By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Tampa Bay Rays moved pitcher Matt Bush off the 40-man roster and onto the restricted list today. Bush remains jailed on DUI charges related to the March 22 SUV accident. The Rays now can add a player to the roster.
By Michael Kruse, Times Staff Writer
Friday, March 30, 2012
PORT CHARLOTTE — Was there a second man in the sport utility vehicle in the wreck last week that left a motorcyclist grievously injured and Rays minor-league pitcher Matt Bush in jail?
Yes, suggests the owner of the sports bar and strip club Bush was kicked out of twice that day.
No, says a main witness.
Bush's attorney?
"Interesting," Russell Kirshy of Port Charlotte said Friday.
And the daughter-in-law of Port Charlotte's Tony Tufano, 72, who has a broken wrist, broken bones in his back and broken ribs that make breathing difficult?
"Hopefully, this person would come forward and be able to shed some light on what happened," Shannon Moore said. "I would like to know. Who is it?"
Here's what's known: Just after 5 p.m. on March 22, the black Dodge Durango crashed into the back of the Harley-Davidson on U.S. 41 about 500 feet south of the bar. Bush, 26, was arrested just before 6 p.m. after getting pulled over in a North Port neighborhood 3 miles away.
He was the only person in the SUV at that time.
He told Florida Highway Patrol troopers he had been shopping in Sarasota earlier and "stopped and bought a few." His blood-alcohol content was .180 and .171 — both twice the limit at which Florida considers a driver impaired. He didn't remember seeing or hitting Tufano.
Bush is charged with DUI with serious bodily injury, DUI with property damage, leaving the scene, driving with a suspended license and careless driving and is being held in Charlotte County Jail on $1.015 million bail. An arraignment is scheduled for May 21.
The events leading up to the accident are more muddled.
Sometime after 4 p.m., Bush and a black man walked into the sports bar portion of the Emerald City Gentlemen's Club, owner Kipp Whaley and bartender Shane Pointon said.
Whaley described Bush's companion as "a fit, good-sized guy," who looked to be in his 30s.
Bush "wasn't stumbling-around drunk," said Whaley, but "he had too much energy, and he was rowdy." Bush's companion ordered two double shots of Patron tequila and paid $32.
In the time it took him to prepare the drinks, Pointon said, Bush grabbed a dancer near a small stage and dropped her to the floor. Pointon told the men to leave. Whaley watched them get into the Durango.
They came back "20 to 25 minutes later, maybe," Whaley said. Pointon told them they still weren't welcome. Bush "flared up like a rooster," Pointon said, and got into an argument with a customer. He then dragged a dancer to the ground and threw a bag of peppermints at her. She threw one of her shoes at him.
Whaley watched them leave again. Did they get in the car together? Who was driving?
"I can't remember," he said.
Scott Sugden of St. Petersburg, who was driving south on U.S. 41, saw the Durango pull out of the parking lot. The Durango tried to cut around another car, he said, an aggressive maneuver that caught his attention. The front windows were down. Sugden saw just one man inside.
"This was a white male," he said. "I'm 100 percent sure. I stared right at him."
The Durango pulled out behind Sugden in the center lane. Tufano was in front of him. They crossed State Road 776. Sugden saw Tufano's motorcycle move into the left lane. He saw in his rearview mirror the Durango move into the left lane, speed up and smash into the back of the motorcycle without slowing.
The impact "snapped" Tufano's head back, Sugden said, and sent him to the pavement, where the Durango's rear right wheel ran over his helmeted head.
Tufano is no longer in an induced coma and was coherent Friday, Moore said, but he had trouble identifying family.
Who, she wondered, was the man with Bush?
"Somebody probably knows," Moore said. "Does he know anything?"
Was it another Rays player?
"No idea," Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn said via email.
Kirshy has met with Bush several times over the past week and said Bush hasn't mentioned another man. But now Kirshy is going to ask him about it.
"A lot of it will depend on whether they identify the person," Kirshy said. "It may turn out to be critical. It may not."
A key question: Did the accident happen after the men left the first time or the second time? Whaley noticed a dent in the Durango's front right fender when they returned. But that could have happened when Bush says he hit a pole in Sarasota.
Emerald City has surveillance cameras inside, but they weren't on that day, Whaley said.
"It's possible they left and got into the accident and came back," Whaley said. "I'm not positive because I don't know the times.
"Whatever happened here was not a big deal," he said. "What happened down the street was a big deal."
Staff writer Joe Smith and news researcher Natalie Watson contributed to this report. Michael Kruse can be reached at mkruse@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8751.
By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Friday, March 30, 2012
NEW ORLEANS
Jared Sullinger is a star. Currently, he is on a big stage. He is one step away from validation, two away from vindication.
How much would you pay for that?
His is the face of Ohio State basketball. The hope, too. He is an All-American, again. He is a force, still.
And what's the price tag on that?
How much for another year? How much for putting the NBA on hold? How much for spring afternoons on campus for college games or big games against the Big Ten or a run through the NCAA Tournament? How much for a trip to the Final Four?
In a way, Sullinger got off cheap. It only cost him, oh, $5 million or so.
The sophomore could be rich by now, you know. He could be in the NBA, with Cleveland, maybe Toronto, where the money would be good and the expectations would be kinder. Most analysts seem to agree that if Sullinger had entered last year's NBA draft, he would have been a top-five pick, which pretty much turns a guy's life into parties and parades. Given the risk of injury, who says no to that?
Sullinger, for one.
"I wanted to make a statement that not everyone is using college basketball as a pit stop to go to the next level," Sullinger said Friday. "There is more than money and endorsements. There's championships that you have to win at every level. I've won a championship all the way from elementary (school) to now. I pride myself on winning. That's why I came back."
And here he is. After uneven moments, after unrealistic expectations, after constant criticism, after good moments and bad, Sullinger and his Buckeyes still have a chance to cut another set of nets.
Financially, there will be some who will always question Sullinger's decision. Who walks away from millions? But he wouldn't have the huge Mardi Gras beads around his neck. He wouldn't have been able to reach over and tickle the back of teammate William Buford's neck during an interview. He wouldn't have … this.
"It's helped him enjoy one of the greatest times of his life," Ohio State coach Thad Matta said. "College is college. It's fun. There's not a person in this room who wouldn't beg to go back to college.
"I think he's put a stamp on this program. He's going to be known as one of the all-time greatest players to wear the scarlet and gray."
For Ohio State to win, Sullinger needs to be great. More to the point, he has to be the best player on the floor against Kansas today, then against either Kentucky or Louisville on Monday night.
That's a lot to ask, because Kansas has Thomas Robinson, who Sullinger says should be the college player of the year, and Kentucky has Anthony Davis, who is the college player of the year.
For Sullinger, those have always been the expectations. As good as he has been for the Buckeyes, there are those who thought the 20-year-old from Columbus should've been better.
"I'm used to it," Sullinger said. "When you have your father telling you at an early age that you were going to be the best, and people doubt you, it's just more motivation to become who you want to become and prove everyone wrong.
"I could care less what people say. If you look at the attention I've gotten this year compared to last year, it's two different things. Last year, we had a knockdown shooter in Jon Diebler, which meant I didn't get doubled as much. It's two different dynamics. I'm living my life. If their life is dissecting me, then by all means, keep living."
At best, it has been an uneven year for Sullinger. He had back problems in December — he missed the game when Ohio State lost by 11 to Kansas — and foot problems in January. The officiating frustrated him.
Suddenly, the world seemed to fall out of love with Sullinger. Critics began to wonder if he could jump enough to play inside, if he could handle the ball well enough to play on the wing, once he got to the NBA. Instead of talking top five, the talk was about top 10. Maybe.
Ah, but have you watched Sullinger lately? In the NCAA Tournament he has had 18 points against Gonzaga, 23 against Cincinnati, 19 against Syracuse. Finally, he is the player college basketball expected him to be all along.
"I really appreciate when he's in a groove on the defensive end of the floor," teammate Aaron Craft said. "But that doesn't happen too often. So I really cherish those moments."
Craft grinned.
"I'm just kidding. He's done a great job. I think the best times when he's in a groove is when you're not noticing. The end of the game you're like, 'Wow, when did he score 26 points?' That's happened the last few games."
For Sullinger, the money can wait. The NBA, too. There is plenty of time for all of that. He has a decade to make a lot of money.
On the other hand, they are giving away a trophy on Monday night.
How much do you think guys in the NBA would pay to win that?
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, March 30, 2012
BRADENTON — C Jose Molina had a few words for LHP Matt Moore after not particularly liking what he saw in the first inning Friday. After that, Molina couldn't say enough good about the 22-year-old rookie, who worked six solid innings in a 3-3 tie with Pittsburgh.
"I felt like he wasn't pushing it," Molina said. "He was trying to get a feel for it. But I told him he has to pitch like it's in-season form. We have to get in that form, so let's go. He picked it up really well."
Moore had made only two appearances, covering just four innings, in big-league exhibitions, a result of the week he missed with an abdominal strain and a minor-league outing last week. He welcomed the 88-pitch workload, allowing one run on three hits (including a Casey McGehee homer) and pleased with his changeup but not his fastball command.
"Getting up and down six times and getting 90 pitches out of my body was nice," Moore said. "It feels like we're coming along nicely."
Moore will have one more spring outing, likely Wednesday at the Trop, then make his first start April 10 in Detroit.
NEXT Patients: RHP Jeff Niemann is the latest member of the injury list, scratched from today's start due to a blister on a finger on his right hand.
Niemann, who won the final spot in the rotation over RHP Wade Davis, isn't scheduled for his first regular-season start until April 11 or 12. The Rays say they don't expect the injury to be an issue then, though they are not certain when he will resume throwing.
"It's not awful. It's just something we want to watch to make sure it does not become awful," manager Joe Maddon said. "So that's why we backed off right now."
RHP Fernando Rodney remains "sore and swollen" from being hit on the right forearm by a line drive Wednesday. But Maddon said he would "really be surprised" if Rodney were not ready for next Friday's opener.
GAME DETAILS: The Rays (8-16-4) took a 3-1 lead on Molina's three-run double in the seventh. But RHP Burke Badenhop gave it right back, allowing a two-run homer to Matt Hague. … The game was called after nine innings because the Pirates were out of pitchers. … With Reid Brignac playing the whole game at short, Sean Rodriguez subbed at second for only the second time this spring. But Maddon said that wasn't an indication Brignac, who just returned from injury, had reclaimed the starting job. … Nonroster RHP Romulo Sanchez had another solid inning, drawing praise from Maddon.
MISCELLANY: With Niemann out, the Rays will make today a bullpen game with closer Kyle Farnsworth expected to start. … Maddon and staff will attend tonight's BaseBALL Gala in Punta Gorda benefitting the Charlotte County Boys and Girls Clubs. … The Rays went 4-0-1 vs. Pittsburgh.
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, March 30, 2012
BRADENTON — Jeff Salazar has made it to opening day in the big leagues once before, with the Diamondbacks in 2008, and marked the occasion with a pinch-hit home run.
"That," he said, "was pretty cool."
Jesus Feliciano, in 14 pro seasons, has never seen one from the field. Nor has prospect Brandon Guyer.
But with the Rays starting their season in less than a week and in need of an additional outfielder, one of the three has a good chance to be on the 25-man opening day roster. Unless, of course, the Rays come up with a better option through a waiver claim or trade.
"We are all over the map talking about this thing because it's pretty wide open," manager Joe Maddon said Friday; "trying to figure out how it best balances out vs. the right-hander and vs. the left-hander and what permits us or helps us get off to this better start."
Injuries to B.J. Upton and Sam Fuld created the need and factor into the decision on how they fill out the roster. With utilityman Elliot Johnson — or, semantically, Reid Brignac, depending on your take of their competition — seemingly getting one spot, the Rays are weighing different scenarios in filling the other.
Positionally, it seems they'd want someone who can comfortably play centerfield.
Desmond Jennings will slide from left to replace Upton. But with Fuld out, their next option in center would be Johnson, who has not looked smooth tracking balls this spring, or Ben Zobrist. And with Jennings nursing a sore shoulder — and cold-weather games looming at Detroit and Boston — they are likely to need some innings covered.
All three candidates can play center, Salazar and Feliciano having extensive minor-league experience. Some among the Rays say Feliciano has looked better. Others say Salazar.
Strategically, it seems they'd prefer a right-handed hitter (like Upton), which could benefit Guyer, who was optioned to Triple A on March 18 but can be brought back. Feliciano and Salazar are both lefty swingers, and the lineup is already a bit left-hand heavy with Matt Joyce, Carlos Peña, Luke Scott and, potentially, Brignac.
Contractually, it seems they'd rather have someone they can hang on to because they might need the player for only a couple of weeks until Upton returns.
Guyer would be the simplest because he is already on the 40-man roster and could be optioned back to the minors. Feliciano and Salazar are nonroster invitees who would have to be added to the 40-man roster. And there'd be a risk in losing Salazar because he is out of minor-league options and couldn't be sent down without being exposed to waivers. (Feliciano has an option remaining.)
Developmentally, it seems they'd be better off with one of the minor-league veterans because whoever gets the gig might not play much.
Guyer, 26, might be better served playing every day in the minors than sitting on the bench in the majors.
And the Rays have to at least consider if he is at all affected by the ramifications of the incident involving pitcher Matt Bush, his spring roommate who is jailed on DUI-related charges after an accident while driving Guyer's sport utility vehicle.
Plus, the lawyer for the victim has said they plan to sue Guyer, who, thus far, has not been made available to discuss the situation. Being in a major-league clubhouse, and in front of major-league fans, could make it a more public issue.
Salazar and Feliciano are familiar with being patient. Salazar, 31, has spent parts of four seasons in the majors, playing 168 games with the Rockies, Diamondbacks and Pirates. Feliciano, 32, has had only one stint in the big leagues, playing 54 games with the Mets in 2010.
So close to getting back, both are hopeful, if not anxious.
"I'm real excited," Feliciano said. "We'll see what happens."
Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.
By Bill Hardman, Times Correspondent
Friday, March 30, 2012
What's hot: Grouper season for reds, blacks and scamps opens Sunday, and many fishermen and divers are getting their boats ready. However, gag grouper season remains closed. So make sure you know your grouper species. Unfortunately for anglers and divers, the most prevalent groupers we have seen over the past couple of months are gags. So be careful when placing a shot or releasing a hook and line.
Where are they? Red groupers are holding in water starting at about 60 feet. The larger ones are in depths exceeding 100 feet. The reds are patrolling ledges and Swiss cheese areas. Scamps are in most depths, but the problem is the minimum size. Most scamps out to 130 feet are below the 16-inch minimum for the Gulf of Mexico. If you get lucky and find a legal-sized scamp, you are in for some of the best grouper filets available. Some black groupers have been spotted in depths shallower than 130 feet, but it is by sheer luck when you find one in those depths.
Go deep: For nice black groupers and scamps, the key is depth. Most divers looking for 10- to 15-pound scamps and black groupers weighing more than 40 pounds must go in water exceeding 150 feet. These fish are found just inside the Elbow, in the south end of the Middle Grounds and on small ledges west of Boca Grande.
Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 344-3483 and captainbillhardman@gmail.com.
By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, March 30, 2012
ST. PETERSBURG — With the greyhound operation dispersed between Derby Lane and Wheeling Island (W. Va.), kennel owner Mick D'Arcy and daughter Catherine D'Arcy talk daily.
Mick calls two to three times from Wheeling. Catherine runs the show at Derby Lane.
"Dad may be in a different zip code, but he still owns the kennel (at Derby Lane) and is very much involved," Catherine said.
The arrangement couldn't be better. All four D'Arcy entries in the $80,000 Distance Classic have advanced to third-round qualifying tonight at Derby Lane. Brother Buck (26 points), Sovereign Gift (18), Corsair (16) and Ambriel (13) are in the top 10 as 16 greyhounds remain in contention for the April 7 finale. Undefeated Flyin Commandant of Red Oak Racing tops the leaderboard with 32 points. Tonight's qualifiers are Races 6 (8:55 p.m.) and 10 (10:11).
Mick is a three-time winner of the Distance Classic, Derby Lane's richest stakes race. He last won the 660-yard event in 2000 with Greys Free Style. His other winners were All-America member Greys Betsy Ross (1998) and Greys Mardigras (1995).
"The Distance Classic is the major highlight to the St. Pete calendar for us, and it's a big deal for all the kennels," Catherine said. "There is a lot of history in the race, and this would be an unbelievable achievement for us to win it. We've got a pretty decent hand in it at the moment."
That hand is led by Brother Buck, who ranks second in the standings. Trained by Catherine for owner Ryan Farms Kennel, Brother Buck advanced to the finals in two of three stakes races in 2011.
"(Brother Buck) was always bred to go longer (distances), and he is multipurpose in three-eighths races," Catherine said.
HORSES: Tampa Bay Downs jockey Willie Martinez rides Giant Ryan today in the $2 million Golden Shaheen (Race 6, 11:35 a.m.) at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in United Arab Emirates. … Two $1 million prep races for the Kentucky Derby are this weekend. The Grade I Florida Derby (Race 11, 5:40 p.m.) is today at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. On Sunday, Fair Grounds in New Orleans is the site for the Grade II Louisiana Derby (Race 10, 5:55).
By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, March 30, 2012
Here's the thing about stupid mistakes. They stick with you.
Just ask J.T. Brown, the prized college free agent signed this week by the Lightning, who along with the usual hockey questions had to rehash what led to guilty pleas last month to two misdemeanors stemming from a June incident at a Duluth, Minn., bar.
"You're responsible for the actions you do," said Brown, who will be sentenced in July. "You've got to learn from it and go from there and hope for the best."
The Lightning, which said it was aware of Brown's situation, is expecting the best from the forward it signed to a two-year, two-way contract and who makes his debut tonight against the Jets at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
"We think he's a really good prospect," general manager Steve Yzerman said. "We think he's going to have a long NHL career."
Brown, 21, son of former Vikings running back Ted Brown, led Minnesota-Duluth this season with 24 goals and had 40 and 84 points in 80 games in two seasons.
As MVP of the 2011 Frozen Four, he led the Bulldogs to the NCAA title and — says Lightning senior adviser Tom Kurvers, who did the bulk of the scouting on Brown — has what it takes for the next level.
Beyond his potent offensive instincts, quick feet, live shot and "instinctive reaction to play defense," Kurvers said, Brown, 5 feet 10, 175 pounds, has "hockey courage."
"He'll take the puck into traffic on the rush," Kurvers said. "He's not a huge man, but he has the ability to hit. He skates into contact. He doesn't mind that at all."
"I just like his competitiveness and fire he brings," Minnesota-Duluth coach Scott Sandelin said. "I also like the smile on his face when he comes to the rink."
•••
It was about two weeks before Brown's 21st birthday when he went to a bar with a fake ID that was noticed by a police officer.
Brown was getting a citation from the officer when he fled out of the bar and down the street, where he was caught.
Brown pleaded guilty to providing police a false name, a gross misdemeanor, and fleeing on foot, a misdemeanor, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.
The first charge has a maximum penalty of a year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. The second has a maximum 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
"It definitely wasn't a very good decision," Brown said of running from the cops.
"He learned his lesson," Sandelin said. "We dealt with it with our team rules and moved on."
Yzerman said he had not spoken to Brown about the incident, "but I will."
"He's a young man who made a mistake," Yzerman said. "It's part of growing up. Certainly, if there is a second incident, that will be a concern to us. But we've done our homework, and we think we have a good kid here."
•••
Brown had plenty of suitors once he announced he was leaving school after his sophomore season, with the Flyers and Bruins among the most interested.
Brown said he likes Tampa Bay's direction and the chance to compete for a job on a team that should have plenty of openings.
And there is Yzerman.
"That is someone you want to learn from," Brown said.
Added the GM: "I'm excited to see him play."
Brown — who will make $925,000 if in the NHL, $70,000 in the minors, and whose contract runs through 2012-13 — said he does not know what to expect tonight, especially playing without a practice.
"I just want to go out there and give some effort and get a perspective on a different game than I played in college," he said. "It's going to be faster, a lot more physical, so there's definitely going to be a learning curve."
streaking on: AHL Norfolk extended its league-record winning streak to 22 games Friday with a 2-1 win over visiting St. John's. Philip-Michael Devos scored with winner with 9:19 left in the game. Ondrej Palat had the other goal. Jaroslav Janus made 20 saves.
. Tonight
Lightning vs. Jets
When/where: 7; Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa
TV/radio: Sun Sports; 970-AM
Key stats: Lightning LW Ryan Malone has eight goals, 18 points in his past 22 games. … Tampa Bay's power play is on a 3-for-32 home streak. … Winnipeg's 30 road points (13-21-4) are second fewest in the Eastern Conference, one better than the Lightning. … The Jets are tied for next-to-last in the league with two wins when trailing after two periods. Their second came Friday vs. the Hurricanes. … Winnipeg's Evander Kane entered Friday one of three players (with Washington's Alex Ovechkin and Colorado's Gabriel Landeskog) with more than 250 shots and 150 hits.
Times wires
Friday, March 30, 2012
DENVER — The rust-colored sign in the arena's loading dock serves as a welcome and a warning for players when they step off the team bus: "Pepsi Center Welcomes You to the Mile High City. Elevation 5,280 feet."
Purely a mind game, though. A ploy to plant elevation as a seed of doubt as visiting teams arrive.
In this women's Final Four, the altitude shouldn't bother Baylor, Stanford, Notre Dame or Connecticut over the weekend.
That searing sensation in the lungs after a few trips up and down the floor? Think of it as imaginary. The difficulty of taking a deep breath before a crucial free throw late in the game? Again, just a figment.
Or so research indicates from high altitude performance technicians, who say proper hydration and nutrition are almost bigger obstacles in thin air than the altitude itself.
"If one team is really hung up on elevation — 'Oh my gosh, we're at altitude!' —and loses it mentally, the opposing team who keeps it together mentally can use altitude as a sixth man," said Scott Drum, associate professor of exercise and sport science and director of a high altitude performance lab at Western State College of Colorado in Gunnison, where the elevation is 7,700 feet. "But if they come in and believe in their skills and their readiness, they should be fine."
Notre Dame boasts the highest campus of the four at around 725 feet above sea level. The lowest, Stanford (23 feet) is hardly more than three Brittney Griners (the Bears star who stands 6 feet 8) above sea level.
"When the heat of the game starts going, (altitude's effect) goes away," Stanford's Chiney Ogwumike said. "You're going to push yourself to the limit."
Notre Dame played its region round in Denver on its way to the 2001 national title. Back then, coach Muffet McGraw's approach to altitude was simple: "We really didn't do anything," she said.
And this time?
"I'm not planning to do anything special," McGraw said.
Five ex-UConn stars on U.S. Olympic team
The U.S. team headed to the London Olympics during the summer will have a familiar feel for coach Geno Auriemma. Five of his former Connecticut Huskies — Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Swin Cash, Maya Moore and Tina Charles — are on the team, announced Friday. Joining them are fellow Olympic gold medalists Tamika Catchings, Candace Parker, Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles. Lindsay Whalen and Angel McCoughtry will make their debut. The 12th spot was held open, possibly for Baylor junior Griner.
Friday, March 30, 2012
HUDSON — Pasco baseball coach Ricky Giles resigned Friday after leading the Pirates for 17 years but becoming the focus of a recent investigation over inappropriate conversations.
Pasco principal Patrick Reedy announced that Giles resigned for "personal reasons" in a fax to the Tampa Bay Times late Friday afternoon. Athletic director Tom McHugh confirmed that Giles stepped down but deferred other questions to the school's press release:
"Pasco High School and coach Ricky Giles announce that after successfully serving as the Pirates head baseball coach for the past 17 years, Coach Giles has resigned his head coaching position for personal reasons."
Giles, a longtime assistant football coach, was indefinitely suspended from coaching duties this month pending an investigation that he had "inappropriate verbal conversations" with players. He was still employed at the school in student discipline at the time of the investigation.
Giles, a Zephyrhills graduate who took the Pirates to the 1997 Class 4A state title game, has been employed by the district since 1976. He could not be reached for comment, and Reedy did not return a phone message.
Hours after Giles' resignation became public, his former team took the field at Hudson and earned a 10-0, six-inning victory over the Cobras.
Interim coach Joe Neale declined to comment about Giles' resignation after the game. But he said the Pirates have handled the uncertainty well and are beginning to come together as a team.
"At this point they've kind of accepted the fact that we're taking it day by day. …" said Neale, a nine-year Pirates assistant who has served as the team's interim coach for the past seven games.
"They're taking it in stride. It's rough, no matter how you look at it."
Pasco parent Lori Dious said players' families are split over the incident. She said Giles was sometimes hard to her children on the field, but they realized that he cared about them and wanted them to improve.
"The minute they're off that field, he'll do anything for him," Dious said. "It's just a shame that it's gotten to that."
Giles is the father of Zephyrhills head football coach Reggie Roberts. Another son, Trey Dudley-Giles, was the Times' North Suncoast football player of the year last fall and has signed with UMass to play football.
Matt Baker can be reached at mbaker@tampabay.com.
Times wires
Friday, March 30, 2012
Soccer
Governing body: ethics group to be revamped
ZURICH — The sport's governing body, FIFA, will change the way it investigates corruption and is prepared to examine any "credible" evidence of past wrongdoing, president Sepp Blatter said Friday.
FIFA, after a series of scandals, will revamp its ethics committee to create separate investigating and prosecuting units with new, independent leaders, Blatter said. The proposal, made by FIFA's anticorruption adviser, Mark Pieth, got strong backing from his executive committee, Blatter said, some of whom have recently been cleared of corruption allegations by the existing — and often maligned — ethics body.
Still, Pieth's sharp criticism of FIFA's investigative failings was not directly addressed, and the timetable for much of his suggested reform program was pushed to 2013.
Rowdies: Midfielder Dan O'Brien, 25, signed a two-year deal. He played collegiately at Coastal Carolina and Wisconsin-Green Bay. His pro experience includes two years in New Zealand.
Player recovering: A photo of Fabrice Muamba appeared on the Twitter account of the midfielder for English Premier League Bolton, showing him sitting up and smiling in a London hospital, nearly two weeks after his heart stopped and he collapsed in a match.
Tennis
Nadal sidelined by knee trouble again
Rafael Nadal's knee trouble has sidelined him again, and he hopes for a quick recovery to avoid missing any of the upcoming claycourt season.
Nadal, who has dealt with knee problems for several years, withdrew hours before the start of his semifinal at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne because of a left knee injury that bothered him in recent matches. With his withdrawal, Andy Murray advanced to Sunday's final. He'll play Novak Djokovic, who beat Juan Monaco 6-0, 7-6 (7-5).
Et cetera
College baseball: Florida (23-3, 5-2 SEC), ranked No. 1 in the major polls, lost 3-0 at Mississippi in the first of a three-game series.
Autos: Morgan Lucas led dragster qualifying at the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals in Las Vegas with a leading run of 3.817 seconds at a top speed of 321.96 mph. Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) also were qualifying leaders.
swimming: Michael Phelps posted the best in-season time of his career in the 400 individual medley at the Indianapolis Grand Prix, 4 minutes, 12.51 seconds. Clearwater native Robert Margalis was fourth in 4:20.01.
figure skating: Defending champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany won the world pairs title for the fourth time in Nice, France. U.S. champions Caydee Denney of Wesley Chapel and John Coughlin were eighth. In the men's short program, defending champ Patrick Chan of Canada was the leader. Americans Jeremy Abbott were ninth and Adam Rippon 10th.
Times wires
Times wires
Friday, March 30, 2012
TAMPA — Not long ago Phillies manager Charlie Manuel had a predictable lineup: Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino or Placido Polanco, Chase Utley then Ryan Howard. But with Utley (knee) out indefinitely and Howard (Achilles') out for a few months, changes must be made.
"I'm still trying lineups," Manuel said before Friday's 13-9 victory against the Yankees. "I like to look at some lineups and figure out the ones I like."
Juan Pierre led off Friday followed by Victorino and Rollins. But Victorino and Hunter Pence could hit third, too. And, Manuel said, they probably will at some point if the offense does not produce: "I think it's going to take a few (lineups)."
Bastardo better: LHP Antonio Bastardo has been slowed by tightness in his throwing elbow. But Friday, he needed just eight pitches over 11/3 perfect innings. "My arm angle and all of that stuff was much better," he said. "I was able to throw the ball, not push it. I felt more power."
Jays: Lind almost ready
DUNEDIN — Blue Jays 2B Adam Lind is expected to return Sunday. Lind has been out since Tuesday with tightness in his lower back. He went through batting practice Friday before being shut down but likely will take part in all drills today.
"Much better,," said Lind, who dealt with back issues for most of last season. "I did everything for baseball except fielding, and I'll do everything (today) … except the game."
Trade: The team acquired RH reliever Ryota Igarashi from the Pirates for cash and a player to be named.
Yanks: Pineda hurting
TAMPA — RHP Michael Pineda, bidding to be in the Yankees rotation, experienced soreness in the back of his right shoulder during his outing against Phillies.
Pineda said he felt the soreness "most of the time" but did not tell the team until after he allowed six runs and seven hits over 22/3 innings. In addition, his fastball hit just 91 mph and was as low as 88 mph. Last year with the Mariners, he routinely hit 95 mph.
An MRI exam is scheduled for today.
Times wires
Friday, March 30, 2012
NEW ORLEANS — Anthony Davis was busier than any other player in the Final Four.
The Kentucky freshman had to make the circuit of player of the year presentations Friday, not that he was complaining.
"There were a lot of awards (Thursday and Friday)," Davis said with a big smile. "It's a great feeling, especially as a freshman. I've been working hard and now it's rewarding."
Davis became the first Kentucky player and second freshman voted Associated Press player of the year. He picked up his latest trophy, along with coach of the year for Frank Haith of Missouri.
It was Davis' second ceremony of the day, and he had to make a quick exit for practice to prepare for today's national semifinal against Louisville.
The 6-foot-10 Davis averaged 14.3 points — on a team with six double-figure scorers — 10.0 rebounds and 4.6 blocks and shot 64.2 percent. His block total is a school record and third-best ever for a freshman. He was named the SEC's top player, defensive player and freshman.
The only other freshman to win it was Kevin Durant of Texas in 2007. Davis received 43 votes from the 65-member national media panel before the NCAA Tournament.
Thomas Robinson of Kansas was second with 20 votes and Michigan State's Draymond Green got the other two.
Haith, a former Miami coach, won 30 games and the Big 12 tournament in his first season at Missouri. He got 21 votes from the media panel, while John Calipari of Kentucky and Tom Izzo of Michigan State tied for second with 10 votes each.
Florida State's Leonard Hamilton received one vote.
Big East tourney ban possible for UConn
HARTFORD, Conn. — Big East presidents agreed on a policy that would bar Connecticut from next season's conference tournament because the Huskies haven't qualified academically for the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Spokesman John Paquette confirmed that the presidents agreed in principal to the policy during a meeting on March 7 in New York. Paquette said official language likely will be adopted in May. Connecticut president Susan Herbst has said she favors high academic standards, but believes banning UConn from next year's NCAA postseason would punish good students for the actions of those who are no longer at the university. Under rules approved in October, the defending national champions would be academically ineligible in 2013, because the NCAA plans to use data from the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years, when Connecticut' scores were too low to meet the threshold.
ALL-STAR GAME: Big East player of the year Jae Crowder of Marquette had 25 points to lead the East, led by former Alabama coach Wimp Sanderson, over the West 103-99 in the College All-Star game.
ARKANSAS: Coach Mike Anderson said BJ Young, a freshman guard who led the team in scoring this season, is exploring whether to enter the NBA draft. Anderson said Young hasn't hired an agent.
NEBRASKA: The school paid the $350,000 new coach Tim Miles owed Colorado State for breaking his contract with the Rams. His CSU deal required the buyout if he left before June 30; the Cornhuskers hired him last week.
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, March 30, 2012
Quote of the day
"If there's one component of the game I'd rather be struggling with right now, it would be hitting because that's going to be fine."
manager Joe Maddon, whose team is batting .220 and averaging three runs per game
Definition of the day
In discussing executive VP Andrew Friedman's efforts to find another outfielder, manager Joe Maddon referred to "the Andrew thing." And what exactly is that? "It's under the hood," Maddon said. "It's that rock that needs to be turned over. It's, 'I'm going to wake up at 3 o'clock in the morning and have to jot something down on a pad next to my bed before I forget it.' That's the Andrew thing."
Rays vs. Red Sox
When/where: 1:05 today; Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte
TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM
Tickets: Reserved seats $19-$27, berm/boardwalk $12. Available through raysbaseball.com and Ticketmaster, at Tropicana Field and Charlotte Sports Park box offices, Tampa team store
Gates open: 10:30 p.m.
Directions: Driving time from the bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: I-75 south to Exit 179 (Toledo Blade Road), go west 6½ miles (crossing U.S. 41) to El Jobean Road (SR 776), go right 2 miles, complex is on the left.
Parking: $10, lots open at 10
Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297
Pitchers: Rays — Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta, Wade Davis, Burke Badenhop, Jake McGee; Red Sox — Ross Ohlendorf, Andrew Bailey, Franklin Morales
Heads-up
Davis, who lost his spot in the rotation, is scheduled to make his first appearance out of the bullpen today.
On deck
Sunday: at Orioles, 1:05 p.m. Rays — James Shields; Orioles — Wei-Yin Chen
Monday: Twins, 1:05 p.m.*
Tuesday: at Twins, 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday: vs. Future Rays, 1:40 p.m., at Trop
* Value game, $2 off
Who is this Ray?
He was undrafted out of high school and played at two small colleges, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) and Dallas Baptist. He was acquired in a trade from Houston. He led the team in game played, runs and hits last year.
Who is this answer: INF/OF Ben Zobrist
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer
By Tom Jones, Time Staff Writer
Friday, March 30, 2012
tom jones' two cents
The latest from the world of sports.
Network of the day
Fox Sports isn't commenting, but rumors persist that News Corp. — Rupert Murdoch's media company, which owns Fox — is thinking about starting a sports network to rival ESPN. Some reports suggest Fox would take the Speed Channel, which it owns, and turn it into a 24-hour network that covers all sports. Speed is in about 82 million homes.
Along with those rumors are theories that for the network, Fox could make a run at some big names at ESPN whose contracts are expiring, such as Scott Van Pelt, Erin Andrews (above) and Michelle Beadle. One drawback is Fox might need a year to put a network together and ESPN's soon-to-be free agents aren't going to wait around that long.
But personalities don't initially make a new network a success. For example, NBC Sports Network is having trouble finding traction despite having best-in-the-business Bob Costas as its signature personalty. What would give a network a shot at rivaling ESPN is securing contracts with the major sports leagues.
Ultimately, ESPN has such a foothold, it's hard to see anyone being able to make a dent in its dominance of the sports landscape.
Schedule of the day
So why is Kentucky-Louisville the early game in today's Final Four and Kansas-Ohio State is in prime time? Well, for a couple of reasons.
Kentucky-Louisville is a great rivalry, but there is far greater national interest in the Kansas-Ohio State game. TV ratings in the tournament this year have shown that Kansas and Ohio State are outdrawing Kentucky and Louisville.
But the biggest reason for the scheduling is CBS is afraid Kentucky might blow out Louisville. It would rather have a blowout in the first game because viewers will stick around for the second game. If a blowout happens in the second game, viewers will turn away for the night.
Awesome pitching, baby
ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale was on a conference call this week discussing the Final Four, but the resident of Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County did take a moment to throw major support behind his favorite baseball team, the Rays.
"Well, I'm a baseball fanatic, as you know,'' said Vitale, a Rays season-ticket holder. "In fact, I'm looking at tickets right now while I'm talking to you, opening home game with the Rays with the Yankees. I look at that pitching staff, I can tell the Yankees have all those bats, but the Rays light up with (David) Price and (James) Shields and (Matt) Moore, (Jeremy) Hellickson and (Jeff) Niemann, (Wade) Davis. That starting cast means the Yankees will battle it for the wild card.''
Media tidbits
• Don't be surprised if the Broncos and new addition Peyton Manning play their Sept. 9 opener on NBC's Sunday Night Football. Possible opponents include the Steelers and Patriots.
• It's a long shot, but there is a chance the Bucs could travel to Dallas to play the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day.
Three things that popped into my head
1. Former Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams is off his rocker if he thinks Kentucky could knock off the Washington Wizards in a game. The Wizards would destroy the Wildcats.
2. If you're the New Orleans Saints and you're trying to rehabilitate your reputation as an outlaw franchise and need a one-year coach, don't you make a run at Tony Dungy instead of Bill Parcells, above?
3. It's only spring, but is anyone else getting a bad vibe about the Rays' season?
Times wires
Friday, March 30, 2012
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jamie Moyer, at 49 years old, made the Rockies' starting rotation, manager Jim Tracy said Friday.
The lefty, entering his 25th season, posted a 2.77 spring earned-run average. He will follow righty Jeremy Guthrie and start the second game of the season, April 7 at Houston.
Moyer will be the oldest to start a game since Satchel Paige at 59 in 1965, ESPN said, and could become the oldest to earn a win. The last player to play in the majors at 49 was infielder Julio Franco in 2007.
"I think he can still be very, very effective," Tracy said. "He has incredible know-how. He's an incredible pitch-maker. When he's right, he can carve a strike zone up."
Moyer, who was unavailable for comment, missed last season after elbow ligament replacement surgery (also known as Tommy John surgery). Tracy said when he informed Moyer of his decision, Moyer thanked him.
"I stopped him right there and said, 'Thank you is not necessary because we don't give handouts here. Your professionalism and the way you've handled yourself is immensely appreciated,' " Tracy said. "He earned it."
Moyer will be the active leader in wins (267), innings (4,020) and starts (628). In 2010 he went 9-9 with a 4.84 ERA with the Phillies. Overall he is 267-204 with a 4.24 ERA.
Ramirez charge dropped: A Florida prosecutor dismissed a misdemeanor domestic battery charge against A's designated hitter Manny Ramirez because his wife wouldn't cooperate. The Broward County State Attorney's Office said it was unable to serve a subpoena on Juliana Ramirez, the alleged victim. Ramirez had pleaded not guilty to slapping her Sept. 12 during an altercation in which she said her head struck a bed headboard.
Livan cut, signed: A few hours after the Astros released him, righty Livan Hernandez was signed by the Braves to a one-year deal worth $750,000 (not including incentives). Hernandez, 37, is second among active players in starts (474) and innings (3,1212/3). Last season, his 16th, he went 8-13 with a 4.47 ERA in 29 starts for Washington.
Angels: Reliever Jason Isringhausen made the team. Last season, his 15th, the righty went 3-3 with a 4.05 ERA and seven saves in 53 games for the Mets. Isringhausen, 39, had said he would have retired had the Angels not signed him. Also, outfielder Mike Trout, one of the club's top prospects, was sent to the minors. He missed time in the spring because of the flu, which caused him to lose about 15 pounds.
Indians: Righty Derek Lowe, who left Thursday's start after three innings with tightness near his rib cage, said he felt better and didn't expect to go on the disabled list. Reliever David Huff is out indefinitely with a sore hamstring. The lefty was hurt Thursday while fielding a slow roller. And Jeanmar Gomez, battling to be the fifth starter, left Friday after 32/3 innings with a mildly strained hip. The righty was hurt stretching for a throw while covering first.
Marlins: Rightfielder Giancarlo Stanton, out since March 11 with wrist and knee injuries, and leftfielder Logan Morrison, out since March 13 with a sore knee, returned.
Mets: Righty Miguel Bautista, 41, made the team. Last season, his 17th, he went 5-2 with a 3.60 ERA in 35 games (five starts) for the Cardinals and Mets.
Padres: Lefty Cory Luebke signed a four-year extension worth $12 million with two team options that could make it worth $27.75 million. Luebke, 27, went 6-10 with a 3.29 ERA in 46 games (17 starts) last season.
Pirates: Reliever Juan Cruz, who went 5-0 with a 3.88 ERA for the Rays last season, made the team as a nonroster invitee.
Royals: Leftfielder Alex Gordon agreed to a four-year extension worth $37.5 million that includes a player option that could make it worth $50 million. The No. 2 overall pick in 2005 last year hit .303 with 23 homers and 87 RBIs.
Times wires
Friday, March 30, 2012
NEW ORLEANS — Saints coach Sean Payton is appealing his seasonlong suspension from the NFL for his role in the team's bounty system. And he's not the only one looking for a little relief from the penalties handed down by commissioner Roger Goodell.
General manager Mickey Loomis, assistant Joe Vitt and the Saints organization decided to appeal on Friday.
Payton will also ask Goodell for guidance on the parameters of the suspension, which runs through next year's Super Bowl.
Saints spokesman Greg Bensel confirmed Loomis was appealing his eight-game suspension and, separately, the team would challenge its $500,000 fine and loss of second-round draft picks this year and in 2013.
Vitt, suspended for six games, is doing the same, according to David Cornwell, who is representing Vitt as head of the NFL Coaches Association.
Goodell last week announced the suspension of Payton, starting Sunday, for his role in connection with the bounty system, which offered improper cash bonuses for big hits that either knocked opponents out of games or left them needing help off of the field.
Former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who left the Saints after last season to join the Rams, ran the bounty program and has been suspended indefinitely.
The commissioner has said since the unprecedented penalties were announced that the Saints' coach would likely be allowed to continue working as his appeal was resolved.
The results of the appeal could affect whether Bill Parcells comes out of retirement to take over as interim coach.
At a spring training baseball game in Jupiter, Parcells declined to answer questions about the possibility.
"I know better than that," Parcells said.
TEBOW SAYS NO TIMELINE: If Tim Tebow has his sights set on Mark Sanchez's job, the Jets' new backup quarterback is keeping it to himself. Tebow told 1050 ESPN Radio that he's "not sure" if he'll ever be a starting quarterback again, and that thought doesn't even concern him now. Tebow, the former Florida star, was acquired in a trade on March 21 from Denver, where he started the second half of last season. Coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum have repeatedly said Sanchez is the unquestioned starter.
TRADE: The Raiders acquired running back Mike Goodson from the Panthers for offensive tackle Bruce Campbell. Oakland also agreed to a one-year deal with unrestricted free agent outside linebacker Philip Wheeler.
LEAF ARREST: Former quarterback Ryan Leaf was arrested in Montana on charges of felony burglary, misdemeanor theft and criminal possession of dangerous drugs, ESPN.com reported.
BENGALS: Unrestricted free agent linebacker Manny Lawson agreed to a new deal to stay with the team.
DOLPHINS: Broward Sheriff's Office deputies arrested linebacker Koa Misi, with the player facing a battery with serious injury charge filed by police in California. Details were not immediately known; Misi was held with bond set at $10,000.
EAGLES: Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters ruptured his Achilles' tendon in a football drill this week. He is scheduled for surgery Tuesday and, with the recovery typically taking eight or nine months, is likely to miss this season.
GIANTS: The league suspended reserve running back Andre Brown for the first four games of 2012 for violating the policy on performance-enhancing substances.
PATRIOTS: Wide receiver Deion Branch, 32, re-signed and free agent fullbacks Tony Fiammetta and Spencer Larsen signed.
Times wires
Friday, March 30, 2012
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — Top-ranked Yani Tseng shot her second straight 4-under 68 at the Kraft Nabisco Championship on Friday and took a one-stroke lead over Haeji Kang after the second round of the LPGA Tour's first major of the year.
Tseng, at 8-under 136, extended her domination with another relentless round of long drives and steady putting. After finishing the opening round two strokes back, she was leading for the ninth time in the tour's last 10 rounds. The five-time major winner has won two straight tournaments, three of five and six of 12.
Tseng this weekend could become the youngest golfer to win six majors. She is three years younger than Tiger Woods, who was 26 when he won his sixth.
She had enough energy after her stellar second round to play a little pickup basketball.
"You never get tired when you want to win a tournament," Tseng said. "I just figured out I'm tired after the last two wins … but after (Thursday) I had a good sleep, and I relaxed a few days, and I think I'm coming back with a fresh focus."
Kang shot 68. Lindsey Wright (71) and Sun Young Yoo (69) were third at 6 under, and Hall of Famer Se Ri Pak (69) was in a group of three that was three strokes back in the only major she has not won.
Among those making the cut at 4-over 148 was Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse, who shot 1-under 71 to sit at par 144. Not making the cut were Seminole's Brittany Lincicome, the 2009 winner, who shot a second straight 76 for 8-over 152, and Tampa resident Kristy McPherson, who was 6 over after 74.
Pak, 34, has 25 tour victories overall but just one since July 2007. "I'm having trouble for five or six years, actually," she said.
PGA: Brian Davis (68-65) and Louis Oosthuizen (67-66) shared the lead at 11-under 133 after two days of play in the rain-delayed Houston Open at Humble, Texas. The second round was suspended due to darkness with 70 players on the course. A day after 11/4 inches of rain fell, the weather was sunny, but the fairways were damp. Players were permitted to lift, clean and place their balls in the fairways.
Europe: John Daly had five birdies and an eagle for 5-under 67, finishing two shots off the leaders at the Sicilian Open in Sciacca. Daly, at 6-under 138, trailed a six-player pack at the top that included first-round leader Peter Lawrie, who shot 72 to join the group at 8-under 136.
Masters: Martha Burk, who led an unsuccessful campaign 10 years ago to get Augusta to admit female members, said IBM should threaten to pull its sponsorship if the private club refuses to offer to the company's female CEO the membership invitation it historically has given the IBM chief. Ginni Rometty became chief executive officer last year. Augusta officials have declined to comment on the issue, citing its policy that membership issues are private. IBM has not commented. The Masters is next week.
By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, March 30, 2012
TAMPA — A wild start — four touchdowns among the first five plays — gave way to a wilder ending Friday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
Stephen Wasil hit Prechae Rodriguez for a 1-yard touchdown on the final play to give the Storm a 71-69 victory over Jacksonville before 8,446.
"That was the craziest game I've ever played in," Rodriguez said.
Down 65-62 with 37 seconds left, the Sharks (1-2) took over at their 11 with 37 seconds left.
On third and 13 from the 7 with 13 seconds left, Bernard Morris heaved a pass down the field. Terrance Smith outjumped two defenders at the 5 and stumbled into the end zone. Marc Capozzoli's extra point put the Sharks ahead 69-65.
"But it's never over until there's zero, zero on the scoreboard," Rodriguez said.
After a touchback, the Storm (2-1) took over at its 5 with 4.5 seconds left. Wasil threw an incompletion into the Sharks end zone, but officials called pass interference. And because it was ruled intentional pass interference in the end zone, the ball was placed at the Sharks 1 and 4.5 seconds put back on the clock.
"(Pass interference is) what we were looking for in that situation," Storm coach Dave Ewart said. "And they made the right call."
On the next play, Wasil rolled left and hit Rodriguez (11 catches for 102 yards) for the pair's fifth touchdown connection of the night.
"I got physical with their DB, and (Wasil) made a perfect throw," Rodriguez said.
The Storm led 14-13 3:58 into the game despite having run just one play from scrimmage and the Sharks none:
• Riley Swanson returned a fumble on the opening kickoff 4 yards into the end zone to put the Storm ahead 7-0.
• Smith returned the ensuing kickoff 58 yards for a touchdown to tie it.
• One play after Chandler Williams (14 catches for 169 yards and two touchdowns) returned the ensuing kickoff to the 23, Wasil hit him for a 27-yard score that put Tampa Bay back ahead 14-7.
• Smith returned the ensuing kickoff 57 yards for a touchdown. But Capozzoli missed the extra point, leaving the Storm ahead.
Jacksonville didn't run its first play from scrimmage until 6:04 remained in the first quarter. It took its first lead on a 32-yard Jeron Harvey catch with 2:24 left in the second quarter. But Rodriguez caught his third touchdown of the half with nine seconds left to tie it at 34.
By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Saturday, March 31, 2012
BROOKSVILLE — It may be in his blood, but wrestling hasn't exactly been kind to Charley Combs.
Through it all, though, he keeps coming back.
The 25-year-old Hernando High School alumnus is preparing to return to competitive wrestling for the first time in five years to enter the U.S. Olympic Trials, which will take place April 21 and 22 in Iowa City, Iowa.
The dream isn't the long shot that some may think. Combs has the skills. It's only a question of shaking off the rust and dealing with some of the obstacles he has faced in the past.
Combs is the son of National Wrestling Hall of Fame member and longtime Hernando coach Billy Combs. He has been grappling since he was a young boy.
"The thing about having a Hall of Famer as a father is that you have a constant friend and constant coach," Charley said. "He's pretty much a dictionary on the sport."
Just before his high school career was set to begin, however, Charley suffered a crushing blow. He was involved in a serious automobile crash on Thanksgiving 2001 and was ejected from the car, nearly killing him. It left him with permanent nerve damage and a long road back.
"It was pretty difficult being so young," he said. "It was a process. I missed most of that year. But it made me a lot tougher and brought my family closer."
Not only did Combs find the strength to get past the crash, by his sophomore year he was wrestling at the varsity level. He qualified for the state meet every season the rest of his high school career, even placing as the state runner-up as a junior in 2004 at 152 pounds.
Combs doesn't have fond memories of his senior season. Cutting weight to help the team, he struggled at 145 pounds and didn't even place at state. Many of his top collegiate offers dried up, leaving him to sign with William Penn University in Iowa. He never attended a class there.
After missing a year of school, Combs traveled to Marquette, Mich., to train at the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University. He credits that experience with making him more mature as a grappler and in life.
Working with renowned coach and wrestler Ivan Ivanov, Combs made significant strides. Ivanov had placed fifth at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and was also named the National Greco-Roman Coach of the Year in 2009.
All of the hard work led to Combs to sign with King College in Tennessee for the school's inaugural season of wrestling in 2005. He was named team captain, but never was able to compete because of numerous injuries he sustained while at the school.
"It was the little injuries that really held me back." Combs said. "It was hard to stay really focused."
He moved back to Brooksville and stopped competing. He had a brief Mixed Martial Arts career, but after a chance meeting with a wrestling friend, Ray Brinzer, two things happened. Combs rolled around on the matt with Brinzer, who placed third at the NCAA Championships in 1993 and 1995. It piqued his interest in the sport again. But he also broke a rib, forcing him to cancel his first MMA bout.
Most recently, working at Gold's Gym in Brooksville, Combs has been training as much as possible. His biggest struggle has been finding suitable training partners. When you're competing for a spot on the Olympic team, you can't roll around with just anyone and expect to improve.
Regardless of how he does at the trials, Combs is back. He feels a connection to the sport that will never go away. This isn't some last-ditch effort to "make it," he says.
"I am just looking at it as a senior-level tournament to see if I can still compete," he said. "I want to see if I can get in the swing of things. Win or lose, it's something I want to do."
