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St. Anthony's Triathlon swim course moves

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Times staff
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

St. Anthony's Triathlon officials have moved the open water swim portion to an area of Tampa Bay north of North Shore Pool in St. Petersburg. The swim course will be 1.5K or .93 miles. The bike and run portions of the race and the transition areas will remain the same. During last year's triathlon, the swim course was relocated away from the St. Petersburg Pier and shortened to 1,000 meters due to weather conditions. Registration for the April 29 event starts at 9 a.m. Dec. 1. Visit SATriathlon.com or call (727) 953-9005.


College football scouting report: Florida State Seminoles at Boston College, 8 p.m. Thursday, ESPN, 1040-AM

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Times staff and wires
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Boston College (2-6, 1-4 ACC) opened the season 1-6, and it would need to win the rest of its games to extend its streak of 12 straight bowl games alive. The Seminoles (5-3, 3-2), meanwhile, have recovered from a three-game losing streak to post three easy victories in a row. The can clinch a bowl berth with a victory. The weather won't be the FSU's liking with a forecast of 48 degrees and a 20 percent chance of rain. That could affect FSU's passing game which has had seven FSU receivers catch more than 10 passes this season.

Watch out for …

BC linebacker Luke Kuechly. He has 130 total tackles this season and will command FSU's full offensive respect in the blocking game.

Times staff and wires

Coach Guy Boucher shakes up Tampa Bay Lightning with intense set of drills

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

TAMPA — The Lightning brass doesn't want its players making a habit out of challenging each other to fight, but coach Guy Boucher had to admit he didn't mind Wednesday's confrontation between Ryan Malone and Dominic Moore.

It happened during a heated faceoff drill in which players on the side losing the draw skated five killer sprints from side wall to side wall at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Before one faceoff, players jostled, words were exchanged and, suddenly, Malone and Moore grabbed each other. Teammates rushed in to separate them.

"That was perfect," Boucher said. "It's just what we needed. The assistant coaches said to me, 'We're accomplishing just what we wanted.' "

What the coaches wanted in a grueling 45-minute practice was to reignite the competitiveness — the want-to — so lacking in the first two periods of Tuesday's 4-2 loss at Carolina.

It wasn't just that Tampa Bay lost. What irked Boucher was the lack of a spark. Defenseman Eric Brewer described it as "trying to see our way through a game."

Boucher could have subjected players to a classic "bag" skate; that is without pucks and with skating drills to make legs scream with pain.

"But I've learned a long time ago that bag skating for the sake of bag skating brings nothing," Boucher said. "It's a punishment.

"(This) is not about punishment. It's redoing what wasn't there (Tuesday). It's about learning how to do it, and it's about doing the details."

So practice mimicked game situations. Players had a 15-minute "pregame" warmup. A faceoff drill was first because, well, games start with faceoffs.

There were one-on-one puck battles, two-on-two battles, puck-chasing drills and three-man goal-line-to-blue-line races in which losers kept racing until they finally won.

There was a two-minute five-on-three power play; appropriate given the team failed to score against the Hurricanes on such an opportunity. The power play scored twice on Wednesday.

"The No. 1 thing is competitiveness; who wants it most," Boucher said. "Everything we did is about doing it right the first time."

"That's what I like about his practices, the simulation of games within the hard work," captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "He's skating us in a smart way so we can improve."

The faceoff drill was the most intense, and just jostling for position before the puck drop was heated. That's when Malone and Moore got into it, and it escalated after the faceoff. It was more pushing and grabbing than a fight, and teammates intervened.

"You're competing, and Mooresey always competes very hard," Malone said. "I was just trying to make it fair for everybody. I don't have too much more to say."

"We're all competitive," Moore said. "At the end of the day, that's what you want."

Bigger picture, he added, "You can't forget that things in this league you have to earn. Nothing is given. You start taking something for granted and start counting something you haven't earned yet, you're in trouble."

Just what Boucher wants to avoid.

"It's about who's willing to pay the price," he said. "It's a habit. Habit is not once in a while. It's every time."

NOTES: Right wing Mattias Ritola is on waivers. … Forward Carter Ashton, with nine goals and 13 points in 10 games for AHL Norfolk, was the league's rookie of the month.

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

Homely Big East (including South Florida Bulls) likely will remain in BCS

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

For argument's sake, let's begin with this premise: Following the defections of West Virginia, TCU, Pittsburgh and Syracuse, the Big East Conference no longer deserves an automatic bid to a BCS bowl.

Completely agree?

Strongly disagree?

Moderately drunk?

In the end, it probably doesn't matter.

Because the Big East will likely come out of this realignment free-for-all with a weaker lineup and yet the same death grip on its automatic qualifier status.

And that's all University of South Florida fans need to hear.

Funny how these things work out. TCU double-crosses the Big East to jump to the Big 12 but may actually have more trouble reaching a New Year's bowl game than USF.

And Missouri leapt from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference but could have a harder time getting an automatic bid than Big East targets UCF or SMU.

Why?

Because while there is certainly less prestige and probably less cash to be had when you're in the weakest of the automatic qualifier conferences, there is a much easier path to college football's postseason landscape. And for fans, that's not a small consolation.

If TCU had actually joined the Big East as planned, it would have instantly been among the league's strongest teams. As it now stands, the Horned Frogs are in the shadow of Oklahoma and Texas.

And do you suppose Missouri will find the SEC, with Alabama, LSU and Auburn, to be a little more challenging than the old Big 12 North?

USF, meanwhile, remains in a conference of middleweights. A league that has sent UConn, Cincinnati, Louisville, Pittsburgh and West Virginia to BCS bowls in recent years. When you look at it that way, prestige may not be all that important.

Now, of course, none of this is guaranteed.

I suppose there is a chance Boise State and the Pips will decide to reject the Big East's invitations this week and the conference will be scrambling to find new dance partners to maintain the BCS-required eight members.

And there's a chance BCS officials will want to review the Big East's automatic qualifier status after the current contract runs out following the 2013 season.

But those do not seem to be the likely scenarios.

First of all, the BCS has never acknowledged there is a mechanism for stripping a conference of its bid.

And even if there are certain criteria involved, I would guess the Big East would have some legal issues regarding interference from other conferences as well as the possibility of undue influence from ESPN's behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

The BCS folks also have had a hard enough time over the years convincing Congress and the United States Attorney General's office that they were not engaging in antitrust violations. Taking an automatic bid away from the Big East might rekindle that fire.

(And isn't it convenient that congressional favorites Navy and Air Force are among the programs the Big East has reportedly invited this week?)

For USF fans, this is truly the only news that matters in conference realignment. You may not like the look of the new Big East. You may be angry that the league was not more proactive in realignment talks. You may be concerned that UCF, SMU and Houston do not have the same cache as Pittsburgh, TCU and Syracuse.

But perception is not nearly as important as BCS politics.

That BCS bid is the only thing standing between USF and irrelevance. Take it away, and USF is just a young school that has never won a conference title or finished a season ranked in the Top 25. It's a program with empty seats in the bleachers and limited name recognition in the TV listings.

If the Big East comes out of this week with enough member schools to keep its BCS bid intact, then everything else is details.

Now would the typical college football fan agree with all of this?

Probably not.

You could make a very convincing argument that the second- or third-best teams in the SEC or Big Ten or Pac-12 deserve automatic BCS bids more than the champion of a watered-down Big East.

Look at it this way:

If you incorporate all of the proposed conference changes, the SEC could claim its future lineup will have finished in the top five of the AP poll 14 times in the past 10 years. The Pac-12 would have a dozen top-five finishes, and the Big 12 would have 11.

In that scenario, the Big East's only argument would be a pair of top-five finishes from Boise State in 2006 and '09. And that's assuming Boise State comes aboard.

So, yes, it's probably a stretch to say the Big East is still deserving of an automatic BCS bid.

It's probably not fair that a weaker conference has the same advantages as the SEC or the Big Ten.

But this is college football we're talking about.

Fair has nothing to do with it.

Tampa Bay Bucs receivers working on cutting down dropped passes

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

TAMPA — There have been a few issues that have hampered the Bucs offense this season, from penalties to turnovers.

But another unexpected problem has been drops. Tampa Bay ranks fourth in the league with 15 dropped passes, five by WR Mike Williams (fourth among receivers), according to ESPN Stats & Information.

"I know we've got a couple more than we usually have," coach Raheem Morris said. "We've had some key ones, some clutch ones. I guess you have to say anytime you drop a ball it's kind of shocking. We're professionals. You want to catch all of them. … I wouldn't say it was a hindrance on what we've got to do, but it certainly doesn't help us."

Williams said he has seven drops, which would tie him for the league lead with Falcons WR Roddy White. Williams said he's not "bringing it all the way in" with his eyes and has been working on it with receivers coach Eric Yarber.

The drops haven't been relegated to just the offense. The defense also has missed out on several opportunities for interceptions. Morris said cornerbacks Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib have emphasized fixing the issue with drills in practices.

"Missed opps are very high right now," Morris said. " … If you don't have all those missed opps vs. Detroit, you could have a different result. They haven't all been just cakewalk drops, but they have higher standards for themselves."

ACTION JACKSON: When the team gave Tanard Jackson his contract extension last week, it was both a football and a personal decision. It means the club wanted to shore up its safety position for 2012, and how better to do that than locking up a player who has started 56 games for them. But, for Jackson, the move meant more on a personal level because it sent a message.

Even though Jackson, 26, only just returned from his second drug-related NFL suspension, the team's willingness to do the deal demonstrated that it believes his vow to stay clean.

"It's just more of what I've been saying all along: They just stayed by me and showed me they're behind me through everything I've been through," said the fourth-year player out of Syracuse. "I'll tell you, words can't describe how I felt when they came to me and offered me another year despite going through what I've been through. It's really a blessing to be a part of this organization."

Gm Mark Dominik, speaking mostly from a football standpoint, said it was a deal that felt right.

"It made sense to his agent, (and) it made sense to us to get another year on his deal," Dominik said. "I would say that he's a guy that we would like to have around here."

MEDICAL MATTERS: DT Frank Okam left practice with a calf injury. DT Brian Price had migraines and did not participate. Morris said Jackson, who left the Bears game on Oct. 23 with a hamstring injury, has been moving around well in practice. Jeremy Zuttah (knee) did not practice, but Morris said the guard has been better than expected and feels good about his recovery.

Times staff writer Stephen Holder contributed to this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com

Captain's Corner: Flounder becomes a popular target

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By Brent Gaskill, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

What's hot: Flounder have shown up in exceptional numbers, delighting many anglers. They have recently become common catches around docks and flat, sandy areas adjacent to oyster bars. Target them with live shrimp, fresh cutbait or a white plastic-tailed jig bounced across the bottom.

Low tides: Extreme low tides have been driven even lower by heavy northeasterly winds, leaving many areas of the bay with exposed dry ground. Fishing along the drop-off edges has been productive as the fish have had to evacuate the shallow flats and hold in these deeper zones. Concentrations of trout and redfish have been cooperative on live bait and artificial lures.

Hit the beach: Calming winds this weekend should allow for good fishing for Spanish mackerel and kingfish along our beaches. Both can be found near massive bait schools. Watch for diving birds or surface activity to locate feeding fish. Trolling spoons or live bait on the perimeter of the action will connect.

Brent Gaskill runs Summer Vacation Charters out of the St. Petersburg area and can be reached at captbrent@summervacationcharters.com or (727) 510-1009.

Bankrupt Dodgers on the market

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Times wires
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

NEW YORK — The process of finding a new owner for the Dodgers began early Wednesday when current boss Frank McCourt and Major League Baseball released a joint statement saying they had agreed to a court-supervised sale of the once-glamorous franchise.

The benefit may all be in the long term. Fans may well have to endure another season adrift as the sale works itself out.

While the sides hope for a quick deal, giving McCourt the money to pay his divorce settlement by April, MLB sales sometimes drag on for 1½ years. Once bidders are identified, the court is likely to conduct an auction.

"Baseball can choose to have their approval process move like molasses in winter or like Castor oil through a baby," said Marc Ganis, president of Sportscorp, a Chicago consulting firm.

The price likely will break the record for a baseball franchise, topping the $845 million paid by the Ricketts family for the Cubs in 2009. Mavericks co-owner Mark Cuban and Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle, who lives in California, have been mentioned as possibilities.

RAYS HONOREES: Three Rays are finalists for 2011 Players Choice Awards, which will be announced from 8-9 tonight on MLB Network: right-hander James Shields (outstanding pitcher); right-hander Jeremy Hellickson (outstanding rookie); and first baseman Casey Kotchman (comeback player). … Outfielder Mikie Mahtook and infielder Tyler Bortnick were named to the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Game on Saturday.

CARDS SEARCH: The Cardinals, who must replace Tony La Russa as manager, asked the Phillies for permission to interview Ryne Sandberg, who managed at Triple-A Lehigh Valley last season.

Times staff writer Joe Smith contributed to this report.

Tampa Bay Bucs coach Raheem Morris to match wits with New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

TAMPA

There are premier individual matchups weekly in the NFL, and the Bucs' game at New Orleans on Sunday will feature a few of its own. There will be run-ins between crafty Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber and behemoth tight end Jimmy Graham, the Saints' leading receiver. There are times New Orleans middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma will violently collide with Bucs running back LeGarrette Blount. Do not, however, overlook the game within the game between Saints coach Sean Payton, a renowned offensive play caller, and Bucs coach Raheem Morris, the league's youngest head coach who has turned the once traditional and predictable Tampa Bay defense into an ever-evolving unit while doubling as defensive coordinator. The coaches will square off for the sixth time, this week with first place in the NFC South at stake. The game will, as usual, take its toll on both men.

"I hate him," Morris joked when asked about Payton. "He's very good. He's a good football coach. I love the guy. I hate the coach."

"Each game kind of sets up differently," Payton said. "You don't know exactly how it'll unfold, but I'm sure this one will be no different than in the past. It'll be a real competitive battle."

Morris is 3-2 against Payton, winning twice in New Orleans in the past two seasons and a meeting in Tampa last month. In each victory, Morris' defensive calls played a central role. But he remains wary of Payton's offensive savvy.

Morris has been poring over film, trying to decipher Payton's latest tendencies. But just when you think you've got him figured out, you realize he's played you again, Morris said.

"He does a great job of setting you up," Morris said. "He does a great job of calling his offense and doing what they do on a consistent basis, making it all look the same, but (it's) different. … You don't really know (what's coming) until it's too late."

Coaching against Payton, not to mention quarterback Drew Brees, has been "a pain in my neck," Morris said.

"It makes me older," Morris cracked. "When I got this job, I was 32. I'm 46 now (he's actually 35). That has a lot to do with the Saints. It's unbelievable."

The Saints are coming off an upset loss against previously winless St. Louis, a game in which their offense sputtered and their offensive line struggled mightily. But New Orleans' offense typically hums under Payton's guidance.

The Saints are second in the NFL in total offense at 444.2 yards per game. They rank second in points, averaging 32.5.

Payton, 47, has been forced to adapt to Morris' aggressive defense that is dramatically different than the conservative Tampa 2-based system the Bucs used when Payton joined the Saints in 2006. Morris took over in 2009 and began calling the defense midway through that season.

While the Bucs have been gashed for big yardage at times in 2011 (they rank 29th in total defense), Tampa Bay has allowed just 16.7 points in its three wins against the Saints under Morris. In a 2009 win in the Superdome, the Bucs pitched a second-half shutout in rallying from a 17-0 deficit.

"He's done a great job since he's taken over not only as the head coach, but as a play caller on defense," Payton said. "There are certain things that they believe in and they've evolved and adapted over the years. They've made changes and adjustments and really stayed ahead of the curve."

These two bring out the best in each other because, well, that's what happens when familiar opponents square off. Coaching against division teams is a never-ending game of high-stakes chess.

For instance, Payton said, "You have to look to add some wrinkles off of (formations) that might be very predictable, but yet you do something different."

And so it goes with these two, Payton always trying to stay a step ahead of Morris and vice versa.

What happens this time? Don't be surprised if the matchup that ultimately decides Sunday's game isn't one on the field but, rather, the battle of wits between two highly competitive coaches.


Tom Jones' Two Cents: Baseball's most eccentric owners

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

George Steinbrenner

If you put together a Mount Rushmore of crazy baseball owners, you might just carve out four different versions of the late Yankees owner. His penchant for firing staff was so legendary that commercials and a Saturday Night Live skit made fun of it. He once threat­ened to fire the team's trainer because too many players were getting hurt. But, give George this: He took over a team that was in rough shape on and off the field and turned it into a winner and one of the most valuable franchises in the world.

Ted Turner

The cable television mogul turned out to be a decent owner, and under his leadership, the Braves became one of the elite organizations in baseball. But that was years after he shipped manager Dave Bristol out of town on a so-called scouting trip so Turner could manage the team one day. The Braves lost and National League president Chub Feeney dug up some rule that said owners couldn't be managers.

Marge Schott

One of the first women to buy (not inherit) a major North American sports franchise when she bought the Reds in 1984. No owner — male or female — put their foot in their mouth more often. There were slurs against African-Americans, Japanese people, Jewish people and homosexuals during her ownership. She ended up being suspended from running the team after remarks about Adolf Hitler that, in effect, said he did a lot of good things but just went too far. My goodness! It was never boring. She sold her share of the team in 1999 and died two years later.

Charlie Finley

The Kansas City/Oakland A's owner was full of crazy ideas: an orange baseball, the designated runner, a three-ball walk and two-strike strikeout, bonuses for players who grew facial hair and colorful uniforms. Many of his ideas never caught on and his run-ins with players and managers (including trying to "fire'' second baseman Mike Andrews during the 1973 World Series) made him look like a bad guy at times. Still, Finley is one of sports' most colorful characters.

Bill Veeck

Baseball's ultimate showman and promoter. The Indians, Browns and White Sox owner came up with such kooky ideas as sending 3-foot-7 Eddie Gaedel up to the plate to pinch hit, having his White Sox players wear shorts and hosting Disco Demolition night in 1979, when a riot broke out after disco records were blown up on the field. But he was more than just some baseball hustler. He championed the cause of black players, signing Larry Doby, the first African-American player in the American League.

Five suggestions on the next owner of the Dodgers

1. Mark Cuban. Wouldn't you love to see him sitting behind home plate yelling at umpires?

2. Stuart Sternberg. Stuart could buy the Dodgers after selling the Rays to Cuban, who could use his own money to build a new stadium.

3. Magic Johnson. Word is he wants to be a part of a group that brings the NFL back to L.A., but he'd make a great baseball owner.

4. Dennis Gilbert. Actually, Gilbert is the front-runner. He's a White Sox executive and former agent.

5. Steve Garvey and Orel Hershiser. The former Dodger greats supposedly are joining forces to lead a group of a bunch of Dodgers to buy the team. How cool would that be?

tom jones' two cents

Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is about to be the former Dodgers owner. Following a nasty divorce, McCourt is going sell the team. Reportedly, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was, at one time, interested in buying the Dodgers. Cuban also was linked in the past to having interest in the Cubs and Pirates. Actually, baseball could use an owner such as the outspoken Cuban. These days, baseball owners are boring, not like the good old days of the past. Here are our picks for the most outrageous and maverick baseball owners of all time.

USF wary of Rutgers' trick play abilities

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Times staff, wires
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

TAMPA — As much as any coach USF has faced, Rutgers' Greg Schiano has shown a penchant for running a variety of trick plays against the Bulls.

In 2007, when the Scarlet Knights upset the then-No. 2 Bulls, Rutgers pulled off a fake field goal and fake punt. Last season, Schiano called a lateral to WR Mohamed Sanu, who threw a 21-yard touchdown pass.

"He makes you defend everything," USF coach Skip Holtz said. "… A field goal or a (point-after) is not just a play off. You have to make sure you stay focused on your man and who you have in coverage."

FAMILIAR FACE: Rutgers' Jeremy Deering, a sophomore running back from Leto, has found a niche on kickoff returns, averaging 30.2 yards on nine returns, with a long of 73 this season.

UF: End gains edge

GAINESVILLE — DE Sharrif Floyd is starting to hit his stride coming off the edge for the Gators.

Floyd, who was a defensive tackle before this season, has been meeting with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn after practice. They watch video, both of Floyd's performances and those of defensive ends who played for Quinn in the NFL.

Early in the year, Floyd struggled to identify what he needed to focus on before each snap. So Quinn now points out what those NFL players were looking at as the play progressed.

"Sometimes you can have a tendency to try and look at too much," Quinn said.

Floyd was second on the team with eight tackles against Georgia, including two tackles for loss.

McCray's status: Quinn declined comment when asked if LB/DE Lerentee McCray (shoulder) had practiced this week. Coach Will Muschamp said Monday that McCray was questionable to probable. If the junior can't go, Quinn said Darrin Kitchens would replace McCray in the 4-3 package.

Tyler Jett, Times correspondent

Miami: Golden miffed

CORAL GABLES — Coach Al Golden "expressed my displeasure" about comments his agent made to CBSSports.com concerning his future. Golden's agent, Brett Senior, told the website that Golden would have "options available" if the NCAA sanctions Miami after an investigation into compliance practices ends. Senior did not say what those options are. On Wednesday, Golden said he and his family are happy at Miami and that he's trying to move the program forward.

Times wires

Sports in Brief

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Times wires
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Autos

Suspended driver arrested, charged with drug possession

CATAWBA, N.C. — Jeremy Mayfield, suspended by NASCAR since 2009 for a failed drug test, was arrested at his home late Tuesday and later charged with drug possession.

The Charlotte Observer reported that deputies received a tip that stolen goods were at the suspended driver's house. According to the Catawba County Sheriff's Office, they found about 1.5 grams of methamphetamine. Mayfield, 42, posted $3,000 bond Wednesday. A trial date was not set.

Detectives from neighboring Lincoln County said they found the items reported stolen — about $100,000 worth, including welding accessories, truck parts and an engraving machine — in buildings and trailers on Mayfield's property. They plan to charge him with possession of stolen goods.

Police also seized about 40 guns (no weapons charges have been filed) and racing memorabilia (no determination if stolen).

Mayfield's lawyer, Daniel Marino, denied the charges and said the search was executed on "baseless allegations by an unreliable source."

NASCAR suspended Mayfield in May 2009. He unsuccessfully sued, alleging the positive test for meth stemmed from a mix of an allergy medication and Adderall, which is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. As part of the lawsuit, NASCAR submitted an affidavit from his estranged stepmother saying she used meth with him. Mayfield's appeal is pending.

He is the only Cup driver to be suspended since the implementation of random drug testing in 2009. Mayfield has 433 career Cup starts with five Cup wins.

There's no timetable for his return to NASCAR.

"We will have to see how the facts play out," a NASCAR spokesman said via e-mail.

Hendrick back in hospital: Hendrick Motor­sports said NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick returned to the hospital for four broken ribs and a broken shoulder sustained Monday when his private plane ran off a runway.

IRL: Ed Carpenter is leaving Sarah Fisher Racing to start his own team and will run a full schedule in 2012. The new team will be co-owned by his stepfather and IndyCar founder Tony George.

NBA

Players, owners spend day in court

A federal judge in New York expressed reluctance to wade into the NBA's labor dispute. NBA attorney Jeffrey Mishkin said the NBA wants the court to declare the lockout legal so the union stops threatening an antitrust fight. "It's like taking a loaded gun and laying it on the table," Mishkin said. But Paul Gardephe said posturing is part of negotiations and seemed to support the union's position that the courts should not get involved. There is no timetable for a ruling, and no talks are scheduled.

Et cetera

Tennis: Andy Murray pulled out of the Swiss Indoors in Basel with a gluteal muscle strain. Roger Federer reached the quarterfinals by beating Jarkko Nieminen 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.

Soccer: Aurelien Collin (28th minute) and C.J. Sapong (76th) scored as host Kansas City beat Utah 2-0 and won the two-game series 4-0 to reach the MLS semifinals. It faces Houston or Philadelphia on Sunday.

Triathlon: St. Anthony's officials moved the open-water swim portion of the April 29 event to an area of Tampa Bay north of North Shore Pool in St. Petersburg. The bike and run portions and transition areas will remain the same. Last year, the swim course was moved away from the St. Petersburg Pier and shortened to 1,000 meters due to weather conditions.

Greyhounds: Sand Cloud stayed undefeated and Atascocita Davia, Makers Bark and Storm Rush also won second-round qualifiers for the Fall Juvenile at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg. Qualifying resumes Saturday.

Don Jensen, Times correspondent; Times wires

Georgia backs failed drug tests last week

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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

ATHENS, Ga. — Failed drug tests administered last week were the reason Georgia's leading rusher, Isaiah Crowell, and two other tailbacks are suspended for this week's game against New Mexico State, and the school defended itself from criticism that the penalties come after a victory over Florida, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

The tests were administered Oct. 26 and the results were confirmed Tuesday, the report said.

Crowell, a freshman, leads Georgia with 689 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Ken Malcome and Carlton Thomas were suspended for what was announced as violations of team policy.

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity sharply denied the suggestion the suspensions were delayed until after the Bulldogs' 24-20 win.

"We don't play games around here," McGarity told the AP. "For someone to insinuate that we are being selective like that is absurd. We don't manipulate things. We are going to conduct our program with respect and do things the right way. For anyone to claim otherwise is irresponsible."

The suspensions were announced on Tuesday, shortly after coach Mark Richt said running back Richard Samuel had surgery on his left ankle and could miss the rest of the regular season.

Richt said sophomore Brandon Harton, a former walk-on, is the leading candidate to start against New Mexico State.

"We'll have some ways to still try to move the football," Richt said.

Mountaineers' Big 12 Status: A spokesman for the Big 12 says West Virginia's membership in the conference isn't conditional on the university getting an early release from the Big East after all. Interim Big 12 commissioner Chuck Neinas had said at a welcome reception Tuesday that a 10th member was needed for next season to fulfill the conference's television commitments. On Wednesday, Big 12 spokesman Bob Burda released a statement saying the Mountaineers' membership "is not contingent upon (them) joining the conference for the 2012-13 season." He did not elaborate. The Big East has said it plans to keep West Virginia from leaving for 27 months under the league's bylaws. West Virginia filed a lawsuit against the Big East on Monday, seeking to declare the bylaws invalid.

Ohio State: Fourth-string running back Jaamal Berry was charged with misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct after police say he punched a man in the face and then bragged about it. Berry has been suspended from the team "for violating the university's student-athlete code of conduct," a team spokesman said.

Texas: Redshirt freshman receiver Chris Jones, once a highly sought recruit, was given his unconditional release and is transferring after two seasons. It is not known where he will go.

Teams pile up 123 points, 17 TDs

TOLEDO, Ohio — Chandler Harnish threw a 4-yard strike to Perez Ashford with 19 seconds left for his sixth touchdown pass of the game, lifting Northern Illinois to a 63-60 victory over Toledo late Tuesday night.

The Huskies and Rockets combined for 1,121 yards of offense and a Mid-American Conference-record 17 touchdowns in the second-highest scoring game in league history.

Tommylee Lewis returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in the first quarter for the Huskies (6-3, 4-1), and Austin Dantin threw five touchdown passes to Eric Page as the Rockets (5-4, 4-1) finished with 589 yards of offense.

On Wednesday, Northern Illinois suspended linebacker Jamaal Bass for one game for bowling over a member of Toledo's marching band when the Huskies took the field before the game.

Basketball

UF: Guard Scottie Wilbekin has a broken index finger and will miss the Gators' exhibition game tonight against Catholic University. Coach Billy Donovan says Wilbekin doesn't need surgery and should be available when No. 8 Florida opens the season Nov. 11 against Jackson State.

UConn: Freshman guard Ryan Boatright is being held out of competition while the school and the NCAA investigate his eligibility. UConn declined to disclose what the issue is, but said it is not related to academics.

Illinois: Sophomore guard Crandall Head was suspended for four games over an unspecified violation of team rules.

Brees paying price for O-line instability

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0

Times wires
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

METAIRIE, La. — Drew Brees has a reputation as an accessible star. Now pass rushers are starting to see the Saints quarterback in a similar light.

Heading into Sunday's game against the Bucs, Brees has been sacked 19 times, more than for the entire 2006, '07 or '08 seasons and one fewer than in 2009.

That statistic is a troubling one for New Orleans' offensive linemen, who aren't used to seeing Brees take such a pounding.

"We're definitely talking about it," guard Carl Nicks said. "It's a direct challenge to your skill, your pride, your craft."

When Brees was getting good protection, he suggested that his offensive line's success stemmed in part from stability. This season, Brees has had several different sets of blockers.

Jonathan Goodwin, who had started three seasons at center, signed with the 49ers. The Saints signed veteran Olin Kreutz, who left after six games and was replaced by Brian de la Puente.

The team also waived right tackle Jon Stinchcomb, who had started every game for five seasons but played with a quad injury for much of 2010.

Stinchcomb was replaced by veteran Zach Strief, who sprained his knee in Week 3 and was spelled by second-year pro Charles Brown. Brown went down Sunday with a hip injury and on Wednesday was placed on injured reserve.

Strief is practicing fully this week and ready to start again.

FORTE UPSET: Bears running back Matt Forte told the Chicago Sun-Times he thinks his durability is being taken for granted, and he wants to be rewarded for his effort. ''The running back position is the most physically demanding on the field,'' said Forte, who hasn't missed a game in four seasons. ''Everyone acknowledges that. So to continue to give me the touches I've had since my rookie year but not award me a long-term contract sends the message that you're okay grinding me into a pulp.''

DRUGS CITED in death: Bubba Smith, the NFL player turned actor and TV pitchman, died of acute drug intoxication and other conditions, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said. Smith, 66, was found dead in his Baldwin Hills, Calif., home Aug. 3. Autopsy results showed the 6-foot-7 Smith had high levels of the weight-loss drug phentermine in his system.

Tebow cool with playful lions: Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow had no problem with Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch striking the prayerful pose known as "Tebowing" after sacking him Sunday. Tebow said he figures Tulloch was just having fun, not mocking him or his Christian faith by participating in the phenomenon that's become an Internet sensation. "He was just celebrating, having fun with his teammates, and I don't take offense to that," Tebow said. "I was bothered that I gave up a sack and that I didn't break the tackle. That bothered me."

CONCUSSIONS: The NFL has told its game officials to watch closely for concussion symptoms in players. The league's injury and safety panel issued the directive 10 days after Chargers guard Kris Dielman sustained a head injury against the Jets then suffered a seizure on the flight home.

BENGALS: Running back Cedric Benson was at practice after a one-game suspension for violating the NFL's conduct policy.

BILLS: A scoring change gave the team a 10th sack in its 23-0 victory Sunday over the Redskins. That's the second most in team history and the most ever allowed by Washington.

BROWNS: Running back Peyton Hillis apologized for missing a Halloween party for kids at a downtown Cleveland Boys & Girls club, an absence he blamed on a miscommunication.

CARDINALS: Quarterback Kevin Kolb sat out practice with a turf toe injury, and running back Beanie Wells also did not practice because of a sore right knee.

FALCONS: Left tackle Sam Baker will miss three to four weeks with a back injury.

JAGUARS: Receiver Mike Sims-Walker went on injured reserve with a knee injury. The team was awarded receiver Brian Robiskie off waivers from Cleveland.

LIONS: Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said he had no plans to change his playing style after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell.

RAMS: Quarterback Sam Bradford, out two games with a high left ankle sprain, said he hopes to play Sunday.

STEELERS: Linebacker James Harrison practiced for the first time since fracturing the orbital bone around his right eye a month ago, but he's still not certain if he'll play Sunday night.

TEXANS: Receiver Andre Johnson, out four games with a right hamstring injury, was held out of practice.

Ovechkin calms down a day after his benching

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0

Times wires
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

ARLINGTON, Va. — Two-time league MVP Alex Ovechkin said he was angry but understood why he was benched late in regulation Tuesday.

Ovechkin wasn't among those Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau sent onto the ice after pulling the goalie down one against the Ducks. TV cameras caught unpleasant words from Ovechkin directed at the coach. But the Capitals tied it at 4, then won in overtime, Ovechkin assisting on the winner.

"Of course I want to be in that situation on the ice, and you know it doesn't matter who I said it to and what I said," Ovechkin, the team captain, said Wednesday. "It looked funny on TV. It's just a little bit frustrating because I'm a leader on the team and I want to have that kind of responsibility."

Boudreau said he was "playing a hunch" by going with the third line of Brooks Laich, Jason Chimera and Joel Ward supplemented by Nicklas Backstrom (who scored the tying and winning goals). The line had combined for seven points on the night.

Boudreau hasn't been shy about reducing ice time for top players this season. The message: play well or sit.

Ovechkin said Laich's line deserved to be on the ice. Also, as the team captain, it's important that he buy into the accountability theme.

"Yeah, it's one team," said Ovechkin, who has five goals and five assists in 10 games. "It doesn't matter how good you are or who you are. If we want to win, we have to be on the same page."

Game highlights: Joffrey Lupul scored three goals in a span of 7:22 of the second period, his first hat trick since Dec. 12, 2007, as the visiting Leafs beat the Devils 5-3. … The Flyers scored twice in 13 seconds in the first and beat the Sabres 3-2. Buffalo is 1-4 at home.

Around the league: Rangers wing Sean Avery, demoted to the minors before the season, rejoined the team for practice. But he won't play tonight because coach John Tortorella wants to use the same lineup that beat the Sharks on Monday. … The Red Wings and Bruins will play in the inaugural "Thanksgiving Showdown," which will be played on the day after the holiday and air on NBC. This season's game will begin at 1 p.m.

Maple Leafs2305
at Devils1203

First Period1, Toronto, Crabb 1 (Lombardi, Liles), 8:37. 2, New Jersey, Zubrus 3 (Henrique), 12:16 (pp). 3, Toronto, Grabovski 5 (Gardiner, Gustavsson), 15:50. PenaltiesBrown, Tor, major (fighting), 5:08; Mills, NJ, major (fighting), 5:08; Dupuis, Tor (holding stick), 10:21; Sykora, NJ (hooking), 19:42.

Second Period4, New Jersey, Elias 5 (Larsson, Kovalchuk), 3:29 (pp). 5, Toronto, Lupul 6 (Komisarek, Connolly), 6:31. 6, New Jersey, Clarkson 3 (Palmieri, Mills), 8:15. 7, Toronto, Lupul 7 (Kessel, Connolly), 9:45. 8, Toronto, Lupul 8 (Grabovski, Kessel), 13:13. PenaltiesGustavsson, Tor, served by Crabb (interference), 2:09; Schenn, Tor, major (fighting), 17:41; Clarkson, NJ, major (fighting), 17:41.

Third PeriodNone. PenaltiesTedenby, NJ (goaltender interference), 8:03. Shots on GoalToronto 7-9-7—23. New Jersey 6-11-5—22. Power-play opportunitiesToronto 0 of 2; New Jersey 2 of 2. GoaliesToronto, Gustavsson 4-3-0 (22 shots-19 saves). New Jersey, Brodeur 0-2-0 (23-18). A13,033 (17,625).

Flyers3003
at Sabres0112

First Period1, Philadelphia, Couturier 3 (Lilja, Voracek), 1:43. 2, Philadelphia, van Riemsdyk 5 (Rinaldo), 1:56. 3, Philadelphia, Hartnell 5 (Giroux, Jagr), 6:23. PenaltiesHolmstrom, Phi (holding), 13:05.

Second Period4, Buffalo, Sekera 1 (Leopold, Adam), 7:49. PenaltiesJagr, Phi (holding), 1:40; Timonen, Phi (tripping), 8:27; Voracek, Phi (holding), 15:24; Coburn, Phi, major (fighting), 20:00; Rinaldo, Phi, minor-misconduct (slashing), 20:00; Roy, Buf (slashing), 20:00; Weber, Buf, minor-major (roughing, fighting), 20:00.

Third Period5, Buffalo, Adam 4 (Vanek, Pominville), 8:29. PenaltiesMeszaros, Phi (roughing), 3:26; Giroux, Phi (roughing), 3:26; Gaustad, Buf (roughing, cross-checking), 3:26; Kaleta, Buf (roughing), 3:26; Regehr, Buf (elbowing), 13:40; Nodl, Phi (elbowing), 19:44. Shots on GoalPhiladelphia 14-5-7—26. Buffalo 8-15-8—31. Power-play opportunitiesPhiladelphia 0 of 3; Buffalo 0 of 5. GoaliesPhiladelphia, Bryzgalov 5-4-1 (31 shots-29 saves). Buffalo, Miller 4-5-0 (11-8), Enroth (13:37 first, 15-15). A18,299 (18,690).

Coyotes1124
at Avalanche0101

First Period1, Phoenix, Pyatt 2 (Morris, Gordon), 7:53. PenaltiesGordon, Pho (delay of game), 8:42.

Second Period2, Phoenix, Vrbata 4 (Hanzal, Whitney), 17:57. 3, Colorado, R.O'Reilly 2 (Winnik, O'Byrne), 18:23. PenaltiesLangkow, Pho (elbowing), 2:48; Quincey, Col (slashing), 8:18; Doan, Pho (tripping), 9:17.

Third Period4, Phoenix, Korpikoski 3 (Schlemko, Klesla), :24. 5, Phoenix, Vrbata 5 (Whitney, Ekman-Larsson), 18:27 (en). PenaltiesVrbata, Pho (tripping), 13:32. Shots on GoalPhoenix 9-10-9—28. Colorado 11-17-12—40. Power-play opportunitiesPhoenix 0 of 1; Colorado 0 of 4. GoaliesPhoenix, Smith 5-2-2 (40 shots-39 saves). Colorado, Varlamov 5-4-0 (27-24). A12,141 (18,007).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers reveal quarterback Josh Freeman sprained his thumb in game before bye week

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By Joe Smith and Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writers
Thursday, November 3, 2011

TAMPA — There was a surprise on the Bucs' injury report Thursday. Coach Raheem Morris revealed QB Josh Freeman suffered a sprained right thumb Oct. 23 in the loss to the Bears.

But Morris said Freeman's injury is not an issue, he has practiced without limitations and he will play Sunday against the Saints. The issue came up when Freeman was spotted in a Wednesday NFL Network interview with the thumb wrapped.

"Ask the Saints. I guess they reported it; you can ask those guys," Morris quipped. "That's why we reported it, because the league asked us to. (Freeman) sprained it in the Chicago game, came in and practiced during the bye week, and didn't miss anything this week."

Morris appeared amused with all the fuss over the taped thumb and joked with reporters that he can "make it a big deal if you want me to."

He smiled and said: "You know, (Freeman) might not be playing against the Saints, I don't know. I'll go Belichick on you guys," referring to Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who is typically evasive when it comes to injuries.

The Bucs were emphatic they weren't worried about Freeman.

LIKE VLADE: Saints TE Jimmy Graham has been a tough matchup for a lot of teams, including the Bucs. He racked up seven catches for 124 yards in Tampa Bay's 26-20 win on Oct. 16. Graham (6 feet 6, 260 pounds), a second-year pro, has 25 catches for 346 yards the past four games.

"Jimmy Graham had a good game against everybody," Morris said. " He's big, fast, got a lot of (former Lakers 7-foot-1 center) Vlade Divac in him, has a little bit of flop in him. He's a talented young individual who creates a bunch of problems for people because of his rare athleticism and his rare speed and his rare size."

PICK IT UP: Offensive coordinator Greg Olson said the staff looked through all Freeman's passes this season during the bye week and did a lot of "self-evaluation" on how they can help put the quarterback in better situations. Freeman has 10 interceptions in seven games, four more than he had all last year.

"We always talk about it as a team. Interceptions are not just the quarterback's fault," Olson said. "But he has a big hand in it. A lot of it is the decision-making process, and we've got to make the decision-making easier for him so he's not forcing those throws."

FEEL THE PAIN: Defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake can empathize with Saints coach Sean Payton, who had surgery to repair a bone fracture and a torn knee ligament after being hurt when he was caught on the sideline in a tackle in the loss to the Bucs. Lake suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in the game.

Payton had surgery the following day and coached from a booth the next Sunday, a 62-7 win over the Colts. That was impressive to Lake, who had his procedure after returning from London and had last week off to recover. Lake will coach from the sideline Sunday.

"I felt better presurgery; the after-surgery thing is no joke, with all the stuff they put in you," Lake said. "It's not good. At least I had the bye after my surgery. I don't know how (Payton) coached a game after his surgery, because I was out of it for a couple of days."

MEDICAL MATTERS: S Tanard Jackson (hamstring) was added to the injury report because he did not practice, but the team said he did not have a setback and got a day off because it had an extra day of preparation coming off the bye week.

Times staff writer Stephen Holder contributed to this report.


Miami Dolphins are so bad, they have best shot in sweepstakes for Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck

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By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist


Thursday, November 3, 2011

Win, and it is easy to be nice. Win, and there is plenty you can say in order to appear magnanimous.

Good game, you can say, although it wasn't. Nice try, you can say, although the opponent didn't. Things will get better, you can suggest, although they won't.

Lately, there are a few more things you can say to console a losing team.

Congratulations, for one.

Hope you get Lucky, for another.

In the NFL, it has never been quite so good to be quite so bad. Disaster seems to be the game plan, and chaos seems to be the goal. The lower rungs of the league are suddenly playing The Biggest Loser, and the prize is Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, a player whose reviews are so wondrous you might suspect he can complete three passes for every two attempts.

So just lose, baby. After all, losing isn't everything, it's the only thing. Lose one for the Lucker. And so on.

Miami? Indianapolis? Arizona?

Come on down for the NFL's latest episode of "Suck for Luck," a catchy little cry for help that now totals more than 8.4 million hits on Google. And who is small enough for the challenge?

Seattle? Washington? Cleveland?

Who wants Luck in the worst way? Which team is willing to tank its way to the bank?

This is all highly amusing, of course, and considering the combined wretchedness of the teams we are discussing, marvelously entertaining. Why else would you watch these teams stumble about? This isn't failure. This is strategic withdrawal from success.

Yet it seems there are those who suspect NFL teams will play badly on purpose, even though they have spent half of a season proving they have no other options. Already, the outcry for a draft lottery has begun, although you may feel free to assume that it is not coming from the general direction of, say, Miami.

This is silly. We are talking about a talent, not a trend. The whole point is that Luck is such a rare talent that he takes the bitter out of defeat. Why, he's the best since Peyton Manning, some say. Why, he's the best since John Elway, say others.

Let me ask you this, however:

Did anyone ever "Slouch for Couch?"

Did anyone "Refuse to Hustle for JaMarcus Russell?"

Did anyone ever cry out, "Let's Win Nary and Get Ron Yary?"

Did the Bucs have a campaign called "Go Nerdy for Testaverde?" No, it just turned out that way.

In other words, this is no need for an overreaction. Just an underperformance.

So who deserves Luck? And who will end up with him?

The Dolphins, that's who.

I know, I know. The Dolphins, being who the Dolphins are these days, have scared the dickens out their fans the last couple of weeks by almost winning. At this point, who needs that? Beating the Broncos or the Giants wouldn't have saved Tony Sparano's job, let alone the season. It would have just meant hope wasn't on the horizon, darn the Luck.

In the grand scheme of the meek inheriting the quarterback, blowing two leads was worth it. For goodness sakes, have you paid attention to the quarterbacking in Miami lately? Miami once had a quarterback named Lemon, but if you're honest, all of them could have been. Since Dan Marino left, the Dolphins have had 16 quarterbacks, and none of them could throw the ball over your house.

If not the Dolphins, then how about the Cardinals? Larry Fitzgerald is far too nice a guy to have Kevin Kolb in charge of his huddle.

Indianapolis? No. If the Colts end up with the No. 1 pick, general manager Peyton Manning would then trade him for about a half-dozen No. 1 draft picks. Seriously, if Manning has any more quarterbacking left in him, it is bad karma even to suggest Indy has a shot.

(And speaking of Indy, doesn't this year put a little tarnish on the plaque that declares Bill Polian to be a genius? Just asking.)

Seattle? Sure, the Seahawks could use him. But does Pete Carroll, who skipped out on USC just before the NCAA posse arrived, deserve him?

Then there is Denver. Frankly, it mystifies me that Denver has won twice this year. Whenever I see it play, I have this urge to check the results to make sure.

If I didn't know better, I might think the Broncos are chasing Luck with as much fervor as anyone. Tim Tebow has struggled, and it looks as if Denver's coaches spent hours finding just the wrong offense for him, and they gave away his best receiver. To make it any more obvious, the Broncos would have to change the fight song to With a Little Bit o' Luck.

Jacksonville? Tennessee? Minnesota? All of them have promising young quarterbacks. And you get the feeling that all of them would be traded in by their teams for a shot at Luck.

Still, there is no franchise that seems like a better fit than the Dolphins. Everyone else can just wait. After all, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III may decide to bypass this year's draft.

If so, next year's teams can always Give in for Griffin.

That'll shake them up in the NFL offices.

Former Florida Gator Ike Hilliard joins SEC Football Legends

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, November 3, 2011

Former Florida Gators WR Ike Hilliard (1994-96) has been selected to join the 2011 Class of SEC Football Legends, the league announced today.

Hilliard will be honored along with 11 other members of the class during the SEC Football Championship Weekend.

Hilliard had 126 catches during his collegiate career, which is seventh-best in UF history. His 2,214 yards is fourth in school history, and 29 TDs is third in SEC history.

He had a touchdown/ catch ratio of 4.34 which ranks second in Gator history. He was named a first-team All-SEC selection and an All-American as a senior in 1996. Hilliard was selected in the first round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, and went on to play 12 NFL seasons, recording 546 career receptions for 6,397 yards and 35 TDs.

The Patterson, La. Native, played his first eight seasons with the Giants and finished his NFL career playing four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a "Gator Great" in 2009.

Here are the other members of the 2011 SEC Football Legends Class:

ALABAMA – Dennis Homan, Wide Receiver, 1965-67

ARKANSAS – Leotis Harris, Offensive Guard, 1974-77

GEORGIA – Boss Bailey, Linebacker, 1998-2002

KENTUCKY – Rodger Bird, Halfback/Defensive back, 1963-65

LSU – George Bevan, Linebacker, 1966-67, 1969

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Tom Neville, Tackle, 1961-64

OLE MISS – Deuce McAllister, Running Back, 1997-2000

SOUTH CAROLINA – Brandon Bennett, Running Back, 1991-94

TENNESSEE – Bobby Majors, Defensive Back/Punter, 1968-71

VANDERBILT – Corey Harris, Tailback, 1988-91

Florida Gators' Dominique Easley won't face charges as a result of fight

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, November 3, 2011

The Gainesville State Atorney's Office will not file charges against Florida Gator DT Dominique Easley for his fight with former Alabama player Reggie Myles. Myles, who played for Alabama from 1998-2001, filed a criminal complaint against Easley on Oct. 1 saying he was attacked outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium shortly after Alabama's 38-10 victory over Florida. Myles was also cited for disorderly conduct and was intoxicated, police said.

State Attorney Bill Cervone said in a statement on Thursday that his decision was based on several factors, including the fact that contradictory statements were made by witnesses on both sides, and that alcohol was a contributing factor.

"There is a preference in the law that those who come before the courts seeking the redress of grievances should do so with clean hands,'' Cervone wrote. "In my view, that includes in the criminal as well as the civil courts even though it is the State and not an individual that is the aggrieved party in a criminal case. There are no clean hands in this situation.

"There is also no harm done, despite protestations to the contrary, that outweighs these factors. Any harm to either party is in essence canceled out by the harm to the other party,'' he added. "To use an appropriate analogy, I am therefore calling off setting penalties and declining to file any criminal charges against either Easley, Myles, or anyone else.''

Cervone commended UPD officers for handling the situation in the manner they did.

His full statement is as follows:

Having reviewed the reports provided by the University Police Department regarding Dominique Easley and Reginald Myles as they relate to events that occurred on October 2, 2011, and the allegations against each of them, I have reached the following conclusions regarding those events.

First, virtually everyone involved has provided contradictory information in some regard and some of those persons were apparently impaired from drinking to the point where their memory is not reliable in any event. The only exception to this is Easley, and that may be only because he exercised his constitutional right to remain silent and has said nothing. He cannot be compelled to do otherwise. Additionally, it is apparent that at least some of those involved have motives beyond what happened that raise questions of credibility.

Second, almost everyone involved has behaved badly in some way, including Easley, Myles and several of the witnesses, none of whom can be characterized as neutral or impartial. In some ways, that bad behavior might be provably criminal against Easley, Myles, or others, but just because it might be doesn't mean that it should be when the cost and likely result of doing so would not warrant that.

There is a preference in the law that those who come before the courts seeking the redress of grievances should do so with clean hands. In my view, that includes in the criminal as well as the civil courts even though it is the State and not an individual that is the aggrieved party in a criminal case. There are no clean hands in this situation.

There is also no harm done, despite protestations to the contrary, that outweighs these factors. Any harm to either party is in essence canceled out by the harm to the other party. To use an appropriate analogy, I am therefore calling off setting penalties and declining to file any criminal charges against either Easley, Myles, or anyone else.

I appreciate and commend UPD for having dealt with this situation by way of sworn complaints rather than having effected multiple arrests with all of the needless expense that would have caused the taxpayers of Alachua County. There is one further observation I would make that while of no real legal bearing might give this some further context. Both alcohol and unchecked emotion make people do things they might not otherwise do. Most if not all of us have experienced or seen that happen in one way or another. I hope that all involved will learn a lesson from this. If they do not, the courts cannot make them do so anyhow and we clearly have other more serious matters to devote our time and resources to.

Finally and in that vein, for those who would criticize or assume some ulterior motive behind this result, let me offer some perspective. Since October 2nd there have been two murders in Gainesville, at least two other shootings, and numerous other violent crimes, including sexual assaults, robberies, and other dangerous events. It is there that our attention and efforts belong and where they will be.

Bill Cervone

State Attorney

Gainesville

Tampa Bay Lightning's Teddy Purcell can score, but coach Guy Boucher wants more

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, November 3, 2011

TAMPA — The Lightning's most interesting stat line might belong to Teddy Purcell.

The right wing is tied with Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis for second on the team with 10 points. But Purcell's average 13:19 of ice time is six minutes less than Stamkos' and 6:48 less than St. Louis'.

Purcell, with four goals and six assists, seems to be doing more with less.

"He's a good player," captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "He takes advantage of his minutes when he's on the ice."

The question, then, is why isn't he playing more?

Because, coach Guy Boucher said, Purcell "is an enigma sometimes. He's a player who can give you a lot and make very smart, surprising plays. He just has a tendency to fall asleep."

It is an old lament from Boucher, who wants players with complete games, not just offensive inclinations. And it is why Boucher, who once said Purcell doesn't realize how good he can be, described the player as a work in progress, though he is on track for 30 goals and 75 points.

"To get more ice time, there's a lot more than production," Boucher said. "In his case, it's always been the same. Can (Purcell) bring a relentless attitude in his game and a physical involvement? We're not talking about body checks, we're talking physical involvement. Are you going to be first on the puck, or are you going to let the opponent take the puck?"

Purcell, 26, knows all this, of course, and Boucher punctuated it by scratching him from an Oct. 15 game with the Panthers, something Purcell called an "early lesson."

In seven games since, Purcell, with one of the best shots on the team and on a line with Stamkos and Ryan Malone, has three goals and seven points, and is plus-3. His 15:49 of ice time in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes was his season high.

"I feel like I'm skating more and being more consistent," Purcell said.

He acknowledged he must improve his defensive consistency. That would be handy tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum against the Blackhawks, who entered Thursday tied for No. 1 in the Western Conference. It also would increase his chances for more ice time.

"I don't kill penalties, and if we're up a couple of goals the last couple of minutes, the more reliable guys are out there, which is fine," Purcell said. "I'm a team guy, and I do what I'm told and try to do as much as I can. I just try to be positive and take stuff out of it."

The thing is, Purcell can play as Boucher wants. He did it in last season's playoffs, when he had six goals and 17 points in 18 games.

But that came after a typically up-and-down regular season in which Purcell still earned career bests of 17 goals and 51 points.

"It's a question of managing and keeping him consistent," Boucher said. "When he plays the way he did at the end of (last season), he was outstanding."

"You always want more minutes as a player, but you have to do what's right for the team," Purcell said. "I have to keep staying the course.

"I'm getting 13 minutes. Hopefully, I keep getting better and keep proving myself."

OUTBOUND: It might not happen soon, but right wing Mattias Ritola, who cleared waivers Thursday, likely will be sent to AHL Norfolk. Ritola has zero points in five games with an average 10:50 of ice time.

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com. Follow him on Twitter at @LightningTimes.

Eight join Hernando High School Sports Hall of Fame

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By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Thursday, November 3, 2011

BROOKSVILLE — The long and storied history of Hernando High School includes many years of athletic success.

To remember and honor those achievements — particularly some of the people who were responsible for them — the alumni and administration felt it was fitting to start a Sports Hall of Fame, which happened last year.

The inaugural class of eight included Leopard legends such as recent pro basketball star Bernice Mosby, the late pro football great Jerome Brown and current Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo.

A year later, Hernando has selected and announced its second group of honorees, and once again it includes eight elite athletes who made significant contributions to the school and its sports program.

Three former pro football players are among the eight to go in this year. The other five include a legendary high school coach, a former baseball player known for his historic play more than 40 years ago, a slugging pro baseball player, a college football player and coach, and a college basketball standout.

The school had its Sports Hall of Fame banquet Thursday evening at Michael A. Imhoff Gymnasium, and the eight former athletes will also be honored at halftime of tonight's football game between the Leopards and visiting Mitchell High at Tom Fisher Stadium.

The honorees

Ernie Chatman is a 1967 Hernando graduate who has maintained close ties to the school. Chatman has coached the Leopards baseball, softball, basketball, track and cross-country programs. He has also lent his expertise as the head coach of Saint Leo University's baseball team.

Chatman is an athlete as well. He has run 77 marathons, at least one in every state. As a coach, he led the 1997 boys cross-country team to the state title, one of only eight in county history from any high school in any sport. He was also the coach of the 1993 baseball team that tied the school record for single-season victories (30).

Since leaving Hernando, he has taken the Hernando Christian Academy softball program under his wing, leading the team to three consecutive trips to the state final four.

Chatman remembers almost all of the exploits of his fellow Hall of Fame classmates and is touched to be part of the elite group.

"It's a humbling experience," he said. "To be going in (to the Hall of Fame) as a part of community that you've been a part of for more than 50 years, it's something special."

Fred Abbott, a 1969 Hernando graduate, was heavily pursued out of high school after playing on the offensive and defensive lines in football. As a linebacker, he did not dress his freshman season for the University of Florida, but eventually went on to become a Gators captain.

After college, Abbott was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. He had a solid pro career, playing for the Vikings, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Miami Dolphins. He was able to learn from some of the best minds in the sport, playing for pro football Hall of Famers Bud Grant and Don Shula.

Abbott was honored as an inductee into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.

Ricky Feacher was not highly recruited out of Hernando, but the football wide receiver was offered a scholarship by Mississippi Valley State University, eventually known for producing the legendary Jerry Rice. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1976, but he was released and picked up by the Cleveland Browns in his first season.

The 1972 Hernando graduate went on to a nine-year pro career, playing in 125 games, catching 115 passes and scoring 15 touchdowns.

• Another less recruited talent was George Floyd. A 1978 Hernando graduate, the safety went on to play at Eastern Kentucky University and became an all-American. His jarring hits and ball-hawking interceptions gained him induction into the National College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

The New York Jets selected Floyd in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL draft. He went on to play three seasons for the Jets. He played in 15 games, starting two.

Buster McGee was a talented baseball shortstop who graduated the same year as Chatman, which happened to be the season that Tom Varn led the Leopards to their lone baseball state title — 1967. McGee played an instrumental role, hitting a triple and scoring the go-ahead run in the 2-1 championship game win.

• Another baseball player doesn't have memories of a state title to fall back on, but 1988 Hernando graduate Tyrone Woods may be the second-most successful pro to come through the school, next to Arroyo. After his prep career, Woods was drafted by the Montreal Expos and was a late bloomer.

He bounced around, unable to find an opportunity in the major leagues, but Woods didn't give up on his dream. In 1998, he signed with the Korean League's Doosan Bears and set the league record with 42 home runs in a single season. Five seasons later, he moved to the Japanese Central League and continued to mash the ball.

In 2006, Woods placed second in the most valuable player voting to future MLB star and then-teammate Kosuke Fukodome. Before retiring in 2008, the first baseman hit 538 professional home runs.

• The oldest inductee is former Florida State University defensive tackle Frank Vohun. Remembered best on the football field for his plays during the school's rivalry games with Florida from 1967 to 1969, the 1966 Hernando graduate went on to a long coaching career in the sport.

"I think people always had high hopes for Frank, even when he was younger," Chatman said. "When he went on to the Seminoles and really helped push that program into prominence, it was exciting for the whole community."

Vohun amassed more than 200 victories as a high school coach in Georgia and Washington, D.C., and also coached at the University of West Georgia from 1985 to 1988.

• The most recent graduate being inducted this year is 1990 alum Kristi Poore. While at Hernando, Poore set numerous girls basketball records, and only Mosby has surpassed her in points scored.

Poore went on the University of South Florida, where she had a successful career. She still ranks 10th all time on USF's rebounding list (603) and 16th in games played.

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