Rays Reportedly Eyeing Brian Fuentes

Filed under: Rays, MLB Rumors, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Free Agency

The Rays have seen several everyday players and most of their bullpen depart this winter, but they may be close to making an addition at last.

Tampa Bay is "very interested" in free agent lefty Brian Fuentes, the St. Petersburg Times reports. The 35-year-old would step in as the Rays' closer, replacing the departed Rafael Soriano.

It's a bit surprising to see the Rays seriously involved with a reliever who likely will demand a hefty contract (albeit not as hefty as the one Soriano has yet to secure) given their financial limitations. Then again, they already have shaved tens of millions from their payroll compared to 2010 with Soriano, Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Dan Wheeler, Jason Bartlett, Joaquin Benoit, Randy Choate and Dioner Navarro off the books.

 

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UFC 125 Fighters Discuss Chuck Liddell's Career and Legacy

Filed under: UFC, News

LAS VEGAS -- The announcement of Chuck Liddell's retirement continues to send ripples through the MMA world.

Just days before their respective matches at UFC 125, several of the fighters on the card took a few minutes to give their overall impressions of "The Iceman" and his accomplishments in the sport.

Among the fighters to share their thoughts on Liddell were UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar, challenger Gray Maynard, Chris Leben and others. Here they are in their own words.

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LaMichael James to Return to Oregon

Filed under: Oregon

LaMichael James will skip the 2011 NFL Draft and return to school for his junior season, the University of Oregon announced Thursday.

James is coming off a season in which he finished third in Heisman voting after rushing for 1,682 yards -- only 40 short of Jonathan Stewart's school record. With 3,228 career yards at the school, he's 68 yards behind Derek Loville's mark.

"I came to the University of Oregon to get a quality education as well as to play football, and feel I have yet to complete that goal," James said.

There's been speculation that labor uncertainty and the potential strike in the NFL in 2011 could be influencing college players' decisions about whether to declare professional eligibility or stay in school.

Oregon will play in the BCS championship game against Auburn on Jan. 10.

 

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Gary Kubiak Likes Texans' Preparation for Sunday's Regular-Season Finale

Filed under: Texans, AFC South

Whatever the speculation around his job security, Houston Texans' Head Coach Gary Kubiak knows this much: He likes what he has seen this week.

Kubiak, whose future with the Texans has been a source of speculation throughout the final week of the regular season after eight losses in the last nine games, said the preparation for the regular-season finale Sunday has been "impressive."

"These guys are working hard," Kubiak said Thursday as the Texans (5-10) prepared to play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7) Sunday at Reliant Stadium in Houston. "These guys push themselves and handle themselves the right way."

 

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Seeking First Win of 2010, Tiger Woods Shoots 4-Under 68, Leads by Four Strokes

Filed under: PGA

The Tiger comeback is looking better by the day.

The world's most famous - and scandalized - golfer, who has not won a tournament in more than a year, continued his stellar play in the third round of the Chevron World Challenge in Thousand Oaks, Calif., shooting four-under-par to maintain his four-stroke advantage over U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell.

On a cool, windy day at Sherwood Country Club, Woods had two bogeys during the round - he has just three through 54 holes, fewest in the field - but saved several holes with excellent putts for par, and heads into Sunday at 17-under par.

"I'm excited about tomorrow because of the way I'm playing," said Woods, who has never lost a tournament that he's led by at least three shots going into the final round.

 

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Erik Spoelstra's Christmas Gift to Players Sends Inspiring Message

Filed under: Heat, Knicks

MIAMI -- Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra may be a last-minute Christmas shopper, but he deserves a pass since he was probably too busy planning for his team's much-hyped matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers to free up enough time to go shopping.

On Tuesday night, in the Heat's first home game at the AmericanAirlines Arena since their victory against the defending champions, Spoelstra made sure he had a thoughtful gift for his team waiting for them. A DVD box set of the "Band of Brothers" mini-series and the original book written by Stephen E. Ambrose were bundled together in cellophane and holiday ribbons for each of the players. Taking a page from his mentor Pat Riley, who always sought to motivate and inspire his team, the young coach's intentions were clear.

The story of the Easy Company, an elite collection of riflemen sent ahead of the others to combat in World War II, is one that is easy to imagine would be a favorite of Spoelstra's. In enemy territory, these soldiers only had each other as they pulled together as a family to survive. With the Heat choosing to hold training camp at Hurlburt Field in Florida's Panhandle and their continued efforts to honor returning troops at home games throughout the season, the players have had plenty of contact with these brave Americans who risked their lives protecting their country.

 

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Marcus Morris Removed From Kansas' Starting Lineup After Ejection

Filed under: Kansas

Marcus Morris has been removed from the Jayhawks' starting lineup indefinitely, after being ejected from Kansas' previous game for throwing an elbow, head coach Bill Self announced Tuesday. Morris, a junior, leads the Jayhawks in scoring at 15.5 points a game.

Self said that he was unsure when Morris would re-enter the starting lineup.

"I think Marcus has the most potential on our team to be the best leader, without question," Self said. "But that was not evident in the Cal game."

Sophomore Thomas Robinson will replace Morris as a starter. Robinson is averaging 9.1 points and over six rebounds off the bench.

The event occurred early in the second half of Kansas' 78-63 win over Cal Dec.22. The elbow to Cal's Harper Camp was clearly intentional, and the referees initially called a flagrant foul before meeting and ejecting Morris.

Morris, for his part, was apologetic in speaking to reporters Tuesday.

"I just felt like he was playing dirty," Morris said. "I retaliated the wrong way. I should have went to the refs and told them something was going on. But I retaliated the wrong way and got myself kicked out of the game. You can't do those things in any sport. I apologized to him and to my team."

Kansas will play UT-Arlington in Lawrence Wednesday night.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.

 

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New York Court Dismisses 'Fore' Lawsuit as 'Appreciated Risk of Golf'

Filed under: PGA, Golf Odds and Ends

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Slices, hooks and other errant shots are a common hazard on the links and a golfer can't expect to get a warning shout of "Fore!" every time a ball comes his way, New York's top court ruled Tuesday in dismissing a personal injury lawsuit.

Dr. Anoop Kapoor and Dr. Azad Anand were playing on a nine-hole Long Island course in October 2002 when Anand was hit in the head while looking for his ball on a fairway, blinding him in one eye. The seven judges on the state Court of Appeals, siding with lower courts, said Kapoor's failure to yell in advance of his errant shot from the rough did not amount to intentional or reckless conduct.

The court cited a judge's finding that Anand was not in the foreseeable zone of danger and, as a golfer, consented to the inherent risks of the sport.

"The manner in which Anand was injured -- being hit without warning by a 'shanked' shot while one searches for one's own ball -- reflects a commonly appreciated risk of golf," the judges wrote.

They also broadly outlined the test under New York case law for determining when another golfer crosses the line and could be sued.

 

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David Fay Retiring as Head of USGA

David Fay has decided to retire from the U.S. Golf Association after 21 years as the executive director, leaving behind a legacy that includes his successful push to stage the U.S. Open on golf courses where everyone can play.

Fay turned 60 two months ago and said Friday that the USGA was in a good place for him to leave. Mike Butz, the deputy executive director, will take over until the USGA can conduct a national search for Fay's replacement.

Never afraid to take chances, Fay was behind bringing the U.S. Open to Bethpage Black in New York in 2002. It was such a big success that it returned in 2009, along with going to another public course at Torrey Pines in 2008.

Fay also suggested staging the men's and women's U.S. Open a week apart on the same course, at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

 

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Jankovic hires Andrei Pavel as coach on trial basis

Former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic has hired former Romanian ATP player Andrei Pavel as her coach on a trial basis. The two are working together now in Serbia and are planning to travel together to Australia. Currently No. 8, Jankovic was coached by Ricardo Sanchez for part of 2010, but only managed to win one title, Indian Wells. Pavel reached a career high of No. 13 in 2004.?Matthew Cronin

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Nadal's mother never tried to create superstar

Rafael Nadal's mother, Ana Maria Parera, says in a TV interview that her son has always been humble and has never taken the wrong road.

"He has never been a very naughty boy, has not changed in character, but in tournaments he still has a stronger character," she said. "He?s always been a loving child."

Parera, who is divorced from Nadal?s father, Sebastian, said that they never tried to create a football or tennis player out of their son and let him make his own decisions.

"It would have been a mistake from the educational point of view," she said. "Children should enjoy studying and enjoy playing. You can not set objectives. Others want to see children as future superstars. We never really considered this."

Parera added that her son is a good cook, but because he?s so used to being in hotels, he?s "very messy. I try to change that but I cannot. His sister sometimes says, 'Okay, if you want to cook, you have to do the dishes, too.'"?Matthew Cronin

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Looking Back at the 2010 Golf Storylines, On and Off the Course

Filed under: PGA, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, FedEx Cup

If golf 2010 reminded us of anything it was that seasons are often remembered not as much by what was accomplished as they are by the moments that made people pay attention.

There are news stories and then there are newsmakers. Although easily confused, the two are as different as a hook and a slice. News is the result of proficiency and production. Something happens. It is created by events, challenge and adversity.

Making people look is always interesting, but not always an accomplishment.

Because no season in memory so blurred the lines as 2010, somebody has to sort the laundry.

NEWSMAKER -- Tiger Woods

Never has so many words been written and said about a golfer who did not win a single event.

Everybody knows why. Woods' tumble from his lofty perch became news, but the reasons that caused it were all self-inflicted wounds.

The rest of the story: There's a little National Inquirer in everybody.

NEWS STORY -- Lee Westwood

The 38-year-old Englishman replaced Woods as the world's No. 1 ranked golfer. Considering almost six years had passed since anyone could make a similar claim, that's news.

Westwood won only once on the PGA Tour in 2010, but finished second in both the Masters and British Open. And after coming back from being sidelined for almost two months, he immediately starred in Europe's Ryder Cup victory and added a victory in South Africa.

The rest of the story: Now, let's talk about a major championship.

---

Mick Elliott: 2010 PGA Season Was a Wild Ride

---

 

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Oudin switches from Adidas to Wilson apparel

Melanie Oudin will wear Wilson apparel and footwear in 2011, switching from Adidas. The American teenager already uses Wilson rackets.?Matthew Cronin

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Billy Mayfair Back to Future at Q School

Filed under: PGA, Nationwide Tour

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. -- PGA Tour Qualifying School cares little about history.

Last year does not exist. At Q School it's here and now -- or not at all.

Otherwise, there's no way to explain 22-year veteran Billy Mayfair -- five career wins and more than $18 million in earnings -- showing up this week at Orange Country National for the final stage of the annual qualifying process.

Again.

Yeah, Mayfair has gone through the six-round marathon before. Once -- 22 years ago immediately after coming out of Arizona State.

Since then the 1988 U.S. Amateur winner has been one of the PGA Tour's Steady Eddies. After advancing in his only previous trip through qualifying, Mayfair has played 673 PGA Tour events, been in the money 423 times and recorded 69 top 10s.

Mayfair won his first professional tournament in 1993 by beating Mark Calcavecchia and Ted Schulz in a playoff in Milwaukee. He became the only tour player to beat Tiger Woods in a playoff when he took him down in extra holes at the 1998 Nissan Open in Valencia, Calif. He won the 1995 Tour Championship.

And in 2006 he beat testicular cancer.

 

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UNLV Outlasts Short-Handed Kansas State

Filed under: Kansas State, UNLV

After scoring only 44 points and losing by 13 to Florida, the Kansas State Wildcats were in dire need of a pick me up.

They did not receive one, falling to UNLV, 63-59.

Additionally, they were greeted in Kansas City with the news that two of their leaders -- Curtis Kelly and leading scorer Jacob Pullen -- would not be playing against UNLV. Both players were suspended for accepting impermissible benefits.

So I guess that could explain the miscues.

Without Pullen handling the ball, Kansas State committed 22 turnovers. The Wildcats also struggled scoring -- again -- and made just over half of their free throws. Now, with Pullen sidelined, K-State will struggle even more to put points on the board.

Pullen will sit for three games. Therefore, the Wildcats were forced to rely on a cast of misfits, and they showed their inexperience throughout. Turnovers doomed the short-handed Wildcats and, though the score was close, they never seemed to have a viable chance to win.

 

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Brett Favre Listed as Doubtful to Face Eagles With Concussion

Filed under: Vikings, NFL Injuries, NFL Quarterbacks

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Leslie Frazier counted Brett Favre out once before. He's not about to do it again.

The Minnesota Vikings listed Favre as doubtful Friday with a concussion, leaving the door open for the 41-year-old quarterback to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.

A week ago, the Vikings listed Favre as "out" for the game against Chicago with a sprained right shoulder. He was surprisingly upgraded to questionable the day of the game and ended up starting against the Bears, a development that didn't sit well with Bears coach Lovie Smith.

"No 'out' with Brett Favre," Frazier said with a grin. "Will not use that term."

Favre led the Vikings on a touchdown drive to open the game Monday night, but didn't make it through the second quarter after being sacked by Corey Wootton. Favre's head slammed off the frigid turf of TCF Bank Stadium and he was knocked woozy.

 

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Video: Federer picks up Nadal at airport, wins exo

Roger Federer has defeated Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the 'Match for Africa', an exhibition held in Zurich to benefit Federer's foundation.

Federer picked up Nadal at the airport and the two drove together to the match in his red Mercedes.



The world?s two top-ranked players will also play an exhibition in Madrid on Wednesday to benefit Nadal's charity

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Air Jordan Cool Grey XIs Have Sneaker World Buzzing

Filed under: Sports Business and Media, Sneakers

As select malls were closing Tuesday night, lines were already forming for the release of the Air Jordan Cool Grey XIs, a retro Air Jordan that hit some lucky shelves at midnight. The original Air Jordan XI dropped in 1996 and became a sneakerhead's favorite as designer Tinker Hatfield crafted a pair that would accompany Michael Jordan on his ride to a fourth NBA championship.

In 2001, the XIs were brought back in the first Cool Grey Retro XIs and released on a limited basis. The shoe featured stylish grey uppers with patent leather around the base, while the white midsole contrasted and exposed the grey leather and clear outsole.

The new Cool Grey XIs (pictured) follow the 2001 edition's style, with a few tweaks. The patent leather upper is rounded out with a ballistic nylon for a supportive fit, while the clear encapsulated air-sole adds cushioning around the base. The herringbone outsole generates traction on the hardwood, while mixing things up stylistically with the addition of the blue-tinted rubber outer.

Even more than the aesthetics, the rarity of the Cool Grey colorway is certainly one of the principal driving factors in the mega-high demand. With a limited release and a price tag reading $175, the Retro XIs are sure to become collectibles.

 

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No. 9 Missouri Outlasts No. 21 Illinois to Win Braggin' Rights Game

Filed under: Illinois, Big 12, Big Ten, Missouri

If anything, the Missouri Tigers are quite adept at playing an exceptionally exciting brand of basketball. Oh, and winning games they could just as easily lose, as they did Wednesday night in St. Louis, outlasting No. 21 Illinois 75-64.

Michael Dixon, long second-fiddle to Marcus Denmon, attempted to steal the show late. His two buckets in the final minutes gave Mizzou the lead, and a Denmon steal and assist appeared to seal the deal. However, a Missouri turnover immediately followed by an Illinois lead cut the Tigers' lead to one. Then, on the ensuing inbound, Laurence Bowers leaked out for a layup and was intentionally fouled, which, then, sealed the game.

The neutral site provided a wonderfully divided and electric atmosphere, and both teams were clearly driven by the raucous crowd in what is known as Braggin' Rights to the locals.

Illinois (10-3) sprinted to an early 23-15 lead, but Missouri (11-1) was able to pull even by halftime. When the Tigers jumped out to a 7-2 second half run -- quickly, of course -- it appeared to rock the Illini significantly. It did not, and that was really only the beginning.

Illinois, led by Demetri McCamey and Mike Davis, was able to combat the athleticism of the Mizzou backcourt to retake the lead. The Tigers fought back led by a host of speedy guards -- Denmon, Kim English and Dixon -- who were as frenetic as ever.

It went on like this for quite some time.

There were seven second-half lead changes, and, until the final minute, neither team led by more than five points. A late D.J. Richardson three pulled Illinois within one, but Missouri then scored eight straight -- mostly from the line -- to end it.

Denmon led No. 9 Missouri with 15 points.

 

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