Cardinals, Jays closing in on Rolen-for-Glaus swap (AP/SI.com) The swap would rid the Cardinals of a potential powder keg between Scott Rolen and manager Tony La Russa come spring training. Also of note: Jayson Stark of ESPN.com reports that the there is no cash changing hands in the deal, thanks to the Cardinals getting Glaus to guarantee the second year of his deal.
Braves land Kotsay in swap with A’s (MLB.com) The Atlanta Braves ship former No. 1 pick Joey Devine to the Oakland A’s for outfielder Mark Kotsay.
Clemens’ lawyer hedging Congress’ deposition request (ESPN.com) You knew this was going to happen: Clemens’ attorney is hedging on “The Rocket” to testify under oath due to a conflict with his pending case against his former trainer. Transparent, thy name is Rusty Hardin.
Text messaging recruiting limits upheld (USATODAY.com) The NCAA’s 300-plus Division I schools on Saturday turned back efforts to rescind a five-month ban on coaches’ use of text messaging in recruiting.
Packers, Patriots advance to conference finals (AP/Y! Sports) Green Bay’s Brett Favre advances to another NFC Championship Game after running back Ryan Grant redeemed himself after fumbling twice in the game’s first 70 seconds to gain 201 yards on the ground. Meanwhile in New England: Tom Brady keeps finding other ways to impress his fans (and silence his critics) by throwing for 26 completions against 28 attempts to lead the Patriots to a 31-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sources: Falcons, Carroll still talking (ESPN.com) Atlanta Falcons mouthpiece Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports that while the likelihood of USC’s Pete Carroll getting the gig are slim, both he and team owner Arthur Blank are continuing phone conversations regarding the position.
Titans’ defensive coordinator leading candidate in ‘Skins coaching derby? (NBC Sports) Kevin Curran of NBCSports.com writes that Jim Schwartz, the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, is the frontrunner for the head coaching position that was left vacant by the retirement of Joe Gibbs. Interesting note: former ESPN MNF analyst Joe Theismann is consulting on the job search. Good to see he found something else to do besides whining about his dismissal — and Tony Kornheiser.
Yanks join Brewers in Cameron sweepstakes (FOXSports.com) Milwaukee…you’ve got company: Yankees have interest in free agent — and suspended — outfielder Mike Cameron. In other words, unless the Brewers want to blow their budget, he’s likely going somewhere else.
Book: Marketer gave Bush $200K at USC (AP/Y! Sports) A San Diego sports marketer claims in a new book that he gave former Southern California running back Reggie Bush nearly $300,000 in cash while Bush was still in school.
Saint Louis sets record for futility in loss to GW (AP/CSTV.com) Saint Louis set a modern Division I record for fewest points in a game Thursday, falling 49-20 to George Washington in the Atlantic 10 opener for both teams. P-a-t-h-e-t-i-c.
…and finally…
Strahan: I’d date Simpson, too (AP/SI.com) New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan backs Dallas’ Tony Romo, says he’d date starlet Jessica Simpson.
Cubs trade for Orioles’ Brian Roberts likely (Chicago Tribune) Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune writes that the Cubs are on the verge of landing second baseman Brian Roberts from the Baltimore Orioles. We won’t hold our breath since O’s owner Peter Angelos is a big fan of Roberts.
Report: Naegele sells Minnesota Wild (StarTribune.com) The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota Wild owner Bob Naegele plans to sell his interest in the hockey club. It’s been reported that Naegele has been negotiating with the former owner of the Nashville Predators, Craig Leipold.
Arkansas star running back Darren McFadden was handcuffed at a Little Rock, Ark. bar Thursday after a bar fight broke out at the establishment he was visiting.
Lt. Terry Hastings of the local police department noted that the fight broke out at a piano bar and the disturbance ended up spilling out into the streets of downtown Little Rock.
“There was a whole bunch of people there,” Hastings said. “They were inside and it spilled out into the street.”
Outside, McFadden was handcuffed by a police officer “because he was agitated and was provoking aggressive behavior inciting the incident,” according to the police report.
“We handcuffed him for a few minutes because he was rowdy,” Hastings said.
This wasn’t the first bar incident that McFadden has been involved in as he injured his toe during a 2006 fight.
The Associated Press is reporting that Michigan quarterback Ryan Mallett has left the school and is considering transferring to the University of Tennessee, where his former offensive coordinator Mike DeBorad and quarterbacks coach Scott Loeffler are under consideration for positions on Phillip Fulmer’s coaching staff.
“If they’re hired, that would be a real good possibility,” Jim Mallett (Ryan’s dad) said. “Ryan really clicked with both Coach DeBord and Coach Loeffler during the last couple months of the season; and during bowl practices, I’ve never seen Ryan throw the ball or read defenses as well as he did.”
This marks the third departure from the Wolverines program since Rich Rodriguez took over. Wide receivers Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington have elected to head to the NFL.
News and notes while the date resembles the last time the Cubs won a World Series…
McNamee’s lawyer calls on Congress (MLB.com) A lawyer for Brian McNamee called on Congress to demand and make public the recording of a December interview between his client and two private investigators hired by Roger Clemens’ attorneys.
Police: McNamee lied about ‘01 incident (AP/SI.com) Meanwhile, police in St. Petersburg, Fla. released documents alleging that the former Clemens trainer lied to them during a rape investigation in 2001. The timing is very convenient. What’s next? We’ll find out McNamee has $10.24 in overdue library fines.
Sources: Falcons want to interview USC’s Carroll for vacancy (ESPN.com) Len Pasquarelli, who just happens to be Mr. Atlanta Falcon Insider, reports that the organization is pursuing USC’s Pete Carroll for their vacant head coaching position. Good move: Carroll did oh so well in his first stint in the league.
Hawai’i AD fired after Jones’ departure (AP/SI.com) After failing to keep head football coach June Jones on the island, Hawai’i AD Herman Frazier was canned for reason of “in the best interest of the athletics program.”
Bowl season finishes with decline in viewership (USAToday.com) Michael Hiestand of USA Today writes that the BCS title game drew 17% less viewers than last year’s tilt that featured champion Florida taking on The Ohio State.
In a move that’s expected to please quite a few college football fans, BCS officials are going to have discussions and further investigate the possibility of going to a plus-one format, which could create a four-team major college football playoff.
Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner John Swofford, the new coordinator of the Bowl Championship Series, said Monday he intends to lead a “thorough” evaluation of the plus-one format. The BCS must determine in the next nine to 12 months what format it will use for the 2010 season (2011 bowls) so it can negotiate a new television deal.
After this year’s “unique” season of ups and downs in polling, this comes as welcome news. However, with several hurdles that include cooperation from two major conferences — Big 10(11) and the Pac-10 — execution of such a plan may prove difficult.
News and notes while trying to figure out what we can do for you, Brian McNamee…
LSU 38, Ohio St. 24 (AP/Y! Sports) For the second successive season, Ohio State loses in a national championship tilt, losing this time to LSU in N’Awlins. LSU signal caller Matt Flynn threw for four touchdown passes in the national title-clinching win.
Telephone tap dance is unpersuasive (Y! Sports) National baseball writer Tim Brown remains unconvinced of alleged PEDs user Roger Clemens’ “defense” after his press conference. In fact, we don’t know any more than before, he writes.
Mariners, Reds still vying for O’s Bedard (FOX Sports) FOX Sports baseball insider Ken Rosenthal writes that the Cincinnati Redlegs and the Seattle Mariners are still very much interested in the services of Baltimore’s Erik Bedard.
Selanne hasn’t told Ducks if he will return (USA Today) Kevin Allen of USA Today writes that the Anaheim forward still hasn’t informed the Ducks of his intentions on coming back to the NFL.
…and finally…
Vick heads to Kansas — as expected (AP/SI.com) As reported last week, the incarcerated quarterback was transferred to a facility in Leavenworth, Kansas to enroll in a drug treatment program. It’s anticipated that his enrollment might cut his sentence in half.
News and notes while the National Baseball Hall of Fame gathers phone numbers for their inductees…
The lone Favre MVP vote came from… (JS Online) We now know where the lone NFL MVP vote came from: Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of the SportsXchange, which is an information provider for news organizations.
“The Worldwide Teaser’s” Joe Schad reports that Hawaii’s June Jones has made up his mind: he’s bolting for SMU, despite the University of Hawaii’s late push to keep him on the island.
Sources tell Schad that SMU and Jones are wrapping up contract details that will pay Jones roughly $2 million annually for five years.
News and notes while coming down from our paint fumes high…
State of Hawai’i makes run at Jones (ESPN.com News) As the governor of the 50th state pleads for him to stay, the University of Hawai’i has reportedly offered June Jones a five-year pact that would also include pay increases for his staff and improved facilities for the football program. Clemens drowns in hopelessness (Y! Sports) National Yahoo! Sports baseball writer Tim Brown dissects Roger Clemens’ interview with ‘60 Minutes’ vet Mike Wallace (transcript here) and what he’ll likely face in front of Congress next week.
Rams reportedly fire two coaches (STL Today) St. Louis Rams beat writer Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that offensive line coach Paul Boudreau and offensive coordinator Greg Olson have reportedly been fired.
Niners to interview Martz Monday (Santa Rosa Press Democrat) Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat writes that recently fired offensive coordinator Mike Martz of Detroit will interview for the same position with the 49ers. Within the same notebook, it’s written that Cam Cameron, he of the 1-15 Dolphins and fired last week, is also slated to be interviewed.
Islanders top prospect Okposo assigned to Bridgeport (CP/The Hockey News) After being signed to his first pro contract, the No. 7 overall pick of the 2006 draft pick will begin his pro career at Bridgeport of the AHL. …and finally…
According to a close friend of June Jones, he has resigned as the head coach of the University of Hawai’i head football coach.
From the Honolulu Advertiser:
Jones also sent letters to friends announcing that he is resigning after nine seasons. He thanked his friends for their support in the letter, in which he listed several reasons why he would no longer coach at the school. Full details of the letter were not available.
Jones was set to fly to Dallas to meet with SMU officials on Sunday.
McKay offered extension to remain as Falcons president (AJC.com) Rich McKay was offered a multiyear contract extension with a raise to remain as Falcons president by owner Arthur Blank. McKay was reportedly relieved of his GM duties two weeks ago.
Losman wants out of Buffalo (AP/ESPN) After losing starting job, Buffalo Bills’ former No. 1 pick J.P. Losman wants to be traded.
Source: Hawaii’s Jones to interview at SMU (DallasNews.com) Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News chimes in with another SMU-June Jones story: the Hawaii Warriors bench boss will travel to Dallas Saturday to talk about the SMU head coaching position. Hawaii, according to Hairopoulos via Jones’ agent, Leigh Steinberg, has offered him an extension to stay on the island.
Brodeur nets 96th career shutout (CP/The Hockey News) With his 96th career whitewashing in the regular season, New Jersey Devils backstop Martin Brodeur sits just seven behind NHL Hall of Famer Terry Shawchuk on the all-time list.
…and finally…
Hamill undergoing treatment for breast cancer (AP/SI.com) Dorothy Hamill, one of only seven U.S. women to win an Olympic ice skating medal, has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will miss time on the “Broadway on Ice” tour while undergoing treatment.
Sweden downs Russia in WJC semis (CP/TSN.ca) Mikael Backlund scored at 6:18 of overtime Friday to give Sweden a 2-1 victory over Russia in the WJC at Pardubice, Czech Republic.
Hansbrough is all hype (I’m Writing Sports) An interesting take on North Carolina Tar Heel stud Tyler Hansbrough from I’m Writing Sports.
Top 11 future excuses for Roger Clemens (EpicCarnvial.com) The guys at Epic Carnival take a stab — no pun intended — at the top excuses for PEDs user “The Rocket.” Our favorite: After years of hitters getting all the good drugs, someone had to be a pioneer — yes, dammit, a pioneer.
…and finally…
Jags can’t overlook banged up Steelers(MVN.com/Jaguars Journal) Our colleagues at MVN.com take a look at the wildcard match-up that pits the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.
Sources: SMU offers job to June Jones (DMN.com) Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports that SMU has offered their vacant head coaching position to Hawaii’s June Jones.
Kansas gets by Virginia Tech in close duel (AP/USA Today) Kansas’ defense — not their vaunted offense — came up big with three interceptions to down Virginia Tech 24-21 in the FedEx Orange Bowl.
Sources: NHL told DiPietro to change pads (TSN.ca) Sources tell TSN.ca’s Darren Dreger that New York Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro was told to change his pads during the first intermission of Thursday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers at Nassau Coliseum.
Warren Sapp tells Raiders, fans he’s done (AP/ESPN) Citing declining skills, the former All-Pro defensive tackle told the Oakland Raiders — and visitors to his website — that he’s done.
Bucs-Giants tickets still available (Tampa Bay Online) In this report on ticket sales for the upcoming wildcard tilt between the Giants and Buccaneers, the attorney general for the state of New York called Ticketmaster to raise cain over a new policy that would only allow ticket sales for residences of Florida to procure tickets. Shortly thereafter, the rule was reversed.
…and finally…
Hall of Fame menu should include Goose (Y! Sports) National baseball writer for Yahoo! Sports Jeff Passan makes a compelling case for closer Rich “Goose” Gossage inclusion into the National Baseball Hall of Fame for 2008.
Less than 12 hours after throttling the Oklahoma Sooners 48-28 in the Fiesta Bowl, West Virginia University has signed/promoted interim coach Bill Stewart to a five-year deal.
Stewart had been the associate head coach under Rich Rodriguez, who left for Michigan last month. Stewart then became the interim coach.
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