Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:12:06 PST Texas looks to make point in Fiesta Bowl (AP) Texas coach Mack Brown has a theory about bowl games. "If the teams are fairly even, the team that wants to be there the most and has the edge and is more motivated usually wins," Brown said. If third-ranked Texas had a choice, it would be in Miami preparing to face Florida for the BCS title. But the Longhorns still have plenty of motivation against No. [more info]
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:05:25 PST Report: QB Cassel to get franchise tag (AP) The New England Patriots plan to put the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel, according to a published report. Cassel's future hinges heavily on Tom Brady's recovery from a season-ending knee injury in the first game this season. Franchising Cassel would keep him from becoming an unrestricted free agent and give the Patriots an option if they feel Brady might not be ready for the start of the... [more info]
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:11:17 PST Source: Cubs to give Bradley $30M deal (AP) The Chicago Cubs and free agent Milton Bradley reached a preliminary agreement Monday on a $30 million, three-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The deal is subject to a physical scheduled for Thursday, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized. [more info]
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:49:24 PST Tomlinson could be sidelined Sunday (AP) There was the strained groin in 2004, the lingering rib injury in 2005, a jaw injury in 2006, the knee injury in last year's playoffs and then his jammed right big toe earlier this season. Now there's the groin injury that's dogging LaDainian Tomlinson to the point that he might have to sit out the San Diego Chargers' playoff game at Pittsburgh on Sunday. [more info]
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:04:53 PST Rays, Burrell agree to $16M, 2-year deal (AP)
Pat Burrell went from one World Series team to the other. The Tampa Bay Rays added a big bat to the middle of their lineup, agreeing Monday on a $16 million, two-year contract with Burrell. The 32-year-old slugger spent the past nine seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, who defeated the Rays in the World Series a little more than two months ago.
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:28:45 PST AP Source: Twins owner Pohlad dead at 93 (AP)
Carl Pohlad, a billionaire banker whose Minnesota Twins won two World Series titles during his nearly quarter-century as owner, died Monday. He was 93. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig issued a statement confirming Pohlad's death, calling him "a true leader in our sport for the past 25 years." "Since the day Carl Pohlad entered Major League Baseball, he made significant contributions to our game,"...
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:18:59 PST Harrison named AP's top defensive player (AP)
Kent State once sent a linebacker to the Pittsburgh Steelers who epitomized everything the Steel Curtain was about. That was Jack Lambert. The current version of the hard-hitting, versatile and dynamic former Kent Stater in Steel City is James Harrison, The Associated Press 2008 Defensive Player of the Year.
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:02:28 PST Cards WR Boldin uncertain vs. Panthers (AP) Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin has a strained left hamstring and his status is uncertain for Saturday night's NFC divisional playoff game at Carolina. "We'll see how it goes this week," coach Ken Whisenhunt said at his Monday news conference. Boldin was injured on a 71-yard touchdown pass from Kurt Warner in the second quarter of Arizona's 30-24 wild-card playoff victory over the Atlanta... [more info]
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:21:33 PST Sources: KC talking to Pioli for GM job (AP) Scott Pioli, who helped build the New England Patriots' dynasty, may have a second suitor among teams looking for general managers. Pioli, 43, was scheduled to meet with Kansas City Chiefs owner and board chairman Clark Hunt, possibly Monday, persons with knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press. [more info]
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:49:33 PST Pitt atop poll for first time, UNC No. 3 (AP) Pittsburgh made it to the top of The Associated Press' college basketball poll for the first time and it wasn't even close. The Panthers (14-0) took advantage of losses by season-long unanimous No. 1 North Carolina and No. 2 Connecticut to make the jump from third to first Monday, receiving all but two of the first-place votes from the national media panel. [more info]
NFL NEWS
ESPN.com - NFL
Sat, 3 Jan 2009 14:18:53 PST Manning wins third NFL MVP award in landslide Peyton Manning has joined Brett Favre as the only three-time winners of The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award. [more info]
Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:09:49 PST Bears in playoff chase with OT win over Packers Visit ESPN.com for the complete story. [more info]
Mon, 5 Jan 2009 15:18:58 PST Big Ben practices, expects to play vs. Chargers Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who battled the effects of a concussion last week, returned to practice on Monday and said he expects to play in Sunday's home playoff game against the San Diego Chargers. [more info]
Mon, 5 Jan 2009 16:02:59 PST 'Tough' injury could sideline Tomlinson Sunday LaDainian Tomlinson might have to sit out the San Diego Chargers' playoff game at Pittsburgh on Sunday. [more info]
