De La Hoya - Forbes press conference

Six-division and Ten-time World Champion boxer and president of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar de la Hoya (right) and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer (left) visit The NASDAQ Marketsite in New York City on February 28, 2008. De La Hoya and Schaefer rang the NASDAQ's closing bell while in New York to promote the upcoming bout between De La Hoya and Steve Forbes on May 3, 2008 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Six-division and Ten-time World Champion boxer and president of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar de la Hoya poses in front of The NASDAQ Marketsite in New York City's Times Square after ringing the NASDAQ's closing bell on February 28, 2008. De La Hoya was in New York to promote his upcoming bout against Steve Forbes on May 3, 2008 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Six-division and Ten-time World Champion boxer Oscar de la Hoya (left) speaks to the media as Former World Champion Steve Forbes (right) looks on at today's press conference at The Nokia Theater in New York City to announce their upcoming May 3, 2008 bout at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.
Six-division and Ten-time World Champion boxer Oscar de la Hoya (left) and Former World Champion Steve Forbes (right) face off at today's press conference at The Nokia Theater in New York City to announce their upcoming May 3, 2008 bout at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

-all photos courtesy of Hoganphotos.com/Golden Boy Promotions

Soul celebrate new practice facility

-Courtesy of the Philadelphia Soul

VOORHEES, NJ– The Philadelphia Soul celebrated the move of its home of football operations to the Coliseum in Voorhees, NJ on Friday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony honored the facility as the Soul’s new home for practice, training and coaching.

Soul co-majority owners Jon Bon Jovi and Craig Spencer, along with team president and minority owner Ron Jaworski, were joined at the ceremony by Coliseum owner Charles Gallub, Voorhees Township Mayor Michael Mignogna, Camden County Board of Freeholders Director Louis Cappelli Jr. and other Voorhees Township officials.

The Coliseum, located at 333 Preston Avenue in Voorhees, has a proud history of hosting area sports organizations such as the Philadelphia Flyers as well as many local youth sports groups.

“We are extremely excited to learn that the Philadelphia Soul has agreed to make the Coliseum its new home,” announced Mayor Mignogna. “The Township Committee looks forward to working with the new owners of the Coliseum (Develcom) and the Philadelphia Soul to ensure that this facility is improved and revitalized so that it may once again return the Coliseum to its former prominence.”

The players and coaches believe the new facility is contributing to the buzz surrounding the much anticipated 2008 season. The team ran its first pre-game run through on the field Friday morning and beginning next week with Coliseum will be the full-time practice facility for the Soul.

“This is just an absolutely wonderful facility to be in from an arena football point of view,” said Jaworski, a long-time South Jersey resident. “The Coliseum will give our players and coaches the added edge they will need to be successful on the field every week.”

“It’s an exciting acquisition for us,” added Soul head coach Bret Munsey, “We have a great fan base, great home arena and now one of the top practice facilities in the league. You combine all of that and it’s just a great place to be.”

The Coliseum allows for the coaching and training staff to have new offices. The facility also includes a state-of-the-art weight and workout room, expanded locker room space, two video rooms and a brand new field.

“We are excited to expand our reach into South Jersey,” said Spencer. “We have a loyal following from the region and being in Voorhees is a great opportunity for us to develop those relationships further and create new ones. The Coliseum allows for the players and coaches to focus on the task at hand, which is winning football games, by allowing them to have a state-of-the-art facility that has everything they need in one place.”

Rich Lisk, General Manager of the Philadelphia Soul, believes that the move will grant the team a lot of success.

"The Soul is getting a brand new start to the 2008 season,” said Lisk, “This is an opportunity for our organization that will help us excel in every way possible now.”

The Soul will join Elite Caterers, Nexxt Level Sports and Youth Sports Alliance at the 100,000 sq. ft. recreational and entertainment facility.

“This is similar to the enhancement of the ice skating rink in Voorhees becoming a bright spot in our community when it became home base for the Flyers and the Phantoms as a training facility,” said Director Cappelli. “We’re thrilled the Soul picked a site in our community for its confirmation that Camden County is a great place to live and conduct business. We stand ready to provide any help we can to welcome this great new neighbor.”

Schiano adds to coaching staff

-Courtesy of Rutgers University

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (February 29, 2008) – Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano announced the addition of three coaches to the staff along with two promotions of current staff members. Joining the Rutgers football program is running backs coach Gary Brown, wide receivers coach Kirk Ciarrocca and defensive line coach Gary Emanuel.

Schiano also announced that Kyle Flood has been promoted to assistant head coach and will continue to serve as the team’s offensive line coach. Chris Hewitt has also been named Rutgers’ cornerbacks coach. He was the Director of Speed and Skill Development for the Scarlet Knights prior to the reorganization. Hewitt fills the vacancy created by the resignation of secondary coach Chris Demarest.

“I have enjoyed my time and have learned a great deal coaching alongside Cary, Chris and Robert,” said Schiano. “I wish them the best in their future endeavors. Looking forward, I am eager to work with our new staff. The three coaches we have added bring a wealth of experience to Rutgers and are great coaches and great people.”

Brown replaces former running backs coach Craig Ver Steeg, who accepted a coaching position with the Baltimore Ravens. A former standout running back and defensive back at Penn State from 1987-90, Brown spent the previous two seasons as offensive coordinator at Susquehanna University. A native of Williamsport, Pa., Brown played eight seasons in the NFL after the Houston Oilers selected him in the eighth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. Brown played for the Oilers, Chargers and Giants during his NFL career and rushed for 1,000 yards two times, including 1,002 in 1993 en route to All-AFC honors with Houston. During Brown’s senior season at Penn State, Schiano was a graduate assistant on the 1990 Nittany Lion squad.

Ciarrocca joins Rutgers as the wide receivers coach and replaces Robert Jackson, who retired from his on-field coaching position, but will remain with the program. Prior to Rutgers, the Red Land, Pa., native was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Delaware since 2002 and was an integral part in leading the Blue Hens to the 2003 Division I-AA National Championship. The Blue Hen offensive unit was impressive again during the 2007 season when Delaware posted an 11-4 record and advanced to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision title game. Delaware, paced by consensus All-Americans in quarterback Joe Flacco, running back Omar Cuff, and offensive tackle Mike Byrne, led the Colonial Athletic Association in scoring (36.2, 11th in NCAA), total offense (460.6, 6th in NCAA), and passing offense (289.5, 11th in NCAA). Ciarrocca has been in the coaching ranks since 1990, including stints at Penn and Princeton.

Emanuel returns to his native East Coast after spending the 2007 season as the defensive line coach at San Jose State. He takes over as defensive line coach at Rutgers for Cary Godette, who retired from his position. Emanuel has more than 20 years of coaching experience, including a two-year stint as the San Francisco 49ers defensive line coach in 2005 and 2006. A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Emanuel has coached for three BCS programs during his career. He spent three seasons coaching the defensive line at Washington State (1994-96), three at Syracuse (1991-93) as the defensive line coach and eight years at Purdue (1997-2004). During his time with the Boilermakers, he coached the defensive ends, tackles and later was promoted to assistant head coach for the final two seasons at Purdue. Emanuel has been part of 11 teams that participated in bowl games and has coached 12 players who have gone on to play in the NFL. He mentored defensive end Anthony Spencer at Purdue, who went on to be a first round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys.

Eagles snare Samuel

By John McMullen

Philadelphia, PA (The Phanatic Magazine) - The Philadelphia Eagles made a big splash in the NFL's free agent market Friday, signing former New England Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel to a six-year contract.

"Obviously, I think the cornerback position is very important," Eagles head coach Andy Reid said. "When you have an opportunity to get the best one in the business, then you need to look at that. I welcome him aboard, and I know [defensive coordinator] Jim Johnson has great plans for Asante. I could easily see him doing what we do on defense when he was on the Patriots."

The 27-year-old Samuel has spent his entire five-year career in New England, where he has recorded 22 interceptions in 75 regular season games and five more interceptions in 14 career postseason contests.

"Today is an exciting day for my family and me," Samuel said. "I want to thank the whole Eagles staff for getting this done. I'm happy to be an Eagle, and I'm ready to get it rolling."

Since entering the league in 2003 as a fourth round draft choice from Central Florida, Samuel's interception total ranks sixth in the NFL behind Ed Reed (29), Champ Bailey (26), Darren Sharper (26), Dre Bly (24), and Ty Law (23). In that same time span, Samuel's six interception returns for a touchdown (including playoffs) are the most by any player in the NFL.

He is looking to take that big-play mentality to Philadelphia.

"What I know the most is that it's an aggressive defense and they like to get after the quarterback," Samuel said. "[Last year], our offense played against them first hand, when we played them in the regular season. They gave us some trouble on offense. They were pressuring and getting after the quarterback and playing an aggressive style of defense. I think I fit right in."

"We're obviously trying to strengthen the defense," Reid added. "[General Manager] Tom [Heckert] had targeted Asante and that allowed us to review all the film and we decided that if he does stay available, and we get to this date then we are going to go after him"

The two-time Super Bowl champion and 2007 Pro Bowl selection then talked about bringing that kind of success to the Birds.

"I'm going to bring a winning attitude, coming from my first five seasons in the NFL that have always been winning situations," Sameul said. "I’m going to come here and be a role model, work hard, give it my all, and give them what they deserve."

Former Sixers coach hired by Raptors

-Courtesy of the Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors announced Friday they have hired John Lucas as a basketball development consultant for the remainder of the 2007-08 season. He will assist the coaching staff with the development of the players’ on-court skills.

Lucas, 54, was the first overall pick in the 1976 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He played with six teams during his 14-year NBA career from 1976-90. He has also served as a head coach with San Antonio, Philadelphia and Cleveland, as well as an assistant coach with Denver.

Soul - Predators injury report

ORLANDO PREDATORS (0-0) AT PHILADELPHIA SOUL (0-0) – SATURDAY, MARCH 1 AT 7 P.M. ET

Orlando Predators
PROBABLE
QB Jake Eaton (Calf); OL Jasper Harvey (Illness); OL Chris Jahnke (Illness); WR Ron Johnson (Hamstring); DL Doug Miller (Illness); OL Jim Sodano (Knee)

DOUBTFUL
DB Jason Perry (Groin)

OUT
FB Michael Douglas (Shoulder); DL Cleveland Pinkney (Leg)

Philadelphia Soul
OUT
DL George Gause (Ankle); FB/LB John Peaua (Back); WR Darius Watts (Ankle)

Sixers waive Gordan Giricek

Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that the team has waived guard Gordan Giricek. Per team policy, terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

In 12 games with the Sixers, Giricek averaged 3.1 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 9.2 minutes, while shooting 31.7% (13-47) from the floor.

Eagles lose one; Tapeh bolts for home

The Minnesots Vikings signed fullback Thomas Tapeh.

Tapeh is headed home to replce Pro Bowl fullback Tony Richardson. He played at St. Paul. Minn. Johnson High School and also with the Minnesota Golden Gophers before being drafted by the Eagles.

Tapeh, a 5th-year pro, has started 16 games and played in all 32 regular season games and a pair of playoff contests over the past 2 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Tapeh helped open holes for Pro Bowl RB Brian Westbrook as he rushed for a career-best 1,333 yards in 2007 and 1,217 yards in 2006.

Tapeh was with the Eagles in 2004 and 2005 when Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress served as the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia.

He signed a five-year contract with the Vikings worth $6 million. Just over $1 million of his contract is guaranteed money.

'Wolves waive ex-Sixer Ratliff

-Courtesy of the Minnesota Timberwolves

Minneapolis/St. Paul - The Minnesota Timberwolves requested waivers on center Theo Ratliff after reaching a contractual buyout agreement. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Theo indicated to us that he wasn't sure of his plans in the future - whether he was going to play or not - and there was an indication that he would not re-sign with us if he did choose to continue playing," said Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale. "This provides us an opportunity to play our younger post players - Craig Smith and Chris Richard - and give us more time to continue to evaluate them. I cannot say enough about Theo's professionalism throughout the entire season and we wish him the best of luck in the future."

Ratliff, in his first season with the Wolves, appeared in 10 games (six starts) for the team this season, and posted averages of 6.3 points (.511 FG%), 3.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 21.4 minutes per game. He missed 45 games this year due to soreness in his right knee, and underwent arthroscopic surgery on Dec. 18. The 13-year NBA veteran has career averages of 8.0 points (.497 FG%), 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in 689 career NBA contests. The 6-10 center was acquired by Minnesota in a trade with Boston on July 31, 2007.

Player in the market? Some suggestions

By Jeff Glauser
The Phanatic Magazine

Asante Samuel? Impressive (unless your name is Brown or Sheppard).

Chris Clemons? Actually, not a bad under-the-radar decision.

If both of them come to fruition, it’s certainly a good start to a critical offseason, where many fans are expecting the Eagles to do whatever it takes to prove that the Renaissance period in this franchise’s history has not officially expired – and that the quest for the elusive Super Bowl is still in the immediate plans.

Here are just a few names we should hope to hear about, as the Eagles continue (we hope) to make the plunge into free agency:

(Plus - and here’s the bonus - none of the following should break the bank, either.)

Bobby McCray, DE, Jaguars: Sure, he’s coming off a sub-par season, where he fell out of favor with Head Coach Jack Del Rio. But he’s also just a year removed from a breakout 10-sack, 2006 campaign. He’s got good size (6'6'', 261) and is only 26. A change of scenery might do him some good and help add some much-needed depth behind presumed starters Trent Cole and Juqua Thomas.

Gibril Wilson, SS, Giants: This one isn’t a reach – the rumor mill indicates the Birds are, indeed, interested. And they should be. First, very few are convinced that there is a proven starter at strong safety already on the roster. Sean Considine has not impressed when he’s had the opportunity to play and Quentin Mikell, though solid, isn’t necessarily a game changer – and is probably best utilized as the Eagles’ main man on special teams coverage. Wilson makes plays – four interceptions and close to 100 tackles last year is not too shabby. And this secondary is currently one living on a fading reputation.

Bubba Franks, TE, Packers: Yes, L.J. Smith was just franchised. But who here is confident that the injury-proned and butter-fingered Smith will finally live up to his potential? Franks, although older and now somewhat injury-proned himself, at least provides a veteran presence who is sure-handed and willing to do the dirty work.

Sixers to honor Andrew Toney

-Courtesy of the Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia, PA - February 27, 2008 - As part of the 76ers Hardwood Classics night on March 10, 2008 against long-time rivals the Boston Celtics, it is only fitting that the team will honor members of the 1982-83 NBA Championship team, highlighted by the return of "The Boston Strangler" Andrew Toney, along with current Sixers head coach Maurice Cheeks, Earl Cureton, Clemon Johnson, Reggie Johnson and Franklin Edwards.

Tickets for this game - which will feature the memorable halftime ceremony - are available for purchase at SIXERS.COM and at the Sixers box office.

During his eight-year career with the Sixers as a backcourt mate with Cheeks, Toney earned a berth on both the 1983 and 1984 Eastern Conference All-Star teams and finished with career averages of 15.9 points, 4.2 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game on .500 shooting from the field. He played a key role in the celebrated 1982-83 Championship team, when he averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game during the regular season followed that up with post-season averages of 18.8 points, 4.6 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. However, Toney may be best remembered for his play against the Celtics, most notably during the deciding Game 7 of the 1982 Eastern Conference Finals when he finished with 34 points.

Toney’s performances against the Celtics once prompted Larry Bird to say, "I wish we had him. He was a killer. We called him ‘the Boston Strangler’ because every time he got a hold of the ball we knew he was going to score. He was the absolute best I’ve ever seen at shooting the ball at crucial times. We had nobody who could come close to stopping him. Nobody."

In his third season as the team’s coach, Cheeks can be seen stalking the sidelines when the Sixers take to the floor today. But before Cheeks the coach there was Cheeks the player. A four-time All-Star, Cheeks was also a key component to the Sixers 1982-83 NBA Championship team. During that fateful season, the feisty point guard averaged 12.5 points per game, 6.9 assists per game and 2.3 steals per game.

Along with Cureton, C. Johnson, R. Johnson and Edwards, the team will also honor General Manager and architect of that 1982-83 squad Pat Williams that evening. Williams’ contributions in bringing the city its last professional championship included orchestrating deals that landed Julius Erving and Moses Malone in Philadelphia. The halftime ceremony will also feature former trainer Al Domenico.

As part of the night's festivities, the Sixers will wear their adidas Hardwood Classics uniforms from that historic 1982-83 season for the third time this year. The replica throwback jerseys will be available for purchase at the Fan Gear store located inside the Wachovia Center.

Samuel is a done deal

ComcastSportsNet is reporting that the Eagles have a deal in place with free-agent CB Asante Samuel. Terms of the deal have yet to be finalized.

Update: The deal is expected to be more than five years and $47.2 million.

And we're off...Eagles free agency 2008

Pats CB Asante Samuel is in town and will visit with the media today at 4:30 p.m. Here's the skinny on Samuel.

The 27-year-old Samuel has spent his entire five-year career with the Pats after being taken in the fourth round of the 2003 draft from Central Florida. He has recorded 22 interceptions in 75 regular season games, and five more interceptions in 14 postseason contests. He was also a member of two Super Bowl championship teams, following the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

Meanwhile, WIP's Howard Eskin, who is closer to Andy Reid than his wife, is reporting that Raiders' defensive end/linebacker Chris Clemons will sign with the Eagles within the next 24 hours.

Pro Football Talk has a source that says Samuel will be inked today. The same source says the Birds made a run at receiver Larry Fitzgerald but the Cardinals wanted too much, and that cornerback Sheldon Brown likely will be moved to safety.

On other news, the Chicago Sun-Times' Brad Biggs is reporting that the Eagles are interested in 49ers running back Maurice Hicks, who is primarily a kick returner. Hicks has already set up a visit to Minnesota this weekend.

Finally, DMac was on ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike in Orlando this morning and said that he expects to be in Philly in 2008, and that it would be a shock if he wasn't.

Samuel to Birds? So says GCobb

Gary Cobb is reporting that Pats cornerback Asante Samuel has a deal in place to sign with the Eagles.

The New Orleans Saints and the New York Jets seem to be Philly's competition for Samuel, who wants $10 million per year.

Update: FOXSports' Alex Marvez is reporting that Samuel will visit the Eagles on Friday.

Dark Horse catches Gold and Blue Flu

By Steven Lienert
The Phanatic Magazine

The Dark Horse Cafe got an unexpected influx of Happy Hour bar-hoppers on Thursday afternoon.

That's where the Sons of Ben -- Philadelphia's soccer fans -- took their after-news conference party.

They were at the news conference in Chester in droves -- all wearing blue and gold (the city's colors), all singing and chanting -- as Major League Soccer officials announced that Philadelphia will get an MLS franchise starting in 2010.

But that didn't stop a bunch of SoBs from treating it as if Philly had just won an MLS Cup.

"We are thrilled to welcome Philadelphia to Major League Soccer," MLS Commissioner Dan Garber said. "Philadelphia brings in one of the most passionate sports markets in the country and provides a natural rivalry with the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United."

Especially since there was a supporters' group already in place.

The Philadelphia club will be owned by iStar Financial CEO Jay Sugarman, Swarthmore Group Chairman James Nevels, Philadelphia attorney William Doran, veteran sports executive Nick Sakiewicz and Christopher and Robert Buccini, founding partners of The Buccini/Pollin Group.
The team will play in a new 20,000-seat stadium in Chester, which the government hopes wil stimulate economic growth in the area.

"Major League Soccer is truly a league with the wind behind its sail," Sugarman said. "I am very excited to join the distinguished list of existing MLS owners and to help guide the League's growth into one of America's great sports cities. We're going to build a first-class organization on and off the field and we will create a development that makes the community proud."

Despite not having a name, colors, or a logo, there are 2,500 fans already signed up on the season-ticket waiting list and, as of Thursday, a new web site has been launched : www.MLSPhilly2010.com

The first post on the message board said it all.

"It's about time," a guy named Lenn Dogs posted. "Hopefully the passion of the Philly sports fans will carry over to the MLS."

The Sons of Ben would argue that it already has.

Eagles sign Reed; tender Hanson

By John McMullen

Philadelphia, PA (The Phanatic Magazine) - The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms on a one-year contract with safety J.R. Reed and tendered a one-year contract to restricted free agent CB Joselio Hanson on the eve of free agency Thursday.

Reed, who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent at midnight, was originally a fourth-round draft pick of the Eagles in 2004. He re-signed with Philadelphia in 2007 and played in 15 games (three starts) as a reserve safety and kickoff returner, registering 23 tackles, including a career-high 11 against Seattle on December 2. Reed also returned 31 kickoffs, averaging 22.6 yards per return in 2007.

"It's good to get it done before the deadline," Reed said. "It means a lot, to have the Eagles standing behind me, and to be where I'm comfortable. I still have to make it through training camp."

Asked why he signed a one-year deal instead of accepting a tender, Reed was pragmatic.

"I think it could help me if it comes down to the wire, if they need to cut down ... (and) I'll be an unresticted free agent next year," Reed said. "If it becomes a numbers game again, I won't be touching the cap at all. That shouldn't have to be an issue.

"I've been around the block a couple of times, I've been with four different teams. I didn't really want to be anywhere else. I'll take a little bit less money to stay on a team where I like the family atmosphere, and the coach is great."

The 26-year-old Hanson joined the Eagles in 2006, after originally signing with the San Francisco 49ers as a rookie free agent in 2003. He played in all 16 games (four starts) in 2007, serving primarily as the team’s nickel cornerback and registered a career-high 45 tackles, adding 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery.

If another club signs Hanson to an offer sheet, the Eagles have seven days to match that offer. If they choose not to match, the Eagles will receive a second round draft choice as compensation.

It's official: MLS coming to Chester

-Courtesy of Major League Soccer

CHESTER, PA - Major League Soccer unveiled plans for the league's 16th team today, as MLS Commissioner Don Garber awarded Philadelphia an expansion team that will begin play in 2010. The Philadelphia MLS team will play in a new 20,000-seat stadium to be constructed as part of a major development project in Chester, PA.

The Philadelphia club will be owned by iStar Financial CEO Jay Sugarman, Swarthmore Group Chairman James Nevels, Philadelphia attorney William Doran, veteran sports executive Nick Sakiewicz and Christopher and Robert Buccini, founding partners of The Buccini/Pollin Group.

"We are thrilled to welcome Philadelphia to Major League Soccer," said Commissioner Garber. "Philadelphia brings in one of the most passionate sports markets in the country and provides a natural rivalry with the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United.

"Thanks to the steadfast commitment of Jay Sugarman's group and the vision of Pennsylvania government officials, MLS is coming soon to Philadelphia," Garber added. "We look forward to celebrating the world's most popular sport in the country's fourth-largest market and in a state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium."

"Major League Soccer is truly a league with the wind behind its sail," said lead investor Jay Sugarman, CEO of iStar Financial. "I am very excited to join the distinguished list of existing MLS owners and to help guide the League's growth into one of America's great sports cities. We're going to build a first-class organization on and off the field and we will create a development that makes the community proud."

The MLS Philadelphia club will play their home matches in a 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chester, just 13 miles from downtown Philadelphia and easily accessible from Interstate 95 and public transportation via the R2 SEPTA train and SEPTA buses. The stadium will serve as the hub of a $500 million waterfront development project that will also feature townhomes, apartments, office space, a convention and exposition center, retail space, new streets, greenways and a riverside promenade that will include boat slips.

Eastern Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia area have a rich soccer tradition that has produced some of the country's best players throughout the years, including 2006 U.S. World Cup team members Ben Olsen of D.C. United, Chris Albright of the New England Revolution and former D.C. United and current Reading FC midfielder Bobby Convey. Professional soccer in Philadelphia dates back to the 1920's and the formation of the American Soccer League with charter member Philadelphia F.C. In addition, the National Soccer Hall of Fame was organized by the Philadelphia Old-Timers Association in 1950.

"It's all about the fans and the community," said Nick Sakiewicz, CEO & Operating Partner. "And this ownership group is passionately committed to doing things in a major-league way. It will be the people's team, with a world-class stadium. You'll see a work-hard-play-hard mentality that will showcase attractive, winning football with a determination that Philadelphia-area sports fans demand and will be proud of."

With the announcement of the 16th team, MLS added its sixth team since the start of the 2005 season. Expansion conversations continue with approximately 10 markets throughout the United States and Canada. MLS officials will continue those discussions as the League could feature as many as 18 clubs by 2011.

"As evidenced by our patience in the case of Philadelphia, we will only expand when we believe the circumstances are right," Garber said. "We continue to seek the essential combination of strong ownership, an appropriate facility controlled by that ownership, and a market with a tradition of supporting the sport. St. Louis is one of the leading candidates we are considering and we are hopeful that all elements will come together soon for the city to join the League."

The fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States with 6.8 million people, the Delaware Valley features a diverse population and some of the most fervent sports fans in the country. Philadelphia has hosted many international soccer matches, including the Manchester United vs. Barcelona game in front of more than 68,000 fans that opened Lincoln Financial Field in 2003 and the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2003.

Majority Investor Jay Sugarman is the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of iStar Financial, a publicly traded investment firm providing custom-tailored capital to high-end private and corporate owners of real estate in the United States. iStar also invests in other targeted areas through its European, AutoStar (auto dealership) and TimberStar (timber) platforms, and in the leveraged finance markets through its affiliate, Oak Hill Advisors. iStar's current investment portfolio exceeds $20 billion.

James Nevels is the Founder and Chairman of The Swarthmore Group, an investment advisor firm based in Philadelphia. Nevels was appointed by President Bush to the Advisory Committee to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and served a three year term, 2004-2007. He served as Chairman from 2005-2007. In December 2001, Nevels was appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania as Chairman of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission which has been charged with overseeing the turnaround of the Philadelphia School System, the eighth largest school district in the United States.

As a founding executive of Major League Soccer and part of the League since its inception more than 12 years ago, Nick Sakiewicz is a two-time winner of the MLS Executive of the Year award. He has served as the president and general manager for both the Tampa Bay Mutiny and MetroStars (now known as Red Bull New York). Most recently, Sakiewicz was responsible for all business operations for AEG in the New York/New Jersey region.

Rob Buccini is a founding partner of The Buccini/Pollin Group, Inc., a privately held, full-service real estate acquisition, development and management company with offices in Wilmington, DE, Washington DC, suburban Philadelphia, Baltimore, MD and New York City. Buccini/Pollin has developed and acquired office, hotel, multi-family, townhouse, industrial, retail, and parking properties in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the largest privately held office landlord in the Philadelphia region.

Philadelphia's name, logo and colors will be unveiled at a later date, along with the coaching and administrative staff. For more information and season ticket availability, fans should visit www.MLSPhilly2010.com or call 1-877-MLS-2010.

Join The Phanatic Magazine Team

The Phanatic Magazine is always looking for new writers and you can join the fastest growing source for local sports news by joining our team.

Take a look at where some of the talent that helped build The Phanatic Magazine has landed:

John McMullen - The Sports Network NBA Editor; sports talk host on WTBQ Radio - New York; Real Football 365 senior writer; RealGM national correspondent; weekly contributor ESPN Radio, WHON Radio and Team 990 Radio.

Jared Trexler - Author of an upcoming book on Penn State football.

John Gottlieb - sports talk host on WTBQ Radio - New York.

Steve Lienert - ComcastSportsnet and PhiladelphiaEagles.com

Tim McManus -update anchor and sports talk host on ESPN 950

Greg Wiley - director of communications - Philadelphia Soul

Drew Silverman - Philadelphia Evening Bulletin sports editor

David Walter - Sound of Sirens editor

Angelo Saggiomo - Delco Times

Meanwhile, content from The Phanatic Magazine has been featured by USA Today; The Chicago Sun Times; Reuters; The Atlanta Journal Constitution; Palm Beach Post; IBS; Austin American Statesman and CoxOhio.

Be the latest to use Philly's fastest growing source for local sports as a springboard.

E-Mail managing editor John McMullen at jmcmullen@phanaticmag.com

Eagles sack Kearse

The Philadelphia Eagles released defensive end Jevon Kearse Thursday. Kearse played in 45 regular season games for the Eagles since 2004 and recorded 133 tackles and 22 sacks.

It's official: MMA to network TV

The CBS Television Network and ProElite, Inc., a Los Angeles-based entertainment and media company that produces mixed martial arts (MMA) events, jointly announced a multi-year agreement that will bring the fastest growing spectator sport to a major broadcast television network for the first time.

CBS will broadcast four MMA events per year, produced by ProElite's EliteXC fight division, as two-hour live primetime specials targeted for Saturday nights.

The agreement augments an existing relationship between CBS Corporation and ProElite, which began broadcasting its EliteXC live MMA events on CBS's SHOWTIME premium cable network in 2007. EliteXC events will continue to air on SHOWTIME.

Additionally, CBS Interactive and ProElite's new media division, ProElite.com, will collaborate on generating interactive content for both companies' platforms, including CBSSports.com. The online offerings could include streaming of events, clips syndicated across the CBS Audience Network, and other enhanced content to build an online community around each CBS broadcast and ProElite event.

"Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and a wildly popular entertainment vehicle for upscale, young adult audiences," said Kelly Kahl, senior executive vice president, CBS Primetime. "It's original programming for Saturday night; it's live, creating an event-atmosphere; and it’s something that hasn't been seen on network television, until now."

"This is a pivotal moment for the sport of mixed martial arts now that a major television network plans to broadcast live MMA events during primetime hours," added Douglas DeLuca, CEO of ProElite. "We are delighted to enhance our partnership with CBS to bring American audiences the very best in MMA competition through our EliteXC brand.

"The network television agreement with CBS is an important milestone for ProElite as we continue to implement our growth strategy and develop existing relationships with our international partners."

The industry leader, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, had been working on an upgraded TV deal for months with both HBO and CBS but failed to close things out. UFC preseident Dana White's refusal to give up control over the production and announcers was the deal killer with HBO and may have played a part with CBS.

"Our world-class fighters and the high production value of our events continue to drive ProElite as a global MMA organization that is fortified by the bedrock foundation of a partnership with CBS," said Gary Shaw, president of EliteXC. "Broadcasting our events on CBS will instantly engage a new fan base, as well as provide an opportunity for EliteXC to further establish itself as the world's premier MMA organization."

A team we know – and should like

By Jeff Glauser
The Phanatic Magazine

We won’t get ahead of ourselves, but it’s at least time to start talking about it.

It is safe to say the Sixers won’t end the championship drought in Philly this year, one that began 25 years ago, after Moses, Erving and current coach Maurice Cheeks helped take a juggernaut to the Promised Land.

It was once safe to say that basketball in this town would have to be put on an extended hiatus post-A.I., with fans reluctantly allowing the team to stink first and address needs later. Win big in the draft lottery, let those gawd-awful contracts created courtesy of Billy King expire and then become a player in free agency.

Let’s be frank: Even in the horrendously mediocre Eastern Conference, this team was not supposed to come within sniffing distance of the playoffs this year. But that’s exactly what that strong scent emanating from the Wachovia Center is right now.

For those out there who went into pro hoops hibernation around here long ago, I have an announcement:

Wake up!!

Something special is ever-so-slowly taking place. And if a 26-32 record doesn’t necessarily make you want to rise up and dance a jig, consider a few other numbers:

- Like offense? A 14-7 record when they score over 100 points.

- Prefer defense? A 25-13 record (including their last eight and an astounding 20-6 in their last 26) when holding the opponent to less than 100 (sure, that also means that they’re 1-19 when the opponent scores 100 or more, but no reason to dwell on the negative).

- A 21-20 since Ed Stefanski replaced King - perhaps a sign of things to come?

- Appreciate veterans? Over 30 Andre Miller – thankfully still here after the trade – and Samuel Dalembert are both enjoying career years, while Reggie Evans has the energy on court of a crackhead in withdrawal.

- Prefer developing youth? Try a Lou Williams, finally beginning to show why he was a Naismith winner, or the athletic Thaddeus Young, who is turning it up a notch at the time when most other rookies begin to hit a wall.

- Need yet another reason to make a worthwhile trip? A winning record at home (which is sadly far too barren on too many nights)

But the best things about the Sixers right now are twofold:

1) The players are disgustingly likable. There is not one person who you can’t root for.

2) They are delightfully transparent. What I mean is, we know what to expect from them each night – good, bad and ugly.

We know that a gritty effort will be given just as much as we know that they’ll struggle to hold on to big leads late in the game.

We know that they can run the fast break as good as anyone, but can shoot themselves in the foot at the foul line.

We know that they can stifle opponents with man-on-man defense, but will get killed nightly by good shooting squads behind the arch. We also know they can use a shooter or two, themselves.

But that’s the thing: We know all these things. The 8-8 Eagles could have just as easily won either six games or 12 this season. The Phillies, as successful a season they had, were a sports version of a roller coaster ride. And the Flyers can either win ten in a row or lose ten in a row at any given juncture.

The Sixers we know. Which also means it’s easy to pinpoint what needs they have and what needs to be done to take the next step.

I’m making it official: Basketball is back in Philly. That doesn’t mean a return to the glory days of Big Mo, Little Moe, Dr. J – just yet. But it does mean that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel once more.

And isn’t hope a good thing to have around here?

Let’s start talking about it.

Walker to Philly?

Comcast Sportsnet's Derrick Gunn is reporting that wide receiver Javon Walker could be cut by the Broncos.Walker is due a $5.4 million roster bonus due on March 4 and no significant progress has been made in trade talks. If he's released, the Birds would be interested.

Report: EliteXc has deal with CBS

MMAjunkie.com is reporting that that CBS and EliteXC have reached an agreement for live prime time shows to air bi-monthly.

UFC had been working on an upgraded TV deal for months with both HBO and CBS but failed to close things out. Dana White's refusal to give up control over the production and announcers was the deal killer with HBO and may have played a part with CBS.

NFL Combine: Bulls and Bears

-Courtesy of Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com

NFL Combine ‘08 - Workouts Monday Feb 25
Prospects on the Rise

DE/LB Cliff Avril - Purdue
Classic defensive tweener hopes to follow the Purdue tradition of top pro edge pass rushers. He ran fine 4.51 and 4.56 times at 253 lbs. with a very strong 6.91 three cone drill in addition to a 9’2” BJ and 17 reps.

DE Chris Long - Virginia
Blue chip defender ran excellent 4.71 and 4.77 times with a 34” VL. His agility drill numbers were equal to any linebacker in an excellent showing. His overall effort was one of the best of the event. He did not lift but will at the Va. pro day.

DE Vernon Gholston - Ohio St
Athletic tewener had one of the strongest showings at the combine. He ran an outstanding 4.67 time at 266 lbs. He also tied Jake Long with 37 reps for the most reps at the event. He added a good 35.5” VL that probably guarantees him a top 8 selection.

DE Quentin Groves - Auburn
Fast edge rusher displayed top athleticism with a blazing 4.52 and 4.57 sprint times. He added 33 reps in the lifting and had a 10’ BJ.

DT Trevor Laws - Notre Dame
Explosive tackle continued his terrific postseason at NFL Combine following a strong week at the Senior Bowl. He ran 5.08 and 5.09 times and 35 reps in the lifting. He performed very well in the agility drills and is the one shining light in a dismal ND football season.

DE Derrick Harvey - Florida
Quick athletic defefnder came in at 271 lbs. and ran a fine 4.80 sprint. He did 31 reps in the lifting and was impressive in the agility drills that could move him into the top 12 prospects.

Prospects on the Decline

DE Phillip Merling - Clemson
Big mobile base end came in at over 6’4” and 276 lbs. but did not run. He did only 17 reps and needs a big Clemson workout to maintain a top 30-40 draft grade.

DT Letroy Guion - Florida St
Athletic junior has been hyped since he declared in January but ran a subpar 5.30 time. He did well with 26 reps in the lifting. He needs a big FSU pro day to move into top rounds.

DT Frank Okam - Texas
Massive tackle came in at 347 lbs. and was totally out of shape. He ran a poor 5.35 time and looked worse in the agility drills. He may have eaten himself out of the Top 150 prospects.

LB Ali Highsmith - LSU
Mobile outside linebacker ran poor 4.95 and 4.96 times that will hurt his current grade. He did not lift and has to make up some ground at the LSU pro day in March. .

LB Jolonn Dunbar - Boston College
Savvy senior Mike backer ran a poor 4.92 time that makes his pro day critical if he expects even an early middle round grade.

Wings' Iannucci makes first NLL All-Star appearance

The National Lacrosse League announced the starting lineups for the 2008 All-Star Game, which takes place on Sunday, March 16th at 2:00 PM MST at Rexall Place in Edmonton. The starters were determined by a combination of fan voting, team General Managers/Head Coaches voting, and league media voting. Each accounted for one-third of the total vote for the starting lineups.

Philadelphia's Athan Iannucci will make his first career All-Star appearance. The second-year forward leads the league with 25 goals in five games, an average of five goals-per-game.

Congress going after Clemens

Chairman Henry A. Waxman and Ranking Member Tom Davis of the Committe on Oversight and Government Reform are going after Roger Clemens.

Waxman and Davis sent the following letter to Attomey General Mukasey today.

Dear Mr. Attorney General:

We are writing to ask the Justice Department to investigate whether former professional baseball player Roger Clemens committed perjury and made knowingly false statements during
the Oversight and Government Reform Committee's investigation of the use of steroids and
performance-enhancing drugs in pro fessional baseball.

We believe that his testimony in a swom deposition on February 5, 2008, and at a hearing on February 13, 2008, that he never used anabolic steroids or human growth hormone, warrants
further investigation. That testimony is directly contradicted by the sworn testimony of Brian
McNamee, who testified that he personally injected Mr. Clemens with anabolic steroids and
human growth hormone. Mr. Clemens's testimony is also contradicted by the swom deposition
testimony and affidavit submitted to the Committee by Andrew Pettitte, a former teammate of
Mr. Clemens, whose testimony and affidavit reported that Mr. Clemens had admiued to him in
1999 or 2000 that he had taken human growth hormone.

Mr. Pettitte's testimony and affrdavit fuither reported on two past conversations with Mr.
McNamee that support Mr. Pettitte's recollection of the 1999 or 2000 conversation with Mr.
Clemens. Mr. Pettitte's affidavit and testimony state that in a conversation with Mr. McNamee
shortly after Mr. Clemens alleged admission to Mr. Pettitte, Mr. McNamee became angry when
Mr. Pettitte told him that he knew that Roger Clemens had used human growth hormone because that was supposed to be confidential. According to Mr. Pettitte's deposition, he also had another conversation with Mr. McNamee in 2003 or 2004 in which Mr. McNamee told him that he had obtained steroids for Mr. Clemens. Independently, in his deposition, Mr. McNamee recalled two conversations with Mr. Pettitte, one that could have occurred in 2000 and one in2004, about Mr. Clemens's HGH and steroid use that were similar in substance to the two conversations described by Mr. Pettitte.

Other evidence in the record before the Committee may be relevant to an investigation
into the truthfulness of Mr. Clemens's assertions. That evidence relates to whether Brian
McNamee injected Mr. Clemens with lidocaine in 1998; whether Mr. Clemens received pain
injections from trainers on all four of his major league teams; whether he regularly received
vitamin B-12 injections from team doctors and trainers; whether he ever talked with Mr.
McNamee about human growth hormone; whether he was at Jose Canseco's home in Florida
during the period June 8 to June 10, 1998; and whether he ever received notice that Senator
George Mitchell asked to meet with him in connection with Senator Mitchell's independent
investigation of the illegal use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in Major
League Baseball. We also understand that federal law enforcement off,rcials may have access to
additional evidence on these matters.

Under l8 U.S.C. $ 1621, a witness commits perjury if the witness "willfully" asserts "any material matter which he does not believe to be true" after "having taken an oath" to "testify ...
truly." Under 18 U.S.C. $ 1001, a witness commits a crime if the witness "knowingly and willfully" makes any materially false, flrctitious, or fraudulent statement or representation" with respect to "any investigation or review, conducted pursuant to the authority of any committee . ..of the Congress."

Congress cannot perform its overiight function if witnesses who appear before its committees do not provide truthful testimony. Perjury and false statements before Congress are crimes that undermine the integrity of congressional inquiries. For these reasons, we take evidence that a witness may have intentionally misled the Committee extremely seriously. We are not in a position to reach a definitive judgment as to whether Mr. Clemens lied to the Committee. Our only conclusion is that significant questions have been raised about Mr. Clemens's truthfulness and that further investigation by the Department of Justice is warranted. We ask that you initiate such an investigation. The record of the Committee's proceedings will be made available to the Department of Justice to assist in the investigation.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
Henry A. Waxman
Chairman
Tom Davis
Ranking Minority Member

Donald Fehr's opening statement to the House Energy and Commerce Committee

-Courtesy of the MLBPA

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:

My name is Donald M. Fehr, and I serve as the Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). I appear today in response to the Chairman’s invitation to testify.

Let me begin by once again stating the MLBPA’s position. As I said when I appeared before this Committee nearly three years ago, the Major League Baseball Players Association does not condone or support the use by players - or by anyone else - of any unlawful substance, nor do we support or condone the unlawful use of any legal substance. I cannot put it more plainly. The unlawful use of any substance is wrong.

Moreover, the Players are committed to dispelling any suggestion that the route to becoming a Major League athlete somehow includes taking illegal performance enhancing substances, such as steroids. It does not take a physician to recognize that steroids are powerful drugs that no one should fool around with. This is particularly true for children and young adults, as the medical research makes clear that illegal steroid use can be especially harmful to them.

Playing Major League Baseball requires talent, drive, intelligence, determination, and grit. Steroids and other unlawful performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) have no place in the game.

I appeared before this Committee in May 2005. That same year I testified before the Senate Commerce Committee and also the House Government Reform Committee. In 2004 I appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee. And just last month I again testified at a hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

At the hearings held in 2004 and 2005 I believe that I explained the Joint Drug Agreement (JDA) that we had reached in 2002 and which began to operate in 2003, would be effective in ridding the game of unlawful PEDs. But there was strong interest in the Congress for us to do more. Accordingly, the Players took the virtually unprecedented step of twice reopening the collective bargaining agreement in order to strengthen the JDA. We announced a stronger program in January 2005, and, then, in November, 2005, announced the Joint Drug Program that is in place today.

Among other things, the November, 2005 agreement greatly increased penalties, significantly increased the number and frequency of tests, added off-season-testing, and provided that the program would be run by an Independent Program Administrator (IPA). When our November 2005 agreement was announced, it was praised by members of Congress of both Houses, many of whom had taken part in the various hearings. It was said to be the standard against which other leagues’ programs should be measured; that it was what Congress was hoping for all along; and, that it was proof that the collective bargaining process had worked.

For his part, at the time that this agreement was announced, the Commissioner of Baseball said it was “the most stringent steroid testing program in sport.” In his testimony before Government Reform last month, the Commissioner said much the same thing, calling our program the “strongest in professional sports.” The agreement he praised is scheduled to run through December 2011, as do the other provisions of our collective bargaining agreements.

We agree with the Commissioner. Our agreement is the best in American professional sports. Our testing procedures are indeed state-of-the-art. The tests are conducted and the samples are collected by a well-respected independent company based in California, and the samples are analyzed by the world-class WADA-certified Olympic lab in Montreal.

Moreover, our agreement contemplates that we will discuss improvements during its term, and we have done so. For example, over the past two years, the parties have implemented changes - what Senator Mitchell calls “best practices” - including the following:

• We have added language confirming that players may be disciplined for “non analytical positives” i.e., - violations of the Program that are proven through means other than testing. And this has led to a number of publicly announced suspensions;

• We have improved our rules for processing therapeutic use exemptions.

• We have improved our collection procedures by adding player chaperones who are charged with watching players once they’ve been notified they are going to be tested that day.

• We have shortened the notice period given to Clubs that a collector is coming to the ballpark. Notice is now given the same day and only a few hours before the collector arrives;

And so, the program that in November 2005 was hailed as the standard for other sports has been strengthened over the past two years. As Senator Mitchell noted in his recent report (p. 276), baseball’s program has the toughest penalties. We require year round random testing, test players at the site of competition, test primarily on game days, test for stimulants in addition to steroids, and our program is run by an independent administrator.

Senator Mitchell also pointed out that our JDA is working to uncover the use of detectable performance enhancing substances. With respect to steroids, the numbers are clear: We have conducted more than 3,000 tests in each of the last two years, and the number of steroid positives we have had during that time is five. More precisely, during 2006 and 2007 we conducted 6,252 tests, and there were five steroid positives (two in 2006 and three in 2007).

But, some ask, what about undetectable PEDs, most notably Human Growth Hormone (HGH)? Have players switched to HGH, for which there is no currently available test, in order to avoid the testing regime? As I said last month, there is what appears to be well-founded concern about players using HGH. We have banned HGH.

We have agreed to test for it as soon as a scientifically valid urine test exists. We have developed and agreed to procedures under which players may be suspended for HGH use based on evidence other than a positive test, a so called “non-analytical” finding. In each of the last two years, players were suspended on that basis.

Of course, it is possible that a scientifically valid blood test for HGH will be developed and become commercially available before a valid urine test. However, as Senator Mitchell has indicated, if there is a blood test developed in the near future it may well be of very limited utility; i.e. a player will need to have used HGH a very short time before the test in order for it to show up. That remains to be seen. In addition there may well be very serious issues involved with blood tests for athletes, particularly with respect to tests on competition days, and in baseball we play nearly every day for seven months. As of now, no major professional sport has blood testing for PEDs.

Nevertheless, as I said at the Government Reform hearing last month, if and when a scientifically valid blood test becomes available, the players will consider it in good faith at that time based on the facts then known.

In addition, there clearly is more that we as players can do in the way of education. Telling our nation’s kids that drugs will destroy them is only half the battle. The nation’s high school athletes - - and their parents - - will still aspire to college scholarships and will still pursue their athletic dreams. Knowing what to do is as important as knowing what not to do. Ballplayers must lead the way in developing nutrition, strength, flexibility and wellness routines. In an era of child obesity, this may turn out to be an even more powerful idea than we can appreciate today.

I suggest, however, that the biggest problem with HGH is very probably its availability to the American public. Anti-aging clinics and others openly advertise in magazines stressing the benefits of HGH. We will continue to take steps against HGH, but this is a societal problem, not one limited to baseball, or even to sports. If we didn’t know that before, the investigations into internet pharmacy sales of HGH made public over the last year have made this apparent. The percentage of HGH sales to professional athletes evidently is a small part of the total.

All one needs do in order to appreciate the magnitude of this problem is to go onto Google’s website and type in the words, “Where can I buy HGH?” Last month, this search returned 349,000 options in a quarter of a second. Advertisements for HGH, or products touted as HGH, can be found in newspapers and magazines nationwide. For example, in a recent Continental Airlines magazine, on page 99, there appeared an advertisement with the following headline: “Choose life. Grow young with HGH.” (I understand that this ad appears in the current issue, too.) Plainly, abuse of HGH and other illicit (and licit) pharmaceuticals and supplements is not just a baseball problem, but a national one.

I understand that Senator Schumer and Representative Lynch have introduced legislation to reclassify HGH as a Schedule III drug, making its treatment comparable to that of anabolic steroids. This approach may well be worth consideration. But I hope consideration will also be given to addressing the dangers of online sales and marketing of HGH that are false and misleading and to determining why so much product is apparently available to organizations, such as Signature Pharmacy in Florida, which do not appear to be prescribing the pharmaceutical legitimately. And, as I have suggested before, serious consideration should also be given to doing a study to determine whether the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) is being adequately enforced and/or whether the law needs to be amended. Certainly a thorough review of DSHEA, and how it is interpreted and enforced, would appear to be warranted.

Let me now turn to the Mitchell Report. Since 2002, the players and owners have worked together effectively in many ways to deal with the problems involving PEDs in baseball. But the Mitchell Report was not such an effort. Senator Mitchell’s investigation was a unilateral action undertaken by management. Commissioner Selig hired former Senator George Mitchell and his law firm, DLA Piper, to conduct the investigation on behalf of the owners. We had no role in it whatsoever. In such circumstances a union, including one which represents baseball players, is obligated under federal law to represent its members – all of its members - in connection with the investigation.

The MLBPA fulfilled it responsibilities. Where we thought we could cooperate with the Mitchell investigation we did. Where the rights of our members needed to be asserted, we did that. We gave appropriate legal advice to the players (and to their individual counsel) with respect to the employment consequences of the investigation, and urged players to retain individual counsel where that was appropriate. In many ways, we thought the conduct of the investigation was unfair. But, for the most part, we have avoided speaking publicly about those issues, and it would serve no purpose to do so here.

Most of the media comment and reaction to what is contained in the report has focused on the individual players who were named by Senator Mitchell, and what they are alleged to have done. That is as unfortunate as it is understandable. But, in that process, an important point may have been lost. The Mitchell Report reveals virtually nothing about drug use under our current new agreement, i.e. 2006 and 2007. There is not a single allegation in the report about any individual who may have used steroids during that time. There is only one incident discussed involving a player and HGH during 2006. But that incident was publicly known at that time, and the player was disciplined. In short, whatever the case was prior to our November 2005 agreement, the
Report does not even remotely suggest that our current JDA is failing. To the contrary, it
confirms that it is working very well.

We have accomplished much in this area through joint endeavors. But due to the investigation which led to the Report, we were forced to assume our more traditional role of making sure that players being investigated by management were appropriately represented. Hopefully we will now be able to work together with the Clubs in a more collaborative way.

In light of the recommendations made in the Mitchell Report, we have now been asked to reopen our contract for a third time. That is something which neither unions nor employers often do. There are certainly strong policy reasons why an employer and a union should respect the sanctity of a collective bargaining agreement, including its term, and not engage in frequent mid-term renegotiations.

Even so, we have never refused to discuss changes to our JDA at any time during its term, and we will not do so now. We have already held meetings with the Commissioner and his representatives regarding possible changes in the aftermath of the Mitchell Report, and more meetings will be held soon. Indeed, the Commissioner made a proposal to us last week, and we expect to have further discussions, and proposals of our own in the near future. This subject will obviously be one of those discussed in our Spring Training meetings with the players on each of the 30 teams.

The Players will engage in these discussions in good faith. Our record over the last few years demonstrates a willingness to be flexible in this area in order to improve our program consistent with our bargaining responsibilities.

To summarize, clearly baseball has been through much in the last few years regarding performance enhancing drugs. We had a serious problem. Few, if any, appreciated the seriousness of that problem, including the MLBPA, and including me.

But since we began attacking this problem we have made significant strides. We have a strong program, and all available evidence indicates that it is working and the use of detectable PEDs has declined dramatically, as Senator Mitchell himself pointed out.

I am aware that some members of Congress, including perhaps some on this Committee, are considering introducing legislation to create federally-mandated drug testing in professional sports. With due respect, I do not think any such action is necessary, warranted, or appropriate.

When I testified before this Committee in 2005 I said then that we believed that we had negotiated a program that would work. I said then that all the evidence we had then indicated we were on the right track. Later that year we amended our program for the second time; and today we are considering amending it yet again. And now we have even more evidence, all of which indicates that our efforts are succeeding.

Under the National Labor Relations Act, the negotiation of terms and conditions of employment is committed to good faith collective bargaining between employers and the organizations selected by and representing employees. Needless to say, the agreements we have reached are a product of that process. We continue to believe that collective bargaining is the appropriate forum for consideration and resolution of these issues. A fundamental premise of our labor laws is that solutions devised by the parties in the workplace are more likely to be workable and enduring, precisely because they are forged by those parties, rather than by others outside that relationship, no matter how well intentioned they may be.

Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that the Players Association does not believe that any such legislation should be enacted. As Congress has repeatedly noted, collective bargaining is the appropriate forum in which to deal with matters affecting terms and conditions of employment, even matters as controversial and politically volatile as random suspicionless employee drug testing in the absence of significant concerns about public safety. And the recent record in baseball clearly shows that we are dealing with our problems.

Finally, it should be noted that any legislation governing drug testing in private industry surely raises troubling constitutional questions. Suspicionless drug testing, mandated by the federal government, can run afoul of the general Fourth Amendment requirement that searches must be based on individualized suspicion of wrongdoing. The reason asserted to justify deviation from this principle in the context of professional sports may well fall short under the Supreme Court’s reasoning in Chandler v. Miller, 520 U.S. 305 (1997). There, the court held that a Georgia statute requiring candidates for state office to submit to drug testing was unconstitutional. Among other things, the Court determined that the stated intention of having candidates set a good example was not sufficient to justify the inherent invasion of privacy. It is likely that a law governing drug testing in professional sports would face a serious challenge as well.

Let me conclude by stating the obvious. The last few years have been difficult for baseball as we have come to grips with this issue. We should have done more, and sooner. But the good news is that since we began to act several years ago, real progress has been made. Today, we have a strong, fair, and effective program in major league baseball, a program the players support and, most importantly, a program that works.

A-10 tourney to remain in Atlantic CIty

Atlantic 10 commissioner Linda Bruno announced on Wednesday that the 2009 Atlantic 10 Championships will remain in Atlantic City's famed Boardwalk Hall.

The 2007 A-10 Championship was in Atlantic City, as is the upcoming 2008 tourney

"I am extremely pleased to make this announcement," Bruno said. "Our first year in Atlantic City was a tremendous success and with the exciting season our teams are currently enjoying, this year promises to be even better.

"Boardwalk Hall provides a tremendous setting for college basketball and every seat puts fans right on top of the action. The feedback from students, alumni, fans, and the Atlantic City community last year was extremely positive and we look forward to a long and successful stay in Atlantic City."

Boardwalk Hall, which first opened in 1929, underwent a three-year, $90 million renovation to transform the building into a modern special events arena capable of variable seating for up to 14,500 people.

"We are thrilled that the Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship will be calling Atlantic City home for another year," said Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. "It will be our pleasure to work with the A-10 staff in order to make the 2009 year as successful as these past years have been. I think fans will agree that Atlantic City is a perfect setting for the Championship."

The 2009 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship will take place from March 11-14. This year's A-10 Championship will be held from March 12-15.

Soul tweaks roster

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Soul waived defensive tackle Michael Landry and signed offensive lineman Van Nelson and defensive back Rob Keefe to the practice squad on Tuesday.

Landry was acquired from the New Orleans VooDoo in exchange for wide receiver Chris Horn in a trade that was announced on Monday.

Rating the Sixers

By John McMullen

Philadelphia, PA (The Phanatic Magazine) - The Phillies are clearly the most talented team in Philadelphia sports but you can't help cringe at the karma emanating from Brad Lidge's spike. Meanwhile, Eagles fans are gearing up for their annual spring disappointment in free agency and the Flyers' faithful finally got a chance to step off the Ben Franklin Bridge when the team snapped a franchise-worst 10-game skid Monday.

Through it all, the one positive story in town comes from Ed Snider's red-headed stepchild -- the team no one cares about -- the Philadelphia 76ers. New general manager Ed Stefanski has convinced coach Maurice Cheeks to play an up-tempo game that has the surprising Sixers in the thick of the NBA Eastern Conference playoff race.

And, with 57 games under their belt, we also have a good feel for the players on the team. So, without further ado, that brings us to The Phanatic Magazine's annual Sixers player ratings.

Legend:
5.0 - Superstar - Think Kobe and LeBron
4.0 - Consistent NBA All-Star
3.0 - Solid NBA starter
2.0 - Provides adequate NBA depth
1.0 - Should be in Turkey


1. - Andre Miller (3.5) - Miller is a prototypical point guard that makes things easier for everyone around him. He also has a knack for hitting the big shot. Perhaps, more importantly, he seems to sense when his young teammates are losing their collective heads and its time to call his own number. His biggest weakness is stopping the dribble penetration of quick guards.

2, - Andre Iguodala (3.4) - Iguodala's a little overrated. He's never going to be a star but he does a lot of things well. That said, there is room for improvement. He settles for the jumper far too often, he's lost his confidence at the charity stripe and his effort level can be best described as uneven on the defensive end.

3. - Samuel Dalembert (3.0) - Sammy's probably the most underrated Sixers player. His basketball IQ is never going to be great and it would be nice to see him hit the weight room harder while developing a go-to move on the offensive end. But, its not exactly easy to find a weak-side shot blocker like him. Dalembert is also an above-average rebounder and has developed a deft touch from the free throw line for a big man.

4. - Lou Williams (2.8) - The Sixers waited a year too long to get Williams into the rotation, He's already the team's most explosive scorer and is now finishing games. Lou still forces things too much and needs to take better care off the ball but those are things you only learn with consistent minutes.

5. - Thaddeus Young (2.6) - You hate to give Billy King credit for anything but he made the right choice with Young. Rarely do you see a 19-year-old kid exhibit such patience. Young never forces anything and let's the game come to him, reminiscent of a young Kevin Garnett. Thaddeus has a chance to be a real star in this league and I have a feeling he will be topping this list very quickly.

6. - Reggie Evans (2.5) - It's feast or famine with Reggie, a poor man's Dennis Rodman. Evans is one of the NBA's best rebounders and a pain in the rear for the opposition on the defensive end. The Sixers are one of the best rebounding teams in the league when he is on the floor and possess the game's best half-court trap. On the offensive end, you are playing four on five when Evans is on the floor.

7. - Willie Green (2.4) - Green is a one-dimensional player. He's a scorer but if things aren't falling for him, he's a detriment on both ends of the floor. Starting Green isn't the problem but Cheeks should have a quick hook on a daily basis.

8. - Jason Smith (2.2) - Nice draft pick who should be a solid rotational guy for years. He hit the rookie wall way too quickly, however. So, it would be nice if Smith works on his conditioning in the offseason.

9. - Rodney Carney (2.2) - Carney should be much higher on this list but the second-year pro just doesn't listen. Carney could be a top-tier defensive threat on the wing, igniting the fastbreak but he seems to sulk when he doesn't get touches on offense.

10. - Kevin Ollie (1.9) - Smart, disciplined point guard who takes care of the ball like its one of his kids. That said, Ollie just doesn't have the physical skill set to give you more than 10 minutes a night.

11. - Gordan Giricek (1.9) - Giricek is probably the team's best pure shooter but he just doesn't fit in with Stefanski's up-tempo plan.

12. - Calvin Booth (1.8) - Veteran shot-blocker who knows how to play NBA defense.

13. - Louis Amundson (1.5) - High energy guy that rarely sees the floor. Amundson is an above average NBA rebounder and can finish a little bit around the basket.

14. - Shavlik Randolph (1.0) - Shav was not an NBA player before a serious leg injury. BK's pet.

No rating - Herbert Hill - Let's see Hill take the floor before making any assessment.

NFL Combine news

Pool reporter Randy Covitz said Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli's throws were crisp. He completed a short out to Kansas State's Jordy Nelson and he perfectly led Jaymar Johnson of Jackson State on a fly pattern. Both of his slants were on the money. He overthrew his next throw on a slant pattern but then made up for it with a completion. On the 45-yard bombs down the numbers, he laid out one pass the receiver had to slow down to catch. On the next one, he overcompensated and overthrew it. His passes on the 12-yard combacks were dead on.

Meanwhile, Geoff Mosher reported that Delaward QB Joe Flacco's arm strength stood out among the first roup of quarterbacks. He threw a sharp, tight spiral -- especially on deeper patterns -- and generally showed precision on routes along the sideline. Given that he ran a spread offense in college, footwork -- particularly on his three-step drops -- didn't appear to be a hindrance. His form and technique were on par. He also bounced back well after mistakes. In one drill (a 15-yard post corner), his timing was off and he threw wide of both receivers. On his second attempt, though, he completed both passes and looked much sharper.

Meet the Soul

The Philadelphia Soul will be hosting a Pep Rally on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. at the Commerce Bank located at 2201 South Broad Street.

Fans will have the opportunity to meet the 2008 team for the first time. You can bank on seeing QB Tony Graziani, WR Chris Jackson, DB Mike Brown along with the entire Soul team.

Join the Philadelphia Soul players, Soulmates and fans as the excitement builds for the 2008 regular season. Fans will have a chance to personally interact with the Soul players and Soulmates just a few days before the start of the much-anticipated 2008 season. There will also be fan giveaways and a contest to win a pair of tickets to the season opener against the Orlando Predators on March 1.

Vinny's Back

By Steven Lienert
The Phanatic Magazine

ESPN has reported on Monday night that the Philadelphia Flyers have acquired Vaclav Prospal from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Phantoms' defenseman Alexandre Picard and a conditional 2009 draft pick.

Prospal, who was dubbed 'Vinny' by the South Philly Phaithful in his first stint with the Flyers, has scored 29 goals and 28 assists in 62 games this season. He'll become the sixth Flyers player on their roster to have tallied at least 20 goals this season.

Prospal was originally drafted by the Flyers in the third round of the 1993 entry draft and spent his first two seasons in Philadelphia. Prospal also won a Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2004.

Prospal, who has 175 goals and 365 assists in 774 career games with Philadelphia, Ottawa, Florida, Tampa Bay and Anaheim, will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Picard, who was in his third season with the Flyers' minor-league affliate -- the Philadelphia Phantoms -- has notched eight goals and 30 assists in 53 games played for a minus-8. Overall, he has 16 goalsand 58 assists in 134 career games with the Phantoms.

If the Flyers happen to reach the Eastern Conference finals, they will owe Tampa Bay their second-round pick in 2009. If not, the Lightning will receive Calgary's third-round pick, which is owned by the Flyers, in 2009.

Meanwhile, Flyers' fans can cross Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle off their wish list. Reports are that Boyle and the 'Ning have reached an agreement on a contract extension. Perhaps the Flyers will look to bolster their defense with the addition of Buffalo defenseman Brian Campbell, who remains on the trading block. Most likely, the Flyers will have to part with Jeff Carter to get that deal done.

Soul sets season opening roster

-Courtesy of the Philadelphia Soul

The Philadelphia Soul announced a number of roster moves Monday. The club re-signed linebacker Rod Davis; offensive lineman Steve Edwards; defensive back Dee Webb; defensive lineman George Gause; and wide receiver Darius Watts to undisclosed contracts, while trading wide receiver Chris Horn to the New Orleans VooDoo in exchange for defensive lineman Michael Landry and signing fullback John Peaua.

The Soul also waived offensive linemen Jason Thomas, Jabari Levey and Van Nelson; defensive lineman Delbert Cowsette; defensive back Rob Keefe; and fullbacks Cory Anderson and Matt Bernstein.

Head coach Bret Munsey then placed Watts, Peaua and Gause on the injured reserve, meaning the three will be sidelined at least the first two weeks of the season.

The moves bring the Soul’s roster to the 24-man limit.

Landry started 15 games at nose guard for the VooDoo last season and finished the year with 18.5 tackles and two tackles for a loss. In his return to the VooDoo, he appeared in more games than any other New Orleans defensive lineman. A year earlier, he appeared in 13 games with 10 starts for the Brigade and had 11 tackles (six solo), 1.5 tackles for a loss and a half sack. In 2005, Landry joined the VooDoo and was named to the AFL All-Rookie team as he made an immediate impact on the middle of the defense. He started in 15 games at nose guard and had 16 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Landry spent the end of the 2003 season and the 2004 offseason and training camp as a defensive end with the San Francisco 49ers. He spent the final game of the 2003 season on San Francisco’s active roster. He originally signed as an undrafted free agent with Kansas City in 2002 and spent time on the practice squads of both the Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers from 2002-03. He was allocated to the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe by Kansas City in 2003 and registered 31 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

In college, he played in 25 games with 23 starts at defensive end and outside linebacker for Southern. Landry earned second-team All-SWAC honors as a senior in 2001, when he tallied 45 tackles (15 solo), five sacks, 14 tackles for a loss and two passes defensed.

Peaua was in training camp with the Colorado Crush, but was released this past Friday. He spent the last four seasons with the Crush, playing in 50 games over that period. Last year, he scored a pair of touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving.

He broke into the league with Arizona in 2001 and spent three seasons in the desert.

Forsberg returns to Avalanche

-Courtesy of the Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has come to terms with unrestricted free agent Peter Forsberg on a new contract through the 2007-2008 season.

“We’re proud to announce to our fans that Peter Forsberg has decided to come back and play with our franchise where he’s enjoyed so much success early in his career,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere. “His addition should complement our roster and will bring our team to an even higher competitive level.”

“Over the last several months, I have worked extremely hard in order for this to be possible. I am looking forward to putting this jersey on again,” said Forsberg. “I have so many great memories of my playing days in Denver. I’m excited about helping my new teammates and former teammates in the coming weeks, and hopefully I am able to do that in the very near future.”

Forsberg, 34, was selected sixth overall in the 1991 Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers before being dealt to the Quebec Nordiques on June 30, 1992. He made his NHL debut with the Nordiques during the 1994-95 season, where he tallied 50 points (15g/35a) in 47 games during the shortened season, earning him the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. During his next nine seasons in Colorado, he would go on to win two Stanley Cups (1996, 2001); capture the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP (2003); and appear in seven All-Star games. During his MVP season, he led the NHL in scoring with 106 points (29g/77a) in 75 games. He was named a First-Team NHL All-Star three times (1998, 1999, 2003) while with Colorado.

Forsberg currently stands fourth on the franchise’s all-time scoring list with 741 points (216g/525a) in 580 career games. He stands first on the organization’s all-time post-season assist list (97); second in playoff goals (57) and points (154); and second in post-season game-winning goals (12). He owns regular season franchise records for most points in a period (5) and shares the record for most assists in a game (5). His post-season club records include most points in a game (5); most goals in a period (3); most game-winning goals in a series (3 done twice).

Over his tenure with the Avalanche, the club posted a 119-14-19-6 (.832) regular season record in games that Forsberg scored a goal

Lidge has surgery

Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday to repair a torn meniscus.

Lidge is expected to be sidelined for three to six weeks, and remains optimistic that he'll be ready for Opening Day, according to the team's Web site.

The 31-year-old reliever caught a spike on the mound Saturday while throwing batting practice at spring training, injuring the right knee he had surgically repaired earlier this offseason.

Lidge was acquired from Houston this past November after going 5-3 with 19 saves and a 3.36 earned run average in 66 games with the Astros last season.

Local players win academic honor

-Courtesy of CAA

RICHMOND, Va. (Feb. 25, 2008) -- Delaware senior offensive lineman Mike Byrne and Villanova tight end Matt Sherry earned a share of the 2007 CAA Football Student-Athlete of the Year award.

Byrne, who maintains a 3.49 grade point average as a double-major in Psychology and Criminal Justice, helped lead the Blue Hens to an 11-4 overall record and a berth in the 2007 NCAA Division I National Championship game. The Lititz, Pa., native started all 15 games for Delaware and was part of an offense which featured CAA Football Co-Offensive Player of the Year quarterback Joe Flacco. Byrne logged First Team All-CAA Football honors in 2007 and was named to four All-American squads including the Walter Camp Foundation, College Sporting News, The Sports Network and Associated Press.

The Delaware co-captain played in 41 games during his four-year career helping the Hens to a 31-19 mark including two berths in the NCAA Division I Championships. Byrne is a four-time Commissioner's Honor Roll member and has been a part of ESPN The Magazine District 2 Academic All-America squads twice.

Sherry, who earned a finance degree from Villanova in May 2007, currently maintains a 3.84 grade point average while working towards a Masters of Business Administration at Villanova. The Rumford, R.I., native was the league's First Team All-Conference tight end after logging a team-best 37 receptions for 461 yards and five touchdowns. The senior co-captain, who
helped the Wildcats to a 7-4 overall mark and league record of 5-3, logged a career game in Villanova's 63-24 win over William and Mary. Sherry, who earned All-America status from The Sports Network, set career highs with seven catches for 105 yards and tied a career-best with two touchdowns against the Tribe, Oct. 6.

During his career Sherry has played in 39 games and logged 89 receptions for 1,059 yards and nine touchdowns. The graduate student was also a member of the 2007 Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association National Academic All-Star squad.

Prospects on the rise and decline at combine

-Courtesy of Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com

Prospects on the Rise

TE Dustin Keller – Purdue
Athletic smaller tight end had a huge workout and most impressive showing on Day 1. He ran 4.53 and 4.54 times and had an exceptional 38” vertical leap with a solid 26 reps @ 225 lbs. He displayed sure hands and the ability to adjust to the ball. He was on our Top 100 value board prior to the Combine and could move up further at the close of this critical event.

TE Brad Cottam – Tennessee
Huge prospect missed most of the ’07 season but he continues to impress in the postseason. He came in at 6’7” and 271 lbs., ran a fine 4.68 time and did 24 reps in the lifting.

OT Jake Long – Michigan
The top offensive linemen in this year’s class solidified a top 5-10 selection. He came in at 6’7” and 313 lbs. and did a combine best thus far 37 reps @ 225 lbs. He ran a 5.17 and 5,27 times and solidified a top 5-10 selection.

OT Chris Williams – Vanderbilt
Just like the first day of the Senior Bowl, this guy stood out on Day 1 in Indy. He is a massive tackle who checked in at 6’6” and 315 lbs. He ran very good 5.07 and 5.18 times and looked nimble in the agility drills, though he did only 21 reps.

OL Jeremy Zuttah – Rutgers
College right tackle ran an impressive 4.99 forty time with a fine 10 yard split time. He was 2nd among OL with 35 reps in the lifting and looked mobile in the agility drills to help his draft status.

Prospects on the Decline

TE John Carlson – Notre Dame
Athletic tight end missed Senior Bowl with an illness. In the spring drills, he ran a disappointing 4.96 and 4.89 times at just under 6’5” and 251 lbs. He did only 20 reps but caught the ball well in the receiving drills

TE Jermichael Finley - Texas
Young junior tight end checked in at 6’4” and 243 lbs. He ran a disappointing 4.82 time and only 20 reps that makes his Texas pro day critical to his final grade. He looked good in the vertical leap and receiving drills and has intriguing upside but must run better for an early draft grade.

OT Jeff Otah – Pittsburgh
Massive left tackle is not the type of linemen to shine in athletic drills. He ran a poor 5.56 time at 332 lbs with 27 reps in the lifting. His agility drills were only adequate and leaves questions about his readiness to play early as a pro. He may have cost himself a 1st round grade.

OT Barry Richardson - Clemson
Huge tackle checked in over 6’6” and 325 lbs. He ran a poor 5.47 time and did only reps. He is a waist bender who continues to fall in the charts.

OT Pedro Sosa - Rutgers
Athletic smallish tackle ran a disappointing 5.5 forty time and did only 19 reps in the lifting which hurts his draft grade significantly.

Phils' Lidge to have surgery

Reliever Brad Lidge will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, the Phillies announced Sunday. Team Physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti will perform the surgery.

The surgery – a partial medial menisectomy – is an intra-articular surgical procedure of the knee by which all or part of the damaged meniscus is removed. The recovery time for this procedure is expected to be 3-to-6 weeks and Lidge could begin a rehabilitation program one week following the surgery.

Lidge, 31, was acquired by the Phillies last November in a trade with Houston. With the Astros last season, he went 5-3 with a 3.36 ERA and 19 saves in 66 games.

FSU's Fagg injured at combine

Florida State wide receiver De'Cody Fagg suffered a left leg injury during Sunday morning's quarterback-wide receiver drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Fagg was taken from the RCA Dome field on a stretcher.

Injury concerns plague LSU's Dorsey

-Courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com, published by The Sports Xchange.

By Howard Balzer

Senior Writer
NFLDraftScout.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- An NFL team doctor told NFLDraftScout.com that
there are serious concerns over the lingering effects of a
2006 stress fracture in the right tibia of Louisiana State's
highly-rated defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.

Dorsey, generally considered a top five prospect in the NFL Draft,
underwent a physical Saturday at the Scouting Combine, and was
subsequently sent to the hospital for additional tests.

"I haven't spoken to anybody about how the tests came out,"
Dorsey said  Sunday at a Combine press conference. He
admitted that he was put through a grueling battery of tests.

"I got to the hospital around nine o'clock and left around
6:30," he said. "I had MRI's, I had CAT scans, I had
everything. I mean there were stingers from high school
they wanted to check out."

However, Dorsey contends he is ready to play in the NFL
and has no concerns about his past injuries, although
he does understand why teams are curious.

"When you are one of the top players people are looking
for the negatives," he said. "They are looking for
anything. But I played four years. I played every game
since I've been with LSU. Who doesn't get hurt during
the year?"

Dorsey was measured at 6-1 1/4, 297 pounds, and elected
not to work out, explaining he stopped preparing for the
Combine because of the death of his grandmother.

However, there are still issues with the tibia that has raised
red flags among NFL teams. The team doctor told NFLDraftScout.com
the stress fracture is in an area of the tibia that is
difficult to heal.

Dorsey played most of the 2006 season at LSU with the injury,
and took painkillers before every game. He wore a bone
stimulator for up to 18 hours per day until he was cleared
to practice in the spring of 2007.

"I wore the stimulator through the spring and summer and
I think it did some good," Dorsey told NFLDraftscout.com.

Although Dorsey has been the target of some infamous chop
and double-team blocks, he explained the injury to his
leg happened in the weight room. "I bumped up against a
 weight or something ... and it calcified."

Before that, Dorsey considered entering the 2007 NFL Draft,
but told ESPN college football reporter Joe Schad, "I have
a few injuries that I believe would have hindered me in
the draft. I have a leg injury that I really want to get
healed up, so I'm coming back so we have a chance to win
the SEC and maybe even a national championship."

LSU did win the national championship, while Dorsey played
the season with several injuries. He was limited in
preseason drills because of a sore hamstring, then
suffered a sprained right knee against Auburn on Oct. 20,
and missed most of the second half of that game.

He played the following game against Alabama wearing
a large brace on his knee, and briefly left the game when
he re-injured the knee. Dorsey missed most of the
Tigers' Nov. 17 game against Mississippi because of a
sore lower back.

The combination of injuries limited his participation
in practice for the final six games of the season.

Dorsey had four of his seven sacks prior to the Auburn game,
and one of his final three was against Louisiana Tech.

Casamayor & Katsidis to meet in world title bout

-Courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 22, 2008) – In an intriguing clash of styles that will have boxing pundits declaring this bout an early candidate for 2008 Fight of The Year, master boxer Joel Casamayor will put his Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championship on the line against a fighter many are calling the next Arturo Gatti, unbeaten Australian and WBO Interim Lightweight World Champion Michael Katsidis. The 12 round championship contest, for the WBO Interim and Ring Magazine Lightweight World championships, will take place on Saturday, March 22 at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and will be televised live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET / PT.

“This is a great matchup between two of the best lightweights in the world and given the styles of both fighters, I'm expecting a classic battle,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “The winner of this bout will not only emerge as the top 135-pounder in the world, but will also make a case for himself as one of the premier fighters in the game, pound for pound.”

“A fight of this magnitude is perfect for a casino resort dedicated to delivering BIG TIME excitement to our guests," said Sean Sullivan, general manager of the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa. "With our recently expanded casino floor, and our ongoing commitment to being the premier casino resort in the region, Morongo has shown it is the place for sports and entertainment excitement in Southern California and we are pleased to partner with Golden Boy Promotions and HBO to present this world-championship boxing event."

One of the greatest fighters ever to come out of Cuba, Guantanamo’s Joel Casamayor (35-3-1, 21 KO’s) is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame when he finishes his storied career. But at 36, “El Cepillo” has plenty of fight left in him, a fact he is sure to let Michael Katsidis know on March 22. Owner of over 360 amateur wins and a 1992 Olympic Gold medal, Casamayor defected to the United States after the 1996 Olympics and began a pro journey that has seen him win world titles in the super featherweight and lightweight divisions while scoring victories over the likes of Diego Corrales (twice), Nate Campbell, and Robert Garcia. Casamayor’s three losses were all hotly disputed by fans and the media, so it is conceivable that he could be undefeated today, and he is in the minds of many fans, all of whom will be glued to their television sets to see him take on one of his stiffest challenges in Katsidis.

“I've been on top for a long time and I'm not about to leave anytime soon,” said Casamayor. “Katsidis is a good fighter and he will be on top of this division someday, but this is still my time and I'm not about to lose to him on March 22.”

The pride of Toowoomba, Australia, Michael Katsidis (23-0, 20 KO’s) is boxing’s latest action hero. A stellar amateur of Greek descent who represented Australia in the 2000 Olympics, Katsidis’ aggressive style was even better suited for the pro game, and he quickly made an impression by winning the Queensland State Lightweight Title in his first professional bout, which was scheduled for ten rounds. In his very next fight, Katsidis added the Australian Title to his trophy case and has since earned the IBF Pan Pacific and WBO Asia Pacific Championships. In February of 2007, Katsidis won a five round, Fight of the Year candidate war over Graham Earl to win the WBO Interim World Championship. Bursting onto the American boxing scene in impressive fashion, he defended his title five months later with a hotly contested decision win over Czar Amonsot, in another Fight of The Year candidate. On March 22, he plans on taking down the legendary Casamayor and beginning his own world-class legacy.

“It's an honor to fight a great champion like Casamayor and I'm looking forward to testing my skills against him,” said Katsidis. “I plan on putting on another exciting fight for the fans and I believe my pressure, power and youth will carry me to victory on March 22.”

La Salle's Harris is A-10 Player of the Week

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Darnell Harris - La Salle

Senior, Guard, 6-1, 165 lbs.

Baltimore, Md./St. Francis HS

Harris averaged 23.5 points and shot 13-of-25 from three point range in leading La Salle to wins over Saint Joseph’s (90-89) on Feb. 18 and Dayton (81-78, OT) on Feb. 21...scored 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting and added four assists versus the Hawks...tied his career high with eight three-pointers against Dayton...did not commit a turnover in 73 minutes of action.

Lidge injures knee

The Associated Press is reporting that Phillies closer Brad Lidge caught a spike in the mound on his first pitch of batting practice Saturday and hurt the same knee he had surgery on in October.

Combine 40-yard Times -- Nothing is Official

Courtesy of Frank Cooney
The Sports Xchange

INDIANAPOLIS -- When 40-yard times are announced the next few days from the NFL Combine, there are a few things that should be kept in perspective.

First, there is no single "official" 40 time at the Combine.

That said, Bo Jackson has the best verifiable time at a Combine with his 4.12-second clocking at the New Orleans Superdome in 1986.

The best 40 time at an Indianapolis Combine was turned in by Eastern Kentucky wide receiver Rondel Melendez with a 4.24 in 1999, the first year electronic timing was implemented at the event.

There are numerous stories that Deion Sanders ran faster than 4.2 seconds at another Superdome Combine in 1989. However, reports from that week indicate he was timed at 4.28 seconds by one of the so-called "official" stopwatches.

But it is important to keep the term "official" in context because there is no such thing as a single "official" time at the NFL Combine.

Here is what happens to get the 40 times at the Combine:

--Those who participate in the 40 actually run twice, and on each run they are timed by two hand-held stopwatches and one electronic timer (that is actually initiated by hand on the player's first movement).

--Combine data put together for NFL teams by National Scouting includes all six of those times for each player, but no single official time.

Team scouts and coaches have various approaches for getting the 40 time they use from those six timings. Some use averages. Some throw out slowest and fastest and then average the rest. Some ignore the whole thing and use a time taken by their own scout.

So it is that Jackson's time of 4.12 at the Superdome is the best ever, verified by numerous reports that week in 1986, including a front-page story in the USA Today Sports section.

And Melendez, with his 4.24 clocking in 1999, is at the top of the Indy Combine list. As it turned out, his NFL career didn't last much longer than his clocking after he was drafted in the seventh round by the Atlanta Falcons.

Champ Bailey turned in a 4.28 that same year, the same time set by Sanders in 1989 in New Orleans. They obviously went on to far more
productive careers than Melendez, whose highlight was a 67-yard punt return as a rookie before being cut by several teams, including one in NFL Europe.

He was out of the league by 2002.

So the process and an accurate look at history should be kept in mind as the 40-yard times are announced for this year's draft prospects. The 40 time is good to know and makes for great conversation, but it doesn't make a Melendez into a Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders.

So, beware any 40-yard time that is labeled as "official" from the Combine.

Following are the best 40 times and results in other events recorded by NFLDraftScout.com since 1999.

40-Yard Dash Times
4.24 - Rondel Melendez, (WR), Eastern Kentucky - 1999
4.28 - Jerome Mathis, (WR), Hampton - 2005
4.28 - *Champ Bailey, (CB), Georgia - 1999
4.29 - Stanford Routt, (CB), Houston - 2005
4.29 - Jay Hinton, (RB), Morgan State - 1999
4.29 - *Fabian Washington, (CB), Nebraska - 2005
4.30 - Yamon Figurs (WR), Kansas State - 2007
4.30 - Darrent Williams, (CB), Oklahoma State - 2005
4.31 - *Johnathan Joseph, (CB), South Carolina - 2006
4.31 - Aaron Lockett, (WR), Kansas State - 2002
4.31 - Santana Moss, (WR), Miami - 2001
4.32 - *Troy Williamson, (WR), South Carolina - 2005
4.32 - *Chad Jackson, (WR), Florida - 2006
4.32 - Jason Hill (WR), Washington State - 2007
4.32 - Tim Jennings, (CB), Georgia - 2006
4.32 - Chris McKenzie, (CB), Arizona State - 2005
4.32 - Tim Carter, (WR), Auburn - 2002
4.32 - Kevin Garrett, (CB), Southern Methodist - 2003
4.32 - Antwan Harris, (CB), Virginia - 2000
4.33 - Carlos Francis, (WR), Texas Tech - 2004
4.33 - Karsten Bailey, (WR), Auburn - 1999
4.33 - Chris Chambers, (WR), Wisconsin - 2001
4.34 - *Ahmad Carroll, (CB), Arkansas - 2004
4.34 - Domonique Foxworth, (CB), Maryland - 2005
4.34 - Tyrone Calico, (WR), Middle Tennessee State - 2003

225-Pound Bench Reps
51 - Justin Ernest, (DT), Eastern Kentucky - 1999
45 - Mike Kudla, (DE), Ohio State - 2006
45 - Leif Larsen, (DT), Texas-El Paso - 2000
44 - Brodrick Bunkley, (DT), Florida State - 2006
43 - Scott Young, (OG), BYU - 2005
42 - Tank Tyler (DT), North Carolina State - 2007
42 - Isaac Sopoaga, (DT), Hawaii - 2004
41 - Terna Nande, (OLB), Miami (OHIO) - 2006
41 - *Igor Olshansky, (DT), Oregon - 2004
40 - Zach Piller, (OT), Florida - 1999
40 - Justin Blalock (OG), Texas - 2007
40 - Manny Ramirez (OG), Texas Tech - 2007
38 - Tony Pashos, (OT), Illinois - 2003
38 - Craig Page, (C), Georgia Tech - 1999
38 - Jeff Smith, (C), Wyoming - 1999
37 - *Wayne Hunter, (OT), Hawaii - 2003
37 - *Haloti Ngata, (DT), Oregon - 2006
37 - Roberto Garza, (C), Texas AM-Kingsville - 2001
37 - Victor Leyva, (OG), Arizona State - 2001
37 - Moran Norris, (FB), Kansas - 2001
36 - Gabe Watson, (DT), Michigan - 2006
36 - *Vince Wilfork, (DT), Miami - 2004
36 - Liam Ezekiel, (ILB), Northeastern - 2005
36 - Scott Peters, (C), Arizona State - 2002
36 - Makoa Freitas, (OG), Arizona - 2003

Highest Vertical Jump
46 - Gerald Sensabaugh, (FS), North Carolina - 2005
45 1/2 - Derek Wake, (OLB), Penn State - 2005
45 - Chris McKenzie, (CB), Arizona State - 2005
45 - Chris Chambers, (WR), Wisconsin - 2001
43 1/2 - Dustin Fox, (FS), Ohio State - 2005
43 1/2 - Jay Hinton, (RB), Morgan State - 1999
43 1/2 - Kevin Kasper, (WR), Iowa - 2001
43 1/2 - Jerry Azumah, (RB), New Hampshire - 1999
43 - Scott Starks, (CB), Wisconsin - 2005
43 - Cedric James, (WR), TCU - 2001
42 1/2 - Jonathan Carter, (WR), Troy - 2001
42 1/2 - Nate Burleson, (WR), Nevada - 2003
42 1/2 - Brock Williams, (CB), Notre Dame - 2001
42 - Kerry Rhodes, (FS), Louisville - 2005
42 - Ellis Hobbs, (CB), Iowa State - 2005
42 - *William Green, (RB), Boston College - 2002
42 - *Vernon Davis, (TE), Maryland - 2006
42 - Mark Anderson, (DE), Alabama - 2006
42 - Boss Bailey, (OLB), Georgia - 2003
42 - Scott Fujita, (OLB), California - 2002
42 - Raonall Smith, (OLB), Washington State - 2002
42 - Rashad Holman, (CB), Louisville - 2001
42 - Santana Moss, (WR), Miami - 2001
42 - Pierson Prioleau, (FS), Virginia Tech - 1999
41 1/2 - Reuben Houston, (CB), Georgia Tech - 2006

Fastest 10-Yard Times
1.43 - Aundrae Allison (WR), East Carolina - 2007
1.43 - Eric Weddle (SS), Utah - 2007
1.43 - Marcus McCauley (CB), Fresno State - 2007
1.45 - Leon Hall (CB), Michigan - 2007
1.46 - Colin Branch, (FS), Stanford - 2003
1.46 - Kenny Scott (CB), Georgia Tech - 2007
1.46 - Josh Wilson (CB), Maryland - 2007
1.46 - Brandon McDonald (CB), Memphis - 2007
1.46 - *Reggie Nelson (FS), Florida - 2007
1.46 - Lorenzo Booker (RB), Florida State - 2007
1.46 - *Fabian Washington, (CB), Nebraska - 2005
1.46 - Tarell Brown (CB), Texas - 2007
1.46 - Laurent Robinson (WR), Illinois State - 2007
1.46 - Steve Smith (WR), Southern Cal - 2007
1.46 - Anthony Arline (CB), Baylor - 2007
1.47 - *Sidney Rice (WR), South Carolina - 2007
1.47 - LaRon Landry (FS), LSU - 2007
1.47 - Jay Hinton, (RB), Morgan State - 1999
1.47 - Rondel Melendez, (WR), Eastern Kentucky - 1999
1.47 - Justin Fargas, (RB), Southern Cal - 2003
1.47 - Yamon Figurs (WR), Kansas State - 2007
1.47 - DeShawn Wynn (RB), Florida - 2007
1.48 - Tim Jennings, (CB), Georgia - 2006
1.48 - Sinorice Moss, (WR), Miami - 2006
1.48 - Domonique Foxworth, (CB), Maryland - 2005
1.48 - Antwan Harris, (CB), Virginia - 2000
1.48 - *Champ Bailey, (CB), Georgia - 1999

Fastest Shuttle Times
3.73 - Kevin Kasper, (WR), Iowa - 2001
3.76 - Deion Branch, (WR), Louisville - 2002
3.78 - Dunta Robinson, (CB), South Carolina - 2004
3.79 - *Champ Bailey, (CB), Georgia - 1999
3.82 - Dante' Hall, (RB), Texas A&M - 2000
3.83 - Jason Allen, (FS), Tennessee - 2006
3.83 - Kevin Bentley, (OLB), NorthWestern - 2002
3.83 - Terence Newman, (CB), Kansas State - 2003
3.84 - Justin Beriault, (FS), Ball State - 2005
3.84 - Carlos Rogers, (CB), Auburn - 2005
3.84 - Troy Walters, (WR), Stanford - 2000
3.85 - Rashad Holman, (CB), Louisville - 2001
3.86 - Creig Spann, (WR), Arizona State - 1999
3.86 - Matt Graham, (SS), Indiana State - 1999
3.86 - Kevin Brooks, (CB), South Carolina - 1999
3.86 - Jay Hinton, (RB), Morgan State - 1999
3.86 - Kevin Johnson, (WR), Syracuse - 1999
3.86 - Jason Hebert, (FS), Rice - 2002
3.86 - Jerry Azumah, (RB), New Hampshire - 1999
3.86 - Chris Watson, (CB), Eastern Illinois - 1999
3.87 - Randy Fasani, (QB), Stanford - 2002
3.87 - Coy Wire, (SS), Stanford - 2002
3.88 - Ryan Tolhurst, (WR), Richmond - 2002
3.88 - Kevin Curtis, (FS), Texas Tech - 2002
3.88 - Kendrick Starling, (WR), San Jose State - 2004

Quickest 3 Cone Drill Times
6.45 - Sedrick Curry, (CB), Texas A&M - 2000
6.48 - Rogers Beckett, (FS), Marshall - 2000
6.49 - Carlos Rogers, (CB), Auburn - 2005
6.50 - Leon Hall (CB), Michigan - 2007
6.51 - Jon McGraw, (SS), Kansas State - 2002
6.54 - *Anthony Gonzalez (WR), Ohio State - 2007
6.56 - Ben Taylor, (ILB), Virginia Tech - 2002
6.56 - Kevin Kasper, (WR), Iowa - 2001
6.60 - Trent Gamble, (FS), Wyoming - 2000
6.60 - Marcus Griffin (SS), Texas - 2007
6.61 - Courtney Roby, (WR), Indiana - 2005
6.61 - Troy Walters, (WR), Stanford - 2000
6.61 - Marcus McCauley (CB), Fresno State - 2007
6.62 - Coy Wire, (SS), Stanford - 2002
6.62 - Dante' Hall, (RB), Texas A&M - 2000
6.62 - Johnnie Lee Higgins (WR), Texas-El Paso - 2007
6.63 - Ketric Sanford, (RB), Houston - 2000
6.63 - Matt Farmer, (WR), Air Force - 2000
6.63 - *Ben Kelly, (CB), Colorado - 2000
6.64 - Keith Brown, (RB), UCLA - 2000
6.64 - Stanford Routt, (CB), Houston - 2005
6.64 - Tye Hill, (CB), Clemson - 2006
6.64 - Demarcus Faggins, (CB), Kansas State - 2002
6.65 - Ryan Tolhurst, (WR), Richmond - 2002
6.65 - Omare Lowe, (CB), Washington - 2002
6.65 - Herb Haygood, (WR), Michigan State - 2002

No Freak for Philly

The NFL Network is reporting thet the Philadelphia Eagles will be releasing defensive end Jevon Kearse.

According to Adam Schefter, Kearse was offered a pay cut but a deal to keep him at a reduced salary could not be reached. The former All-Pro was due to earn a base salary of $6.46 million in 2008.

Sons of Ben ready to welcome soccer to Philly

By Steven Lienert
The Phanatic Magazine

Major League Soccer has no idea what it has gotten itself into.

At last year's MLS Cup final between Houston and New England at Pizza Hut Park in Washington DC, emotions ran high between fans of the Dynamo and Revolution. But there was a group of fans that were causing particular problems for New Englanders, who were being constantly reminded of their prior failures in Cup finals.

Those fans wore light blue and yellow and called themselves the Sons of Ben.

Philadelphia soccer fans.

Somewhere across the pond, soccer hooligans are worried that they're about to lose their good name.

On February 28th, when the MLS announces that Philadelphia has been awarded a team that will play in Chester, there'll be a bunch of SoB's partying the news conference away.

The 700 level is reborn.

“We are so frickin' fired up,” Bryan James, President of the Sons of Ben, said. “We hope to have at least 100 guys there on Thursday. If you come, wear light blue.”

That day will end almost a two year process of getting an expansion team here in Philadelphia.

It all began on message boards when in 2006 – about the time it seemed like the Kansas City Wizards were going to be sold. When word got out that soccer might be coming, fans came out of the woodwork only to be disappointed in the end.

However, from that emerged an already galvanized group of fans. All they needed was a team to support.

“We were able to sustain the momentum through the creation of a supporters' club,” James said. “If you are new to soccer, supporters' clubs are basically the 700 level plus songs plus flags and put right next to the pitch, usually behind a goal so they can spend one whole half ruining the opponent's keeper.”

There was a reason the 700 level wasn't near the field, and these fans may just prove why.

Getting back to last year's MLS Cup final, in which the SoBs didn't have a rooting interest because, well, they didn't have a team yet, the Sons of Ben made their presence felt in true Philadelphia style.

“We ended up taking about 90 guys down in two buses,” James said. “We wore the colors of the Philadelphia flag and ended up having our seats surrounded by New England fans. For those not familiar with the league, the Revs have lost every final they have been in. They started throwing stuff st us when we reminded them of that.”

In case there's any doubt, you can check out the craziness on YouTube.

“We were the fourth largest group of fans there that day, behind the two teams playing and the home standing DC United.”

In September, 2006, Ethan Gomberg christened the supporters' club the Sons of Ben, James worked with artist Andrew Dillon on the logo before Dave Flagler and Dan Gorman helped cap off the design.

The result was the Liberty Bell-cracked skull of Ben Franklin, complete with glasses and hair, with lightning bolts on either side and key over his head (for the electricity thing) on top of a blue and gold kite (blue and gold are the colors on the city's flag). Behind Franklin's skull is a crossed oar and sickle. All in all, pretty cool. But it probably won't stay.

Still, on the site, more than 2,500 fans have signed up for the SoBs season ticket drive, meaning soccer is here to stay.

“It's the 89th minute and we have a one-goal lead,” James said.

On their Web site it says 'We got the fans. We got the City. All we need is a team.'

Their wait seems to be coming to an end.

Eagles' Patterson arrested

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson was arrested last Saturday and charged with marijuana possession in Evesham, New Jersey, according to the Camden Courier Post.

The newspaper reported police found a vehicle on the side of the road with damage caused by a minor motor vehicle accident. They then smelled burning marijuana and found Patterson and the marijuana inside. Patterson admitted the marijuana was his.

Also inside the car was Patterson's 28-year-old brother, Tyrone, who had several outstanding warrants and resisted arrest.

Patterson, a former number one draft pick, was placed under arrest, taken into custody and charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and released pending a court appearance.

His brother was charged with resisting arrest, posted bail and was released pending a court appearance.

Flyers pick up Thoresen off waivers

By Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine

The Philadelphia Flyers picked up young forward Patrick Thoresen off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers on Friday.

Thoresen has split this season between Edmonton and its American Hockey League affiliate in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 17 games for the Oilers, the 24- year-old collected only two goals and one assist.

In 85 NHL games over the last two seasons, both with the Oilers, Thoresen has posted six goals and 19 points.

To make room on the roster, the Flyers have returned forward Claude Giroux to his junior team, Gatineau of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Giroux went scoreless in two games with Philadelphia during his brief call-up.

Four added to Phils Wall of Fame ballot

Four new Alumni are included in the 15-person Phillies Wall of Fame online ballot for 2008.

Manager Jim Fregosi, reliever Gene Garber and outfielders Doug Glanville and Greg Gross are appearing on the ballot for the first time.

For the third consecutive year, fans will again have a voice in which former Phillies player, manager or coach is selected to the team’s Wall of Fame in 2008.

Voting begins today at Phillies.com and ends at 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 21.

Fans can select their top three choices. A first-place vote is worth five points, second place three points and third place one point. The top five fan consensus choices as determined by total points will serve as the final official ballot for a special Wall of Fame Selection Committee that will choose this year’s inductee.

The 15 Phillies Alumni who appear on the online ballot are:

Pitchers: Larry Christenson, Gene Garber, Jim Konstanty*, Rick Wise
Catcher: Darren Daulton
Infielders: John Kruk, Fred Luderus*, Juan Samuel
Outfielders: Lenny Dykstra, Doug Glanville, Greg Gross, Von Hayes
Managers: Jim Fregosi, Gene Mauch*
Coach: Mike Ryan
*Deceased

Eagles sign free agent WR Childress

The Philadelphia Eagles signed wide receiver Bam Childress to a two-year contract Friday.

Childress (5-10, 185) was originally signed as an undrafted rookie by the New England Patriots in 2005. He went on to spend a majority of his first two NFL seasons on the Patriots practice squad, a unit he was a member of for the entire 2007 season. Childress has recorded five receptions for 39 yards in three career games.

The Warrensville, OH, native, was signed to the active roster for the final week of his rookie campaign, and caught three passes for 32 yards. Childress also appeared in that game as a reserve cornerback and logged five tackles against the Miami Dolphins. In 2006, he appeared in the season opener, but was released and re-signed to the practice squad later that week. Childress was again re-signed to the active roster in week 16, and played that week, only to be inactive for the regular season finale and the team’s two postseason contests.

Childress played collegiately at Ohio State from 2001-04, recording 33 receptions for 392 yards and nine kickoff returns for 159 yards. He is also a cousin of Denver cornerback Champ Bailey and Detroit linebacker Boss Bailey.

Sharks victory helps send Flyers into Atlantic Division basement

by Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine

Milan Michalek and Douglas Murray's third-period tallies were the difference, as San Jose sent Philadelphia to its ninth consecutive loss, 3-1, at the Wachovia Center.

Jonathan Cheechoo also scored and Joe Thornton registered a pair of assists for the Sharks, who put the brakes on a five-game losing streak.

Evgeni Nabokov made 26 stops to record his 32nd win of the season.

Mike Knuble picked up his 22nd goal of the year for the Flyers, who last suffered a similar stretch of futility during a 10-game skid from December 2-27, 2006.

Coupled with the Islanders' 1-0 win over Tampa Bay, the Flyers have slipped into last place in the Atlantic Division, one point behind New York (67-66).

Martin Biron was solid in defeat with 37 saves.

This latest setback comes on the heels of the announcement prior to the game that forward Simon Gagne has decided to sit out the remainder of the schedule due to his recovery from multiple concussions.

Gagne has not played since absorbing a hit during a February 10 game in Pittsburgh, and after consulting with concussion expert Dr. James Kelly in Colorado on Wednesday, he decided that he should not return to the ice. The 27-year-old forward had only picked up seven goals and 18 points in 25 games this season, interrupted three times due to injury.

San Jose took the lead for good 3:35 into the third, as Michalek charged into the offensive zone, crossed from right to left, and dribbled a shot past Biron.

It was 3-1 for the visitors only 42 seconds later. Murray picked up an errant pass at the left point along the boards and fired toward the net. The puck caromed off Danny Briere in front, nicked the right post and rippled the net before Biron could adjust.

Any Flyer comeback hopes were squashed when Knuble was assessed a double-minor for high-sticking with 3:28 left in the contest. The Sharks completed the game with a two-man advantage but Biron kept San Jose from inflicting further damage.

Cheechoo put the Sharks on the board with a little more than four minutes to play in the first, burying a wrister off a dish from Thornton.

After killing off a penalty late in the second period, the Flyers tied the game with less than six seconds remaining as Knuble finished off a 3-on-1 by slamming home a feed by Mike Richards. Stefan Ruzicka began the rush in transition, dished over to Richards in the right circle, who then fired across to Knuble for a blazing one-timer.

Holmgren, Gagne react to concussion situation

by Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren and forward Simon Gagne addressed the concerns around Gagne's health in a press conference on Thursday.

Gagne was advised on Wednesday to sit out the remainder of the season and any potential playoff rounds, a little more than a week after suffering his third concussion of the year.

"They don't believe it was three different concussions, but that every time I was hit in the head, it came back from the first time," said Gagne about his consultation with concussion expert Dr. James Kelly and his staff in Colorado.

Gagne originally expressed hope that he'd return to the lineup at some point, despite suffering his third concussion in five months in a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 10.

"The best course of action is to take this time to basically relax, Gagne said. "I'm done. I don't think I will be back this year. I don't feel myself now, I get dizzy, off-balance."

The 27-year-old Gagne, who didn't play the final two periods against the Pens, missed 26 games earlier this season with dizziness after taking a hit from Florida's Jay Bouwmeester on October 24.

The 22nd overall selection in the 1998 draft, Gagne has seven goals and 11 assists in 25 games this season. But the story has now taken a dramatic shift, as he becomes the latest member of the Flyers to deal with the fallout of multiple concussions.

Former superstar Eric Lindros, who retired last fall, was among the most notable. Flyers captain Keith Primeau also saw his career come to an abrupt halt in 2006 because of post-concussion syndrome, and Jeremy Roenick suffered a number of concussions with the Flyers, but has been able to resume his career, now skating for the San Jose Sharks.

"I don't think we want to go down that road," Holmgren said when questioned about the team's handling of the situation in light of past experience with Lindros and others. "Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We did what we did."

Gagne has collected 208 goals and 202 assists in 527 career games, all with Philadelphia.

"The effects of the concussions that he's had have left him in a position of vulnerability, and we feel it's best right now that he recover," admitted Holmgren. "Because of the unknowns of concussions, we're just going to be very careful. We think he is a fantastic player, an elite one for our franchise."

Soul waives six players

The Philadelphia Soul trimmed their roster to 31 players Thursday, waiving six players.

The club released wide receivers Scottie Vines and J.J. Outlaw; defensive back Reggie Lewis; linebackers Raheem Orr and Larry Kendrick; and defensive lineman Ryan LaCasse.

Outlaw was a local standout at Villanova, while LaCasse received a Super Bowl ring with the Indianapolis Colts and Lewis was on the Florida Gators national championship team two years ago.

Howard wins arbitration

Phillies slugger Ryan Howard won his salary arbitration hearing against the team on Thursday. Howard will make $10 million this season. The Phillies offered the slugger $7 million.

This is the first arbitration hearing the Phillies have ever lost. The team is 7-1 in arbitration rulings.

"It's part of the process, and we're looking forward to playing baseball now," said Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

"There's always a risk," said Amaro of the arbitration process. "We have a number that we put out there that we think is appropriate and the player does the same. We have to leave it up to three people to make the decision, and they'll make the decision as they see just."

NFL Combine player list

The NFL scouting combine is underway. Bang the link to see the players who are on hand...

Major League Soccer is here

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that Major League Soccer has tentatively set February 28 as the date to announce that a new expansion team would be awarded to the Philadelphia region.

A news conference is expected to be held in the city of Chester, where the team would play in an 18,500-seat stadium built beside the Delaware River.

Hopkins - Calzaghe press conference highlights

Sylvester Stallone (left) greets World Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe (right) at a press conference Wednesday at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles to discuss Calzaghe's April 19, 2008 fight against Bernard Hopkins in the Planet Hollywood Ring in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two will fight for Hopkins' Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship in a fight that will be televised live on HBO.

World Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins (right) addresses the media as trainer Freddie Roach (left) listens on at a press conference Wednesday at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles to discuss Hopkins' April 19, 2008 fight against World Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe in the Planet Hollywood Ring in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two will fight for Hopkins' Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship in a fight that will be televised live on HBO.

World Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins (left) and World Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe (right) meet face to face at a press conference Wednesday at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles to discuss their April 19, 2008 fight in the Planet Hollywood Ring in Las Vegas, Nevada for Hopkins' Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship title in a fight that will be televised live on HBO.

PHOTO CREDIT: Hoganphotos.com/Golden Boy Promotions

Soul fall to Dragons in scrimmage

-Courtesy of the Philadelphia Soul

PHILADELPHIA – Chris Onorato booted a 42-yard field goal as time expired to give the New York Dragons a 45-44 win over the Philadelphia Soul in exhibition action at the Wachovia Spectrum on Wednesday night.

Soul starting quarterback Tony Graziani played the first half and tossed three touchdown passes compared to just one interception. Larry Brackins added a pair of touchdown catches for the Soul, who open the season on Saturday, March 1 against the Orlando Predators at 7 p.m. at the Wachovia Center. The first 10,000 fans to the game will receive a Soul magnetic schedule courtesy of Executive Auto Body.

The Soul got going first thanks to a Dragons turnover on the opening kickoff. Following the fumble, Philly took over on the New York 4-yard-line and needed just one play for Clifton Smith to run in off the right end just under a minute into the game.

New York tied the game with just under 2 ½ minutes left in the first quarter when Aaron Garcia hit Kevin Swayne with a nine-yard TD pass. The touchdown drive was setup when Graziani was intercepted in the end zone earlier in the quarter.

The pick didn’t phase the Philadelphia signal-caller, as Graziani needed just three plays on the ensuing possession to find the end zone. Graziani hit Brackins with a 30-yard TD pass down the left sideline, giving the Soul a 14-7 lead with under a minute to play in the opening stanza.

The Dragons again tied the game as Garcia capped New York’s next drive with a four-yard TD pass to Chris Anthony.

The teams continued to exchange touchdowns. Graziani hit Kenny Henderson with an 18-yard touchdown pass, while Rohan Davey tossed a TD pass of his own to again tie the game.

However, Connor Hughes hit a 30-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to send the Soul into the break with a 24-21 lead.

Philly then made it a 10-point game coming out of the break, as backup QB Matt D’Orazio hit Brackins with a 26-yard TD pass. Then, after Davey hit Damien Groche with a 33-yard TD pass, D’Orazio hit Chris Horn with a four-yard TD pass to establish a nine-point advantage, 37-28, after Hughes missed the ensuing extra point.

New York rallied in the fourth quarter. East Stroudsburg product Dan Crozier ran in from four yards out to cut the deficit to 37-35. Then, John Walker returned a D’Orazio interception 30 yards for a touchdown to put give the Dragons their first lead of the game, 42-37.

D’Orazio recovered, though, and marched his troops down field, hitting Scottie Vines with a six-yard TD pass to put the Soul back in front. Rob Keefe then secured the game, intercepting Dragons’ quarterback Ryan Vena with just over a minute to play.

D’Orazio managed to run all but nine seconds off the clock, giving New York one more chance.

The Dragons’ ran a play and lost the ball on a fumble as time expired, but a roughing-the-passer call gave New York life and Onorato booted a 42-yard field goal as time expired to give the Dragons the win 45-44.

Flyers' Gagne done for season

Flyers winger Simon Gagne is done for the season on the advice of concussion specialist James Kelly, who examined Gagne Weddesday in Denver.

Gagne has suffered three concussions in five months.

"Simon was seen by Dr. Kelly today," GM Paul Holmgren said. "His advice to Simon was to shut it down for the remainder of the season. As soon as we have had the opportunity to speak further with Dr. Kelly and Simon, we can shed more light on this. Needless to say, we are very disappointed with this news."

Vandermeer shipped to Calgary

by Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine

The Philadelphia Flyers sent defenseman Jim Vandermeer to the Calgary Flames for a third-round pick in 2009, the club announced on Wednesday.

With Tuesday's acquisition of Jaroslav Modry from Los Angeles, Vandermeer was the odd man out on the Flyers' defensive corps. The 27-year-old picked up three goals and 12 points in 54 games split between Chicago and Philadelphia this season.

After coming over from the Blackhawks on December 18 for forward Ben Eager, Vandermeer had a goal and five assists with 27 penalty minutes in 28 games.

Vandermeer heads to his third team in his five-year NHL career. Signed as a free agent by the Flyers in December, 2000, the Alberta native played in Philly from 2002 to February, 2004, when he was sent to Chicago in a deal which netted veteran center Alex Zhamnov.

The gritty backliner has posted 17 goals and 66 points in 246 career games.

Eagles extend radio deal with CBS

The Philadelphia Eagles announced a long-term extension of their broadcast partnership with CBS Radio on Wednesday. In addition to the game coverage on 94WYSP-FM, the partnership will expand with game simulcasts on 610 WIP-AM that allows more fans than ever before to tune into the Eagles Radio Network.

The Eagles and CBS Radio agreed on a long-term agreement that includes promotional support across the entire family of CBS Stations in Philadelphia, including KYW, WPHT, WIP, WOGL and WYSP.

This agreement highlights the unique strength the Eagles deliver in the region. “The fact that we were able to reach an agreement that increases the length and scope of our deal is a testament to the power of the Eagles brand and the support of the passionate fan base,” said CBS RADIO’s Market Manager and 610 WIP-AM General Manager Marc Rayfield. “We are thrilled to be able to expand the game broadcast to 610 WIP and integrate the Eagles across the family of CBS Radio stations in Philadelphia.”

“The CBS Radio group has been an important partner for almost two decades and the way many of our fans were introduced to and follow our team,” said Eagles President/COO Joe Banner. “We appreciate all they have done for us over the years and are happy to be extending the partnership further.”

“There was significant competition for these rights and we are happy to be able to extend our long-time partnership with the team,” said David Yadgaroff, 94WYSP-FM Vice President and General Manager. “The popularity of the team is unmatched, and we look forward to being the voice of Eagles for many years to come.”

Delaware's Flacco representing CAA at combine

RICHMOND, Va. (Feb. 20, 2008) -- Former Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco will be representing CAA Football in this week's NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Ind. Flacco's four-day schedule will get underway Thursday, Feb. 21, and will continue until Sunday, Feb. 24. Television coverage, including workouts and behind-the-scenes footage, can be seen throughout the week and weekend on
the NFL Network.

Flacco, one of 20 quarterbacks at the NFL Combine will be in Group 4 and will take part in hospital pre-exam and x-rays Thursday as well as an orientation session and several interviews with NFL team personnel.

Friday's schedule for both Flacco will include measurements, more medical examinations, media sessions, psychological testing and more
interviews with NFL team personnel.

Flacco enjoyed an outstanding 2007 season for the Blue Hens, leading the team to an 11-4 record and a berth in the NCAA Division I National Championship game while earning CAA Football Co-Offensive Player of the Year, Eastern College Athletic Conference Eastern Player of the Year and Third Team All-America honors by the Sports Network.

He completed 331-of-521 passes for 4,263 yards and 23 touchdowns with just five interceptions during the 2007 season as he ranked sixth nationally in passing yardage per game (284.2), No. 10 in total offense per game (285.7), and No. 18 in passing efficiency (144.91).

A two-year starter after transferring from Pittsburgh, Flacco posted a record of 16-10 as a starter and established a total of 20 Blue Hen records, including season marks for completions, attempts, passing yards and total offense as well as a career mark for completions. In 26 career games, he notched 200+ yards passing in 21 games, 300+ yards through the air 11 times and garnered a career-best 434 yards in a 59-52 win over Navy in 2007.

Sixers officially sign Cheeks to extension

-Courtesy of the Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia, PA - February 20, 2008 – Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that the team has agreed in principle to a contract extension with Head Coach Maurice Cheeks. Per team policy, terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

"Since my arrival, I have been evaluating every aspect of the organization and I believe that Coach Cheeks deserves a great deal of credit for developing our players, putting them in a position to succeed and showing improvement every day,” Stefanski said. “Coach Cheeks has done a very good job of installing an up-tempo brand of basketball that puts this team in a position to succeed on a nightly basis and we are excited about the future under his direction.”

Cheeks was named the 21^st head coach in franchise history on May 23, 2005 and has posted a 96-122 (.440) mark during that span and has a career record of 258-261 (.497). Prior to joining Philadelphia, he posted a mark of 162-139 (.538) in three-plus seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, helping them reaching the playoffs in each of his first two seasons there. Cheeks spent seven seasons as an assistant coach for the Sixers, working under head coaches John Lucas (1994-96), Johnny Davis (1996-97) and Larry Brown (1997-2001), with whom he helped guide the Sixers to a 56-26 (.683) record and an Eastern Conference title.

Cheeks played 15 seasons in the NBA, the first 11 with Philadelphia, and retired in 1993 as the league’s all-time steals leader and was fifth on the all-time assist list. He was selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive Team five times, played in four NBA All-Star Games and was a member of the Sixers 1982-83 NBA Championship team.

Eagles add to staff

The Philadelphia Eagles named Barry Rubin strength and conditioning assistant and Gordon Williams assistant athletic trainer Wednesday.

Rubin previously served as the head strength and conditioning coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1999-2005. From 1995-98, he was the Packers strength and conditioning assistant. A native of Monroe, LA, the 50-year-old Rubin worked as a strength coach at Northeast Louisiana (1981-83, 1987-90, and 1994) and LSU (1984-85). He was a tight end and punter at Northwestern (LA) State from 1978-80.

Williams is in his third season in Philadelphia after working as an intern with the Eagles athletic training staff from 2006-07. A native of Uniontown, PA, he earned a master’s degree in athletic training from California University of Pennsylvania in 2006 and a bachelor’s degree in science from Texas Christian University in 2003. The 26-year-old Williams also served as an assistant athletic trainer at Albion College in Michigan.

Stefanski likes Cheeks

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that Philadelphia 76ers head coach Maurice Cheeks is close to receiving a contract extension from the team.

The Inqy is saying the deal is "imminent," but Cheeks refused to discuss it before Tuesday's 104-88 loss to Minnesota.

"I don't comment on those matters," Cheeks told the newspaper. "I am just going out there and trying to win a game."

A four-time All-Star with the Sixers, the 51-year-old Cheeks is just 96-127 in two-plus seasons as head coach but has handled the team's young players well.

Three Rutgers stars invited to NFL Combine

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (February 20, 2008) – Three former Rutgers football standouts – running back Ray Rice (New Rochelle, N.Y.) and offensive linemen Pedro Sosa (Union City, N.J.) and Jeremy Zuttah (Edison, N.J.) – have been invited to compete in the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine Feb. 20-26 in Indianapolis. The three players concluded their outstanding collegiate careers at Rutgers in the 52-30 win vs. Ball State in the 2008 International Bowl on Jan. 5.

It is the second consecutive year Rutgers has had three players invited to the NFL Combine. In last April’s NFL Draft, three Scarlet Knights were selected, including Brian Leonard in the second round to the St. Louis Rams.

Top executives, coaching staffs, player personnel departments and medical personnel from all 32 NFL teams will be on hand to evaluate the nation's top college football players eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft.

The entire list of combine events the players will take part are the 40-yard dash, bench press, three cone drill, broad jump, vertical leap, 20-yard shuttle, 60-yard shuttle, position specific drills, physical measurements, NFL team interviews, the Wonderlic Test, the Cybex Test and injury evaluation.

Sosa and Zuttah will go through orientation, interviews as they arrive in Indianapolis today. Thursday, both offensive linemen will be measured, go through medical examinations, psychological testing and meet the media. Friday, the linemen will have an NFLPA meeting and more psychological testing. Saturday, Sosa and Zuttah will workout for the scouts, including skill drills and the 40-yard dash.

Rice is scheduled to begin his combine activities on Thursday. Rice’s workout, including the skill drills and 40-yard dash, is set for Sunday.

Flyers acquire veteran D Modry from Los Angeles

The Philadelphia Flyers acquired defenseman Jaroslav Modry from the Los Angeles Kings Tuesday in exchange for a third round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

"Jaroslav (Modry) is a steady two-way defenseman that will bring us leadership and experience down the stretch," said GM Paul Holmgren.

Modry, 36, recorded a goal and five assists for six points and 42 penalty minutes in 61 games for the Kings this season. He is tied for second on the team in plus/minus at +2.

In 706 career NHL games over 13 seasons with the New Jersey Devils (1993-94 and 1994-95), the Ottawa Senators (1995-96), Los Angeles (1995-96 through 2003-04, 2006-07 to 2007-08), Atlanta Thrashers (2005-06) and Dallas Stars (2006-07), Modry has registered 49 goals and 198 assists for 247 points and 502 penalty minutes.

He played parts of 10 seasons with the Kings, recording 35 goals and 129 assists for 164 points and 338 penalty minutes in 454 regular season games. He is ninth on the Kings All-Time List among defensemen in assists (129) and points (164). He set single-season career highs for assists and points when he registered 38 assists and 42 points for the Kings during the 2001-02 season and participated in the 2002 NHL All-Star Game. He was originally drafted by New Jersey in the ninth round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft.

Additions have Soul thinking championship

By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine

Philadelphia, PA (The Phanatic Magazine) - The Soul are back at work preparing for their fifth season in the City of Brotherly Love.

Off the field, Philadelphia has been an unqualified success by Arena Football League standards. The team has drawn an AFL-best 514,226 fans over the past four years and was recognized with the Commissioner’s Award as the Organization of the Year after last season.

But this is Philly, the city where championships dreams come to die, and on the field, the Soul have found themselves in the same position as the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers and Flyers -- looking up at and envying a champion.

The Soul are coming off consecutive playoffs seasons but a second round loss to the Georgia Force last season did a couple of things according to team president Ron Jaworksi.

“It left us disappointed and motivated” Jaworksi said at the team’s annual media luncheon Tuesday.

“We regrouped and all met at (team owner) Jon Bon Jovi’s house in North Jersey to get on the same page. This is all about winning a championship. We are very, very close. I’m not in the guarantee business but we have one heck of a group of players.”

The high expectations for the team lay at the feet of third-year head coach Bret Munsey.

“I need to get Jaworksi and Bon Jovi off my butt and get that ring,” Munsey joked.

To do that, the Soul front office addressed Munsey’s two main concerns, they added a big-play wide receiver in Chris Jackson and acquired a solid backup to star quarterback Tony Graziani in Matt D’Orazio.

Jackson is a Bristol, Pennsylvania native who was a 2007 All-Arena selection with Georgia after making 145 receptions for 1,915 yards and 51 touchdowns.

And, the star receiver already has a rapport with Graziani. The two played together in Los Angeles from 2001 to 2004 and Graziani was Jackson’s QB when the former Washington State star was the Offensive Player of the Year in 2003.

“We see the same things on the field and set some records together,” Graziani said of Jackson. “We just seemed to hit the ground running (in camp) like we never missed a beat.”

His addition has Graziani and Munsey thinking championship.

“I’m not here to guarantee anything either expect we will have one of the better teams in the league and it will be a disappointment if we don‘t win a championship,” the quarterback said. “My career is winding down and I would love to do the Elway thing -- win a couple of championships and ride off into the sunset.”

“Just having a playmaker at that spot means so much,” Munsey added. “We went out and got who we thought was the best receiver in the league. I think Tony will now have the confidence on 3rd-and-10 or 4th-and-5 that Chris will be where he is supposed to be. I’m not sure we had that before.”

Meanwhile, D’Orazio was the signal-caller for Chicago in 2006 when the Rush won the Arena Bowl and provides excellent insurance for Graziani, who was banged up in each of the past two seasons.

“Tony went down and we had our tough times,” Munsey said. “He is one of the best in the league if not the best in the business but Matt was the quarterback on a championship team. He had some surgery but the doctors said he was completely healthy and we feel very good about bringing him in.”

Eagles deny Sheppard trade reports

"Any report suggesting that we've allowed Lito or his agent to seek a trade is absolutely, undeniably false," Eagles spokesman Derek Boyko told the Wilmington News Journal.

The 26-year-old Sheppard is a two-time Pro Bowl selection with four seasons left on his current deal. He is scheduled to make $3.45 million in 2008, $4.45 million in 2009, $3.7 million in 2010 and $4.25 million in 2011.

Flyers recall Giroux and Ruzicka

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have recalled forwards Claude Giroux from the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Stefan Ruzicka from the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms, according to club General Manager Paul Holmgren.

"Giroux was really an impressive player in training camp and he had a great series against the Russians at the end of the summer,” said Flyers Head Coach John Stevens. “He was a dominant player and impressed everybody with not only his skill with the puck, but also his ability to play without the puck. He continued to impress in our training camp and was a terrific player in the intrasquad scrimmages. He played well during the Flyers’ preseason and has gone back to juniors where he has put up big numbers all year long. He has the vision and awareness with the puck that you can't teach and has a real passion to play hockey, so we are looking forward to seeing him play in a regular season game."

Giroux, 20, has recorded 33 goals and 55 assists for 88 points and 31 penalty minutes in 47 regular season games for Gatineau this season. He leads the Olympiques in assists (55, third in the QMJHL), points (88, first in the QMJHL), plus/minus (+31, tied for fourth in the QMJHL), game-winning goals (8, tied for second in the QMJHL), and shorthanded goals (5, tied for second in the QMJHL). He is second on the team in goals (33, 15^th in the QMJHL) and third on the team in power play goals (8) and shots (156).

He posted six points (2G,4A) in seven games as a member of the gold-medal winning Canadian National Team at the 2008 IIHF World Under-20 Championships in Paradubice and Liberec, Czech Republic.

In three seasons with Gatineau (2005-06 through 2007-08), Giroux has registered 120 goals and 183 assists for 303 points and 144 penalty minutes in 179 regular season games. At the conclusion of Gatineau’s 2006-07 season, Giroux joined the Phantoms, where he posted two points (1G,1A) and six penalty minutes in five regular season games. He signed an entry-level contract with the Flyers on July 23, 2007. He was selected by the Flyers in the first round (22^nd overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Ruzicka, 23, has recorded a goal and two assists for three points and 25 penalty minutes in 12 games for the Flyers this season. He also has registered 14 goals and 21 assists for 35 points and 79 penalty minutes in 40 games for the Phantoms. He is first on the Phantoms in power play goals (8) and is tied for third on the team in assists (21) and points (35).

Over parts of three seasons with the Flyers (2005-06 through 2007-08), Ruzicka has recorded four goals and 12 assists for 16 points and 45 penalty minutes in 53 regular season games. He was originally drafted by the Flyers in the third round (81^st overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

College Football weekly news and notes

-Courtesy of the National Football Foundation

College Football Hall of Fame to Host Gridiron Bash TV Shows

MSL Sports and Entertainment and the National Football Foundation announced that the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana will serve as one of the host sites for two one- hour television shows as part of the 2008 Gridiron Bash.

At the core of the Gridiron Bash is a fan contest - The USA Today Bash for Cash Series - that will establish which of the participating schools has the most passionate and supportive fans. In serving as the home base for Gridiron Bash, the College Hall of Fame will display a flagpole for each of the participating Gridiron Bash universities and three flagpoles for the winners of the contest. Winning schools will be determined by adding the total attendance at their Gridiron Bash events and the number of fans who text/call in to vote for their school. The winning university will receive a $1 million contribution to its general scholarship fund, with second and third place schools receiving $500,000 and $250,000 respectively. A USA Today representative will present the winning checks on Fox during a live broadcast from the College Hall of Fame on Sun., Apr. 20. The Sunday show also will include a look forward to the 2008 college football season. The Fox show airing the day on Apr. 19 will feature highlights of Gridiron Bash and regional spring football games from ten of the participating schools.

FSN and Big Ten Network affiliates also will air several activities in and around the spring football Gridiron Bash - The Ultimate Fan Competition on Apr. 18-20. Approximately 20 FBS schools already are under contract for the specials, and some of the leading acts on the pre-game concert dockets are the Goo Goo Dolls, Maroon 5, Dwight Yoakam and Counting Crows.

NFF News

Covering more than 4,800 high schools and 400,000 student- athletes, the NFF & College Hall of Fame will distribute nearly $1 million in scholarships through its chapter network during its 2007-08 banquets season while selecting 3,300 student- athletes for recognition as the best and the brightest for their combined excellence on the gridiron, in the classroom and as leaders in the community.

The NFF network, spread across 121 outposts in 47 states, serves as the heart line of a nationwide effort to encourage leadership, sportsmanship and academic excellence among young football players. Annually drawing more than 33,000 people, the NFF banquets will serve as an important milestone for the honorees. The all-time amount raised and disbursed by the chapters will approach $12 million this year. Coupled with the all-time amount of $8.6 million disbursed from the national headquarters through the NFF National Scholar-Athlete program, the all-time amount distributed by the NFF will eclipse $20 million in 2008.

College head coaches addressing chapter banquets this year include Oregon coach Mike Bellotti (Portland Chapter - Ore. ); Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio (The Mid-Michigan Touchdown Club Chapter); Muhlenberg coach Mike Donnelly (Lehigh Valley Chapter - Northampton, Pa.); Colorado coach Dan Hawkins (Colorado Chapter); Alcorn State coach Ernest Jones (Miss/Lou Chapter - Natchez, Miss.); Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly (Toledo Chapter - Ohio); Retired Colorado State head coach Sonny Lubick, (Montana and Colorado chapters); Indiana head coach Bill Lynch (Central Indiana Chapter - Indianapolis); Missouri coach Gary Pinkel (Tom Lombardo Chapter - St. Louis, Mo.); Oregon State coach Mike Riley (Portland Chapter - Ore.); Syracuse coach Greg Robinson (Central New York Chapter - Syracuse); Purdue coach Joe Tiller (The Joe Tiller Chapter of Northwest Indiana); Ohio State coach Jim Tressel (Northeast Ohio and Columbus chapters); Washington coach Tyrone Willingham (King County Chapter - Seattle, Wash.); Illinois coach Ron Zook (Chicago Metro Chapter); retired Michigan coach Lloyd Carr (NFF East Tennessee Chapter where he also will received the coveted Gen. Robert Neyland Award); College of New Jersey head coach Eric Hamilton (South Jersey - Galloway, N.J.).

Other keynote speakers and VIP attendees include Detroit Free Press columnist and best-selling author Mitch Albom at the Michigan Chapter event; Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak and former NFL coach Dan Reeves at the University of Georgia (Athens) Chapter event; Jane Hoeppner, the widow of the late IU head coach Terry Hoeppner at the Central Indiana event; Pro Hall of Fame Coach Marv Levy, Former University of Miami tailback Jarrett Payton, College Hall of Famer Jimbo Covert at the Chicago Metro Chapter event; Former NFL Pro Bowler and NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Ohio State Dave Foley at the Greater Cincinnati banquet; College Football Hall of Famer Roger Wehrli at the Tom Lombardo Chapter; New Orleans Saints QB and NFF National Scholar-Athlete Drew Brees at the Central Indiana Chapter event; and longtime athletics director and NFF Board Member Jack Lengyel at the Southern Arizona Chapter in Tucson.

Play It Smart January Student-Athletes of the Month and candidates for Co-Captains of the Year for community service and academic prowess are Josue Amaya, Tampa (Fla.) Robinson HS; Clayton Armstrong, Washington (D.C.) Ballou; Tyree Bishop, Denver (Colo.) George Washington; Kyle Brockerd, Indianapolis (Ind.) Riley; Adrian Capric, Staten Island (N.Y.) New Dorp; Denzel Collins, Savannah (Ga.) Bethesada Day School; Richard Denardo, Queens (N.Y.) Bayside; Manny Dennis, Lincoln, Neb.; Akeem Duffy, Indianapolis Arlington; DeMarcus Ferrell, Atlanta (Ga.) Southside; Sherrif Floyd, Philadelphia Washington; Nolan Garcia, Mescalero (N.M.) Apache; Jaerrod Halstead, Brooklyn Park (Minn.) Park Center; Marquis Hamm, New Brunswick, N.J.; David Harris, Charlotte (N.C.) West Mecklenburg; Joe Hernandez, Staten Island (N.Y.) Port Richmond; Kion Hinson, Birmingham (Ala.) Wenonah; Kevin Isom, Indianapolis Ben Davis; Krista Lambdin, Knoxville (Tenn.) Fulton; Otis Lee, South Atlanta, Ga.; Edward McMillian, Richmond (Va.) Huguenot; Rotchill Medor, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Abraham Lincoln; Darren Myles, Jr. ; Atlanta Carver; Mariah Salazar, South Bend (Ind.) Clay; Jason Simmer, Cheyenne (Wyo.) East; Naquan Smith, Atlanta Mays; Roderick Sommerville, Birmingham (Ala.) Woodlawn; Brandon Southwick, Syracuse (N.Y.) Fowler; Ryan Stevens, Indianapolis Lawrence North; Jules Szanton, Portland, Maine; Justin Walker, Fort Wayne (Ind.) Wayne; Latoya Williams, Indianapolis Broad Ripple.

Bluffton (Ohio) injured football and baseball student- athlete Tim Berta will receive the Don King Courage Award at the NFF Springfield Chapter scholar-awards banquet on Mar. 10. Seven of his baseball teammates were killed and several were injured in a Mar. 2, 2007, bus crash in the Atlanta area. Berta's recovery and self-determination after the accident have been nothing short of remarkable, according to medical personnel.

The Columbus (Ohio) NFF Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame held its 2008 Scholar-Athlete Banquet at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café and honored 2007 Buckeyes' gridder Tyler Whaley, the Bo Rein Award winner as Ohio State's most inspirational player. Dwight "Ike" Kelley (1963- 65), a two-time Ohio State All-America linebacker, received the 2008 Ohio Gold Award and was introduced by '65 OSU co-captain and longtime friend, Greg Lashutka (1963-65) of NFL fame. The Buckeyes' former walk-on DB Antonio Smith (2002-06), was a featured speaker after an All-Big Ten Conference career and coming off his rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts. Eight scholar- athletes received academic awards.

Mark Whipple, a 1974 NFF Valley of the Sun (Ariz.) Chapter High School School- Athlete and former head coach at the University of New Haven, Brown and Massachusetts and most recently quarterback coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been named offensive assistant coach by the Philadelphia Eagles. Arizona State freshman DT Michael Marquardt is the recipient of the chapter's 2008 postgraduate scholarship.

Two-Minute Drill

The NCAA Football Rules Committee is working to penalize horse-collar tackles, already an offense in the NFL. Other possible rules changes from last week's committee meeting are making chop-block enforcements less complicated and ignoring incidental face-mask contact violations (eliminating the five-yard penalty). The group also proposed starting the game clock on a signal from the referee rather than on a ball snap after an out-of- bounds play - except in the final two minutes of each half. These proposals now go to the NCAA membership for comment and must be reviewed and approved by an oversight panel before they can go into effect in 2008.

Southern California and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission have tentatively agreed to a 25-year lease extension for USC games at the Coliseum. Illinois is rededicating Memorial Stadium... during the IU-Eastern Illinois contest on Sept. 6... Georgia has proposed naming its southwestern area facilities on campus after College Hall of Fame coach (and retired Georgia AD) Vince Dooley. A sculpture and memory garden will be included in new construction... Marshall and West Virginia have moved their Sept. 13 contest back to Sept. 27. The Mountaineers also have a Thursday, Sept. 18, probable national telecast at Colorado... The 2012 Baylor-Notre Dame match-up proposed for Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, has been moved to the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans... Texas State students voted to raise activity fees to help finance a move from NCAA FCS to FBS. San Antonio developer Darren Casey also donated $1 million to TSU athletics to help the effort... Louisville athletics is donating $250,000 to the university's general fund to offset three percent cuts across the board to public colleges in Kentucky.

Sparky Woods has been selected as head coach at VMI... Ball State head coach Brady Hoke has received a $240,000 salary enhancement and incentives if he remains at the university through the 2010 season... Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy has received an extension with the Cowboys through the 2013 season for guiding OSU to back-to-back bowls... Former Birmingham- Southern head coach Joey Jones is the new head coach at South Alabama, which is opening football play in 2009 and segueing into NCAA FBS by 2013... Bob Connelly has been named co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at UTEP... Oklahoma State tabbed Gunter Brewer as co-offensive coordinator... Joe Kines has been chosen as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Texas A&M, and Kirk Doll is the Aggies' new special teams coordinator and tight ends coach... Former Marshall head coach Bob Pruett has taken over as Virginia's defensive coordinator... O'Neill Gilbert has become defensive coordinator at Tulane... Marshall tabbed Rick Minter as defensive coordinator while John Shannon has taken over as offensive coordinator... SMU head coach June Jones announced staff changes with new hires assistant head coach/offense Dan Morrison, Tim Hundley (assistant head coach/defense) and Tom Mason (defensive coordinator)... Derrick Jackson joins head coach Greg Robinson as Syracuse co-defensive coordinators... Former Florida State ad NFL star Terrell Buckley has been named as assistant strength coach for the Seminoles... The Syracuse Orange Club has added Davey O'Brien Award winner and College Football Hall of Fame nominee Don McPherson and All-America Chris Gedney to its fulltime staff.

NFF National Scholar-Athlete Michael Eubanks of Delta State has been named Don Hansen's Football Gazette Division II Linebacker of the Year... Highly decorated 1988 College Football Hall of Famer Bob Johnson of Tennessee is being inducted into the Bradley County (Tenn.) Old Timer's Hall of Fame. He was also a 1967 NFF National Scholar-Athlete.

FSN's "Sport Science" program, dealing with the scientific and theoretical aspects of sports, continues into its second month. One of the segments was and interview and hand-to-eye coordination session with College Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice of Mississippi Valley State... CSTV has been renamed CBS College Sports Network as part of its amalgamation into the CBS-TV family of networks... Oregon and IMG have signed a 10-year agreement for $67.1 million with IMG and marketing and broadcast rights' provider for the Ducks.

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame join millions of administrators, students, faculty, and staff in mourning after the tragic events on the campus of Northern Illinois last Thursday. All NIU athletics contests last weekend were postponed or cancelled in memory of the students who lost their lives on campus. Tributes and memorials to families and friends have been streaming into the campus since the catastrophe.

Sheppard given permission to seek trade

The NFL Network is reporting that Eagles CB Lito Sheppard has been given permission to seek a trade.

Agent: Forsberg not returning to NHL

By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine

Five-Time All-Star Peter Forsberg will not return to the NHL this season, according to a report from TSN of Canada.

According to the Web site, Forsberg's agent, Don Baizley, has begun advising NHL teams that the Swedish star doesn't have enough confidence in his balky foot to return.

"The prospect of Peter having enough confidence in the foot-skate issue to commit to being able to play in the NHL this season isn't where it needs to be at this moment," Baizley told TSN. "As a result, teams are being told it is unlikely he will be able to commit to return to the NHL this season."

Forsberg played in 57 games with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Nashville Predators last season, posting 13 goals and 55 points. He was dealt to the Predators at the trade deadline deal for Scottie Upshall, Ryan Parent and first and third-round draft picks in 2007.

Forsberg was originally drafted sixth overall by the Flyers in the 1991 draft and was dealt to the Quebec Nordiques in 1992 as part of a blockbuster deal that saw Philadelphia acquire center Eric Lindros.

In his first NHL season, Forsberg won the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie, scoring 50 points in 47 games.

In ten seasons with the Nordiques and Avalanche, he recorded 216 goals and 741 points and won the Stanley Cup twice with the Avalanche. He also won the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player in 2003.

Phillies individual game tickets on sale Thursday

Tickets to 77 (out of 81) home games for the National League East Champion Phillies will go on sale Thursday, February 21. Note: The opener vs. the Nationals (3/31) and the Boston Series (6/16-6/18) are only available through a season ticket plan, the MVP Six Pack and an online ticket opportunity.

Fans may purchase the 77 individual game tickets starting on February 21 via the following:
** Online at phillies.com, starting at 7:30 a.m.
** Phone Center (215-463-1000) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
** In person at the Citizens Bank Park West Ticket Windows next to the Majestic Clubhouse Store (for February 21 only), from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Majestic Clubhouse Store will open early at 7:00 a.m. and feature a 15% discount off all items in the store (for that day only). After February 21, fans can purchase tickets at the First Base Gate ticket windows, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on weekends starting on March 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

OPENING WEEK AT CITIZENS BANK PARK
The 2008 season officially debuts with Opening Week against the Washington Nationals. Highlights include:

Modell's Sporting Goods Opening Day on Monday, March 31, a 3:05 p.m. game leading off with the ultimate pre-game celebration.

Peanut Chews Opening Night on Wednesday, April 2. All fans 15 and over will receive a Retro Baseball T-Shirt; also a Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog night.

Thursday, April 3, 1:05 p.m. is the first of seven Citizens Bank Businessperson's Specials during the season. Also features the debut of the team’s new Alternate Home Uniform and a Rooftop Thursday Leadoff Party.

The complete 2008 schedule, promotional calendar, player info, blogs, daily reports from spring training and merchandise are all available on www.phillies.com 24 hours a day.

Tuesday is D-Day for Forsberg

“The last I heard is Peter is going to decide probably by Tuesday whether he’s going to play or not,” Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said Sunday.

Flyers recall Tolpeko

The Philadelphia Flyers recalled forward Denis Tolpeko from the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms. In addition, the team announced that forward Kyle Greentree was reassigned to the Phantoms.

Tolpeko, 23, recorded a goal and five assists for six points and 24 penalty minutes in 24 games for the Flyers this season. He also registered eight goals and nine assists for 17 points and 26 penalty minutes in 24 games for the Phantoms this season. The Moscow, Russia native was originally signed by the Flyers as a free agent on July 5, 2006.

Greentree, 24, was scoreless in two games for the Flyers this season. He has recorded 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points and 59 penalty minutes in 48 games for the Phantoms this season. He was originally signed by the Flyers as a free agent on March 14, 2007.

Kimbo crushes Tank...Live ElieXC Street Certified Results

By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine

The Kimbo phenomenon is alive and well.

Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson overwhelmed former UFC star David "Tank" Abbott in 43 seconds before a sellout crowd of 6,187 in the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.

Kimbo (3-0), a Florida native, wowed the crowd en route to demolishing Abbott (9-14). Slice knocked Abbott down three times and the knockout could have come even sooner but the ref stopped things for a moment after an illegal punch to the back of the head.

"I wanted him to get up, I wanted to bang," Kimbo said. "I had to push him off because we were too close. Then I just knocked him down. It was great fighting in front of the hometown fans. I'd be lying if I told you they didn't jack me up.

"I have a lot of respect for Tank. This was one of my dream fights, along with Mike Tyson. But I am ready to fight anybody and ready to fight again really soon."

Abbott was gracious in defeat. "I tried to take it to him at the start and take him to the ground, but then I just said, the heck with that and started to fight," Abbott said. "But I ran into one and that was it. I was just getting started.

"It is still too early to know how good or great Kimbo will be. But what I do know is that I absolutely want to keep fighting. Maybe I will go after Ken Shamrock."

In other action, Antonio Silva (10-1) won a split decision over Ricco Rodriguez (27-8) in a heavyweight encounter, 28-29, 30-27 and 29-28.

Rodriguez scored a takedown in round one and won it 10-9 thanks to some impressive ground and pound.

Silva bounced back in round 2, dominating the action and busting Rodriguez's left eye open. The former UFC heavyweight champ told the referee he couldn't see and got a breather.

Round 3 was give and take, Silva controlled the early portion but Rodriguez was able to take him down with about 90 seconds left and scored the rest of the way. The Phanatic Magazine gave it to Silva 29-28.

"Ricco is a dangerous fighter," Silva said. "I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I fought hard and came out with a victory, but it was a difficult fight for me."

"The reality is, I didn't train as long for this fight as I needed to, but I think I showed that I am still dedicated and can fight,"’ Rodriguez said. "I am in this for the long haul and I wouldn't be surprised if we fought a rematch. I would love to fight Silva again."

Scott Smith (15-4) lost the first round to Kyle Noke (14-4-1) but rebounded to floor Noke seconds into the second round at 180 pounds.

"I'm sorry for that first round, that's not the way I fight," Smith said. "I didn't start to get comfortable until toward the end of the round."

At 165 pounds, MMA veteran Yves Edwards KO'd Edson Berto late in the first round with a jumping knee. Berto was attempting a single leg takedown when he got caught.

"I am back and ready to fight anybody," Edwards said. "I'd love to fight (EliteXC lightweight champion KJ) Noons. He’s the guy with the gold. If you're not doing this to be a world champion, you better do something else."

Meanwhile, in another heavyweight encounter, Brett Rogers connected with a knee to the jaw and quickly followed with a flurry of punches that knocked out James Thompson midway through round one.

"I don't think I have to say anything; it showed for itself," Rogers said."He's got a weak chin and I knew it was going to happen."

In non-televised fights Moyses Gabin (2-0), of Miami, registered a 2:32, first-round knockout over Jirka Hlavaty (1-2), of Miami; Lorenzo Borgameo (3-0), of Miami, won by submission (triangle) at 4:11 of the second round over Mike Bernhard (3-1), of Miami; Eric Bradley (3-1), of Las Vegas, took a unanimous decision over Mikey Gomez (6-4), of Orlando; Dave Herman (10-0), of Indiana, scored a third-round TKO over Mario Rinaldi (6-3), of Miami; Yosmany Cabezas (5-0), of Tampa, won by second-round submission (rear naked choke) over Jon Kirk (10-3), of Houston; and Rafael Feijao (4-1), of Brazil, knocked out John Doyle (6-2), of Allentown, Penn., at 2:17 of the first round.

Join me on the radio

Join The Phanatic Magazine's John Gottlieb Saturday at 5:00 p.m. (et) for another edition of Johns on Sports, coming to you live from the plush studios of WTBQ 99.1-FM in New York.

NBA ref and former undercover Passaic County trooper Bob Delaney will be on at 5:30 to talk about dodging bullets in the field and on the court.

Then, Nets beat writer Al Iannozone of the Bergen Record will be on in the 6:00 hour to give the latest about the trade, or non-trade, of Jason Kidd.

I'll get into Roger Clemens appearance in Washington, what can be done to restore excitement to the Slam Dunk competition, and there are the four words we all love to hear, "Pitchers and catchers report".

Talk about that and much more during Johns on Sports at 5:00 (et) on WTBQ 99.1-FM in New York. You can join the program by logging on to WTBQ.com, calling in at (845) 651-1110, or writing an e-mail to johnsonsports@gmail.com.

Cuban sues UFC in hopes of signing Couture

Mark Cuban and HD-Net have filed suit against the parent company of UFC, Zuffa LLC, looking to free UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture from his contract.

Couture already resigned from the UFC last year with two fights remaining on his contract. But, the company is enforcing a no-compete clause.

Cuban and HD-Net want to promote an MMA heayweight dream match between Couture and Russian star Fedor Emelianenko.

Cotto to defend WBA welterweight title gainst Gomez in Atlantic City

Undefeated world champion Miguel Cotto defends his WBA welterweight belt on April 12 against Contenders’ star Alfonso Gomez.

Cotto has beaten a quartet of former world champions in his last five fights – Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Paulie Malignaggi and Carlos Quintana – which has made him the most dangerous welterweight in the world. Gomez, in the biggest fight of his career on July 14, 2007, stopped Arturo Gatti in the seventh round and ultimately sent him into retirement.

"It's always special when Miguel Cotto goes into the ring," said Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank. "Miguel is a great body puncher. Not good, great. He has a relentless style. He has power, intelligence and ring smarts. Now he faces a very tough challenger in Gomez who defeated and retired the great Arturo Gatti in this very same historic arena..”

“I am very excited to bring this World Championship fight to Atlantic City on April 12th,” said Harrah's Entertainment Sports & Entertainment Consultant Ken Condon. “This evening of Championship boxing continues the commitment of Caesars Atlantic City to bring world class events to Boardwalk Hall.”

Kimbo - Tank set for Saturday

By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine

The long-awaited heavyweight match between Internet street fighting legend Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson (2-0) and former UFC star David "Tank" Abbott (9-13) set for the nearly sold-out BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.

The show is scheduled to air on SHOWTIME at 10:00 p.m. (et).

"Tank is full of shit if he thinks I can't take his punches," Kimbo said on Friday at a pre-fight press conference. "I'm bringing the whole thing to the cage. I am bringing the hood with me to this cage."

"This fight means a lot to not only me but the entire city," Kimbo, a native Floridian, added. "This is big time. That is why I am going to break his rib, break his nose, break his arm."

Slice and Abbott had been scheduled to fight each other on October 12 of last year in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall for the Cage Fury Fighting Championships promotion. However, the promotion ran into financial difficulties and was forced to cancel the card. EliteXC was able to secure rights to the fight late last year.

"Kimbo is tough streetwise, but he is behind the times as far as putting it all together," Abbott said. "The only thing he has done that is only remotely close to me is he has been in a few street fights. And I don't even consider those fights.

"Kimbo is going to get hurt, that's for sure. The way I am and the shape I'm in right now I can't fathom a human being who can take five minutes of my shots. I am on fire right now."

In addition to Kimbo-Tank, the SHOWTIME telecast will include: Antonio "Big Foot" Silva (9-1), a highly-touted Brazilian and one of the world's top heavyweights, versus former UFC champion Ricco Rodriguez (27-7).

"My opponent is a talented fighter," Silva said. "I am very excited and really anticipating the fight. Saturday night is going to be a great stepping stone for my career."

Rodriguez, who tested positive for both marijuana and cocaine after a November 2006 win over Imani Lee, is coming off a high-profile stint on VH1's Celebrity Rehab.

"Win or lose, six months from now Antonio and I will be fighting again, probably for a title," Rodriguez added. "We are the two best fighters in this organization right now. Tank and Kimbo are just tomato cans. We are the two real fighters."

Meanwhile, England's James "The Colossus" Thompson (16-7) will battle unbeaten Brett Rogers (7-0) of St. Paul, Minnesota in a heavyweight match.

"Brett Rogers is a big guy, a strong guy," Thompson said. "He has quick hands, but I'm not sure if he has been challenged yet. He has only fought seven fights, and I am the biggest of his career."

Australian Kyle Noke (14-3-1), the bodyguard of the late Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin, meets Scott Smith (14-4) at 185 pounds; and Edson Berto (14-4-1), the son of pro wrestler Dieuseul "Haiti Kid" Berto, faces MMA veteran Yves Edwards (32-13-1) at 160 pounds.

"This is a tough fight. I respect him a lot," Berto said of Edwards. "I looked up to him, but once we get in the ring I am trying to win. When I get in the ring I don't see Yves Edwards. I see someone who is standing in my way, someone I have to beat."

A non-televised undercard streamed live at ProElite.com will include: Rafael Feijao (4-1), of Brazil, vs. John Doyle (6-2), of Allentown, Pennsylvania, at 205; Mike Bernhard (3-0), of Miami, vs. Lorenzo Borgameo (2-0), of Miami, at 170; Eric Bradley (2-1), of Las Vegas, Nevada, vs. Mikey Gomez (6-3), of Orlando, Florida, at 170; Mario Rinaldi (6-2), of Miami, vs. Dave Herman (9-0) of Indiana at 265; Jon Kirk (10-2), of Houston, vs. Yosmany Cabezas (4-0), of Tampa, Florida, at 185 pounds, and Moyses Gabin (1-0), of Miami, vs. Jirka Hlavaty (1-1), of Miami, at 265.

Soul training camp featured on ESPN.com

ESPN.com takes an in-depth look at the Philadelphia Soul's training camp. Check ESPN.com every Tuesday over the next five weeks to get behind-the-scenes, inside the locker room and inside the lives of the 37 hopefuls vying for the Soul's 20-man active roster.

There are new faces, but familiar expectations. For the Philadelphia Soul, nothing less than a championship is acceptable and ESPN.com's new weekly series offers unprecedented access and takes you inside the Soul's march to be the .... Last Man Standing.

You can watch the first edition of The Last Man Standing featured on ESPN.com by banging the link.

King to transfer from Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA., Feb. 15, 2008 – Junior college transfer Schyler King (Tyler JC/El Paso, Texas) has left the Penn State basketball program and plans to transfer following completion of the current academic semester coach Ed DeChellis announced Friday.

“Things have not worked out as expected in regards to Schyler’s participation in our program,” DeChellis said. “After speaking with Schyler this week, we decided it would be best for him not to finish the season with the team and to begin to look for a different situation in which to continue his basketball career. We wish him good luck.”

King joined the Nittany Lions last summer after two seasons at Tyler Junior College in Texas. In his first season with the program, he played in the 13 games this season, the last at Purdue on Jan. 23. He scored a total of 13 points and added 14 rebounds in his 13 games, averaging 1.0 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 5.9 minutes per contest.

King’s departure gives Penn State two available scholarships for next season. Penn State added high school senior Billy Oliver (Chatham, N.J.) during the early signing period and recently welcomed 6-10 transfer forward Andrew Ott (Abington, Pa.) from Villanova.

Let's go drafting

By John Gottlieb
The Phanatic Magazine

Back by popular demand is The Phanatic's mock draft. I've read through the scouting reports and poured over game tape to come up with this list. The football season never ends here at The Phanatic, especially coming off one of the greatest Super Bowls of all time. With that the first pick in the draft is...

1) Miami Dolphins – Chris Long – DE - Virginia
Bill Parcells is cleaning house so that the Dolphins will be able to transition to the 3-4, and Howie’s son is the first piece of the puzzle.

2) St. Louis Rams – Glenn Dorsey – DT – L.S.U.
He may be the best defensive lineman in the draft, and he’ll fit right in with a defense that gave up 115 yards on the ground per game and totaled just 31 sacks.

3) Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan – QB – Boston College
With Michael Vick in the slammer, the Falcons have to put the past year’s disasters behind them and start fresh with a new field general.

4) Oakland Raiders – Darren McFadden – RB - Arkansas
The Raiders are getting the best player in the draft…now let’s figure out how they’re going to screw this one up. McFadden and JaMarcus Russell will make a strong team for the future…but how many coaches will they have to go through to get there?

5) Kansas City Chiefs – Jake Long – OT – Michigan
The offensive line hasn’t been the same since the loss of Will Shields and Willie Roaf, but Long will open up holes for Larry Johnson and help a team that tied the 49ers for giving up the most sacks (55) in the league.

6) New York Jets – Vernon Gholston – DE – Ohio State
The Jets can’t even lose properly. A meaningless win in Week 16 against the Chiefs dropped the Jets from the third pick to the sixth, costing them McFadden. However, the Jets are in dire need of a pass rush and Gholston will bring speed to a D-line that collected just 29 sacks.

7) New England Patriots (via trade with S.F.) – Leodis McKelvin – CB - Troy
The impending loss of Asante Samuel is going to shake up the Pats secondary. They could go after Aqib Talib but McKelvin's got the speed to help on special teams as well.

8) Baltimore Ravens – Brian Brohm – QB – Louisville
The Steve McNair experiment is over and now the Ravens need some one that can help score points for this team. Brohm’s stock dropped after his junior season, but he’s got the size and is adept at recognizing defenses.

9) Cincinnati Bengals – Keith Rivers – OLB – USC
The Bengals defense was once again awful and unless they devote this draft to bettering that unit you will continue to hear Chad Johnson make noise about wanting to leave. They need help on the line, but most of their linebackers are about to become free agents.

10) New Orleans Saints – Sedrick Ellis – DT – USC
Ellis falls this far because this is a deep draft for the defensive line. He had 8½ sacks and 12½ tackles for a loss last season. The Saints have deeper needs in the secondary but they won’t be able to pass up a player like this.

11) Buffalo Bills – DeSean Jackson – WR - California
Now that the Bills appear to have their quarterback they need someone on the other side of the field from Lee Evans to provide versatility. Jackson will need to put on some weight but he’s durable.

12) Denver Broncos – Ryan Clady – OT – Boise State
The Broncos need to protect Jay Plummer if they want to keep him on the field, and Clady can be the protection that is needed. He weighs close to 320 pounds and will eventually fit in at the all important left tackle spot.

13) Carolina Panthers – Phillip Merling – DE – Clemson
Merling had a very good junior season with seven sacks and 17 tackles for a loss. He’s got the speed to play outside and should be able to help alleviate the pressure on Julius Peppers.

14) Chicago Bears – Rashard Mendenhall – RB – Illinois
It’s surprising that a team that is two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance needs so much help. They could go offensive line or quarterback but they’ll take Mendenhall from the Fightin’ Illini. Mendenhall gets the nod over Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart because he’s got excellent hands out of the backfield and can shed tacklers better.

15) Detroit Lions – Aqib Talib – CB – Kansas
The Lions desperately need a playmaker in the secondary and Talib could fit right in. He’s got the size that coaches love in a corner at six-foot and has got the athleticism, but will he be able to improve his speed at the Combine?

16) Arizona Cardinals – Mike Jenkins – CB – South Florida
Jenkins also has the size at six-foot but is not adept at stopping the run and doesn’t have the nose for the ball. He’s never topped more than three picks in a season while at South Florida.

17) Minnesota Vikings – Derrick Harvey – DE – Florida
Harvey is going to be the end that gets into the backfield and disrupts the running game from the outside, while the Williams boys (Kevin and Pat) keep backs from pounding the ball up the middle. Harvey also can get to the QB with good speed for a big man.

18) Houston Texans – Jonathan Stewart – RB – Oregon
Signing Ahman Green was a mistake and the Texans will look to add Stewart as a compliment to Ron Dayne. Stewart has excellent speed and will run away from defenders as long as he can shake off the first tackler. I don’t think he’ll be as good as his 2007 numbers with Oregon.

19) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – Malcom Kelly – WR – Oklahoma
The Eagles need a threat at wideout, and Kelly may be the best receiver in the draft and the one most likely to have an immediate impact in 2008. His 6-4, 220-pound frame make him a threat on the outside or in the middle of the field.

20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mario Manningham – WR – Michigan
Manningham has a lot of hype behind him for being a very good receiver against stiff Big Ten competition, but his size (six-foot, 178-pounds) is a big concern. He’s got a knack for getting in the end zone (12 TDs in 2007) and can stretch the field. The Bucs need an infusion of youth in their receiving corps, as Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are their top two threats.

21) Washington Redskins – Calais Campbell – DE – Miami (Fla.)
Campbell took a step back at Miami in his junior season, but at 6-8 and just under 300 pounds Campbell has the attributes that could make him a star in the NFL. He’s going to need some great workouts to reclaim some of the luster that was lost after a season that saw him record only 50 tackles and six sacks. He could be the sleeper of the first round.

22) Dallas Cowboys (via trade with Cleveland) – Jeff Otah – OT - Pittsburgh
The Cowboys have a monstrous offensive line, but Flozell Adams is 32 and America’s Team has a trio of o-linemen that are on the verge of turning 30. Otah has only been playing football for five years, but already the scouting reports say that the 6-6, 340-pounder has good footwork and is still improving.

23) Pittsburgh Steelers – Branden Albert – OG – Virginia
The Steelers are going to have to rebuild their offensive line with the loss of Alan Faneca, who was practically begging for a trade before last season. Albert can play inside or outside on the line, but his speed leaves something to be desired.

24) Tennessee Titans – Limas Sweed – WR – Texas
Vince Young is familiar with Sweed from their playing days at Texas. He’s got the size to be an excellent receiver (6-4, 212-pounds), but he needs to prove that he’s healed from a wrist injury that ended his senior season.

25) Seattle Seahawks – Felix Jones – RB – Arkansas
Jones was a very good complimentary back to McFadden at Arkansas and now he’ll be groomed to take over for Shaun Alexander as he is coming to the end of his career. Jones has decent hands out of the backfield, but can he truly be a top running back? He’s also great as a returner.

26) Jacksonville Jaguars – Kenny Phillips – S – Miami (Fla.)
He’s coming off a subpar season, but the Jags will look to team him up with last year’s first-round pick, Reggie Nelson, to form a dangerous tandem in the secondary. At 6-2, 210-pounds, Phillips has closeout speed and can put a wallop on unsuspecting receivers.

27) San Diego Chargers – Early Doucet – WR – L.S.U.
Doucet missed some time last year due to injury and that is why he won’t get taken until the end of the first round. The Chargers will take a chance on Doucet here. He’ll never have the necessary speed so he’ll have to become a better router-runner.

28) Dallas Cowboys – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – CB – Tennessee State
Cromartie is tall, fast and has the jumping ability to stop guys like Plaxico Burress. This will also open the door for the Cowboys to move Anthony Henry from corner to safety.

29) San Francisco (via trade with Indianapolis) – Kentwan Balmer – DT – North Carolina
Balmer had a great senior season and will help the 49ers get to the quarterback more. San Fran is on the verge of giving up on Alex Smith so offensive weapons would be a smart choice, but if the defense can’t keep them in games then Mike Nolan will be looking for a job next year. He is another D-lineman that can play inside or out, but he’ll need to put on size from his 295-pound frame.

30) Green Bay Packers – Chris Williams – OT – Vanderbilt
Williams is a good choice here because he can give the O-line some rest with his play at tackle or guard. The Packers will give him time to grow since he won’t be counted on to start right away. He’s durable and will someday be a very good left tackle.

31) New York Giants – Dan Connor – OLB – Penn State
Kawika Mitchell had an outstanding postseason and the Giants will need to bring him back, but Reggie Torbor will probably be gone, opening the door for Jerry Reese to draft Connor out of “Linebacker U”. He is a physical, aggressive, and can deliver a huge hit. He’s a good tackler and has sideline-to-sideline speed.

Flyers don't need to make a move

By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine

Last season was indeed an unusual one for the Flyers, as the club was largely a seller at the trade deadline, a time when the team is usually stockpiling talent for a playoff run.

Though Philadelphia did pull off a deal to acquire Martin Biron, it also shipped Alexei Zhitnik, Kyle Calder and of course, Peter Forsberg, in separate deals to acquire draft picks and younger players.

And what was often looked at as one of Philadelphia's major flaws last year -- inexperience caused by youth -- has now become a strength, as the young guns continue to develop at a solid pace. The Flyers are stocked with young talent, including the likes of Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Braydon Coburn and Scottie Upshall, and might be tempted to move a piece or two at this year's deadline.

After all, the Flyers are not a lock to reach the playoffs thus far, though the odds are favorable, even in a tight division and conference.

The list of needs isn't long for Philly. A puck-carrying defenseman is high on the agenda, as well as maybe another scoring forward. Not much else is needed. That fact in itself is a reason the Flyers should not make a move.

General Manager Paul Holmgren pulled off a series of outstanding moves beginning with last season; getting Biron, moving Forsberg and in turn flipping the draft pick acquired into Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell, landing Coburn, signing Daniel Briere all before the start of the season. It all added up to a quick turnaround.

So, we should all trust Holmgren that he knows what he is doing. And if there is a move to be made, trust he will make it.

While adding you have to be careful with respect to team chemistry, Holmgren said on a conference call with the league on Wednesday, "But at the end of the day, if you can make a deal you believe improves your hockey team, chances are you're going to move forward."

Holmgren did say that a combination of the salary cap and the tight races in the league are a reason there haven't been a bunch of moves all ready.

However, it was the Forsberg trade that was the biggest for the Flyers. It netted them a blue chip prospect (Ryan Parent), one of the best defenders that would have been available in the free agent market (Timonen) and a pair of spark plugs on the wing (Upshall and Hartnell).

"We're happy at the time we were able to make that deal," said Holmgren. "We thought it kind of gave us a jump-start into the summertime and what we needed to do to get back into the thick of things in hockey."

Remember that the club was the worst in the NHL last season, but thus far has been challenging for the Atlantic Division title. That's a pretty big jump. However, a gamble this year might hinder the team's chances to stay competitive for years to come.

Specifically, moving Cater, Parent or any of the 20-something players might pay off now, but will be regretful later.

For his part, that is a philosophy Holmgren might subscribe to.

"Well, I think right now we're looking at a lot of things that might improve our hockey team. And I don't believe there's anything imminent. We may just end up not doing anything other than playing maybe some of our young kids in certain situations.

"I think the last thing the Flyers need to do is do something crazy for a short-term fix right now."

In Holmgren we trust.

Michael Rushton can be reached at rushpac@comcast.net

Soul ink Outlaw, Nelson and waive Nikolao

-Courtesy of the Philadelphia Soul

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Soul signed wide receiver J.J. Outlaw and offensive lineman Van Nelson to the roster Friday and waived offensive lineman Harrison Nicolao.

Outlaw and Nelson have been in camp with the Soul as two-day waiver players before being officially added to the roster today.

Outlaw was a standout at Villanova, playing wide receiver for the Wildcats from 2002-05. He ended his career with 4,431 all-pupose yards, gaining 1,181 rushing, 1,899 receiving, 681 on kickoff returns and 127 on punt returns. The Columbia, MD native totaled 18 career touchdowns (14 receiving), including eight in his senior season.

Nelson was a standout at Texas A&M – Kingsville from 2002-05. In his senior season he started all 10 games for the Javelinas, earning honorable mention All-Lone Star Conference South Division honors for a second straight year. With Nelson on the offensive line, the Javelinas reached the No. 3 ranking in Division II, averaging 30.1 points per game and 374.6 yards per contest.

Lightning Strike Flyers for eighth straight time in Philly

by Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine

Martin St. Louis notched the game-winning goal late in the second period, adding a pair of assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning topped the Philadelphia Flyers, 5-3, at Wachovia Center.

Dan Boyle, Jan Hlavac, Jason Ward and Vinny Prospal lit the lamp for the Lightning, winners in four of their last five overall as well as the last eight games in Philadelphia.

Tampa Bay has won 13 of the last 15 meetings between the clubs, and have not lost in Philadelphia since a 3-2 setback on January 18, 2003.

Johan Holmqvist was solid with 27 saves to earn his 20th win of the season.

Joffrey Lupul had a goal and one assist for the Flyers, who have dropped five consecutive games. Steve Downie and Jeff Carter also scored and Mike Richards picked up a pair of helpers in defeat.

Martin Biron made just 23 saves in his fourth straight losing decision.

The Lightning failed to cash in on a brief two-man advantage early in the second, but Boyle converted a busted play at 2:13 for a 2-2 tie. Biron went down to anticipate a Brad Richards point shot, but the puck ricocheted off Mike Knuble right to Boyle in the left circle.

Hlavac unleashed a rocket from the left faceoff dot to give Tampa a 3-2 edge just after the midway point of the period, and St. Louis used a deflection to make it 4-2 with 3:25 left.
Ward forced a dribbler through Biron from along the goal line early in the third, and Tampa went up by three.

However, Jones threw the puck to the net from the right boards near the point and Carter tipped it home for a 5-3 game with 13:18 to go.

Despite numerous opportunities for the remainder of the contest, including 10 shots on goal, the Flyers could not solve Holmqvist.

Tampa took a 1-0 lead 5:31 into the game. Flyers defenseman Jim Vandermeer lost the puck to the left of Biron right to St. Louis, who fed to Prospal alone in front for the easy goal. The Czech center posted a new career-high with 26 goals.

The Flyers knotted the game with nine minutes to go when Richards fed into the goalmouth hoping for Lupul. Although Lupul fell in the crease, the puck caromed off his right skate and into the net. A replay determined there was no kicking motion involved.

It was 2-1 on a short-handed goal with 36 seconds left in the period as Downie, fresh out of the penalty box, took a lead pass from Richards, carried down the left wing and snuck a shot through Holmqvist's pads.

NFL Draft Pre-Indy Ratings

-Courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com

NFLDraftScout.com's Pre-Indy Ratings, top players by position:
* = underclassman
Listed heights, weights, 40 times are best data available before Combine.

Rating Player College Pos Ht Wt 40 Projected

QB
1 Matt Ryan Boston College QB 6-5 224 4.79 1
2 Brian Brohm Louisville QB 6-3 227 4.79 1
3 Chad Henne Michigan QB 6-3 228 5.18 1-2
4 Andre' Woodson Kentucky QB 6-4 234 4.81 2
5 Joe Flacco Delaware QB 6-6 232 4.92 2-3
6 John David Booty Southern Cal QB 6-3 213 4.92 3
7 Josh Johnson San Diego QB 6-3 198 4.74 3
8 Erik Ainge Tennessee QB 6-6 225 5.06 3-4

RB
1 *Darren McFadden Arkansas RB 6-2 210 4.42 1
2 *Jonathan Stewart Oregon RB 5-11 235 4.48 1
3 *Rashard Mendenhall Illinois RB 5-11 210 4.48 1
4 *Felix Jones Arkansas RB 6-0 200 4.39 1
5 *Jamaal Charles Texas RB 6-1 200 4.39 1-2
6 Chris Johnson East Carolina RB 5-11 195 4.27 2
7 *Ray Rice Rutgers RB 5-09 195 4.53 2
8 *Steve Slaton West Virginia RB 5-10 195 4.42 2-3
9 Mike Hart Michigan RB 5-09 195 4.57 3
10 Matt Forte' Tulane RB 6-1 221 4.56 3-4
11 Tashard Choice Georgia Tech RB 5-11 210 4.57 3-4

FB
1 Owen Schmitt West Virginia FB 6-2 247 4.64 4
2 Peyton Hillis Arkansas FB 6-1 240 4.67 5
3 Jacob Hester LSU FB 5-11 230 4.63 5-6

WR
1 *DeSean Jackson California WR 6-0 178 4.32 1
2 *James Hardy Indiana WR 6-6 220 4.59 1
3 *Malcolm Kelly Oklahoma WR 6-4 218 4.54 1
4 Early Doucet LSU WR 6-0 211 4.54 1-2
5 *Mario Manningham Michigan WR 6-0 185 4.48 1-2
6 Andre Caldwell Florida WR 6-1 207 4.41 2
7 Limas Sweed Texas WR 6-4 212 4.58 2
8 *Devin Thomas Michigan State WR 6-2 215 4.50 2
9 Donnie Avery Houston WR 5-11 186 4.34 2-3
10 *Earl Bennett Vanderbilt WR 6-1 205 4.52 2-3
11 Eddie Royal Virginia Tech WR 5-10 182 4.39 3
12 Lavelle Hawkins California WR 5-11 187 4.48 3
13 D.J. Hall Alabama WR 6-2 190 4.49 3-4
14 Adarius Bowman Oklahoma State WR 6-3 220 4.53 3-4
15 Jordy Nelson Kansas State WR 6-3 215 4.57 3-4

TE
1 Fred Davis Southern Cal TE 6-3 250 4.76 1
2 *Martellus Bennett Texas A&M TE 6-7 248 4.79 2
3 John Carlson Notre Dame TE 6-5 256 4.72 2
4 Martin Rucker Missouri TE 6-5 248 4.69 2-3
5 Brad Cottam Tennessee TE 6-8 271 4.74 3
6 *Jermichael Finley Texas TE 6-5 236 4.67 3-4

OT
1 Jake Long Michigan OT 6-7 315 5.08 1
2 *Ryan Clady Boise State OT 6-6 316 5.28 1
3 Chris Williams Vanderbilt OT 6-6 320 5.29 1
4 Jeff Otah Pittsburgh OT 6-6 340 5.36 1
5 *Anthony Collins Kansas OT 6-6 308 5.08 1-2
6 Sam Baker Southern Cal OT 6-5 308 5.09 2
7 Gosder Cherilus Boston College OT 6-7 315 5.14 2
8 Carl Nicks Nebraska OT 6-5 343 5.23 2-3
9 Oniel Cousins Texas-El Paso OT 6-4 301 5.06 2-3
10 Heath Benedict Newberry OT 6-5 321 4.99 3
11 John Greco Toledo OT 6-5 320 5.28 3-4
12 Tony Hills Texas OT 6-6 305 5.16 3-4

OG
1 *Branden Albert Virginia OG 6-7 315 5.37 2-3
2 Roy Schuening Oregon State OG 6-4 308 5.19 3
3 Eric Young Tennessee OG 6-4 308 5.18 3-4
4 Mike McGlynn Pittsburgh OG 6-5 309 5.25 3-4

Cent
1 Mike Pollak Arizona State C 6-4 299 4.98 2
2 Steve Justice Wake Forest C 6-3 289 5.14 2-3
3 John Sullivan Notre Dame C 6-4 284 5.23 3

DE
1 Chris Long Virginia DE 6-4 275 4.79 1
2 *Vernon Gholston Ohio State DE 6-4 258 4.67 1
3 *Derrick Harvey Florida DE 6-5 252 4.73 1
4 *Calais Campbell Miami DE 6-8 282 4.85 1-2
5 *Phillip Merling Clemson DE 6-5 272 4.73 2
6 Lawrence Jackson Southern Cal DE 6-5 261 4.89 2
7 Darrell Robertson Georgia Tech DE 6-4 247 4.76 2-3
8 Cliff Avril Purdue DE 6-3 252 4.78 2-3
9 Chris Ellis Virginia Tech DE 6-4 260 4.74 3
10 *Johnny Dingle West Virginia DE 6-3 273 4.84 3
11 Kendall Langford Hampton DE 6-6 275 4.97 3-4

DT
1 Glenn Dorsey LSU DT 6-2 316 5.09 1
2 Sedrick Ellis Southern Cal DT 6-1 308 4.96 1
3 Kentwan Balmer North Carolina DT 6-5 308 5.12 1
4 *Pat Sims Auburn DT 6-4 312 4.98 2
5 Trevor Laws Notre Dame DT 6-1 297 5.18 2-3
6 Red Bryant Texas A&M DT 6-5 326 5.16 2-3
7 Dre Moore Maryland DT 6-4 307 5.04 3-4

OLB
1 Keith Rivers Southern Cal OLB 6-2 236 4.63 1
2 Ali Highsmith LSU OLB 6-0 229 4.56 1-2
3 Quentin Groves Auburn OLB 6-3 250 4.46 2
4 Xavier Adibi Virginia Tech OLB 6-2 220 4.54 2
5 *Erin Henderson Maryland OLB 6-3 242 4.67 2
6 Bruce Davis UCLA OLB 6-3 241 4.69 2-3
7 *Geno Hayes Florida State OLB 6-2 220 4.67 3
8 Marcus Howard Georgia OLB 6-2 245 4.66 3
9 Shawn Crable Michigan OLB 6-5 241 4.65 3-4
10 Ezra Butler Nevada OLB 6-2 248 4.54 3-4

ILB
1 Dan Connor Penn State ILB 6-3 233 4.67 1
2 *Curtis Lofton Oklahoma ILB 6-0 238 4.73 2
3 *Jerod Mayo Tennessee ILB 6-2 230 4.67 2
4 Philip Wheeler Georgia Tech ILB 6-2 245 4.62 2-3
5 Tavares Gooden Miami ILB 6-1 233 4.54 3
6 Beau Bell UNLV ILB 6-2 243 4.63 3-4

CB
1 Mike Jenkins South Florida CB 6-0 200 4.49 1
2 Leodis McKelvin Troy CB 5-11 190 4.44 1
3 Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie Tennessee State CB 6-2 183 4.44 1
4 Antoine Cason Arizona CB 6-0 190 4.54 1
5 *Aqib Talib Kansas CB 6-2 202 4.52 1-2
6 *Reggie Smith Oklahoma CB 6-1 198 4.57 2
7 Tracy Porter Indiana CB 5-11 185 4.38 2
8 Terrell Thomas Southern Cal CB 6-1 197 4.57 2-3
9 Charles Godfrey Iowa CB 6-0 207 4.38 2-3
10 *Brandon Flowers Virginia Tech CB 5-10 190 4.47 3
11 Dwight Lowery San Jose State CB 6-1 185 4.55 3
12 DeJuan Tribble Boston College CB 5-09 190 4.49 3-4
13 Patrick Lee Auburn CB 6-0 194 4.41 3-4

FS
1 *Kenny Phillips Miami FS 6-2 208 4.46 1
2 Simeon Castille Alabama FS 6-0 190 4.62 2-3
3 Marcus Griffin Texas FS 5-11 198 4.58 3
4 Jonathan Hefney Tennessee FS 5-09 185 4.47 3
5 D.J. Parker Virginia Tech FS 6-0 195 4.50 3-4

SS
1 Jamar Adams Michigan SS 6-2 209 4.52 3
2 Craig Steltz LSU SS 6-1 210 4.59 3-4
3 Tom Zbikowski Notre Dame SS 5-11 209 4.58 3-4

PK
1 Art Carmody Louisville K 5-09 168 5.12 6-7
2 Taylor Mehlhaff Wisconsin K 5-10 185 4.92 7-FA
3 Alexis Serna Oregon State K 5-07 168 4.62 7-FA
4 Shane Longest St Xavier K 5-11 176 4.83 7-FA

P
1 Durant Brooks Georgia Tech P 6-0 205 4.92 4-5
2 Mike Dragosavich North Dakota StaP 6-6 208 4.85 6
3 Brett Kern Toledo P 6-3 195 7-FA
4 Andrew Larson California P 6-1 195 4.94 7-FA

Globetrotters heading to Delaware Valley

The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters bring their “Magic As Ever” tour to four area arenas for five games from Monday, March 3 through Sunday, March 9 as they take on their historic rival Washington Generals for the first time in 12 years.

To celebrate the renewed rivalry with the Generals, the Globetrotters GUARANTEE victory and the ultimate family fun experience for fans at all five Philadelphia-area games.

The Hall of Fame basketball team scores with fans at the Wachovia Center (Sunday, March 9 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.), Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA (Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m.), Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, NJ (Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.) and Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, DE (Monday, March 3 at 7 p.m.).

Tickets are on sale now at each venue box office, ComcastTIX.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-298-4200. Tickets for the Bob Carpenter game are available at Ticketmaster.com.

“The Harlem Globetrotters are the unbeatable global entertainment experience that emotionally connects to and thrills every member of the family,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “We are extremely excited about our tour and bringing our unique brand of family entertainment to the greater Philadelphia region.”

Celebrating their 82nd consecutive year of touring the world, the Harlem Globetrotters have played in 118 countries on six continents, entertaining over 125 million fans and crossing barriers between cultures, societies and people from all walks of life. The organization is one of only six teams to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Replacement

By John McMullen

The Phanatic Magazine

You may have yawned when the Phillies signed Kris Benson to a minor-league deal Wednesday.

It's a low-risk move with some upside but its not exactly like the Fightins trumped the Mets acquisition of Johan Santana. Benson, 33, missed all of last season after right rotator cuff surgery in March of last year.

In 2006, he went 11-12 with a 4.82 earned run average in 30 starts. So, the ceiling for Benson, if healthy, is an adequate third or fourth starter and a big upgrade over Adam Eaton.

But, that's not what you should be excited about.

By signing Benson, the City had finally replaced Carmella Decesare and Heather Mitts. You see, when the Eagles foolishly parted ways with Jeff Garcia, they also sent Carmella to Central Florida.

Meanwhile, when the world's dumbest backup quarterback kicked Heather to the curb, we were left with no high-profile significant-others among our athletes.

The Phils finally came to the rescue yesterday. Anna Benson is not quite as hot as Carmella and she will never be confused with Heather in the class department but she sure is fun.

In November of 2004, Benson posed for FHM and was named baseball's hottest wife.

In July of 2005, she played at the 2005 World Series of Poker in Vegas under the nickname "Gold Digger".

In December of 2005, Anna turned heads when she went to the Mets Christmas party wearing a rather low-cut, Santa-style dress.

But, the best Anna moment of all was her appearance on the Howard Stern radio show when she told Howard she would have sex with all members of the Mets organization, including the grounds crew, if Kris ever cheated on her.

That accomplished a couple of things -- it got Kris a lot of free drinks from teammates over the years.

And, it also secured Anna a warm welcome to the Philly from The Phanatic Magazine.

Finally, we have replaced Carmella and Heather.

Parent to play in second career game for Flyers

By Michael Rushton

The Phanatic Magazine

The Philadelphia Flyers hope they have found their short-term solution to fill the void left by defenseman Braydon Coburn, as the club recalled defender Ryan Parent from the Philadelphia Phantoms on Wednesday.

Parent, the key to the Peter Forsberg trade with Nashville last season, will skate in his second career game tonight when the Flyers take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Parent played in one game late last season with the Orange and Black.

“I’m trying not to be nervous, but nerves are something that’s always going to be there,” said Parent . “I think you have to use them to your advantage. Last year’s game helps with the nerves a little bit. I know what to expect a little bit, and playing the games in the American League so far this year helps to build your confidence.”

Parent has one goal and seven assists in 53 tests with the Phantoms this year, and has been working on adding some offense to his game. The Flyers need a spark at the blue line after Coburn went down with a ruptured artery in his buttocks that required surgery.

Coburn had been one of the Flyers' best defenders this season, as his speed and puck-handeling abilities often led to scoring chances for Philadelphia in transition.

“Typically what I’ve been playing my whole career is more of a defensive side,” Parent, 20, said. “Everywhere I’ve been they have been working on me to move the puck a little bit better and be more of a puck-moving defenseman. My strength right now is definitely my defensive game.”

Solid play by Parent over the next few weeks could make the Flyers less hesitant to make a move, as it is thought the Flyers would like to add another defenseman before the trade deadline.

Parent was a first-round pick by Nashville (18th overall) in 2005 and will turn 21 on March 17.

Belichick filming since 2000

Bill Belichick has been illegally taping opponents' defensive signals since he became the New England Patriots' coach in 2000, according to Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA).

"There was confirmation that there has been taping since 2000, when Coach Belichick took over," Specter told the media after meeting with NFL commissioner Roget Goodell.

"There were a great many questions answered by Commissioner Goodell," Specter added. "I found a lot of questions unanswerable because of the tapes and notes had been destroyed.

Goodell said Belichick told him he believed the taping was legal. "He said that's always been his interpretation since he's been the head coach," the commissioner said. "We are going to agree to disagree on the facts."

Phils ink Kris Benson

Righthander Kris Benson has agreed to terms on a minor league contract with the Phillies with an invitation to major league spring training, Senior Vice President & General Manager Pat
Gillick announced today. The contract is pending a physical.

Benson, 33, missed all of last season after having right rotator cuff surgery on March 20, 2007.

In 2006, he went 11-12 with a 4.82 ERA in 30 starts for Baltimore. Benson has reached double digits in wins in five of his seven major league seasons and has pitched over 200.0 innings twice.
The first overall selection in the 1996 draft by Pittsburgh, Benson is 68-73 with a 4.34 ERA and eight complete games in 195 starts for the Pirates (1999-2000, 2002-04), Mets (2004-05) and Orioles (2006).

Clemens, McNamee Dog and Pony Show

In case you want to re-live yet another national embarrassment piloted by our Congress, head on over to the House Committee on Oversight and Government reform. They have posted transcripts on everything...

Everything's tainted now

By STEVEN LIENERT
The Phanatic Magazine

May 19th, 1998.

My uncle and were stuck in traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway trying desperately to get to Veterans Stadium in time for the first pitch.

The Fightin' Phils were playing the St. Louis Cardinals that night, and everyone that loved baseball -- even those that felt abandoned by the 1994 strike -- was talking about the mighty Mark McGwire.

McGwire had already hit what seemed like a gazillion homers by mid-May (OK, it was more like 20) but he was clearly on pace to break Roger Maris' single-season home run mark. And at this point, Sammy Sosa wasn't even a blip on his own country's radar screen. It took a mammoth June by the Swingin' Syringe before he joined McGwire in the quest for Maris' mark.

The fact that McGwire looked like Ruth if the Babe ever hit the gym made The Chase even more juicy.

Back on I-76, we weren't moving. We were never, ever late for the opening pitch, and having that streak intact made the slow crawl to the Vet even more painful.

Over the radio behind the voice of Harry Kalas, you could hear Dan Baker announce the Cards starting lineup: "Batting third, first baseman Mark McGwire."

We were still in our cars and, thankfully, McGwire struck out to end the top of the first.

On his next three at-bats however, he didn't disappoint.

In the third, McGwire blasted one over the left-field bullpen for his first of what would be three homers -- each further than the last.

In the sixth, McGwire rounded the bases to the sound of oohs-and-ahhs from the Vet faithful after he crushed one into the 500 level, or the second deck at the old ballyard.

In the eighth, when he hit a batting-practice type pitch off the facade of the 700 level, Phillies' fans could only stand and applaud. We knew we were watching something special, something that only comes along every 30, 40 or 50 years.

Before we went home, I made sure to pick up a game program to make sure my ticket stub would stay in perfect condition. Hell, it'll be worth at least a good story at a bar someday.

That memory should have ended there, with McGwire triumphantly rounding the bases of the Vet in the recesses of my brain.

Instead, this whole steroid debacle has tarnished that memory, as well as tarnished baseball lore from the early 90s to now.

The beloved 1993 Phils, with the Dude, the Krukker, Mikey, Dutch and Mitchy-poo? Put an asterisk next to that in your heads, because every time any of us tell a story about the 4:30 a.m. game against San Diego, Lenny Dykstra's heroic homers against the Braves in the NLCS and the 15-14 loss the the Blue Jays in the Series, some butthead at the end of the bar will point out that at least Dykstra, Inky, Dutch and Hollins were probably on the juice. Maybe more.

So memories like McGwire's 70 homers, Sosa hitting 60 three times, Bonds and anything he did after leaving the Pirates, Roger Clemens and his inflated 300 wins and any meaningful statistical mark achieved during the steroids era have to be looked at twice. Where we were when that happened doesn't really mean much anymore.

Instead, I'm left with the memory of sitting on the Schuylkill with my uncle, talking baseball, hitting each other with trivia questions and second-guessing the manager on the way to and from the ballgame. When great things happen -- like those accomplishments should have been remembered -- we'll have to remember the fans we were with and how we celebrated something that meant alot to us, especially at the time.

Perhaps those memories will serve us better than actually being there in person for something that is now as trivial as McGwire's famous three-homer game at the old Vet.

Eagles name Merlino assistant strength coach

The Philadelphia Eagles today announced they have named Jay Merlino as the team’s assistant strength and conditioning coach. Merlino replaces Bob Rogucki, who was named head strength and conditioning coach of the Baltimore Ravens earlier this week.

A native of Newark, DE, Merlino has served as a strength and conditioning assistant with the Eagles since 2005. From 2003-04, he worked part-time with the Eagles strength and conditioning staff after spending the 2002 season as an intern.

The 34-year-old Merlino is a certified strength and conditioning specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He earned an associate’s degree in exercise science from Delaware Tech in 2002, a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, concentrating in exercise physiology, from the University of Delaware in 2003, and a master’s degree in health promotion from Delaware in 2006.

From 2001-02, Merlino worked as a strength and conditioning assistant at the University of Delaware and managed a fitness center in Delaware from 2000-02. He served as an adjunct faculty member for the exercise science department from 2003-08 at Delaware Tech, where he still sits on that department’s advisory board.

Clemens statement

Roger Clemens' opening statement...

McNamee Statement

Brian McNamee's opening statement before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee...

Top 25 NFL Draft Prospects

Courtesy of draftinsiders.com

1. Matt Ryan - QB - 6’4” 220 lbs. - Boston College
Smart pocket QB ranks as the top prospect in this talented class.

2. Glenn Dorsey - DT - 6’2” 300 lbs. - LSU
Cat like senior tackle is a dominant force on the inside and a difference maker in every game.

3. Chris Long - DE - 6’5” 285 lbs. - Virginia
Savvy senior defensive end is a prospect with no holes.

4. Sedrick Ellis - DT - 6’2” 295 lbs. - USC
Explosive senior tackle is a relentless inside force who continues to move up the charts.

5. * Kenny Phillips - FS - 6’1” 205 lbs. - Miami
Smooth athletic junior safety is a fluid defender with well developed skills for the pro game.

6. Jake Long - OT - 6’7” 320 lbs. - Michigan
Physical senior tackle has well developed skills and experience to start at either outside position as a pro.

7. * Darren McFadden - RB - 6’1” 220 lbs. - Arkansas
Versatile junior tailback is ready to start in the NFL from day one.

8. Brian Brohm - QB - 6’4” 225 lbs. - Louisville
Strong armed pocket passer looks for a strong NFL Combine effort after missing the Senior Bowl week.

9. Keith Rivers - LB - 6’3” 220 lbs. - USC
Athletic senior outside linebacker displays good instincts with fine speed and power to start early as a pro.

10. * Vernon Gholston - DE - 6’4” 260 lbs. - Ohio St
Quick junior defender has the burst off the edge to be a top flight NFL sack artist.

11. * Malcolm Kelly - WR - 6’3” 210 lbs. - Oklahoma
Athletic junior receiver is a fine playmaker with the package to become a #1 NFL go to weapon.

12. * Jonathan Stewart - RB - 5’11” 235 lbs.- Oregon
Explosive junior running back combines a rare combination of power and speed to break the big play.

13. * Ryan Clady - OT - 6’5” 320 lbs. - Boise St
Agile junior left tackle is ready for a strong NFL Combine effort after a fine college career.

14. * Rashard Mendenhall - RB - 5’11” 215 lbs. - Illinois
Athletic junior tailback is a well developed prospect with the talent to be a workhorse NFL back.

15. * Reggie Smith - CB - 6’ 200 lbs. - Oklahoma
Big athletic junior cornerback has rare triangle numbers for the position with the big play ability to develop into a shutdown pro defender.

16. * Calais Campbell - DE - 6’7” 280 lbs. - Miami
Huge junior defensive end has the athletic package to be a top ten prospect with a big NFL Combine.

17. Mike Jenkins - CB - 6’ 200 lbs. - South Florida
Athletic cornerback finished an impressive season and looks to shine at the NFL Combine to challenge the top ten rankings.

18. Jeff Otah - OT - 6’6” 320 lbs. - Pittsburgh
Huge mobile senior tackle combines very good footwork and the triangle numbers to impress at the NFL Combine.

19. * DeSean Jackson - WR - 5’11” 170 lbs. - California
Explosive all-purpose playmaker can be a difference maker as a receiver and return specialist.

20. * Derrick Harvey - DE - 6’4” 245 lbs. - Florida
Quick junior edge rusher can bend the corner and change games in one play.

21. * Felix Jones - RB - 5’11” 200 lbs. - Arkansas
Speedy junior all-purpose performer looks to light it up at workouts to guarantee a 1st round selection.

22. Leodis McKelvin - CB - 5’11” 185 lbs. - Troy University
Quick cover man and return specialist looks to display his fine athleticism at the NFL Combine to hold this ranking.

23. Chris Williams - OT - 6’5” 310 lbs. - Vanderbilt
Huge mobile senior tackle has developed nicely and graded out high vs top SEC talent on both sides.

24. Kentwan Balmer - DT - 6'5" 290 lbs. - North Carolina
Big athletic interior defender had fine production and the triangle numbers to impress further in the postseason and move into the first round.

25. Early Doucet - WR - 6’ 200 lbs. - LSU
Fast wideout looks for another big week at NFL Combine after a solid effort at the Senior Bowl week.

Soul signs pair of defensive backs

The Philadelphia Soul signed defensive back Reggie Lewis and Rob Keefe on Tuesday.

Lewis, 23, was a starting cornerback for the national champion Florida Gators as a senior, intercepting a pass in the championship game as the Gators rolled to a 41-14 win. He played in 50 games with the Gators, starting 16. He began his collegiate career as a wide receiver, but made the switch to the defensive side of the ball as a junior. The Jacksonville, Florida native ended his collegiate career with 38 tackles, five interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He also had five catches for 27 yards.

Lewis (5’11”, 203 lbs.) also attended training camp with the Buffalo Bills in 2007.

Keefe (6’0”, 190 lbs.) is a veteran of three af2 seasons. Last year, he started all 19 games, postseason included, for the Spokane Shock and recorded 97 tackles, 15 pass breakups and was second in the league with 11 interceptions. He is a two-time first-team All-af2 selection.

Flyers recall Greentree

The Philadelphia Flyers recalled forward Kyle Greentree from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms Tuesday.

Greentree, 24, recorded 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points and 59 penalty minutes in 48 games for the Phantoms this season. He is tied for first on the team in power play goals (7), is second on the team in goals (16) and points (37) and is third on the team in assists (21). He is tied for third among AHL rookies in points. He was signed as a free agent by the Flyers on March 14, 2007.

A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Greentree appeared in eight regular season games for the Phantoms last season, scoring two goals. He also registered 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points and 78 penalty minutes in 39 games for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks last season. He led the Nanooks in goals (21), assists (21), points (42), penalty minutes (78) and shots (201). He was tied for first on the team in power play goals (10). This was the third consecutive season that Greentree led the Nanooks in scoring.

He finished tied for eighth in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association in conference scoring with 30 points (18G,12A) in 28 games. His 18 goals in conference games were tied for the second most in the CCHA. Greentree received Honorable Mention for the 2006-07 CCHA All-Conference Team.

In three seasons with the Nanooks (2004-05 through 2006-07), Greentree registered 41 goals and 60 assists for 101 points and 167 penalty minutes in 115 games. He received Honorable Mention for the CCHA All-Rookie Team following the 2004-05 season.

College Football weekly news and notes

-Courtesy of the National Football Foundation

New Hall of Fame Exhibit Showcased During Black History Month

The College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., has unveiled a new exhibit that showcases the struggle, hard work, and triumph of African-Americans who made pioneering contributions to the sport of football and our country.

Visitors to the South Bend exhibit have the opportunity to walk through a historic locker room filled with memorabilia representing all 50 historic black colleges and universities. The exhibit features the rich pageantry of the black marching bands, the hallowed black college All-America teams, and a tribute to the black college national champions.

The interactive video game, Black College Football: The Xperience, marks the centerpiece of the exhibit. Developed by Nerjyzed Game Studios, the video enables visitors to compete against each other in the unique world of black college football.

NFF News

There were approximately 125 senior football signees from 2007-08 NFF Play It Smart programs for NCAA FBS and FCS members in last week's tabulations. These numbers do not include several '08 incoming freshmen who may enter college football programs as walk-ons or early 2007-08 junior college signees or transfers, who also could swell the ranks.

The NFF Chicago Chapter will host its annual awards ceremony Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Harry Caray's Restaurant. The Voice of the Chicago Bears, Jeff Joniak, returns as emcee while Illinois coach Ron Zook is the keynote speaker. Former Miami (Fla.) RB Jarrett Payton will discuss the Walter Payton Cancer Fund's research efforts and will accept a NFF Chapter donation of $1,500 for the Payton Cancer Fund. Other scheduled attendees include Big Ten Commissioner and NFF National Board member Jim Delany, famed retired coach Marv Levy, 2007 College Football Hall of Famer Chris Zorich, Chicago Board of Trade and Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Charlie Carey, and a plethora of former college players.

The NFF Central New York Chapter in Syracuse held its eighth annual Scholar-Athlete dinner on Jan. 27 at the Turning Stone Resort with 630 supporters on hand. The group honored 57 high school and eight collegiate scholar-athletes with $38,000 in scholarships. Keynote speaker was College Football Hall of Famer Kenny Gamble of Colgate while the Outstanding Contributor to Amateur Football was former Colgate head coach Fred Dunlap. Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson was a special guest.

The NFF Southern Arizona Chapter banquet is set for Mar. 2. Jack Lengyel, 2005 NFF John L. Toner Award recipient and former head coach at Marshall when the school restarted its football program after the 1970 airline tragedy, will be the guest speaker. There also will be a memorial for chapter board member and famed college coach Larry Smith who passed away last month from leukemia.

Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel will be the guest speaker at the Northeastern Ohio Chapter awards banquet on Apr. 28 at LaCentre in Westlake, Ohio. The group will present 12 scholarships to high school scholar-athletes at the annual function.

The St. Louis/Tom Lombardo Chapter has a solid program lined up for its May 4 extravaganza. Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel will receive the Tom Lombardo Leadership Award. The Don Faurot Distinguished American Award is slated for Roger Wehrli, a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

Wayne Perry, the winningest college football coach in Indiana history, will receive the Central Indiana Chapter's Distinguished American Award at the 14th annual Scholar-Athlete awards banquet in Indianapolis. Perry retired in 2007 after 26 seasons as head coach at Hanover College and was 174-89-2.

Dave Foley, a 2008 College Football Hall of Fame nominee, is the guest speaker for the 41st Greater Cincinnati Chapter Scholar-Athlete award banquet at the Hilton Nederland Hotel on Feb. 21. The Cincinnati native was an Ohio State standout, an NFF High School and College Scholar-Athlete and captain for the Buckeyes' 1968 national title squad.

Two-Minute Drill

NCAA Division III may have to be split into a Division IV within the next 10-12 years if projections to growth continue. There are currently 440 DIII members, and there could be as many as 480 schools by 2018... 2007 BCS National Champion LSU will host Appalachian State in the Tigers' 2008 home opener... Texas Tech will open its 2008 season with new opponent Eastern Washington on Aug. 30 in Lubbock... Western Michigan has scheduled Illinois for Ford Field in Detroit on Nov. 8, 2008... The Atlantic Coast Conference All-Academic squad for 2007 includes 40 scholar-athletes and a team-leading six from Maryland. All 12 ACC schools are represented... NASA astronaut Leland Melvin on Mission STS-122 (scheduled for Feb. 7- 18) is an NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Richmond and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1986. He also was a wideout in Toronto Argonauts and Dallas Cowboys training camps in later years... Greg Sharpe is moving to Nebraska as play-by-play voice of Huskers' football and baseball. He previously was football and basketball broadcaster for Kansas State... CBSSports.com has begun an internet relationship with Facebook.com for posting college athletics news of interest... Famed novelist and college sports enthusiast John Grisham has dedicated his most recent novel, "The Appeal," to Dr. Robert Khayat, chancellor at Ole Miss and recipient of the 2003 NFF Distinguished American Award... WhatIfSports.com did a computer recreation of the 32 2007-08 bowl games and accurately predicted the winners in 88 percent of these bowls after analyzing statistics, road records, coaches, etc. The group ran simulated games 1,001 times for the 32 postseason tussles.

Baylor's Board of Regents approved $34 million in new construction for athletics... North Texas Board of Regents chose HKS, Inc. to provide architectural and design services for the new proposed on-campus stadium... Minnesota has unveiled a "virtual" tour of its upcoming TCF Bank Stadium via internet.

Bowling Green head coach Gregg Brandon had his contract extended through the 2011 campaign... Ron Lynn has been named assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator at Stanford... Former SMU head coach Phil Bennett has moved to Pittsburgh as defensive coordinator... Willy Robinson has been named as new defensive coordinator at Arkansas... Dan McCarney has moved to Florida as an assistant coach... Offensive coordinator Mike Haywood will call plays for Notre Dame in 2008... Brian Cabral is now associate head coach at Colorado... New Mexico chose Troy Reffert as its new defensive coordinator... Rutgers selected Chris Rippon as its special teams coordinator... Ohio director of athletics Kirby Hocutt is taking the same position at Miami (Fla.) while replacing the retired Paul Dee... Harvard director of athletics Robert L. Scalise has become interim executive dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences in addition to his athletics responsibilities... Ken White is the new interim AD at Utah State.

Ted Stachitas, son of NFF Vice President & Executive Director of Play It Smart Len Stachitas, signed with Wake Forest as a quarterback last week... QB Justin Tuggle, son of 2007 College Football Hall of Fame inductee Jessie Tuggle (Valdosta State), inked a letter-of-intent with Boston College on Feb. 6... Ted Thompson, son of Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson, inked with Nicholls State... Central Michigan signed Lorenzo White, son of former Michigan State star and NFL Pro Bowl RB Lorenzo White... Notre Dame signees include Mike Golic, Jr. , whose father Mike played at Notre Dame and co-hosts Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN, and David Posluszny, brother of NFF National Scholar- Athlete Paul Posluszny of Penn State... California signee, QB Beau Sweeney, is the son of Kevin Sweeney (Fresno State) and grandson of 19-year Fresno State head coach Jim Sweeney... Jack Elway, son of College Football Hall of Famer John Elway, signed with Arizona State... QB John Richt, son of Georgia head coach Mark Richt, joined the Clemson program... Wesley Neighbors, grandson of College Football Hall of Famer Billy Neighbors, signed with Alabama last week. Wesley is a third generation Alabama gridder after his father starred for 1983-86 'Bama squads... Ball State newcomer Kyle Hoke is the son of BSU and NFL stalwart Jon Hoke and nephew of the Cardinals' head coach Brady Hoke... Zach Tenuta, who signed with Marshall last week, is the son of Notre Dame defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta... Northwestern signed Hunter Bates, the son of Tennessee and Dallas Cowboys' legend Bill Bates... Nick Adamle, a newcomer at Northwestern, is the nephew of Mike Adamle (Northwestern) and grandson of Tony Adamle (Ohio State.

Louisville QB Brian Brohm, who set 14 Big East Conference football records, has been tabbed as the 2007 Big East/Aéropostale Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year in balloting by the conference's Academic Affairs Committee... The Davey O'Brien Foundation named the William E. Scott Foundation recipient of the 2007 Charles Ringler Founder's Award, which honors an individual or corporation devoted to the O'Brien Foundation that has exhibited passion, pride and perseverance similar to Ringler - one of the founders of the O'Brien Memorial Trophy in 1977... Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Amarillo included Oklahoma standout RB Kenny King.

Kenny Konz, 79, standout defensive back for LSU from 1948-50 and the Cleveland Browns in the 1950s, died last week... 1967-69 All-Big Eight Conference OL Byron Bigby of Oklahoma died last week in South Carolina... Former Delaware star and head coach Ted Gregory, 58, died last week in New Castle, Del... Danny Ellsworth, 62, who played end at Texas Tech and East Texas State died in Midlothian, Texas... Raleigh Blakely, 83, who played on SMU's 1948 and '49 Cotton Bowl teams, died last weekend.

Soul cuts three players

The Philadelphia Soul waived defensive backs Garnell Wilds and Chris Royal and defensive lineman Tyler King.

Flyers' Gagne hopes to return this season

By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine

Philadelphia Flyers forward Simon Gagne hopes to return this season despite suffering his third concussion of the season in Sunday's 4-3 loss versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The 27-year-old Gagne, who didn't play the final two periods against the Pens, missed 26 games earlier this season with dizziness after taking a hit from Florida's Jay Bouwmeester on October 24.

"I don't think the season is lost right now," Gagne said Monday after being examined by team physician Dr. Gary Dorshimer. "Hopefully, I'm not going to have any more symptoms coming up. The way I feel right now is just a balance problem. When this goes away, I will be pretty much symptom free."

Gagne, the 22nd overall selection in the 1998 draft, has seven goals and 11 assists in 25 games this season.

"The only thing I can say right now is that I don't think it is that bad," Gagne added. "I know the symptoms were definitely worse the last time. Hopefully I will feel better very soon. The doctor said I could feel very good in the next couple of days. I just have to take it one day at a time and see what happens.

"Right now it is one day at a time. It could be a couple of days, it could be a week or it could be longer. There is no timeframe on what is going on right now."

Sixers' Miller named Eastern Conference Player of the Week

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2008 – The Philadelphia 76ers’ Andre Miller was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played Monday, Feb. 4 through Sunday, Feb. 10.

During a 3-1 week for the Sixers, Miller averaged 19.5 points, 9.0 assists and committed only 10 turnovers. He outscored opposing teams’ starting point guards 78-35. Miller recorded a Sixers’ season-high 14 assists on Feb. 5, in a 101-96 win over the Washington Wizards.

Here is a recap of the week for Miller:
Andre Miller, Philadelphia
Feb. 4 @ Atlanta: Had 29 points, six assists and six rebounds in a 96-91 loss.
Feb. 5 vs. Washington: Recorded an 11-point, 14-assist double-double in a 101-96 win.
Feb. 7 vs. Miami: Posted 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds in a 101-84 victory.
Feb. 9 vs. L.A. Clippers: Scored 17 points and dished nine assists in a 101-80 victory.

Forsberg Update

The Daily Herald in suburban Chicago is reporting that the Blackhawks are one of five teams that have offered Peter Forsberg a contract that he hasn't rejected. The others are the Flyers, Colorado, Ottawa and Vancouver.