Times wires
Thursday, February 2, 2012

Tennis

Roddick healing from tendon tear

Andy Roddick remains on track to return at the SAP Open in San Jose, Calif., even though he says he hasn't hit a ball since hurting his right hamstring in the second round of the Australian Open.

Roddick said on a conference call Thursday that an MRI exam showed a partial tendon tear after he hurt the leg in a match against Lleyton Hewitt on Jan 19. Roddick, who turns 30 in August, was hurt in the second set and took a medical timeout. He played 16 more games before retiring.

"It's a concern," Roddick said. "We've just been working on different types of treatment trying to get it right. The MRI came back probably not as good as we were hoping. I'm hoping to be hitting balls for the first time next Monday. … If all goes well there, that should be plenty of time to be ready."

Roddick's first match in San Jose is scheduled for Feb. 15.

Nadal tax inquiry: Spanish regional tax authorities are investigating Rafael Nadal after a website in the country reported he had set up several companies to trim his tax bill, Spanish media reported. Nadal acknowledged the companies' existence in a statement and said he gained "no benefit" and the companies "are up to date with the payment of all tax obligations."

Open Sud de France: Defending champion Gael Monfils beat American Michael Russell 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals in Montpellier. Also advancing were top-seeded Tomas Berdych, Jarkko Nieminen and Nicolas Mahut.

sailing

New America's Cup racing format on table

Regatta organizers are considering a new best-of-three daily match-racing format for the Louis Vuitton Cup for challengers and the America's Cup match on San Francisco Bay next year.

If approved, the format would replace the traditional daily schedule of one-off match races. So instead of needing to beat an opponent once to earn a point, a team would need to beat its opponent twice. The format would be possible because races will be shorter than in previous America's Cup regattas.

The format would be more rigorous for the teams and make TV viewing more compelling, regatta director Iain Murray said.

et cetera

Arena Football: The Storm signed QB Trevor Vittatoe, a four-year starter at UTEP (2006-10). Also, preregistration for the Feb. 11 one-day tryout camp ends at 5 p.m. today. Go to tampabaystorm.com for details.

gambling: Governments, law enforcement agencies and betting operators agreed to work more closely together to fight illegal betting and corruption at an International Olympic Committee-organized meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. Attending were sports federation leaders and representatives of the United Nations, European Union and international police agency Interpol. The IOC cited Britain, France and Australia as models for enacting laws that empowered prosecutions of match-fixing and corrupt gambling.

gymnastics: Paul Hamm, the 2004 Olympic all-around champion, made major mistakes on three of the four events he tried at the Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas, his first meet since 2008. He is coming off a major shoulder injury and wants to make the U.S. team for this summer's Olympics.

Times staff, wires

Times wires
Thursday, February 2, 2012

TORONTO — The league is investigating a game-clock error in a Kings-Blue Jackets game that Columbus general manager Scott Howson said could have an "enormous impact" on the Western Conference playoff race.

In Wednesday's game at Los Angeles, the clock briefly stopped with 1.8 seconds left in regulation, giving the Kings' Drew Doughty enough time to score for a 3-2 win. According to the clock, the puck crossed the goal line with less than a second to play. When Columbus officials looked at video after the game, they discovered the clock had stopped for roughly a second just before the goal, meaning time should have expired before it was scored.

Colin Campbell, the league's senior executive vice president of hockey operations, said Thursday the goal shouldn't have counted and the league would investigate to determine what caused the error.

The result of the game stands.

Campbell said he can't recall a similar situation in his 14 years with the league.

Kings GM Dean Lombardi told the Los Angeles Times in an email the delay was caused by the clock "recalibrating" after moving too quickly during the "10-10ths of a second" before the delay.

In a strongly worded post on his blog on the Blue Jackets' website, Howson said the problem was either deliberate or a malfunction and though his team is last in the league, being denied the chance to get at least a point with a regulation tie matters to the organization and its fans.

That Los Angeles could eventually have lost to Columbus in overtime or a shootout and gotten one point instead of two also matters, he said. The Kings are seventh in the West; six points separate them from 10th-place Colorado. "What if the Kings make the playoffs by one point or gain home ice advantage by one point?" Howson said.

The post was taken down later Thursday. Howson believed he made a few points "too strongly," a team spokesman told the Columbus Dispatch.

game highlights: The Oilers' Sam Gagner had eight points (four goals), tying the team game record shared by Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey, in host Edmonton's 8-4 shellacking of the Blackhawks. It was the first eight-point game in the NHL since the Penguins' Mario Lemieux on Dec. 31, 1988.

First Period—1, Carolina, E.Staal 12 (Tlusty, Spacek), 11:51. Penalties—Krejci, Bos (boarding), 15:33.

Second Period—2, Carolina, Ruutu 16 (Bra.Sutter, Stewart), 16:41. Penalties—Seidenberg, Bos (hooking), 19:25.

Third Period—3, Carolina, Bra.Sutter 12 (Nodl), 3:13. Penalties—Faulk, Car (kneeing), 7:54; Lucic, Bos (roughing), 9:39; Jokinen, Car (slashing), 14:07; Marchand, Bos (slashing), 14:15. Shots on Goal—Carolina 8-14-9—31. Boston 22-5-20—47. Power-play opportunities—Carolina 0 of 4; Boston 0 of 2. Goalies—Carolina, Ward 19-18-8 (47 shots-47 saves). Boston, Rask 11-6-2 (31-28).

First Period—1, Phila., Simmonds 14 (Schenn, Rinaldo), 15:41. Penalties—Jagr, Phi (hooking), 9:03; Carle, Phi (hooking), 16:38.

Second Period—2, Phila., Read 16, 14:32. Penalties—Nashville bench, served by Bourque (too many men), 9:56; Suter, Nas (delay of game), 10:22; Legwand, Nas (roughing), 12:18; Bouillon, Nas (roughing), 12:18; Hartnell, Phi (slashing, roughing), 12:18; Voracek, Phi (roughing), 12:18; Lilja, Phi (roughing), 15:18.

Third Period—3, Nashville, Suter 6 (C.Smith, Halischuk), 8:37. 4, Phila., Simmonds 15 (Giroux, Timonen), 15:19 (pp). 5, Phila., Giroux 19 (Jagr, Timonen), 18:55 (en). Penalties—Smithson, Nas (interference), 14:44. Shots on Goal—Nashville 12-4-11—27. Phila. 6-11-11—28. Power-play opportunities—Nashville 0 of 4; Phila. 1 of 3. Goalies—Nashville, Lindback 2-6-0 (27 shots-24 saves). Phila., Bryzgalov 19-10-5 (27-26).

First Period—1, Montreal, Desharnais 10 (Bourque, Pacioretty), 4:11. 2, Montreal, Kostitsyn 12 (Weber, Leblanc), 9:23. 3, N.J., Parise 17 (Zubrus, Kovalchuk), 10:36. Penalties—Cole, Mon (roughing), 12:49; Carter, NJ (roughing), 15:37; Elias, NJ (boarding), 18:54.

Second Period—4, Montreal, Darche 3 (Plekanec), 1:35 (sh). 5, N.J., Clarkson 18 (Kovalchuk, Fayne), 13:43 (pp). Penalties—Diaz, Mon (interference), 1:07; Cole, Mon (high-sticking), 13:18; Diaz, Mon (tripping), 14:17.

Third Period—6, N.J., Zubrus 13 (Ponikarovsky, Clarkson), 6:11. 7, N.J., Parise 18 (Kovalchuk, Elias), 17:16. 8, N.J., Clarkson 19 (Ponikarovsky, Zubrus), 19:28 (en). Penalties—Clarkson, NJ (interference), 8:45. Shots on Goal—Montreal 11-10-9—30. N.J. 5-9-8—22. Power-play opportunities—Montreal 0 of 3; N.J. 1 of 4. Goalies—Montreal, Price 17-19-8 (21 shots-17 saves). N.J., Brodeur 16-12-2 (30-27).

First Period—1, Minn., Zanon 2 (Heatley, Brodziak), 6:04. Penalties—Quincey, Col (interference), 7:58.

Second Period—None. Penalties—Powe, Min (roughing, interference), 4:48; Kobasew, Col, double minor (roughing), 4:48; Stoner, Min, major (fighting), 7:04; McLeod, Col, major (fighting), 7:04; McMillan, Min, major (fighting), 11:03; Kobasew, Col, major (fighting), 11:03.

Third Period—None. Penalties—Falk, Min (interference), 18:40. Shots on Goal—Minn. 3-11-7—21. Colo. 10-10-17—37. Power-play opportunities—Minn. 0 of 1; Colo. 0 of 1. Goalies—Minn., Backstrom 14-12-4 (37 shots-37 saves). Colo., Giguere 12-9-1 (21-20).

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Nature Coast is headed back to the state playoffs.

Once a perennial powerhouse, the Sharks slipped a little the past couple seasons. But a 57-23 rout of host Eustis in the Class 5A, District 7 semifinals Thursday showed they are back in contention.

Nature Coast (20-3) received stellar performances from center Lyndsey Pospisil and forward Courtney Crawford. Pospisil outscored the Panthers by herself with 26. She added 13 rebounds.

"We did a good job of working it inside to Pospisil," Nature Coast coach Emily Gore said. "We were in the bonus going into the second quarter and rolled from there."

Crawford scored 11 and had a game-high 19 rebounds. The team was also guided offensively by point guard Carcy Bossey (eight points, nine assists).

6A-6: Eagles stumble

After a solid upset of rival Central to get into the Class 6A, District 6 semifinals, Citrus blasted Springstead 57-16 in Ocala.

Springstead (5-19) played Citrus tough in the first quarter. The score was 12-7 after that period.

"That's when the wheels fell off," Springstead coach George Bennett said.

Anna Poholek, who set the school's single-season rebounding record with 201, chipped in six points and nine rebounds.

Times wires
Thursday, February 2, 2012

NEW YORK — Derrick Rose scored 32, including 15 during the fourth, to lead the Bulls past the Knicks 105-102 Thursday.

With Chicago up 88-83, Rose scored on three consecutive possessions. On the second, he split Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire for a layup.

Stoudemire scored 34 but missed a 3 that would have tied it with 10 seconds left. Anthony scored 26 but just four in the fourth for New York, losers of 10 of 12. Twice in the last two minutes, his shot was blocked.

"For the most part, we played extremely hard," Anthony said. "We've got to pat ourselves on the back for something."

Game highlights: Tim Duncan scored 19 in the Spurs' 93-81 win over the Hornets. San Antonio is a league-best 12-1 at home. … Rudy Gay scored 21 in the visi­ting Grizzlies' 96-77 win over the Hawks. Atlanta also lost center Jason Collins to a sprained left elbow. While chasing a loose ball, his arm was pinned under Dante Cunningham's.

James mulls dunking: Heat star LeBron James said he might compete in the dunk contest during All-Star weekend. He said a lot will depend on how his legs feel.

Around the league: The league has told teams former Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin can be signed, ESPN.com reported. He played in China and was not expected to be available until that season ended, on Feb. 15. … Bobcats swingman Gerald Henderson is out 2-4 weeks with a strained right hamstring, the Associated Press reported. Henderson, avera­ging 15 points, was hurt Wednesday against the Blazers.

Bulls 105, Knicks 102

CHICAGO (105): Boozer 7-12 2-2 16, Korver 4-7 5-5 16, Noah 5-7 0-0 10, Rose 12-26 6-9 32, Brewer 2-3 2-4 6, Gibson 1-4 1-2 3, Watson 5-9 1-1 12, Butler 2-5 3-4 7, Asik 1-1 1-2 3. Totals 39-74 21-29 105.

NEW YORK (102): Anthony 10-26 6-6 26, Stoudemire 16-27 2-4 34, Chandler 4-5 1-2 9, Shumpert 5-9 0-0 10, Fields 7-10 0-1 17, Jeffries 0-4 0-0 0, Douglas 2-7 1-1 6, Balkman 0-1 0-0 0, Walker 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 44-90 10-14 102.

Chicago 29 26 22 28— 105

New York 25 19 31 27— 102

3-Point Goals—Chicago 6-13 (Korver 3-5, Rose 2-5, Watson 1-3), New York 4-16 (Fields 3-5, Douglas 1-3, Shumpert 0-1, Walker 0-1, Stoudemire 0-2, Anthony 0-4). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Chicago 47 (Noah, Boozer 9), New York 46 (Stoudemire 11). Assists—Chicago 22 (Rose 13), New York 20 (Shumpert 8). Total Fouls—Chicago 15, New York 23. Technicals—Chicago defensive three second 2, Chandler. A—19,763 (19,763).

Spurs 93, Hornets 81

NEW ORLEANS (81): Ariza 2-10 0-0 5, Smith 2-11 2-2 6, Okafor 4-7 0-0 8, Vasquez 7-14 2-4 16, Summers 3-5 0-0 7, Aminu 1-2 2-2 4, Landry 8-12 1-2 17, Ayon 1-2 1-2 3, Belinelli 3-6 4-4 11, Johnson 2-5 0-0 4. Totals 33-74 12-16 81.

SAN ANTONIO (93): Jefferson 3-7 0-0 7, Duncan 6-8 7-7 19, Blair 1-6 1-2 3, Parker 8-15 2-3 18, Neal 3-9 0-0 7, Leonard 1-1 0-0 2, Splitter 7-9 2-3 16, Green 2-6 6-7 11, Joseph 1-3 2-4 4, Bonner 2-10 1-1 6, Anderson 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 34-74 21-27 93.

New Orleans 22 23 23 13— 81

San Antonio 23 21 27 22— 93

3-Point Goals—New Orleans 3-8 (Summers 1-1, Ariza 1-2, Belinelli 1-3, Johnson 0-1, Vasquez 0-1), San Antonio 4-19 (Jefferson 1-4, Neal 1-4, Green 1-5, Bonner 1-5, Parker 0-1). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—New Orleans 45 (Ayon 8), San Antonio 46 (Duncan 9). Assists—New Orleans 17 (Vasquez, Johnson 5), San Antonio 16 (Parker 7). Total Fouls—New Orleans 22, San Antonio 15. Technicals—New Orleans defensive three second, San Antonio defensive three second. A—18,082 (18,797).

Grizzlies 96, Hawks 77

MEMPHIS (96): Gay 9-18 3-5 21, Speights 1-5 0-0 2, Gasol 5-8 1-2 11, Conley 7-13 1-2 15, Allen 7-12 3-5 18, Cunningham 4-6 0-0 8, Mayo 7-13 3-3 18, Pondexter 1-5 0-0 2, Je.Pargo 0-1 1-2 1, Selby 0-1 0-0 0, Young 0-2 0-0 0, Davis 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 41-85 12-19 96.

ATLANTA (77): Williams 4-6 0-0 9, Smith 5-9 1-3 11, Pachulia 3-3 1-2 7, Teague 2-7 2-2 6, J.Johnson 4-10 0-0 10, Hinrich 1-4 0-0 3, McGrady 0-1 0-0 0, Collins 0-0 0-0 0, I.Johnson 4-11 2-2 10, Radmanovic 2-4 0-0 4, Green 4-11 0-0 9, Ja.Pargo 3-7 0-0 6, Stackhouse 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 33-75 6-9 77.

Memphis 21 32 26 17— 96

Atlanta 19 24 12 22— 77

3-Point Goals—Memphis 2-7 (Allen 1-1, Mayo 1-2, Je.Pargo 0-1, Pondexter 0-1, Gay 0-2), Atlanta 5-15 (J.Johnson 2-4, Hinrich 1-2, Williams 1-2, Green 1-4, Radmanovic 0-1, Ja.Pargo 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Memphis 56 (Cunningham 12), Atlanta 40 (I.Johnson 9). Assists—Memphis 22 (Conley 6), Atlanta 23 (Ja.Pargo, McGrady, Teague 4). Total Fouls—Memphis 10, Atlanta 17. Technicals—I.Johnson. A—14,211 (18,729).

Times wires
Thursday, February 2, 2012

MURRAY, Ky. — Isaiah Canaan had 32 points and No. 10 Murray State remained unbeaten with an 81-73 win over Southeast Missouri State on Thursday night.

Jewuan Long added 13 points for Murray State (22-0, 10-0), which is off to the best start by an Ohio Valley Conference team since Western Kentucky opened 21-0 in 1953-54.

Marcus Brister had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Redhawks.

Murray State trailed for most of the first half, falling behind twice by 11 points. A 20-6 run put Southeast Missouri up 27-16 with 8:33 left in the half, and the Redhawks later led 31-20 before the Racers got back to within 39-33 at the break.

Southeast Missouri opened the second half with a 7-2 run to re-establish an 11-point lead before Murray State started chipping away. Donte Poole's free throws gave the Racers a 49-48 lead with 13:23 left, and they never trailed again.

Southeast Missouri forced 14 turnovers, but Murray State outrebounded the Redhawks 43-34.

NO. 7 DUKE 75, VA. TECH 60: Austin Rivers scored 18, Ryan Kelly had 15 and the visiting Blue Devils (19-3, 6-1 ACC) used a 13-2 run late in the first half to open a double-digit lead.

MELO TO RETURN: Center Fab Melo was reinstated and will play for No. 2 Syracuse at St. John's on Saturday. The 7-foot sophomore sat out three games, including the Orange's first loss this season (at Notre Dame), while resolving an academic issue.

UF women stun LSU

BATON ROUGE — Azania Stewart had 12 points and 10 rebounds, Ndidi Madu had a season-high 12 points and Florida defeated LSU 73-64 for its first win at the Pete Maravich Center since Jan. 21, 1996.

The Gators (14-8, 4-5 SEC) led wire to wire against the Tigers (14-8, 4-5 SEC) for their fourth-ever victory in Baton Rouge, halting an eight-game slide there.

NO. 4 STANFORD 62, ARIZONA ST. 49: Nnemkadi Ogwumike had 22 points and 16 rebounds, her sister Chiney had 20 points and 16 rebounds and the Cardinal (19-1, 9-0 Pac-12) overpowered the host Sun Devils in the second half.

NO. 5 DUKE 75, WAKE 43: Haley Peters had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the host Blue Devils (18-3, 9-0 ACC), who beat the Demon Deacons for the 37th straight time.

NO. 6 KENTUCKY 82, MISS. 41: Freshman Bria Goss scored 19 for the host Wildcats (21-2, 10-0 SEC), who matched the 1982-83 team for the best start in program history.

S.C. 64, NO. 8 TENNESSEE 60: Markeshia Grant scored 27 for the visiting Gamecocks, who beat the Volunteers (16-6, 7-2 SEC) for the first time since 1980.

NO. 9 MARYLAND 86, BC 44: Laurin Mincy and Brene Moseley scored 16 each for the host Terrapins (19-3, 6-3 ACC), who avoided their first three-game losing streak in nearly two years.

NO. 12 DELAWARE 62, UNCW 53: Elena Delle Donne had 29 points and 14 rebounds for the visiting Blue Hens (19-1, 10-0 CAA), who grabbed the lead just before halftime then never trailed again.

NO. 16 NEB. 93, NO. 15 PURDUE 89, 3 OT: Lindsey Moore scored eight of her 26 in the third overtime, and the visiting Cornhuskers (19-3, 8-2) tied the Boilermakers (18-5, 8-2) for first place in the Big Ten.

NO. 19 PENN ST. 76, INDIANA 44: Maggie Lucas had 24 points for the host Lions (17-5, 7-3 Big Ten), who won for the sixth time in seven games.

NO. 20 GONZAGA 77, PORTLAND 56: Kayla Standish scored 18 for the host Bulldogs (20-3, 9-1 West Coast Conference), who reached 20 wins for the sixth straight season.

NO. 21 GEORGIA 70, MISS. ST. 60: Khaalidah Miller shook off a two-game shooting slump as she and teammate Jasmine Hassell scored 16 each for host Georgia (17-6, 6-4 SEC).

NO. 24 GA. TECH 75, N.C. STATE 68, OT: Sasha Goodlett scored seven of her 21 in overtime for the host Yellow Jackets (17-6, 7-2 ACC), who scored the first 11 of OT after blowing a nine-point lead late in regulation.

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

GAINESVILLE — With some of its toughest competition still remaining on the schedule, Thursday night's game against South Carolina was critically important to Florida in this respect: The Gators were playing a sub-.500 team at home with a chance to hold serve and remain in second place in the SEC.

And yet, its record aside, South Carolina didn't make it easy.

No. 12 Florida led by as many as 17 in the first half, then eventually had to fight its way to a 74-66 victory at the O'Connell Center.

The Gators (18-4, 6-1 SEC) have defeated the Gamecocks (9-12, 1-6) 10 of the past 13 meetings and have now won 18 consecutive home games, 12 this season.

"What won the game for us is we really did a great job getting to the offensive glass (20-10 advantage) because of the way they play defense and really rotate and scramble, and the fact that we got to the free-throw line 32 times (23-of-32)," Florida coach Billy Donovan said.

A 14-2 first-half run gave the Gators a 27-10 lead with 10 minutes left in the half. But trailing 31-16, the Gamecocks outscored the Gators 12-6 in the final seven minutes of the half and trailed just 37-28 at halftime. Florida went 3-of-9 from the line in the final 5:48 of the half.

"The first half we led by (17) and we should have pushed it to 20 instead of letting them get closer, but that's a good team and they are not just going to lay down for us," said senior guard Erving Walker, who had 14 points and seven assists.

"I think we could have defended a little better, but a win is a win, and we'll take it."

Florida's hot shooting during its five-game winning streak cooled against South Carolina.

UF shot just 37.3 percent from the field, its second worst of the season. The Gators were 7-of-28 from 3-point range. But the Gators hit 15 of 16 free throws in the final 3:45 to seal the victory. Guard Kenny Boynton, who was coming off a 2-point game, scored 24.

"We won the game, and it was a woeful shooting night for our team," Donovan said. "And we almost got caught because I didn't think we had great maturity and understanding about the things we can control."

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

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 3, 2012

Just a day after national signing day, USF Bulls coach Skip Holtz has lost one of his top young recruiters, as receivers coach Phil McGeoghan has accepted a job with the Miami Dolphins as the team's assistant receivers coach.

Just Wednesday, McGeoghan, 32, was honored as one of the nation's top 50 recruiters by 247sports.com, having been the primary recruiter for USF on four-star tight end Sean Price of North Marion and three-star recruits Chris Bivins and Tashon Whitehurst from Gainesville. Holtz was contacted by the Dolphins on Wednesday night and McGeoghan flew to Miami on Thursday morning for an interview. Players were told of his decision to accept the job on Thursday night.

McGeoghan is leaving behind one of the Bulls' deepest and most talented positions, though one that has been severely limited by injuries over the last two seasons. USF saw three of its top receivers entering the season -- Sterling Griffin, A.J. Love and Terrence Mitchell -- miss significant parts of the year with injuries. It should be much improved in 2012, with the addition of Florida transfer Chris Dunkley and true freshman D'vario Montgomery of Winter Park.

From a salary standpoint, McGeoghan was the lowest-paid (and least experienced) of Holtz's assistants, earning only $90,000 in 2011. After a brief stint in the NFL, McGeoghan has made a rapid rise in the coaching ranks -- in 2007, he earned $12,000 as a part-time assistant at I-AA Maine, then spent one season at the Naval Academy's prep school before joining Jim Leavitt's USF staff as receivers coach in 2009.

McGeoghan was one of three USF position coaches Holtz kept from Leavitt's staff. Now tight ends coach Larry Scott and defensive tackles coach Kevin Patrick remain. He's the second assistant to leave this offseason; defensive coordinator Mark Snyder left to join the staff at Texas A&M, and Holtz hired Kansas State defensive coordinator Chris Cosh to replace him.

The news of McGeoghan interviewing with the Dolphins was first reported by Bulls247.com's Josh Newberg. The Dolphins job came open this week after former Gators and Bucs receiver Ike Hilliard left to become receivers coach with the Redskins.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 3, 2012

TAMPA — Don't expect Syracuse offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to shed any tears resulting from Greg Schiano's defection from the Big East to the Buccaneers.

"He was a pain in the a--," Hackett said of Schiano's constant blitzing while coaching at Rutgers.

"To tell you the truth, I'm glad he's gone and I don't have to deal with that anymore."

Hackett was kidding … we think.

In either case, his point gives Bucs fans a flavor of some of Schiano's tendencies and the kinds of defensive tactics he employs, tactics we might see used in Tampa Bay as Schiano takes over.

Schiano's philosophies, according to those who know his teams best, include an aggressive defensive approach, complete with blitzes and press coverage against receivers. On offense, Schiano believes in pounding the ball with a power running game to set up deep shots through the air, something he emphasized in his opening news conference last week.

Schiano plans to hire coordinators on both offense and defense, and their backgrounds will have the greatest influence on what elements are used. But Schiano was deeply involved in game planning on both sides of the ball at Rutgers, and that's expected to continue here.

To that end, the coaches Schiano faced in the Big East know best what to expect from him.

Don Brown, defensive coordinator at Rutgers' Big East foe Connecticut, previewed what Schiano's offense might look like.

"He does a great job with formations," Brown said. "They use so many formations, more than anybody in the Big East. He's going to move those guys around and work hard to confuse you. He still believes in the run game. He looks for balance with the run and pass. He wants to play-action, move the quarterback around, and he's got the complementary five-step (quarterback) drop to go down the field."

That's almost exactly the way Schiano indicated he'll approach offense with the Bucs.

Tampa Bay will "be a physical offensive football team that takes shots down the field," Schiano said. "It's very hard to go (on) 13-, 14-play drives. If we miss our shot, we'll line up, play defense and go after them again. (Play) physical, run the football physically and take shots down the field. That formula works."

The heavy use of offensive formations will be especially prevalent here if Rutgers offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti joins Schiano in Tampa Bay, Big East coaches said. Those multiple formations allowed the Scarlet Knights to make the best use of All-Big East receiver Mohamed Sanu.

"(Schiano) maximized that young man's ability by moving him to where he gets great looks and gets the most touches possible," Brown said.

Defensively, Rutgers was renowned for its relentless pressure, a basic principle of Schiano's defenses. Hackett — who once worked for the Bucs along with his father, former quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett — said fans will notice significant differences between Schiano's defenses and those of Monte Kiffin and Raheem Morris.

The Bucs rarely blitzed under Kiffin, who was defensive coordinator for 13 seasons until 2008. Under former coach Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay blitzed sporadically. It seems that's about to change.

"It's not Raheem's style at all," Hackett said. "They (blitz) safeties, cornerbacks, linebackers — you name it. (Schiano) has been around the league enough to know that if you pressure the quarterback, you have a chance to win. And I bet he'll ramp it up even more with more time to work with players in the NFL (versus college)."

In 2011, Schiano got results. The Scarlet Knights' defense led the Big East in yards allowed (311.5 per game) and points allowed (18.3 per game). Rutgers also ranked among the top 10 in the nation in scoring defense, pass defense and tackles for losses.

Though Brown typically focuses on the Rutgers' offense, he said he makes it a point to watch film of its defenses because he and Schiano believe in many of the same principles.

"He's a heavy pressure guy," Brown said. "He contests every throw. He's an attacking defensive guy and he wants to get in your face. I think we're very similar.

"They weren't the biggest team, but they were aggressive on defense and they run to the ball. The corners play aggressive, put their hands on you.

"It's attack, attack, attack."

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 3, 2012

TAMPA — Don't expect Syracuse offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to shed any tears over Greg Schiano's defection from the Big East to the Bucs.

"He was a pain," Hackett said of Schiano's constant blitzing while coaching Rutgers. "I'm glad he's gone and I don't have to deal with that anymore."

Hackett was kidding. We think.

In any case, his point gives Bucs fans a flavor of Schiano's tendencies and the kinds of defensive tactics he employs, tactics they might see in Tampa Bay.

Schiano's philosophies, say those who know his teams best, include an aggressive defensive approach complete with blitzes and press coverage against receivers. On offense, Schiano believes in pounding the ball with a power running game to set up deep passes, something he emphasized during his first news conference last week.

Schiano still must hire coordinators on offense and defense, and the coordinators' philosophies will have the greatest influence on what elements are used. But Schiano was deeply involved in game planning on both sides of the ball at Rutgers, and that's expected to continue with the Bucs.

To that end, the coaches Schiano faced in the Big East know best what to expect from him.

Don Brown, defensive coordinator at Connecticut, previewed what Schiano's offense might look like.

"He does a great job with formations," Brown said. "They used so many formations, more than anybody in the Big East. He's going to move those guys around and work hard to confuse you. He still believes in the run game. He looks for balance with the run and pass. He wants to play-action, move the quarterback around, and he's got the complementary five-step (quarterback) drop to go down the field."

That's almost exactly the way Schiano indicated he'll approach offense with the Bucs.

Tampa Bay will be "a physical offensive football team that takes shots down the field," Schiano said. "It's very hard to go on 13-, 14-play drives. If we miss our shot, we'll line up, play defense and go after them again. (Play) physical, run the football physically and take shots down the field. That formula works."

The heavy use of offensive formations will be especially prevalent with the Bucs if Rutgers offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti joins Schiano, Big East coaches said. Those multiple formations allowed the Scarlet Knights to make the best use of Mohamed Sanu, who as a junior in 2011 set a Big East record with 115 catches.

"(Schiano) maximized that young man's ability by moving him to where he gets great looks and gets the most touches possible," Brown said.

Defensively, Rutgers became known for relentless pressure, a basic principle of Schiano's. Hackett — who once worked for the Bucs along with his father, former quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett — said fans will notice significant differences between Schiano's defenses and those of Monte Kiffin and Raheem Morris, two recent Bucs defensive coordinators.

The Bucs rarely blitzed under Kiffin, who was defensive coordinator for 13 seasons until 2008. Under Morris, whom Schiano replaced as coach, Tampa Bay blitzed sporadically.

"(Rutgers blitzes) safeties, cornerbacks, linebackers, you name it," Hackett said. "(Schiano) has been around the league enough to know that if you pressure the quarterback, you have a chance to win. And I bet he'll ramp it up even more with more time to work with players in the NFL."

In 2011, the Scarlet Knights were first in the Big East and 14th in Division I-A in total defense (average 311.5 yards allowed per game); first in the Big East and eighth in I-A in scoring defense (18.3 points per game); first in the Big East and ninth in I-A in passing defense (172.3 yards per game), and third in the Big East and tied for eighth in I-A in tackles for loss (7.6 per game).

Though Brown typically focuses on Rutgers' offense, he said he makes it a point to watch film of its defenses because he and Schiano believe in many of the same principles.

"He's a heavy pressure guy," Brown said. "He contests every throw. He's an attacking defensive guy, and he wants to get in your face."

"They weren't the biggest team. But they were aggressive on defense, and they run to the ball. The corners play aggressive, put their hands on you.

"It's attack, attack, attack."

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Friday, February 3, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS

The deep lines crease their faces like pass patterns these days. They have seen some things, and they have won some games.

They are the war horses of their sport, and they have smiled at success, and they have endured failure, and they have snarled and glared across all of the years and all of the fields.

Now, they face each other all over again.

Bill and Tom.

Tom and Bill.

And what do you have this time?

It is funny the way people keep asking Patriots' coach Bill Belichick and Giants' coach Tom Coughlin how they have been softened by the years. They have mellowed, supposedly. They have softened. Why, they have turned into Grumpy Old Men, with Belichick filling the Walter Matthau role and Coughlin playing Jack Lemmon.

Don't believe it. When he accents his monotone litany of clichés, Belichick's grin may look slightly less like a shark's, and Coughlin claims he has learned patience to go along with the way his blood boils on the sideline. But let a call go the wrong way, and once again the fires will rage. It was that way back in 1990. It will be that way Sunday, too.

Twenty-two years ago, Belichick and Coughlin were on the same Giants coaching staff as the team won Super Bowl XXV in Tampa. Both were intense, both were driven, both were relentless. In those days, Belichick was the stoic defensive coordinator for head coach Bill Parcells. Coughlin was the fiery receivers coach.

There is no word on which of the two was known as "the fun one."

"Tom was very disciplined and detail-oriented," Bellichick said. "He was fair but firm. He was very demanding. There is little of Bill Parcells in that, too. He can shoot the needle in there a little bit ad get a little dig in. He expects a lot. He has high expectations."

"There was a certain amount of competitiveness about the interaction of the positions," Coughlin said. "We helped each other, and we would act as each other's scout squad. We worked well together, and I think it was a good thing for our staff. Both sides benefited from it."

All these years later, and they are about to go at each other again. Coughlin is 65 now, and Belichick is about to turn 60, and it is easy to wonder how much longer either will coach.

On the other hand, they have Sunday. For now, that's enough.

Depending on the Super Bowl's outcome, you could argue this has been the finest coaching season for either of them. Both of them adapted and adjusted and tinkered and found a way. Neither Belichick nor Coughlin are known for blinking, but this wasn't an easy journey for either.

Belichick finally got back to a Super Bowl despite having one his lowest-rated defenses. Much of that is probably because of the constant turnover the Patriots' roster has had over the years.

There are only eight players left from the 2008 Super Bowl. Belichick has picked up that guy and drafted this one, and somehow, it has been enough to get here. This hasn't been a perfect season, like the one the Patriots nearly pulled off in 2007, and it hasn't been an imperfect one, like the ones from the Spygate years. But it's been enough.

Coughlin? A few weeks ago, a lot of Giants were looking at their watches and wondering if it was time for him to call it a career. The Giants were 7-7, and no one seemed very happy. Since then, the Giants have won five straight single-elimination games, and suddenly, Coughlin was smart all over again.

Both Coughlin and Belichick have learned that over the years. Keep pushing, keep playing, and things can turn around. Remember when Belichick was a failure in Cleveland? Remember when Coughlin was fired by Jacksonville?

It was early in Belichick's second season, when he had lost 14 of 20 games, that friends were telling owner Robert Kraft that Belichick needed to change coaches.

"I know what's right for me," Kraft said, "and he was right for me."

Belichick still drones on during press conferences, and he has a way of not quite answer the question that has been asked. But he wins. And he does seem a little more loose than the old days. That is, unless he is asked about Spygate.

Coughlin? He's livelier that Belichick, and he's more prone to self-examination. But let's don't go too far with his growth.

"Warmer? Fuzzier?" said Chris Snee, a Giant guard and Coughlin's son-in-law. "I don't know if I'd use those adjectives. He has lightened up. Players are getting to know the softer side of him. But he still has his beliefs."

Bill and Tom. Tom and Bill. Fun guys.

Sunday night, one of them is likely to glare and snarl and snap.

And that's the winner.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Friday, February 3, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS

The deep lines crease their faces like pass patterns these days. They have seen some things, and they have won some games. • They are the war horses of their sport, and they have smiled at success, and they have endured failure, and they have snarled and glared across all of the years and all of the fields. • Now they face each other all over again. • Bill and Tom. • Tom and Bill. • And what do you have this time?

It is funny the way people keep asking Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Giants coach Tom Coughlin how they have been softened by the years. They have mellowed, supposedly. They have softened. Why, they have turned into Grumpy Old Men, with Belichick filling the Walter Matthau role and Coughlin playing Jack Lemmon.

Don't believe it. When he accents his monotone litany of cliches, Belichick's grin may look slightly less like a shark's, and Coughlin claims he has learned patience to go along with the way his blood boils on the sideline. But let a call go the wrong way, and once again the fires will rage. It was that way back in 1990. It will be that way Sunday, too.

Twenty-one seasons ago, Belichick and Coughlin were on the same Giants coaching staff as the team won Super Bowl XXV in Tampa. Both were intense, both were driven, both were relentless. In those days, Belichick was the stoic defensive coordinator for coach Bill Parcells. Coughlin was the fiery receivers coach.

There is no word on which of the two was known as "the fun one."

"Tom was very disciplined and detail-oriented," Belichick said. "He was fair but firm. He was very demanding. There is a little of Bill Parcells in that, too. He can shoot the needle in there a little bit and get a little dig in. He expects a lot. He has high expectations."

"There was a certain amount of competitiveness about the interaction of the positions," Coughlin said. "We helped each other, and we would act as each other's scout squad. We worked well together, and I think it was a good thing for our staff. Both sides benefited from it."

All these years later, and they are about to go at each other again. Coughlin is 65 now, and Belichick is about to turn 60, and it is easy to wonder how much longer either will coach.

On the other hand, they have Sunday. For now, that's enough.

Depending on the Super Bowl's outcome, you could argue this has been the finest coaching season for either of them. Both adapted and adjusted and tinkered and found a way. Neither Belichick nor Coughlin is known for blinking, but this wasn't an easy journey for either.

Belichick finally got back to a Super Bowl despite having one his lowest-rated defenses. Much of that is probably because of the constant turnover the Patriots roster has had over the years.

There are only eight players left from the 2008 Super Bowl. Belichick has picked up that guy and drafted this one, and somehow, it has been enough to get here. This hasn't been a perfect season, like the one the Patriots nearly pulled off in 2007, and it hasn't been an imperfect one, like the ones from the Spygate years. But it has been enough.

Coughlin? A few weeks ago, a lot of Giants were looking at their watches and wondering if it was time for him to call it a career. The Giants were 7-7, and no one seemed very happy. Since then, the Giants have won five straight single-elimination games, and suddenly, Coughlin was smart all over again.

Both Coughlin and Belichick have learned that over the years. Keep pushing, keep playing, and things can turn around. Remember when Belichick was a failure in Cleveland? Remember when Coughlin was fired by Jacksonville?

It was early in Belichick's second season, when he had lost 14 of 20 games, that friends were telling Patriots owner Robert Kraft that he needed to change coaches.

"I know what's right for me," Kraft said, "and he was right for me."

Belichick still drones on during news conferences, and he has a way of not quite answering the question that has been asked. But he wins. And he does seem a little more loose than the old days. That is, unless he is asked about Spygate.

Coughlin? He's livelier than Belichick, and he's more prone to self-examination. But let's don't go too far with his growth.

"Warmer? Fuzzier?" said Chris Snee, a Giants guard and Coughlin's son-in-law. "I don't know if I'd use those adjectives. He has lightened up. Players are getting to know the softer side of him. But he still has his beliefs."

Bill and Tom. Tom and Bill. Fun guys.

Sunday night, one of them is likely to glare and snarl and snap.

And that's the winner.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 3, 2012

One of the perks of the Big East's 18-game conference schedule is that as USF finds itself a surprising 6-3 at the halfway point, coach Stan Heath has ample golf metaphors at his disposal.

"We've got the back nine of this league, and it is a little bit harder than the front nine we've had," Heath said Thursday as his team prepares for what would have to be considered a par-5, facing No. 14 Georgetown on the road with an early start at 11 Saturday morning. "We've done more than everyone expected us to do, but there's still a lot more that we need to do."

USF (13-9) will be challenged to match the 6-3 mark in the second half of the season, if only because the competition will be tougher. USF's first nine opponents are a combined 37-50 in conference play; the next nine are 42-46, including a difficult four-game final stretch: Syracuse, Cincinnati, Louisville and West Virginia. The Bulls know many fans and pundits are still skeptical when they see their record.

"Right now, they're saying, 'Is it all a fluke?' " said junior forward Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, who stepped up with clutch shots in the second half of USF's home win against Providence on Sunday. "They're wondering are they going to be able to keep it going with the tougher half of the schedule that we have right now. I think that's going to be a motivation for us to keep going well and prove some of those guys wrong."

The Bulls — for only the second time in the Big East era — find themselves as a potential postseason team, in position for the NIT, with a shot at the NCAA bubble if they could repeat that 6-3 mark over the next nine games. The players aren't aiming for anything less than that.

"They want it. I know our seniors want it. Everybody on the team would like to play in the postseason, would love to play in the NCAA Tournament," Heath said. "It's too early, but every game is huge in order to get there. ... In the back of my head, I would feel very comfortable if we duplicated what we just did in the first nine. That may be even more than we need to do, but I would feel very comfortable with that."

Heath said the conversation in the locker room isn't about season goals but rather the next opponent, though a win today would be a big step in that direction. Two years ago, the Bulls went to Georgetown and beat the No. 7 Hoyas, still the highest ranked opponent the Bulls have ever beaten.

"Our resume right now, we have a good record, but we need something that can draw attention nationally, to let everybody know we're for real," Heath said. "That would be as big as any win we could get right now. If we want to be where we want to be, we have to beat some good teams. It's in front of us."

Heath said the team's body of work is still very much ahead of it, and while it's one thing to have caught the attention of the national media with a solid start, the Bulls have to continue to win to stay in that conversation.

"We've put ourselves in position to maybe be a blip in the discussion. We need to do a lot more work. We need some major wins," he said. "We have to protect home and steal some games on the road. We can't look beyond anybody. The stretch we have in front of us is daunting."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 3, 2012

The Tampa Bay Rays won their arbitration case against RHP Jeff Niemann.

Niemann will get the $2.75-million the team offered this season rather than the $3.2-million he sought.

The Rays are now 5-0 in arbitration cases in the Andrew Friedman regime, 6-0 overall, the only undefeated team in the majors.

The hearing was held Thursday in St. Petersburg.

Niemann, 28, went 11-7, 4.06 in 23 games last season, spending six weeks on the disabled list with a back strain. Niemann's pay scale has been a little unusual as he signed a five-year, $5.2 million major-league contract after the 2004 draft that paid him $1.29 million in 2009, and his salary was cut the next two seasons, to $1.032 million in 2010 and to $903,000 in 2011.

The Rays were represented by general counsel/senior vice president John Higgins and the Proskauer Rose law firm. Niemann joined his agents, the Hendricks brothers, for the three hour session.

Niemann was property of the Rays in any event; the hearing was held to determine how much he would be paid.

Friedman acknowledged before the hearing that there were "philosophical" differences between the sides.

With Niemann the last of six arbitration-eligible players to have his salary decided, the Rays are ready to move forward.

"We are officially at the end of the arbitration process for the year,'' executive VP Andrew Friedman said. "We had a number of eligible players this year and we're happy to have this process behind us so we can focus all of our attention on getting ready for the season."

Friday, February 3, 2012

Freedom, Strawberry Crest hoops deal with suspensions heading into district tournaments

The Freedom and Strawberry Crest boys basketball teams enter next week's district tournaments severely short-handed as a result of suspensions stemming from a Jan. 27 altercation. Florida High School Athletic Association spokesman Corey Sobers confirmed four players from each school received minimum two-game suspensions. The FHSAA refused to release the players' names. Strawberry Crest (15-9) is seeded second in the Class 6A, District 11 tournament; Freedom (7-12) is fourth in 7A-9.

According to an FHSAA incident report, the altercation was sparked when a player from each school contested a rebound and the ball went out of bounds. At one point, one player tackled the other, resulting in a flagrant technical foul. As the Chargers player moved away, the Freedom player took a swing and missed. The Freedom player also charged the Crest player and threw several punches without connecting. Both programs were fined $350 each and placed on administrative probation until the end of the 2012-13 school year.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Golden Eagles lose Logemann for rest of season to ACL tear

Indian Rocks Christian senior guard Jessica Logemann will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in her left knee last week at IMG Academy in Bradenton. Logemann was injured with four seconds remaining in the third quarter while trying to make a cut to the basket. She was a team leader for the Golden Eagles, who advanced to tonight's Class 3A-9 district final against St. Petersburg Catholic. Logemann averaged 14 points, eight assists and eight rebounds.

Spring sports

Softball starts next week, and the rest of the spring sports are right around the corner. Haven't sent us a schedule or roster yet? Email us at hometeam@tampabay.com.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Quotable

"Being in an inaugural program, that's something special. It's the opportunity of a lifetime." Mitchell quarterback Spencer Whittaker, who recently signed with Stetson. The Hatters are restarting their football program for the 2013 season and will be in the Division I-AA Pioneer league. If you missed any of our national signing day coverage, catch up at tampabay.com/hometeam.

Spring sports

Softball starts next week, and the rest of the spring sports are right around the corner. Haven't sent us a schedule or roster yet? Email us at hometeam@tampabay.com.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 3, 2012

TAMPA — The word "frustrating" was used a lot in the Lightning locker room on Friday.

That's what happens when the topic is a quiescent power play that has converted just 5 of 57 chances in the past 19 games.

"No excuses," right wing Teddy Purcell said. "We have enough players in this locker room to have two successful (power-play units). We just haven't been finding ways to get it done."

This is not a new issue. Tampa Bay's power play entered Friday 28th in the 30-team league at 13.3 percent and last on the road at 8.6 percent. But it deserves to again be spotlighted given the team is desperate to climb into the playoff race and the lack of a power play is killing it.

In Tuesday's 4-3 overtime victory over the Capitals and Thursday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Jets, power play chances with fewer than 10 minutes remaining in the third period could have broken ties and won the games.

Tampa Bay did get a point against Winnipeg for the regulation tie. But had it won both games without overtime, points would have been denied to two Southeast Division foes ahead of it in the standings.

"It just shows you we could have taken that game," captain Vinny Lecavalier said of the loss to the Jets. "It's (four) minutes left. We get that power play. Those are key moments. That extra point means everything."

The power play sometimes has trouble even getting into the offensive zone. When it does, many times its shots are limited — just 70 in its past 57 power plays — and it cannot sustain zone time.

The problems have been well-documented. The team does not have a true quarterback and opponents set up like a picket fence at the blue line to thwart offensive-zone entries. They also aggressively challenge the Lightning when it does set up because they know the power play units are playing without confidence.

As Purcell said, "Sometimes when we get chances, we kind of get discouraged because we don't score. You don't start to panic, but you're not as confident, and when you do get it in (the offensive zone) you're not as poised. You're just not as sharp."

Coach Guy Boucher has used five forwards on the power play at times. He has used Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis in different positions. In the past few games he has put defensemen Bruno Gervais and Brendan Mikkelson on the blue line, though he did not commit to that for Saturday's game with the Panthers at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Still, the juggling doesn't answer basic questions such as how can the team better enter the offensive zone?

Boucher said he wants his puck-carriers to use more speed across the blue line with perhaps more players flooding one side of the offensive zone.

And once there?

"Battle harder than them," he said of the penalty-killing units. "They don't have to create something. They just have to destroy."

"We just can't seem to get that big goal on the power play even in the middle of the game to get some momentum going," Lecavalier said. "It's frustrating."

MINOR MOVE: Left wing Pierre-Cedric Labrie was reassigned to AHL Norfolk.

By Bill Hardman, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 3, 2012

What's hot: Hogfish are still being found on limestone ledges and rock piles on the bottom from just south of Sarasota to north of Hudson. Those who spearfisher were fortunate to find steady numbers for most of 2011, and this year is looking strong as well. This area of the Gulf of Mexico has large numbers of hogfish, due in part to the long breeding season in this temperate area. A two-year study completed three years ago determined hogfish breed in the bay area every month except September. Studies in Cuba and other Caribbean countries reported breeding seasons of two to three months.

Be careful: Lionfish have moved into our waters, which could doom our fish population. Lionfish are voracious eaters, and smaller reef fish don't realize they are the prey. Divers are doing their best to spear and remove lionfish. Keep an eye out for these invasive fish and their poisonous spines when diving.

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.

By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 3, 2012

OLDSMAR — Trainer Derek Ryan has navigated the Triple Crown trail before. He is trying to do it with Holy Highway this time.

Three years after saddling his only Kentucky Derby starter, Musket Man (third to Mine That Bird), Ryan is eager to see how Holy Highway performs today in the Grade III $250,000 Sam F. Davis, the first major prep for 3-year-olds at Tampa Bay Downs and the centerpiece of Festival Preview Day.

A strong effort could make Holy Highway a prospect for the Derby on May 5 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. However, Ryan enters today's 11/16-mile event (Race 11, 5:10 p.m.) with guarded optimism.

"We're trying to figure out what exactly we've got," he said. "He's a nice horse, but we don't know if he's at this kind of level. Even though he's won two on the turf, I think he's going to be a better horse on the dirt. If he doesn't pan out, then we'll put him back on the turf and get him ready for the Florida Cup (April 7)."

The 32nd annual Sam F. Davis appears to be wide open. Trainer Todd Pletcher goes for his fifth victory in the event with Ecabroni, whose only win is a maiden score at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

Trainer Graham Motion, who recently announced his 2011 Kentucky Derby-winning Animal Kingdom is likely to make his season debut in the Grade III $150,000 Tampa Bay Stakes on Feb. 25, entered State of Play. The colt has two turf victories, including a Grade II triumph in the With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.).

Gulfstream Park Derby winner Reveron is the 3-1 morning-line favorite among the field of 11.

Holy Highway, a Florida homebred colt owned by Liam Benson of Ocala, is by 1994 Horse of the Year Holy Bull and out of the Awesome Again mare Freeway Fun. Ryan was at Monmouth Park when Holy Bull broke his maiden and won the Haskell Invitational at Oceanport, N.J.

"(Holy Highway) is a very similar type of horse, not ability-wise, but to look at him," Ryan said. "He's slender, very athletic and done everything the right way in every start. The good thing about (Holy Bull's) offspring is they are good on turf and dirt."

Holy Highway's two Oldsmar starts have been on turf against maiden and allowance optional claiming company. His lone dirt race came at Calder in Miami Gardens, where he finished third. Angel Serpa has the riding assignment.

Ryan is using the same blueprint with Holy Highway as he did with Schoolyard Dreams (2010) and Musket Man (2009), who finished second and third, respectively, in the Sam F. Davis. Each horse had three starts entering the race. "On paper, (Holy Highway) is going to look like he's in over his head (20-1 on the morning line)," Ryan said. "But we're going to try this."

The Grade III $150,000 Endeavour (Race 10, 4:40) and the $150,000 Florida Oaks (Race 6, 2:40) also are on the 12-race card.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Jerome Bettis Running back (1993-2005)

Rams, Steelers

The "Bus'' is the NFL's fifth all-time leading rusher with 13,662 yards. He was never a highlight-film type of back but more of a "grinder.''

Final call: Bettis waits his turn as Curtis Martin gets the nod.

Tim Brown Wide receiver (1988-2004)

Raiders, Bucs

When Brown retired in 2004, he ranked among the top three in NFL history in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. (He's now fifth, fourth and tied for sixth, respectively.) The major obstacle is shaking loose the logjam at receiver.

Final call: It's close, but I think he comes up short to Cris Carter.

Jack Butler Cornerback (1951-59)

Steelers

A senior committee nominee, Butler had 52 interceptions (second in history when he retired), was a four-time All-Pro and a member of the 1950s all-decade team as well as the NFL's 50th anniversary team.

Final call: Yes, Butler gets in.

Cris Carter Wide receiver (1987-2002)

Eagles, Vikings, Dolphins

This is his fourth time as a finalist, way too many for a guy who caught 1,101 passes (fourth all time) for 13,899 yards (eighth) and 130 touchdowns (fourth).

Final call: His wait is over.

Dermontti Dawson Center (1988-2000)

Steelers

Dawson was a seven-time Pro Bowl pick and generally considered the best center of his generation.

Final call: He falls victim to being in a Steelers organization that already has a slew of players in the Hall. He deserves to be in but gets passed over.

Edward DeBartolo, Jr. Owner (1979-2000)

49ers

During his ownership, the 49ers won five Super Bowls and, arguably, were the best organization in all of sports. It seems unfair to have non­players competing for precious Hall of Fame spots with players.

Final call: Someday, DeBartolo gets in, but not today.

Chris Doleman Defensive end/linebacker (1985-99)

Vikings, Falcons, 49ers

Doleman's 150½ sacks are fourth all time, and he was an eight-time Pro Bowl pick. What's really impressive is he made the Pro Bowl with all three teams he played for.

Final call: I think he ends up losing votes to other sack specialists Kevin Greene and Charles Haley.

Kevin Greene Linebacker/defensive end (1985-1999)

Rams, Steelers, Panthers, 49ers

He's third all time in sacks with 160 and was a five-time Pro Bowl pick.

Final call: He has Hall numbers, but if any pass rusher gets in this year, it might be Charles Haley.

Charles Haley Defensive end/linebacker (1986-99)

49ers, Cowboys

A member of five Super Bowl-winning teams, his 100½ sacks are only tied for 25th in NFL history. But his career was hampered by injuries.

Final call: Has the edge over fellow pass rushers Kevin Greene and Chris Doleman, but his chances are on the bubble.

Cortez Kennedy Defensive tackle (1990-2000)

Seahawks

Kennedy was the 1992 defensive player of the year, and his Seahawks went 2-14 that season. That's remarkable. An eight-time Pro Bowl pick.

Final call: This is Kennedy's third year as a finalist, and the third time is a charm. The former University of Miami standout gets in.

Curtis Martin Running back (1995-2005)

Patriots, Jets

Perhaps the most underrated player ever. Had more rushing yards than Franco Harris, O.J. Simpson, Eric Dickerson and Tony Dorsett. His 14,101 yards are fourth all time.

Final call: He had to wait last season as Marshall Faulk was inducted, but this should be his year.

Andre Reed Wide receiver (1985-2000)

Bills, Redskins

Reed was an elite wide receiver, but wide receiver is a tough spot to crack when it comes to the Hall. He had better numbers than Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and Lynn Swann, but he didn't catch 1,000 passes (951 for 10th all time) or 100 touchdowns (87 for 12th).

Final call: Reed might be the NFL's version of Jack Morris — good but not good enough to get into the Hall.

Willie Roaf Tackle (1993-2005)

Saints, Chiefs

A nine-time Pro Bowl pick who was so good for so long, he was a member of the all-decade teams in the 1990s and 2000s. But like all linemen, unless you watched him play on a regular basis, it's hard to quantify just how good he was.

Final call: This is Roaf's second year on the ballot, and the guess is he has to wait.

Will Shields Guard (1993-2006)

Chiefs

He was named to 12 Pro Bowls in 14 seasons and played 224 consecutive games. Those 12 Pro Bowls are the most for an interior lineman not currently in the Hall of Fame.

Final call: Shields is absolutely a Hall of Famer but not this season.

Dick Stanfel Guard (1952-58)

Redskins

A seniors committee nominee, Stanfel was a five-time All-NFL player in just seven seasons and a member of the 1950s all-decade team.

Final call: The buzz is Stanfel gets elected to the Hall.

Aeneas Williams Cornerback/safety (1991-2004)

Cardinals, Rams

Williams spent most of his career playing for really bad teams. Nevertheless, he was selected to eight Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro at cornerback three times.

Final call: Perhaps in the future Williams will get more consideration but not today.

tom jones' two cents

Today, the 44 voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will discuss 15 modern-era nominees and two senior committee nominees for the Class of 2012. Four to seven candidates (and no more than five modern-day nominees) will be elected and announced this evening (5:30, NFL Network). Here are the finalists.

Bill Parcells | Coach (1983-2006)

Giants, Patriots, Jets, Cowboys

He went 172-130-1, won two Super Bowls with the Giants and reached another with the Patriots. He won everywhere he went.

Final call: I, personally, don't believe he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But look for him to get the nod this weekend considering two of his pupils, the Giants' Tom Coughlin and the Patriots' Bill Belichick, are in this season's Super Bowl.