VoV
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NFL
– The Charlotte Observer reports that Bengals WR Chris Henry suffered “life-threatening” injuries when he fell out of the back of a pickup truck in Charlotte, North Carolina Wednesday. His agent, Andy Simms, says Henry is “battling for his life” at a Charlotte hospital, and is believed to be on life support. Henry is believed to have suffered head injuries before being found roadside by police. Henry “came out” of the truck during a domestic dispute with his fiancee, a Charlotte native. As Henry’s fiancee was allegedly driving away in the pickup, he is said to have jumped into the bed and ultimately fell or was forced out. Henry had been in Charlotte to finalize wedding plans. Police say Henry is still alive, but the situation is dire.
Police spokesman Robert Fey says no charges have been filed against Henry’s fiancee Loleini Tonga, who was allegedly driving the pickup truck Henry fell from the back of. Henry often credited Tonga with helping him turn his life around after a string of arrests and NFL suspensions that threatened his football career. Henry landed on season-ending injured reserve after fracturing his forearm in Week 9.
– Citing “numerous league executives,” NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora reports that the Browns’ potential hiring of Mike Holmgren to run football operations would spell the end for coach Eric Mangini’s one-year Cleveland stint. Holmgren is reportedly “very interested” in the position and would likely take the organization in a “new direction,” hiring a coach from the same Bill Walsh/West Coast offense tree he came from. The Browns are 2-11 through 13 games under Mangini. Coaching targets for Holmgren may include Jon Gruden, Steve Mariucci, Jim Zorn, Dick Jauron, and Marty Mornhinweg.
MLB
– The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Orioles have signed 3B Garrett Atkins to a one-year deal. It’s a good landing spot for Atkins, who will be handed the starting job and can work to rebuild his value. The 30-year old hig just .226 with nine home runs for the Rockies in 2009, but averaged 25 home runs the previous three seasons. In the span of one day, the Orioles have addressed their two biggest holes.
The Orioles have also signed LHP Mike Gonzalez to a two-year/$12M deal, with an additional $4M in incentives. Gonzalez immediately becomes Baltimore’s best bet to open the season as closer. The Type-A free agent will not cost Baltimore its’ first-rounder, so Atlanta ends up with no first rounders out of their departed relievers in Gonzalez and RHP Rafael Soriano.
– Multiple sources informed Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald that the odds of Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez landing with the Red Sox this winter are “remote.” Gonzalez, 27, is a perfect fit in San Diego, where the lineup lacks power and money is tight. He posted a .958 OPS and 40 home runs in ’09 while earning just $3M. He’s only owed $4.75M in 2010 and carries a bargain $5.5M club option for 2011.
– The Angels have officially signed DH Hideki Matsui to a one-year/$6M deal.
– Boston Red Sox signed free agent CF Mike Cameron to a two-year/$15.5M deal. He gets a $1M signing bonus and annual salaries of $7.25M.
– The Brewers have signed RHP LaTroy Hawkins.
– The Blue Jays signed C John Buck to a one-year/$2M deal and RHP Lance Broadway.
– The Tigers have re-signed INF Ramon Santiago to a two-year/$2.5M deal.
NHL
– According to Sportsnet.ca, the Flames might host one of two outdoor games next season. In addition to the Winter Classic that’s expected to be hosted by a US city on January 1, 2011, the NHL might have a second outdoor game in Canada on February. All six Canadian teams have expressed interest in being part of an outdoor game, but right now it looks like the Canucks will play in Calgary. Stay tuned.
WWE
– There are now conflicting reports regarding Booker T’s future in the wrestling industry. Just last week, the Wrestling Observer reported that negotiations between T and WWE had fallen through. This week’s issue, however, is reporting that he’s telling friends he’s returning to WWE to compete on Raw. PWInsider.com also recently reported that negotiations between the multi-time world champion had fallen through, but that he was planning to ask for his job back with TNA.
TNA
– Kevin Nash has been teasing a nWo reunion featuring Scott Hall and X-Pac. Stay tuned for more details.
– Kevin Nash has had conversations with Mark Madden in hopes of convincing him to join TNA as an announcer. Reportedly, Nash dislikes Taz as an announcer and was complaining loudly when he replaced Don West.