Arbitrator says T.O. owes Eagles (Philly.com)

An arbitrator has ruled that Terrell Owens owes the Philadelphia Eagles $769,120 in signing bonus money.

The Eagles sought to recover the money after the all-pro wide receiver was suspended for four games without pay during the 2005 season. Not long after, Eagles coach Andy Reid told Owens to stay home for the remaining five games.

The bonus money will be applied to the Eagles’ salary cap for 2008.

News and notes while computers decide your NFL champion…

Ryan non-committal about interest in becoming Rangers president (AP/Y! Sports) Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan has an offer to take over as president of the Texas Rangers.  Ryan is currently working for the Houston Astros.

Browns, Crennel agree to two-year extension (AP/NFL.com) The Cleveland Browns extended the contract of Romeo Crennel after he led the club to a 10-6 mark, their best record since 1999.

A thank you to Larry Smith (STLToday.com) Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that Missouri football fans owe Larry Smith, who passed away Monday at age 68, thanks for getting the program on the road to respectability.

Kidd: Time to ‘move on’ (ESPN.com) Ric Bucher, who seems to get more things wrong than right as it relates to Kobe Bryant, reports that the agent for New Jersey’s Jason Kidd is seeking a trade for his client.

Webber: ‘Done deal’ to return to Warriors (AP/SI.com) In an email to the Associated Press, Chris Webber has confirmed that he has agreed to return to the Golden State Warriors.

…and finally…

Gilbert Arenas really loves ‘God Save the Fan’ (NBA.com) Gilbert Arenas, a.k.a. ‘Agent Zero’, writes that he really, really likes Will Leitch of Deadspin.com’s new book ‘God Save the Fan’. And he’s only up to chapter 2.

Rams working on contract with Saunders (STLToday.com)

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the St. Louis Rams are in contract negotiations with the agent of recently fired Washington Redskins coordinator Al Saunders for their vacant offensive coordinator job.

“We’re in negotiations with the Rams now,” Saunders’ agent, Bob LaMonte, told the Post-Dispatch on Monday afternoon.

“And I think we can come to an agreement.”

As Thomas point out, Saunders made something more than $2 million last season holding the same position in Washington.  That same salary would place him ahead of what Rams head coach Scott Linehan makes per annum.

News and notes while Chuck Knoblauch makes travel reservations to Washington, D.C. …

Detroit group buys into English soccer (AP/USATODAY.com) A Detroit, Michigan-based group led by former Detroit Pistons exec Andy Appleby has bought a stake in Derby County of the English Premier League.  Appleby tried pursuing the NHL’s St. Louis Blues two years ago.

Star showcase finally lives up to the hype (THN.com) The folks at The Hockey News write that this weekend’s NHL All-Star Game activities in Atlanta, Georgia lived up to expectations.

The party is in Glendale. You are not invited. (The Sporting Blog) Will Leitch of Deadspin.com turns in a piece for The Sporting News’ sports blog The Sports Blog while on assignment covering the Super Bowl festivities in Glendale, Ariz.

Tiki’s burnt bridges coming to the forefront (Awful Announcing) Remember Tiki Barber’s blistering comments directed at his former coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning? Well, the chickens are coming home to roost as the Giants appear to be preventing him from snatching any exclusives from his former club.

Ravens retain defensive boss Ryan (Baltimore Sun)

The Baltimore Ravens have retained defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and was given a promotion of assistant coach to new head coach John Harbaugh, the Baltimore Sun reports.

According to a source, Ryan was given a three-year contract worth roughly $1.3 million to $1.5 million annually.

“This is a good thing, this is great,” Ryan said. “I’m excited to be back with the Ravens, and excited about what is going on here. These are my guys [on defense], and we’ve been through a lot together.”

Ryan interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins head coaching positions.

News and notes while in awe of Shawn White’s 1260 (video)…

O’s deny Bedard deal in place (Baltimore Sun) On Sunday, The Seattle Times reported that the Mariners and the O’s were close to finalizing a trade for lefty Erik Bedard.  Now comes word from The Baltimore Sun that the Orioles are denying that a deal is done.  Also, Bedard’s agent told The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec that he hasn’t been notified of such a transaction.

Brady acknowledges injury, says he’s ‘ready to go’ (USATODAY.com) Tom Brady of the Patriots says he’s ready to go for the match-up against the New York Giants after getting some therapy and doing drills to test his injured right ankle.

Carroll turned down Redskins (NFL.com) Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder flew to St. Louis, MO to talk to USC head coach Pete Carroll about the vacant head coaching position in the nation’s capital.  Carroll reportedly turned down the overture.

Right now, I’d take Brady over Joe (The Press Democrat) Matt Maiocco of The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, Calif.) writes in his Super Bowl XLII blog that he’d take Tom Brady over NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana…sorta.

Sources: Warriors to sign veteran Webber (ESPN.com)  Marc Stein, the NBA reporter for ESPN.com, writes that the Golden State Warriors are on the verge of inking veteran Chris Webber despite the fact that he and head coach Donn Nelson have a feud that dates back some 14 years.

…and finally…

50 thoughts from Australian Open (SI.com) Jon Wertheim of SI.com drops his top 50 list of things that captured his fancy “Down Under.”

News and notes while a good friend celebrates her 30th…

Sharapova wins Aussie (AP/USATODAY.com) In the ‘Battle of the Babes’ Australian Open final, Maria Sharapova knocked off fourth-seeded Ana Ivanovic, 7-5, 6-3.
Sources: Williams out of running for ‘Skins job (ESPN.com) Football maven Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com reports that Gregg Williams, the defensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins, is not longer under consideration to replace the retiring Joe Gibbs.

Falcons add Mularkey (AJC.com) The Atlanta Falcons have hired Mike Mularkey, who served as Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator while Saban was coaching the Dolphins, was tabbed as the new offensive coordinator.

Chargers’ Kaeding kicked with broken plant leg (CP) First, it was quarterback Philip Rivers playing on an obliterated anterior cruciate ligament.  Now comes word that Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding had been booting the ball with a broken plant leg.

Mayo ruled ineligible, then reinstated (HoopsWorld.com) The NCAA ruled Friday that the talented freshman guard violated extra-benefits rules by accepting free Los Angeles Lakers’ tickets and must repay the face value of the tickets.

…and finally…

Source: Selanne expected to return (The Hockey News) THN.com reports that forward Teemu Selanne will report to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks after a half-season of contemplating retirement.

Zorn leaves Seattle to become offensive coordinator in Washington (ESPN.com)

Out goes Al Saunders, in goes Jim Zorn.

According to ESPN.com’s Mike Sando, the rumors are now fact: the Washington Redskins have hired Jim Zorn as the club’s new offensive coordinator.

The coordinator hiring is being made before the organization has settled on a new head coach to replace the retiring Joe Gibbs.

Davis asks Kiffin to resign; Kiffin tells him no (ESPN.com)

The ghost of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis ceases to amaze those that follow the NFL.

Now comes word from ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen that the aging owner has asked head coach Lane Kiffin to resign.  However, Kiffin has told the owner that he refuses to accept the “invitation” to walk away and will likely be canned.

Mortensen reports that Davis provided Kiffin with a prepared letter for him to sign, only to have him rebuff the attempt.

Dennis Green, according to Mortensen, would likely be the replacement.

Earlier this offseason, coordinator Rob Ryan was essentially fired but returned to the organization after briefly being courted by the New York Jets.  Ryan, by the way, still wants out of Oakland.

News and notes while Paris Hilton and Terrell Owens exchange digits…

Marlins inch closer to stadium deal (MLB.com) The seemingly never-ending saga of the Florida Marlins landing a new stadium in south Florida apparently is inching forward as a Feb. 5 meeting of the Miami-Dade County commissioners looms.

Royals lead Santana race? (Joe Posnanski) The Kansas City Star’s Joe Posnanski pokes a little fun at the ridiculousness of the daily updates regarding the “race” for Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana.
Final Vick defendant gets probation, fine (USATODAY.com)  The final defendant connected to Michael Vick’s dogfighting case netted three years probation and a $500 fine after he cooperated with prosecutors.

Phoenix Suns president has outdoor pre-season game in works (Business Journal of Phoenix) The Phoenix Suns are planning to play the NBA’s first outdoor game during next year’s preseason at the Indian Wells (Calif.) Tennis Garden, Suns president and CEO Rick Welts said, according to the Business Journal of Phoenix.

IUPUI hoops coach’s shoe drive for charity a huge success (Indianapolis Star) UPUI coach Ron Hunter, who coached barefoot against Oakland University Thursday, got a huge response, with more than 110,000 pairs of athletic shoes donated.

…and finally…

Whitlock: ‘Mike & Mike’ aren’t big stars (FOXSports.com) Another Kansas City Star writer shares this space as Jason Whitlock, writing for FOXSports.com, takes a look at the Dana Jacobson controversy and offers an opinion on it within this notes column. (ifive to The Big Lead for the info.)

News and notes while Daniel Alfredsson lights the lamp…

Committee reviewing McNamee tapes (New York Times) According to Duff Wilson of The New York Times, the House oversight committee is reviewing the tapes and transcripts three conversations that feature Brian McNamee, Roger Clemens’ former personal trainer who claims he injected the multi-time Cy Young Award winner with PEDs.

2008 MLB master schedule released (BizofBaseball) Want to see every team’s schedule? The Biz of Baseball has it all in PDF form.

Redskins still trying to find their man (AP/NFL.com) After rumors of the hiring of Jim Fassel being inaccurate earlier this week, the Associated Press reports that other candidates have yet to be interviewed.  Josh McDaniels or Steve Spagnuolo, anyone. (ifive to PFT.com for the tip.)

Iverson, Garnett make All-Star squads (AP/SI.com) Allen Iverson of the Denver Nuggets and Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtic headline the 2008 NBA All-Star Game starters, which will be held in New Orleans.

Cyclist sues USADA for drug testing plan (AP/USATODAY.com) An anonymous cyclist is suing the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for “overreaching its own rules and protocols.”

…and finally…

The Super Bowl bye week jamboroo, in which Drew pauses to make a serious point about blogging as journalism, then makes chili (Deadspin.com) A great read if you’re interested in blogging.

News and notes while ogling Tim Tebow’s ladyfriend…

Writer: Dana Jacobson didn’t day “Fuck Jesus” (The Big Lead) According to Atlantic City Press writer Scott Cronick, who attended the “Mike & Mike” celebrity roast, ESPN First Take co-host Dana Jacobson did not say the magic words that pissed off The Catholic League.

Jim Brown calls out Tiger on ‘lynch’ controversy (ESPN.com) NFL Hall of Fame player Jim Brown said Thursday that Tiger Woods should have spoken out against racially insensitive remarks made by Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman that led to her two-week suspension from the airwaves.

Belichick refuses to talk about Brady injury (WJZ.com) Patriots coach Bill Belichick refused to address questions regarding the “Injury Heard ‘Round the World” that has been hampering Tom Brady.

Banks: My first crack at projecting the NFL draft’s first round (SI.com) SI.com’s Don Banks projects the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft.

Rick Majerus takes a stand (STLToday.com) Earlier, we linked to a story by St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bernie Miklasz, who penned a column featuring an extensive interview with Rick Majerus.  In his online blog, Miklasz writes a bit more extensively on his interview with the Saint Louis University hoops coach, as well as some background on their relationship and the letters of support Majerus has received.

…and finally…

Tony Romo dumps Jessica Simpson? (OK! Magazine) Via SPORTSbyBROOKS, OK! Magazine is reporting that Dallas Cowboys signal caller Tony Romo has dumped singer/entertainer Jessica Simpson.

News and notes while laughing at Jose Canseco…

Majerus defiant — with respect (STLToday.com) Bernie Miklasz of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that Saint Louis University basketball coach Rick Majerus stands by his comments made late last week in regards to his views on abortion and stem cell research.

Baylor knocks off No 16 Texas A&M — in 5OTs (AP/USATODAY.com) You read that right: it took unranked Baylor five overtimes to take out Big XII rival Texas A&M, 116-110.  Good thing you read because you certainly couldn’t watch it thanks to the lousy contract the conference has lined up.

No Fassel deal — yet (ESPN.com) The tag-team duo of ESPN.com’s Len Pasquarelli and Chris Mortensen report that the Washington Redskins have not yet come to terms with Jim Fassel on becoming their next head football coach.  Jim Zorn, who was mentioned Wednesday as the new offensive coordinator, is among the top picks for the spot.

Samuels, Cooley to wear ‘21‘ (Redskins.com) Speaking of Washington, Chris Cooley and Chris Samuels will honor former teammate — and fellow Pro Bowler — Sean Taylor by wearing his old jersey number during the upcoming event on February 10.

Beane’s blueprint calls for pinching pennies (Y! Sports) National baseball writer Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports profiles Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane, whose Moneyball means of management will once again be utilized in the Bay Area.

…and finally…

Rangers to retire Leetch’s No. 2 (CP/The Hockey News) One of our favorites growing up will see his number retired by the New York Rangers Thursday.  Brian Leetch, the stalwart rearguard who helped the Rangers win their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, will see his No. 2 raised to the Madison Square Garden rafters.

Redskins expected to name Fassel as new coach (Washington Post)

The Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora reports that Jim Fassel will be tabbed as the next head coach of the Washington Redskins bench boss.

Also according to La Canfora, Jim Zorn has emerged as the top candidate to fill the offensive coordinator position on Fassel’s staff and Baltimore’s Rex Ryan as the defensive coordinator.  Zorn would replace the presumably fired Al Saunders.

The Redskins still have Gregg Williams under contract as their defensive coordinator despite talking to Ryan and interviewed him four times for the head coaching job replacing Joe Gibbs.

News and notes while Rick Majerus waits for communion Godot…

Chang, two others get Tennis Hall of Fame nod (AP/USATODAY.com) French Open winner Michael Chang was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and IMG founder Mark McCormack and Tennis Week magazine founder Eugene Scott were selected posthumously.

Source: Cameron to join Ravens staff (ESPN.com) As initially reported by Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, Len Pasquarelli writes that the Baltimore Ravens are on the fringe of hiring Cam Cameron to be their new offensive coordinator.

Indians, Betancourt agree to terms (MLB.com) Cleveland reliever Rafael Betancourt gets a nice raise and an extension through 2010.

Baseball’s never been better (FOXSports.com) Baseball guru Ken Rosenthal writes that Major League baseball has never been better after surviving a gambling scandal, a cocaine epidemic and the strike.

St. Louis special… (JoePosnanski.com) The great sportswriter Joe Posnanski writes about his experience at the BBWA dinner in St. Louis Monday.

Sources: Falcons eyeing Jacksonville’s Smith (ESPN.com)

Michael Smith of ESPN.com is reporting that Arthur Blank’s Atlanta Falcons may finally have their head coach to replace Bobby Petrino, who departed last month for the University of Arkansas.

Mike Smith, the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, appears to be the choice as the team’s new head coach.

As ESPN’s Smith points out, Jacksonville’s Smith, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett (who withdrew from consideration to remain with the Cowboys), and highly-regarded defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, late of the Baltimore Ravens, each interviewed with Dimitroff after the Falcons hired the former New England Patriots college scouting director on Jan. 13.