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Tampa Bay Buccaneers' long coaching search could impact hiring of assistants

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — There are four NFL teams yet to hire replacements for fired coaches. And once they do, the new coach immediately will face one of his most critical tasks: assembling a staff.

The Bucs are one team, having fired Raheem Morris on Jan. 2.

With each day that passes, the odds of putting together an ideal staff — particularly coordinators — get a little longer.

Brad Childress, who has interviewed for the job and is coaching in Saturday's East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field, has been through the process. He expressed no frustration with the time line of the Bucs' search, saying the Glazer family was up front that it would be lengthy. But Childress didn't deny that putting together a staff can be impacted by the timing of a hiring.

"If you're at the beginning of the hiring cycle, then you probably have guys that you're aware of who aren't going to be under contract or are (working) in college," the former Vikings coach said. "If anybody falls off your list, then you're going to (need) more time if you didn't have a list four deep or so."

Five of the eight candidates known to have interviewed for Tampa Bay's opening aren't in contention for other jobs (Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin with the Dolphins, and Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer with the Colts.) But many top assistants are less likely to be available if this search takes much longer.

There has been a rash of coordinator hires that will only create fewer options. Former Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, for instance, agreed to become the Saints' defensive coordinator on Thursday. Former 49ers coach and Dolphins defensive coordinator Mike Nolan joined the Falcons on Wednesday.

The timing issues affect lower-level assistants, too. Consider what happened to Morris, who interviewed to be the Vikings' defensive coordinator. He ended up accepting a job coaching defensive backs with the Redskins, in large part, because he hadn't received word from the Vikings.

"(The Redskins) were the first ones to approach me," Morris said last week. "They talked about giving me time to give them an answer, but I didn't want to (mess) up a good thing with a great organization. They were patient. They waited and gave me time to go through the process.

"But I've been a head coach, and I know how tough it is when you feel like you're getting the runaround. And I wanted to be fair to everybody in Washington."

Packers general manager Ted Thompson said he doesn't believe the timing of Tampa Bay's hiring will have a considerable impact on its ability to put together a competent staff. But he did emphasize the significance of getting assistants who fit.

"I think there's always a lot of angst out there (among fans), but there really are a lot of good coaches out there," he said. "It all usually works out in the end. But … you have to get the right guys. You have to make sure you get guys that you can really work with."

Childress said he doesn't know what the Bucs are thinking. But if he gets hired, he won't waste time putting together a staff:

"You're going to go to work on it right away."

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


Tampa Bay Buccaneers talk to Green Bay Packers' Philbin, Clements for head coach job

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

TAMPA — The Packers had, arguably, the best aerial circus in the NFL this season. So it's no surprise the Bucs might want to hire one of their ringmasters.

Tampa Bay interviewed offensive coordinator Joe Philbin and quarterbacks coach Tom Clements separately in Dallas on Thursday, according to multiple reports. ESPN.com first reported Philbin's meeting.

A top priority for the Bucs is getting quarterback Josh Freeman back on track after he threw 16 touchdowns and 22 interceptions one season after 25 and six, respectively.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is coming off one of the most prolific seasons in league history: 4,643 yards, 45 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Philbin, 50, also is one of three finalists for the Dolphins' vacancy.

Clements, 58, a former Notre Dame quarterback and Bills offensive coordinator, helped with the development of Rodgers and his backup, Matt Flynn.

It's almost certain the Bucs will head to Mobile, Ala., for Monday's start of Senior Bowl practices without a coach or staff.

Their list of known candidates stands at nine, and more could be added after this weekend's conference titles games.

ESPN.com also reported the Bucs likely will select one former coach and one coordinator as finalists and bring them back for second interviews next week.

Since firing coach Raheem Morris on Jan. 2, the Bucs have interviewed former coaches Mike Sherman, Brad Childress and Marty Schottenheimer. They also have interviewed Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski.

The Bucs also are believed to be interested in Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.

Bengals receiver indicted

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Times wires
Thursday, January 19, 2012

COVINGTON, Ky. — Bengals receiver Jerome Simpson was indicted Thursday on one count of marijuana trafficking in excess of 8 ounces, a felony that carries up to five years in prison. He's scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 30.

The Bengals said they were aware of the indictment but had no comment.

Simpson, 25, has been under investigation since September, when federal agents tracked a package they said contained 2½ pounds of marijuana to his home. A search of the home turned up 6 pounds of marijuana, smoking pipes and scales, authorities said.

Simpson, whose most visible moment came when he did a somersault over a linebacker and into the end zone for a TD on Dec. 24, hasn't commented about the investigation.

Jags hire ex-Buc Olson: New Jacksonville coach Mike Mularkey hired former Bucs offensive coordinator Greg Olson as quarterbacks coach. Olson spent four seasons in Tampa, one as quarterbacks coach and three as offensive coordinator, before being fired with coach Raheem Morris and the rest of the staff Jan. 2.

Colts: Defensive coordinator Mike Murphy retired, and quarterbacks coach Ron Turner, receivers coach Frank Reich, offensive line coach Pete Metzelaars and defensive line coach John Teerlinck were fired. Coach Jim Caldwell was fired this week.

Jets: Owner Woody Johnson backed quarterback Mark Sanchez while commenting for the first time since the team lost its final three games to miss the playoffs. But he said "there's no such thing as 100 percent" when asked if Sanchez would start in 2012: "Barring whatever, yes." "Whatever" could be the Colts' Peyton Manning, who missed the season after neck surgeries. Johnson didn't rule out acquiring any veteran when asked about Manning.

Saints: Steve Spagnuolo, fired as Rams coach, was hired as defensive coordinator. Before his three seasons in St. Louis, Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator for the Giants. He replaces Gregg Williams, who became the Rams coordinator.

Vikings: Alan Williams, the Colts' defensive backs coach the past 10 seasons, was hired as defensive coordinator. He replaces Fred Pagac, who was demoted to linebackers coach.

Concussion lawsuit: Seven retired players filed the ninth suit against the league, alleging it conspired to hide evidence linking concussions to dementia and brain disease. Plaintiffs include Ron Solt, an Eagles guard from 1984-92 who suffers from memory loss. A hearing is set for next week in which the league seeks to consolidate the cases.

Pro Bowl: Bears running back Matt Forte was cleared to play. He sprained the MCL in his right knee Dec. 4. … Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson replaced the Packers' John Kuhn (torn knee ligament). … Texans center Chris Myers and defensive end Antonio Smith replaced the Steelers' Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) and Patriots' Andre Carter (knee), respectively. … Broncos safety Brian Dawkins was added to the AFC roster, although it's uncertain if he will play because of a neck injury. He replaced the Steelers' Troy Polamalu (neck). … The Raiders' Jon Condo was named AFC long snapper.

T.O. returns: Receiver Terrell Owens will play for and have an ownership stake in the Allen (Texas) Wranglers of the Indoor Football League. Their season opens Feb. 25.

Schlichter arrested: Former Colts and Ohio State quarterback Art Schlichter, 51, was arrested when his probation officer reported he tested positive for cocaine twice and refused to report for other tests. He was under house arrest while awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to swindling 50 people out of $2.5 million. He has served multiple prison terms for various offenses related to gambling.

Game capsule: Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars, 8:30 p.m. Friday

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

Florida State releases details of defensive coordinator Mark Stoops' pay raise, contract extension

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Times staff, wires
Thursday, January 19, 2012

TALLAHASSEE — Mark Stoops, the defensive coordinator who helped orchestrate Florida State's turnaround and was being wooed by several schools, has a new deal that contains a one-year extension and bumps his pay to $568,850 for this season, the university announced Thursday.

Stoops is signed through the 2014 season and his pay goes up from $440,000 in 2011. His buyout is still $75,000 this year and $50,000 beyond 2012.

Auburn had reportedly been ready to offer Stoops, 44, close to $1 million in the same role.

"Mark's doing a great job," Coach Jimbo Fisher told the Tallahassee Democrat recently. "Even though I'm an offensive guy, I build teams around defense."

Gator arrested on marijuana charges

GAINESVILLE — Florida defensive tackle Leon Orr, a redshirt freshman from Gulf High in New Port Richey, is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 8 on two marijuana-related charges.

According to university police, officers discovered marijuana in Orr's dorm room, along with a glass pipe and rolling papers on Jan. 10. Orr was given a notice to appear for possession of marijuana under 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanor charges.

Underclassmen record: The NFL announced that a record 65 eligible underclassmen declared for the draft, breaking last year's mark of 56.

USC suit settled: Former running back Stafon Johnson has settled his lawsuit over a 2009 weightlifting injury. Johnson, now with the Redskins, sued for negligence after his neck and throat were crushed by a 275-pound weight. The suit says Trojans assistant strength and conditioning coach Jamie Yanchar was responsible for "spotting" Johnson. Lawyers said terms of the agreement are confidential.

Coach of year: Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy, who led the Cowboys to a school-record 11 wins, was named the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award winner as voted by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.

49ers tight end practices again

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Times wires
Thursday, January 19, 2012

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco TE Delanie Walker, out since Dec. 24 with a broken jaw, practiced for the second straight day Thursday and hopes to play in Sunday's NFC title game against the Giants.

The jaw broke in two places when he took a knee from Seahawks LB Leroy Hill. The wires were removed Monday, and he has practiced on a limited basis.

"I didn't do too much, so I won't say I was rusty," Walker said. "I feel like I was good. Everybody said I looked faster and that I looked like I was over-hyper. Because you get back on the field, you try to do everything full speed."

Coach Jim Harbaugh said Walker's status is up to team doctors, but Walker said he will push to get on the field.

"If they leave it up to me, of course I'm going to play," Walker said. "I want to help my team out."

Walker is a key part of the 49ers offense. During the regular season, the 49ers ran 43 percent of their plays with two or more tight ends, most of any team. The league average was 26 percent, according to STATS LLC.

TE Vernon Davis was second on the team in catches and yards with 67 and 792. Walker was tied for fourth with 19 catches (for 198 yards and three touchdowns). Justin Peelle, the third-string tight end, had one catch.

"Delanie is a very key cog in what we do," offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. "He's talented physically. He's talented with what he can handle in terms of game planning. The load we put on him is very unique to what most players get in the NFL. He brings speed, playmaking ability, the ability to block in a variety of ways — in space, in the box. He's just a dynamic tight end."

Walker is testing a new helmet with a bigger face mask and wider area around the jaw, even though doctors told him there is little chance of rebreaking it.

"But it's possible it can happen," he said. "This is football, and they warned me of that. But I feel confident in myself, and my doctors feel confident in me to let me go out there with a helmet and do a little bit. So I'm confident that I can do whatever I can to be out there."

Giants: Saying he was "100 percent," QB Eli Manning returned to practice after missing part of Wednesday's workout with what the team called "a stomach bug." Also, RB Ahmad Bradshaw missed his second straight practice to rest his right foot, which he broke Oct. 30. But he has practiced only one day a week since returning from the injury in December and is expected to play.

Patriots: QB Tom Brady practiced a day after sitting out to rest his sore left (nonthrowing) shoulder. "It's not the first practice I have missed over the years," Brady said. "When (coach Bill Belichick) feels its best that you do other things to get yourself ready, that's what you do."

Ravens: The team's website reported S Ed Reed and QB Joe Flacco staged a fake fight before practice to put to rest any controversy caused by Reed's critical comments earlier this week. Reed said Monday that Flacco "was kind of rattled" and "just didn't look like he had a hold on the offense" during Sunday's victory over the Texans. Said Reed on Thursday: "I know Joe is a smart quarterback. He's our quarterback regardless of anything. It's about the Ravens and New England playing football. All that other stuff is to the side."

Sports in brief: Canadian freestyle skier dies from injuries in fall

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Times wires
Thursday, January 19, 2012

Skiing

Olympic hopeful dies from injuries

Sarah Burke, a Canadian freestyle skier and 2014 Olympic favorite, died Thursday from injuries suffered Jan. 10 in a fall during a training run in a 22-foot halfpipe at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah, her family said in a statement.

Burke, a 29-year-old from Ontario who lived in Squamish, British Columbia, was a four-time X Games champion. She suffered a ruptured vertebral artery in her fall, the family said. The rupture led to severe bleeding on the brain, which sent Burke into cardiac arrest. She was treated at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City and had surgery.

The family's statement said tests "revealed that Sarah sustained severe irreversible damage to her brain due to lack of oxygen and blood. … Sarah passed away peacefully surrounded by those she loved."

Soccer

Rowdies' home slate is fan-friendly

The Tampa Bay Rowdies released their 2012 schedule, which features 12 of the 14 homes games being played on weekends or holidays. Tampa Bay's North American Soccer League season opener is April 7 on the road at Puerto Rico, but five of the first nine games will be at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg, starting with Edmonton on April 14 (schedule in For the record, left). For tickets, visit Rowdiessoccer.com or call (813) 287-1539.

More soccer: Hooligans associated with the Argentina club Nueva Chicag invaded the delivery room of a Buenos Aires hospital and threatened staff with guns as they tried to avenge the death of a gang member killed in a fight with a rival faction, a doctor said.

Autos

Busch boys team up

Kyle Busch tabbed his older brother Kurt as co-driver of the No. 54 Toyota this year in the Nationwide series, their first teaming in more than a decade. "Kurt's never done a full Nationwide deal. He's always had the itch but never really cared about it," Kyle Busch said. "Now this is something for him to get out there and win some races, help bring some banners over here."

Et cetera

Figure skating: Former three-time U.S. men's champion Johnny Weir, who last competed two years ago, announced he is returning with hopes of reaching the 2014 Olympics.

Times wires

Nittany Lions own dramatics in upset

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Times wires
Thursday, January 19, 2012

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Tim Frazier hit a floater in the lane with eight seconds left and Jermaine Marshall blocked Sam Maniscalco's layup at the buzzer to give Penn State a 54-52 upset of No. 22 Illinois on Thursday.

Frazier had 12 points and nine assists for the Nittany Lions (10-10, 2-5 Big Ten), who ended a three-game skid.

The Illini (15-4, 4-2) lost for the first time since re-entering the Top 25 this week. They had a short stay atop the Big Ten as the lone one-loss team in conference play. Brandon Paul had 20 points to pace the Illini.

The Illini chipped away at a nine-point deficit several times in the second half thanks in part to better ball movement. Paul's 3 from the left wing with 39 seconds left tied the score at 52.

But Illinois couldn't break through after shooting 33 percent in the first half and going scoreless for an eight-minute stretch spanning both halves. Illinois shot 34 percent (17 of 49) against the Nittany Lions, who wore an all-gray uniform for the first time in program history.

Duke one win from trying school record

DURHAM, N.C. — Andre Dawkins had all 21 of his points in the first half, and No. 4 Duke (16-2, 4-0 ACC) routed Wake Forest 91-73 for its 45th straight win at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

"I feel like every shot I put up is going to go in," Dawkins said.

The Blue Devils moved within one of the school record for consecutive home victories and will match the mark if they beat Florida State on Saturday.

NO. 8 UNC 82, VA. TECH 68: Harrison Barnes scored nine of his 27 during a 19-0 second-half run as the visiting Tar Heels (16-3, 3-1 ACC) bounced back from a 33-point loss at Florida State. Former Sickles High star John Henson added 16 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks for North Carolina.

NO. 15 uva 70, GA. TECH 38: Mike Scott had 18 points for the visiting Cavaliers (15-2, 2-1 ACC), who held the Yellow Jackets to their fewest points since a 53-38 loss to Wake Forest on Feb. 6, 1982, during Bobby Cremins' first season as coach.

NO. 24 ST. MARY'S, Calif. 61, PEPPERDINE 47: Forward Rob Jones had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the host Gaels (18-2, 7-0 West Coast), who won their eighth in a row.

NO. 25 KANSAS STATE: Coach Frank Martin suspended junior forward Jordan Henriquez indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team.

DEPAUL: Forward Tony Freeland, a junior, is transferring to tend to his ailing grandmother at home in Los Angeles.

Women

NO. 3 UCONN 80, CINCY 37: Tiffany Hayes scored 17 as the Huskies (16-2, 5-1 Big East) extended their NCAA-record home winning streak to 96.

NO. 6 KENTUCKY 69, NO. 15 UGA 64: The visiting Wildcats (17-2, 6-0 SEC) took the lead with a 9-0 run in the second half and wore down the Bulldogs (15-4, 4-2).

NO. 8 MARYLAND 86, WAKE 58: Tianna Hawkins set a school record with 24 rebounds and scored 18 for the host Terrapins (18-1, 5-1 ACC), who blew open a game tied at halftime.

NO. 9 TENNESSEE 65, LSU 56: Meighan Simmons scored 19 for the host Vols (14-4, 5-1 SEC) in a game that was tied 11 times. LSU guard Destini Hughes seriously injured her right leg and was taken off in a wheelchair.

NO. 10 OHIO ST. 82, NO. 20 NEBRASKA 68: Tayler Hill had 21 points and 10 rebounds for the host Buckeyes (18-1, 5-1 Big Ten), who broke it open with a 10-2 second-half run against the Cornhuskers (15-3, 4-2).

NO. 11 MIAMI 56, uva 53: Shenise Johnson scored 20 including two free throws with 18.2 seconds left to help lift the visiting Hurricanes (15-3, 6-1).

NO. 12 Wis.-GREEN BAY 75, YOUNGSTOWN ST. 50: Lydia Bauer scored 19 to lead the host Phoenix (16-0, 6-0 Horizon League) to a 36th consecutive regular-season victory.

NO. 13 PURDUE 82, INDIANA 60: Antionette Howard scored a season-high 20 for the visiting Boilermakers (16-3, 6-0), the only perfect team in Big Ten play.

NO. 16 DEL. 65, TOWSON 46: Elena Delle Donne, the leading scorer in Division I at 29.3 points per game, scored a season low 15 for the visiting Blue Hens (15-1, 6-0 Colonial).

NO. 22 PENN ST. 71, ILLINOIS 65: Maggie Lucas scored 19 for the visiting Nittany Lions (14-4, 4-2 Big Ten), who pulled away with a 20-3 run spanning the end of the first half and start of the second.

NO. 24 UNC 56, VA. Tech 37: Brittany Rountree scored 13 of her 17 in the second half as the visiting Tar Heels (13-5, 3-2 ACC) gave Sylvia Hatchell her 600th win as their coach.

ARK. 69, NO. 25 VANDY 47: Sarah Watkins scored 21 for the host Razorbacks, who held the Commodores (14-4, 2-3 SEC) to a season-low point total.

FSU 68, BOSTON COLLege 59: Guard Alexa Deluzio scored a career-high 28, including six 3s, for the visiting 'Noles (11-9, 3-3 ACC). "I thought (BC) shot the ball well, and we had to answer," FSU coach Sue Semrau said.

FLORIDA 61, ALABAMA 37: Forward Jennifer George had 15 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks to lead the host Gators (13-6, 3-3 SEC), who held the Crimson Tide to 24.6 percent shooting (16-for-65).


Knee nor foe trouble Nadal

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Times wires
Thursday, January 19, 2012

MELBOURNE, Australia — Rafael Nadal moved into the fourth round of the Australian Open without dropping a set or showing any signs that a freak knee injury is bothering him.

Second-ranked Nadal had a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 win early today over Lukas Lacko, the last qualifier in the draw, and next plays either Feliciano Lopez or Tampa resident John Isner.

Nadal, who won the 2009 Australian title but has gone out in the quarterfinals due to injuries in the past two years, felt a crack and then sharp pain in his right knee while sitting in a chair at his hotel over the weekend. Medical tests didn't show any serious damage, and he has had the knee heavily taped in his three matches since.

"The knee is fine. That's important thing," the 10-time major winner said. "The match was a really complete match, a really solid one.

"Very happy about my game. Being in fourth round without losing a set, it's fantastic news."

Nadal is on the same half of the draw as Roger Federer at a major for the first time since 2005. Federer, who has won four of his 16 Grand Slam titles in Australia, beat Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (8-6), 7-5, 6-3.

On the women's side, top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki continued her quest for a first major title with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Monica Niculescu. Wozniacki, who needs to reach the quarterfinals to have any chance of retaining the No. 1 ranking, wasted one match point and was broken when she was serving for the match, but broke back immediately to ensure she moved into the Round of 16.

Third-seeded Victoria Azarenka beat Mona Barthel 6-2, 6-4 in a match between champions of two warmup tournaments.

Azarenka, who beat four seeded players to win the Sydney International last week, has only lost eight games at Melbourne Park en route to the Round of 16. She next meets Iveta Benesova, who beat Russian qualifier Nina Bratchikova 6-1, 6-3.

Barthel was on a 10-match run in Australia after capturing her first title at the Hobart International last week as a qualifier.

Andy Roddick is already out of the tournament, retiring during his second-round match against Australian veteran Lleyton Hewitt on Thursday.

He needed a medical timeout after injuring his right hamstring in the second set and played 16 more games before retiring when Hewitt gained a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 lead.

"It's a miserable, terrible thing being out there compromised like that," Roddick said.

The 29-year-old American knew he wouldn't be able to fool an opponent he was playing for the 14th time.

"He's a tough guy to play," said Roddick, now 7-7 against Hewitt for his career. "You can try to ham-and-egg it against a lot of guys, but he's really intelligent. He knew what was going on."

Defending champion Novak Djokovic, who won three of the four majors last year, kept getting better in his 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 win over Santiago Giraldo.

Tampa Bay Lightning players, GM Steve Yzerman say coach Guy Boucher has their support

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

BRANDON

The Lightning's practice Thursday at the Ice Sports Forum was no time to be lazy. • When players lagged during a backchecking drill, coach Guy Boucher loudly reminded them their victory Tuesday over the Stanley Cup champion Bruins was their first in eight games. • Before a puck-battle drill, Boucher yelled, "If it's not intense enough, we'll do this for the next half-hour." • He also bellowed: "We're not going to start cheating because we won one game. We want more games. We want more work." • General manager Steve Yzerman watched Boucher on Monday prepare for Boston with similar intensity. • "The coach's message is the farthest thing from the problem here," Yzerman said. "There's no point in anybody discussing the coach. We've got a great coach. He's the same coach as last year. His message is work hard, be structured." • Boucher's job security, Yzerman added, "is a nonissue."

You would never know it by reading the Internet. While Tampa Bay was in a free fall — losing seven straight before beating the Bruins — there was speculation in the national media Boucher was on a short leash.

But Yzerman repeated, "We have a great coach," and added, "We play hard. We're structured. Our guys are competing. He'll learn from this experience and be an even better coach."

• • •

Boucher is what left wing Ryan Malone called an "open ears" coach; that is willing to listen to players' concerns or suggestions.

But Boucher is not a friend, and there is no fraternizing.

"He knows his proper distance," Malone said. "He's not buddy-buddy with anybody."

Compare that to the way Raheem Morris handled some of his Bucs players. Morris was so close to some, he socialized with them. On Jan. 2, he was fired after his team lost its final 10 games.

Boucher said he would be uncomfortable with such familiarity.

"You're a coach, and you know that one day you might be nice with them, but the next day you might have to be tough with them," he said. "You don't want to be buddies because then you don't act the way you should; and the same with them."

"It's a tough environment here. Some things are said that are tough to say and tough to receive. But values shouldn't change, and respect shouldn't change."

• • •

That said, the buck stops with Boucher.

Tampa Bay is 14th in the East and 12 points out of the playoffs. The power play, Boucher's baby, has been bad, especially on the road, where it entered Thursday as the league's worst.

Its 15 road points (6-16-3) are tied for fewest in the East, and first periods, home and away, generally have been atrocious.

Some also say Boucher, publicly anyway, uses Tampa Bay's injuries and a taxing early road schedule as excuses. But he is relentless, which is what he implores his players to be.

With 56 seconds left in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Penguins, Boucher called a timeout.

"The message is to keep fighting because I am," Boucher said.

Does that kind of move really resonate? Captain Vinny Lecavalier said it showed, "We're working together to solve this. The players respect him."

"I actually feel bad for our coaches," Malone said. "Those guys work hard to make sure we have the right game plan. Coach has nothing to do with a guy going into a corner and either coming out with the puck or not coming out with the puck. That's what it usually comes down to."

For Boucher, it comes down to keeping players focused on the task at hand.

That means not wasting the victory over the Bruins by playing poorly against the Stars tonight in Dallas.

Which brings us back to Thursday's demanding practice.

"Either we stay the same, you get worse or you get better," Boucher said. "It's a choice, and I wanted to make sure the players knew that as a coach I'm making that choice, and I felt the players were making that choice, too."

NOTES: Forward Tom Pyatt left practice with a lower-body injury that might sideline him, Boucher said. … With defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron (back) not on the trip, Evan Oberg was recalled from AHL Norfolk.

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

James leaves Lakers ill

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Times wires
Thursday, January 19, 2012

MIAMI — LeBron James sat at his locker after Thursday's game, a bottle of cold medicine at his side. The Lakers would be hard-pressed to believe it was needed.

James shook off flulike symptoms to put up 31 points, eight rebounds and eight assists — a few hours after being told to stay away from the shootaround because of a cough and chest congestion — and lead the Heat to a 98-87 victory.

"A chest cold can get to you at times," James said, "but I felt like I could help the team."

Miami is 5-0 this season without guard Dwyane Wade, who missed his second game with a sprained right ankle. He previously missed three with left foot soreness.

No problem — James simply did his thing while Chris Bosh scored 15.

"We don't take his talent for granted, nor do we take Dwyane's or Chris' talent," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "They're special … and they can rise to the occasion."

Kobe Bryant scored 24 (14 in the fourth) for the Lakers. He had as many field goals in the first half (one, on eight shots) as Heat forward Eddy Curry (one shot). Curry played for the first time since December 2009 — 65 pounds ago.

"Felt great," he said "I didn't know what to expect. I've been working hard for this moment. This is only the beginning."

It was the first time James had gone against Lakers coach Mike Brown, his former coach in Cleveland. The two embraced moments before tipoff: "I had a great time coaching LeBron," Brown said. "I wouldn't be in this suit if it wasn't for him."

Game highlights: Kevin Martin scored 27 of his 32 in the first half as the host Rockets beat the Hornets 90-88 in overtime. The Rockets won their fifth in a row despite making 3 of 21 shots and tying a team record with seven points in the fourth.

Thunder keeps Westbrook: Oklahoma City signed point guard Russell Westbrook to an extension that Yahoo Sports reported is worth $80 million over five years.

Around the league: The $40,000 bail Mavs assistant and former Magic guard Darrell Armstrong posted can be used to clear up a $37,500 Las Vegas casino debt that led to his arrest in Los Angeles County, a prosecutor said. … Minnesota's Michael Beasley will miss at least two games with a sprained right foot.

Heat 98, Lakers 87

L.A. LAKERS (87): Barnes 1-6 1-2 3, Gasol 11-19 3-3 26, Bynum 6-13 3-4 15, Fisher 1-5 0-0 2, Bryant 8-21 5-5 24, McRoberts 0-1 0-0 0, Morris 0-3 0-0 0, World Peace 2-6 1-2 7, Murphy 4-4 0-0 8, Kapono 1-3 0-0 2, Goudelock 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 34-81 13-16 87.

MIAMI (98): James 12-27 5-7 31, Bosh 6-11 3-5 15, Anthony 3-5 1-2 7, Chalmers 3-9 2-2 10, Battier 4-11 0-0 11, Haslem 4-7 0-0 8, Cole 2-7 0-0 4, Curry 2-3 2-2 6, Jones 1-2 0-0 3, Miller 1-3 0-0 3. Totals 38-85 13-18 98.

L.A. Lakers 20 17 19 31— 87

Miami 25 27 25 21— 98

3-Point GoalsL.A. Lakers 6-20 (Bryant 3-6, World Peace 2-4, Gasol 1-4, Morris 0-1, Barnes 0-1, Kapono 0-2, Fisher 0-2), Miami 9-18 (Battier 3-7, James 2-3, Chalmers 2-5, Jones 1-1, Miller 1-2). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsL.A. Lakers 50 (Bynum 12), Miami 52 (Bosh, Haslem, James 8). AssistsL.A. Lakers 19 (Bryant 7), Miami 19 (James 8). Total FoulsL.A. Lakers 15, Miami 18. TechnicalsMcRoberts. A20,004.

Rockets 90, Hornets 88 OT

NEW ORLEANS (88): Ariza 3-9 3-4 10, Smith 8-16 1-1 17, Okafor 4-9 0-0 8, Jack 6-15 2-4 15, Belinelli 6-12 2-3 15, Landry 3-9 0-0 6, Kaman 2-9 1-2 5, Vasquez 3-6 0-0 6, Aminu 2-9 2-2 6, Ayon 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 37-94 11-16 88.

HOUSTON (90): Parsons 1-5 0-0 3, Scola 4-9 5-6 13, Dalembert 7-14 1-1 15, Lowry 4-11 1-1 10, Martin 12-27 3-3 32, Lee 7-12 1-2 17, Patterson 0-4 0-0 0, Dragic 0-4 0-0 0, Budinger 0-2 0-0 0, Adrien 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 35-88 11-13 90.

New Orleans 27 22 14 19 6— 88

Houston 32 26 17 7 8— 90

3-Point GoalsNew Orleans 3-11 (Ariza 1-2, Jack 1-3, Belinelli 1-3, Aminu 0-1, Vasquez 0-2), Houston 9-27 (Martin 5-12, Lee 2-4, Parsons 1-3, Lowry 1-4, Dragic 0-2, Budinger 0-2). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsNew Orleans 60 (Okafor 12), Houston 57 (Dalembert 17). AssistsNew Orleans 20 (Jack 7), Houston 17 (Lowry 8). Total FoulsNew Orleans 15, Houston 18. TechnicalsNew Orleans defensive three second 2. A10,845.

Tampa Bay Rays re-sign first baseman Carlos Peña

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, January 20, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Carlos Peña can be a loquacious and inspirational speaker, but on Friday he needed only two words — well, and five exclamation points — in a text message to convey how he felt about returning to the Rays:

"Sooooo excited ... !!!!!"

Peña is headed back after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $7.25 million contract that is expected to be officially announced — and thoroughly discussed — after his physical exam on Tuesday.

The deal is the second step, following last week's signing of DH Luke Scott, of what the Rays project to be a significant upgrade of their offense.

Peña averaged 36 homers and 102 RBIs during his 2007-10 stint with the Rays, while playing stellar defense and providing clubhouse leadership, and both he and the team would welcome a repeat performance.

"I'm pumped he's back," pitcher David Price said. "Great guy on the field but even better in the clubhouse. Hopefully he can do what he's done the last five years and hit a ton of homers for us. And he's a stud on D, too."

Peña, 33, was among the high-salaried players who left the Rays after the 2010 season, signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Cubs (and hitting 28 homers), but saying the Rays were special to him and he hoped to return one day.

The opportunity presented itself as the Rays sought to improve an offense that finished eighth in the American League (and last among East teams) in runs while not diminishing their baseball-best defense. And they were willing to spend to do so, their payroll increased about 50 percent to about $63 million from last season's $41 million.

Scott replaced Johnny Damon, and now Peña has done so to Casey Kotchman, the St. Petersburg native and Seminole High product who had an impressive bounceback season in 2011, hitting .306, though with only 10 homers and 48 RBIs.

In a text message Kotchman said: "I had fun playing with my AWESOME teammates at home in front of my friends and family!" The Indians are said to be interested.

The Peña package includes a low batting average and high number of strikeouts (.238, and an average of 157 during four seasons in Tampa Bay), but the Rays were obviously more interested in the power potential.

With Peña and Scott the Rays have a deep and balanced lineup that features at least six hitters capable of 20-plus homers — also Matt Joyce, Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton and Ben Zobrist — and potentially a seventh, as Desmond Jennings hit 10 in 63 games as a rookie last season. There are still concerns at shortstop, where Reid Brignac and Sean Rodriguez will compete, and catcher, where Jose Molina is the only experienced player.

"The lineup is shaping up pretty nicely," Longoria said.

"It's looking pretty good," pitcher James Shields said. "I'm excited. Carlos is awesome. He's a leader. He's got a great attitude and brings it every day. We need that in our clubhouse. We need guys like that in our clubhouse."

Peña resuscitated his career when he came to the Rays in 2007 on a minor-league contract, having been released by Detroit the previous spring and spending most of 2006 in the minors. He hit 46 homers and drove in 121 runs (with a .282 average) in 2007 and finished ninth in the AL MVP voting, won a Gold Glove while hitting 31 in 2008 and made the All-Star team in 2009 on the way to hitting 39. He dropped off to 28 homers — with 84 RBIs and a .196 average — in 2010.

He also has a large impact in the clubhouse, where he provides a perpetually positive attitude and bilingual leadership on a daily basis and has delivered several impassioned speeches, most famously before Game 7 of the 2008 ALCS against Boston.

"Carlos was a part of the Rays family and everyone knows what kind of guy he is," Shields said. "He's a really good teammate, a really good guy to have."

"He's a great player and a solid clubhouse guy," Longoria said. "I'm excited to welcome him back."

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com. Follow his coverage on Twitter at @TBTimes_Rays.

Lined up

The Rays will — naturally — consider numerous batting orders, especially vs. right- and left-handed pitchers. Here's one way they could line up, basically alternating right-handed (R) and left-handed (L) hitters:

1. LF Desmond Jennings (R)

2. DH Luke Scott (L)

3. 3B Evan Longoria (R)

4. 1B Carlos Peña (L)

5. 2B Ben Zobrist (S)

6. CF B.J. Upton (R)

7. RF Matt Joyce (L)

8. C Jose Molina (R)

9. SS Sean Rodriguez (R) or Reid Brignac (L)

5A-7 may be state's most talented boys soccer district

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By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, January 20, 2012

VALRICO

There are tough districts in boys soccer and then there is Class 5A, District 7.

"There isn't a team that you hope you'll be playing," Bloomingdale coach Troy Smith said. "Anyone in this district can beat anyone in any match."

And that's what will make this week's 5A-7 matchups so much fun for area soccer fans. With realignment this year, last season's district (6A-8) returned — minus Brandon — but with the added punch of Riverview, Newsome and Durant. Last year, the Wolves won the 6A-8 championship and Durant, the district runner-up, reached the state finals.

"Anyone can win any match," Newsome coach Neil Rickmers said. "This is going to be one wild week."

Wharton and Bloomingdale were the most successful during the district slate. The Wildcats went undefeated while the Bulls' lone loss was to Wharton. But even down to seventh-seeded Plant, no team is considered a pushover.

"It's definitely the toughest district in the county," Rickmers said. "And probably in the state."

Bloomingdale (12-2-2 as of press time) had its season end in heartbreaking fashion last year when the Bulls, runners up in 6A-8 to Wharton, lost 1-0 in overtime against Countryside in the region quarterfinals.

"We have a good group returning this year," Smith said. "We knew this new district was going to be difficult but the team has responded well."

The Bulls, who play three strikers up top, have a versatile attack led by Matt Firestine (18 goals), Dalian Leigh (14 goals) and freshman Allen Lewis (12 goals). The Bulls' senior-laden backline of Nick Buccieri, Carlos Tobar and Garrett Cohen provide a stout wall in front of keeper Austin Spagnola.

"Everything starts with Austin in the back," Smith said. "He's come through in some tough spots this year."

2012 Grapefruit League spring training schedules

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Tampa Bay Rays

Where: Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, 33948. Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)

Tickets: season, $272-352; individual, $9-27 (available mid January, TBA). All games 1:05 p.m. unless noted otherwise. Note: Field boxes sold out; baseline boxes still available at $24

March

3: at Twins

4: Twins

5: Orioles

6: Twins

7: at Yankees

8: Tigers (ss)

9: Orioles

10: at Red Sox

11: Pirates

12: Twins

13: at Orioles

14: Marlins

15: Phillies

16: at Jays

17: at Pirates

18: Red Sox

19: off

20: at Marlins

21: Yankees

22: at Pirates

23: Jays (7:05)

24: at Twins (3:05)

25: Marlins

26: at Twins

27: at Red Sox (7:05)

28: Pirates (7:05)

29: at Phillies

30: at Pirates

31: Red Sox

APRIL

1: at Orioles

2: Twins

3: at Twins

4: Opponent and time TBA (Tropicana Field)

Atlanta Braves

Where: Champion Stadium, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, 700 S Victory Way, Lake Buena Vista, 34747. Toll-free 1-800-745-3000

Tickets: $15-$51

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

3: Tigers

4: at Tigers

5: at Astros (TBA)

6: Nationals

7: at Tigers

8: at Orioles

9: (ss) at Yankees, at Mets

10: Yankees

11: (ss) at Blue Jays (ss), Blue Jays (ss)

12: at Cardinals (ss)

13: at Marlins

14: Nationals (6:05)

15: at Phillies (ss)

16: Astros

17: (ss) Blue Jays, at Mets (1:10)

18: Orioles (ss)

19: Cardinals

20: at Tigers

21: at Nationals

22: Marlins

23: Mets

24: at Blue Jays

25: Astros (ss)

26: off

27: at Mets (1:10)

28: Yankees

29: at Nationals (ss)

30: (ss) at Astros (ss), Astros (ss) (6:05)

31: Tigers

April

1: Phillies

2: Mets (noon)

3: at Braves Futures (6:05)

Baltimore Orioles

Where: Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota, 34237. Toll-free 1-800-745-3000

Tickets: $8-30

(All games at 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

5: (ss) at Rays, Pirates (7:05)

6: at Red Sox (1:35)

7: Twins

8: Braves

9: at Rays

10: at Phillies

11: Red Sox

12: at Blue Jays

13: Rays

14: Pirates

15: at Tigers

16: at Twins (ss)

17: (ss) Red Sox (ss), at Red Sox (ss) (1:35)

18: (ss) at Braves, Yankees (7:05)

19: off

20: Phillies

21: Blue Jays

22: at Twins

23: Red Sox

24: Nationals

25: at Phillies (ss)

26: at Pirates

27: Twins

28: at Blue Jays

29: at Yankees (7:05)

30: Tigers

31: at Pirates (ss)

april

1: Rays

2: Florida Southern (7:05)

Boston Red Sox

Where: JetBlue Park, 11581 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers, 33913. Toll-free 1-877-733-7699 (RED-SOX9) or (617) 482-4769 (4SOX)

Tickets: $5-$46

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

3: (ss) Northeastern (2:35), Boston College (7:05)

4: Twins (ss) (1:35)

5: at Twins (7:05)

6: Orioles (1:35)

7: at Blue Jays (ss)

8: at Cardinals

9: Pirates (7:05)

10: Rays (7:05)

11: at Orioles

12: Marlins (1:35)

13: at Yankees (7:05)

14: off

15: Cardinals (2:35)

16: Twins (ss) (7:05)

17: (ss) at Orioles (1:35)

18: at Rays

19: Twins (1:35)

20: Blue Jays (7:05)

21: at Pirates

22: Yankees (7:05)

23: at Orioles

24: (ss) at Marlins, Phillies (1:35)

25: at Blue Jays

26: at Phillies

27: Rays (1:35)

28: off

29: Blue Jays (1:35)

30: at Twins (ss)

31: at Rays

april

1: Twins (1:35)

2: Nationals (1:35)

3: at Nationals in Washington (TBA)

Detroit Tigers

Where: Joker Marchant Stadium, 2125 N Lake Ave., Lakeland, 33805. Toll-free 1-866-668-4437 (66TIGER)

Tickets: $9-$28

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

2: Florida Southern

3: at Braves

4: Braves

5: Blue Jays

6: at Marlins

7: Braves

8: at Rays (ss)

9: Phillies

10: Nationals (ss)

11: (ss) at Astros (TBA), at Phillies (ss)

12: Mets

13: at Nationals

14: Mets

15: Orioles

16: at Mets (1:10)

17: Cardinals

18: at Nationals

19: at Phillies

20: Braves

21: Twins

22: off

23: at Pirates

24: Yankees

25: (ss) at Yankees, Phillies (ss)

26: Marlins

27: at Astros (TBA)

28: at Cardinals

29: Nationals (ss) (6:05)

30: at Orioles

31: at Braves

april

1: (ss) Astros, at Mets (1:10)

2: Blue Jays

3: at Blue Jays (12:05)

4: at Mud Hens in Toledo, Ohio (noon)

Houston Astros

Where: Osceola County Stadium, 631 Heritage Park Way, Kissimmee, 34744. Phone: (321) 697-3200

Tickets: $15-$24 (available Jan. 21)

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

3: Nationals (TBA)

4: at Nationals

5: Braves (TBA)

6: Mets (ss) (TBA)

7: at Phillies

8: at Nationals

9: Blue Jays (TBA)

10: at Blue Jays

11: Tigers (ss) (TBA)

12: at Yankees (7:05)

13: Phillies (TBA)

14: at Cardinals

15: Blue Jays (TBA)

16: at Braves (6:05)

17: at Yankees

18: Mets (TBA)

19: at Marlins

20: Cardinals (TBA)

21: off

22: at Mets (1:10)

23: Nationals (TBA)

24: at Pirates

25: (ss) Pirates (TBA), at Braves

26: at Nationals

27: Tigers (TBA)

28: Marlins (TBA)

29: at Mets (6:10)

30: (ss) Braves (ss) (TBA), at Braves (ss) (6:05)

31: Yankees (TBA)

april

3: Nationals (TBA)

4: at Nationals

5: Braves (TBA)

6: Mets (ss) (TBA)

Miami Marlins

Where: Roger Dean Stadium, 4751 Main St., Jupiter, 33458. Phone: (561) 630-1828

Tickets: TBA

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

5: at Cardinals

6: Tigers

7: Mets

8: at Mets (1:10)

9: Nationals (7:05)

10: Cardinals

11: at Mets (1:10)

12: at Red Sox (1:35)

13: Braves

14: at Rays

15: Mets

16: at Cardinals

17: (ss) at Nationals, Twins

18: at Cardinals

19: Astros

20: Rays

21: off

22: at Braves

23: Cardinals

24: Red Sox (ss)

25: at Rays

26: at Tigers

27: Nationals

28: at Astros (TBA)

29: Cardinals

30: at Cardinals (6:05)

31: Mets

april

1: Yankees in Miami (1:10)

2: Yankees in Miami (7:10)

Minnesota Twins

Where: Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, 33912. Toll-free 1-800-338-9467 (33-TWINS)

Tickets: $13-43

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

3: Rays

4: (ss) at Rays, at Red Sox (1:35)

5: Red Sox

6: at Rays

7: at Orioles

8: Rays (ss)

9: Cardinals

10: at Pirates

11: Yankees (ss)

12: at Rays

13: at Blue Jays (ss)

14: at Phillies

15: Pirates

16: (ss) Orioles, at Red Sox (7:05)

17: at Marlins (ss)

18: Pirates

19: at Red Sox (1:35)

20: off

21: at Tigers

22: Orioles

23: at Yankees (ss)

24: Rays (3:05)

25: at Cardinals

26: Rays

27: at Orioles

28: Phillies

29: at Pirates

30: (ss) Red Sox, at Blue Jays

31: Pirates (ss)

april

1: at Red Sox (1:35)

2: at Rays

3: Rays

4: Fort Myers Miracle

New York Mets

Where: Digital Domain Park, 525 NW Peacock Blvd., Port St. Lucie, 34986. Toll-free 1-877-538-6282

Tickets: $8-$25

(All games 1:10 unless noted otherwise)

march

5: Nationals (6:05)

6: (ss) at Astros (TBA), Cardinals

7: at Marlins (1:05)

8: Marlins

9: at Braves (ss) (1:05)

10: at Nationals (ss)

11: Marlins

12: at Tigers (1:05)

13: Cardinals

14: at Tigers (1:05)

15: at Marlins (1:05)

16: Tigers

17: Braves (ss)

18: at Astros (TBA)

19: off

20: Nationals (6:10)

21: at Cardinals (1:05)

22: Astros

23: at Braves (1:05)

24: Cardinals

25: at Nationals (1:05)

26: at Cardinals (1:05)

27: Braves

28: Nationals

29: Astros (6:10)

30: at Cardinals (1:05)

31: at Marlins (1:05)

april

1: Tigers (ss)

2: at Braves (noon)

3: Yankees (2:10)

4: at Yankees (12:05)

New York Yankees

Where: Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa, 33614. (813) 879-2244 or toll-free 1-800-745-3000

Tickets: $17-$33

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

2: USF Bulls (at USF)

3: at Phillies

4: Phillies

5: at Phillies

6: at Pirates

7: Rays

8: at Blue Jays

9: Braves (ss)

10: at Braves

11: (ss) at Twins, Phillies (ss)

12: Astros

13: Red Sox (7:05)

14: at Blue Jays

15: at Nationals

16: Nationals

17: Astros

18: at Orioles (ss) (7:05)

19: off

20: Pirates (7:05)

21: at Rays

22: at Red Sox (7:05)

23: (ss) Twins, at Phillies

24: at Tigers

25: Tigers (ss)

26: off

27: Blue Jays (7:05)

28: at Braves

29: Orioles (7:05)

30: Phillies (7:05)

31: at Astros (TBA)

april

1: at Marlins in Miami (7:10)

2: at Marlins in Miami (7:10)

3: at Mets (2:10)

4: Mets (12:05)

Philadelphia Phillies

Where: Bright House Field, 601 Old Coachman Road, Clearwater, 33765. Phone: (727) 467-4457 (GO-PHILS)

Tickets: $10-$35

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

3: Yankees

4: at Yankees

5: Yankees

6: at Blue Jays

7: Astros

8: Pirates

9: at Tigers

10: Orioles

11: (ss) Tigers (ss), at Yankees (ss)

12: at Pirates

13: at Astros (TBA)

14: Twins

15: (ss) Braves, at Rays

16: at Pirates

17: Blue Jays (ss)

18: at Blue Jays

19: Tigers

20: at Orioles

21: off

22: at Blue Jays

23: Yankees (ss)

24: at Red Sox (ss) (1:35)

25: (ss) Orioles, at Tigers (ss)

26: Red Sox

27: Pirates

28: at Twins

29: Rays

30: at Yankees (7:05)

31: Blue Jays

april

1: at Braves

2: Pirates in Philadelphia (7:05)

3: Pirates in Philadelphia (7:05)

Pittsburgh Pirates

Where: McKech­nie Field, 1611 Ninth St. W, Bradenton, 34205. (941) 747-3031

Tickets: $10-$22 (available Jan. 21 at 10 a.m.)

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

3: at Blue Jays

4: Blue Jays

5: at Orioles (ss)

6: Yankees

7: Blue Jays (ss)

8: at Phillies

9: at Red Sox (7:05)

10: Twins (1:05)

11: at Rays

12: Phillies

13: off

14: at Orioles

15: at Twins

16: Phillies

17: Rays

18: at Twins

19: off

20: at Yankees

21: Red Sox

22: Rays

23: Tigers

24: Astros

25: at Astros (ss) (TBA)

26: Orioles

27: at Phillies

28: at Rays (7:05)

29: Twins

30: Rays

31: (ss) Orioles, Twins

april

1: at Blue Jays

2: at Phillies in Philadelphia (7:05)

3: at Phillies in Philadelphia (7:05)

St. Louis Cardinals

Where: Roger Dean Stadium, 4751 Main St., Jupiter, 33458. Phone: (561) 630-1828

Tickets: TBA

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

5: Marlins

6: at Mets (ss) (1:10)

7: at Nationals

8: Red Sox

9: at Twins

10: at Marlins

11: Nationals

12: (ss) Braves, Nationals

13: at Mets (1:10)

14: Astros

15: at Red Sox (2:35)

16: Marlins

17: at Tigers

18: Marlins

19: at Braves

20: at Astros (TBA)

21: Mets

22: Nationals

23: at Marlins

24: at Mets

25: Twins

26: Mets

27: off

28: Tigers

29: at Marlins

30: Mets

31: at Nationals

april

1: Nationals

2: Springfield Cardinals in Springfield, Mo. (6:08)

3: off

4: at Marlins (6)

Toronto Blue Jays

Where: Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 34698. Toll-free 1-888-525-5297 (JAYS) or 727-733-0429, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Tickets: $15-28

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

3: Pirates

4: at Pirates

5: at Tigers

6: Phillies

7: (ss) Red Sox, at Pirates

8: Yankees

9: at Astros (TBA)

10: Astros

11: (ss) Braves, at Braves

12: Orioles

13: (ss) at Twins, Canada (at Al Lang Field)

14: Yankees

15: at Astros (TBD)

16: Rays

17: (ss) at Braves (ss), at Phillies

18: Phillies

19: off

20: at Red Sox (7:05)

21: at Orioles

22: Phillies

23: at Rays (7:05)

24: Braves

25: Red Sox

26: off

27: at Yankees (7:05)

28: Orioles

29: at Red Sox (1:35)

30: Twins (ss)

31: at Phillies

april

1: Pirates

2: at Tigers

3: Tigers (12:05)

Washington Nationals

Where: Space Coast Stadium, 5800 Stadium Parkway, Viera, 32940. Phone: (321) 633-9200

Tickets: $12-$36; single game tickets go on sale Jan. 28 at 10 a.m.

(All games 1:05 unless noted otherwise)

march

3: at Astros (TBA)

4: Astros

5: at Mets (6:10)

6: at Braves

7: Cardinals

8: Astros

9: at Marlins (7:05)

10: (ss) Mets, at Tigers

11: at Cardinals

12: Cardinals (ss)

13: Tigers (6:05)

14: at Braves (6:05)

15: Yankees

16: at Yankees (1:05)

17: Marlins (ss)

18: Tigers

19: off

20: at Mets (6:10)

21: Braves

22: at Cardinals

23: at Astros (TBA)

24: at Orioles

25: Mets

26: Astros

27: at Marlins

28: at Mets (1:10)

29: (ss) Braves, at Tigers (6:05)

30: Marlins (6:05)

31: Cardinals

april

1: at Cardinals

2: at Red Sox (1:35)

3: Red Sox in Washington (TBA)

Legislator, fans seek end to NFL blackouts

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Friday, January 20, 2012

For the past two seasons, blackouts have become a way of life for the Buccaneers. Of their 15 regular-season games played at Raymond James Stadium during that time, 13 have not aired on local television.

But there's a grassroots movement here and around the country to eliminate an NFL rule that has been in place for nearly 40 years that states any game not sold out 72 hours before kickoff cannot be shown within a 75-mile radius of the stadium.

"There's no need for it,'' Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said. "It's time for this to end.''

Fasano recently filed a bill that would require Florida's three teams — Bucs, Dolphins and Jaguars — to televise all home games locally whether they're sold out or not. Fasano's bill would fine teams $125,000 for each game blacked out. Similar bills are being considered in other states.

Meanwhile, several fan advocacy groups made enough noise that the Federal Communications Commission agreed to take public comments on a proposal to end the blackout rule.

"We're asking the government to get out of the business of propping up sports blackouts," Brian Frederick, executive director of the Sports Fans Coalition, which filed a petition with four other groups in November to end the blackout rule, told the New York Times.

"The FCC has had the rule since the 1970s and has never taken a comprehensive look at it."

At best, however, it would appear ending the blackout rule is a long shot. It seems unlikely any government agency can force a business to televise its product.

Before the rule was instituted in 1973, every home game was blacked out in the local market.

Once the rule was in place, about half of NFL games were blacked out in the 1970s and about 40 percent in the 1980s. That number has continued to dwindle.

This past season, just 16 games — fewer than one per week, or about 6 percent — were blacked out. The Bucs accounted for five of those blackouts, while the Bengals had six, Bills three and Chargers two.

In a statement to the Tampa Bay Times, the NFL said:

"The NFL is the only sports league that broadcasts all of its regular-season and playoff games on free television. … The policy is very important in supporting NFL stadiums and the ability of NFL clubs to sell tickets; keeping our games attractive as television programming with large crowds; and ensuring that we can continue to keep our games on free TV. Teams continue to work hard to sell tickets, including offering installment payment plans, group ticket sales and price flexibility.''

Fasano, however, says the NFL is making enough money through other outlets, especially television contracts and merchandising, it doesn't need the money generated through ticket sales. At the heart of Fasano's argument is the Florida-based teams use facilities that receive tax dollars. If fans paid for the stadiums, Fasano said, they should be able to watch the games played in them.

In the end, Fasano's plea appears more of a moral issue than a legal one.

"You would just like to see the owners of these teams step up to the plate and assure that there are no blackouts,'' Fasano said. "They are making millions upon millions of dollars.

"In Florida, they get monthly checks from the state for more than $160,000. I just want the owners to recognize the tough economic times people are going through and that they can't afford to go to games. So why not buy up the tickets and make sure we have no blackouts?''

Fasano said he is optimistic that the FCC is at least listening to arguments against the blackout rule and believes the groundswell could be enough to eventually end it.

"This backlash is not just here, but everywhere,'' Fasano said.

"No one but the NFL supports this rule. It's time for the NFL to listen to the fans and do the right thing.''

Tom Jones can be reached at tjones@tampabay.com.


Captains corner: Divers will find plenty of fish and less of a shark threat

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By Bill Hardman, Times Correspondent
Friday, January 20, 2012

Inshore: Diving and spearfishing in the inland waters is at its best this time of year. The average visibility in bay waters from Apollo Beach to north of the bay bridges is about half to two-thirds of the depth. This time of the year divers can enjoy spearfishing in the bay and inland areas without the severe threat of running into a shark. Most of the sharks left the inland sanctuaries of the bay with the migratory fish in the fall and early winter.

Offshore: Hogfish are cruising along most of the offshore ledges, and there are still many in the 6- to 7-pound range being speared. Most of the bigger hogfish have been in depths of 40 to 70 feet. Flounder are showing up in the sandy areas around most of the offshore wrecks. Skirt the sandy areas just outside the wreck for these well-hidden fish. Keep a eye out and you may get a couple of nice-sized flounders on each wreck. Sometimes it is better to stab the flounder with your knife and then, while holding the fish down, look back to the wreck to see if the fluttering flounder has prompted a previously hidden fish to show itself. This way you still have a loaded speargun and you are ready to take the shot on the second fish.

Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 344-3483 and captainbillhardman@gmail.com.

Shooting from the lip

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Friday, January 20, 2012

tom jones' two cents

The latest from the world of sports.

Personality of the day

When you think of the new breed of sports analysts, the two names that come up most often as the pioneers are John Madden and Tim McCarver. Fox Sports chair David Hill wants to add another name to that list: Fox NASCAR analyst Darrell Waltrip, above.

"I knew it was going to work as soon as I sat down with him (in 2001),'' Hill said about Waltrip. "He had this incredible knowledge of the sport. He had knowledge of the strategy of the sport. But more than anything, he had this boyish enthusiasm for NASCAR.

"When you look at people who have a boyish enthusiasm for the sport and great communication skills, the ones who immediately come to mind are those like John Madden in football and Tim McCarver in baseball. From that very first night, I knew DW was going to be one of the greats. He had the ability to look within the sport and communicate to the world what was going on."

The induction of NASCAR's third Hall of Fame class will be televised at 6 p.m. Sunday on Speed, and that includes the induction of Waltrip.

Schedule of the day

Next week will be the final one for Jim Rome on ESPN2. His last Jim Rome Is Burning airs Friday. So what will ESPN2 do after Rome's departure?

Starting Jan. 30, it will expand its Best of Mike & Mike from a half-hour to 60 minutes and run it from 2 to 3 p.m. That will be followed by Outside the Lines at 3 p.m., Best of First Take at 3:30, Numbers Never Lie at 4, Dan LeBetard is Highly Questionable at 4:30 and SportsNation at 5. NASCAR Now will move into the 3 p.m. slot when NASCAR season begins Feb. 13.

Team of the day

It's hard to remember four more evenly matched teams playing in the NFL's conference championships. Would you be surprised if any of the four teams — Patriots, Ravens, 49ers and Giants — won the Super Bowl? So which team is the best? Fox analyst Troy Aikman believes it might be the 49ers "Of all the teams I've seen this season, I'd say the 49ers are the most complete,'' Aikman said. "They run the ball well, are excellent on defense and their special teams plays well. There aren't many holes in San Francisco. They aren't as explosive offensively as the Giants or Packers, but they are a well-coached, tough team. The 49ers need to keep up the formula that's worked; playing great defense, not giving up points, being physical."

Media tidbits

• A new Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel debuts at 10 p.m Tuesday on HBO. One of the segments will be about Magic coach Stan Van Gundy and his brother, Jeff, an analyst for ABC/ESPN.

• Packers receiver Greg Jennings will be a guest analyst on Sunday's Sunday NFL Countdown on ESPN.

• NBA TV averaged 756,000 viewers for the Jan. 14 Lakers-Clippers game, giving the network its largest audience ever for a regular-season telecast. The previous record was 722,000, set Dec. 30 for a Bulls-Clippers game.

• Look for Jim Rome to make his CBS debut Sunday. The soon-to-be-former ESPN host will have a commentary during Sunday's NFL Today pregame show.

Three things that popped into my head

1. For those getting nervous the Bucs still don't have a coach, wouldn't you rather they get a really good coach in two weeks instead of just any old coach now?

2. Carlos Peña was such a popular player in these parts that I'm guessing most Rays fans had the same reaction when he re-signed with Tampa Bay on Friday: Yessss!

3. It really is depressing to think about how much fun the Stanley Cup playoffs are then realize the Lightning is not going to be a part of them. Not this season, anyway.

Series of the day

A new six-episode documentary series about boxing trainer Freddie Roach made its debut Friday night on HBO. And so far, it has the makings of being an all-time classic.

On Freddie Roach follows the daily life of the trainer as he heads to Las Vegas for a fight and continues his battle with Parkinson's disease.

Unlike most HBO documentaries narrated by Liev Schreiber and heavily scored, this series has no narration and minimal music. It concentrates on the normal activities of a very normal man, and the result is incredibly satisfying for the viewer.

The show is directed by Peter Berg, who directed films such as Friday Night Lights and Hancock as well as starred as Dr. Billy Kronk on the CBS medical drama Chicago Hope. If the Roach series turns out to be a success, there's talk Berg could take his six-part formula to concentrate on other sports personalties. Berg recently spent a week filming new Washington State football coach Mike Leach for another such documentary.

Women's basketball preview capsule: USF Bulls vs. No. 7 Rutgers Scarlet Knights

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, January 20, 2012

USF women vs. No. 7 Rutgers

When/where: 7, USF Rec Center, Tampa

Radio: 1010-AM

Records: USF 11-8, 3-2 Big East; Rutgers 15-3, 4-1

Notable: USF is coming off an overtime win against No. 21 DePaul, while Rutgers lost to St. John's, setting up another huge home opportunity for the Bulls. … USF G Inga Orekhova has hit 16 3-pointers in four Big East games, easily the best average in the league. Her overall scoring average of 15.5 points per game is in the top 10 in the conference, along with G Jasmine Wynne (16.1 ppg). … Rutgers is led by G April Sykes (14.2 ppg), but watch out for F/C Monique Oliver, who averages 12.2 points and is among the league leaders in rebounds (7.9 per game) and blocks (1.9). … Tonight is Military Appreciation Night.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

College basketball preview capsule: No. 17 Florida Gators vs. LSU Tigers

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, January 20, 2012

No. 17 Florida vs. LSU

When/where: 6, O'Connell Center, Gainesville

TV/radio: FSN; 1250-AM

Records: Florida 14-4, 2-1 SEC; LSU 12-6, 2-2

Notable: The Gators take the court for the first time since last Saturday, having had a midweek bye. Florida is trying to extend its home winning streak to 16 in a row dating to last season. … UF sophomore C Patric Young is still hobbled by tendonitis in his ankle. He was removed from the starting lineup against South Carolina because of his inability to move well during pregame warmups, and his status today will be determined by how well he has progressed this week. "I think a lot will depend on what we get out of him in practice," UF coach Billy Donovan said. "That's going to be the big thing, what he's able to do, and how much he can tolerate. If it's a situation where he's in the same position he was against South Caorlina, it's a decision I'll make closer to the game." … This is another contest for the Gators against a tough defensive team. Florida is ranked No. 8 nationally in total offense, but LSU has held 12 of its 18 opponents to fewer than 60 points this season. The Tigers have won 11 of those games. And while Florida leads the nation in 3-point field goals made (10.8 per game), LSU's defense is holding opponents to 30.9 percent from 3-point range. … With Young's ailing ankle, if the Gators aren't hitting from the outside it'll be imperative that the other post players — Will Yeguete, Erik Murphy and Cody Larson — play well to help UF's inside game.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

Tampa Bay Downs trainer Cibelli refuses to let up

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Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, January 20, 2012

OLDSMAR — Even when there is doubt, the fire burns inside Jane Cibelli.

The Tampa Bay Downs trainer arrives at Barn 11 at 5 in the morning, watches the afternoon races from grandstand Box 69, and returns to her Odessa residence, where she analyzes horses on the computer until 9 p.m.

"You have to put the time in and work hard every day," Cibelli said. "The only way to make money in this business is to win. Your overhead is huge: the exercise rider, the groom, the hot walker, the feed, the insurance. It's tough."

One of five trainers to finish in the top 10 in wins at the past five Downs meets, Cibelli posted career-high numbers last year at Oldsmar: a fourth-place showing with 26 victories and $299,593 in purse earnings.

But when it was time to head for Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., for the summer, Cibelli doubted her stock's quality.

"I asked myself, 'What am I going to do?' " she said. "Cliff Collier (agent for jockey Elvis Trujillo) came by the barn and I said, 'I don't know if I've got any business for you because I've got bad horses.' It was like gloom and doom.

"Well, things just started to come together."

The quinquagenarian from Leicester, United Kingdom, made history, becoming the first female in Monmouth Park's 65 years to win a training title. It is the only crown for Cibelli, who set lifetime highs in 2011 with 70 victories and $1,502,734 in earnings from 267 starts.

Cibelli, who upgrades her stock at the claiming box and with yearling purchases, won the Monmouth championship over Scott Volk 32-27. Several claims boosted Cibelli. She picked up Bombast for $12,500, and he won five straight races (three under Cibelli). D'cats Meow, a $20,000 claim, won three in a row (two under Cibelli), and also finished second in two stakes. Pound Foolish, a $22,000 claim in 2010, won four consecutive races, three at Monmouth Park.

"The condition book is the key, and you've got to pay attention and know who you're running against," she said.

Cibelli got her training license in 1987. She stopped conditioning in 1995, but returned a year later as an assistant to Downs 2003-04 leading trainer Lynne Scace and also Linda Rice, the first female to win a Saratoga (Springs, N.Y.) training title.

Cibelli has 415 career wins and $7,319,905 in earnings from 2,808 starts. She began her own stable in 1999. Cibelli has 45 clients and is responsible for 60 horses, including 28 at the Downs and 14 at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

"You're only as good as your owners," Cibelli said. "People have a little more confidence in me now."

MORE HORSES: Two-time Grade III winner Hot Summer is the 8-5 morning-line choice in the $50,000 Pelican (Race 10, 4:40 p.m.) at the Downs.

DOGS: The $10,000 Matinee Idol begins Wednesday in St. Petersburg. The finale is Jan. 28.

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