Thursday, April 5, 2012

ORLANDO — The Magic's free fall continued Thursday.

On the day coach Stan Van Gundy claimed star Dwight Howard wants him fired, the Magic lost its fifth consecutive game for the first time in Van Gundy's five-year tenure.

Howard struggled on the offensive end, and the Knicks hit a barrage of 3-pointers as the Knicks beat the Magic 96-80 at Amway Center.

Howard didn't score his first points until a dunk with 3.5 seconds left in the third quarter off a pick-and-roll with J.J. Redick. Howard, who was defended primarily by Tyson Chandler, finished with eight points on 4-for-8 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. He was cheered during pregame introductions, but he was not cheered as raucously as he normally is.

New York took control of the game in the second quarter, making 12 of its 16 shots as it outscored Orlando 33-23.

Playing again without injured center Amare Stoudemire, the Knicks built their lead drilling shot after shot from beyond the arc. The Knicks made eight of their first 11 3-pointers and finished 13-for-25 overall, winning for just the third time in their past 13 visits to Orlando.

Knicks star Carmelo Anthony finished with 19 points and accidentally elbowed the Magic's Hedo Turkoglu beneath the right eye. Turkoglu left bleeding and dazed; he received three stitches, a Magic spokesman said.

Jason Richardson scored 16, but 14 came in the first half.

Orlando (32-23) had not lost five straight since Jan. 12-20, 2007, the season before Van Gundy became the coach.

With the loss, the Magic dropped to sixth place in the East standings. Although Orlando has the same record as Atlanta, the Hawks own the tiebreaker because they have beaten the Magic twice with only one more game remaining between them.

Game highlights: Greg Monroe scored 18, Rodney Stuckey had 15 in his return from injury, and Ben Wallace made five key free throws late as the host Pistons beat the Wizards 99-94.

Around the league: Bulls guard Derrick Rose missed his 12th consecutive game because of a strained groin. He said he is optimistic he will play against the Knicks on Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Knicks 96, Magic 80

NEW YORK (96): Anthony 6-16 5-7 19, Fields 4-9 0-6 10, Chandler 6-9 0-0 12, B.Davis 2-6 0-0 5, Shumpert 3-6 2-2 9, J.Smith 6-12 0-0 15, Douglas 7-12 0-0 15, Harrellson 1-2 0-0 2, Novak 3-6 0-0 9, Walker 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 38-78 7-15 96.

ORLANDO (80): Turkoglu 3-5 0-0 7, G.Davis 6-10 3-3 15, Howard 4-8 0-3 8, Nelson 3-14 1-1 10, J.Richardson 7-18 0-0 16, Clark 0-1 0-0 0, Redick 2-7 5-5 10, Duhon 0-0 0-0 0, Wafer 5-8 1-2 13, I.Smith 0-1 0-0 0, Liggins 0-0 1-2 1. Totals 30-72 11-16 80.

New York 23 33 20 20— 96

Orlando 21 23 17 19— 80

3-Point Goals—New York 13-25 (J.Smith 3-4, Novak 3-6, Fields 2-4, Anthony 2-5, Shumpert 1-1, Douglas 1-2, B.Davis 1-3), Orlando 9-24 (Nelson 3-6, Wafer 2-2, J.Richardson 2-9, Turkoglu 1-2, Redick 1-5). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—New York 54 (Chandler 12), Orlando 41 (Howard 8). Assists—New York 24 (J.Smith 9), Orlando 15 (Nelson 5). Total Fouls—New York 16, Orlando 14. Technicals—New York Bench, New York defensive three second. A—19,098.

Pistons 99, Wizards 94

WASHINGTON (94): C.Singleton 2-3 0-0 5, Vesely 4-6 2-5 10, Seraphin 7-12 1-2 15, Wall 8-18 12-15 28, Crawford 2-13 4-5 9, Mason 4-10 0-0 11, Martin 2-4 0-0 6, Cook 3-7 2-2 8, Mack 1-3 0-0 2, J.Singleton 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 33-78 21-29 94.

DETROIT (99): Prince 5-11 3-4 14, Maxiell 4-6 3-6 11, Monroe 7-10 4-6 18, Knight 2-8 0-0 6, Gordon 6-14 1-2 13, Stuckey 6-7 3-4 15, Jerebko 3-5 2-2 9, Wallace 0-0 5-10 5, Wilkins 3-5 1-4 7, Bynum 0-2 1-1 1. Totals 36-68 23-39 99.

Washington 21 19 24 30— 94

Detroit 28 23 25 23— 99

3-Point Goals—Washington 7-21 (Mason 3-6, Martin 2-3, C.Singleton 1-2, Crawford 1-5, Wall 0-1, Mack 0-1, J.Singleton 0-1, Cook 0-2), Detroit 4-10 (Knight 2-4, Prince 1-1, Jerebko 1-2, Bynum 0-1, Stuckey 0-1, Gordon 0-1). Fouled Out—Seraphin, Stuckey. Rebounds—Washington 45 (Seraphin 9), Detroit 56 (Maxiell 11). Assists—Washington 19 (Wall 10), Detroit 16 (Prince, Stuckey, Wallace 3). Total Fouls—Washington 33, Detroit 23. Technicals—Maxiell. A—12,681.

Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 5, 2012

SEMINOLE — Less than a week ago, Seminole's Jordan Doyle threw a no-hitter. Thursday night against Class 7A, District 10 rival Countryside, Doyle almost did it again.

He allowed only one hit in another complete game as the Warhawks beat the Cougars 1-0. Doyle didn't allow a hit until two outs in the fifth inning, which ended his hitless streak at 112/3 innings.

"I've had all three pitches working pretty well lately," said Doyle, who no-hit Cambridge Christian. "And I've been getting some good rest. I was just fresh and ready to go."

The result was much different than the last time the teams met. Seminole won 12-2 on the 10-run mercy rule. But with different pitchers on the mound, this game was defensive all the way.

Doyle and Countryside's Vinny Ballantoni mowed down batters. Seminole (18-3) got to Ballantoni in the third inning. Tylor Craft led off with a walk and scored one batter later when Alex McGathey laced a one-hopper off the leftfield fence. Ballantoni got out of the inning without anymore damage and pitched well the rest of the game.

The Cougars (15-6) finally got to Doyle in the fifth. Brendan Stevens led off the inning by getting hit by a pitch. He went to second on a Jake Mielock groundout. With two outs, Adam Rasmussen got the first, and only, hit, a liner up the middle.

Countryside coach Kemo O'Sullivan sent Stevens home, but he was gunned out by centerfielder Brett Phillips by 10 feet.

"I'd send him 10 out of 10 times," O'Sullivan said. "The way we were hitting the ball, that could've been our only chance."

O'Sullivan was right. Countryside got a runner to second in the sixth but was unable to drive in the tying run. Doyle got three straight outs in the seventh to end the game.

"Jordan is a heck of a pitcher," Seminole coach Jeff Pincus said. "He's the most unselfish player I've ever coached. I love the kid."

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 5, 2012

TAMPA — If there was any doubt, any possible question about whether Boston College is the best college hockey team in the land, the Eagles answered them Thursday night and left little doubt.

Make that no doubt.

In a display that was as scary as it was impressive, the No. 1-ranked Eagles won their 18th consecutive game, easily dispatching Minnesota 6-1 in the nightcap of the two national semifinal games before 18,605 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

The Eagles (32-10-1) moved on to their fifth title game in seven years, against Ferris State on Saturday. They will be heavily favored to win their fifth national title and third in the past five years.

"That's a good team," Minnesota coach Don Lucia said.

What made the Eagles' performance so scary? The Gophers played before a pro-Minnesota crowd, controlled the early part of the game and overall didn't play all that poorly, and yet still found themselves trying to explain how in the world they were blown out.

"To have our year end like this when we were playing so well," Minnesota's Jake Hansen said, "and to lose 6-1 … things just got out of control. More than anything, you don't want it to be 7-1. It's embarrassing."

You got the feeling the only reason the score wasn't worse is that Boston College let up to save some energy for Saturday's national championship game.

Boston College coach Jerry York and Lucia agreed the Gophers controlled good chunks of the first 30 minutes, but the Eagles still led 1-0, mostly because of the spectacular goaltending of Parker Milner.

"He made some very timely saves early in the game," York said. "Minnesota was pressing and had some opportunities to score multiple times. And Parker really fueled us to stay in the game."

The Eagles used the fuel to run over the Gophers. Two late goals in the second period turned a tight 2-0 game into a 4-0 rout.

"When it went from two to four, that was the game," Lucia said.

The Gophers finally did get to Milner 1:26 into the third period when Hansen scored his 16th goal of the season. The goal snapped Milner's shutout streak at 193 minutes, 49 seconds, a streak that stretched for more than nine periods, dating to March 18 against Maine.

But BC's Paul Casey answered 26 seconds later with his second goal of the night to snuff out any hope the Gophers had for a comeback.

"That bounce-back goal was a key, key goal," York said. "I look at the game and you have key saves by the goaltender, opportunistic goals and then that bounce-back goal."

Add it all up and what do you have? The formula for the best hockey team in the country heading into Saturday's national title game.

Tom Jones can be reached at tjones@tampabay.com.

Basil Spyridakos, Times Correspondent
Thursday, April 5, 2012

TAMPA — Sickles star Bre Crum made clutch shots to close out the Pinellas-Hillsborough All-Star Game on Thursday.

She also took an inadvertent hard shot in the final moments of Hillsborough's 68-64 victory at Tampa Prep, earning bragging rights for the year.

With the Pinellas girls storming back from a 13-point deficit, Crum converted free throws to keep Hillsborough ahead while staving off a 12-2 run with two minutes left.

"I was shocked for a second, and we had to amp up the tempo," Crum said, holding a towel to her eye resulting in a cut when she collided with Indian Rocks Christian's Tori Trador. "We hit some key free throws at the end, which helped out a lot."

Palm Harbor University's Kristine Fuller got Pinellas going late, scoring nine of her game-high 23 points during the final five minutes.

"The momentum was definitely on our side," Fuller said. "I'm so used to being a leader, but we're all leaders on this team. In a way, we all motivated each other, and we stepped up when we needed to step up."

Crum and Fuller were named their team's MVP.

"You can tell they wanted to win with both teams going at it pretty hard," Hillsborough (and Sickles) coach Mark Key said. "It's a game of pride. Everyone likes to win."

The Hillsborough boys rolled to a 99-89 win. Gibbs' Gary Simon (17 points, seven rebounds, three steals) and Riverview's Jamal Evans (19 points, seven rebounds, two blocks) were named their team's MVP.

"It was very competitive in the beginning, but we wanted to come out strong in the second half," Hillsborough (and Brandon) coach Jamie Turner said.

Much of Hillsborough's success came on second-chance points.

Shots were fired at will with either Evans or Tampa Bay Tech's Elgrin Wilson in the right spot for another opportunity.

"We hit our 3s early, which hurt us later on. So that's when I told them you have to go inside and crash the boards," Turner said.

"When the opportunity came to get our own boards, we finished at the rim."

Halftime featured a 3-point competition for the boys and girls and a dunk contest for the boys.

IRC's Kristen Scholl outshot Tampa Catholic's Micah Kroll 8-6 to take the 3-point contest. Newsome's Dylan Bridges hit 11 of 15 3-pointers, defeating Simon in the boys competition.

Simon didn't walk away empty-handed, dominating the dunk contest and defeating Evans by jumping over Gibbs teammate Bryce Williams with a one-handed jam.

Times wires
Friday, April 6, 2012

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas put coach Bobby Petrino on paid leave Thursday after he failed to disclose he was riding with a female school employee more than half his age when he crashed his motorcycle Sunday — an accident that has prompted him to apologize for a "previous inappropriate relationship."

Athletic director Jeff Long said there is no timetable for determining Petrino's future.

A police report released Thursday said Petrino, 51, was riding with Jessica Dorrell, 25, a former Arkansas volleyball player.

Petrino, married with four children, didn't mention her during a news conference Tuesday, and a school statement that day quoted Petrino's family as saying "no other individuals" were involved.

Petrino, who sustained four broken ribs and a cracked neck vertebra, also said Tuesday that he spent Sunday with his wife at a lake before going riding.

"My concern was to protect my family and a previous inappropriate relationship from becoming public," he said. "I will fully cooperate with the university throughout this process, and my hope is to repair my relationships with my family, my athletic director, the Razorback Nation and remain the head coach of the Razorbacks."

Dorrell, who did not return a call seeking comment, was not taken to a hospital, according to the report. She was hired March 28 by Petrino. She is in charge of organizing the recruiting process for the football team, including initial eligibility for each incoming player.

Long said he had not decided whether to suspend Dorrell.

In December 2010, Petrino signed a seven-year extension worth an average of $3.53 million per year. The contract includes a clause allowing Arkansas to dismiss Petrino for "engaging in conduct … contrary to the character and responsibilities of a person occupying the position of head football coach or which negatively or adversely affects the reputation of the (university's) athletics programs in any way."

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 6, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Florida concludes its 15th and final practice of the spring football season today with the annual Orange and Blue game, and coach Will Muschamp expects fans to see a vastly improved group of players but, overall, a team that remains a work in progress.

What has developed over the past three weeks, the Gators said, is an improving offensive line, players making a serious run at filling the hole left by the departure of running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey, and defensive players who have a better understanding of the scheme and what is expected of them.

"Last spring ball everything was new to us," linebacker Jelani Jenkins said. "We were thinking, we were trying to figure out how to play in the 3-4 defense. Now it was just like three months ago we were playing in the Swamp and going full speed with it. So I think that we're all able to play faster, we're not thinking so much and now we're able to work on the little things and just tighten some things up. We've got some new guys, and we're trying to help them come along. It definitely helps having one year under our belt."

What fans won't see is an exact replica of the offense. Because no matter what happens in today's game, the Gators will spend the next four months with this lingering question: "Who's the starting quarterback?"

"We will go into fall camp (still undecided)," Muschamp said of the competition between sophomores Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel. "Both guys are guys we can win with. That's the bottom line. And that's good for us. Both guys are competing at a high level, in my opinion. They both have done outstanding things throughout the spring, I'm very pleased with their progress — just managing our football team, getting in and out of the huddle, taking a command of the offense. And both of them are working extremely hard off the field. They are always in the building watching film and doing things you've got to do to be successful."

But they have yet to separate themselves, which is what new offensive coordinator Brent Pease said he was hoping for.

And while Mike Gillislee is the likely starting running back, several others are still vying for time, including Omarius Hines, who has moved over from receiver, another position that has serious question marks.

But unlike last year, depth has allowed the Gators to have what Muschamp termed a more successful spring, complete with increased competition, the development of a more physical defense and the rebuilding of an offensive line under a new coach who will try to get more out of this veteran group.

"We've had a lot more contact, a lot more working on good fundamentals and those sort of things," Muschamp said. "We've been able to because of our numbers. … I think competition at positions helps. When you've got some depth and you've got some guys, and you've got a guy that knows somebody can take his position, that's the best motivator there is, competition. So obviously with better depth, that's helped us. That's been the No. 1 motivating factor."

For those still battling for jobs, even an outstanding afternoon today won't automatically secure the position. After all, Muschamp said, it's just one of 15 practices. But can players help themselves? Without a doubt.

"Sure it does (help), in the long run of winning the job," he said. "But it's not going to be D-day either, to say this guy had one good day compared to the other 14 days of competing."

By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 6, 2012

TAMPA — Where's Ferris?

Yes, the Bulldogs from Ferris State have gotten a "Bueller … ?"-type reaction as they've advanced in the NCAA tournament.

Unlike Boston College, their opponent in tonight's Frozen Four national title game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, the Bulldogs don't come from a major market and are not associated with a traditional power conference.

They don't mind that many couldn't point out their Big Rapids, Mich., campus on a map or instantly recognize any other Ferris State sports team (hockey is the only Division I sport at the otherwise Division II school). After all, many of their initial reactions to Ferris State were a blank stare, too.

"I kind of looked at the card," said junior forward Kyle Bonis, remembering his first interaction with associate head coach Drew Famulak, when he was 16. "And it was like, 'Who is Ferris State?'

"We kind of enjoy (the anonymity). We're a bunch of kids that are kind of small town and, in a lot of cases, kids that big schools took a pass on. Every time we win games … and play well, it's like, 'Maybe they made a mistake.' "

In a study of counterparts, there's no mistaking the pedigree of Ferris State's opponent, Boston College, nor the level of difficulty the Bulldogs face in trying to collect their first national title. Boston College is the consensus No. 1 team in the country, in the Frozen Four for the fifth time in seven years and gunning for its third title in the past five seasons. The latter has not been accomplished in more than a half-century.

Beyond the storied tradition coach Jerry York has established at his alma mater, the Eagles, while technically a "smaller" school than Ferris State (9,099 undergraduates compared to 13,543), are located just outside of Boston and are one piece of an athletic department that has several prominent squads.

"Clearly, we're a nationally known school as far as athletics and play in the ACC," York said. "We play Florida State and Duke in basketball. In hockey, we play Boston University and Maine. We're a Division I school in all sports where Ferris is just Division I in hockey, so they might not be as well-known to the ACC people or Pac-12."

Even in the hockey world, there's a distinct difference between the programs. The NHL comes to Chestnut Hill, Mass., on a regular basis. Boston College has had at least one draft pick every year since 1996, and nine on its current roster already have been drafted.

None of the current Bulldogs have been drafted, and most were passed over in the recruiting process by schools such as Boston College.

Few came in with as little fanfare as Bonis, who scored the winning goal in Thursday's semifinal against Union.

Only offered an opportunity to walk-on with the Bulldogs two years ago, Bonis grew up on a 2,000-acre farm off a dirt road 10 minutes outside of Lindsay, Ontario. When he wasn't caring for his family's 120 cows or on a tractor tending to the genetic soybeans last summer, Bonis was in his barn, shooting puck after puck to quicken his release.

All that work paid off with 4:43 left in the third period Thursday, and the Bulldogs now share the stage with the high-flying Eagles.

"It's kind of surreal," Bonis said. "We get to play for the national championship."

Laura Keeley can be reached at lkeeley@tampabay.com.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, April 6, 2012

Having enough talent to reach the Division 1 level of college basketball takes a plethora of skill.

Balancing schoolwork successfully at a university while playing hoops adds more difficulty.

Excelling at both is reserved for the kind of student-athlete the NCAA dreams about.

Consider Adam Sollazzo the poster boy.

The D1-AAA Athletics Directors Association recently named the former Armwood and current East Tennessee State star men's national scholar athlete of the year.

"At first when I found out, I was shocked because there are so many players at so many big schools who applied," Sollazzo said. "It's a great honor."

Sollazzo, who has posted a 3.72 grade point average while studying business marketing at East Tennessee, will graduate magna cum laude this spring.

He credited his parents Paul and Terry — both of whom are teachers — for his success in balancing sports with academics. Terry is a former Hillsborough County Teacher Of The Year.

"My parents instilled in me hard work," he said. "They taught me school comes first and sports are second. They really emphasized that to me."

East Tennessee director of intercollegiate athletics Dave Mullins said Sollazzo's honor reflects the school's hopes for each athlete.

"Adam is an example of why we do what we do in ETSU athletics," Mullins said. "We set out with each scholar-athlete in our program to develop their athletic skills, give them the tools to succeed academically, and give them the chance to serve their community and campus. Adam continuously took advantage of each of those three opportunities as a part of this program and it has served him well."

Sollazzo led the 17-14 Bucs in scoring this season at 14.9 points per game and also paced East Tennessee with 4.4 assists per game.

"Adam has been a great representative for our basketball program for the last four years," head coach Murry Bartow said. "His is truly an outstanding scholar-athlete, and I am pleased he has been part of our ETSU program."

Sollazzo said winning a pair of conference championships tops his list of on-court accomplishments, but the relationships forged at East Tennessee will be his most cherished memories.

"Getting those two (conference championship) rings was awesome," he said. "But I have a whole new bunch of brothers now who are members of my family."

Sollazzo, who also played in a pair of NCAA Tournaments his freshman and sophomore years, said getting to the Big Dance is another highlight of his career.

"It's hard to put into words how you feel because getting to the tournament and playing teams of that caliber is something every kids who plays basketball dreams of," he said. "I won't lie, I was a little spoiled after making it my first two years."

Sollazzo said basketball is in his immediate future and he's currently trying to get some NBA workouts to showcase his ability prior to June's draft.

"It's every kid's dream to play in the NBA," he said. "But if that doesn't work out I'd want to play overseas or in the (NBA's) Developmental League and try to get there someday."

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 6, 2012

. fast facts

Orange and Blue spring game

When/where: 1 today; Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM

Tickets: $5 each. Admission is free with valid ID cards for UF students, boosters, Alumni Association members and F Club members. Tickets can be purchased on the west side of the stadium near gates 1 and 13, and Gate 1 at the O'Connell Center. All ticket windows open at 9 a.m.

Of note: Because of renovations of the west concourse, the west side of the stadium will be closed. These gates will be open for entry: 7 and 8 in the north end zone, 12 and 15 on the east side, and gates 16, 17 and 18 in the south end zone. The upper north and south seating areas will be closed. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. … The team will hold its Gator Walk at 10:30 a.m. on the north side of the stadium.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

By Bill Hardman, Times Correspondent
Friday, April 6, 2012

What's hot: Red grouper are making their way to many recreational fishermen's and spearfishermen's coolers. Since the season opened Sunday, anglers have been fairly successful at locating grouper. The "swiss cheese" hard bottom areas and rocky bottom structures seem to be holding the most red groupers. This is usually better news for fishermen rather than divers. The sparsely structured areas of the hard bottom don't offer much protective cover from divers. So at these locations, the fish tend to swim off into the sand while never offering an ethical shot for spearfishermen. In turn, the fishermen don't have a lot of structure to break off the line. The best depths are 60-150 feet.

Tournament: The Tampa Bay Spearfishing Challenge is April 13-15. Most of the proceeds go to local and national charities. The weigh-in, open to the public, is at 11 a.m. April 15 at Ferg's Sports Bar, 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. For information or to register, go to tampabayspearfishingclub.org.

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 Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 6, 2012

The Tampa Bay Rays pull off a wild, walkoff win in their opening game, scoring twice off legendary New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth inning to win, 7-6, at Tropicana Field.

And it was first baseman Carlos Pena who was the star.

Pena, who hit a grand slam in the first inning, came up with the bases loaded in the ninth and hit a game-winning single to the left-centerfield wall to score Ben Zobrist from third.

Down one run entering the ninth, Desmond Jennings led off with a single and then Zobrist tripled to tie the game at 6-6. Rivera intentionally walked Evan Longoria and Luke Scott to load the bases. The Yankees then used a five-man infield. Sean Rodriguez struck out before Pena's heroics.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 6, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Carlos Peña put on quite a show Friday night.

This was after his bases-loaded single off Mariano Rivera gave the Rays a pulsing 7-6 walkoff win over the Yankees in the season opener, which was after the grand slam he hit off CC Sabathia in his first at-bat since coming back to Tampa Bay, which was after he was introduced to a roaring ovation from the sold-out Tropicana Field crowd.

Peña jumped into the middle of the Rays' crazed clubhouse celebration — their first one in that room since the one after Game 162 last season — and danced under the strobe lights, spotlights and disco ball they hang for such occasions.

"He's awesome," third baseman Evan Longoria said. "He is the man. And he can dance."

Peña spoke modestly about what he accomplished at the plate, about how he responded after the Yankees intentionally walked shortstop Sean Rodriguez to bring him to the plate in the first versus Sabathia (against whom he was 4-for-35), and about how he hung in with two strikes against Rivera (0-for-11).

But he was more than willing to brag about his postgame moves.

"You know I've got it," he said. "That was great."

As part of their celebration — "It's always a party for five minutes after a win," second baseman Ben Zobrist said — the team as a group will select a player or two to feature.

Friday, there wasn't much need for discussion.

"Carlos got everyone's player of the game," starter James Shields said. "It was unreal. It was almost like Game 162 where we were all going nuts in here. It was amazing. We ended (last) season with a walkoff, and we begin the season this year with a walkoff. You really couldn't ask for anything better."

Things didn't look good, of course, heading to the ninth.

Shields was off his game, throwing too many pitches (104) in only five innings and throwing away the 4-0 lead Peña presented him, something he hadn't done since July 2010. They had botched a couple of squeeze bunts, misplayed a few balls in the field and had failed in four chances to get a runner home from third with less than two outs, 2-for-10 overall with runners in scoring position.

And there the Rays were, down a run and facing the magnificent Rivera, who 60 of 61 times had finished them off with a save, his lone misstep (Aug. 16, 2005) coming before Joe Maddon was the Tampa Bay manager.

But in the dugout, there was belief. Pitcher David Price was running up and down, leading the cheers, and the confidence in a comeback was obvious.

"We believe strongly," Maddon said. "We were all calling it. Everyone dialed up the conclusion."

Centerfielder Desmond Jennings singled and Zobrist, improving to 3-for-3 against Rivera, laced the first pitch to right-center for a tying triple.

Zobrist's "secret"?

"Sometimes," he said, "you close your eyes and you hit."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi got strategic again, utilizing a five-man infield and walking Longoria and DH Luke Scott. Rivera struck out Rodriguez, but then Peña, who Maddon decided to move up a spot from his original order in a "midnight epiphany," stepped up and, down 1-and-2, delivered again.

"I'm not going to make an excuse for it, I just left the ball up on the plate," Rivera said. "You don't want to start a season that way. Thank God it's only one game."

And only the first game at that, but the Rays looked to be in late-season form as they staged their celebration.

"Carlos is one of those guys that's really fun to celebrate with because you can see the joy all over his face," Zobrist said. "And he gets everyone else going too."

An hour after the game, Peña was still radiating. He had spoken openly about how much he missed being part of the Rays' success last season, when he played for the Cubs, and was clearly touched to have made such a dramatic return.

"What a special moment for me in my career," he said. "I was very excited."

Rallying Rays

Friday was the fourth time the Rays have come from behind to win their home opener in the bottom of the ninth inning:

Year Score Opponent

2012 7-6 Yankees

2010 4-3 Orioles

2007 6-5 Blue Jays

2003 6-4 Red Sox

Times wires
Friday, April 6, 2012

MIAMI — Florida International fired men's basketball coach Isiah Thomas on Thursday after the Hall of Fame player went 26-65 in three seasons.

His hiring came out of nowhere in 2009 — "No one thought we could pull this off," FIU director of sports and entertainment Pete Garcia proudly said at the time — and in the end, so did his firing.

"We want to thank (Thomas) for his three years … at FIU," Garcia said. "However, we have decided to take the program in a different direction."

Messages to Thomas were not immediately returned.

"Speechless," DeJuan Wright, FIU's leading scorer this past season, said of the move.

Thomas joined FIU after leaving the Knicks following stints as coach, team president and adviser, and being involved in a sexual harassment lawsuit against the team and Thomas that cost the club's owners $11.6 million. He never won more than 11 games in any of his seasons at FIU.

Petrino case: Moments after their motorcycle crash, Bobby Petrino and a female athletic department employee told a passerby not to call 911, then got a ride back to Fayetteville where the Arkansas football coach was met by a state trooper who provides his personal security during the season.

New post-crash details were in a 911 call released by State Police. The passerby, Larry Hendren, describes coming upon the accident Sunday just after Petrino and Jessica Dorrell "were getting up out of the ditch." He said Petrino was "walking, but it looked like his face was bleeding quite a lot."

"The rider and the passenger of the motorcycle declined us to call 911," Hendren told a dispatcher.

Petrino, 51, was taken to an intersection by another passerby. There, Dorrell, 25, left in her car while Petrino was met by Capt. Lance King, his security guard during the season. King took Petrino to a hospital.

King has been asked to detail "his involvement with Coach Petrino and other individuals who've been identified within the crash investigation," the State Police said.

Petrino has been put on paid leave after admitting he failed to disclose Dorrell's presence on the ride and that the two had an inappropriate relationship. Petrino initially said he was riding alone after a day off with his wife at a lake.

By John C. Cotey, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 6, 2012

Cortavious Givens is being patient.

Right now, it's all he can do.

While his friends travel the combine circuit and compete in prestigious 7-on-7 tournaments and collect verbal scholarship offers from interested colleges, Givens is waiting for his turn.

"I'm hoping by summer, I'll be good to go," says the Admiral Farragut running back, who suffered a season-ending injury in 2011 that he is still rehabilitating.

In a crucial district contest, Givens was in on special teams to try to block a Canterbury field goal when one of the Crusaders landed helmet first into his knee.

The result: a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus, requiring surgery that some have told him could end his days as a running back.

"I've heard a few people tell me that," Givens said. "They think I won't be able to do what I've been doing. But I know I can."

Before his injury, Givens was considered one of Tampa Bay's best and most promising runners. A blend of power and speed who also projects as a middle or outside linebacker, he had 200 yards rushing and receiving and three touchdowns before his injury.

If the pain of the injury wasn't enough, Givens missed Admiral Farragut's best season ever, a matchup with the state's all-time leading rusher Kelvin Taylor in the playoffs and a state championship game appearance.

"I was only getting the ball like three times game, but taking it to the house twice," he said. "It was going to be a good year. Everyone knew it was our year to go to state."

Givens says he has stayed in good shape. He says he has been jogging, and would put his knee at 70 percent recovered. He stands 5 feet 11 inches and weighs roughly 206 pounds, just a little over his playing weight. He said his upper body remains strong, and once he gets his knee brace May 24th, the comeback will begin in earnest.

On his side: Time.

Givens is only going into his junior year, the most important season for high schoolers hoping to attract a scholarship offer.

A host of colleges have expressed interest in Givens, with USF showing the most. But Givens said most, like Florida (who he didn't hear from until after his injury), Central Florida and Missouri, were waiting to see how his comeback goes.

This summer, he plans on attending camps in Gainesville, Miami and Tampa with the hopes of proving his knee is fine.

"I can't wait," he said. "Nobody wants to take a chance now, but (surgeon) Koko Eaton told me he believes I will play running back again if that's what I want to play. He said a lot of it is a mind thing.

"I'll be out there this spring cheering my boys on, and when I get my brace I'll be able to start cutting and show what I can do."

By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, April 6, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Seven stakes. Two racetracks. One sensational Saturday.

Derby Lane and Tampa Bay Downs provide fans a double dose of quality and quantity today. Derby Lane has its richest greyhound stakes race, the 53rd $80,000 Distance Classic at St. Petersburg. The Downs hosts its 10th annual Florida Cup Day with six $75,000 stakes races for thoroughbreds in Oldsmar.

Derby Lane spokeswoman Vera Rasnake said the 660-yard Distance Classic could be a classic. "It is probably going to be one of the best, if not the best, three-eighths stakes races this year," she said. "The caliber of dog is tremendous. You've got (2011) All-America team captain Tiger Boy; the defending champion, Magic Finch; and Jewelz Fire, who has the season's fastest time."

The field from the rail in Race 10 (10:11 p.m.): Kentucky Fire (Cal Holland kennel), Tiger Boy (McAllister), leading qualifier Brother Buck (D'Arcy), Magic Finch (Abernathy), Sovereign Gift (D'Arcy), Kiowa Wildbraves (Patriot), Jewelz Fire (Hambleton) and Flyin Commandant (Red Oak). First place pays $32,000.

The Downs concludes its stakes program with a focus on Florida-bred horses. There are 52 entries in the six stakes: Sophomore, Sophomore Fillies, Sophomore Turf, Sprint, Turf Classic and Turf Distaff, which is the first stakes in Race 3 (1:17). Graham Motion, trainer of 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, has two morning-line stakes favorites, Slews Answer (Turf Classic) and Unbridled Humor (Turf Distaff). Other early line stakes choices: Citizen Advocate (Sophomore Fillies), Crafty Unicorn (Sophomore Turf), Hello Prince (Sophomore) and It's Me Mom (Sprint).

Jamie Ness, the nation's leading trainer and closing in on his sixth straight Downs championship, will attempt to extend his streak of winning an Oldsmar stakes race to six consecutive meets with My Charming Clyde (Sprint).

MORE HORSES: The road to the Kentucky Derby continues today with the Grade I $1 million Wood Memorial (Race 9, 5:15 p.m.) at Aqueduct in Elmont, N.Y.; the Grade I $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (Race 6, 5:30) in Arcadia Calif., and the Grade III $500,000 Illinois Derby (Race 9, 6:46) at Hawthorne in Stickney/Cicero. … Oldsmar jockey Scott Spieth collected his 4,000th career victory Friday aboard Ula.

MORE DOGS: Nova kennel All-America selection Hi Noon Renegade has won his past three starts, including career victory No. 50, on March 29.

EASTER SCHEDULE: Derby Lane and Tampa Greyhound Track will be open Sunday for poker and simulcast wagering. The Downs will be closed.

By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 6, 2012

Coaching

Advantage: Boston College. Bob Daniels has done a phenomenal job elevating Ferris State and rightly won the Spencer Prose Award for Division I coach of the year. But BC's Jerry York is the dean of current coaches and has taken his team to the national final in five of the past seven seasons. Fun fact: Daniels is attempting to become the first coach to lead his team to victory in its inaugural title-game appearance since 1984 and … wait for it … York with Bowling Green.

Eagles

Location: Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Conference: Hockey East Association

Coach: Jerry York, 17th season (445-222-60, 912-557-94 overall)

How they got here: Beat Air Force 2-0, Minnesota-Duluth 4-0 and Minnesota 6-1

Leading scorer: Chris Kreider (23 goals, 22 assists, 45 points)

Leading goaltender: Parker Milner (28-5-0, 1.68 goals-against average, .936 save percentage)

NHL players produced: 50, including 13 first-round picks

Notable alumni: Matt Ryan (Falcons quarterback), Lesley Visser (sportscaster), Doug Flutie (former NFL quarterback)

Frozen Four appearances: 23

National championships: 4

Bulldogs

Location: Big Rapids, Mich.

Conference: Central Collegiate Hockey Association

Coach: Bob Daniels, 20th year (334-361-79)

How they got here: Beat Denver 2-1, Cornell 2-1 and Union 3-1

Leading scorer: Jordie Johnston (20 goals, 16 assists, 36 points)

Leading goaltender: Taylor Nelson (21-6-3, 2.06 goals-against average, .924 save percentage)

NHL players produced: 6

Notable alumni: Chris Kunitz (two-time Stanley Cup winner currently with the Penguins) George Ryan (former governor of Illinois), Karen McDougal (1998 Playboy playmate of the year)

Frozen Four appearances: 1

National championships: 0

Goaltending

Advantage: Boston College. The bad news for the Eagles' Parker Milner: He no longer is perfect in the NCAA tournament after surrendering a goal during Thursday's 6-1 win over Minnesota. The good news: He has emerged as one of the nation's best, allowing only 20 goals while starting every game of BC's 18-game win streak.

Defense

Advantage: Boston College. That's despite Ferris State's swarming defense being its trademark. BC goalie Parker Milner has been spectacular since January, and the defenders in front of him are good at forcing turnovers. The Bulldogs don't generate an abundance of offense, and BC has only been held scoreless in two of its 43 games this season.

Advantage: Boston College. Speed kills, and the first thing most coaches say about the Eagles is they are incredibly fast up front. Their goals tend to come quickly, too. BC twice has buried two pucks in an opponent's net within a one-minute span during the NCAA tournament. The Eagles have scored 3.9 goals a game during their 18-game win streak.

Special teams

Advantage: Boston College. Though the Bulldogs did a nice job in allowing Union only one power play on Thursday, they entered the Frozen Four 10th in Division I at 15.5 penalty minutes per game. And BC is lethal with a man advantage as teams have a hard enough time keeping up with it at even strength.

The pick

Even the Bulldogs realize they are the underdog. "If we don't play our best style of game, we're going to have big problems," coach Bob Daniels said. And he only needs to look at the 6-1 thrashing BC gave a good Minnesota team on Thursday if he needs any evidence. Ferris State has had a great season — its best ever — beating Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Michigan State. But Boston College is in a class of its own with no apparent weakness.

Laura Keeley's pick | Boston College 4, Ferris State 0

"Ferris State has all the enthusiasm of a first-time entry, and they've had a great year. Based on their goaltending, defensive strength and team style of play, they have a shot if they can get through the first period and build from there. BC, obviously, has talented frontline players and, if they can get rolling, a lot of firepower. They also have the advantage of playing in playoff-type hockey. I was at the Beanpot finals between BC and Boston University (on Feb. 13), and it felt like a championship game."

Offense

Denver coach George Gwozdecky led his team to a victory over Boston College on Oct. 14. It was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament by Ferris State. His analysis:

"You have to be impressed with both teams in different ways. I don't think anyone anticipated that kind of score (6-1) against Minnesota. Boston College showed an incredible ability to finish around the net. If you watch them play, they're great defensively as well as offensively and have had solid goaltending down the stretch. It's a tough matchup for any team. But I look at Ferris State, and they've proved the doubters and experts wrong throughout the season. The experts will be looking, trying to decide how many goals Boston College will win by, and that could be the perfect situation for Ferris State. The longer this game stays close, the better chance Ferris has to win."

By Greg Auman and Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writers
Friday, April 6, 2012

TAMPA — On a day when military leaders honored the man for whom the trophy is named, Minnesota-Duluth senior F Jack Connolly took home the Hobey Baker Award, given Friday to college hockey's most outstanding player.

"My heart was racing, pretty much pounding out of my chest," said Connolly, a 5-foot-8, 165-pound Duluth native. "It's a tremendous honor. It's kind of surreal right now. I'm sure it'll set in later, but I'm trying to enjoy the moment."

It's the fifth time in the award's 32-year history a player from Minnesota-Duluth has won the honor, most in the nation.

Connolly was second in the nation in points with 60, including 20 goals, and assists with 40 as he helped lead the Bulldogs to the region final.

Baker, a multisport star at Princeton and World War I pilot who died testing a plane shortly after the war ended in 1918, was honored as well at MacDill Air Force Base. His great-great-nephew Cristo Hobart Morse was presented with the Croix de Guerre (Cross of War), a French medal for heroism.

Morse also will take part in the ceremonial puck drop for tonight's title game.

Connolly's brother Chris won a national title at Boston and was the team's captain last season.

The other two finalists also were senior forwards, Maine's Spencer Abbott and Colgate's Austin Smith.

JITTERS? Is Ferris State nervous entering the first national title game in program history? Why yes, it is.

"It's easy to say — 24 hours away from the game — that the nerves are gone. But by the time we hit 3 p.m. (this) afternoon, the nerves are going to be back, and I know it," coach Bob Daniels said. "The players know it."

Why yes, they do.

"Obviously, we are going to be excited and maybe a little bit nervous for the first couple of shifts," senior D Chad Billins said. "But to get that first game under your belt really helps."

DeJa VU: The only visible sign of the Frozen Four's host institution, Alabama-Huntsville, is a Chargers logo on the ice and boards.

Athletic director E.J. Brophy aimed to use this week to wine and dine college hockey dignitaries hoping to find a conference home. The Chargers have been the only Division I independent, a huge financial burden, since the College Hockey America Conference dissolved after the 2009-10 season.

An interim president had slated the program to be downgraded to a club sport before new president Robert Altenkirch guaranteed it would stay in Division I through the 2012-13 season.

Ferris State and Daniels can relate. Its program faced elimination in 1991.

A few of the school's administrators wanted to de-emphasize sports. And in November, the school announced the program would be disbanded. Over the next three months, though, the community rallied around the program (similar to how supporters at Huntsville have done), and the decision was reversed.

Daniels said the scare hampered recruiting efforts for several years.

"It could have been just a figment of our imagination, a hockey team at Ferris State," said Boston College coach Jerry York, who then was coaching Bowling Green. "There's only 58 of us (in Division I).

"So we're always trying to protect each other."

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 6, 2012

tom jones' two cents



TAMPA

The Frozen Four wraps up tonight at the Tampa Bay Times Forum with what seems to be a mismatch: little Ferris State against mighty Boston College. Can Ferris State win? Just how good is Boston College? Let's answer those questions and more with something we will call "Frozen Four fact or fiction.''

Boston College is the NCAA's premier hockey program

Fact. Since 1997-98, the Eagles have been to 10 Frozen Fours, including five of the past seven. They have won three national titles since 2001.

A victory tonight, and BC captures its third national championship in the past five years — something that hasn't happened since Denver won in 1958, 1960 and 1961.

Yeah, that pretty much makes you the baddest cat in the alley.

"It's an honor to be a part of the program,'' captain and senior defenseman Tommy Cross said. "It's a privilege to be at Boston College.''

Ferris State will upset Boston College

Fiction. Is it possible? Lyle Lovett somehow convinced Julia Roberts to marry him. So sure, anything is possible. But realistically, it would go down as a pretty seismic upset.

Not quite "Miracle on Ice," but we're talking Villanova over Georgetown, Buster Douglas over Mike Tyson, Rocky over Apollo. It's not that Ferris State is that bad, but BC is that good.

Since losing to Maine on Jan. 21, BC has racked up 18 consecutive victories, outscoring its opponents 73-20. Minnesota, a splendid team with a storied history, looked like it could have played BC a hundred times and never come close during its 6-1 loss Thursday. If BC did that to Minnesota, what might it do to a Ferris State team playing in its first national championship game?

Perhaps Ferris State's best hope is the Eagles are already measuring their fingers for rings.

"Sometimes, when you are that top team coming in, you are a little worried about that team like us who has been an underdog all season long,'' Ferris State senior goalie Taylor Nelson said. "We just come out and play. You might be squeezing your stick a little too tight if you are considered a favorite because you should win the game.''

Nice try, Taylor, but it doesn't sound as if BC will play along.

"They're obviously a good team because they've made it this far,'' BC sophomore forward Bill Arnold said. "It is one game, and anything can happen. We just need to go about our business like we have all year and prepare like we're playing Goliath."

BC's Parker Milner is the best goaltender in the country

Fact. Here's how good Milner has been: When he allowed a goal against Minnesota in the third period Thursday night, it was his first in more than 193 minutes. That's more than nine periods.

Even that goal had to be reviewed because it looked like it might have been kicked in. Or maybe officials just couldn't believe Milner actually allowed a goal. The last time he gave up more than two goals in a game was Jan. 27 — 18 games ago.

"Parker's been playing unbelievable, and everyone in the room knows that,'' Cross said. "It definitely gives you confidence to have a goaltender that's rock solid back there, who's on top of his game and has his confidence going.

"If his confidence is going, that spreads to the rest of the team. As a defense, if we do have breakdowns, it's been great to have Parker there to bail us out at times."

Putting the Frozen Four in Tampa was a mistake

Fiction. The only ones complaining about college hockey's championship coming to Tampa are the old curmudgeons who still believe hockey was best when goalies didn't wear masks.

By all accounts, this Frozen Four has been a smashing success.

The weather has been chamber-of-commerce great, which means thumbs-up reviews from the tourists. More than 18,000 showed up for Thursday's semifinals, and just as many should be there tonight. Handing out the Hobey Baker Award at MacDill Air Force Base was a really cool idea.

Will the Frozen Four ever come back to Tampa? That hasn't been decided. Should it? Yes.

That's a fact.

Times wires
Friday, April 6, 2012

If slow and steady wins the race …

• After starting with 2-over 74, Phil Mickelson came back with 4-under 68 that put him 2 under for the tournament and three off the lead. Asked if he liked his position going into the weekend, Mickelson said: "Are you kidding me? After (Thursday's) round, I love it. … There's a lot of time left, and there's a lot of birdies out there, and I get to slide off before the leaders. If I make a move, they get to see those numbers being posted ahead of them, and that's not always easy."

• Rory McIlroy, who finished birdie-birdie Thursday, came close to finishing bogey-bogey Friday. He had a share of the lead until bogey on 17, and on 18 he got up-and-down to save par after a badly pulled approach shot that missed the green left. His 3-under 69 had him one shot off the lead. "To sort of stay patient and hang in there, I felt like I did that pretty well," he said.

Compiled from Times wires, ESPN.com, PGATour.com

Tiger's tale in reruns again

It was an emotional day for Tiger Woods. A missed birdie chip on No. 12 sent him into contortions. A wayward shot on 16 had him kicking his club. After opening with two birdies on the first three holes, he walked off the course at 3-over 75, his second-worst Masters score (narrowly missing his opening 76 in 2003) and his worst since 2004. He was at 3 over for the tournament, eight shots off the lead and tied for 40th. "I know what to do. It's just a matter of doing it," said Woods, who struggled with his swing for the second straight day. "That's the frustrating part because I'm still creeping into my old tendencies. Eventually it'll become where it's second nature." After his postround interview, Woods went to the driving range to work with coach Sean Foley. He stayed until dark. Woods never has been worse than fourth after 36 holes in the years he has won the Masters. In all 14 of his major victories, he had never posted a score worse than 69 in the second round. "The tournament is not over," Woods said. "I can do this. I've just got to be patient."

Couples in contention again

Before there was Tiger, Rory, Sergio or Phil, a smooth-swinging guy named Freddie used to make 'em go crazy at the Masters. He can still make it interesting. Fred Couples turned back the clock Friday during a seven-birdie second round that even brought a fist pump and a "Bam!" from the 52-year-old and put him in a tie for the lead with Jason Dufner. Couples shot 5-under 67, the same score he posted 20 years ago during the second round of his Masters win, one of the most crowd-pleasing wins in the history of the tournament. Were it not for the gray hair beneath his cap, this might have been confused for a replay of that '92 win. "Standing out there, I said, 'What the (heck)' a lot. What do I have to lose here?" Couples said. Couples, a winner on the senior tour two weeks ago, has been around the Masters leaderboard before in his 50s. Two years ago he opened with 66 and became the oldest player to hold the outright lead after the first round. Last year he shot 68 on Friday to push his way into the top 10. A win would make him the oldest major winner, four years older than Julius Boros was when he won the PGA Championship in 1968.

Finish of the day

First-round leader Lee Westwood spent most of the day staying in the lead, but he three-putted on the 18th green for double bogey to close his day at 1-over 73 and 4 under for the tournament. "The double at the last (hole) was a disappointing way to finish," Westwood said. "But if you get out of position slightly on this course, it can punish you."

Garcia doesn't know if he can win

Sergio Garcia was supposed to shed that "best player never to win a major" label years ago. Yet here he is, 32 and still searching.

The Spaniard climbed into contention with 4-under 68, which left him a stroke behind leaders Fred Couples and Jason Dufner. It was only his sixth round in the 60s in 14 trips to Augusta National and third since 2009.

Garcia is 0-for-53 in the majors. Yet, no player has more top 5 or 10 finishes in a major without a win than Garcia, the Elias Sports Bureau says. He has been in the top 12 in each of the past three majors (T-12th PGA Championship, T-9th U.S. Open, T-7th U.S. Open).

"I don't know if I'm ready to win. We'll see," said Garcia, playing with an infection in the nail of the middle finger of his left hand. "I wish I could tell you I'm ready to win, but I really don't know. So I'm just going to give it my best try, and you know, hopefully that will be good."

Meet Jason Dufner

The guy sharing the second-round lead with Fred Couples after 5-under 67 isn't an unknown. At last year's PGA Championship he led by five with four holes to play before hitting a tee shot into the water on No. 15 and ultimately losing to Keegan Bradley in a playoff. In all, Dufner, 35, has been a runnerup three times, twice finished third and posted 18 career top-10 finishes. But he has no wins in 162 starts.

He is also very quiet and low key. So you may be surprised to know that:

• He exchanges text messages with fellow Alabama native and former Auburn basketball star Charles Barkley.

• He has an economics degree from Auburn.

• He used to eat Taco Bell every Saturday because he thought it was good luck.

• He says the Masters doesn't make him as nervous as his upcoming May 5 wedding.

"I feel like I have the same emotions and same thought processes as a lot of guys, but I seem to not show it quite as well as some other players," Dufner said.

Times staff, wires
Friday, April 6, 2012

Former Bucs defensive lineman Warren Sapp has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida on claims he racked up millions in debt, according to TMZ.com.

One of the most surprising claims about Sapp's filing is he notes he lost his 2002 Super Bowl ring from the championship with the Bucs and his 1991 national championship ring at the University of Miami, TMZ reported.

The future Hall of Famer owes more than $6.7 million to various creditors, which includes hundreds of thousands of dollars in child support payments to at least four different women, the celebrity news website reported. He reportedly owes more than $800,000 to the IRS for 2006 and $89,000 for 2010.

The outstanding amount outweighs Sapp's $6.45 million in assets, TMZ reported, which will be liquidated as a result of his filing for Chapter 7.

Sapp, 39, currently works for the NFL Network as an analyst after playing in the league for 13 seasons with the Bucs, who drafted him 12th overall in 1995, and the Raiders (2004-07).

He said his current salary with the network is $540,000 per season, but his deal expires in August and he's unsure if the network will extend his deal, TMZ reported.

Among the debts, Sapp said he owes $853,000 to the IRS for 2006 and another $89,000 for 2010. Sapp said he also owes $2,858 in medical bills for "corrective speech and language therapy."

Sapp lists all of his assets in the documents, which, TMZ reported, include:

• 240 pairs of Jordan sneakers and sandals.

• Large nude women painting.

• Lion skin rug (female lioness).

• Nike golf clubs.

• De Grisogono watch (scratch on crystal, nicks and scratches on band).

• Boxing glove signed by Muhammad Ali.

It was not immediately clear where Sapp, who went to Apopka High in Central Florida, filed for bankruptcy.