By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Thursday, February 9, 2012

The Southern Bowling Tour, led by former Professional Bowlers Association regional director Harry O'Neale, made the second stop in its inaugural season at Spring Hill Lanes last weekend.

The tournament featured 31 top competitors from around the region, including four from out of state.

David O'Sullivan of Sanford won the bracket-style finals in a championship match against Keith Sharp of Orlando. O'Sullivan won $1,200, while Sharp took home $700.

The top local finisher was Jason Mahr of Spring Hill, who placed fifth and won $250. He was the lone local resident to make the finals.

Other North Suncoast residents to place included Chris Polizzi of Spring Hill (15th), Kevin Williams of Brooksville (18th), Clayton Tallman of Land O'Lakes (28th), Tom Bozquez Jr. of Spring Hill (29th) and Charles Sonneblick of Spring Hill (30th).

HORACE COPELAND FOOTBALL CAMP: The Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor the second annual Horace "Hi-C" Copeland football camp at two locations in March.

After a successful run last year, the program has expanded to two counties. On March 16 and 17, Lecanto High School will host the camp; on March 23 and 24, the camp will be at Springstead High School in Spring Hill.

The cost is $65 per person for ages 5 to 16. The camp includes interactive football drills and life lessons. Lunch is provided.

Copeland, a former University of Miami and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, is now a resident of the area.

For information, email Harry Johnson at hjohnson@hernandocounty.us or call Christie Williams at (352) 754-4031.

ST. JUDE'S GOLF FUNDRAISER: St. Jude Children's Hospital is holding a golf tournament Feb. 25 at the Dunes Golf Club, north of Weeki Wachee. Proceeds go to research at the hospital.

The event will be a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Registration will begin at noon. The cost is $300 per team or $350 for a team plus a hole sponsorship. The early deadline for sign-ups is Saturday.

Sponsors include Felony's Bar & Grill, Friendly Kia, Harley-Davidson of Crystal River, Extreme Fitness and Joni Industries. Businesses will provide hole-in-one prizes. After the tournament, there will be a social at Felony's in Spring Hill.

For information, call Melissa Turner at (352) 596-7888.

HERNANDO BASEBALL GOLF FUNDRAISER: The Hernando High School baseball program will have its annual Baseball Booster Golf Scramble on Saturday at Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks.

Sponsored by Century 21, the Red Mule Pub and Sims Furniture Galleries, the tournament will feature foursomes, with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The cost is $65 per player. Proceeds go to the Leopards baseball team.

A poolside barbecue lunch will be served before tee-off at 11:30 a.m. An awards social will take place in the country club's Grille Room after the tournament. There will also be a preregistration social from 7 to 10 p.m. today at the Red Mule Pub in Brooksville, with hors d'oeuvres.

For information, contact Harry Timmons at (352) 796-0047 or htimmon1@tampabay.rr.com.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CLASSIC YOUTH BOWLING: Mariner Lanes in Spring Hill will host the Southwest Florida Classic Youth Bowlers Eliminator Tournament on March 4.

With $1,500 in scholarships to be awarded, the field will be split into three divisions. Division 1 will be for averages of 139 and under. Division 2 will include averages from 140 to 184, and Division 3 will be for averages of 185 and higher. The first two divisions will compete with handicap based on 100 percent of 200, while Division 3 will be scratch.

One of every five entries is guaranteed a cash prize. First place from each division will win $250 and a trophy, based on 20 entries per division. A $100 scholarship will be awarded for any 300 game thrown.

The entry fee is $40 per bowler, and preregistered competitors will save $5. The tournament will begin at 11 a.m., with check-in at 10. All bowlers must be U.S. Bowling Congress certified and under 21 years old.

For information, contact Mark Michel at (813) 486-2641 or email SWFCbowling@tampabay.rr.com.

Information is also available online at southwestfloridaclassic.com.

LITTLE LEAGUE TRAVEL BASEBALL: West Hernando Little League will be holding an open tryout for its 50/70 Travel Baseball Program on Sunday at Freedom Field on Deltona Boulevard in Spring Hill.

The pitcher's mound is 50 feet from home plate and the bases are 70 feet apart in the league. Games will be played mainly on Sundays, and the team will be eligible for the state tournament in Fort Myers in June.

Tryouts will begin at 2 p.m. for players ages 11 and 12.

For information, call (352) 232-4671.

SPRING HILL VALENTINE'S BOWLING TOURNAMENT: Spring Hill Lanes will host its annual Valentine's Day Scotch Doubles Tournament at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The entry fee is $18 per team, with a format of each player rolling alternate shots. Based on 75 teams, the first-place prize would be $225.

For information, call the bowling center at (352) 683-7272.

WOMEN'S 500 CLUB BOWLING TOURNAMENT: The Hernando County Women's 500 Club will host a doubles handicap tournament Feb. 19 at Mariner Lanes in Spring Hill.

To compete, bowlers must be members of the Hernando County Women's 500 Club and the Hernando County U.S. Bowling Congress Women's Bowling Association. Entry forms are available at Mariner Lanes and Spring Hill Lanes.

The handicap at the event will be 100 percent of a 200 average. Check-in will be at 1 p.m.; bowling starts at 1:30 p.m. The entry fee is $17 per person, with a deadline of Monday. Entries may be dropped off at either bowling center.

For information, call Sheila Wehrenberg at (352) 688-1575.

HIGH POINT MEN'S GOLF TOURNAMENT: The High Point community will host the High Point Men's 18-Hole Golf Invitational on Feb. 17.

The tournament format will be handicap three-best-ball net. The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m., with check-in at 7:30. A continental breakfast will be served.

Registration is $50 per golfer, which includes golf, cart, a roast beef dinner and cash prizes. Two 155-yard hole-in-one opportunities will be available.

Sponsored by Rick Matthews Buick-Pontiac-GMC, a new vehicle and three-year lease will be the prize on the first hole, and a $5,000 golf cart from Affordable Golf Carts will be the prize on the 12th hole.

The deadline for sign-ups is today. For information, call Dave Lund at (352) 293-4825 or Tom Lynch at (352) 596-8046.

WEEKI WACHEE HIGH GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Weeki Wachee High School athletic department will have its second annual Hornet Golf Outing at Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks on Feb. 25.

The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m. Food and prizes will be provided during and after play. Current and former professional athletes will be among the participants. There will be time for autographs and pictures.

The cost for the event is $100 per person or $300 per foursome. Businesses may sponsor holes or prizes.

For information, call Weeki Wachee athletic director Mark Lee at (352) 797-7029, ext. 230, or email lee_m2@hcsb.k12.fl.us.

Contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, February 9, 2012

In 1988, I quit my job and set off to hike across New Zealand and Australia. After a week on the trail with a 50-pound pack, I stopped at a post office and mailed home some gear.

A couple of weeks later, my back still hurt, so I dumped another 5 pounds of equipment at a backpacker's hostel. It would take me two or three more weeks to finally whittle my sack down to a manageable 34 pounds.

"I wish somebody had told me," I remember thinking. "I would have saved myself pain and money."

February is traditionally the month when Florida hikers make their summer travel plans. While the Sunshine State has its share of good trails, many Floridians head for Georgia or the Carolinas, to hike the Appalachian Trail.

Richard Smith, a local guru for long-distance hikers, has coached his share of backpackers looking to log mileage on the nation's wilderness trails.

The most common mistake first-time hikers make on the Appalachian Trail or the shorter, closer-to-home Florida hikes, is that they carry too much gear, Smith said.

"It is something you can't teach — how much stuff you really don't need," he said. "The lighter your pack, the better off you will be."

If you travel light, you are a happy hiker. If you travel heavy, you are a happy camper.

The A.T.

The Appalachian Trail, commonly known as the "A.T." in hiking circles, is a 2,175-mile footpath that stretches from Georgia to Maine. This trail, which runs through 14 eastern states, was completed in 1937 and became America's first National Scenic Trail.

Roughly 2,500 people start the hike each year, making it one of the most well-traveled trails in the country, but only half actually finish. Folks who go all the way are called "thru hikers."

If you are thinking about putting this on your bucket list, set aside five to six months to complete it.

Once you have knocked off the A.T., try the Continental Divide Trail, 3,100 miles along the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada and the Pacific Crest Trail, 2,663 miles, from Mexico through California, Oregon and Washington to Canada.

Finish all three and you will earn the coveted Triple Crown of long-distance hiking.

Getting started

Before you set off on your 1,000-mile journey, start off with a day hike in one of our local trails. Boyd Hill Nature Park, one of the true gems of the city of St. Petersburg, has a 2.1-mile trail that covers a variety of habitat, including floodplain forest, freshwater marsh and pine flatwoods.

If you are looking for a good ocean walk, check out Fort De Soto Park, voted "Best Beach" in the nation in 2005 by Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr. Beach. This Pinellas County park has lots of blue water and sugar sand, but don't miss the four hiking trails.

On the east side of the bay, Hillsborough River State Park, just a half-hour north of Tampa, has one of the finest trails in the state. Look for red-shouldered hawks in the sky above and otters in the river below as you hike along the banks of the Hillsborough. Be sure to take the "rapids" trail, a rare treat in a state that is as flat as a pancake.

The Florida Trail

If you want to see many of Florida's unspoiled wilderness areas, you'll have to walk. Luckily, the Florida Trail Association oversees more than 1,500 miles of well-maintained trails that stretch from the Everglades to the Panhandle. Most of the trails can be found on public property - state parks and forests - but some sections also run through private land. For more information, go to floridatrail.org.

Some of the best overnight hikes in Florida can be found just a short drive from the Tampa Bay area. The segments of the Florida Trail that run through the Richloam, Croom and Citrus tracts of Withlacoochee State Forest can keep a trail walker busy for years. With nearly 160,000 acres of wilderness to explore, Withlacoochee has hiking and backpacking trails that will challenge beginners as well as experts.

Treat your feet

A good pair of light hiking boots will be well worth the investment. Boots made of nylon are lighter than those made of leather. But the leather is more durable, and actually cooler, because it breathes and allows perspiration and heat to escape. Count on paying at least $150. This may sound pricey, but a good pair of boots can last for years.

So what do you wear underneath your boots? Anything but cotton socks, which soak up perspiration and lead to blisters. Socks made of wool or synthetic materials will help transfer moisture and keep your feet dry and blister-free. Quality socks cost $17 to $22 a pair, but once again, they will last several hiking seasons.

Before you hit the trail, wear your new boots around town for a few days. You might look like a kook, but it beats getting a blister.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, February 9, 2012

In 1988, I quit my job as a reporter and set off to hike across New Zealand and Australia. After a week on the trail with a 50-pound pack, I stopped at a post office and mailed home some of my gear.

A couple of weeks later, my back still hurt, so I dumped another 5 pounds of equipment at a backpacker's hostel. It would take me two or three more weeks to finally whittle my sack down to a manageable 34 pounds.

"I wish somebody had told me," I remember thinking. "I would have saved myself pain and money."

February is traditionally the month when Florida hikers make their summer travel plans. While the Sunshine State has its share of good trails, many Floridians head for Georgia or the Carolinas to hike the Appalachian Trail.

Richard Smith, a local long-distance hiking guru, has coached his share of backpackers looking to log mileage on the nation's wilderness trails.

The most common mistake first-time hikers make on the Appalachian Trail or the closer-to-home Florida hikes, is that they carry too much gear, Smith said.

"It is something you can't teach — how much stuff you really don't need," he said. "The lighter your pack, the better off you will be."

If you travel light, you are a happy hiker. If you travel heavy, you are a happy camper.

The A.T.

The Appalachian Trail, commonly known as the "A.T." in hiking circles, is a 2,181-mile footpath that stretches from Georgia to Maine. This trail, which runs through 14 eastern states, was completed in 1937 and became America's first National Scenic Trail.

Roughly 2,500 people start the hike each year, making it one of the most well-traveled trails in the country, but only half actually finish its full length from Maine's Mount Katahdin to Georgia's Springer Mountain. Folks who go all the way are called "thru hikers."

If you are thinking about putting this on your bucket list, set aside five to six months to complete it.

Once you have knocked off the A.T., try the Continental Divide Trail, 3,100 miles along the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada, and the Pacific Crest Trail, 2,663 miles from Mexico through California, Oregon and Washington to Canada.

Finish all three treks and you will earn the coveted Triple Crown of long-distance hiking.

Getting started

Before you set off on your 1,000-mile journey, start with a day hike on one of our local trails. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, one of the true gems of the city of St. Petersburg, has a 2.1-mile trail that covers a variety of habitat, including floodplain forest, freshwater marsh and pine flatwoods.

If you are looking for an ocean walk, check out Fort De Soto Park. This Pinellas County park has lots of blue water and sugar sand, of course, but don't miss the four trails.

On the east side of the bay, Hillsborough River State Park, just a half-hour north of Tampa, has one of the finest trails in the state. Look for red-shouldered hawks in the sky and otters in the river as you hike along the banks of the Hillsborough. Take the "rapids" trail, a rare treat in a state that is flat as a pancake.

Treat your feet right

A good pair of light hiking boots are worth the investment. Boots made of nylon are lighter than those made of leather. But leather is more durable and actually cooler because it breathes and allows perspiration and heat to escape. Expect to pay at least $150. This may sound pricey, but a good pair of boots can last for years.

So what do you wear underneath your boots? Anything but cotton socks, which soak up perspiration and lead to blisters. Socks made of wool or synthetic materials help transfer moisture and keep your feet dry and blister-free. Quality socks cost $17 to $22 a pair, but again, they will last several hiking seasons.

Before you hit the trail, wear your new boots around town for a few days. You might look like a kook, but it beats getting a blister.

By Steve Papen, Times Correspondent


Thursday, February 9, 2012

What's hot: The harvest of all grouper is closed through March, so we must target other species offshore. Changing locations always seems to be the first thought when changing target species, but this is not always the right approach. Some of the best targets will be in places you already know about.

Amberjack: Years ago, there were two ways to catch these fish. One was using live bait attached to a long leader suspended about halfway down over a wreck or spring offshore. The second method was to use a large diamond jig on a heavy rod with a long swinging presentation. But times have changed with the newer styles of vertical jigging lures. The thinking is that fast-paced movement will draw a reaction strike, and the amberjack have responded well, since they hate to see a meal get away. This new style also employs the use of braided lines, which give these jigs a more lifelike look when running through the water since there is no stretch in the line. An erratic jigging motion along with a fast retrieve will get hit almost every drop.

Snapper: If you catch amberjack, then more than likely there will be snapper under them, since both of these fish are found over large structures. Snapper have keen eyesight, so downsize the leader, hook, swivel and lead, too. Use the smallest lead possible and hide the hook in the bait.

Steve Papen charters out of Indian Shores and can be reached at (727) 642-3411 and fintasticinc.com.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor


Thursday, February 9, 2012

Making news

Bass tour kickS off season on Lake Okeechobee

The mild winter has pro anglers hoping for big bass and record catches as the Forrest L. Wood Tour's season-opening event on Lake Okeechobee continues this weekend. The bite usually doesn't get into full swing until March but things could start a little earlier this year.

The FLW season, under way Thursday at Roland Martin's Marina & Resort in Clewiston, features many of the world's top bass anglers competing for $125,000 first prize. Clewiston native Scott Martin is a fan favorite and is coming off a win worth $600,000 at the 2011 Forrest L. Wood Cup in August on Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs, Ark. Martin caught a five-fish limit of 19 pounds, 4 ounces Thursday. Randall Tharp of Gardendale, Ala., leads Clewiston's Brandon McMillan by 2 ounces with a 33-pound, 7-ounce Day 1 limit. Fishing continues through Sunday. Follow the action at FLWoutdoors.com.

Hunting

Turkey time nears

In 2011, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission established a special Youth Turkey Hunt weekend on private lands. The hunt proved so popular, state officials plan to do it again this year on all private land and 78 wildlife management areas (49 of which require a quota permit).

Young hunters can hit the woods in Zone A (the southern part of the state) Feb. 25-26, and March 10-11 everywhere else. A youth hunter must be under 16 years old and supervised by an adult 18 years or older. No license or permit is required, except for a quota permit in the WMAs.

The Youth Spring Turkey Hunt takes place the weekend before the regular turkey season, which runs March 17 through April 22 in zones B, C and D except for Holmes County. (Zone A, the area south of Tampa Bay, typically has earlier hunting seasons.)

Fishing

Remembering Mel

Mel Berman, the longtime local radio host and angler, died two years ago this month, but anglers can pay homage to this fishing icon by entering the Captain Mel Trout & Redfish Classic.

Last year's inaugural tournament drew more than 150 anglers, and organizers are expecting a bigger field this year. The captains' meeting is 5:30 p.m. March 9 at the Fat Cat Tavern in Clearwater with fishing the next day.

Tournament boundaries include all "Pinellas County waters," and fishing will be strictly photo and release. This is an "all lure" and "all amateur" event. To learn more, go to capmel.com.

Send your outdoor news to Outdoors Editor Terry Tomalin at ttomalin@tampabay.com, who can be reached at (727) 893-8808.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 9, 2012

NEW YORK — Nobody is saying it, but it is seems clear Mattias Ohlund will not play this season.

The Lightning defenseman has not played a regular-season game because of two bum knees, is not skating and GM Steve Yzerman acknowledged Thursday there is no timetable for him to do so.

Ohlund contributes, though, as an ad hoc assistant coach.

Beginning with the Jan. 20-21 road trip to Dallas and Phoenix, Ohlund has watched games from the press box (with a special eye on the defense), taking notes and passing along what he observes to the coaching staff and players.

"He's a really bright hockey guys and well-respected," Yzerman said. "He's got a lot to offer to us in watching the games and watching our defensemen and being able to work with them; particularly the younger guys about the finer points of playing the position."

"He's a good leader," coach Guy Boucher said. "So having him around is good for him and good for the team."

Ohlund, 35, who has four years left on a seven-year, $25.25 million contract, had arthroscopic surgery on both knees over the summer to clean out what the team called "loose bodies."

He played in two preseason games but has not skated since mid November.

I'M OUT: Next season's Winter Classic between the Red Wings and Maple Leafs includes an alumni game at Detroit's Comerica Park. Yzerman, for 20 years the Red Wings captain, said he will not play.

"Because I'm retired," he said. "I also have a job."

MENDING: LW Ryan Malone participated in Thursday's morning skate and took contact for the first time since he was injured. If there are no ill effects, Malone might play Saturday at Buffalo.

"We don't want to come back too soon," he said. "We want to make sure everything is good to go and can last the rest of the season."

Malone, hurt Jan. 21 against Phoenix, has missed six games with an upper-body injury. He had three goals and seven points in his previous eight games.

"We need this guy in the lineup," Boucher said.

SHOOT 'EM UP: During Tampa Bay's 3-2 shootout win over New York on Dec. 8, Artem Anisimov caused a rumble by using his stick after he scored a goal as a mock shotgun fired at Tampa Bay G Mathieu Garon.

"In the past," Anisimov said.

BAD MEMORY: Lightning RW Marty St. Louis survived Thursday's morning skate.

During the Dec. 8 skate, St. Louis sustained facial fractures and eye damage when hit by a puck. The injury prevented him from playing his 500th consecutive game.

"When it happened, I was just scared for him," Boucher said. "I didn't really think of hockey. I was thinking of the man. He's got a life outside hockey."

ODDS AND ENDS: Members of the NFL Giants' offensive line were introduced to a standing ovation. … Rangers G Henrik Lundqvist had started 26 straight games against the Lightning before sitting out Thursday. Lundqvist was 14-7-5 with two shutouts and a 2.09 goals-against average in the streak that began Nov. 10, 2005. Martin Biron got the start. … Tampa Bay D Marc-Andre Bergeron and RW Adam Hall were scratched.

Times wires
Thursday, February 9, 2012

Cycling

Armstrong: no surprise doping investigation yielded no charges

AUSTIN, Texas — Lance Armstrong said Thursday that he is relieved by the end of a nearly two-year federal investigation into doping allegations against him and he always remained confident he would not be charged.

"It's not a pleasant experience," the seven-time Tour de France winner said in his first interview since prosecutors in Los Angeles closed their investigation Feb. 3. "It was difficult at times. But I was confident that we would always end up in this place."

The federal government's decision should end allegations about performance-enhancing drug use, said Armstrong, 40. As for the World Anti-Doping Agency urging U.S. federal authorities to quickly hand over evidence collected in the investigation aimed at whether he and his teammates joined in a doping program, "I don't want to get bogged down with that. I'm not going to worry about that.''

This year Armstrong plans to compete in Ironman triathlons and support an anti-smoking campaign in California.

MORE CYCLING

Retired Ullrich gets symbolic doping ban

After a prolonged delay, Jan Ullrich, the German who won the 1997 Tour de France, was suspended by a sports appeal body for two years for blood doping. Because Ullrich, 38, retired from racing five years ago, the penalty imposed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport is largely symbolic. He was also stripped of a third-place finish in the 2005 Tour de France, and all his results beginning in May 2005 were annulled.

Tennis

Isner, Fish open today for U.S. in Davis Cup

Roger Federer faces Tampa resident John Isner in the second singles match today when host Switzerland takes on the United States in the first round of the Davis Cup. Mardy Fish opens for the United States against Stanislas Wawrinka on the indoor claycourt at 7,000-capacity Fribourg Forum.

Et cetera

Autos: Jack Beckman raced to the provisional No. 1 qualifying position in Funny Car in the season-opening NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. Morgan Lucas led the Top Fuel field, and Mike Edwards topped Pro Stock. Courtney Force had a 4.210-second pass at 303.16 mph in her first run in Funny Car. She took the provisional sixth spot and will line up next to father John Force in the second round. … Landon Cassill will drive for an unnamed Sprint Cup team that purchased assets and last year's points from now-defunct Red Bull Racing. He'll drive the No. 83 Toyota and is guaranteed a spot in the first five races, starting with his first Daytona 500.

COLLEGES: Georgia AD Greg McGarity said the expanded SEC might mean the 114-year annual football series with Auburn will end. … Authorities widened the investigation into former Wisconsin athletic official John Chadima after a third man alleged sexual impropriety. … The NCAA football rules committee has proposed moving kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35, just like the NFL, and to limit the running start by players on the kicking team to 5 yards as a way of keeping players safer.

Soccer: San Jose signed two-time MLS leading goal scorer Chris Wondolowski to a new deal. Details were not released.

WNBA: Guard Sue Bird, 31, the first overall draft pick in 2002 by Seattle, agreed to a multiyear deal with the Storm.

Times wires

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 9, 2012

A year ago this week, in this exact spot, I ranked the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL. It was based on how they were playing at that time. In order, the list was: Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Josh Freeman, Matt Ryan, Michael Vick and Eli Manning. So today, the list is revisited and updated. Again, this isn't based on career achievements, but where they rank now.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

Coming off, perhaps, the greatest individual season ever. He threw for 4,643 yards with 45 touchdowns and only six interceptions. His 122.5 passer rating was an NFL record. He led the Pack to a 15-1 record. Counting the playoffs, he is 20-2 over his past 22 starts. He is only 28.

2. Drew Brees, Saints

In the 2011 season, Brees broke Dan Marino's record for passing yards by throwing for 5,476. He also set NFL records for completions (468), completion percentage (71.2) and 300-yard passing games (13). With Brees, the Saints set NFL records for total yards (7,474) and first downs (416).

3. Eli Manning, Giants

Before the season, Manning answered a question by saying, yes, he considered himself an elite quarterback. Everyone either laughed or went crazy. After a brilliant regular season, Manning produced his second late winning drive in a Super Bowl. Eli was right. He is an elite quarterback.

4. Tom Brady, Patriots

Let's not let the Super Bowl loss cloud our judgment. Brady is getting along in age (35 in August). But he is coming off another outstanding season: 5,235 passing yards, 39 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He's 27-5 over the past two regular seasons despite a lousy defense and only marginally talented receivers.

5. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers

Hands down, the toughest. His gunslinger style leads to injuries and risks, but no quarterback is better at extending plays and turning catastrophes into huge gains. He turns 30 next month but already has three Super Bowl appearances and two rings. No longer a game manager, but a game-changer.

6. Cam Newton, Panthers

In an amazing rookie season, Newton, 22, joined a team that won two games in 2010 and led it to six by becoming the first player to throw for 4,000 yards (4,051) and rush for 500 (706). He set an NFL record with 14 rushing touchdowns and tossed 21. Just think how good he will be with more experience.

7. Matt Stafford, Lions

The league's comeback player of the year led the Lions to their first postseason appearance since 1999. He became the fifth player (and third in 2011) to throw for 5,000 yards (5,038). What's especially striking is the kid just turned 24 on Tuesday. If he stays healthy, he will find his name at the top of this list.

8. Tony Romo, Cowboys

It's hard to look past Romo's lack of success in big games. However, he has raw talent, and his 96.9 career passer rating is second all time to Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers (104.1). He turns 32 in April, so time is running out to show he can play big in big games.

9. Matt Ryan, Falcons

His nickname of "Matty Ice" should be sidelined until he does something in the postseason, where he is 0-3. He's only 26, so we cut him a little slack, especially because he is 43-19 as a starter during the regular season.

10. Joe Flacco, Ravens

A few quarterbacks could have slipped into this spot — Houston's Matt Schaub, St. Louis' Sam Bradford, San Francisco's Alex Smith and, if healthy, Peyton Manning. But for now, we'll go with Flacco because of his back-to-back 12-4 regular seasons. A name not under consideration? Josh Freeman.

Tom Jones' two cents

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 9, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays seemed to have had a successful offseason improving their offense and bullpen without diminishing their defense or trading from their stash of starting pitchers.

So much so, executive vice president Andrew Friedman on Thursday called it "a dream scenario."

Speaking on 620-AM's Countdown to Opening Day show, Friedman said, "We still have a lot of work to do in terms of this division and this league, but as far as within the scope of what we can do, this offseason worked out very well in our estimation."

One area they had looked to upgrade more was catcher, Friedman said, acknowledging "there were a few guys that we targeted that we felt like would have been really good fits," but those deals didn't work out. And while they are "a little uncomfortable" pairing veteran Jose Molina with an inexperienced partner, either Jose Lobaton or Robinson Chirinos, Friedman said they will be better overall behind the plate in 2012.

Former Bosox 'Oil Can' pitched on cocaine

FORT MYERS — Former Red Sox pitcher Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd says he probably pitched under the influence of cocaine "at every ballpark" during his 10-year career.

"There wasn't one ballpark that I probably didn't stay up all night, until 4 or 5 in the morning, and the same thing is in your system," Boyd said in an interview with a Boston radio station. "It ain't like you had time to go and do it while you were in the game, which I have (done) that."

Boyd was 78-77 with a 4.04 ERA in his career. In eight seasons with the Red Sox (1982-89) he was 60-56. In his last two seasons, he was 18-21 with Montreal and Texas. His autobiography is scheduled for release in June.

"Some of the best games that I've ever, ever pitched in the major leagues, I stayed up all night. I'd say two-thirds of them," he said, "and if I had went to bed, I would have won 150 ball games in the time span that I played."

Rangers, Cruz make Deal: ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz avoided arbitration, agreeing to a two-year, $16 million contract.

Harden Out: Free agent right-hander Rich Harden had shoulder surgery last week and will miss the 2012 season, MLB Network reported.

Dodgers bidding: Michael Heisley, the 75-year-old billionaire owner of the NBA's Grizzlies, is among the 11 remaining bidders for the team, the Los Angeles Times reported.

South Korea bans Orioles: The Korean Baseball Association has banned Orioles scouts from all its sanctioned events in the aftermath of the team signing 17-year-old left-hander Kim Seong-min, the Baltimore Sun reported. The KBA filed a complaint with MLB, contending the Orioles should have first asked the KBA about Kim's availability before trying to sign him.

Phillies: Outfielder Shane Victorino, nicknamed the "Flyin' Hawaiian," will guest-star on Monday's episode of CBS's Hawaii Five-0.

Royals: Outfielder Alex Gordon avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $4.775 million, one-year deal.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Times wires
Thursday, February 9, 2012

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Twenty months later, Dustin Johnson finally hit the drive he wanted at Pebble Beach.

On a spectacular day of scenery and scoring at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, Johnson blasted a tee shot on the third hole and pitched in for eagle from 41 yards in front of the green. He added another eagle on his way to 9-under 63 and a three-way tie atop the leader­board Thursday.

Johnson had a three-shot lead at Pebble Beach in the U.S. Open two years ago but shot 82 in the final round. On the third hole of that round, he hit driver left into the bushes for a lost ball and made double bogey.

"Walking off that hole (Thursday), I told Bob (Brown, his caddie), 'This hole owes me a few more than just that one,' " Johnson said.

"I've been working really hard the last three days on the putter and the driver, and it paid off. I'm starting to roll the ball like I usually do."

Also at 9 under were Danny Lee, who matched Johnson's score at Pebble Beach, and Charlie Wi, who shot 61 on Monterey Peninsula's Shore Course.

Tiger Woods, playing in the tournament for the first time in 10 years, had six birdies and shot 4-under 68 at Spyglass Hill to start his PGA Tour season.

The conditions were so good that more than half the field broke par no matter where they were playing. All three courses used in the tournament played about one shot under par.

"I don't know if it's a good sign or a bad sign," Woods said about his 68. "With the scores the way they are, I thought I could have it lower than I did.

"The guys are just tearing this place apart with no wind. I'm not too far away from posting a good number out here."

Ken Duke shot 28 on the back nine at Pebble Beach and was at 8-under 64 along with Brian Harman. In a group of four at 6 under were Nick Watney and Kevin Na, who each had 66, the lowest score from Spyglass.

Tampa resident Ryuji Imada shot 3-under 68 at Monterey Peninsula.

Women's Australian Open: Stacy Lewis and Sarah Kemp shared the lead at 4-under 69 and had a one-stroke lead in Melbourne over Seminole's Brittany Lincicome, top-ranked Yani Tseng and Julieta Granada. Tseng is trying to win the event, sanctioned by Australian Ladies Professional Golf and the Ladies European Tour, for the third straight year. Lexi Thompson, 16, from Coral Springs was at 1-over 74. Tampa resident Kristy McPherson was 4 over and Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse 5 over.

PGA Europe: Rafael Cabrera-Bello made nine birdies in his first 11 holes to finish at 9-under 63 for a two-shot lead over Marcel Siem and Scott Jamieson after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic. Rory McIlroy was three shots back, making seven birdies on the last 10 holes. He was tied for fourth with six other players, including 2010 PGA Champion Martin Kaymer.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 9, 2012

NEW YORK — A point here, another there.

The Lightning lost 4-3 in overtime to the Rangers on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden and got a point for the regulation tie. But when you are fighting for your playoff life, even one point lost hurts.

That is why the team's 6-1-2 record over its past nine games is so difficult to enjoy, especially after the Lightning (23-24-6) let New York come back from a 3-2 third-period deficit.

Brian Boyle's goal with 9:47 left in the third on a puck that deflected to him off the side boards tied it. Brad Richards won it 2:37 into the extra period.

That overcame Tampa Bay goals from Steven Stamkos (his league-best 36th), Vinny Lecavalier and Bruno Gervais.

The loss left Tampa Bay nine points behind the first-place Capitals and Panthers in the Southeast Division.

The Rangers had the better of play in the first and a 10-4 shot advantage. But the Lightning came out ahead thanks to Stamkos' breakaway goal with 1:04 left.

Stamkos got behind the defense just as Brett Connolly's pass arrived. Stamkos swept past the goal and fired the backhand shot against the grain and past goalie Martin Biron.

Mathieu Garon kept it scoreless with a couple of nice saves. The best came against Mike Rupp, who fired from the top of the crease. Garon dived forward to make the glove save.

The second period was back and forth. New York tied it 4:33 in when Ryan Callahan redirected Michael Del Zotto's shot that also hit the stick of Lightning defenseman Eric Brewer.

Derek Stepan gave the Ran­gers a 2-1 lead at 5:27 with a spin-o-rama from the slot off Garon's save of Dan Girardi's shot. But Lecavalier answered 21 seconds later with his 21st goal.

Biron made the initial save on the captain's in-close backhand. But Lecavalier stayed with the play, retrieved the puck and banked it in off Callahan's back.

The Lightning took the lead with 7:34 left on a power-play goal as Gervais scored from the right faceoff circle off Stamkos' cross-ice pass.

There was some bad blood, too, as the Rangers were upset with Dominic Moore's shoulder check to the head of Ruslan Fedotenko, who had to be helped off the ice.

The Rangers tied it on Boyle's one-timer from the left faceoff circle. The puck deflected to Boyle off the side boards after defenseman Victor Hedman disrupted a rimmed pass.

First Period—1, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 36 (Connolly, Wyman), 18:56. Penalties—Dubinsky, NYR (slashing), 3:50.

Second Period—2, N.Y. Rangers, Callahan 18 (Del Zotto, Stepan), 4:33 (pp). 3, N.Y. Rangers, Stepan 11 (Girardi, Gaborik), 5:27. 4, Tampa Bay, Lecavalier 21 (Purcell, Gilroy), 5:48. 5, Tampa Bay, Gervais 4 (Stamkos, St. Louis), 12:26 (pp). Penalties—Shannon, TB (hooking), 4:22; Hedman, TB (roughing), 4:53; Prust, NYR (roughing), 4:53; Eminger, NYR (tripping), 11:40.

Third Period—6, N.Y. Rangers, Boyle 5 (Hagelin, Stralman), 10:13. Penalties—Moore, TB (roughing), 3:05; Mikkelson, TB (cross-checking), 7:31.

Overtime—7, N.Y. Rangers, Richards 17 (Anisimov, Del Zotto), 2:37. Penalties—None. Shots on Goal—Tampa Bay 4-10-3-0—17. N.Y. Rangers 10-11-9-1—31. Power-play opportunities—Tampa Bay 1 of 2; N.Y. Rangers 1 of 3. Goalies—Tampa Bay, Garon 16-13-4 (31 shots-27 saves). N.Y. Rangers, Biron 10-2-1 (17-14). A—18,200 (18,200).

Times wires
Thursday, February 9, 2012

MURRAY, Ky. — Robert Covington had 17 points and eight rebounds to lead Tennessee State to a 72-68 victory over No. 9 Murray State on Thursday night, handing the Racers their first loss of the season.

Isaiah Canaan had 31 points and six rebounds for Murray State (23-1, 11-1 Ohio Valley Conference), which was the last unbeaten team in Division I.

Covington hit a 3-pointer with four minutes left that gave Tennessee State a 65-62 lead.

The Tigers led 69-68 when a turnover gave Murray State the ball with 11.2 seconds to play. Tennessee State stole the inbounds pass. Covington was fouled with 9.7 seconds left but he missed both free-throw tries.

Canaan turned the ball over, and Kenny Moore made two free throws. Murray State again turned the ball over on a long inbounds pass, and Jordan Cyphers made one free throw.

no. 20 miss. st. 70, ole miss 60: Arnett Moultrie scored 18 and Dee Bost had a career-high 13 assists for the host Bulldogs (19-5, 6-3 SEC), who never trailed. "I don't know how I was so open," said Moultrie, who shot 9-for-14. "I was surprising myself sometimes."

no. 21 wisc. 68, minn. 61, ot: Jordan Taylor scored 27 and the visiting Badgers (19-6, 8-4 Big Ten) won after giving up a late 13-point lead. Wisconsin went scoreless over the last 7:44 of the second half, but in overtime Wisconsin rode defense and 15of 17 free-throw shooting. The Badgers made one field goal in the last 9½ minutes of the second half, a putback by Jared Berggren. "We did a good job of sticking together and finding a way to claw one out," Taylor said. Minnesota missed two shots at the end of regulation.

no. 23 indiana 84, illinois 71: Cody Zeller scored 22 for the host Hoosiers (19-6, 7-6 Big Ten), who have won three of four. For nearly 19 minutes, neither team led by more than four. Indiana broke through for a 54-46 lead, Illinois closed to 57-55 with 10:58 left, then the Hoosiers put it away with a 15-6 run.

fau 72, denver 71: Shavar Richardson made two free throws with one second left for the host Owls (10-14, 6-5 Sun Belt).

n. texas 68, fiu 61: Trailing by one with 8:08 left, the Panthers (7-16, 4-7 Sun Belt) gave up an 11-0 run in their seventh straight home loss.

no. 5 north carolina: Junior Dexter Strickland, who started the first 19 games, had right knee surgery and is out for the season. He was the Heels' top perimeter defender and No. 2 ballhandler

no. 12 georgetown: Assistant coach Kenya Hunter was released from the hospital after undergoing tests. He passed out after Tuesday's practice.

valiente honored: St. Petersburg College sophomore guard Antonio Valiente was named junior college player of the week. In two games, he averaged 26 points, four rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.5 steals.

Villanova hurting for usf: With USF next for the Wildcats, on Wednesday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, leading scorer Maalik Wayns is day to day with a sprained left knee.

acc record ends: N.C. State forward Scott Wood made 2 of 5 free-throw attempts in a 61-52 victory at Georgia Tech, ending his ACC record at 66 in a row.

late wednesday: Austin Rivers capped a Duke rally with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer that gave No. 10 Duke an 85-84 win at No. 5 North Carolina. The Blue Devils, who trailed by 10 in the final three minutes, are tied for first in the ACC with Florida State and the Tar Heels. "This could be a huge momentum thing for our team right now," said Rivers, who scored 29, a Duke freshman record against North Carolina, and hit six of the Blue Devils' season-high-tying 14 3-pointers. "They made the right plays, and we didn't," UNC's Harrison Barnes said.

Women

UF 70, auburn 56: Lanita Bartley led the host Gators in scoring for the second straight game with 17, and Florida (16-8, 6-5 SEC) won its third straight.

wake forest 65, fsu 55: The visiting Seminoles (13-12, 5-6 ACC) tied it with 4:18 left, but never took the lead in the second half. Natasha Howard had 13 points and 10 rebounds for FSU.

no. 5 duke 71, bc 62: Chelsea Gray scored 10 of the Blue Devils' last 12 and finished with 19 for visiting Duke (20-3, 11-0 ACC).

no. 8 maryland 91, clemson 61: Lynetta Kizer scored 18, one of six players in double figures for the visiting Terrapins (21-3, 8-3 ACC). Maryland kept within sight of ACC leaders Duke (11-0) and Miami (10-0), with home games against the Hurricanes on Sunday and the Blue Devils on Feb. 19.

Detroit 70, No. 9 Green Bay 58: The host Phoenix (20-1, 10-1 Horizon) had a 40-game regular season winning streak end, leaving Baylor as the only unbeaten Division I team.

Illinois 66, No. 10 Ohio State 65: Alexis Moore's layup with two seconds left sent the visiting Buckeyes (21-3, 8-3 Big Ten) to a second loss in three games.

No. 12 Delaware 76, ODU 63: Elena Delle Donne had 27 points and 15 rebounds and the Blue Hens (21-1, 12-0 Colonial Athletic) won their 11th straight.

Michigan 63, No. 13 Nebraska 52: The host Cornhuskers (19-4, 8-3 Big Ten) trailed 32-12 at halftime and went without a field goal for more than 14 minutes.

No. 18 Penn St. 69, Wisconsin 54: Maggie Lucas scored 16 for the host Lions (19-5, 9-3 Big Ten).

ARKANSAS 68, No. 24 S.C. 47: The visiting Gamecocks (18-6, 7-4) committed 23 turnovers and shot 35 percent in the loss.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 9, 2012

TAMPA — Greg Schiano's transition from college to the NFL as a head coach might go smoothly if he has someone at One Buc Place who has done it.

That could be Butch Davis. The Bucs are in the process of bringing the former North Carolina and Cleveland Browns coach aboard in an advisory role, as senior defensive assistant. A deal was not complete Thursday night.

Meanwhile, the Bucs hired Jimmy Raye as a senior offensive assistant, according to multiple reports.

FoxSports.com first reported the Davis talks and Raye's hiring.

The Bucs declined comment.

It's uncertain what duties Davis will have, but he is expected to assist Schiano in building a defensive staff and work with the eventual coordinator.

Why won't Davis be the coordinator?

It's likely because of a buyout in his contract with North Caro­lina, which fired him last year. It calls for him to receive about $2.7 million unless he accepts another coaching position. He already has received $933,000 and is set to receive $590,000 in January of 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Davis, 60, went 24-35 in three-plus seasons with Cleveland before resigning in 2004. He didn't duplicate the success he had at the University of Miami.

There, he took over a program that had been slapped with NCAA sanctions. In six seasons, including with Schiano as defensive coordinator from 1999-2000, Davis went 51-20. His final team finished 11-1 and No. 2 in the nation. The following season, Miami won the national title.

Davis returned to college with the Tar Heels in 2007. In four seasons, he went 28-23 and was fired in July, when the program was found to have committed NCAA violations.

Davis also coached under Jimmy Johnson with Oklahoma State and the Dallas Cowboys. With Dallas, he coached the defensive line from 1989-92 and was defensive coordinator from 1993-94, winning two Super Bowls.

Giants license plate provokes anger

A commemorative license plate for the Giants was unveiled a day after their Super Bowl victory. But a lawmaker said one for the Sept. 11 attacks should come first.

"I'm happy that the Giants won the Super Bowl as much as the next New Yorker," New York assemblyman James Tedisco said. "But who are the real heroes our state should first be celebrating with distinctive plates: the athletes on the gridiron or the first responders and the people who lost their lives on Sept. 11?"

The plate was issued despite a 2004 moratorium on new ones, which was prompted by a lawsuit filed by a group seeking a "Choose Life" one.

A spokesman for Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the plates don't violate the moratorium because they are a reworking of a 1987 Super Bowl plate with a new date and logo.

Gronkowski ripped: Ex-NFL safety Rodney Harrison said New England tight end Rob Gronkowski "disrespected himself" by dancing at a party after the Super Bowl loss. The NBC analyst lost Super Bowls with the Patriots and Chargers. "When we lost the Super Bowl, I was so devastated," he said. "The last thing I ever wanted to do was party, let alone dance or take off your shirt. He made a mistake. And I'm sure he feels absolutely stupid about it."

Giant sorry: Giants running back Brandon Jacobs apologized for saying Gisele Bundchen, wife of Tom Brady, should "shut up and stay cute." After the Super Bowl, she told hecklers Brady could only throw the ball, not catch it. "It's his wife," Jacobs said. "And I should respect that just as much as anyone else."

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

NEW YORK — Dirk Nowitzki's streak survives, despite one of the worst seasons of his career.

But two other old stars are no longer All-Stars.

Nowitzki was chosen Thursday for his 11th straight All-Star Game, with coaches overlooking the Mavericks forward's lowest scoring average since his second season in favor of his long-term excellence.

"It was a tough road back to full health for me, but I am honored that the coaches thought enough of me to make me an All-Star," Nowitzki said in a statement.

Coaches picked Nowitzki, last season's NBA Finals MVP, even though his average of 17.6 points is his worst since he averaged 17.5 per game in the 1999-00 season. He has had hand and knee problems dating to last season. The Mavericks shut him down for a few games to work on his conditioning.

Boston's Paul Pierce will join him despite a slow start caused by a foot injury and was picked for the 10th time.

But the Celtics' Kevin Garnett wasn't chosen after 14 consecutive selections, and the Spurs' Tim Duncan was left out after 13 in a row. Other All-Star regulars such as Ray Allen and Amare Stoudemire will be home, giving way to five first-timers among the reserves: Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, Memphis' Marc Gasol, Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, Indiana's Roy Hibbert, and Chicago's Luol Deng.

Also headed to the Feb. 26 game are NBA assists leader Steve Nash of Phoenix, Tony Parker of San Antonio, Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City, Kevin Love of Minnesota, Chris Bosh of Miami, Joe Johnson of Atlanta and Deron Williams of New Jersey.

Lakers stop Celtics: Pau Gasol blocked Ray Allen's putback attempt at the buzzer in overtime and the Lakers held on to beat the host Celtics 88-87. Gasol finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds to help the Lakers end a two-game losing streak. Paul Pierce's jumper at the end of overtime rimmed out, and Allen tried to push the rebound in, but Gasol got his fingertips on it.

Around the league: Shaquille O'Neal, who retired in June after a 19-year career and was named MVP of the Finals three times during his eight seasons with the Lakers, will have his No. 34 jersey retired at Staples Center next season, ESPN.com reported. No date was set. … Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving remains day to day because of a concussion that has sidelined him for one game. … The Hawks, short-handed at center after injuries to former Gator Al Horford and Jason Collins, signed veteran Erick Dampier, 36, to a 10-day contract.

Lakers 88, Celtics 87 OT

L.A. LAKERS (88): World Peace 1-6 0-2 2, Gasol 12-20 1-1 25, Bynum 6-15 4-6 16, Fisher 0-7 0-0 0, Bryant 11-24 5-5 27, Blake 2-7 0-0 5, Barnes 3-5 5-6 11, Murphy 1-5 0-0 2, Goudelock 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 36-91 15-20 88.

BOSTON (87): Pierce 7-18 3-3 18, Garnett 6-23 0-0 12, O'Neal 1-3 0-0 2, Rondo 7-13 0-0 14, Allen 9-20 2-2 22, Bass 4-9 0-0 8, Pietrus 3-9 0-0 9, Wilcox 1-1 0-0 2, Moore 0-1 0-0 0, Daniels 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 38-97 5-5 87.

L.A. Lakers 22 23 22 15 6— 88

Boston 26 21 17 18 5— 87

3-Point Goals—Lakers 1-15 (Blake 1-4, World Peace 0-1, Goudelock 0-1, Fisher 0-1, Gasol 0-1, Bryant 0-2, Barnes 0-2, Murphy 0-3), Boston 6-19 (Pietrus 3-8, Allen 2-6, Pierce 1-5). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds— Lakers 63 (Bynum 17), Boston 56 (Garnett 12). Assists—Lakers 13 (Bryant 4), Boston 22 (Pierce, Rondo 7). Total Fouls—Lakers 12, Boston 21. Technicals—L.A. Lakers defensive three second, Boston defensive three second. A—18,624.

All-Star rosters

The rosters for the Feb. 26 All-Star Game in Orlando. The 14 reserves were announced Thursday:

East

*Carmelo Anthony, F, Knicks

Chris Bosh, F/C, Heat

#Luol Deng, F, Bulls

#Roy Hibbert, C, Pacers

*Dwight Howard, C, Magic

#Andre Iguodala, F/C, 76ers

*LeBron James, F, Heat

Joe Johnson, G, Hawks

Paul Pierce, F, Celtics

*Derrick Rose, G, Bulls

*Dwyane Wade, G, Heat

Deron Williams, G, Nets

West

#LaMarcus Aldridge, F, Blazers

*Kobe Bryant, G, Lakers

*#Andrew Bynum, C, Lakers

*Kevin Durant, F, Thunder

#Marc Gasol, C, Grizzlies

*Blake Griffin, F, Clippers

Kevin Love, F/C, T'wolves

Steve Nash, G, Suns

Dirk Nowitzki, F, Mavs

Tony Parker, G, Spurs

*Chris Paul, G, Clippers

Russell Westbrook, G, Thunder

* starter # first-time selection

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 10, 2012

BRANDON — Evan Ravenel always dreamed of playing in the Final Four with a shot at winning a National Championship.

But the former Brandon High School star envisioned himself under those bright lights wearing a Boston College uniform.

"It was the place I wanted to be," Ravenel said of Boston College. "Things just didn't work out."

Ravenel's departure from the Boston College program came on the heels of longtime Eagles head coach Al Skinner's firing in 2010.

Former Cornell coach Steve Donahue replaced Skinner, but Ravenel decided to ask for his release after playing two years at Boston College.

"I didn't think I would fit his (coaching) style," Ravenel said. "I didn't have anything against him as a person or as a coach, but the main thing for me was I didn't see myself playing his style."

At that point Ravenel, an all-county and honorable mention All-State player at Brandon, wasn't sure about his future. The 6-foot-8 post player even considered hanging up his basketball shoes.

"Honestly, I didn't think I wanted to play anymore," he said. "I thought about being done with it."

Enter Dave Dickerson.

Dickerson, who recruited Ravenel out of high school while coaching at Tulane, made a call to the former Eagle.

"It was kind of funny because at first I was like, 'No, I'm not looking to go to Tulane,' " Ravenel said. "But then he said he got an assistant job at (Ohio State). He said, 'How about coming to play here now?' "

After one trip to Columbus, Ravenel was sold. He had to sit out one year due to NCAA transfer rules, but Ravenel said the time away from the court had its advantages.

"It had its ups and downs at first," he said. "But it also gave me a chance to get used to the city and campus. You can't beat the experience of getting situated in a new place."

Now a junior, Ravenel finds himself surrounded by talent, especially young talent.

The Buckeyes have a tremendous collection of sophomores, including Aaron Craft, Deshaun Thomas and preseason All-American Jared Sullinger.

"I was shocked at how good these young guys are," Ravenel said. "I had a feeling this was going to be a special year for this team."

Ravenel has come off the bench and been a key contributor, backing up Sullinger and Thomas. When Sullinger went down with a back injury in early December, Ravenel got three consecutive starts.

"I just try to do whatever this team needs from me," Ravenel said.

OSU coach Thad Matta said Ravenel has adapted into his role for the 20-3 Buckeyes, currently ranked No. 3 in the Associated Press Top 25.

"Evan understands he has a role to fulfill on this team," Matta told the Columbus Dispatch. "And as long as he continues to embrace that role — get a couple easy buckets, get the rebounds, and even if he doesn't get it, he does a great job blocking out — that's big for us."

Ravenel got to play in one NCAA tournament game with Boston College before the Eagles were beaten in the opening round. But the Buckeyes could make a much make a deeper run this season, and Ravenel may get a shot at the Final Four he's aimed for — just in a OSU uniform.

"I'm very excited to get to March," he said. "It's something every player dreams about, and I like our chances. This team just keeps getting better and better."

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

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 10, 2012

Butch Davis is expected to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their senior defensive assistant. Despite the title, it is an advisory role and he will not be part of the coaching staff or work with players on the field.

The reason is that Davis doesn't want to violate the terms of a buyout in his contract with North Caro­lina, which fired him last year. It calls for him to receive about $2.7 million unless he accepts another coaching position. He already has received $933,000 and is set to receive $590,000 in January of 2013, 2014 and 2015.

So how will Davis contribute to the Bucs? For starters, he will be a great sounding board for new Bucs head coach Greg Schiano, who worked as Davis' defensive coordinator with the Miami Hurricanes. He also is expected to work closely with the eventual defensive coordinator.

Davis, 60, will also be useful in evaluating the Bucs talent on defense and could be an asset in free agency and the NFL draft.

Considering his success as a top defensive line coach and coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and his experience as the Cleveland Browns head coach, the addition of Davis might be even more impactful if he could work directly with players preparing for games on Sunday. Jimmy Raye, the Bucs senior offensive assistant, has no such restrictions.

But Schiano really wanted to find a way to get Davis in the building at One Buc Place and it appears he has done so. As of Friday morning, the Bucs still had not received a signed contract from Davis, although they are anticipating a deal will be completed soon.

By Michael Kruse, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 10, 2012

Muhammad Ali tottered with help into Countryside Christian Church and sat down in the front row not 15 feet from the casket of his cornerman. • Angelo Dundee, Ali's longtime trainer, died at 90 last week in an assisted-living facility in Palm Harbor, and Ali, the best boxer ever and one of the most famous people on the planet, traveled in spite of his debilitating Parkinson's to be at the memorial service on Friday.

"We come together," pastor Steve King said, "to celebrate his life, yes?"

"Yes," about 1,000 people said softly.

Dundee was boxing's best trainer at boxing's best time. His particular expertise within the brutal craft combined the roles of mentor, father, physical therapist, sports psychologist, motivational speaker and on-call doctor. He gleaned his savvy over the course of six decades spent in grubby, rickety, working man's gyms, from his native South Philly to New York City to Miami Beach. He was known for his steady head within the sweaty fury of his chosen sport.

He turned punchers into boxers and boxers into champions and champions into icons.

On his way from "bucket boy" apprentice to a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, he trained 15 fighters who won world titles, including Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman and, of course, Ali.

Ali liked to tell people he was the best there ever was. He often also said the same about Dundee.

On Friday, organized around the closed casket, there were flowers from people ranging from Rays senior adviser Don Zimmer to Hollywood director Ron Howard. There were oil paintings. Dundee with Leonard. Dundee with Ali. There was a pair of red boxing gloves set up on a stool on a stage.

In the crowd: son Jim Dundee, the Belleair Bluffs optician, and daughter Terri Dundee Coughlin; Howard Bingham, the veteran Ali photographer; and boxers David Estrada, Pinklon Thomas and Orlando's Antonio Tarver. Leonard didn't come. Neither did Foreman.

Men who fought hugged each other tight.

"There will never be a cornerman, ever, I think, like Angelo Dundee," said boxing promoter Bob Arum, one of a handful of the speakers at the service.

Said friend Mel Dick: "I truly believe God took extra pains and extra time when he created Angelo Dundee."

Said local sports radio talk-show host Ian Beckles: "You can't call too many men sweet, but Angelo Dundee was a sweet man."

Said Lonnie Ali, the wife of the champ: "I will always think about how wonderful he was, how giving he was, and to the end how much he loved Muhammad."

"Dad," added his son, "would be p- - -ed he's not here."

The things Dundee said to his fighters have universal worth and are now part of his legacy.

"It doesn't cost nothin' to be nice."

"Keep punching."

He married a model named Helen Marone and was with her for 58 years. She died some 13 months ago. This weekend would have been their 60th anniversary. "My greatest fighter," he once called her.

Last month, he went to Ali's 70th birthday party in Louisville, Ky., and got a blood clot when he got back. The end for a man who lived nine decades usually isn't considered a surprise. This was.

Ali arrived shortly before the service, thin-necked and hunched over, in a dapper black suit with dowdy black sneakers, aided by his wife, her sister and some other members of a small entourage. He sat still and mostly expressionless and listened to the pastor and the speakers.

Toward the end, people stood for a moment of silence, and 10 slow rings of a boxing bell, then Ali shuffled away before much of a curious scrum could form, out the same side door through which he had entered.

Michael Kruse can be reached at mkruse@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8751. Follow him on Twitter at @michaelkruse.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 10, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Coming off an impressive rookie season, reliever Brandon Gomes is projected to play a key role in the Rays bullpen this year.

But Gomes won't be throwing at the start of spring training, held back as he continues to recover from November back surgery to clean up a disc.

"Right now it's progressing along great, I don't really see anything to be concerned about," Gomes said Friday after a workout at Tropicana Field. "I might miss the very beginning of spring training, but that's about it."

Gomes has yet to throw off a mound and likely won't throw bullpen sessions during the first week or two of camp. But given the lighter workload for relievers, he expects to be ready for opening day.

Gomes, 27, was 2-1 with a 2.92 ERA in 40 appearances, including a team-high 29 after the All-Star break, during two 2011 stints with the Rays.

He said the back became an issue about midway through the season. "It was bothering me here and there, and we decided to get it taken care of once the offseason started," he said.

Starter Alex Cobb, whose season ended with mid-August surgery to remove a blood clot and part of a rib, is throwing bullpen sessions with no limitations. "I feel better than I did last year," he said.

Sign here: Outfielder Matt Joyce and right-hander Alex Cobb, plus former teammate Grant Balfour, will be at the UPS Store (7028 W. Waters Ave., Tampa) signing autographs from 11 a.m. to noon today. Cost is $22 for Joyce, $15 for Cobb and Balfour.

Indians' string of avoiding arbitration hits 21 years

CLEVELAND — With a hearing just days away, the Indians and All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera agreed to terms on a one-year, $4.55 million contract, extending the Indians' streak of avoiding arbitration to 21 years.

The Indians haven't had a hearing since 1991, when pitcher Greg Swindell and Jerry Browne had their salaries decided by an arbitrator.

Friday's agreement was $75,000 above the midpoint between the $5.2 million Cabrera asked for and the $3.75 million the Indians had offered. The parties had discussions about a long-term deal but they couldn't reach one.

Orioles: The team apologized to two South Korean baseball organizations upset over Baltimore's contract with a high school pitcher. It's unclear if the Korean Baseball Association will reverse its decision to ban Orioles scouts from its games after they signed left-hander Kim Seong-min, 17, before his graduation year.

White Sox: Former Arkansas and Southern Cal quarterback Mitch Mustain is closing in on a minor-league contract with the team, the Associated Press reported. Mustain, a right-handed pitcher in high school, had planned to play in the Arena Football League this year.

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 10, 2012

BUFFALO, N.Y. — For Ryan Malone, the critical moment of Friday's practice came when he and teammate Marc-Andre Bergeron skated toward the side boards after a puck.

"Battle, 'Bugsy,' battle!" Lightning head athletic trainer Tommy Mulligan yelled.

Malone and Bergeron shook the glass with their collision. Malone skated easily away, the best sign yet the left wing had overcome the upper-body injury that has sidelined him for six games.

"It feels good," Malone said later in the locker room. "We'll see how it feels (today) and play it by ear."

Music to Malone's ears would be getting the call for tonight's game with the Sabres at the First Niagara Center. It would make coach Guy Boucher happy, too.

"All I know is I'm a coach," Bou­cher said, "and when is he coming back?"

Coaches have asked that in each of Malone's four seasons with Tampa Bay. In only one, 2008-09, has he played 70 games. He can match that this season if he plays in the team's final 29.

The Lightning, precariously on the edge of the playoff race, could use him.

At 6 feet 4, 219 pounds, the Pittsburgh native, with 10 goals and 27 points in 41 games, brings a physical presence the team otherwise does not have. He plays on the power play and penalty kill, gets to the front of the net and bangs bodies.

But it is Malone's willingness to, as Boucher said, "bring the physicality," that exposes him to harm.

"It's really hard to put into words the kind of player he is, the sacrifices he can make for the team," teammate J.T. Wyman said. "He's willing to do the things that need to be done, sacrifice his body; a true leader."

Malone, 32, has missed 12 games this season. Hip and groin issues and a broken hand slowed him in 2008-09. A knee injury helped limit him to 69 games in 2009-10.

He played only 54 games last season because of groin injuries, and shoulder surgery last summer fixed an injury with which he played the 2011 playoffs.

His current injury might be the most frustrating, Malone said, because it stopped an eight-game stretch in which he had three goals and seven points.

"I thought I was finally playing well and healthy again," he said. "I kind of got going and had a setback. Everything happens for a reason. That's all I can say."

Malone never says much about his injuries. To keep playing, he wouldn't tell his parents he was sick. Once, he had mononucleosis, he said, once pneumonia.

When asked if his current injury is related to any he had previously, Malone said, "I think you can say yes because all the body ties together."

Seriously, though, "it just comes with playing and getting older with the game," he said. "Especially in the playoffs, it's like being in a car crash every night. That's the kind of toll it takes on your body."

Not that Malone would change the way he plays.

"I don't think I would have a job," he said. "Just make sure your body is in good support when you throw your weight around. Other than that, it's hockey. You've got to play hard. I don't know what else to do."

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

Times staff
Friday, February 10, 2012

Playing small spans without a wing

Ryan Malone's injuries and games missed since joining the Lightning in June 2008:

Dates No. Injury

2008-09

Nov. 11-21 4 Groin

Dec. 5-18 5 Hip

March 6 1 Flu

April 8-11 2 Broken hand

2009-10

March 9 1 Upper body

March 12-April 6 12 Knee surgery

Dates No. Injury

2010-11

Jan. 22-Feb. 8 5 Groin

Feb. 10-March 31 21 Groin

2011-12

Nov. 7-19 4 Upper body

Jan. 1-7 2 Lower body

Jan. 22-tonight 6 Upper body