Friday, December 31, 2010

Tampa Bay Rays eyeing Brian Fuentes as closer

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Tampa Bay Rays may be close to finding a new closer.

They appear to be very interested in free-agent lefthander Brian Fuentes, and are trying to add him to the back end of their rebuilt bullpen.

Fuentes, 35, split last season between the Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota Twins, logging 24 saves and posting a 2.81 ERA. He had a major-league leading 48 saves (and a 3.93 ERA) in 2009 for the Angels.

Fuentes appears to be a popular subject of conversation, with SI.com's Jon Heyman reporting earlier this week that up to 11 teams (including the Rays) had expressed some form of interest. The others include the Blue Jays, Brewers, Mariners, Mets, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rockies, Twins and Yankees, though several have recently added relievers - the Jays getting Octavio Dotel, the Rockies Matt Lindstrom and the Brewers Takashi Saito.

Fuentes signed a two-year, $17.5-million contract with the Angels, and was traded to the Twins in late August, where he missed about two weeks with a stiff back but returned to pitch in eight games in a set-up role, plus twice in the ALDS against the Yankees. He had a $9-million option for 2011, but fell far short of the 55 games finishes needed for it to vest. Talks with the Rays obviously are expected to be in a lower price range, though they offer him the chance to be a closer.

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A new dawn for the Allianz National Leagues

John Fogarty
FOR a time there, we wondered just how much Allianz were going to put up with before they said enough was enough. How, year after year, they could plough their money into the sponsorship of the National League with hardly enough bang for their buck.
Sometimes, it seemed more trouble than their association with the GAA’s second biggest competition was worth. It all started four years ago when the ridiculous decision was taken to stage the NFL Division One final on the same day as the Heineken Cup semi-final between Leinster and Munster. Nickey Brennan, GAA president at the time, went as far as apologising for what was a real scheduling brain-fart when a terribly low 7,598 turn up in the Gaelic Grounds for the Kerry-Galway game.
On top of that, the Division One hurling semi-finals in Thurles which featured a Kilkenny-Tipperary clash were also fixed for the same day and attracted a measly crowd of 9,250.
Throw in the GPA’s 15-minute delay during that campaign and 2006 turned out to be a new low for the National League.
But it got worse. Two years ago, Cork’s strike completely distorted the outcome of both codes’ Division One although the GAA had a case to answer for after awarding two points to the teams the county’s footballer and hurlers failed to play.
To add to that, the 2008 NFL Division One final between Kerry and Derry was fixed for Parnell Park (a 400-mile round trip to and from Killarney, 300 to and from Derry city) the same day as a Heineken Cup semi-final featuring Munster. Other divisional finals were held in Navan and Portlaoise. Then Derry manager Paddy Crozier said the failure to play the games in Croke Park was an injustice to the sponsors.
Last year, Cork’s hurlers fielded a weakened team in their opening three games, Clare, Limerick, Kilkenny and Waterford coming up against a completely different team to the one faced in the initial stages by Dublin, Tipperary and Galway.
Take into account the virtually constant rules changes tried out in the competition and the non-appearance of any GAA official at a number of Allianz press events and it’s fair to say that the National League has had a bad run of it.
But there may be light at the end of the tunnel. Coming in the wake of the rightfully-lauded season ticket initiative, which is being taken up by hundreds of supporters across the country for another season, is confirmation that Dublin’s footballers will be playing all four of their home league games at Croke Park.
As part of the bargain, the hurlers will play two of their three home fixtures under the lights at Headquarters, which can only improve the appeal of the often spectacular albeit minority game.
There is some irony in the fact the GAA have turned to the National League to help them compensate for the lucrative revenue stream provided by the IRFU in the spring months for three consecutive years when it was top level rugby that the Association fed the NFL and NHL to in 2006 and ’08.
But there’s the promotion aspect of the initiative too and that is what has to be concentrated on. Provided the games are marketed to the hilt, they will annex more press and public attention in a period of the year which has been dominated by rugby. Even if the Saturday games are likely to be broadcast on subscription channel Setanta Ireland, the move is a strong one for the GAA who have made 2011 the year to take fans from the armchair to the stand seat. Ticket prices are value for money with the packages for the entire six-game programme being particularly attractive.
The switch to Croke Park may also go some way to appeasing those who myopically believe the league should return to a pre-Christmas start. They belief the two months of inter-county inactivity is surrendering vital market space to rival sports (yet rugby and soccer's summer is the GAA's winter, some semblance of a close season is necessary and hurling is a six-month game... argh, an argument for another day).
As Dublin chairman Andy Kettle says, their move to Croke Park is a win-win situation. For Dublin, for the GAA, for the public and the players, it ticks all the boxes. And it’s no longer a novelty. No more glittering openers in Croke Park followed by the deflation of humdrum Parnell Park in subsequent rounds. This is a plan for sustained high-profile fixtures.
The hope is that by the time April 2nd comes round and Dublin’s footballers are facing Down in their penultimate Division One proper game they will still have plenty to play for and there will be grounds to continue the initiative in 2012. It may put more pressure on Pat Gilroy’s men to perform in a competition they haven’t won since 1993 but that’s no bad thing.
Mick O’Dwyer once famously uttered, “The league is the league”. It’s become one of the most plagiarised lines/excuses yet five of the last eight NFL Division One winners have gone on to win the All-Ireland. They showed the competition respect. The Dublin County Board and the GAA now see it as an opportunity. For different reasons, if their capital’s footballers do the same they may reap the rewards they’ve been searching in vain for. Shirt sponsors Vodafone would be happy; Allianz wouldn't be disinclined to it either.

 

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League fines Jets $100,000 for trip-gate

Times wires
Thursday, December 30, 2010

NEW YORK — The league fined the Jets $100,000 Thursday for violating its rules when assistant coach Sal Alosi tripped the Dolphins' Nolan Carroll on the sideline during a punt return.

Alosi "placed players in a prohibited area on the sideline to impede an opposing team's special teams players and gain a competitive advantage," the league said, calling it a dangerous tactic and competitive violation.

The discipline was in response to the actions of Alosi, the Jets' strength and conditioning coach, and comments made by special teams coach Mike Westhoff, who accused other teams, including the Patriots, of employing similar tactics.

"We will comply with the league's decision," the Jets said.

Alosi ordered five inactive players to stand together nearly shoulder to shoulder on the sideline in New York's 10-6 loss Dec. 12. Tight end Jeff Cumberland, said Alosi had told them to do that all season.

The Jets first suspended Alosi without pay for the season and fined him $25,000. Then they suspended him indefinitely after he acknowledged he ordered the players to form the wall. Westhoff and coach Rex Ryan denied knowledge of the tactic.

Fines reduced: The league reduced fines to defensive backs Dunta Robinson of the Falcons and Brandon Meriweather of the Patriots for flagrant hits against defenseless receivers and used them as a guideline to reduce a fine to Steelers linebacker James Harrison. Robinson's fine was cut from $50,000 to $25,000 and Meriweather's from $50,000 to $40,000. Appeals officer Ted Cottrell, with commissioner Roger Goodell's okay, then reviewed Harrison's appeal of a $75,000 fine and cut it to $50,000. Cottrell said he is convinced the players now understood the rules and have made sincere efforts to alter their style of play to avoid the type of hits for which they were fined. Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, also plans to appeal a $25,000 fine Harrison was assessed for a hit on Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Nov. 28.

Chargers: Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates was placed on injured reserve with a tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot. The Chargers were eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday's loss at Cincinnati.

Cowboys: Quarterback Jon Kitna (strained side muscle) missed a second straight day of practice, making it less likely he will play in Sunday's season finale against the Eagles. Stephen McGee ran the first-team offense for the second straight day and would get his first career start if Kitna can't go.

Dolphins: Embattled offensive coordinator Dan Henning said the team's sputtering attack is a collective failure that goes beyond blaming himself, coach Tony Sparano or quarterback Chad Henne. He said it's easy to find scapegoats but not solutions. The team is next-to- last in the AFC in scoring, a big reason it's out of the playoff race heading into Sunday's season finale at New England.

Eagles: Quarterback Michael Vick missed practice because of a leg bruise and is unlikely to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cowboys. Kevin Kolb would make his fifth start this season in Vick's place.

Jaguars: Quarterback David Garrard had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right middle finger. On his Twitter account, Garrard posted, "Surgery went great." He said rehabilitation would take two months.

Jets: Coach Rex Ryan said quarterback Mark Sanchez will start Sunday's regular-season finale against Buffalo but was uncertain how long Sanchez, who has a sore right shoulder, will play.

Vikings: Interim coach Leslie Frazier said Brett Favre hadn't passed the first stage of post-concussion testing. He said Saturday probably would be the latest the tests could be done and the decision on Favre's status for Sunday's finale at Detroit wouldn't go up to game day.

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New York woman charged in newborn's disappearance

Police tracked down a baby girl missing for three hours and arrested a 24-year-old woman in connection with the alleged abduction.

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In Brief

HOWDEN: More than 20 people missed appointments at the town's surgery in just one week, figures have revealed.

Five patients at the Howden Medical Centre, on Pinfold Street, did not attend their appointment with a doctor at the surgery. Another 14 patients missed an appointment with a nurse.

The figures were published by the surgery for the week before Christmas.

WEST HULL: A woman who was caught drink-driving has been banned from the roads.

Michelle Litten, 31, was stopped as she drove a Nissan Micra just metres from her home in St Nicholas Avenue on November 22.

A test revealed she 83mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Hull magistrates banned Litten from driving for 20 months and fined her �250.

EAST HULL: Young drivers are causing problems in the car park of McDonald's on Holderness Road, police have said.

Officers have warned anyone who is caught driving "irresponsibly" in the car park could face having their vehicle seized.

A spokesman for Humberside Police said: "This is increasingly becoming a problem. We would like information to assist us in tracing the vehicles involved in poor driving and using their vehicles in an anti-social behaviour."

CITY CENTRE: A thief who stole two bottles of fragrance has been given a conditional discharge.

Thomas Thornton, 27, of Waterloo Street, stole two bottles of Calvin Klein fragrance, worth �64, from Boots on November 24.

Hull magistrates also ordered him to pay �85 court costs.

STAMFORD BRIDGE: Residents are being invited to meet with their local PCSO.

PCSO Gareth Ludlow will be at the parish council office, on Church Road, from 3.15pm to 4.15pm on Friday, January 7.



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My First Series: My first arrest

First Arrest

A series devoted to stories from Star writers about their "firsts" begins with Cathal Kelly's tale of being arrested as a teen.

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Did Jim Tressel miss a teachable moment? OSU Comment of the Day

""I have had some issues with The Vest but he's the guy I wanted and there has always been an awful lot to like about the guy. However, this is not a shining hour for him and I think deservedly he'll take some lumps." - tribefever32

Jim TresselJim Tressel is likely to get some criticism for disciplining the suspended Buckeye players.

Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel said he will not restrict playing time for the suspended Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl because of their off-the-field actions. Tressel also says the players have promised to return next season.

Did Tressel miss an opportunity to teach the players a lesson? Would sitting them a series or two have any real effect? Do you believe it when Terrelle Pryor and Co. say they'll be back in 2011?

The debate goes on among cleveland.com readers like tribefever32, who writes:

"I have had some issues with The Vest but he's the guy I wanted and there has always been an awful lot to like about the guy. However, this is not a shining hour for him and I think deservedly he'll take some lumps. Because in the end it appears he has done what was expedient for him as well, maybe because he's desperate to get that SEC monkey off his back."

What say you? Get in on the discussion in the comments area below.


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Thomas, Bruins top Panthers in shootout

Times wires
Monday, December 27, 2010

SUNRISE — Blake Wheeler had the only goal in the shootout Monday night to lead the Bruins to a 3-2 victory over the Panthers.

Tim Thomas, who came in leading the NHL in goals-against average and save percentage, had 32 saves. He then stopped Mike Santorelli, Stephen Weiss and Evgeny Dadonov in the shootout.

David Krejci had both regulation goals for Boston. Michael Ryder had two assists.

David Booth and Mike Santorelli scored for the Panthers and Michael Frolik had two assists.

Scott Clemmensen, making his seventh start of the season, stopped 40 shots for Florida.

Boston won for the first time in four shootouts. Florida dropped to 2-1.

Boston trailed 2-1 entering the third period before Krejci tied it at 10:35 off a nifty pass from Wheeler.

Krejci took Wheeler's pass while skating in front of Clemmensen and beat the goalie with a deke to his backhand.

Santorelli broke a 1-1 tie at 15:51 of the second period. His goal was allowed after a video review to determine whether his tip of Frolik's wrist shot from the point was caused by a high stick.

Booth opened the scoring 1:02 into the second when he grabbed a loose puck in the Boston zone, spun around and beat Thomas with a wrist shot from the slot.

Krejci tied it at 9:05 of the second on a rebound off a slap shot from the point by defenseman Zdeno Chara.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Defenseman Matt Gilroy had his first two-goal game in the NHL, and the host Rangers recorded a season-high 52 shots to beat the Islanders 7-2, handing their rivals their first loss in four games. … Rick Nash scored in the shootout and had two assists to become Columbus' franchise leader and lift the host Blue Jackets past the Wild 4-3. Nash has 206 assists, breaking a tie with David Vyborny (204). He is also the club leader in goals (244) and points (450).

AROUND THE LEAGUE: Predators forward Jordin Tootoo voluntarily entered into in-patient care through the NHL-NHLPA substance abuse and behavioral health program. Tootoo will be paid his full salary, and he will face no penalty from the league as long as he complies with his treatment and the followup care program. … Red Wings forward Danny Cleary will miss at least a month after he broke his left ankle on a shot attempt by a teammate Sunday night in Minnesota. … The Blackhawks hope to have star Patrick Kane back tonight at St. Louis; he has missed three weeks with a left ankle injury. … Senators center Jason Spezza (right shoulder) is out indefinitely.

Bruins01103
at Panthers02002
Bruins win shootout 1-0

First PeriodNone. PenaltiesB.Thomas, Fla (goaltender interference), 16:23; Chara, Bos (diving), 18:05; Reasoner, Fla (hooking), 18:05.

Second Period1, Florida, Booth 9 (Frolik), 1:02. 2, Boston, Krejci 6 (Ryder, Chara), 9:05. 3, Florida, Santorelli 10 (Frolik, Allen), 15:51. PenaltiesT.Thomas, Bos, served by Thornton (delay of game), 16:39.

Third Period4, Boston, Krejci 7 (Wheeler, Ryder), 10:35. PenaltiesSavard, Bos (hooking), 6:14.

OvertimeNone. PenaltiesNone.

ShootoutBoston 1 (Seguin NG, Wheeler G), Florida 0 (Santorelli NG, Weiss NG, Dadonov NG). Shots on GoalBoston 12-14-12-4—42. Florida 10-11-12-1—34. Power-play opportunitiesBoston 0 of 1; Florida 0 of 2. GoaliesBoston, T.Thomas 17-4-3 (34 shots-32 saves). Florida, Clemmensen 2-4-1 (42-40). A19,250 (17,040). T2:30. Referees—Greg Kimmerly, Don Van Massenhoven. LinesmenDerek Amell, Pierre Racicot.

at Rangers2237
Islanders2002

First Period1, N.Y. Rangers, Gilroy 1 (Drury, Dubinsky), :44. 2, N.Y. Islanders, Schremp 7 (Wisniewski, Comeau), 7:51. 3, N.Y. Islanders, Parenteau 8 (Moulson, Tavares), 9:43. 4, N.Y. Rangers, Gaborik 10 (Staal, Stepan), 19:09 (pp). PenaltiesGillies, NYI (roughing, roughing), 11:39; Prust, NYR (roughing, roughing), 11:39; Hamonic, NYI (tripping), 18:14.

Second Period5, N.Y. Rangers, Gilroy 2 (Boyle), 12:08. 6, N.Y. Rangers, Boyle 13 (Rozsival), 18:21. PenaltiesKonopka, NYI (delay of game), 2:19; Rozsival, NYR (hooking), 13:12; Parenteau, NYI (delay of game), 15:54.

Third Period7, N.Y. Rangers, Dubinsky 15 (Anisimov, Drury), 4:14. 8, N.Y. Rangers, Fedotenko 7 (Prust, Boyle), 9:05. 9, N.Y. Rangers, Stepan 11 (Gaborik, Zuccarello), 10:34 (pp). PenaltiesAnisimov, NYR (hooking), :22; Martin, NYI (slashing), 9:32; Konopka, NYI (roughing), 20:00; Sauer, NYR (roughing), 20:00. Shots on GoalN.Y. Islanders 12-4-4—20. N.Y. Rangers 18-18-16—52. Power-play opportunitiesN.Y. Islanders 0 of 2; N.Y. Rangers 2 of 4. GoaliesN.Y. Islanders, Roloson 5-13-1 (52 shots-45 saves). N.Y. Rangers, Lundqvist 15-12-2 (20-18). A18,200 (18,200). T2:21. Referees—Chris Rooney, Kelly Sutherland. LinesmenScott Cherrey, Jean Morin.

at Blue Jackets01204
Wild11103
Columbus won shootout 3-1

First Period1, Minnesota, Kobasew 4 (Schultz, Staubitz), 2:59. PenaltiesStaubitz, Min, major (fighting), 9:29; Boll, Clm, major (fighting), 9:29; Methot, Clm (slashing), 12:10; Pahlsson, Clm (holding), 18:29.

Second Period2, Columbus, Brassard 9 (Huselius, Nash), 9:16. 3, Minnesota, Koivu 8 (Miettinen, Zidlicky), 19:58. PenaltiesCommodore, Clm, major (boarding), 2:48; Brodziak, Min (goaltender interference), 5:24; Tyutin, Clm (elbowing), 6:57; Pahlsson, Clm (interference), 10:05; Staubitz, Min (roughing), 18:33; Boll, Clm (roughing), 18:33.

Third Period4, Columbus, Tyutin 2 (Boll, Nash), 6:54. 5, Columbus, Murray 2 (Methot, Pahlsson), 7:35. 6, Minnesota, Clutterbuck 10 (Zidlicky, Kobasew), 11:38. PenaltiesStaubitz, Min, major (fighting), 3:27; Sestito, Clm, major (fighting), 3:27; Barker, Min (roughing), 9:15; Methot, Clm (roughing, slashing), 9:15; Brunette, Min (slashing), 9:49; Brassard, Clm (holding stick), 9:49.

OvertimeNone. PenaltiesNone.

ShootoutMinnesota 1 (Koivu NG, Bouchard G), Columbus 3 (Nash G, Wilson G, Huselius G). Shots on GoalMinnesota 11-14-11-4—40. Columbus 7-6-8-1—22. Power-play opportunitiesMinnesota 0 of 7; Columbus 0 of 0. GoaliesMinnesota, Theodore 4-5-2 (22 shots-19 saves). Columbus, Mason 10-9-1 (40-37). A14,454 (18,144). T2:44. Referees—Paul Devorski, Ian Walsh. LinesmenDavid Brisebois, Tim Nowak.

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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Anger after duck is found decapitated

Villagers believe missing ducks from Seaton's village pond have been deliberately killed after a severed duck head was found.



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Terry Tomalin: The more I learn about the outdoors, the less I realize I know

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2010

The man in the supermarket seemed surprised when he spotted me in the frozen foods section.

"I thought you would be bigger," he said.

"Fatter?" I asked, self-conscious about the 20 pounds I have put on in 20 years on the outdoors beat.

"No," he said. "Just bigger. Taller. Larger than life."

I laughed. We talked about kids, waffles and those poor snook suffering out there in the cold. Then he asked, "How does a guy get a job like yours?"

Driving home I started thinking about his question, and the past two decades, and how lucky I've been to meet so many people, catch so many fish and write so many fun stories.

In 1990, when I went from writing news stories to the sports department to fill a job that had been vacant for nearly a decade, most of the nation's outdoor editors were "hook and bullet" guys.

But I had recently returned from a yearlong backpacking trip. My travels had taken me through California, Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia. I had lived out of a tent for months at a time and knew there was more to the Great Outdoors than just fishing and hunting.

I had spent the first 17 years of my life in Soprano Country, suburban New Jersey, about a half-hour drive from New York City. Fortunately, my advertising executive father loved to camp, fish and hunt, so nearly every weekend, we would head into the woods. And in the summer, it was off to the wilds of Maine.

In 1980, I moved to Florida after a brief stint at college in Washington D.C., where I didn't do much but drink beer and play rugby. I tried my hand at marine biology, until I realized that my Friday afternoon chemistry lab conflicted with "Slappy Hour" at the University of South Florida's Empty Keg.

Luckily, a friend suggested I switch my major and enroll in the School of Mass Communications, which he discovered had the lowest number of required classes. So I studied Canoeing, Viking History and the Novels of Kurt Vonnegut.

I also had to take a class called Beginning Reporting, where we had to write stories and read the newspaper — instead of doing something really important like catching alligator gar in the Hillsborough River.

The only good thing about that class was I got to read a story about a monster hammerhead shark by this fellow named Jeff Klinkenberg.

"I want that job like that," I told my teacher.

"There are only a dozen of those in the country, Tomalin," he said. "And you are not getting one."

Eventually, I earned enough credits to escape college, so I packed my backpack and fly rod, and took off for Europe, where for three months I was kicked out of every farmer's field with a stream running through it from Italy to Ireland.

Back in the United States, I worked construction for about three months in New York City until I heard about a job at a newspaper in a small Central Florida town. So I hopped in my pickup, drove south to Leesburg, and set up camp outside the editor's office until he hired me.

I spent the next five years writing about everything from serial killers to the Ku Klux Klan for three newspapers, including this one, until I saved enough money to take off and pursue the really important things in life — beer, rugby and rainbow trout.

But all good things must come to an end. After 11 months, I returned from that New Zealand trip and my St. Petersburg Times editors assigned me to cover the Pinellas County Commission, which for me is about as exciting as watching goats graze.

I seriously thought about joining the Peace Corps or the CIA, but once again Lady Luck intervened, and in 1990 they created this job in Sports.

My initial approach was unorthodox. About three months into the job, I wrote a story about a new sport called "sea kayaking" and received a barrage of hate mail. One gentleman was so upset he wanted to meet me in the lobby so he could "kick my (butt)!"

Over the years, however, folks got used to reading about camping, paddling, sailing, scuba diving, surfing, mountain biking, as well as fishing and hunting. Our outdoors coverage has garnered several national awards, including best in the country several years in a row.

Through it all, the only thing I can say for sure is that the more I learn, I realize the less I know. Every time I step on a fishing boat, I pretend it is the first time. I keep my eyes and ears open. I have fished from the Amazon to the Outback, and one thing I know is that everybody does it differently, yet they all catch fish.

At 50 years old and looking ahead, I hope to work another 20 years. I have no New Year's resolutions for 2011. This past year, I tried to be on or in the water every day, but I was successful only three quarters of the time. Still, if I played baseball, a .750 batting average wouldn't be bad.

Looking back, I used to like to say, "Attitude is everything." But now, 20 years older and wiser, I know that "Attitude is the only thing."

Times Outdoors Editor Terry Tomalin plans to usher in the New Year by participating in the second annual Frogman Swim across Tampa Bay. To learn more, go to www.tampabay frogman.com.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers LeGarrette Blount gaining more national attention with success

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 29, 2010

TAMPA — LeGarrette Blount is one of a few running backs who does some of his best work with both feet in the air while remaining down to earth.

The former Oregon star leads all first-year rushers with 941 yards and six touchdowns. But what usually makes the No. 1 play of the week on ESPN's Sports­Center is when the 247-pounder hurdles a safety and leaves the defender with a fistful of air while Blount touches down softly.

It happened again in Sunday's 38-15 win over the Seahawks. A 48-yard run was punctuated by a jump over 15-year veteran Lawyer Milloy.

"He's had three or four of those this year," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. "The first time, you may look at it and you might think that was kind of a novelty. But as he's leaping guys, he's got vision to see the next guy coming, and he's making a cut as he's putting his foot on the ground."

The Bucs are reaping the benefits of taking a leap of faith on Blount.

After releasing veteran Derrick Ward, the Bucs claimed Blount off waivers from the Titans on Sept. 5. Before arriving in Tampa Bay, Blount was best-known for punching a Boise State player after a loss to the Broncos in Oregon's 2009 season opener.

But Blount has taken the high road as a pro, on and off the field, and has changed the fortunes of the Bucs offense.

With no real period of transition, no offseason to learn the offense, and no preseason to work on it, Blount has emerged, with Bucs receiver Mike Williams, as the leading candidates for the league's offensive rookie of the year.

Blount was inactive in three of the Bucs' first five games, including a 31-7 loss to New Orleans on Oct. 17 at Raymond James Stadium. He did not start until the 10th game of the season, at San Francisco. But since he began getting extensive playing time, Blount has averaged 91.1 yards over the past 10 games.

Blount insists he isn't bitter about not being drafted, and he is humble about his success.

"I run hard just to let everybody know that I still love the game, whether I'm drafted or not," said the 24-year-old from the North Florida town of Madison. "Just to let everybody know, I'm going to come out here and have fun, no matter whose team I'm on. It's not that I'm running angry or anything. It's not that I'm running with a chip on my shoulder. I'm just happy I got the opportunity, and I'm going to try to make the best of it."

Blount is a punishing back. According to the STATSPASS statistical service, he leads the NFL in broken tackles with 27 despite having nearly 100 fewer rushing attempts than the No. 2 back, the Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw with 23.

But Blount also has the speed to break long runs. He has a 53-yarder to go with a pair of 48-yarders and a 39-yarder this season.

Because of Blount, the Bucs rank seventh in the NFL in rushing offense, averaging 127.8 yards per game. To put that in perspective, the Bucs have finished ranked in the top 10 in rushing only three other times. They were eighth in 1978 (152.3), fourth in 1998 (134.3) and ninth in 2000 (129.1).

How will Blount change the game plan for the Saints this week?

"The same way he's changed our offense the whole year," coach Raheem Morris said. "It's kind of that deal. He's certainly provided us a blunt force, no pun intended, on first down. He's gone out there and been a battering ram for us and been a guy who's gotten to the open field and created big plays for us in the run game. Him tagging up for us with Cadillac (Williams) has been awesome."

But nothing gets more attention than when Blount goes Edwin Moses on an unsuspecting safety.

"Somebody told me that ESPN gave me the No. 1 play of the week. I haven't seen it yet," Blount said. "They told me they called me hurdling Blount or something. I've heard a whole bunch of different things. 'Do you plan to do it going into every game?' I was like, 'I don't plan to do it ever.'

"It was just kind of a reaction. It's just instinct when I do it. I'm just happy I'm able to provide our fans with entertainment. Hopefully they'll start coming (to games) more."

Said Olson, "He's impressive. He had a number of runs last week, but everyone will remember the leap."

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Driver knew he hit pedestrian: police

Toronto police are looking for a Toyota Corolla similar to the one pictured that is related to a fatal hit and run on Steeles Ave E. earlier this week.

The driver of a car that ran over a woman had to know he or she was fleeing from an accident scene, police say.

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Fools, foibles, faux pas


Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Miss-take

When Nationals pitcher Miguel Batista was announced as the emergency starter in place of rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg, he was booed. Batista joked, "Imagine if you go there to see Miss Universe and you end up having Miss Iowa. You might get those kind of boos.'' Well, Katherine Connors, the real Miss Iowa, was insulted. Batista ended up apologizing and sending flowers to Connors, who was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Nats game.

At least he didn't need fake blood

When it was 0-8, the University of New Mexico lost its starting quarterback, Brad Gruner, with season-ending hand surgery. Was he hurt trying to stiff-arm a linebacker? Was he sacked by a big defensive end? Nope, he sliced his pinkie carving a jack-o'-lantern for Halloween.

Nick Saban did not approve this message

Dorothy Davidson, a candidate for mayor in Bessemer, Ala., sent out pamphlets with her standing next to Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban, who was allegedly endorsing her. Turns out, the photo was a fake. Davidson was photo-shopped over Saban's wife in an old photograph. A campaign manager took the blame, but still, Davidson did not win the election.

Now hurling for the Phillies

Matthew Clemens, a 21-year-old punk from Cherry Hill, N.J., showed just how classy Philadelphia fans are by getting drunk at a Phillies game and intentionally throwing up on an 11-year-old girl. He was arrested and sentenced to three months in jail and community service.

What do we do now?

Joe Branstrom, a high school basketball coach in Kansas, was blindfolded by his students at a pep rally and told that if he could make a half-court shot, he would win Final Four tickets. The prank was that the fans in attendance would go crazy as if he made the shot. Uh, one problem: Branstrom actually made the shot! An anonymous person got Branstrom the Final Four tickets.

Doing the right thing

Grant Desme, one of the top prospects in the Oakland A's organization and an MVP in the Arizona Fall League, was on the verge of being a major-leaguer when he abruptly quit to become a priest. Desme, 23, said, "I love the game, but I aspire to higher things.'' Meantime, a football player named Keith Fitzhugh turned down a chance to join the Jets for the final month to remain a train conductor. Fitzhugh said he wanted a secure job to help support his parents.

Nice job, brainiacs

Four Penn State football fans beat up another fan, breaking his nose in the process, because he was wearing the rival blue-and-yellow colors of Michigan, the team Penn State was playing. Turns out, the beaten-up fan was a Penn Stater, too. He was wearing a Halloween costume because it was, well, Halloween.

Whistle while you work

Jose Pinto, a goal keeper for Barcelona's soccer team, was suspended for two games in the European Champions League, because he could imitate a referee's whistle. Whenever it appeared an opposing player had a break, he would make his sound and the opponent would stop because he would think an offsides was called.

Look at me, ma

Tampa native Denard Span was playing in a spring training game for the Twins when he lined a foul ball into the stands. What are the odds that he hit a woman wearing a Span jersey? Actually, pretty good if that woman is your mother. Span's liner struck his mother in the chest, but after being checked out by paramedics, she returned to her seat.

He should've just carried the pads

Cowboys rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant refused the long-standing tradition of carrying a veteran's pads during training camp. He said he would pay for a team dinner as his initiation instead. The bill for the meal? More than $55,000.

Hairy situation

It's one thing for an NFL player to be on the receiving end of trash talk from a tough guy like Ray Lewis or James Harrison. But to get smacked down by Justin Bieber? The teenybopper laid into Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for stealing his haircut. In a video posted on YouTube, Bieber said, "Sacked like a sacker. Call up Mr. Brady. Tell him to leave his hair to the guy who sings Baby.''

Don't they use 'love' to keep score?

So which sport has the toughest fans? Soccer, maybe? Football? But in 2010, we have a major upset for toughest fans: tennis. At the U.S. Open, three fans decided to start their own little brawl. Goodness knows what the fight was about, but all three ended up losers. They have been banned from attending the U.S. Open until 2012.

Paper route

Members of the Texas A&M-Commerce football team were caught on cameras stealing every copy of the student newspaper so no one would see a story about how two of its players were arrested on drug charges. Coach Guy Morriss said, "I'm proud of my players for doing that.'' And you wonder how these players have turned out to be such fine, outstanding young men.

For the birds

High school football games on the island of Kauai in Hawaii had to be postponed to the daytime because migrating seabirds mistook the stadium lights for the moon and stars and became disoriented. The birds would fall to the ground and then get attacked by cats. Call it Alfred Hitchcock's adaptation of Friday Night Lights.

Injuries of the year

Here's a look at the wacky injuries that occurred this season (and these were just in baseball):

The Angels' Kendry Morales broke his leg while jumping on home after a walk-off homer.

Padres pitcher Mat Latos ended up on the disabled list when he strained a side muscle trying to stop a sneeze.

The Orioles' Brian Roberts missed the last week of the season with headaches because he clubbed himself over the head with a bat after striking out.

Marlins star Chris Coghlan, who went to East Lake High, needed knee surgery when he injured himself trying to hit teammate Wes Helms with a post-game shaving cream pie.

Baltimore's Luke Scott took 35 seconds to touch 'em all on June 30, but he wasn't hot-dogging. Scott blew out his hamstring rounding first. He finally touched home and went straight to the disabled list.

The Astros' Geoff Blum was putting on his shirt when he felt something in his elbow pop. Blum needed surgery to remove bone chips.

Orioles pitcher Brad Bergesen battled shoulder problems all season after he didn't warm up before throwing too many pitches while shooting a commercial for the team.

Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco missed the last two months of the season when he tore his meniscus while tying his shoe.

Rays pitcher Grant Balfour landed on the disabled list when he injured his side while horsing around with Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey.

We finish with the Mariners' Russell Branyan — a former Ray — because ... well, you'll see why. First, while on a road trip, Branyan woke early in the morning and went to close the curtains. He tripped on a coffee table and missed a week with a bruised foot. Later in the season, while at a pizza joint with his young son, Branyan reached down to pick up his son's flip-flop. His chair slid out from underneath him and he missed the last three weeks of the season with a bruised tailbone.

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USF Bulls lose 64-55 at snowy Seton Hall in Big East opener

By Mike Vorkunov, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, December 28, 2010

NEWARK, N.J. — There was no rest for weary-eyed USF. The team made it into New Jersey at 3 a.m. Tuesday, its schedule thrown off by the snowstorm that enveloped the Northeast.

The Bulls then played like they could have used a full night's sleep.

In its Big East opener Tuesday, USF fell 64-55 to Seton Hall at the Prudential Center. The Bulls struggled against the sputtering Pirates, continuing their season-long shooting woes. They shot 40 percent and were undone by errors in the final minutes of the game.

"If I had a tape recorder from three of our last four games, I can almost replay the same story," USF coach Stan Heath said. "We've been a team that hangs in there in last three or four minutes. We haven't learned what it takes to win. Down the stretch we made some plays that make you scratch your head."

In the final 5:30 of a six-point game, USF (6-8) turned the ball over three times, and Jowanza Poland was called for a charge on back-to-back possessions. Those were backbreaking mistakes in a game in which Seton Hall (7-6) led throughout the second half but never had complete control.

"It's our guard play," Heath said. "To win in this league you have to have good guard play. Your guards have to be the leaders, they have to exude some confidence and they've got to make good decisions down the stretch.

"We're not getting that right now. Especially down the stretch. We had a lot of transition opportunities that came up empty."

Hugh Robertson led the Bulls with 14 points, his fourth straight game in double figures. Augustus Gilchrist scored 12 off the bench for the second straight game after returning to the team, and Jarrid Famous had 11 points and seven rebounds. Poland added 10 points.

The Bulls went down 10 midway through the second half but responded by cutting the lead to 50-46 after a Gilchrist fadeaway jumper. But USF could not break the Pirates.

Heath refused to blame the loss on the Bulls' travel schedule or say it had an effect on how they played. The team had to fly into Washington then take a bus the rest of the way. It was not something Heath had ever experienced.

"I couldn't tell you the effects of what it does to your team," Heath said. "We didn't look like we were slow at all, but I didn't think we had the enthusiasm that you need to have in your Big East opener.

"I don't necessarily blame that on getting in at 3 in the morning. I give my team a lot of credit, nobody whined or complained. They came to play."

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Talk Cavs' struggles, Browns-Steelers and OSU apologies on DSN

You can talk about everything going on in the world of Cleveland sports all day today on Digital Sports Network.

Mo Williams vs. MagicThe Cavs fell to 8-23 on the season. Talk about their troubles today on cleveland.com/dsn.
It's Browns-Steelers week, but is it also Eric Mangini's final game as Browns head coach? The Cavaliers lose again, this time to the new-look Orlando Magic. The 5 suspended Buckeyes apologized for their actions, but is anybody buying it?

You can talk about everything going on in the world of Cleveland sports all day today on Digital Sports Network, cleveland.com's new online sports station featuring live streaming video and audio.

DSN's lineup of hosts are on the air from now until 11 p.m. and you can get in on the discussion by posting in our chat room and calling into the shows.

You can also now listen to DSN live on your Android device and DSN show archives on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

Here's today's lineup on Digital Sports Network:

7-9 a.m.: About Last Night: D.J. Dorko

9 a.m.-noon: Locked and Loaded: Greg Kozarik and Brian Fowler

Noon-2 p.m.: Have a Bud with Les: Les Levine and Bud Shaw


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Tampa's A.J. Jones celebrates final Florida Gators game in his hometown

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 28, 2010

TAMPA — When he walked across the stage in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center nearly two weeks ago among hundreds of other Florida graduates, Gator linebacker A.J. Jones wasn't thinking about himself.

Instead, he was thinking about his family, the young children in his neighborhood who look up to him as a Gator football player, and his former Midddleton High School classmates who didn't make it out of their struggling neighborhood.

"I made it," was his prevailing thought during the ceremony to pick up his degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences. "Especially coming out of Middleton High School, there's not too many of us that can say we made it. So I feel like I did it for my community, my friends and family. I guess I was representing a lot of them, too. I feel real blessed. Most people don't get the opportunity to do this, and besides my cousin, I'm the first person graduating from college in my immediate family."

And the magnitude of it all wasn't lost on his mother, Jenny Jones.

"Words can't even explain," she said. "Out of all the trips going up and down the road watching him play football, that was the most meaningful trip of all to Gainesville. To see him walk across that stage meant everything to me."

In a perfect world, Jones would have ended his career in the national title game or a BCS bowl. Instead, he and the Gators will conclude this season in Saturday's Outback Bowl. The opportunity to play his final game in his hometown is more than a small consolation prize.

"That's real big for me," he said. "You always want to go to a BCS or even a national championship game. But for me, at least I'm coming back home playing in front of a lot of people I know. For me it's going to be a big-time atmosphere. Who wouldn't want to go back home and play in front of their hometown?"

Playing at all is somewhat of a miracle for Jones. He was born prematurely and doctors told his mother he would never play sports, and would suffer from some mental disabilities.

"Here is a child they said would never play sports and he played five years of college football," Jenny Jones said. "They said mentally he'd be disadvantaged, and he walked across the stage and got his college degree. I think what has got him through everything is his faith. He has very strong faith. When he comes home, anybody that knows him and is around him (sees) he continues to have faith in God and that's what's brought him through everything."

Jones, 22, arrived in Gainesville in 2006 rated as the No. 13 outside linebacker in the nation by rivals.com, but his career has been filled with injuries and setbacks.

As a freshman he broke his foot one week before the opener and missed the season. His second year, he broke his wrist in the second game and played through grueling pain the remainder of the season.

In 2009 Jones started the first 11 games before suffering a knee injury and missing the final three.

Despite it all, he wouldn't change a thing.

"It helped me grow up a lot," he said. "Throughout my years we've been through our ups and downs, but the down years helped me to grow into a man. It helped me to find positive things in life. And being hurt, it helped me to focus on my education a lot more because you never know what can happen. … It taught me that I can fight through a little bit of adversity through my life."

Florida coach Urban Meyer on Tuesday called Jones "one of my favorite guys" and praised him for his efforts during his time with the Gators.

"He's a person that's come a long way, on the field and off the field," Meyer said. "He's a graduate of Florida. … He'll probably have a chance to play a little bit (professionally), maybe, maybe not. But he understands the value of what just happened, with life. He's very respectful. You just like being around guys like that. He's one of my all-time favorites."

Meyer will coach his final game with the Gators on Saturday, and Jones and his senior teammates get one last chance to determine an ending to their careers. If Jones has his way, the story concludes this way: "Urban Meyer goes out a winner," he said. "We go out hand-in-hand as winners. That's the way we want it to be."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Fools, foibles, faux pas


Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Miss-take

When Nationals pitcher Miguel Batista was announced as the emergency starter in place of rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg, he was booed. Batista joked, "Imagine if you go there to see Miss Universe and you end up having Miss Iowa. You might get those kind of boos.'' Well, Katherine Connors, the real Miss Iowa, was insulted. Batista ended up apologizing and sending flowers to Connors, who was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Nats game.

At least he didn't need fake blood

When it was 0-8, the University of New Mexico lost its starting quarterback, Brad Gruner, with season-ending hand surgery. Was he hurt trying to stiff-arm a linebacker? Was he sacked by a big defensive end? Nope, he sliced his pinkie carving a jack-o'-lantern for Halloween.

Nick Saban did not approve this message

Dorothy Davidson, a candidate for mayor in Bessemer, Ala., sent out pamphlets with her standing next to Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban, who was allegedly endorsing her. Turns out, the photo was a fake. Davidson was photo-shopped over Saban's wife in an old photograph. A campaign manager took the blame, but still, Davidson did not win the election.

Now hurling for the Phillies

Matthew Clemens, a 21-year-old punk from Cherry Hill, N.J., showed just how classy Philadelphia fans are by getting drunk at a Phillies game and intentionally throwing up on an 11-year-old girl. He was arrested and sentenced to three months in jail and community service.

What do we do now?

Joe Branstrom, a high school basketball coach in Kansas, was blindfolded by his students at a pep rally and told that if he could make a half-court shot, he would win Final Four tickets. The prank was that the fans in attendance would go crazy as if he made the shot. Uh, one problem: Branstrom actually made the shot! An anonymous person got Branstrom the Final Four tickets.

Doing the right thing

Grant Desme, one of the top prospects in the Oakland A's organization and an MVP in the Arizona Fall League, was on the verge of being a major-leaguer when he abruptly quit to become a priest. Desme, 23, said, "I love the game, but I aspire to higher things.'' Meantime, a football player named Keith Fitzhugh turned down a chance to join the Jets for the final month to remain a train conductor. Fitzhugh said he wanted a secure job to help support his parents.

Nice job, brainiacs

Four Penn State football fans beat up another fan, breaking his nose in the process, because he was wearing the rival blue-and-yellow colors of Michigan, the team Penn State was playing. Turns out, the beaten-up fan was a Penn Stater, too. He was wearing a Halloween costume because it was, well, Halloween.

Whistle while you work

Jose Pinto, a goal keeper for Barcelona's soccer team, was suspended for two games in the European Champions League, because he could imitate a referee's whistle. Whenever it appeared an opposing player had a break, he would make his sound and the opponent would stop because he would think an offsides was called.

Look at me, ma

Tampa native Denard Span was playing in a spring training game for the Twins when he lined a foul ball into the stands. What are the odds that he hit a woman wearing a Span jersey? Actually, pretty good if that woman is your mother. Span's liner struck his mother in the chest, but after being checked out by paramedics, she returned to her seat.

He should've just carried the pads

Cowboys rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant refused the long-standing tradition of carrying a veteran's pads during training camp. He said he would pay for a team dinner as his initiation instead. The bill for the meal? More than $55,000.

Hairy situation

It's one thing for an NFL player to be on the receiving end of trash talk from a tough guy like Ray Lewis or James Harrison. But to get smacked down by Justin Bieber? The teenybopper laid into Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for stealing his haircut. In a video posted on YouTube, Bieber said, "Sacked like a sacker. Call up Mr. Brady. Tell him to leave his hair to the guy who sings Baby.''

Don't they use 'love' to keep score?

So which sport has the toughest fans? Soccer, maybe? Football? But in 2010, we have a major upset for toughest fans: tennis. At the U.S. Open, three fans decided to start their own little brawl. Goodness knows what the fight was about, but all three ended up losers. They have been banned from attending the U.S. Open until 2012.

Paper route

Members of the Texas A&M-Commerce football team were caught on cameras stealing every copy of the student newspaper so no one would see a story about how two of its players were arrested on drug charges. Coach Guy Morriss said, "I'm proud of my players for doing that.'' And you wonder how these players have turned out to be such fine, outstanding young men.

For the birds

High school football games on the island of Kauai in Hawaii had to be postponed to the daytime because migrating seabirds mistook the stadium lights for the moon and stars and became disoriented. The birds would fall to the ground and then get attacked by cats. Call it Alfred Hitchcock's adaptation of Friday Night Lights.

Injuries of the year

Here's a look at the wacky injuries that occurred this season (and these were just in baseball):

The Angels' Kendry Morales broke his leg while jumping on home after a walk-off homer.

Padres pitcher Mat Latos ended up on the disabled list when he strained a side muscle trying to stop a sneeze.

The Orioles' Brian Roberts missed the last week of the season with headaches because he clubbed himself over the head with a bat after striking out.

Marlins star Chris Coghlan, who went to East Lake High, needed knee surgery when he injured himself trying to hit teammate Wes Helms with a post-game shaving cream pie.

Baltimore's Luke Scott took 35 seconds to touch 'em all on June 30, but he wasn't hot-dogging. Scott blew out his hamstring rounding first. He finally touched home and went straight to the disabled list.

The Astros' Geoff Blum was putting on his shirt when he felt something in his elbow pop. Blum needed surgery to remove bone chips.

Orioles pitcher Brad Bergesen battled shoulder problems all season after he didn't warm up before throwing too many pitches while shooting a commercial for the team.

Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco missed the last two months of the season when he tore his meniscus while tying his shoe.

Rays pitcher Grant Balfour landed on the disabled list when he injured his side while horsing around with Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey.

We finish with the Mariners' Russell Branyan — a former Ray — because ... well, you'll see why. First, while on a road trip, Branyan woke early in the morning and went to close the curtains. He tripped on a coffee table and missed a week with a bruised foot. Later in the season, while at a pizza joint with his young son, Branyan reached down to pick up his son's flip-flop. His chair slid out from underneath him and he missed the last three weeks of the season with a bruised tailbone.

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Drink with Ruby and help dogs everywhere: Brewery pup lends her name to ale

The newest member to the team at Great Newsome Brewery is reminding real ale fans that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.



Alex Reid Mark Zuckerberg The US embassy cables Adventure travel Chalkboards Dance music

The final bell after 38-year school career

SHE has spent almost four decades devoting herself to teaching the children of East Yorkshire.

Now, Janet Burton, of The Green Way Primary School, in north Hull, has bid farewell to pupils and staff, after a career spanning 38 years.

Janet began her career at Hedon County Primary School, before moving to a school in Cottingham, known as Court Park Primary.

She then spent the past ten years teaching at The Green Way.

She said: "I always wanted to teach from being very young and I never envisaged doing anything else.

"From when I started, the main difference now is the amount of paperwork and planning you have to do.

"But the children are still the same, that has not changed, and I will miss them."

As a leaving present, Mrs Burton was bought a video camera as well as flowers, chocolates and photo frames among other gifts.

She said: "I had a lovely last day, it was very surreal.

"I usually get up very early to get to school for 7am and I will be thinking of everyone on the first day back after Christmas.

"I have not made big plans for my retirement but I will spend time with family members."

Mrs Burton was the phase two leader at the school, which means she was responsible for leading years three and four.

Liz Wilson, head teacher at the school, said: "We are going to miss her very much. She had a lot of input into what was going on at school.

"She has been helping to train her successor, which is lovely. She was cracking and will really be missed."



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Damir brings bride-to-be from El Salvador


Serbian Olympic shooter Damir Mikec and his partner and fellow sport shooter Melissa Ivette Perez Carballo have proven once again love has no boundaries. After maintaining a long-distance relationship for five years, the two have recently moved in together in Belgrade. In an interview for Blic, Damir talks about his experience of love at first sight.

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Eagles playing for seeding

Times wires
Monday, December 27, 2010

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles, who have clinched the NFC East, are playing for a better playoff seeding when they host the Vikings tonight in a snow-delayed game.

If Philadelphia wins, it will be in the running for one of the top two seeds and a first-round bye. A loss would lock Philadelphia into the No. 3 seed, and it would host the sixth-seeded team on Jan. 8 or 9.

A snowstorm and concern for public safety pushed the game back two days. It's difficult to say which team benefited most from the postponement.

Despite additional recovery time, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre likely won't play. He did not pass the first part of post-concussion testing Monday and was listed as doubtful.

"He's still having trouble with the initial test, which leads you to believe it's going to be very, very difficult to do anything other than where he is right now," Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier said.

If Favre can't play, Joe Webb, 24, will get his first career start.

Running back Adrian Peterson told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he would play. The NFC's third-leading rusher was listed as questionable with a thigh bruise, but he said the extra rest "helps a lot."

Placid weather conditions could assist the Eagles. The forecast calls for clear skies, mild winds and a game-time temperature of 32 degrees, vastly different from Sunday's driving snowstorm that could have neutralized the Eagles' speed advantage.

Tebow to start: The Broncos will give rookie quarterback Tim Tebow a third straight start Sunday against the Chargers, which seems to give him the inside track to win the job next season. "We all want him to be really, really good right now, because that is for all of our benefit," interim coach Eric Studesville said. "He works as hard as any person I have ever been around in this game, and the limits, I do not know what they are right now." Said NFL Network commentator Deion Sanders: "Forget his delivery and his arm action and his accuracy; he gets the job done.''

Former dolphin dies: Former Dolphins offensive tackle Eric Laakso, a member of two Super Bowl teams, was found dead at his Pompano Beach home Saturday. Laakso, 54, had battled heart disease. Drafted by Miami out of Tulsa in 1978, he was part of Super Bowl teams in 1982 (lost to Redskins) and 1984 (lost to 49ers).

Cowboys: Jon Kitna will start at quarterback Sunday if his strained abdominal muscle heals, but it seems more likely that second-year backup Stephen McGee will make his first career start.

49ers: With coach Mike Singletary fired Sunday night, team president and CEO Jed York is turning to his uncle, former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., for advice. DeBartolo will serve as a consultant in the process of finding a general manager, and York plans to talk to Patriots president Jonathan Kraft about what works so well for New England. A GM will be put in place before a coach is hired, and there's no timetable. Jim Tomsula, the promoted defensive line coach, will coach this week. Also fired were pass rush specialist coach Al Harris and inside linebackers coach Vantz Singletary, the former coach's nephew.

Seahawks: Charlie Whitehurst is expected to start at quarterback Sunday against the Rams, but coach Pete Carroll wasn't ready to rule out Matt Hasselbeck. The regular starter sustained a strain to his lower back/hip area against the Bucs. Hasselbeck had an MRI and tests Monday morning, and the results had Carroll somewhat optimistic.

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USF Bulls still undecided on starting quarterback for bowl

By Kevin Brafford, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, December 28, 2010

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — USF coach Skip Holtz didn't name a starting quarterback Tuesday for Friday's Meineke Car Care Bowl.

And he gave strong indication that he won't name one today, and he might not name one Thursday.

All of this is okay with B.J. Daniels and Bobby Eveld, one of whom eventually will be the answer to the question that everyone's asking.

"I'm 100 percent and ready to go," said Daniels, a redshirt sophomore who hasn't played since injuring his quadriceps in the first half of a Nov. 27 upset of Miami. "I'm just trying to prepare myself for Friday."

As is Eveld, a freshman walk-on who opened eyes in the second half against the Hurricanes and the regular-season finale against Connecticut.

"We're getting the same number of reps and splitting everything up," Eveld said. "And B.J.'s right there helping me as much as he can. Whatever ends up happening, it's going to be fine."

Holtz believes that to be true.

"It's only fair to Bobby to give him every chance to keep developing, and B.J. already has proven himself," he said. "It's a nice situation to have, that's for sure."

Will it be a game-time decision?

"I don't know," Holtz said. "We'll start to address it (today) as we put in our game plan, and we'll just go from there."

A welcome sight: The sun broke through in Charlotte early Tuesday afternoon, and it was a welcome sight for the Bulls, who were forced indoors to practice Monday in the aftermath of the city's first Christmas snow in more than four decades.

The team's practice schedule continues to be in a state of flux. The Bulls and Clemson worked out on a Carolina Panthers' practice field, and USF is scheduled to practice today at a high school southeast of the city — if its field can be cleared.

"It's a bit of a logistical nightmare," Holtz said. "I mean, picking up 105 guys and moving them around isn't the easiest thing to do, but we're managing."

For Friday's noon kickoff, the weather should be more to the Bulls' liking — the forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the upper 50s.

Going racing: Among the rewards for receiving a bowl bid are the opportunities to mix business with pleasure.

And while USF players enjoyed a visit to Levine Children's Hospital on Tuesday morning, today's schedule has them giddy.

In the morning, they'll take three-lap spins in stock cars with professional drivers at Charlotte Motor Speedway, plus compete against members of the Clemson team in a tire-changing contest.

Several Bulls said they couldn't wait to see the larger linemen attempt to wiggle in and out of the stock cars, which have no doors.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how Sampson Genus does," Daniels said of the 6-foot-1, 315-pound senior center. "He's a wide guy.''

And at night, they'll attend the NBA game between the Bobcats and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena, which is five blocks from Bank of America Stadium, the site of Friday's game.

Notable: Having spent the previous five years 250 miles east in Greenville, it's understandable that Holtz will have someone record East Carolina's bowl game against Maryland this afternoon — as he'll be in the middle of practice. "I'm pulling for them," he said of the Pirates. "I sat in their living rooms, so I know them. I hope they play well." … Senior FB/TE Kevin Gidrey missed practice to attend the funeral of his grandfather in Jacksonville. Holtz said he's expected back today and is likely to start Friday.

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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Woman dies in Pocklington house fire

A woman has died in a house fire in Pocklington.

Fire crews were called to attend the blaze in Edward Street last night at 9.31pm.

Fire officers say the fire is believed to have been accidental.

Two fire engines attended the scene from Pocklington Fire Station.

The victim has not yet been named.



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Remembering 'Obama for America'

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Was the 2008 campaign really that long ago?

Jonathan Bernstein and Ross Douthat are arguing over the uniqueness of the excitement that Barack Obama's candidacy generated. Douthat says that Obama "persuaded Democrats that the laws of politics had been suspended, and that every legislative goal they?d ever dreamed about was now within reach." Bernstein rejoins that "activists get enchanted by candidate? C'mon, that's the oldest story in the book. Happened with George W. Bush, happened with Bill Clinton, happened with Ronald Reagan, happened, sad to say, with Jimmy Carter."

At this point, we're used to seeing a black man give speeches from the Rose Garden, which is how Douthat can write about the excitement that greeted Obama without even mentioning his skin color. But it was a novel concept back then, and as it came closer and closer to reality, people began to feel that they were witnessing -- and even participating -- in something important. You can't write about the enthusiasm his candidacy generated -- and in particular, the sense that it was somehow "different" -- without mentioning the actual thing that made it different.

Similarly, Bernstein goes too far in likening the Obama candidacy to every other silver-tongued politician who won hearts and minds in the snows of New Hampshire. Given the history of our country, Obama's campaign was meaningful in a way that Bill Clinton's or George W. Bush's or Ronald Reagan's simply wasn't, and for reasons that had nothing to do with whether cap-and-trade legislation was imminent. On those more prosaic questions, the debate was much more typical of any primary campaign, with some people arguing that Hillary Clinton's experience would make her more effective while others felt John Edwards's rhetorical skills would give him the edge and everyone overestimating how different the various candidates were from one another.

As it happened, Obama's administration ended up making substantial and unexpected accommodations to the laws of politics -- see Emanuel, Rahm -- and getting a lot more done than his doubters expected. But that could've been true -- or not true -- for any of them. Maybe Hillary Clinton would've proven a profound moral leader from the Oval office. "Presidential candidate likeliest to pass health-care reform" was a jump ball back in the 2008 election. "Presidential candidate likeliest to be the first African American president" wasn't, and it was too big a deal to write it out of histories of Obama's supporters.

Photo credit: Jim Bourg/Reuters.



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Holiday gift ideas for Tampa Bay area sports figures

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 23, 2010

During this holiday season, we still have time to get in our last-minute gift ideas for Tampa Bay area sports figures. Here is what some of our local sports folks might want.

Stuart Sternberg

A freak snowstorm over the Trop like the one that caved in the roof of Minnesota's Metrodome so the Rays owner can finally get someone to seriously talk about a new stadium around here. And when we say "around here,'' we mean anywhere in the Tampa Bay area.

Raheem Morris

A first-aid kit so he can patch up his MASH unit of a Bucs team to finish his race to 10 victories. Also, a nice frame for his NFL coach of the year plaque.

Carl Crawford

Ear muffs, so the ex-Ray can keep his ears warm in Boston and drown out the boos of the 8,423 fans who are going to let him have it when he returns to the Trop.

Steven Stamkos

Nothing. The Lightning center has it all.

Jon Gruden

A coaching job. Any coaching job. At any level. Anywhere. Doesn't even have to be in football. Just something so we don't have to hear his name EVERY SINGLE TIME a coaching job comes open.

Joe Maddon

A first baseman, a leftfielder, a closer, a setup man, a centerfielder who doesn't strike out so much, a right-handed power bat, a reliever to get out lefties, a leadoff hitter. Yikes, Bob Geldof might have to write another Christmas song to raise enough money for all that for the Rays manager.

Tampa Bay Bucs

A gift certificate for Al Estes Bail Bonds.

Steve Yzerman

A goalie who doesn't make the Lightning GM hold his breath every time an opponent winds up from the blue line.

Evan Longoria

A new Rays cap.

Stan Heath

Does ex-Bull Dominique Jones have a basketball-playing brother?

Bay area fans

A safe and happy holiday season. And, oh, better local sports-talk radio to listen to.

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Ohio State defenders cast a wary eye at Arkansas' Ryan Mallett: 'He's the real deal'

In the Sugar Bowl, Ryan Mallett of Arkansas should join Colt McCoy and Mark Sanchez as the best quarterbacks the current Ohio State players have ever faced.

mallett-vert-auburn-ap.jpgView full size"The guy can just flat out throw the ball," Ohio State safety Jermale Hines says of Arkansas' star QB, Ryan Mallett. "He has a bunch of playmakers around him and he just airs it out."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Will Arkansas' Ryan Mallett be the best quarterback that Ohio State has faced this season? It's not even close.

"He is by far," senior linebacker Ross Homan said.

"Hands down," senior safety Jermale Hines added. "He makes smart decisions, he knows how to read coverages, and the guy can just flat out throw the ball. He has a bunch of playmakers around him and he just airs it out."

The tougher question while breaking down the Buckeyes' matchup against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4 is whether Mallett is one of the best two or three quarterbacks Ohio State has faced during its run of six straight Big Ten titles, up there with Vince Young and Colt McCoy of Texas and USC's Mark Sanchez.

"I'd have to say it's probably Mark Sanchez or Colt McCoy, but he's definitely going to be in that category," Hines said.

"I'd probably go with Colt McCoy," fifth-year senior defensive lineman Dexter Larimore said. "I just remember how accurate he was on the short throws and the medium stuff. [Mallett's] definitely going to be in the mix. Watching the film, he's probably one of the top five guys I've gone against, and I've been here for five years and playing for four."

Since 2005, at least by NFL standards, the Big Ten hasn't exactly been stacked with great quarterbacks. In the five drafts between 2006 and 2010, there were 62 quarterbacks drafted, and five were from the Big Ten -- Michigan State's Drew Stanton in the second round and Ohio State's Troy Smith in the fifth in 2007; Michigan's Chad Henne in the second round in 2008; Purdue's Curtis Painter in the sixth round in 2009; and Northwestern's Mike Kafka in the fourth round in 2010.

The Big Ten didn't call anything the Stanton-Kafka Award in its latest round of trophy naming, so the Buckeyes' defense has typically faced its toughest quarterbacks outside the conference.

The SEC had 10 quarterbacks picked in the last five drafts, the Pac-10 had nine, the Big 12 had seven and the MAC tied the Big Ten with five. So while Iowa's Ricky Stanzi should be drafted in April among the quarterbacks Ohio State faced this season, the 6-foot-6, 238-pound Mallett, who is ranked as the No. 7 overall draft prospect by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper, is on a different level.

"I see him slinging the ball. He really gets it out pretty quick," OSU senior defensive lineman Cameron Heyward said. "He's got a strong arm. He's not a short quarterback, which gives him a lot of vision."

Heyward ranked Sanchez as the best quarterback he's faced in four years, just ahead of McCoy, though he also mentioned LSU's Matt Flynn, who beat the Buckeyes in the national title game three years ago and was a seventh-round pick of the Green Bay Packers, where he's the backup behind Aaron Rodgers.

Mallett could be pushing to start in the NFL next season, if the fourth-year junior and transfer from Michigan turns pro as expected. He threw for more than 300 yards in nine of 12 games this season, including two 400-yard games, as a pure pocket passer in the Razorbacks' pro-style offense.

Ohio State cornerback Devon Torrence compared Indiana's offense with quarterback Ben Chappell to what Arkansas does, but he knows this is a much tougher test that could serve as a showcase for the Ohio State defensive seniors if the Buckeyes play well.

When Mallett drops back and surveys the defense, he looks straight out of the NFL.

"He's the real deal," Torrence said. "You have to respect him and definitely honor his arm and his skill level. ... The biggest thing to me is his strength and his arm size and maybe his confidence. He seems like an all-around good quarterback. He seems like an overall seasoned quarterback."

The kind of quarterback that Ohio State doesn't see every week -- or every year.

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