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Captain's Corner: Flounder remain plentiful

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By Neil Taylor, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

What's hot: Flounder continue to be a great option around the region. They are around in such numbers that it is becoming common again to catch them on accident, but targeting them has been successful as well, with big fish being caught.

Tackle and techniques: Use a light spinning outfit with a medium-light action rod and a quarter-ounce jighead with a soft-plastic tail tied to a short length of 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. The medium-light action rod serves several purposes: feeling the subtle strikes of the flounder, and allowing them to bend that rod down as they swim with it, giving them a chance to hook themselves. The quarter-ounce jighead will help to get the offering down. Keep the lure running just above or in contact with the bottom. If it comes to a sudden stop, it's either a snag or a flounder. Slowly lift the rod tip high and try to "move your snag." Land hooked flounder quickly as they are notorious for shaking out the jig hooks.

Where to look: Flounder have been in deeper sand patches surrounded by grass, shallow sandy areas that border oysters or rocks, docks, bridges, creek mouths, swash channels and passes. The commonality is sand, the bottom flounder prefer.

Neil Taylor charters kayak fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area and can be reached at strikethreekayakfishing.com or (727) 692-6345.


Miami's QB focuses on present, not past

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Times wires
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

MIAMI — Jacory Harris isn't out for revenge tonight against Virginia. In fact, he says what the Cavaliers did to him in 2010 might have set the tone for his stellar play in 2011.

The quarterback was knocked out of the Hurricanes' game at the Cavaliers a year ago with a concussion. And when Harris returned, he struggled, including throwing three first-quarter interceptions against Notre Dame in the Sun Bowl.

This season, he's clicking with 12 touchdown passes and only four interceptions entering tonight's home game against Virginia, in which Miami seeks its first three-game win streak since October 2009.

"It's a big game because it's an ACC game," Harris, a 6-foot-4 195-pound senior, said. "It's not big because of what happened last year. Last year is last year. Things happen. I got hit; got knocked out. But it was a great thing. It helped me, I guess, find the next level and start really recognizing a lot of things in life."

Harris threw 32 interceptions as a sophomore and a junior. But he had gone more than 17 quarters without one before a deflected pass during the fourth quarter of Saturday's win over Georgia Tech.

"He'll just continue to get better, I believe," Virginia coach Mike London said. "He's already got the height and the arm strength and the skills. His touchdown-to-interception ratio has dramatically increased because he can read the roads and he can put the ball and place the ball where it needs to be placed."

At 2-2 in the ACC, Miami (4-3) sits one game back of Virginia Tech in the Coastal Division. But because they lost to the Hokies on Oct. 8, the Hurricanes can't afford another loss if they hope to reach the conference title game. Virginia (4-3, 1-2) also cannot afford another ACC loss.

And the game comes after a short week of preparation, both teams getting only four days to recover from Saturday's games.

Miami (15-2 on Thursdays) will play without starting right tackle Jon Feliciano, who injured an ankle during a touchdown celebration against the Yellow Jackets. Malcolm Bunche will start in his place.

The teams have split the past four meetings. That includes Virginia's 48-0 win in 2007, Miami's final game at the Orange Bowl.

"This will be a good test for us," Miami coach Al Golden said. "Virginia's done a nice job against us in the last couple years. We're both coming off a short week, so it'll be a challenge mentally."

Harris said he's ready for the challenge.

"I know what people have been saying about me the last couple years," Harris said. "I might not show it all the time, but I remember. I'm just trying to do my part and help this team."

Love-hate relationships

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

tom jones' two cents

There is no more polarizing figure in sports today than Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. People fall into two camps: those who love him and those who hate him. Hate is a strong word, but that really is how some people feel about him. Dozens of Facebook pages with thousands of followers use "hate'' when discussing the former Gator. When it comes to Tebow, there seems to be no in-between, but he is hardly the first sports figure to induce such strong reactions. Our picks for the most polarizing sports figures ever:

Muhammad Ali

He is the most polarizing athlete and one of the most polarizing Americans. His bravado, his politics (especially his refusal to participate in the Vietnam War), his religion and even his name change from Cassius Clay in the '60s were admired by and abhorred by many. For some, he is the most admired, courageous athlete. For others, even years removed from his controversies, he is still an anti-patriotic loudmouth.

Pete Rose

Whether Rose should be in baseball's Hall of Fame is one of sports' most-debated topics. Supporters point to his legendary hustle that helped him become the majors' all-time hit king. Detractors point to his gambling on baseball and years of lying about it as unforgiveable.

John McEnroe

Tennis' spoiled brat was loved by many for the way he stood up to the authority of those snobby tennis types. Others saw him as, well, a spoiled brat.

Bob Knight

"He ran a successful, clean program,'' supporters say about the winningest Division I men's basketball coach of all time. "He's an arrogant bully,'' detractors say. No one ever says, "Ah, I could take him or leave him.''

Tiger Woods

He is a close runner­up to Tebow for the most polarizing figure among current athletes. His fall from grace after a sex scandal has made him fiercely loathed in some circles. Others judge him merely by what he does between the ropes. There, he is one of the greatest golfers who has ever lived.

The Williams sisters

Serena, left, and Venus Williams, tennis' superstar siblings, are loved by many and, we would say, disliked by more. Why? It's naive to think race doesn't play a role. Others are turned off by what they perceive as the sisters' cavalier attitude toward tennis or their occasional surly behavior. Others simply don't like that they have been so dominant. They are the Yankees of women's tennis.

Jack Johnson

The heavyweight boxing champion of the early 20th century was perhaps the most famous African-American of his time. But there is no question he was hated and feared by much of white America. Race and the views of a divided country slanted everything Johnson did.

Howard Cosell

He's the most controversial sports broadcaster ever. He was outrageous, brash, egomaniacal, condescending. Yet, he had a flair for the dramatic and recognized the pivotal moments of every event he called as he was calling it. He is the greatest announcer of all time or the most annoying, depending on your point of view.

Jeff Gordon

His 85 wins and nearly 400 top-10 finishes have made him a NASCAR fan favorite for some, but the California native has never been enough good-ol'-boy for others. It hasn't helped that his first real rival was legendary Dale Earnhardt. In those days, you were either a Gordon guy or you loved the Intimidator.

Rangers profess calm as rain halts title bid

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Times wires
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ST. LOUIS — Colby Lewis and his Texas teammates casually tossed a ball in leftfield, trying to avoid the tarp and any anxiety about being so close to the World Series championship.

On this day, the only winner was the weather.

Game 6 was postponed Wednesday because of an accurate wet forecast, delaying the Rangers' bid to clinch their first championship. Ahead 3-2, they can close out the Cardinals tonight, when it's likely to be clear and in the low 50s.

"We're not getting antsy, we're not getting ahead of ourselves. We just have to wait," Texas manager Ron Washington said.

Lewis is set to start against Jaime Garcia. If there's a Game 7 Friday, it'll be Matt Harrison for Texas against, well, no telling. St. Louis manager Tony La Russa hasn't made an announcement yet, but he could go with ace Chris Carpenter on three days' rest.

"It's already been asked about Carp," La Russa said. "I was told by Carp that he would be ready to go."

The postponement came after a travel day. This two-day gap is the longest at the World Series since 1989, when an earthquake in the San Francisco Bay area left the Athletics and Giants idle for 11 days.

"It's just a rainout, that's it," Texas star Michael Young said. "I don't know if people think we're going to sit in our hotel rooms all night biting our nails. We're going to get something to eat, get some rest and be ready to go."

Major League Baseball announced the decision about 4½ hours before the scheduled first pitch. At the time, no drops had fallen at the ballpark.

By late afternoon, a light mist turned to drizzle and then to steady rain. More showers were on the way.

MLB executive Joe Torre said he alerted Washington and La Russa on Tuesday that a postponement was possible. Rain was in "every forecast we had probably for the last three days," Torre said at a news conference.

Looking at commissioner Bud Selig, Torre asked: "Do you want to play in rain?"

Rest is good: Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton hasn't homered since Sept. 23, a stretch of 19 games and 79 at-bats. That includes all five games against St. Louis in the World Series.

Wednesday's postponement gave Hamilton a chance to rest his ailing groin. He has grown tired of discussing the injury but he'd be ready for tonight.

"I hit in the cage, threw in the outfield, got some treatment on things," he said. "We've figured out some things that will help, allow me to be able to be more aggressive and in less pain."

Upping their value? For Albert Pujols, Edwin Jackson and C.J. Wilson, the future is now. Every time they get a hit or make a key pitch during this Series, their accomplishments are being noted by general managers and scouts throughout the majors.

Less than a week after the postseason's final out, they'll be on the free agent market, and their performances under the highest pressure will help determine their worth.

"Postseason value leads to the idea that you can accomplish more for a franchise above your performance levels than you would anticipate," said Scott Boras, who represents Jackson.

Dodgers: A Delaware judge has postponed a bankruptcy court showdown between the team and MLB that will determine the fate of the club. A four-day evidentiary hearing that was to have begun Monday was rescheduled for Nov. 29 through Dec. 2.

Yankees: Team officials, originally scheduled for two days of organizational meetings in Tampa, dispersed after one 6½-hour session, New York's Newday reported. GM Brian Cashman's contract expires Monday, but he and the team have said a new deal will be in place before then. No announcements were made Wednesday.

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

tennis

hurt sharapova leaves season finale

ISTANBUL — Maria Sharapova pulled out of the WTA Championships with a sore ankle Wednesday after losing her second straight match at the season-ending tournament.

No. 2-ranked Sharapova's withdrawal ensures that Caroline Wozniacki will finish the year with the No. 1 ranking despite losing her group-stage match against Vera Zvonareva.

Sharapova entered the tournament after sitting out since withdrawing in the quarterfinals in Tokyo last month because of an ankle injury. After losing 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 to French Open champion Li Na in her second round-robin match, Sharapova said the ankle hadn't recovered as well as she had hoped after the first round, in which she lost to Tampa resident and U.S. Open champion Sam Stosur.

Sharapova will be replaced by alternate Marion Bartoli, who faces Victoria Azarenka in the final group round. Azarenka beat Stosur 6-2, 6-2 Wednesday, and Wozniacki fell to 1-1 in the round-robin phase after losing 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to Zvonareva.

Erste Bank Open: Juan Martin Del Potro defeated Philipp Petzschner 6-3, 6-4 Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals in Vienna. The 2009 U.S. Open winner is seeking one of three remaining spots in next month's ATP season-ending tournament.

autos

Power says he is still committed to IndyCar

Will Power said he is committed to IndyCar and believes the series will become much safer from the investigation into Dan Wheldon's fatal accident.

Power sustained broken vertebra in the 15-car accident that killed the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and St. Petersburg resident Oct. 16. Power's car went airborne and hit the wall that had an energy-absorbing SAFER barrier at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

In the days after the accident, reports in Power's native Australia indicated he was reconsidering his future in IndyCar. He said that is not the case.

"I see how committed (IndyCar CEO) Randy Bernard is to making it safer, and that gives me confidence," Power said.

Meanwhile, rookie driver Pippa Mann, also injured in the crash, rejected critics' complaints that too many inexperienced drivers were in the crowded 34-car field for the season finale. Eight drivers were rookies.

"They don't just let people come in off the street and race an IndyCar," said Mann, who suffered severe burns down to the pinkie bone on her right hand. She had surgery Tuesday to move nerves, blood vessels, tendon and skin grafts from her hand in an effort to rebuild the pinkie.

et cetera

boxing: A Las Vegas judge found Floyd Mayweather Jr. not guilty of misdemeanor charges accusing him of threatening two homeowners association security guards outside his home. Justice of the Peace Diana Sullivan said she was not convinced the guards feared for their safety in the October 2010 confrontation over parking tickets. Mayweather did not testify. The guards testified they would have preferred not to take the case to trial.

nba: Players, owners and commissioner David Stern met for more than seven hours in a small group in New York, the latest effort to end the lockout. Talks broke down Oct. 20 when players said owners insisted they agree to a 50-50 revenue split as a condition to further discuss the salary cap system.

pan am games: U.S. gymnast Bridgette Caquatto, 17, won the gold medal in the women's all-around at Guadalajara, Mexico.

soccer: The governing body's election bribery scandal put 10 more Caribbean officials under investigation over an alleged plot involving ex-presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam.

Times wires

Times wires

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Havre de Grace is going where Zenyatta once did, taking on the boys in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic. The 4-year-old filly is 5-of-6 this year and a victory could burnish her credentials for horse of the year, although Uncle Mo and Flat Out are major threats.

A record 193 horses, including 29 from overseas, were pre-entered Wednesday for the $26 million, 15-race Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs in Louis­ville, Ky., on Nov. 4-5. That tops last year's total of 184.

Todd Pletcher leads all trainers with 15 horses pre-entered, followed by Irishman Aidan O'Brien with 14 and Hall of Famer Bob Baffert with 11.

Havre de Grace was pre-entered in the 1¼-mile Classic, along with 13 others, including Uncle Mo, Travers winner Stay Thirsty, Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Flat Out, Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, European star So You Think, Belmont Stakes winner Ruler on Ice and 2010 Belmont winner Drosselmeyer.

Havre de Grace's owner Rick Porter also entered his filly in the $2 million Ladies' Classic as an insurance policy.

"The only reason we wouldn't run in the Classic is if we drew the (No. 1) hole or if we saw a complete difference in the weather on Friday and Saturday," he said on a conference call.

Final entries and the post-position draw will be Monday.

Uncle Mo is one of the more remarkable comeback stories of the year. The 3-year-old colt was the early Kentucky Derby favorite before being sidelined after the first loss of his career in the Wood Memorial. He was out 4½ months with a life-threatening liver disease that caused him to lose 200 pounds.

"Losing 200 pounds in May and June, gaining weight back and now competing at such a high level, it takes not just a super horse but one of the greatest of all time if he's able to do it," owner Mike Repole said. "Uncle Mo has never looked better, has never trained better. This is the Uncle Mo we thought we'd see the whole 3-year-old season."

The two-day event opens Nov. 4 with a new race, the Juvenile Sprint for 2-year-olds at 6 furlongs.

Tampa Bay Lightning's expectations increasing for rookie Brett Connolly

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It was difficult for Brett Connolly to describe exactly what had changed for him during Wednesday's practice.

The pace of the workout seemed quicker, the Lightning rookie said. The scrutiny from coach Guy Boucher seemed harsher.

"I think for me being 19, they had let me off the hook a little," Connolly said. "It's not going to happen anymore."

That is because Connolly is officially in the NHL.

He played what essentially was a nine-game tryout, and rather than send him back to Prince George of the junior Western league — which would have delayed the start of his three-year, $2.7 million contract until next season — Tampa Bay determined Connolly's long-term development, and the team, were better served with him sticking with the big boys.

He starts getting paid with tonight's game against the Predators at Bridgestone Arena, and that turns what had been a nice little story about a player's unexpected rise through the organization into one of increased expectations and required achievement.

"I told him (Wednesday)," Boucher said, " 'Congratulations. You've done the easy part. Now you're an NHL player. This is a performance league. It's not a development league. We make decisions in terms of performance; therefore, you have to be accountable like everybody else. You can't be just a new kid.' "

"You have to perform every night," Connolly said. "Even (Wednesday) in practice I could tell they were like, 'Okay, you've had your treatment like a 19-year-old.' They're going to treat you like a veteran. Obviously, Guy is going to be hard on me, so you have to adapt again."

Connolly, the No. 6 overall pick of the 2010 draft, has adapted well. Playing on a top-six line with center Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis, the right wing has two assists, is averaging 13:54 of ice time and entered Wednesday tied for the league lead among rookies at plus-5.

He skates well, puts himself in the right positions, gets to the net and is responsible defensively. He also is getting time on the power play.

"He deserves to be here," Lecavalier said.

Added general manager Steve Yzerman: "We're a better team with him in the lineup."

About the only thing Connolly, 6 feet 2, 181 pounds, hasn't done is score. But Boucher doesn't want him worrying about points.

"He's going to have points eventually, for sure, but when?" Boucher said. "That's why we don't want to put pressure on him. That's where I've seen failure before."

Boucher said he wants Connolly concentrating on getting to the net, back-checking, playing defense, things that make a complete player. The emphasis might have been different with struggling Prince George, which would have needed Connolly to produce points.

"This is the best place right now to continue his development to get better," Yzerman said.

"I've accomplished everything I wanted going into the summer," Connolly said. "Now I have to take it one step further and be a contributor and a good NHLer."

Canadiens end skid with win over Flyers

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Times wires
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

MONTREAL — Carey Price made 21 saves for his 100th win, Max Pacioretty had two goals and an assist, and the Canadiens ended a six-game losing streak with a 5-1 win over the Flyers on Wednesday night.

Pacioretty, who was a game-time decision because of a wrist injury, assisted on Andrei Kostitsyn's goal 10:26 into the second and scored 2:12 later to make it 3-1. He added his second goal of the game in the third.

Yannick Weber scored a power-play goal late in the first period to tie it at 1. Michael Cammelleri also scored for Montreal, which got its first win in six games at the Bell Centre (1-3-2).

Jaromir Jagr had the Flyers' only goal. It was his third of the season. Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov continued to have problems. He has allowed 14 goals in his past three games, all losses.

The Canadiens, 2-5-2 overall, had not gone this deep into a season before claiming their second win since 1941-42, when they started 1-10-1.

About 90 minutes before the game, Montreal announced it had fired assistant coach Perry Pearn, who was responsible for running the power play. Montreal entered the game 3-for-32 with the man advantage. It was 1-for-5 in the game.

Kings: All-Star defenseman Drew Doughty was cleared for contact drills for the first time since getting hurt Oct. 15 on a hit by the Flyers' Zac Rinaldo, and he hopes to play tonight at Dallas. The team has said Doughty had an upper-body injury unrelated to his head.

Rangers: The team becomes the last to play its home opener when it hosts the Maple Leafs tonight. The Rangers played their first seven games in three countries over almost three weeks while the first stage of a three-part renovation of Madison Square Garden was completed. The project won't be finished for two more years. The arena also will shut down the next two summers for more around-the-clock construction. For now, the home and visitors' dressing rooms are new, as is the lower bowl of seats.

at Canadiens1225
Flyers1001

First Period1, Philadelphia, Jagr 3 (Carle, Hartnell), 10:43. 2, Montreal, Weber 2 (Desharnais), 19:57 (pp). PenaltiesPhiladelphia bench, served by Meszaros (too many men), :58; Eller, Mon (hooking), 3:03; Gill, Mon (hooking), 14:24; Lilja, Phi (interference), 18:40.

Second Period3, Montreal, Kostitsyn 3 (Spacek, Pacioretty), 10:26. 4, Montreal, Pacioretty 3 (Subban, Plekanec), 12:38. PenaltiesGorges, Mon (interference), 6:43; Meszaros, Phi (hooking), 16:13; Kostitsyn, Mon (elbowing), 18:49; Voracek, Phi (high-sticking), 20:00.

Third Period5, Montreal, Pacioretty 4 (Plekanec, Gorges), 3:16. 6, Montreal, Cammalleri 3 (Desharnais, Cole), 15:36. PenaltiesGiroux, Phi (roughing), 12:00; Plekanec, Mon (elbowing), 12:00; Simmonds, Phi, misconduct, 18:10; Moen, Mon, misconduct, 18:10; van Riemsdyk, Phi (hooking), 18:45. Shots on GoalPhiladelphia 8-10-4—22. Montreal 5-11-12—28. Power-play opportunitiesPhiladelphia 0 of 4; Montreal 1 of 5. GoaliesPhiladelphia, Bryzgalov 3-3-1 (28 shots-23 saves). Montreal, Price 2-4-2 (22-21).


Canadiens snap out of skid after firing

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Times wires
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

MONTREAL — Already feeling a desperate need to get their next win, the Canadiens reacted positively to a rough reminder that slumps put jobs on the line.

Carey Price made 21 saves for his 100th win, Max Pacioretty had two goals and an assist, and Montreal ended a six-game losing streak with a 5-1 win over the Flyers on Wednesday.

Assistant coach Perry Pearn was fired before the game. General manager Pierre Gauthier told his players in the dressing room a few hours before warmups.

"It was a big shock to all the players. We didn't see it coming at all," said Pacioretty, who was a game-time decision because of a wrist injury. "When things are not going your way, you've got to mix things up, and it kind of sent a message to the players that they're willing to do what it takes to win hockey games."

Pearn was responsible for the power play. Montreal entered the game 3-for-32 with the man advantage. It was 1-for-5 against the Flyers.

This was the Canadiens' first win at home (1-3-2). Montreal, 2-5-2 overall, had not gone this deep into a season before getting its second win since 1941-42, when it started 1-10-1.

Jaromir Jagr got his third goal in two games for Philadelphia.

Kings: All-Star defenseman Drew Doughty was cleared for contact drills for the first time since getting hurt Oct. 15 on a hit by the Flyers' Zac Rinaldo, and he hopes to play tonight at Dallas. The team has said Doughty had an upper-body injury unrelated to his head.

Rangers: The team becomes the last to play its home opener when it hosts the Maple Leafs tonight. The Rangers played their first seven games in three countries over almost three weeks while the first stage of a three-part renovation of Madison Square Garden was completed. The project won't be finished for two more years. The arena also will shut down the next two summers for more around-the-clock construction. For now, the home and visitors' dressing rooms are new, as is the lower bowl of seats.

at Canadiens1225
Flyers1001

First Period1, Philadelphia, Jagr 3 (Carle, Hartnell), 10:43. 2, Montreal, Weber 2 (Desharnais), 19:57 (pp). PenaltiesPhiladelphia bench, served by Meszaros (too many men), :58; Eller, Mon (hooking), 3:03; Gill, Mon (hooking), 14:24; Lilja, Phi (interference), 18:40.

Second Period3, Montreal, Kostitsyn 3 (Spacek, Pacioretty), 10:26. 4, Montreal, Pacioretty 3 (Subban, Plekanec), 12:38. PenaltiesGorges, Mon (interference), 6:43; Meszaros, Phi (hooking), 16:13; Kostitsyn, Mon (elbowing), 18:49; Voracek, Phi (high-sticking), 20:00.

Third Period5, Montreal, Pacioretty 4 (Plekanec, Gorges), 3:16. 6, Montreal, Cammalleri 3 (Desharnais, Cole), 15:36. PenaltiesGiroux, Phi (roughing), 12:00; Plekanec, Mon (elbowing), 12:00; Simmonds, Phi, misconduct, 18:10; Moen, Mon, misconduct, 18:10; van Riemsdyk, Phi (hooking), 18:45. Shots on GoalPhiladelphia 8-10-4—22. Montreal 5-11-12—28. Power-play opportunitiesPhiladelphia 0 of 4; Montreal 1 of 5. GoaliesPhiladelphia, Bryzgalov 3-3-1 (28 shots-23 saves). Montreal, Price 2-4-2 (22-21).

Eagle says front office playing fantasy football

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — Unhappy he was trade bait, Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel criticized management and compared the team's front office to people who play fantasy football.

"Couple people upstairs might not want me, but who cares. They've probably never played football," Samuel said Wednesday. "It's a business and they run it like a business. … They're playing with a lot of money, playing fantasy football, doing their thing."

Asked if he was referring to GM Howie Roseman and president Joe Banner, Samuel said: "Do they fit the comment I made? There you go. You think they're upstairs playing fantasy football with the owner's money?"

More Eagles: Quarterback Vince Young is being sued by a Dallas strip club manager he allegedly punched in the face last year. Creiton Kinchen claims Young hit him after he refused to convert $8,000 off a credit card into single dollar bills. Young was cited for misdemeanor assault.

Viking fined $20K for kick: Defensive end Brian Robison was fined $20,000 by the NFL for kicking Packers offensive lineman T.J. Lang in the groin after a field goal attempt Sunday.

Stafford practices: Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford practiced on his injured right ankle, but coach Jim Schwartz hasn't said anything definitive on Stafford's status yet.

Owens offer: Receiver Terrell Owens, who wants to return to the NFL after rehabbing a left knee injury, has a contract offer from the Arena Football League's Chicago Rush for 2012. Owens' agent did not comment.

Rams: Quarterback Sam Bradford (high left ankle sprain) did not practice so it appears A.J. Feeley is likely to start this week.

West Virginia to Big 12 not a done deal

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Times wires
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Conference realignment took another turn Wednesday.

A day after it appeared the Big 12 decided West Virginia would replace Missouri, fellow Big East school Louisville entered the picture with help from a politician.

The New York Times reported West Virginia was so confident of being invited, it was working on scheduling a news conference with the Big 12 for Wednesday. (Athletic director Oliver Luck declined to comment.)

But Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell lobbied Big 12 officials (including Oklahoma president and former U.S. senator David Boren) for Louisville's inclusion. That prompted West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate committee that oversees sports, to release a statement:

"The Big 12 picked WVU on the strength of its program — period. Now the media reports that political games may upend that. That's just flat wrong. I am doing and will do whatever it takes to get us back to the merits."

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin also released a statement:

"If these outrageous reports have any merit — and especially if a United States Senator has done anything inappropriate or unethical to interfere with a decision that the Big 12 had already made — then I believe that there should be an investigation in the U.S. Senate, and I will fight to get the truth."

Manchin later said his problem was the timing: "I would expect McConnell to lobby for Louisville but not after the Big 12 makes its decision.''

McConnell's office declined to comment.

"Mitch McConnell talked about the merits of Louisville and nothing else," Texas Tech chancellor and former congressman Kent Hance said. "I think the guys from West Virginia got caught flat-footed not sticking up for West Virginia."

Boren provided little help.

"I think all of this should have great clarity within the next 10 days or less," he said.

One thing seems sure: Missouri is leaving the Big 12. The New York Times reported that only an agreement on an exit fee is holding up an official announcement of its departure to the SEC.

With Missouri and Texas A&M off to the SEC after this season and TCU coming in next season, the Big 12 stands at nine teams. The Kansas City Star reported it will stay at 10 until Notre Dame, now an independent, decides on its future. And there's no guarantee it's down to Louisville or West Virginia. Other schools, including BYU, have been reported as under consideration.

At the moment, the Big East has six schools. Several media reports have it talking to Boise State, Air Force and Navy for football only and Houston, SMU and Central Florida for all sports. The presidents are meeting Tuesday, and multiple reports say they likely will give commissioner John Marinatto authority to invite them.

If West Virginia or Louisville leaves, Temple, once kicked out of the Big East and currently in the MAC, could be a candidate.

Ohio St.: The tattoo parlor owner at the center of the school's NCAA investigation was sentenced to three years in prison for drug trafficking and money laundering. In December, five players were found to have received cash and discounted tattoos from Edward Rife in exchange for memorabilia and championship rings. Judge Gregory Frost said that had no bearing on his sentence.

Pitt 35, UConn 20: Tino Sunseri threw for two scores and a career-high 419 yards and ran for a score for the host Panthers. But Pitt (4-4, 2-1 Big East) lost Ray Graham, the nation's second-leading rusher, to a right knee injury. An MRI exam is set for today. The Huskies (3-5, 1-2) got an offensive touchdown, Kashif Moore's 62-yard catch, after failing to do so in their previous two games.

Men's soccer: Dom Dwyer scored twice as host USF beat Cincinnati 3-0. USF (12-2-2), No. 6 in the coaches' poll, can clinch the Big East's Red Division with a win or tie at Rutgers on Sunday.

Volleyball: Tampa moved within a victory of the best start in school history, beating Sunshine State Conference rival and host Florida Southern in four sets. The Spartans (24-0, 11-0 SSC), ranked No. 1 in the coaches' poll, play at Eckerd on Friday.

John Romano: Andrew Friedman has more to give before exiting from the Tampa Bay Rays

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

He's not going to Anaheim. He was never going to Chicago, and he definitely won't be going to Houston, either.

So you probably shouldn't waste any time worrying about the Rays losing executive vice president Andrew Friedman before the 2012 season.

Instead, save your angst for 2013. Or 2015.

Because the speculation is not going to disappear in the future, and eventually Friedman might be forced to consider leaving a situation he adores.

It wouldn't be about prestige. It wouldn't be about new challenges. It might eventually have something to do with salary, but if that was the only factor, he'd already be in Anaheim.

The reality is the franchise's uncertain future in Tampa Bay will lead to a lot of soul-searching for Friedman, and others in the organization, in the coming years.

So, for a moment, forget what you think about stadium location, taxes, attendance or the old black ops, double-cross marketing plan. Instead, look at this on a personal level.

If the owner is talking about selling, if the commissioner is preaching gloom, if the market is not responding in unison, wouldn't you worry about future working conditions?

I wrote three months ago that Friedman's relationship with owner Stuart Sternberg and team president Matt Silverman was the single biggest factor keeping him here, and I still believe that's true. The problem is Sternberg is sounding less and less committed to Tampa Bay, and that means Friedman, and others, must reassess their own situations.

This is a unique situation in Major League Baseball. Friedman works without a contract and is free to leave whenever he chooses.

There has been speculation that Friedman has an ownership stake in the Rays, but that does not appear to be the case. Sternberg was talking in more philosophical terms when he recently described Friedman as his partner in this endeavor.

To Sternberg, a partner is someone in whom he has placed his trust. Contracts are for business associates. Partnerships are more about a common understanding and a bond.

With that in mind, there may come a day when Sternberg tells his partner that circumstances have changed. That the payroll isn't going to be as flexible as it has been in the past. Or that the team might soon be on the open market.

If, or when, that day comes, Friedman will be the hottest commodity not in uniform. His work in Tampa Bay stands up to the performance of any GM in the free agent era.

Over the past four seasons, he has more playoff appearances than the Red Sox and as many as the Yankees, even though payrolls in Boston and New York have been triple and quadruple the size of Tampa Bay's.

Chances are also pretty good that Friedman's reputation will grow larger in 2012.

The Rays won 91 games this past season with a payroll around $41 million, and they stand to lose little production from that team. And despite Sternberg's recent warnings, I don't think he will let the window close on another opportunity to contend next year.

So don't be surprised if, given the right set of circumstances in potential trades, the payroll increases to the low 50s in 2012 and the Rays again win 90-95 games.

That, inevitably, would lead to more speculation about Friedman next year. And, by then, you might be able to add manager Joe Maddon and others to that list as well.

Maddon is going into the final season of his contract and may choose to keep his options open instead of signing an extension in the coming months.

The point is, the Rays have one of the finest management structures in the game. And the more the team wins, the more attention it will garner from other organizations.

That is true of any team that has success, but Tampa Bay is in a unique situation because there has not been corresponding success in revenues.

You need not worry about an exodus this season. And it may not happen next winter, either. But if the revenue situation does not change dramatically, someone will eventually blink. It could be Friedman. It could be Maddon. It could be a handful of others.

It's true, Friedman owes his career in baseball to Silverman and Sternberg. They gave him a chance he otherwise would never have gotten, and that means something to him. On the other hand, he has rewarded their faith beyond any reasonable expectations.

So what you have is a relationship that is unlike any other in baseball today. It is based on friendship, trust and shared experiences.

It is a partnership just strong enough to encourage someone to walk away if it's in their best interests.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers give safety Tanard Jackson a raise and contract extension through 2012 season

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, October 27, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs have given safety Tanard Jackson a big vote of confidence — and a huge incentive a stay clean.

The team put the finishing touches on an extension that takes Jackson's contract through the end of the 2012 season while also more than doubling his base salary for the current season.

Thursday's move comes two weeks after Jackson returned to the team from a yearlong suspension for a third violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy. He immediately was placed in the starting lineup and recorded an interception in his first game back, a win over the Saints. He followed that performance with an interception against the Bears on Sunday in London.

The Bucs saw fit to ensure they kept Jackson around, approaching him with the contract extension last week. After a suspension for substance-abuse issues in 2009 and then another suspension in 2010, which carried over into this season, that the Bucs did the deal speaks volumes about their faith in Jackson's ability to stay clean.

"The Bucs have been tremendously supportive of him all along," agent Peter Schaffer said by phone. "Tampa Bay believes he's made a positive change in his life and that he's taken every possible step to go in a positive direction. No one's ever out of the woods, but they really believe in him, and I believe in him."

The new deal calls for Jackson to make base salaries of $1.454 million this season (prorated over 10 weeks) and $2 million in 2012, according to figures obtained from the NFL Players Association.

Before this move, Jackson's contract was scheduled to expire at the end of this season and he was set to make $600,000 in base salary for 2011 (minus a prorated amount for the five games he missed).

It's not clear what, if any, portions of the contract are guaranteed.

Jackson, 26, spent time at an inpatient rehab facility during his absence from the NFL and has vowed not to repeat his mistakes. Likewise, the team has stressed that it doesn't expect a relapse.

Jackson had hoped for a chance to remain with the Bucs beyond this season, keeping him with the team that drafted him in the fourth round out of Syracuse in 2007.

"The intent was to keep him in a place where he's comfortable," Schaffer said.

Assuming Jackson stays clear of trouble, locking him up gives the Bucs some needed stability at safety. Second-year free safety Cody Grimm will be coming off a season-ending knee injury when next season begins, having been placed on injured reserve last month. And the Bucs could lose starting strong safety Sean Jones, in the midst of a solid season, because he is scheduled to hit free agency in the offseason.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.

Captains corner: Tricking the big bottom fish in

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By Dave Zalewski, Times Correspondent


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Offshore adjustment: When we finally were able to venture out last week we were greeted by silty water conditions on the artificial reefs that drove the Spanish mackerel and kingfish away. We moved to 50-foot depths, where the water finally cleaned up somewhat, and bottom-fished. Two of our setups were small, two-hook snapper rigs, and the other four were rigged for grouper (4-ounce sinkers, 6/0 circle hooks, 50-pound leader on 40-pound class tackle). As expected, the smaller squid-baited circle hooks provided nonstop action on the spin tackle from large white grunts, small red grouper and triggerfish while the larger tackle resulted in grunts, short red grouper and empty hooks. After a lull, the rods doubled over with both keeper red and gag grouper.

Analysis: The somewhat dirty water conditions led to diminished sight ability for the fish. The commotion of the smaller reef fish being caught created a natural chum slick when those fish expelled their stomach contents on the way up. These factors drew benthic fish in to where they found it hard to resist the large live or dead baits presented.

Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach. Call (727) 397-8815.

Fishing 101: Soft-plastic baits

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By Rich Kenda, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bait size

When choosing the right-sized soft-plastic bait, check what's in the water where you are fishing. You want to "match the hatch," as fly fishermen say. If there are 3-inch mullet in the water, use similar-sized bait, though sometimes you can use a lure with a larger tail to entice larger fish. Typically, though, swimbaits with 2½- to 3-inch tails work well with jerkbait tails running about 5 to 6 inches.

Rigging weedless

An advantage that soft-plastics have over hard-body baits is being able to rig the lure "weedless." Without an exposed hook, soft plastics can be fished in the mangroves and over oyster bars without snagging and fished in the sea grasses without snagging a side salad each time. Also, hard-body baits have multiple treble hooks. Jig baits will have either one hook exposed, or when rigged weedless, zero hook points exposed.

Presentation

Rigged right, with the shank of the hook going through the center of the soft plastic and protruding out at the right location, the lures will swim true with great action. One of the most important aspects of using soft-plastic baits, Taylor says, is getting to, and working the lure in, the zone 6 inches from the bottom or from the top of the weeds. Taylor teaches anglers to slow down the lure retrieve and finesse it in deeper water. But when fishing shallow redfish waters, anglers can reel faster and "get aggressive" while keeping the rod tip up, he says.

Soft plastics are just that: soft, flexible plastic baits that look and perform like the baitfish they are meant to imitate. The plastic is heated into liquid form and poured into molds of just about any size and shape, and the lures come in a range of colors. Ingredients such as shiny flecks and scents can be added to pique the fishes' senses of sight and smell. • Soft-plastic baits typically consist of a single hook (instead of the treble hooks found on hard-body lures), which means less trouble with weeds and less trouble with snagged clothing, fingers, hands, etc. • Kayak fishing guide Neil Taylor's clients throw soft-plastic baits hundreds of times every day when targeting inshore game fish such as seatrout and redfish. • "The styles available in soft-plastic lures imitate the general shape of the baitfish, crabs and shrimp that are a natural part of these fishes' diets," Taylor says. "It is up to the angler to present them realistically in situations where the fish are feeding."

Bait styles

The other major component of this fishing setup is, of course, the soft-plastic body that must be threaded onto the jighead.

Swimbaits, also known as paddletails, resemble minnow-type baits such as sardines, mullet and creek chubs. These baits, typically 3 to 4 inches long, have a slender body that produces good natural action, but they must swim to produce strikes as opposed to other varieties that glide and won't sink as fast.

Jerkbaits have longer, more slender tails that do not "thump side to side" like a paddletail, Taylor says. Jerkbait-style tails, such as the Slam R, can be glided smoothly through the water or more erratically, creating a darting motion that can excite fish into striking.

Creature baits are typically molded to look like crustaceans. These funky-looking shapes can be used as situational baits, such as for black drum, or when redfish are honed in on crabs only.

Jigheads

Jigheads come in either the conventional J-hook style or a weedless style.

Taylor says experience has taught him there is a distinct difference in choosing a quality jighead over a less expensive one.

"A three-pack of jigheads for $4 lasts a long time and swims a lot better than the cheaper jigheads, leading to better results," Taylor says. "With a stronger and more durable hook, they won't rust between trips and may be used for long periods of time before they are lost in battle."

When picking a jighead weight, Taylor says gulf anglers will find that 1/16- to ¼-ounce jigheads produce in most inshore situations. A ⅛-ounce jighead covers most situations, but in deeper water or faster currents, a quarter-ounce lure might be necessary.

Choosing the weight might depend on your situation. If you are wading or in a kayak, you are lower to the water. Good casters can still make long tosses with the lightest jigheads and work the lures without snagging seagrass on the bottom. When fishing from a seawall or a powerboat, anglers are perched higher above the water. Heavier jigheads will help the lure swim properly down in the "fishy" zone.


Up next races on major auto circuits

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Times wires
Thursday, October 27, 2011

Up next | Races on major circuits

Sprint Cup

What: Tums Fast Relief 500

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 12:30 and 3 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, noon); Sunday, race (ESPN, 1:30 p.m.); Martinsville, Va.

Fast facts: Four races are left in the Chase for the Championship. … Richard Petty won a record 15 times at Martinsville, the only remaining venue from NASCAR's inaugural season in 1949. … UPS is ending its primary sponsorship of David Ragan and will become an associate sponsor for Carl Edwards. The shift leaves Roush Fenway Racing in search of two primary sponsors for its 2012 Cup program. The team has not announced sponsorship for championship contender Matt Kenseth. … NASCAR has banned the use of power tools when teams are transferring fuel in response to a fuel fire next to Regan Smith's hauler at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend.

Standings: 1. Edwards, 2,237; 2. Kenseth, 2,223; 3. Brad Keselowski, 2,219; 4. Tony Stewart, 2,218; 5. Kevin Harvick, 2,211; 6. Kyle Busch, 2,197; 7. Jimmie Johnson, 2,187; 8. Kurt Busch, 2,185; 9. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2,163; 10. Jeff Gordon, 2,155; 11. Denny Hamlin, 2,153; 12. Ryan Newman, 2,149

Trucks

What: Kroger 200

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 2 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 10:30 a.m.), race (Speed, 2 p.m.); Martinsville, Va.

Fast facts: Three races are left in the season.

Standings: 1. Austin Dillon, 769; 2. James Buescher, 766; 3. Johnny Sauter, 755; 4. Ron Hornaday, 753; 5. Timothy Peters, 727

Formula One

What: Indian Grand Prix

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 4:30 a.m.); Saturday, practice, qualifying (Speed, 4:30 a.m.); Sunday, race (Speed, 5:30 a.m., taped 3 p.m.); Noida, India

Fast facts: Sebastian Vettel, who has wrapped up his second straight season title, needs to sweep the final three races to match Michael Schumacher's 2004 record of 13 victories.

Standings: 1. Vettel-x, 349; 2. Jenson Button, 222; 3. Fernando Alonso, 212; 4. Mark Webber, 209; 5. Lewis Hamilton, 196. x-clinched title

Nationwide

Next: O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge, Nov. 5, Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth

Standings: 1. Ricky Stenhouse, 1,100; 2. Elliott Sadler, 1,085; 3. Aric Almirola, 1,013; 4. Justin Allgaier, 1,009; 5. Reed Sorenson, 1,006

NHRA

What: Big O Tires Nationals

When/where: Today, qualifying; Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 10:30 p.m.); Sunday, final eliminations (ESPN2, 7 p.m.); Las Vegas

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Antron Brown, 2,425; 2. Larry Dixon, 2,405. Funny Car — 1. Jack Beckman, 2,362; 2. Matt Hagan, 2,357. Pro Stock — 1. Jason Line, 2,505; 2. Greg Anderson, 2,317. Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Eddie Krawiec, 2,466; 2. Hector Arana, 2,456

Major changes approved

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Times wires
Thursday, October 27, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA's Division I board of directors approved a package of sweeping reforms Thursday.

"It was one of the most aggressive and fullest agendas the board has ever faced," NCAA president Mark Emmert said. "I think they're taking positive steps for schools and student-athletes."

The measures:

• Conferences can vote to provide up to $2,000 in spending money to a student-athlete beyond tuition, room and board, books and fees. Emmert said it is not pay-for-play, but the reintroduction of a stipend that existed until 1972. He compared it to stipends given to students with nonathletic scholarships. The money, which must be given equally to men and women, will come from individual schools. BCS conferences are expected to approve the payments, but it might prove too costly for others.

• Schools can award scholarships on a multiyear basis. Currently, they are renewed annually and can be revoked for any reason. Multiyear scholarships could be pulled for poor grades, academic misconduct or other improper behavior but not solely on athletic performance.

• Tied academic performance to postseason play. Beginning in 2012-13, teams must average 900 on the Academic Progress Rate over the previous four years or 930 over the previous two to be eligible. In 2014-15, the averages rise to 930 and 940, respectively. In 2015-16, schools must score 930. The measure includes football bowl games. Schools falling short could lose scholarships, practice time or games. The changes mean defending men's basketball champion Connecticut could miss the spring 2013 tournament. It already has lost two scholarships because of low marks, and it's projected to have averages of 888.6 for four years and 900.5 for two. School president Susan Herbst said she was confident the rule would not be implemented until schools have a chance to show they've made improvements. But the NCAA said it plans to allow few waivers.

• Beginning in August, high school seniors need a 2.3 GPA in 16 core courses, up from 2.0.

• Instead of 20 evaluation days in July and none in April, basketball coaches get four in April and 12 in July. Also, they can make unlimited calls and send unlimited text messages to recruits starting the June 15 after their sophomore years. The NCAA hopes this limits the influence of agents or unscrupulous coaches by eliminating all third parties.

• Endorsed a plan to edit the massive rule book and focus on broad integrity questions rather than rules such as the size of permissible envelopes to mail information to recruits. A formal proposal is expected in April.

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Thursday, October 27, 2011

NBA

Progress slow, but Sides reconvene

NEW YORK — With a day of progress behind them and the hope of a full 82-game season still ahead, NBA players and owners resumed talks toward ending the lockout Thursday. Small groups from both sides returned to a hotel less than 12 hours after finishing a 15-hour meeting. Both sides acknowledged there was progress on issues related to the salary cap system, though they didn't offer any specifics. Though the first two weeks of the season have been canceled because of the lockout, union executive director Billy Hunter said he believed 82 games were still possible with a deal by Sunday or Monday.

Pan Am Games

UF-bound gymnast wins gold on bars

U.S. gymnast and future Gator Bridgette Caquatto, 17, won the gold medal in the uneven bars in individual event finals at Guadalajara, Mexico, and former world all-around champion and Olympic medalist Shawn Johnson won silver. Caquatto, a high school senior, will join older sister Mackenzie, a member of the U.S. national team, at UF next year. In track, former Olympic champion Felix Sanchez settled for bronze in the 400-meter hurdles. The Dominican runner, who was born in the United States and went to USC, took first in the 2004 Athens Games and is also a two-time world champion. Cuba's Omar Cisneros won in 47.99 seconds, a new Pan Am record.

Tennis

Wozniacki falls again

Petra Kvitova reached the semifinals of the WTA Championships, dominating Caroline Wozniacki in a 6-4, 6-2 win that handed the top-ranked Dane her second loss at the season-ending event in Istanbul.

Joining Kvitova in the semifinals was Victoria Azarenka, who beat Li Na 6-2, 6-2, to improve to 2-0 in pool play. Agnieszka Radwanska topped Vera Zvonareva 1-6, 6-2, 7-5. Li plays Tampa resident Sam Stosur today, with the winner advancing.

Et cetera

Baseball: Jerome Jackson, an attorney representing the Dodgers and owner Frank McCourt, said Marvin Norwood and Louis Sanchez, the men accused of beating Giants fan Bryan Stow in a Dodger Stadium parking lot, should be held liable for tens of millions of dollars in a lawsuit. Jackson also predicted that a jury will place some blame on Stow. "I've been doing these cases for 23 years and I have never seen one yet which it didn't take at least two people to tango," he told ESPNLosAngeles.com.

Soccer: Women's Professional Soccer terminated its South Florida franchise after clashing with owner Dan Borislow all season. The magicJack featured former Gators star Abby Wambach.

Times wires

McIlroy in lead for rich top prize

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Times wires
Thursday, October 27, 2011

SHANGHAI — U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy shot 8-under 64 Thursday to take a one-stroke lead in the Shanghai Masters, a lucrative invitational tournament that isn't sanctioned by any of the major tours.

McIlroy had eight birdies — five on the back nine — in his bogey-free round on Lake Malaren's Jack Nicklaus-designed Masters course.

"If I can play as solid for the next three days as I did (Thursday), I feel as if I'll be very difficult to beat," McIlroy said.

The 30 players are vying for the $2 million first prize, the richest in the sport. All the top players are getting appearance money, and last place pays $25,000. The event is run by International Management Group, a sports, fashion and media business.

Hunter Mahan was second, and Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Padraig Harrington were third at 67.

John Daly was in a group at 69 along with Lee Westwood, Retief Goosen, Y.E. Yang and Robert Karlsson.

"With a small field — and I think I may get in trouble for saying this — but I'm kind of glad it's not sanctioned by the European or PGA Tour," Daly said. "It shows that China is doing something on their own. They're saying, 'Hey, we may not need the PGA Tour or European Tour, no disrespect.' "

Masters champion Charl Schwartzel shot 70, and PGA winner Keegan Bradley finished with 72.

Asia Pacific Classic: Robert Allenby shot 8-under 63 for a one-stroke lead over Jhonattan Vegas, who birdied the final four holes, after the first round of the second-year event sanctioned by the PGA and Asian tours in Selangor, Malaysia. Fredrik Jacobson opened with 65, and Bo Van Pelt, Cameron Tringale and Jimmy Walker were another stroke back.

Injuries at running back position reduced Arrelious Benn's role in passing game

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, October 27, 2011

TAMPA — There were many lingering questions in the wake of the Bucs' 24-18 loss to the Bears on Sunday in London, and one of them was the light workload of WR Arrelious Benn.

The 2010 second-round pick finished without a catch for the first time in 19 games and was targeted just one time. Benn was off the field for much of the day, surprising given his big-play ability. Dezmon Briscoe instead took the majority of the reps at flanker, with Mike Williams, as usual, playing split end on the opposite side.

Benn explained the reasons for this: In three-wide receiver sets, which the team used for most of the game, Briscoe is considered the No. 1 flanker. Because of injuries to RB Earnest Graham and FB Erik Lorig, the Bucs had one healthy back (Kregg Lumpkin), so they were precluded from using their base package.

"You put the best guys on the field and try to come away with the win," Benn said. "We left a couple of plays out there on the field. But we have to regroup and take this bye week to take a rest and start all over again."

Briscoe had six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown, targeted by QB Josh Freeman 10 times. Benn still leads the team in receiving average with 16.2 yards per reception. The team ranks 26th in yards per catch (6.3).

STEPPING UP: Coach Raheem Morris coached defensive backs in practice this week in place of secondary coach Jimmy Lake, who had surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his left knee.

Morris said Lake toughed out last week's trip to London despite the injury, which he suffered while celebrating a touchdown Oct. 16 against the Saints.

"He definitely gets the ironman award of all time," Morris said. " … He coached the whole game."

TIME OFF: The team is off until Tuesday because of this week's bye. The NFL's new collective bargaining agreement mandates at least four consecutive days off for players during byes.

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