Folks –

We’re still on a temporary sabbatical, but we’ll be back — better than ever — hopefully by next week.

So hang in there and we’ll be delivering the “news” like you remember.

News and notes while SI.com’s Richard Deitsch covers Super Bowl media day so we don’t have to…

KU coach Mangino undergoes tests (Kansas City Star) J. Brady McCollough writes that Kansas football coach Mark Mangino underwent tests at Lawrence Memorial Hospital for undisclosed reasons.

Indianapolis planning bid for 2012 Super Bowl (AP/USATODAY.com) With getting ready to open Lucas Oil Stadium, a retractable-roof facility, the city of Indianapolis is prepping a bid for the 2012 Super Bowl.

Katz closer to buying Oilers (Edmonton Sun) Jonathan Huntington of The Edmonton Sun writes that billionaire Daryl Katz is closer to becoming the new owner of the Edmonton Oilers after another potential bid has fallen through.

MLB to end Hall of Fame Game (MLB.com) The San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs will take part in the last game to be played at Cooperstown, New York’s Doubleday Field.

Barbaro’s ashes to be interred at Churchill Downs (AP/Y! Sports) It’s been awhile since we posted something about the legendary racehorse Barbaro, so we give you this: his ashes will be interred at Churchill Downs.  Say a little prayer!

…and finally…

Eric Crouch finds a new career: All-American Football League quarterback (AAFL website) This PDF document shows that the Texas-based squad selected Eric Crouch to be their quarterback.

Pistorius sees little hope of running in Beijing Games (AP/USATODAY.com)

Oscar Pistorius, the double-amputeed sprinter who lost a judgement by the IAFF to participate in the 2008 Beijing Game, has virtually given up his fight to appear in those Games and his focusing on 2012 in London.

While still appealing the ruling by the IAFF, Pistorius told the Associated Press.

“I can’t even run in qualifiers. I won’t be able to run in Beijing anyway, so I am looking at 2012,” Pistorius said Monday before an appearance organized by the national sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport.

Pistorius is still waiting for an appeal to be ruled upon by the IAFF.

News and notes while in awe of Shawn White’s 1260 (video)…

O’s deny Bedard deal in place (Baltimore Sun) On Sunday, The Seattle Times reported that the Mariners and the O’s were close to finalizing a trade for lefty Erik Bedard.  Now comes word from The Baltimore Sun that the Orioles are denying that a deal is done.  Also, Bedard’s agent told The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec that he hasn’t been notified of such a transaction.

Brady acknowledges injury, says he’s ‘ready to go’ (USATODAY.com) Tom Brady of the Patriots says he’s ready to go for the match-up against the New York Giants after getting some therapy and doing drills to test his injured right ankle.

Carroll turned down Redskins (NFL.com) Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder flew to St. Louis, MO to talk to USC head coach Pete Carroll about the vacant head coaching position in the nation’s capital.  Carroll reportedly turned down the overture.

Right now, I’d take Brady over Joe (The Press Democrat) Matt Maiocco of The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, Calif.) writes in his Super Bowl XLII blog that he’d take Tom Brady over NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana…sorta.

Sources: Warriors to sign veteran Webber (ESPN.com)  Marc Stein, the NBA reporter for ESPN.com, writes that the Golden State Warriors are on the verge of inking veteran Chris Webber despite the fact that he and head coach Donn Nelson have a feud that dates back some 14 years.

…and finally…

50 thoughts from Australian Open (SI.com) Jon Wertheim of SI.com drops his top 50 list of things that captured his fancy “Down Under.”

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 Peter King recovers from having his heart break…

Day 8: Federer, Blake and Venus all winners (AP/USATODAY.com) Today’s recap of the Aussie Open.

FIFA, UEFA to pay clubs $225M (TSN.ca) Top European soccer clubs will receive about US$252 million over the next four years as compensation for using players in international games.

No dumb blond jokes here (LA Times) T.J. Simers of The Los Angeles Times remembers former Los Angeles — and now St. Louis — Rams owner Georgia Frontiere and takes a poke at a newspaper colleague.

Language was hurtful, but actions were profane (WashingtonPost.com) Michael Wilbon of The Washington Post tackles the Golf Channel controversy (I-Five to The Big Lead for the tip).

Review: ‘God Save the Fan’  by Will Leitch (DanShanoff.com) The great Dan Shanoff who doesn’t read our emails anymore since he’s hit the big time — we’re kidding – gives a review to the upcoming book, “God Save the Fan” by Deadspin’s Will Leitch.

News and notes while Dan Marino’s cell phone rings — again…

Report: Tulowitzki, Rockies agree to record pact (MLB.com) Via The Denver Post, the Colorado Rockies and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki have agreed on a contract extension that will pay him $30 million over six seasons.

Dungy to announce future on Monday (ESPN.com) According to ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen, Indianapolis Colts owner Robert Irsay believes that head coach Tony Dungy is leaning towards returning.

New Golfweek editor will apologize for controversial cover (USATODAY.com) Jeff Babineau, the newly appointed editor of Golfweek, will apologize for a picture of a noose on its cover to illustrate a package of stories about Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman.

Source: UCLA hires Chow as OC (ESPN.com) Norm Chow has been hired by UCLA as offensive coordinator, sources close to Chow told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Louisville’s Brohm will not play in Senior Bowl (SI.com) According to SI.com’s Tony Pauline, Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm has elected not to take part in the Senior Bowl.  He joins Boston College signal caller Matt Ryan on the list of top-rated quarterbacks backing out.

NHLPA head: More teams for Canada (Palm Beach Post) Within this Florida Panthers notebook for the Palm Beach Post, NHL Player’s Association topper Paul Kelly would like for the league to consider Canadian cities should they decide to expand again in the near future.

…and finally…

Q&A with Brian Boitano (USATODAY.com) What would Brian Boitano do? Sit down with Amy Rosewater of USATODAY.com, that’s what (sorry, we just wanted to use a South Park reference).

Golfweek replaces editor responsible for ‘noose’ imagery (AP/ESPN.com)

The editor who decided it’d be a good idea to put a noose on the cover of Golfweek magazine in reference to the Kelly Tilghman controversy, was canned.

“We apologize for creating this graphic cover that received extreme negative reaction from consumers, subscribers and advertisers across the country,” Turnstile Publishing Co. president William P. Kupper Jr. said. “We were trying to convey the controversial issues with a strong and provocative graphic image. It is now obvious that the overall reaction to our cover deeply offended many people. For that, we are deeply apologetic.

To recap: that’s how to lose a good gig in less than 24 hours.

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 Orenthal James will have to come up with a bit more cash to return to Florida to search for the real killers…

Rockies back to business (The Denver Post) Troy Renck of The Denver Post writes that the Colorado Rockies and outfielder Matt Holliday have made no progress in contract talks.

Marion Jones appears on Oprah Show (AP/Y! Sports) Sprinter Jones dishes it with Oprah, mad she didn’t get a car.

Moss comments on accusations (Boston.com) Randy Moss defends recent allegations that he assaulted a woman and is hit with a restraining order.

Bills name Schonert new OC (AP/ESPN.com) Turk Schonert, the Bills quarterbacks coach, was promoted to offensive coordinator, replacing Steve Fairchild who departed for Colorado State to become head coach.

The top five worst fist-pumpers of all time (The Sporting Blog) The fine folks at The Sporting Blog rate those who pump their fists in times of irrational exuberance.

Pacman Jones: ‘Some of the strip clubs have the best food in America” (The FanHouse) Submitted without comment. (i-five to Yardbarker for the tip)

News and notes while Darren Rovell’s favorite female tennis player writes another blog entry for USATODAY.com…

Verducci: Mitchell Report officially a success (SI.com) Baseball writer Tom Verducci of SI.com writes that the Mitchell Report was a success, stating that “baseball’s self-examination left them [Congress] with little to complain about.”

Giants GM Sabean might be disciplined (Yahoo! Sports) After being confronted by Cong. Henry Waxman during Tuesday’s hearings, MLB commissioner Bud Selig stated that disciplining San Francisco Giants GM Brian Sabean is “under review.”

Rolen gets first taste of Toronto (MLB.com) Newly-acquired third baseman Scott Rolen is introduced to the Toronto media, minus any shots at his former manager in St. Louis, skipper Tony La Russa.

Top seed Henin rolls into third round at Aussie (AP/SI.com) Justine Henin’s 30-match win streak continues as she downed Russian Olga Poutchkova 6-1, 7-5 in the Australian Open’s second round.  Other notable winners include Venus Williams and Roger Federer.

Duke lax prosecutor files for bankruptcy as filings are due in lawsuit (AP/Y! Sports) Mike Nifong, America’s favorite former prosecuting attorney, filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday, citing $180 million in liabilities. Nifong was the Durham, N.C. district attorney who claimed that three Duke lacrosse players raped a woman at a team party in March of ‘06.

…and finally…

Disgruntled Toronto fans weigh in on Maple Leafs’ losing ways (CP/TheHockeyNews.com) The passionate Toronto Maple Leaves Leafs are in a tizzy over the franchise’s losing ways.

Chicago Olympics to cost city an estimated $900 million (ChicagoTribune.com)

The Chicago Tribune’s Kathy Bergen writes that Chicago’s effort to lure the 2016 Olympic Games will be a mighty pricetag for the town.

$900 million.

With revenues for staging an event projected to generate roughly $2.5 billion will help cover the cost of putting the games on in “The Windy City.”  According to Bergman, Chicago’s bid team said the city can expect revenue from the International Olympic Committee, which sells TV rights to the Games.

Included in that price: a $385.9 million bill for building a mostly temporary facility in Washington Park.

News and notes while digging up something to post in this space…

Knoblauch ends silence about Mitchell Report (NY Times) Former MLB all-star — and wayward throwing second baseman — Chuck Knoblauch broke his silence on being named in the Mitchell Report, telling the New York Times that he has “nothing to defend.”

Grantham out in Cleveland (PFT.com) A source tells ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio reports that the Cleveland Browns have axed defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.

Sens’ Spezza, Heatley join Alfredsson at all-star game (CP/THN) The NHL has released the remainder of the Wales Eastern Conference All-Star roster.

Former figure skating champ dead of possible drug overdose (AP/SI.com) Former U.S. figure skating champion Christopher Bowman died of a possible drug overdose in a California motel room. He was 40.

‘American Gladiators’ — A brilliant comeback! (SportsBIZ) Old friend Darren Rovell of CNBC writes that NBC’s re-incarnation of the cult hit “American Gladiators” from the 1990s is an initial success.

…and finally…

Hell hath no fury like Serena Williams scorned (The Big Lead) Does everyone have a blog? Anyway, the tennis great has one and she’s quite upset with a paramour.

Jones gets sentenced to 6 months in prison (MSNBC)

Former Olympic sprinter Marion Jones, who for years denied allegations that she took PEDs and late last year came clean after the federal government busted her for check fraud, has been sentenced to six months in prison according to a broadcast report on MSNBC.

Ruling on amputee sprinter Pistorius delayed (AP/USATODAY.com)

The International Association of Athletics Federations (you know, the governing body of track & field folks with a heart) has delayed announcing their decision regarding whether or not double-amputee Oscar Pistorius will be allowed to compete in the 2008 Beijing Games to Monday.

Why the delay?

The move by the IAAF allows Pistorius’ side to prepare a response to the findings of German professor Gert-Peter Brueggemann, who conducted tests on the prosthetic limbs and said they give him a clear competitive edge.

A report on Thursday indicated that the IAAF would prevent Pistorius from competing in the ‘08 Games.

***UPDATED at 11:24 PM ET***
Oscar Pistorius says he won’t ’stand down’ and will appeal any ban levied his way.

Sir Edmund Hillary has died today aged 88-years-old (TV3 News)

According to TV3, a New Zealand-based media outlet, famed adventurer Sir Edmund Hillary has passed away at the age of 88.

The man who scaled Mt. Everest in 1953 with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and met Sir Vivian Fuchs at the South Pole in 1958, was mourned by Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand in a prepared statement (after the jump).
More after the jump »