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49ers 27, Giants 20

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Times wires
Sunday, November 13, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — Justin Smith emphatically pumped his fist after his game-saving defensive gem. Carlos Rogers danced after his second interception. And their coach, Jim Harbaugh, was perfectly polite in his postgame handshake before pointing and waving to a cheering crowd at Candlestick Park.

It has been nearly a decade since the 49ers could celebrate like this.

Smith batted down Eli Manning's pass in the closing seconds of the quarterback's latest comeback try, and the 49ers stopped the Giants on fourth down for a 27-20 victory in Sunday's NFC showdown to boost their chances of a first-round playoff bye.

"I just walked off the field with joy inside. Right now, we're 8-1," said Rogers, who had two interceptions for the first time in his seven seasons. "We stuck to it to the end, and last minute of the game made a play."

Manning completed two long fourth-down passes and got New York to the red zone with 1:53 left. But Smith thwarted the final shot with a leaping right-handed swat on fourth and 2 from the 10.

The 49ers, with a five-game lead in the NFC West, won without relying on star running back Frank Gore, whose franchise-record streak of five games with 100 yards rushing ended with a knee injury. He had zero yards for the first time as a pro.

"Someone twisted me up. I felt like I could have played," Gore said.

Harbaugh's team, winners of seven straight, matched the Super Bowl champion Packers for most wins in the NFL. The 49ers have had neither a winning record nor a playoff berth since 2002.

Vernon Davis leaped from the 4-yard line over safety Kenny Phillips to complete a go-ahead 31-yard touchdown catch from Alex Smith early in the fourth quarter. Kendall Hunter added a 27-yard TD in the fourth, just after Rogers' second pickoff.

"I thought we were in perfect control," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "I thought we would get there, score and send it into overtime and win it in overtime. We've done well in those situations and I expected to do well again."


NFL news and notes

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Times wires
Sunday, November 13, 2011

Around the league

Three cheers for opponent's touchdown

ARLINGTON, Texas — Bills WR David Nelson caught a 3-yard touchdown pass Sunday, then went all the way to the other end of the field to hand the ball to a Dallas cheerleader.

Not just any cheerleader. His girlfriend.

Nelson, a Texas native who played college ball at Florida, is dating Kelsi Reich, who is in her fourth season as a Cowboys cheerleader.

"It was a special moment to share with her," Nelson said after the Bills' 44-7 loss. "I didn't want it to be awkward. She knew it was coming, I don't think she knew what was coming."

After his catch cut Dallas' lead to 21-0 in the second quarter, Nelson ran almost the whole length of the Buffalo sideline to Reich. Nelson handed her the ball and hugged her. She tucked the ball into her pompom.

Eagles bench absent Jackson

Eagles two-time Pro Bowl WR DeSean Jackson was inactive after missing a team meeting Saturday morning. "I'm not happy about it," coach Andy Reid said of Jackson's absence.

BEARS: The Chicago Tribune reported that starting LG Chris Williams injured his wrist, had surgery and is out for the season.

BENGALS: A.J. Green, the league's top rookie receiver, hyperextended his right knee when he landed awkwardly on a 36-yard TD catch in the second quarter. He returned on the next series but was held out in the second half after his knee tightened. The first-round pick from Georgia said he expects to play next week … ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that CB Leon Hall ruptured his Achilles' and is out for the season.

BILLS: C Eric Wood left with a knee injury in the third quarter and was to be evaluated today.

BRONCOS: According to STATS LLC, Denver was the first team to lead at halftime without a completion since the Packers against the Bears on Oct. 31, 1994. Brett Favre was 0 for 6 in the first half of that game.

CHIEFS: QB Matt Cassel left late in the game and the Kansas City Star said he had his middle and index fingers on his throwing hand; his status was unknown.

JAGUARS: CB Rashean Mathis, a former Bethune-Cookman star, left in the first half with a left knee injury. He is expected to have an MRI exam today.

RAMS: Coach Steve Spagnuolo said CB Al Harris and TE Michael Hoomanawanui have "significant" knee injuries. Both are scheduled for MRI exams today. Also, ex-Bucs RB Cadillac Williams strained his calf.

SAINTS: Drew Brees extended his NFL record by completing at least 20 passes for a 30th consecutive game.

Times wires

Patriots 37, Jets 16

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Times wires
Monday, November 14, 2011

Pats sweep rival, control AFC East

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Tom Brady threw three touchdowns Sunday night, including two to Rob Gronkowski, and the Patriots took control of the AFC East with a convincing victory over the Jets.

After the Jets got within 23-16 early in the fourth quarter, Brady coolly led an 84-yard drive that was capped by Deion Branch's 8-yard touchdown catch.

Linebacker Rob Ninkovich sealed the victory — which snapped a two-game skid — on the Jets' next possession with a 12-yard interception return for a TD.

With Buffalo losing earlier, this game was a showdown for the top spot in the division. The Patriots took sole possession by capping a season sweep of New York, which lost its first at home.

Brady reached 300 yards passing in a 40th regular-season game, breaking a tie with Joe Montana for eighth all time.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers had issues with 'effort' against Houston Texans, coach Raheem Morris says

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 14, 2011

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris said his defense had 'some issues with effort,' on two long touchdown passes in the 37-9 loss to the Houston Texans Sunday.

Perhaps as a result, Morris said the Bucs will practice in pads twice this week in preparation for their game at Green Bay in hopes of improving the team's lack of 'physicality.'

On the first play of the game, Texans quarterback Matt Schaub connected with receiver Jacoby Jones for an 80-yard touchdown pass, a play in which safeties Sean Jones and Tanard Jackson appeared to take bad angles and missed tackles. Later in the first half, running back Arian Foster took a pass in the left flat, then made cornerback Aqib Talib miss and avoided Sean Jones as he was chased to the end zone by Jackson for a 78-yard touchdown.

"On defense we had some issues with effort on some of the big plays, the two big plays,'' Morris said Monday. "That's something that is very uncommon. Some of it was because of injury or whatever the case may be, but you can't go out there and make excuses. You've got to play as hard as you possibly can at all times despite what might be going on or despite the adversity might be put upon you based a turnover or whatever.

"We had a loaf. We had a couple loafs, uncharacteristic loafs we usually don't have, based on whether it was an injury result, a play being far away or whatever it may be. Assuming a guy may be tackled. All the things we talk about as far as the fundamental core beliefs you see all around the building. What is a loaf? Some of those things. That popped up on those big plays and those are things that can't happen.''

Morris, who also doubles as defensive coordinator, watched his team yield 453 yards to the New Orleans Saints two weeks ago and 420 yards to the Texans Sunday.

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, NFL teams can only have 14 total padded practices during the regular season, 11 of which must be during the first 11 weeks. Only three padded practices can be held in the final five weeks.

The Bucs are entering Week 11 and Morris indicated he has two padded practices remaining in preparation for the game against the defending Super Bowl Packers.

"This week, and for the rest of the season, can't be concerned about preservation so much and get our physicality better,'' Morris said. "That's what we need to do. The answer is putting on some pads. I got my mulligan this week, so I can put them on twice this week, and get as many as I can based on the rules to get these guys going. We've got to make plays in pads, both on offense and defense and special teams.''

As he did following Sunday's game, Morris took full responsibility for the way the Bucs have played recently, losing four of their last five games.

He said he was approached after the game by cornerback Ronde Barber, center Jeff Faine and tight end Kellen Winslow. A players only meeting was discussed, but instead, Morris said some of the veteran players may speak in the team meeting later today.

"It's all 61 men, not just the veterans,'' Morris said. "We've got to come together collectively. All hands on deck. Time to deal. Here it is. Here's your opportunity.''

Tampa Bay Rays' Jeremy Hellickson wins AL Rookie of the Year Award

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 14, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Tampa Bay Rays righthander Jeremy Hellickson admitted he gave some thought to winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award and was hopeful, though he had no idea if he'd claim the honor.

But it all became a reality Monday, when the Baseball Writers Association of America tabbed Hellickson as the league's top rookie.

Hellickson, 24, was listed first on 17 of the 28 ballots, which were submitted by two writers in each league city. He amassed 102 points, topping runner-up, Angels 1B Mark Trumbo (63 points) and Royals 1B Eric Hosmer (38 points). Yankees RHP Ivan Nova finished fourth, and Mariners 2B Dustin Ackley fifth.

Hellickson had a very strong case and was considered a top candidate, having led all major league rookies in ERA (2.95), innings (189) and opponents' batting average (.210). He picked up 13 wins while pitching in the American League East, including going undefeated in five consecutive starts against division rivals in September to help the Rays claim the Wild Card.

Hellickson becomes the second Ray to win the award, joining third baseman Evan Longoria (2008). The soft-spoken rookie displayed poise of a veteran while pitching in a pennant race, with a post-All-Star break ERA of 2.64, which was third lowest among AL starters.

Hellickson could have easily had several more wins with more help from the offense, but received just one run or less of support while on the mound in nine of his 10 losses. The Rays were shutout in five of Hellickson's starts.

"Jeremy was a big part of our success in 2011, he was able to make adjustments on the fly which is extremely difficult for someone in their first year," executive VP Andrew Friedman said. "The funny thing is, as good as he was in 2011, I think the arrow is pointing up, and I'm excited about what he brings to us in future years."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com

Tampa Bay Buccaneers place George Johnson on IR, re-sign John McCargo

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 14, 2011

John McCargo will get his third shot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bills former No. 1 pick was re-signed by Tampa Bay Monday as the team placed DE George Johnson on injured reserve.

Johnson, who was seeing some action at defensive tackle, suffered a knee injury in Sunday's 37-9 loss to the Houston Texans.

McCargo spent about a week with the Bucs in training camp. He was re-signed last week and practiced with the team on Wednesday. But shortly after practice ended, McCargo was released to make room for DT Albert Haynesworth, who was claimed off waivers from New England.

Florida Gators' cornerback Marcus Roberson out for season

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 14, 2011

Florida Gators freshman CB Marcus Roberson will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a neck injury in the loss to South Carolina.

Gators coach Will Muschamp said Roberson should be able to return in the spring.

"He injured his neck in the game,'' Muschamp said Monday. "We're still evaluating him, but our medical staff has informed me that he will be out. It's nothing that's going to be permanent. He'll be fine in four to six weeks. He strained his neck there, and they're just taking precautionary measure, obviously, with something like that. He'll be fine. He'll be back for spring, but he will miss the rest of the season.''

Roberson played in 10 games this season and had 22 tackles (17 unassisted) and one interception.

Tampa Bay Rays' James Shields awaits Cy Young Award vote

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 14, 2011

Shields awaits Cy Young vote

Rays right-hander James Shields is set for a top-five finish when the American League Cy Young Award is announced today at 2 p.m. by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander is a lock to win the award after his 24-win season, but Shields could land in the top three after a bounce-back season in which he racked up a career-high 16 wins and a major-league best 11 complete games. If Shields is in the top five, his option for 2012 increases to $8 million. Angels right-hander Jered Weaver and Yankees lefty CC Sabathia will also be among the finalists.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer


Tampa Bay Buccaneers players say they should bear much of blame for loss to Houston Texans

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 14, 2011

TAMPA — Before taking the podium at his postgame news conference on Sunday and telling the assembled media to point fingers at him, Bucs coach Raheem Morris accepted the blame for Sunday's loss in front of his team.

But after some reflection, players on Monday acknowledged that they should bear much of the blame for Tampa Bay's 39-7 loss to the Texans, extending their current losing streak to three.

"It can't be on (Morris)," DE Michael Bennett said. "He's not in the game playing. At some point in time, it's not about the coaches. It's about the players. It doesn't matter what play the coach calls. We still have to execute. Clearly we're not executing the plays the coaches are calling and we need to find a way."

Said CB Aqib Talib: "He's the head coach. That's what he's supposed to say. But we're out there (playing). We're the players. It's on everybody."

The Bucs, a team comprised mostly of young players, have been a group that's responded to Morris in his first two seasons despite their inexperience. He is well-liked in the locker room and popular among his players.

His players aren't oblivious to the scrutiny Morris is under.

"We have to take the heat off of him," Bennett said. "He's getting blamed for a lot of stuff. But it's the players. As a defense, we have to play better. As an offense, we have to play better. As special teams, we have to play better."

MCCARGO BACK: The knee injury suffered by DE George Johnson on Sunday was season-ending. Johnson was placed on injured reserve Monday, replaced by DL John McCargo — less than a week after McCargo was released by the Bucs.

McCargo was signed to a contract after a tryout last Tuesday, only to be released a day later when the Bucs landed Albert Haynesworth off waivers from the Patriots. McCargo spent a portion of the preseason with the Bucs and will provide depth on the interior of the defensive line.

NOT WHAT IT SEEMED: You're probably wondering why on earth the Bucs would call a low-percentage fade pass on fourth and 2 from the Houston 5-yard line. In reality, they didn't.

WR Dez Briscoe, the target of Josh Freeman's incomplete pass, said he wasn't a primary option on the play, though he had a legitimate opportunity to make the catch.

"The play call wasn't designed for me," Briscoe said. "But I came off (the line of scrimmage) like I was getting the ball anyway. I turned around and the ball was there.

"The play was designed for either Kellen (Winslow) or (Preston) Parker. But I was alert and I looked back and the ball was in the air. We probably would've needed more time for them to get open so Josh tried to make a play. It just didn't go down the way it was supposed to. It wasn't a tough play. I just didn't make the play. It's a play I usually make."

GOOD START: Morris said Haynesworth played well in his first game with Tampa Bay, providing a building block for the rest of the season. Haynesworth also played many more snaps than he did in New England, and did so with impact.

"He played a good game," Morris said. "He was excited to be a new place. He was excited to go out there and play 47 snaps. He was excited to go out there and make seven tackles for us. … To go out there and play as well as he did and be as effective as he was is promising."

Captain's Corner: Low tides, cold fronts make for excellent fishing

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By Rob Gorta, Times Correspondent
Monday, November 14, 2011

Change of pace: Winter low tides combined with cold fronts passing through can lead to rewarding fishing. It takes winds blowing 20-plus mph out of the northeast combined with an astronomical low tide around the new moon and full moon phases. The result is a low tide that empties out of the bay and exposes every nook and cranny that reds and trout will get caught in.

What to look for: Follow the edge of a sandbar and look for cuts that lead into the flat. All of the flats are dry from the cold front. Strong outgoing tides form channels in which water flows through the sand bar. Redfish and trout use those channels to travel on and off of the flat.

Gear: Air temperatures are usually very cold. Have a set of neoprene waders, gloves, boots, and a belt to fish in the cold. Use a 7-foot rod rigged with 10-pound braid with 25-pound leader. Soft plastic baits on a red quarter-ounce jig head are my favorite. Any eel-type or grub plastic tail will work.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visitcaptainrobgorta.com.

Florida Gators basketball team gets tough early test tonight against Ohio State

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 14, 2011

GAINESVILLE — There are still two games remaining in the regular football season, but the big game for the Florida Gators this week is taking place on a hardwood court.

Coach Billy Donovan is taking his eighth-ranked team to Columbus, Ohio, to face No. 3 Ohio State tonight (8, ESPN2, 620-AM). It is a rematch of last year's game which the Buckeyes won 93-75 in the O'Dome, and the Gators' first road test of the season.

"I feel like there's a level of excitement going there to play Ohio State," Donovan said Monday. "For players, I don't know if they necessarily look at it as an opportunity to grow as maybe coaches do, in terms of what we really need to address. But I do think that they like the fact they are playing against a really good team, that they have a lot of respect for, that they know is really, really good. A team that they played last year, and I think got a first-hand glimpse of how good they were. Now we're having to go there and play, and I think there's a level of excitement and enthusiasm in playing a game like this."

Several years ago at the urging of SEC commissioner Mike Slive, Donovan and other league coaches began to beef up their non-conference schedule to bolster postseason resumes come tournament time. But just playing the games isn't enough. Donovan said winning and growing from the higher level of competition is imperative. Otherwise you're just a demoralized team with a lot of losses against tough opponents.

ROBERSON OUT: Freshman CB Marcus Roberson will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a neck injury in the loss to South Carolina. Coach Will Muschamp said Roberson should be able to return in the spring. Roberson played in 10 games this season and had 22 tackles (17 unassisted) and one interception.

"We're still evaluating him, but our medical staff has informed me that he will be out,'' Muschamp said. "It's nothing that's going to be permanent. He'll be fine in four to six weeks. He strained his neck there, and they're just taking precautionary measure, obviously, with something like that. He'll be fine."

Also on the injury front: OT Chaz Green (ankle) is probable this week. Muschamp said the Gators had hoped to have him back last week but his ankle began swelling Thursday and he couldn't go. DE Lerentee McCray (shoulder) is also probable.

LETTING GO: For Florida QB John Brantley, Saturday's five-point loss to South Carolina was hard to accept. Brantley described the plane ride home from Columbia, S.C., as "very quiet" and "a real, long tough flight." The hardest part was trying not to replay the game in his head.

"Saturday night I was definitely sitting around trying to figure out what went wrong and everything and there's a bunch of what-ifs?" Brantley said. "But the game's over with and there's nothing you can do now. All you can do is move on and move forward and get better."

The Gators will attempt to do just that against Furman on Saturday at 1 p.m.

DID YOU KNOW: The football team has five wins this season, and those victories have come against teams with a combined 15-34 record; none of the opponents has a record above .500. On the flip side, its losses have been against legitimate teams that are a combined 41-9.

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

Florida at Ohio State men's basketball preview glance; USF vs. North Florida women's basketball preview glance

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By Antonya English and Greg Auman, Times Staff Writers
Monday, November 14, 2011

Big East-leading Bearcats lose starting QB

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Times wires
Monday, November 14, 2011

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros had surgery Monday for his broken right ankle, which will sideline him for the last three regular-season games and leave the Big East leaders in the hands of sophomore Munchie Legaux.

Collaros broke his ankle during the second quarter of a 24-21 loss to West Virginia on Saturday that opened up the Big East. The league-leading Bearcats are hopeful their senior quarterback can be back for a bowl game.

"I've been told the surgery was a great success and they were very encouraged by what they saw when they went in to do the surgery," coach Butch Jones said.

Legaux takes over for a pivotal game Saturday at Rutgers, which has the league's top-ranked defense. The Bearcats have a half-game lead in the Big East over Rutgers, West Virginia and Louisville.

Legaux is more of a running threat at quarterback, one of the reasons Jones made him a priority in his initial recruiting class last year. He showed it on a 65-yard run against the Mountaineers, which got the crowd of 48,152 fans at Paul Brown Stadium chanting "Munchie! Munchie!"

JACKETS APPEAL: Georgia Tech expects to hear early next year if it will have its 2009 ACC title restored. Associate athletic director Wayne Hogan said that school officials have been told a verdict on the school's appeal of NCAA sanctions should be received within 60 to 90 days. In other Georgia Tech news, linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu was suspended for the first half of Saturday's game at Duke for throwing a punch at Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas.

BCS MEETING: As schools chase BCS automatic qualifying by switching conferences, the leaders in charge of the postseason system began discussing its future. "I don't think any of us are happy that the BCS is one of the contributing factors to conference realignment," BCS executive director Bill Hancock said after a meeting of conference commissioners and university presidents in San Francisco. "The BCS was never intended to be a divisive event."

JURISPRUDENCE: Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington was sentenced in Columbia, Mo., to five years in prison for the off-campus sexual assault of a former tutor, but the one-time senior captain could be released after 120 days in a "shock incarceration" program while remaining on probation during his five-year sentence. … A judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by former North Carolina player Michael McAdoo against the school and NCAA after he was declared permanently ineligible for academic misconduct.

EAST CAROLINA: Backup running back Alex Owah was suspended indefinitely for violating unspecified team rules.

IOWA ST.: Police said robbery charges are pending against backup receiver Albert Gary following a June incident. Coach Paul Rhoads said Gary had been suspended for three games because of the incident.

MICHIGAN: Coach Brady Hoke said he expects quarterback Denard Robinson to practice without limitation and play against No. 17 Nebraska. Robinson sprained his right wrist in the third quarter Saturday and didn't return.

MISSOURI: Coach Gary Pinkel said Kendial Lawrencde and De'Vion Moore will split time at tailback this week in place of Henry Josey, out for the year with a knee injury.

NORTH CAROLINA: Quarterback Bryn Renner said he has recovered from a mild concussion suffered in a loss to North Carolina State on Nov. 5 and is ready for Thursday's trip to Virginia Tech.

TENNESSEE: Coach Derek Dooley said quarterback Tyler Bray was cleared to return to practice, but the sophomore is questionable for Saturday's game against Vanderbilt. Bray has missed five games with a broken right thumb.

WASHINGTON: Coach Steve Sarkisian said starting quarterback Keith Price would not practice and may not start Saturday at Oregon State. If Price can't play, redshirt freshman Nick Montana would start.

WISCONSIN: Center Peter Konz will be out two to four weeks with a dislocated left ankle. He will be replaced by sophomore Ryan Groy.

WYOMING: Junior wide receiver Chris McNeill suffered a left arm injury Saturday that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

Other sports

SOCCER: The USF men earned a No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will host a second-round game against the winner of Florida Gulf Coast vs. UCF at 6 p.m. Sunday. … The Florida State women will face Portland in the second round of the NCAA tournament at 6 p.m. Friday in Memphis, Tenn.

Fisher: FSU not perfect but growing

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Times wires
Monday, November 14, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State is back in Top 25 after more than a month on the outside looking in.

Coach Jimbo Fisher's young club has reeled off five straight wins to climbed back to No. 23 after Saturday's 23-19 victory over Miami. The Seminoles had dropped out of the rankings after Wake Forest handed them a third straight defeat Oct. 8.

It was a hard fall for a team that was ranked fifth nationally only three weeks earlier and went into the season picked as a possible contender for a national title.

"We're growing through the season," Fisher said after the Miami game. "We've got problems, we aren't perfect but we are figuring out how to win."

NO MORE PUNISHMENT: ACC officials determined that FSU LB Nigel Bradham's hit on Miami's LaRon Byrd on Saturday was legal and said he should not have been ejected from the game.

In the closing minutes, Bradham blindsided Byrd on a pass across the middle. Byrd's helmet and neck immediately jerked backward just before he hit the turf hard. Three referees threw flags, citing illegal contact, and ejected Bradham.

The ACC reviewed the play and determined Bradham's right shoulder hit Byrd in the chest, not neck, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

UM: Armstrong back

CORAL GABLES — Miami S Ray-Ray Armstrong was reinstated, coach Al Golden said.

Armstrong was suspended last week and missed the Florida State game when his eligibility came into question after he dined the previous Sunday night with the owner of a public-relations company that represents professional athletes. Armstrong posted a tweet about the dinner, which was removed soon after.

Golden said Monday the school feels assured that Armstrong didn't commit any NCAA violations. He added that UM athletic director Shawn Eichorst has "final say (on Armstrong's status). But he's allowed to return to team activities until we hear otherwise (from the NCAA)."

Steve Gorten, Sun Sentinel

UCF: Proud of effort

ORLANDO — UCF players loathe the phrase "moral victory," but it's tough to find a more apt description of their 30-29 loss at then-No. 23 Southern Miss on Saturday.

The Knights amassed a 20-point fourth-quarter rally, returning a kickoff for a touchdown and forcing one fumble in an all-out effort to claim their first road victory of the season.

"Actually, I feel really good," junior RB Latavius Murray said after the game. "I think we played a tough, hard game and, you know, we stayed together as a team. And I think we need to carry that over the next two games and go out there and do what we have to do to win."

UCF sophomore DT Victor Gray, a defensive leader who has been demanding more from his teammates all season, said he could not have been prouder of the team.

Senior LB Josh Linam, senior RB Ronnie Weaver, Murray and Gray said if UCF plays with the same tenacity it did at Southern Miss, the team can sweep games at East Carolina on Saturday and against UTEP Nov. 25 to clinch bowl eligibility.

"If we come out and practice and play the way we did (Saturday) the next two games, I feel we're going to win those next two games," Gray said.

Iliana Limón, Orlando Sentinel

Schaub hurt, could be out for season

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Times wires
Monday, November 14, 2011

HOUSTON — Houston quarterback Matt Schaub is out indefinitely with a "significant" right foot injury, suffered Sunday against the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium, and will miss at least one game.

ESPN reported that Schaub is done for the season with a Lisfranc injury.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Monday that Schaub was injured on a quarterback sneak late in the second quarter of Houston's 37-9 win. Schaub stayed in the game, but threw only three passes.

"He's got a significant foot injury, he's going to miss some time," Kubiak said. "…It's disappointing, but we'll go to work and try to do the right thing by Matt." Houston has a bye this weekend, then Matt Leinart will start Nov. 27 at Jacksonville, Kubiak said.

Two other starting quarterbacks had injury developments.

Kansas City's Matt Cassel has what coach Todd Haley called a "significant" injury to his right (throwing) hand. "He will probably have to have surgery at some time," Haley said. Tyler Palko will start next Monday against New England; it's not known if Cassel is done for the season.

Philadelphia's Michael Vick has two broken ribs. Coach Andy Reid said Vick was hurt early in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals, but Reid did not rule Vick out for Sunday's game at the Giants.

Three Jaguars went on season-ending injured reserve: Cornerback Rashean Mathis (torn ACL, left knee), guard Eben Britton (back) and linebacker Kyle Bosworth (broken left hand). Mathis, of Bethune-Cookman, will have surgery soon.

Others out for the season include Bengals cornerback Leon Hall (torn left Achilles'), Redskins rookie receiver and former Miami Hurricanes star Leonard Hankerson (hip), Seahawks guard John Moffitt (torn ligaments, right knee), Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (right knee), Bears guard Chris Williams (left wrist), Bills center Eric Wood (torn ligament, right knee) and two Rams, cornerback Al Harris and tight end Mike Hoomanawanui (knee injuries).

RYAN CURSES FAN: Jets coach Rex Ryan apologized for foul-mouthed remarks to a fan and the league will look at the incident, captured on video. As Ryan walked to the tunnel at halftime of Sunday's home loss to New England, after the Jets yielded an 80-yard touchdown drive, a fan yelled that Patriots coach Bill Belichick is "better than" him. Ryan looked up and told the fan to "shut up" while also using an obscenity. "I was just full of emotion and just popped off … and I know it was a mistake and I apologize for it," Ryan said Monday. The league could fine Ryan.

FLEX SCHEDULING: Sunday's Titans-Falcons game will start at 4:15 p.m. instead of 1.

COLTS: Vice chairman Bill Polian said on his radio show that he has spoken with Peyton Manning about the possibility of using a high draft pick on a quarterback, "and he's okay with that." Polian didn't discuss names, though his 0-10 team is on pace for the No. 1 pick this spring and could take consensus top prospect Andrew Luck of Stanford.

EAGLES: Receiver DeSean Jackson spoke to coach Andy Reid and teammates, and said is ready to move forward after being benched Sunday for missing a meeting. Jackson didn't deny that he skipped the meeting as a statement because he's upset about his contract situation.

49ERS: Running back Frank Gore (right knee) was being further evaluated. Coach Jim Harbaugh said he hoped Gore won't miss any games.

RAIDERS: Running back Darren McFadden (sprained foot) and wide receiver Jacoby Ford (foot) missed practice.


Sports in brief: Ali pays respects at Joe Frazier memorial

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Times wires
Monday, November 14, 2011

boxing

ali pays respects at memorial for former champ frazier

PHILADELPHIA — With his championship belt and a pair of gloves draped over his casket, Joe Frazier was going one more round.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson asked mourners to rise, put their hands together and for one last time "show your love" for the former heavyweight champion.

Muhammad Ali obliged.

A frail and trembling Ali rose and vigorously clapped for "Smokin' Joe," the fighter who handed Ali his first loss.

Ali was among the nearly 4,000 who packed the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church on Monday for a two-hour "joyful celebration" of Frazier's life. He died last week of liver cancer; he was 67. Also attending were former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes and Don King.

Jackson delivered a stirring eulogy, describing Frazier as someone who "came from segregation, degradation and disgrace to amazing grace."

Mike Tyson sent a videotaped message of condolence, as did Donald Trump and Mickey Rourke.

autos

Power returns to track after fatal crash

Will Power was back in a race car for the first time since breaking his back in the IndyCar Series finale last month at Las Vegas.

Power ran 115 laps at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, and said he felt fine and had no soreness in his back.

"Physically, I felt absolutely fine, great, no soreness at all where I hurt my back," he said. "I felt bloody good."

Power had been sidelined since sustaining two compression fractures in his thoracic vertebrae in the Oct. 16 race at Las Vegas. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and St. Petersburg resident Dan Wheldon was killed in the 15-car accident.

soccer

Beckham, Arena honored by MLS

David Beckham has been voted Major League Soccer's comeback player of the year after missing most of the 2010 season because of a torn Achilles tendon.

The former England captain set up 15 goals for the Los Angeles Galaxy, which finished the season with the best regular-season record.

The Galaxy's Bruce Arena became the first three-time winner of coach of the year. He also won in 1997 with D.C. United and 2009 with the Galaxy.

et cetera

Cycling: Alberto Contador can expect to find out in January if he will keep his 2010 Tour de France victory. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said a verdict is expected in early 2012 after a four-day hearing into the Spanish rider's case next week. Contador is due to appear at the highest court in world sports in Lausanne, Switzerland, to present his defense that contaminated beef caused his positive test for clenbuterol.

Times wires

Kimbrel NL's top rookie

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Times wires
Monday, November 14, 2011

NEW YORK — Craig Kimbrel overpowered hitters with his rocket right arm, then overwhelmed rivals in the NL rookie of the year voting.

The Braves closer unanimously won the honor Monday. Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson easily won in the AL.

Kimbrel set a major-league record for saves by a rookie with 46. He earned all 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America and outpointed Atlanta teammate Freddie Freeman.

"It definitely did surprise me," Kimbrel said on a conference call from his vacation in Hawaii. "I expected it to be close."

Kimbrel was dominant for much of the year, chosen as an NL All-Star during his streak of 38 appearances without allowing a run.

STARTING FRESH: Mike Matheny settled into Tony La Russa's desk chair in an office cleared of the knickknacks accumulated over 16 years by his predecessor. A blank slate — just like the Cardinals new manager, who has never filled out a lineup card in the majors.

Not that he hasn't thought about it.

"I loved spending the time I had with Tony talking about managing, and he knew that," Matheny said after getting a two-year deal with a club option for a third season. "He's been advocate for a long time, someone that's been promoting me."

RAMOS KIDNAPPING: Venezuelan police arrested two more suspects in the kidnapping of Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos. National investigative police chief Humberto Ramirez said a Colombian man and a Venezuelan man were detained Sunday in a car with several others in the town of Moron.

D'BACKS: Second baseman Aaron Hill reached an agreement to re-sign for a reported $11 million over two seasons.

DODGERS: Centerfielder and MVP candidate Matt Kemp appears close to signing an eight-year, $160 million deal.

Success of Tampa Bay Rays' Jeremy Hellickson a tribute to scout's tenacity

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Monday, November 14, 2011

The argument was familiar. In those days, it was the soundtrack of a franchise.

You see, there was this high school pitcher. Not a perfect pitcher. Not a can't-miss prospect. He was smallish. And right-handed. He had missed his junior season with a shoulder injury and had thrown only 15 innings as a senior because the weather doesn't clear quickly enough to start the baseball season in springtime in Iowa.

No one in the Devil Rays' front office, circa 2005, was arguing about any of that.

The argument was about money. Of course it was money.

Was Jeremy Hellickson — the kid who was too small, who carried the risk of injury, who was dominating in a part of the country where baseball prospects show up about as often as comets — worth paying second-round money in the fourth round?

"He was one of those guys who has that innate ability to pitch. That wasn't the issue," said Cam Bonifay, who was then Tampa Bay's director of player personnel. "It was whether ownership and the commissioner's office would let us pay him."

• • •

By now, you know the outcome. Hellickson was drafted by Tampa Bay, agreed to the contract offer and, on Monday, was named the American League rookie of the year.

It is a success story on multiple levels, beginning with Hellickson's own talent and determination. But it is also a story of trust and risk and maybe a little luck.

Tom Couston is a Rays scout based in Chicago, and he was in Cedar Rapids with fellow scout Joe Murphy watching future Athletics outfielder Ryan Sweeney in 2003.

Murphy's son Sean was a coach at a Perfect Game USA scouting showcase in town and called his father with some news.

"He said, 'There's some 15-year-old throwing over 90 mph and blowing guys away,' " Couston recalled. "He said you better get over to the other side of town.

"That was where it all started."

Within weeks, scouts everywhere knew Hellickson's name. He went 6-0 with an 0.63 ERA as a high school sophomore and was a star on USA Baseball's youth national team.

Then came the stress fracture in his right shoulder, and a junior season spent biding his time as a DH at Hoover High in Des Moines.

The injury healed up enough for Hellickson to shine in some winter showcases, and he eventually signed a letter of intent to play at LSU.

The issue was his draft value in 2005.

He was 3-0 with 33 strikeouts and a 0.00 ERA in the first 15 innings of his senior season, but was that enough for teams to take him in the first or second round?

Because that was how Hellickson viewed his potential heading into the draft, and he was not going to settle for a contract of lesser value.

Meanwhile, in the Rays' predraft meetings, the argument raged over Hellickson's monetary worth. Couston, who signed Jim Thome when he was a scout with the Indians, thought the Rays could wait until the third round to get him but knew it would cost more money than a third-round slot.

This was an issue. The Rays were preparing for the transition from Vince Naimoli's ownership to Stuart Sternberg's, and cash flow was a problem.

One need only look at first-round pick Wade Townsend to understand that. Townsend was out of college eligibility and his velocity was dropping in the weeks before the draft, which was a clue to the injury that would eventually end his career.

Rays scouts were supposedly high on prep outfielder Andrew McCutchen, but he would cost around $2.2 million as a No. 8 pick. Townsend was willing to sign for $1.5 million, and so he was the choice. He had surgery a year later and never made it above Double A.

This was the backdrop for the argument over Hellickson.

Eighty-seven players had been selected by the time the Rays were picking in the third round. Hellickson was on the board, but the Rays chose prep pitcher Bryan Morris out of Tennessee. Turns out, he wanted too much money and never signed.

The Orioles called the Hellickson house and said they were willing to draft him a few picks later if he was ready to sign. The Hellicksons told Baltimore not to bother if it wasn't prepared to offer a mid-second round contract.

Couston, meanwhile, was sweating. He wasn't sure how much longer Hellickson would remain on the board. The only thing he had in his favor was the backing of R.J. Harrison, who was then a national cross checker and is now Tampa Bay's scouting director.

"Was it a hard sell? Yeah, you could say that," Couston said. "But R.J. is brilliant. He fought as hard as I did for this guy. He backed me all the way."

Harrison dismisses his role, and instead credits Couston, Bonifay and former Rays exec Tim Wilken for the calculated risk.

"There were a bunch of people watching this guy. Yes, he was 5-11 or 6 foot or whatever they say, but the delivery you see now is the delivery he had in high school," Harrison said. "All the things that make him what he is now he had when he was young.

"Trust me, if I thought he was going to be this good, I would have written a better report on him and we wouldn't have waited until the fourth round."

So the team that was frugal in the first round agreed to pay Hellickson a little more than $500,000 in the fourth round, which was roughly double the going rate.

Six years later, the 2005 draft is a virtual wasteland in Tampa Bay. Sixteen of the Rays' first 17 picks have never played in the majors.

The only thing the Rays have to show for 2005 was a smallish right-hander from Iowa. And a handful of scouts who fought for him.

Coach Guy Boucher relieved to have seven defensemen with Tampa Bay Lightning

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 14, 2011

WINNIPEG — Lightning coach Guy Boucher finally got into his comfort zone Monday.

With D Victor Hedman healthy after missing three games with an upper-body injury, Boucher used 11 forwards and seven defenseman in his lineup instead of the traditional 12/6 alignment he used all season.

"I'm welcoming it, for sure," Boucher said before the game at the Jets. "That's what I like. I've done that in midget, in junior, in the American League, and last year that's what I did most of the year when I could in the NHL."

What Boucher likes is the flexibility he believes the alignment provides.

With seven defensemen, he can sit one who isn't playing well without putting too much strain on the remaining six. Try that strategy when you start with six defensemen and go down to five and "you're really in trouble," Boucher said. "If you're playing against a team that has a lot of stamina and size, they wear you out. If you have an extra guy who can take that spot, you can replace the guy who's not playing well and not feel it."

With 11 forwards, one in the top six can get spot duty on a third or fourth line. That way, Boucher said, "you're tough to match."

Why didn't he do this earlier?

It's difficult when carrying 14 forwards because three would have to be scratched. But with Mattias Ritola off to Sweden and LW Ryan Malone injured, Boucher had to scratch only Blair Jones to get to 11.

MIRACLE CURE: Boucher had said Hedman might be out two weeks and Malone would be quicker to return.

But Malone (upper body) missed his third straight game and participated only at the end of Monday's morning skate.

"We'll see how it is back home," Malone said, "skate with the team maybe Wednesday and take it from there."

What accelerated Hedman's recovery?

"I'm 20 years old and have a young body," he joked, and added, "When I'm back I'm not going to be hesitant, just the same old me. I'll do everything I can to be a force on this team and whatever it takes to win games, paying the price, sacrificing my body, making good plays."

EDUCATING SHANNON: The previous 10 games entering Monday were difficult for LW Ryan Shannon, who was scratched for five and had zero points in the other five.

But Boucher said Shannon is "buying in now" to the way the team plays and better understands how to use his speed in Tampa Bay's system.

"It's about him understanding his speed and how much of a threat it is and taking steps toward a new level of threat for him," Boucher said. "He's a smart player who was using half his speed. … You have a bazooka in your hand but you're shooting it with your pistol."

"That's something I want to be an expert at," Shannon said about using his speed. "It's just settling down and using my instincts."

ODDS AND ENDS: AHL Norfolk players helped build a Habitat for Humanity House in Hampton Roads, Va. … Tampa Bay entered Monday one of only five teams without a regulation loss in one-goal games (5-0-2).

Four who beat odds enter Hall

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Times wires
Monday, November 14, 2011

TORONTO — As Joe Nieuwendyk, Ed Belfour, Doug Gilmour and Mark Howe took their place Monday in the Hockey Hall of Fame, they reflected on careers that had them standing together on the sport's grandest stage.

"It's what makes it such a special place," Nieuwendyk said. "It doesn't discriminate. I think the common bond with a lot of these faces that I see on the walls … is a real genuine passion and a love for the game and high competitive spirit in all of us."

Nieuwendyk attended Cornell back when the NCAA route was far less traveled. Belfour was considered eccentric — even for a goaltender — and was undrafted but had the third-most wins ever. Gilmour wasn't drafted until the seventh round in 1982. Howe grew up in the shadow of legendary father Gordie and was a wing in the World Hockey Association before becoming one of the NHL's best defensemen.

"You play in the driveway, you dream of winning Stanley Cups, you dream of winning Conn Smythe trophies, you dream of everything," Mark Howe said. "The only thing you never dream of is making the Hall of Fame so this is beyond any dream that I've ever had."

GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Jhonas Enroth made 25 saves in place of injured starter Ryan Miller to improve to 6-0 this season as the visiting Sabres defeated the Canadiens 3-2 in a shootout.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan reacted strongly to complaints from the Sabres after he elected not to suspend Bruins forward Milan Lucic for his collision with goalie Miller. The Sabres suggested the lack of a ban suggests that goalies won't be protected. "I think Buffalo's comments are irresponsible," Shanahan said at the Hall induction ceremony. "…I will have this warning for players: 'It's not."

Sabres00203
at Canadiens02002
Buffalo wins shootout 2-1

FirstNone. PenaltiesLeopold, Buf (slashing), 2:38; Plekanec, Mon (tripping), 4:02.

Second1, Montreal, Cole 4 (Subban, Pacioretty), 3:58 (pp). 2, Montreal, Pacioretty 8 (Desharnais, Cole), 14:17. PenaltiesGaustad, Buf (roughing), 2:43; Gerbe, Buf (roughing), 7:00; Desharnais, Mon (roughing), 7:00; Gorges, Mon (interference), 7:20; Palushaj, Mon (tripping), 11:03; Gaustad, Buf (slashing), 17:58.

Third3, Buffalo, Pominville 7 (Roy), :53. 4, Buffalo, Roy 6 (Vanek), 12:30. PenaltiesAdam, Buf (slashing), 9:09; Gaustad, Buf (cross-checking), 14:02.

OvertimeNone. PenaltiesCole, Mon (goaltender interference), :19; Vanek, Buf (tripping), 2:49.

ShootoutBuffalo 2 (Vanek G, Boyes G), Montreal 1 (Plekanec NG, Pacioretty G, Gionta NG). ShotsBuffalo 6-13-10-3—32. Montreal 10-10-4-3—27. Power playsBuffalo 0 of 4; Montreal 1 of 6. GoaliesBuffalo, Enroth 6-0-0 (27 shots-25 saves). Montreal, Price 6-6-3 (32-30). A21,273 (21,273). T2:38.

Flyers2215
at Hurricanes1113

First1, Philadelphia, Giroux 10 (Jagr, Pronger), 1:19. 2, Philadelphia, Talbot 6 (Read, Voracek), 8:50. 3, Carolina, Dwyer 1 (E.Staal), 19:59 (sh). PenaltiesRinaldo, Phi (roughing), 10:57; Allen, Car (roughing), 10:57; Ruutu, Car (slashing), 18:51.

Second4, Philadelphia, Giroux 11 (Jagr), 2:45. 5, Philadelphia, Simmonds 4 (Giroux, Pronger), 6:57 (pp). 6, Carolina, Ruutu 7 (Jokinen, Skinner), 12:01. PenaltiesPhiladelphia bench, served by Rinaldo (too many men), 3:33; Carolina bench, served by Skinner (too many men), 6:38; Couturier, Phi (tripping), 12:54.

Third7, Carolina, Dwyer 2 (penalty shot), 4:36 (sh). 8, Philadelphia, Read 5 (Voracek, Pronger), 16:09. PenaltiesVoracek, Phi (roughing), :32; Skinner, Car (holding), :32; Brent, Car (tripping), 3:24; Kaberle, Car (hooking), 6:06; Simmonds, Phi (cross-checking), 7:04; Ponikarovsky, Car (interference), 9:44; Meszaros, Phi (interference), 16:25; Ruutu, Car (hooking), 16:25; Lilja, Phi (tripping), 18:52. ShotsPhiladelphia 12-9-7—28. Carolina 7-8-5—20. Power playsPhiladelphia 1 of 5; Carolina 0 of 4. GoaliesPhiladelphia, Bobrovsky 3-0-1 (20 shots-17 saves). Carolina, Ward 6-7-2 (17-13), Boucher (13:02 second, 11-10). A14,491 (18,680). T2:36.

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