Pacific Palisades, CA, United States (AHN) - After holding on to capture the Northern Trust Open by two strokes Sunday, Steve Stricker moved up to No. 2 in the world rankings released Monday.
The 42-year-old native of Wisconsin moved past fellow American Phil Mickelson, who dropped to No. 3.
It was the fourth win in the last 15 starts for Stricker, known for his exceptional putting and his use of simple and smooth strokes.
At the famed Riviera Country Club Sunday, Stricker held off closest challenger Luke Donald.
The Englishman twice got within two of Stricker\'s six-stroke lead but could not sustain.
Stricker, who lost his Tour card nearly five years ago, completed his final round at 16-under par 268 en route to his eighth PGA Tour title.
He also pocketed the top prize of $1,152,000.
It marked the second time in his career that Stricker moved up to the No. 2 spot in the world.
Meanwhile, Mickelson, who has received much attention in the absence of top-ranked Tiger Woods, managed a 73 in his final round and finished 14 shots behind.
Mickelson was aiming to become the first player to win three straight years at Riviera.
Pacific Palisades, CA, United States (AHN) - After holding on to capture the Northern Trust Open by two strokes Sunday, Steve Stricker moved up to No. 2 in the world rankings released Monday.
The 42-year-old native of Wisconsin moved past fellow American Phil Mickelson, who dropped to No. 3.
It was the fourth win in the last 15 starts for Stricker, known for his exceptional putting and his use of simple and smooth strokes.
At the famed Riviera Country Club Sunday, Stricker held off closest challenger Luke Donald.
The Englishman twice got within two of Stricker\'s six-stroke lead but could not sustain.
Stricker, who lost his Tour card nearly five years ago, completed his final round at 16-under par 268 en route to his eighth PGA Tour title.
He also pocketed the top prize of $1,152,000.
It marked the second time in his career that Stricker moved up to the No. 2 spot in the world.
Meanwhile, Mickelson, who has received much attention in the absence of top-ranked Tiger Woods, managed a 73 in his final round and finished 14 shots behind.
Mickelson was aiming to become the first player to win three straight years at Riviera.
Boston, MA, United States (AHN) - The NBA Players Union has spoken out against the latest collective bargaining proposal. Vice President Adonal Foyle used strong words expressing his distaste.
Foyle, second in charge behind Derek Fisher called the proposal "ludicrous." He went on to call it "harsh" and "unfair."
"I think it\'s a proposal that\'s far-reaching," said Foyle. "A system like that would be too restrictive, and it doesn\'t jibe with what we think the league is."
The NBA sent the NBAPA the offer last week. It was either side\'s first major step toward replacing the current CBA, but it didn\'t go over too well.
The current agreement is scheduled to expire at the end of the 2010-11 season.
The owners are seeking a hard salary cap and want players to shorten contracts to a maximum of four years.
Foyle said the players were surprised at the demands, considering they\'ve had cordial meetings in the past.
He was thinking they were on the same page to extend the current agreement, not re-structure it.
The union\'s executive board will meet with team player representatives at All-Star Weekend to discuss the owners\' proposal.
Boston, MA, United States (AHN) - The NBA Players Union has spoken out against the latest collective bargaining proposal. Vice President Adonal Foyle used strong words expressing his distaste.
Foyle, second in charge behind Derek Fisher called the proposal "ludicrous." He went on to call it "harsh" and "unfair."
"I think it\'s a proposal that\'s far-reaching," said Foyle. "A system like that would be too restrictive, and it doesn\'t jibe with what we think the league is."
The NBA sent the NBAPA the offer last week. It was either side\'s first major step toward replacing the current CBA, but it didn\'t go over too well.
The current agreement is scheduled to expire at the end of the 2010-11 season.
The owners are seeking a hard salary cap and want players to shorten contracts to a maximum of four years.
Foyle said the players were surprised at the demands, considering they\'ve had cordial meetings in the past.
He was thinking they were on the same page to extend the current agreement, not re-structure it.
The union\'s executive board will meet with team player representatives at All-Star Weekend to discuss the owners\' proposal.
Tucson, AZ, United States (AHN) - The University of Arizona men\'s basketball program lost in more ways than one last week.
The Wildcats were swept on the court and the program sanctioned itself for NCAA rules violations.
The school is putting the program on two-years probation and will cut the team\'s scholarships by one for the 2011-2012 season.
The program is also limiting the number of days coaches can recruit, cutting the number of official campus visits recruits can make and reducing the number of coaches who can recruit at one time this summer.
The sanctions stem from violations under former head coach Lute Olson.
He was accused of improper conduct surrounding a 2008 AAU tournament.
Russ Pennell and Mike Dunlap were hired as assistants under Olson and attended the 2008 AAU tournament in question.
They went to the tournament before they were actually on the school\'s payroll.
The NCAA considers that as active coaches violating rules by attending the event.
The governing body still has to approve the sanctions and can alter them.
Tucson, AZ, United States (AHN) - The University of Arizona men\'s basketball program lost in more ways than one last week.
The Wildcats were swept on the court and the program sanctioned itself for NCAA rules violations.
The school is putting the program on two-years probation and will cut the team\'s scholarships by one for the 2011-2012 season.
The program is also limiting the number of days coaches can recruit, cutting the number of official campus visits recruits can make and reducing the number of coaches who can recruit at one time this summer.
The sanctions stem from violations under former head coach Lute Olson.
He was accused of improper conduct surrounding a 2008 AAU tournament.
Russ Pennell and Mike Dunlap were hired as assistants under Olson and attended the 2008 AAU tournament in question.
They went to the tournament before they were actually on the school\'s payroll.
The NCAA considers that as active coaches violating rules by attending the event.
The governing body still has to approve the sanctions and can alter them.
city, United States (AHN) - NCAA vice president for basketball and business Greg Shaheen said no one has pulled the trigger on expanding the tournament to 96 men\'s college basketball teams.
"We have to look into it, but we don\'t even know if we\'d do it. Just because we\'re checking into it doesn\'t mean we\'re going to do it," Shaheen told reporters last week.
The NCAA would increase the 65-team tournament to either 68 or 96 teams. The 68-team would have three "play-in games" added to the current 65-team format.
If the NCAA does expand to 96 teams, it will create a bye for the top 32 and a list for the elite few.
Teams making the finals in the 11 conference tournaments not in the top 32 will have less time to rest after playing a few straight games for the opening-round NCAA contest.
Those in the top 32 would get the top seed, extra days to rest and byes.
But don\'t hit the panic button yet. Shaheen said he is looking into all possibilities before executing any decision.
"We have to assess everything," he added. "Have we talked to people in our membership about expanding? Absolutely."
Fox Sports reported that the NCAA has an 11-year, $6-billion contract with CBS that will expire in 2013. The NCAA also has an opt-out clause it plans to exercise after this season.
Also, the NCAA contract with the 32-team NIT will end this season. The media outlet reported that a source said it was possible that the NCAA would end that relationship and add those teams to the NCAA tournament field.
"It\'s part of our due diligence," Shaheen said. "We have to look at what our membership wants."
city, United States (AHN) - NCAA vice president for basketball and business Greg Shaheen said no one has pulled the trigger on expanding the tournament to 96 men\'s college basketball teams.
"We have to look into it, but we don\'t even know if we\'d do it. Just because we\'re checking into it doesn\'t mean we\'re going to do it," Shaheen told reporters last week.
The NCAA would increase the 65-team tournament to either 68 or 96 teams. The 68-team would have three "play-in games" added to the current 65-team format.
If the NCAA does expand to 96 teams, it will create a bye for the top 32 and a list for the elite few.
Teams making the finals in the 11 conference tournaments not in the top 32 will have less time to rest after playing a few straight games for the opening-round NCAA contest.
Those in the top 32 would get the top seed, extra days to rest and byes.
But don\'t hit the panic button yet. Shaheen said he is looking into all possibilities before executing any decision.
"We have to assess everything," he added. "Have we talked to people in our membership about expanding? Absolutely."
Fox Sports reported that the NCAA has an 11-year, $6-billion contract with CBS that will expire in 2013. The NCAA also has an opt-out clause it plans to exercise after this season.
Also, the NCAA contract with the 32-team NIT will end this season. The media outlet reported that a source said it was possible that the NCAA would end that relationship and add those teams to the NCAA tournament field.
"It\'s part of our due diligence," Shaheen said. "We have to look at what our membership wants."
Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN) - Mark Coleman\'s career is in doubt, at least in the UFC. Coleman offered little resistance in his loss to Randy Couture and eyebrows are raised.
Coleman was the first heavyweight champion in UFC history and could have fought his last fight.
He submitted to a second-round rear-naked choke from fellow Hall of Famer Randy Couture in the UFC 109 "Relentless" main event Saturday night.
Coleman virtually didn\'t offer a defense and now has lost two of his three fights since returning from a decade-long absence from the Octagon.
"I think that was probably Coleman\'s last fight in the UFC," said UFC President Dana White. "Mark Coleman has always been a stand-up guy with me. I think he\'s going to have a hard time competing with these guys at the top. Age is a factor with him."
The 45-year old is slowing after putting UFC on his shoulders.
He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at UFC 82.
He\'s credited with proving the ability of wrestlers to dominate in the MMA arena.
He was the first American to successfully use the strategy that came to be known as ground-and-pound, for which he is considered the godfather.
The Ohio native hasn\'t commented on his future intentions.
Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN) - Mark Coleman\'s career is in doubt, at least in the UFC. Coleman offered little resistance in his loss to Randy Couture and eyebrows are raised.
Coleman was the first heavyweight champion in UFC history and could have fought his last fight.
He submitted to a second-round rear-naked choke from fellow Hall of Famer Randy Couture in the UFC 109 "Relentless" main event Saturday night.
Coleman virtually didn\'t offer a defense and now has lost two of his three fights since returning from a decade-long absence from the Octagon.
"I think that was probably Coleman\'s last fight in the UFC," said UFC President Dana White. "Mark Coleman has always been a stand-up guy with me. I think he\'s going to have a hard time competing with these guys at the top. Age is a factor with him."
The 45-year old is slowing after putting UFC on his shoulders.
He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at UFC 82.
He\'s credited with proving the ability of wrestlers to dominate in the MMA arena.
He was the first American to successfully use the strategy that came to be known as ground-and-pound, for which he is considered the godfather.
The Ohio native hasn\'t commented on his future intentions.
United States (AHN) - Steve Phillips, the former ESPN baseball analyst and New York Mets general manager, admitted Monday that he was aware that he had a sex addiction.
Phillips spoke for the first time since leaving Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services clinic. The clinic grabbed headlines after it was reported that golf superstar Tiger Woods was enrolled as a patient.
"What I want to do is take ownership," Phillips said in an interview with Matt Lauer on NBC\'s Today Show Monday. "I made some mistakes...I\'m fully responsible for what I did. I recognized in August, I needed help," Phillips said. "I started calling facilities."
Last August Phillips knew he had an addiction, and his mistakes caught up with him.
Phillips was having an affair with ESPN production assistant Brooke Hundley. Hundley later contacted Phillips\' wife at home telling her about the affair. By October, it made the tabloids.
His wife Marni, of 19 years, filed for divorce a few months later.
"All of that is in the past," he said. "My focus is moving forward, trying to save my family."
It was not the first time Phillips\' personal life made headlines. During his tenure as the Mets GM (1997-03), Rosa Rodriguez filed a sexual harassment suit that eventually was settled out of court. He was receiving counseling for his addiction locally.
Phillips was hired as a baseball analyst for ESPN in 2005. The network fired him on Oct. 25 after a brief suspension.
United States (AHN) - Steve Phillips, the former ESPN baseball analyst and New York Mets general manager, admitted Monday that he was aware that he had a sex addiction.
Phillips spoke for the first time since leaving Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services clinic. The clinic grabbed headlines after it was reported that golf superstar Tiger Woods was enrolled as a patient.
"What I want to do is take ownership," Phillips said in an interview with Matt Lauer on NBC\'s Today Show Monday. "I made some mistakes...I\'m fully responsible for what I did. I recognized in August, I needed help," Phillips said. "I started calling facilities."
Last August Phillips knew he had an addiction, and his mistakes caught up with him.
Phillips was having an affair with ESPN production assistant Brooke Hundley. Hundley later contacted Phillips\' wife at home telling her about the affair. By October, it made the tabloids.
His wife Marni, of 19 years, filed for divorce a few months later.
"All of that is in the past," he said. "My focus is moving forward, trying to save my family."
It was not the first time Phillips\' personal life made headlines. During his tenure as the Mets GM (1997-03), Rosa Rodriguez filed a sexual harassment suit that eventually was settled out of court. He was receiving counseling for his addiction locally.
Phillips was hired as a baseball analyst for ESPN in 2005. The network fired him on Oct. 25 after a brief suspension.
United States (AHN) - Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk will be out for seven to 10 days after being hit in the face with a puck during Saturday\'s 3-2 shootout loss against the Vancouver Canucks.
Bruins coach Claude Julien told the media Sunday that Boychuk did not need surgery for his fractured orbital bone.
The bad news is he will not be back until after the Olympic break, which starts Feb 16.
"He\'s very lucky. A quarter-inch the other way and it could have been a lot, lot worse," said Julien after his Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadians 3-0.
Boychuk was on the ice for 2:29 into the first period when he was hit by a slap shot by Canucks forward Mikael Samuelsson.
Blood covered the side of the Edmonton native\'s face, as he was whisked away by teammates Zdeno Chara and Blake Wheeler.
Boychuk has two goals with seven assists in 31 games.
The Bruins are 24-22-11 this season and will play the Buffalo Sabres (32-18 -7) Tuesday.
United States (AHN) - Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk will be out for seven to 10 days after being hit in the face with a puck during Saturday\'s 3-2 shootout loss against the Vancouver Canucks.
Bruins coach Claude Julien told the media Sunday that Boychuk did not need surgery for his fractured orbital bone.
The bad news is he will not be back until after the Olympic break, which starts Feb 16.
"He\'s very lucky. A quarter-inch the other way and it could have been a lot, lot worse," said Julien after his Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadians 3-0.
Boychuk was on the ice for 2:29 into the first period when he was hit by a slap shot by Canucks forward Mikael Samuelsson.
Blood covered the side of the Edmonton native\'s face, as he was whisked away by teammates Zdeno Chara and Blake Wheeler.
Boychuk has two goals with seven assists in 31 games.
The Bruins are 24-22-11 this season and will play the Buffalo Sabres (32-18 -7) Tuesday.
Kansas City, MO, United States (AHN) - Kansas City Royal pitcher Zack Greinke will start on Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers for the first time April 5.
It was a no-brainer that the right-hander was the man for the job, according to Royals manager Trey Hillman.
The American League Cy Young Award winner posted a 16-8 record with a 2.16-ERA last season.
"I\'d really be a stupid idiot if I didn\'t start him Opening Day, wouldn\'t I?" Hillman told MLB.com Sunday.
Gil Meche has started the last three openers.
"Zack is starting on Opening Day and Gil will pitch Game 2, barring anything unforeseen, and both those guys know that already," said Hillman.
Meche defeated the Boston Red Sox in 2007.
He had a no-decision against the Tigers in 2008, and lost to the Chicago White Sox last season. Meche in 20 1/3 innings, allowed five earned runs with a 2.22 ERA on Opening Day.
Greinke could face Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who was tied in the AL with 19 wins along with New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, and Seattle Mariners\' Felix Hernandez.
"That would be a great Opening Day matchup right there," said Hillman.
Kansas City, MO, United States (AHN) - Kansas City Royal pitcher Zack Greinke will start on Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers for the first time April 5.
It was a no-brainer that the right-hander was the man for the job, according to Royals manager Trey Hillman.
The American League Cy Young Award winner posted a 16-8 record with a 2.16-ERA last season.
"I\'d really be a stupid idiot if I didn\'t start him Opening Day, wouldn\'t I?" Hillman told MLB.com Sunday.
Gil Meche has started the last three openers.
"Zack is starting on Opening Day and Gil will pitch Game 2, barring anything unforeseen, and both those guys know that already," said Hillman.
Meche defeated the Boston Red Sox in 2007.
He had a no-decision against the Tigers in 2008, and lost to the Chicago White Sox last season. Meche in 20 1/3 innings, allowed five earned runs with a 2.22 ERA on Opening Day.
Greinke could face Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who was tied in the AL with 19 wins along with New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, and Seattle Mariners\' Felix Hernandez.
"That would be a great Opening Day matchup right there," said Hillman.
New York, NY, United States (AHN) - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom have been named the NHL \'Three Stars\' for the week ending Feb. 7.
FIRST STAR - ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Ovechkin led all NHL scorers last week with 10 points (seven goals, three assists) as the Capitals went 4-0-0, extending their franchise-record win streak to 14.
Ovechkin notched one goal in a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins Feb. 2, recorded two goals and one assist in a 6-5 win over the New York Rangers Feb. 4 and tallied one goal and one assist in a 5-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Feb. 5.
He finished the week by recording three goals and one assist in a 5-4 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins Feb. 7.
Ovechkin, who has tallied goals in each of his past five games, leads the NHL in goals (42), points (86) and plus-minus (+41).
The Capitals 14-game winning streak is a franchise record and matches the third-longest winning streak in NHL history. The last streak longer than 14 games was the Pittsburgh Penguins\' NHL-record 17-game winning streak in 1992-93.
SECOND STAR - JEAN-SEBASTIEN GIGUERE, G, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in a trade Jan. 31, Giguere became the first goaltender in Maple Leafs history to record shutouts in his first two games with the club.
He recorded 30 saves as the Maple Leafs defeatedthe New Jersey Devils 3-0 on Feb. 1 and again stopped 30 shots for his third shutout of the season and 34th of his career in a 5-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators Feb. 5, snapping the Senators\' franchise-record 11-game winning streak.
Giguere has posted a 6-8-5 record with a 2.83 goals-against average and .909 save percentage in 22 appearances with Anaheim and Toronto this season.
THIRD STAR - NICKLAS BACKSTROM, C, WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Backstrom matched Ovechkin with 10 points last week (two goals, eight assists), climbing to fourth place in the NHL scoring race (25-48--73 in 59 games) and extending his point streak to eight games (4-13--17).
Backstrom began the week by notching one assist in a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins Feb. 2.
He tied a career high with five points (one goal, four assists) in a 6-5 win over the New York Rangers Feb. 4, tallied one goal and one assist in a 5-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Feb. 5 and collected two assists in a 5-4 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins Feb. 7.
New York, NY, United States (AHN) - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom have been named the NHL \'Three Stars\' for the week ending Feb. 7.
FIRST STAR - ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Ovechkin led all NHL scorers last week with 10 points (seven goals, three assists) as the Capitals went 4-0-0, extending their franchise-record win streak to 14.
Ovechkin notched one goal in a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins Feb. 2, recorded two goals and one assist in a 6-5 win over the New York Rangers Feb. 4 and tallied one goal and one assist in a 5-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Feb. 5.
He finished the week by recording three goals and one assist in a 5-4 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins Feb. 7.
Ovechkin, who has tallied goals in each of his past five games, leads the NHL in goals (42), points (86) and plus-minus (+41).
The Capitals 14-game winning streak is a franchise record and matches the third-longest winning streak in NHL history. The last streak longer than 14 games was the Pittsburgh Penguins\' NHL-record 17-game winning streak in 1992-93.
SECOND STAR - JEAN-SEBASTIEN GIGUERE, G, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in a trade Jan. 31, Giguere became the first goaltender in Maple Leafs history to record shutouts in his first two games with the club.
He recorded 30 saves as the Maple Leafs defeatedthe New Jersey Devils 3-0 on Feb. 1 and again stopped 30 shots for his third shutout of the season and 34th of his career in a 5-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators Feb. 5, snapping the Senators\' franchise-record 11-game winning streak.
Giguere has posted a 6-8-5 record with a 2.83 goals-against average and .909 save percentage in 22 appearances with Anaheim and Toronto this season.
THIRD STAR - NICKLAS BACKSTROM, C, WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Backstrom matched Ovechkin with 10 points last week (two goals, eight assists), climbing to fourth place in the NHL scoring race (25-48--73 in 59 games) and extending his point streak to eight games (4-13--17).
Backstrom began the week by notching one assist in a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins Feb. 2.
He tied a career high with five points (one goal, four assists) in a 6-5 win over the New York Rangers Feb. 4, tallied one goal and one assist in a 5-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Feb. 5 and collected two assists in a 5-4 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins Feb. 7.
Japan (AHN) - Japanese fighter Daiki Kameda has beaten Denkaosen Kaowichit for the second time in months and is the WBA Flyweight world champion.
The 21-year-old won in an unanimous decision 116-110, 114-112, 116-110 in the 12 round bout.
Kameda is now 16-2 with 11 knockouts.
"I have been told that I have no boxing sense, no talent. But I was able to continue because of my family," said Kameda after the win.
Kameda, the middle of three boxing brothers, was suspended for a year for using dirty tactics after his failed title bid against WBC flyweight title holder Daisuke Naito in 2007.
He wrestled Naito to the canvas, but was a world removed from his past troubles after beating Kaowichit.
"For the past two years, I seriously troubled not only my family but also fans," he told fans. "But I am happy that I continued the past two years. Thank you very much to you all. Thank you."
His brother Koki once beat Naito.
Daiki lost to Kaowichit when they fought in October, so did not belt out his customary song to fans.
After defeating Kaowichit, he was free to sing again.
Japan (AHN) - Japanese fighter Daiki Kameda has beaten Denkaosen Kaowichit for the second time in months and is the WBA Flyweight world champion.
The 21-year-old won in an unanimous decision 116-110, 114-112, 116-110 in the 12 round bout.
Kameda is now 16-2 with 11 knockouts.
"I have been told that I have no boxing sense, no talent. But I was able to continue because of my family," said Kameda after the win.
Kameda, the middle of three boxing brothers, was suspended for a year for using dirty tactics after his failed title bid against WBC flyweight title holder Daisuke Naito in 2007.
He wrestled Naito to the canvas, but was a world removed from his past troubles after beating Kaowichit.
"For the past two years, I seriously troubled not only my family but also fans," he told fans. "But I am happy that I continued the past two years. Thank you very much to you all. Thank you."
His brother Koki once beat Naito.
Daiki lost to Kaowichit when they fought in October, so did not belt out his customary song to fans.
After defeating Kaowichit, he was free to sing again.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that player salaries will increase despite owners seeking rollbacks from athletes. The funds would be used for infrastructure and to increase revenue streaming.
Goodell said during Sunday\'s CBS Face the Nation that players needed to give back for the good of the game as it continues to grow.
This means new stadiums and international projects needed to be funded, as the league and ownership try to build more revenue.
"You have to invest in these stadiums that we\'re in today," Goodell said, who became commissioner in 2006. "You need to find new ways of creating revenue, whether it\'s international or otherwise. And that takes investment. And we need to make sure that the owners have the capital to be able to do that. And then the pie grows, and everyone benefits."
The players union won\'t even consider the 18 percent rollback that owners are proposing, particularly if the organizations will not open their financial records.
However, Goodell believes the money from athletes will be necessary to ensure the success of the NFL in the future.
"We want to structure something that really is going to lead us into the next decade in a way that\'s constructive, so the players benefit, the teams benefit, and most of all, the game," Goodell said.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that player salaries will increase despite owners seeking rollbacks from athletes. The funds would be used for infrastructure and to increase revenue streaming.
Goodell said during Sunday\'s CBS Face the Nation that players needed to give back for the good of the game as it continues to grow.
This means new stadiums and international projects needed to be funded, as the league and ownership try to build more revenue.
"You have to invest in these stadiums that we\'re in today," Goodell said, who became commissioner in 2006. "You need to find new ways of creating revenue, whether it\'s international or otherwise. And that takes investment. And we need to make sure that the owners have the capital to be able to do that. And then the pie grows, and everyone benefits."
The players union won\'t even consider the 18 percent rollback that owners are proposing, particularly if the organizations will not open their financial records.
However, Goodell believes the money from athletes will be necessary to ensure the success of the NFL in the future.
"We want to structure something that really is going to lead us into the next decade in a way that\'s constructive, so the players benefit, the teams benefit, and most of all, the game," Goodell said.
Seattle, Washington, United States (AHN) - The Seattle Mariners inked left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million that includes a mutual option for the 2011 season with $6 million in incentives.
Bedard, 30, had a season-ending surgery on his left shoulder due to an inflamed bursa and a torn labrum. He had a tough time last season with the nagging injury, landing him on the disabled list twice during the 2009 season.
Mariners\' general manager Jack Zduriencik said Bedard is vital to the upcoming season and he\'s assured Bedard can remain healthy according to a news release.
"We think Erik is an important piece for us to add," Zduriencik said. "We\'re confident he\'ll be ready to pitch Major League games this season. We\'ve carefully monitored his recovery from surgery and his rehabilitation process and are confident he\'ll be a contributor to our 2010 campaign."
Bedard was 5-3 with a 2.82 ERA in 15 starts with Seattle last season. He fanned 90 batters, and walked 34. After his trade from the Baltimore Orioles in 2007, Bedard posted an 11-7 record with a 3.24 ERA with the Mariners.
"My first choice was to return to Seattle, so I\'m very happy to get this done," Bedard said in the release. "I like the moves the team made this winter, and I\'m looking forward to when I can get back on the mound and help them this year."
In order to add Bedard to the 40 man roster, Seattle sent pitcher Yusmeiro Petit for assignment. Seattle has 10 days to trade, outright or release the right-hander to the minors.
Seattle, Washington, United States (AHN) - The Seattle Mariners inked left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million that includes a mutual option for the 2011 season with $6 million in incentives.
Bedard, 30, had a season-ending surgery on his left shoulder due to an inflamed bursa and a torn labrum. He had a tough time last season with the nagging injury, landing him on the disabled list twice during the 2009 season.
Mariners\' general manager Jack Zduriencik said Bedard is vital to the upcoming season and he\'s assured Bedard can remain healthy according to a news release.
"We think Erik is an important piece for us to add," Zduriencik said. "We\'re confident he\'ll be ready to pitch Major League games this season. We\'ve carefully monitored his recovery from surgery and his rehabilitation process and are confident he\'ll be a contributor to our 2010 campaign."
Bedard was 5-3 with a 2.82 ERA in 15 starts with Seattle last season. He fanned 90 batters, and walked 34. After his trade from the Baltimore Orioles in 2007, Bedard posted an 11-7 record with a 3.24 ERA with the Mariners.
"My first choice was to return to Seattle, so I\'m very happy to get this done," Bedard said in the release. "I like the moves the team made this winter, and I\'m looking forward to when I can get back on the mound and help them this year."
In order to add Bedard to the 40 man roster, Seattle sent pitcher Yusmeiro Petit for assignment. Seattle has 10 days to trade, outright or release the right-hander to the minors.
Paris, France (AHN) - The United States has advanced to the U.S. Fed Cup semifinals. Melanie Oudin clinched the win for the red, white and blue with a victory Julie Coin.
Coin filled in to replace Alize Cornet. Oudin was scheduled to face Cornet in the third singles match, but France pulled Cornet because she was reportedly nervous.
Cornet was 0-6 in Fed Cup singles action.
Oudin beat Coin 7-6(3), 6-4 to send the U.S. to the semis.
The U.S. will host the Russians in April. Russia beat Serbia 3-2.
Svetlana Kuznetsova and Alisa Kleybanova defeated Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic 6-1, 6-4 in the deciding doubles match.
Italy advanced to the semis with a win over the Ukraine.
Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone beat the Bondarenko sisters in Sunday singles play to complete a 3-1 triumph.
Pennetta opened with a 7-5, 7-6(3) win over Alona Bondarenko, and Schiavone clinched it for the Italians with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Kateryn Bondarenko .
Italy will face the Czech Republic in the semifinals. The Czechs beat Germany 3-2.
Lucie Hradecka and Kveta Peschke beat Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Tatjana Malek in doubles action to clinch the win.
Paris, France (AHN) - The United States has advanced to the U.S. Fed Cup semifinals. Melanie Oudin clinched the win for the red, white and blue with a victory Julie Coin.
Coin filled in to replace Alize Cornet. Oudin was scheduled to face Cornet in the third singles match, but France pulled Cornet because she was reportedly nervous.
Cornet was 0-6 in Fed Cup singles action.
Oudin beat Coin 7-6(3), 6-4 to send the U.S. to the semis.
The U.S. will host the Russians in April. Russia beat Serbia 3-2.
Svetlana Kuznetsova and Alisa Kleybanova defeated Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic 6-1, 6-4 in the deciding doubles match.
Italy advanced to the semis with a win over the Ukraine.
Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone beat the Bondarenko sisters in Sunday singles play to complete a 3-1 triumph.
Pennetta opened with a 7-5, 7-6(3) win over Alona Bondarenko, and Schiavone clinched it for the Italians with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Kateryn Bondarenko .
Italy will face the Czech Republic in the semifinals. The Czechs beat Germany 3-2.
Lucie Hradecka and Kveta Peschke beat Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Tatjana Malek in doubles action to clinch the win.
New York, NY, United States (AHN) - Veteran NBA stars such Kobe Bryant and LeBron James could reportedly suffer cuts to about a third of what they are eligible under the current agreement in the latest collective bargaining agreement offer.
The rollbacks, contained in the CBA offer presented by NBA commissioner David Stern to the players\' union, reduces the guaranteed maximum salaries of veteran superstars.
It will not also spare rising NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose, according to the espn.com.
The reported proposal also includes a provision for re-negotiations of pre-existing contracts to conform to the new deal\'s limits.
It was presented nearly 18 months before the current deal is set to expire as of July 1, 2001.
The NBA is currently gearing up for the much-anticipated All-Star Games next weekend in Dallas.
New York, NY, United States (AHN) - Veteran NBA stars such Kobe Bryant and LeBron James could reportedly suffer cuts to about a third of what they are eligible under the current agreement in the latest collective bargaining agreement offer.
The rollbacks, contained in the CBA offer presented by NBA commissioner David Stern to the players\' union, reduces the guaranteed maximum salaries of veteran superstars.
It will not also spare rising NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose, according to the espn.com.
The reported proposal also includes a provision for re-negotiations of pre-existing contracts to conform to the new deal\'s limits.
It was presented nearly 18 months before the current deal is set to expire as of July 1, 2001.
The NBA is currently gearing up for the much-anticipated All-Star Games next weekend in Dallas.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - Payton\'s guts overcame Peyton\'s arm.
Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts was supposed to use the Super Bowl as the evidence he was the best quarterback in history.
Instead a Payton, New Orleans head coach Sean stole the show with his bold play calling.
"They are an outstanding team that was well coached," said Colts head coach Jim Caldwell of the Saints performance.
Saints owner Tom Benson was a little more effusive in his praise of Payton. "I think I could kiss him," he said.
The Saints made their first trip to the Super Bowl, but they looked like savvy veterans in their 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.
Sean Payton was steely-eyed in the face of pressure, as the Colts jumped out to a 10-0 lead.
Brees looked ordinary in the first quarter, completing three of seven passes, with half the incompletions resulting from drops of catchable balls.
The stage was set for the just-happy-to-be-here Saints to bumble to one of those classic 41-10 Super Bowl blowout losses.
Instead of changing things up, Payton told Drew Brees to keep on throwing.
The move paid off as Brees\' receivers found their Super Bowl legs and hands. Only three more Saints passes fell to the ground over the remaining 45 minutes of the game.
"We just kept believing in ourselves," said Brees.
The Colts were marching up and down the field early on, having an easy time with Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams\' vaunted defense.
The Saints kept blitzing though.
In fact, late in the fourth quarter, just as CBS announcer Phil Simms was recommending a more passive attack, the Saints sent the house at Peyton Manning.
A harried Manning\'s pass landed in the lap of cornerback Tracy Porter and 74 yards later as he raced to a touchdown, Mardi Gras began early in the Big Easy.
The Saints used the ball-control game plan that Payton\'s mentor, Bill Parcells, used to control another high-flying offense nearly two decades ago.
Parcells\' Giants bottled up the Buffalo Bills offense by keeping the ball away from Jim Kelly in Super Bowl XXV.
In this year\'s game, Payton\'s game plan resulted in long drives and shots of Peyton Manning waiting patiently on the sidelines.
The Colts ran six offensive plays in the second quarter and Manning went an hour and ten minutes between completions at one point in the game.
Just before the half, trailing 10-3, the Saints went for it on fourth and goal instead of kicking the field goal.
The running play was stuffed, but the favorable field position, and a stifling defensive stand by the Saints gave them the chance to get the field goal as the half expired.
Then Payton pulled his biggest surprise of all. 86 coaches before him had the chance, but Sean Payton was the first one to try it.
The Saints led off the second half with an onsides kick. Never before in Super Bowl history had a team tried one prior to the fourth quarter.
The Saints recovered the ball from a flat footed Colts team and drove for a go-ahead touchdown.
"The onsides kick really kind of got them going," said Caldwell. "They were able to go down and get a score."
"We talked about it at halftime," said Payton. "It\'s a credit to the players involved. They carried out the plan."
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - Payton\'s guts overcame Peyton\'s arm.
Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts was supposed to use the Super Bowl as the evidence he was the best quarterback in history.
Instead a Payton, New Orleans head coach Sean stole the show with his bold play calling.
"They are an outstanding team that was well coached," said Colts head coach Jim Caldwell of the Saints performance.
Saints owner Tom Benson was a little more effusive in his praise of Payton. "I think I could kiss him," he said.
The Saints made their first trip to the Super Bowl, but they looked like savvy veterans in their 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.
Sean Payton was steely-eyed in the face of pressure, as the Colts jumped out to a 10-0 lead.
Brees looked ordinary in the first quarter, completing three of seven passes, with half the incompletions resulting from drops of catchable balls.
The stage was set for the just-happy-to-be-here Saints to bumble to one of those classic 41-10 Super Bowl blowout losses.
Instead of changing things up, Payton told Drew Brees to keep on throwing.
The move paid off as Brees\' receivers found their Super Bowl legs and hands. Only three more Saints passes fell to the ground over the remaining 45 minutes of the game.
"We just kept believing in ourselves," said Brees.
The Colts were marching up and down the field early on, having an easy time with Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams\' vaunted defense.
The Saints kept blitzing though.
In fact, late in the fourth quarter, just as CBS announcer Phil Simms was recommending a more passive attack, the Saints sent the house at Peyton Manning.
A harried Manning\'s pass landed in the lap of cornerback Tracy Porter and 74 yards later as he raced to a touchdown, Mardi Gras began early in the Big Easy.
The Saints used the ball-control game plan that Payton\'s mentor, Bill Parcells, used to control another high-flying offense nearly two decades ago.
Parcells\' Giants bottled up the Buffalo Bills offense by keeping the ball away from Jim Kelly in Super Bowl XXV.
In this year\'s game, Payton\'s game plan resulted in long drives and shots of Peyton Manning waiting patiently on the sidelines.
The Colts ran six offensive plays in the second quarter and Manning went an hour and ten minutes between completions at one point in the game.
Just before the half, trailing 10-3, the Saints went for it on fourth and goal instead of kicking the field goal.
The running play was stuffed, but the favorable field position, and a stifling defensive stand by the Saints gave them the chance to get the field goal as the half expired.
Then Payton pulled his biggest surprise of all. 86 coaches before him had the chance, but Sean Payton was the first one to try it.
The Saints led off the second half with an onsides kick. Never before in Super Bowl history had a team tried one prior to the fourth quarter.
The Saints recovered the ball from a flat footed Colts team and drove for a go-ahead touchdown.
"The onsides kick really kind of got them going," said Caldwell. "They were able to go down and get a score."
"We talked about it at halftime," said Payton. "It\'s a credit to the players involved. They carried out the plan."
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (AHN) - Thousands of athletes and tourist are expected to arrive in Vancouver this week for the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, hosted by British Columbia\'s capital city.
Along with the anticipated massive gridlock on Vancouver\'s streets, organizers expect a thousand problems to crop up as multi-athletic events are held simultaneously in various locations.
Among the problems anticipated are the various kinds of food to be served athletes from 90 counties, medal designs, ticket sales, the language limitations of the volunteer staff and infrastructure facilities.
Vancouver is expected to spend $1.76 billion for the event, aside from the $900 million set aside by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to provide 15,000 Mounties.
To guide athletes and foreign and local tourists, the Vancouver Olympic Committee issued guidelines for those who will be staying in Metro Vancouver and Whistler during the duration of the winter games. The guidelines include clothes to wear, what to bring, travel time and moving around for the next two weeks.
Because of the anticipated massive traffic jams to be created by the volume of visitors to the winter games, a number of Vancouver residents are considering temporarily leaving their cars at home and taking public transport to work.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (AHN) - Thousands of athletes and tourist are expected to arrive in Vancouver this week for the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, hosted by British Columbia\'s capital city.
Along with the anticipated massive gridlock on Vancouver\'s streets, organizers expect a thousand problems to crop up as multi-athletic events are held simultaneously in various locations.
Among the problems anticipated are the various kinds of food to be served athletes from 90 counties, medal designs, ticket sales, the language limitations of the volunteer staff and infrastructure facilities.
Vancouver is expected to spend $1.76 billion for the event, aside from the $900 million set aside by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to provide 15,000 Mounties.
To guide athletes and foreign and local tourists, the Vancouver Olympic Committee issued guidelines for those who will be staying in Metro Vancouver and Whistler during the duration of the winter games. The guidelines include clothes to wear, what to bring, travel time and moving around for the next two weeks.
Because of the anticipated massive traffic jams to be created by the volume of visitors to the winter games, a number of Vancouver residents are considering temporarily leaving their cars at home and taking public transport to work.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (AHN) - The Vancouver Olympic Committee is tapping artificial freezing technology to keep the snow in Cypress Mountain from melting as warm temperatures hits one of the sites for the winter games.
The snow-hardening technique involves burying corrugated pipes under the snow filled with dry ice. This method freezes or hardens the snow from the inside out. To trap the cold, the places where the snow-hardening technique is being used are covered with a tarp when not in use.
According to Canadian Freestyle Association Chief Executive Officer Peter Judge, the snow-hardening technology even improves safety for aerials. He said athletes prefer a fast surface on their descent to the jump to have enough air to do their routines.
However, the VANOC does not use any freezing technology on ski-cross and snowboard-cross courses at Cypress Mountain because its higher elevation provides natural freezing for the snow.
Other measures taken by the VANOC include cancellation of official training days and recreational skiing by athletes and banning media on Cypress Mountain until Tuesday. Two days of training for halfpipe snowboarders will be removed from their original schedule, while training for freestyle skiers will be moved to Whistler.
VANOC also had 50 trucks of snow delivered in Cypress Mountain on Saturday.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (AHN) - The Vancouver Olympic Committee is tapping artificial freezing technology to keep the snow in Cypress Mountain from melting as warm temperatures hits one of the sites for the winter games.
The snow-hardening technique involves burying corrugated pipes under the snow filled with dry ice. This method freezes or hardens the snow from the inside out. To trap the cold, the places where the snow-hardening technique is being used are covered with a tarp when not in use.
According to Canadian Freestyle Association Chief Executive Officer Peter Judge, the snow-hardening technology even improves safety for aerials. He said athletes prefer a fast surface on their descent to the jump to have enough air to do their routines.
However, the VANOC does not use any freezing technology on ski-cross and snowboard-cross courses at Cypress Mountain because its higher elevation provides natural freezing for the snow.
Other measures taken by the VANOC include cancellation of official training days and recreational skiing by athletes and banning media on Cypress Mountain until Tuesday. Two days of training for halfpipe snowboarders will be removed from their original schedule, while training for freestyle skiers will be moved to Whistler.
VANOC also had 50 trucks of snow delivered in Cypress Mountain on Saturday.
East Rutherford, N.J., United States (AHN) - After being informed by his agent last week that he will not become head coach of the New Jersey Nets, assistant coach Del Harris quit his post last week.
According to a report in The (Newark) Star-Ledger, Harris\' agent Warren LeGarie was told by Nets president Rod Thorn that his client will not assume the head coaching post during a conversation at Izod Center.
Harris became the top assistant coach of the Nets Nov. 2009.
After receiving word from LeGarie, the long-time NBA head coach decided during Tuesday\'s contest to leave New Jersey.
Harris, 72, has compiled a 556-457 record as head coach in 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee and Houston. He also won NBA Coach of the Year in 1994-95 with the Lakers.
Under head coach Kiki Vandweghe, the Nets currently own an NBA worst 4-46 record this season.
On December 2009, Vandweghe assumed duties as the Nets interim head coach while continuing to the duties of general manager of the team.
Vandweghe took over the post vacated by Lawrence Frank, who was dismissed after a miserable start for the Nets.
East Rutherford, N.J., United States (AHN) - After being informed by his agent last week that he will not become head coach of the New Jersey Nets, assistant coach Del Harris quit his post last week.
According to a report in The (Newark) Star-Ledger, Harris\' agent Warren LeGarie was told by Nets president Rod Thorn that his client will not assume the head coaching post during a conversation at Izod Center.
Harris became the top assistant coach of the Nets Nov. 2009.
After receiving word from LeGarie, the long-time NBA head coach decided during Tuesday\'s contest to leave New Jersey.
Harris, 72, has compiled a 556-457 record as head coach in 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee and Houston. He also won NBA Coach of the Year in 1994-95 with the Lakers.
Under head coach Kiki Vandweghe, the Nets currently own an NBA worst 4-46 record this season.
On December 2009, Vandweghe assumed duties as the Nets interim head coach while continuing to the duties of general manager of the team.
Vandweghe took over the post vacated by Lawrence Frank, who was dismissed after a miserable start for the Nets.
Tallahassee, FL, United States (AHN) - After the NCAA denied its appeal, Florida State announced Sunday it is vacating wins related to the last year\'s academic fraud violations, including 12 for the football program under former head coach Bobby Bowden.
For using ineligible student athletes, FSU will forfeit seven wins from the 2007 season and five from the 2006 campaign, including the Emerald Bowl victory against UCLA.
As a result, it will trim the legendary Bowden\'s career win total to 377.
Bowden, who was never directly tied to the academic scandal, still remains in second place all time among Division I-A coaches trailing only Penn State\'s Joe Paterno (393).
Apart from the said football wins, the university also loses the men\'s track and field 2007 NCAA title.
The women\'s basketball and baseball program will also forfeit postseason wins.
In March 2009, the NCAA\'s Division I Committee on Infractions found major violations across 10 sports involving 61 student-athletes during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
It originally meted the records penalty along with a four-year probation and reduced scholarships.
Tallahassee, FL, United States (AHN) - After the NCAA denied its appeal, Florida State announced Sunday it is vacating wins related to the last year\'s academic fraud violations, including 12 for the football program under former head coach Bobby Bowden.
For using ineligible student athletes, FSU will forfeit seven wins from the 2007 season and five from the 2006 campaign, including the Emerald Bowl victory against UCLA.
As a result, it will trim the legendary Bowden\'s career win total to 377.
Bowden, who was never directly tied to the academic scandal, still remains in second place all time among Division I-A coaches trailing only Penn State\'s Joe Paterno (393).
Apart from the said football wins, the university also loses the men\'s track and field 2007 NCAA title.
The women\'s basketball and baseball program will also forfeit postseason wins.
In March 2009, the NCAA\'s Division I Committee on Infractions found major violations across 10 sports involving 61 student-athletes during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
It originally meted the records penalty along with a four-year probation and reduced scholarships.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - Drew Brees connected on only three of his seven first-quarter passes. He would throw only three more incompletions for the rest of the game.
Brees\' turnaround sparked his team to a record-tying comeback and an NFL championship as the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV 31-17.
The superhero quarterback tied a Super Bowl record with 32 completions on 39 attempts for 288 yards and threw go-ahead touchdown passes to running back Pierre Thomas and tight end Jeremy Shockey.
He also threw a two-point conversion pass to Lance Moore that needed replay to get the call correct.
The performance earned Brees the Super Bowl MVP award.
"This was all meant to be. All destiny," said Brees.
The Saints fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter. Their comeback matches the largest deficit overcome in Super Bowl history.(The Redskins erased a ten-point lead in Super Bowl XXII.
The historic comeback was fitting for a team from the city that has been rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina since 2005.
"Everybody in New Orleans gets a piece of this trophy," said Saints head coach Sean Payton.
"Not just the city but the whole state," said Tom Benson. "Louisiana, by way of New Orleans, is back."
Peyton Manning lived up to his end of the much-hyped quarterback battle, going 31-of-45 for 333 yards. However, while trying to lead the Colts to a tying score late in the fourth quarter, Manning threw an interception that Tracy Porter returned 74 yards for a game-clinching touchdown.
Manning led the Colts to a field goal on their first drive and threw a touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon on the second drive. The Colts would only score once more in the game.
"We hurt ourselves with dropped passes. We had penalties (on defense) that kept drives going," said Colts head coach Jim Caldwell. The Colts also had several missed tackles resulting in long pass plays.
Saints coach Sean Payton made a gutsy call by calling for an onside kick to start the second half. The play resulted in a Saints recovery near midfield when the ball bounced off of Colts special teamer Hank Baskett and was recovered by Chris Reis. The drive resulted in a Pierre Thomas touchdown that gave the Saints their first lead of the game.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - Drew Brees connected on only three of his seven first-quarter passes. He would throw only three more incompletions for the rest of the game.
Brees\' turnaround sparked his team to a record-tying comeback and an NFL championship as the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV 31-17.
The superhero quarterback tied a Super Bowl record with 32 completions on 39 attempts for 288 yards and threw go-ahead touchdown passes to running back Pierre Thomas and tight end Jeremy Shockey.
He also threw a two-point conversion pass to Lance Moore that needed replay to get the call correct.
The performance earned Brees the Super Bowl MVP award.
"This was all meant to be. All destiny," said Brees.
The Saints fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter. Their comeback matches the largest deficit overcome in Super Bowl history.(The Redskins erased a ten-point lead in Super Bowl XXII.
The historic comeback was fitting for a team from the city that has been rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina since 2005.
"Everybody in New Orleans gets a piece of this trophy," said Saints head coach Sean Payton.
"Not just the city but the whole state," said Tom Benson. "Louisiana, by way of New Orleans, is back."
Peyton Manning lived up to his end of the much-hyped quarterback battle, going 31-of-45 for 333 yards. However, while trying to lead the Colts to a tying score late in the fourth quarter, Manning threw an interception that Tracy Porter returned 74 yards for a game-clinching touchdown.
Manning led the Colts to a field goal on their first drive and threw a touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon on the second drive. The Colts would only score once more in the game.
"We hurt ourselves with dropped passes. We had penalties (on defense) that kept drives going," said Colts head coach Jim Caldwell. The Colts also had several missed tackles resulting in long pass plays.
Saints coach Sean Payton made a gutsy call by calling for an onside kick to start the second half. The play resulted in a Saints recovery near midfield when the ball bounced off of Colts special teamer Hank Baskett and was recovered by Chris Reis. The drive resulted in a Pierre Thomas touchdown that gave the Saints their first lead of the game.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - The New Orleans Saints scored 16 fourth-quarter points to pull the upset over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV 31-17.
Drew Brees\' touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey tied a Super Bowl record for the most completions in a game and put the Saints up 22-17 with under six minutes to play.
A replay challenge overturned an incompletion on the two-point conversion attempt that followed. The replay showed that Lance Moore broke the plane of the goal line with the ball before a defender knocking it loose, giving the Saints a seven-point lead.
Tracy Porter intercepted Peyton Manning on the next Colts possession and returned it 74 yards for a game-clinching touchdown.
Brees finished the game 32-of-39 for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Manning went 31-of-45 for 333 yards.
New Orleans erased a 10-0 Colts lead, which matched the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - The New Orleans Saints scored 16 fourth-quarter points to pull the upset over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV 31-17.
Drew Brees\' touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey tied a Super Bowl record for the most completions in a game and put the Saints up 22-17 with under six minutes to play.
A replay challenge overturned an incompletion on the two-point conversion attempt that followed. The replay showed that Lance Moore broke the plane of the goal line with the ball before a defender knocking it loose, giving the Saints a seven-point lead.
Tracy Porter intercepted Peyton Manning on the next Colts possession and returned it 74 yards for a game-clinching touchdown.
Brees finished the game 32-of-39 for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Manning went 31-of-45 for 333 yards.
New Orleans erased a 10-0 Colts lead, which matched the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Montreal, QC, Canada (AHN) - Tuukka Rask recorded his third shutout of the season, stopping all 36 shots he faced, as the Boston Bruins routed the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 Sunday at the Bell Centre.
It was also the fourth shutout in the career of back-up goalie Rask, who was making his third straight start.
The victory ended a 10-game losing streak for the Bruins, who last won on Jan. 14 in a shootout decision in San Jose.
Adam McQuaid opened up the scoring for the Bruins in the first period followed by Marco Sturm\'s first of two goals for the contest.
Sturm sealed the win in the third frame off a Patrice Bergeron assist.
Habs netminder Jaroslav Halak turned aside 24 shots in his fifth straight start for Montreal, which saw its three-game winning streak halted.
Boston won despite being outshot 36-27.
The Bruins will aim to carry the momentum Tuesday when they play Buffalo.
Montreal, QC, Canada (AHN) - Tuukka Rask recorded his third shutout of the season, stopping all 36 shots he faced, as the Boston Bruins routed the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 Sunday at the Bell Centre.
It was also the fourth shutout in the career of back-up goalie Rask, who was making his third straight start.
The victory ended a 10-game losing streak for the Bruins, who last won on Jan. 14 in a shootout decision in San Jose.
Adam McQuaid opened up the scoring for the Bruins in the first period followed by Marco Sturm\'s first of two goals for the contest.
Sturm sealed the win in the third frame off a Patrice Bergeron assist.
Habs netminder Jaroslav Halak turned aside 24 shots in his fifth straight start for Montreal, which saw its three-game winning streak halted.
Boston won despite being outshot 36-27.
The Bruins will aim to carry the momentum Tuesday when they play Buffalo.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - The New Orleans Saints surprised the Indianapolis Colts by leading off the second half with an onside kick. The surprise play gave the Saints a brief lead, but Peyton Manning and the Colts responded to end the third quarter with a 17-16 lead in Super Bowl XLIV.
It was the first onside kick earlier than the fourth quarter in Super Bowl history, and the surprise play worked. Chris Reid recovered the ball after it bounced off of Colts special teamer Hank Baskett.
After recovering the ball from the surprised Colts, the Saints scored a go-ahead touchdown. Drew Brees completed all five of his passes for 51 yards, including a 16 yard screen pass to Pierre Thomas that reached the end zone.
Peyton Manning led the Colts back immediately, completing five of six passes for 52 yards. Joseph Addai ran in from four yards out to give the Colts the lead again.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - The New Orleans Saints surprised the Indianapolis Colts by leading off the second half with an onside kick. The surprise play gave the Saints a brief lead, but Peyton Manning and the Colts responded to end the third quarter with a 17-16 lead in Super Bowl XLIV.
It was the first onside kick earlier than the fourth quarter in Super Bowl history, and the surprise play worked. Chris Reid recovered the ball after it bounced off of Colts special teamer Hank Baskett.
After recovering the ball from the surprised Colts, the Saints scored a go-ahead touchdown. Drew Brees completed all five of his passes for 51 yards, including a 16 yard screen pass to Pierre Thomas that reached the end zone.
Peyton Manning led the Colts back immediately, completing five of six passes for 52 yards. Joseph Addai ran in from four yards out to give the Colts the lead again.
Boston, MA, United States (AHN) - Vince Carter scored 20 points to lead all five starters in double figures, as the Orlando Magic rallied past the Boston Celtics 96 -89 Sunday at TD Garden.
The eight-time All-Star also had three boards and three assists and combined with Dwight Howard in leading the Magic in the second half rally.
After trailing 51-40 at the half, the Magic came back and outscored Boston 36-11 in the third stanza.
The Celtics tried to regroup but faltered, ending a brief three-game win streak.
Howard ended with 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Magic (34-17), who moved into second place in the East, one game ahead of Atlantic Division-leading Boston.
Jameer Nelson scattered 15, while Rashard Lewis had 14 for the victors.
Rajon Rondo scored 17 points to pace the Celtics, who lost despite the return of leading scorer Paul Pierce.
Pierce missed the last two games due to a left foot problem.
Ray Allen logged 14, while Pierce and Kevin Garnett each had 13 in the setback.
Boston, MA, United States (AHN) - Vince Carter scored 20 points to lead all five starters in double figures, as the Orlando Magic rallied past the Boston Celtics 96 -89 Sunday at TD Garden.
The eight-time All-Star also had three boards and three assists and combined with Dwight Howard in leading the Magic in the second half rally.
After trailing 51-40 at the half, the Magic came back and outscored Boston 36-11 in the third stanza.
The Celtics tried to regroup but faltered, ending a brief three-game win streak.
Howard ended with 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Magic (34-17), who moved into second place in the East, one game ahead of Atlantic Division-leading Boston.
Jameer Nelson scattered 15, while Rashard Lewis had 14 for the victors.
Rajon Rondo scored 17 points to pace the Celtics, who lost despite the return of leading scorer Paul Pierce.
Pierce missed the last two games due to a left foot problem.
Ray Allen logged 14, while Pierce and Kevin Garnett each had 13 in the setback.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - The Indianapolis Colts stopped a New Orleans Saints drive at the one yard line to preserve a 10-6 lead at halftime of Super Bowl XLIV.
After being on the wrong side of a steep time-of-possession mismatch, the Saints limited the Colts to just six offensive plays in the quarter.
Drew Brees connected on four straight passes to lead the Saints to a field goal at 9:34 of the quarter, when kicker Garrett Hartley connected on a 46-yard attempt. Hartley added a 44 yarder as time expired.
On their second drive of the quarter, Brees led the Saints on a 13-play march. A 27 yard pass to Marques Colston set the Saints up on the Colts three yard line.
Kelvin Hayden and Gary Brackett each contributed two tackles as the Saints tried four times to get into the end zone.
Brackett and fellow linebacker Clint Session stopped Saints running back Pierre Thomas for no gain on fourth down from the one-yard line.
After trailing by 10 entering the second quarter, the Saints are looking to tie a Super Bowl record for biggest deficit overcome in a victory.
Brees is 16 of 22 for 164 yards. Manning is 10 of 16 for 97 yards and a touchdown.
Joseph Addai of the Colts is the game\'s leading rusher with 60 yards on seven carries.
Reggie Bush leads the Saints with 13 yards on four carries.
Despite sitting out all week with an ankle injury that left his playing status in doubt, Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney recorded the game\'s first sack early in the second quarter.
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - The Indianapolis Colts stopped a New Orleans Saints drive at the one yard line to preserve a 10-6 lead at halftime of Super Bowl XLIV.
After being on the wrong side of a steep time-of-possession mismatch, the Saints limited the Colts to just six offensive plays in the quarter.
Drew Brees connected on four straight passes to lead the Saints to a field goal at 9:34 of the quarter, when kicker Garrett Hartley connected on a 46-yard attempt. Hartley added a 44 yarder as time expired.
On their second drive of the quarter, Brees led the Saints on a 13-play march. A 27 yard pass to Marques Colston set the Saints up on the Colts three yard line.
Kelvin Hayden and Gary Brackett each contributed two tackles as the Saints tried four times to get into the end zone.
Brackett and fellow linebacker Clint Session stopped Saints running back Pierre Thomas for no gain on fourth down from the one-yard line.
After trailing by 10 entering the second quarter, the Saints are looking to tie a Super Bowl record for biggest deficit overcome in a victory.
Brees is 16 of 22 for 164 yards. Manning is 10 of 16 for 97 yards and a touchdown.
Joseph Addai of the Colts is the game\'s leading rusher with 60 yards on seven carries.
Reggie Bush leads the Saints with 13 yards on four carries.
Despite sitting out all week with an ankle injury that left his playing status in doubt, Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney recorded the game\'s first sack early in the second quarter.
Dubai, DM, United Arab Emirates (AHN) - Spain\'s Miguel Angel Jimenez rattled three-pars in the three-hole sudden death playoff Sunday to edge European Tour No. 1 Lee Westwood and win the Dubai Desert Classic.
Jimenez, twice a runner-up in the tournament, remained in contention with a 12-footer on the second to save par after his English opponent missed winning putts on the first two holes.
The 46-year-old Spaniard recovered from earlier mistakes and drained a 4-footer on the third playoff hole to capture his 16th European victory.
Both Jimenez and Westwood registered even-par 72s Sunday and finished regulation tied at 11-under 277.
Thai Thongchai Jaidee shot a 73 to finish third. He missed the playoff by a single stroke at minus-10.
Alvaro Quiros of Spain, who was also tied for the overnight lead, shared sixth place with last year\'s winner Rory McIlroy after a 75.
McIlroy carded a one-over 73 in the final round.
Meanwhile at Pacific Palisades, Calif., Steve Stricker continued rolling Sunday and held on to win the Northern Trust Open by two strokes.
Stricker, who started the final round at the storied Riviera Country Club with a six-shot advantage, completed his third round with a 70 to prevail over England\'s Luke Donald.
Donald mounted a late rally but managed to finish with a five-under par 66 for 270.
Sharing third place at 271 were Dustin Johnson (66) and JB Holmes (67).
With the victory, Stricker will overtake fellow American Phil Mickelson as No. 2 in the world rankings, set to come out this week.
Dubai, DM, United Arab Emirates (AHN) - Spain\'s Miguel Angel Jimenez rattled three-pars in the three-hole sudden death playoff Sunday to edge European Tour No. 1 Lee Westwood and win the Dubai Desert Classic.
Jimenez, twice a runner-up in the tournament, remained in contention with a 12-footer on the second to save par after his English opponent missed winning putts on the first two holes.
The 46-year-old Spaniard recovered from earlier mistakes and drained a 4-footer on the third playoff hole to capture his 16th European victory.
Both Jimenez and Westwood registered even-par 72s Sunday and finished regulation tied at 11-under 277.
Thai Thongchai Jaidee shot a 73 to finish third. He missed the playoff by a single stroke at minus-10.
Alvaro Quiros of Spain, who was also tied for the overnight lead, shared sixth place with last year\'s winner Rory McIlroy after a 75.
McIlroy carded a one-over 73 in the final round.
Meanwhile at Pacific Palisades, Calif., Steve Stricker continued rolling Sunday and held on to win the Northern Trust Open by two strokes.
Stricker, who started the final round at the storied Riviera Country Club with a six-shot advantage, completed his third round with a 70 to prevail over England\'s Luke Donald.
Donald mounted a late rally but managed to finish with a five-under par 66 for 270.
Sharing third place at 271 were Dustin Johnson (66) and JB Holmes (67).
With the victory, Stricker will overtake fellow American Phil Mickelson as No. 2 in the world rankings, set to come out this week.
College Park, MD, United States (AHN) - Greivis Vasquez had twenty six points and eleven assists, leading the Maryland Terrapins in toppling defending national champions North Carolina 92-71 Sunday in an ACC clash at Comcast Center.
Eric Hayes added 16 points and four boards, while Landon Milbourne finished with 15 points for the Terrapins, who conquered UNC for the fourth time in their last five meetings.
Apart from enabling the Terps move to 16-6 overall and 6-2 in conference, the victory also helped Maryland firm its grasp in the ACC standings.
The Terps currently occupy second place in the ACC.
The struggling Tar Heels, who have dropped three straight and six of their last seven, were paced by Marcus Ginyard who scored 17 points.
Ed Davis posted a double-double with 10 markers and 16 boards for North Carolina (13-10, 2-6), which is on the verge of falling to the bottom of the league standings.
The Tar Heels are in 10th spot in the ACC, a half-game out of last place.
College Park, MD, United States (AHN) - Greivis Vasquez had twenty six points and eleven assists, leading the Maryland Terrapins in toppling defending national champions North Carolina 92-71 Sunday in an ACC clash at Comcast Center.
Eric Hayes added 16 points and four boards, while Landon Milbourne finished with 15 points for the Terrapins, who conquered UNC for the fourth time in their last five meetings.
Apart from enabling the Terps move to 16-6 overall and 6-2 in conference, the victory also helped Maryland firm its grasp in the ACC standings.
The Terps currently occupy second place in the ACC.
The struggling Tar Heels, who have dropped three straight and six of their last seven, were paced by Marcus Ginyard who scored 17 points.
Ed Davis posted a double-double with 10 markers and 16 boards for North Carolina (13-10, 2-6), which is on the verge of falling to the bottom of the league standings.
The Tar Heels are in 10th spot in the ACC, a half-game out of last place.