Times wires
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

TAMPA — LHP Andy Pettitte said his arm felt great after he threw his first bullpen session with the Yankees since ending his brief retirement.

Pettitte, 39, threw 50 pitches to C Russell Martin and joked that he may be ready to pitch in the big leagues in three weeks. He said his target date is May 1.

Pettitte signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Friday after sitting out last season because he didn't have the desire to keep pitching. Pettitte is 240-138 with a 3.88 ERA in 16 major-league seasons.

JETER OUT: Yankees SS Derek Jeter remained out of the lineup because of a stiff left calf. Jeter also is not on the travel roster for today's game with the Rays at Port Charlotte, and manager Joe Girardi said he'll also miss Thursday night's game against Boston in Fort Myers.

PITCHERS HEALING: Rotation candidate Freddy Garcia, hit on the right hand by a grounder last Wednesday, threw about 65 pitches during a bullpen session. … RH reliever David Robertson, out with a bruised right foot, made 30 pitches in his second bullpen session.

Phils: Much improved

SARASOTA — RHP Roy Halladay was eager to prove that last week's poor outing was a fluke.

After allowing five runs and seven hits in 22/3 innings against the Twins last Wednesday, Halladay gave up a run and three hits in six innings in the Phillies' 4-1 win over the Orioles. He said he made some mechanical adjustments after last week's outing.

"It doesn't make you happy. I can tell you that," he said.

"There's a fine line between knowing what you need to accomplish and trying to prove a point or be too competitive or be caught up in it. That's something you try and learn to be aware of. It bothers you, but ultimately, you've got to keep in mind what's going on and ultimately what you're trying to accomplish."

ANOTHER INJURY: Philadelphia INF Michael Martinez broke a bone in his right foot when he was hit by a pitch from Orioles reliever Jim Johnson in the seventh inning. There is no immediate timetable for his return.

Jays: Moving up

DUNEDIN — The Blue Jays plan to bat 2B Kelly Johnson second when the season begins April 5 in Cleveland.

That's not a new spot for Johnson, 30, who has hit at the top of the lineup for much of his career. But after Toronto acquired him from the Diamondbacks on Aug. 23, he batted sixth in 16 of his 32 starts and second twice.

"It ultimately comes down to how you're doing," Johnson said. "If you can be a consistent hitter and be the best hitter you can be and you're doing everything right then I feel I fit in a number of spots."

Johnson batted .222 with a .304 on-base percentage last season overall but .270 with a .364 OBP with the Blue Jays.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — Chaz Williams had 20 points, and UMass rallied from a 17-point second-half deficit to defeat Drexel and former Minutemen coach Bruiser Flint 72-70 in an NIT quarterfinal game on Tuesday.

Terrell Vinson had 14 of his 18 points after halftime and Jesse Morgan added 13 points for the Minutemen (25-11), who advanced to Tuesday's semifinals at Madison Square Garden against the winner of tonight's Stanford-Nevada game.

Dartaye Ruffin scored all of his 17 in the first half to lead Drexel (29-7), which had an 18-game home winning streak snapped.

Flint coached UMass from 1996 to 2001.

WASH. 90, OREGON 86: Terrence Ross scored 24, Tony Wroten added 22 and the host Huskies (24-10) held off a late rally by the Pac-12 rival Ducks (24-10).

NAIA: Tommy Granado scored 16 and Donnell Phifer 14 to lead Concordia (Calif.) University to a 72-69 victory over Oklahoma Baptist in the NAIA Division championship game in Kansas City, Mo.

Around the nation

TARK RECOVERING: The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian was hospitalized and recovering from a mild heart attack. Tarkanian's daughter, Jodie Diamant, told the newspaper that her father, 81, was alert and joking after being moved into intensive care.

DUKE: Forward Ryan Kelly will be out for 6-8 weeks after having surgery on his right foot. Kelly sprained his foot March 6 during a practice before the ACC tournament and missed the Blue Devils' three postseason games.

NEBRASKA: The father of Oral Roberts coach Scott Sutton said his son interviewed for the Cornhuskers' vacancy with the hope of achieving his goal of coaching in a power conference. Eddie Sutton said Scott Sutton interviewed in Atlanta on Monday.

RHODE ISLAND: Dan Hurley, who has spent the past two years at Wagner, agreed to a six-year deal to rebuild the struggling Atlantic 10 program. Hurley, 39, was a star guard at Seton Hall and is the son of Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Hurley.

SOUTHERN MISS: The school revoked the scholarships of five members of its pep band who took part in the heckling of a Kansas State player at Thursday's NCAA Tournament game.

Times wires
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina is preparing to play without injured PG Kendall Marshall.

The Tar Heels just haven't figured out how yet.

Coach Roy Williams said Tuesday that his team's "preparation is 100 percent" to go without Marshall after the pass-first guard had surgery to repair his broken right wrist.

Marshall's status remains unclear for the Midwest Region semifinal Friday night in St. Louis, the coach said.

"You've got me between a rock and a hard place," Williams said. "I cannot give you any answers. I've given everybody all the answers I can give because I've said honestly, I do not know."

The left-handed sophomore broke his wrist on a drive in the second half of a win against Creighton on Sunday night in the Tar Heels' second NCAA Tournament game.

Call it the latest bad break for a team that lost its No. 2 ball handler, Dexter Strickland, to a season-ending knee injury then played three postseason games without two-time ACC defensive player of the year John Henson after he sprained his left wrist in the conference tournament.

"We didn't come all this way just to lay down," said Henson, the former Sickles standout.

If Marshall can't play against Ohio, which seems likely, one option for top-seeded UNC (31-5) could be Stilman White, a lightly tested freshman.

SORRY: Creighton coach Greg McDermott called UNC's Williams to say there was no intent to injure Marshall when Ethan Wragge fouled him. McDermott said Williams is a "good friend."

BAR INCIDENT: Marquette coach Buzz Williams confirmed a published report that six players were ticketed for being in a bar in January despite being not old enough to drink. Williams said he handled the situation when it happened. He did not disclose details of any discipline.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the players were ticketed for being in a Milwaukee nightclub on Jan. 29. There was no indication they were drinking.

XAVIER FRESHMAN HURT: Freshman F Dez Wells has a sprained big toe and won't practice leading up to Xavier's NCAA Tournament game Friday against Baylor in Atlanta. Wells got hurt when a player landed on his leg during Sunday's win over Lehigh that sent the Musketeers into the Sweet 16. He played eight minutes and didn't score. Wells is Xavier's third-leading scorer, averaging 10 points and 4.9 rebounds.

Times wires
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

DENVER — John Elway and Peyton Manning. Two all-time great quarterbacks now on the same side.

As Manning was introduced as the newest Bronco on Tuesday, the two Super Bowl winners each talked about hoisting another Lombardi Trophy, this time together. And soon.

"I realize I don't have 14 years left, by any means," Manning said. "This isn't something where I'm just building a foundation to do something in two years or three years. This is a 'now' situation. We're going to do whatever we can to win right now."

Just so long as Manning's surgically repaired neck goes along with the plan.

Two months ago, Tim Tebow became the talk of the league and led the Broncos to an overtime playoff victory over the Steelers.

But in the NFL, things change fast. Tebowmania is a passing fad. A couple of photos of Tebow that once adorned the halls at team headquarters were gone before Manning was introduced.

After holding up his new, bright orange jersey — No. 18, his number with the Colts — Manning addressed some issues.

Like, how does he feel?

"I'm not where I want to be. I want to be where I was before I was injured," Manning said of the neck problem that kept him off the field in 2011.

"I believe that he's got a lot of great football left in him," Elway, Denver's two-time Super Bowl winning QB turned team executive, said of his new four-time MVP. And if that's true, the Broncos will pay him $96 million over five years under his new deal.

So, what now for Tebow, the former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida? Elway said he's exploring all his options.

"Tim Tebow is a great kid. If I want someone to marry my daughter, it would be him," Elway said.

Elway said Tebow took the news of Manning's signing in stride in a phone conversation.

"He's said, 'Well, we're talking about Peyton Manning. I understand exactly what you're doing,'" Elway explained. "He was very, very positive."

Talib trial delayed

Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib's trial on charges of assault with a deadly weapon in Dallas County, Texas, was moved from March 26 to April 16, according to attorney Frank Perez. The reason is the prosecutor's wife is scheduled to give birth next week.

In other news, Shannon Billings has twice been charged with sexual assault in Texas since he accused Talib of pistol whipping him and firing at him last March. Billings, 41, is in Dallas County jail on a bond of $265,000, charged with indecency with a child/sexual contact.

WARD RETIRES A STEELER: Hines Ward, who had been released by the Steelers in a salary cap move, announced his retirement in Pittsburgh. Ward played 14 seasons for the Steelers and had 1,000 catches, one of several franchise records.

RYANS DEAL: The Eagles acquired two-time Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans from the Texans for a fourth-round draft pick in 2012. The teams also will swap third-round choices in April. The Eagles got the No. 89 pick and Houston the 77th.

FINS FANS PROTEST: More than two dozen fans gathered outside the Dolphins' complex to protest the way the team is being run, and general manager Jeff Ireland was moved to explain a series of decisions and misadventures that have drawn national ridicule. "I'm not naive to the fact of what's out there," he told AP as fans protested across the street.

QB JOHNsON LOOKING: The NFL Network reported that quarterback Josh Johnson, a Buc the past few seasons, will visit the Redskins today. Johnson told the San Jose Mercury-News that the 49ers were interested — but that report came out before reports that the Niners would re-sign Alex Smith. NFL Network reported that Smith agreed to terms on a three-year deal for roughly $24 million, including $10 million guaranteed, to remain the 49ers quarterback.

SIGNINGS: Cornerback Aaron Ross from Giants to Jaguars (three years, up to $15.3 million); fullback Jerome Felton, from Colts to Vikings.

RE-SIGNINGS: Cardinals receiver Early Doucet (two years); Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch (five years) and defensive tackle Andre Fluellen (one year); Packers cornerback Jarrett Bush (three years).

Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

TAMPA — USF's annual Pro Day for NFL draft hopefuls drew a wide range of NFL personnel, including Patriots coach Bill Belichick, and with running back Darrell Scott as the only Bulls player invited to the league's combine workouts, this was the day USF's seniors had been waiting for.

Among those working out at USF's track facility were cornerback Quenton Washington, safety Jerrell Young of Gibbs, guard Jeremiah Warren and center Chaz Hine of Newsome, all trying to work their way into the draft. Scott has been projected as a mid- to low-round pick, and after being limited by a quad injury at the combine, he was able to run Tuesday, though official times were not released by USF.

"My main thing was just to have fun. Don't be so tense," Scott said on USF's official site. "When you're tense, you get slower times. I just wanted to come out and have fun."

GAINERS, LOSERS: With the unveiling of the USF spring football roster, it's always interesting to note which players have added — or dropped — the most weight since the last measurements.

Comparing the new weights to those listed in the game notes last fall, the biggest gainers appear to be freshman walk-on offensive lineman Mak Djulbegovic (adding 25 pounds to 282), just ahead of junior guard John McGhin, who added 22 and is now the biggest lineman on roster at 343. Freshman tackle Darrell Williams, who was listed at a svelte 265, added 20, and walk-on defensive lineman Cody Sanfratello added 20 to 265.

Two of the biggest returning Bulls dropped a significant amount of weight: 6-foot-9 Jake Kaufman, who has battled back problems, helped himself out by dropping 29 pounds to 333, and freshman walk-on Mike York dropped 23 to 334.

WISHING HIM WELL: Freshman offensive lineman David "Boo" Simon, who returned home to Alabama last month after suffering unexplained seizures, will not be returning to the team, coach Skip Holtz said. Simon is hoping to finish the spring semester online from home and can address his football future once doctors are able to learn more about the seizures and how to control them.

TRANSACTIONS: Walk-on Ryan Eppes of Largo, a backup quarterback for the past three seasons, has moved to linebacker, where he'll be better suited to help the Bulls on special teams. … Walk-on defensive back Brandon Salinas, who had two tackles in five games last season, opted not to return to the team. … The Bulls made one roster addition in freshman walk-on running back Miles Bennett, who led Tampa Jesuit in rushing in 2010 and originally signed with Army last year. Bennett placed seventh in the state in the 200 meters in 2010.

PEP RALLY TODAY: USF will celebrate its men's basketball team's NCAA Tournament run with a pep rally today on campus, at the Marshall Center amphitheatre from noon to 12:30 p.m. Coach Stan Heath, athletic director Doug Woolard and players will be in attendance to be recognized for their tournament wins against California and Temple in USF's first NCAA appearance in 20 years.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tim Tebow to Tampa Bay? Are you crazy? Hey, we all like the kid, or at least we should like the kid. But we should like him as someone else's quarterback, another town's feel-good story. Oh, Tebow is going to go somewhere. Maybe even somewhere in Florida, like Miami or Jacksonville. Tebow's soon-to-be ex-team, the Broncos, likely will trade him now that it has signed Peyton Manning. But Tebow's destination should not be Tampa Bay. Here are five reasons.

1. They don't want to make Josh Freeman's life miserable.

The Bucs have a quarterback and darn good one in Freeman. He is only 24 (five months younger than Tebow, by the way) and has 17 regular-season victories — more than twice as many as Tebow (eight). And, listen, if you put all NFL quarterbacks in a draft, Freeman would be selected long before Tebow.

Okay, so what about having Tebow as a backup in case Freeman got hurt or played like a bum? Well, just look at what happened in Denver last season. Every time starter Kyle Orton made a bad throw, fans started chanting Tebow's name. It was only a matter of time before the Broncos had to cave in and give Tebow a shot. The Bucs can't lay the groundwork for such a scenario here.

Freeman is the franchise quarterback. The Bucs are building around him. They are committed financially and philosophically to him. You don't want your young quarterback coming off an injury-plagued season that staggered his confidence looking over his shoulder after every incomplete pass. If the Bucs traded for Tebow, you would have a quarterback controversy that would never stop.

2. They don't want the circus.

When you bring in Tebow, you just don't bring in a football player. You bring in a media storm that is relentless. If you acquire Tebow you might as erect a big top over One Buc Place and sign the Flying Wallendas, some clowns and a couple of dancing bears.

It's not Tebow's fault, but he gets covered by ESPN and TMZ. He is in Sports Illustrated and People. They talk about him on Today and The Tonight Show and most entertainment and sports shows in between. Remember how sick you were of hearing about Tebow when he was playing 1,500 miles away? Now imagine if he played right down the street. For all the tickets sold and jerseys purchased, bringing in Tebow is potentially way more destructive off the field than constructive on it.

3. Tebow cannot play quarterback.

That's not me saying that. It's the Broncos. Why would they turn their back on someone so young who led the organization to its first playoff victory in six years for an old man with a creaky neck who hasn't suited up in a year? The Broncos aren't even sure Manning can play, but seem convinced Tebow cannot.

If the Broncos hadn't landed Manning, they were going after Matt Hasselbeck. And if they couldn't get Hasselbeck, they would have gone after Matt Flynn. And if not Flynn then Alex Smith. Their list was so long that you half expected to see Joe Kapp on it. What does that tell you?

Tebow is a lot of things: an inspirational human being, a remarkable leader, a good man, a role model. But if the Broncos, who saw him every second last season and benefitted more than anyone from his 2011 performance, didn't want him, why should the Bucs?

4. Tebow would not fit in Tampa Bay's scheme.

Bucs coach Greg Schiano said he wants the Bucs to take shots down the field. Unfortunately, taking shots down the field is not in Tebow's bag of tricks. He can run over linebackers. He can throw quick slants. He might be the best jump-passer since games have been shown on color TV. But he has trouble dropping back seven steps and hitting a wide receiver in stride 50 yards downfield. That's not exactly the type of QB you want when you just signed speed burner Vincent Jackson to a $55.5 million contract.

The other issue is you would have to install a spread-type offense specifically to suit Tebow whether he is your starter or your backup. Geez, with the Bucs, it's tough enough to get one offense to work, let alone two. Anyway, there is not enough time in an NFL season to practice one offense for one quarterback and a complete different offense for another quarterback.

5. Tampa Bay is not Denver.

Want to know the real reason the Broncos won eight games and made the playoffs? They had the league's top rushing attack and a punishing defense that bought enough time for Tebow to put together just a drive or two to win the game. That would not have happened in Tampa Bay. Even if you swapped the Bucs offense last season for Tebow and the Broncos offense, there's no way the Bucs would have gone 8-8 like Denver because the defense was so lousy. Unless the defense improves, Tebow would never have an impact in Tampa Bay. Heck, neither would Manning. The only way the Bucs improve is if the defense improves.

Hey, can Tebow play linebacker?

tom jones' two cents

Times wires
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

MIAMI — Chris Bosh scored 29, LeBron James survived two scary falls and the Heat used a 17-0 fourth-quarter run to erase a 10-point deficit and beat the Suns 99-95 on Tuesday night for its 14th straight home victory.

James had 20 points, Dwyane Wade 19, and Udonis Haslem a season-high 15 as the Heat overcame a double-digit hole.

In the final minute James was chasing a long pass and crashed into Grant Hill. James stayed on the court holding his head for about a minute. He remained in.

James also had an early hard fall and remained in.

Leading 90-80 with 7:29 left, Phoenix missed its next 10 shots.

game highlights: Amare Stoudemire had 22 points and 12 rebounds and the Knicks made it four straight under Mike Woodson by beating the visiting Raptors 106-87. New York plays the Atlantic Division-leading 76ers tonight (7, ESPN). … Goran Dragic hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 28 seconds left as the host Rockets rallied past the Lakers 107-104.

around the league: Warriors owner Joe Lacob was booed throughout a ceremony to retire Chris Mullin's jersey Monday. Mullin asked fans for patience, and ex-star Rick Barry asked for "a little bit of class.'' … The Grizzlies signed guard Gilbert Arenas, 30, for the rest of the year.

Heat 99, Suns 95

PHOENIX (95): Hill 8-14 3-4 19, Frye 1-7 0-0 2, Gortat 6-13 1-2 13, Nash 4-7 0-1 9, Dudley 4-11 1-2 10, Morris 4-7 3-5 12, Brown 4-7 0-1 9, Telfair 2-3 3-3 8, Lopez 2-7 2-2 6, Redd 1-4 4-4 7. Totals 36-80 17-24 95.

MIAMI (99): James 8-18 4-6 20, Bosh 12-16 5-6 29, Pittman 3-6 0-0 6, Chalmers 0-3 1-2 1, Wade 6-17 7-9 19, Haslem 3-6 9-12 15, Jones 1-2 0-0 3, Curry 1-2 0-0 2, Cole 2-4 0-0 4, Battier 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 36-76 26-35 99.

Phoenix 22 31 22 20— 95

Miami 28 21 23 27— 99

3-Point Goals—Phoenix 6-15 (Redd 1-1, Telfair 1-1, Nash 1-2, Morris 1-2, Dudley 1-2, Brown 1-3, Hill 0-1, Frye 0-3), Miami 1-9 (Jones 1-2, Battier 0-1, Chalmers 0-1, Wade 0-2, James 0-3). Rebounds—Phoenix 51 (Gortat 8), Miami 49 (Haslem 9). Assists—Phoenix 21 (Nash 10), Miami 24 (Chalmers 8). Total Fouls—Phoenix 25, Miami 19. Technicals—Phoenix Coach Gentry, Wade, Miami defensive three second. A—20,212 (19,600).

Rockets 107, Lakers 104

L.A. LAKERS (104): World Peace 3-7 0-0 7, Gasol 10-14 1-2 21, Bynum 7-11 2-2 16, Blake 1-3 0-0 2, Bryant 10-27 7-7 29, Sessions 6-9 2-2 14, McRoberts 0-0 2-2 2, Barnes 3-7 0-1 8, Murphy 2-4 0-0 5, Hill 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 42-83 14-16 104.

HOUSTON (107): Parsons 4-12 2-2 13, Scola 9-13 5-6 23, Dalembert 4-5 0-0 8, Dragic 7-13 0-0 16, Lee 7-17 6-8 23, Budinger 2-7 3-3 8, Camby 1-2 2-4 4, Patterson 4-10 2-4 10, Fortson 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 39-80 20-27 107.

L.A. Lakers 40 16 23 25— 104

Houston 25 26 22 34— 107

3-Point Goals—L.A. Lakers 6-16 (Barnes 2-4, Bryant 2-7, World Peace 1-2, Murphy 1-2, Sessions 0-1), Houston 9-20 (Lee 3-6, Parsons 3-6, Dragic 2-4, Budinger 1-4). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—L.A. Lakers 41 (Bynum 7), Houston 50 (Parsons, Dragic 7). Assists—L.A. Lakers 18 (Bryant, World Peace, Sessions 4), Houston 24 (Dragic 13). Total Fouls—L.A. Lakers 17, Houston 18. A—18,391 (18,043).

Knicks 106, Raptors 87

TORONTO (87): Bargnani 5-15 5-5 15, J.Johnson 3-8 2-2 8, Gray 1-1 0-0 2, DeRozan 7-13 3-3 17, Calderon 5-9 0-0 11, A.Johnson 3-4 0-0 6, E.Davis 3-4 3-4 9, Bayless 2-4 3-4 7, Kleiza 2-6 1-2 6, Forbes 2-5 2-2 6, Alabi 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 33-69 19-22 87.

NEW YORK (106): Anthony 5-15 6-8 17, Stoudemire 8-13 6-7 22, Chandler 8-10 1-4 17, Lin 6-10 4-4 18, Fields 2-4 2-4 6, Shumpert 2-6 0-0 4, Jeffries 1-3 2-2 4, Bibby 0-3 1-2 1, Smith 5-9 1-2 11, Novak 2-6 0-0 6, Harrellson 0-1 0-0 0, Douglas 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 39-81 23-33 106.

Toronto 24 20 24 19— 87

New York 27 26 26 27— 106

3-Point Goals—Toronto 2-13 (Calderon 1-2, Kleiza 1-3, J.Johnson 0-1, Bayless 0-1, Forbes 0-2, Bargnani 0-4), New York 5-16 (Lin 2-3, Novak 2-5, Anthony 1-3, Fields 0-1, Bibby 0-1, Smith 0-1, Shumpert 0-2). Rebounds—Toronto 36 (E.Davis 9), New York 55 (Stoudemire 12). Assists—Toronto 15 (Calderon 9), New York 23 (Lin 10). Total Fouls—Toronto 25, N.Y. 21. A—19,763 (19,763).

Pacers 102, Clippers 89

L.A. CLIPPERS (89): Butler 5-14 0-0 12, Griffin 10-18 2-7 23, Jordan 1-5 0-2 2, Paul 6-11 3-6 16, Young 5-13 2-2 13, Martin 1-6 0-0 2, Williams 5-11 1-1 12, Evans 1-2 1-2 3, Bledsoe 1-2 0-0 2, Gomes 0-1 0-0 0, Leslie 0-0 0-0 0, Thompkins 2-2 0-0 4. Totals 37-85 9-20 89.

INDIANA (102): Granger 7-17 8-8 25, West 0-3 3-4 3, Hibbert 4-8 5-5 13, Collison 1-4 2-2 4, George 2-6 2-2 7, Hansbrough 7-10 3-4 17, Hill 6-7 0-0 15, Amundson 1-6 0-0 2, Barbosa 5-10 1-1 12, Jones 2-2 0-0 4. Totals 35-73 24-26 102.

L.A. Clippers 31 15 20 23— 89

Indiana 31 23 24 24— 102

3-Point Goals—L.A. Clippers 6-22 (Butler 2-5, Griffin 1-1, Paul 1-3, Williams 1-5, Young 1-6, Bledsoe 0-1, Gomes 0-1), Indiana 8-14 (Hill 3-3, Granger 3-5, Barbosa 1-2, George 1-4). Rebounds—L.A. Clippers 53 (Griffin, Jordan 10), Indiana 46 (Granger 8). Assists—L.A. Clippers 14 (Paul 8), Indiana 19 (Hill 6). Total Fouls—L.A. Clippers 21, Indiana 23. A—14,901 (18,165).

Jazz 97, Thunder 90

OKLAHOMA CITY (90): Durant 6-22 5-6 18, Ibaka 4-10 5-8 13, Perkins 1-3 3-4 5, Westbrook 8-11 4-4 23, Sefolosha 0-1 1-2 1, Collison 3-4 0-0 6, Harden 5-11 4-6 17, Mohammed 0-1 0-0 0, Jackson 1-4 0-0 2, Cook 2-3 0-0 5, Ivey 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 30-71 22-30 90.

UTAH (97): Miles 4-11 2-2 10, Millsap 10-16 0-2 20, Jefferson 6-15 4-4 16, Harris 6-10 0-0 15, G.Hayward 3-10 4-4 11, Burks 1-6 0-0 2, Favors 1-2 5-8 7, Tinsley 5-7 0-0 11, Carroll 1-2 0-0 2, Kanter 1-1 1-2 3. Totals 38-80 16-22 97.

Oklahoma City 25 19 26 20— 90

Utah 24 28 24 21— 97

3-Point Goals—Oklahoma City 8-19 (Westbrook 3-4, Harden 3-6, Cook 1-1, Durant 1-5, Ivey 0-1, Jackson 0-2), Utah 5-10 (Harris 3-4, G.Hayward 1-2, Tinsley 1-2, Burks 0-1, Miles 0-1). Rebounds—Oklahoma City 44 (Ibaka 10), Utah 53 (Favors 9). Assists—Oklahoma City 15 (Westbrook 3), Utah 19 (Jefferson, Harris 4). Total Fouls—Oklahoma City 24, Utah 21. A—18,138 (19,911).

Times wires
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

golf

new start time, new path to pga tour

ORLANDO — PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, saying it was "time to get better," announced Tuesday sweeping changes that will end nearly 50 years of Q-school as a way to get to golf's biggest tour.

The policy board approved two significant components to the overhaul: the PGA Tour season will start in October; and the developmental Nationwide Tour will be the primary path to get a PGA Tour card. Cards would be awarded at a three-tournament series blending Nationwide Tour and PGA Tour players.

The tour wants to make the Nationwide Tour more appealing as it searches for a new title sponsor. This is the final year of sponsorship for the Ohio-based insurance company.

Starting the official season in October — shortly after the FedEx Cup season ends — allows the tour to give more value to the tournaments now part of the Fall Series. If they are not treated like other tournaments, odds are they would not renew their sponsorship, which would eliminate some $25 million in prize money.

Starting the season in October means Q-school no longer can be an avenue to the PGA Tour. Instead, Q-school will award cards for only the Nationwide Tour.

Finchem offered only a skeleton of the plan:

After the FedEx Cup regular season ends in August 2013, the tour will take the top 75 players from the Nationwide Tour money list, along with players who finished Nos. 126 through 200 on the PGA Tour money list, and have them play three tournaments. The top 50 will receive cards for the following season.

Finchem said research shows players who spent a year on the Nationwide Tour are more equipped for the rigors of travel than someone who gets hot for six rounds and gets a card. He also said an average 1.4 players go from college to Q-school and get their cards.

autos

Johnson crew chief wins appeal

NASCAR's chief appellate officer overturned the bulk of the penalties levied against five-time championship winning crew chief Chad Knaus, who still must pay a $100,000 fine because Jimmie Johnson's car failed the opening day inspection of the Daytona 500.

Chief appellate officer John Middlebrook overturned the six-race suspension NASCAR handed down to Knaus and car chief Ron Malec, and ruled both instead will be on probation through May 9.

Middlebrook also reinstated the 25 points Johnson had been docked. The decision moves Johnson to 11th in the Sprint Cup standings heading into Sunday's race at California.

"It's been a tough 30 days," Knaus said. "It's not about vindication. It's time to move on."

Johnson, who earned his first career victory at California in 2002, was told by Knaus via text message about the ruling.

"I'm glad this is over; now it's on to Cali," he posted on Twitter.

Knaus and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick have maintained the No. 48 Chevrolet was not illegal when it was presented for inspection Feb. 17 at Daytona. NASCAR used a visual inspection to determine the sheet metal between the roof and the side windows had been illegally modified to give Johnson an aerodynamic advantage.

tennis

22-year-old wins in return from illness

Alisa Kleybanova won the first match she has played since being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in May at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne.

The 248th-ranked Kleybanova, who received a wild card into the tournament, dropped the first set to Johanna Larsson before rebounding to secure a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory.

"It's amazing but it's not just about the win," she said.

It had been 10 months since Kleybanova, 22, played a professional match. She had chemotherapy treatment in Rome until December.

Tuesday's schedule featured only 12 women's first-round matches. The rest were qualifying matches.

college football

TB Thomas to transfer from Georgia

Georgia tailback Carlton Thomas has decided to transfer.

Bulldogs coach Mark Richt announced Thomas has decided to switch schools for his senior season. Richt said he and Thomas discussed the decision and that he wishes him the best.

A native of Frostproof, Thomas has played in 27 career games including two starts. His career totals include 159 carries for 725 yards and four touchdowns.

Northern Illinois: Linebacker Jamaal Bass has been indicted in Ohio on a felonious assault charge on allegations he intentionally ran into the Toledo marching band, knocking down a member, as he took the field when the teams played in November. The Lucas County grand jury on Friday also indicted the redshirt freshman from Miramar on a misdemeanor assault charge. Bass was suspended after the game. Northern Illinois says he is still in school and his status with the team hasn't changed.

et cetera

Doping: Spanish police have detained 10 people involved in an international doping network involving cycling and athletics. Catalan regional police Mossos d'Esquadra, working alongside national police, said in a statement it "dismantled a criminal network" that had provided performance-enhancing drugs such as EPO to athletes who had tested positive at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 Spanish Vuelta, among other competitions.

Times wires

By Jim Tomlin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Indy Lights

The primary feeder series for IndyCar. They're slightly smaller and not quite as powerful (about 420 horsepower as opposed to about 700 for IndyCars) and they run on unleaded gasoline as opposed to the ethanol that IndyCar uses. This weekend opens the 12-race slate.

Star Mazda series

An open-wheel series, these cars are another step on the IndyCar ladder, just below Indy Lights, as part of IndyCar's "Road to Indy" program. The Mazda engines produce about 250 horsepower. The series has 17 events slated for this season and opens with two races this weekend.

USF2000

An entry-level open-wheel series under the sanction of IndyCar. These cars produce about 170 horsepower. Star Mazda is the next step up for these drivers and teams. The series opened its 13-race season last weekend at Sebring with two races; Matthew Brabham won the first and Spencer Pigot the second.

World Challenge

A sportscar series with three classes: Grand Touring, Grand Touring Sport and Touring Car (which also has a B spec category). The GTs and GTSs put out up to 525 horsepower and are versions of stock sedans and coupes. The TCs are smaller, compact or touring-type cars that have about 180-260 horsepower. This is the season opener and the first of eight weekends for the series.

Ferrari Challenge

A new addition to the St. Petersburg calendar, these sportscars, called 458 Challenge cars, are built just for this series. The series is not open to pro drivers. This is the first of eight weekends on the series schedule.

Times staff

By Peter Couture, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Now that Peyton Manning has signed with the Broncos, the buzz in the NFL centers on Tim Tebow. Will Denver trade Tebow to his hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars? Maybe the Miami Dolphins?

Both teams need to put fans in the seats, and Gator Nation would be sure to turn out for its favorite son.

There's even a school of thought that says the best fit for Tebow would be New England, where the Hooded One is seen as the only person who could turn him into some type of hybrid weapon to compliment Tom Brady.

As intriguing as I find that prospect, there's only one place I think that Tewbowmania can be resurrected:

Tampa Bay.

I know, the Bucs aren't interested. But I'm talking about a deal with the … Rays.

This could be a marriage made in, well, heaven.

Let's set aside, for a moment, whether Tebow can actually play baseball. (Details, details!)

For the Rays, it's a marketer's dream. Tebow becomes an instant goodwill ambassador. Just imagine him, muscles straining the fabric of his baseball uniform, asking you — politely — in TV commercials to support HIS Rays. Think of the promotions at the Trop. A bobblehead of a Tebowing Tim is sure to send eBay stock soaring. Maybe all of those empty seats will morph into fans wearing orange and blue.

Maybe Tebow could even persuade Hillsborough fans to walk on water, well, at least cross the Howard Frankland.

Then there's baseball. Tebow last played in high school. In 2010, he offered a glimpse of his potential when he took batting practice with a prep team in Memphis. Tebow smacked 12 homers on 15 pitches. "The kids were just awed by how far he hit the ball," Tebow's agent, Jimmy Sexton told the Memphis Commercial-Appeal.

Hmm, I envision him as a power-hitting first baseman.

Of course, the Rays know that Tebow would be a project, but that's something the much-maligned quarterback is used to since being drafted by Denver. Still, it instantly livens up spring training and those late-season call-ups. Just imagine him as a pinch-runner on a close play at the plate. (Heck, just imagine him on date nights with the Zobrists.)

Sure, he might never rise above the low minors, but the Rays could pitch a Tebow reality show to HBO while he's putting his faith to the test. (My suggestion for a title: At First, Timothy.) After all, remember the publicity garnered by the White Sox from minor-leaguer Michael Jordan?

Last year, Tim Kurkjian of ESPN mused that Tebow would be a better fit for baseball because his physical idiosyncrasies wouldn't be a liability: "Baseball allows its players to throw a ball, catch a ball, swing a bat and run whatever way they like, no matter how unconventional, inartistic or ridiculous it might be or look, as long as it works."

Rays fans who've seen Johnny Damon play the outfield can attest to that wisdom.

On Tuesday, ESPN reported that the minor-league Lake Elsinore Storm, a Padres (!) affiliate, is pursuing Tebow.

Time to step up to the plate, Rays. And it might help to bow down and Tebow, too.

By Captain Matthew Santiago
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Migratory species moving. It's one of my favorite times of the year again and the fishing gods must be in a good mood because they sent us some great fishing targets ahead of schedule. Tarpon, kingfish, and cobia are three of my favorite to catch and all three have already started to show up much earlier than expected. Thanks to the warm weather and influx of bait, these three pelagics are definitely moving in to our area's beaches and bays.

Tarpon Time. Don't expect to get out there this week and hook 10 to 20 tarpon a day like it's May or June, but those who are willing to put some time in for a day will definitely be rewarded with a handful of hook-ups. Focus your efforts around the Skyway Bridge and the rock piles and wrecks to the east and west of the bridge. The bait of choice is definitely big threadfin herring or menhaden, but large scaled sardines will work as well. Work all levels of the water column with live and dead bait until you get on a pattern, and be ready for the most exciting fight of any inshore species. The tarpon I have caught over the past two weeks have been between 80 and 140 pounds, so make sure you eat your Wheaties and be ready to battle.

Cobia and Butterflies. Butterflies are a great indicator to the start of our annual cobia run. Butterflies are flying all over the bay right now, and the cobia have begun to move into our waters as well. The best way to get your early season cobia fix is to simply stop at as many markers and buoys as you can while out on the water. Scan the surface around them, and look down any rope or chain attached. A well placed live bait or artificial eel should do the trick.

Kingfish. Of all three species, the kingfish is probably the one most abundant right now. On my last offshore trip we spent only about an hour targeting kingfish and hooked seven of them. They have been ranging in size from 5 to 25 pounds, but there are definitely some big "smokers" out there as well. The shipping channels and rock piles have been producing well, but your eyes are one of your most valuable tools you have to locate kings. Look out for big schools of bait being pushed up to the surface.

Matt Santiago can be reached at (813) 205-2327 or CaptainMattSantiago@gmail.com or online at FishingGuideTampa.com.

By Jim Tomlin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Dan Wheldon was fussy.

He was cocky and bold. He was precocious and determined.

He was a champion and a mentor.

He was a man who greatly enjoyed winning his first Indianapolis 500. He was wholly devoted to his wife Susie and two sons. And they, a major part of his maturation, were with him for his second Indy 500 victory just 10 months ago.

He was a much-loved figure in the series and in his adopted St. Petersburg community, toning down that cockiness yet losing none of the confidence a top-flight racing driver simply must have.

That's part of the picture that emerges when several of Wheldon's closest friends in racing talk about him. Those who knew him well will, of course, recall with sadness Wheldon's death in October's IndyCar event at Las Vegas at age 33. Those same people also can't help but reveal their affection for the man called "little brother" by his old teammates. These are the people who can't help but smile when they think of the memories.

They are the ones who return this weekend to Dan's adopted city to compete in this weekend's Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg — the home of the newly renamed Dan Wheldon Way in Turn 10.

Dario Franchitti

Franchitti was Wheldon's teammate at Andretti Green in 2003-05 and replaced him at Chip Ganassi Racing in 2009.

"I knew Dan since he was 6 years old. When I was racing carts his dad Clive would take him to the track and Clive raced in the senior classes. He would bring Dan along as just a little 6-year-old, jumped in (Clive's) cart and drove the wheels off it. Him and Marino, my little brother, were friends throughout their whole lives. When they were teenagers they used to get in trouble together. …

"We picked on him mercilessly (at Andretti Green). We really did. It was three against one. It wasn't fair. We'd do whatever we could to get a rise out of him. And he made the mistake of reacting. … We would just give him such a hard time whether it was wrecking his hotel rooms or any of those things. He was so particular about every aspect. At Indy, unpacking his bag and throwing everything everywhere. He'd come in and have to pack it all back up before he'd get in his car to practice. …

"He reminds me very much of my friend Greg Moore (who died in a crash during the 1999 CART season finale). He had that same thing, he'd walk in a room and the room would just light up. Just this ball of energy. Dan was like that."

Scott Dixon

Dixon was Wheldon's teammate at Chip Ganassi Racing in 2006-08 and says they were not friends at first. But by last year when Wheldon did not race in St. Petersburg, he hung out in Dixon's pit stall on Saturday.

"I remember the first year, 2006, we went out one of the nights during the month of May and that's kind of when we made the transition of becoming good friends. We were both very different. I was very quiet and didn't talk much. Dan, as everybody knows, was a big personality. So it took a little bit for us to mesh. … At the end we worked seamlessly. I think both of us were smart enough to work out that it's better to work together and try and create the same goal and make the team better and ultimately the results will be better.

"The way to sum Dan up is, if I had a good weekend and maybe won the race and he had a crappy weekend, he'd be the first person in victory circle. There's lots of good memories. Lots that I can't even talk about."

Tony Kanaan

Kanaan was teammates with Wheldon at Andretti Green Racing from 2003-05.

"He was always asking questions. That's probably one of the things that made him great.

"When he used to get nervous or lie he started to blink a lot and grab his nose. We'd see that and we'd ask him, 'Come on Dan. Be honest now.' (And) he had more hair products than any girl I ever met in my life.

"Our most memorable moment had to be in St. Petersburg when we went 1-2-3-4 (as a team in 2005).

"I knew right away he was going to be a champion."

Graham Rahal

Rahal raced against Wheldon the past four seasons. He also spearheaded the effort to hold an auction for Wheldon's family — an effort started with a Twitter post just hours after the aborted Las Vegas race.

"Obviously he was very funny and fun overall guy. … The thing I appreciated most about him was actually in Vegas (last year) he came to my foundation go-cart race and had a good time with us. That was actually probably the last time I really spent any sort of time with him. He was always a very generous guy, always more than willing to help out and give you advice.

"We just had a good time (at Rahal's Las Vegas charity event). … It was nice for him to come. We ask a lot of drivers, and we got very few that actually showed up. He was one of them who stood up and said he'd be there, and I appreciated that."

Bryan Herta

Herta was teammates with Wheldon at Andretti Green from 2003-05 and now owns Bryan Herta Autosport, the team Wheldon drove for in winning last year's Indianapolis 500.

"(On first impression) He was a brash, cocky kid. He knew how good he was, but we didn't yet. He was there for one reason — he was there to win races. Dario said it best: He was the little brother none of us wanted. He really was. Yet we had all grown so close. He had matured and changed and evolved so much as a person in so many positive ways. He really became, even though he was still our little brother, somebody that we all looked up to."

"When he agreed to drive for my team it was a great show of faith and confidence because we'd only run one Indy 500 with a rookie driver and frankly we barely qualified for the race. And here's a guy who was a former winner and had finished second three years running who agreed to drive for our team. And he didn't make any specific demands … the only thing he kept asking was, 'We're going to have a fast car, right?' We felt like we owed it to him to give him a fast car because we knew what he would do with it if we did. And luckily our amazing group of guys were able to give him a good car and Dan did what probably only Dan could have done: Go out and win with it."

Times staff writer Matt Baker contributed to this story.

Associated Press
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton was suspended without pay for the 2012 season by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was banned indefinitely on Wednesday because of the team's bounty program that targeted opposing players.

Handing down sweeping and serious punishment for a system that paid out thousands of dollars when hits knocked specific opponents out of games, Goodell also suspended Saints general manager Mickey Loomis for the first eight regular-season games next season, and assistant coach Joe Vitt for the first six games.

In addition, Goodell fined the Saints $500,000 and took away their second-round draft picks this year and next.

After the NFL first made its investigation public on March 2, Williams admitted to — and apologized for — running the program as the Saints' defensive coordinator from 2009-11. He was hired by the St. Louis Rams this offseason.

Goodell will review Williams' status after the upcoming season and decide whether he can return to the league.

The Saints now must decide who will coach the team while Payton is barred, his suspension is effective April 1, and who will make roster moves while Loomis is out. After the NFL made clear that punishments were looming, Payton and Loomis took the blame for violations that they acknowledged "happened under our watch" and said Saints owner Tom Benson "had nothing to do" with the bounty pool, which reached as much as $50,000 in 2009, the season the Saints won the Super Bowl.

The NFL said payoffs went to 22 to 27 defensive players for inflicting game-ending injuries on targeted opponents, including quarterbacks Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. "Knockouts" were worth $1,500 and "cart-offs" $1,000, with payments doubled or tripled for the playoffs.

All payouts for specific performances in a game, including interceptions or causing fumbles, are against NFL rules. The NFL warns teams against such practices before each season, although in the aftermath of the revelations about the Saints, current and former players from various teams talked about that sort of thing happening frequently — although not on the same scale as the NFL found in New Orleans.

Punishment for any Saints players involved will be determined later, because the league is still reviewing the case with the NFL Players Association.

So far, though, the discipline for the Saints' involvement in the bounty scheme is more far-reaching than what Goodell did in 2007, when the NFL came down on the New England Patriots for illegally videotaping an opponent. Goodell fined the Patriots $250,000, stripped a first-round draft pick, and docked their coach, Bill Belichick, $500,000 for what was known as "Spygate."

Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Saints coach Sean Payton without pay for next season and former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams indefinitely without pay on Wednesday for a bounty system that targeted opposing players.

He also suspended Saints general manager Mickey Loomis for eight games next season, assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Vitt for six and fined the Saints $500,000 and took away second-round draft picks for this year and next.

Goodell asked DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the union, for recommendations on discipline of players, the Washington Post reported.

"We are all accountable and responsible for player health and safety and the integrity of the game," said Goodell, whose league faces several concussion-related lawsuits brought by former players. "We will not tolerate conduct or a culture that undermines those priorities."

Payton is the first head coach suspended by the league. He will lose $7.5 million, ESPN reported. According to the league, he ignored orders from it and Saints owner Tom Benson to end the bounty program.

As recently as this year, Payton said he was unaware of it. But according to the league, he received an email before last season's opener that read, "PS Greg Williams put me down for $5000 on Rogers." When Payton was shown it, he acknowledged it referred to a bounty on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Payton and Loomis were not available for comment, but the team apologized via a statement that invoked Hurricane Katrina.

"We are humbled by the support our organization has received from our fans today," it read. "And we ask them to continue to stand with us, as they have done in the past when both our team and our city have overcome greater adversities."

Quarterback Drew Brees tweeted, "I am speechless. … I need to hear an explanation for this punishment."

The Saints must decide who will coach in Payton's place — his suspension takes effect April 1 — and who will make roster moves while Loomis is out. Two coaching candidates are defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Spagnuolo has NFL head coaching experience; Carmichael does not but has been with the club since 2006.

Williams, whose status will be reviewed after the season, previously admitted to running the program. The Rams, who hired him as defensive coordinator in January, said they will use a committee to replace him.

"I will do everything possible to re-earn the respect of my colleagues, the NFL and its players in hopes of returning to coaching," Williams said.

The NFL said targets included quarterbacks Cam Newton, Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. "Knockouts" paid $1,500, "cart-offs" $1,000. Payments doubled or tripled for the playoffs. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma offered $10,000 for knocking Favre, then with the Vikings, out of the January 2010 NFC title game.

Vitt was aware of the program and, according to the league, admitted he "fabricated the truth" when interviewed. Loomis knew at least by February 2010, when he was told by the league to end it. The league said he later admitted he didn't do enough.

Some who played for Williams with the Redskins and Bills said he oversaw bounty programs there. But the league said it didn't find evidence with either.

The Saints are the fourth team since 1980 to lose draft picks as punishment. The 49ers (2000) lost a third- and fifth-rounder and the Broncos (2004) a third-rounder for a salary cap violations. In 2008, the Patriots lost a first-rounder, were fined $250,000 and coach Bill Belichick fined $500,000 for videotaping opponents' signals.

Sean Payton, coach

Suspended without pay for 2012 season

Gregg Williams (right), former defensive coordinator

Suspended without pay indefinitely; league will review his status after the upcoming season

Mickey Loomis, general manager

Suspended for eight regular-season games

Joe Vitt, assistant head coach/linebackers coach

Suspended for six regular-season games

Team Penalties

Fined $500,000; lost second-round draft picks in 2012 and 2013

Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

NEW YORK — Tebowmania appears headed to Broadway.

Quarterback Tim Tebow was traded Wednesday to the Jets from the Broncos. Denver general manager Brian Xanders said the Broncos would receive fourth- and sixth-round draft picks, while New York gets a seventh-rounder — all in 2012.

Denver started shopping Tebow after signing Peyton Manning on Tuesday.

But ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the trade might run into a problem because of a salary advance in Tebow's contract that involves a balance of $5 million. The teams are negotiating over who's responsible for that money. If a deal isn't worked to the Jets' satisfaction, Schefter reports the Rams might be interested in acquiring Tebow.

Even though Tebow led the Broncos to the playoffs last season — along the way beating Sanchez and the Jets, who missed the postseason — Denver executive John Elway believed Manning gave the team a better chance at winning a championship now.

If he goes to New York, Tebow is expected to complement starter Mark Sanchez, who received a $40.5 million contract extension, with $20.5 million guaranteed, earlier this month. The Jets also had pursued Manning.

Tebow has a flock of fervent fans for reasons that have to do as much with his faith as his football skills. A devout Christian, he's been a role model since his days at Florida, when he led the Gators to two national titles and captured the Heisman Trophy.

Many of them were upset when Elway lured Manning to Denver following his release by the Indianapolis Colts, and Tebow's popular No. 15 Broncos jerseys were snatched up at 50 percent discounts following Manning's decision to come to Denver

Elway and Broncos coach John Fox called Tebow on Monday night to tell him it was possible he would be traded.

"I'm sure he was disappointed," Elway said Tuesday. "He didn't come out and say he was disappointed. I think it was a typical Tim Tebow response in the fact that he was very positive, and he said, 'Well, we're talking about Peyton Manning, and I understand exactly what you're doing.' "

Elway said he wanted to do right by Tebow, who took over a 1-4 team and led the Broncos to the AFC West title and a playoff win over Pittsburgh.

"It would be our goal to get him in the best situation possible for him to have success also," Elway said.

The trade to the Jets first was reported by Fox Sports.

Tebow's base salaries for the next few seasons are very cap friendly: $1.942 million in 2012, $2.266 million in 2013 and $2.590 million in 2014.

Although the unorthodox QB energized the Broncos with a series of fourth-quarter comebacks last season, Tebow's messy mechanics and flawed footwork led to accuracy issues. And with his eagerness to run, he's hardly the prototypical pocket passer.

The Broncos changed their offense midseason to fit his unique skill set, dusting off the option offense, and it revitalized them as they soared to the top of the NFL rushing charts. But their passing game remained stuck in neutral as Tebow completed just 46 percent of his throws.

Tebow's days were numbered in Denver when Manning chose the Broncos as his next destination. They are two entirely different quarterbacks and it made little sense to keep Tebow as a backup because the Broncos were going to have a vastly different offense under Manning, one of the most precise passers in league history.

Tebow's skills fit much better behind Sanchez, who has many of the same traits.

Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

NEW YORK — After a false start, the Jets acquired quarterback Tim Tebow from the Broncos on Wednesday.

The trade — New York also gets a seventh-round pick in April while sending Denver a fourth- and sixth-round pick — first was announced Wednesday afternoon. But it was held up by language in Tebow's contract.

During the almost eight hours in between, Jacksonville, near Tebow's hometown of Ponte Vedra, tried but failed to acquire him.

"Jacksonville will always be a special place for me," Tebow said. "But I'm so excited to be a Jet. I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to develop."

New York general manager Mike Tannenbaum said Tebow will be the backup.

"Mark Sanchez is, has been and will be our starting quarterback," he said. "We're adding Tim to be our backup and be used in other packages."

Cornerback Antonio Cromar­tie, via Twitter, backed Sanchez, who recently signed a three-year, $40.5 million extension ($20.5 million guaranteed).

"Y bring Tebow in when we need to bring in more Weapons for @Mark—Sanchez," the ex-Florida State star tweeted. "Let's build the team around him"

Joe Namath, who led the Jets to their only Super Bowl title in 1969, agreed.

"I just think it's a publicity stunt," the Hall of Fame quarterback told ESPN Radio in New York. "And I'm a Tim Tebow fan! But I'm a bigger Jet fan than I am a Tim Tebow fan. I think Sanchez should be angry."

Analysts have questioned Tebow's passing ability, but he could add a dimension to the Jets offense. That includes the wildcat, which new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano ran while Dolphins coach.

Tebow already was popular in and out of the sports world because of his career, character and faith at Florida, during which he won a Heisman and two national titles. His popularity exploded last season.

At 1-4, the Broncos put him in for Kyle Orton. He went 7-4, including several comeback wins, and led them to the AFC West title and an overtime playoff victory over Pittsburgh.

Denver began shopping Tebow after signing Peyton Manning.

"I understand what the Broncos are going through," Tebow said. "There are not many times you have times to sign someone like Peyton Manning."

Denver executive John Elway praised Tebow.

"I know the last two weeks were not easy," he said. "He was put in a difficult situation, and I commend him for how he handled it with the same first-class manner he displayed in Denver."

As part of Tebow's contract, a $6.277 million advance was due 29 days after the start of the 2011 league year. That was paid in full in August. The trade stalled over the prorated money, about $5 million, of that clause. (The teams agreed to split it.)

The delay allowed Jacksonville to get back into the hunt.

"We have a duty to consider all avenues of improving the Jaguars … especially given the unique circumstances involving the player," owner Shad Khan said. "Our commitment to developing (2011 first-round pick) Blaine Gabbert was, and still is, central to our goal of returning the Jaguars to elite status in the NFL. We're looking ahead with zero regrets."

The Jaguars offered a fourth-round pick and to pay all of the $5 million, ESPN.com reported.

Sanchez was not available for comment. But Tuesday, he spoke highly of Tebow.

"I think Peyton is going to do great, and I think Tim is going to do great no matter what happens," Sanchez said on Fox Sports Radio in Los Angeles. "He can learn from one of the best quarterbacks to ever play or he moves on somewhere else and uses his skills at another ball club. He definitely has talent."

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

TAMPA — Eight seconds.

It's roughly the amount of time it takes to tie one's shoe, or read a few sentences. But for bull riders, it can mean the difference between completing a treacherous ride or being unceremoniously slammed to the ground by a 2,000-pound animal with horns that is none too pleased having a human with spurs on its back.

"It's dangerous, to say the least," Hall of Fame rider Don Gay said. "It's the ultimate battle between man and beast."

And no one tamed the beast better than Gay. The Texas native holds a record eight world championships and was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979. But even the best was dinged up plenty of times in his career.

"It's not a question of if you're going to get hurt," Gay said. "It's when and how bad will it be?"

Gay has had four knee surgeries, a torn groin, a shoulder operation, broken fingers and ribs and what he flippantly referred to as "a little broken neck."

"It was a little scary but I just fractured some of the bones," he said. "I put on a neck collar and kept riding."

Bull riding will be the featured event when the Florida State Fairgrounds hosts the two-day Tampa Bay Pro Rodeo at the Expo Hall beginning tonight. The event, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, will also feature steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing and bareback riding. The rodeo is a joint effort between the Florida State Fair Authority and the Texas-based Frontier Rodeo Co.

"There's something for everyone," Gay said. "You don't have to be an expert on rodeo to come out and enjoy the show."

Florida State Fairgrounds Media and Public Relations director Scott Merselis said getting the Expo Hall ready for a rodeo of this size is quite an undertaking.

"They started bringing in the clay Tuesday and we'll be putting bleachers in on both sides of the grounds. "A lot of work is going into it."

To prepare the surface of the arena, workers put in an oval-shaped border. They then laid down clay, followed by Visqueen, sand and, finally, more clay. Chutes for the bulls and horses also have to be put in place.

"We are expecting a good crowd," Merselis said.

Gay thinks the extra effort will pay off for fans. He called the Expo Hall "a perfect facility" to showcase both the pageantry and thrill of professional rodeo.

"It's two hours of family-friendly entertainment that isn't R-rated," he said. "You can come out and see who real cowboys are and what they're all about and meet them afterwards for autographs. It's a family experience."

Although bull riding is the headliner, other competitions such as calf roping will feature some local participants.

"I started doing this as a kid with my father," said Balm resident Clay Banks, 35. "I compete in about eight to 10 of these during the year around the state."

Mike Wetzel of Plant City, who will also compete in calf roping, had a chance to meet Gay while attending one of his bull riding schools as a teenager.

"He's an eight-time world champion so as you can imagine, there were a lot of starstruck high school kids running around his camp," Wetzel said. "I eventually moved to roping because I love horses and it was a way to keep my competitive spirit and have fun at the same time."

There will also be stick riding for children in addition to the competitions and exhibits. The program, designed to promote rodeo among the youth, allows kids to get down on the competition surface and interact with the animals, in addition to riding sticks instead of bulls and horses.

"The kids get to ride the stick bulls just like all the rodeo events," Gay said. "They get to kick around in the dirt and have fun with all the animals. Kids love it."

The rodeo may have something for everyone but the highlight is the final event of the evening: bull riding.

"It is the most exciting part of the rodeo," Gay said.

And also the most dangerous. When Gay rode in the '70s and '80s the only protection riders had was a Stetson. Now, because of some catastrophic injuries and even deaths, most all riders wear a vest and helmet.

"I tell people I never wore a helmet or vest because I spent more time on top of the bulls than underneath them," Gay said. "How you deal with the pain is a big part of the sport."

Gay began his rodeo career shortly after graduating high school. He estimated riding on average between three to five times a week for the majority of his career. Back then, prize money wasn't what it is today and riders traveled from rodeo to rodeo just to pay for expenses for the next event. Gay said he has ridden in as many as five rodeos in one day.

"To me, if I was lying around hurt I wasn't out making money," he said. "If you're not confined to a bed, you're not really hurt. No one gets out of this sport unscathed."

Gay said learning to block out fear is paramount.

"There is a huge fear factor. Everyone is a pretty good boxer if they don't have to worry about getting hit back," he said. "There are no bunny slopes and no batting cages in rodeo. You have to just get out there and do it."

And Gay, an avid pilot, said he is perfectly happy working for the rodeo now rather than being in it. He has done everything from announcing to national television work to promotions and left the sport with a record not likely to be broken anytime soon.

"All I ever wanted to do was fly planes and ride bulls," Gay said. "I feel like I've been on vacation since high school ended."

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

By Robert McCue, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

What's hot: With daylight now increasing and the water temperatures consistently above 70 degrees, tarpon are showing up at their typical spring haunts. Adult tarpon visit our waters as part of their spawning cycle. Early in the reproduction stage, they need protein and oil for the energy required of the rigors of spawning. For now, tarpon tend to stay in deeper waters. That serves as insulation for the neo-tropical species during the cool fronts that will continue to pass through our area over the next few weeks. By combining a food source and deeper water, I have had success with tarpon for several weeks.

Tips: There are many miles of bridges in the bay area. Most offer some relief in depth, and nearly all hold bait at day and night. While the fish do not roll often at this time of year, they are there. New moon tides this week will create excellent flushes of bait through bridge pilings. Lazy by nature, tarpon will use the eddies created by the structure to rise for an easy snack.

Robert McCue can be reached toll-free at 1-800-833-0489 and GiantTarpon.com.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — With less than two weeks left in spring training, manager Joe Maddon is running out of time to get his starting players on the field together for a preferred 10-game stretch.

CF B.J. Upton was scratched from Wednesday's lineup and won't play today after a setback in his recovery from a March 14 outfield collision. After taking swings and playing in minor-league games Tuesday, Upton had soreness in his lower back and side again Wednesday and was seen by Dr. Robert Stchur.

"I figured it would get better and it didn't," Upton said. "I don't really know what it is. We just don't know. The only thing anyone really knows is that it didn't get better."

Upton said it's "frustrating knowing you make strides and then you take a step back," but he remains confident "it's not anything serious" and that he'll be ready for the April 6 opener.

The Rays aren't as certain about SS Reid Brignac, who is expected to be out at least a few more days due to a painful plantar fascia condition in his right foot. And when he does get back on the field, Maddon said "he's still going to be impacted by it, that's that one injury that's constantly bothering you. … We'll know more in the next couple days."

GOOD PITCHING: LHP J.P. Howell had the most impressive of his five exhibition outings, retiring all five batters he faced and looking a bit like the pre-surgery Howell in doing so. "Stuff-wise it was not my best, but all around being a pitcher probably it was," he said. … RHP Kyle Farnsworth started, clocking at 95 mph and getting four outs, including a strikeout of Alex Rodriguez with a man on. … RHP Burke Badenhop also had a solid two-inning outing, including a 10-pitch walk to A-Rod. "I thought they were really good," Maddon said. … RHP Jeff Niemann worked five innings in a minor-league game, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk, striking out three.

NOT SO GOOD PITCHING: LHP Cesar Ramos and RHP Brandon Gomes, competing with Badenhop for the last bullpen spot, had rough outings. Ramos gave up the Rays' 2-0 lead in a 5-2 loss with a messy 12/3 innings, allowing three hits (two doubles) and two walks. Gomes allowed three runs in the ninth, including a Gustavo Molina homer, still working his way back from offseason back surgery. "He's not quite there yet, but I love his tenacity and how he fought through that particular inning," Maddon said.

GAME DETAILS: The Rays (5-11-3) got a massive homer by OF Matt Joyce off Yankees starter Phil Hughes that struck halfway up the hitting background beyond center. "Pin-high when it landed," Maddon said. "He was definitely putting from there." … 3B Evan Longoria's errant throw was his fourth spring error. … C Jose Molina caught all nine innings, part of the plan to prep him for extended duty.

MISCELLANY: Maddon said plans for the rest of the rotation, including the anticipated decision between Niemann and RHP Wade Davis, could come by Sunday. … Howell and OF Sam Fuld will be guest bartenders at Punta Gorda's Wyvern Hotel tonight for charity and guests on the Countdown to Opening Day radio show, 7-8 on 620-AM. … Sports Illustrated picks the Rays to win 92 games and the second AL wild card then be eliminated, again, by Texas.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Springsteen note of the day

Manager Joe Maddon can't make Friday's Bruce Springsteen show in Tampa since the Rays are playing but will settle for the next best thing, his buddy Willie Forte's B Street Band, which will play Springsteen covers before Sunday's game vs. Miami, starting at 11. Also, gigs tonight at 9 and Friday at 10:30 at the Tampa Hard Rock.

Namath note of the day

Of all the time he spent with childhood idol Joe Namath on Tuesday, manager Joe Maddon said what struck him the most was how nice Namath was. "My takeaway is genuine good guy," Maddon said. "And I think that's pretty important."

Feast of the day

Reid Brignac's family was down from Louisiana and, with help from their friends (who run Broussard Brothers Catering) and David Price's parents, prepared a feast for the team of red beans and rice, jambalaya, boudin (a sausage), bread pudding. "It was awesome," said RHP Brandon Gomes, who has a clue having attended college in New Orleans (Tulane). "Amazing. Some of the best jambalaya I've ever had."

'I'm not dumb' answer of the day

“Jaye Maddon … or Demi Moore."

Joe Maddon, on who he'd next like to bring to a game after Miami's Ozzie Guillen said he'd top Joe Namath with Gloria Estefan.

Who is this Ray?

He is a native of DeLand and lives in DeLeon Springs. He played at Oklahoma State and was a ninth-round pick by Cleveland. He signed as a free agent.

Rays at Pirates

When/where: 1:05 today; McKechnie Field, 1611 Ninth St. W, Bradenton.

Tickets: Reserved seats $10-$22. Available through pirates.com, calling 1-877-893-2827, at box office.

Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)

Pitchers: Rays — James Shields, relievers TBA; Pirates — Jeff Karstens, Jason Grilli, Tony Watson, Daniel Moskos

Heads-up

1B Carlos Peña, 2B Ben Zobrist and OFs Sam Fuld and Desmond Jennings are on the travel squad for today's game.

On deck

Friday: vs. Jays, 7:05 p.m. Rays — David Price; Jays — Brett Cecil

Saturday: at Twins, 3:05 p.m. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson; Twins — Jason Marquis

Sunday: vs. Marlins, 1:05 p.m. Rays — Wade Davis; Marlins — TBA

Upcoming schedule

All games 1:05 unless noted

March

26: at Twins

27: at Red Sox (1:35)

28: Pirates (7:05)

29: at Phillies

30: at Pirates

31: Red Sox

April

1: at Orioles

2: Twins*

3: at Twins

4: vs. Future Rays, 1:40 , at Trop.

* Value game, $2 off

Who is this answer: DH Luke Scott

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer