By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Just as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were filing onto the practice fields this morning here in Bradenton for the second day of their player-organized minicamp, commissioner Roger Goodell, accompanied by NFL Players Association chief DeMaurice Smith, made a surprise appearance on the field and in the weight room.

It was an awkward moment, to say the least, with Goodell coming into contact with the very players impacted by the NFL's three-months-old lockout. The players were working here at IMG Academies' facilities only because they're unable to use One Buc Place in Tampa as a result of the labor impasse.

Goodell wasn't exactly jeered, but some players made it a point to avoid contact. That was not the case, however, for defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who took a little heat from his teammates after embracing Goodell with a hug, much like he did on draft night in 2010.

When practice began, Goodell stayed on the sidelines while Smith mingled with players, including Josh Freeman, whom he hugged.

Though his presence was quite ironic, Bucs players hoped it solidified the players' position to Goodell.

"Hopefully what this shows to the owners is there's more to football than money," said center Jeff Faine, the Bucs' union representative. "We're out here on our own dime out here getting better and hopefully putting on a good product out there for our fans."

The appearance of Goodell and Smith came on the heels of their joint speech to incoming rookies earlier in the day in Sarasota. That's where the NFL Players Association was holding a rookie symposium aimed at introducing them to NFL life. Goodell and Smith flew here together from Minnesota, where they have been hammering out the details of the collective bargaining agreement in an effort to end the lockout.

Faine said he was cautiously optimistic.

"I think we're getting closer," he said. "I'm hearing reports that we've agreed on terms through the media. If we've agreed on terms, we wouldn't be here. So there's still some room to go and some things that need to be figured out."

In the meantime, Faine said, "We're out here making sure we have our things together and making sure we're still united as one, as a team. . . . We're still together and fighting for what we think is right."

Times staff
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Johnny Damon tied Ted Williams on the career hits list, but James Shields' streak of complete games ended at three as the Rays fell, 4-3, to the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon at Tropicana Field.

With the loss, the Rays reached the midpoint of the season at 45-36.

Shields struck out 10 while allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks in seven innings before giving way to J.P. Howell.

For awhile, it appeared Ryan Hanigan gave Cincinnati all the runs it would need with a three-run home run in the top of the fourth.

Reds starter Edinson Volquez held the Rays hitless for four innings, until Casey Kotchman's single to left in the fifth. Tampa Bay finished with just five hits.

The Rays finally got to Volquez in the sixth. With one out, Damon singled to right, tying Williams with his 2,654th career hit. Ben Zobrist drew a walk, and Evan Longoria drove both of them home with a double into the right field corner.

Any further threat was neutralized when Matt Joyce lined out to Brandon Phillips and Longoria was doubled off second.

The Reds extended their lead in the seventh. Jonny Gomes and Hanigan drew back-to-back walks to lead off the inning, and, two outs later, Gomes scored on Fred Lewis' single to center.

The Rays again drew back to within a run on B.J. Upton's solo homer in the bottom half of the inning, which chased Volquez. They had one last chance when Joyce singled in the ninth, but Kotchman grounded into a double play to end the game.

Damon has spoken repeatedly about how much it meant to him to reach the level of a legendary Hall of Famer such as Williams.

Damon accrued his 2,654 hits over 17 seasons, playing in 2,352 games, with 10,372 plate appearances and 9,250 at-bats. Williams, who missed several seasons of his career due to military service, got his in 2,292 games with 9,791 plate appearances and 7,706 at-bats.

After an off day Thursday, the Rays host the Cardinals — who are missing injured star Albert Pujols — for a three-game series Friday through Sunday.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

BRANDON — The high-pitched ping is gone, the power has been curbed and, like it or not, amateur baseball has been drastically changed.

If the terminology Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution — or its more familiar acronym of BBCOR — isn't part of a fan's baseball vernacular yet, it's about to be.

"There's no doubt it's about to change things," Brandon coach Matt Stallbaumer said.

Next baseball season will usher in one of the most significant changes in recent memory — the introduction of BBCOR to the high school game. Fans who have been watching the recently completed College World Series on ESPN this week were given a preview of how the newly imposed changes in bat specifications have altered the game.

"You're going to see home run numbers go down," Riverview coach Bill Lieby said. "Drastically."

ESPN spent a great deal of time talking about the BBCOR impact during the CWS this week between Florida and South Carolina. The Gators' roster featured a number of area players including Armwood's Zack Powers and Alonso's Tommy Toledo and Alex Panteliodis.

"The wind was blowing out 15 to 20 mph in (Monday's) Game 1," said Leiby, who was in Omaha, Neb., for the CWS. "Last year, there would have been five or six home runs."

There were only nine home runs hit in 13 games at this year's CWS, compared to 32 in 14 games in 2010. According to statistics released at midseason by the NCAA, batting average dropped this year from .301 to .279, and homers fell from 0.85 per game to 0.47. The National Federation of State High School Associations approved the move to the BBCOR bats effective Jan. 1.

"It came down from above us," Florida High School Athletic Association administrator Justin Harrison said of the NFHS mandate. "(The FHSAA) just adopted their position."

BBCOR replaces the Ball Exit Speed Ration, or BESR, which was used to measure the speed of the ball after it had been hit. The BBCOR focuses on the way the ball reacts off the bat. With the non-BBCOR approved bats, the ball has a "trampoline" effect when leaving the bat.

A ball can compress by up to one-third when it connects with a bat due to the energy produced by the pitch. Non-BBCOR bats have thinner walls and produce a springboard effect for these pitched balls. The new bats have thicker walls — designed to imitate their wooden counterparts — and will be able to absorb more of the ball's energy upon contact. The new bats also have a 3-inch sweet spot compared to a 5-inch one.

"After watching college baseball (which adopted the BBCOR bats before the 2011 season), and especially the College World Series, hitters numbers will go down," Leiby said. "I think it will affect mediocre hitters a lot, but also your upper-level hitters as well."

Stallbaumer, whose American Legion team uses wooden bats during the summer, said the new bats certainly will benefit his pitching staff. Although that makes the Brandon skipper happy for them, he wouldn't have minded these changes coming years ago.

"I pitched in college back in 1999, and I sure wish we had these bats then," Stallbaumer said, chuckling. "I'd have gotten more people out."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

A junior member of the Florida Gators' track and field team has been dismissed from the team after he was arrested Tuesday on charges of sexual battery.

Dumisane Hlaselo, a distance runner from South Africa, is accused of raping his roommate's friend, according to a Gainesville Police Department arrest report. The incident allegedly happened earlier this month.

He is being held in the Alachua County Jail on $100,000 bond.

The alleged victim reported to police that she fell asleep at Hlaselo's house, where her friend also lives. According to the arrest report, she awoke being sexually assaulted.

Hlaselo, 22, reportedly told police that the alleged victim was semi-conscious when he had sex with her, without her consent. According to the report, he left when she awoke.

"We are aware of the arrest of Dumisane Hlaselo," the UF athletic officials said in a statement. "We find these charges deeply disturbing. He is no longer a member of the University of Florida track and field team."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Somewhat lost in what is, for the most part, a media-driven frenzy over Steven Stamkos, is the little matter for the Tampa Bay Lightning of signing a goaltender. That seemed to be a lot closer after Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman and the agent for Dwayne Roloson both said they were optimistic about getting a deal done.

Almost immediately after that came the news the Lightning and Roloson have agreed to terms on a one-year, $3 million contract. A signing is a formality and could happen any time.

Roloson was a terrific pickup last season, acquired from the Islanders for defensive prospect Ty Wishart.

He was 10-6 in the playoffs with a 2.51 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. That after going 18-12-4 with a 2.56 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage and four shutouts in 34 games in the regular season, helping solidify what had been the Lightning's black hole in net.

The question with Roloson is his age. He is a workout fiend (he exercises his eyes, for goodness sake). But he will be 42 next season and coach Guy Boucher admitted he sat Roloson for a rest during the Eastern Conference final with the Bruins. So, the one-year deal is not unexpected, nor is the salary.

With Roloson signed, Yzerman has a much clearer path to re-signing Mike Smith, who rehabilitated his career with the way he handled a demotion to AHL Norfolk, his subsequent return and the way he played in the playoffs.

It would be unfair for Tampa Bay to keep Smith hanging once free agency starts. Yzerman knows this, so the more clarity he has on Roloson, the better.

Anyway, all this after Roloson's agent Mark Witkin said, "I'm optimistic something will be done."

Yzerman on Tuesday expressed the same thoughts about Roloson (and Teddy Purcell, actually).

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The Lightning on Wednesday had a day of good news and no news.

The good news was the team agreed to terms with goaltender Dwayne Roloson on a one-year, $3 million contract, and right wing Adam Hall signed a one-year deal.

No news? That is what came out of negotiations between general manager Steve Yzerman and agents for All-Star center Steven Stamkos, who if unsigned by Friday becomes a restricted free agent open to offer sheets from other teams.

"I wouldn't say it's better or worse," Yzerman said of the Stamkos talks. "All I can say is we'll continue to work toward getting a contract done."

Wrote agent Don Meehan in an e-mail: "We are in the midst of discussions."

Discussions are over when it comes to Roloson, who is vacationing and yet to sign his contract, though that is believed to be a formality.

Roloson was a terrific pickup for Tampa Bay last season, going 10-6 in the playoffs with a 2.51 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage.

That was after going 18-12-4 with a 2.56 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage and four shutouts in 34 games after he was acquired in January from the Islanders for prospect Ty Wishart.

"He played very well for us down the stretch, a veteran leader," Yzerman said. "We're happy to bring him back for another year."

Still, Roloson will be 42 next season. And though Yzerman said a longer-term deal was discussed, "We thought at this stage a one-year contract makes the most sense for us."

The next step, Yzerman said, is getting Mike Smith signed as Roloson's backup.

Smith rehabilitated his career last season by handling his demotion to AHL Norfolk and playing so well upon his return. In his final 10 games, including three in the playoffs, Smith went 6-2-1 with a 1.53 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage.

"We don't want to burn Roli out and play him 70 games. That's not the intention," Yzerman said. "We're hoping to have two goalies we can put out there and feel good about."

Asked if he believed Smith, 29, a potential unrestricted free agent Friday who will have to take a pay cut from last season's $2.4 million salary to stay with Tampa Bay, can be signed, Yzerman said, "I'm not sure. We're hopeful."

Yzerman also is hopeful when it comes to Stamkos, 21, who the past two seasons has a league-best 96 goals. He said he expected to speak with Meehan today.

With both sides, as Yzerman has said, "flexible" on the length of the contract, the sticking point clearly is money. That could take care of itself if Stamkos becomes restricted, signs an offer sheet and forces Tampa Bay to match it.

It is difficult to say if an offer sheet is coming. The Flyers and Maple Leafs have been rumored to have interest, but according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the chances the Flyers make a bid is less than 50 percent.

As for Tampa Bay, Yzerman said, "I would just say as far as the salary cap and cash, we're in a position to do whatever is right for the organization."

Until then, he added, "We'll be talking. As long as we're talking, I'm hopeful we can get something done."

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

It took all of 26 days for Palm Harbor's John Huston to notch his first Champions Tour win. Huston, who turned 50 on June 1, won the Dick's Sporting Goods Open in Endicott, N.Y., on Sunday, shooting a final-round 7-under 65. He pocketed $262,500 for the three-stroke win. It was his third tour start and his first win on any tour since 2003, when he won the PGA's Southern Farm Bureau Classic.

This week Huston is in Canada for the Montreal Championship. Before Wednesday's pro-am, the Dunedin High grad talked about winning again, his past few years on the PGA Tour and what the future holds.

It took you long enough to win out there.

(Laughs) It worked out great. I really just started playing well at the right time.

You played in five tournaments on the PGA and Nationwide tours this year and missed all five cuts. You didn't exactly come onto the Champions Tour with a lot of momentum.

I actually wasn't playing that badly, but something stupid would happen on Friday and I'd end up missing the cut. I kind of got frustrated with it. I took the last month before (joining the Champions Tour) just to work out and get ready at home. I started putting better at home, and it carried over when I got out here.

Were you having any fun on the PGA Tour the past few years before you became eligible for the Champions Tour?

When you start to go down, you hover around that cut number every week, and that really starts to be a grind. I really wasn't having that much fun. It was nice to come out here and know that no matter what, I was going to have all three days (there is no cut on the Champions Tour). I didn't have to worry about getting off to a good start. And out here, I'm probably one of the longer guys (off the tee). (On the PGA Tour) I'm a little above average. Maybe middle of the pack.

You've also had to miss time recently with various injuries. Are you finally healthy?

I've had shoulder problems and some back and knee stuff. It's pretty good now. That was one of the reasons I stopped a month before. I wanted to make sure that I was going to feel good when I got out here.

You're probably one of the few guys who is happy to turn 50.

Oh yeah. I've been working pretty hard at it, trying to stay in shape. It's paid off.

Was it like getting a new lease on life when you finally became eligible (for the Champions)?

Kind of. These are all the guys, when I first got on the (PGA) tour, that I knew and played with. It's nice to see everybody again.

What did it feel like to have the butterflies again on the back nine of a final round?

It has been a while. I was definitely nervous. But fortunately everything held up. I had a couple of good breaks down the stretch. That helped. My putting isn't what it used to be. It was nice to actually putt well down the stretch. Probably until I was 43 or 44, putting was the best part of my game. Then by the mid 40s it started going downhill. When the best part of your game becomes a liability, it's hard to compete.

Now that you're on the Champions Tour, will you stay there full time?

Definitely. I might play here and there (on the PGA Tour) if I got in. There are a few tournaments I would like to play. I'd like to play at home at Innisbrook (Transitions Championship). I'd like to play at Disney (Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic in October). But we'll have to see if that works out. If it doesn't, that's fine.

What goals do you have for the rest of this season?

Now that I've won, I'd like to get into the top 30 and get in the (season-ending) Charles Schwab Cup tournament (for top tour performers) at the end of the year. Fortunately I'll be able to start in Hawaii next year. Otherwise, I want to continue to play well and get in contention and be fortunate like I was last week.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — RHP James Shields may not have gone the distance in Wednesday, snapping his spectacular streak of three compete games.

But Shields was far from disappointed, having delivered another strong performance, allowing just four runs and striking out 10 in a hard-luck loss.

"I think (Wednesday), I had a couple innings where I threw about 20 pitches," Shields said. "That kind of killed me a little bit. I threw seven strong, that's my goal, to go seven-to-nine, and try to get a quality start. Unfortunately I was one pitch away from a quality start, but I hung in there."

Shields (8-5), who walked two in a 104-pitch performance, only made a few mistakes, including a hanging curveball that Ryan Hanigan turned into a three-run homer in the fourth, and a Fred Lewis RBI single in the seventh.

"I think I was two pitches away from having a shutout," Shields said. "That's kind of the way the game works."

But it didn't make Shields' recent run any less impressive, with his major-league high six complete games making him worthy of the nickname of "Complete Game James," according to manager Joe Maddon.

"It's all wonderful," Maddon said. "I like 'Complete Game Dave (Price),' 'Complete Game Jeff (Niemann),' 'Complete Game Wade (Davis) and Jeremy (Hellickson) would be awesome too. I want them all to throw complete games, but obviously recently Shieldsy has done a wonderful job of that and it's kind of been unusual, especially in baseball in this day-and-age where you don't see it very often."

MILESTONE WATCH: DH Johnny Damon, a former Red Sox, said of all the players he's catching on the all-time hits list, matching a sentimental favorite, Hall of Famer Ted Williams, would mean the most to him.

And after Damon's bloop single to rightfield in the sixth helped him tie Williams for 71st place (2,654), he received a standing ovation as the record was flashed on the JumboTron.

"Teddy Ballgame, the greatest hitter of all time," Damon said. "It's tremendous company, and I'm thrilled about that. And I'll be thrilled when I pass him also."

Shields said just to see Williams name on the scoreboard was "surreal." Williams was a six-time batting champion who hit 521 homers and was the last to hit better than .400 (.406 in 1941). Along with his 19-season career, he spent five years as a Marine pilot

"It's absolutely impressive what he's done in this game, and what he's done for the game of baseball," Shields said of Damon. "He's one of the premier players who has ever played this game."

Damon, a two-time World Series champ signed in the offseason, has provided a significant leadership presence and on-field production, hitting .273 with nine homer and a team-high 12 go-ahead or game-tying RBI.

Said 3B Evan Longoria: "He's probably the biggest contributor both on and off the field for this club."

IN THE SWING: CF B.J. Upton continued his power surge with a solo homer in the seventh, his fourth homer in his last six games after hitting one in his previous 30.

"B.J.'s home was really properly struck," Maddon said. "For the most part, I think he looks pretty good at the plate."

Maddon has liked what he's seen from Upton's overall game, with 11 homers and 13 steals and strong defense in center.

"I think overall it's been a little bit better than it had been last season," Maddon said. "Everyone is going to look at the batting average (.223) and make their assessments. I just think he's maturing as a player and he's going to keep getting better."

MINOR MATTERS: Montgomery SS Tim Beckham, the 2008 top pick, was added to the U.S. roster for the Futures Game, joining fellow Rays prospects LHP Matt Moore and SS Hak-Ju Lee in the July 10 All-Star game in Phoenix. … Durham OF Desmond Jennings, one of the Rays top prospects, hasn't started in four games due to a sore wrist, according to the Durham Herald-Sun.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Baseball classic: 5 p.m. on ESPN Classic. A replay of Game 3 of the 1978 American League Championship Series between the Yankees and Royals.

Difference Makers: 8 p.m. on ESPN. A special featuring Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, above, and Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Jimmy Kimmel Live: Midnight on Ch. 28. Packers Super Bowl-winning quarterback Aaron Rodgers is one of the scheduled guests.

Times staff, wires
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Tampa Bay Golf Tour

Looking for one website for information on area public courses? Tampabay.com/golf has you covered. The site has all public regulation and executive courses in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. Each course has a video review, breakdown of yardage, greens fees and contact information.

Quote of the day

"I'm 35, not 65.''

Tiger Woods, left, at a news conference before this week's AT&T National, about whether he can catch Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major championships. Woods has 14, all without his newly added facial hair.

New event for LPGA

The LPGA Tour is finally adding tournaments instead of eliminating them. The tour will play the Manulife Financial Classic on June 21-24, 2012, at Waterloo, Ontario. The tourney agreement is for three years.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Indians 6, Diamondbacks 2

PHOENIX — Carlos Carrasco pitched seven strong innings, and Cleveland took two of three in the series. Orlando Cabrera, who delivered the deciding home run in the series opener, had a season-high four hits. He doubled, scored twice and drove in a run as the Indians won for the third time in nine games.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Braves 5, Mariners 3

SEATTLE — Freddie Freeman knocked around Felix Hernandez for three hits and two RBIs, and Atlanta completed an impressive three-game sweep that included victories over Seattle's best starting pitchers. The Braves won for the eighth time in 10 games and picked up their 25th road victory of the season. They handed losses to Hernandez, rookie star Michael Pineda and Erik Bedard during their rare trip to Seattle.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Padres 4, Royals 1

SAN DIEGO — Rookie Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run single, Tim Stauffer won consecutive starts for the first time this season and San Diego completed its first sweep. The Padres scored four unearned runs with two outs in the third thanks to third baseman Mike Moustakas' error on a Stauffer popup that first baseman Eric Hosmer lost in the sun. Moustakas stuck out his glove and the ball bounced off it. He tried to grab the ball but it hit his glove and fell.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Twins 1, Dodgers 0

MINNEAPOLIS — Scott Baker struck out nine while pitching into the eighth inning and Ben Revere had two hits to help Minnesota win the rubber game. The Twins rebounded from Monday night's 15-0 drubbing with a 6-4 win Tuesday, then gutted out a squeaker. "Winning two out of three after getting blown out in the first one is a nice way to come back," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Proud of the guys, so we'll go from there." Baker is 3-1 with a 0.29 ERA in his past four road starts.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

TAMPA — The St. Pete Times Forum will undergo a summer makeover in order to complete renovations in time for the Lightning's NHL season opener, and Storm fans attending Friday night's game against New Orleans will notice some alterations.

The box office will be closed during the renovation, and temporary ticket booths will be set up starting at 9 a.m. only on day-of-game and event dates. Those will be located near the parking garage on the west plaza. Fans can also purchase tickets through ticketmaster.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-745-3000.

Medallions restaurant, Icons lounge and Shots at Channelside will also be closed during the renovation.

STINGLEY OUT: The VooDoo comes to town with a new coach, Jon Norris, after firing Derek Stingley on Sunday. New Orleans was a league-worst 2-12 under Stingley, 0-8 at home, and is coming off a 75-54 loss to visiting Spokane last week.

RECORD WATCH: Cliff Dukes didn't record a sack last week against the Shark, leaving him with 12½ for the season, three off the single-season league record with four games to play. New Orleans should provide a good chance to increase his total: The VooDoo is second-to-last in the AFL in sacks allowed.

INJURIES: DB Marcus Udell (shoulder) and OL Manny Akah (back) were injured against Jacksonville. Neither player returned against Jacksonville, and their status for New Orleans is questionable.

RECORD-SETTING NIGHT: Jacksonville QB Aaron Garcia has spent the season carving up the league, and Saturday against the Storm was no exception. Garcia completed 22 passes against Tampa Bay, setting the AFL record for career completions with 3,887.

JACKSON ON A TEAR: Over the past three weeks, no AFL receiver has been more productive than Amarri Jackson. The former USF standout has more catches (36), yards (496) and touchdowns (12) than any other wideout in the league.

PLAYOFF PICTURE: The Storm is still clinging to playoff hopes, but it will need help to reach the postseason.

The Storm is 6-8. The team most likely in its sights is Orlando, which currently holds the No. 4 seed in the American Conference at 8-6.

A MILLION STRONG: The AFL welcomed its one millionth fan this past week in Chicago. This is the 15th time in 24 years the league has topped that plateau. Last year, the league drew 976, 307. The Storm is currently second in the AFL in 2011 attendance, averaging 10,758.

By Dave Mistretta, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Bottom fishing: Anglers should mix it up a bit during the heated summer months. Red grouper fishing is quite active in depths of 80 feet, but you have to pick through numerous short-sized grouper to be successful. Both drift and anchor fishing are working.

Different action: Trolling the wrecks for barracuda to start the day is a great choice. We have been landing some hefty kingfish around the same locations. Another fish we've been catching is the largest member of the grouper family, the goliath. This mammoth bottom-dweller possesses an endless appetite, owning all the local wrecks. Just about any fish hooked in the vicinity of a wreck can easily become prey. We've landed more than 50 of these beastly fish since the beginning of the year. Their average weight is 300 pounds. Our biggest to date is 600 pounds, caught last year at this time.

Further offshore: Our last voyage started out with hungry bonito screaming drags out in all directions. Within minutes, spinner sharks began to attack the hooked bonitos. We even witnessed sharks biting each other while fighting over bonito carcasses. All six anglers were hooked up for hours until their arms were tired. The spinners averaged 100 pounds and 6 feet in length, producing quite a battle.

Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach and can be reached at jawstoo@msn.com, jawstoo.com or (727) 439-2628.

Times staff, wires
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Auburn football coach Gene Chizik wants fans to remember quarterback Cam Newton for more than the on-the-field exploits that culminated with the Tigers winning a national championship and Newton running away with the Heisman Trophy last season.

And he means that in a good way. Chizik defends this year's No. 1 overall NFL draft pick in his book All In: What It Takes to Be the Best, out July 5. He calls the book "really a story about football, family and faith."

"I think me going to bat for Cameron Newton is something that just in my spirit and my heart, I feel very strongly about," Chizik, a Clearwater native, said Wednesday. "He's a very gifted person and not just as an athlete. He's an amazing kid. He needs to be remembered at Auburn as a great individual as well as a great player."

Newton, drafted by Carolina, was a lightning rod for controversy late in the season as the NCAA investigated a pay-for-play scheme that involved his father, Cecil, during his recruitment at Mississippi State. The NCAA ruled in December that Cam was unaware of his father's dealings.

Chizik declined to discuss the recent recruitment of former North Carolina State quarterback and pro baseball player Russell Wilson. Wilson ended up choosing to spend his final season at Wisconsin.

More Auburn via UF: The Tigers are trying to get freshman running back Mike Blakely, who transferred from Florida this year, eligible for this season rather than having him sit out the usual year. Blakely signed with the Gators in December but never practiced with or played for them, Auburn said. "We have filed a waiver in an attempt to see if we can have Mike be immediately eligible," compliance director Rich McGlynn said.

notre dame: Suspended receiver Michael Floyd pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drunken driving and was sentenced to a year of probation as part of a plea agreement in a March arrest. Floyd, 21, who had two previous incidents involving alcohol, left court in South Bend, Ind., quickly and declined to comment. Coach Brian Kelly suspended Floyd, the team's top receiver last season, after the arrest. Director of football media relations Brian Hardin said Kelly had no comment on the deal. Floyd's attorney, William Stanley, said he didn't know Floyd's status with the team.

BCS: Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said he has begun selecting a legal team to investigate and possibly sue the Bowl Championship Series over what he calls "serious antitrust violations" in the system.

UF track athlete arrested: Junior distance runner Dumisane Hlaselo was dismissed from the Florida team after he was arrested Tuesday on sexual battery charges. Hlaselo of South Africa is accused of raping his roommate's friend this month, a Gainesville Police Department report says. He was being held in the Alachua County Jail on $100,000 bond. The woman said she fell asleep at a house shared by Hlaselo and her friend, and when she awoke, she was being assaulted, the report says. Hlaselo, 22, told police the woman was semiconscious when he had sex with her without her consent, the report says. Athletic officials said in a statement they were aware of the "deeply disturbing" charges."

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

BRADENTON — This is not the way Bucs DT Brian Price wanted to distinguish himself in the NFL.

Price, the first of two second-round picks a year ago, is recovering from a rare surgery to repair fractures in his pelvis and a torn hamstring.

He played five games last season before going on injured reserve and said he has no timetable for when he might return.

"I feel pretty good right now, but if I push it too hard, my back starts hurting and I feel like an old man," he said. "I'm not ready. I'm not trying to hurt myself again."

Price said doctors placed two screws in each ischium of tuberosity, commonly known as the sitting bones where the hamstrings connect.

He said the injury might date to his career at UCLA. He had six tackles for the Bucs before going on injured reserve.

"I was in a lot of pain. A couple days before the game it would swell up and I could barely walk," Price said. "I would just chill out and then I could play, but I wasn't playing like myself. It was really hard."

Further complicating matters for Price is the lockout, which has prevented him from meeting with team doctors and rehabbing with Bucs trainer Todd Toriscelli. "It hurt me in that way, not being at the facility, talking to the doctor every day or being with a trainer like Todd," Price said.

Listed at 6 feet 1, 303 pounds, Price appears to have gained weight because of his lack of physical activity. He is attending the team's unofficial three-day minicamp at the IMG Academies but has been limited to lifting weights. He said he's eager to show teammates how he's capable of playing this season.

"They had a little glimpse of it, but I don't know what I can really do," he said. "I'll probably surprise myself being healthy."

T-JACK RETURNS, SORT OF: Former Bucs S Tanard Jackson, suspended indefinitely for repeated violations of the league's substance-abuse policy, worked out at the minicamp.

Jackson, suspended after playing two regular-season games in 2010, is not eligible to apply for reinstatement until mid September. He said he is eager to rejoin the Bucs, but the team has made no predictions.

"I've been trying to stay in shape. Doing what I can do, not much I can do with this lockout and being in the situation I was in," he said.

Jackson, 25, said because of the terms of his suspension, he had been unable to communicate with players and coaches until the work stoppage.

"This is my first time seeing and talking to the players since September of last year," he said.

How eager is Jackson to return to the NFL?

"Oh, man, it's a major part of my life, and this was a great feeling to be back out here with the team," he said. "That's the most important thing for me right now is to get back out here."

EXTRA POINTS: Players worked for about an extra 40 minutes after the morning workout and canceled the afternoon session. … DE Kyle Moore joined the team for workouts Wednesday. Former Bucs TE Alex Smith also worked out.

Around the league

MILLER PRAISES UNION: Former baseball union chief Marvin Miller said NFL players have strong leadership in their labor negotiations, calling NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith "a bright man with his head in the right direction."

OWENS ACCUSED: The mother of WR Terrell Owens' child says he has refused to pay the full $5,000 a month in child support he owes. Melanie Paige Smith is seeking to hold the player in contempt.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

NEW YORK — Derek Jeter could be ready to resume his chase for 3,000 hits by early next week.

The injured Yankees shortstop went through his latest round of rehab work Wednesday at the team's complex in Tampa. GM Brian Cashman said if all goes well over the next couple of days, Jeter might begin a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday with Double-A Trenton.

He is likely to play at least two rehab games, and Cashman acknowledged Jeter could rejoin the team for a three-game series in Cleveland starting Monday.

Sidelined by a strained right calf, Jeter is six hits shy of 3,000. A return next week could put him on track to reach the milestone at Yankee Stadium during a four-game series against the Rays from July 7-10.

Then comes the All-Star break. New York opens the second half with an eight-game road trip.

Jeter was eligible to come off the disabled list Wednesday but wasn't ready. His bid to become the 28th player and first with the Yankees to get 3,000 hits has been on hold since he got hurt June 13 against the Indians.

In other Yankees news, RHP Phil Hughes struck out eight and walked two in 61/3 innings for Double-A Trenton in the third of four scheduled rehab appearances. Hughes' fastball ranged from 87 to 94 mph.

Also, the Yankees reacquired RHP Sergio Mitre from the Brewers for cash. Milwaukee acquired Mitre late in spring training from New York for reserve OF Chris Dickerson. The Yankees designated RHP Buddy Carlyle for assignment.

CARDS JETTISON EX-CLOSER: The Cardinals finally ran out of patience with struggling reliever Ryan Franklin, cutting the former All-Star closer after he failed to regain his touch.

Franklin, 38, had an 8.46 ERA and blew four of five save opportunities in 16 games. On Tuesday night against the Orioles, the right-hander gave up two runs and three hits, including a homer, while getting one out.

MARLINS ACE OKAY: An MRI exam showed RHP Josh Johnson has no structural damage in his ailing right shoulder. Johnson, out since May 16, was examined by noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. He received a cortisone shot and won't throw for 10 days.

ALL-STAR UMPS: Dale Scott was named home-plate umpire and crew chief for next month's All-Star Game. The rest of the crew will be Jerry Layne at first base, Hunter Wendelstedt at second, Dan Iassogna at third, Ed Hickox in leftfield and Chris Guccione in right.

CLEMENS SAGA: Prosecutors argued in a court filing that ex-pitcher Andy Pettitte's wife and former major-leaguers should be allowed to testify in Roger Clemens' upcoming trial. Clemens' lawyers asked the judge in a filing last week to bar Laura Pettitte, as well as several others who are expected to testify about purported second-hand accounts of Clemens' use of performance-enhancing drugs, on the basis that their testimony is "hearsay."

CUBS: LHP Doug Davis was released, and rookie 2B Darwin Barney was activated from the disabled list. Davis, 35, went 1-7 with a 6.50 ERA in nine starts.

D'BACKS: INF Melvin Mora is scheduled to be given his unconditional release today.

MARINERS: LHP Erik Bedard went on the 15-day DL with a sprained left knee but might miss only one start. C Chris Gimenez also went on the DL with a strained left oblique. Catchers Jose Yepez and Josh Bard were called up from Triple-A Tacoma.

METS: Manager Terry Collins is optimistic that LHP Jonathon Niese will be able to start Friday after experiencing a rapid heartbeat while pitching last weekend. A battery of tests indicated no problems.

NATIONALS: LH reliever J.C. Romero signed a minor-league contract.

ORIOLES: RHP Alfredo Simon was reinstated from the 15-day DL, and LHP Clay Rapada was designated for assignment.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

More pro basketball

Trail Blazers give Oden qualifying offer to stay

The Trail Blazers offered former No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden an $8.8 million qualifying offer to stay in Portland. That means the often-injured 7-foot center becomes a restricted free agent and the Blazers can match any other offer made for him.

Oden, 23, didn't play last season after microfracture surgery on his left knee. He missed his rookie season in 2007-08 after microfracture surgery on his right knee. Two seasons ago he broke his left kneecap. Because of his injuries, the former Ohio State star has played in only 82 games over parts of two seasons, averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds.

suspensions: The Warriors' Charlie Bell and the Hornets' Jarrett Jack were each suspended one game without pay for violating the league's conduct code. Bell was suspended for pleading no contest to reckless driving in California, the league said. Jack was suspended for pleading no contest to reckless driving in Georgia.

They are suspended for their team's first game of the 2011-12 regular season for which they are eligible and physically able to play.

WNBA: Reigning league MVP Lauren Jackson of Seattle decided to have surgery to repair the torn labrum in her left hip and will likely be out for eight to 12 weeks.

Et cetera

horses: Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom is out for the year after a hairline fracture was discovered in his right hind leg. He was scheduled to have surgery today.

rowing: American crews won every race against English boats to open the five-day Henley Regatta in England. The five U.S. victories in the first round of the Temple Cup for student eights included one by Florida Tech in Melbourne, which beat Cambridge by 11/4 lengths despite clipping the wooden booms that mark the perimeter of the course just after the start.

soccer: World Cup champion Spain remains No. 1 in the latest world rankings, and Mexico used its Gold Cup win over the United States last week to move into the top 10. The Netherlands is second, followed by Germany, England, Brazil, Italy, Portugal and Croatia. Mexico leaped 19 places to No. 9. Argentina is 10th. The United States dropped two to No. 24.

Times wires

nba

today is deadline day for labor deal

NEW YORK — Negotiators for owners and players will meet today, about 12 hours before the expiration of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement and seemingly nowhere close to a deal that would avoid a lockout.

The sides remain far apart on just about every major issue, from salaries to the salary cap. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Wednesday that owners authorized a lockout if a new agreement isn't in place at midnight.

The sides could continue bargaining past the deadline, but that probably would require owners to see evidence of the gap narrowing today. Commissioner David Stern repeated what has been his response to questions this week: "There is always time to make a deal."

A lockout would be the league's first since the 1998-99 season was reduced to 50 games.