According to a broadcast report on ESPN News, Ohio State freshman basketball player Greg Oden has elected to go to the NBA.

More information to be provided either later or in tomorrow’s Snooze….

***UPDATED at 1:47 AM EDT***

Keeping our word — Not only did Greg Oden decide to apply for the NBA Draft, but teammates Mike Conley, Jr. and Daequan Cook are expected to join him at a formal news conference on Friday to announce their intentions of doing the same.  Andy Katz of ESPNU/ESPN.com is reporting that Conley, Jr. and Cook will base their decisions to remain draft-eligible on pre-draft information on where they might be selected.

***UPDATED at 3:24 PM EDT — 4.20***

Greg Oden has officially declared for the NBA Draft.

Vikings corner Whitaker arrested; Reid’s sons plead not guilty (AP/USA Today)

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Ronyell Whitaker was arrested early Thursday after a check of records revealed an outstanding warrant for misdemeanor drunken driving and careless driving charges.

And the two sons of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid have pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from separate traffic incidents on the same day in late January.

Rams would be interested in Williams (AP/SI.com)

The Associated Press (and Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch) is reporting that the St. Louis Rams would have interest in Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams.  The soon-to-be 30-year old is anticipated to apply for re-instatement on April 27, the day he’ll be eligible to do so.

Newspaper writer goes off on Dallas Stars (Andrew’s Stars Web Page)

A Dallas-based sports writer apparently didn’t care too much about the Dallas Stars’ performance against the Vancouver Canucks the other evening, going on a rather long, expletive-filled rant.  Jennifer Floyd Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram decided to voice her displeasure thusly (roughly) –

More after the jump »

McHale, Wittman and Garnett to return to Minnesota (AP/Yahoo! Sports)

General manager Kevin McHale, head coach Randy Wittman and star Kevin Garnett are all set to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2007-2008 season.

“I don’t want to walk away with the team in this state,” said McHale, who said this year’s team resembled the “dysfunctional” squad he inherited when he was named vice president in 1995.

Of course you don’t want to walk away — the best general manager in professional sports has done an excellent job and shouldn’t leave a potential dynasty in the making.

Mustain to transfer to USC (ESPN.com)

Lost in the maelstrom that is l’affaire de Nutt, Arkansas quarterback Mitch Mustain is planning to transfer to Southern Cal in the second week of May, ESPN’s Joe Schad is reporting from various sources.

Mustain is currently still enrolled at Arkansas for classes.

Riley plans to coach Heat for three more seasons (ESPN News Services)

Pat Riley, who had surgery on his hip and knee this season, has told the Miami Herald that he’ll honor the remaining three years on his contract.

“My plans are to come back,” he said, according to the Herald. “I’ve got three years left on my contract, and [Heat owner] Micky [Arison] and I have a great relationship. He has always told me I can work here as long as I want.”

He further elaborated that he has no desire to go to any other franchise and that he enjoys the retirement community he resides in during the year.

Report: NFL draft prospects admit marijuana use (ESPN News Services)

From Pro Football Weekly –

Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech, Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams and Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye admitted using the drug, according to multiple sources who have watched the interviews, the publication reported. The admissions were made during standard interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine, which are taken by every player and shared by all 32 teams for review.

Phillies’ Howard sits out game with leg injury (AP/Yahoo!)

Reigning MVP Ryan Howard is out of today’s line-up with an apparent leg injury, that Associated Press is reporting.  The Phillies listed him as day-to-day, saying he sprained the ligament that connects the tibia to the fibia just below the knee.

The Phillies play the Nationals today.

Quite a bit of news and notes while rolling out of bed today…

Chicago’s Mark Buehrle throws no-no, nearly perfect (AP/Yahoo! Sports) Buehrle would’ve had no-no had he not walked Texas’ Sammy Sosa.  He still faced the minimum of 27 batters.

‘King Felix’ leaves game early with arm tightness (AP/ESPN) Fantasy players holding their collective breath.

Fans gearing up for All-Star Game in San Fran (MLB.com) Rafts! Kayaks! We can’t wait for Chris Berman at the Home Run Derby brought to you by Century 21.

Games greatest players face slugger struggles (USA Today) USA Today’s baseball writer Bob Nightengale examines the sluggers that have stumbled in the season’s first few weeks, including Travis Hafner, reigning NL MVP Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols.

More after the jump »