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Community hasn't matched Armwood's football success

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By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, December 16, 2011

SEFFNER — Tucked away in a nondescript plaza off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Seffner sits a quasi shrine to great Armwood High football teams past and present.

Adorning the walls at B & D Barber Shop, a Seffner staple for nearly three decades, are faded newspaper clippings, championship memorabilia and signed photographs.

"We opened up this place and became boosters the same year Armwood (opened in 1984)," said Al Hancock, whose father, Bruce, owns the shop. "We love sports, and we love Armwood football."

About 20 players and coaches regularly sit in Hancock's barber chair, but wearing the blue and white isn't a requirement for talking Armwood football. Hancock, a man with an easy smile and quick tongue, will typically provide anyone in earshot the skinny on everyone from free safety Trevor Weeks (1987) to fullback Kalvin Bailey (2004) to current star Alvin Bailey.

"What they have going on over there at Armwood is special," said Hancock, a school booster for all 27 years.

He just wishes more people around here realized it. As the Hawks prepare for Saturday's Class 6A state championship game against Miami Central at Orlando's Florida Citrus Bowl, their success isn't fully reflected in the support it receives from the community or the student body.

The Hawks have entrenched themselves as the kings of eastern — if not all of — Hillsborough County with a pair of state titles and two more finals appearances in the last eight seasons under their belt.

Before the Hawks won the first of their back-to-back championships in 2003, no county team had won a state title since 1969. From that season on, every Armwood team earned a state ranking and many received national acclaim.

"We have one of the best high school football teams in all of the country in our backyard," Hancock said. "And it's disappointing that place isn't jammed to the gills with fans."

Because of their dominance, most Hawks' regular season games are all but in the books by halftime, which lends itself to subpar attendance. But most recently against visiting Bartram Trail last Friday, the buzz at Lyle Flagg Field was far from a typical state semifinal atmosphere.

Beyond a devoted group of parents and a band of longtime supporters, the stands did not overflow.

"It's kind of sad because you sure would like it to be packed in here," Hawks coach Sean Callahan said this week as his team prepared for its fifth state final appearance in the last eight seasons. "These kids deserve it."

Armwood once had pep group of students years back called the Blue Crew who would paint their faces and bodies, filling a section of the stands. That group doesn't exist anymore and a quick scan of the home stands against Bartram Trail certainly didn't reveal a large student presence.

"There are a lot of things to do in the surrounding area for kids these days," Armwood principal Mike Ippolito said. "There are more distractions so it's different than in years past."

Despite the five-hour drive, Bartram Trail filled the smaller visitors side but the overflow forced more to stand along the fence. The Bears also came in featuring quarterback Nathan Peterman, a four-star national recruit headed to the University of Tennessee.

"I'm always promoting these games here (in the barber shop)," Hancock said. "Heck, you can watch the greatest team in the nation right down the road. Come on in, I'll buy you a corndog, and the mustard is free."

There are myriad theories as to why a team with Armwood's pedigree struggles to provide the same level of support as say Plant, the only other school in Hillsborough County on the Hawks' football pedestal.

"I don't like to make comparisons between us and another school because I don't really think that's fair," Ippolito said. "But obviously in Plant's case they have a much larger alumni having been around something like twice as long as we have."

The Panthers, who have three state titles in the past six seasons and will play for a fourth Saturday, routinely sell out playoff games. Plant games have become the Friday night thing to do in South Tampa and even finding room to walk within Dads Stadium can be difficult.

"But that's one of the things that sets (Seffner) apart," Hancock said. "We're not South Tampa corporate. This is a laid-back, country way of life out here."

Callahan said Armwood's location plays a part.

"We don't have a downtown in this little Seffner, Mango, Thonotosassa area," he said. "We're kind of stuck out here on I-4."

Hancock said the economic disparity between South Tampa and Seffner also is a factor.

"You get a dad who takes his three kids, that's $36 and parking makes it $38," he said. "Add concessions on top of that and it we're talking some money."

Callahan noted the Hawks aren't always the only ticket in town.

"You had Plant at home last week, too, so I think that hurt our attendance a little," he said. "I'd say half of our fans up there (in the stands) were just football fans from around the Tampa Bay area."

Very few area businesses have voiced support through storefront signs, but Ippolito noted that "there are only really two major roads in and out of Seffner."

"There is a Beef 'O' Brady's off MLK and the Clubhouse on Parsons that are big supporters of the football team and provide pregame meals at a discounted rate," Ippolito said. "The support may not be visible, but it's there."

Hancock, who has cut three generations of hair locally "from grandfathers to fathers to sons" said his father's shop will always support the Hawks. Although B & D Barber Shop is tough to spot without looking for it, the giant blue "Hawks #1" sign —one of the few posted by area businesses — makes it a little easier.

Someone recently offered Hancock $1,000 for a football signed by all the 2003 Hawks players and coaches.

"No way buddy," he said tapping the glass case it rests in. "No way."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.


Once upon a time, all was well for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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By Rick Stroud , Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 16, 2011

TAMPA

What were you doing eight weeks ago?

You know, just before Halloween. A little less than a Kim Kardashian marriage.

Eight weeks ago, Bucs coach Raheem Morris and his staff had won 16 of their past 24 games, the blistering .667 winning percentage the fourth best in the NFL during that stretch. They were off to a 4-2 start this season, 2-0 in the NFC South and tied for first in the division with wins over Atlanta and New Orleans.

Eight weeks and seven consecutive losses later, Morris finds himself running out of chances to prove he should be back next season.

Personally, I believe the Glazer family (which owns the Bucs) is rooting for Morris to win the final three games, silence some of the critics and keep its plan on course.

Why? For starters, they like Morris. Bryan Glazer sits next to Morris on the team charter to and from each road game. They're frequently together socially.

But a bigger reason should be obvious: The Bucs aren't looking to pay a big-name, proven coach $5.7 million a year knowing full well they can't hire one without agreeing to spend at least $50 million of salary cap space on veteran free agents.

It's a given if Morris is fired, the Glazers can't hire another first-time coach. They will need an older man, preferably with a few Super Bowl rings. A Bill Cowher. At the very least, a Jeff Fisher.

For a franchise that has spent the least amount of cash on salaries and signing bonuses from 2004-09, according to NFL Management Council figures, does this sound like the Bucs to you?

Yes, the new labor rules mandate the league as a whole must spend 99 percent of the salary cap in 2011. But there's no minimum requirement for individual teams until 2013. The option on Morris' contract, coincidentally, expires after the 2012 season.

So Morris has coached the youngest team in the NFL for two straight seasons and, until eight weeks ago, won as many games as nearly any coach in the league over a 24-game stretch. But coaches don't make long-range plans for a franchise. They try to execute them.

When the plan calls for starting mostly rookies, sophomores and other young players, their backups are largely undrafted free agents or claims off the waiver wire.

Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, the third overall pick in 2010, is lost for the season with a torn right biceps, and he's replaced by Albert Haynesworth? How many game-changing plays has he made?

Rookie middle linebacker Mason Foster, who sprained both ankles and was forced to leave the Oct. 23 game against Chicago, misses snaps, and they replace him with Adam Hayward, primarily a special teams maven and the last free agent signed before the season. Fellow linebackers Quincy Black (in his fifth season) hasn't lived up to his contract while Geno Hayes (fourth) was benched.

"Unfortunately, we're not the same team," Morris said. "We are different. But we are into the 'next man up' mentality. I even sold you (reporters) on it because you guys don't realize they're missing, either.

"It's not about missing people. It's about guys stepping up into those roles and using that maturity to get you over the edge. And we've not been able to do that thus far. We've got to do it (tonight). We've got to do it the next three weeks."

Morris is not blameless for the slide. The Bucs have committed the third-most penalties in the NFL (108) and are tied with the Eagles for the most turnovers committed (31).

But eight weeks ago, he was the hot, new face married to the prettiest girl. Even Kris Humphries probably believes the split with Morris is going a little too fast.

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com.

Once upon a time, all was well for Raheem Morris and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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By Rick Stroud , Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 16, 2011

TAMPA

What were you doing eight weeks ago?

You know, just before Halloween. A little less than a Kim Kardashian marriage.

Eight weeks ago, Bucs coach Raheem Morris and his staff had won 16 of their past 24 games, the blistering .667 winning percentage was the fourth best in the NFL during that stretch. They were off to a 4-2 start this season, 2-0 in the NFC South and tied for first in the division with wins over Atlanta and New Orleans.

Eight weeks and seven consecutive losses later, Morris finds himself running out of chances to prove he should be back next season.

Personally, I believe the Glazer family (which owns the Bucs) is rooting for Morris to win the final three games, silence some of the critics and keep its plan on course.

Why? For starters, they like Morris. Bryan Glazer sits next to Morris on the team charter to and from each road game. They're frequently together socially.

But a bigger reason should be obvious: The Bucs aren't looking to pay a big-name, proven coach $5.7 million a year knowing full well they can't hire one without agreeing to spend at least $50 million of salary cap space on veteran free agents.

This much is a given if Morris is fired: The Glazers can't hire another first-time coach. They will need an older man, preferably with a few Super Bowl rings. A Bill Cowher. At the very least, a Jeff Fisher.

For a franchise that has spent the least amount of cash on salaries and signing bonuses from 2004-09, according to NFL Management Council figures, does this sound like the Bucs to you?

Yes, the new labor rules mandate the league as a whole must spend 99 percent of the salary cap in 2011. But there's no minimum requirement for individual teams until 2013. The option on Morris' contract, coincidentally, expires after the 2012 season.

So Morris has coached the youngest team in the league for two straight seasons and, until eight weeks ago, won as many games as nearly any coach in the league over a 24-game stretch. But coaches don't make long-range plans for a franchise. They try to execute them.

When the plan calls for starting mostly rookies, sophomores and other young players, their backups are largely undrafted free agents or claims off the waiver wire.

Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, the third overall pick in 2010, is lost for the season with a torn right biceps, and he's replaced by Albert Haynesworth? How many game-changing plays has he made?

Rookie middle linebacker Mason Foster, who sprained both ankles and was forced to leave the Oct. 23 game against Chicago, misses snaps, and they replace him with Adam Hayward, primarily a special teams maven and the last free agent signed before the season. Fellow linebackers Quincy Black (in his fifth season) hasn't lived up to his contract while Geno Hayes (fourth) was benched.

"Unfortunately, we're not the same team," Morris said. "We are different. But we are into the 'next man up' mentality. I even sold you (reporters) on it because you guys don't realize they're missing, either.

"It's not about missing people. It's about guys stepping up into those roles and using that maturity to get you over the edge. And we've not been able to do that thus far. We've got to do it (tonight). We've got to do it the next three weeks."

Morris is not blameless for the slide. The Bucs have committed the third-most penalties in the NFL (108) and are tied with the Eagles for the most turnovers committed (31).

But eight weeks ago, he was the hot, new face married to the prettiest girl. Even Kris Humphries probably believes the split with Morris is going a little too fast.

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com.

Kickin' back with Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Mossis Madu

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 16, 2011

You grew up in Norman, Okla. So I'm wondering: Did you grow up as a Sooners fan?

Actually, no. Not at all. I actually hated Oklahoma when I was growing up. I was a Texas and Miami guy. I was about the "U." I used to love the "U." But I was born in Texas, so I also felt like I had to represent them.

So when did you move to Oklahoma?

When I was in kindergarten. But I already loved Texas even that early.

So did you openly represent Texas in Norman? That wouldn't be too popular.

No, not at all. But when they played Texas, I would definitely root for Texas.

What do you remember most about watching football when growing up?

I really remember Barry Sanders and watching him. He used to do guys in, man. And I remember the (Dallas) Cowboys. That's back when they were real good. I loved Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin.

So how did you go from hating Oklahoma to going to school there? How did you come around?

I definitely had choices. But they win. Hey, they win championships. I got five rings in five years there (four Big 12 championships, one Fiesta Bowl). So between them winning and all that tradition they have, it was hard not to. I really started to pay attention when I started playing varsity football. Then when they showed an interest in me, I really started paying attention. But besides Oklahoma, my other (choice) was UCLA. I really wanted to go there. I took my official (visit) there, and I told my mom, "That's where I want to go. I want to go to the West Coast." But, man, she had this look in her eyes. I was like, "Man, I guess I'll stay home."

Were you friends with Gerald McCoy while at Oklahoma?

Man, we were like brothers, actually. We're both from Oklahoma, so we've known each other since we were sophomores in high school. We went to an OU football camp together, and we were basically roommates. That's where we met, and we became really close. So it was a blessing to come here to Tampa because we're still real close.

I notice a lot of Oklahoma guys are really tight. Why is that?

Coach (Bob) Stoops preaches that whole family atmosphere, and we really buy into it. It really is like a family up there. There's times when guys talk about transferring but say, "Man, I don't want to leave you guys." It's something special.

All right, here are my weekly questions: What's playing the most on your iPod right now?

The new Drake album.

What website do you visit most?

Facebook.

How many Facebook friends do you have?

Man, I hit the max. I have more than 5,000. I can't even add any more.

I didn't know there was a limit.

Me neither. Not until it popped up and told me I couldn't add any more friends.

How many of those people do you actually know?

Probably less than 1,000 of them.

What reality show do you never miss?

The X Factor. I'm into that stuff, all those singing shows where they compete. I like to see people come on there and then blow up and get famous.

Would you have the confidence to go on one of those shows?

Oh, man, I don't know about that. That would take some guts.

Okay, does Raheem Morris finally know your name? He keeps messing it up.

Ha! You know, I don't think he does. When he first told the team that I was being activated (from the practice squad), he said, "We're going to activate Madu Mossis today." I was like, "Come on, Coach." Gerald (McCoy) turned around and started laughing at me.

What do you do when you are not stuck at One Buc Place?

I'm a true gamer. I play "Call of Duty" all the time. But I'll tell you what: I want to learn how to play the guitar. I think I'm going to buy one pretty soon. I've always wanted to learn how to play. I've always loved music. I've never really played any instruments, but I think I have a music gene in me or something. I love music. So, I've decided I'm going to learn.

tampabay.com

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Friday, December 16, 2011

On the Web

Have a question for one of our prep writers? Want to sound off in response to one of our writers' blog posts? Check out nightly scoreboards for all sports? For this and more, visit tampabay.com/hometeam.

Tom Jones' Shooting from the lip

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 16, 2011

The latest from the world of sports:

Show of the day

Once again, HBO has a huge hit with the 24/7 reality show previewing the upcoming outdoor NHL game between the Rangers and Flyers. The first episode made its debut this week, and the best part for local fans was seeing Rangers and former Lightning coach John Tortorella, right, on the bench and in the locker room.

If you ever wondered what Tortorella was like while coaching here, 24/7 gives you a hint. As Rangers star Marian Gaborik clumsily said, "He doesn't go around the bushes."

Like last year's series featuring the Penguins and Capitals, there is a heavy dose of adult language. In fact, it felt as if HBO went out of its way to include raw language in the first few moments of this season's debut show. Perhaps it was HBO's way of letting first-time viewers know exactly what they were in for, or maybe HBO was simply giving viewers what they wanted. After all, the most compelling parts of the show are seeing the players and coaches interact with officials and each other on the ice and in the locker rooms.

The breakout star, at least in the first show, was the Flyers' Russian goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov, who talked about how big the universe is, Russian liquor and how killing a tiger in China gets you the death penalty.

"China law, if you kill a tiger like this? Death penalty," Bryzgalov said. "If you kill the tiger and they find you, you're dead. That's it."

The next episode debuts Wednesday. Here's hoping there's more of the same, especially from Tortorella and Bryzgalov.

Winner of the week

It seems as if everybody — the NFL, the networks and the fans — won this week when the league extended its television deals with Fox, NBC and CBS through 2022. But NBC might have benefited the most.

For starters, NBC picks up a Thanksgiving night game that previously had been shown on NFL Network. That means NBC now has 19 games in prime time (17 Sunday nights, the Thursday night season opener and Thanksgiving night) and, based on the past couple of years, it's not outlandish to suggest that those 19 games could end up among the 25 most-watched programs of the year.

In years past, NBC had to wait until the latter part of the season to switch games as a part of the flexible scheduling. But the new deal could allow for changes earlier in the season. Finally, look for NBC to add a one-hour Sunday morning pregame show on NBC Sports Network (what is now called Versus) starting in 2014.

Media tidbits

The Rays announced Friday that Neil Solondz will be the team's new pregame and postgame radio host, replacing Rich Herrera. Solondz, who had been the radio play-by-play announcer with the Rays' Triple-A affiliate in Durham since 2004, has filled in on Rays broadcasts the past two seasons.

• Remember Whitney Johnson, the longtime update voice on 620-AM? He will fill in for Ronnie "Night Train'' Lane and Tom Krasniqi on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. on ESPN Radio's 1040-AM.

Craig James was scheduled to work as the analyst on ESPN's coverage of Tuesday's Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl at Tropicana Field, but now that he is running for senate in Texas, he is taking a leave of absence from ESPN. So former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell will step into the booth alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Patrick.

Disturbing news of the day

NBC hockey analyst Mike Milbury has been charged with assaulting a 12-year-old hockey player outside of Boston. Details are still sketchy, but reports are that Milbury was helping coach his son's pee-wee hockey team when his son got into some sort of verbal altercation with another boy. Milbury, 59, allegedly grabbed the other boy by the collar, yelled at him and, possibly, shook him. The incident happened Dec. 9 and was reported to police the next day. Milbury's attorney said there was no assault and Milbury did not threaten anyone. Milbury's future on TV could hinge on how this turns out.

Three things that popped into my head

1. Bucs radio analyst and former tight end Dave Moore is a great guy and it was interesting that Shore­crest High hired him as its coach. But I still think former coach Phil Hayford deserved to be treated with more respect for all he did at Shorecrest for 33 years.

2. It's rather depressing to think that the Jags team that was crushed 41-14 by the Falcons on Thursday was the same Jags team that crushed the Bucs by the same score last Sunday.

3. Too bad you can't break down TV ratings by neighborhoods because I would love to see if more people in South Tampa tonight watch the Bucs game or Plant High in the state champion­ship.

tom jones' two cents

Captain's Corner: Game-fish action excels on local flats

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By Mike Manning, Times Correspondent
Friday, December 16, 2011

What's hot: With no major cold fronts, game-fish action continues to be good on local flats. Sea trout are starting to show up, from the flats around the barrier islands to the mouths of creeks and rivers. There has been action on the east sides of both Anclote Key and Three Rooker Bar, at high and low tides. On major low tides, look for them in and around the dropoffs. Look for patchy grass with big sand holes. On higher tides, the fish have been moving closer to the islands, sometimes in less than a foot of water. In these areas you might catch a few giant redfish as well. Most of the action as been on artificial baits, such as a one-eighth ounce jig with a plastic grub tail, hard plastic crank baits and soft plastic jerk baits. If you find a big school of trout, you can switch to live bait such as large live shrimp or small pinfsh.

Wade fishing: This might be the best time of the year for anglers without a boat. The Anclote Power Plant is a great place to start. You might need to work at it because it is not always good. If you are not catching anything, ask some of the other anglers.

Mike Manning runs Action Fishing Adventures out of Tarpon Springs. Call him toll-free at 1-800-644-5940.

Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos on leadership fast track with Marty St. Louis out

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 16, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio — For Lightning center Steven Stamkos, the equation was pretty simple.

With star wing Marty St. Louis out for who knows how long with facial fractures, a leadership void had to be filled.

Stamkos said he knew it would be a team effort. Even so, "I told myself I had to step up, whether it was in the room or lead by example on the ice. It had to be done because we knew what we were missing with Marty out."

Stamkos has risen to the occasion, getting three goals and five points in his past two games. His legs look fresh, and his average 23:41 of ice time in the four games St. Louis has missed since being hit by a puck Dec. 8 dwarfs his 20:40 season average.

As an exclamation point, Stamkos' 19 goals entered Friday tied for the league lead, and his 35 points were tied for third.

"We didn't expect anything less," St. Louis said. "The kid has the most goals in the league the past three years. He's hungry. He looks hungry out there."

For Stamkos, 21, St. Louis' injury offers an interesting opportunity.

"I'd rather have Marty on the ice," Stamkos said.

But St. Louis' absence — he will miss his fifth game tonight against the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena — gives Stamkos a chance to flex his leadership muscles a little more than he might have otherwise.

Stamkos said before the season he wanted to cultivate more of a leadership role, and coach Guy Boucher made him an alternate captain when defenseman Mattias Ohlund was injured.

By filling the void left by St. Louis, what Stamkos said has been a gradual development of his leadership acumen will go on the fast track.

"He's affirming himself, whether it's verbally, on the ice or off the ice," Boucher said. "You can see when somebody wants something, and he wants it. He's not folding. He's charging right through in terms of actions. That's leadership."

"He's done real well," defenseman Eric Brewer said. "He's a guy who really cares and wants to make a difference every day. He's a great example of coming to work and using your skills. He's a great kid and a great player."

Part of Stamkos' development as a leader has been time.

He is in his fourth season, has experienced a playoff run and in 2009-10 tied Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby for the league lead in goals.

As a result, Stamkos said he is "more comfortable within my surroundings" and able to speak up in the locker room or on the bench as needed.

"I feel part of the leadership group," he said. "You feel you do have to step up and say things because players respect you. You've been in the league a couple of years and been through … situations that gradually make you a leader."

"He's been under Marty and Vinny's wing," Boucher said of St. Louis and captain Vinny Lecavalier, "but I think those days are behind. Marty and Vinny have done a terrific job with him, but now you see the upside of what they've done. But it also comes from (Stamkos') character … someone who wants to take the torch and skate with it."

ST. LOUIS UPDATE: St. Louis on Friday was able to work out off ice for the first time since his injury because the blood clot in his left eye has dissipated. Before he can practice, his depth perception must return. In the meantime, St. Louis said, he might begin skating on his own.

GILROY UPDATE: Defenseman Matt Gilroy, who left Thursday's game against the Flames because of a lower-body injury, might sit out against the Blue Jackets, Boucher said.

.TONIGHT

Lightning at Blue Jackets

When/where: 7; Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio

Key stats: The Blue Jackets' 14 home points (6-9-2) are worst in the West. … Lightning D Victor Hedman has four assists in his past four games. … C Dominic Moore has a goal and three assists in a four-game points streak. … G Mathieu Garon is 6-1-1 with a tie against the Blue Jackets, with a 2.30 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. … Columbus is 1-12-2 when opponents score first and has been outscored 40-22 in the third period.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys: Numbers, what they're saying

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 16, 2011

By the numbers

11 Interceptions the Bucs' Josh Freeman has thrown on passes of 11 yards or more this season, according to ESPN.com.

3-11 Bucs' regular-season record against the Cowboys.

147.2 Passer rating of the Cowboys' Tony Romo in two games against the Bucs. He is 38-of-56 (67.9 percent) for 659 yards, eight touchdown and no interceptions.

61/2 Sacks for Bucs end Adrian Clayborn, tied for third with the Redskins' Ryan Kerrigan among rookies and behind only the 49ers' Aldon Smith (101/2) and the Broncos' Von Miller (11½).

1987 The last time the Bucs, riding a seven-game losing streak, lost eight in a row during one season.

370 Points allowed by the Bucs, fewer only than the Colts (382).

What they're saying

The Bucs were one of last year's surprises with Raheem Morris a candidate for coach of the year. Now they're a surprise again … a sad one … and Morris is a candidate to make it three straight for Florida NFL coaches in search of an off ramp. Based on what I saw (Sunday), he should be. Not only did the Bucs lose to a miserable Jacksonville team, they committed seven turnovers and allowed an opponent that hadn't scored more than 21 points in any game to put up 41. The Bucs can't put people in the seats, and now I understand why. They stink.

Clark Judge CBSSports.com

Simply put: The Bucs aren't having a good season. But Cowboys fans shouldn't mark this game with a big W just yet. Tampa is a scrappy bunch of players. And while the Bucs are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, they have remained competitive in most games.

Jason Henry Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The picks

I'm guessing 40 to 50 percent of the fans at the Pirate Ship will be Cowboy fans, and that's good for the Bucs. Maybe the Dallas cheering will drown out the calls for Raheem Morris' job. Cowboys, 37-17.

Peter King Sports Illustrated

The Cowboys are in a spot where they can't afford another loss. The Bucs are just hoping for a victory to snap their seven-game losing streak. Can't see that happening. Dallas will put up some good offensive numbers against a Bucs defense that is struggling. DeMarcus Ware spends the night in the Tampa Bay backfield. Cowboys, 28-15.

Pete Prisco CBSSports.com

It's that special time of year again, that period when the Cowboys start feeling charitable and begin giving away football games. Giving up two TDs in the final three minutes against the Giants will probably result in another giveaway — the division title. Cowboys, 20-13.

Gerry Dulac Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Bucs' horrid run defense allows 6.1 yards per carry. Yet somehow, the Tee Bees will cover. Cowboys, 23-17.

Greg Cote Miami Herald

Tonight: Bucs vs. Cowboys

8:20, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

TV/radio: Ch. 38, NFL Net.; 620-AM, 103.5-FM

Line/over-under: Cowboys by 7; 47

Week 1 Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 9Week 10Week 11Week 12Week 13Week 14Week 15Week 16Week 17
Lions

Lions 27, Bucs 20

(0-1)

at Vikings

Bucs 24, Vikings 20

(1-1)

Falcons

Bucs 16, Falcons 13

(2-1)

Colts

Bucs 24, Colts 17

(3-1)

at 49ers

49ers 48, Bucs 3

(3-2)

Saints

Bucs 26, Saints 20

(4-2)

Bears

Bears 24, Bucs 18

(4-3)

at Saints

Saints 27, Bucs 16

(4-4)

Texans

Texans 37, Bucs 9

(4-5)

at Packers

Packers 35, Bucs 26

(4-6)

at Titans

Titans 23, Bucs 17

(4-7)

Panthers

Panthers 38, Bucs 19

(4-8)

at Jaguars

Jaguars 41, Bucs 14

(4-9)

Cowboys

8:20 tonight, NFL, Ch. 38

at Panthers

1 p.m. Dec. 24, Ch. 13

at Falcons

1 p.m. Jan. 1, Ch. 13

Bonds avoids prison sentence

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Times wires
Friday, December 16, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — Eight years of being investigated for steroid allegations ended Friday for home run king Barry Bonds with a 30-day sentence to be served at his Beverly Hills home.

No more — and maybe less.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston immediately delayed imposing the sentence while Bonds appeals his obstruction of justice conviction. The former baseball star was found guilty in April not of using steroids, but of misleading grand jurors.

Even without prison time, the case has left its mark on the seven-time National League MVP. His 762 career home runs, including 73 in 2001, may forever be seen as tainted records, and his ticket to baseball's Hall of Fame is in doubt.

Bonds declined to speak in court. Well-wishers hugged the 47-year-old in the hallway courtroom after the hearing, and a smattering of fans cheered him as he left the courthouse. It was a marked departure from his initial court appearance four years ago, when guards had to clear a path for Bonds to get through dozens of onlookers to his SUV.

"Whatever he did or didn't do, we all lie," said Esther Picazo, a fan outside the courthouse. "We all make mistakes. But I don't think he should've gotten any kind of punishment at all."

Bonds was sentenced to two years of probation, 250 hours of community service, a $4,000 fine and 30 days of home confinement. It will take time to determine whether he serves any of it; his appellate specialist, Dennis Riordan, estimated it would take nearly a year and a half for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to rule.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Parrella called the sentence a "slap on the wrist" and the fine "almost laughable" for the former Giants and Pirates star who made more than $192 million for playing baseball.

Parrella had sought 15 months in prison and argued that home confinement wasn't punishment enough "for a man with a 15,000-square-foot house with all the advantages.

"The defendant basically lived a double life for decades before this," Parrella said. He ripped Bonds not only over performance-enhancing drugs but his personal life: "He had mistresses throughout his marriages."

Illston said none of that had any bearing on Bonds' sentencing.

She said she agreed with a probation department report that called Bonds' conviction an "aberration" in his life. She said she received dozens of letters in support of Bonds.

Bonds is the last — and most high-profile — defendant in the government's investigation of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, or BALCO, a steroids distribution ring. The ex-slugger has denied knowingly using performance-enhancing drugs.

Besides Bonds, 10 people were convicted of various charges in BALCO cases. Six of them, including track star Marion Jones, were ensnared for lying to grand jurors, federal investigators or the court. Others, including Bonds' personal trainer Greg Anderson, pleaded guilty to steroid distribution charges.

BEATEN FAN ON CAMERA: The Giants fan nearly beaten to death on opening day has spoken on camera for the first time since the attack. In a clip aired on San Francisco's NBC affiliate, Bryan Stow, 42, spoke to Dr. Nancy Snyder­man of Rock Center. The news magazine show will air a report on Stow's recovery Monday night at 10 (Ch. 8). The paramedic and father of two spent months in a medically induced coma after being beaten outside Dodger Stadium in March.

CARDINALS: Left-handed reliever J.C. Romero agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract.

CUBS: Manager Dale Sveum unveiled his coaching staff, bringing in former teammate Chris Bosio to be in charge of the pitchers and Jamie Quirk to be his bench coach.

INDIANS: Needing to add depth to an outfield ravaged by injuries in 2011, the club got Aaron Cunningham from San Diego in a trade and signed free agent Felix Pie. The team also signed versatile free agent infielder Jose Lopez. The Padres got minor-league pitcher Cory Burns, who spent last season at Double-A Akron, for Cunningham.

NATIONALS: Former Astros outfielder Jason Michaels signed a minor-league deal.

ROCKIES: Free agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer agreed to a three-year deal for about $30 million. CBS and the Denver Post first reported the deal.

TIGERS: Reliever Al Alburquerque is likely to miss the first half of next season after surgery in which a screw was inserted into his right (pitching) elbow.

TWINS: Bill Smith, recently fired as general manager, agreed to stay as an assistant to successor Terry Ryan and team president Dave St. Peter.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys: Lineups and analysis

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 16, 2011

Probable starters

BUCS OFFENSE

WR: Mike Williams 19

LT: Donald Penn 70

LG: Jeremy Zuttah 76

C: Jeff Faine 52

RG: Davin Joseph 75

RT: Jeremy Trueblood 65

TE: Kellen Winslow 82

WR: Dezmon Briscoe 89

QB: Josh Freeman 5

RB: LeGarrette Blount 27

FB: Erik Lorig 44

BUCS DEFENSE

DE: Da'Quan Bowers 91

DT: Albert

Haynesworth 95

DT: Brian Price 92

DE: Adrian Clayborn 94

LB: Quincy Black 58

LB: Mason Foster 59

LB: Geno Hayes 54

CB: Aqib Talib 25

CB: Ronde Barber 20

SS: Sean Jones 26

FS: Tanard Jackson 36

Special Teams

P: Michael Koenen 9

PK: Connor Barth 10

KO: Michael Koenen 9

PR/KR: Preston Parker 87

Cowboys offense

WR: Miles Austin 19

LT: Doug Free 68

LG: Montrae Holland 64

C: Phil Costa 67

RG: Kyle Kosier 63

RT: Tyron Smith 77

TE: Jason Witten 82

WR: Dez Bryant 88

QB: Tony Romo 9

RB: Felix Jones 28

FB: Tony Fiammetta 24

Cowboys Defense

DE: Kenyon Coleman 99

NT: Jay Ratliff 90

DE: Jason Hatcher 97

LB: Anthony Spencer 93

LB: Barry Church 42

LB: Sean Lee 50

LB: DeMarcus Ware 94

CB: Mike Jenkins 21

CB: Terence Newman 41

SS: Abram Elam 26

FS: Gerald Sensabaugh 43

Special teams

P: Mat McBriar 1

PK/KO: Dan Bailey 5

KR: Felix Jones 28

PR: Dez Bryant 88

Stat pack



8:20, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa | TV/radio: Ch. 38, NFL Net.; 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line/O-U: Dallas by 7; 47

avg. Rushing yards

avg. passing yards

avg. total yards

avg. Rushing yards allowed

avg. passing yards allowed

avg. total yards allowed

Bucs

Cowboys

100.5 (25th)

116.7 (14th)

139.7 (28th)

101.2 (8th)

248.8 (27th)

243.2 (24th)

230.8 (13th)

273.4 (6th)

388.5 (29th)

344.4 (16th)

331.3 (18th)

390.1 (6th)



Dallas is coming off consecutive losses that have left its playoff fate in jeopardy. Running back DeMarco Murray is out for the season with a broken right ankle sustained Sunday against the Giants, a big loss. Felix Jones starts in his place. The Cowboys' deep group of wideouts will look to exploit the Bucs' secondary.

Cowboys' best offensive player

Quarterback Tony Romo, right, presents a challenge not only because he has great command of coach Jason Garrett's offense but because he is elusive.

Cowboys' best defensive player

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware, left, holds the team sack record with 95 (it became a stat in 1982) and has 21 multiple-sack games.

What the Cowboys do best

Make big plays in the passing game. Dallas has 27 touchdowns passes of at least 20 yards (fifth in the NFL) and 54 completions of at least 20 yards overall.

You can beat the Cowboys if …

You take advantage of their secondary. Dallas has given up tons of passing yards and more long completions than the Bucs.

The Bucs must avoid …

An early deficit. It would force them to play catchup against a potent offense and allow LB DeMarcus Ware (15 sacks, tied for second in the league) to tee off on QB Josh Freeman.

Prediction Cowboys 30, Bucs 17

Injury report

Bucs Out: WR Arrelious Benn (concussion). Questionable: DE Michael Bennett (toe), DT Brian Price (ankle), WR Sammie Stroughter (knee). Probable: S Larry Asante (hamstring), QB Josh Freeman (shoulder), DT Albert Haynesworth (knee), LB Adam Hayward (foot), CB Aqib Talib (hamstring).

Cowboys Out: NT Josh Brent (knee), WR Andre Holmes (hamstring). Questionable: C Phil Costa (concussion), CB Mike Jenkins (shoulder), G Kyle Kosier (foot), S Danny McCray (ankle), WR Laurent Robinson (shoulder), LB DeMarcus Ware (neck). Probable: TE Martellus Bennett (ribs), LB Sean Lee (wrist), P Mat McBriar (left foot).

Spoelstra given Heat extension

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Times wires
Friday, December 16, 2011

MIAMI — Erik Spoelstra and the Heat agreed on a contract extension, ending speculation that Pat Riley's protege would be a lame-duck coach this season.

Riley, the team president, made the announcement Friday. The Heat typically does not release terms of deals for coaches and executives, and Riley did not divulge any details of Spoelstra's extension. Spoelstra starts his fourth season as coach and his 17th with the team overall.

"We have one of the great young coaches in the league, an absolute member of this family and has been for a long time, so we want him to become a Hall of Famer," Riley said. "So it's been taken care of."

Spoelstra, 41, was not available for immediate comment. The Heat had the day off, and Riley spoke at his annual preseason availability.

This week, Spoelstra said he did not expect his contract to be a distraction, noting that the Arison family, which owns the team, and Riley have never given him any reason to be worried about his status. "It's a family here," Spoelstra said, "and I'm part of that."

Riley also addressed his own status, reaffirming that he loves his role and does not see himself leaving any time soon.

In his first three seasons, Spoelstra is 148-98 in the regular season, 18-15 in the playoffs. Last season Miami went 58-24 and went to the Finals, where it lost to Dallas in six games.

Fans finally getting glimpse of Rubio

MINNEAPOLIS — For two years, Ricky Rubio has been little more than a myth for the Timberwolves and their success-starved fans.

After he was drafted No. 5 overall in 2009, the fans salivated over grainy YouTube clips of Rubio's fancy passing in European games. They also nervously read reports that the young Spanish point guard did not want to play in Minnesota, and they fretted over his paltry statistics last season for Regal Barcelona.

And even when Rubio finally announced that he was coming to the Timberwolves, everyone in the Twin Cities had to wait even longer because of the lockout.

The wait has only seemed to ramp up the anticipation. By Friday, the Wolves had sold 15,000 tickets for Rubio's preseason debut tonight against Milwaukee, despite the fan-alienating labor dispute. It was the most tickets for a Wolves preseason game since 2004-05, the year after they reached the Western Conference final.

The Wolves sold fewer than 20,000 tickets combined for two home preseason games last year.

"It's been amazing," Rubio, 21, said of his first few practices. "Playing basketball, I feel so good. Outside the court, I have a lot of people who help me and people in Minnesota have been so nice with me. I feel very good."

BOBCATS: Forward Eduardo Najera had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee and will miss 6-8 weeks.

BULLS: Guard Keith Bogans, who started all 82 regular-season and 16 playoff games last season, was waived days before Monday's deadline for picking up his $1.73 million team option. Guard Jannero Pargo was also waived.

HORNETS: Jason Smith, a 7-foot free agent forward, agreed to a three-year contract. His agent, Mark Bartelstein, said the deal is worth $7.5 million.

WIZARDS: Swingman Maurice Evans, a union vice president during the lockout, re-signed for one season.

Flying Marvelous looks for grand sendoff from Derby Lane

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By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, December 16, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The $75,000 660-Yard Challenge provides Derby Lane's biggest bonanza. For Flying Marvelous, a win would be a grand way to say goodbye.

Flying Marvelous, who will be sent to Arkansas this month, can give McAllister kennel its 20th overall stakes victory tonight in Derby Lane's final stakes of the year (10th race, 10:11 p.m.). The $33,500 first-place prize is the richest at Derby Lane.

Kennel owner Malcolm McAllister said it won't take long to see if Flying Marvelous is on top of her game.

"She's a fast breaker, and it's 'Catch me if you can,' " he said. "I'll be leaving the Derby Club (where McAllister will watch the race) real early if she's not near the front at the start."

Flying Marvelous, a 2-year-old female out of a litter by Kiowa Sweet Trey and Flying Midnite, led qualifiers with three wins and 54 points for trainer Barbara McAllister, Malcolm's wife.

This is Flying Marvelous' third stakes final this year. She finished eighth in the previous two, losing by 59 combined lengths in the $20,000 Fall Sprint (early collision) and the $30,000 St. Petersburg Derby, in which she sustained a right shoulder injury and missed more than two months.

"She's 100 percent now," Malcolm said.

Owned by Vince Berland of Abilene, Kan., Flying Marvelous drew Box 8. The rest of the field from the rail: Flying Big Gun (Red Oak kennel), meet wins leader Kentucky Fire (Cal Holland), Brother Buck (D'Arcy), Ahk Colormegone (Abernathy), Hallo Sangria (J.E. O'Donnell Jr.), St. Petersburg Derby winner Storm Rush (Hambleton) and Distance Classic and St. Petersburg Consolation Derby winner Magic Finch (Abernathy).

Flying Marvelous, a winner in 15 of 33 starts, will soon head to Southland Park in West Memphis, Ark. She will be replaced by super talent Tiger Boy, who in March became the youngest dog (17 months) to win the $75,000 Hollywood World Classic at Mardi Gras in Hallandale Beach. Tiger Boy is now at Naples-Fort Myers. He also has raced at Birmingham, Ala., and Southland Park.

McAllister has dominated the 660-Yard Challenge with wins in three of the first four years (Flying Coal City, 2010; Flying Mancini, 2008, and Flyin Bridgeport, 2007). All McAllister's stakes wins have come since 2007. The kennel arrived at Derby Lane in 2005 and is battling Hambleton Racing for its fourth wins title.

McAllister has not won a stakes since January, when Triple Crown winner Flying Coal City captured the $8,000 Inaugural.

MORE DOGS: All-America candidate Hi Noon Renegade (Nova) won his eighth consecutive start Wednesday after returning from a three-month injury layoff.

College men's basketball preview: No. 13 Florida Gators vs. No. 22 Texas A&M

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 16, 2011

TODAY

No. 13 Florida vs. No. 22 Texas A&M

When/where: 2:30; BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM

Records: Florida 7-2; Texas A&M 8-1

Notable: This is the first meeting between the programs since 1992. They will meet annually when Texas A&M joins the SEC next season. … The Aggies enter the game on a six-game winning streak. … The Gators' scoring offense is No. 3 in the nation, averaging 86.8 points per game. … The Aggies have one of the best defenses, ranked fourth nationally and allowing an average 51.4 points per game. … Florida also leads the nation with 102 3-pointers. … The Aggies are holding opponents to 23.6 percent shooting from 3-point range.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Friday, December 16, 2011

Swimming

U.S. women set Short-course relay record

ATLANTA — The United States set a short-course world record Friday in the women's 400-meter medley relay, the first event of Duel in the Pool against the European All-Stars.

Natalie Coughlin, Rebecca Soni, Dana Vollmer and 16-year-old Missy Franklin finished in 3 minutes, 45.56 seconds, crushing the mark of 3:47.97 set by the Americans at the 2009 Duel in the Pool just before high-tech racing suits were banned.

"We were confident going in, and that definitely helped us get the world record," Coughlin said.

Thorpe sinks: Australia's five-time Olympic champ, Ian Thorpe, in the first long-course meet of his comeback, was 16th in the 100-meter freestyle at the Italian Winter Championships. His 50.84-second time was well behind winner Luca Dotto's 48.78.

GOLF

American teenager maintains Dubai lead

American teenager Lexi Thompson holds a one-shot lead going into the final round of the Dubai Ladies Masters in the United Arab Emirates after making a birdie putt on the 18th for a 2-under 70.

Thompson, 16 and the youngest LPGA Tour winner, is 10 under for the tournament, one shot ahead of Sophie Gustafson (69) of Sweden.

Lee-Anne Pace (67) and Pernilla Lindberg (68) are two shots back in the season-ending Ladies European Tour tournament. Michelle Wie (71) is a five shots off the pace at 5 under.

Thailand: Lee Westwood followed his 12-under 60 with a 64 to take an 11-stroke lead in Bangkok at 20 under. Masters champion Charl Schwartzel shot 66 and was tied for second at 9 under with American Michael Thompson (66).

Australian Masters: England's Ian Poulter overcame a bout of food poisoning to birdie the final two holes for a 3-under 68 and a two-stroke lead after the second round in Melbourne. Poulter's 9-under 133 total leads Matthew Giles (68). Top-ranked Luke Donald was at 3 under after a 70.

JURISPRUDENCE

Drug-toting Canadian doctor avoids lockup

Anthony Galea, a sports doctor in Toronto with a high-profile client list, will avoid prison for bringing unapproved and mislabeled drugs into the United States.

He was sentenced to time served in U.S. District Court in Buffalo, N.Y. The healing specialist, who has helped Tiger Woods and other athletes come back from injuries, pleaded guilty to the federal charge in July. The judge said any good that could come of sentencing him to prison would be outweighed by the good he can do his patients.

Galea wasn't licensed to practice in the United States. He was widely known for a blood-spinning injury treatment, but prosecutors said some patients received human growth hormone.

Et cetera

autos: Greg Zipadelli, who had been a crew chief for Joey Logano at Joe Gibbs Racing until receiving his release this week, will reunite with Tony Stewart as competition director at Stewart-Haas Racing. Zipadelli spent 10 years with Stewart, guiding him to NASCAR titles in 2002 and 2005. JGR tabbed Jason Ratcliff as Logano's new crew chief.

Sailing: Plantation resident Anna Tunnicliffe's U.S. crew won all four races to beat Britain for the women's match-racing gold medal at the world championships in Freemantle, Australia. St. Petersburg's Mark Mendelblatt and Miami's Brian Fatih reached the medal race in the Star class and remained second overall.

Soccer: Defending champion Barcelona drew Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 of the Champions League, avoiding a long, cold trip to Russia in February. Instead, Real Madrid will play CSKA Moscow.

Times wires


Women's college basketball preview: USF Bulls vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore Seahawks

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 16, 2011

USF women vs. Md.-Eastern Shore

When/where: 2; USF Rec Center, Tampa

Radio: 1010-AM

Records: USF 6-5, Maryland-Eastern Shore 2-6

Notable: USF continues to struggle despite being able to force high numbers of turnovers, including 29 from Auburn in a loss Wednesday. … The Bulls' post play has been poor, with USF getting outrebounded by an average 4.2 per game. … Caitlin Rowe, one of USF's two 6-foot-4 centers, is shooting 33 percent. The other, Akila McDonald, has 42 fouls and has fouled out of four games.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Hurd cut; denies selling drugs to players

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Times wires
Friday, December 16, 2011

CHICAGO — Sam Hurd's lawyer said Friday that his client never sold drugs to other players. The statement came less than an hour after the special teams standout was cut by the Bears.

"Sam has asked me to address one point," Brett Greenfield said. "With respect to the rumors that Sam has been supplying drugs to other members of the NFL, out of respect to the NFL, out of respect to teammates and out of respect to other players, he 100 percent denies that allegation."

Asked about a report that federal authorities have a list of players with ties to the case, league spokesman Brian McCarthy said, "We are not aware of such a list."

Hurd was arrested Wednesday in Chicago. He is accused of telling an undercover agent he was interested in buying 5-10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of mari­juana per week to distribute.

Chicago signed Hurd during this past offseason. While announcing his release, general manager Jerry Angelo said he was stunned at the situation.

"There were no facts. There were no flags that anybody could present tangibly to say we should have known otherwise," he said. "We do our homework. We did everything you could possibly do given the information that we can allocate."

Hurd, 26, waived his right to a preliminary hearing, so prosecutors will take their case to a grand jury. He was later released after posting $100,000 bond.

Harrison still banned: The league denied Steelers linebacker James Harrison's appeal of a one-game ban for last week's helmet-to-helmet hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. Harrison did not comment but tweeted: "17 games, 1000+ snaps, 100+ tackles, 12+sacks and 2 forced fumbles since my last incident and I get a suspension for a football play!" McCoy, who sustained a concussion, was sent home Friday from practice for the fourth time this week.

More Steelers: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was limited during his first practice since spraining his left ankle Sunday. It's uncertain if he'll play Monday.

Browns: Tight end Ben Watson went on season-ending injured reserve. Last week, he sustained his third concussion since July when he banged his head on the ground while making a tackle.

Chiefs: Quarterback Kyle Orton will start. Tyler Palko, who started the past four games, will be No. 3 behind rookie Ricky Stanzi.

Dolphins: Quarterback Matt Moore (concussion) is questionable. Interim coach Todd Bowles said he will decide Sunday between Moore and J.P. Losman.

Giants: Osi Umenyiora will miss his third game with a sprained ankle.

Jets: Joe McKnight, who averages a league-high 32.4 yards on kickoff returns, will play. He sat out last week with a hyperextended right elbow. Defensive lineman Mike DeVito, out two games with a sprained left knee, will return.

Panthers: Left tackle Jordan Gross is expected to return after missing a game with a right ankle injury.

Redskins: Right tackle Jammal Brown (groin) and tight end Mike Sellers (hyperextended right elbow) won't play.

Texans: Receiver Andre Johnson will miss his second game with a strained left hamstring.

Titans: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who left last week's game with a pulled a left calf, will start.

Vikings: Running back Adrian Peterson, out the past three games (ankle), is probable.

Fines: Saints safety Roman Har­per must pay $22,500 for incidents Sunday — $15,000 for a helmet-to-helmet hit and $7,500 for pulling a receiver down by his helmet (likely preventing a touchdown). 49ers linebacker Larry Grant, Patriots defensive end Andre Carter and Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher were fined $15,000 for roughing the passer; Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch $10,000 for a late hit; and Redskins corner DeAngelo Hall $7,500 for throwing a penalty flag.

Calipari has tool to reach Wildcats

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Times wires
Friday, December 16, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Freshman Anthony Davis wished he had another game to play as soon as Indiana had knocked Kentucky from the ranks of the unbeaten in a 73-72 thriller last Saturday.

"Any time you lose, you just want to go out there and play again just to get that win," Davis said. "Unfortunately … we had the whole week off, so we had lots of practice."

Kentucky (8-1) had problems with perimeter defense, turnovers and free-throw shooting against Indiana and got only four points from star Terrence Jones. The Wildcats missed two free throws late and failed to run the correct defensive scheme in the closing seconds. Still, Kentucky led with 5.6 seconds left before Christian Watford's winning 3-pointer.

Kentucky coach John Calipari said each time he thinks his message isn't getting through, he recalls his instructions to his players from the final timeout against Indiana. "I stop practice, and I say, '5.6 seconds left and there's a timeout. We're going to pick up three-quarter court, and when they get near half court, we're going to foul. Do you hear me?' " Calipari said.

The No. 3 Wildcats will see how much improvement has been made today against Chattanooga. Kentucky then plays Samford on Tuesday and Loyola (Md.) on Thursday.

Women

No. 7 Miami 103, La.-Monroe 39: Shenise Johnson, Riquna Williams and Krystal Saunders each scored 16 as the Hurricanes (9-1) opened with a 22-0 run and posted their 30th consecutive home win. "The upperclassmen did a fantastic job of taking care of the game early," Miami coach Katie Meier said.

No. 23 DePaul 73, Arizona St. 55: Freshman Brittany Hrynko scored a career-high 25 for the host Blue Demons (10-2).

Where to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game vs. the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night

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Times staff
Friday, December 16, 2011

Where to tune in on TV

The game is on the NFL Network and the bay area's WTTA-Ch. 38. Where to find WTTA:

Cable co./satelliteCh.HD channel
Bright House6 *1006
Verizon14514
Knology6None
Comcast38435
DirecTV38None
Dish Network38None

* Ch. 15 in Pasco County

Two more 'Canes to go

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Times wires
Friday, December 16, 2011

CORAL GABLES — Miami offensive lineman Brandon Washington and defensive end Olivier Vernon will skip their final seasons and enter the NFL draft, school officials announced Friday.

Washington was one of nine players to start all 12 games for the Hurricanes this season. Miami has now had five underclassmen declare for the 2012 draft, including running back Lamar Miller, receiver Tommy Streeter and defensive lineman Marcus Forston.

Vernon was suspended for the first six games after an investigation showed he received benefits from a booster.

Iowa State Locks Coach: The Cyclones have given coach Paul Rhoads, 18-19 in three seasons, a new 10-year contract worth $20 million. His five-year deal that ran through 2013 paid him $1.15 million this year. Specific terms of the new deal will be released later.

Packer to Penn State? Green Bay quarterbacks coach Tom Clements was to interview with interim athletic director Dave Joyner on Friday as the top candidate for the Penn State head coach position, USA Today reported. Joyner was also to talk to interim coach Tom Bradley.

Georgia: Coach Mark Richt expects running back Richard Samuel, who had surgery on ligament damage in his left ankle, to be healthy enough by Jan. 2 to play against Michigan State in the Outback Bowl.

West Virginia: Despite its first BCS bowl appearance in four years, the school has sold just 6,100 tickets for its Orange Bowl game against Clemson. That's slightly more than one-third of its allotment of 17,500.

Division III: Levell Coppage scored on a 1-yard run and Wisconsin-Whitewater shut down Mount Union until the closing minutes to win its third consecutive national title, 13-10 in Salem, Va. It was the seventh consecutive title-game meeting between the schools and the 45th win in a row overall for the Warhawks (15-0).

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