Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for September 18, 2006

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Monday, September 18, 2006

With most needs met, an open roster spot and two weeks until training camp begins, the Bulls have the luxury of working out a wide variety of players to see if something strikes their fancy. But few could have imagined this: Shawn Kemp will visit the Berto Center this week. The Bulls already have Malik Allen, who can step out and hit the midrange jumper. Kemp was known as a solid but never spectacular shooter during his 14-year NBA career. The Bulls also are expected to look at former Orlando center Andrew DeClercq.

Detroit Pistons head coach Flip Saunders, appearing as a guest on Fox Sports Radio, asked about Ben Wallace leaving for Chicago: "Of course Ben was a great competitor and a great defender. And so that, I think, we're gonna have to offset, as far as team play wise. But you know, when we really looked at Miami, in our loss to Miami, of course Shaq had a huge series against us, and Ben is really not a scorer. When you play against Miami you play against Shaquille O'Neal [and] he's [Shaq's] got to guard at the defensive end. If not, he [Shaq] rests so much on defense that he becomes even a more effective offensive type player. We were in that type of situation that we thought Nazzy [Nazr Mohammed] was a guy, 7 foot, that could give us opportunities to score offensively. He's an 80 percent free throw shooter, one of the better offensive rebounders per minute played in the league, and he's gonna help us a lot."

Former Raptors general manager Glen Grunwald reportedly is a candidate to join the New York Knicks front office. According to the New York Daily News, Grunwald is "the leading candidate" to be hired by president/head coach Isiah Thomas prior to the beginning of the NBA regular season. Grunwald and Thomas have been acquaintances since their playing days at the University of Indiana. Following his stellar NBA career, Thomas hired Grunwald with the expansion Raptors.

Among the point guards who approached the Heat, looking for work: Kenny Anderson and ex-Duke star Jay Williams. And, no, neither is the answer.

Who Knew? Only a third of the NBA's 30 teams spent more than $1 million on media in 2005, per Nielsen Monitor-Plus, mostly on regional efforts, led by the Los Angeles Clippers ($3.1 million) and Chicago Bulls ($3 million). Both the Nets ($1.1 million) and Rockets ($2 million) topped that plateau and figure to do so again this year.

After a state Court of Appeals ruling denied former University of Arizona basketball player Damon Stoudamire a jury trial in Tucson, his lawyer is taking his case to another level. Defense attorney Michael Piccarreta has sent a petition for review to the Arizona Supreme Court to try to get Stoudamire's case tried before a jury. Stoudamire was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors, in July 2003 after authorities said he tried to pass through a security checkpoint at Tucson International Airport. Last month, the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that Stoudamire's possible sentence is not severe enough for him to be entitled to a jury trial. If convicted, he could face up to three years' probation and a $2,500 fine.

The Timberwolves' Eddie Griffin, who recently was sued after a traffic accident, said the people involved have been calling his lawyer and the Wolves asking for up to $250,000 to drop the case. Griffin said he is starting new and hopes to have a better season than he has had in the past. "I'm out there every day working with the coaches ... and I'm trying to eat right, trying to lose 10-15 pounds, and then I should be all right," he said.

Craig Smith, the Wolves' second-round draft choice from Boston College, broke his wrist in the NCAA regional semifinal at the Metrodome vs. Villanova, had surgery and was sidelined for four months. He is healthy now, is working out daily at Target Center and has impressed coaches with his ability to rebound.

Don't be surprised if former Los Angeles Laker Michael Cooper is soon hired as coach of the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA if he can't land the coach/general manager job with the Chicago Sky. Chicago coach Dave Cowens resigned to become an assistant to former Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders with the Detroit Pistons.

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Monday, September 18, 2006

It would not be a shock if the Tigers and Texas Rangers were to do some heavy offseason trading. The Rangers need pitching, and the Tigers need hitting. Would Texas part with Mark Teixeira, or Hank Blalock? The latter would be easier to acquire than the former, but nothing should be ruled out.

It would appear the Nationals have the financial wherewithal to make a legitimate offer to keep Alfonso Soriano in town, perhaps something in the range of five years and $65 million to $70 million. But that doesn't ensure the newest member of the 40-40 club will be standing in left field April 2 against the Florida Marlins. The Nationals may be able to pay Soriano big bucks. That doesn't necessarily mean they want to pay him big bucks. Fifteen million dollars a year is a lot to invest in a player, especially when it may represent as much as one-fourth of a club's total payroll and especially when it may come on a team that looks destined to play sub-.500 ball again before it moves into its new ballpark.

The Giants almost certainly must entertain thoughts of trying to re-sign Ray Durham, especially after he told the front office he wants to return. "I told them I've got an interest in coming back," Durham said, and that is true even though he is from North Carolina and surely can find a team closer to home. "That's not the most important thing," he said. "We've got some pretty good guys on this team, a pretty good organization and a good front office. I like the city. I like the guys I play with. I don't know what they're going to offer me. I figure they're going to offer me something." Any Giants offer likely would be for fewer years, given Durham's age (he turns 35 on Nov. 30) and injury history. He hemmed and hawed when asked if he would accept a shorter deal, saying, "I'll see what that bridge is like when I have to cross it.

Mike Lieberthal is the longest-tenured professional athlete in Philadelphia. But this is it. "This is my last call in Philly," the Phillies catcher said after yesterday's 6-4 victory over Houston at Minute Maid Park, where he went 3 for 4 with two home runs. "For me to go to the playoffs in Philly, it's now or never." Lieberthal, who has been with the Phillies since 1994, will be a free agent after the season. He said he heard general manager Pat Gillick say on the radio recently that Lieberthal was not part of the team's future plans.

While Terry Ryan said he won't make any decisions about center fielder Torii Hunter or other contracts until the end of the season, the Twins general manager speaks in a very positive tone about indicating he is going to do his best to bring Hunter back for 2006. The Twins have a $12 million option on him or can pay him a $2 million buyout. Ryan said the Twins' policy for years was to keep longtime players such as Kent Hrbek and Kirby Puckett from leaving, and I get the impression from our conversation that Ryan will find a way to keep Hunter, who is not only a great player but a leader in the clubhouse and a great person off the field.

The Pirates would love to be big-time players in the free-agent market this winter as they search for a right-handed veteran starting pitcher and a left-handed power bat. "The desire is there. We have the dollars," general manager Dave Littlefield said. "Generally, though, [big free agents] have gone to teams that have won. So our biggest thing is to win. You have to win first."

Brewers manager Ned Yost quickly noted that he expected bigger and better things in 2007. "I'm getting tired of spinning our wheels," he said. "I've got a real good idea of what we have to do, changes in the attitude of the team and types of players we need." Yost said it was right to set the bar higher, to shoot for the team's first playoff berth since 1982. And, despite the failure to do so, he said the players would be better for having gone through the experience.

A pool reporter visited the umpires' locker room for a comment from Larry Poncino on what looked to be a Ryan Howard HR that he called a ground-rule double. A locker-room attendant told the reporter that Poncino had issued a statement. The attendant said, "The play was the play. The ball was over the fence, and that's it." The reporter repeated the comment to the attendant. The attendant confirmed that those were Poncino's words. But Poncino sought reporters yesterday in the visitors' clubhouse to tell them that he never said "the ball was over the fence." Poncino said the replay was inconclusive, and reiterated numerous times that he never said the ball cleared the fence. So why not come out and say it himself? Poncino said he thought it wasn't a big deal.

Cardinals CF Jim Edmonds said, "I think I'm getting close to (game action). They just didn't want to put me on a plane right now. "I'm just going to go day by day right now and see how much progress I can make." Edmonds said he encounters most of his problems when running, but he said he woke up Sunday "with a humongous headache, and my eyes hurt. Every day, it's just different." When asked if he was concerned about what Edmonds might be able to contribute if he plays just the last week of the season, La Russa responded, "Absolutely."

Jose Vidro, the Washington Nationals' veteran second baseman, started at first in place of Nick Johnson. He borrowed a first baseman's mitt from Robert Fick and played seven innings without incident, though no grounders were hit his way. Vidro's 14 previous appearances at first base all came in 1999 with the Montreal Expos. And though his range at second appears to be limited, he said he was not ready for such a move to be permanent. "I don't think about that yet," Vidro said. "When I'm getting close to retiring, I'll probably think about it. But not now. . . . I really don't feel like that should be my next step . . . next year."

Did You Know? The Rays fail repeatedly in late-game situations, having lost 54 times after they've been winning (12 more than any other team) and blown a major-league-high 88 leads.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said left-handed-hitting catcher A.J. Pierzynski would start on Monday night against Tigers lefty Kenny Rogers. Pierzynski is on pace to increase his $5.5 million 2008 salary by $250,000 by starting in 125 games. He started his 116th game Sunday.

Bobby Crosby's rehab was shut down again because he experienced back pain while doing rotational exercises. The Oakland shortstop will be reassessed again today, but his chance of returning by the end of the season are slimmer than ever. "Marginal at best," trainer Larry Davis said of Crosby's rotational work.

Did You Know? The Angels, who tied for first in the American League with a .986 fielding percentage and tied a club record for fewest errors (87) in a season in 2005, committed a season-high five errors in Saturday night's loss to the Rangers and another in Sunday's loss, increasing their American League-leading total to 117. The Angels have allowed 80 unearned runs this season, most in the major leagues, after allowing only 45 unearned runs last season.

Cory Lidle likely will be a Yanks reliever when he initially returns from a finger injury, Joe Torre said yesterday. Before seeking treatment for tendinitis in his index finger, Lidle (3-3 with a 5.26 ERA in eight Yankee starts) was originally scheduled to start tonight in Toronto. Initially, the Yanks hoped he could start Wednesday, but he said he needs about four or five extra days. Lidle played catch Saturday and yesterday, but he won't stress the finger by throwing his signature splitter.

Dodgers manager Grady Little reiterated that he would use Greg Maddux and Derek Lowe on three days' rest the last week of the season.

Placido Polanco's unexpected announcement following Sunday's 12-8 loss to Baltimore that he'll miss the rest of the season is a major blow to a Detroit team that has struggled since he went on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 15. Since Polanco has been out, the Tigers have a 10-19 record. And with the next three games against the White Sox, a team Polanco has a .317 lifetime batting average against, the American League playoff race may get even tighter.

Who Knew? The Royals are 9-6 this month and are trying to have their first winning September since 1996, when they went 13-11. ... Five Royals have a legitimate shot at hitting .300 with a minimum of 200 at-bats. Emil Brown, David DeJesus, Esteban German, Mark Grudzielanek and Ryan Shealy could all finish the season as .300 hitters. If that happens, it will be the first time in Royals history. The team’s high is four in 1983 (Willie Aikens, George Brett, Hal McRae and Don Slaught) and 2000 (Johnny Damon, Jermaine Dye, Joe Randa and Mike Sweeney).

Derrek Lee's spot at 1B for the Cubs will be filled by John Mabry, catcher Henry Blanco and rookie Scott Moore. Mabry has missed four days with a severely sprained left wrist and could be shut down for a few more days. Blanco, however, who was signed as a third baseman, made two spectacular plays at first base Sunday—while using Lee's glove.

Florida's Anibal Sanchez keeps drawing raves. ''Dynamite stuff, savvy and gutsy,'' Mets and catcher and former Marlin Paul Lo Duca said. Ex-Marlins pitching coach Mark Wiley, a Rockies assistant, calls Sanchez a `` Greg Maddux-type guy.''

Kevin Youkilis, a bit player on the 2004 champions and a major contributor now, took no satisfaction in delaying the Yankees’ celebration. “There is no glory here — they are still in the driver’s seat to win it and it doesn’t make us happy at all,” Youkilis said. “Our goal this year was to win the division, and we didn’t accomplish that.”

The Mets have already sold 40,000 tickets for Monday night’s game against the Florida Marlins, which could be the division clincher. The Mets said they sold about 2,000 tickets in less than two hours after the team lost Sunday.

Twins revenue from ticket sales through the end of August was $5.5 million better than last year at the same time. And the revenue from concessions was up $790,000 from last season.

Who Knew? Scott Podsednik's stolen base in the second inning gave him 40 for the season, making him the fourth player in Sox history with consecutive 40-steal seasons. He joins Eddie Collins (1915-17, 1923-24), Luis Aparicio (1959-61) and Tim Raines (1991-92).

Nats 1B Nick Johnson entered the game as a defensive replacement in the eighth. He has already qualified for all the bonuses in his contract for this year, which were based on playing time. He was due to earn $250,000 if he played in 150 games or had 590 plate appearances -- he now has 604 plate appearances in his 142 games -- and thus will earn $3.45 million.

All games of the Yankees series were sold out but many ticket-holders opted to spend their weekend elsewhere. There were 12,188 no-shows Saturday night and an astounding 21,581 yesterday afternoon.

Ichiro can cross Kauffman Stadium off the list. The Royals' home was one of only four American League ballparks where Ichiro did not have a career average over .300, but he took care of that in short order, going 7-for-13 in the four-game series to bump his Kauffman average from .288 to .320. The remaining sub-.300 parks: Minnesota's Metrodome (.282), Tampa Bay's Tropicana Field (.283) and Boston's Fenway Park (.296).

Pedro Martinez will get two more starts -- not three -- in preparation for the playoffs as the Mets continue to employ a six-man rotation to get their starters lined up for October. The Mets National League Division series against an opponent still to be determined is scheduled to begin either Oct. 3 or 4 at Shea Stadium. To get Martinez on schedule for the playoff opener, the Mets will give him five days of rest rather than the normal four. That means he will start Thursday against the Florida Marlins at Shea and again on Sept. 27 in Atlanta.

Reds first base coach Billy Hatcher's son, Derek, returned a fumble 21 yards in Richmond University's 58-7 win over VMI Saturday.

A couple of reporters invited Indians 1B Travis Hafner to join them in the press box for a couple of games on the trip. "They have ice cream in the Texas press box," one reporter said. Hafner laughed and said, "When you're not playing, you've got to be careful. That's when you have to cut the skin off your chicken."

As to the likelihood, more an unlikelihood, of the game being played on the day after the regular season ends, it would depend mostly on whether the Giants need it to gain a wild-card berth or the National League Western Division title. The teams don't have a mutual off day before the season ends. There is a possibility the Cardinals could end the season either a half-game ahead of or half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres for the second-best record in the National League, thus, theoretically, affecting home-field advantage for playoff games. But Major League Baseball said Sunday the game wouldn't be played if the Giants were unaffected and if the Cardinals were a half-game ahead of the Dodgers because the Cardinals won the season series from the Dodgers 7-0. The Cardinals and Padres have yet to complete their season series.

Frank Thomas was presented with the 10th annual Bill Rigney Good Guy Award by the Bay Area chapter of the Baseball Writers Association. The award is given in recognition for outstanding cooperation with the media, so Thomas, who had an up-and-down relationship with the media in Chicago, said he was surprised to receive it. "Shocker," he said with a smile. "I've never gotten anything for cooperating before."

Kevin Conrad, who runs the visitors' clubhouse at PNC Park, had to make more than his usual amount of decisions over the weekend. With the New York Mets -- and their imminent clinching of the National League East championship present, Conrad had to decide each day whether to let down the protective plastic that would cover players' lockers if the Mets had their champagne party. He also had to decide about whether to bring out the 300 bottles of champagne that were on ice. And were on ice. And stayed on ice. "We've been draining it and re-icing it [since Friday night]," Conrad said before yesterday's game. "It's probably nice and cold."

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NFL Rumors & Notes

Monday, September 18, 2006

Fox's Jimmy Johnson said "the best thing" would be for Brett Favre to be traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fox's Terry Bradshaw said Favre "should have retired," but CBS' Charley Casserly said he "can still play." ... CBS' Boomer Esiason sensed all this TV yak might get old. "I just wish Favre was in Tampa Bay so we could stop all of this."

The Broncos are likely to sign kick returner-receiver Quincy Morgan today. Playing for Pittsburgh last season, he returned 23 kicks for a 25.3-yard average, which ranked eighth in the NFL. He also had nine catches, two for touchdowns. Morgan could be the Broncos' kick returner Sunday at New England, although Shanahan may push his debut back a week or two so he can become familiar with the offense.

Brian Watkins, Michael Michaels' attorney, said Sunday that he plans to bring suit against Reggie Bush and his family "probably within the next 30 days." He is alleging fraud. "They never had any intention of going forward with my client. Reggie had his hand out to Ornstein the whole time," Watkins said. "We want to incorporate the (latest) information (in the suit) because it proves fraud on the part of the Bushes." A lawsuit, however, could hold up the investigations by the NCAA and the Pac-10 if potential witnesses are reluctant to cooperate. ... Reached Sunday, David Cornwell, Bush's attorney, declined to comment on the developments.

Billy Volek, rumored to be heading to the Chargers to back up Philip Rivers, had no comment when asked if any trade had gone down. The Chargers had apparently offered Tennessee a fifth-round pick and a deal was nearly consummated last week, but the Titans apparently decided to hold off and see if any more interest in Volek would appear. Kansas City had been interested and perhaps Oakland as well. “I haven’t checked my phone. Right now, we’re just trying to digest this tough loss we’ve had,” Volek said. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers apparently tried to find Volek to see what Volek’s status was as well. Volek did accompany the Titans back to Nashville.

Chiefs quarterback Trent Green talked on the phone with “Fox NFL Sunday” and FOXSports.com in his first interview since he received a severe concussion when he was hit by Cincinnati’s Robert Geathers in last Sunday’s game. “Today (Saturday) is the first day I’ve really been up and around,” Green said. “I feel OK. The only thing is if I get up too quickly or move too quickly I get a little dizzy.” Green is scheduled to visit a neurologist to help gauge a timetable for his return. “They told me four to six weeks when it first happened,” Green said. “They’ll give me an update on that on Tuesday. I absolutely want to play again this year.”

Lions WR Mike Williams sounded off on being benched. "The way the organization is going under [coach Rod] Marinelli, it's going to need a poster boy for what's wrong," Williams said. "Every new beginning needs a poster boy for why the other way didn't work." Just call Williams the poster boy. Marinelli is all about hard work and discipline. Williams thinks he brings both. The Lions don't think so. The Lions have portrayed Williams as lazy and overweight. The only question is whether they are right. Williams said he respects Marinelli and offensive coordinator Mike Martz. But he also said neither had given him a reason for why he was inactive. "I've given up on trying to figure out what it is, or what it has been or what it's going to be," Williams said. "The only thing I look at is coming to practice and putting the maximum effort I can put into it. Y'all go ask the powers that be. I don't know what to say." Williams' complaint clearly goes beyond this week or even the coaching staff. There is a fundamental lack of trust between Williams and Matt Millen's organization. "That's what I've been labeled: the poster boy for the new regime and what's wrong in Detroit," Williams said. "It's chicken [bleep], but you keep working. Keep working because I'm a ballplayer. That's what I do. I play ball."

With misses of 30, 36 and a blocked attempt from 30 yards, Michael Koenen's day as the Falcons' triple-threat field goal kicker, punter and kickoff specialist might be numbered. His kickoffs were fine. He averaged 42.5 yards on two punts. But a team trying to rebound from an 8-8 season and return to Super Bowl contender status is going to need some field goals along the way. In the season opener at Carolina, Koenen made two of four field goals.

Cowboys WR Terrell Owens said he will miss two to four weeks with a broken bone in his right ring finger, which will require surgery today. He missed 21 practices in the preseason with a hamstring injury. Now this. "It's part of the game," said Owens, who left the field late in the fourth quarter for an X-ray. "I did it like around the first or second play of the game. I just stuck in there. I didn't tell the guys until late, when I walked off the field. "We've got some guys who can step in. It came at a good time. Obviously, we have a bye week coming up [this Sunday], so I've got at least two weeks for it to heal."

Greg Aiello, the NFL's vice president of public relations, said that two league officials met with starting tackle Jon Jansen on Friday regarding his recent remarks about the prevalence of the use of banned substances in the league. Harold Henderson, the league's chief labor executive, and Adolpho Birch, an attorney for the league, participated in the meeting. According to a source familiar with the meeting, Jansen said during the exchange that he knew no specifics about use of human growth hormone in the league and knew of no suppliers of performance-enhancing drugs for players. Jansen provided no names of players he believed to be taking performance-enhancing drugs.

The apparent end of the Jerry Porter era is not passing quietly. Wide receiver Porter, healthy and ready to play, was on the inactive list for the second week in a row and his relations with coach Art Shell beyond the breaking point. Shell didn't say much about the decision to hold out Porter. "We look at all the guys every week," he said, noting the Raiders weren't lacking for talent at wide receiver. But some players weren't as diplomatic on the benching of the disgruntled Porter, who has demanded a trade. "Jerry Porter is not going to embarrass himself if you put him out there in a uniform," said safety Jarrod Cooper, who added that players didn't care about another player's "personal issues." "Ray Charles can see that he (Porter) can play," added defensive tackle Warren Sapp.

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said he wasn't close at all to activating wide receiver Deion Branch, acquired from the New England Patriots on Monday. He'll be activated before 1 p.m. next Saturday per the exemption they received from the NFL, and the Seahawks must remove a player from the active roster. "I hope I did the right thing with the amount of practice he's had with us," Holmgren said. "He was great about it. Now I think he'll have another full week of practice under his belt, and I fully expect that he will be there next week."

Raiders starting left offensive tackle Robert Gallery missed Sunday's game as a result of a strained left calf muscle he sustained in practice last week. His return is uncertain. However, his status as the team's left offensive tackle remains unchanged, Raiders coach Art Shell said after Sunday's 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. That Shell had to answer the question about Gallery's standing owes to yet another unfounded rumor started by ESPN that said Gallery would be moved to guard upon his return. An unattributed report that aired Sunday said Gallery's days at left tackle were over. "No," Shell said, with a surprised look, when asked if the story had any merit. "I don't know where (the reporter) would get that from. If it was true, I'd tell you."

FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst Howie Long on what Green Bay can do with Brett Favre this season: “He wants to still play and I think he can still play. I just don’t think it’s a rebuilding franchise. They can move him and it would be a $2 million cap hit. Heck, Terry you took a bigger cap hit in your last divorce.”

The Broncos are being prepared for a change at quarterback. All that remains is for Mike Shanahan to determine the right time to tap Jay Cutler on the shoulder and work out the details of the transfer in power. Wait too long and this season will be as lost as the look in Jake Plummer's eyes.

With wide receivers Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Robert Ferguson and Ruvell Martin splitting playing time, the Packers didn't use Koren Robinson at receiver. But he did have four kickoff returns for an average of 18.3 yards. It was an area that was unimpressive for the Packers in the season-opening loss to Chicago, and Robinson hopes to provide a spark there. "I have a lot of energy out there on the field," Robinson said. "I'm a fighter." Robinson said he would try to break into the regular receiving rotation this week in practice if he can grasp enough plays.

Billy Volek, the Titans' No. 3 quarterback, said as he came off the field that he would like to come to San Diego. The Chargers have offered Tennessee a sixth-round draft pick for Volek, whom they would make their backup. It is believed the trade could be consummated this week, but Kansas City is also trying to acquire Volek.

Vikings starting quarterback Brad Johnson has no bonus clauses, nor is there any understanding between him and team owner Zygi Wilf that he'll receive a restructured contract if he continues to play well. Despite being grossly underpaid at $1.2 million this season, Johnson has kept his feelings about his deal to himself, unlike his now-departed predecessor, Daunte Culpepper, who refused to play until the Vikings improved his contract. The Vikings should double Johnson's pay just based on the class he brings to the organization. However, it's clear the team's reluctance to budge means this will be his last season in Minnesota.

Fox "NFL Sunday" analyst Jimmy Johnson made it clear who he likes as the Denver quarterback, and it's not Jake Plummer. "I don't like Jake," Johnson said on the air Sunday. "He had a good year last year, but that was an exception for him. I think Mike Shanahan's offense can protect young Jay Cutler. I like Cutler. I'd play him now."

Norm Chow’s system has not produced the results envisioned when he joined the Titans last year from Southern Cal. There, the scheme ran like clockwork. Of course, Stanford and Oregon State are not on the Titans’ schedule either. Still, both Collins and Young say it is the execution of the scheme, and not the scheme, that needs work. “There’s nothing wrong with this system,” Collins said. “What’s wrong is when your quarterback plays like he played today.” Young agreed, saying, “The offense is no trouble. It’s no trouble at all. The only thing is we’re not executing our plays, and little things are killing us. If y’all could sit down and watch film with us on Monday, y’all would see the same things we see and that it’s not that the defense is completely tearing us up. It’s us killing ourselves.”

Dan Wilkinson returned to the Dolphins on Sunday after missing last week while he was in Maryland defending a lawsuit against him. Despite his return, he was listed as inactive for the game and Jeff Zgonina played in his place. ''He didn't practice all week,'' coach Nick Saban said. ``And Dan understands this is to show confidence in the players who were there. Zgonina has been a good player for us a long time, and he did a good job today.''

Charles Rogers' Dolphins workout was unimpressive. . . . Kelly Campbell's agent said the Dolphins indicated they would consider re-signing him
, but his injury settlement prohibits that until five or six games remain.

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said it is unclear how soon Clinton Portis will be able to return. Portis, who set the franchise rushing mark last season, partially dislocated his left shoulder in the preseason opener, was used for 10 carries in the season opener last week, and was too sore to play Sunday. Gibbs said the soreness is unrelated to Portis's original injury and the problem is in the back of his left shoulder. "We've just got to get the soreness out of there," Gibbs said. "We'll see at what point he can bounce back and practice." ... Portis said he is eager to return and believes the rest will serve him well in the long term. "This is something totally different," he said. "I feel like the [dislocation] is all healed and this week was precautionary so we don't have any setbacks for the rest of the season. I'm glad it's over with. We lost. Now it's time to get better."

Receiver Braylon Edwards took the blame Sunday for hurting Charlie Frye with dropped passes. "They didn't draft me to drop the ball," said Edwards. "I've got to catch the ball, that's what it comes down to. [There are] small things I just didn't do today, and I hurt Charlie." Edwards, coming off a Saints loss in which he dropped a clutch pass in the two-minute drill at the end, dropped a first-down pass in the second quarter and another key pass in the third.

Jimmy Johnson, former Cowboys coach and NFL on FOX analyst, appearing as a guest on Fox Sports Radio, asked about Brett Favre's situation with the Packers. "Green Bay, they screwed up. The people there in Green Bay should've checked out Aaron Rodgers at the end of the year last year. They should've found out if he could play or not. And they didn't do that."

CBS' Charlie Casserly, the Houston Texans general manager when they passed on drafting Reggie Bush, said Sunday, "All the things that came out this week (about alleged recruiting violations) we knew before the draft. ... But it did not affect our decision."

Saints DT Brian Young injured his left shoulder. X-rays were negative, but Young said he was scheduled to undergo an MRI exam today. "Right now," Young said, "everything looks good."

Vikings special teams coach Paul Ferraro, who spent last season as an assistant under Panthers special teams coach Danny Crossman, was watching film of his old team last week when he came across a chance to exploit Carolina’s overaggressive kick block team. “We came in Wednesday and (Ferraro) said, ‘I think I got something,’” said Ryan Longwell. “So we worked on it and we knew it as in the game plan, but we didn’t know when it would be called. So when they called it, we were reading the defense to make sure they gave us the right look.”

Officially, Jevon Kearse will have an MRI exam today that will determine the seriousness of the left knee sprain he suffered in the overtime period of yesterday's gut-wrenching loss to the Giants. Unofficially, the way Kearse swung out of the locker room on metal crutches, his left leg immobilized by a brace, prepare for bad news.

Redskins CB Shawn Springs missed his second straight game while recovering from preseason abdominal surgery, and has yet to return to practice since having a procedure to repair a muscle tear. Bubba Tyer, director of sports medicine, said last week that no date has been determined for Springs to begin practicing.

Flozell Adams will probably care what people have to say this week. He ought to. The Cowboys' left tackle came back with a strong game Sunday night against the Redskins, one week after receiving criticism for his play against Jacksonville. He allowed no sacks against Redskins defensive end Andre Carter and committed no penalties. Last week, Adams was called for holding and a false start, allowed a sack and generally looked overmatched. "I don't care what people have to say," he told reporters midweek in reaction to the poor reviews.

Texans center Mike Flanagan left Sunday's game with an injured left foot. Right guard Steve McKinney moved to center, and Fred Weary replaced McKinney. "We're not sure about Mike right now," coach Gary Kubiak said. "We'll have to wait and see Monday."

Who Knew? The 1989 Steelers started 0-2, were outscored 92-10 in those two games and still rallied to make the playoffs. And Bubby Brister was their quarterback, for crying out loud.

Fox's Brian Baldinger commenting that even on completions, Bucs QB Chris Simms is late getting balls to receivers. "Because he's not sure," Baldinger added.

The Colts waived wide receiver John Standeford and signed defensive end Bo Schobel from the practice squad to the active roster. The team might re-sign Standeford to the practice squad.

Chiefs president Carl Peterson has been fighting for years to get the overtime rule changed. So he was especially hurt on Sunday after the Chiefs lost the coin flip in overtime and never got a chance to go on offense. “Who knows? Maybe we get the ball and we don’t score,” Peterson said. “But it’s just not right for these games to come down to a coin flip. I just hate to see it. I’ve been trying for years to convince people in the NFL that both offenses should get at least one shot. So far, I guess, I have not done a good enough job convincing anybody. Obviously that got us today.”

Who Knew? Rams WR Isaac Bruce is now has 823 career catches, moving ahead of Steve Largent (819) and into 11th place on the NFL's career receptions list.

Indianapolis DE Dwight Freeney left the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury. He was escorted off the field and to the locker room by a team trainer. Freeney’s injury situation is expected to updated today during Dungy’s day-after press conference. He has yet to record a sack in the Colts’ first two games.

Dolphins WR Chris Chambers acknowledged the obvious, that he and Daunte Culpepper weren't, as the cliché goes, on the same page. Nick Saban did put some of the blame for the seven sacks on the receivers not getting open.

People kept asking Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper if the effects of his injury last October bothered his self-esteem out there. No, no, he kept saying late Sunday, both he and his self-esteem were fine. Coach Nick Saban said exactly the same thing, over and over. Never mind that coaches unfailingly express belief in their QBs, no matter how awful they might be, and QBs unfailingly express belief in themselves, over all same sensible indicators. They have to. This time both the coach and the QB mean it. ''I'm all right,'' Culpepper kept saying afterward, and he is.

With the Pats thin at linebacker for much of the preseason, a switch to the 4-3 was often discussed. Yesterday the team made the move, and it paid off handsomely. The Pats played with four defensive linemen for virtually the entire way, and the group contributed with four sacks while limiting the Jets to 51 yards rushing on 24 carries. “It’s something we’ve worked on quite a bit,” said defensive end Ty Warren (team-high 11 tackles). “For us, it gives us a little more opportunity to make some plays than we have in the 3-4. The responsibilities stay the same, but it’s a fine line. You do get a little bit more of a chance to make some plays.”

It will go down in history as the first time a National Football League coach says he has to check the game film before commenting on a postgame handshake. Surely you are aware of the blink-and-you-missed-it coaches’ handshake that took place early last night at Giants Stadium, where Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots just had completed a 24-17 victory over Eric Mangini’s New York Jets. From a technical, “According to Hoyle” standpoint, would it even qualify as a handshake? And, more importantly, were any words exchanged? This question was posed to Mangini after the game, and he responded: “Good game.” Good game? Who spoke those words, Mangini or Belichick? “I think it was mutual,” said Mangini. “But you’ll have to check the videotape.”

Jimmy Johnson, former Cowboys coach and NFL on FOX analyst, appearing as a guest on Fox Sports Radio, asked about Drew Bledoe's situation with the Cowboys. "You read between the lines, I think Bill Parcells likes Tony Romo. And he does have a little bit more mobility. So if Bledsoe doesn't get back on track, before the season's a disaster I wouldn't be surprised to see Romo in there. But he [Bledsoe] is a veteran, they do have a playoff team, you've gotta give him a chance to get back on track."

Since John Fox’s offensive philosophy since becoming Panthers’ coach in 2001 involves a time-consuming, productive running game, does DeAngelo Williams’ effort Sunday mean there’s a controversy brewing at running back? “Well, you know, DeShaun’s the starter,” said Williams, the Panthers’ first-round draft pick out of Memphis in last April’s NFL Draft. “I’m one of those guys who gives him a blow when he needs it. It’s one of those things where if he gets tired, I come in and when I get tired, he comes in. I’d say it’s a co-running back thing, but he’s the starter.” Fox said he wouldn’t comment now on any personnel changes

Who Knew? The Jets were held scoreless in the first quarter. It was the 16th consecutive game in which the offense failed to produce a touchdown in the opening 15 minutes.

Redskins WR Brandon Lloyd, one of the team's prominent offseason acquisitions, was held without a catch in the opener and caught just one pass for six yards on Sunday. Wideout Antwaan Randle El was far less involved than in the opener, with two catches for eight yards, and top defensive free agents Andre Carter (end) and Adam Archuleta (safety) have yet to find their way, struggling to make an impact again. "I don't have answers for it," wideout Santana Moss said of the lack of improvement despite another year of record spending on coaches and players. "Right now we're going through a bumpy stage and we know that, but we'll get through it."

Who Knew? The Raiders have not scored a touchdown in two games this season. That marks the first time since 1961, and the second time in franchise history, that they opened a season with back-to-back games without a touchdown.

Bengals fans started to chant "We want Pittsburgh" late Sunday. "Then it all started to get in our heads a little that we have another big division game next week," Palmer said. Bengals tailback Rudi Johnson also looked forward to scouting the Steelers. "Hopefully, we'll get to catch them (on TV tonight) and can pick up a few things," Johnson said of the Steelers, who play tonight at Jacksonville.

Rams RB Marshall Faulk, who has been staying on the West Coast (at NFL Network), attended Sunday's game in San Francisco.

Former Seahawks DT Cortez Kennedy became the 10th person to have his name added to the facade on the 200 level at the stadium he says he helped build -- joining Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve Largent, quarterback Jim Zorn, cornerback Dave Brown, radio play-by-play man Pete Gross, running back Curt Warner, defensive end Jacob Green, strong safety Kenny Easley, quarterback Dave Krieg and coach Chuck Knox. The man his friends and teammates call "Tez" was voted to a club-record eight Pro Bowls, but his most impressive accolade was being selected NFL defensive player the year in 1992 on a team that finished 2-14.

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Odd Notes & Stuff

Monday, September 18, 2006

Baseball's disgraced all-time hit king may have hit an all-time low by signing balls with this shocking inscription: "I'm sorry I bet on baseball - Pete Rose." Thanks to a New Jersey auction house, you, too, can share in Rose's sorrow. Robert Edward Auctions plans to sell 30 of the baseballs for an expected $1,000 a pop. "This is where the baseball collectibles field has impact on the history of the game," said Rob Lifson, president of the Watchung-based Robert Edward Auctions. "The collectibles field is not just shadowing the game - it's affecting its history." It also could dash any hope Rose, who was banned from the sport he loved in 1989 for betting on baseball, has of getting into the Hall of Fame. The bizarre ball signing marked the latest chapter in the sad saga of a man who was once one of baseball's most revered - and successful - figures. Rose formally applied for reinstatement in 1997.

Fox's college bowl coverage is shaping up to look something like its NFL coverage. The network will announce today that Jimmy Johnson will be the lead analyst on its Bowl Championship Series studio shows. Those BCS shows, like Fox's new traveling NFL show, won't technically be studio shows because they'll be based at the sites of the four bowls it will carry for the first time. A fifth BCS bowl — the Rose — will remain on ABC.

Jeff Brantley, an ESPN analyst since 2001, has told the Cincinnati Post he won't be returning to ESPN, and that he'd like to fill an opening in the booth for the Reds, for whom he pitched four seasons.

While other 49ers were rehashing the game with reporters, one player was unleashing high-pitched wails from the shower that came through clearly on tape-recorded interviews in the locker room. Minutes later, cherubic defensive tackle Anthony Adams emerged. The guilty party, perhaps? "That was me," he said. Suffice to say Adams' singing would have earned him an early exit from "American Idol."

The Nationals' yearbook went on sale Friday night, but was pulled back t