Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

VALRICO — With a pair of college-bound senior aces on the mound Tuesday night, Plant and Bloomingdale knew runs would be at a premium in their Class 6A-8 district contest.

And for five innings, both offenses faltered while Plant's Tanner Anderson and Bloomingdale's Robby Kalaf kept the scoreboard full of zeros with an array of groundball outs that made the pivotal district game look more like infield practice.

But backed by the Harvard-bound Anderson, who had the help of some well-executed Plant small ball, the Panthers continued their recent simmering with a 3-2 district win for their sixth straight victory.

"I tell these guys every year, other than some seeding it really doesn't matter until we get to the end how we're playing," Plant coach Dennis Braun said. "I think it's important that we keep getting better every day. These guys bought into it and they didn't panic. They understood we lost some close games early on."

Bloomingdale loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the fifth, and Plant scored three runs the next half inning.

"That was huge," Anderson said. "We had momentum on our side. Right after that we scored three runs and that helped my confidence. I had the lead so all I had to do was keep it."

After Shawn Henderson's leadoff single, Mike Demo reached on a bunt single, setting the stage for Nick Ramos' RBI single to left-center. Ramos was thrown out at second but Demo then scored on Kyle Woodford's double. Plant (9-4, 4-3) scored its third run when the throw on a steal attempt at third sailed into leftfield.

Anderson (4-1) threw 21 of 31 first-pitch strikes, keeping the ball low in the zone with an effective slider and cutter.

Bloomingdale (8-8, 3-3) rallied in the seventh inning and had the game-tying run at third — and the winning run at first — until Joe Hudek caught a hard line drive at third to end the game.

"The way we came back in the seventh was all I needed to know," Bloomingdale coach Kris Wilken said. "We played hard from the first pitch to the last. We just didn't get it done, but it came down to a liner at third. What are you going to do?"

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

TAMPA — The Lightning did its part Tuesday night, but the playoff-clinching party will have to wait.

Tampa Bay beat the Senators 5-2 at the St. Pete Times Forum. But because the Hurricanes beat the Capitals in a shootout, the Lightning still needs two points to clinch its first playoff spot since 2007.

Marty St. Louis scored twice to reach 29 goals. Dominic Moore added two to reach a career-best 17.

Steve Stamkos got his 44th goal, an empty netter, to break a six-game drought. Simon Gagne, on a scoring jag in which he has six goals and 12 points in seven games, had two assists, and goaltender Dwayne Roloson made 31 saves and was stout at a critical time.

It was the second straight win for Tampa Bay (41-24-11), which can reach the playoffs tonight if Carolina loses in regulation to the Canadiens, or Thursday with a win over the Penguins.

A close-checking first period saw both teams with nine shots and zero goals. Both goalies were sharp.

Tampa Bay's best chance came 40 seconds into the game. St. Louis stole the puck in the offensive zone. Goalie Curtis McElhinney, who beat the Lightning in two previous encounters, stopped the shot, and Vinny Lecavalier could not get his stick on the bouncing puck in front of an open net.

The Lightning was outshot 13-9 in the second period but took a 2-0 lead.

St. Louis got the first goal 3:15 in the period off a scramble in front of the net after Gagne worked hard to control the puck in the offensive zone and Lecavalier's backhand pass across the slot got St. Louis the puck.

It was 2-0 at 7:25 on a bit of a controversial play.

Defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron put a shot off the end boards that ricocheted back and hit McElhinney's skate. The puck slid toward the goal line. McElhinney seemed to have it covered, but Moore poked the puck from under the glove and into the net.

"You have to go in there guns blazing and hope for the best," Moore said.

The goal was reviewed in Toronto, but the ruling on the ice stood.

Roloson made the lead stand up during back-to-back penalties to Mattias Ohlund (roughing) and Victor Hedman (delay of game).

The goalie stopped Jason Spezza at the side of the net with 5:35 left, Milan Michalek's backhander from the slot and Erik Karlsson's one-timer from the slot with 2:48 remaining.

St. Louis' third-period goal, off a lead pass from Gagne, made it 3-0. Spezza cut the deficit with 9:57 left on a goal off his skate. Moore reinstated the three-goal margin with 8:33 left.

First Period—None. Penalties—Foligno, Ott (slashing), 14:57.

Second Period—1, Tampa Bay, St. Louis 28 (Lecavalier, Gagne), 3:15. 2, Tampa Bay, Moore 16 (Bergeron, Tyrell), 7:25. Penalties—Michalek, Ott (tripping), 9:00; Ohlund, TB (roughing), 13:29; Hedman, TB (delay of game), 15:36.

Third Period—3, Tampa Bay, St. Louis 29 (Gagne, Stamkos), 5:48. 4, Ottawa, Spezza 17 (Greening, Hale), 10:03. 5, Tampa Bay, Moore 17 (Tyrell, Clark), 11:27. 6, Ottawa, Michalek 17 (Kuba, Spezza), 15:15 (sh). 7, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 44 (Hall, Moore), 19:26 (en). Penalties—Neil, Ott (elbowing, roughing, fighting), 12:09; Downie, TB, major (fighting), 12:09. Shots on Goal—Ottawa 9-13-11—33. Tampa Bay 9-9-13—31. Power-play opportunities—Ottawa 0 of 2; Tampa Bay 0 of 4. Goalies—Ottawa, McElhinney 9-12-1 (30 shots-26 saves). Tampa Bay, Roloson 21-24-5 (33-31). A—16,626 (19,758). T—2:30. Referees—Rob Martell, Mike Leggo. Linesmen—Tim Nowak, Dan Schachte.

Times wires
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — Maya Moore is headed to the Final Four with a chance to pad perhaps the most impressive resume ever in women's college basketball with another championship.

Moore had 28 points Tuesday, including the 3,000th of her career, to lead the top-seeded Huskies (36-1) to a 75-40 win against Duke and a fourth straight trip to the Final Four.

"I don't think about it right now," Moore said about becoming the seventh Division I player to hit 3,000 points. "Of course it's really exciting to be at a program where I've been able to flourish as an offensive player."

Coach Geno Auriemma wasn't surprised by his star's game in the Philadelphia Region final.

"We did talk in the locker room that this was going to be a big night for Maya," Auriemma said. "You could just sense it. … She doesn't let a lot of big games go by without going off in a couple of them."

With two more victories, the Huskies will match the record for consecutive NCAA titles set by Tennessee (1996-98) and equaled by UConn (2002-04).

Next up is Notre Dame on Sunday in the semifinals.

The two Big East teams are plenty familiar with each other, having played three times this season. UConn won all of those matchups including 73-64 in the Big East tournament final.

It's the third time in the past seven years that the UConn men and women have both have advanced this far with 2004 culminating in dual titles. Plus the football team reached a BCS Bowl, the Fiesta, after winning its first Big East title.

That makes Connecticut the first school to reach all three events in one academic year.

"Take that!," Auriemma said.

Earlier Tuesday, Moore became the second four-time AP All-American. She was a unanimous choice for the third straight year and has helped Connecticut to an unprecedented 149 victories while losing only three times.

Duke (32-4), the No. 2 seed, trailed just 17-14 midway through the first half but UConn scored the final seven points of the half for a 30-20 lead then blew it open by starting the second half on a 22-3 run. Moore broke the 3,000-point milestone on a jumper with 3:45 left.

Senior guard Jasmine Thomas had 17 points to lead Duke, but was 7-for-22 from the field.

"Jasmine Thomas has been incredible," coach Joanne P. McCallie said. "She was left a little bit on an island today with not much help offensively."

Texas A&M tops rival to reach Final Four

DALLAS — Sydney Carter had 22 points and Texas A&M finally beat Baylor, 58-46, to send the Aggies to their first Final Four.

A&M (31-5) had lost eight straight to its Big 12 rival, including three times this season.

When it counted most, the Aggies scored the first seven points in the Dallas Region final and led throughout.

Top-seeded Baylor (34-3) and All-American post player Brittney Griner will have to settle for the Big 12 regular season and tournament trophies the still-young Bears already won this season.

Griner, the 6-foot-8 standout sophomore coming off a career-high 40 points, had 20 points and nine rebounds.

Texas A&M became the second No. 2 seed to reach next week's Final Four, joining Notre Dame.

ALL-AMERICANS: UConn's Moore was joined on the first team by Griner, Stanford's Jeanette Pohlen, Texas A&M's Danielle Adams and Ohio State's Jantel Lavender.

Moore and former Oklahoma star Courtney Paris are the only four-time recipients.

Miami junior Shenise Johnson was named to the third team (see complete list, below).

MAINE: Cindy Blodgett, who led the Black Bears to four NCAA Tournament as a player in the 1990s, was fired as coach after going 25-94 in four years including 4-25 this season.

Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

VALRICO — Plant scored the only runs of Tuesday night's game in the fourth inning en route to a 2-0 win over Class 6A, District 8 rival Bloomingdale.

The victory gave the Panthers a season sweep of the host Bulls (11-9, 4-2) and snapped a tie atop the district.

"It means a lot, not just because it's Bloomingdale," Plant coach Melissa Sigmon said. "We control our own destiny at this point.

"Obviously, your confidence is good. It's better than going in (to the district tournament) 0-2 (against Bloomingdale), but it's tough to beat somebody three times. The more you see them the harder it gets."

Plant (9-6, 6-1) got two hits in the top of the fourth to start the game's only rally. Kaitlyn Steckel singled and scored on Victoria Romaine's double to deep center that got centerfielder Darby Bernaldo twisting to recover after turning the wrong way. Rachel DiBenedetto, pinch running for Romaine, then scored on an infield error.

"That was a shot," Sigmon said of Romaine's hit. "It was a tough play."

Plant pitcher Miranda Clark scattered five hits, striking out nine and working out of jams in the second and fifth.

"Miranda's doing a good job," Sigmon said. "She's coming into her own."

Bloomingdale's best chance to score came in the second when McKenzie Carter and Abbey Hensley led off with back-to-back singles. But Clark fanned the next two batters and Savanna Aversa popped up to shortstop.

Chris Girandola, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Mike Boriboun was a star on the mound and at the plate as Osceola beat Winter Park 2-0 Tuesday in the semifinals of the Northeast Invitational.

Boriboun had already done plenty on the mound, holding Winter Park scoreless through five innings in the semifinals of the Northeast Invitational when the left-hander took things into his own hands at the plate. The 5-foot-9 senior hit his first career home run with a two-run shot in the fifth inning, and he was just as crafty on the hill with 10 strikeouts over seven innings.

"I knew the game might get into one of those situations where both teams battle back and forth and before you know it, the game's in extra innings and who knows what could happen then," Boriboun said. "I just wanted to get on and move the runner over."

The Warriors (14-2) move on to the final today at Northeast where they will face Lakewood, a 6-3 winner over Indian Rocks Christian.

Lakewood (7-8) earned its fourth come-from-behind victory of the season when Jeremy Brown ripped a double to deep rightfield in the eighth inning to score two runs. He scored on a single by Mike Ferrandiz to give the Spartans a 6-3 lead, and sophomore CL Copeland tossed a perfect inning to end the game.

"We needed that win a lot," said Brown, who went 2-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. "We're a legitimate competitor, and we need games like this to boost our confidence. We have to string some wins together and we're capable of doing things down the stretch."

Copeland came on in relief in the third and allowed four hits over five scoreless innings for the win.

In an earlier consolation game, Mike LaGrange allowed one run and three hits over seven innings as Largo (7-10) pulled off a mini-upset against Clearwater (9-8) with a 3-1 victory.

Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

DUNEDIN — After beating public school teams at a tournament in Fort Lauderdale two weeks ago, Canterbury was trying to do the same thing at the Dunedin Spring Invitational.

Playing Tarpon Springs in the opening round Tuesday, the Crusaders jumped out to a 4-0 lead by the bottom of the fifth inning.

Then the Spongers came to life.

Tarpon Springs scored twice in the fifth inning and two more in the sixth inning to tie the game. In the seventh inning, the Spongers completed the comeback as Mike Dunnigan hit a single to bring home Danny Robinson in a 5-4 victory.

It was the first time Tarpon Springs (10-8) rallied late to win a game this season.

"Canterbury was ready to play and jumped out ahead," Spongers coach Dickie Hart said. "We were able to battle back and that's something you love to see. Hopefully, this gives us a lot of momentum for the rest of the tournament."

Caleb Koulianos had a double and a triple and Dunnigan had two singles to lead Tarpon Springs, which has won three straight. The Spongers play St. Petersburg Catholic tonight at 8.

Richie McClure and Dalton Hughes each had two hits for the Crusaders.

CCC 2, Pinellas Park 2: The Patriots tied the score in the bottom of the 14th when Brandon Grigsby came home on a double by Ryan Reinoso before the game was suspended.

In the top of the inning, Steven Arango doubled then came home on Eric Simone's triple to pull the Marauders even.

It was a pitcher's duel through the first five innings between CCC's Jeff Campbell and Pinellas park's Donny Norris.

The game will resume today at 5 with the winner to face St. Petersburg immediately afterward.

Countryside 4, River Ridge 1: After a slow start, Dominic Monda mowed down batters, finishing with 13 strikeouts to lead the Cougars.

Monda, a left-hander, walked four batters in the second inning before getting into a groove.

"Dominic was struggling with his fastball early on," Countryside coach Kemo O'Sullivan said. "So we started going more with a slider and he really locked in after that."

The Cougars (11-5) move on to face East Lake today at 5 p.m.

St. Petersburg 13, Carrollwood Day 1: The Green Devils jumped out early in a game called after five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.

Will Ramos went 4-for-4 and Richie Rivera was 3-for-4 for St. Petersburg (9-4-1).

The Green Devils will play the Clearwater Central Catholic-Pinellas Park winner.

Tampa Catholic 9, Palm Harbor U. 4: The Crusaders, the defending Class 3A state semifinalists, scored nine through the first five innings to advance to the winner's bracket. Tampa Catholic will face host Dunedin tonight at 8.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

TAMPA — Aqib Talib's impending arrest for what police say was his role in a Texas shooting leaves the Bucs at a loss, personally and professionally.

Personally, players and coaches are wondering whether Talib is responsible for shooting at his sister's boyfriend during a domestic disturbance, as alleged by Garland, Texas, police. The police Tuesday issued a felony warrant for his arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison.

The boyfriend was not injured.

Police said Talib is expected to surrender this week.

Professionally, the Bucs are mulling what Talib's potential loss would mean for the organization, of which the talented cornerback is a vital part.

"I think for the people outside of the team, they wouldn't be surprised by this because of his history," said center Jeff Faine, a team captain, referring to several off-field incidents — with teammates and a St. Petersburg cab driver — that have tainted Talib's time with the Bucs since he became their first-round draft pick in 2008.

"But me, I am a bit shocked. At the end of the day, at his core, he is a good person. He's had his issues, no question. I realize that. But it's definitely shocking."

Faine said Talib's problems have been mostly related to controlling his emotions, but the gravity of the shooting allegation still startled him.

Talib's alleged involvement in the March 21 shooting — in which his mother also has been arrested and charged with shooting at her daughter's boyfriend — could potentially end Talib's career and cause the Bucs a setback on the field.

The Dallas County District Attorney's Office will have to decide whether the evidence against Talib is sufficient to take the case to a grand jury to try to get an indictment. That could take four to six weeks.

It's possible the Bucs could release Talib, but that couldn't happen until the lockout is resolved. No roster moves are permitted during the lockout. If Talib is retained, the league could suspend him.

Talib was suspended for one game last season after being accused of punching the St. Petersburg cab driver in 2009.

Talib has been the team's top cornerback during the past two seasons. In 2010 he led the Bucs with six interceptions despite playing just 11 games. Talib has 15 interceptions in his three seasons despite being a starter for just two.

He has been assigned to opponents' top receivers because he is among the best cover men in the game, and his ability to take away featured receivers has been a comfort for coach Raheem Morris.

"I don't know if anybody really needs to say this, but it's almost to the point where Coach Morris doesn't even need to worry about (Talib's) side of the field," Faine said. "He's been beat, of course, but that's because he's an aggressive player. I wouldn't want it any other way."

Talib also missed the final four games last season with a hip injury. Second-year player E.J. Biggers took over the starting role at left cornerback. Rookie Myron Lewis was the third cornerback behind Biggers, and Ronde Barber, who has committed to playing in 2011, turns 36 next week.

Talib's latest legal problems also could alter the Bucs' plans for the draft next month.

The Bucs have spent a great deal of time exploring their options at defensive end, a position that has been considered the likeliest target for their first-round pick (20th overall). But the prospect of being without Talib could influence decisions in the first round and beyond.

Among potential first-round cornerbacks, LSU's Patrick Peterson is the top prospect. He undoubtedly will be gone long before the Bucs select. Prince Amukamara of Nebraska, Jimmy Smith of Colorado and Brandon Harris of Miami could be available later in the first round.

Talib's status will also fuel speculation that the Bucs could make a play for Raiders free agent Nnamdi Asomugha, who expects to be among the most sought-after on the market once the labor situation is settled.

Morris has said the team could be more active in free agency than in the past, and the possible loss of Talib could increase the chance of that.

Also, with the expected return of the salary cap (and salary floor), the Bucs are projected to see their payroll increase over 2010's, which was the lowest in the NFL.

Second-tier free-agent cornerback options include Johnathan Joseph (Bengals), Ike Taylor (Steelers) and Josh Wilson (Ravens), each of whom will command a considerable salary.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

TAMPA — Jarriett Buie has spent the better part of his life knocking down quarterbacks from Florida to Canada. But now the Armwood graduate impacts others in a different way.

Buie is spearheading the fledgling ADB Sports, which will hold its inaugural Tampa's Natural Talent football camp at the Belmont Heights Little League Baseball Complex April 22-23.

"This is a way to give back to the community," Buie said. "It's something I had thought about for a while, and I finally got the opportunity to reach out and make it happen."

That's not to say Buie, 25, has ended his quest to sack quarterbacks. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder is a starting defensive lineman for the five-time Arena Football League champion Tampa Bay Storm.

"He's got nice hands and some good speed," Storm coach Dave Ewart said. "I think he's going to help us this year. Plus, he's a good kid."

Buie left Armwood after earning All State honors during the Hawks' 2003 state championship run. He went to the University of South Florida. After academic issues and injuries wiped out his first two years, Buie played well in his junior year before starting every game as a senior.

Buie wasn't drafted out of college but ended up in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' camp before being cut. He then played last season for the United Football League's Florida Tuskers before finishing the year with the Canadian Football League's Montreal Allouettes. Buie played the final game for Montreal, recording an interception and forced fumble.

"I used to go up and visit my brother (Chris) when he played at Virginia Tech, so I'm used to the cold and like it," Buie said of his time in Montreal. "They made an offer for me to come back next year, and it's something I'm considering. Right now, I'm just trying to stay in shape and be ready."

And that means getting his workouts on the turf of the St. Pete Times Forum while adjusting to the indoor game with the Storm. But Buie has plenty of help in learning the nuances of the AFL. He is one of six former USF Bulls on the roster.

"I was half expecting (former USF) coach (Jim) Leavitt to come walking through the door," Buie said with a chuckle. "It's great having all those guys around to learn from and talk about the past with."

Buie enjoys his time with the Storm, but his focus these days is on the upcoming camp he put together with former Hawk Demetrius McCray. The clinic, which is open to kids of middle and high school ages, will feature sessions dedicated to improving football skills, individual techniques and 7-on-7 competitions.

"There will be something for everybody," Buie said.

In addition to drills, campers will have the opportunity to learn and interact with some big-name National Football League players. Former USF stars Mike Jenkins (Dallas Cowboys), George Selvie (St. Louis Rams), Jerome Murphy (St. Louis Rams) and Tyrone Mc-Kenzie (Tampa Bay Bucs) are all expected to attend.

"It will be great to get all these guys back together to help out in the community," Buie said. "I grew up in the inner city, and I know a lot of these kids are looking for some guidance and direction. I just want to make a difference."

For information on the camp or to sign up, visit adbsports.com.

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

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib surrendered to Texas police Wednesday morning on a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Talib, 25, spent about two hours being fingerprinted and booked and had his mug shot taken. He was released after posting $25,000 bail.

Police obtained warrants for Talib and his mother, Okolo, in connection with a domestic disturbance involving his sister and her boyfriend on March 21 in Garland, Tex.

According to the arrest warrants issued for Talib and his mother, detectives believe both fired gunshots at Shannon Billings during a domestic disturbance involving Saran Talib in the 900 block of Green Pond Ave in Garland.

Billings, who described himself as Saran's common law husband, told detectives Talib arrived on the scene first, pointed a 9 mm handgun at him and said he was going to strike him with it.

When Talib swung the handgun at Billings, it slipped out of his hand, falling to the ground.

Billings told detectives he was able to pick up the handgun, which had jammed after striking a wooden fence.

Talib continued to try to fight Billings, the warrant stated, when Okolo Talib arrived at the location, "jumped out of her car with a gun in her hand and eventually shot the gun at him.''

Billings told detectives Aqib Talib then grabbed the handgun from his mother and fired it at him several times. Billings ran into a wooded area, "fearing for his life.'' When he emerged, Aqib and Okolo were gone.

Okolo Talib turned herself into police Tuesday and later bonded out on her charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

The cases are being filed in Dallas County and will be presented to a Dallas County Grand Jury.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

DALLAS — Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib, who has been busy preparing a defense of felony charges that he fired gunshots at his sister's boyfriend, surrendered Wednesday morning to Texas police.

Talib, 25, has retained law firms from two states and hired a Dallas private investigator who has questioned neighbors who witnessed the March 21 shooting that rattled the quiet subdivision of Charleston Commons, a suburb of Dallas.

He posted $25,000 bail and was released after spending about two hours being booked in a Garland, Texas, jail.

Talib and his mother, Okolo, are charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after police say they took turns firing shots at Shannon Billings, 40, who describes himself as the common-law husband of Talib's sister, Saran. Billings was not hit.

Talib has retained Pittsburgh sports attorney Jay Reisinger, a member of the legal teams that have represented baseball stars Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa and Andy Pettitte. He also has hired Dallas criminal attorney Frank Perez and H. David Lozano, a private investigator for Drake Security Patrol.

Talib's attorneys declined comment Wednesday.

Earlier this week, Talib told Clint Bowen, a co-defensive coordinator at Kansas during Talib's college career there, that only his mother pulled the trigger during the domestic disturbance.

"I told him, 'I just read something about you firing a gun,' " Bowen said. "He said, 'Man, I didn't do a thing. It'll all come out soon.' He just kept saying that. He said, 'I didn't do that. That was my mom. It's all going to come out.' "

Okolo Talib, 58, also was charged with felony possession of a handgun. She turned herself in on Tuesday and was released on a total of $30,000 bond.

According to the arrest warrants, detectives believe both Talib and his mother fired shots at Billings about 7:30 p.m. on March 21, startling the neighborhood of two-story, brick houses in the 900 block of Green Pond Drive in the Dallas suburb of Garland.

Billings told detectives Talib arrived on the scene first, pointed a 9mm handgun at him and said he was going to strike him with it. When Talib swung the handgun at Billings, it slipped out of his hand, falling to the ground.

Billings told detectives he picked up the handgun, which had jammed after striking a wooden fence. Talib continued to try to fight Billings, the warrant stated, when Okolo Talib arrived at the location, "jumped out of her car with a gun in her hand and eventually shot the gun at him."

Talib, the warrant says, then grabbed the gun from his mother and fired it at Billings several times. Billings ran into a wooded area, "fearing for his life." When he emerged, Aqib and Okolo were gone, according to the warrant.

Billings remains in the Dallas County jail on $2,500 bond after being charged with aggravated assault and interfering with an emergency call earlier in the day on March 21. Billings is a registered sex offender with the Texas Department of Public Safety. In 1998, when he was 27, he was convicted of sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl and served probation.

The cases are being filed in Dallas County and will be presented in 4-6 weeks to a grand jury, which will decide whether to indict, Garland police spokesman Joe Harn said.

If convicted of the second-degree felony, Talib could serve two to 25 years in prison.

In addition to his legal problems, the Bucs' best defensive player is almost certain to face an interruption of his NFL career.

Talib, who went to L.V. Berkner High in the Dallas suburb of Richardson, was suspended for one game last season by the league for punching a St. Petersburg cab driver in 2009. Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said the team is "deeply troubled," by the serious charges filed against Talib. Teams cannot have contact with players or make transactions during the owners' lockout.

However, commissioner Roger Goodell has said the league's code of conduct will be enforced once the labor issue is settled.

Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder and Times senior researcher John Martin contributed to this report.

By Tom Scherberger, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Despite their success on the field, the Tampa Bay Rays never have been known as champions of ballpark food.

But changes are coming.

On Wednesday, two days before the first pitch of the 2011 regular season, the team rolled out some new items for review by local news media.

The Rays and their concession manager, Centerplate, are embracing a couple of the biggest local dining trends: barbecue and premium burgers.

The Batter's Eye, the mainstay restaurant at Tropicana Field, never caught on with fans and has been replaced with Everglades BBQ Company Smokehouse.

The Tampa Bay area has seen a boom in new barbecue restaurants n the past year, and the Rays want to join in.

"Barbecue's catching on,'' said Josh St. Pierre, the executive chef at the Trop. "People are taking to it. It's comforting, it's economical.''

It is difficult to use a word like ''economical'' with a straight face in the context of any professional sports venue.

At Everglades, pulled pork nachos are $9, a pulled pork sandwich (served with potato wedges) is $12; an entree of smoked brisket (with two sides) is $14; ribs are $16 for a half a rack or $22 for a full rack (both with two sides). The food will also be sold at a concession stand near first base.

The pulled pork was juicy and tender, though it could have used a bit more smoke.

Three sauces were available — Carolina Gold (with a mustard base), Smoky Original and a slightly sweet, slightly spicy Citrus Chipotle.

All the meat is cooked over hickory in a large electric smoker — dubbed "Big Daddy'' — that can hold up to 400 pounds of meat in the Trop's gargantuan kitchen, behind the Capt. Morgan deck.

The first Everglades BBQ Company was a concession stand at the Miami Dolphins' stadium. It has spread to other stadiums where Centerplate runs concessions, but the Trop is the first with a full-service restaurant.

Another newcomer is Wings Around the World, a concession stand at Center Field Street. It's a misnomer, since it features so-called boneless wings, which are not wings at all but chunks of fried chicken breast.

But chicken nuggets doesn't have quite the same ring as chicken wings. Besides, "you can throw a bone,'' said St. Pierre, and "they don't want you to have anything you can throw.''

The chicken comes with myriad sauces, including Buffalo. They are certainly easy to eat, served in a large cup with a plastic fork. But as for flavor, let's just say they taste like fried chunks of chicken and move on to the slugger in the lineup.

That would be the humongous, tasty Cuban Burger from the new concession called Burger Up! Located in the first base food court, it will feature four premium burgers — the meat is ground fresh daily from a mixture of chuck, rib eye and strip loin — served on Kaiser rolls with a large order of fries ($12).

All the burgers come with two 4-ounce patties, but the Cuban Burger is served on La Segunda Cuban bread from Tampa and topped with ham, salami, swiss cheese and pickle. The burger meat was beefy and the combination of flavors was a home run.

Other additions include GF! in Center Field Street, featuring gluten-free hot dogs, pretzels and beer, and a redesigned Brew House with craft beer from Cigar City Brewing and Cold Storage Craft Brewery in Tampa.

Tom Scherberger can be reached at (727) 893-8312 or scherberger@sptimes.com.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Manager Joe Maddon said the Tampa Bay Rays' "roster is set," so that means RHP Juan Cruz and LHPs Jake McGee and Cesar Ramos have made the team.

Cruz, a veteran who was in camp on a non-roster deal, showed he was recovered from 2010 shoulder surgery with a strong spring, allowing one run in 9 exhibition outings and only three hits, for an .097 opponents average.

McGee, one of the Rays top prospects, allowed 10 hits in 12 spring innings but only one unearned run.

Ramos, acquired from San Diego in the Jason Bartlett trade, looked rough at some times and good in others during the spring, but the Rays like his versatility. He had a 6.17 ERA.

Those three join RHPs Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta, Adam Russell and Andy Sonnanstine in an almost totally made over bullpen.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Manny Ramirez is not at today's exhibition for what the Tampa Bay Rays said are "personal reasons."

Manager Joe Maddon said Ramirez "is fine," and that Maddon found out a couple days ago Manny had "some personal things to attend to" and that "there was something he really had to do today."

Ramirez will be back for Friday's opener, Maddon said.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Tampa Bay Rays are approaching a sellout for Friday's Opening Day against the Baltimore Orioles, with obstructed view and scattered single seats all that are left right now.

Tampa Bay opens the season against Baltimore at 7:10 p.m. Friday.

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

By RODNEY PAGE

Times Staff Writer

The Transitions Championship at Innisbrook two weeks ago was a chance for locals to watch some of the best in the world play golf. Part of the reason golf fans flocked to the Copperhead Course was to see players do things with a golf ball that they can not.

There is nothing like seeing a professional hit an effortless 300 yard drive. While 99 percent of those who golf can't play like the pros, they can at least look like them.

Golf manufacturers know this, which is why they pay professionals big bucks to wear their shoes or pants or hats.

And especially to use their clubs.

Representatives are camped all around the practice putting green and driving range at most tournaments, hoping players will try their clubs and eventually use them in a tournament. If a player likes a club, or starts playing better by using a certain club, word spreads like wildfire.

A prime example is the new white drivers just about every pro seems to be using. They are the Burner SuperFast 2.0 and R11 drivers by TaylorMade. It seemed to be in the hands of just about every player at the Transitions Championship. In fact, a TaylorMade release claims the club has been put into play over 120 times worldwide in 2011.

Already this year, Martin Laird, Jonathan Byrd, D.A. Points, Luke Donald, Rory Sabbatini and Michael Bradley have won tournaments with the white driver. Other notable pros using the club include Camillo Villegas, Dustin Johnson, Paula Creamer, Jim Furyk and current world No. 1 Martin Kaymer.

"Now we are obviously all trying to switch to the white drivers, the Burner 2.0, new version,'' Furyk said at the Transitions Championship. "I think it's actually a better driver because I think it's more forgiving.''

So what's the big deal?

The drivers first started appearing in professional's hands at the PGA's opening events in Hawaii this January. They became available to the public in early February. The driver retails for around $400 at most golf shops.

"It is by far our best seller,'' said Larry Hibbler, assistant manager of the Edwin Watts Golf Shop in Palm Harbor. "We have a hard time keeping them on the shelves. We got a heads up that this might happen so we ordered plenty of them. I think more than anything it's the white head on the club that people like.''

It is hard to miss the white head. The idea is to make the club head more visually appealing at address. It also supposedly cuts down on glare. It reflects 100 percent of the light and eliminates so called "hot spots,'' which is a glare that comes off of dark-headed clubs.

The club face is black, which is supposed to make alignment easier. The white head, coupled with the black face gives the feel of having a big-headed driver in your hands.

Another noticeable feature is the shape of the head. It is basically aerodynamic, with a tapered back that gives it a slight v-like shape. The idea is to reduce drag on the club through impact. And because it is light weight (279 grams), it is supposed to allow for more club head speed, which ultimately means more distance.

And with the R11 model, there are options to adjust club face angle and weight. The club face can be adjusted plus or minus two degrees in either direction. That allows golfers to have more of a fade or a hook on their drives.

There are also 10 gram and one gram screws that can be placed in the heel of the club. Positioning the 10-gram weight in the heel promotes a draw, while putting it in the toe encourages a fade. According to TaylorMade, the moveable weights provide up to 25 yards of right-and-left adjustability.

All of that may sound like way too much technology for the average golfer, but the clubs are showing up more and more on tee boxes throughout the country.

No longer the drivers fault

Less than 20 years ago, some players were still using persimmon wood drivers. In that time, the shift has gone to metal and given us the oxymoron "metal woods.''

Then came oversized metal drivers, square-backed drivers, steel drivers and titanium drivers. There are drivers with seven degrees of loft up to 12 degrees. And now there are adjustable drivers.

Golf club makers are like scientists, trying to find that extra little bit to add a few yards to a drive.

"You need to be a nuclear physicist to figure the R11 out because you have so many settings,'' Tour pro Kenny Perry told USA Today. "In the old days, you had to learn how to hit the driver and work with it. Now, we tell the guys at TaylorMade what we want and they will build it. Now, we have no excuses. We can't blame the driver anymore."

It's hard to say what will be the next big thing in club manufacturing. But for now, it's the white driver. They will be prevalent on tour this year, which means they will be popular with the public.

"Maybe I'll invent a green-headed driver,'' Hibbler said. "Or a pink driver for ladies. You never know what people are going to want next.''

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

TAMPA — Ryan Malone was not going to play into the hype; at least not in front of a reporter.

Asked if Thursday's matchup with the Penguins at the St. Pete Times Forum is one of those statement games in which potential first-round playoff opponents plant mental seeds and send physical messages, the Lightning wing agreed it is "important."

But he also said, "It's more about taking care of what we have to do."

As for facing his former team and his hometown squad in such a huge game, Malone said more important is finding his legs after missing 21 straight games and 26 of 27 with a groin injury.

Coach Guy Boucher, though, could not contain his glee at the timing of Malone's return.

"We're not that big a team and he's a big guy," Boucher said. "But being big is one thing, he's also smart. He's one of those rare guys who is the total package — toughness, big and smart. He's been missing a long time and it's been hurting us a lot."

Malone, 31, has 11 goals and 34 points in 50 games while averaging 18:14 of ice time. The 6-foot-4, 219-pounder has nine power-play goals, mostly from being a stubborn presence in front of the net, and kills penalties.

But he hasn't played since Feb. 8 against the Sabres when he slid into and wrapped himself around a goal post, and he has played only 6 minutes, 36 seconds since Jan. 21.

The time off wouldn't have been so bad, he said, had the team kept winning. But watching it through a 4-6-4 skid was "a little rougher. You definitely wish you were out there."

What is reasonable to expect of Malone after such a long layoff?

"I'm not sure," he said. "It's been about three months since I've played in a good game, and you're always worried about what kind of shape you're in.

"I'm obviously going to try to body check; that's not too hard of a skill to keep. But for the most part, keep shifts short and keep it as simple as you can and keep your feet moving."

Whatever Malone contributes, "We can use him," goaltender Mike Smith said. "The guys are grinding it out, but we're definitely missing a big body out front. We don't have that in the lineup right now."

Actually, with the return of Malone and Steve Downie, Tampa Bay's grit level has spiked.

Getting two top-six forwards back in the lineup also takes some of the burden of playing time off their teammates.

Just in time, too, as the Penguins, even without injured stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, are pushing the Flyers for the Atlantic Division lead.

They outscored Tampa Bay 13-2 in their past two meetings.

"Their speed is what's difficult to handle," Boucher said. "They're not very big but they're so fast, very evasive. These guys are on a mission."

But so is the Lightning, which with two straight victories seems to be working out of its recent malaise and could face the Penguins in the first round of the playoffs.

"Even if they are our first-round opponent, it's not going to be about us changing the way we play," Malone said. "We have to play our type of hockey that has brought us success all year."

It was about as much hype as Malone was willing to give.

MINOR MOVE: Forward Mattias Ritola was reassigned to AHL Norfolk.

Times staff
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Baseball's opening day: There are three games on ESPN, the first starting at 1 p.m., but it still seems wrong. There should be one game at Cincinnati to open the baseball season.

Sports Connection: 11 p.m. on BHSN (Ch. 47). Former Rays catcher Mike DiFelice is in studio to talk about the 2011 Rays and if they can compete in the tough American League East.

Jimmy Kimmel Live: Midnight on Ch. 28. Soccer star David Beckham is one of the scheduled guests.

By Dave Zalewski, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

What's hot: The big decision prior to each trip offshore before the cold fronts blew through was what species to target. Spanish mackerel were abundant near every inlet emptying into the gulf. Until last weekend baitfish were very small, and the use of a 00 or 0 spoon was mandated. Large baitfish arrived over the weekend and trying different spoon sizes was necessary to "match the hatch."

Kingfish arrived in scattered schools. Some were in the usual spots such as the midwater artificial reefs, wrecks and the markers at the western end of the shipping channel. Cobia were spotted at many of those locations but hesitated to take anything offered. Clear water allowed us to see barracuda over several high-profile structures. Historically, they show up about a week or two before the kingfish arrive.

Bottom fishing is outstanding in the 40- to 60-foot depths. Because of the grouper closure, we've been directing efforts toward light-tackle white grunt, triggerfish, sea bass, porgy and triggerfish. Catch-photo-and-release grouper have been a welcome addition, but beginning Friday, some will end up in the fish box. Red grouper will be open in state and federal waters. Gag grouper will be open only in state waters, up to 9 miles offshore.

Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach and can be reached at Luckytoo2@aol.com or (727) 397-8815.

Times staff, wires
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Mickelson thinks a week ahead

Phil Mickelson is in the field for the Houston Open, which begins today, but don't expect to see his name near the top of the leaderboard. Mickelson, above, is playing because he prefers to compete the week before a major — the Masters is next week — but given his disdain for the works of Rees Jones, who designed tournament host Redstone Golf Club, he said he will play shots that might not make a lot of sense, just to get ready for Augusta National. "Houston is not going to set up well for me," Mickelson said last week. His biggest complaint is the fairways narrow after about 285 yards off the tee, which tends to limit power players to a 3-wood off the tee. Mickelson plans to use a driver anyway. "I'm just not going to hit 3-woods off the tee and play that course strategically the week before Augusta," he said.

Major time for LPGA Tour

The LPGA's first major of the season, the Kraft Nabisco Championship, tees off today. Defending champ and world No. 1 Yani Tseng is in the field, as is 2009 winner Brittany Lincicome from Seminole. Lincicome has a tie for second this season and has risen to 18th in the world rankings. The other former champions in the field: Morgan Pressel (2007), Karrie Webb (2006, 2000), Grace Park (2004), Pat Hurst (1998), Helen Alfredsson (1993) and Juli Inkster (1989).

Local events

• Dunedin Stirling Links, formerly known as St. Andrews Links, hosts a three-day grand reopening Friday-Sunday. During the event, the course, at 620 Palm Blvd., will have discounted greens fees ($9 Friday, $10 Saturday, $11 Sunday), complimentary food, free PGA golf clinics at noon Friday and Saturday, and merchandise giveaways. Information: (727) 733-6728; dunedingolf.com.

• The Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf and Family Sports Complex in Clearwater hosts an open house from 9 a.m.-3 p.m Saturday to celebrate its second anniversary. Among the activities will be games and contests, a putting demonstration, and vendor demonstrations of new clubs and putters. The course is at 2987 N McMullen Booth Road. Information: (727) 216-6389; chichi.org.

•Silver Dollar Golf and Trap Club in Odessa host its sixth annual golf tournament to benefit Hillsborough Kids Inc. on April 8. The tournament is a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start. An awards luncheon is at 3 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. Information: (813) 920-4185.

This week on tour

PGA: Houston Open, Redstone Golf Club. TV: Today-Friday, 3 p.m., Golf Channel; Saturday-Sunday, 1-3 p.m., Golf Channel, and 3-6 p.m., Ch. 8

LPGA: Kraft Nabisco Championship, Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, Calif. TV: Thursday-Friday, noon-3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Golf Channel; Saturday-Sunday, 4:30 p.m., Golf Channel

Champions: Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, Fallen Oak Country Club, Saucier, Miss. TV: Saturday-Sunday, 9 p.m., Golf Channel

Europe: Hassan II Trophy, Golf du Palais Royal, Agadir, Morocco. TV: Today-Friday, 11 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m., Golf Channel

Times staff, wires

Times wires
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Tampa Bay Golf Tour

Tampabay.com/golf is a guide to public courses in the bay area. More than 70 regulation and executive courses are listed, broken down by county and price. The site also has video reviews. This week's featured courses: Rocky Point Golf Course, Belleview Biltmore Golf Club, Quail Ridge Golf and Country Club, the Dunes Golf Club, the Golf Club at Cypress Creek, and Triple S Golf Ranch.

Number of the day

501 Days since Tiger Woods has won a tournament. His last win was on Nov. 14, 2009, at the Australian Masters. His next tournament is the Masters next week.

Outfit of the day

Bubba Watson, left, will wear all white next week at the Masters. Watson, who wears clothes designed by golf apparel company Travis Mathew, will make his third appearance at Augusta National.