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.

Report: Sampson won’t coach another game for Hoosiers (AP/SI.com)

According to a broadcast report on an Indiana television station, Indiana Hoosiers coach Kelvin Sampson will not coach another basketball game at the university.

WHTR of Indianapolis reported that Dan Dakich, an assistant under Sampson, will take over the program on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

The NCAA has accused Sampson and some members of his staff of five major recruiting violations over improper telephone calls to high school players.  The school is reviewing the allegations and will likely either reach a financial settlement with Sampson or suspend the coach pending termination under the teams of his contract.

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.)

McRobbie to address Sampson situation (Scout.com)

John Decker of HoosierNation.com reports that Indiana University president Michael McRobbie will address the media at 3 PM ET Friday to address the ongoing situation with basketball coach Kelvin Sampson. It is expected that the school will likely suspend Sampson for the remainder of the season rather than terminate him at this time.

The NCAA is alleging that Sampson and his staff violated organization rules and provided “false or misleading information” to investigators.

The allegations stem from a phone-call scandal that occurred while Sampson was still under recruiting restrictions following a similar episode at Oklahoma.

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.

News and notes while a good friend celebrates her 30th…

Sharapova wins Aussie (AP/USATODAY.com) In the ‘Battle of the Babes’ Australian Open final, Maria Sharapova knocked off fourth-seeded Ana Ivanovic, 7-5, 6-3.
Sources: Williams out of running for ‘Skins job (ESPN.com) Football maven Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com reports that Gregg Williams, the defensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins, is not longer under consideration to replace the retiring Joe Gibbs.

Falcons add Mularkey (AJC.com) The Atlanta Falcons have hired Mike Mularkey, who served as Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator while Saban was coaching the Dolphins, was tabbed as the new offensive coordinator.

Chargers’ Kaeding kicked with broken plant leg (CP) First, it was quarterback Philip Rivers playing on an obliterated anterior cruciate ligament.  Now comes word that Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding had been booting the ball with a broken plant leg.

Mayo ruled ineligible, then reinstated (HoopsWorld.com) The NCAA ruled Friday that the talented freshman guard violated extra-benefits rules by accepting free Los Angeles Lakers’ tickets and must repay the face value of the tickets.

…and finally…

Source: Selanne expected to return (The Hockey News) THN.com reports that forward Teemu Selanne will report to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks after a half-season of contemplating retirement.

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 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.

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.

News and notes while ESPN continues to roll out the unfunny, stupid ‘True Hollywood Story’ of the (Tom) Brady Bunch…

Archbishop Burke would deny communion to Rick Majerus (STLToday.com) We gave our thoughts on it yesterday and now the worm continues to turn: the St. Louis Archbishop told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he would deny Saint Louis University coach the sacrament of communion if he did not change his positions on abortion rights and embryonic stem cell research.  And yes, he’s still asking for the the school, which is not owned or controlled by the Jesuits, to discipline Majerus.  Good luck with that, Raymond.

Cowboys owner Jones: T.O. will return (AP/SI.com) Get your $3 million roster bonus ready: Terrell Owens will be back in Dallas after owner Jerry Jones tells reporters at the Senior Bowl they’ll pick up his bonus.

Rays to announce Shields deal (MLB.com) The Tampa Bay Devil Rays and pitcher Scott Shields are planning announce a contract extension that will keep the hurler in Tampa for…seven years?

NHL, Versus extend contract by three years (AP/Y! Sports) That’s nice, but where’s ESPN?

Injuries, obligations result in All-Star realignment (USATODAY.com) Mike Brehm of USATODAY.com recites all the roster changes for the upcoming NHL All-Star Game, to be played in Atlanta, Ga.

…and finally…

ESPN’s Dana Jacobson emails apology to the Catholic League (Awful Announcing) While at a celebrity roast (and we use that term loosely) honoring ESPN’s Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg, First Take co-host Dana Jacobson used expletives to describe Notre Dame (Mike Golic’s college).  After pressure from the Catholic League, she emailed an apology.  Welcome to 2008.

(From time to time, we’ll post a short blog entry regarding a current topic or something else that catches our fancy. It might be something trivial or something that really makes us wonder what the hell is going on.)

***UPDATED at 2:39 PM ET***

The Archbishop says Majerus should be disciplined, according to STLToday.com.

We happened to mention this in the “The Power Lunch” earlier today, but we just glossed over the issue.

Saint Louis University hoops coach Rick Majerus attended a Hillary Rodham Clinton pep rally at a St. Louis-area high school on Saturday and was asked by a KMOV reporter on his thoughts on varying topics.

Majerus told the reporter that he was a pro-choice advocate and backed the idea of stem cell research in hopes of science finding cures for diseases.

Of course, that didn’t sit well with the Archbishop of St. Louis, Raymond Burke, who told KMOV the following:

“I simply would have to insist that it’s not possible for a representative of the university to espouse these views which are, in open, uh violation of moral law, let alone Catholic teaching. …What people hold in the privacy of their own consciouses and so forth is between God and themselves, but when you represent a Catholic institution and you make public declarations that are contrary to Catholic teaching, uh that’s not unacceptable.”

There’s just one teeny, tiny problem with that: his views don’t.  Saint Louis University was declared a non-religious institution by the Missouri State Supreme Court in 2006 in order to get tax increment financing (TIF) for their new basketball arena.

More after the jump »

News and notes while Small White Ball finds the first video of the ‘Mike & Mike’ roast…

Immunity unlikely for McNamee (MLB.com) Brian McNamee’s lawyer has asked for immunity in exchange for his testimony and deposition before Congress and will likely get turned down.  Within this story is mention that Roger Clemens’ lawyers have tried to serve McNamee in his defamation lawsuit 12 times — without success.

Irsay: Caldwell would take over Colts should Dungy walk (AP/Y! Sports) Colts owner Jim Irsay tabs assistant head coach JIm Caldwell as Tony Dungy’s replacement should Dungy step down as rumored.

Day 5: Serena, Henin, Sharapova advance to round four (AP/SI.com) Serena Williams, Justine Henin and Maria Sharapova roll on to the fourth round of the Aussie Open.

Odom expected to announce he’ll retire at season’s end (ESPNU.com) Citing several sources, Andy Katz of ESPN.com reports that South Carolina Gamecocks hoops coach Dave Odom is expected to announce his retirement on Friday.

Mangino wins Bear Bryant award (AP/USATODAY.com) KU’s Mark Mangino nabbed the Paul A. “Bear” Bryant Award for college football’s coach of the year, edging out seven finalists that included Les Miles, who coached LSU to the national championship, Missouri’s Gary Pinkel and Frank Beamer of Virginia Tech.

…and finally…

One of the sickest goals you’ll ever see, scored by Columbus’ Rick Nash against the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL.com Video)

Note: We tried to embed this, but it messes up the formatting.  Our apologies.

News and notes while we spend most of the day away — and unfortunately, not for play…

Astros in holding pattern over Tejada (USATODAY.com) The Houston Astros haven’t determined if they will take action with Miguel Tejada being targeted for possibly lying to a congressional committee, writes the great Bob Nightengale of USATODAY.com.

Sale of the Cubs not imminent (MLB.com) Despite the new owner of the Tribune Cos. claims, MLB president Bob Dupuy said the notion of the club being sold by Opening Day is not likely.

Mayweather-De La Hoya II could be reality (ESPN.com) Via ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael,  Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer states that a Floyd Mayweather-Oscar De La Hoya rematch could take place in September.

Knight notches career win No. 900 (AP/Y! Sports) With Texas Tech’s 68-53 victory over the tenth-ranked Texas A&M Aggies, coach Bob Knight collected his record-setting 900th win.

Aussie: Day 4 (AP/SI.com) Federer, Kuznetsova, Venus advance to third round on day four of the Australian Open.

…and finally…

NHL, NHLPA and IIHF talk player transfer deal in Wednesday meeting (CP/The Hockey News) Is that enough initials for you? Three entities trying to iron out an agreement that will allow for European — both Western and Eastern — to come to North America with little interference.

News and notes while Congressional hearings roll on…

Sources: Ravens offer coaching gig to Garrett (ESPN.com) Sources tell ESPN.com’s Ed Werder that the Baltimore Ravens have offered their head coaching job to Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

Rex Ryan getting second call back in Atlanta (ESPN.com) Atlanta Falcons mouthpiece Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports that the Falcons are bringing in Rex Ryan for a second interview Tuesday.

Attorney: Pacman punched me (WSB-TV, ATL) When Pacman Jones goes to a strip club, trouble typically follows:  Jones lunged at Wanda Jackson and then sucker-punched her at an Atlanta, Georgia adult entertainment venue.

Forsberg might make yet another comeback (CP/TheHockeyNews.com) Veteran forward Peter Forsberg is contemplating another comeback, this time with the Sweden national team as he continues to recover from chronic foot, ankle injuries.

NCAA investigating UCLA — and John Wooden? (Los Angeles Times) Just before the start of this college basketball season, UCLA received a letter of inquiry from the NCAA, seeking information about possible illegal contact between a recruit and a person representing the interests of the university. (i-Five to SPORTSbyBROOKS.com for the tip)

…and finally…

Dallas trades Ruiz to Galaxy for cash, draft pick (AP/USATODAY.com) FC Dallas has traded leading scorer Carlos Ruiz back to the Los Angeles Galaxy for a second-round draft pick in 2009 and an undisclosed amount of allocation money.

News and notes while Dick Vitale gets in gear to return, bay-bee…

Podres, Brooklyn World Series hero, dies at 75 (AP/SI.com) The left-hander was a four-time All-Star and the first Most Valuable Player in World Series history.

Congress calls, and baseball must answer (Y! Sports) National baseball writer for Yahoo! Sports Jeff Passan previews the Congressional hearings of Bud Selig, Donald Fehr and George Mitchell on Capitol Hill.

Serena dispatches victim in Aussie opener (AP/ESPN.com) Defending champ Serena Williams easily handled Jarmila Gajdosova 6-3, 6-3 in her Australian Open opening match.

Slaton opts for NFL draft (The Charleston Gazette) After finding out two weeks ago from the NFL that he’d be a likely second round selection in the NFL Draft, West Virginia running back Steve Slaton decided to skip his senior season at West Virginia.

IIHF announces formation of league (The Hockey News) The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced the formation of a 12-team league that will compete from early October to late January and will, on an annual basis, crown the best team in Europe.

…and finally…

Chargers stun Colts minus LT, Rivers (AP/Y! Sports) Despite losing star running back LaDanian Tomlinson and quarterback Phillip Rivers with knee injuries, the San Diego Chargers stunned the hometown Indianapolis Colts 28-24 in the last game at the RCA Dome.  Colts quarterback Peyton Manning did throw for 402 yards, completing 33 of his 48 throws, but both interceptions killed deep scoring threats.

Giants topple Cowboys in Texas, advance to ‘The Frozen Tundra’ (AP/Y! Sports) The one Manning that people didn’t think would reach a conference championship game, did as Eli Manning threw two touchdown passes to Amani Toomer and led another scoring drive early in the fourth quarter to help the Giants knock off the favored Dallas Cowboys, 21-17.  Oh yeah — Terrell Owens cried after the game when talking about his quarterback, Tony Romo.