promotions manager, acknowledged that difficult decisions lay ahead but "nothing has been finalized" about the Buick Open, according to the report. "Right now, we're concentrating on putting on a world-class event," he said to Golfweek.

The decision also raises questions about the Buick Invitational, which is held early in the season at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego and has been sponsored by the automaker since 1992. The sponsorship contracts for both tournaments run through 2010, Golfweek reported.

"Golf's been a huge part of our DNA," Peck said, according to the report. "We're having to make some hard decisions."

Scott Verplank, who won the event in 1988, is among a number of players who heard of its reported demise at this weekend's Canadian Open, according to Golfweek.

"It's one of my favorite tournaments, and I would hate to lose it," Verplank said, according to the report. "They've had a tough time, and there's nothing you can do about it."

Judge Orders DNA Testing In Nowitzki Case

((HT: Dallas Morning News/Iliff))

A Dallas family court judge on Friday ordered pregnancy and DNA testing in the case involving Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki and his ex-girlfriend Cristal Taylor.

"We know the first one has to happen," said Associate Judge Randall Grubbs during a brief hearing in a state district court in Dallas County. "The other one may be moot."

Medical records show Taylor, who is now being held in a Missouri jail awaiting a parole-violation hearing, was pregnant, but the judge said he wanted his own test.

Grubbs then ordered the proceedings sealed, and attorneys said they could not comment.

In a petition filed last month, Nowitzki is seeking sole custody of Taylor's yet-to-be-born child if tests prove he is the father.

Taylor, 38, has said the Mavericks star, 31, is the father and that she seeks no monetary gain from their relationship.

Taylor was arrested May 6 at Nowitzki's Preston Hollow home. She was taken to Dallas County jail and later transferred to Beaumont to face a 2006 felony theft charge. In late June, she posted bail and was extradited to Missouri to face a 2001 probation violation on felony forgery and stealing.

Nowitzki's custody petition seeks "to establish the parent-child relationship between Petitioner and the child ... in the event that it is determined that Petitioner is the biological father of the child."

It continues: “Petitioner [Nowitzki] requests that genetic testing be ordered in accordance with chapter 160 of the Texas family code upon birth of the child.”

Later, it states: "In the event that it is determined that Petitioner is the biological father of the child, the best interest of the child ... will be served by the appointment of the Petitioner as sole managing conservator."

Taylor told the Dallas Morning News in late May that she was "very pregnant, about maybe four to 4 1/2 weeks." But a day later, told reporters that she was closer to seven weeks pregnant.

Felipe Massa Suffers Head Injury During Hungarian GP Practice, In "Satisfactory" Condition"

((HT: ESPN/SI/CP))

PM UPDATE: Officials say Felipe Massa is in "satisfactory condition" after emergency surgery on a "life-threatening" skull injury the Ferrari driver sustained in a violent crash in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying.

The department of defence said that Massa would be kept in intensive care overnight at AEK military hospital following the successful operation.

"He is being cared to in intensive care and now he is in stable, satisfactory condition," the defence ministry said in a statement Saturday.

The 28-year-old Massa also suffered a concussion, but was conscious and in stable condition when he was airlifted to the hospital, Ferrari said.

Medical director Peter Bazso said at a news conference that "Massa's condition is serious, life-threatening but stable."

Bazso and chief surgeon Lajos Zsiros say they expect Massa to be awoken Sunday.

The 28-year-old Brazilian had surgery one hour after arriving at the hospital, the doctors said.

Massa was struck in the helmet by a loose part from another car and his car slammed straight into a tire barrier.

The original story follows:

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has completed successful surgery after fracturing his skull in a high-speed crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Italian team says the 28-year-old Brazilian ((pictured, thanks Paul Gilham/Getty)) will remain in intensive care, although it does not know how long he will stay under observation. He was conscious and in stable condition when he arrived at AEK hospital by helicopter with a concussion.

The crash occurred Saturday after a spring had fallen off another car and flew up and struck Massa in the helmet. An apparently dazed Massa continued driving over a curb and across the track. He went through the gravel area alongside the Formula One circuit before striking a tire-lined barrier.

The pressure from the rear suspension part damaged the left side of Massa's helmet, ripping out the visor and leaving a long gash around the side of the helmet. Blood was seen above Massa's left eye, which was not damaged.

"Following a complete medical examination it emerged that he had suffered a cut on his forehead, a bone damage of his skull and a brain concussion," Ferrari said in a statement. "These conditions need to be operated on after which he will remain under observation in intensive care."

Rubens Barrichello, a fellow Brazilian, went to the medical center and said Massa appeared to be doing fine despite a cut above his left eye.

"He was in shock," Barrichello told The Associated Press. "Considering the gravity of the accident, I think he's in OK shape."

Massa appeared to regain control of the car just before the crash at turn No. 4 as his front brakes appeared to lock ahead of the violent impact.

Massa stayed in the car for a considerable time and it was unclear whether he required assistance in getting out, before he was taken away on a stretcher.

The front of his Ferrari was shredded, with both tires having come off and the front nose open.

The crash comes less than a week after Henry Surtees, the son of former Formula One champion John Surtees, died in an F2 race on Sunday. Surtees was struck by a tire from another car, causing him to lose consciousness and drive into a barrier.

Barrichello and defending F1 champion Lewis Hamilton said that safety needed to be reviewed following two freak accidents within six days.

The crash was also reminiscent of Heikki Kovalainen's high-speed crash at last year's Spanish GP, when the McLaren driver slammed into a wall at high speed. Kovalainen spent the night in a hospital with a concussion.

"What happened to me in Barcelona was a very nasty accident. But I think it was a pretty freak accident and I don't know how to prevent that," Kovalainen said. "It was very unfortunate. But I think we should discuss it."

Surtees' death led drivers to discuss the issue of debris and head safety at length during their usual pre-race meeting Friday.

Renault's Fernando Alonso took the pole position for Sunday's race after qualifying was delayed for nearly 30 minutes because of the accident.

Here's the replay of the incident, thanks to our friends at RTL/F1 Racing

Now We Know Who The "Other Bidder" Is For The Coyotes...

((HT: GlobeSports/Waldie))

When Research In Motion co-chief executive Jim Balsillie offered to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and move the NHL team to Hamilton, Anthony LeBlanc was so excited he sent his old boss a letter of congratulations.

But soon Mr. LeBlanc, a former RIM executive, started looking more closely at the Coyotes together with a couple of hockey-loving friends from the investment world. Yesterday, Mr. LeBlanc and his group submitted a letter of intent, offering to buy the Coyotes for $150-million (U.S.) and keep the team in Phoenix.

“Southern Ontario can support another [NHL] team – there's absolutely no question, and I think Jim would be a tremendous owner,” Mr. LeBlanc said from his home in Ottawa. “It's just we don't think that Phoenix is the right team because we think there's a real savvy business case that can be had in Phoenix.”

Mr. LeBlanc said he loved his years at RIM and considers Mr. Balsillie a mentor and a good friend. But the Coyotes purchase “is one of those rare opportunities that come up that we're pretty excited about.”

His main partners are Keith McCullough and Daryl Jones, a couple of Canadians who played hockey together at Yale University and now run an investment firm in New Haven, Conn., called Research Edge. “We're all good Canadian boys. The idea of owning an NHL franchise is a dream.”

Mr. LeBlanc, 39, left RIM last year after nine years with the company, where he was vice-president of global sales. At first, he pursued a few investment ideas and launched another hockey venture – bringing an Ontario Hockey League team to his home town of Thunder Bay. Mr. McCullough, who is also from Thunder Bay, heard about the OHL idea and offered to help, along with Mr. Jones.

They were on track with those plans until May 5, when Coyotes' majority owner Jerry Moyes put the club into bankruptcy protection and announced a $212.5-million deal with Mr. Balsillie. Mr. LeBlanc wished Mr. Balsillie well and even joined his “Make it Seven” campaign.

But as Mr. Balsillie's purchase got bogged down in Arizona bankruptcy court, Mr. LeBlanc and the others began thinking about the Coyotes. Their break came in late June when Judge Redfield T. Baum ordered an auction on Aug. 5 for bidders interested in keeping the club in Phoenix. The judge said if that auction didn't produce a decent offer, another one will be held Sept. 10 for bidders, such as Mr. Balsillie, who want to relocate the club.

Mr. LeBlanc and the others dropped the OHL plans and sent a team of analysts to Phoenix to review the Coyotes' books. They also met with Wayne Gretzky, the Coyotes' coach and a co-owner, as well as NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and officials from the City of Glendale, the Phoenix suburb that financed the arena where the Coyotes play. They even came up with a name for their enterprise, Ice Edge Holdings, and launched a website.

The group won the blessing of Mr. Bettman, and is hopeful of reaching a deal with the city on a new arena lease. It has also asked Mr. Gretzky to remain as coach and a part owner.

“They have the greatest asset that you could ever want in a hockey owner in Wayne Gretzky and he is not being utilized and he knows it,” Mr. LeBlanc said. “Wayne really, really wants to keep this team in Phoenix.”

The deadline for bids was yesterday and so far the group's only competition is from Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago Bulls and White Sox. He has offered $148-million for the Coyotes and also wants a new arena lease.

There's no guarantee Mr. LeBlanc and his group will be able to finalize their bid or win the auction. They have only offered a letter of intent, not an official offer, but they hope the judge will see that they are serious. Sources familiar with the auction are skeptical about their plans and their ability to get a bid together for the Aug. 5 auction.

Even if they win, running the Coyotes won't be easy. The club's attendance has been dismal and according to court filings, it hasn't made money since moving from Winnipeg in 1996. Last season, the Coyotes lost $67.1-million.

Mr. LeBlanc believes the club can be successful. He cites small changes such as charging for parking, putting a restaurant in the arena and changing marketing tactics as first steps. “We honestly feel that with low-hanging fruit we can get this thing to within a grasp of being a zero-deficit operation within a year to two years maximum,” he said.

The city's economy is showing signs of life, he added, and Canadians are snapping up foreclosed properties by the hundreds.

Mr. LeBlanc and the others haven't forgotten Thunder Bay. If they win the auction, the group plans to move the Coyotes' farm team, the San Antonio Rampage, from Texas to Thunder Bay and help build a new arena.

For now though, Mr. LeBlanc and the others are finalizing their offer and lining up more investors.

“We truly want to make this thing successful and we're excited about the opportunity. I think our enthusiasm can be a little bit infectious at times.”

Coyotes Lost $60-Million Since 2006

((HT: GlobeSports/Waldie))

With bids for the Phoenix Coyotes due in an Arizona bankruptcy court today, the club has revealed it lost more than $60-million (all currency U.S.) last season.

Documents filed in court show the club's hockey operations posted a $27.1-million loss for the year ended June 30. Hockey revenue, which came largely from ticket sales, totalled $58.3-million, about $7-million less than the club expected.

The net loss, which included interest payments and other costs, was $67.1-million, according to the filing.

The hockey operations have lost well over $20-million annually in each of the last three NHL seasons, according to documents filed in court.

The Coyotes filed for Chapter 11 protection in May and an auction for bidders who will keep the team in Phoenix is slated for Aug. 5.

Bids for that auction are due today and so far only one proposal has been filed, an offer worth up to $148-million from Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox.

Another group led by Daryl Jones, of Research Edge LLC in New Haven, Conn., has indicated that it is planning to make a bid.

If the Aug. 5 auction fails to deliver a decent offer, the bankruptcy court will hold another auction on Sept. 10 to relocate the club. Jim Balsillie has offered $212.5-million to move the Coyotes to Hamilton.

The NHL had indicated in court filings that four groups were interested in buying the club and keeping it in Phoenix. They consisted of Reinsdorf; Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon ((pictured, thanks GlobeSports file)), owners of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts; John Breslow, a current Coyotes co-owner; and another unidentified Phoenix businessman.

Sources familiar with the auction say the Argo co-owners have not participated in negotiations to buy the club and that Breslow plans to join one of the other bidding groups. The unnamed Phoenix businessman is also believed to be interested only in investing about $20-million with another bid.

Reinsdorf's proposal carries several conditions, including a new arena lease and concessions from creditors. “He doesn't want to pay a whole lot for this team. He's not going to get into any sort of bidding war,” said a source close to the auction.

Yesterday NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly expressed confidence that the auction will result in a new owner who will keep the club in Phoenix. “We always have felt that way,” he said in an e-mail. “It continues to be our feeling. But we're not in total control of the process.”

It is not clear what will happen to Wayne Gretzky, the Coyotes' coach and co-owner. In an interview last week, Jones said his group is eager to work with Gretzky, but it's not clear what that would involve. A source familiar with the auction said Reinsdorf has not been clear about his intentions toward Gretzky, who has declined to comment on the sale process.

FSU Files Suit Against NCAA Over Public Records

((HT: Tallahassee Democrat/Flemming))

Florida State University Friday filed suit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association. FSU itself now seeks release of original documents from an ongoing appeal of sanctions levied against academic-cheating infractions.

The university and NCAA are both among defendants in an open-records lawsuit filed in June by news organizations, including the Tallahassee Democrat and all of Gannett Co. Inc's Florida newspapers and television station.

FSU admits the documents are public records in its Friday filing in Leon County Circuit Court. The NCAA has said in court that the documents are not public records, that it is not the custodian of the documents and that its own bylaws require the information be kept secret.

"In defiance of Florida law, the NCAA has refused to comply with the repeated requests pursuant to Florida's Public Records Act -- including requests from the University -- to produce those records and make them available to the public," the crossclaim says.

The NCAA only allowed FSU officials to view documents in its sanctions appeal on a secure, read-only computer.

"It's a very pleasant surprise," said Rachel Fugate, attorney for the media plaintiffs in the open-records lawsuit. "When the public agency itself files a cross-claim . . . it certainly bolsters the argument that these are public records and they've got to be turned over.

"The University has consistently favored and advocated full public access to the documents located on the CAA's secure custodial website," FSU's crossclaims says.

It was only to keep alive its appeal alive, under NCAA rules, that FSU agreed to the secrecy requirements of the NCAA. Had it not done so, it would have lost a chance to "protect its essential interests and thos of its innocent coaches and student-athletes," the court filing said.

Mike Cramer, FSU's deputy general counsel, said the university's legal filings speak for themselves and declined further comment beyond a release sent out by FSU.

They're not done...

((HT: CBSSports))

Florida State is back in court -- suing the NCAA.

The school said Friday its wants the NCAA to pay its legal fees and other costs incurred in a suit filed against the university and the athletic governing body for failing to comply with Florida's public records law.

General counsel Betty Steffen said it has been technically impossible for the school to make records in the case public because an NCAA website prohibits downloading or printing.

The lawsuit to force the release of documents in the university's appeal of some NCAA sanctions in an academic cheating case is scheduled for a two-day hearing beginning Aug. 5.

The Associated Press and other newspaper and broadcast companies are suing the school and NCAA.

Becks Fined Pocket Change For Outburst In LA

((HT: ESPN))

David Beckham was fined $1,000 by Major League Soccer, which said his gestures toward taunting fans suggested that they leave their seats and come on the field.

The fine by MLS commissioner Don Garber on Friday came five days after the English star confronted Los Angeles Galaxy fans in a group called the L.A. Riot Squad. The Galaxy and AC Milan played to a 2-2 tie in an exhibition game. Beckham played with AC Milan this year and was booed through much of the game.

"We support our players interacting with fans, whether it is at clinics, charity events or by high-fiving their supporters in the stands while celebrating a goal," Garber said. "However, our players should never engage in conduct that can be interpreted as encouraging fans to come out of the stands and onto the field, regardless of the reason."

At halftime, Beckham walked toward the group while shouting and pointing. He challenged fans to meet him on the field and tried to lift himself over advertising boards before security intervened. Police arrested a fan who left the stands.

Then after a second-half corner kick in front of the Riot Squad's section, Beckham immediately turned to those fans, put his index finger to his lips, shrugged his shoulders and blew them a kiss. The kick resulted in a goal.

Beckham has been unapologetic about his actions.

"At the end of the day, I play my game," Beckham said Thursday. "If it's not good enough for some people, as long as it's good enough for myself and the team, nothing else matters."

The Riot Squad blamed Beckham for agitating the situation in a statement on the group's Web site Thursday.

"Had David responded differently on Sunday, the booing and the chanting probably would have ended at halftime," the statement said. "We don't believe questioning Beckham's commitment to our team is over the line, but it's clear that David feels otherwise."

So, as a public service, we show you the story again from our friends at ITN News that is proof that the part-timer did, indeed, piss some folks off...

Court Sides With NASCAR Over Mayfield For Now

((HT: CBSSports))

Jeremy Mayfield is back under suspension for a failed random drug test after an appeals court ruled in NASCAR's favor Friday, issuing a stay on the injunction that gave the driver the right to return to the race track.

The one-page decision by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stands until NASCAR's full appeal can be heard.

NASCAR had appealed to the Richmond, Va., court after a federal judge on July 1 lifted Mayfield's suspension based on the argument that the drug testing system was flawed.

U.S. District Court Graham Mullen still has NASCAR's request before him to overturn his earlier decision based on its claim that Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamine a second time on July 6.

Mayfield was suspended May 9 for failing a random test done eight days earlier, and NASCAR has said he tested positive for methamphetamine. Mayfield has denied ever using the illegal drug.

He is not entered in Sunday's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and has indicated he has no intention of returning to racing as he fights NASCAR. The last remaining employee at Mayfield Motorsports resigned last week, and Mayfield has not entered any events since Mullen's ruling.

"We are pleased with the 4th Circuit Court's ruling to reinstate NASCAR's suspension of Jeremy Mayfield," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said in a statement. "This is an important decision for NASCAR to make fair and equitable regulations for the safety of competitors and spectators at the track. We will continue to respectfully make our case for as long as the litigation continues."

Saints Players Sue Movie Studio

((HT: New Orleans Times-Picayune/Sayre))

A New Orleans Saints linebacker and two former players sued a film studio Thursday to try to get their money back from investments they say were never made.

Current Saints linebacker Scott Shanle, former punter Mitch Berger and recently cut Saints long snapper Kevin Houser are seeking the return of $468,750 invested with the studio's head, Wayne H. Read. Read ((pictured, thanks Kathy Anderson/New Orleans Times-Picayune file)) was not named personally in the petition. They filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition against Louisiana Film Studios LLC, located in a New Orleans suburb.

Coach Sean Payton, quarterback Drew Brees and Hall of Famer Archie Manning were among 27 people who bought what they thought were state film industry tax credits that promised a projected return of $1.33 for each dollar invested. A state official, however, said the studio never applied for them. The investments, which totaled $1.9 million, were due to be paid on March 31.

Also joining the lawsuit was a construction company half-owned by Houser's wife, claiming that the studio owes it $681,418 for work done on a renovated grocery warehouse that Louisiana Film Studios leases. Two other investors in the tax credits made claims totaling $134,000.

Under bankruptcy law, anyone with a claim against the studio can join the lawsuit. Under involuntary bankruptcy, creditors will try to obtain a court ruling that the studio is unable to pay its debts. After that, the case would be handled under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy law, which would require reorganization of the studio's debt and payment to its creditors.

Neither Read, who does not have a listed telephone number, nor his spokesman, Alan Katz, could be reached by telephone for comment late Thursday. A message was left with Katz. Read earlier said he intended to repay the investors after he finds other investors for his project or through tax credits purchased from a broker.

Read said money became tight because of higher-than-expected expenses and lower-than-expected revenue during the project's startup.

The head of the state office that promotes film industry development in Louisiana and administers the program, Sherri McConnell, earlier said the studio didn't have the credits to offer in the first place -- because it never applied for them.

Read has other financial problems from his venture into the movie business.

In addition to a lawsuit filed in state court by the construction company, St. John the Baptist Parish alleges that Read owes $100,000 for the use of its community center for a movie in 2007. Read has said he also intends to repay that money and settle with the construction company.

Manning earlier told The Times-Picayune of New Orleans that he had been contacted by the FBI. Houser said he had talked with a law enforcement agency that he refused to identify. Both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office have refused to confirm or deny an investigation.

Dave Meets "The Champion Golfer of The Year"

2009 Open Champion Stewart Cink made his way from Prestwick to Gatwick to Atlanta and back to New York for the standard appearance on "Late Night With David Letterman"

Those of us at OSG HQ like Number Six the best...

Here's Tonight's "Top 10" List...thanks to CBS and Worldwide Pants, Inc.


Congrats to a really down-to-earth dude for his first major...

Conditional Reinstatement For 7...?

((HT: WAVY-TV))

ESPN.com is reporting that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reached a decision on Michael Vick's future in the NFL.

The sports website says Goodell decided on a "conditional reinstatement" that would allow Vick to attend training camp if he signs with a team. However, Vick ((pictured, Virginian-Pilot file)) may be forced to sit out the first four games of the 2009 season.

SI.com is reporting that Vick and Goodell met on Thursday afternoon in Allendale, New Jersey. The two were seen leaving the meeting looking "somber", according to SI.com.

On Tuesday, Vick and NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith met one-on-one. No details from that meeting were released.

Michael Vick finished his 23-month federal sentence for his involvement in a dogfighting ring on Monday. Vick left Norfolk Federal Court quietly and expressionless, but he did acknowledge a supporter who yelled out, "Go Mike, we got your back baby."

Vick's attorney Larry Woodward and federal probation officers were at Vick's home early Monday morning to remove the ankle monitoring device Vick was required to wear while on home confinement in his Hampton home for the past two months.

Local Attorney Chris Zaleski told WAVY.com if it's approved, returning to the NFL could be a good thing for Vick.

"One of the benefits would be that he would have a set schedule training camp, the games are already outlined. He is, of course, going to have to get permission to travel out of the state," Zaleski said.

It is also uncertain where Vick might play if he is reinstated. The Falcons released him in June.

"Michael did an egregious thing," Goodell told The Associated Press in April. "He has paid a very significant price for that."

He said people are forgiving when someone who has done wrong shows remorse and is prepared to live a different life.

"That's something he has to prove to myself and the general public," Goodell said.

29-year-old Vick did not initially show enough remorse to satisfy U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson. Vick apologized in court in 2007, but Hudson denied him an "acceptance of responsibility" credit that could have reduced his sentence.

Under the federal truth-in-sentencing law, Vick had to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. He served the first 18 months in the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., before being transferred to home confinement in May.

While on home confinement, Vick -- once the NFL's highest-paid player -- worked a $10-an-hour construction job for a few weeks. He switched jobs last month, assisting in children's health and fitness programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Vick will remain on probation for three years. He also is under a three-year suspended sentence for a state dogfighting conviction.

Here's WAVY-TV's coverage from Thursday...

The Big Lead ran a story quoting an anonymous DJ saying that Vick was seen at a strip club Monday night with Allen Iverson. Vick's lawyer, Lawrence Woodward, denied the hell out of it.

From WVEC-TV:

Michael Vick's lawyer vehemently denied reports Thursday that the suspended NFL star spent his first night of freedom from federal custody at a Virginia Beach strip club.

"It is absolutely, categorically false," Lawrence Woodward told The Associated Press.

An Internet blog reported that Vick was seen at the strip club Atlantis on Monday night, hours after he completed his 23-month sentence for operating a dogfighting ring. Woodward said Vick was not in Virginia Beach that night and has not been to any strip club.

"He has been spending time with his family and friends and working with his advisers on legal matters and trying to get back to playing football," Woodward said.

Vick also denied the reports in an interview with the Daily Press of Newport News.

"That's crazy," he told his hometown newspaper. "That is the last place on my mind. I was out of town. I guess it's just someone trying to be hurtful."

The blog thebiglead.com, which some newspapers referenced on their Web sites, quoted a DJ who refused to be identified as saying Vick was at Atlantis with NBA free agent Allen Iverson.

Leon Rose, Iverson's agent, said the basketball star hasn't seen Vick since the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback's release from prison.

The voice mailbox at Atlantis was full and unable to accept messages Thursday.

Roethlisberger Will Fight Sexual Assault Allegation

((HT: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/Dunlap, Silver, Majors))

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ((pictured, thanks Post-Gazette/Matt Freed)) broke his silence today, strongly denying allegations in a civil lawsuit that he raped a woman at a Lake Tahoe, Nev., resort where he stayed for a celebrity golf tournament last July.

Just after 2 p.m. at the Steelers' South Side facility, Roethlisberger walked into the media conference room flanked by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, team director of football operations Kevin Colbert, his agent Ryan Tollner and his attorney, William David Cornwell Sr.

Roethlisberger, dressed in a pinstriped suit with a white, button-down shirt underneath, read from a prepared statement. He named his accuser at the outset, but it is the policy of the Post-Gazette not to identify alleged victims of sexual assaults.

"I did not sexually assault [name deleted]," Roethlisberger said. "Saturday was the first that I learned of her accusations. Her false and vicious allegations are an attack on my family and on me. I would never, ever, force myself on a woman. I am going to fight to protect my family and my reputation. I'm not going to discuss my private life or this civil case in the media. I'll respond to her outrageous allegations in the appropriate forum. I have an obligation to our fans, to my teammates, to my coaches and everyone in the organization to remain focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I will do that. The allegations against me are reckless and false. As much as I would like to answer everyone's questions, I'm going to respect the legal process and I am confident that the truth will prevail."

As expected, Roethlisberger took no questions.

The plaintiff's attorney, Calvin R. X. Dunlap, contacted after Roethlisberger's nationally televised statement, said he did not watch it because "I was busy." He would not comment after he was told what the quarterback said.

The Book of the Tebow

And so sayeth the Tebow...so sayeth we all. For on the 2nd day he was foisted upon us to impart the wisdom of the book.

Chapter 2, Verse 1, Question One: What is your favorite ice cream? And then the Tebow spoke: "Well, I kind of like Vanilla with Chocolate Swirl". And the room was a "Twitter" and the voices rose in unison "The Tebow likes Vanilla with Chocolate Swirl". And the acolytes from the village of Gainesville foisted upon the Publix and Kroger of the world the newest flavor of the ice cream "Tebow Swirl".

And then....the Tebow departed. And a crowd must gather and follow, with the blazing of the lights and the Tebow smiled, not a smile of disdain, nor a smile of happyness...but rather the smile of knowledge, knowledge that he is the Tebow. He is all knowing and we all shall bow to the greatness.

Chapter 6, Room 5, Interview 12. Question 2: Who dare dishonor the Tebow by not voting for him? Mind thee not the vote be insignificant, but rather why disrepect the Tebow by not allowing him to be the unanimous selection for the Team of 1st, of the SEC?

Chapter 6, Rooms 6-11, Interviews many. How dareth one of the wise elders known as the coach not continue the legacy of the Tebow? Thoughest the wise elder knows that the Tebow cares not, the wise elder disdains that the evil ones seem to.

Chapter 9, Rooms 1-3. The evil ones of the Letter 4 ask the wise elders incessantly? How dare the wise elder cast dispersions upon the Tebow! And the wise elders looked with disdain..."Why shall the Evil Ones be the only who care of such trivial matters?".

And so this poor peasant smiles at the legacy. For the Tebow is all knowing, though this poor peasant still poses the question of the ages "If the Tebow faceth off with the Norris of Chuck...whom shall be the victor?".

And the Tebow sayeth "Let thee be entertained by the Python of Monty". Courtesy: The You Tube.

A Busy Day at Media Days

Today by far was the biggest and busiest day at the SEC Media Days in Birmingham, Alabama. Among the featured guests: Nick Saban, Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer, Mark Richt and Houston Nutt. All had...well they really didn't say much other than what you would expect them to say. Now that we have figured out that the official OSG Flipcam actually does have a small zoom, we were able to zoom a little closer. Unfortunately, the Flipcam doesn't have an audio input, so we had to deal with the same audio issues.

We tried something new tonight, here are clips from all of our featured guests, please enjoy them:

Fedorov Claims To Be Out $43-Million

((HT: CBSSports))

Former Detroit Red Wings star Sergei Fedorov says a man entrusted to manage his money during the past 11 years swindled him out of $43 million.

In a lawsuit filed Thursday in Wayne County Circuit Court, Fedorov says Joseph Zada of Grosse Pointe Shores also broke a promise to repay him $60 million by April 20.

The suit says Zada "acting in concert with others" and "intentionally lied to Fedorov" whenever he asked about the money.

There was no answer Thursday at a number listed for Zada in Grosse Pointe Shores.

Fedorov, the 1994 NHL MVP and three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Red Wings, has signed a two-year contract with a Russian club of the Kontinental Hockey League. He has also played for Anaheim, Columbus and Washington.

Day 3: Dayton Base-Brawl Trial; Castillo Takes Stand

((HT: Dayton Daily News/Lou Grieco))

Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Connie S. Price told attorneys at the Julio Castillo ((pictured, thanks Dayton Daily News/Ron Alvey)) trial that she will take matter under advisement and will issue her verdict in a written decision at a later date.

Castillo’s trial for two counts of felonious assault started Tuesday, but ended with closing arguments Thursday, July 23. Since Castillo waived his right to a jury trial, Price will decide whether prosecutors have proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Castillo, a former pitcher with the Peoria Chiefs, is on trial this week for two counts of felonious assault. The charges are second-degree felonies, punishable by up to eight years in prison, though the charges could merge for sentencing purposes should he be convicted of both.

Castillo was on the mound at Fifth Third Field on July 24, 2008, when a brawl started on the field. Castillo ran off the mound, then hurled a baseball toward the Dayton Dragons’ dugout. The ball went high and struck spectator Christopher McCarthy, 25 (sic), of Middletown, giving McCarthy a concussion.

Prosecutors contend that Castillo threw the ball at an unidentified Dragon with the intent to hurt him. Defense attorney Dennis Lieberman said Castillo aimed at netting in front of the dugout, to warn the Dragons to stay back as the two teams’ managers were pushing each other. Castillo did that because he does not speak English and had no other way to communicate, Lieberman said.

Castillo is charged under two statutory definitions of felonious assault. One requires proving that he did “serious physical harm,” the other that he used a “deadly weapon.”

Assistant county prosecutor Jon Marshall held up the baseball that hit McCarthy, then tapped in on the podium in front of him as he started his closing argument.

“This is the weapon that struck Christopher McCarthy in the head,” Marshall said. “This is the weapon that the defendant, Mr. Julio Castillo, used that evening to inflict as much damage as possible.”

Marshall said that McCarthy clearly suffered serious physical harm, since the ball caused a concussion, pulled out some of his hair, left stitching marks on his scalp and caused swelling that left him unable to wear a hard hat more than a week later.

Marshall also said that the baseball would qualify as a deadly weapon, though it normally is not used that way. He cited prior cases in which rocks, pool cues, baseball bats and bricks were all found to be deadly weapons.

He also said that though Castillo did not intend to strike McCarthy, Castillo should be prosecuted for felonious assault under the doctrine of transferred intent, because “his intended targets were emerging from that dugout.”

Lieberman took issue with those arguments, noting that none of the cases Marshall cited involved a baseball as a deadly weapon.

He also said transferred intent would not qualify because none of the Dragons were in the line of the ball when Castillo threw it. He noted that none of the Dragons players were called to testify.

“He was throwing at an empty dugout,” Lieberman said, tossing the ball into the jury box. “Like an empty jury box. There has to be somebody that he’s throwing the ball at. You can’t just say the Dayton Dragons were in the vicinity.”

Lieberman described Castillo as a “kid in a man’s body,” illiterate in Spanish, the only language he speaks, who grew up in desperate poverty in the Dominican Republic. Castillo, nervous and scared, reacted poorly when he threw the ball, but did not commit felonious assault, Lieberman said.

“It was not a good decision to do,” Lieberman said. “He reacted the best he can with his abilities.”

Assistant county prosecutor Tracey Ballard Tangeman told Price that Lieberman was raising “non-issues” to distract Price from the facts and the law.

She compared Castillo’s throw to someone firing a gun into the crowd. Under Lieberman’s interpretation of the doctrine of transferred intent, the gunman could not be prosecuted unless investigators knew who he intended to hit.

Castillo “doesn’t get a pass because we can’t put a name and number on the jersey of the intended target,” Tangeman said.

As for Lieberman’s point that none of the cases cited involved a baseball, Tangeman replied that Castillo “doesn’t get reward because this is the first case of its kind.”

Here's McCarthy's testimony from our friends at WKEF-ABC22 in Dayton...

Former Peoria Chiefs pitcher Julio Castillo testified Thursday, July 23, that he was trying to get Dayton Dragons players to retreat into their dugout when he hurled a baseball that hit a spectator.

“I threw the ball in front of the dugout, because I was nervous and I was frightened,” Castillo said, speaking through an interpreter. “I didn’t throw it to hit anyone.”

Castillo, 22, who is from the Dominican Republic, only speaks Spanish. He cannot read or write any language. When his defense attorney asked him to spell his last name, a standard question at the start of testimony, Castillo responded “I can’t spell it.”

Castillo, a former pitcher with the Peoria Chiefs, is on trial this week for two counts of felonious assault. The charges are second-degree felonies, punishable by up to eight years in prison, though the charges could merge for sentencing purposes should he be convicted of both.

Prosecutors claim Castillo was acting with anger when he threw the ball that hit Christopher McCarthy, 45, of Middletown. McCarthy suffered a concussion. Castillo’s intent was to hurt a member of the Dragons, prosecutors said.

But defense attorney Dennis Lieberman told Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Connie S. Price on Tuesday that Castillo did not intend to hurt anyone. As Dragons players, reacting to a brawl on the field, began to run out from the dugout, Castillo threw the ball toward netting in front of the dugout to keep them from joining the fight.

Castillo threw to ball to communicate to the Dragons that they should stay back, since he could not communicate verbally, but the ball sailed over the dugout and hit the spectator, Lieberman told Price.

On Thursday, Castillo told Lieberman he was on the mound but getting nervous as the teams managers were arguing and starting to shove each other and it appeared a bench-clearing brawl was about to start. When he saw Dragons players leaving the dugout, he reacted, Castillo said.

During cross examination by assistant county prosecutor Tracey Ballard Tangeman, Castillo acknowledged that no Dragons player touched him until after he threw the ball, that no Dragons players were moving toward him in a photograph taken during the incident.

“It was something fast,” Castillo said.

Castillo also told Tangeman that no Peoria players hit any Dragons players before he hurled the ball. Asked if any Dragons players hit any Peoria players before he threw, Castillo answered “I didn’t see it.”

Sports Talk Goes Head-To-Head With Christine Brennan

Christine Brennan has raised a few eyebrows in the last days over her comments on the Erin Andrews situation...

Here was Round One on her Facebook and Twitter elements...

On the Erin Andrews situation, a quick thought for those who have asked: There are hundreds of women covering sports in this country who haven't had this happen to them. I wish it didn't happen to Erin, but I also would suggest to her if she asked (and she hasn't) that she rely on her talent and brains and not succumb to the lowest common denominator in sports media by playing to the frat house.

Seeing this, and remembering their tete-a-tetes from the past, "Steak" Shapiro and co-host Chris DiMino hads Brennan as a guest on the "Mayhem in the AM" program Thursday morning on WQXI-AM/790 The Zone.

What the two hosts, seemingly, ignored were her follow-up comments to her original post...

When I said "play to the frat house," it was not meant to be pointed specifically at Erin, and I'm sorry if it was taken that way. It's a comment I use often in speeches and while talking to younger women to guide myself and all of us on how to live our lives as women in sports journalism.

I don't want us playing to the frat house; I want us talking to the 12-year-old girl on the couch watching sports with her Mom or Dad. As the hundreds of women who work in sports media know, we often still have to be twice as good to get half the credit. It's not fair, but it's the way it is. I have fought for years for opportunities for women in sports journalism, and will continue to do so. ...

and the last part... For those who think I am against Erin, nothing could be further from the truth. What happened to her is terrible, and she will always have my full support. That's all she wrote...thanks! :)

Here's their dust-up for all to listen to...

At the 4:30 and 12:30 marks of this are the major head-butting elements in the segment...

Those of us at OSG HQ think the act itself was wholly deplorable and completely "frat-house" like in its execution. This should happen to no one- ever...

Personally, we think the person or persons responsible should be executed...

But that's just us...

Buehrle Is Perfect For The ChiSox

1922 was the last time a Chicago White Sox pitcher hurled a perfect game.... until today. Mark Buehrle turned a Thursday afternoon getaway day game at U.S. Celluar Field into a work of art, pitching the 18th perfecto in MLB history.

Burhrle needs to buy Sox center fielder DeWayne Wise a car after this off the charts catch in the top of the 9th. (Thanks CSN Chicago/Deadspin)