Tilghman issues apology upon return (ESPN.com)

In a special to ESPN.com, Bob Harig writes that Kelly Tilghman, who was suspended for inflammatory remarks on Jan. 4, issued a 21-second apology just prior to The Golf Channel’s coverage of the Buick Open.

“In a recent live broadcast, I used an inappropriate word that was offensive to many. Over the last two weeks I’ve taken the time to reflect and truly understand the impact of what I said,” she said. “While I did not intend to offend anyone, I understand why those words were hurtful. I am terribly sorry for any hurt that I have caused. I would like to express my deepest apologies.”

We wonder if she heard Jim Brown’s comments earlier Thursday on ESPN’s First Take.

Feds’ case could take hit (AP/MSNBC)

A federal appeals court said Thursday it will reconsider its earlier ruling granting federal investigators use of the names and urine samples of about 100 major leaguers who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Players and owners agreed in their labor contract that the results would be confidential, and each player was assigned a code number to be matched with his name.

Yanks close to deal with second baseman Cano (FOXSports.com)

The New York Yankees and All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano are nearing a deal that will pay out $30 million over four years, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com.

The deal, writes Rosenthal, will likely include club options that would enable the Yankees to buy out one or two years of free agency.

Clemens pre-hearing postponed (AP)

Accused PEDs user Roger Clemens has had his pre-hearing with Congress postponed from Feb. 3 to Feb. 5 to allow more preparation time for both sides.

Lawyers for Clemens and his former trainer Brian McNamee have said their clients will appear.

News and notes while ogling Tim Tebow’s ladyfriend…

Writer: Dana Jacobson didn’t day “Fuck Jesus” (The Big Lead) According to Atlantic City Press writer Scott Cronick, who attended the “Mike & Mike” celebrity roast, ESPN First Take co-host Dana Jacobson did not say the magic words that pissed off The Catholic League.

Jim Brown calls out Tiger on ‘lynch’ controversy (ESPN.com) NFL Hall of Fame player Jim Brown said Thursday that Tiger Woods should have spoken out against racially insensitive remarks made by Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman that led to her two-week suspension from the airwaves.

Belichick refuses to talk about Brady injury (WJZ.com) Patriots coach Bill Belichick refused to address questions regarding the “Injury Heard ‘Round the World” that has been hampering Tom Brady.

Banks: My first crack at projecting the NFL draft’s first round (SI.com) SI.com’s Don Banks projects the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft.

Rick Majerus takes a stand (STLToday.com) Earlier, we linked to a story by St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bernie Miklasz, who penned a column featuring an extensive interview with Rick Majerus.  In his online blog, Miklasz writes a bit more extensively on his interview with the Saint Louis University hoops coach, as well as some background on their relationship and the letters of support Majerus has received.

…and finally…

Tony Romo dumps Jessica Simpson? (OK! Magazine) Via SPORTSbyBROOKS, OK! Magazine is reporting that Dallas Cowboys signal caller Tony Romo has dumped singer/entertainer Jessica Simpson.

Donaghy’s sentencing is delayed until April (Philadelphia Inquirer)

David Aldridge of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes that former NBA referee Tim Donaghy’s sentencing on two felony charges stemming from a basketball gambling scam has been delayed again until April.

Donaghy, who pleaded guilty last August to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and transmitting betting information across state lines, is scheduled to be sentenced April 18 in New York.

Day 11: Nadal thumped; women’s final all set (AP/USATODAY.com)

The eleventh day of the Australian Open is in the books and the Open final is set as Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic march into this weekend’s final.

Sharapova can clinch her third Grand Slam singles title with an Aussie final win.

“You have your bad moments in your career and you have your good moments, and it’s been a good ride so far,” said the Russian, who hasn’t dropped a set in six matches and earlier ended No. 1 Justine Henin’s 32-match winning streak. “But it’s not over yet.”

Ivanovic, the object of CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell’s affection,  fought her way back down one set to knock out Daniela Hantuchova in the second women’s semifinal match at the Australian Open, 0-6, 6-3, 6-4.

On the men’s side, Rafael Nadal lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2, 6-3, 6-2. Tsonga will face the winner of Roger Federer and No. 3 seed Novak Djokovic.

News and notes while laughing at Jose Canseco…

Majerus defiant — with respect (STLToday.com) Bernie Miklasz of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that Saint Louis University basketball coach Rick Majerus stands by his comments made late last week in regards to his views on abortion and stem cell research.

Baylor knocks off No 16 Texas A&M — in 5OTs (AP/USATODAY.com) You read that right: it took unranked Baylor five overtimes to take out Big XII rival Texas A&M, 116-110.  Good thing you read because you certainly couldn’t watch it thanks to the lousy contract the conference has lined up.

No Fassel deal — yet (ESPN.com) The tag-team duo of ESPN.com’s Len Pasquarelli and Chris Mortensen report that the Washington Redskins have not yet come to terms with Jim Fassel on becoming their next head football coach.  Jim Zorn, who was mentioned Wednesday as the new offensive coordinator, is among the top picks for the spot.

Samuels, Cooley to wear ‘21‘ (Redskins.com) Speaking of Washington, Chris Cooley and Chris Samuels will honor former teammate — and fellow Pro Bowler — Sean Taylor by wearing his old jersey number during the upcoming event on February 10.

Beane’s blueprint calls for pinching pennies (Y! Sports) National baseball writer Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports profiles Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane, whose Moneyball means of management will once again be utilized in the Bay Area.

…and finally…

Rangers to retire Leetch’s No. 2 (CP/The Hockey News) One of our favorites growing up will see his number retired by the New York Rangers Thursday.  Brian Leetch, the stalwart rearguard who helped the Rangers win their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, will see his No. 2 raised to the Madison Square Garden rafters.