Sharpton: Isiah Thomas owes apology to black women (AP/USA Today)

Rev. Al Sharpton, never one to shy away from a media spotlight, promises to lead protests against Madison Square Garden unless New York Knicks bench boss Isiah Thomas apologizes for saying whites and blacks should be held to different standards when it comes to using derogatory or colorful language.

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The University of Illinois abruptly ended the University of Wisconsin’s winning streak at 14 games, knocking off the No. 5 Badgers 31-26 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill.

Fighting Illini running back Rashard Mendenhall lit up the stat sheet, compiling 162 yards on the ground and ripping off two touchdowns in the win.

The Illini now sit atop the Big 10(11) with a 5-1 record.

Cubs hope Wrigley Field crowd will get them back in series (AP/Y! Sports)

The NLDS series featuring the Arizona DiamondBacks and Chicago Cubs wings its way back to Chi-town for a Saturday evening game at “The Friendly Confines.”

Nevemind that the club needs to take care of business on the field, some players are hoping that the crowd creates an atmosphere that will disrupt the D’Backs momentum.
More after the jump »

The morning after Manny Ramirez stood like a statue after clubbing his walk-off…

Yankees 1, Indians 2 (11 innings)

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News and notes while we enjoy a rather quiet weekend…

Embattled Bronco Henry vows to play Sunday (ESPN.com) Fearing a one-year ban for flunking a drug test that he claims is an “illegal B-sample,” Henry vows to play against Chargers.

Saddened Jones pleads guilty in doping case (USA Today) If she’s truly remorseful, she coughs up her medals that she earned under “questionable” circumstances.

Don’t blame Torre (FOX Sports) FOX Sports baseball insider Ken Rosenthal suggests that Yankees manager Joe Torre shouldn’t get blame for what is looking like a short playoff stay for his club.

LaRussa may make decision next week (STL Today) Skipper: please end the drama and tell the world that you’re leaving.  Worst. kept. secret. ever.

Glavine declines option, now free agent (SI.com) The 41-year old lefty elected to decline his option of $13 million for ‘08, will test free agent waters.

Abreu needs some bats (YouTube) They just don’t make bats like they used to, do they?

According to a broadcast report on ESPN’s SportsCenter via Ric Bucher, Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis suffered what appears to be a serious injury while practicing with the club on Friday evening.

The injury occurred after a seemingly innocuous collision with a teammate and subsequently collapsed to the floor.  Ellis was immobilized and taken to the hospital after the player reported little to no feeling in his extremities.

Ellis was voted the NBA’s most improved player for the 2006-2007 season from a panel of 129 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada.

More later today…

***UPDATED at 3:23 AM ET***

Ric Bucher has now filed a report for ESPN.com.

Ellis released from hospital after neck injury (USA Today)