Panthers wideout Jarrett charged with DWI (AP/SI.com)

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett has been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) after he was arrested early Tuesday in Meckenburg County, North Carolina.

Jarrett, a former star at Southern Cal, was pulled over at 3 a.m. in Charlotte and was released by authorities on $1,000 bond.

He was the club’s second round pick in last year’s NFL Draft.

News and notes while cleaning things up around the domicile…

Source: Yankees wouldn’t stand in way NHL contest (ESPN News Services) The NHL would like to place their next “Winter Classic” at the soon-to-be closing Yankee Stadium in January 2009, the final event at “The House That Ruth Built.”

Fitzgerald to stay with Gridbirds (Larry-Fitzgerald.com) Pending the approval of the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals and wideout Larry Fitzgerald have agreed to terms on a contract extension for four years.

Ex-Ram, fans drop suit against Patriots (Boston Globe) Remember that ridiculous lawsuit filed by former St. Louis Rams player Willie Gary against the New England Patriots for millions of dollars? It was dropped due to what lawyers cite as an “exercise in futility”.

Heels to retire Hansbrough’s jersey (AP/SI.com) As a reward for winning a national player of the year award courtesy of the Sporting News, junior Tyler Hansbrough will have his jersey retired to the Dean Dome rafters.

Comcast, Big Ten Network coming to agreement? (SPORTSbyBROOKS) Via the sports marketing publication the Sports Business Journal, cable company Comcast and the Big Ten Network may finally be coming to an agreement to have the cable giant to carry the network on its airwaves.

…and finally…

Clayton Kershaw has a wicked curve (YouTube) Not as wicked as the “Uncle Charlie” that St. Louis pitcher Adam Wainwright dropped on New York’s Carlos Beltran in the 2006 NLCS, but it’s still really, really, really neat-o.

News and notes while the Patriots go after Matt Walsh…

Ranking the best GMs in the game (SI.com) Jon Heyman of SI.com has the usual suspects atop the list. Great nugget: The poster boy of  “Moneyball” is retiring.  Jeremy Brown, the pudgy OBP machine, is hanging ‘em up at age 28.

Study: Jeter is worst defensive shortstop in baseball (New York Post) Predictably, the New York media is none-too-happy with the results of this University of Pennsylvania study.

Time for Pettitte to tell the whole truth (FOXSports.com/New York Post) Joel Sherman of the New York Post wants Yankees pitcher to come clean.

Tennesse punter gets DUI, loses scholarship (Chattanooga Times Free Press) Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.

..and finally…

Kyle Kendrick gets punked by teammates, management (YouTube)

News and notes while dropping in for a spell and enjoying the five-game Red Wings losing streak….

Posada supports Clemens (Daily News) Even though he didn’t watch the Congressional hearings this week, Yankees catcher Jorge Posada still believes that Roger Clemens didn’t take PEDs.  Good to see he’s making an informed opinion, nevermind that  his comments don’t show much love for current teammate Andy Pettitte.

LoDuca apologizes for ‘mistakes in judgment’ (AP/SI.com) More PEDs: Washington Nationals catcher Paul LoDuca apologized for being mentioned in the Mitchell Report in a released statement by the ballclub.  Thankfully, he didn’t say he “misremembered” taking the stuff.

Zednik released from hospital (AP) The Florida Panthers defenseman who was inadvertently slashed by a falling teammates’ skate was released from a Buffalo, New York-area hospital.  Zednik’s season is over.

Zach Thomas not ready to hang ‘em up (Florida Today/USATODAY.com) The recently-released Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas tells a South Florida radio station that he’s not ready to retire from the NFL.

Indiana investigation a sham (IndyStar.com) Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz writes what everyone is thinking: the Indiana University investigation in the major NCAA violations by hoops coach Kelvin Sampson is nothing more than a sham.

…and finally…

$100M spy suit says Pats, coach cheated St. Louis (Boston Herald) So let’s get this straight: taping a walk-through is going to tilt a Super Bowl in a team’s favor? This guy should sue then-Rams coach Mike Martz for not using running back Marshall Faulk.

(Note: We hope to be back on a regular basis for most of next week.  We definitely won’t be around from February 23 through March 4-ish. We apologize for being away, but life gets in the way sometimes.)

Rep. Davis refutes report on Pettitte’s testimony jibing with McNamee’s (ESPN.com)

In Tuesday’s editions of the New York Daily Newsday, Rep. Tom Davis of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform states that Andy Pettitte’s testimony in a closed session last week seemed to coincide with Roger Clemens’ accuser, Brian McNamee.

Davis told ESPN.com’s T.J. Quinn that he was misquoted and misunderstood in his comments to the paper.

According to the paper, much of Pettitte’s testimony corroborated that of McNamee.

Newsday, citing confidential sources, reported that during a workout in 2002, Pettitte asked McNamee: “How come you don’t give me the stuff you give Roger?” McNamee reportedly replied “Because it’s illegal.”

Davis told the daily that “The Rocket” doesn’t attack Pettitte any his testimony.

Pettitte has been excused from Wednesday’s hearings and according to ESPN’s Quinn, is a “bad witness” and got the information they needed for the hearings. 

News and notes while making a brief return…

Questions good enough to launch a rocket (FOXSports.com) Ken Rosenthal writes for FOXSports.com that it’s now gametime as Congressional hearings are set to go Wednesday for Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee.

Vikes’ Udeze has leukemia (KSTP.com) The Minnesota Vikings are extending their “thoughts and prayers” to defensive end Kenechi Udeze after a television station reported Monday that he has a form of leukemia.

NFL looks beyond experience for its new crop of coaches (SI.com) Don Banks of SI.com takes a look at the spate of NFL head coaching hirings this offseason.

Mayock doesn’t see McFadden in top-20 (Pancake Blocks) NFL Network draft expect Mike Mayock released his top-10 overall picks Monday and Arkansas’ Darren McFadden didn’t make the cut — or a spot in the top-20 (i-five to TheFanHouse for the story).
Malarchuk remembers the blood (Calgary Herald) The former NHL goalie who had his jugular vein sliced 19-years ago speaks out on the similar injury suffered by Florida Panthers defenseman Richard Zednik on Sunday.

…and finally…

Chris Berman video fun (YouTube/The Big Lead) We missed out on the Chris Berman video frenzy in the last week or so, but The Big Lead found one Tuesday that we have to share.

News and notes while coming to the realization that Gary Bettman has been NHL commish for 15 freakin’ years…

Kevin Everett: Standing tall (AP/Y! Sports) Five months after accident, the Buffalo Bills tight end is walking, standing tall.

Giants GM Reese hits jackpot in first draft (USA Today) In his first year on the job, New York Giants GM Jerry Reese has done a solid job in the NFL Draft, writes Tom Weir of USATODAY.com.

Irish hire Tenuta as assistant coach (AP/SI.com) Jon Tenuta, who guided the Georgia Tech defense to a 20th-ranked finish in ‘07, has been hired as assistant head coach for defense. He’ll assist DC Corwin Brown.

Agent meets with committee lawyers (AP/MLB.com) An employee of the sports agency that represents Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte spoke Thursday to the congressional committee investigating drugs in baseball.

Professional sports is very interesting (The Onion) We read it. We laughed. We’re sharing.

…and finally…

ESPN bloopers (YouTube) The YouTubes had the Chris Berman clip of him going batshit crazy over a production error. Today, we bring you other ESPN bloopers.

Hurricanes draft pick arrested for suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia (CP/The Hockey News)

Former Minnesota Golden Gophers defenseman and Carolina Hurricanes draft pick Nate Hagemo was arrested in Minneapolis earlier this week on suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia.

From the Canadian Press:

Hagemo was sitting in a vehicle in an area known for car-to-car drug activity when police approached. According to reports, police found syringes and other items associated with heroine use.

Here’s an interesting anecdote: Hagemo was drafted in 2005 and has since retired due to “unsuccessful shoulder surgery.” Ladies and gentlemen — that may be the first instance (and maybe the last) we’ll ever post those words.

News and notes while K-State fans celebrate the end of a long losing streak against KU at home…

Mets sit down with Santana’s agent (AP/SI.com) With a short negotiating window that ends at 5 PM ET Friday, the New York Mets and the agent for left-hander Johan Santana sit down to lay the framework for a mega-deal.

Umps’ neighbors quizzed on controversial topics (USATODAY.com) In the wake of the NBA/Tim Donaghy scandal, MLB decided it would be a good idea to do background checks on their umpires.  Apparently, investigators have some odd questions about their subjects.

Sabathia ok with expanded drug testing (MLB.com) Burly left-hander says “bring it on.”

Burress defends bold prediction of Giants victory (Reuters) Tom Brady lobbed a volley back towards Plaxico Burress and Burress answers.

Hockey legend Lafleur wanted by police (CP/The Hockey News) According to authorities in Montreal, Que., hockey legend Guy Lafleur is wanted for giving contradictory evidence as a witness at his son’s bail hearing last fall, his lawyer said.

…and finally…

John Kruk appears on ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’ (The700Level.com) Former MLBer John Kruk makes a cameo appearance on the Cartoon Network’s “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.”

Note: Due to some appointments, we will not be around much of the morning hours.  We apologize in advance for the lack of updates during Thursday.

News and notes while rumors swirl that the Erik Bedard deal may’ve hit an injury snag…

Pettitte will discuss Clemens, lawyers say (New York Times) According to Duff Wilson and Michael S. Schmidt of the New York Times, the lawyers for Mitchell Report informant Brian McNamee say that NY Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte will disclose the PEDs usage of Roger Clemens before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

With Santana Mets ease September pain (Y! Sports) By acquiring winning Johan Santana from the Minnesota Twins, Yahoo! Sports’ Tim Brown writes, the New York Mets have helped ease the pain of their late 2007 crash from atop the NL East standings.

MU hoops coach suspends five indefinitely (STLToday.com) Graham Watson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that Missouri hoops coach Mike Anderson has suspended five players indefinitely for violating teams rules by being at a Columbia nightclub early Sunday morning.

Former Patriot Joe Andruzzi is in fight for his life (SI.com) Tim Layden of SI.com profiles former New England Patriots guard Joe Andruzzi, who is battling Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that advances with such haste that it can double in size in just 24 hours.

Super Bowl tickets are way over price of admission (USATODAY.com) Larry Weisman of USATODAY.com reports from the “No Duh Department.”  Face value of tickets are in the ‘hood of $700.

…and finally…

NHL All-Star Game ratings up from last year in U.S., down in Canada (CP/The Hockey News) The ratings in the U.S. had nowhere to go but up.

Pettitte’s meeting with Congress PPD (AP)

The Associated Press is reporting that Congress has pushed back New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte’s testimony until next Monday.

The interview, before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, was scheduled for Wednesday.

“Mr. Pettitte is cooperating voluntary with the committee, and we look forward to his testimony on Monday,” panel chairman Henry Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis said in a joint statement. “We appreciate Mr. Pettitte’s willingness to assist the Committee.”

News and notes while Paris Hilton and Terrell Owens exchange digits…

Marlins inch closer to stadium deal (MLB.com) The seemingly never-ending saga of the Florida Marlins landing a new stadium in south Florida apparently is inching forward as a Feb. 5 meeting of the Miami-Dade County commissioners looms.

Royals lead Santana race? (Joe Posnanski) The Kansas City Star’s Joe Posnanski pokes a little fun at the ridiculousness of the daily updates regarding the “race” for Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana.
Final Vick defendant gets probation, fine (USATODAY.com)  The final defendant connected to Michael Vick’s dogfighting case netted three years probation and a $500 fine after he cooperated with prosecutors.

Phoenix Suns president has outdoor pre-season game in works (Business Journal of Phoenix) The Phoenix Suns are planning to play the NBA’s first outdoor game during next year’s preseason at the Indian Wells (Calif.) Tennis Garden, Suns president and CEO Rick Welts said, according to the Business Journal of Phoenix.

IUPUI hoops coach’s shoe drive for charity a huge success (Indianapolis Star) UPUI coach Ron Hunter, who coached barefoot against Oakland University Thursday, got a huge response, with more than 110,000 pairs of athletic shoes donated.

…and finally…

Whitlock: ‘Mike & Mike’ aren’t big stars (FOXSports.com) Another Kansas City Star writer shares this space as Jason Whitlock, writing for FOXSports.com, takes a look at the Dana Jacobson controversy and offers an opinion on it within this notes column. (ifive to The Big Lead for the info.)

News and notes while Daniel Alfredsson lights the lamp…

Committee reviewing McNamee tapes (New York Times) According to Duff Wilson of The New York Times, the House oversight committee is reviewing the tapes and transcripts three conversations that feature Brian McNamee, Roger Clemens’ former personal trainer who claims he injected the multi-time Cy Young Award winner with PEDs.

2008 MLB master schedule released (BizofBaseball) Want to see every team’s schedule? The Biz of Baseball has it all in PDF form.

Redskins still trying to find their man (AP/NFL.com) After rumors of the hiring of Jim Fassel being inaccurate earlier this week, the Associated Press reports that other candidates have yet to be interviewed.  Josh McDaniels or Steve Spagnuolo, anyone. (ifive to PFT.com for the tip.)

Iverson, Garnett make All-Star squads (AP/SI.com) Allen Iverson of the Denver Nuggets and Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtic headline the 2008 NBA All-Star Game starters, which will be held in New Orleans.

Cyclist sues USADA for drug testing plan (AP/USATODAY.com) An anonymous cyclist is suing the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for “overreaching its own rules and protocols.”

…and finally…

The Super Bowl bye week jamboroo, in which Drew pauses to make a serious point about blogging as journalism, then makes chili (Deadspin.com) A great read if you’re interested in blogging.

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.

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.

Knoblauch subpoenaed after failing to respond to invitation (AP/ESPN.com)

Four-time All-Star Chuck Knoblauch was subpoenaed Tuesday by a congressional committee investigating steroids in baseball after he failed to respond to an invitation to give a deposition.

“The committee has taken this step because Mr. Knoblauch failed to respond to the invitation to participate voluntarily in a deposition or transcribed interview and the Feb. 13 hearing,” committee chairman Henry Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis said in a statement.

Fireballer Roger Clemens is slated to talk to members of Congress this upcoming Saturday and friend former teammate Andy Pettitte on Jan. 30.