Times wires
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

NEW YORK — Owners and players were scheduled to resume negotiations today, with several deadlines looming as they hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement.

Both sides have been ordered to a meeting Tuesday in Minneapolis with mediator and U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan. The owners have a special meeting set for July 21 in Atlanta, where they could vote to ratify a new deal if one is reached.

Meanwhile, the Rams and Bears are scheduled to open training camps late next week.

The latest target date for an agreement in principle on the deal is Sunday, the website profootballtalk.com said.

Talks bogged down Friday over the rookie wage scale, guidelines for free agency and how benefits for retired players will be funded. The rookie wage scale has become the primary sticking point, according to media reports.

Lawyers for both sides met in New York on Tuesday for a second straight day to clarify the language in a potential agreement.

Titans: Receiver Kenny Britt pleaded not guilty to three disorderly person charges stemming from a June arrest in Hoboken, N.J. Police had suspected Britt was carrying a marijuana cigar. Britt attend Tuesday's hearing and declined comment. A judge set a Sept. 20 trial date.

Irvin: Gay brother, my womanizing might be linked: Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin says his womanizing might have stemmed from seeing an older brother whom he idolized dressed as a woman and learning the brother was gay. In the latest issue of Out magazine, Irvin talks for the first time about his brother Vaughn, who died in 2006 of stomach cancer at 49. Irvin said he was 12 when he learned Vaughn was gay. "Maybe some of the issues I've had with so many women … maybe that's residual of the fear I had that, if my brother is wearing ladies' clothes, am I going to be doing that? Is it genetic?" Irvin said. "I'm certainly not making excuses for my bad decisions. But I had to dive inside of me to find out why I was making these decisions, and that came up." Irvin, now an NFL Network analyst and who has a Miami radio show, has supported same-sex marriage on his radio show, and he told Out he will give "100 percent support" to any active player in pro sports who says publicly he is gay.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

CARMAUX, France — After all the feuding and hard words, Andre Greipel finally got what he wanted, and it had nothing to do with talk: a winning ride in the Tour de France.

The German sprinter beat Mark Cavendish — his former teammate and sometimes adversary — by the length of a wheel Tuesday to capture the 10th stage of a three-week race that is soon to leave the flatlands for the perilous climbs of the Pyrenees.

Thomas Voeckler of France kept the yellow jersey after nestling safely in the main pack for most of the day. Defending champion Alberto Contador did much the same, and the Spaniard had even more reason to be careful after hurting his right knee during crashes in the fifth and ninth stages.

"At the beginning of the stage, I wasn't sure what to think," said Contador, a three-time champion. "But as the stage progressed, my knee was feeling less sore."

Contador, the best climber in the world, trails main rivals Cadel Evans of Australia and Andy Schleck of Luxembourg by 1:41 and 1:30 entering today's flat run.

Tuesday's stage ended with Cavendish applying brutal acceleration and seemingly headed toward his third stage victory in this Tour. Instead, Greipel got on his wheel and surged ahead in the last 20 yards.

Contador is already looking toward the first real mountain stage Thursday.

"Hopefully another day in the peloton can make me ready for the big climbs," Contador said. "I will do everything I can to reach Paris as the winner. I feel better."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

BRANDON — Consider the seemingly incongruous situation faced by Carter Ashton.

Chatter is the Lightning prospect has a chance next season to make the team out of training camp. The catch is he must change the style of play that made him one of the elite players in the junior Western Hockey League.

Think of that. To get to the NHL, Ashton, 20, must transform from a free-wheeling, high-octane offensive player to one who grinds and checks first and scores goals later.

Talk about a change of pace.

"I definitely understand that," Ashton said Tuesday at the end of Tampa Bay's development camp at the Ice Sports Forum. "I'd accept that role if I had an opportunity to play on this team. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to try and prove myself."

The change has as much to do with Ashton — for whom Tampa Bay traded up to draft 29th overall in 2009 — as with the lineup spot that opened when Sean Bergenheim signed with the Panthers as a free agent this offseason. It is a bottom-six position among forwards, meaning it is primarily a defensive and checking role.

It would seem a big adjustment for a player who last season for Tri-City and Regina had 33 goals and 71 points in 62 games. Ashton was so good that Lightning prospect Tyler Johnson, who played for WHL Spokane and faced the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Ashton numerous times, called him "a man among boys."

But Al Murray, Tampa Bay's director of amateur scouting, said Ashton's strength is in a grittier game.

"He had enough skill on the junior level that he sometimes perceived himself as an offensive player," Murray said. "Because he's big and strong and has good hands, he could get away without being that grind guy and still be an effective player. But what he's going to be as a pro is a two-way, good size, work the corners, move (the puck) to the point, go to the front of the net, tip it in. But he has to develop that game shift after shift after shift."

It helps that Ashton played that way for the 2011 world silver-medal-winning Canadian junior team, for which he had a goal and three points and was plus-1 in seven championship games.

What kind of chance does Ashton have to make the team? The jump from junior to the NHL is severe, and he will be competing against players including Mattias Ritola, Blair Jones and Tom Pyatt, each of whom has NHL experience.

"Carter is one of those guys who is going to be right on the bubble," Murray said. "He has to grind every single shift. For Carter, it's more a mental attitude of 'This is what I have to do all the time.' If he does that, he's going to be very close."

If he doesn't, "then he's going to have to go to (AHL Norfolk)," Murray said, "and prepare himself to play that kind of game every shift."

"You just come in with the mind-set to prove yourself," Ashton said. "This is my first real shot, but that's the kind of mind-set you want to have coming into camp. A lot of guys are competing for spots. Time is going to tell when I come into camp. We'll see what happens."

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Former USF quarterback Matt Grothe has earned a second tryout with the Tampa Bay Storm and by the weekend could be signed and suiting up for his first professional game.

Grothe, 24, who had a two-day tryout with the Storm last month but was not signed, practiced with the team again Tuesday.

The team can work him out for one more practice today before making a decision about signing him.

Starter Brian Zbydniewski's status is uncertain entering Saturday's game against Georgia, and the only other quarterback on roster, rookie Danny Southwick, hasn't attempted a pass this season. After Saturday, the Storm (6-10) finishes its season with a home game July 23 against San Jose.

Grothe has recovered from the knee injury that ended his college career early in his senior season in 2009 and comes to the Storm after tryouts and brief stints with the NFL's Bucs, the UFL's Florida Tuskers and the CFL's Toronto Argonauts.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box had five prescription painkillers and an anti-anxiety drug in his system when he died, according to a preliminary toxicology report released Tuesday by the state medical examiner's office.

The death of Box, 22, two months ago was ruled accidental. The agency said the combination of drugs likely caused pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs, and aspiration pneumonia, a lung inflammation.

"There is no greater pain than the loss of a child," his parents, Craig and Gail Box, said in a statement. "The pain is intensified by knowing that the death of your child could have been prevented."

A friend found Box unresponsive in the friend's home and called authorities May 19.

LEACH BOOK: Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach offered fresh details on what he says happened behind the scenes around the time he was fired. In his book, Swing Your Sword, Leach said e-mails "suggest" there was never a university investigation into allegations he mistreated a player, Adam James, with a concussion but rather "an effort to sell me down the river."

PSU SUIT DISMISSED: A federal judge dismissed former Penn State running back Austin Scott's civil lawsuit against the university, police and a female acquaintance over a rape charge against him that was later dropped. No evidence supported Scott's accusation that the woman, the school, police and prosecutors conspired against him, U.S. District Judge William Caldwell in Harrisburg said.

WEST VIRGINIA: Linebacker Branko Busick was dismissed from the team less than 24 hours after he was charged with an armed robbery at a Morgantown apartment building.

Times staff, wires
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

. Fast facts

140th British Open

When/where: Thursday- Sunday; Royal St. George's, Sandwich, England

Field: 156 players (151 professionals, five amateurs)

Prize money: About $8 million (winner's share about $1.43 million)

TV: 4 a.m. Thursday and Friday; 7 a.m. Saturday; 6 a.m. Sunday; all ESPN

105th Southern Amateur Championship

When/where: Today-Saturday; Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Copperhead Course, Palm Harbor

Field: 168 players

Defending champion: Alex Carpenter (Abilene Christian University)

Cost: Free

Notable winners: Bobby Jones, Hubert Green, Lanny Wadkins, Ben Crenshaw, Justin Leonard, Webb Simpson, Kyle Stanley, Michael Sim

Locals in the field: Doug Leston (Tampa), Mike Baskovich (Clearwater), Michael Barbosa (St. Petersburg), Jeff Pett (Safety Harbor)

On the Web: sgagolf.com

Rodney Page, Times staff writer; Times wires

By Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

TAMPA

When the Bolton Wanderers face FC Tampa Bay on Thursday at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg, the English Premier League club will take the field without one of its top players. But soccer followers will undoubtedly be looking to the sideline for a glimpse of midfielder and U.S. national team player Stuart Holden, 25. Holden, recovering from a knee injury that kept him out of this summer's Gold Cup, is one of the bright young faces in the game and has been often tagged a key part of the U.S. team's success in the future.

He has drawn adoration from fans not only for his talent but also for his engaging demeanor off the field. Holden was a guest TV analyst for the Gold Cup final between the United States and Mexico.

Last week, Holden chatted with the St. Petersburg Times by phone from England about rebounding from injury, playing in the EPL, the inspiration he gains from his father and the attention his gravity-defying hair receives.

How's the injury (a broken bone in his left knee)? When is your goal to get back?

I haven't had a setback yet; it's more just not rushing it. People automatically set it at six months. I just thought it was important to put in my head that if I wasn't ready in six months that something was wrong. I'm moving along well. I did rehabbing in the States with the U.S. national team trainer. That went well, and now I'm (in England). I've been working on strengthening it, and everything my knee's been tested on has done well. I've just got to move forward, and hopefully I'm looking at late September, early October.

A lot of times, you're mentioned as the future of the U.S. national team, the heir apparent to Landon Donovan. How do you handle that?

I think it's exciting. I really haven't had the proper opportunity to make my mark on the national team. It seems like before every major tournament, I've picked up an unfortunate injury. I'm really looking forward to this next year and coming back fit and healthy and playing a big role for Bolton and helping the national team go through World Cup qualifying. Any time you get to represent your country, it's a huge honor. I can't wait to get back with the group.

You weren't able to play in the Gold Cup, but you were in the broadcast booth for the final. How was that?

It was cool. … (Coach Bob Bradley) was really cool with letting me be a part of it all and letting me come into the meals and be with the guys. That was a little boost for me. And being in the broadcast booth, it was tough, because these guys are my teammates, especially when things weren't going well (the United States lost the final to Mexico 4-2). It hurt me, because I wanted to be out there, and then I had to talk about it. It was a cool experience, though. It gives me a little more motivation to come back fit.

Your injuries have come at such tough times. Last year, a knee injury affected your impact on the World Cup team, and this year's kept you out of the Gold Cup. Has going through them made you stronger at 25?

Yeah, 100 percent. And I'm a big believer that you have to take positives from everything in your life. You never want to pick up an injury, but when you do, you have to look at it and see how it can help you in your life. With this last one, it's tested me mentally, and I've come through those tests so far and have maintained a positive attitude and stayed focused on the future. I can't wait to get out there and play again, and once I do, it will make all this hard work worth it.

When you signed with Bolton (in January 2010), you said if it was about the money, you'd be in Portugal. Why did you want Bolton?

I really wanted to play for the manager, Owen Coyle, and I wanted to play in the Premier League. At that point, the money didn't matter. I had a four-year contract offer in Portugal on the table. I would have much rather taken a risk on myself. (Coyle) gave me an opportunity to prove myself. He said, "I'm going to give you a six-month contract, and it's up to you to show you deserve it." I went out there and worked hard every day, had some good games and earned myself a longer deal. Now I've got a couple more years here (Holden is signed through 2013). I love my life here in Bolton. It's a friendly environment, and the guys are fun to be around. At the same time, everybody works hard, and we have a good team. I think the fans of Tampa Bay will enjoy watching us play.

You never take off a Livestrong bracelet that was given to you by you father, Brian, who died of pancreatic cancer two years ago. (Holden has also started a foundation, Holden's Heroes, for cancer research and awareness.) What impact did he leave you with?

I haven't taken (the bracelet) off in six years. My dad was a huge role model in my life, and he was also my best friend, so when you lose someone like that, it's tough. But at the same time, I know he was proud of what I had accomplished at that point, as a person and on the field. Before the game, I tape the bracelet up and think about him every time I go on the field, knowing all his belief in me helped me get to where I am today.

I know you're a big Twitter guy (Holden has 192,600-plus followers on Twitter and was named the 16th-best athlete to follow by CBSSports.com), but you might be the only guy whose hair (@StuHoldensHair) has 2,225 followers (as of Tuesday night). What's the key to the coif?

I've always kind of messed with my hair since I was younger. I don't know who started the Twitter account, but I think it's hilarious. I've jumped on board, and even on TV doing the studio thing, people were writing to me saying, "Your hair looks amazing." It's kind of turned into a cult following. It's pretty sweet. So if anyone out there wants me to sponsor some hair gel, let me know.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

nba

wolves fire rambis after 17-65 season

MINNEAPOLIS — The Timberwolves fired Kurt Rambis on Tuesday, ending more than three months of uncertainty and awkwardness surrounding the head coach of the worst team in the NBA last season.

Rambis was 32-132 in Minnesota, including 17-65 this past season.

"People can argue about this should have happened and that should've happened, but I think collectively we felt that we were doing the right thing in terms of the way we approached it," Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn said. "But I also recognize it took a long time. That's on me. And I realize that it can look more convoluted and complicated than maybe it really is, and that's on me. And to that extent I feel badly about that, too, and I apologize for that."

Kahn hired Rambis in 2009 to turn around a struggling franchise. But the Wolves won just two more games this year than they did in his first season.

Rambis has two years left on the four-year contract he got to leave his job as Phil Jackson's top assistant with the Lakers. That means owner Glen Taylor will be on the hook for $4 million while he and Kahn look for a new coach.

more nba

Ex-Gator Noah intends to play for France

The Associated Press reported Bulls center Joakim Noah plans to play for the French national team in the European Championships in Lithuania.

Noah, a former Gators standout, was limited by a thumb injury last season, averaging 11.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 48 games while helping the Bulls to a league-best 62 wins.

France begins play in the European Championships on Aug. 31.

et cetera

WNBA: Sue Bird scored 22 and Swin Cash added 20 in host Seattle's 79-71 victory over Washington. … Ticha Penicheiro scored 18 to help Joe Bryant win his debut as coach of Los Angeles in an 84-74 victory over host San Antonio.

Gymnastics: A champion Chinese gymnast who was paralyzed at the 1998 Goodwill Games is grateful toward the United States after reaching a deal with insurance companies and USA Gymnastics to provide her with medical care and rehabilitation in China, her lawyer said. Ming Hai could not divulge details of the deal but said it will provide as much as $10 million in cash and health care over the lifetime of Sang Lan, 30. According to the lawsuit, filed in Manhattan, Lan fractured and dislocated two vertebrae and injured her spinal cord when someone walked into the vault area after she pushed off from the vault and removed a mat before she landed.

Times wires

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

PHOENIX — It seems Tampa Bay is notable on Bud Selig's radar these days. The commissioner is impressed with the Rays on the field, concerned with attendance in the stands and bothered by the words of St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster.

On opening day at Tropicana Field, Foster said he was prepared for interference from Major League Baseball and all of the commissioner's "tricks" when it came to stadium issues in Tampa Bay.

Selig would not discuss the apparent stalemate between the Rays and the city but told the St. Petersburg Times that he took exception to the mayor's characterization of his role.

"Yes, I did," Selig said. "I did take exception to that."

Rays owner Stu Sternberg also said on opening day that his patience was greater than MLB's and that the league would take a greater interest if there was no progress on stadium talks.

That day, apparently, has not arrived. Selig talked in generalities about attendance problems but declined to say much more.

"I must admit to you, and I've said this before and I'll say it to you here today, it's a terrific organization, very competitive, more competitive even this year than people thought they would be," Selig said before the All-Star Game on Tuesday. "And of course the first thing I do every day is look at the 15 attendances to see how we're doing, and I agree with Stu Sternberg: You have to be concerned. He has to be.

"If you want to put a competitive club on the field, there has to be revenue to support it. And they've done a brilliant job, but this year (attendance) has surprised me."

The Rays are last in the American League in attendance with an average of 19,115 fans per game. That's about a 14 percent decrease from the same point last season.

A homestand beginning Friday with the Red Sox and Yankees could be an interesting barometer with the Rays chasing both in the AL East.

MLB executive vice president John McHale, the Devil Rays' chief operating officer in 2001, said baseball continues to have faith in Tampa Bay as a market.

"I don't know of any facts that would make me change my opinion from some number of years ago that this was a potentially successful major-league market that kind of needed to figure out how to have its ballpark situated in the right place," McHale said. "Maybe that's possible to do, and maybe that's not possible to do."

Does that mean the Rays need a new stadium in Tampa?

"I don't think I'm allowed to have an opinion on that," McHale said, grinning. "I'll leave that to the owners in Tampa Bay."

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

PHOENIX — A new stadium is not the only item on Tampa Bay's wish list.

The Rays would also like revisions to baseball's economic system and would welcome any realignment or schedule changes that would alleviate their burden in the AL East.

As with the stadium, the Rays might be in for a long wait.

Commissioner Bud Selig did not rule out the possibility of 15 teams each in the National and American leagues but said radical realignment is not likely.

"Is there massive realignment on the horizon?" he asked. "No, there isn't."

Selig also expressed pride in baseball's revenue-sharing system but acknowledged it will be difficult to bridge the discrepancies between large-revenue and small-revenue teams.

"It's part of the economic system. It's something I live every day," he said.

Tampa Bay's $41 million payroll is dwarfed by that of the Yankees ($201 million) and Red Sox ($161 million) in the AL East.

It looks like the Rays will get their wish when it comes to an expanded postseason. Though he did not go into details, Selig insinuated two more wild-card teams will be added for 2012.

"I like its chances," he said.

Other topics touched on by Selig during a question-and-answer session with the Baseball Writers Association of America:

• He ruled out bringing the AL and NL together on the designated hitter but expressed interest in perhaps having reverse DH rules in interleague play.

• He expects expanded replay on balls down the foul lines and perhaps some other specific calls. "There will be some more replay, but it will be very modest," he said.

• Individual ballparks might study safety issues in the wake of the tragedy in Arlington last week, but Selig said he is not in favor of prohibiting players from tossing balls in the stands.

• Baseball won't use regular-season records to determine homefield advantage for the World Series because of the time needed to prepare. "Are you going to call up on Sept. 28 and say you need 8,000 hotel rooms in a city?" Selig said.

• Neither contraction nor expansion is on the table. "At 30, we have the perfect number," he said.

• He strongly defended Derek Jeter's decision not to come to the All-Star Game. "There is not a player I'm more proud of in the last 15 years than Derek Jeter," he said.

CLEMENS TRIAL: With the jury seated and opening statements today in Roger Clemens' federal perjury trial, the former pitcher's lawyers plan to challenge whether Congress had authority to hold a hearing on steroids in the first place.

TRADES: The Mets sent closer Francisco Rodriguez and cash to the Brewers for two players to be named. … The Blue Jays sent outfielder Juan Rivera to the Dodgers for a player to be named or cash considerations.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany — The Americans feel just fine, thank you, not tired a bit. The high from that epic Brazil game? That's so yesterday.

The U.S. women are one win from their first World Cup final since 1999 — the last time they won soccer's biggest prize — and the only thing on their minds now is beating France.

"Losing is not an option," U.S. striker and former Florida star Abby Wambach said Tuesday. "We want to win this thing, and France is standing in our way right now."

The Americans are ranked No. 1 and defending Olympic gold medalists but had to win home-and-home playoffs against Costa Rica and Italy just to get in. So before the World Cup, Germany and Brazil were considered much bigger favorites. But they're both gone, with Brazil losing Sunday to the Americans in a penalty shootout in one of the most exciting games at any World Cup, men's or women's.

No wonder the Americans go into today's semifinal with more than a touch of swagger.

"We have what it takes," said Wambach, whose header in the dying seconds of extra time forced penalty kicks Sunday. "It's just a matter of putting it all together."

The biggest uncertainty for the Americans is the backline. Rachel Buehler has started all but one game the past two years, and her bruising style — she is called the "Buehldozer" — has been vital. But she's suspended after getting a red card Sunday.

U.S. coach Pia Sundhage wouldn't say who will step in, but Becky Sauerbrunn, yet to play in this tournament, worked with the starters in training Tuesday.

"I've been fortunate enough to play with her (in Women's Professional Soccer), so we're very connected that way," said Christie Rampone, the U.S. captain and its other central defender. "Becky and I feel confident together."

They will have to because, much like Brazil, France has creativity and flair.

Playmaker Louisa Necib's touch and deft passes have been likened to former men's World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, the highest compliment a French player can get. Les Bleues often appear seamless — 10 of the 21 players play for Lyon, the European club champions this year.

But France has struggled with bigger, more physical teams, and they don't come much stronger than the Americans.

"It's true we've had one additional day" of rest, French coach Bruno Bini said. "I think it's quite fair because the American team is in better shape."

The French also had an emotional doozy in the quarterfinals, beating England 4-3 on penalties Saturday after scoring in the 88th minute to tie it 1-1.

Women's World Cup

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

PHOENIX — The rest of the world may never know, but James Shields actually did make an appearance in the 2011 All-Star Game on Tuesday night.

The Rays pitcher was ineligible to play after throwing a complete game Sunday in New York, but Shields never knew outfielder Matt Joyce was wearing one of his arm sleeves during the game.

Joyce grounded out in his first at-bat, but lined a hard single to rightfield in the ninth inning and advanced to second on an error. When NL manager Bruce Bochy came out to make a pitching change, Joyce ran to the dugout to tell Shields and teammate David Price.

"I was like, 'Yeaaaah.' I'm feeling nice about that," Shields said. "And he got a knock with that, too. I'm 1-for-1 in the All-Star Game as far as I'm concerned."

Joyce, getting dressed in the locker next to Shields, quickly corrected him.

"No, you're 1-for-2," Joyce said.

"I've got half a hit," Shields said. "I'll take that."

The base hit was a nice capper for Joyce, who was also making his first All-Star appearance. His first time up, he was trying to get the attention of Atlanta pitcher Jair Jurrjens.

The two were roommates with the Erie SeaWolves in Double A in the Tigers organization in 2007 and Joyce was trying to shoot him a smile.

"It was like my first at-bat in the big leagues again. I was so pumped up," Joyce said. "The second at-bat I was definitely able to calm down more and control what I was doing. But the first time, man, I didn't know what was going where.

"But it was great. It was everything I expected it to be."

Times wires
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

PHOENIX — Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett was scratched from the All-Star Game on Tuesday after feeling soreness in his left knee while warming up in the bullpen.

"I could have pitched. I'm just not comfortable going out there and getting hurt in an All-Star Game and costing myself starts in the second half," he said. "I think that's how everybody should be."

The right-hander was scheduled to follow starter Jered Weaver in the second inning but was pulled before going in to pitch. He was replaced by Yankees RHP David Robertson.

Beckett pitched just five innings Friday against Baltimore after slightly hyperextending his knee on the wet mound at Fenway Park.

VICTIMS HONORED: The intern whose quick actions helped save the life of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords threw out a first pitch. Daniel Hernandez joined longtime announcer Joe Garagiola in tossing the ceremonial pitches at Chase Field. Victims of the Tucson shooting that killed six and critically injured Giffords were honored. The family of the youngest of the six killed, 9-year-old Christina Taylor-Green, delivered the lineup cards. Green's grandfather, Dallas Green, managed the Phillies to their first World Series championship in 1980.

PROTEST: Critics of a polarizing immigration law in Arizona protested in triple-digit heat outside Chase Field. SB1070, signed by Gov. Jan Brewer in April, requires all immigrants to obtain or carry registration papers and requires police to question people's status if there is a reasonable suspicion they're here illegally. The law is being challenged in federal court.

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

PHOENIX — Check the record books. That's all Tyler Clippard need say.

Do not answer questions, Tyler. Do not offer many details. And for heaven's sake, do not go to the videotape.

From now until the end of days, you need only go to the record books to see that Clippard was the winning pitcher when the National League beat the American League 5-1 Tuesday night in the 2011 All-Star Game.

The Palm Harbor native can one day tell neighbors and school children about the night he bailed out Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee on the mound. Years from now, the Nationals reliever can smile politely into the cameras and recount how he showed up large in the Midsummer Classic.

And he need never mention that he failed to retire the only batter he faced.

Clippard, who grew up in north Pinellas County and graduated from Mitchell High in New Port Richey, entered the game with two on and two out and the NL trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning.

He got two quick strikes on Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre and then gave up a screaming line drive to leftfield. In future retellings, he might want to claim that was part of the strategy.

The ball was hit so hard that Astros leftfielder Hunter Pence scooped it up and threw an easy strike to catcher Brian McCann, who had time to count his blessings before tagging out sliding Jose Bautista to end the inning.

Three batters into the bottom of the inning, Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder crushed a three-run homer to centerfield and the NL took a 3-1 lead.

Except for the congratulations, Clippard's night was done.

Consider the cheap win a fitting payback for all the hard work it took for him to get here. Clippard, who played on youth teams in Pinellas County around the same time as Rays first baseman Casey Kotchman, has been a study in perseverance.

Dismissed from the Mitchell High team after a drinking incident in his senior season, Clippard was a ninth-round draft pick of the Yankees in 2003.

"It's an amazing chain of events that got him here," said Clippard's father, Bob, who was at Chase Field for Tuesday night. "You never realize how many times you need to fail before you're ready to succeed."

It took seven seasons bouncing among eight minor-league teams, a trade to Washington and a transformation from starter to reliever before Clippard's career took off in 2009.

His ERA of 2.62 since then is among the top 10 for relievers who have logged at least 50 appearances a season. And none of the other nine can match Clippard's average of 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings during that span.

But as a setup man for Nationals closer Drew Storen, Clippard, 26, wasn't banking on an All-Star appearance, even with his 1.75 ERA this season.

"Your family and friends will say, 'Hey, you should be on the All-Star team,' and you think, 'Thanks, but I don't think it's going to happen,' " Clippard said Monday. "Just the fact that I'm not a closer … was going to hurt.

"I knew I had a shot, but I really didn't want to believe it. It was more to keep my mind right than anything else."

Clippard wasn't the only Tampa Bay product to leave a mark in Tuesday's game. Rays outfielder and Armwood High product Matt Joyce entered in the fifth inning and grounded out to shortstop before lining a single to rightfield to briefly keep the AL's hopes alive in the ninth inning.

Giants closer Brian Wilson came in to get the final two outs and persevere the win for Clippard.

It turned out to be a remarkable few days for Clippard, who came to Phoenix on a private jet when Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki offered him a ride on his charter after Sunday's game in Washington.

"I'm trying to get my hands on as many autographs and as much memorabilia as I can," Clippard said Monday. "I'm not a big collector, but there are a lot of Hall of Famers here, and you don't know if you're ever going to get the chance to do it again."

As if to punctuate the point, when his Monday interview session ended, Clippard thanked everyone around him and then turned around and unhooked the fancy placard hanging on the wall behind him that had his name and the All-Star logo on it.

Turns out, it wasn't the only souvenir he left town with.

John Romano can be reached at romano@sptimes.com.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

PHOENIX — Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder hit a three-run homer off Texas left-hander C.J. Wilson in the fourth inning and that was all the offense the National League needed to beat the American League 5-1 Tuesday night in the All-Star Game at Chase Field.

The captain of the NL's home run derby team, Fielder was booed during the derby Monday and again at the game by Arizona fans who thought he should have picked Diamondbacks rightfielder Justin Upton for the team.

Fielder couldn't quiet the crowd at the home run derby, where he failed to reach the finals, but sent a loud "ooh!" through Chase Field with a towering homer Tuesday that caromed off the top of the wall in left-center. It was the first homer for a Brewers player in the Midsummer Classic.

Rays outfielder Matt Joyce, a former Armwood High star, entered in leftfield in the sixth inning and went 1-for-2 with a single in the ninth inning.

Another local high school product from Mitchell, Tyler Clippard of the Nationals, earned the win after throwing just three pitches in a third of an inning — in fact, he allowed a single but got out of the third inning when Toronto's Jose Bautista was thrown out trying to score on the play.

In that third inning Boston's Adrian Gonzalez, runnerup to Robinson Cano in the home run derby, hit a solo homer off of Philadelphia's Cliff Lee near the pool in rightfield for a 1-0 lead. It was the All-Star Game's first homer since Boston's J.D. Drew hit a two-run shot off Edinson Volquez in the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium in 2008.

The NL pushed to lead to 4-1 in the fifth inning on Andre Ethier's run-scoring single to right off Angels closer Jordan Walden, who cut down Starlin Castro at the plate with a nice barehanded stop earlier in the inning.

Arizona lived up to its sizzling reputation in its first All-Star game, with a high temperature of 102 degrees.

But it was cool inside air-conditioned Chase Field, where the temperature was 72.

On the field, this All-Star game was more like a substitute-star game, the focus as much on who isn't here instead of who is.

Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Chipper Jones, Justin Verlander and Shane Victorino were among the 16 players who didn't play, leaving the All-Star game without some of its biggest names due to injuries, ineligibility or, in some cases, questionable circumstances.

Six pitchers didn't get a chance to play because they started Sunday: Verlander, Yankees lefty CC Sabathia, Tampa Bay's James Shields, Felix Hernandez of the Mariners, Philadelphia's Cole Hamels and San Francisco's Matt Cain.

Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, Phillies teammates Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco, and Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester are injured, but still made the trip to Phoenix.

The player who took the most heat for avoiding the desert is Jeter.

Despite playing over the weekend, when he reached the 3,000-hit mark, the Yankees captain bowed out of the Midsummer Classic, citing a calf injury. Jeter was criticized by some, cut some slack by others. Either way, he wasn't at the game, in uniform or in support.

The inaugural All-Star game in the desert also figured to be void of offense, much like last year's game, a 3-1 win by the National League that ended the AL's 13-year unbeaten streak.

Scoring in the first half of this season was at its lowest level (8.4 runs per game) in 19 years and the league batting average (.253) dropped for the second straight year to its lowest point since 1985.

Philadelphia's Roy Halladay, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, became the fourth pitcher to start the All-Star game in both leagues (Toronto in 2009). He made quick work of the AL, working two perfect innings before being replaced by Lee in the third.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 13, 2011

GAINESVILLE — In the 105 year history of Florida football, the Gators have had their share of memorable scoring plays, but trying to determine the greatest of all hasn't been easy. After privately polling dozens of Florida fans, it's clear that it all depends on what era you grew up in.

For example: if you're a die-hard fan of the early 1990s, Danny Wuerffel to Chris Doering and the 1993 Kentucky game immediately comes to mind. Or if you're from way back in the day, you remember the 10-6 win in 1963, when the Gators knocked off then-No. 3 Alabama led by the legendary Joe Namath. Or maybe it was Kerwin Bell's 2-point conversion in the 1986 Auburn game, or Larry Smith's Orange Bowl run. Okay, you get the drift.

But after much deliberation, we've settled on the play most know as "The Heisman Kick."

The date

October 29, 1966

The circumstances

The Gators returned to Gainesville after four consecutive road games to play Auburn. Florida was undefeated at the time, it was Homecoming and the Gators were two wins away from winning their first SEC title. Attendance was 60,511.

How it went down

In the fourth quarter, quarterback Steve Spurrier, aided by the rushing game of Larry Smith, drove the Gators 71 yards, then Spurrier scored on a TD from the 1-yard line, taking a 27-20 lead. Auburn came back to tie the score at 27 on a 3-yard TD run by QB Larry Blakeney. Then with 2:12 remaining in the game, Spurrier kicked what was the game-winning field goal to give Florida a 30-27 victory on Florida Field.

Who's call?

Over the years, the story of how Spurrier came to kick the winning field goal has been up for debate. Spurrier has said he asked then-coach Ray Graves if he could kick it. Graves contends Spurrier took the field on his own as the coach was contemplating regular kicker Wayne Barfield. Although Spurrier doubled as a punter that season (averaging 40.8 yards on 45 punts), he actually hadn't practiced field goals in weeks when he made the kick.

Why it stands out

Spurrier and Purdue quarterback Bob Griese were battling for the Heisman Trophy, but most observers believe it was this game that won it for Spurrier. The Heisman Trophy ballots went out the week of the Auburn game, which drew the largest media delegation in school history up to that point. Spurrier won the Heisman with 1,679 votes, while Griese earned 816. The kick not only sealed the Heisman for Spurrier, but it became one of the building blocks of his legend, fueling him toward leading Florida to become an SEC powerhouse and national title contender.

But Spurrier continues to downplay it.

"It wasn't that long," he said in a 2001 AP interview. "Most guys can kick 40."

What they were saying then

"You know, I think Spurrier planned that field goal. Anything to give me more gray hair." — Graves in a 1966 St. Petersburg Times article by sports editor Tom Kelly.

"The Gator Growled and the Tiger roared back, but it took a Heisman Trophy candidate's 'toe' to manufacture 'Gator Bait' on Florida Field Saturday afternoon." — John L. Klucina of All Florida News

"Steve Spurrier may own the patent for thrills in football after the 1966 season. Indeed, Spurrier proved he was every bit the calm, collected candidate for the Heisman Trophy." — Pat Parrish, All Florida News

Final word

"There have been wacky games in this series, but this one tops them all. The Gators dominated the game by holding the Tigers to 158 yards of total offense, but gave up a touchdown on a 91-yard return of a fumble recovered and an 89-yard kickoff return. Quarterback Steve Spurrier became the frontrunner in the Heisman Trophy race as he completed 27 of 40 passes for 259 yards and one touchdown, ran for a TD, punted six times for an average of 47.4 yards and kicked a 40-yard field goal to win the game." — Florida historian and former sports information director Norm Carlson from the book University of Florida Football Vault, The History of the Florida Gators.

Times researcher Carolyn Edds contributed to this report. Send your memories of the play to sports@tampabay.com.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 13, 2011

GAINESVILLE — In the 105 year history of Florida football, the Gators have had their share of memorable scoring plays, but trying to determine the greatest of all hasn't been easy. After privately polling dozens of Florida fans, it's clear that it all depends on what era you grew up in.

For example: if you're a die-hard fan of the early 1990s, Danny Wuerffel to Chris Doering and the 1993 Kentucky game immediately comes to mind. Or if you're from way back in the day, you remember the 10-6 win in 1963, when the Gators knocked off then-No. 3 Alabama led by the legendary Joe Namath. Or maybe it was Kerwin Bell's 2-point conversion in the 1986 Auburn game, or Larry Smith's Orange Bowl run. Okay, you get the drift.

But after much deliberation, we've settled on the play most know as "The Heisman Kick."

The date

October 29, 1966

The circumstances

The Gators returned to Gainesville after four consecutive road games to play Auburn. Florida was undefeated at the time, it was Homecoming and the Gators were two wins away from winning their first SEC title. Attendance was 60,511.

How it went down

In the fourth quarter, quarterback Steve Spurrier, aided by the rushing game of Larry Smith, drove the Gators 71 yards, then Spurrier scored on a TD from the 1-yard line, taking a 27-20 lead. Auburn came back to tie the score at 27 on a 3-yard TD run by QB Larry Blakeney. Then with 2:12 remaining in the game, Spurrier kicked what was the game-winning field goal to give Florida a 30-27 victory on Florida Field.

Who's call?

Over the years, the story of how Spurrier came to kick the winning field goal has been up for debate. Spurrier has said he asked then-coach Ray Graves if he could kick it. Graves contends Spurrier took the field on his own as the coach was contemplating regular kicker Wayne Barfield. Although Spurrier doubled as a punter that season (averaging 40.8 yards on 45 punts), he actually hadn't practiced field goals in weeks when he made the kick.

Why it stands out

Spurrier and Purdue quarterback Bob Griese were battling for the Heisman Trophy, but most observers believe it was this game that won it for Spurrier. The Heisman Trophy ballots went out the week of the Auburn game, which drew the largest media delegation in school history up to that point. Spurrier won the Heisman with 1,679 votes, while Griese earned 816. The kick not only sealed the Heisman for Spurrier, but it became one of the building blocks of his legend, fueling him toward leading Florida to become an SEC powerhouse and national title contender.

But Spurrier continues to downplay it.

"It wasn't that long," he said in a 2001 AP interview. "Most guys can kick 40."

What they were saying then

"You know, I think Spurrier planned that field goal. Anything to give me more gray hair." — Graves in a 1966 St. Petersburg Times article by sports editor Tom Kelly.

"The Gator Growled and the Tiger roared back, but it took a Heisman Trophy candidate's 'toe' to manufacture 'Gator Bait' on Florida Field Saturday afternoon." — John L. Klucina of All Florida News

"Steve Spurrier may own the patent for thrills in football after the 1966 season. Indeed, Spurrier proved he was every bit the calm, collected candidate for the Heisman Trophy." — Pat Parrish, All Florida News

Final word

"There have been wacky games in this series, but this one tops them all. The Gators dominated the game by holding the Tigers to 158 yards of total offense, but gave up a touchdown on a 91-yard return of a fumble recovered and an 89-yard kickoff return. Quarterback Steve Spurrier became the frontrunner in the Heisman Trophy race as he completed 27 of 40 passes for 259 yards and one touchdown, ran for a TD, punted six times for an average of 47.4 yards and kicked a 40-yard field goal to win the game." — Florida historian and former sports information director Norm Carlson from the book University of Florida Football Vault, The History of the Florida Gators.

Times researcher Carolyn Edds contributed to this report. Send your memories of the play to sports@tampabay.com.

In the 105-year history of Florida football, the Gators have had their share of memorable scoring plays, but trying to determine the greatest of all hasn't been easy. After privately polling dozens of Florida fans, it's clear that it all depends on what era you grew up in.

If you're a die-hard fan of the early 1990s, Danny Wuerffel to Chris Doering in the 1993 Kentucky game immediately comes to mind. Or if you're from way back in the day, you remember the 10-6 win in 1963, when the Gators knocked off then-No. 3 Alabama led by legendary Joe Namath. Maybe it was Kerwin Bell's two-point conversion in the 1986 Auburn game, or Larry Smith's pants-falling-down Orange Bowl run. Okay, you get the drift.

But after much deliberation, we've settled on the play most know as "The Heisman Kick."

The date

Oct. 29, 1966

The circumstances

The Gators returned to Gainesville after four consecutive road games to play Auburn. Florida was undefeated at the time, it was homecoming and the Gators were two wins away from winning their first SEC title. Attendance was 60,511.

How it went down

In the fourth quarter, senior quarterback Steve Spurrier, aided by the rushing of Tampa sophomore Larry Smith, drove the Gators 71 yards, Spurrier scoring on 1-yard touchdown run for a 27-20 lead. Auburn tied it on a 3-yard run by QB Larry Blake­ney. Then with 2:12 remaining, Spurrier, who was not the regular kicker, booted a 40-yard field goal to give Florida a 30-27 victory at Florida Field.

Who's call?

Over the years, the story of how Spurrier came to kick the winner has been up for debate. Spurrier has said he asked then-coach Ray Graves if he could kick it. Graves contends Spurrier took the field on his own as the coach was contemplating regular kicker Wayne Barfield. Although Spurrier doubled as a punter that season (averaging 40.8 yards on 45 punts), he actually hadn't practiced field goals in weeks when he made the kick.

Why it stands out

Spurrier and Purdue quarterback Bob Griese were battling for the Heisman Trophy, but most observers believe it was this game that won it for Spurrier. The Heisman Trophy ballots went out the week of the Auburn game, which drew the largest media delegation in school history up to that point. Spurrier won the Heisman with 1,679 votes, while Griese earned 816. The kick not only sealed the Heisman for Spurrier, but it became one of the building blocks of his legend, fueling him toward leading Florida to become an SEC powerhouse and national title contender as coach.

But Spurrier continues to downplay it.

"It wasn't that long," he said in a 2001 Associated Press interview. "Most guys can kick 40."

What they were saying then

"You know, I think Spurrier planned that field goal. Anything to give me more gray hair." — Graves in a 1966 St. Petersburg Times article by sports editor Tom Kelly.

"The Gator Growled and the Tiger roared back, but it took a Heisman Trophy candidate's 'toe' to manufacture 'Gator Bait' on Florida Field Saturday afternoon." — John L. Klucina of All Florida News

"Steve Spurrier may own the patent for thrills in football after the 1966 season. Indeed, Spurrier proved he was every bit the calm, collected candidate for the Heisman Trophy." — Pat Parrish, All Florida News

Final word

"There have been wacky games in this series, but this one tops them all. The Gators dominated the game by holding the Tigers to 158 yards of total offense, but gave up a touchdown on a 91-yard return of a fumble recovered and an 89-yard kickoff return. Quarterback Steve Spurrier became the frontrunner in the Heisman Trophy race as he completed 27 of 40 passes for 259 yards and one touchdown, ran for a TD, punted six times for an average of 47.4 yards and kicked a 40-yard field goal to win the game." — Florida historian and former sports information director Norm Carlson, from the book University of Florida Football Vault, The History of the Florida Gators.

Times researcher Carolyn Edds contributed to this report. Send your memories of the play to sports@tampabay.com.

Times staff
Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Bloomingdale Bandits baseball tryouts set

The Bloomingdale Bandits 13U competitive travel baseball team holds tryouts for the upcoming 2011 season Thursday and July 22 at 6 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Little League Junior/Senior baseball fields in Valrico.

Eligible players cannot turn 14 before May 1.

For more information, contact banditsbaseball@tampabay.rr.com or coach D.J. Peña at (813) 230-1874.

Play lacrosse with FishHawk Coyotes

The FishHawk Coyotes have opened registration for the fall lacrosse program.

The program starts Sept. 9 and runs twice per week on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons throughout September and October at the FishHawk Sports Complex. Any youth in first through 12th grade can sign up.

The fall season focuses on individual skill development and helps prepare players for the more competitive spring season. It's recommended that beginning players start in the fall.

The initial cost is $115 per player for boys and $65 per player for girls. To register, visit fishhawkcoyoteslacrosse.com or call Brian Lemon at (813) 689-2070.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 13, 2011

What Bucs tight end Jimmie Giles relished the most about his career was celebrating with teammates after they upset the Philadelphia Eagles to reach the NFC Championship game.

"One of the things that will never elude me is the elation that came over me when (linebacker) David Lewis and I were rolling in the mud after the 1979 game,'' Giles said. "Those memories reside in my mind today. That was the beginning of Tampa Bay being recognized by the National Football League.

"They hadn't seen us play until then. They saw Doug Williams, they saw Ricky Bell, they saw Richard Wood. Of course they saw Mr. Selmon, because he was all-everything. But it was so fascinating to be recognized because that's what we played for.''

Giles will receive the ultimate recognition from the Bucs on Dec. 4 when he becomes only the third player to be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium, joining Lee Roy Selmon and John McKay, the first coach in franchise history. The ceremony will be held at halftime in a throwback game against Carolina, the team announced Wednesday.

Bucs vice-chairman Bryan Glazer said Giles was an obvious choice because he played nine of his 13 NFL seasons in Tampa Bay and was named to four Pro Bowls, the first team's first offensive player to receive that honor. At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, Giles was a receiver in a tight end's body but also was a dominant run blocker. He caught 279 passes for 4,300 yards and a franchise record 34 touchdowns during his nine seasons in Tampa Bay and was a key member of the Bucs' playoff teams in '79, '81 and '82.

"I'm very thrilled beyond words,'' Giles said. "I do really appreciate it. It's a pleasure to be inducted into the Ring of Honor.''

Among the former teammates an coaches who attended Wednesday's announcement were Selmon, Kevin House, coach Wayne Fontes, Wood and Steve DeBerg.

While Giles selection to the Ring of Honor was inevitable, so is that of quarterback Doug Williams, who left the organization last year to return to coaching at Grambling State.

"There's plenty of room up there,'' Glazer said. "Most people that people expect to be up there, they're all going to get up there. Doug, to use doug as an example, Doug is a more popular name. He's a name that everybody talks about. Jimmie led his life kind of quietly but made four Pro Bowls. There's room for everybody.''

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 13, 2011

TAMPA — The images of Jimmie Giles playing tight end for the Bucs flashed on a screen at the start of a news conference Wednesday, and once again the 6-foot-3, 239-pound tight end was running past or bulldozing through defenders en route to the end zone.

After being introduced as the third member of the team's Ring of Honor, Giles walked slowly to a podium at One Buc Place. The toll from all those collisions has rendered the 56-year-old permanently disabled with knee and back problems, but he made it clear the honor was worth the wait.

"Lee Roy (Selmon) talked last year about the number of years we've been here and how long it's taken to get to this stage of our career," Giles said. "I'll tell you, it's good to be able to see everybody now as opposed to not being able to see them if they just come view me some other way. … I'm very thrilled, beyond words."

Giles will join Selmon and John McKay, the team's first coach, in the Ring of Honor in a halftime ceremony Dec. 4 during the Bucs' throwback game against the Panthers.

Bucs vice chairman Bryan Glazer said Giles was an obvious choice because he played nine of his 13 seasons in Tampa Bay and was named to four Pro Bowls, the team's first offensive player to receive that honor. Giles was a receiver in a tight end's body but also a dominant run blocker. He caught 279 passes for 4,300 yards and a franchise-record 34 touchdowns for the Bucs and was a key member of their playoff teams in 1979, '81 and '82.

Wednesday's news conference was attended by several of Giles' teammates, including Hall of Famer Selmon, Richard "Batman" Wood, Kevin House, Steve DeBerg and coach Wayne Fontes.

"Back then Jimmie was under­utilized, like all of our receivers," House said. "We ran the ball a lot. He would be a mega-star in today's game."

The memory Giles said he relished the most was celebrating with teammates after they upset the Eagles to reach the NFC Championship game. "One of the things that will never elude me is the elation that came over me when (linebacker) David Lewis and I were rolling in the mud after the 1979 game," Giles said. "That was the beginning of Tampa Bay being recognized by the National Football League."

During his 10-minute address, Giles credited his parents for his work ethic. His dad worked two jobs as an electrician and making carpets in Greenville, Miss. Drafted by the Dodgers, Giles said he turned down a baseball scholarship at Michigan to play football at Alcorn State and woo his future wife, Vivian Davis.

Giles was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1977 but traded to Tampa Bay for a first-round pick after his rookie season following an encounter with Bucs player personnel director Ken Herock. Giles said he agreed to a workout arranged by a man he knew as "Lyin Tom," who promised him a year's worth of free barbecue if he didn't "fall out." Giles didn't know Herock was in attendance.

While Giles' selection to the Ring of Honor was inevitable, quarterback Doug Williams, who left the organization last year to coach at Grambling State, still remains a likely candidate.

"Doug is a more popular name," Glazer said. "He's a name that everybody talks about. Jimmie led his life kind of quietly but made four Pro Bowls. There's room for everybody."

Staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.