Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for November 20, 2006

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Monday, November 20, 2006

There's speculation in Florida that Mike Fratello would replace Pat Riley because they are close friends and Riley is coaching the Heat this season only because he couldn't find an adequate replacement after winning the title.

The Raptors' poor start to the season may be all the incentive general manager Bryan Colangelo needs to axe coach Sam Mitchell. ... There has been plenty of talk since Colangelo arrived that Suns' assistant Marc Iavaroni is his first choice and that he might bide his time with Mitchell until the end of the year. But Iavaroni recently has signed a two-year extension with Phoenix and, given Colangelo's icy relationship with Phoenix owner Robert Sarver, there's no guarantee that Sarver would consent to let Iavaroni out of his contract, even to become a head coach here.

When the Kings' job came open during the offseason after former coach Rick Adelman was dismissed, P.J. Carlesimo wanted the Sacramento gig more than most. In the early days of the coaching search, his name was among the first to be bandied about. He came with six seasons of head-coaching experience and was ready to leave his duties as a San Antonio assistant. Then there was the possible irony, the fact that Carlesimo had followed his friend, Adelman, twice before, replacing him at Portland and Golden State. Not getting the job, though, was different than not receiving a phone call, which Carlesimo did not. "Yeah, I was disappointed," said Carlesimo, who was last a head coach for the 1999 Warriors. "I just thought it was a heck of a job. I would love to have been involved, just because I thought it was such a good job. "I like the franchise. I like the players. I liked everything about it. It's a good town. For a lot of reasons, it was very, very attractive."

The NBA is expected to get Denver's application for a $5.2 million disabled player exception in the next day or two. The Nuggets anticipate being granted the exception due to Kenyon Martin being out for the season, although there is no guarantee they would use it. It would be valid until late December, and the Nuggets could use it to sign or claim a player off waivers, but not for a trade .

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert wasn't one of the eight NBA owners who signed a letter to NBA Commissioner David Stern in September begging the league to investigate revenue sharing, especially when it relates to dispersing the local television cash, which varies wildly between the big and small markets. The letter and the writers were revealed by the Seattle Times on Sunday. The owners are the Portland Trail Blazers' Paul Allen, Memphis Grizzlies' Michael Heisley, Charlotte Bobcats' Bob Johnson, Milwaukee Bucks' Herb Kohl, Utah Jazz's Larry Miller, New Orleans Hornets' George Shinn, Indiana Pacers' Herb Simon and Minnesota Timberwolves' Glen Taylor. No doubt, new Sonics owner Clay Bennett is in that club now as well.

There is no prohibition against a home crowd booing its own players, however, as Warriors forward Mike Dunleavy can attest. Twice during the Warriors' five-game home winning streak, Dunleavy has faced the wrath of an Oracle Arena crowd, even as he's put together his best stretch of ball on the season. In those five contests, he's averaging 13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and 40.0 on 3-pointers, which were the bane of his existence last season. "They pay money, they can do whatever they want," Dunleavy said. "It doesn't bother me. I've dealt with it. It's not a big deal. Quite frankly, I'm used to it. It's kind of a laughing matter now. It's like, 'How quickly can I get into the game and they start booing?' Lately I've been pretty good, because once I've hit the scorer's table (to check in), I've been getting them." Though Dunleavy may joke about the situation, there is a legitimate question: With such the short leash, is the home fans' treatment of Dunleavy fair? "Nothing's fair in sports, and everything is," said Warriors coach Don Nelson, who's in his 42nd NBA season as either a player or coach. "Hey, if you're going to survive, you've got to get some skin on the end of your nose and play above it."

While Knicks fans gave Patrick Ewing a resounding welcome home, his presence also was a jab-in-the-eye reminder of what a premier big man looks like. But Isiah Thomas holds to a shatterproof certainty that Eddy Curry will develop into that mold, and yesterday the coach renewed his pleas for patience with his young center. "We have a lot of time," Thomas said after practice in Greenburgh. "We're not asking Eddy to dominate the league at 23 years of age. That's a tall task for anyone. I don't remember too many 23-year-olds coming in and dominating, regardless of how long they've been in the league. Twenty-three is still 23."

Dajuan Wagner's career with the Warriors came to a quiet end this weekend when he and the team agreed to a buyout of his contract, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

Rockets star Tracy McGrady's inability to shoot early this season, even from the free-throw line, darkened his mood, maybe his confidence. In a way, that might have been a reaction to last season, largely lost to back spasms in the first week and a back injury in March. "I've just been so frustrated," he said. "I worked so hard in the offseason, so hard. It was frustrating not to see it work right away. He (Van Gundy) sees that. He sees that I get so frustrated. I won't let myself be patient with it."

Others who could follow Mike Fratello out the door include Sam Mitchell in Toronto, Dwane Casey in Minnesota, Bernie Bickerstaff in Charlotte and Doc Rivers in Boston, though the Celtics may have issued Rivers a reprieve with some recent spirited play.

When asked whether he liked the Sixers' effort as well, Allen Iverson spit out a "no" as if he had just found something strange in his cheeseburger. "Look, I'm not trying to be an ass, I promise you," Iverson said in the visiting locker room at Staples Center before getting three stitches in his chin courtesy of an accidental elbow by Corey Maggette on Maggette's drive to the hoop. "But I don't care nothing about that. "I don't care who you're playing against, if you're playing a little rec-league team. The effort is supposed to be there every night. So it's not a big thing for me. To say, 'Yeah, we gave effort' or whatever, you're supposed to give effort. But when you go out and play basketball, you're supposed to win the basketball game. "If you're satisfied the effort that you give, then some positive things are supposed to happen, and the most positive thing that can happen is to win... . You don't pay nobody a million dollars, a whole bunch of money, then not give effort." ... Iverson said he "believed more than ever" that the Sixers can be successful this season but added, "I don't have a choice but to believe it."

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich likes what little he's seen of James White in practice. He doesn't have any plans to send the rookie guard to the NBA's developmental league, but he also doesn't have any plans to put him in a game anytime soon, either. "We're evaluating him now mostly as an individual," Popovich said. "How he fits with other people in a team setting, see how he works out before or after practice. The days we haven't practiced, some of the young guys have gone three-on-three. We've seen him in those situations."

Unlike some free agents-to-be, Cleveland's Anderson Varejao has decided against taking out a personal insurance policy on his future earnings in case of injury. Last season, several NBA free agents took new policies after seeing the Denver Nuggets' Nene go down with a knee injury before hitting free agency. One of them was Drew Gooden. But Varejao, who will be a restricted free agent at season's end and figures to be in line for a significant raise from his $945,000 salary, said he'd never even given it much thought. ``To me, it is bad luck to do that,'' Varejao said. ``I am just going to play and not worry about it.''

Lakers coach Phil Jackson is an admirer of the Bulls. "People around the league will say there's not another team that plays with the same intensity," he said. "They're a pushed, driven team. You don't get a recovery moment where you can [walk] back on defense. You turn around and they're on you." Usually assistants scout opponents and draw up the teams' plays for the players to look at before the game. Jackson does it for one team a season and picked the Bulls this season. So what did he see? "Sometimes there is more froth than substance," Jackson said. "Kind of like a latte. Not much there. "They have trouble scoring, but they will push you to the extreme. They will wear you out because they work so hard. But the teams that have beaten the Bulls have really attacked them inside."

The injury Washington Wizards forward Jarvis Hayes sustained in an ugly fall Saturday night turned out to be less serious than initially feared. Hayes, who sustained a back bruise and hit his head on the floor while attempting to block a shot by the Cavaliers' Shannon Brown, was released from Sibley Memorial Hospital on Saturday night and will be listed as day-to-day. Hayes will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Did You Know? The Spurs are 4-0 on the road for the first time since joining the NBA in the 1976-77 season.

What happens when you can't do what you do? That's Bobcats small forward Gerald Wallace's problem now. "This is kind of a setback for me," Wallace understated, after shooting 1-of-10 in a 14-point loss Saturday to the Orlando Magic. "It's the only way I know how to play. It's not only affecting me, but my teammates, too." "It" is the high-risk, high-flying style Wallace employed his first two seasons with the Bobcats. He's injured now -- more injured than he lets on, Bickerstaff says -- and that has robbed him of what made him special last season. Wallace became the first NBA player since Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson to average two blocks and two steals for a season. He soared over players bigger and stronger, and it wasn't really a Bobcats game until he leaped three rows into the stands chasing a loose ball. Now, entering tonight's home game against the Dallas Mavericks, Wallace is settling for jump shots.

The Sonics have perhaps the toughest schedule in the early season, with 32 games before Jan. 1. "We have to figure out a way to get through this first two months with our head above water," Bob Hill said. "I'm not giving you locker-room B.S. I am telling you the truth."

Allen Iverson wants to see Chris Webber in the lineup when the game is on the line, not watching from the bench. "We're going to struggle if he's not in the basketball game," Iverson said Saturday night, chiming in on the Webber cause celebre after the 76ers' 103-97 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. "We need him on the basketball court. We need him to play."

Some Bobcats observers think Adam Morrison has passed up shots early in the year in hopes of gaining his teammates’ respect and trust. Morrison, who admitted his confidence has been shaken some by the slow start, doesn’t know how to respond to such a question. “I don’t feel I’m passing up shots,” Morrison said. “Maybe some others do. But the last thing I want to do is take shots when I’m struggling.”

Do the Hornets have enough firepower offensively? The Hornets' big three of Chris Paul, David West and Peja Stojakovic combine to average 54.6 of the team's 96 points per game, meaning there isn't much offense after them. The Heat, Suns, Wolves and Mavs all have a multitude of offensive weapons, in the starting lineup and on the bench.

Troy Hudson, Timberwolves. Hasn't played much since scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter of the opener to lead them to victory. "There was no prenuptial signing, so I can't get out of the marriage," Hudson said, also not giving up his four remaining contract years totaling about $25 million. I just have to stick around. I feel like I haven't been getting a fair chance."

Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal, who made it clear in a loud conversation with the coaches after a loss to the Celtics last week he is not a center. Jeff Foster returned to the starting lineup Saturday with Al Harrington out.

Former Bull Craig Hodges is the Lakers' shooting coach, though so far the guards are just trying to outshoot Hodges. "I still don't think anyone on the planet has shot—and made—more balls than me," said Hodges, who still takes several hundred shots every day. "It's like when someone asked Tiger Woods if he was tired. He said, 'How do you get tired playing golf?' "The guys [today] just don't put in the time. You'd go to the Boston Garden, and [Larry] Bird was there drenched [from shooting] three hours before the game. The reason we shot so well in Chicago was me, Pax (John Paxson) and B.J. (Armstrong) shot together every day, and no one wanted to miss."

Pat Riley spoke to Yankees manager Joe Torre this summer about how Torre keeps his team interested during the regular season. Concerned, Riley told his players Thursday: ''If [you] have more joy doing commercial shoots or going to dinner at a restaurant . . . then obviously you're distracted by your life.'' Said Riley: ``If you don't want to be here, it's very hard to motivate anybody that has that attitude. It isn't us only.''

Timberwolves guard Ricky Davis not only practices 200 shots most mornings, but when in Minneapolis on many off nights, he'll go to Target Center and shoot an additional 200 times. "No, I don't get tired shooting; I've got an AK-47 for an arm," he said.

Nuggets coach George Karl took Boise State's basketball team out to dinner at Cinzetti's restaurant in Northglenn on Sunday night. Karl's son, Coby, plays for Boise State, which faces Colorado State tonight. Karl said he cleared the dinner through NCAA compliance.

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Monday, November 20, 2006

The Angels' acquisition of Justin Speier strengthens an already strong bullpen, but it also could be a precursor to a blockbuster trade. One industry source speculated the signing might allow Los Angeles to deal highly coveted setup man Scot Shields for a power bat, with the Boston Red Sox's Manny Ramirez being a potential target. Trade talks could also re-emerge between the Angels and Orioles involving shortstop Miguel Tejada , but the Orioles are more interested in quality starting pitching than relief as the centerpiece of any Tejada deal.

Astros general manager Tim Purpura's pursuit of outfielder Carlos Lee continues. With a standing offer of at least five years at no less than $12 million a year, the Astros remain hopeful Lee will pick Minute Maid Park as his launching pad for the next half-decade.

Do the Phillies have a back up plan, with Alfonso Soriano in Chicago? Manny Ramirez? It might now be a headache worth considering, though he's indicated he doesn't want to come to Philadelphia. Vernon Wells? For the right price, the Blue Jays might let him go, though that price will be a lot more palatable if they aren't contenders in July. Rocco Baldelli? Love the idea, though the Phils probably don't have enough major-league-ready pitching to get him. Is it time to approach Jimmy Rollins and see if he'd move to third base so the Phils can try to trade for Miguel Tejada, who is insistent on playing shortstop?

Will the Tigers trade Jeremy Bonderman or another front-line starter? Not unless the package offered is so strong the Tigers would be foolish to say no. And here's the kicker: They might just get that kind of offer the way the free-agent marketplace is going in a year when quality talent is scarce and most teams are starving to add pitching. You could make the case for Detroit getting offered a package of prospects that could solidify this team for much of the next decade.

The Rangers have been considering a deal with the Chicago White Sox that could mean parting with top pitching prospect John Danks in exchange for workhorse Javier Vazquez. The White Sox, however, are also interested in reliever Nick Masset and the Rangers might prefer to deal him or could stop the talks all together.

Pat Gillick recently indicated that, if their first three options evaporate - and they appear to have done so - the Phillies would seek a second-tier free agent. That person could be Mike Piazza. The Phillies remain interested in pursuing help at catcher, and Piazza could provide at least part-time protection for Howard.

The Angels could be stockpiling pitchers to use highly coveted Scot Shields in a deal for a slugger, such as Toronto's Vernon Wells, Atlanta's Andruw Jones or Boston's Manny Ramirez. "It might end up leading to something like that, but that wasn't the objective here," General Manager Bill Stoneman said. "We have a good bullpen; we want to make it even better."

Mark Mulder's representative is scheduled to meet with Arizona today in Phoenix, but the meeting may not prove fruitful because the Diamondbacks have a policy not to offer contracts with incentives, and Mulder, coming off shoulder surgery, is seeking an incentive-based contract to increase its value.

With Alfonso Soriano off the board so early, it likely will intensify the bidding war for Texas Rangers outfielder Carlos Lee, who is considered the Orioles' No. 1 offensive target. The Orioles and Houston Astros have been rumored as the leaders for Lee, but more teams should enter that mix now. Also, Lee's contract demands likely will increase in the wake of Soriano's deal.

Tom Glavine doesn't even know for sure if the Atlanta Braves want him just as he's not sure whether he wants to pitch for them again. But, shortly after midnight tonight, both parties will have the opportunity to find out the other's intention. Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said last night that, as expected, the team will not exercise the $14 million option it holds on Glavine's contract for next season by tonight's midnight deadline, an inaction that makes Glavine -- who won 15 games for the pitching-starved team last season -- a free agent and allows him to negotiate with any team.

The Dodgers don't want any part of Barry Bonds, leaving few options to add power to the outfield. Aubrey Huff, who hit 21 home runs last season, is a possibility, as are Luis Gonzalez, Trot Nixon, Craig Wilson and Cliff Floyd.

Tigers OF Craig Monroe likely would only be involved in a big package deal with a pitcher. Chances of that happening are not great. Marcus Thames probably will be shipped, perhaps for a lefty reliever.

The Giants, along with many of the losers in the Soriano hunt, are expected to focus on Carlos Lee, considered the best remaining hitter on the market. His value should skyrocket after the Soriano deal. Lee, who finished 2006 with the Rangers, reportedly wants to play in the National League.

The official first day of posting for Japanese left-handed pitcher Kei Igawa is today, and the Mariners could be among those bidding. General manager Bill Bavasi won't say one way or another, but club sources indicate Seattle is leaning toward getting into the competition for the 27-year-old starting pitcher. Bids are thought likely to be in the $10 million-$13 million range, although there are no limits on what clubs can offer. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday this week, the usual four-day posting period has been stretched to a week. Igawa has indicated he'd like to sign with a West Coast team, which means the Mariners would be a good fit. But Seattle, if it goes through with the posting offer, is not certain to land him. ... Among clubs who likely will post are the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Yankees, Indians, Mets, Padres, Giants, Braves, Angels and Dodgers.

Free-agent right-hander Gil Meche, 28, tops Cubs GM Jim Hendry's pitching wish list. Meche -- who earned $3.7 million while going 11-8 with a 4.48 ERA for the Seattle Mariners last season -- is said to be seeking at least $8 million annually. Hendry also has set his sights on outfielder Cliff Floyd, 33, for left-handed help off the bench. Floyd, a Chicago native who starred at Thornwood High School in South Holland, was limited to 97 games for the New York Mets last season because of a sprained left ankle and Achilles tendinitis. Floyd made $6.75 million last season, hitting .244 with 11 home runs and 44 RBI for the NL East champion Mets. He has been a longtime favorite of Hendry's.

The next move for Mets GM Omar Minaya could be trading Lastings Milledge in a package for another starting pitcher. With Moises Alou in left, Milledge becomes expendable, and Minaya already has talked with the White Sox about acquiring either Javier Vazquez or Freddy Garcia.

According to Lou Piniella, the Cubs would still like to add one more hitter and as many as three starters. Ideally the hitter should be either left-handed or a switch-hitter, which favors Gary Matthews Jr., J.D. Drew (supposedly on his way to Boston) or even bringing back Juan Pierre.

The Giants are not seeking a closer, but a late reliever who could pitch the ninth inning if Armando Benitez falters. Florida closer Joe Borowski is the best free agent still available, but a source said the Giants have not pursued him aggressively.

The Dodgers do not plan to make a bid on Japanese left-handed pitcher Kei Igawa, who was 75-43 for the Hanshin Tigers the last four years, a source said. Teams can bid for the right to negotiate with Igawa until Friday.

Acquiring a center fielder for a season to give top prospect Matt Kemp more time to develop is another consideration. The Dodgers could re-sign Kenny Lofton and are looking at Gary Matthews Jr., Juan Pierre and Dave Roberts.

The Orioles have an offer out to Atlanta Braves right-hander Danys Baez and also likely have interest in the New York Mets' Roberto Hernandez and Chad Bradford, Dustin Hermanson of the Chicago White Sox and Octavio Dotel of the New York Yankees.

The Cubs are also looking for starting pitching help. But with the money they've committed to Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano, it might be difficult for them to add a top free agent, such as Barry Zito or Jason Schmidt. They may opt to look at less expensive alternatives, such as Jason Marquis, Jason Jennings, Gil Meche or Jake Westbrook.

The Mets, who've expressed interest in Oakland's Barry Zito and other free-agent hurlers, also maintain they're "close" to announcing an agreement with outfielder Moises Alou on a one-year deal worth in excess of $8 million with an option for 2008.

The deal appears to make veteran right-hander Brendan Donnelly, who was so unhappy with his reduced role he asked for a trade in April, expendable. The Angels must decide by Dec. 12 whether to tender Donnelly a contract.

The Phillies remain hopeful of re-signing lefty starter Randy Wolf and they are interested in starters Adam Eaton and Miguel Batista. Joe Borowski and David Weathers remain top reliever targets for them.

Matt Murton could be headed toward fourth-outfielder status or maybe even a trade from the Cubs. Felix Pie, who is hitting .310 with 10 RBIs in 11 games in the Dominican Republic, could force his way into the picture at some point.

Washington must find a new left fielder -- and a productive bat -- to take Alfonso Soriano's place. GM Jim Bowden and president Stan Kasten have said they do not intend to pursue big-name free agents this winter, so they likely will replace Soriano with an in-house candidate. Third-year outfielder Ryan Church and top minor league prospect Kory Casto will be among those in the mix.

There have been no rumblings of a Twins offer to any free agent. They seem to be focused on the trade market, holding discussions with the Rockies about Jason Jennings, for example.

One source said the Cubs had granted Alfonso Soriano one of his most significant wishes -- a no-trade clause, a tactic Nationals President Stan Kasten adamantly opposes. Neither Soriano nor his primary agent, Diego Bentz, returned calls seeking comment.

Bruce Bochy said he would like to visit with Armando Benitez to introduce himself and forge a bond that Bochy hopes will lead to a fresh start after a roiling 2006 season, in which Benitez seethed about the Giants while the fans and many in the organization, including manager Felipe Alou, seethed right back. "With Armando, it's going to be important that he comes back with a great attitude and puts what happened last year behind him and moves forward," Bochy said. "It's vital for him and for us. There is no point in looking back. That's not my way. Hopefully, that's not his way."

There was talk yesterday that the Cubs may use Alfonso Soriano, who will turn 31 in January, in center field as a replacement for Juan Pierre, also a free agent. But some baseball executives were incredulous at that prospect.

The Twins are not interested in former Gophers pitchers Kerry Ligtenberg and Jim Brower, who are six-year minor league free agents.

The Nationals have made their strategy clear: Grow the team through player development, save money this offseason and be ready to spend beginning in 2008, when the club is scheduled to move into a new stadium in which it should generate millions more dollars of revenue.

Who Knew? To put Alfonso Soriano's contract in historical perspective, only four deals have offered more total compensation: Alex Rodriguez's $252 million for 10 years with Texas, Derek Jeter's $189 million for 10 years with the New York Yankees, Manny Ramirez's $160 million for eight years with Boston and Todd Helton's $141.5 million for 11 years with Colorado. It exceeds -- by one year and $17 million -- the benchmark deal outfielder Carlos Beltran received from the New York Mets two offseasons ago. Soriano will be 39 when the contract expires.

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NFL Rumors & Notes

Monday, November 20, 2006

Bucs coach Jon Gruden responded angrily to a report in Sunday's Tampa Tribune that said he is actively seeking work elsewhere and could wind up coaching the Dallas Cowboys in 2007. "Whoever wrote that story is an idiot," Gruden said after the Bucs' 20-17 victory against the Redskins. "I'm committed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; it's the only job I've ever wanted." ... Gruden vehemently disagreed with the notion that he would seek to leave the Bucs after this season, saying he thought the report that also suggested he could replace Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, was "laughable." "I'm here as long as the Glazers will have me," Gruden said, referring to the family that owns the Bucs. "This is the greatest franchise in football, and we're on the way up.

Rod Hood, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, rejected a contract offer by the Eagles during the off-season. He was asked whether he thought that had anything to do with the team's decision to sit him. "I don't want to read between the lines," he said. "I just want to continue to get better each week. Things I can't control, I just let God handle them and go from there. I'm disappointed. To be angry, that's not going to prove anything. All I can do is go out and work hard in practice."

NFL coach on hot seat: Jim Mora, Falcons, Three straight losses should be making things pretty toasty in hot 'lanta, wouldn't you think? GM Rich McKay can't be liking what he sees out of Michael Vick and Co., who should be better than 5-5.

People in the know say Vikings owner Zygi Wilf will have to sign some significant free agents — perhaps tight end Tony Gonzalez of Kansas City — in order to make his team good enough to warrant serious stadium consideration by the state Legislature next spring.

Simeon Rice's agent might want to start checking those classified ads. After another strong showing by Dewayne White (a sack, three tackles, two QB hurries), it's hard to imagine the Bucs won't consider cutting Rice loose and signing White to a long-term deal.

Lions two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Shaun Rogers is scheduled to report to the team today after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on steroids and related substances. Rogers has said he unwittingly took a product sold over the counter to help lose weight, and it included a banned substance. If Rogers is healthy, he will be on the active roster for Thursday's game with Miami, president Matt Millen said Sunday. "We can get a roster exemption for him if he's not ready," Millen said. "We'll see where he is."

Raiders running back LaMont Jordan and left tackle Robert Gallery left the game with potentially season-ending injuries. Jordan tore the medial collateral ligament in his left knee with four minutes left in the fourth quarter and was carried off the field. He started the game with four carries for 24 yards. Gallery dislocated his left elbow in a backfield collision with right tackle Langston Walker. Seen writhing in pain face-down in the grass, Gallery went straight to the locker room for X-rays. "I felt it as soon as I went down," Gallery said. "I put my hand on the ground and someone fell on it. I knew right away." Both players will learn more about their status today.

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs should make the change to T.J. Duckett this week. He has no choice. He spent an important pick in next year's draft on a player who has faithfully stood on his sideline for much of the season, thriving in the few opportunities he has had to actually run free. If it was stupid to trade for him and then sit him for half the season, it's even dumber to not use him now.

Who Knew? QB Tom Brady is now 56-2 when the Patriots hold a lead at halftime

The Rams have been working on a new contract for Leonard Little since February and wanted to get the deal done before the season ended. As a result, they don't have to use their franchise tag on Little, which would have tied up more than $8 million of salary-cap space. "Once we got the numbers in place, it was just little stuff to get ironed out," Little said. "I knew Wednesday or Thursday that it would probably be (done) real soon. My agent called me one day last week and said, 'We really need to talk.' He told me what was going on, and we finally got it done."

The Eagles, who already lost top defensive end Jevon Kearse to an ACL tear in Game 2, once again face the prospect of a stretch drive to nowhere, just like last year. Presumably, they will brush the cobwebs off Koy Detmer, or find some other warm body to serve as the No. 3 QB behind Jeff Garcia and A.J. Feeley.

Several Atlanta players said they are anticipating the return of defensive end John Abraham within the next two weeks. Abraham, who had lower abdominal surgery in late October and has played in just two games this season, has been going through moderately aggressive running drills over the past two weeks. He did some running drills on the field before Sunday's game, at times running pass patterns with teammates, including wide receiver Brian Finneran, who went on injured reserve in training camp after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

Here’s a stat for you: The Panthers are 2-0 in games in which Steve Smith vomits in the third quarter. For the second straight game, Smith was seen bending over a bucket on the Carolina sidelines. “I have a sensitive stomach,” Smith said after the game. “It’s not the pre-game meals. I have to stay calm. I got a lot of anxiety before games.” Smith said he’s also been battling a bug.

The league and NBC are expected to announce today that the Broncos' Dec. 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks, scheduled for 2:15 p.m. at Invesco Field, will be pushed back to 6:15 p.m. and be carried as the Sunday night game of the week. It would be the second time this season the Broncos will play three consecutive prime- time games.

The Saints wore white jerseys for Sunday's game, a departure from the black shirts they've worn much of the rest of the season. You might recall that the Saints wore white in the home opener against Atlanta and again against Tampa Bay ,then switched to black for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 15. It was the players' wish to wear black at home, but the Saints had told the NFL they'd wear white this season. The league had to be petitioned for the change, and the rest of the home opponents had to approve the switch. The Bengals were the only team to vote thumbs down.

Who Knew? Frank Gore's 1,043 rushing yards puts him 2 yards behind Kansas City's Larry Johnson for the league lead. The last time a 49er led the league in rushing was in 1954 when Joe Perry did it with 1,049 yards in a 12-game season.

Randy Moss had no catches, and only three passes thrown his way, in his first catchless game this year. Raiders coach Art Shell said it was the "quarterback's decision" to throw the ball to whichever receivers were open, something Aaron Brooks seconded. Moss apparently wasn't open -- an assessment Brooks agreed was "fair."

Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh, the team's top pick in 2006, has yet to play in the base defense even though the team traded two picks, including a second-rounder, to draft him.

Just four days after saying he hoped veteran Vinny Testaverde never saw the field, Pats coach Bill Belichick experienced a change of heart in the waning moments. He sent Testaverde onto the field to take a knee on the final three plays, although a smiling Testaverde almost had other ideas. “I ran into the huddle and told the guys, ‘OK, quarterback sneak, on one,’ ” Testaverde said. “They all looked at me. Just kidding.”

The Chargers lead the AFC West by a game and have played all three of their AFC West opponents on the road before facing one of them at home. “We control it,” quarterback Philip Rivers said. “They've all got to come through San Diego now.” It is the first time the Chargers have finished their divisional road games before playing a divisional home contest. The Chargers host Oakland on Sunday and Kansas City and Denver on back-to-back Sundays in December.

Rams receiver Isaac Bruce was once the NFL's best. He now looks like a shadow of himself, the way Emmitt Smith did while in Arizona.

While the postgame statistics credited Miami with minus-3 yards rushing on 14 carries, that total might change this week. A spokesman at Elias Sports Bureau said a play early in the second quarter on which Dolphins quarterback Joey Harrington was charged with a 7-yard rushing loss would be reviewed. Elias, the official stats service of the NFL, reviews almost every play in a game. Harrington's loss could be changed to a sack or what is termed an aborted play. If either happens, the Dolphins will not be charged with lost rushing yards on the play and will be credited with a total of 4 yards rushing -- which would still be the lowest opponents' total in Vikings history.

The league leader in total touchdowns scored, with 18 while ranking second in rushing, LaDainian Tomlinson has solidified himself as one of the NFL's most explosive offensive players. PinnacleSports.com lists the San Diego running back as the favorite to take home league MVP honors at 2/3 odds. Leader of the undefeated Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning is currently listed with the second-best odds at 9/4 to be named the NFL's top offensive player for the third time in his career. Although they're responsible for the resurgences in Philadelphia and New Orleans, PinnacleSports.com lists quarterbacks Donovan McNabb (11/1) and Drew Brees (20/1) as long shots to win the league's highest individual honor. Two- time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady is a 30/1 long shot to capture his first league most valuable player award, along with the Falcons dual-threat quarterback Michael Vick and the Chiefs All-Pro running back Larry Johnson. Meanwhile, New York Giants teammates Tiki Barber and Eli Manning are listed with the longest odds to win the MVP at 35/1 and 50/1 respectively.

Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster said he hyperextended his left elbow during Sunday’s 15-0 win over the St. Louis Rams, but expects to play next week against the Washington Redskins. ... There’s no word yet on whether Foster or rookie DeAngelo Williams will start next week against the Washington Redskins, but look for Foster to get the start if he plays.

Did You Know? Although he did not play in the first quarter, Jeff Garcia passed the ball 48 times, the fifth-highest total of his career.

Who Knew? Jacksonville RB Maurice Jones-Drew is on pace for 1,719 combined yards this season (rush, receive, returns), which will be the third most in team history (Fred Taylor 1,942 in 2003 and 1,722 in 2002).

Cleveland receiver Braylon Edwards boasted last week that "We're coming for the Steelers, that's point-blank, period," and yesterday he stood by his words. Edwards caught seven passes for 137 yards and came away unimpressed with the Steelers. "They're not good. What does it say? They're 3-6, we're 3-6. The hell with the Steelers. They're not doing anything right now. They beat us, now they're 4-6. They still have a losing record, just like us."

The short week won't be kind to any of the Bucs, especially TE Alex Smith and CB Juran Bolden. Both starters possibly could miss Thursday's game against Dallas after suffering ankle injuries in the 20-17 victory against Washington.

Who Knew? Bucs LB Derrick Brooks tied former T Paul Gruber's franchise mark for most games started in team history (183).

Did You Know? Giants' WR Plaxico Burress has averaged 88.3 receiving yards on Monday Night in his career, which is the fourth best average all-time (minimum 5 games, behind Randy Moss- 96.7, Torry Holt- 96.2 and Jerry Rice- 89.5).

Steelers coach Bill Cowher made a point to talk with Cleveland quarterback Charlie Frye after the game and his words made an impression. "He told me, 'You've made great strides since the last time we played,' " Frye said. "He said, 'You look like a totally different quarterback. Keep working hard, you're going to be a great player.' "It means a lot to me coming from him, a Super Bowl coach. He's a defensive-minded coach. To hear him say that, it makes you feel as good as you can after losing to the Steelers."

Browns tight end Kellen Winslow has been called a lot of things -- flattering and otherwise -- during his career in the NFL and at the University of Miami, but Huckleberry? That was Porter's term for him after the game yesterday. "I know I've got my Huckleberry now. I don't need to look for one the next time we play Cleveland. All I have to do is look for No. 80."

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Odd Notes & Stuff

Monday, November 20, 2006

Heidi Fleiss' publicist is irate over an Internet report that claims Mike Tyson was going to work as a prostitute at her Pahrump brothel. Charles Lago said the report is a ridiculous hoax. Fleiss is opening a brothel named Heidi's Stud Farm.

Miami Herald sightings: The Dolphins' Ronnie Brown and tennis' Serena Williams have been spotted dining together this season at Prime 112 (with another person), but Brown said they're just friends: ``She's a cool individual.''

Ex-Red Sox hurl hero Derek Lowe’s messy divorce from wife Trinka is front and center in a new chapter of E! “True Hollywood Stories” that spills all the dirt on naughty jocks’ off-the-field antics. “Sports Stars, Private Lives,” reveals “the dirty little secrets athletes share in the locker room,” says E! And, not surprisingly, cheating on their wives is the No. 1 secret that’s spilled. “Parties, hotties, press, hotties, bling, hotties,” says the E! narrator. “But this isn’t Hollywood, it’s the tricked-out world of sports stars.” If you look quickly, you can catch a glimpse of our favorite star, Tom Brady, clutching a couple of Playboy Bunnies at the ESPY awards in a montage of athletes’ red-carpet moments. (A photo of Tom and his galpal, ‘Six Degrees’ star Bridget Moynahan, is featured in the segment about jock-Hollywood liaisons.) “They are young, rich, famous, chiseled and life offers them sexual opportunities that few can imagine,” notes E! And apparently this makes staying faithful to one’s S.O. rather difficult. Lowe, as you may recall, dumped his bride of seven years and walked out on his three kids to take up with ex-Fox Sports Net reporter Carolyn Hughes, who was covering him and his new team, the Dodgers. “The problem was,” notes E!, “they were both married to other people.” When Trinka got word of the affair, she notified Hughes’ bosses at FSN and Derek’s galpal was subsequently fired.

Enough individuals tuned in to make Ohio State-Michigan the most-watched regular-season game in 13 years. The Buckeyes' 42-39 win over the Wolverines registered a 13.4 Nielsen rating on ABC and was seen by an average audience of 14.96 million households and 21.77 million total viewers. That's the best number for a regular-season college football game since Notre Dame's 31-24 win over Florida State on Nov. 13, 1993, averaged a 16.0 rating and 15.07 million households with 22.018 million total viewers.

The Miami Herald spotted... NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown, Miami Dolphins' Channing Crowder and Miami Heat's Gary Payton were all at Lucky Strike's Lucky Monday night party, while Karl Lagerfeld and Kevin Federline -- no, not together -- stopped by The Forge for dinner and racer Jeff Gordon hit Macaluso on Wednesday night.

Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka called for coaches to return to his old coat and tie look, while taking a slap at slovenly New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown: "It looks a lot better than some gray-hooded sweatshirt. That looks like crap."