Thursday, February 2, 2012

NEW PORT RICHEY — When River Ridge beat Mitchell last month, the Royal Knights had 19 points in the paint from Vashoula Kostogiannes to earn a three-point victory.

With a trip to regionals at stake, the Mustangs' defense refused to be bullied.

Mitchell's defense stifled the Royal Knights on Wednesday night in a 33-24 victory that ended end its rival's turnaround season and pushed the Mustangs into Friday's Class 6A, District 10 title game against Tarpon Springs. The top-seeded Spongers held onto beat Land O'Lakes 41-38 in Wednesday's late game.

In the nightcap, the Gators (8-14) played the Spongers tough but couldn't upset the district's top seed and fell 41-38.

Land O'Lakes led 19-17 at halftime but went through a long scoring drought midway through the game. Tarpon Springs forced 13 turnovers in the second and third quarters and held the Gators without a field goal for the entire third quarter.

Land O'Lakes began attacking the basket in the fourth quarter with back-to-back layups by Pamela Andrade and Nicole Kraning to tie the game. Kraning's steal and a layup by Andrade gave the Gators a 35-33 lead with 1:32 left, but they couldn't hang on.

Tarpon Springs answered with two quick layups and a baseline jumper by Eleni Karavokiros with 23 seconds left put the Spongers ahead for good.

Andrade led Land O'Lakes with 12 points, and senior Kendra Sheets chipped in 10.

River Ridge led 4-2 after a first quarter that featured almost twice as many turnovers (11) as points (six). The teams combined for 43 turnovers in the game and shot 26 percent from the field.

"We decided we were just going to make them shoot the ball," Tavo said, instead of letting River Ridge (16-8) pound the post. The result was the Royal Knights' lowest scoring output of the season and a seven-minute scoring drought midway through the game.

Mitchell (15-10) took advantage of it with a 13-2 run in the second and third quarters, capped off with a jumper by Emily Morales.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

CLEARWATER — As expected, Clearwater and St. Petersburg, the top seeds in the Class 7A, District 10, cruised past their semifinal opponents and will face each other in Friday's championship game at 7.

The host Tornadoes, the top seed, led throughout in a 47-30 win against No. 4 seed Seminole. But Clearwater (20-6) needed a big fourth quarter before it could feel completely comfortable.

Ahead 30-25 going into the fourth quarter, the Tornadoes outscored the Warhawks 17-5 the rest of the way. Clearwater was led by Aja Jenkins (16 points) and Tyra Bolden (15). Seminole's top scorer was Kelsey Geraghty, who had 12 points on four 3-pointers.

"Give credit to Seminole early on," Tornadoes coach Tom Shaneyfelt said. "They played well. We did a better job in the second half of staying with Seminole defensively, getting into our transition game and getting the ball to the basket. We were settling for the outside shot way too much before that."

In the other semifinal, the Green Devils, the No. 2 seed, struggled offensively in the first half before pulling away in a 38-27 victory over No. 3 seed Countryside.

St. Petersburg coach Tamika Coley sat some starters in the first quarter for disciplinary reasons. The Green Devils managed just five points in the first quarter and led 16-8 at halftime.

In the second half, St. Petersburg (13-9) got into more of a rhythm to thwart any comeback. Jordan Berenbaum, who scored 10, was the only Green Devil to reach double figures in scoring.

"We had a couple of kids that missed the first quarter and that changes the chemistry out on the floor," Coley said. "But the girls were troopers and brought a lot of energy out on the court."

Associated Press
Thursday, February 2, 2012

2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom is set to return to racing Feb. 25 in the Tampa Bay Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar after being sidelined for nearly eight months with a hairline fracture to his left hock.

Animal Kingdom will use the 11/16-mile turf race as a prep for the $10 million Dubai World Cup in late March, Team Valor chief executive officer Barry Irwin said.

Animal Kingdom hasn't raced since finishing sixth in the Belmont Stakes in June. He came out of the race on a sloppy track injured and had surgery that month. He has had six workouts since Dec. 24 in Florida.

A turf race will be easier on Animal Kingdom as he makes a comeback, trainer Graham Motion said.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 2, 2012

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive assistant Jerry Olsavsky is interviewing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to become linebackers coach, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Olsavsky, who played from 1989-1997 with the Steelers, was in line for the same position on Mike Tomlin's staff until linebackers coach Keith Butler turned down an opportunity to become the Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, February 2, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — His hands. Rob Gronkowski should be talking about his hands.

They are great hands, after all. Huge hands. Strong hands. Workingman's hands. They are hands that were good enough to catch 90 passes this year, some off of his shoe tops, some out of the sky, 17 of them for touchdowns.

His legs. Gronkowski should be answering questions about his legs.

They are swift legs, especially for a man his size. There is balance in those legs. There is quickness. They are legs that caught passes for 1,227 yards, more than any tight end in the history of the league.

This week, Gronkowski should be talking about a great many things. His goofy personality, for one thing. His followers in Gronk Nation, for another. His impact. His youth. His family. The way he spikes a ball as if it has somehow angered him.

Instead, he talks about his ankle. Over and over and furthermore, over. He talks about the trainers. He says today is better than yesterday. He talks about all the film he is watching. And then he talks about his ankle some more.

More than anything, this Super Bowl has been the Ballad of Gronk's Ank. It is the biggest thing in town, bigger than the Capital Building, bigger than Lucas Oil Stadium. Soon, it might have its own endorsement deals.

There hasn't been an ankle this big since the will-he-play-or-won't-he play questions were being thrown at the Eagles' Terrell Owens back in 2005. (Owens not only played, he caught nine passes for 122 yards).

Consider Thursday morning, when Gronkowski walked into the interview tent next to the Patriots' team hotel wearing a knit cap with an upside-side down Super Bowl logo on it. He spotted the media waiting by his table, and immediately broke into an exaggerated, Johnny-Comes-Marching-Home-Again limp. Then he grinned that lopsided grin of his.

"Day by day," Gronkowski said, which has been his day-by-day response. He will not guess a percentage. He will not elaborate on what the trainers are doing down there. He says there is no magical new cleat, as reports have said. There are just the same options on how to give the ankle the best support.

He does allow that, by now, his other ankle might be jealous.

"With all the attention his ankle is getting," quarterback Tom Brady said earlier in the week, "he should write, 'Mom, I love you,' on his sock."

Gronkowski's owskie is a big deal, of course, because Gronkowski is a big deal. You can argue that he has had the finest season any tight end has ever had. Others — Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten, Jimmy Graham — have had more receptions, but none of them ever approached his yardage or his touchdowns.

John Mackey never had a 1,000-yard season. Charlie Sanders never caught more than 42 passes in a season. Kellen Winslow never had more than 10 touchdown catches in a season.

If Gronkowski were healthy, that's what everyone would be talking about. No quarterback has ever thrown more to tight ends than Tom Brady — Aaron Hernandez, the team's other tight end, caught 71 passes this year.

"If we play without Gronkowski," said Hernandez, a former Florida player, "it would be like playing without our best player."

On a team with Brady, that might be a stretch. But you get the point.

Say this for Gronkowski. It didn't take him long to win the fans. He is only 22, and already, he has achieved cult-level status in Boston. He's the guy who runs Gronkowski.com, where for a few dollars, you can invest in an "I Got Gronked" T-shirt.

He's the guy Timbaland produced a song about. He's the guy who got in trouble for posing for pictures with a porn star named BiBi Jones (nothing happened there, he says, but he apologized nevertheless). He's the guy who, trying to speak Spanish after the AFC title game, said "Yo Soy Fiesta." Which means, of course, "I am party." There is now a Boston billboard that bears the phrase.

Why do fans love him so?

"Maybe they're a little Fiesta, too," he said.

He wants to play. Of course he does. He is frustrated by the ankle. Of course he is. He is tired of the questions. Who wouldn't be? He says it will be his decision, because it is his body, and no one else can know his pain level. Then someone evokes the name of Belichick, and Gronkowski grins.

"Maybe I'm just pretending it's my decision," he said.

There are skeptics, of course. There are those who have suggested the ankle isn't injured as badly as some say, that maybe it's the dreaded high ankle sprain after all. There are others who believe that the Patriots know that Gronkowski can't play, and that all of this is a ruse to make the Giants work on stopping him. These are the Patriots, of course, and Belichick has been known to treat the injury report like a board game.

Here's the best guess. Gronkowski will be play Sunday, but who knows how effective he will be? He'll give it a shot, because he's a tough guy. But strong men, tough men, have a hard time running on a bad ankle.

"Maybe I'll have a miraculous recovery," Gronkowski said. "Maybe I'll wake up Sunday, and I'll be just fine."

If so, there may be a lot of questions for Gronkowski after the game.

Not all of them would be about his ankle.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 2, 2012

Tino Martinez met Ted Williams only once, a chance passing at Fenway Park in the early 1990s when Martinez was first establishing himself as a major-leaguer. Martinez, the quiet kid from Tampa, stumbled through a forgettable version of hello; Williams, the game's pre-eminent expert on hitting, replied with words as memorable now as that afternoon:

"You've got a great swing."

Martinez swung that way for most of 16 seasons, piling up strong numbers (a .271 average, 339 homers, 1,271 RBIs) and, most impressively, four World Series championships. And tonight, in a ceremony at Tropicana Field, Martinez will be inducted into the Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame.

"Obviously I'm not going to the major-league baseball Hall of Fame, but to be considered and have the criteria to get into the Ted Williams Hall is quite an honor," Martinez said. "I can't think of anything better, (other) than the major-league baseball Hall of Fame, than the Ted Williams Hall."

Martinez is 44 now, six-plus years into retirement, though he still looks as if he could handle himself in the batter's box. His greatest success came during seven seasons with the Yankees, and he has a job with a fancy title, a special assistant to general manager Brian Cashman, but spends most of his time in and around his native Tampa, he and his wife keeping tabs on three teenagers.

He pulls on a uniform during spring training, talks with minor-leaguers, offers his opinion on players when asked. He has also dabbled in TV.

Though without the legacy of the Yankees' core royalty — Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte — Martinez is treated as one of the most beloved during regular return visits to New York. Two dramatic World Series home runs — a grand slam in the 1998 opener, a tying blast in Game 4 in 2001 — certainly keep the volume turned up.

"When you play the game, you don't expect that type of stuff to happen," Martinez said. "To go back to a stadium like Yankee Stadium and get that kind of reaction every time, that people remember what you did as a player and what we did as a team, that's a great feeling."

And, he laughs, with some benefits in the big city: "I've never had a problem getting a reservation."

Martinez — who was drafted out of Jefferson High by the Red Sox but opted for the University of Tampa — had a broad experience in the majors and few complaints, marveling at the good fortune to play as well and as long as he did, as well as the good fortune (career earnings in excess of $50 million) he played for.

He came up as the Mariners rose to prominence and starred for the Yankees, then spent two years with the Cardinals, one at home with the Devil Rays and finished with a 2005 encore in New York. He played for, and learned from, three of the game's best managers: Lou Piniella (Seattle and Tampa Bay), Joe Torre (New York) and Tony La Russa (St. Louis). "They are all great, and I seemed to hit each at the right time," Martinez said.

He had the interesting experiences of replacing Don Mattingly in pinstripes and Mark McGwire in Cardinals red. And he won, making the playoffs nine times in his final 11 seasons.

Regrets? Actually, he has a few.

"I would like to have won a Gold Glove," Martinez said, and with cause. Especially in 1999, when Martinez had a .995 fielding percentage (seven errors in 158 games for the Yankees) and the award was voted to Baltimore's Rafael Palmeiro, who spent most of the season at DH, playing only 28 games at first.

A fifth World Series champion­ship "would have been nice," as the Yankees — who led three games to two due in large part to Martinez's dramatic two-out, ninth-inning Game 4 homer — couldn't close out the Diamondbacks in 2001.

So, too, would have been an MVP award. Martinez hit .296 with 44 homers and 141 RBIs in 1997 but finished second to Seattle's Ken Griffey (.304/56/147).

And there was talk of catching on somewhere to get to 2,000 hits — he finished with 1,925, plus 83 in the postseason — but decided, "You don't stick around for the numbers."

Tonight will be something of a coronation for a career Martinez defines as "productive."

He will see many familiar faces in the crowd of 750-plus — presented by Yankees official Ray Negron and Julia Steinbrenner, granddaughter of George, who was a big Ted Williams fan himself — but not much family.

Daughter Victoria's Academy of the Holy Names basketball team is playing for the district championship in Tampa, and the rest of the clan will be there cheering her on.

"These days," Martinez said, "I'm down on the totem pole."

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, February 2, 2012

When state officials meet in Havana, Fla., starting Tuesday for the first fishery management meeting of 2012, it is unlikely they will change course on grouper, one of the most heavily debated species in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is expected to follow the federal government's lead and adopt the same standards in state waters being proposed for federal ones, which begin 9 miles offshore.

Federal fishery managers say gag grouper, once a mainstay of deep-water anglers on the west coast of Florida, is "overfished and undergoing overfishing" — too many are being caught and there are too few left to reproduce in sufficient numbers.

In August, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approved a long-term rebuilding plan for gag and red grouper. The species, although different in terms of health of stocks, are managed under the same plan because they are often caught together.

But while anglers will see an increase in the red grouper bag limit (two to four), regulations for gag grouper will become more restrictive. The state already prohibits the harvest of gag grouper in state waters during February and March. The federal government, however, is expected to establish a 123-day gag grouper season of July 1-Oct. 31.

Most gag grouper are caught in federal waters except during the winter months, when they move inshore to shallow water. If Florida fishery managers fail to adopt the federal standards, then it is likely the Gulf Council would shorten its season to account for the increased catch in state waters.

The FWC's staff has recommended it follow the federal lead. But if state officials don't, the gag season will open April 1.

To learn more, go to MyFWC.com.

Fishing Rally: Recreational and commercial fishermen will head to Washington on March 21 for another rally. Two years ago, thousands gathered for the first "United We Fish" rally, designed to shed light on what they called unfair regulatory measures.

The 2012 Keep Fishermen Fishing Rally hopes to again gather thousands concerned about the increasing influence of nonprofit groups such as the Environmental Defense Fund and Pew Environmental Groups. For information, go to keepfishermenfishing.com.

Olympic update: Tampa Bay sailors racked up more wins at last month's Miami Olympic Classes Regatta on Biscayne Bay.

Clearwater's Zach Railey, 27, a silver medalist at the 2008 Olympics, finished first among 25 in the Finn. His sister Paige, 24, finished eighth among 60 in the Laser Radial.

The Raileys, who learned to sail at the Clearwater Yacht Club, will represent the United States at this summer's Olympics in England.

St. Petersburg's Mark Mendelblatt and Brian Fatih finished seventh among 29 in the Star. They also will be part of the Olympic team.

Disabled sailors Jen French and J.P. Creignou of St. Petersburg took bronze in the SKUD-18. They will be part of the U.S. contingent at this summer's Paralympics. Another disabled sailor, Paul Callahan of Port Charlotte, who is coached by former St. Petersburg Sailing Center director Dave Ellis, made the U.S. team in the Sonar.

The Miami Olympic Class Regatta is one of seven World Cup events and only one in the United States. It drew nearly 500 sailors from more than 40 countries and was widely viewed as the precursor to the Olympics.

More sailing: The Clearwater Yacht Club will host the Laser Midwinters East Regatta, Feb. 22-26. More than 200 sailors from 16 countries are expected in the Gulf of Mexico off Big Pier 60.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 2, 2012

In the SEC, a league that has won the past six BCS national titles, coaches can tell you recruiting is much like the games on the field — a no-holds-barred battle to the end. Almost anything goes.

After six seasons and two national titles at Florida, first-year Ohio State coach Urban Meyer knows that better than anybody. And his aggressive, SEC-like style ruffled feathers in the Big Ten.

Meyer's ability to land a consensus top-10 class just six weeks after his hiring caused some in the league to call into question his methods — and ethics. Meyer accomplished it despite an NCAA investigation hanging over the program's head that already has produced a one-year bowl ban.

Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema called some of Meyer's recruiting tactics "illegal" and on Thursday told the Sporting News that his athletic director, Barry Alvarez, plans to ask Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany to address the issue.

"We at the Big Ten don't want to be like the SEC — in any way, shape or form," Bielema said.

Bielema is not alone. Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio used the term "unethical" for Meyer's tactics.

The major issue is after being hired, Meyer immediately went after players who had orally committed to other schools. It is not an NCAA violation because commitments become official only with a signed letter of intent.

Of Ohio State's 24 signees, 10 committed after Meyer was hired Nov. 28. Of those, eight had previously given nonbinding oral commitments to other schools, including Wisconsin, Michigan State and Penn State of the Big Ten and Notre Dame, an independent.

In the SEC, going after other school's oral commitments is not taboo. But Big Ten coaches see it differently. Recruiting analysts say not only is it legal, it's smart.

"If you're complaining about someone outrecruiting you, you're not going to be successful," said Scott Kennedy, director of scouting for Scout.com. "These (coaches) are making, multi, multimillions of dollars, and they have a lot at stake. You don't think I'm going to come in and recruit my own state? That's insane.

"You took advantage of the fact that we were a team in turmoil and I'm going to come in and say okay we're just going to call this class a mulligan? That's crazy. Gentlemen's recruiting went out the window with seven-figure contracts."

There's a reason some Big Ten coaches are speaking out. Meyer signed 13 of the top 250 recruits in the nation, based on Rivals.com rankings. Michigan signed nine, and the other 10 schools combined for eight.

Meyer said Wednesday that the topic was "nonsense" and added it's what any other staff in America would have done, especially a new one such as his. And he defended his tactics.

"Sometimes, they say, 'How can you go recruit a young guy committed to another school?' " Meyer told SI.com. "You ask a question: 'Are you interested?' If they say, 'No,' you move on. If they say, 'Yes, very interested,' then you throw that hook out there. If they're interested, absolutely (you recruit them), especially from your home state. Is it gratifying to take a guy from another school? Not at all."

At his signing day news conference Wednesday, Bielema said he doesn't want Meyer's arrival to change recruiting in the Big Ten.

In many ways, it already has.

"What he did at Ohio State in the last six weeks before signing day was unprecedented," Kennedy said. "I've never seen a coach come in and make a splash like that."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com. Follow her Florida blog at tampabay.com/blogs/gators.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer


Thursday, February 2, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays were pleased with Casey Kotchman's play last season but felt enough need to upgrade their power production at first base that they spent a surprising $7.25 million to bring in Carlos Peña.

On Thursday, Kotchman found a new home, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Indians for $3 million plus up to $1.75 million incentives.

"Like I've always said, it's a privilege to put on a major-league uniform and I'm appreciative for the opportunity to be able to go to Cleveland and play for the Tribe,'' Kotchman said.

The St. Petersburg native and Seminole High product resurrected his career playing at home last season, hitting .306 with 10 homers and 48 RBIs and leading major-league first basemen in fielding for the fourth straight season.

Coming off a miserable 2010 season in Seattle, Kotchman signed a minor-league deal with the Rays for $750,000 then earned another $400,000 in incentives. He had interest in returning, but when the Rays chose to turn back to Peña, who was with them 2007-10, Kotchman had to look elsewhere.

Kotchman, 28, seems likely to be the regular first baseman for the Indians, who will announce the signing after a physical exam is completed. His acquisition means former Ray Russ Canzler, acquired Tuesday in trade, and 2011 starter Matt LaPorta (a Port Charlotte native and former Gator) could be headed to the minors.

Also:

• Reps for the Rays and pitcher Jeff Niemann argued their cases for his 2012 salary during a three-hour session before a panel of three arbiters. The Rays offered $2.75 million; Niemann sought $3.2 million. A decision is expected to be announced today.

Around the majors

JACKSON JOINS NATS: Former Rays right-hander Edwin Jackson agreed to a one-year contract with the Nationals, reportedly worth from $9 million to $12 million. Jackson, 28, was 12-9 with a 3.79 ERA last season for the White Sox and Cardinals. He pitched for the Rays from 2006-08. Also, the Nationals won their arbitration case with left-hander John Lannan and will pay him $5 million.

MANNY'S COMEBACK: The Athletics and Orioles are the teams "most interested" in signing Manny Ramirez, Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported. Ramirez, 39, played five games for the Rays last season then temporarily retired in the face of a drug-related suspension.

CASHMAN HARASSMENT: A woman was charged with stalking and shaking down Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. Prosecutors say Louise Neathway extorted $6,000 from Cashman and tried to squeeze $15,000 more.

INDIANS: Left-handed reliever Rafael Perez, 29, agreed to a one-year deal worth $2,005,000, avoiding arbitration.

ORIOLES: Left-hander Casey Fossum, 34, a former Ray who last appeared in the majors in 2009 with the Mets, agreed to a minor-league contract.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 2, 2012

TAMPA — The final two games of the Lightning's four-game homestand — and perhaps its upcoming three-game road trip — will go a long way in determining if the team buys or sells at the Feb. 27 trade deadline, GM Steve Yzerman said.

"Depending on how many points we get out of it and we see what else happens around the league, we'll get a better indication," he said Thursday.

The league, Yzerman said, is in a feeling-out pattern as teams wait to see which will make playoff runs (buyers) and which won't (sellers). Eight teams had scouts credentialed for Thursday's game with the Jets, including the Penguins, who reserved seats for pro scout Andre Savard and director of pro scouting Derek Clancy.

There have been plenty of rumors about whom the Lightning might be willing to move, with D Pavel Kubina, LW Ryan Malone and C Dominic Moore most mentioned. Kubina has been linked to the Rangers and Flames, Malone to the Kings (with the speculated return being G Jonathan Bernier) and Moore to the Penguins and Senators.

They have heard the chatter.

"It's always like that in February," said Kubina, who along with Moore is a potential unrestricted free agent. "It's something you can't control. You can't worry about it." Said Malone, "It's just people talking. It's just the way the business is, so I don't think twice about it."

Malone has a no-move clause, Kubina a limited no-trade clause. Both said they have not been approached about a trade.

Then again, Yzerman said he's not sure whether he will be buying or selling. "All we can do," he said, "is be prepared to act one way or another."

CONNOLLY SCRATCHED: After playing a season-low 5:08 Tuesday against the Capitals and saying of himself, "I have to get better (defensively)," it was no surprise that rookie RW Brett Connolly was a healthy scratch against the Jets.

It was his first NHL scratch.

"You never want that to happen, but … that's out of my control," said Connolly, who has four goals and eight points in 38 games but zero points in his past 16. "I have to focus on what I need to do and improve."

Said Yzerman: "It's part of the process of being an NHL player."

QUICK FIX: RW Adam Hall is well ahead of his projected recovery time from a left biceps tendon injury and might see action on the homestand, which has left games Saturday and Tuesday, coach Guy Boucher said. Hall, hurt Jan. 5 against the Senators, has missed 11 games and was supposed to be out two months. But the team's No. 1 penalty killer participated in Thursday's morning skate, though with a red no-contact jersey, and said arm flexibility is the final issue.

MORE MEDICAL: D Marc-Andre Bergeron (back) also skated with a red no-contact jersey. Though Malone (upper body) did not skate, Boucher said both might play during the homestand. … RW Dana Tyrell had surgery Thursday on his right ACL. He is expected to be ready for training camp.

ODDS AND ENDS: The Jets broke a seven-game losing streak at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. … The Lightning's Marty St. Louis extended his points streak to eight games (three goals, 10 assists).

By Dave Mistretta, Times Correspondent
Thursday, February 2, 2012

A big surprise: One of my clients got quite a scare from an unexpected visitor this week. We were fishing in about 60 feet when something grabbed hold of a frozen sardine. We first thought a grouper had nabbed the bait. But after a few cranks, it didn't seem right. The rod tip was slowly pulling down, feeling like dead weight. Convincing someone this excited they had snagged a rock, sponge or piece of fan coral is sometimes impossible. But something was not right. One minute into the battle, a 4-foot octopus crawled out of the water and onto the tip of the rod then lunged at his lap. After all the screaming and yelling stopped, the octopus was subdued. I explained to the distraught angler there was no such thing as sea monsters. We all had a good laugh once the ordeal was over.

Great bait: Octopi are relatively harmless and are commonly found in the bay area during the winter. They love stone crabs. This is most likely why our stone crab season is so slow. If you happen to come across one of these unusual animals, be sure to keep it for bait. We cut the tentacles into 6-inch segments and took them to our next stop. Almost instantly, a 10- and 12-pound gag grouper inhaled them. Dropping the tentacle to the bottom and slowly moving it up and down was the ticket for success. This tactic resembles worm-like motions, driving big fish wild.

Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 439-2628 or visit jawstoo.com.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, February 2, 2012

New rules for trout, redfish

Just when you thought it was safe to go fishing without a rule book in your back pocket, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission changed the regulations for trout and redfish this week. The state now has three management zones — Northwest, Northeast and South — instead of one. Anglers in the Northwest (which includes Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties) can take two fish per day while those in the Southern (Pinellas and Hillsborough) still can keep only one. When it comes to sea trout, the big news is anglers can fish all year long. To read the regulations, go to MyFWC.com.

Seminar teaches how to fire a flare

When was the last time you checked the expiration date on the flares you stash in the safety box of your boat? Most boaters don't think twice about a signaling device until it is too late. But now you have a chance to get flare savvy when Tampa Bay Watch and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary join forces for "Flare it Up," 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 11 at the Bay Watch offices, 3000 Pinellas Bayway, Tierra Verde. The Tierra Verde Fire District and Lealman Community Emergency response team will show you how to deploy a marine flare and fire one without earning a fine from the Coast Guard. Be sure to trailer your boat for a free vessel safety check. For details, go to flare.eventbrite.com.

Ducks Unlimited to hold a dinner

Ask environmentalists to rank the top sportsmen-supported conservation groups, and Ducks Unlimited usually sits atop the list. The organization, which just celebrated its 75th anniversary, buys and preserves hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands that provide habitat for waterfowl and countless other species. You can show your support and learn more about it when the Clearwater chapter holds its Smoker and Wild Game Dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. March 8 at the Pappas ranch, 2630 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. To learn more, call Marie Wiberg at (727) 738-1516.

Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor. Send your news and notes to ttomalin@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Thursday, February 2, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — Peyton Manning has been cleared to play by the doctor who operated on the quarterback's neck Sept. 8.

A spokesman for Dr. Robert Watkins sent a one-paragraph email to reporters late Thursday night after ESPN first reported that the Colts star had been cleared to play.

The Colts contend it is nothing new because Manning was cleared to practice in December, a move that would have also allowed him to start playing again. But it backs up Manning's contention from earlier this week that his recovery from September neck surgery is on schedule.

Manning has been throwing for at least two months and told reporters earlier this week that he was throwing with teammates Tuesday. But team doctors must still give Manning the okay, and it's unclear if or when that will happen.

Watkins, who performed the most recent surgery on Manning, examined the quarterback recently in Los Angeles, ESPN reported, and concluded the stability in his neck would have allowed the quarterback to play Sunday if the nerves in his arm had regenerated to a satisfactory performance level.

Colts owner Jim Irsay and Manning are scheduled to meet again next week to discuss his future.

More Colts: Greg Manusky was hired as defensive coordinator. Former offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen will remain on staff as either quarterbacks or receivers coach.

Pack names Clements OC: Green Bay promoted quarterbacks coach Tom Clements to offensive coordinator. Clements, a candidate for the Bucs' head coaching job before Greg Schiano was hired, has been the Packers' quarterbacks coach since 2006. He replaces Joe Philbin, who left to become the Dolphins' head coach.

Dorsett joins suit: Former Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett has joined more than 300 former players, including three other Hall of Fame members, in suing the NFL, its teams and, in some cases, helmet-maker Riddell, accusing them of being negligent concerning player safety and the dangers of concussions. "They use you up. … Yeah, I understand you paid me to do this, but still yet, I put my life on the line for you, I put my health on the line," Dorsett, 57, said. "And yet when the time comes, you turn your back on me? That's not right. … There's no doubt that what I went through as a football player is taking an effect on me today. … I'm just hoping and praying I can find a way to cut it off at the pass."

League approves $200M for 49ers stadium: NFL owners approved a $200 million loan to help the 49ers build a stadium south of Santa Clara, Calif. The team plans to bid for future Super Bowls for the 68,000-seat stadium, which will be built adjacent to the 49ers' facility. Owners approved another part of the funding package two months after the team and Santa Clara said they'd received an $850 million loan to cover most of the estimated $1 billion cost. The rest of the cost will be covered by the league's loan, a hotel tax and Santa Clara's redevelopment funds. The 49ers have to address their current Candlestick Park lease with the city of San Francisco that runs through 2014.

Raiders: Seven additional coaches were added to Dennis Allen's staff, including former Texans assistant Frank Pollack as offensive line coach and former fullback Justin Griffith as offensive quality control coach.

Ravens: Former Broncos defensive coordinator Don Martindale was hired as linebackers coach.

Times wires
Thursday, February 2, 2012

Patriots vs. Giants

6:30 p.m. Sunday, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis; Line: Patriots by 3 TV/radio: Ch. 8; 1010-AM

SUPER BOWL

XLVI

Quotable

"I feel Tommy really needs our prayer, our support and love. … I kindly ask all of you to join me on this positive chain. … Envision him happy and fulfilled experiencing with his team a victory this Sunday."

Gisele Bundchen, supermodel wife of Patriots QB Tom Brady, in an email to family and friends

Predictions of the day

Scripps Howard News Service on Thursday released its annual celebrity predictions for the game. Three highlights:

Maya Angelou, poet: Giants, 20-7. The Pat­riots are terrible losers, which means the Giants, who are great winners, have to work harder than usual, and they will.

Vanilla Ice, rapper/TV host: Patriots, 31-21. I think the G-Men are playing great ball and could upset again. But I think the Pats are out for revenge from the last time they met and will do whatever it takes not to lose the Super Bowl a second time to the same team.

Arnold Palmer, Hall of Famer golfer: Giants, 28-17. Eli Manning is feeling his oats. I think he will have a good game.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 2, 2012

TAMPA — The Lightning outplayed the Jets on Thursday — outshot them, outchanced them.

The only thing it didn't do is outscore them.

Tampa Bay fell 2-1 in overtime at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in what, for a team fighting for its playoff life, was one of the season's more disappointing losses.

Especially to a Southeast Division foe above it in the standings.

"Their goaltender stoned us, basically," coach Guy Boucher said. "We had tons of quality, quality scoring chances and didn't bury them. We did what we needed to do. It just didn't go in. That's what's tough to take."

Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec, with 30 saves, certainly had a lot to do with the win; Tampa Bay (22-23-5) had a 31-24 shot advantage. And Kyle Wellwood's goal with 1:46 left in the extra period was the winner. But the Lightning — which lost a five-game winning streak, though it has a six-game points streak with the point for the regulation tie — has to finish its chances.

Boucher is correct that has not been an ongoing problem. But with the team eight points behind the first-place Panthers in the Southeast and nine points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, chances are enough.

And it really is not enough for the power play, on a 5-for-57 streak, to get one shot on two opportunities.

"You've got a team on the other side also," Boucher said. "Guys are paying the price and blocking shots."

The Jets blocked three on Tampa Bay's power play. "We battled," Pavelec said. "That's what you want on the road."

The Lightning hurt itself with a bad line change that led to a three-on-two and Blake Wheeler's goal past Mathieu Garon with 15.2 seconds left in the second period.

"We had a tough line change," said right wing Teddy Purcell, who was to come on the ice as Dominic Moore was coming off. "Me and Mooresy had a little miscommunication. We got caught. If we don't do that, we win 1-0."

That's because Victor Hedman's goal made it 1-1 with 9:26 left in the third.

"It's frustrating," Hedman said. "Pavelec played a great game. We can't take anything away from him. But you have to bear down and make sure we capitalize."

Still, Boucher insisted "we did enough to win" and "if we keep playing like this, we're going to continue to have success."

"I thought we played good," wing Marty St. Louis said. "We deserved better. We pushed the pace. We got a lot of scoring chances. We just didn't put them in."

First Period—None. Penalties—Tampa Bay bench, served by Downie (too many men), 6:13.

Second Period—1, Winnipeg, Wheeler 10 (Slater, Ladd), 19:44. Penalties—Winnipeg bench, served by Gagnon (too many men), 1:54; Enstrom, Wpg (diving), 4:09; Downie, TB (hooking), 4:09; Gilroy, TB (cross-checking), 6:52.

Third Period—2, Tampa Bay, Hedman 3 (St. Louis, Stamkos), 10:34. Penalties—Ladd, Wpg (slashing), 15:50.

Overtime—3, Winnipeg, Wellwood 10 (Wheeler, Byfuglien), 3:14. Penalties—None. Shots on Goal—Winnipeg 7-7-8-2—24. Tampa Bay 6-15-10-0—31. Power-play opportunities—Winnipeg 0 of 2; Tampa Bay 0 of 2. Goalies—Winnipeg, Pavelec 18-17-6 (31 shots-30 saves). Tampa Bay, Garon 15-13-3 (24-22).

By Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press
Thursday, February 2, 2012

Angelo Dundee saved a young Cassius Clay when he was in trouble in England, convinced Sugar Ray Leonard he could overcome the fearsome Tommy Hearns. He worked thousands of corners and had just as many stories about fighters and the games they played in the ring.

The best work of his life, though, may have been selling a sport that was often tough to sell. Anyone who met him was his friend, whether in his corner or across the ring. To those who wondered why, Dundee always had the same reply: "It doesn't cost anything more to be nice."

"He spread goodwill for a sport that often doesn't have a lot of goodwill," retired Associated Press boxing writer Ed Schuyler Jr. said. "What he did to promote boxing is his greatest contribution to the sport."

Dundee, who lived in Palm Harbor and died in a Tampa Bay area assisted living facility Wednesday at 90, was a master motivator who shared the world stage with the greatest fighters of his time. But it was his 53-year relationship with Muhammad Ali, nee Cassius Clay, and the way they shocked the world that will always be his legacy.

Ali didn't need anyone to tell him how to box. He came by it so naturally that Dundee wasn't going to teach him much about technique to help him become legendary. What Ali needed was someone in his corner shouting motivation, someone in his corner who always had his back.

"There was a time you couldn't tell Ali anything, but Angelo knew how to motivate Ali," promoter Bob Arum said. "Without Angelo, Ali doesn't get out of the 'Thrilla in Manila.' … (Ali) needed someone like that in his corner."

So did Leonard, who was taking a beating in his epic first fight with Hearns in 1981. His face was swollen by the thunderous right hands landed by Hearns, and he seemed baffled when Hearns began boxing him from the outside instead of trying to slug it out as he had in the early rounds.

After the end of the 12th round, Leonard came back to his corner, exhausted. "You're blowing it, son!" Dundee yelled at him. "You're blowing it!"

Leonard rallied in the 13th round before stopping Hearns in the 14th of a fight he was trailing on all three ringside scorecards. It was a masterful performance by a great fighter, but without Dundee in his face, many believe Leonard would have come up short.

"He really knew how to motivate a guy," Arum said. "He was a good trainer, but … he was the greatest cornerman I've ever seen."

Dundee wasn't above resorting to a few tricks if that was what it took to help his guy win.

British fight fans still talk about the night at London's Wembley Stadium in June 1963 when their great hope, Henry Cooper, floored Ali — who had yet to change his name from Clay — in the final seconds of the fourth round.

Dundee got his fighter to the corner when the bell rang, but Ali didn't know where he was. Thinking fast, Dundee pointed out a small split in Ali's glove to the referee, sending officials in search of new gloves and gaining time for Ali to recover and stop Cooper in the next round.

Dundee, though, couldn't claim credit for Ali's greatest strategic move, when he used the "rope-a-dope" to stop George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle." Though popular lore was that Dundee had the ring ropes loosened so Ali could lay against them and make Foreman tire himself out, Dundee had gotten the ropes tightened just before the fight began and was screaming at Ali to get off them as Foreman unloaded punch after punch before running out of gas.

Dundee was still in relatively good health when he traveled to Louisville, Ky., last month for Ali's 70th birthday. "I've had a lot of great fighters and a lot of great times," Dundee said then. "But the greatest time of my life was with Muhammad Ali."

Times wires
Thursday, February 2, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — The Giants weren't happy with their pass rush against Tom Brady when they played the Patriots in New England on Nov. 6. They had only two sacks and were credited with only three quarterback hits during their 24-20 victory.

But that doesn't mean they weren't effective.

In fact, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who had one of those sacks, said they were in Brady's head more than they were in his face.

"It's like he felt us," the former USF standout said Thursday. "When we looked back on the film … we didn't really rush like we can rush as a defense."

Brady completed 28 of 49 passes for 342 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. But …

"He was throwing balls on the ground and stuff," Pierre-Paul said.

He added that was because he was reacting to pressure that wasn't really there.

One of the biggest examples was the flinch Brady gave on the first play of the third quarter. The Giants sent a four-man rush, and Brady was in the pocket for about four seconds when he suddenly recoiled as if he were about to be hit. He lowered his right shoulder and started to bring the ball into his body to secure it as he hit the ground.

Only no one was there.

Pierre-Paul was about a yard away to Brady's right, the way Brady was facing, so he could see that pass rusher. Tackle Linval Joseph was pushing up the middle, about 3 yards directly in front of Brady. Ends Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora were blocked on Brady's blindside.

Brady did recover and complete a pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez, but that flinch showed the Giants he was starting to get a little jumpy. A little rattled. They're remembering that shudder this week as they prepare for Super Bowl XLVI.

"He did react to pressure that didn't exist, and he was just throwing the ball places where there wasn't even a receiver there," Pierre-Paul said. "Imagine us getting there even faster and actually doing our jobs and getting hits on him."

Brady and the Patriots might be imagining that right now. And not in a good way.

"He's a great quarterback," Pierre-Paul said. "If you give him time in the pocket to pick on your secondary and throw the ball, he's going to hurt you.

"Us, as a D-line, we know that the pressure is mostly going to be on us."

Unless, of course, it's on Brady. Real or imagined.

Times wires
Thursday, February 2, 2012

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ryan Palmer parred his final hole at dusk for 7-under 64 and the lead Thursday in the suspended first round of the Phoenix Open.

The start was delayed an hour because of frost, and play was suspended because of darkness at 6:05 p.m. with 42 players unable to finish. Last year, frost and frozen greens delayed play nine hours during the week, forcing a Monday finish.

"I knew I was going to be here in the morning for the second round, so I wasn't worried about it if we had to come back and restart," Palmer said. "So, I didn't think about it and I just kept hitting shots and sticking to my game plan."

Webb Simpson was a stroke back on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale.

"It's one of those courses that just fits your eye well," said Simpson, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 6.

Palmer, no relation to the legendary Arnold Palmer, switched back to a trusted Odyssey putter model after missing the cuts this year in the Sony Open and Humana Challenge. The three-time PGA Tour winner made seven birdie putts from 10-15 feet. He was 8 under after a birdie on No. 6 but had his lone bogey on No. 7 and parred the final two holes.

Jarrod Lyle, Harrison Frazar, Derek Lamely, Kevin Na and Chez Reavie were two strokes behind at 66, and Bubba Watson, Jason Dufner and Spencer Levin also were 5 under.

PGA EUROPE: Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano birdied his last three holes for a 6-under 66 at the Qatar Masters in Doha, overcoming wind and blowing sand to lead John Daly by a shot after the first round. Daly (67) was followed by K.J. Choi (68) and Jason Day (68). Six players, including 1999 British Open champion Paul Lawrie and Nicolas Colsaerts, were three shots off the pace.

MICKELSON SUIT: Phil Mickel­son filed a lawsuit against Canadian Internet service provider Videotron S.E.N.C to learn the identity of a person who has been posting "vexatious statements" that the four-time major champion says are a deliberate attack on his reputation. Comments posted on Yahoo Sports claim among other things that Mickelson's wife had an affair and that the golfer fathered an illegitimate child.

Times wires
Thursday, February 2, 2012

AKRON, Ohio — Jim Tressel is getting a second chance at the school where he started.

Tressel, who in May resigned as Ohio State coach amid a cash-for-tattoos scandal, was hired by Akron on Thursday as vice president of strategic engagement, a position created for him.

Tressel, who starts May 1, will earn a base salary of $200,000 per year, about $3 million less than he made during the last of his 10 years at Ohio State.

"I feel fortunate that I got this opportunity," said Tressel, an undergraduate assistant for the Zips in 1975 and who earned his master's degree in education from the school in 1977. "It's going to be a fun one."

Tressel, 59, who spent this season as a consultant with the Indianapolis Colts, will work with Akron's students, alumni and community organizations on a variety of issues. He will not be involved with the athletic department, one of the conditions of the five-year show-cause sanction he was given by the NCAA for the scandal.

Akron president Luis Proenza said he had no misgiving about hiring Tressel.

"Look at the man. Look at what he has done," he said. "Look at the thousands of lives he has impacted. We knew that was the asset; the opportunity. There was no question in my mind that for the university, for the community, for northeast Ohio, for the 30,000 students at Akron, this will make a difference."

USF might lose key recruiter to NFL

TAMPA — USF receivers coach Phil McGeoghan interviewed with the Dolphins to become assistant receivers coach.

McGeoghan, 32, with USF since 2009, was the primary recruiter for four-star tight end Sean Price and three-star recruits Chris Bivins (cornerback) and Tashon Whitehurst (linebacker).

There is no timetable for a decision by the Dolphins.

Tepper back: Former Illinois coach Lou Tepper was hired as Buffalo's defensive coordinator. Tepper, 66, most recently was defensive coordinator for the U.S. team that competed in the International Federation of American Football's World Cup.

Georgia: Linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons sent his letter of intent. The nation's 17th-best recruit, according to ESPNU, announced his decision Wednesday but did not disclose why he held off making it official. He also was recruited by, among others, Florida and Florida State.

Houston: Students voted to impose a $45-per-semester fee on themselves to help pay for a new stadium and renovations to the basketball arena. Regents will vote on the $160 million project Feb. 15. Houston's current home, Robertson Stadium, was built in 1941 and seats only 32,000.

La. Tech: Running back Tyronne Duplessis, recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for 2010 and most of 2011, was found dead at his apartment. An autopsy is pending.

LSU: Coach Les Miles criticized Gunner Kiel, a touted quarterback out of Indiana, for decommitting from the school and enrolling at Notre Dame. "There was a gentleman from Indiana that thought about coming to the Bayou state," Miles said at a booster club meeting. "He did not necessarily have the chest and the ability to lead a program, so you know." Kiel orally committed to LSU after first doing so with Indiana.

Utah: Brian Johnson, who replaced Alex Smith at quarterback at the school and turns 25 next month, was named offensive coordinator. He also will remain quarterbacks coach. Johnson replaces Norm Chow, who became coach at Hawaii.

West Virginia: Defensive assistant Mike Smith returned to the Jets two weeks after being hired. Smith's title had not been determined. He will coach outside linebackers for the Jets.

Times staff writer Greg Auman contributed to this report.

Times wires
Thursday, February 2, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — For what is believed to be the first time in Super Bowl history, the Patriots simulated game conditions for Sunday by taking a 31-minute "halftime" break during Wednesday's practice.

After practicing for an hour, various media outlets reported Thursday, the Patriots went inside the locker room for the longer-than usual intermission before returning to the field for the second half of the practice.

"We were trying to simulate the best we can," New England coach Bill Belichick said Thursday. "It's not perfect, but it's the best we could do. Practice, take a break, come back out and restart."

RB Stevan Ridley said the move had the support of the players.

"Coach Belichick is a genius," he said. "He's special. That was Coach Belichick doing his thing.

"To come up with that idea shows you what he's thinking about. He knows what's going to work, and he's been around longer than any of us. And he's doing everything he can to get us prepared."

Even when the players came in at "halftime" of the practice, Belichick spoke to them as if it were halftime of the Super Bowl.

"We were sitting in there, and we had a halftime talk like it'll be Sunday," Ridley said. "He wanted this to be like a game experience; as close as we could get."

Gronkowski update: Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski practiced, though on a limited basis, for the first time since sustaining a high left ankle sprain during the AFC title game.

"He did some things. He didn't do everything," Belichick said. "We'll see how he is (today). I think that will be the big key."

Jurisprudence: Federal authorities announced a crackdown on websites that stream unauthorized broadcasts of sports events a few hours after Patriots QB Tom Brady said he watched last season's Super Bowl via an illegal site.

Investigators seized 16 sites and brought criminal charges against Yonjo Quiroa of Comstock Park, Mich., who reportedly controlled nine of them.

Brady said he was out of the country during last season's game.

"I was rehabbing my foot in Costa Rica, watching the game on an illegal Super Bowl website," he said. "And now I'm actually playing in the game, so it's pretty cool."

The boxer: Giants RB Brandon Jacobs went 35-2 as an amateur heavyweight boxer and won an AAU state title in Louisiana.

He makes it sound as if he wasn't much of a stylist in the ring. Now 6 feet 4, 264 pounds, he was a bit less imposing physically back then. Not much less imposing, though.

"I'd go in and catch 'em with a few good left hands and stop them. It never got to the point that I knocked anybody out cold," he said.

"I have no regrets about boxing, and I still got the AAU state trophy at home. It doesn't matter if you knock out someone or not."

Dancing duel: Giants WR Victor Cruz has become known for doing the salsa after touchdowns. What will Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez do if he scores on Sunday?

"They told me to do the salsa. And I was joking around, saying maybe I'll do the merengue," the former Gator said. "But that's his style, and I respect him doing that. And that's also a shoutout to the Hispanic community."

Cruz sidestepped the idea of a dance-off.

"I just want to get in the end zone and win this football game," he said.

One decision made: As the visiting team, the Giants will call the coin toss. Special teams captain and LS Zak DeOssie already knows what he will say: "I've called tails every single time this year, and that's what it's going to be this weekend."

DeOssie went 4-4 during the regular season. The coin came up heads before the division win over the Packers but came up tails twice, including before overtime, against the 49ers in the NFC title game.