NFL

– The Giants have acquired QB Sage Rosenfels and RB/PR Darius Reynaud from the Vikings for a 5th-round pick in 2011 and a conditional draft pick in 2012. Rosenfels finished the preseason 31-of-51 for 402 yards, 4 TDs and 0 INTs. He threw 15 TDs in 9 games for the Texans in 2007. Solid backup acquisition for the G-Men, although many other teams could’ve used him to start this season.

– Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that four teams, the Vikings, Jets, Cardinals, and Chargers, have trade offers on the table for Seahawks’ WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Reedy is an excellent beat reporter, but the source for this story may be a Seahawks front office member, or even Houshmandzadeh’s agent in an attempt to create a market for the 33-year-old receiver, so keep that in mind. It seems a bit suspicious, too – the Cardinals and Jets don’t need another wideout, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has reported that the Vikings do not have interest, and the Chargers just acquired WR Patrick Crayton. The Redskins and Raiders have also shown interest but haven’t tabled an offer.

– Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas reports that the Cowboys are fielding trade offers from teams about RB Marion Barber and RB Tashard Choice. Watkins cites “multiple sources,” but one source tells ESPN’s Matt Mosley that the team will not trade Barber, but doesn’t downplay the possibility of Choice being moved. Though a trade seems unlikely, Dallas is in trade mode, having sent away Patrick Crayton and Pat McQuistan on Friday.

– The Ravens have placed FS Ed Reed (hip) on the reserve/PUP list. He’s eligible to return in Week 7. Despite Reed’s recent optimism, the club opted to “not take any chances” for six weeks. It’s an obvious blow to Baltimore’s defense.

– NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi reports that the Broncos will place DE Elvis Dumervil (torn pectoral) on the IR Saturday, which will end his season. Denver’s defence already looks like a mess this season, and losing Dumervil will just make matters worse.

– The Texans have waived/injured RB Jeremiah Johnson (dislocated toe). The plan is to work out a settlement and re-sign him to the practice squad. Johnson has been unable to stay healthy through two training camps. He missed all of his first season with a shoulder injury, and the injuries may increase the chances he clears waivers.

NHL

– Canucks’ G Roberto Luongo’s contract extension has officially ben OK’d, as well as the long-term deals of Ilya Kovalchuk, Marian Hossa, Marc Savard and Chris Pronger. GM Mike Gillis said, “I don’t thing any of us were too worried about it, we’d see what the outcome would be and then move ahead. I don’t think anyone had the sense of worry, it was more a technical thing. No matter what the outcome would be, we were going to work our way through it and move forward.” Luongo is now set to be a Canuck for life.

NBA

– The Nuggets have reportedly been flatly denying trade offers for F Carmelo Anthony, as GM Masai Ujiri attempts to repair the team’s relationship with their star. Denver is already shopping G J.R. Smith hard and they don’t want to be held hostage by Melo’s desire to leave. As noted by CBSSports.com, “If Anthony still hasn’t signed his extension by the February trade deadline, all signs point to him being dealt to a team of his choice. Stay tuned.

– Lakers’ G Kobe Bryant (knee) is “just about to start doing basketball workouts again,” according to teammate Luke Walton. Bryant said that his knee feels “great,” and it seems like he’ll be fine by the time training camp starts. He missed 9 games last season, raising his total to a measly 16 DNPs in the past five years.

WWE

– It was announced during last night’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown that Kane would put his World Heavyweight Championship on the line against The Undertaker at Night of Champions. The event takes place September 19, 2010 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Below is the updated PPV card:

WWE Championship Six Pack Challenge
Sheamus (c) vs. Wade Barrett vs. Chris Jericho vs. Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. John Cena
(If Chris Jericho doesn’t win the WWE Championship, he will leave WWE.)

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

Divas and Women’s Championship Unification Lumberjill Match
Team LayCool (Layla or Michelle McCool) (c) vs. Melina (c)

– Matt Hardy is apparently frustrated as he posted the following gripe on his Twitter account Thursday:

“As u know,I’m extremely passionate about my job-I give everything I have every time I’m in the ring. Its frustrating when its not enough. Gotta state this. I’m sick & tired of being ‘hurt’, being misused, & not being shown the respect that I’ve earned-something has to change.”

“As far as “kayfabing” people, I’ve never done anything intentionally 2 insult my fans-I just try to make things unpredictable & real for u. IMO, that’s how pro wrestling should be.. Unpredictable & full of suspense-I try & keep that in mind. Cuz as a fan, that’s what I want.

“For the record, I’m not “quitting”, I don’t have my head down & I’m as optimistic as ever-but sometimes, u gotta just say what’s on ur mind.”

– Contrary to rumours, WWE has not re-signed Eugene.

VoV

Marc Valeri – captaincharisma@hotmail.com
VoV – www.voiceofvaleri.com
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MLB

– Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Cardinals “look unlikely” to acquire Astros’ RHP Roy Oswalt. Cards’ GM John Mozeliak hinted Sunday that the Astros’ demands are high, which backs up earlier reports. “At this point, it’s entirely possible that there may not be a deal out there. We’re continuing to explore avenues, but as we speak I can’t say I’m encouraged.” Even if Oswalt’s primary destination is St. Louis, the Cards appear unwilling to part with major pieces of their future.

– Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Rangers are taking a “close look” at Cubs’ 1B Derrek Lee. Lee is a free agent after this season and no progress has been made in negotiations toward a contract extension. While the Cubs might be willing to unload the first baseman by the end of the week, nothing suggests that they’ll be sellers at the deadline. He’s batting .251/.338/.391 with 11 homers and 44 RBI.

NFL

– The NFL has completed its investigation into the shooting at Eagles’ QB Michael Vick’s birthday party and has cleared Vick to play. Vick was never a suspect in the case, but his mere presence at the scene could have put him in hot water with the league and the law. This is great news for Vick and co. as he heads into training camp. It should also scuttle rumors that Vick was going to be cut.

– Bengals’ owner Mike Brown confirmed that the team is talking to free agent WR Terrell Owens, and adds that “it is up to him.” It sounds like the Bengals have an offer on the table. T.O. would surely want more money to play for the non-contending Rams, who are meeting Monday to decide if pursing him is a good idea. Meanwhile, the Bengals’ serious interest in Owens shines a bad light on WR Antonio Bryant’s troublesome knee.

– ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Patriots and QB Tom Brady are making enough progress in contract talks that Brady could have an extension in place by the end of the summer. The biggest obstacle thus far has been the uncertainty of the CBA. Schefter reports that no deal is imminent, but says negotiations are “positive.” The Patriots are said to be nearer to extending Brady’s contract than the Colts are to QB Peyton Manning or the Saints for QB Drew Brees (all 3 are in contract years). FOX Sports’ Adam Caplan reports that Brady reported to Patriots camp on Sunday, which should put to rest rumours that Brady would hold out.

– Packers’ OC Joe Philbin acknowledged that WR Donald Driver’s (knees) surgically repaired knees remain a concern. “Obviously, we have to see what happens with Driver’s knee when he comes back…I haven’t seen him do anything since January 10.” Philbin also said he expects more playing time for WR James Jones and WR Jordy Nelson. Driver averaged nearly 60 snaps per game last season, but with his health diminishing at 35, that’ll likely be cut to around 45-50.

NBA

– Pacers’ G Tyler Hansbrough (concussion) has been working out full speed on the court sans contact. Hansbrough had a “little vertigo” as recently as two weeks ago, and the Pacers are being understandably cautious about his return. It sounds like there’s a good chance he’ll be ready to play in training camp and the preseason.

WWE

– An organization called the “Mothers Opposing McMahon” (MOM), which opposes Linda McMahon’s campaign to become a United States Senator this November, is now attacking the former WWE CEO over the “Eugene” character that the company featured from 2007-2009.

The MOM organization has posted a video on Youtube, which you can view here, that quotes Linda McMahon talking about the unique brand of entertainment that WWE delivers – followed by WWE television footage of Vince and Shane McMahon sliming and then beating down the mentally challenged wrestler.

The video caption slams the McMahons for featuring “a character with developmental disabilities [who is] is violently beaten, humiliated, and verbally abused by Vince and Shane McMahon. The MOM organization claims to be “a grassroots group of Connecticut women working to build opposition to Linda McMahon’s Senate candidacy based on McMahon’s record as CEO of the WWE, where she marketed to kids graphic sex, brutal violence, and the degrading, abusive treatment of women to make herself millions of dollars in profits.”

While the MOM organization has their hands full trashing Linda McMahon, another organization – the Fans United against Mothers Opposing McMahon (FU-MOM), is firing back at defending McMahon.

– WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart was married over the weekend to his fiance Stephanie Washington. This is the third time down the aisle for Bret. Stephanie Washington is a 27 year old woman from San Francisco, California who is now going to school up in Calgary. They began dating earlier this year. The couple is expected to spend their honeymoon in Hawaii. Since WWE will be taping the next 2 weeks of RAW shows tonight (due to the upcoming international tour), it’s likely that Bret and Stephanie will not leave for Hawaii until later this week at the earliest.

– Since opening an account on Twitter last week, Randy Orton has made numerous comments of note. For starters, he was asked to give his thoughts on Bryan Danielson as a performer as well as his sudden firing from World Wrestling Entertainment.

“I understand why it happened. But he def deserves to be there, I’m sure he’ll b back. Very talented in my opinion.”

Orton also continues to bring up former WWE performer Ken Anderson’s name, whom he recently ranted about on a message board post in regards to claims concerning his dismissal from the company last year. He laughed at a fan noting he already had more Twitter followers than Anderson and threatened to send the former WWE star after an Orton poser if he didn’t shut down his account. However, it would appear that Orton has since had a change of heart in regards to the current TNA star as he now feels that last year’s incident was a misunderstanding.

In response to a question this morning asking if he would ever make peace with Anderson, he wrote, “I think what happened is a misunderstanding and at this point there is peace. Hell……we used to ride together.”

Finally, Orton revealed that he will have a new shirt out within thirty days.

– WWE will be taking two episodes of RAW tonight from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, because of the RAW crew will be overseas next week for the company’s latest international tour. No matches have been announced for the show, but John Cena and Randy Orton vs. Sheamus and Nexus is being advertised locally as the dark match main event.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with some commentary on the following topics:

TNA’s Hard Justice PPV: “We’re getting lots of questions on the revisited, ECW TV storyline being used by TNA. For the record, I hope that all wrestling organizations do well as the individuals who comprise the various company’s rosters are largely passionate fans living out their dreams. I’m not a ‘dream squasher.’ Do I think that this matter will be successful? I don’t know. It might be o.k. for a one off sort of deal for a company that needs a ‘hit.’ Time will answer the ‘will it be successful question’ which is somewhere subjective in itself as what is the true definition of ’success’ in wrestling? It varies by company, that’s for sure.”

Paul Heyman: “Paul Heyman will not be a part of this presentation which does it no favors. Heyman was the strategic mastermind behind the original ECW that grew to have a passionate, cult following and lasted much longer than many ‘experts’ predicted when ECW started up primarily due to Heyman’s leadership and creative vision along with a locker room full of passionate athletes who were in their prime and loved kicking ass.”

Joey Styles: “No, Joey Styles has no interest in broadcasting again in WWE on a full time basis, or so he has said to many, and has expressed his happiness in working to build WWE.com to an even bigger brand. Joey and I hope to broadcast one match together some day in the future for WWEClassics.com or WWE 24/7 On Demand.”

TNA

– TNA star Jeff Hardy was injured at Friday night’s TNA Live Event from Bloomington, Illinois. Hardy suffered a hand injury during a Monster’s Ball match with Abyss, but was able to finish the match. He wrestled the next night, but was said to be noticeably protecting the injured hand during his match. Hardy is not expected to miss any ring time.

– Former ECW star Michael Depoli (a/k/a Amish Roadkill) has declined TNA Wrestling’s offer to appear at next month’s Hard Justice pay-per-view event, reports the Pro Wrestling Torch. His reason for declining their invite is that he considers himself retired from professional wrestling and simply has no interest in returning.

VoV

Marc Valeri – captaincharisma@hotmail.com
VoV – www.voiceofvaleri.com
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NBA

– In his first interview since the Cavs’ season ended with a shocking, second-round loss to Boston, F LeBron James told CNN’s Larry King that Cleveland “does have an edge” to re-sign him when he hits the open market on July 1.

“Absolutely. Because, you know, this city, these fans, I mean, have given me a lot in these seven years. And, you know, for me, it’s comfortable. So I’ve got a lot of memories here. And so it does have an edge. It’s going to be a very interesting summer and I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m far from close. July is still a month away, less than a month away. I’ve thought about it, but I haven’t began to strategize exactly.”

This is about as much information as you can plan on getting out of LeBron prior to July 1, but you can watch the whole interview on Friday night. In addition, the alleged summit between James, G Dwyane Wade, F Amare Stoudemire, G Joe Johnson and F Chris Bosh will allegedly not happen.

– G Dwyane Wade said he hasn’t made his wish list for the offseason or asked other free agents what they will do just yet, according to the Detroit Free Press. But he did say that he’ll first make a wishlist for players he’d like the Miami Heat to go after. According to the paper, Wade said that his plan to stay in Miami “hasn’t changed” but he would only do it if Heat president Pat Riley can sign some better players. Stay tuned.

“No question, I will be able to, even though I’ve still got the other things to handle. But I will be able to start focusing on my wish list, focusing on the things I want to do for my future. Even though I’ve still got other things to worry about, this kind of is a big burden off my shoulders. Now I’m able to go to Chicago and focus on something totally different.”

– Kevin McHale told reporters on a conference call yesterday that he expects to be interviewed for the job, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

“We’ve had some just primary discussions and I’ve talked to both (Bulls general manager) Gar (Forman) and (Bulls executive vice president – basketball operations John) Pax (Paxson) a little bit. So, I mean, we’ll see where it goes from there.”

– Blazers’ GM Kevin Pritchard, who joined the Portland Trail Blazers six years ago, he has seen the team make some sort of draft-related trade each year – in 2006, the team had six trades on draft day. Pritchard is already getting ready for the wheeling and dealing, according to the Oregonian. The Blazers have the No. 22 and No. 44 picks in the upcoming draft and Pritchard has already spoken to other teams about potential trades.

“We’re having discussions. I would never get into the details of where and who — we don’t comment on that kind of speculation. But it’s our job to look at every opportunity. … You’re always assessing the landscape, whether you’re looking to move up, down or stay where you are. You’re always assessing your options.”

– The Newark Star-Ledger reports that ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy has officially declined the Nets head coaching job. It is believed that Van Gundy informed the Nets of his decision around the May 18th draft lottery. New Jersey’s search seems to have narrowed to Tom Thibodeau, Avery Johnson, Monty Williams, and possibly a few wild cards.

– Lakers’ F Pau Gasol (rest) will not play for Spain and miss the World Championships.

NHL

– According to the FAN 590, Leafs’ GM Brian Burke has turned down two offers for 32-year-old All-Star D Tomas Kaberle, who has a no-trade clause in his contract that will be temporarily lifted on June 25th and won’t be reinstated until the middle of August.

“You don’t move quality players until you turn over every stone. We had two inquiries about Tomas from what I would consider interested teams that are more than nibbles. They were ‘would you consider a package like this?’”

Burke also noted that he told assistant GM Dave Nonis that it may be time to send out a note to all of the other teams to say that the Leafs are interested in hearing what everybody would offer for Kaberle, who has been with the team since 1998.

– The Red Wings have re-signed D Nicklas Lidstrom to a one-year/$6.2M deal. The Swede had nine goals and 40 assists for 49 points last season, his second-lowest total in 14 seasons, and wasn’t a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s leading defenseman for just the second time in more than a decade. Just two years ago, though, he was honoured as the NHL’s best defenseman for a sixth time to put him behind only Bobby Orr’s and Doug Harvey’s total.

– The NY Post reports that the Devils have tried to sign F Ilya Kovalchuk to a long-term deal, but the sniper will test the free agent market on July 1. Kovalchuk was already offered two big money contracts to return to Russia, one of which was from the KHL’s St. Petersburg (three-year/$30M).

Meanwhile, the Devils are close to re-signing 32-year-old D Mike Mottau, who could become a free agent in July as well. It will be the fourth season in New Jersey for Motthau, who made $775K last year. Another soon-to-be free agent, D Paul Martin, who made $4.5M last year, isn’t going to sign with the team until a replacement is named for coach Jacques Lemaire.

– Blue Jackets’ GM Scott Howson says he is getting closer to hiring a new coach. Howson told The AP on Tuesday that he didn’t want to say how soon an announcement might be made. The Blue Jackets have interviewed American Hockey League coaches Kevin Dineen of Portland and Scott Arniel of Manitoba, and are reportedly interested in Hamilton coach Guy Boucher. Blue Jackets interim head coach Claude Noel is also a candidate. The club is looking for a replacement for Ken Hitchcock, who was fired February 3.

– The Chicago Blackhawks’ win Monday night earned the best overnight rating for a Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals on record. The Blackhawks’ 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers drew a 4.1 rating and 7 share on NBC, the highest overnight rating since at least 1975, which is as far back as the records go. The rating was up 21% from last year’s 3.4 for Red Wings-Penguins. The game earned a 25.1 rating and 39 share in Chicago.

MLB

– AOL Fanhouse reports that Astros’ RHP Roy Oswalt will waive his no-trade clause if the team can move him to either the Phillies, Yankees or Cardinals. He also told the Washington Post that he’d consider going to the Nationals.

“They’ve been playing well. They’ve got a good offensive club. I saw where they have Strasburg coming up. He should make an immediate impact, especially, because no one’s seen him in the league, early. There’s always a little adjustment period there.”

Oswalt added that he feels that NL East is “wide open” this season. His possible addition would obviously make a huge difference in how that race is ultimately decided, but the Nationals would have to decide how much of the $29M remaining on Oswalt’s contract they would be willing to take on. Stay tuned.

– The Tigers have traded LHP Dontrelle Willis to the D’Backs for RHP Billy Buckner and cash. The 28-year-old Willis was designated for assignment on Sunday, giving the Tigers up to 10 days to make a move with him. He was making $12M this year. Willis was 1-2 with a 4.98 ERA in eight starts and one relief appearance this season. He’ll look to resuscitate his once-promising career with a return to the NL – it’s a worthwhile gamble, especially at the league minimum, but I’m not convinced he can be an effective big league pitcher anymore, regardless of location.

– The Pirates have acquired LHP Dana Eveland from the Jays for RHP Ronald Uviedo. The 26-year-old Eveland will be joining his fifth major league team in the past five seasons. Eveland was 3-4 with a 6.45 ERA in nine starts this season for Toronto.

– Cardinals’ RHP Brad Penny (back) threw from flat ground Tuesday for the first time since suffering his injury, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Penny will play catch again Wednesday and may throw a bullpen session this weekend. If everything goes well, there’s a chance he could return to the Cardinals next week, though his progress over the next few days will go a long way toward determining his return date.

– Jordan Bastian of MLB.com writes that Jays’ OF Travis Snider (wrist) is still at least one week away from returning from the DL. And that’s optimistic. Snider has just resumed swinging, but not hitting. He’ll likely begin his rehab with extended spring training before starting a minor league rehab assignment with Class A Dunedin.

– Indians’ OF Grady Sizemore (knee), who is set for surgery in Vail, Colorado, has not yet been scheduled to go under the knife. Sizemore has been on the DL since May 19 with a deep bone bruise in his left knee.

– D’Backs’ 3B Mark Reynolds (right quad) is expected to land on the DL on Friday.

WWE

– At Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings, it was announced that the Undertaker has withdrawn from the World Heavyweight title match at Fatal 4 Way. As reported here over the weekend, the Dead Man suffered a broken orbital bone during his match with Rey Mysterio on last week’s show.

On SmackDown, Rey Mysterio won a battle royal to earn the final spot in the World Heavyweight title match at Fatal 4 Way. World Champion Jack Swagger will now defend his title against Big Show, CM Punk and Rey Mysterio in a Fatal 4 Way match.

– Randy Orton was told over the weekend that he shouldn’t be wrestling for three weeks, according to f4wonline.com. Besides the attack from Edge last night, Orton isn’t expected to take many bumps over the next few weeks leading up to Fatal 4 Way.

– UFC light heavyweight star Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and his “A-Team” co-stars will be guest hosting next Monday’s night’s 3-hour episode of WWE RAW from Miami. According to f4wonlien.com, WWE is really hoping that they can get Rampage in the ring and do something physical.

UFC President Dana White recently commented how he had a good relationship with Vince McMahon and had no problem with Quinton appearing on RAW but if he were to do something physical, they would have to talk to him (UFC) first. Since the show is to also feature SmackDown stars, it will be interesting to see if The Undertaker is there. Taker blew Jackson off years ago when Jackson tried to meet him. Quinton never forgot about the incident and it kind of soured him on the wrestling business. Rampage was a huge wrestling fan growing up and an interesting fact not many people are aware of – the chain he wears around his neck to the cage are a tribute to his favorite wrestler as a child, the late Junkyard Dog.

– The winner of WWE’s first season of NXTwas Wade Barrett. Justin Gabriel was eliminated in round 1 of the eliminations on Tuesday night and it came down to Barrett and David Otunga. Barrett has earned a spot on the Raw or SmackDown rosters and a PPV title match.

– As announced tonight on the NXT finale, season 2 of the show will begin next Tuesday night on SyFy. Below are the Rookie and Pro pairings for the new season:

Cody Rhodes and Husky Harris (Duke Rotundo). Rotundo is the son of former WWE star & current agent Mike “IRS” Rotundo. He has been in developmental since 2009 with his brother Bo, who is currently injured.

John Morrison and Eli Cottonwood (Kip Christianson). Cottonwood stands over 7 feet tall and weighs over 300 pounds. He has been in developmental since 2009.

MVP and Percy Watson (Chris McNeil). Percy has been in WWE developmental since 2009 and has teamed with former Rookie Darren Young as The South Beach Boys.

Zack Ryder and Titus O’Neill (Thaddeus Bullard). Titus is a former Florida Gators defensive end and has been in developmental since 2009.

Michelle McCool & Layla and Kaval (Brandon Silvestry). Kaval is the former TNA and Ring of Honor star Low Ki. Kaval recently recovered from an injury and has been signed to a WWE developmental deal since 2009. Kaval has held the TNA X Division Title twice, the ROH Title once and a number of other titles around the world. Layla and McCool are the first Pros to be Divas.

Mark Henry and Lucky Cannon (Jon Emminger). Lucky Cannon is the former Johnny Prime and I don’t believe he’s been using the Lucky Cannon gimmick for long. They said on NXT that he was a former sheriff.

Kofi Kingston and Michael McGillicutty (Joe Hennig). McGillicutty is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Curt Hennig. Up until last week, he was still using the Hennig name in developmental. Hennig has been with WWE since 2008 and has held the FCW Florida Heavyweight Title once and the FCW Tag Team Titles twice.

The Miz and Alex Riley (Kevin Kiley). Riley has been with WWE since 2007 and is the current FCW Heavyweight Champion. He has worked several dark matches and live event matches for WWE over the years.

The format of NXT season 2 will see the fans and the Pros both getting 50% of the votes that decide who stays and who goes each week. Season 2 begins next week on SyFy and will be shorter than the first season.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. The highlights:

Wade Barrett Winning NXT: “No surprise that Wade Barrett won NXT Tuesday night live in Dallas. Looked like about 10,000 in the AAC. Just as an interested bystander, I would like to see William Regal mentor Barrett at the outset. Something about that pairing that intrigues me. Barrett has the look of a young Billy Robinson one of t”he all time badass hookers who trained in Wigan and who once wrestled the legendary wrestler Jack Brisco all night in an Australian hotel room.

Season 2 of NXT: “I’m looking forward to season two of NXT and am anxious to see how many new ‘tweaks’ will be utilized. Strictly speaking as a fan I would love to see some of the ‘Tuf Enough’ elements utilized from time to time including the whole crew living in a dorm-like setting.

“Some of the names the NXT rookies have been anointed with are eye brow raisers like Curt Hennig’s son Joe is now going to be called McGillicutty. Help me with this one. I understand protecting one’s intellectual property but McGillicutty? Wasn’t that Lucille Arnez’ maiden name on ‘I Love Lucy?’ Bottom line is if the kid is any where close to his dad he can be called any thing he wants.”

“Kaval has unique skills and is hungry for success, that I know. If he doesn’t make it in WWE he should go to Hollywood and use those pipes of his in animated films. Being mentored however by Layla and Michelle McCool will be different.”

New WWE Video Game: “It looks like WWE has lined up a really cool, THQ video game for me to work on and that I will likely be broadcasting along side the King in the game where Legends compete with active Superstars. I’m not sure of the release date or the creative details, etc but the concept, as explained to me, was really cool. I hope to begin my voice overs in the next week or two. We’re burning daylight on this one and need to get rocking. I’m ready! ”

Describing Vince McMahon: “An emailer asked me to describe Vince McMahon in three words. So many words come to mind but to prevent from being moved from the pasture to the feedlot I will go with….”Very, Very, Rich.”

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights of what JR said about Monday’s RAW:

Rib Played on Michael Cole: “What we didn’t see was Michael Cole get introduced before the show went on the air and I’m told he was booed out of the arena. Why, you ask? One reason might have been because he came out to my old, entrance music ‘Boomer Sooner’ the Oklahoma fight song which doesn’t play well in the home of the Texas Longhorns. Nice practical joke on Cole who later in the show had an entertaining piece of business with Daniel Bryan and the Miz. ”

Ashton Kutcher: “I thought Ashton Kutcher was a solid ‘Host.’ It was easy to see that Kutcher is a WWE fan as he seamlessly fit into the broadcast. Stars from outside the world of WWE who are fans make the best ‘Hosts’ and Kutcher was spot on with his delivery.”

Evan Bourne’s Push: “It was a great night for Evan Bourne not only interacting with Edge at the beginning of the broadcast but teaming with John Cena in the main event at the end of the broadcast. Bourne’s perception improved tonight a great deal and the high flier is a good, solid citizen who is deserving of the opportunity that was presented him tonight.”

The Usos: “The Uso’s are going to be really good if they continue to do grow, adjust to life on the road and can stay healthy. The trio has lots of natural talent and athleticism. They match up well with the Hart Dynasty and this personal issue is going to be fun to follow. I like the 3rd generation storyline and am interested to see how it evolves. ”

– SmackDown star CM Punk currently has a bet going with WWE ring announcer Tony Chimel regarding the NHL Stanley Cup.If the Chicago Blackhawks win, Chimel has to announce CM Punk as hailing from “the home of the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago, IL.” and if the Philadelphia Flyers win the Cup, Punk has to cut a promo where he mentions that “this city is not nearly as good as Philadelphia.”

– Former WWE Superstar Eugene (Nick Dinsmore) joined Matt & JD on Ring The Bell Radio. Here are some highlights:

Whose idea was it for the Eugene Gimmick: “It was my idea; I had the idea of a kids based character that couldn’t do the basic things, but when he got into the ring he would emulate his favorite stars. I remember being a kid watching wrestling feeling that way, having the awe and excitement when I saw Hulk Hogan or the Junk Yard Dog or Koko B. Ware.

How he pitched the idea to Vince: “In the developmental system (OVW) WWE used to send down members from the creative team. They said I had great in ring ability but I needed a gimmick. So I pitched the Eugene gimmick to them. They really didn’t care for it and at the time I got really frustrated. I was about to ask for my release and go to Japan or Mexico, and then I found myself in a meeting with Mr. McMahon. He looked at me and said “I want to get back to character based wrestling!” Going into the meeting I had no idea what I was going to say, but once he brought that up, I told him my idea. He sat back and laughed and said “Sounds great, you’ll start on Monday”.

Working for WCW and how it compared to WWE: “Late 98-99 I wrestled two Thunders, two Nitros and about 10 Saturday Nights. It seemed to be a bit more stressful for sure. Things weren’t ironed out as smoothly as with WWE. I remember one Nitro that they didn’t even have the line up of what was going to happen until 5 minutes after the show actually started. In WWE though it’s the same thing, but I think the “machine” and more well oiled than in WCW.”

Toughest Opponent: “Hands down….Kurt Angle. I wrestled him for about 6 weeks straight. He pulled my hair, bloodied my lip, blackened my eyes, and dropped me on my head! He was one of the most aggressive guys out there, but at the same time very professional. He was great to wrestle with but you knew you were going to be in for a fight.”

Thoughts on TNA: “TNA has the platform to do something completely different in the wrestling business right now. All of the pieces are in place in TNA right now that were in place when WCW made more money than any wrestling company in history. People are expecting things to happen immediately in TNA and you can’t make the magic happen like that. If you remember Hogan was in WCW for almost 2 or 3 years before the NOW finally took off. You just have to wait for everything to fall into place, but for TNA it’s looking good all the way around.”

NFL

– In a recent interview with Comcast Sports Network in San Francisco, Bills’ RB Marshawn Lynch disclosed that GM Buddy Nix told him he would not be traded. The interview took place a week ago, before RB LenDale White’s release. The Seahawks presumably still want to pick up a physical back, but Lynch’s checkered history is no better than White’s. The Bills seemed resigned to keeping Lynch as a third back this season, though it’s worth noting that he was a no-show again for Tuesday’s voluntary practice.

– ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Ravens are nearing a one-year deal with free agent K Shayne Graham. Graham struggled last season with Cincinnati, especially in the playoffs, but isn’t too old to rebound (32) and is the fourth most accurate kicker in league history. He should be an upgrade over journeyman holdover Billy Cundiff across the board.

– Suspended QB Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger has joined the team for offseason workouts. He was immediately installed with the first team, ahead of QB Byron Leftwich. Roethlisberger was banned from OTAs until Tuesday by commissioner Roger Goodell while undergoing behavioral evaluations. Big Ben’s next goal will be to have his suspension reduced from six to four games. In order to do so, Goodell will want tangible evidence that Big Ben has cleaned up his act.

– The Rams neglected to upgrade O.J. Atogwe’s tender offer to $6.976M, allowing him to become a UFA. The Rams’ hands were tied all along, as they clearly didn’t want to approach $7M for a player coming off reconstructive shoulder surgery. All signs point to St. Louis remaining in the hunt, but they’ll now have to bid against other teams. The Cowboys, Dolphins, Jaguars, Lions, and Vikings have been mentioned as possible destinations.

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NHL

– Blackhawks’ D Brian Campbell (fractured clavicle and rib) took part in a full practice for Chicago on Wednesday. It was his first full session since suffering a broken right clavicle and a fractured rib back on March 14 after being hit by Capitals’ F Alex Ovechkin into the end boards. Campbell may even be able to return now at some point in the first round of the playoffs, which puts him ahead of schedule.

“I don’t rule out anything. I have ruled out Game 1 for now. I don’t think I’m going to be back for that. So that’s what I rule out now and move forward. But the biggest thing for me is that my legs are going to be ready for when I do get back. A lot of guys don’t have that benefit if they do get injured. My legs and my lungs and my head are going to be in it and ready to go.”

– The Leafs have re-signed G Jonas Gustavsson to a two-year/$2.7M extension worth $1.35M annually. Gustavsson was eligible to become an RFA on July 1, so the Maple Leafs did well at signing him to a reasonable contract. The Swede will share the net with G Jean-Sebastien Giguere next season and likely take over as the number one netminder in the 2011-12 season. “The Monster” played 41 games this season, with a 16-14-9 record, 2.82 GAA and .904 SV%.

– Flames’ captain F Jarome Iginla said on Wednesday that he will waive his no-trade contract if asked to by Calgary management. Iginla more importantly stated that he will not ask for a trade.

“If they don’t want me here and want to move in a different direction, I would look at it. You want to play where you are wanted and have people believe in you. If they do that, we would look at it. It wouldn’t be personal. My family has been treated very well. I want to be part of the solution here and I believe I can be. If that is what it came to, I wouldn’t take it personally. The organization has treated me well. They are looking at everything. I haven’t heard that or anything. My first meetings say they want me to be here. I believe I will be back.”

It is more important that the Flames find a number one center to get the puck to Iginla who is a great goal scorer. Look for a big comeback season for the veteran in 2010.

NBA

–The Indianapolis Star reports that the Pacers are threatening to move out of Indianapolis. Conseco Fieldhouse is only 11 years ago but it’s become such a financial liability to the Pacers that the team is needing Indianapolis to help pay for it. The city requires the team to pay for the building’s general operating costs, which comes in at around $15M annually. Owner Herb Simon is staring to balk at this, saying it’s hard enough to pay for his team let along the building as well. Pacers Sports & Entertainment President Jim Morris said, “We’ve been having conversations… for two years and we’re now at the point where we need to wrap this up in the next 30, 40 days.”

– Brian T. Smith said via Twitter that a source has said that it’s “highly unlikely” Blazers’ F Brandon Roy (knee) will play for the Blazers in the playoffs. He has a tear in his meniscus, so it makes sense. Roy says he’s going to try to go full speed before Game 1 and if he’s pain free, he’s playing.

– The 76ers are expected to fire coach Eddie Jordan on Thursday, after he guided the team to a 27-55 record this season. Sources indicate that GM Ed Stefanski will keep his job, deflating notions that Larry Brown (or even Doc Rivers) could step into a coach/GM role in Philadelphia.

– The president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons says John Kuester will be back to coach the team next season. Detroit won its final game of the season Wednesday to finish with a 27-55 record in Kuester’s first year as an NBA coach. The Pistons missed the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

– Thunder’ F Kevin Durant became the youngest player in league history to win the scoring title this season.

– The Magic have set an NBA record for most three-pointers made in one season with 841, having made 11-of-25 in Wednesday’s game. Phoenix (2005-06) held the old record with 837 three-pointers.

MLB

– Doctors have ruled out ligament damage in D’Backs’ C Miguel Montero’s right knee and expect him to miss only four-to-six weeks. The catcher was examined Tuesday by Los Angeles-based Dr. Lewis Yocum and received the promising news. Chris Snyder will continue to start in Arizona for the next month or so and is a fine emergency option in mixed leagues.

– The NY Daily News reports that the Mets are not interested in LHP Jarrod Washburn, but remain interested in RHP Pedro Martinez.

– MLB.com reports that 16-year-old 3B Duanel Jones is set to sign with the Padres. He was set to sign a one-year/$1.3M deal in with the Giants, but the deal was voided in January because of a failed drug test. Upon the signing, Jones is expected to be suspended 50 games for the failed drug test.

– Mariners’ LHP Cliff Lee is appealing his five-game suspension for throwing over the head of D’Backs’ C Chris Snyder during spring training.

WWE

– WWE.com confirmed this week that Ezekiel Jackson (torn quadriceps) underwent successful surgery. According to WWE, the recovery process could sideline the final ECW Champion for up to six months.

– Since his match at WrestleMania with Batista, WWE Champion John Cena has been suffering from back and knee problems.

– In addition to the neck problems Triple H is suffering from right now, one of The Game’s surgically repaired quads is giving him trouble. Right now, Triple H is scheduled to work only television and PPV events. He was kept off WWE’s European tour to rest up for his Street Fight with Sheamus at Extreme Rules.

TNA

– According to the Wrestling Observer, TNA has either made a direct offer or has sent strong hints to Paul Heyman that he would be welcomed on the TNA creative team. Heyman coming into TNA has been a popular topic of discussion backstage, especially among the many ECW originals currently with the company. While there is still a chance Heyman comes to TNA, it’s been said that it was looking more likely a few weeks ago and the more he hears about what’s going on behind the scenes, the less interested he becomes.

– With Tommy Dreamer’s WWE no-compete clause expired, he’s expected to wind up in TNA soon either as an agent or as on-air talent.

– TNA has also had talks with former WWE star Nick “Eugene” Dinsmore about doing a spinoff of the Eugene character in TNA.

– Vince Russo will be moving from Colorado to Nashville soon. As previously reported, Russo has been telling people he’s been burt out lately from writing and could be taking a different role in the company when he moves to Nashville.

– Kurt Angle is engaged to be married to a 24-year-old model seventeen years his junior. Angle and his fiancée, Giovanna Yannotti, met on the set of End Game and dated for several months before becoming engaged. News of Angle’s engagement comes in light of his ex-wife, Karen Angle, announcing her engagement to Jeff Jarrett.

– Former TNA creative writer Jim Cornette published today on his official website a strongly worded e-mail he sent to Terry Taylor, TNA Wrestling’s Director of Talent Relations, saying that while he meant no ill will towards anyone in the company, he would murder writer Vince Russo if he could.

Included in the e-mail is descriptive passage saying he regularly wakes up from dreams in which he’s in the act of murdering Russo and that he would willingly go to jail if he ever saw him in person again.

In an e-mail dated Mar. 19, Cornette wrote to Taylor, among other things:

TT,

I was going thru and deleting a bunch of old emails and found this last one from you. I don’t mean to stir anything up, but I felt I had to write and get some things off my chest.

I have always liked you and we have never had a problem. I am sure you have heard some of my many commentaries on TNA and I wanted to make sure you knew I wish you no ill, nor do I wish anyone in TNA ill, including talent, TV crew, and office staff. If the “incident” had not happened when it did, I would have quit anyway a month later when the news broke that Hogan and Bischoff were taking over the company, and you know this to be true, because the only reason I was ever there was that I thought TNA would be the promotion to keep Vince from having a monopoly, and be an alternative to this bullshit sports entertainment. Obviously, with the new regime, that is not in the plans, and I would have made a (hopefully) graceful exit shaking my head and wondering why. But taking that out of the equation, I was glad I worked for TNA, it’s just frustrating and disappointing to me that it couldn’t have turned out better. If not for one thing, I could move on with no hard feelings. But that one thing is big, and is in danger of consuming my life if I don’t just come out and say it.

I will say it because I am trying to quell the burning in my heart–I hate Vince Russo. I despise Vince Russo. I want Vince Russo to die. If I could figure out a way to murder him without going to prison, I would consider it the greatest accomplishment of my life.

I hate him for the money he’s cost me. I hate him for what he’s done to the business. I hate him for keeping TNA from being competitive to WWE. I hate him for the careers, even the lives he’s ruined with his shitty booking and the irreparable damage he’s done to every promotion he’s been involved with. I regularly wake up from dreams in which I am in the act of murdering him. I literally burn whenever I think of him. I have sworn to myself that I will willingly go to jail if I ever see him in person again, and he had better pray to his fictitious invisible man in the sky that that day never comes. I intend to make it my life’s work and mission to fuck with him and anything he ever has anything to do with in the wrestling business.

Why am I writing you this? One, I got the irresistable urge to explain to you the depth of my abhorrence for this abominable prick, and two, I want to make sure that you, and anyone you care to share this with, knows that I truly and genuinely wanted TNA to succeed and liked working with all of you. I am no longer a supporter of TNA as a company, I hope it goes under quickly and painfully because of the stupidity Dixie has exhibited in employing Russo and now the WCW murderers, and I apparently will see my wishes come true with the new direction, but I really did want to see it succeed. I still like everyone there, and am only mad at a few people–Jeff, for talking me into co-existing with that miserable waste of human flesh for 3 years to the point where I have trouble looking at myself in the mirror and not a day goes by that I am not ashamed of myself for abandoning every principle I ever had and speaking to the motherfucker; and Dixie, not just for employing that useless twat, but for lying to me about the reasons for my firing (never mentioning Ed Ferrara’s name and acting like Russo had no part in it), and lying ABOUT me (letting some Russo stooge spread rumors that I was fired for acting unprofessionally toward him, then not putting her name on the retraction while knowing it wasn’t true.)

Otherwise, I like everyone there and wish their hard work could be rewarded, and they could all make millions–but they won’t, because of a lack of competence and judgement in their leadership. I have nothing to lose–I’m done with corporate wrestling, and I will never again have to occupy the same arena or even city with Vince Fucking Russo, but I still feel bad for everyone else who has labored long and hard in vain because of what he’s done to the company’s chances. I like you–I like Tenay, and West, and Mitchell, and Sahadi, and Ryder, and the talent, and the crew, and all the rest–even Penzer! And I don’t want you or any of them to take it personally when I verbally roast TNA every chance I get–but as far as I’m concerned, Jeff should have WAY known better than to hire that asshole, and Dixie, as clueless as she may be about wrestling, should have been more careful in whom she entrusted her father’s money, and more perceptive when it came to spotting imbeciles. I don’t want any of you to be harmed or affected because of their stupid decisions, but as I said, it’s now my life’s work to fuck with anything Russo has anything to do with.

I wish you all good luck–I’m sorry if anything I say or do causes you any problems, and I hope one day to be in charge of a wrestling promotion with the funds to hire all of you to work in it–but just so you know, I will fuck with any company Vince Russo is involved with until I draw my last breath, and if there IS an afterlife I will return to haunt his miserable ass. Either that, or I’ll will myself to live long enough to piss on his fucking tombstone. And hey–hatred is a helluva motivator!

JC

Cornette’s e-mail prompted a legal response from the law firm of Davis, Shapiro, Lewit & Hayes, LLP, a firm representing TNA Entertainment. Their letter states that Cornette’s comments towards Russo constitute “terroristic threats” and that he “has understandably experienced extreme fear for himself and his family” as a result of the comments made by him. They added that Cornette’s “terroristic threats” have been reported to “applicable Federal and State law enforcement agencies.” The letter also states, “any further threats to contact Vince Russo or any other TNA personnel (directly or indirectly) shall be viewed as acts in furtherance of such threats and shall be pursued and prosecuted accordingly.”

Cornette has posted both the e-mail as well as the legal letter on JimCornette.com.

– A fan asked Bischoff on Facebook: “Cornette knows this business and is quite intelligent but either he’s suffering from dimentia or he has realized that he has burned every viable bridge and has become desperate to get over using the “shock” approach. It comes off as pathetic. If that’s how you feel then keep it to yourself. Mr. Tayler really had no choice in this matter. Heaven forbid if Mr. Russo would have been murdered (by Cornette or anybody else) then Mr. Tayler could have been in a lot of hot water.”

Bischoff responded with some harsh words for Cornette, who he calls a “low rent con man:”

“Cornette doesn’t know any business. He is a low rent con man that is only good at gaining the attention of the internet wrestling community. He’s all yours! Trust me, he never has nor ever will become a part of a meaningful national promotion. But if you are looking for a bootleg dvd or a fake autograph….hes your guy!”

NFL

– The Raiders have re-signed RFA MLB Kirk Morrison to a one-year/$2.524M contract. The $2.524M constitutes a 10% raise from his 2009 salary. Morrison, 28, has ranked 6th, 5th, 12th, and 11th in the league in tackles over the past four seasons. Morrison will likely be available for trade over draft weekend, perhaps for as little as a 4th-round pick.

F1

– Formula One teams are in set to agree to bring back KERS power boost system for 2011, though the device needs to become cheaper so that smaller teams can afford it. KERS was used in 2009 but scrapped for 2010 on a consensus decision among teams. However it was never taken out of the F1 rules and could return with a simple agreement at the Formula One Teams Association. The device stores in a battery the energy created by braking, and F1 cars were allowed to use that energy to provide an acceleration boost for a few seconds each lap. Those cars fitted with KERS could overtake more readily, and in turn were harder to overtake. Most teams, however, found development of the technology too expensive and difficult to integrate into the chassis, so only Ferrari and McLaren used it regularly in 2009.

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WWE

– After months of speculation, we now know the fate of Jeff Hardy and his WWE career. At last night’s SmackDown! taping, for this Friday, Jeff Hardy lost a steel cage match to CM Punk, in a loser leaves WWE stipulation.

After the match concluded, Jeff Hardy then bid farewell to the fans in attendance and said, “When the time is right, I‘ll see you again.” Leaving the door open for a return, Hardy is expected to take an extended hiatus from the wrestling world to pursue other career opportunities and to take a break.

According to several reports, Hardy spoke to wrestlers backstage, citing being burnt out as a key factor to his decision to take a break. There were also reports of Hardy shopping a new reality TV series to a number of networks, including MTV. Details of the reality series never leaked online. Those within the WWE believe Hardy will come back, but a timetable for his return was never revealed.

– Speaking at a SummerSlam promo, WWE Champion Randy Orton said Nick “Eugene” Dinsmore was released from the company as a result of weight issues.

Orton told the UK’s The Sun, “Eugene was just given a second chance. He came back two weeks ago and came in a little heavy from where [management] wanted him to come in…Nick is a good friend of mine. I pulled some strings to get his job back and he comes back all overweight. So all in all, I am a little upset with right now with him.” Dinsmore returned as Eugene at a Smackdown live event in late July before appearing on the August 10 edition of Monday Night RAW in a “Contract On A Pole Match” against The Miz. He was let go the following Friday.

– Monday’s post-SummerSlam edition of WWE Raw featuring Floyd “Money” Mayweather as the special guest host drew a 3.9 cable, up from last week’s 3.8. The show did hours of 3.92 and 3.94.

MLB

– According to CBS Sports, Cardinals OF Matt Holliday has no plans in staying with in St. Louis next season.

– The Brewers have placed all-time saves leader RHP Trevor Hoffman, OF Mike Cameron, INF Craig Counsell, C Jason Kendall, RHP Braden Looper and 2B Felipe Lopez on waivers. As Rosenthal notes, interested clubs have until Thursday at 1 p.m. EST to make a claim. Hoffman, who has 27 saves and a 1.89 ERA, is likely to draw the most interest. Every playoff-bound team is looking to add another reliable bullpen arm.

– The D’Backs have placed RHP Chad Qualls on waivers. Qualls has compiled 23 saves along with a 3.58 ERA this season on a bad Arizona ball club. He’s owed less than a million dollars the rest of the way, so contending teams are going to be highly interested, but the D’Backs aren’t going to ship him off without a nice return of prospects.

– Mets RHP J.J. Putz was found to have fraying and a slight tear of the ulnar collateral ligmament in his right right forearm. The Mets have already shut Putz down for the rest of the season. The injuries came to light after he cut a simulated game short on Saturday. He’ll try rehabbing first, but surgery is also an option.

– The Giants have placed 2B Freddy Sanchez (shoulder) on the 15-day DL. Sanchez missed six consecutive games before the Giants decided to make the move. He’ll be eligible to return in eight days and should be ready by then.

– A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that agents had no right to seize baseball’s anonymous drug-testing results from 2003, an infamous list that tarnished America’s pastime and some of its biggest stars. The decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is a victory for the players’ union, which has argued for years to have the results of the 104 players who allegedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003 returned. Barring a last-ditch appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, the test results and samples will be destroyed, and prosecutors cannot use the information. Union lawyers said the government returned the evidence shortly after earlier trial court rulings.

– Mets LHP Oliver Perez (knee) will undergo season-ending surgery to repair patella tendon tendinosis in his right knee. He’s done for the year, making that two Mets starters in two days – wow. Perez finishes 3-4 in 14 starts with a 6.82 ERA and 1.92 WHIP after signing a three-year/$36M contract last offseason.

– The Angels are searching for a bullpen arm via the waiver wire, as the team fears it may match up with the Red Sox in the playoffs. The team was very interested in then-Mets LHP Billy Wagner, and although it remains unclear if they put in a waiver claim, the claims start from the teams with the lesser record and work up, meaning Boston still would have received first dibs.

– Athletics LHP Dallas Braden (left foot rash) has been told by a neurologist that a nerve in his left foot has been “traumatized.” San Francisco Chronicle writer Susan Slusser writes that it is sounding “less and less as if Dallas Braden will pitch again this season.” If he’s done for the season, the 25-year-old southpaw finishes with a 3.89 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 22 starts this season.

– The Nationals have signed RHP Livan Hernandez and have transferred 1B Dmitri Young to the 60-day DL.

– The Rockies have placed OF Dexter Fowler (knee) on the 15-day DL.

– The Padres have placed RHP Mike Adams (shoulder) on the 15-day DL, retroactive to August 22.

– The Marlins have placed 1B Nick Johnson (hamstring) on the 15-day DL.

NBA

– The Grizzlies confirmed on Wednesday that they’ve made an offer to free agent G Allen Iverson.
Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said, “We’re heading into the home stretch before the season, and we have had interest in Allen all summer. We’ve been in touch on a fairly consistent basis and had dialogue with his agent, Leon Rose, since the beginning of free agency.”

– The chances that the Knicks sign Bucks RFA G Ramon Sessions continue to dwindle. The team is weighing signing him versus the money locked up for next summer’s free agency period, one that it wants to be big spenders in. The Bucks have reportedly had discussions with the Clippers about a sign-and-trade deal for Sessions. It sounds like all it will take to land Sessions is an offer sheet, as the Bucks are not financially able to match one. Stay tuned.

– Spanish media is reporting that G Ricky Rubio is set to sign a six-year deal with Regal Barcelona that will include a buyout clause that would potentially bring him to the NBA and the Timberwolves in 2011. If this deal actually happens, Rubio’s move from DKV Joventut to Barcelona will be the most expensive buyout, $5.3M, in European basketball history. No comment has been received from the Timberwolves, and Yahoo! Sports reports that this deal is not yet done. But any way you slice it, it looks like Rubio is not going to play in the NBA this season.

– Heat F Michael Beasley’s rehab stay in Houston has been scheduled for weeks due to a marijuana-related violation he committed during last summer’s NBA rookie transition program. Sources in contact with Beasley say, barring any setbacks, he should be out long before the start of training camp on September 28.

NHL

– The Thrashers and F Ilya Kovalchuk are deep in discussions about a long-term contract extension, and both sides are optimistic that a deal can be reached by September 12, the day training camp opens. Kovalchuk is entering the last year of his contract, and currently leads the franchise in goals and points.

– Senators coach Cory Clouston doesn’t think that F Dany Heatley’s role was diminished when he took over. “He might have been put on the second unit power play, but that was not a punishment. That was try to spread out the scoring,” Clouston told Sportsnet on Wednesday. Clouston also said that Heatley will be welcomed back to the team if they cannot trade him prior to training camp with one caveat: that he has the proper attitude. If Heatley works hard and is a team guy, Clouston said, then his ice-time will in fact increase. Either way, it will be an interesting training camp if Heatley isn’t dealt.

– The NHL is offering about $140M to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes in U.S. Bankruptcy Court and would avoid a sticky issue still facing the case by accepting the existing lease to play in Glendale. The other bidder that would keep the team in Arizona, Ice Edge Holdings, did not include a figure in its bid, but its CEO Anthony LeBlanc said the partnership will offer up to $150M. However, the Ice Edge bid is contingent on reaching a new lease agreement with Glendale, something LeBlanc said must happen by the end of next week to keep the offer viable. Neither offer would assume the $8M per year coaching contract of Wayne Gretzky, nor provide any money to Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes.

– Islanders F Mike Sillinger has retired. Sillinger, who played for a record 12 teams during 17 seasons in the NHL, is retiring because of an injured left hip which required two surgeries. For his career, he had 240 goals and 308 assists in 1,049 games after being drafted No. 11 in the 1989 draft by the Red Wings.

TNA

– An update on the current creative direction in TNA is that Vince Russo’s acting as the lead writer but Dixie Carter is in charge of the big picture. There is no outright philosophy other than it’s noted they seem to be going in a more sports-oriented direction. It was noted how the referees are given more power.

It’s said that Carter wants to have more of an emphasis on pushing newer guys like Hernandez, who is one of her favorites, Bobby Lashley and Matt Morgan. The announcing changes are also part of moving in a more sports-oriented direction. Replacing Don West with Taz was done in part to have a more sports-like announcing team with less of the two hours of high-energy Don West style that Jeff Jarrett was in favour of.

– TNA star Trenesha “Rhaka Khan” Biggers, gave her first public comments on status with TNA wrestling after filing the PDA order against him to WPXI channel 11 in Pittsburgh, PA this morning. When asked about her status with TNA, Biggers commented, “I was told that by filing the PFA I was forcing them to choose between the two of us. I knew that when I filed it. I knew there was no way I was probably going to be able to work there anymore.” In regard to working with Angle in the future, she said, “I’ve forgiven so many times for what he’s done to me, and I’ve been around him and been fine, but now, he’s gone and slandered me. In the wrestling ring, you got to be able to trust the person you’re working with and know that they’re not going to hurt you.”

Angle continued to claim he is innocent of all charges. “It’s been 10 days. I can’t wait. Thank God. She’s out of my life…I will be exonerated. We’ll see in court, whether this girl was motivated financially or she wanted a relationship with me.” Angle told reporters outside of the court house. Angle’s attorney, who was able to get Angle back in his home despite a delayed court hearing, denied Biggers’s allegations against Angle.

MMA

– Fedor Emelianenko (30-1) will fight undefeated heavyweight contender Brett Rogers (10-0) in his Strikeforce debut this fall. No date or venue has been announced for the fight, but its been discussed that Fedor’s first fight would take place in October or Nevember. Emelianenko, widely regarded as the top heavyweight MMA fighter in the world, signed a three-fight deal with Strikeforce earlier this month.

NFL

– The 49ers’ standing offer to unsigned first-round pick WR Michael Crabtree is roughly a five-year/$20M with a max value of $26.5M and $16M guaranteed. The proposal hasn’t changed since June and there’s no sign that the Niners will up the numbers.

UFC

– UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar (4-1) will face Shane Carwin (11-0) at UFC 106 on November 21 in Las Vegas. It was originally rumoured that Carwin would fight Cain Velasquez (6-0) at UFC 106 with the winner getting a shot at Lesnar next year. However, Valasquez will now fight an unnamed opponent and there’s talk of him getting a shot at the winner of Lesnar-Carwin. For those unaware, Carwin is almost a mirror image of Brock. Should be a dandy.

MLB

– The Cardinals have signed RHP John Smoltz. Smoltz, 42, is 2-5 with an 8.33 ERA in eight starts for the Red Sox this season. Great add for the playoff run. GM John Mozeliak said Smoltz would likely start Sunday at San Diego, and would probably get at least a few turns in the rotation.

– The Astros have placed SS Miguel Tejada on waivers, but pulled him off when another team made a claim. The Astros did the same thing with former C Ivan Rodriguez, and a similar fate is expected to happen with RHP Jose Valverde. For some reason, owner Drayton McLane and GM Ed Wade continue to state that they are still in it for this year and aren’t building for next year.

– The Mets have released RHP Livan Hernandez. The 34-year-old Hernandez was 7-8 with a 5.47 ERA,  and had allowed 18 earned runs in 14 1-3 innings. He allowed six runs in a 10-1 loss to San Francisco on Monday, and the Mets went 2-10 in his last 12 starts.

Speaking of the Mets, they have placed LHP Billy Wagner on waivers, and according to ESPN, he is apparently ready to waive his no-trade clause. Anybody who takes Wagner will have to shell our about $2.7M for the rest of this season, in addition to a $1M buyout for next year. Wagner will be in tough for a job, though, as he has an $8M option for next season. It’s unlikely anyone will claim him off waivers, so the Mets will probably try and work out a trade. Wagner is coming off Tommy John surgery and hasn’t pitched in the bigs since last September, so his trade value is rock bottom. Still, Wagner doesn’t want to finish his career this way and apparently would like to get up to the 420-save mark or thereabouts. He’s at 385 now.

Still with the Mets, they had placed OF Gary Sheffield on waivers last week, and pulled him later on. It’s now believed that Sheff won’t last the season with the team. If the Mets place him on waivers again, they lose the ability to pull him off or negotiate a trade. Sheffield, 41, says he wants to go somewhere with a strong lineup, but thus far, only the Marlins and Rangers have shown interest.

According to the NY Post, Sheffield asked for a contract extension from the Mets Thursday and was denied, and is now threatening to leave the team and might soon be released outright. Things had been running smoothly in New York until Sheff made a couple of curious comments on Tuesday night in reaction to trade rumors. “Based on what I know now, no, I do not think I will be here. But if I am sent to a team that I don’t want to play for, I would go home.” He was scratched from the lineup Thursday night.

– The Brewers have traded 3B Bill Hall to the Mariners for P Ruben Flores. Hall hit 35 home runs in 2006 and was rewarded with a four-year/$24M contract, but he was hitting only .201 with six homers and 24 RBIs in 76 games when the Brewers designated him for assignment last week.

– The Orioles have claimed RHP Chris Lambert off of waivers from the Tigers. The 26-year-old Lambert was 0-1 with a 14.85 ERA in two relief appearances with the Tigers this season. He was 6-7 with a 3.55 ERA in 21 starts with Triple-A Toledo.

– D’Backs RHP Jon Garland has cleared waivers. Arizona will likely have to part with some cash to make up for the $4M left between his contract and his 2010 buyout, but there’s a chance that a contender in need of pitching depth may decide to take their chances and deal for him. Stay tuned.

– The Reds have placed RHP Johnny Cueto (arm) on the 15-day DL. Cueto is 8-10 with a 4.61 ERA in 24 starts.

– The Dodgers have signed RHP Vicente Padilla.

– The Nationals have named Mike Rizzo as their next GM. Rizzo was acting in an interim role this season following the firing of Jim Bowden.

– The Rangers have placed RHP “Everyday” Eddie Guardado (knee) on the 15-day DL.

– The Mariners have transferred LHP Erik Bedard to the 60-day DL. His season is over.

– The Reds have placed OF Willy Taveras (quad) on the 15-day DL.

– The Dodgers have placed RHP Hiroki Kuroda (head) on the 15-day DL, retroactive to August 16.

– The Royals have released 3B Travis Metcalf.

– The White Sox have placed OF Dewayne Wise (shoulder) on the 15-day DL.

– The Mets have placed SS Alex Cora (thumbs) on the 60-day DL.

– The Astros have placed LHP Mike Hampton (torn rotator cuff) on the 15-day DL.

– The Rangers have placed 2B Esteban German (groin) on the 15-day DL.

NBA

– According to sources, F Amare Stoudemire is playing his last year with the Suns this season. Amare was reportedly very unhappy when Shaq was dealt to Cleveland, and was unhappy with being put on the trade block last February when he was supposedly in talks with the Warriors. He’s putting his odds of staying with the team after next summer at 50/50, though, as he can decline a $17.6M salary for 2010-11 next summer and become a free agent. Stay tuned.

– Bucks F Andrew Bogut still hasn’t participated in contact drills as he continues to recover from a lower back stress fracture that ended his season early last year. Bogut’s main goal is to be ready for training camp, but he’s been working on a limited schedule since July and the fact he hasn’t had contact drills yet is a concern.

– Nets F Yi Jianlian may be allowed to skip the rest of the Stankovic Cup in China and return to New Jersey earlier than expected in order to prepare for the start of the season. Yi has been playing very well for Team China, but the Chinese media is reporting that team officials are considering his request to return to the states early.

– According to the Arizona Republic, Cavaliers F Shaquille O’Neal’s new reality show, “Shaq Vs.” apparently was an idea that Shaq stole directly from Suns G Steve Nash when Shaq was originally traded there in February of 2008. Nash talked to a lawyer and now he’s listed as executive producer on the show.

– Knicks G Nate Robinson was arrested Tuesday after officers pulled him over in the Bronx at about 5:30 p.m. and discovered he had a suspended license. According to the NY Post, the 25-year-old RFA was apparently a complete jerk to the cop who pulled him over for driving with an unfastened seat belt. He turned up the volume pretty loud when the cop walked back from Robinson’s SUV to the police cruiser to check his license and then kept singing the words to the rap song when the officer returned to the window. As soon as he heard he was being arrested, Robinson apparently pulled out the I’m-A-Celebrity-card and tried to sway the officer to let him go. KryptoNate was taken to the 52nd Precinct and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and issued a summons to return to court at a later date.

– The Magic have signed G Jason Williams. Williams, who sat out last year, will back up G Jameer Nelson and probably immediately move in front of G Anthony Johnson on the depth chart.

– G Desmond Mason will not return to the Thunder next season.

– The Grizzlies continue to look into G Jamaal Tinsley, G Flip Murray and G Tarence Kinsey.

WWE

– Unless things change at the last minute, Jeff Hardy’s last day with WWE will take place at either SummerSlam or the following SmackDown! taping. WWE is still trying to get him to stay, though. As a result, it pretty much goes without saying that he will be dropping the World Heavyweight Championship to CM Punk next week. Matt Hardy tweeted the following message to Jeff Hardy yesterday morning: “The time is near for the Hardy Empire to begin.. Starting with the Charismatic Enigma.. 8/25/09″ Hmm…

Also, WWE released the first-ever “WWE Kids Poster Book” special edition on Tuesday, which features individual posters of practically every male star on the roster. One glaring omission is that of Jeff Hardy, who is not featured on the poster. You can see the giant poster here.

– There is a lot of talk within WWE about having DX vs. Legacy in the main event position at SummerSlam, even though it would go against the tradition of ending with a title match. The feeling is that if CM Punk is going to beat Jeff Hardy for the World Title, which there’s a good chance of that, it’s better to end SummerSlam on a happy note. This would also indicate that John Cena isn’t planned to take the WWE Title from Randy Orton but that’s not confirmed.

– As of last week, there was a rumour that WWE was planning a major swerve at SummerSlam that would involve either Triple H or Shawn Michaels turning heel at SummerSlam. WWE is now advertising DX vs. Legacy in a steel cage match for the SmackDown and ECW tapings on September 1 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. This could be a sign that plan was changed or it could be a way to keep a possible heel turn a surprise.

– WWE.com has announced that ECW Champion Christian will defend the gold against #1 contender William Regal at Summerslam this Sunday.

– Former WWE superstar and Hollywood heavyweight Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently spoke to the UK’s The Sun. Some highlights:

His Troubled Teen Years: “I had a very checkered past. I got into trouble a lot and had multiple arrests. For a lot of years I struggled to stay on the right path. I had multiple arrests by the time that I was 17. The last time I was arrested, my parents came down to the police station to get me. My parents were struggling at that time, even to put food on the table. That was a lot of stress at that time and I was adding to it. When they came to the police station I remember their disappointment. For years the disappointment had never bothered me but for some reason this time the disappointment in their eyes moved me. And that was when I realized that I was causing a lot of pain for my parents and I did not want to continue to do that.”

His father’s reaction to ‘The Wrestler’: “He didn’t take it very well. We lived the life that you saw in the movie, The Wrestler. That essentially was my dad. The character that Mickey Rourke played so wonderfully was my dad. So when I graduated from college and had an opportunity to play pro football, naturally it was easy for my father to say he did not want me to wrestle. He had nothing to show from a wrestling career. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment and he did not want that life for me. But instinctively I thought I had something to offer that world of entertainment. It took a little of convincing him but eventually we worked together. But being a parent I now understand where my dad was coming from.”

Getting Into Acting: “Ten years ago I knew that I wanted to be a good actor as I wound down my wrestling career. There is a great amount of acting in wrestling and wrestling is a great form of entertainment. For me that training ground was really invaluable because I did not go to school for acting. I went to school for football and studied criminology. I knew it was going to take time and 10 years went by pretty quickly.”

– Former WWE star Ken “Mr. Kennedy” Anderson’s no-compete clause with WWE is set to expire within the next 2 weeks. He will therefore be able to work for any wrestling promotion that wants to hire him. He now goes under the name Mr. Anderson and TNA is said to have high interest in signing the former WWE star.

– As announced Friday afternoon on WWE.com, Nick “Eugene” Dinsmore was released from his WWE contract. According to several sources, the feeling is that he showed up at last week’s RAW taping looking terribly out of shape and Vince McMahon made the decision right then and there to cut him loose. He had just been hired back about a month ago. McMahon is pretty big on first impressions. For instance, his first impression of Takeshi Morishima following a tryout match a year ago this week killed any possible interest in signing him.

An issue of Power Slam noted the following: “August 19: Still on the warpath, Vince claims two more victims: he basically says Morishima looks like a giant, fat girl and that Laurinaitis was wasting his time by hyping such a s colourless and podgy wrestler. Vince also sagely notes that because fellow Japanese name Kenzo Suzuki tanked in WWE, obviously Morishima was likely to be a failure as well – solely on the basis of their shared ethnicity.”

Reportedly, the creative team wanted to get Eugene on television very quickly, so the fact that he was released after his first appearance adds further credence to the theory given.

– This week’s edition of WWE Monday Night RAW drew a 3.8 rating, which is down from last week‘s 3.9 rating. The first hour did a 3.58, while the second hour finished off with a 3.99.

NHL

– Blackhawks F Patrick Kane, 20, and his cousin James Kane, 21, pleaded not guilty during a brief arraignment before Buffalo judge Thomas Amodeo. The appearance came a day after the two were indicted by a grand jury. The Kanes are facing misdemeanor assault, theft and harassment charges that he and his cousin beat up a cab driver over a fare. The panel dismissed a more serious felony charge of second-degree robbery.

– The Sharks have removed captaincy from F Patrick Marleau. Yeesh, about time.

– The 2-month-old son of Capitals G Jose Theodore has died. The goalie’s sister-in-law made the announcement Thursday during her show on a Montreal-area radio station. Theodore also has a 3-year-old daughter, Romy. My condolences go out to the Theodore family.

– The Hurricanes have signed F Stephane Yelle to a one-year/$550K deal. The 35-year-old had seven goals and 11 assists with Boston, and has won the Stanley Cup twice with the Avalanche.

– The Sabres have signed F Jeff Cowan to a one-year deal. Cowan is an eight-year NHL veteran but spent last season playing for Peoria of the AHL. He previously played two years with Vancouver, where he combined for seven goals and four assists, and 203 penalty minutes in 88 games.

– The Ducks have re-sogned D Brett Festerling to a two-year contract. Festerling played 40 games with Anaheim as a rookie last season, recording five assists and 18 penalty minutes. He also played extensively for the Ducks’ top minor league affiliate in Iowa.

– Mark Messier was not offered the head coaching job with the Oilers last season when Craig MacTavish was fired.

– Stars owner Tom Hicks is not putting the team up for sale. Forbes says the team is worth about $405M, but one suspects somebody could get the team for less than that. Hicks’ HSG has until August of 2010 to satisfy his debts before any kind of movement by creditors could be made to take over the teams. He dug himself a hole, though, when his HSG defaulted on a $10M interest payment at the end of March on $525M in loans.

NFL

– WR Plaxico Burress pleaded guilty to felony weapons charges in a Manhattan court Thursday and received a two-year prison sentence. This could easily end the 32-year-old’s career. NY State still must approve Burress’ plea deal – if it doesn’t, Plax could stand trial for two counts of second-degree criminal weapons possession and one count of second-degree reckless endangerment, and face even more prison time. Plax has probably played his last NFL down.

– The NFP is reporting that Raiders assistant Randy Hanson will turn over medical records, and he’s expected to cooperate with Napa, California police. Police, as well as NFL Security, have been attempting to get Hanson to talk since the story of his fractured jaw emerged earlier this week. It’s believed that he will now cooperate because the Raiders will not allow him to return to his former position. The next step is likely an investigation and a possible felony charge against head coach Tom Cable. Cable has declined to comment.

– The Chiefs have signed WR Ashley Lelie.

TNA

– TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle spoke with WTAO in Pittsburgh. Here’s what he said: “I don’t like confrontation, so I kind of back away from it. This is really hard for me. I spent nine hours in jail and it was the lowest point of my life,” Angle said as he started to break down crying pleading for his reputation. “I was sitting there in a county jail thinking about why I even started dating this girl. I don’t even know when I’m allowed back in my own home. I just hope that the hearing goes okay and I can move back into my home. I just want my life back.”

F1

– YouTube co-founder and CEO Chad Hurley has confirmed his involvement with the new Team US F1. US F1 will be joined on the 2010 starting grid by Manor Grand Prix and Campos Meta 1.

– F1 teams will go back to qualifying on low-fuel for the final session next season. According to FIA , the final 10 cars involved in the Q3 qualifying session will not have to declare their fuel levels due to the fact there will be a ban on refueling next year.

That should bring back the days of a real qualifying shootout in which the fastest car is actually the one on the pole. That was not always the case under the current system as teams were forced to declare their race day fuel levels before Q3, meaning different strategies forced teams to use different fuel levels.

Other changes to the rules will see eight cars knocked out in both Q1 and Q2 to take into account the expected increase to 26 cars next season on the starting grid. The current point system will also be maintained for at least one more season. There have been recommendations to go to an Olympic-styled medal system in which the driver with the most wins would be declared the world champion. Even though the FOTA-based teams have agreed not to use the KERS system next year, the FIA rules have increased the weight of the cars to 620kg to take into account the additional weight of the energy recovery system. Tire warmers, which were also expected to be banned along with refueling, will remain – at least for one more season.

MMA

– Kim Couture, the wife of UFC legend Randy “The Natural” Couture, has responded to Lisa Marie Varon’s (a.k.a. Victoria) comments about a potential MMA bout. “I think that with my name I have a target on me. That’s fine. I don’t imagine that’s going to go away any time soon I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me. If she can make my weight – she seems from the picture a lot taller, a lot bigger than me. But if she can make 135 pounds, if (Strikeforce CEO Scott) Coker wants to put it together then so be it.”

VoV

– Here are the TNA Hard Justice results: Christopher Daniels d. Suicide, Chris Sabin, Amazing Red, Alex Shelley, Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed in a Steel Asylum Match; Abyss d. Jethro Holliday in a Bounty Match; Hernandez d. Big Rob for the TNA Championship briefcase; The British Invasion d. Beer Money Inc. to retain the IWGP Tag Team Championships; ODB (and Cody Deaner) d. Angelina Love (and Velvey Sky) to win the Knockouts Championship; Samoa Joe d. Homicide to win the X-Division Championship; Booker T & Scott Steiner d. Team 3D to retain the Tag Team Championships; Kevin Nash d. Mick Foley to win the Legends Championship; Kurt Angle d. Sting and Matt Morgan to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.

PGA

– Y.E. Yang carded a final round par-2/70 and won the PGA Championship by three-strokes over Tiger Woods. Shocking. Yang briefly tied Woods after the 4th hole, and they again tied at the 8th hole when Woods bogeyed. On the back nine, Woods was able to go a stroke up with a short birdie-putt at 11, but Woods gave the stroke back on the next hole. The turning point of the match was the 14th, where Yang’s tee shot on the drivable par-4 was just short of the green and he proceeded to hole-out for an eagle to go up one-stroke on Woods. Yang was still up by a stroke going into the final hole and an 8-foot birdie-putt gave him his final margin of victory. The win is the second for Yang this season on the Tour, but it is his first major championship and he has become the first Asian player to ever accomplish the feat. More importantly, Tiger loses his first ever tournament when leading after three rounds. Wow.

OLYMPICS

– Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt ran 100 meters in 9.58 seconds Sunday at world championships, turning his showdown against Tyson Gay into a rout and putting to rest the questions that went unanswered last time he set the record – at his showboating Olympic run of 9.69 seconds. It was the biggest change in the record since electronic time was introduced in 1968. It came very close to the 9.55-second time that an American professor said Bolt would have run in Beijing had he run all out in the Olympic 100 finals. Bolt blew away his own world record by .11 seconds on the one-year anniversary of the last world record. Gay, meanwhile, set the American record by finishing in 9.71, a time that would have been a world record 12 months and one day ago, but was an afterthought instead.

NHL

– Blackhawks F Patrick Kane is expected to make a statement regarding his recent arrest and the second-degree robbery, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and theft of services charges he now faces. Kane has not spoken publicly since he and his cousin allegedly broke a cabdriver’s glasses, ripped his clothes, and repeatedly hit the cabdriver when he couldn’t provide them with correct change for a $15.00 on a $13.80 fare. He has put in a plea of not guilty, though, and his lawyer has spoken for him, saying Kane did not steal from or assault the cabdriver. A grand jury heard the Kanes’ case on Thursday and will decide next week whether to dismiss the charges, downgrade them, or proceed with the charges as they currently stand. Stay tuned.

– The Rangers have signed F Vaclav Prospal to a one-year/$1.1M deal. The 34-year old Czech Republic native became a free agent earlier in the summer when the Lightning bought out the final three years of a four-year/$14M contract.  He had 19 goals and 26 assists in 82 games for the Bolts last season. The move will reunite Prospal with John Tortorella who Prospal coached Prospal in two separate stints with Tampa Bay.

NBA

– According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Heat G Dwyane Wade said in a recent interview, regarding his eventual free agency, “The plan has always been to stay with the Heat, and that’s still the plan.” The Heat can offer Wade about $30M more than any other team. He also said, “I want to be one of those players that stays with one franchise for his entire career.” Great news for Heat fans, but anything can happen once the 2010 free agent frenzy gets underway. Stay tuned.

– The Timberwolves are reportedly still tyring to facilitate G Ricky Rubio’s buyout, and Rubio has $600K in endorsements lined up if he plays for Minnesota next season. According to the Pioneer Press, Rubio’s $6.6M buyout is “expected to be negotiated down” to about $3.3M, which he would be able to repay over several years. This is some of the most promising information that’s surfaced in some time, giving renewed hope that we’ll see Rubio in a ‘Wolves uni next season.

NFL

– In an interview with 60 Minutes, Eagles QB Michael Vick said he cried in prison because of the guilt he felt about being involved in dogfighting, and was disgusted with himself for allowing it to happen. Vick said the day he walked into prison he realized “the magnitude of the decisions that I made. And, you know, it’s no way of, you know, explaining, you know, the hurt and the guilt that I felt. And that was the reason I cried so many nights. And that put it all into perspective.” Crybaby…

MLB

– Mets 3B David Wright (concussion) was released from the hospital and put on the DL Sunday, one day after he was hit square on the helmet by a 94 mph fastball from Giants RHP Matt Cain. Depending on how further tests come out, Wright could be out the remainder of the season.  Wright was examined by a neurologist Saturday night and again Sunday morning before being sent home. Wright still had a headache and was experiencing “post-concussion symptoms”. Wright tried to talk GM Omar Minaya into letting him try and play, but the Mets finally decided to be correctly cautious and sit him down, as they’ve been hit with a rash of injuries. While Wright could potentially miss the rest of the season, Minaya stressed that the move for now is for the minimum 15 days, and after rest and recuperation, Wright will be reevaluated. Don’t be surprised if the Mets hold him out until next season, as they’re a ways-away from the NL East lead.

– During the 10-3 defeat at the hands of the Mariners, Yankees legendary SS Derek Jeter went 3-for-4 with an RBI to pass Luis Aparicio for the most hits all-time for a shortstop (2,675). “It was kind of hard to believe. That’s why I was surprised when (a writer) told me yesterday. I just try to be consistent year in and year out, and I think if you’re consistent, then good things happen. It’s kind of hard to believe to say the least. I think I have a few more hits left in me. Hopefully, I have a few more years left playing shortstop.”

– The Rangers have placed C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (arm) on the 15-day DL.

– The Pirates have placed RHP Jose Ascanio (shoulder tendinitis) on the 15-day DL.

NHL

– The Captain is back with the New York Rangers. F Mark Messier, who in 1994 led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup title in 54 years, is returning to the club as a special assistant to GM Glen Sather, the club said Sunday. Messier, a six-time Cup champion as a player, has expressed interest in recent years about his desire to eventually run a team as GM. This could be the first step in the process that might lead Messier replacing Sather when the current GM’s tenure with the Rangers is over.

WWE

– Jim Ross has updated his blog on www.jrsbarbq.com. The highlights:

Kurt Angle’s arrest: “I hope that he can recover from this matter and regroup. If regrouping requires Kurt to leave pro wrestling and moving to other endeavors such as acting full-time then so be it. Perhaps the former Olympic Gold Medal winning Freestyle Wrestler in the ’96 Games in Atlanta puts too much physical pressure on himself in an athletic setting and may be more relaxed and happier if movies were his focus is not being a ‘jock.’”

Regarding the Raw guest hosts: “More suggestions for Raw Guest Host ops: Gene Simmons, Dog the Bounty Hunter along with Dog’s wife Beth, Jane Velez-Mitchell on a couple of double espresso’s, no one named “Jackson,” (on second thought, Jesse Jackson might be intriguing especially when he did the obligatory opening show promo), Larry King who could orchestrate a Divas in Suspenders bout, and Memphis Mayoral Candidate Jerry Lawler which is merely a cheap plug on this site for any one who may live in Memphis who I hope votes for Jerry for Mayor. I can assure you that Lawler running for Mayor is NOT a publicity stunt. My old broadcast partner is deal serious. Funny, too, as we rarely talked politics when we traveled together as we both dislike professional politicos who like to hide behind the “public servant” moniker.”

On Michael Vick returning to the NFL: “Yes, I do agree that Michael Vick has earned a second chance. It’s now up to Vick to make the most of his opportunity to play football for a living. It comes down to making sound, personal decisions and not hanging with bottom feeders and people with dubious character. Vick needs to surround himself with people like Tony Dungy, allow his Faith to evolve, and put God and Family first. The Good Lord blessed Vick with amazing gifts of which Michael Vick should count his blessings every day…just like the rest of us.”

– There were some Internet reports online saying Nick Dinsmore, a.k.a. Eugene, would be heading to Tampa to work as trainer in developmental despite his release from the company this past Friday. However, The Sun has confirmed that Dinsmore was fully released from his WWE contract.

TNA

– Bobby Lashley is set to make his in-ring debut on September 20 at No Surrender.

VoV

– Click here to read my thoughts on the Blue Jays/Alex Rios situation.

NFL

– The Eagles have signed controversial FA QB Michael Vick to a two-year deal. The Eagles must make a decision on Michael Vick’s second-year option by the fifth day of the 2010 league year. The league year usually begins in late February or early March. The upshot is that the Eagles will have five days to shop Vick if he’s coming off a promising showing in his part-time role. If Vick doesn’t establish trade value, the Eagles will decline the option, making him a free agent.

Sad to see Vick employed. For me, athletes don’t get second chances, and Vick is no exception. He should never be allowed to play in the NFL ever again.

– After nine days of “working out details,” Giants QB Eli Manning has officially signed his six-year/$97.5M extension. Manning will make $106.9M over the next seven years. Reports are that the delay was over “marketing language” in the contract. For example, Manning endorses Citizen watches, while the Giants have a deal with Timex.

– A jury in Atlanta has declared Broncos RB Brandon Marshall not guilty in his misdemeanor battery case. Had Marshall had he been found guilty, he was expected to face a lengthy suspension. According to the Denver Post, Marshall’s hip is healthy and he’s expected to return to practice shortly.

MLB

– The Marlins have joined the Cardinals and Dodgers on the list of teams that are supposedly after RHP John Smoltz. Smoltz has already passed through waivers, and has told the Sox that he isn’t going to the minors or the bullpen so the team can now trade him or release him. Boston has until Sunday to trade him. Smoltz is apparently a pal of current Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez and wouldn’t mind returning to the NL East, where he knows the teams very well from his years with the Braves. Smoltz struggled in Beantown, going 2-5 with an 8.33 ERA.

– According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs are beginning to lose patience with manager Lou Piniella. There is talk of firing him. Stay tuned.

– The D’Backs reportedly wanted the equivalent of a second-round pick when the Brewers put in a waiver claim for LHP Doug Davis. The price tag is too high for Milwaukee, so a deal likely won’t get done.

– The Red Sox have re-acquired SS Alex Gonzalez from the Reds for minor league INF Kris Negron. The Reds also send over $1.1M to the Sox in the deal. Gonzalez was added for his glove, but has fallen off in recent years. With a thin market for free agent shortstops next year, it’ll be interesting to see if the Sox pick up Gonzalez’s $6M club option.

– The Rangers have placed OF Nelson Cruz (ankle) on the 15-day DL, retroactive to August 4.

– Mariners LHP Erik Bedard (torn labrum, inflamed bursa) is officially out for the remainder of the season. Bedard won’t resume pitching for another four-to-six months after exploratory surgery on Friday. He could miss the early part of the 2010 season, as he’ll need a good amount of rehab to recover from both repairs. He is a free agent this winter, which is sure to make things interesting. Any team that signs him will be assuming a good amount of risk. He may have to settle for a short-term deal.

– According to MLB.com’s Corey Brock, Padres RHP Chris Young is scheduled to undergo exploratory shoulder surgery on Monday. The Padres have already publicly announced that Young won’t be returning this season. He’ll have the procedure, rehab during the fall and winter, and hope to be at full strength by the start of spring training 2010.

– The Mariners have placed 3B Adrian Beltre (testicle) on the 15-day DL. Ouch. Beltre, who doesn’t wear a protective cup, had a ball clip him in the groin during Wednesday’s game. There was some tearing and internal bleeding (gross). The team is waiting to see if he will require surgery. With surgery, he would be out a month – without, roughly two weeks.

NBA

– According to the NY Post, Heat G Dwyane Wade can’t imagine himself playing for either the Nets or Knicks. Wade said, “I’m not thinking about the Knicks or the Nets. Only when we play them…I want to be in Miami, and I hope everything works out that way. I want to be one of those players that stays with one franchise for his entire career.”

– Nets G Courtney Lee is apparently unhappy playing with the Nets. He;s scheduled to make $1.2M this season. Tough break…

– The Nuggets have re-signed G Anthony Carter to a one-year/$1.3M deal. Carter averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 assists in 78 games for the Nuggets last season.

– The Wolves have traded G Quentin Richardson to the Heat for F Mark Blount. This is the fourth time in less than two months that Q-Rich has been traded.

– Mavericks F Dirk Nowitzki will not play for the Germans in the European Championship in Poland next month.

WWE

– According to Demon-Wrestling.com, Batista has been cleared to work out. He was also scheduled for a follow-up visit with his surgeon this week to evaluate his rehabilitation process. Stay tuned.

– Early last week at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, some stadium employees claimed they saw a television in the concourse area with a logo for WrestleMania 2012 at Rogers Centre. With WrestleMania taking place next year in Phoenix, and at last word, 2011 in Indianapolis, 2012 would be the year to aim for if they are putting themselves in the running for the annual event. It should also be noted that it would be the ten-year anniversary of the last WrestleMania to take place in Toronto, which saw “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan go up against The Rock in a classic bout.

– Just days after he made his first return appearance on WWE television, Nick “Eugene” Dinsmore has been released from the company. Eugene wrestled a masked The Miz in a “contract on a pole” match that determined who would become part of the RAW roster. Miz won the match, but who knew that Eugene’s failure to capture the contract would be his final WWE appearance.

– Kane spoke to The Sun about a possible jump to TNA. He said, “I’ve never been interested. I consider WWE to be the best there is. I have no interest in going anywhere else.”

NHL

– Ted “Teeder” Kennedy, the captain of five Stanley Cup championship teams with the Maple Leafs during a Hall of Fame career, died Friday. He was 83.

– The Canadiens have re-signed F Matt D’Agostini to a one-year deal. He had 12 goals and nine assists in 53 games for the Canadiens last season, with 14 goals and 11 assists in 20 games with Hamilton of the AHL.

– The Sabres, Flyers and Red Wings are interested in F Miroslav Satan. His top priority remains the Islanders.

UFC

– Tito Ortiz is back with the UFC, healthy after major spinal surgery and getting ready for the next stage of his storied career. Tito spoke with SportsRadioInterviews.com. The highlights:

“I have no more pain, no more soreness, no more numbness going down my legs; I’m back in to fighting shape again. I just started working with Freddie Roach out of Los Angeles, the ‘Wild Card,’ and I’m excited. For once I’m gonna be 100 percent, and hopefully the fans get to the see the champion I was before, ’cause the last time I was 100 percent, when I was the world champion, and I defended my world title five consecutive times … I gotta give the respect to Chuck Liddell, he was a great champion. Too bad he retired, a rematch with him would be nice, and I think the fans would love to see that.”

Tito’s last UFC fight was back in May 2008 – a unanimous decision loss to Lyoto Machida, who now holds the Light Heavyweight gold.

FIFA

– David Beckham has confirmed he fully intends to return to AC Milan for a second stint in January. The 34-year-old former England captain spent the second half of the last Serie A season with the Rossoneri on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy and is keen to return to Italy. Beckham has been told he must continue to play top-level European football if he is to keep his place in the England squad for next summer’s World Cup finals.

BASKETBALL

– G Lavelle Felton has died from a gunshot wound to the head. He was 29. Felton was shot in the head while sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle at a Milwaukee gas station around 2 a.m. Wednesday. He died Thursday about 9:30 p.m. at a local hospital. No arrests have been made.

NHL

– The Sharks are kick-starting trade talks with Senators F Dany Heatley. The Sens are not wanting F Jonathan Cheechoo, who has been offered as part of a deal with offensive D Christian Erhoff and a first-round pick. The Sharks may have to get a third team, likely the Canadiens, involved in the discussion to get Ottawa the scoring winger they want in the trade. A league executive was quoted as saying, ”If the Sharks don’t have what the Senators want, then (GM) Doug Wilson might have to go get it from another team. The Senators want a proven scoring winger in return and that means you might have to get a third team involved.” All three teams, however, are relatively close to the salary cap, making roster maneuvering very difficult. The executive also said, “It’s difficult for San Jose to take on Heatley’s salary (cap hit of $7.5M a season over the next five years) and I’m sure that’s what is holding them back. This is a big gamble, especially if it doesn’t work out. Nobody wants to take that kind of gamble in the salary cap era.” The Sharks will likely have to up the ante to acquire the sniper, but they do have the luxury of being a deep team. It’s also believed that Heatley would waive his no-trade clause to go to San Jose. Stay tuned.

– The Red Wings were still waiting Saturday afternoon to learn what arbitration had awarded F Jiri Hudler. Detroit is expecting Hudler to play overseas in Russia next season with the KHL’s Moscow Dynamo club. The arbitration results are simply there to determine what his salary will be when, and if, he decides to return to the NHL.

– The Lightning are shopping for a top-six forward.

– The Red Wings have offered F Jason Williams a one-year deal.

– The Flames have re-signed F Dustin Boyd. Boyd is coming off an 11 goal, 11 assists campaign.

– F Ossi Vaananen has signed a deal with HC Dynamo Minsk of the KHL. Vaananen spent most of the 2008-09 season in the press box for the Canucks after being claimed off waivers from the Flyers. He played in three regular season games and three post-season games for Vancouver, amassing 11 points and a plus-8 rating in 49 games.

MLB

– A Boston newspaper is reporting the Red Sox fired two security staffers last summer after an investigation into steroid use.

Jared Remy, the son of Red Sox television commentator Jerry Remy, and Nicholas Alex Cyr both told the Boston Globe they used steroids, but denied any knowledge of drug use by players. The Red Sox issued a statement saying they worked with Major League Baseball in investigating the staffers, but said that investigation is confidential.

Major League Baseball said its investigation was “thorough and detailed.” The Globe says state police confiscated a vial of steroids from Cyr’s car just before last year’s all-star break and Cyr told police he had bought the drug from Remy.

– Orioles 3B Melvin Mora spoke Sunday of his frustration with his reduced role and said it may be “time for me to move on.” Mora didn’t play Thursday or Friday, and he was also being held out of Sunday’s lineup. “I think I deserve more respect than what I’m getting here. Don’t give me excuses that I can’t beat (John) Smoltz or I can’t beat (Josh) Beckett or I can’t beat (Jon) Lester. I’ve been here nine years. All these guys in the East know me. I’ve made the All-Star team. I deserve respect.” Mora has started 12 of the 16 games since the All-Star break despite hitting .256/.321/.330 and has three homers and 27 RBI in 285 at-bats this season. Outside from his big second half in 2008, he’s been a subpar regular for four years now. It was already clear that the Orioles weren’t going to bring him back next year. Now they might decide not to wait to cut ties with him. Stay tuned.

– Reds RHP Edinson Volquez will undergo right elbow surgery Monday and miss the rest of the 2009 season.

– The Red Sox have placed C George Kottaras (back) on the 15-day DL with a lower back strain.
Kottaras apparently suffered the injury during batting practice a month ago.

– The Jays have placed LHP Scott Downs (toe) back on the 15-day DL.

NFL

– In an interview with Sirius NFL Radio, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he’s not interested in QB Michael Vick. SI’s Peter King hears that Bill Belichick is “comfortable” with Kevin O’Connell as Tom Brady’s backup. Vick won’t fit the Pats system, anyways.

– The Vikings have signed their No. 22 overall pick, WR Percy Harvin, to a five-year contract.  The Vikings plan to feature Harvin in his first season, using him as a slot receiver, quarterback in the Wildcat package, potentially as a halfback on passing downs, and likely some punt or kickoff returning. RB Adrian Peterson will lead Vikings skill players in touches, but Harvin might not be a too-distant second.

NBA

– The Lakers have officially signed F Lamar Odom to a four-year/$33M deal, with $27M guaranteed.

– The Bucks have waived F Bruce Bowen and G Salim Stoudamire.

– The Thunder have signed G Kevin Ollie.

– The Lakers have waived G Sun Yue.

F1

– Former Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher has said that he will be coming out of retirement to race again with Ferrari in order to fill in for the injured Felipe Massa.

WWE

– The PWTorch.com Newsletter reports that Eugene (aka Nick Dinsmore) made his official WWE return at Saturday night’s SmackDown/ECW house show in New Hampshire. Eugene was released on September 1, 2007 for reportedly receiving his third strike in the WWE Wellness program.

Eugene wrestled Ricky Ortiz in the third match on the card, and is expected to feud with Ortiz when he returns to TV on the SmackDown brand. His return is rumored for the August 7th episode, but things can always change. According to official documents released earlier this year, WWE released Eugene for his third failed Wellness test.

BOXING

– Bruising on the body of slain fighter Arturo Gatti was overlooked by the Brazilian authorities who conducted the initial autopsy (now a partial autopsy), a celebrity pathologist hired by the ex-boxing champ’s family said Saturday after a seven-hour forensic follow-up. Brazilian authorities said earlier this week that Gatti had committed suicide at a resort in the northeastern part of the country on July 11. His 23-year-old Brazilian wife, Amanda Rodrigues, was released Friday after being held for nearly three weeks on suspicion of murder. Partial autopsies are unusual in suspected homicides, said Baden, who described the overlooked injuries as bruises that weren’t cited in the initial forensic report. Baden, who assisted in the autopsy at the family’s request, said the Montreal medical examiners will perform further toxicology tests in Canada and are also awaiting more information on the scene of death from investigators in Brazil.

MLB

– With all the trade talk surrounding the Blue Jays and their ace RHP Roy Halladay, it’s worth looking into other potential Jays members that could be on the block.

Now, some of the Jays’ top young players and prospects, such as LHP Ricky Romero, OF Adam Lind, OF Travis Snider and 2B Aaron Hill aren’t included, as the Jays are set for building for the future, and logically, trading building blocks consisting of cheap players with potential doesn’t make any sense.

While there is no guarantee that any or all of the players below will be moved, each could have value to a club looking to make a push in the second half of the season. Roy Halladay, easily the cream of the crop, has been well covered, so we won’t be going over his value here.

OF Vernon Wells (Salary information – 2009: $1.5M, 2010: $12.5M, 2011: $23M, 2012: $21M, 2013: $21M, 2014: $21M)

Two things should be noted about this deal; first, Wells received a signing bonus of $8.5M on March 1 and he’ll receive that total for a final time on March 1, 2010. In essence, that means that in real money, the Jays will be handing out $21M to the centre fielder next season. Second, Wells has a full no-trade clause – as well as an opt out after the 2011 season. At this point, Wells is hitting .263 with nine home runs and 13 steals. Most Jays fans want the team to trade him, but they would realistically need to find a trading partner with a huge budget at this point, which isn’t likely going to happen.

OF Alex Rios (Salary information – 2009 $5.9M, 2010: $9.7M, 2011: $12M, 2012: $12M, 2013: $12.5M, 2014: $12.5M, 2015: $13.5M – a club option with $1M buyout)

It appears as though Alex Rios has plateaued in his development. But after a horrible start to the season, he still has a chance to be a 20-home run, 20-steal player. I believe that there are a lot of teams in the game that would take a shot at Rios with the belief that he could thrive in a new environment. He’s only 28 and seemingly has the tools to be a five-tool player. If he does move, it will interesting to see what the Jays would get back in a trade.

3B Scott Rolen (Salary information – 2009: $11M, 2010: $11M with additional $4M bonus)

Rolen, who came to the Jays in January of 2008 for 3B Troy Glaus, looks to be past his shoulder injuries and is having one of his better offensive seasons in years. While he won’t hit 20 home runs per season, his gold glove defence at third, and his impressive .320 average can’t be overlooked. While Rolen does earn a hefty paycheck, he comes off the books following the 2010 season. The Jays have said that they’re not interested in moving him, but if the right deal comes, I’d say he’s good as gone.

1B Lyle Overbay (Salary information – 2009: $7M, 2010: $7M)

Overbay, who led the Majors with 53 doubles back in 2004, has become a platoon hitter with 1B Kevin Millar. Against right-handers, he’s hitting .262, and eight of his nine home runs have come against righties. His OBP is .389 and he draws 40 walks and only struck out 31 times against right-handers. His contract isn’t huge and he does put up numbers in the right situation, which could make him desirable to other clubs.

SS Marco Scutaro (Salary information – 2009: $1.1M with $100K bonus each for 400, 425, 450 and 475 plate appearances)

Outside of 2B Aaron Hill’s standout season, there might not be an argument that Scutaro has been the team’s surprise on offence, considering he was said to be ‘not the prototypical leadoff man.’ He’s one walk short of tying his career high and he has half a season to go. Scutaro is hitting .289 with a .384 OBP. He’s really developed discipline at the plate, as shown by his 56 walks (tops among the AL) and only 41 strikeouts. Because he’s a free agent at the end of the season and is having a career year, you can’t rule Scutaro out of any potential deals.

SS John McDonald (Salary information – 2009: $1.9M)

The rarely used Johnny Mac has only recorded 34 at-bats in 31 games this season, but his value isn’t at the dish – it’s on the field, where he’s an excellent defender. Because he would only cost about $1M for the rest of the season, many contenders that need a defensive replacement should be calling about his services.

LHP Brian Tallet (Salary information – 2009: $1.015M)

Tallet has been surprisingly effective since injuries forced him into the starter’s role. He’s posted a 5-6 record while starting 17 games. His ERA as a starter is 4.86 and the left-hander has held opponents to a .251 batting average. Teams down the stretch always seems to be looking for lefties, and because Tallet can either start or pitch in relief, his value would have to be a little higher. He’s still eligible for arbitration, which means that if a team acquires him, it wouldn’t be a rental situation.

RHP Jeremy Accardo (Salary information – 2009: $900K)

Even though he doesn’t make a great deal of money and will be under the club’s control for a few seasons, it’s possible that both sides wouldn’t mind a change of scenery at this point. The one-time closer fell so far out of favour this season, he spent over two months in Triple-A despite the Jays being decimated by injuries to their pitching staff.

– Padres GM Kevin Towers said that there is a “50-50″ chance that RHP Jake Peavy (ankle) pitches again this season. “We’ll know more when he comes out of the cast. I can’t speak for Jake, but I’d much rather have him ready for 2010 than risking more serious injury by coming back too early this year…the focus is with youth now.” They won’t push Peavy’s recovery.

NHL

– The Avalanche have signed F Matt Duchene to a three-year, entry level contract. Duchene was the third overall pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. “To be part of an NHL organization is something you always strive for as a kid. This is the first step, but I know I have a lot of work to do to reach my goal of playing in the NHL.” Duchene has a real good chance to stick with the Avs this season, but he’ll likely need another year in the minors. The Avs will play him at least nine games, though.

– The Supreme Court of Canada has sided with Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini, dismissing an appeal application from a pair of Vancouver businessmen. Tom Gaglardi and Ryan Beedie wanted Canada’s highest court to overturn two B.C. court rulings that rejected claims they should have been included in Aquilini’s purchase of the NHL team.

– The Thrashers have re-signed F Colby Armstrong.

– The Flames have claimed F Nigel Dawes off of waivers from the Coyotes.

– The Preds have signed F Peter Olvecky to a one-year, two-way contract.

UFC

– Newly signed TNA wrestler Bobby Lashley was interviewed on ESPN Radio on Wednesday and was asked what would happen if he fought UFC Heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. After watching Lesnar’s fights and studying the holes in his game, Lashley said confidently, “I win.”

He elaborated that he wants to fight Lesnar because he’s the champ, not necessarily because he’s taken a similar path to the world of MMA.

“I’m not going to say anything bad on Brock because Brock is the champion. My sights are set on Brock and I’m not saying that I want to fight him because he is the wrestling guy. I am saying that because I am a heavyweight fighter and he’s the heavyweight champ. Eventually, I do want to fight Brock for that title.”

Lashley says he already has a game plan in mind to beat Brock, but he won’t reveal it before they fight.

NFL

– A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced former NFL RB Travis Henry to three years in prison for financing a drug ring that moved cocaine between Colorado and Montana. Henry, 30, was arrested by federal drug agents last October, just a few months after the running back’s release from the Broncos. He pleaded guilty in April to a single count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine. In handing down Wednesday’s sentence, U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull in Billings also gave Henry five years of probation and recommended he enter a 500-hour drug treatment program. Completion of the treatment program could knock off up to a year from Henry’s sentence. His lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, said that with additional time off for good behaviour Henry could be out of prison within 16 months.

– The deadline for the Panthers to strike a long-term deal with franchise DE Julius Peppers passed Wednesday without an agreement. Peppers will now play under a one-year contract worth at least US$16.7M, creating the prospect for another off-season of uncertainty next year. The Panthers had until 4 pm ET to sign the four-time Pro Bowl pick to a deal that would secure his long-term future in Carolina and free up salary-cap space this season.

NBA

– F Antoine Walker was arrested Wednesday night at Harrah’s Casino in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The charges stemmed from over $800K in gambling debts. He was led out of the high stakes area in handcuffs by Douglas County police in front of a celebrity-heavy crowd. Walker was in Tahoe to play in the American Century Classic, a celebrity golf tournament. Walker is currently in a Douglas County jail. Bail has been set at $87K.

– The Pacers plan to re-sign F Josh McRoberts, all but keeping G Jarrett Jack as a Raptor.

– The Hawks traded the rights to F David Andersen to the Rockets for an undisclosed second-round draft choice, cash and future considerations.

WWE

– Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:

Edge’s Recovery from Surgery: “I talked to Edge mere minutes after his Achilles tendon surgery last week and he had a more positive attitude about returning to the ring than most would. Edge has been faced with many challenges over his career and if any one can return and be as good as they were before they were hurt then it will be him. However, we should all be realistic about this situation as Achilles tendon injuries can be devastating for an athlete that maintains a schedule like Edge. My money is on Edge to return ready to rock, be more popular than ever and perhaps even possibly having a one on one match with Chris Jericho at WM26 which could be a show stealer. Yes, that’s all speculation but a guy can dream, can’t he?”

Brock Lesnar: “I did a radio interview yesterday on KREF here in Norman which is a sports talk station AM1400 and Brock Lesnar and UFC 100 still seemed to be the topic of the day. I find it unwise for those to think that UFC officials don’t love Lesnar for a variety of reasons but specifically for the income he is and will produce. Every great promoter wants and needs a great villain as, especially in today’s world, fans are more likely to pay their hard earned cash to see someone get their ass whipped that the fans detest than they will to see their favorite competitor roll over someone.”

Seth Green Hosting RAW: “I enjoyed Seth Green’s appearance on Raw Monday night and am still waiting for my check for my ‘likeness’ appearing on WWE’s Flagship Broadcast. That’s likely as close as yours truly is going to come to returning to Monday night’s variety/ sports/entertainment juggernaut to answer a question that many keep asking on our Q&A section of this site.”

– WWE will be working with 7-11 convenience stores to promote SummerSlam, according to PWInsider.com. Between this major sponsorship deal, legendary rock band Aerosmith providing the event’s theme song and WWE holding the first-ever Summerslam AXXESS fanfest, it’s clear they’re going all out to make this year’s Summerslam a major event, which, if you read earlier posts, is trying to squeeze in as the No. 2 behind WrestleMania.

– As reported earlier this week, Nick Dinsmore has signed a contract to return to the WWE. For those wondering, he is indeed being brought back to the main roster as Eugene as they want him to help mentor some of the younger wrestlers, not to mention add more depth to the roster. Prior to signing on the dotted line, WWE had Dinsmore undergo an extensive drug test to prove he’s clean, including providing a hair sample. WWE previously released Dinsmore on September 1, 2007 as a result of issues with painkillers. A SmackDown taping took place that day with him being notified of his release following a company meeting and promptly being escorted out of the arena by security.

– Following his recent surgery former WWE star Elijah Burke is leaving wrestling to finish a degree in criminal justice.

TNA

– TNA Knockout Christy Hemme wrote a brief blog on her MySpace page indicating she will be returning to the ring soon. Hemme wrote;

“Hehe he…
A little birdie told me that a certain firey redhead is coming back to kick some ASS! I will give you one guess as to who that might be ”

Hemme has been out with a neck injury since January.

– As reported last week, TNA fired referee Rudy Charles (real name Dan Engler) in a cost-cutting measure. TNA’s decision to let him shocked a number of people because he was popular with management and had been with the company from the start, not to mention that he performed so many tasks for the company. However, the feeling is TNA will simply hire a local referee to replace him, and that others in the office will pick up the jobs he was doing. Although it’s been noted they’ll have to be trained to run the errands he did. Besides being a referee and involved in timing of the shows, he also sat in on creative meetings. It was also said that TNA could save on transportation costs by using a referee who lived near Orlando.