Times wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

WASHINGTON — NFL players ratified a 10-year collective bargaining agreement Thursday, hours after it was finalized, and the Associated Press reported that the contract allows the NFL to become the first major U.S. pro sports league to use blood testing for human growth hormone.

No formal announcement was made about details of the CBA.

Players eventually would be subject to random testing for HGH, in addition to annual checks — as is the case for all banned substances in the league's drug-testing program — only after the union is confident in the way the testing and appeals process will work.

The aim is to have everything worked out to start HGH testing by Week 1 of the regular season, but that is not guaranteed.

"We have to see if we agree with the test," Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis said. "If we agree with the test, then it's legit. If not, they have to come up with another one."

Most of the deal to end the 4½-month lockout was agreed to last month, but certain elements still needed to be ironed out after the NFL Players Association re-established itself as a union. Final CBA language was in place Thursday afternoon in talks between the sides' lawyers in Washington.

Before 5 p.m., players voted to approve the final agreement. That allowed players who signed contracts July 26 or after — and had been forced to sit out practices by NFL rules — to join teammates in drills Thursday, as the new league year officially began.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has wanted to have players tested for HGH, saying last year: "It's about the integrity of the game."

Eagle has brain condition: Eagles trainer Rick Burkholder said defensive tackle Mike Patterson has a brain condition that might require surgery. Burkholder said Patterson, 27, is having further tests. He was hospitalized after suffering a seizure Wednesday morning at training camp. Also, defensive end Victor Abiamiri could miss the season with a torn Achilles' tendon

Roethlisberger case: The civil sexual assault case against Ben Roethlisberger will be held in Reno, the Nevada Supreme Court said in an order rejecting an appeal by the Steelers quarterback. A former casino host at Harrah's accused Roethlisberger of raping her in 2008, when Roethlisberger was at Lake Tahoe for a celebrity golf tournament. The suit also named Harrah's employees and executives, whom she accuses of orchestrating a cover-up of the incident. Roethlisberger has denied the allegations. The woman never filed a formal criminal complaint.

Chargers: First-round pick Corey Liuget, a defensive end from Illinois, agreed to a four-year deal.

Chiefs: Starting cornerback Brandon Carr signed a restricted free agent tender, making him the last significant player to arrive at training camp.

Cowboys: Cornerback Terence Newman will miss all of preseason for the second time in four seasons because of a groin injury. Also, free agent safety Abram Elam agreed to a one-year deal. In the past two seasons he started all but one game for the Browns and Rob Ryan, now Dallas' defensive coordinator.

49ers: Receiver Braylon Edwards agreed to a $3.5 million, one-year deal. He spent the past two seasons with the Jets.

Jaguars: Quarterback David Garrard left practice because of an apparent back injury. There was no report on the severity of the injury.

Jets: Receiver Plaxico Burress will miss a day or two after he tweaked his left ankle running routes Wednesday without passes or defenders. Also, receiver Jerricho Cotchery was released, apparently clearing the way for Derrick Mason to sign. Mason, 37, knows coach Rex Ryan from their days in Baltimore.

Patriots: First-round pick Nate Solder, an offensive lineman from Colorado, signed.

Redskins: Leading rusher Ryan Torain will miss 7-10 days after fracturing his left hand.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Football's Hall of Fame Game, which was scheduled for Sunday, has been canceled this season because of the NFL lockout, but the main show will go on. On Saturday, the 2011 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be inducted. Here's a quick look at the seven members who will be inducted Saturday.

Richard Dent, DE

Bears (1983-93, 1995), 49ers (1994), Colts (1996), Eagles (1997)

A quarterback's worst nightmare. One of the most intimidating pass rushers the game has ever seen. In 15 seasons, he had 137½ sacks, which placed him third on the all-time list at the time of his retirement. A key cog in one of the most ferocious defenses of all-time, Dent helped the 1985 Bears to the Super Bowl with a league-leading 17 sacks. That came a year after he recorded an NFL-high 17½ sacks. It was all part of a 10-year string that saw him rack up at least 10 sacks a year eight times. He was a four-time Pro Bowl player, as well as a four-time first- or second-team All-Pro. He was the most frightening member of the Bears' scary defense.

Marshall Faulk, RB

Colts (1994-98), Rams (1999-2005)

At times during Faulk's 12-season career, you could make the argument that he was the best player in football. Let's start in 1999, well after he was an NFL rookie of the year. In his first season with the Rams, he became just the second player in NFL history to surpass 1,000 yards in both rushing and receiving, and his 2,429 total yards were an NFL record. That was the first of three straight seasons of being named NFL offensive player of the year. He was the 2000 NFL MVP when he set a league record with 26 touchdowns, including a league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns. He was first-team All-Pro three times and a seven-time Pro Bowl player. When he retired, he ranked ninth all-time in rushing and 16th in receptions. His 19,154 total yards from scrimmage rank sixth all-time.

Chris Hanburger, LB

Redskins (1965-78)

Hanburger was one of the those guys you had to watch game-in and game-out to truly appreciate, and it was surprising, though pleasantly so, to see him elected to the Hall. The Redskins took him in the 18th round (245 overall) in the 1965 draft, and he was a part of the nucleus that helped George Allen's "Over The Hill Gang'' reach the Super Bowl in the 1972 season. That magical season, Hanburger, who always had a knack for the big play, tied for the team lead in interceptions (four) and was outstanding in the postseason. He had seven touchdowns in his career, including three off fumbles, which was an NFL record at the time of his retirement.

Les Richter, LB/K

Rams (1954-62)

Perhaps the most interesting player and person in this Hall class. The Rams traded 11 players for him, the second-largest trade ever for one player. After football, Richter became the head of operations for NASCAR and president of the Riverside International Raceway. But Richter, who died last year, is making the Hall off his football merits. In nine seasons, he made the Pro Bowl eight times. Aside from being a devastating linebacker, he occasionally played on the offensive line and was the Rams kicker, leading the team in scoring twice and interceptions once. Despite his punishing style and heavy workload, he never missed a game in his 112-game career.

Ed Sabol, filmmaker

President of NFL Films (1964-95)

A case could be made that Sabol is one of the most influential figures in NFL history and as responsible as anyone for helping the game evolve into this country's most popular sport. He was 45 and running a small film company when he won the rights to film the 1962 NFL Championship Game for a mere $3,000. Using slow-motion replays, odd camera angles, up-close sound and orchestral music, he turned NFL games into dramatic plays and NFL Films was born. Anyone who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s followed the league through his highlight shows, such as NFL Game of the Week and This Week in Pro Football and, everyone's favorite, the Football Follies series. Today, Sabol's company, run by son Steve, still has a heavy hand in the league, helping produce such shows as HBO's Hard Knocks and Showtime's Inside the NFL.

Deion Sanders, CB/PR

Falcons (1989-93), 49ers (1994), Cowboys (1995-99), Redskins (2000), Ravens (2004-05)

Always known for his flashy style, Neon Deion had plenty of substance, too. He goes down as one of the best big-play producers the game has ever seen, starting with his first game when he returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown. In his career, Sanders picked off 53 passes, taking nine to the house. In addition, he had six touchdowns on punt returns and three on kickoff returns. He made the 1990s All-Decade Team at both cornerback and punt returner, was elected to eight Pro Bowls and was the 1994 NFL defensive player of the year. Last year, NFL.com ranked him as the 34th greatest NFL player ever. The Fort Myers native and Florida State product also managed to work in 641 major-league baseball games over nine seasons. Is he the greatest athlete of our time?

Shannon Sharpe, TE

Broncos (1990-99, 2002-03), Ravens (2000-01)

When Sharpe retired, some considered him to be the greatest tight end ever. As a receiver, he had no equal in his day. His 815 receptions, 10,060 yards and 62 touchdowns were all records for a tight end at the time. His 214-yard receiving game against the Chiefs in 2002 is still an NFL record for tight ends, and his 13 receptions in a 1993 playoff game tied an NFL postseason record. He was first- or second-team All-Pro five times and made eight Pro Bowls. And he was a winner, helping the Broncos win two Super Bowls and the Ravens one.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 4, 2011

.Up next

vs. A's

Tonight-Sunday

What's new: The A's followed up a 5-2 homestand (including winning three of four from the Rays) by getting swept by the last-place Mariners. That continued their seasonlong struggles on the road (major-league worst 18-38). They are expecting to get back OF David DeJesus (sore right thumb) and SS Cliff Pennington (Bell's Palsy) for this weekend's series. Oakland boasts the AL's third-best ERA (3.50), but it is second-to-last in scoring (425 runs) and last in homers (66).

Key stat: DH Hideki Matsui is on a 12-game hitting streak, batting .521 with two homers and 10 RBIs over that time.

Connections: Rays DH Johnny Damon used to play for Oakland as did first-base coach George Hendrick, who was on the 1972 championship team. … A's RHP Grant Balfour spent 3½ seasons with the Rays.

Series history: The A's lead the overall series 79-47, including 33-28 at Tropicana Field.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Rays vs. A's

When/where: 7:10 tonight; Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Starting pitchers:

Rays

RH Jeff Niemann (5-4, 3.51)

A's

RH Guillermo Moscoso (4-5, 3.41)

Watch for ...

Staying hot: Niemann is 4-0 in seven starts since coming off the disabled list. He struck out a career-high 11 against the Mariners last week and is 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA and one shutout against the A's.

Remember me? Moscoso faced the Rays on July 25, allowing five runs and eight hits over five innings in a no-decision. While he had a 1.75 ERA in six starts before the All-Star break, he has racked up a 7.31 mark since.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Moscoso

B.J. Upton 1-for-3

Ben Zobrist 1-for-2, HR

Kelly Shoppach 2-for-3, HR

A's vs. Niemann

David DeJesus 1-for-7, HR

Hideki Matsui 3-for-14

Mike Sweeney 3-for-7

Mementos of the day

Rookie C Robinson Chirinos has picked up quite a collection of memorabilia the past few weeks, keeping the ball from his first career hit (July 18), first home run (Wednesday) and first walkoff hit (Thursday). He had an interesting exchange involving the home run ball with a Little Leaguer after Wednesday's game, gladly trading a signed bat and ball for it. "He was a catcher, too," Chirinos said, smiling. "It was cool."

Quotes of the day

"There's no quit in us."

Rays DH Johnny Damon

"The final out in three different innings was elusive."

Blue Jays manager John Farrell

Number of the day

20 Players used by the Rays on Thursday, the fourth time they have done so before September callups.

Times wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Rangers 5, Tigers 2

DETROIT — Alexi Ogando beat the Tigers for the third time this year as the Rangers ended a three-skid. Texas nearly hit into a triple play in the second but instead scored. With runners on first and second, Mitch Moreland hit a grounder to first. Don Kelly stepped on the bag, and Mike Napoli was tagged after a brief rundown. Nelson Cruz tried to score from second. Kelly's throw beat him, but catcher Victor Martinez dropped the ball.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 4, 2011

TAMPA — Arrelious Benn exploded from the line of scrimmage, his knees pumping like pistons before he chopped his feet, pivoted on a dime and rotated 180 degrees until adjusting for the football that struck his outstretched hands.

It was the first day of training camp practice and the play would've been unremarkable for any other Bucs receiver. A simple pattern. Except there's nothing routine about the route Benn has taken to return to the football field.

"I probably have to look at the scar, because I can't even tell which leg was hurt," receivers coach Eric Yarber said. "He's such a hard worker and a fast healer. He's a medical marvel. I said he should be in some kind of medical journal."

Benn, the Bucs' second-round pick from Illinois last year, shrugged when asked if he has watched the play that ended his rookie season with one game left.

"I watch it all the time," Benn said. "I've seen it on tape. In fact, that was the last play we ran today, and I'm going to run it the same way."

Bucs trainer Todd Toriscelli watched it, too, and said what was so unusual is that Benn's left leg wasn't planted at the time of the injury.

Early in the second half against Seattle in Week 16, Benn caught a short pass in the right flat, turned and raced down the sideline until the helmet of defensive back Marcus Trufant drove through his left knee with such brutal force that it tore the anterior cruciate ligament in half.

He became the fourth rookie and the 10th Bucs player to land on injured reserve. But what really hurt was how it halted the momentum he could have carried into the offseason.

Of Benn's 25 receptions for 395 yards, he had 16 for 252 yards in his final seven games.

"He was spring-boarding," Yarber said. "He was coming into his own, and that's what was so unfortunate about the lockout, he was looking forward to the offseason and being able to take his game to the next level."

Instead, Benn woke up in the surgical recovery room of Dr. John Zvijac, the team's orthopedic surgeon, with one recurring thought.

"My first reaction was when can I walk?'' Benn said. "I was ready to walk out of there. I didn't want to waste any time. Even though I couldn't walk, I thought I could sit down and catch like 1,000 balls a day."

General manager Mark Dominik credits a few things to Benn's quick recovery: Zvijac did a good job, the team was able to monitor the first month of his rehab before the lockout and Benn's healing powers.

"It gets down to the kid and his work ethic and his protoplasm," Dominik said. "The only reason you might not see him at practice is because I'm holding him back. We want to be smart with him."

Benn, 22, is being limited to one practice a day and no contact. There's a chance the Bucs will not play him in the preseason, but he has no doubts about being ready for the Sept. 11 opener against Detroit.

"Oh yeah, I'll definitely be 100 percent by the opener," he said.

Nobody is rooting harder for Benn than Mike Williams, the Bucs go-to receiver who led all rookies with 11 touchdowns last season. Williams was drawing double-teams when Benn excelled in wins at Arizona and Washington.

He will have to battle Dezmon Briscoe and Sammie Stroughter for the No. 2 receiver spot.

However, at 6 feet 2, 220 pounds and with what teammates say is about 4 percent body fat, the Bucs have never had a receiver that big who was that fast.

"Keyshawn (Johnson) was physical, but not as fast," Dominik said. "It's why we traded up to get him and people said, "Why would you trade up for (Benn)?' Well, we saw traits in terms of strength and speed to run after the catch."

Thankfully for the Bucs, he's also a fast healer.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 4, 2011

TAMPA — When the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement was ratified Thursday, commissioner Roger Goodell scored a victory that could impact Bucs standout CB Aqib Talib.

Goodell will retain his authority to discipline players at his discretion for off-field behavior, perhaps even for players' conduct during the NFL lockout. In the past, Goodell has issued suspensions for arrests even before cases were adjudicated. Talib was suspended for one game last season by the league after a 2009 arrest resulted in a deal with prosecutors.

Talib, 25, was one of a handful of players arrested during the league's 4½-month work stoppage and faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Garland, Texas. His trial is set for March, after the season. It was expected the NFL Players Union would challenge Goodell's wide latitude on discipline, but Goodell and the league showed no intention of backing down on the issue.

"I'm not going to hand off the brand … of the NFL to somebody who is not associated with the NFL," the commissioner said Wednesday during a visit to the Carolina Panthers' training camp. "I promise you that."

The Bucs had been privately expecting this outcome during final CBA negotiations, though it's still unclear when and if Goodell will act.

Isn't that SPECIAL: It might not be the most talked-about portion of training camp, but the Bucs held a special teams-only practice Thursday, giving new special teams coach Dwayne Stukes a chance to carry the philosophy of his predecessor.

Rich Bisaccia, who oversaw the special teams for nine seasons, left this year after accepting the same post with the Chargers. But Stukes was a longtime understudy and wants to maintain the same mind-set.

"I actually worked for Rich for six years," Stukes said. "I know I'd been assistant secondary coach the last two years, but I never left my true home in special teams. I learned a lot from Rich and the base and foundation was already planted."

Bisaccia repeatedly used a phrase that's still commonly heard around One Buc Place.

"Rich always emphasized that (special teams) is going to start the game and we're going to end the game," Stukes said. "Special teams is going to play an integral part. That's why he always used the term 'We-fense.' It's not offense. It's not defense.

"It's a combination of guys coming together trying to build a unit, and he always emphasized the little details. He always talked about our unit staying strong and being one of the best in the NFL, and that's what I took from him."

WAIT OVER: Veteran players who signed contracts since the end of the lockout finally were able to practice for the first time after 4 p.m. Thursday, after the ratification of the CBA. But there were some anxious — and comical — moments leading up to the afternoon workout, and players weren't sure they'd be permitted to practice right up until the end, even after missing six days of camp.

"One minute they said, 'You can't go,' " said LB Adam Hayward, one of those affected. "We had gotten ready. Then they were like, 'Okay, you can go. Get ready. (Then) you can't go, get undressed.'

"Then they're like, 'Be ready to go. Can't go.' Then we just kind of gave up. Some guys got ready to leave. Then when we weren't out here, coach (Raheem Morris) said, 'Go get dressed, it's a go.' I just got to go full speed. I got to run downfield and hit the wedge and got that feeling out of the way."

Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 4, 2011

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Number of the day

13-17 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch

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Next public practice

When: 2:30-4:35 today

Where: One Buc Place, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, just east of Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Admission: Free

Et cetera: Schedule is weather permitting and subject to change. Go to buccaneers.com for updates.

Practice and games schedule

Public practices

Saturday: 7 p.m., Raymond James Stadium

Aug. 9: 2:30-4:35

Aug. 14: 2:30-4:35

Preseason

Aug. 12: at Kansas City, 8, Ch. 13

Aug. 18: Patriots, 7:30, Ch. 10 *

Aug. 27: Dolphins, 7:30, Ch. 10 *

Sept. 1: at Redskins, 7:30, Ch. 10

Regular season

Sept. 11: Lions, 1, Ch. 13 *

Sept. 18: at Vikings, 1, Ch. 13

Sept. 25: Falcons, 4:15, Ch. 13 *

Oct. 3: Colts, 8:30, ESPN, Ch. 28 *

Oct. 9: at 49ers, 4, Ch. 13

Oct. 16: Saints, 4:15, Ch. 13 *

Oct. 23: Bears (London), 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 6: at Saints, 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 13: Texans, 1, Ch. 10 *

Nov. 20: at Packers, 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 27: at Titans, 1, Ch. 13

Dec. 4: Panthers, 1, Ch. 13 *

Dec. 11: at Jaguars, 1, Ch. 13

Dec. 17: Cowboys, 8:20, NFL Network, TBD *

Dec. 24: at Panthers, 1, Ch. 13

Jan. 1: at Falcons, 1, Ch. 13

* Broadcast subject to NFL blackout rules

Quote of the day

"It's like your mama letting you go outside."

WR Micheal Spurlock on the elation of recently signed players finally be able to practice Thursday, the beginning of the new league calendar

Feeling special

The Bucs hosted more than 70 Special Olympics athletes from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties at Thursday's morning practice, something the team does annually. The athletes took to the field after practice and participated in drills with players and team personnel, signing autographs and posing for photos.

Working OT

While players not on special teams had the afternoon off, the quarterbacks unit was hard at work Thursday. Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson, Rudy Carpenter and Mike Coughlin worked feverishly on eluding pass rushers with offensive coordinator Greg Olson, quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt and assistant receivers coach Tim Berbenich.

Step right up

Individual-game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today, giving the Bucs another measuring stick on what kind of home turnout they'll have this season.

"We're counting on our fans to make Raymond James Stadium an electric atmosphere for our team and a hostile environment for our opponents," co-chairman Bryan Glazer said in a statement. "Our promising young team has an exciting slate of home games, from two primetime matchups to rivalry games against the rest of the NFC South."

The team failed to sell out any of its eight regular-season home games last season. In reaction, tickets will start at $35 for the second straight season and prices remain unchanged from 2010.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 4, 2011

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Name Here, attribution goes here

Number of the day

13-17 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch





Next public practice

When: 2:30-4:35 today

Where: One Buc Place, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, just east of Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Admission: Free

Et cetera: Schedule is weather permitting and subject to change. Go to buccaneers.com for updates.

Practice and games schedule

Public practices

Saturday: 7 p.m., Raymond James Stadium

Aug. 9: 2:30-4:35

Aug. 14: 2:30-4:35

Preseason

Aug. 12: at Kansas City, 8, Ch. 13

Aug. 18: Patriots, 7:30, Ch. 10 *

Aug. 27: Dolphins, 7:30, Ch. 10 *

Sept. 1: at Redskins, 7:30, Ch. 10

Regular season

Sept. 11: Lions, 1, Ch. 13 *

Sept. 18: at Vikings, 1, Ch. 13

Sept. 25: Falcons, 4:15, Ch. 13 *

Oct. 3: Colts, 8:30, ESPN, Ch. 28 *

Oct. 9: at 49ers, 4, Ch. 13

Oct. 16: Saints, 4:15, Ch. 13 *

Oct. 23: Bears (London), 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 6: at Saints, 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 13: Texans, 1, Ch. 10 *

Nov. 20: at Packers, 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 27: at Titans, 1, Ch. 13

Dec. 4: Panthers, 1, Ch. 13 *

Dec. 11: at Jaguars, 1, Ch. 13

Dec. 17: Cowboys, 8:20, NFL Network, TBD *

Dec. 24: at Panthers, 1, Ch. 13

Jan. 1: at Falcons, 1, Ch. 13

* Broadcast subject to NFL blackout rules

Quote of the day

"It's like your mama letting you go outside."

WR Micheal Spurlock on the elation of recently signed players finally be able to practice Thursday, the beginning of the new league calendar

Feeling special

The Bucs hosted more than 70 Special Olympics athletes from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties at Thursday's morning practice, something the team does annually. The athletes took to the field after practice and participated in drills with players and team personnel, signing autographs and posing for photos.

Working OT

While players not on special teams had the afternoon off, the quarterbacks unit was hard at work Thursday. Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson, Rudy Carpenter and Mike Coughlin worked feverishly on eluding pass rushers with offensive coordinator Greg Olson, quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt and assistant receivers coach Tim Berbenich.

Step right up

Individual-game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today, giving the Bucs another measuring stick on what kind of home turnout they'll have this season.

"We're counting on our fans to make Raymond James Stadium an electric atmosphere for our team and a hostile environment for our opponents," co-chairman Bryan Glazer said in a statement. "Our promising young team has an exciting slate of home games, from two primetime matchups to rivalry games against the rest of the NFC South."

The team failed to sell out any of its eight regular-season home games last season. In reaction, tickets will start at $35 for the second straight season and prices remain unchanged from 2010.

Times wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

TAMPA — Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez refused to talk about a Major League Baseball investigation into his possible involvement in illegal poker games, ending an interview Thursday with a one-word answer.

The Yankees said the injured star would end a media session at their minor-league training complex if posed an nonbaseball question. Rodriguez spoke for several minutes about his recovery from right knee surgery. But when asked if he would not discuss the poker games, he said "yep" and walked to his car.

Rodriguez's publicist, Richard Rubenstein, said he is looking forward to cooperating with MLB.

Last month, Star Magazine reported several people saw Rodriguez playing in games hosted at Hollywood hotels and residences. Rubenstein said Thursday the story contains "numerous factual inaccuracies" but didn't elaborate.

The workout marked Rodriguez's first on-field activity since the July 14 surgery for a torn meniscus. He said it will take a few days to get a time frame for returning.

"I'm curious to see how my body reacts," he said. "Encouraging first day out there on the field and felt pretty good."

More Yankees: RH Mark Prior is set to pitch in a rookie-level Gulf Coast League game tonight, two days after being hit on the left forearm by a ball during batting practice. Prior, out of the majors since 2006, has made one appearance since April 18 because of a strained groin and sore back.

Angels: RH Joel Pineiro was demoted to the bullpen. Pineiro, 32, in the final season of a two-year, $16 million contract, has allowed 22 earned runs, 29 hits and five homers in 131/3 innings spanning his past four starts.

Cardinals: 3B David Freese left in the third after being hit in the head by an 84 mph breaking ball on a bases-loaded pitch. He has a minor concussion, and his status has not been determined.

Giants: Utility infielder Mark DeRosa, limited to 18 games by a strained left wrist, was activated.

Mariners: DH Jack Cust, designated for assignment last week, was released. He hit .213 with three homers.

Marlins: 2B Omar Infante broke his right middle finger diving for a grounder and is out indefinitely.

Pirates: 1B Derrek Lee sat a day after being hit in the left hand by a pitch. He is day to day.

Santana setback: Mets LHP Johan Santana has fatigue in his surgically repaired left shoulder and won't throw until he regains his strength. Santana, who hasn't pitched in the majors this year, went three scoreless innings last week at Class A, his first rehab outing, but was scratched from his second.

Discipline: Cardinals C Yadier Molina was suspended five games for bumping an umpire and spraying him with spittle. The incident occurred after he was called out on strikes on Tuesday. Molina, who bruised his right palm blocking a pitch Wednesday, didn't appeal and began serving the suspension Thursday.

Times wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Cubs 7, Pirates 6

PITTSBURGH — Carlos Peña homered in the fourth and walked with the bases loaded in the eighth for the Cubs, who have won a season-high five in a row. The Pirates have lost a season-high seven in a row.

Times wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Indians 7, Red Sox 3

BOSTON — Justin Masterson, traded from the Red Sox to the Indians at the 2009 deadline, beat his former team for the third time. Erik Bedard, making his Boston debut after being acquired from Seattle, was on a pitch count in his second start since returning from a sprained left knee. He threw 70 over five innings.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 4, 2011

TAMPA — Skip Holtz's second season officially started Thursday with the Bulls' first practice, and the difference in terms of players and coaches being on the same page is huge compared with a year ago.

"It's exciting to be out here — there are a lot of positive things out there," Holtz said after the first fall drills at USF's new practice fields. "There's just so much more confidence, (everyone) comfortable, knowing the offense, defense, special teams, guys knowing what we're doing."

The team will practice three days in Tampa before heading to Vero Beach on Saturday for 12 days in close quarters. Holtz was happy to be able to see his freshman class on the field for the first time.

"To see how they move in person — a lot of these guys you watched on film, met them as people, but this is the first time we've been on the field with a lot of them," the coach said. "I think they're worn out and tired right now, but it was a really productive first day."

BIG BACK: Holtz has been pleased with the progress of RB Darrell Scott, who sat out last season after transferring from Colorado. And even with Scott weighing 239 pounds, Holtz said the sturdy runner carries the weight in a good way.

"The way he's carrying his weight right now, the first thing I told him was that watching his weight is like watching gas prices, the way it's going up," Holtz said. "But you watch him come out here and run, and he's not missing a beat, not putting his hands over his head, not sucking wind, bent over, taking himself out.

"I think he's in great shape. He's just a very large, muscular young man that has really responded when you put weight on his shoulders and then send him over to that dining hall."

THIS AND THAT: Holtz said he liked how freshman CB Kenneth Durden looked fielding punts. "He really caught my eye today, watching him move around. He's very fluid," he said. … Freshmen will go in the afternoon today after finishing summer classes, while veterans will practice in the morning. … Kickoff times were announced for three home games — Ball State on Sept. 10 and Florida A&M on Sept. 17 will have 7 p.m. kickoffs and be broadcast on Bright House Sports Network, while the Cincinnati game Oct. 22 will have a noon kickoff. … Freshman LB Antoine Pozniak has moved to defensive end, where he worked with the third-team defense Thursday. He's only 220 pounds but could give the team some versatility at the position.

Times wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Cardinals 7, Marlins 4

MIAMI — Albert Pujols ended a slump for the Cardinals. He entered 1-for-14 on the road trip. He walked and scored in the first, singled and scored in the third, homered in the fourth and doubled in the sixth.

Times wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

tennis

ISNER TOPPLES BLAKE IN 3 SETS

WASHINGTON — John Isner edged Tampa neighbor, pal and doubles partner James Blake 7-6 (7-0), 1-6, 7-6 (7-4) Thursday in a match delayed a day by rain to reach the quarterfinals of the Legg Mason Classic.

Isner hit 13 aces and overcame 46 unforced errors, including seven double faults, to beat Blake for the second time in a span of two weeks. Isner also needed three sets to top Blake in Atlanta on July 21, the first time they faced each other as pros.

Blake won more points Thursday, 112-103, but Isner was better in the tiebreakers, helped by a big serve.

Wednesday's rain forced some to play two matches in one day.

More tennis: Rafael Nadal says he is feeling well and can play for Spain in the Davis Cup semifinals against France, Sept. 16-18.

Et cetera

Soccer: Jurgen Klinsmann announced the squad for his first game as U.S. coach, mixing mainstays such as Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and captain Carlos Bocanegra with up-and-comers Brek Shea, Edgar Castillo, Michael Orozco Fiscal and Bill Hamid. He also brought back DaMarcus Beasley for the first time since last year's World Cup and gave another shot to Freddy Adu. The United States plays Mexico at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in Philadelphia (ESPN2).

NBA: Darius Miles, an NBA player from 2000-2009, was arrested after guards found him taking a loaded gun through security at Lambert Airport in St. Louis, a jail official said. Miles, 29, was booked then released. No charges have been filed. … Commissioner David Stern reportedly makes less than baseball's Bud Selig or the NFL's Roger Goodell, leaving his salary far below the $23 million that has been reported. That had angered locked-out players. Selig makes more than $18 million annually. Goodell receives about $10 million in salary, bonus and incentives.

OLYMPICS: China's most decorated Winter Olympic athlete Wang Meng was expelled from the country's short track speedskating squad after a drunken brawl with her team manager last month at a training camp. State-run Xinhua News Agency said Wang punched Wang Chunlu after being criticized for failing to meet a curfew after a night out with five teammates. Male speed skater Liu Xianwei also was expelled, reportedly for stirring things up between Wang Meng and Wang Chunlu.

Swimming: Jessica Hardy won the 100-meter breaststroke at the U.S. national championships in Stanford, Calif. She outraced Ann Chandler over the final lap and touched in 1 minute, 6.81 seconds.

Cycling: Top American team HTC-Highroad is folding after five years, unable to secure a long-term sponsor. Featuring riders such as 20-time Tour de France stage winner Mark Caven­dish of Britain, top time trialist Tony Martin of Germany and up-and-coming American Tejay van Garderen, the squad won 484 races, including 54 grand tour stages.

NHL: The Canucks signed former Lightning forward/enforcer Todd Fedoruk, 32, to a tryout contract. He did not play in the NHL last season after Tampa Bay bought out his contract.

Times wires

Times staff, wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Florida State ranks fifth in the preseason USA Today coaches poll announced Thursday behind No. 1 Oklahoma, Alabama, Oregon and LSU.

Florida is 23rd. Miami, UCF and USF received votes.

The No. 5 preseason ranking is the Seminoles' highest since 2002, when they were No. 4.

"I know expectations are high this year and we embrace those," coach Jimbo Fisher said in a statement. "It's great to see that the country is seeing Florida State's program is heading in the right direction and getting back to the top."

The Big East did not have any teams in the top 25.

Penn State backup QB to transfer: Quarterback Kevin Newsome is transferring from Penn State, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported. "I will be transferring as soon as possible. But that's all I can say," Newsome said. He came to Penn State as a top recruit in 2009 but has been at No. 3 on the depth chart for the better part of a year. With Newsome's departure, and the academic issues that will likely sideline Paul Jones for 2011, Penn State will likely have only walk-on redshirt junior Shane McGregor behind Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin.

Texas WR LEAVES TEAM: Longhorns coach Mack Brown said senior wide receiver Malcolm Williams, also a key contributor on special teams, left the team for personal reasons. Williams had 1,188 yards receiving and seven touchdowns. His departure further depletes a group of receivers also missing junior Marquise Goodwin, the U.S. national long jump champion who is skipping the 2011 season to concentrate on qualifying for the 2012 Olympics.

Tide DT heads to juco: Alabama defensive tackle Darrington Sentimore is transferring to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Sentimore, who was expected to compete for a spot in the rotation, is the seventh player to leave the program since last season. He was indefinitely suspended for unspecified violation of team rules in June.

LSU assistant has Parkinson's: LSU assistant coach Steve Kragthorpe, 46, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and is relinquishing his duties as offensive coordinator. Kragthorpe, who was hired during the offseason, will remain as the quarterbacks coach. He was head coach at Louisville (2007-09) and at Tulsa (2003-06). His wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last summer.

Former Vols coach pearl mulls offer: The Texas Legends made Bruce Pearl an offer and are waiting to see if the former Tennessee coach will take the reins of the NBA Development League team. Legends owner Donnie Nelson presented Pearl with what he labeled the "most aggressive package in D-League history." Reports have put the offer as high as $500,000 per season. Pearl will return to Knoxville to talk to his family before making a decision. "I've always seen myself as a college basketball coach … and things change," Pearl said. "I still want to coach." Tennessee fired him in March, six months after he admitted lying to NCAA investigators about recruiting violations. Pearl could face a college coaching ban.

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.

Times wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

AKRON, Ohio — As opening rounds go, the one that unfolded Thursday at a benign Firestone Country Club could hardly have been better.

Tiger Woods returned from a three-month injury layoff and shot his lowest first round of a truncated year, surprising even himself by how solidly he struck the ball. Adam Scott teamed with Woods' former caddie, Steve Williams, to lead the field with a bogey-free 8-under 62. Scott made birdie on four of the last six holes to take a one-stroke lead over Jason Day.

And the leaderboard was awash in subpar rounds. Thirty-nine players broke par — the most of any round in the history of the tournament. Nick Watney's 65 and nine golfers who shot 66 came the closest to Scott and Day.

Woods, who shot 68, was six strokes off the lead.

"I played extremely solid," said Scott, who added that Williams, who was on Woods' bag for all seven of his WGC-Bridgestone wins at Firestone, helped him with a few reads on some greens and a few lines off the tees.

"He just seems to have a lot of good rounds in him around this place, that's for sure," Scott said of Williams. "He didn't think it was a big deal to shoot 62. It was normal."

There was nothing normal about the barrage of low rounds at the tree-lined, 7,400-yard Firestone South Course. Scott's 62 was the lowest first-round score in a WGC-Bridgestone event here, breaking the record he held with Stewart Cink. The field stroke average of 69.632 was the lowest first round since 2001.

The assault on par began early. As Woods and Darren Clarke teed off in front of a huge gallery for their afternoon round, Day was finishing his 63 with a small audience at the ninth hole. He treated them to birdie by rolling in an 18-foot putt.

Woods made two big putts on the front nine — both for par saves, from 18 feet at the third hole and 20 feet at the ninth. He made consecutive birdies at the 10th and 11th holes.

"It feels great," Woods said. "As anybody who's been off and who's been injured, first time back it's a little nervous to see what happens. But my practice sessions were good, so there's no reason why I should be worried out there. I went out there and let it go, let it rip and see what happens."

PGA: Nick O'Hern took advantage of calm morning conditions for 7-under 65 and a one-stroke lead over Chris Riley in the first round of the Reno-Tahoe Open in Nevada. "Can't play much better than that," said O'Hern, who made six of his seven birdies on putts from 10 feet or closer while posting the only bogey-free round of the day. Defending champ Matt Bettencourt birdied two of his first four holes and was 2 under through six before a rib injury forced him to withdraw.

Times wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Yankees 7, White Sox 2

CHICAGO — Ivan Nova struck out a career-high 10 for the Yankees, who have won seven in a row to tie the Red Sox atop the AL East entering their series this weekend. Nova has won six straight decisions. And the Yankees have won six straight over the White Sox, outscoring them 49-14 in the process. Russell Martin made it 4-1 in the seventh with a sacrifice fly and 7-1 in the ninth with a three-run homer.

Times wires
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Royals 9, Orioles 4

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Alex Gordon tied a career high with four hits and Yamaico Navarro drove in three for the Royals. Kansas City sent 11 to the plate during a six-run sixth. The inning included eight hits with Navarro doubling home two runs and Chris Getz delivering a two-run single. Melky Cabrera and Billy Butler added run-scoring singles.

Times wires
Friday, August 5, 2011

Rockies 6, Nationals 3

DENVER — Troy Tulowitzki homered and Esmil Rogers escaped consistent trouble to help the Rockies end a four-game skid. Rogers gave up a run in the first and had multiple baserunners in the third, fifth and sixth. The Rockies broke it open in the eighth when Ryan Mattheus walked in a run then hit Chris Iannetta to bring home another.