NBA

– In a recent interview with ESPN Radio, Stephen A. Smith said that F LeBron James is leaning toward signing with the Knicks “and that this factor played a role in Tom Izzo turning down the Cavs’ head coaching job.” “From what my sources tell me, he still hasn’t made a final decision but he’s higher on New York now than he was a month ago. And the reality is that he is leaning more towards New York than he is towards returning to Cleveland. Izzo knew this.” Apparently James’ camp is making “in-depth” queries about Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni. Stay tuned.

– The 76ers official website briefly displayed a page on Friday that said “Sixers draft G Evan Turner.” The page appears to be pre-fabricated for the moment Philly drafts Turner #2 overall, and the fact that it went live was obviously an error. No doubt that Turner goes second, as G John Wall will be taken by the Wizards.

– The Suns have picked up their 2011-12 option for head coach Alvin Gentry. However, half of that year’s $2.2M salary hinges on whether there is a lockout when the Collective Bargaining Agreement expires in July 2011. Gentry is the league’s second-lowest paid coach and will make less than Terry Porter, whom the Suns fired last year.

– According to his personal trainer, G Allen Iverson is preparing for a comeback next season. AI took a leave of absence in March because of an undisclosed illness to his 4-year-old daughter, Messiah.

– Former F Manute Bol passed away yesterday. He was 47. Bol was Sudan 7’7″ centre, the tallest player in NBA history, spent 10 seasons in the NBA and was dedicated to humanitarian work in Africa. Bol died at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, where he was being treated for severe kidney trouble and a painful skin condition. Bol recorded more career blocks than points.

– The Indianapolis Star reports that the Pacers will use the #10 overall pick to select F Daniel Orton. The 19-year-old who declared himself ready for the NBA after his freshman year worked out for the team on June 1. The team is setting up a second workout, according to the paper. The 6’10″, 260-pound Oklahoma native averaged 3.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks for Kentucky.

MLB

– T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that the Rangers have inquired about acquiring a starting pitcher, including Mariners’ LHP Cliff Lee and Astros’ RHP Roy Oswalt. The club has not confirmed their interest in any single player, but acknowledge that they have been active in trade talks. Rangers’ assistant GM Thad Levine said, “We’ve had some preliminary discussions with clubs. But to compel teams to move this far ahead of the [July 31] Trade Deadline, it would take a very attractive package. We’re still in the inventory stage and the information-gathering stage rather than the execution phase.” There are some obvious financial constraints in the way of a potential deal right now, but there’s little doubt that the Rangers have all the pieces necessary to acquire a front-line starting pitcher at the deadline.

– Cardinals’ RHP Ryan Franklin believes that he will retire when his contract expires after the 2011 season. Franklin will be 38 at that point and told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “I think I owe it to my family. I’ve missed a lot of things that have been going on. I don’t want to miss a lot more.” With the current spate of midseason will-he-or-won’t-he retirement stories, it’s a nice change of pace to see a player who has his plan in place in advance.

– Padres’ OF Kyle Blanks (elbow), who has been on the DL since May 18, will miss another 3-to-4 more weeks after an MRI showed more damage than had previously been thought. The San Diego Union Tribune reports that it will be another two weeks before Blanks even picks up a ball, which makes three weeks seems like an awfully optimistic timetable. While Blanks won’t need to recover his arm strength to the degree that a pitcher in rehab would, he can’t exactly be two-hopping the cut-off man either. Blanks was off to a slow start before he landed on the DL, as he’d produced a line of just .157/.283/.324.

– According to Tracy Ringolsby, Rockies’ SS Troy Tulowitzki (broken left wrist) will miss 6-to-8 weeks. A huge blow to the Rockies’ hopes.

– Phillies’ first base coach Davey Lopes said that 2B Chase Utley (knee) has been dealing with “a little bit of a knee injury.” There have been whispers about an injury for a few weeks now and Lopes finally spoke up to Baseball Prospectus. We’ll probably hear some confirmation or denial from the team in the days to come, but there’s no question that Utley hasn’t looked the same for quite some time. While his .377 OBP is excellent, he is batting just .257 with a .451 SLG%.

– The Dodgers have placed RHP Carlos Monasterios (blister on index finger) on the 15-day DL and have placed SS Rafael Furcal on the bereavement list.

– The Rockies have placed SS Troy Tulowitzki (fractured left wrist) on the 15-day DL.

– The Marlins have placed RHP Clay Hensley (left neck strain) on the 15-day DL retroactive to June 12, and transferred C John Baker to the 60-day DL.

– The Phillies have placed LHP Antonio Bastardo (left elbow ulnar neuritis) on the 15-day DL retroactive to June 16.

NHL

– The Devils have re-acquired F Jason Arnott from the Predators for F Matt Halischuk and a 2nd-round draft pick in the 2011. Arnott scored the Stanley Cup-clinching goal for the Devils in 2000. He had 19 goals and 27 assists in 63 games last season, and waived his no-trade clause in his contract to make the deal happen. After the season, he had given the Predators’ management a list of teams he would approve, with the Devils topping his list. “They kind of explained what the situation was and it just didn’t seem like I was in their (plans) for long term. So I decided I’d rather move my family now and we both kind of came to the agreement that it was time for the young guys to step in and do their thing, and for me to move on. So it was kind of a mutual thing.”

– The Predators have re-acquired D Ryan Parent from the Flyers for D Dan Hamhuis and a conditional pick in the 2011 draft.  Parent was Nashville’s first pick in the 2005 draft and was sent to Philadelphia in 2007 in a trade that brought F Peter Forsberg to Nashville. The 23-year-old blueliner played his first full NHL season last year and appeared in 17 playoff games during the Flyers’ run to the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals.

– According to the Ottawa Sun, the Capitals are shopping F Alexander Semin. He has one year left on his mulit-year contract that pays him $6M annually and may be a prime candidate to move on as a free agent after the 2010-11 season. Stay tuned.

– The Daily News reports that the Flyers could be offering F Jeff Carter in exchange for a proven #1 goalie. One rumour that keeps popping up is Carter to Boston for G Tim Thomas. Carter is the sniper that F Marc Savard has been missing on his wing since the trade of F Phil Kessel to Toronto. There would likely be more involved in a Carter for Thomas deal, but it is worth keeping an eye on. The Kings, who are set to add former Flyer head coach John Stevens to their coaching staff, may also be interested in moving a goalie for Carter.

Thomas is still a first-line goalie, but he’s making $5M as a backup to G Tuukka Rask. Boston needs to shed some salary in order to make some other changes to its roster and still be within the cap. Despite his substantial salary, there should be a number of contending teams vying for Thomas’ services. Philadelphia, Washington, San Jose and possibly Tampa will likely be calling Bruin GM Peter Chiarelli about Thomas. Stay tuned.

– Despite rumors that the Panthers are going to completely re-tool and trade both F Nathan Horton and F Stephen Weiss, don’t count on Weiss moving anywhere. Although Horton may be in play, Weiss is signed for three years at a modest $3.1M per season. That’s pretty reasonable for a 27-year-old center who has registered 121 points in his last 158 games and has the capacity to be even better in 2010-11. Plus, Florida coach Peter DeBour who coached Weiss in the OHL, loves him.

– The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Penguins will not bring back F Alex Ponikarovsky. The soon-to-be UFA is seeking a longer-term deal than the Penguiuns seem willing to give. Ponikarovsky was a disappointment last season after being acquired from the Leafs and the Pens do not seem willing to make a substantial investment in him.

– Lightning’ F Vincent Lecavalier is very happy with the hiring of Steve Yzerman as GM and Guy Boucher as head coach. “I’m very, very excited about what is happening with this organization from new ownership, to a guy like Steve Yzerman, who knows where he is going. He’s got a plan, he’s an honest person and comes from an organization of winners over the past 20 years and he will bring that mentality. And for him to bring on somebody like Guy Boucher, somebody who I’ve heard great things about over the past couple of years, I think it’s just going to be a great chemistry with those guys and with the players.”

– The AP reports that the Wild will not be big players in this year’s free agent frenzy.

– The owners of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers say they continue to look for minority partners and have no plans to sell or move either team. There have been persistent reports that the Atlanta Spirit ownership group is strapped financially and may be looking to sell one or both teams. The latest report was in Friday’s New York Post. The group also owns the operating rights to Philips Arena. Atlanta Spirit principals Bruce Levenson and Michael Gearon released a statement saying they have hired a firm to help in the search for minority investors but remain committed to both teams, the arena and the city of Atlanta. Their statement says “we have no plans to move either team.”

– D Rob Blake has officially retired from the NHL. Blake will be remembered as one of the greatest offensive defenceman of his generation. He scored 240 goals and 777 points in 1,270 games with the Kings, Avalanche and Sharks. He won the Norris Trophy in 1998 and the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2001.

NFL

– According to PFT, RFA LT Jammal Brown will not require a contract extension as a condition of Saturday’s trade to the Redskins. Brown did his RFA tender of $3.619M as part of the trade, and extension talks may begin down the line. The Saints’ compensation hinges on the QB Donovan McNabb trade. If McNabb makes the Pro Bowl, or the Redskins win nine games or make the playoffs, the Eagles receive a 3rd-round pick and the Saints get a fourth. If none of those happen, the Eagles will get the fourth-round pick and the Saints get the third-rounder. New Orleans will also send a conditional late-round pick back to the Washington while the Redskins owe the Saints a 2012 6th-rounder if Brown makes the Pro Bowl plays 90 percent of the snaps in 2010.

– The Raiders have re-signed “exclusive rights” franchise player DE Richard Seymour to a one-year/$12.398M contract. Seymour skipped out on OTAs in an attempt to get the Raiders to pay him even more money than he’s worth. Coming off a subpar season with 47 tackles, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble, Seymour isn’t worth anywhere near $12M — much less the 2011 1st-round pick that Al Davis surrendered to get him last year.

– PFT reports that Chiefs’ unsigned RFA S Jarrad Page has requested a trade. Page let PFT know of the trade demand via a press release that noted, “Entering the 2009 season, Jarrad Page had more interceptions than any other safety selected in the 2006 draft class.” Page is coming off a poor season, but has shown playmaking ability, is cheap, and is only 25 years old. The Chiefs should be able to get a late-round pick for him.

– Titans’ RB Chris Johnson told ESPN’s Michael Smith in a recent E:60 interview that he is asking the Titans for $30-40M guaranteed. Johnson hinted earlier in the offseason that he wanted to be the highest paid offensive player in the game – he wasn’t kidding. Johnson probably won’t old out of training camp beyond August 10 because of the monetary penalties he’d incur.

– The Seahawks have released WR Reggie Williams. He lasted just two months on the roster. He as out-practiced by fellow former top-ten bust Mike Williams. Williams’ NFL career might be finished.

– The have Ravens signed S Ken Hamlin to a one-year contract. The team still has some concern than S Ed Reed (hip surgery) won’t be back up to full speed for the early part of the season. Hamlin has lost his playmaking ability the last two seasons, so he was never going to land more than a one-year “prove it” deal as an insurance policy.

WWE

– Though Triple H’s current absence from television is in due part to filming the upcoming WWE Films project The Chaperone, the word is that he is more hurt than first thought. The extent to which the injuries will delay his planned return to the squared circle are unclear, but sources indicate a rumored SummerSlam feud between him and Edge has been scrapped. Meanwhile, Edge is expected to miss some house shows during the month of August as he films WWE’s action-oriented comedy Chasing the Hawk.

TNA

– Eric Bischoff opened Thursdays TNA iMPACT broadcast and announced that due to personal reasons, Scott Hall was no longer with the company and The Band were stripped of the TNA Tag Team Titles. A tournament is being held to determine who will face The Motor City Machineguns for the vacant belts at Victory Road. TNA President Dixie Carter wrote the following on her Twitter about Hall’s release:

“Scott Hall and I talked and together decided he needed time to focus on some personal issues. I am proud of the action he is taking.”

VoV

Marc Valeri – captaincharisma@hotmail.com
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WWE

– WWE announced on Friday that NXT season 1 rookie Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson) was released effective immediately and wished him the best in all future endeavors. People in WWE, including the creative team, were told that Danielson was fired for his conduct during the NXT Invasion angle on last week’s RAW. He was shown choking ring announcer Justin Roberts with his own tie during and spit on WWE champion John Cena during the heated angle.

The industry buzz is that a very powerful person outside of WWE complained to Vince McMahon about Danielson’s choking of Justin Roberts and deemed it too violent for WWE’s PG audience. There’s talk that Danielson broke a company protocol that was put in place after the Chris Benoit tragedy that nobody is to use ropes or other objects to choke opponents. Exactly who made the complaint isn’t known. but there’s speculation that it could be someone from Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign.

The within WWE is that Bryan Danielson is being thrown under the bus. The company apparently does want to bring him back once the whole thing blows over. He has a 90-day no compete clause, but after that time would be free to join TNA. For what it’s worth, Danielson has been described as having a great attitude backstage during his brief WWE run and was liked by most. Bryan Danielson changed his Twitter account from to Twitter.com/bryandanielson. He wrote on Saturday:

“Just changed my twitter name to Bryan Danielson. The winds of change are stirring.”

On Sunday, he followed up with:

“Biding my time, waiting for the right moment to speak.”

Despite the fact that that many within WWE still think Danielson’s release is a work and part of an angle, all indications are that he has indeed been released.

– WWE Champion John Cena posted a message on Twitter regarding Daniel Bryan’s release from the company. Cena wrote on Twitter.com/WWEJCena:

“I am very upset to hear about the release of bryan danielson. Social networks were formed so people would have a voice, and an opinon. I know you all have your own, theories and whatnot. I respect that. I have never asked any of you to feel a certaint way about me. But Bryan left a lasting impression on the wwe universe in a very short time, and although it came at my expense, I agree with the majority of you who are caught off guard by this choice.

I know I’m not exactly appreciated by all, nor do I care to be, but I believe what I believe. I would like bryan to come back to the wwe. I would like to sign your petition to bring him back. I was taught to stand up for what I beileve in. I tried and failed, so I could use some help. Tell me how to sign and I will. If for nothing else, to at least have a chance to have a match with him after what was done I know that seems a bit more fair. Give me a chance to have a fair match with him, and give him yet another chance to prove that he does belong with us.

Sorry for the long message, I know I am probally way out of line, I am sorry if I have offended anyone. But like me or not, that is what Hustle. Loyalty. And most importantly Respect means to me.”

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with his thoughts on Daniel Bryan’s WWE release this week.

“I was surprised to get up Saturday morning and to read that Daniel Bryan or Bryan Danielson had been released from WWE. I am not sure of the exact circumstances and until that information is confirmed it’s hard to make any definitive comments. Bryan is a talented wrestler who is not going to have any trouble finding work. His in ring style is unique, the young man has certainly paid his ‘dues,’ what ever that means now days, and he’s arguably the most talked about performer on NXT.”

Ross acknowledges that Daniel Bryan is in a unique position to capitalize on the strong push he’s had in recent weeks, culminating with him laying out WWE champion John Cena in his final WWE appearance.

“Certainly Bryan leaves WWE with momentum and with more fans knowing his name than at any point in his career. Plus, who is to say that Bryan will never return to WWE? There may be a great deal more to this matter than any of us know or, honestly, need to know at this time.”

NHL

– Blackhawks’ F Patrick Sharp will garner a great deal of attention in the trade market this off-season. Chicago has some cap issues to address this summer and players like Sharp could end up elsewhere to alleviate the problem. Sharp has two years remaining on his current contract, with a cap hit of $3.9M, and his scoring touch will attract potential suitors. The Leafs and the Blue Jackets are rumoured to be very interested in acquiring the 28-year-old winger. Stay tuned.

– TSN reports that the Flyers almost signed F Peter Forsberg on March 2 for their playoff run. Forsberg wanted to sign, but felt that with his injury, he wasn’t in good enough shape.

– Canucks’ D Aaron Rome, 25, a UFA on July 1, is expected to negotiate a new deal with the Canucks.

NFL

– CBS 11 Dallas reports that Titans’ QB Vince Young is the “prime suspect” in a Saturday night assault at a Dallas strip club. According to CBS Dallas, one individual came away from the assault with “a bodily injury,” after “words were exchanged” at the strip bar. Police have yet to issue a warrant, but are targeting Young for information. V.Y. is believed to have fled the scene Saturday night before police arrived.

MLB

– The NY Post reports that RHP Roy Oswalt would waive his no-trade clause to join the Mets. The source, who is a “player who is friendly” with Oswalt, says that Oswalt likes the “veteran fiber” of the Mets and would feel good about joining them if it can stay in playoff contention up till the July 31 trading deadline. Oswalt is owed about $30M through the end of next season.

– Brian McNamee told federal investigators that former RHP Roger Clemens’ nonprofit organization paid him for his training services, including providing the seven-time Cy Young Award winner with performance-enhancing drugs, the New York Times reported on its website Sunday night. McNamee told authorities investigating Clemens for perjury that the payments were made from the Roger Clemens Foundation from 1998-2001, according to several people briefed on the investigation, the Times reported. McNamee, who claims he routinely injected Clemens with steroids during that time, said he was also paid in cash and personal checks.

Clemens’ lawyer, Rusty Hardin disputed McNamee’s claims, telling the newspaper the former trainer had again lied to federal authorities. McNamee reportedly tried to find documents to support his accusations about the payments but couldn’t produce them. Clemens is under investigation for possible perjury charges stemming from his statements under oath to Congress in February 2008 in which he denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs.

– Jim Joyce was voted the best umpire in Major League Baseball in a poll of 100 players conducted by ESPN the Magazine. Joyce made national headlines when he missed a call at first base that cost Tigers’ RHP Armando Galarraga a perfect game on June 2. After seeing a replay, the 22-year veteran acknowledged he blew the call and apologized to Galarraga.

ESPN said Sunday that 50 active players from each league were asked confidentially within the past week to select the three best umpires in baseball. Joyce was named on 53% of the surveys, topping Tim McClelland (34%).

CB Bucknor was voted the game’s worst ump. Also, 86% of players agreed that commissioner Bud Selig should not have overturned Joyce’s call and awarded Galarraga the 21st perfect game in big league history. The issue of instant replay also was addressed, and 77% said there should be no replay on base calls.

NBA

– The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Tom Izzo is hesitant to make a decision on coaching the Cavs in part because he isn’t seeing a strong relationship between the team and soon-to-be free agent F LeBron James. A source told Yahoo! that Izzo “isn’t even sure who has a relationship with [James],” though Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, who recruited Izzo personally, is telling the prospective coach that the team has a good chance of re-signing James.

According to Yahoo!, Izzo would like to see stability from the Cavs, which is looking for a coach and just changed GMs, before he accepts the five-year/$30M offer on the table. One thing that may push Izzo to take the offer is that he is frustrated that he has so much trouble getting recruits to come play at Michigan State even though he’s taken the team to one national title and six Final Fours, one source told Wojnarowski. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that a “high-level source” says that James would be “100%” behind Izzo getting hired by the team.

– ESPN reports that G Dwyane Wade will begin seeing who wants to join him playing with the Heat before exploring offers on the free agent market come July 1.

– The Oregonian reports that Bernie Bickerstaff is set to join the Blazers as an assistant coach.

TNA

– TNA President Dixie Carter posted some messages on Twitter on Sunday morning clarifying that the “nice surprise” she promised for tonight’s Slammiversary PPV is NOT part of the “major changes” that she says will change TNA . Regarding when we’ll know what the major changes are, Carter wrote, “You will just see for yourselves in the coming weeks.”

As part of TNA’s Slammiversary weekend, the company held an 8th anniversary party in Orlando on Saturday night at the Universal Orlando’s Citywalk NASCAR restaurant. Many of TNA’s top stars were in attendance and both Jeff Jarrett and Dixie Carter addressed the crowd and shared their thoughts on the past, present and future of TNA. Dixie Carter shot down some rumours about the “major changes” coming to TNA – stating that TNA has not been sold and the changes do not involve a new television deal.

As for what the major changes are, there are a lot of competing theories as to what it will be. While we can confirm that Paul Heyman has spoken with Dixie Carter in the past several weeks and many in TNA are pushing hard for Heyman to be brought in, the talent believs the changes are more than just hiring a new booker. The changes will not be announced all at once, but will be revealed over a few weeks time.

VoV

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

– The D’Backs have signed 1B Adam LaRoche to a one-year/$4-5M deal, pending a physical. The contract also includes an option for 2011 with a buyout that would push this guaranteed value north of $5.5M.

– The Jays will not pursue free agent 1B Carlos Delgado. According to a report on MLB.com, a source stated that “Delgado doesn’t fit into the Blue Jays’ plans.” Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos refused to comment. Finding room for him to play would have been difficult, as they already have 1B Lyle Overbay at first and DH Adam Lind at DH, left field and first, both of whom are lefty bats. It would have also given INF Brett Wallace less playing time. Stay tuned.

– Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that Phillies RHP Brad Lidge (knee) had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, leaving his status for Opening Day in doubt. The 33-year-old was sidelined with a sprained right knee in June, but the injury has persisted. He already underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow in November, clouding his status for the start of Spring Training, but he’ll almost certainly miss the beginning of the season. Lidge should be able to begin a throwing program in 10 days.

– The Rangers will be among the teams in attendance when free agent RHP Ben Sheets throws at the University of Louisiana next Tuesday. The Rangers agreed to a two-year deal with Sheets last offseason, but it was nixed when it was determined that the veteran right-hander needed flexor tendon surgery in his elbow. As many as 10 teams are expected to be in attendance to watch the oft-injured right-hander throw next week.

– The Braves have signed OF Melky Cabrera.

– The Braves have contacted the agent for OF Johnny Damon.

– The Cubs are interested in OF Jermaine Dye in a platoon role. The Padres no longer appear to be interested.

NHL

– Ducks F Teemu Selanne (broken jaw) is out four-to-six weeks.

– Multiple sources have confirmed that goalie consultant Ed Belfour is no longer with the Blues organization. He was originally brought on board back in August. The exact reasoning for his exit or firing is unknown at this time.

OLYMPICS

– F Peter Forsberg (ribs) is expected out two weeks. The two-time Stanley Cup champion, who was named to the Swedish Olympic team last month suffered a setback this week in his rehab for injured ribs. Forsberg, who has been playing for Modo of the Swedish Elite League, was expected to make a comeback on Thursday against Farjestad, however he left the ice half-way through Wednesday’s training session.

MMA

– Heavyweight fighter Bobby Lashley (4-0) says he wants to continue climbing the ranks in Strikeforce and is not rushing into a fight against Fedor Emelianenko. While Brock Lesnar was virtually rushed into a title fight in the UFC, Lashley tells SunSentionel.com that he wants to continue his slow build and get a few more wins under his belt before the fight of his life:

“When the fight comes with Fedor, which is going to be two, maybe three fights away, I will be definitely ready for him. It’s hard for me because when Brock (Lesnar) came in [to the UFC] Brock fought for the title after his second fight and everybody was [upset] about that. So I take a step back and say, ‘I’m going to take a different route.’ And I take my time and I have fights and everybody is like, ‘Why doesn’t Bobby fight Fedor?’ You can’t win for losing. There’s nothing I can do so I figure I’m going to do it the right way, and the way I know is the right way, and work my way up. I guarantee you I’m going to give the fans what they want. I’m going to be on this guy like he’s never seen before. So I’ll definitely put on a great show.”

Lashley makes his Strikeforce debut at the Strikeforce: Miami Showtime event on January 30 against Yohan Banks (2-1). He is also scheduled to fight on the April CBS card with no opponent named at this time.

NFL

– Despite speculation to the contrary, Ravens WR Derrick Mason said he has yet to decide whether this season will be his final one. “I’ll re-evaluate after the season and see where I am at physically and mentally and go from there,” Mason said. The 36-year-old temporarily retired last summer after struggling through a shoulder injury and the Ravens’ refusal to give him a pay raise. Mason is a UFA this offseason, so Baltimore will have to make it worth his while to play in 2010.

NBA

– Attorneys for Wizards G Gilbert Arenas and prosecuting U.S. attorneys have been in discussion regarding a plea agreement for the gun charges Arenas is facing. Details of the plea haven’t emerged as of yet, but it’s clear that no decision regarding his status in the NBA (present or future) will come out until the legal side of things is addressed.

VoV

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NHL

– According to Vancouver GM Mike Gillis, F Peter Forsberg has decided not to play in the NHL this season. Forsberg has decided to play for his old team, Modo of the Swedish Elite League. He’s reportedly not happy with his performance in the Karjala Cup, an international tournament Forsberg used to test whether or not he can compete in the NHL this season. Gillis said that Forsberg ultimately decided against returning to the NHL Monday morning.

“He made it because it’s more of a day-to-day thing with his foot as opposed to a situation where he’s confident he can play. and I think it’s a tribute to him that he didn’t want to put himself in a position where he’s taking a roster spot and not being an everyday player in the NHL — so we just move on, and go to the next step.”

If things go well for Forsberg in Sweden, he may still attempt to play in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

– According to the Ottawa Sun, the Leafs are discussing a contract extension with G Jonas “The Monster” Gustavsson. Monster signed a one-year deal with the Buds in the offseason. The Leafs cannot sign him to an extension until January.

NBA

– The Grizzlies have waived G Allen Iverson. Iverson will only get a fraction of the $3M he was scheduled to earn. Whether he’s picked up by an NBA team remains to be seen, but there might be a better chance he goes overseas.

– The Times-Picayune has refuted a Sacramento Bee report that the Hornets and Kings are working on a deal involving F Emeka Okafor.

– Former Bulls F Dennis Rodman has been detained Europe for skipping out on a hotel bill in Germany. ESPN reports that the bill for the party was worth $5,100.

MLB

– According to FOX Sports, OF Matt Holiday will not be returning to the Cardinals. The report says that Holliday has narrowed his choices down to three teams: the Yankees, Red Sox and Angels. Stay tuned.

– RHP Pedro Martinez’s agent, Fern Cuza, told FOXSports.com Monday that his client intends to pitch a full season in 2010. Martinez joined up with the Phillies in late July of 2009 and compiled a 5-1 record, 3.63 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in nine starts. He also made three postseason starts. The 38-year-old hasn’t thrown more than 110 innings since 2006, but is still likely to draw interest as a low-risk, high-reward starter. He could still end up back in Philly.

NFL

– According to ESPN, free agent RB Larry Johnson plans on signing with the Bengals by week’s end. The deal is expected to be for the league minimum.

– Steelers S Troy Polamalu (knee) is expected out for the remainder of the season. He left Sunday’s game against the Bengals with a knee injury, the same one he suffered an injury for in the first game of the season.

UFC

– According to The Telegraph, UFC welterweight champ George St. Pierre and number one contender Dan Hardy are possible coaches for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. TUF 11 will feature middleweight and light-heavyweight fighters and will film through April. St. Pierre announced his groin injury is healed and he is 100% to fight, so if he does end up coaching, his return to the octagon will again be delayed.

– The scheduled UFC 108 fight between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez has been cancelled due to Nogueira suffering a severe staph infection in his left elbow. The fight between Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva will now be the main event. Meanwhile, the UFC will attempt to find a new opponent for Velasquez.

VoV

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MLB

– According to Steve Kornacki of MLive.com, a deal involving Tigers OF Curtis Granderson is “unlikely to happen” this winter. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski suggested the same thing Wednesday, yet rumours are still streaming in from all over involving some of the Tigers’ bigger stars. “My personal feeling is that Detroit is not going to trade Curtis Granderson,” an unnamed American League executive said Friday. “He’s like (Cleveland’s) Grady Sizemore. They don’t come along very often and Detroit is blessed to have him.”

– Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski said that the team “would like to have RHP Justin [Verlander] in the organization for a long time.” Verlander is coming off a 19-win season with a 3.45 ERA as a 26-year old. He’s entering his second year of arbitration and is in line for a nice bump in salary, having made $3.75M in 2009. Despite reported payroll slashing, the team has over $50M coming off the books in 2010, which can then be re-invested. Whatever contract Verlander signs is sure to approach a total package of $100M.

– The Mariners have signed SS Jack Wilson to a two-year contract extension. The deal was reached in lieu of excercising Wilson’s $8.4M option for 2010. The 31-year-old shortstop hit .224/.263/.299 with one homer and eight RBI in 100 at-bats with the Mariners this season, but was one of the top defenders in the league at the six.

– Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse reports the Rockies have declined RHP Rafael Betancourt’s $5.4M option for 2010. Betancourt, 34, posted an impressive 1.78 ERA in 25 1/3 innings after being acquired by the Rockies in July, but $5.4M is a bit much for a setup man. The Rox are hoping to sign him for a lesser salary.

– According to Bart Hubbuch of the NY Post, Mets GM Omar Minaya said Friday that he “wouldn’t rule out” a contract extension for OF Jeff Francoeur. Francoeur, who turns 26 this winter, was impressive during his time in N.Y. this past season, batting .311/.338/.498 with 10 home runs, 20 doubles and 41 RBI in 289 at-bats. He’s under team control until the 2012, but the Mets would like to lock him up through his arbitration years.

– According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, the Brewers have declined RHP Braden Looper’s $6.5M option for 2010. Looper posted a career-high 14 wins in 2009, but a quick glance under the surface reveals much worse. His 5.22 ERA was a career-worst and he struck out just 100 batters in 194 2/3 innings of work. Looper was given a $1M buyout.

– RHP Ben Sheets’ agent, Casey Close, said Friday afternoon that his client fully intends to pitch in the upcoming season. Brewers GM Doug Melvin caused a stir at the GM meetings this week when he noted that “no one’s heard from Ben” this winter. Sheets’ agent attempted to debunk that sort of talk with an e-mail to ESPN.com on Friday: “We have already heard from a number of teams inquiring about Ben’s health and availability for 2010,” Close said. “I will tell you that he has a very good chance to be one of the most impactful free agents, without question.”

– Blue Jays OF Vernon Wells (left wrist) has undergone surgery and is expected to be ready for spring training. The team said Friday that doctors repaired cartilage in his wrist, which he broke diving to make a catch against the Indians in 2008. Wells struggled through one of his worst seasons as a pro in 2009, batting just .260 with 15 home runs and 66 RBIs.

NHL

– Avalanche F Peter Forsberg may stay in Sweden this season and play for his old team Modo of the SEL. Forsberg is not happy with his game at this time and does not want to embarrass himself if he returns to the NHL. Forsberg’s MoDo team is in serious financial trouble and he may help out by returning. Former NHLer Markus Naslund is on the board of directors of MoDo and he could possibly return to the team if Forsberg also returns. It is still possible that Forsberg, who hasn’t made up his mind, will return to the NHL to get him ready for his best shot to play for the Swedish Olympic team at the Vancouver Olympics in February. Stay tuned.

NBA

– According to CBS Sports’ Ken Berger, Warriors coach Don Nelson could be on his way out as coach of the Warriors and it could happen as early as next week.

– ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that Clippers owner Donald Sterling “has already flirted seriously with the idea of dismissing [head coach] Mike Dunleavy immediately.” Dunleavy is owed $5M this season and $5M next season, but the Clippers are floundering at 3-7 and fan support is quickly eroding. One possibility is Dunleavy “moving” from the bench to a role in the front office (he is already serving a dual role as coach/GM). Stay tuned.

– Mavericks G Josh Howard (ankle) could be out until the end of December, according to ESPNDallas.com. That could be a worst-case scenario. He will continue to travel and practice with the team, and according to coach Rick Carlisle, “He will rehab even more aggressively than he has in the past.”

– Hornets G Chris Paul (sprained ankle) is out one-to-two weeks.

– Mavericks F Josh Howard (ankle) is out indefinitely. Howard returned from the injury this week and played decently in two games, but the ankle started bothering him again Wednesday. Howard insists he did not reinjure the ankle, and simply needs to give it more time to heal.

TNA

–The NY Daily News has published comments that Hulk Hogan made to a fan at a recent book signing regarding his vision for TNA Wrestling. Hogan said that he hopes to bring in Steve Austin, Randy Savage, Rob Van Dam, and the Nasty Boys tag team to TNA. He also wants to start a new Monday Night War against WWE.

“I wish to talk to Rob Van Dam, who is considering returning to the ring, and convince him to join TNA. Plus I’m also wishing to contact ex-Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Macho Man Randy Savage.”

The newspaper reports that Hogan is pushing for TNA programming on Monday nights, which was one rumored around the time it was announced Hogan and Eric Bischoff are partnering with TNA. Hogan says he “considered for months” guest-hosting Monday’s Raw from Madison Square Garden before he “sealed the deal” with TNA.

WWE

– According to the Wrestling Globe, Rey Mysterio is said to be working through a lot of pain at the moment, with news that his ACL and PCL are completely destroyed. It’s said his injured joint is virtually bone-on-bone and that he requires knee surgery as soon as possible.

– Edge spoke with Australia’s Daily Telegraph. The highlighs:

About injuries in wrestling: “Look, guys in the WWE wrestle hurt all the time – that’s a given.”

On almost ending up in a wheelchair: “And with the neck stuff, yeah, I thought I was hurt. So I kept going and going, basically. Kept training and wrestling to the point where I almost ended up in a wheelchair. And it all came to a head one afternoon when I was lifting weights in a San Francisco gym. Curling dumbbells. I was curling away when I went to go with my left and – boom – it just wouldn’t go. Even when I tried to flex my bicep, it stayed soft.” He then wrestled the next day.

– WWE unified tag champion the Big Show was interviewed by the UK’s Daily Star this week and commented on Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair returning to the ring later this month in Australia.

Hulk Hogan: “I just think it was a situation where two guys who love the industry wanted to go again. That’s the thing, no matter how long you do this for, or how old you are, you still have a love and a passion for the business. I wish them all the best.”

On his own retirement: “I get sore and a little lame and I have a bad attitude generally – but I still love coming to work. I’m the kind of guy who can’t sit still for longer than two or three days in a row anyway! If there comes a time where I can’t go out and entertain the fans then I’ll call it a day but that’s not here yet. I’m enjoying the moment.”

NFL

– The Bengals have placed SS Roy Williams (re-fractured forearm) on the IR. He’s done for the year.

VoV

-– You can keep up with VoV through Twitter by clicking here.

MLB

– The Braves have signed RHP Tim Hudson to a three-year/$28M contract with a team option for a fourth year. His new deal calls for salaries of $9M in each of the next three seasons, and the Braves get a $9M club option for 2013 with a $1M buyout. If Hudson pitches at least 600 innings over the next three seasons, he would receive a $500K bonus after the 2012 season.

– The Boston Globe is reporting that the Red Sox could make an offer to OF Hideki Matsui. According to the Japanese site, Nikkan Sports, the Red Sox are ready to offer a multi-year deal to the 35-year-old DH. Matsui has made about $13M a year for each of the last four, but he is apparently ready to lower his price for his next deal to $8M annually.

– Larry Stone of the Seattle Times believes the Mariners have interest in bringing RHP Rich Harden in.  The 27-year-old Harden was 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and impressive 10.91 K/9 this season with the Cubs. He was very successful during his five-plus year tenure with the A’s and would probably feel comfortable with a return to the same division.

– According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs will likely go after either Rangers OF Marlon Byrd or Tigers OF Curtis Granderson as their centre fielder for next season. The Cubs could likely sign Byrd, but in order to acquire Granderson and his $25.75M contract over the next three years, the Tigers would need to take Cubs OF Milton Bradley in return. Tigers manager Jim Leyland flipped out last summer when it was reported that that Bradley might be coming to Detroit via trade. The Cubs’ 2010 payroll is expected to go up to $145M, more than anybody else in the NL Central.

– The Royals have signed INF Wilson Betemit to a minor-league deal. In 72 games with Triple-A Charlotte in 2009, he hit .241 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs.

– ESPN reports that the Reds are trying to unload RHP Chad Cordero. The team probably won’t be able to do this, since Cordero’s contract is so big (two-years/$25M remaining). Cordero posted a 2.16 ERA and 39 saves for the Reds in 2009.

– Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is interested in 2B Placido Polanco to play third base. Polanco, 3B Mark DeRosa and 3B Adrian Beltre are at the top of his wish list, as reported here earlier. Polanco, 34, just won a Gold Glove in the American League for his play at second base, but hasn’t played at third base since 2005. Salisbury writes that he is willing to move to third base as long as he plays for a contending team. Polanco played with the Phillies from 2002 to 2005.

– The Atlanta Constitution Journal writes that the Braves could look at Marlins 2B Dan Uggla if Uggla is willing to move back to left field. The Braves are looking for a corner outfield bat, despite Uggla not appearing in the outfield since the 2004 season when he was playing for Double-A El Paso in the Diamondbacks organization. The 29-year-old has eclipsed 30 homers in each of the past three seasons.

– A former ESPN production assistant whose affair with broadcaster Steve Phillips led to their firings says she confronted his wife only so he would stop pursuing her. Brooke Hundley told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Thursday that she never stalked the baseball analyst. Both were fired in October after the affair became public. Phillips acknowledged his relationship with the 22-year-old Hundley, and the details were splashed across New York tabloids for days. Telephone messages were left Thursday for Hundley and Phillips’ spokesman. Phillips’ wife, Marni, declined to comment.

– Lawyers for RHP Roger Clemens filed a motion in Brooklyn federal court to dismiss a defamation lawsuit by the pitcher’s former trainer, claiming statements that accused Brian McNamee of trying to shake down Clemens were not serious. Joe Roden, one of the attorneys representing Clemens, said the seven-time Cy Young award winner, lawyer Rusty Hardin and others were not serious when they questioned McNamee’s mental state and accused him of manufacturing evidence, the New York Daily News reported Thursday. The evidence referred to are used syringes and bloody gauze pads McNamee turned over to federal authorities. McNamee has said he injected Clemens with steroids and HGH over a period of several years, a claim the former pitcher has vehemently denied.

– The Nationals have officially moved SS Christian Guzman to second base. Guzman underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder in October. He’s expected to be ready by the start of spring training, but the Nats believe he won’t have the kind of range he once did. SS Ian Desmond, who hit .280/.380/.561 with four home runs and 12 RBI as a September call-up, could open the season as Washington’s starting shortstop.

NBA

– The NY Daily News is reporting that the Knicks are losing interest in signing Cavaliers F LeBron James and Heat G Dwyane Wade for next summer’s free agency period, and are now turning their attention to Raptors F Chris Bosh and Hawks G Joe Johnson. The team is still expected to make runs at LBJ and D-Wade, but their realistic expectations fall on the later two players. Johnson at least has a long-time relationship with Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni, who he played for years ago with the Suns.

– Speaking D-Wade and LBJ, Wade was recently asked about the chance of signing on and playing alongside LeBron. Wade did tell the paper “it really could” happen, but wouldn’t bet on it.

“It’s something we’ve talked about, of course. No question, it’s a long shot. He’s put in position in Cleveland where he has the opportunity to compete for a championship now. I’m in Miami, where I’ve won a championship and this is where I love to be. So it’s not like we’re both looking over our shoulders saying we want to get out of here. So it’s a long shot. But at the end of the day, it is a shot.”

If it happens, it’s more likely to happen in Miami where the team has more salary space available than the Cavs. But it won’t happen (it could happen!).

– The Hornets have fired coach Byron Scott. GM Jeff Bower will take over coaching duties for the Hornets, who are sitting at 3-6. Bower is a one-time Hornets assistant, but has never been a head coach in the NBA. Former head coach Tim Floyd will also rejoin the Hornets as an assistant.

NHL

– According to the Camden Courier Post, F Peter Forsberg is not yet ready for an NHL return. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren supposedly expressed formal interest to Forsberg’s agent about bringing him back but then Forsberg, 36, had his agent tell Holmgren and everybody else in the NHL that he needed more time before returning to build up some stamina and “feel comfortable skating.” Stay tuned.

– The Leafs have placed D Mike Komisarek (quad) on the IR. He’s out three weeks.

– Blue Jackets F Raffi Torres (mouth) could be sidelined for up to two weeks. Torres left Wednesday’s game in the first period after being struck in the mouth by the puck. Some of Torres teeth were knocked out and the area that connects Torres teeth to the upper jaw bone has been crushed.

– The NHL has suspended Canucks F Darcy Hordichuk one game and fined Canucks coach Alain Vigneault $10K.

WWE

– There has been a lot of internal discussion between WWE creative and Vince McMahon regarding the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame class. The names discussed as possible candidates include Ted DiBiase, King Kong Bundy, Lawrence Taylor and Jake Roberts. DiBiase remains the most consistent name talked about but there is some concern that they might not be able to get Taylor, who wrestled Bam Bam Bigelow at WrestleMania 11. Obviously there is also concern about booking Jake Roberts considering his problems with alcohol and his reputation among people in the business. Roberts blew WWE off a while back for promotional work on his own DVD so saying that he would easily come for a Hall of Fame payoff is stretching it.

Regarding The Ultimate Warrior, he was talked about a week earlier but his name wasn’t seriously talked about on the flight to England this past week.

– RVD spoke with the UK Sun. RVD explains how Vince McMahon ripped his heart out and stomped on it with the way he handled the resurrection of ECW back in 2006. The former WWE & ECW champion goes in depth about how poorly he feels Vince McMahon handled ECW, the various steps McMahon took to make his version ECW completely different while burying the ECW legacy, Paul Heyman’s reaction to the whole fiasco and more. The highlights:

Winning the WWE Title & Vince’s ECW: “RVD wasn’t going to be WWE champ, but I brought ECW back because that was my spirit and the spirit of the fans. I knew they wanted to see it and I was feeding off that energy. Winning the world title meant a lot. It gave creditability to ECW. At least for the moment…so we thought! But very shortly afterwards Vince McMahon’s long-term plans started to unfold.

“We were faced with the fact that he would give ECW no credit for anything up until that point and wanted to create this new brand of wrestling that would be a global product and mainstream in every way, with Extreme Rules only as a stipulation every once in a while. Our hearts were ripped out of our chests and stomped on. Vince said: “Nobody remembers the old ECW anyway, Rob. This is something new.” So it was a fun moment, it was short-lived and it’s definitely gone now.

Paul Heyman’s Feelings About the new ECW: He would come to work and just tell me how much disdain and loathing he had for Vince. I remember him saying it was like Vince had raped his wife, because ECW was so close to his heart and Vince f***ed it. He felt Vince enjoyed watching him suffer, while ripping apart the fabric of ECW week by week. But Paul has no resentment now and no desire to get back at Vince. He has made balance and is in a peaceful stage, like I am. It’s just something we laugh about.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some of the highlights:

His WWE Status: For the record, I don’t have a burning desire right now, while addressing my present health issues, to get back on weekly TV whatsoever. I am much more focused on the medical tests that I will undergo tomorrow which are the results of previous tests done a week or so ago. Yes sir, I’m ready for this little journey to end and to be 100% ready to rock….and that will happen.

Roddy Piper Hosting Raw: Rowdy Roddy Piper will no doubt be at the top of his game Monday night in Madison Square Garden when he hosts Monday Night Raw. I know that Hot Rod considers “The Garden” hallowed ground, as most of us veterans do, and who knows how many more times the WWE Hall of Famer will be in such a key role in this arena? I expect all sort of Survivor Series oriented fireworks in NYC Monday evening.

Ultimate Warrior in the WWE Hall of Fame? The WWE Hall of Fame class for 2010 seems to be garnering more interest as our email flow gets stronger. Lots of speculation that the “Ultimate Warrior” will be inducted this year. I have no clue but the fact that “Warrior” lives in Phoenix, the site of WM26, being a significant reason as to why makes zero sense to me. Either the man deserves to be introduced or he doesn’t no matter his zip code. I personally feel the former Blade Runner is deserving and just because the guy is considered “controversial” should not exclude him from any accolade. Warrior’s accomplishments and contributions to the business are what counts and hearing Warrior’s acceptance speech live and in person would be classic and likely a “Wrestlemania Moment.”

TNA

– In an interview with Sherdog.com, TNA Wrestling star and MMA fighter Bobby Lashley says he’d strongly consider walking away from pro wrestling if he was offered an exclusive deal with Strikeforce.

“If it does come to a point where you have to choose, then I’ll have to sit back and talk with my family. I want to fight. TNA is at the understanding where they know my dedication with fighting. If (Strikeforce CEO Scott) Coker comes back and says you have to quit wrestling, then we’ll have to cross that bridge.”

TNA offered Lashley great money to work a reduced schedule and they understand fighting is his top priority. Lashley’s professional MMA record is 4-0, most recently defeating Bob Sapp on June 27. There were reports over the summer that Strikeforce was negotiating with Bobby Lashley to fight Fedor Emelianenko at last weekend’s CBS event. Lashley declined the high profile fight because he didn’t think he’d have enough time to train properly, but Strikeforce is interested and can certainly use another rising star with name value in their heavyweight division.

VoV

-– You can keep up with VoV through Twitter by clicking here.

-– Peepulation! I have terrific news about the site – not only did VoV just break its own record and score the biggest traffic month in its short 10.5 month history, but VoV has also just recorded it’s 2,000,000th visitor! That reeks of awesomeness! Thanks again to the ever-growing peepulation, it’s your continued readership that has helped make VoV the fastest and most accurate site to late-breaking news!

NHL

– Hurricanes G Cam Ward (leg) remained in an Ohio hospital after his leg was cut by a skate, and general manager Jim Rutherford says he could miss up to four weeks.

With Ward still in the hospital, it’s been declared that the ‘Canes are looking for some help between the pipes. According to a source close to me, the team is looking at Leafs G Vesa Toskala. Toskala is in the final year of a $4M per year deal, and is one of the few potential starting goaltenders available on the trade market. To even out the budgets, the Leafs would likely take one of the following players in return: F Scott Walker, F Sergei Samsonov or F Matt Cullen. Stay tuned.

– The Capitals have placed F Michael Nylander on waivers.

– According to Bruce Garrioch, the Stars could be looking for a big forward, and hints that a Stars/Leafs deal could be on the horizon. F Alex Ponikarovsky is one of the names currently floating around. Garrioch also says the Panthers are shopping F Nathan Horton and once again, and the Leafs could be involved. Stay tuned.

– F Peter Forsberg is negotiating with KHL and NHL teams. If he does return to the NHL, keep an eye on the Canucks, Rangers, Red Wings and Avalanche.

– The Oilers are rumoured to be defenceman shopping and are looking into Lightning D Andrei Meszaros and D Lukas Krajicek as potential trade targets.

– Rumours continue to swirl that the Habs have interest in D Chris Chelios. Chelios has been great for the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.

– Rangers F Chris Drury (concussion) is out indefinitely.

– Flyers D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen (concussion) is out indefinitely.

MLB

– The Phillies have declined their $5.5M option on 3B Pedro Feliz. Feliz hit .266 with 12 home runs and 82 RBIs in 158 games for the National League champion Phillies this season. He’ll receive a $500K buyout.

NBA

– Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley came out and said that Allen Iverson’s absence is indeed of a personal nature, and not related to his current playing situation.

“I’m not going to get into the personal reason but it has nothing to do with the other stuff. “I’m the guy who said he could go. It’s a real family issue that I don’t think should be reported.” Heisley goes on to talk about the parties getting on the same page by saying, “he understands what the conditions are,” and that “we need to be less hyper about this along with Allen.” Most rumours point to Iverson being done with the team, but a trade is unlikely. Could we have seen A.I. on the court for the last time?

– Spurs G Tony Parker (sprained ankle) is out one week.

WWE

– During the Yankees World Series victory parade in New York City on Saturday, former WWE ring announcer Lillian Garcia was assaulted. She was thrown to the floor after somebody tried to grab her cell phone. She was not harmed, but was shaken by the ordeal and grazed her elbow during the fall. Police hope to catch the culprit from CCTV footage after Garcia filed a police report.

“I just had a punk kid try and steal my phone,” Garcia wrote on Twitter. “Luckily, I held on tightly and he didn’t get it, but now be fore he threw me to the ground. As reported, Garcia mentions she has filed a report and is doing OK. Lillian Garcia is concentrating on her music at present and is not currently accepting any new convention bookings.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:

A WWE Cable Channel: “As I wrote earlier in the week, the potential of a WWE Channel is another positive. There are virtually unlimited ways to create new programming notwithstanding the Legends Roundtables, watching DVD releases w/ the talents involved with the production, daily blocks of World Class, AWA, ect has credence. Producing internet “radio shows” along the line of ESPN’s Mike and Mike, etc would work. Producing a specfic number of hours of daily programming and then repeating it seems doable. The potential is really limitless.

WrestleMania 26: “It will be interesting to see how Wrestlemania 26 gets out of the box for Phoenix. It’s a great time to be a fan. There will be several days of activities for fans making the trip to the valley of the sun. I’ve attended a Fiesta Bowl there and the facility is incredible.

New Smackdown Announce Team: Grisham and Striker are beginning to mesh as a solid broadcast duo and their efforts will continue to be a work in progress which is to be expected. I like their potential. Their progress may see yours truly assume another role TBD upon my return which works for me. I feel that I’m fortune to be able to help the team in a variety of ways. All of that is up in the air and is pure speculation until I’ve been medically cleared. Maybe there is a there man booth in my future especially on selected PPV’s. Who knows but I for one am not concerned. Just anxious to get back in the game.

VoV

-– You can keep up with VoV through Twitter by clicking here.

MLB

– Cardinals GM John Mozeliak indicated Thursday that he expects OF Matt Holliday to reach the open market. The Cardinals have a two-week window with exclusive negotiating rights on the highly coveted outfielder, but Mo doesn’t see a deal getting done that quickly. Mozeliak said, “You’d think he has a pretty good idea of what we have to offer… most players, if they haven’t agreed to terms at this point, it means they are working their way to the open market.” Holliday hit .313/.394/.515 with 24 homers and 109 RBI this season. He’ll draw a huge contract. Scott Boras, Holliday’s agent, expects Mark-Teixeira-type money (eight years/$181M). Stay tuned.

– According to the NY Post, the Yankees will probably not be making any big-name free agent signings this offseason, which includes the likes of OF Jason Bay, RHP John Lackey and OF Matt Holliday. The Yanks will spend $100M next season between 3B Alex Rodriguez, LHP C.C. Sabathia, 1B Mark Teixeira and SS Derek Jeter alone and have another $70M already committed to 13 other players.

– According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds plan to buy out C Ramon Hernandez’s 2010 option and then attempt to re-sign him. The option is worth $8.5M, which is a criminal to hand a guy who hit just .258/.336/.362 last season. Instead the Reds will pay him a $1 million buyout and look to sign him on an inexpensive short-term deal. GM Walt Jocketty said, “We’ve talked to his agent. We’ve made some progress. I don’t know if we’re close. But we’ll try to work something out.”

– The Kansas City Star believes that no Mark Teahen-to-the-White Sox deal has been completed. None of the players have been informed of the trade, as of yet. The NY Daily News and Chicago Sun-Times both indicated that a deal was done, and there’s little reason to doubt that it was essentially agreed to. However, since nothing has become official, it’s still possible that one of the two sides will back out.

– The Indians have hired Tim Belcher as pitching coach. The Indians let Carl Willis go near the end of the regular season. Belcher, 48, is a former major league pitcher. He spent the last eight seasons in the Indians’ organization as a special Assistant to baseball operations.

NBA

– According to the NY Post, Cavaliers F LeBron James is still uncertain about his future come next winter. A move to the Knicks is not out of the question. Expect a cat and mouse game to begin between LBJ, the Cavs and Knicks.

– Kings G Kevin Martin (broken wrist) is deciding whether or not to undergo surgery. He apparently was told yesterday that he had one night to think about whether he wanted to have surgery or not. He would need to put a screw in his wrist to stabilize it, then put it in a cast now and let it heal. Or, he could try to just play through the pain. The cast option would mean being out for six-to-eight weeks, if not longer.

– According to ESPN, the Bobcats could acquire Warriors F Stephen Jackson. The Cavs and Nuggets have also expressed interest. Whoever takes him will need to absorb his large contract. Stay tuned.

– ESPN reports that Celtics F Glen Davis would like to try his hand at pro football. The 6’9″, 290-pounder is saying it’ll happen at some point: “I will try it. When I become an All-Star in the NBA, when I become a great player in the NBA, then I’ll try football. One of my dreams has always been to play football.”

Davis was reportedly an excellent two-way football player when he played in high school in Baton Rouge, La. His positions were defensive end, defensive tackle, and tailback. “I definitely could have made it to the NFL,” Davis said and doesn’t care which position he plays if a team wants to give him a chance. “It don’t matter. I just want to play.”

NHL

– The Bruins have signed G Tuukka Rask to a two-year extension through the 2011-12 season. The 22-year-old Finn has appeared in nine NHL games with a 5-2-2 record and 2.43 GAA. Rask spent most of the last two seasons with Providence of the AHL, posting a 60-33-6 record and five shutouts in 102 appearances.

– According to rumours, Lightning F Vincent Lecavalier could be dealt soon. Reports indicate that sometime in the new year, though the trade deadline seems the most likely scenario. The Rangers and Canadiens are rumoured to be interested.

– The Blackhawks have expressed interest in Leafs D Tomas Kaberle, and GM Brian Burke is listening to offers. A package would include a combination of D Cam Barker, D Brent Seabrook, F Kris Versteeg, F Patrick Sharp and a draft pick. These talks will likely continue,but nothing is expected on this front until February at least.

– As reported here earlier, F Peter Forsberg is making another attempt at a comeback. The Rangers, Avalanche, Red Wings, Canadiens and Kings have all expressed public interest.

– The Sabres have contacted the Islanders regarding G Martin Biron.

NFL

– Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee) underwent arthroscopic surgery Thursday to clean out loose particles. The Colts never confirmed if Gonzalez’s PCL was torn or merely sprained, nor did they disclose whether he underwent surgery after originally sustaining the injury. This surgery is an obvious setback, and there’s no timetable for his return.

– According to the Boston Herald, Patriots RB Sammy Morris (knee) will likely miss two more weeks before returning to face the Jets in Week 11. The knee injury that knocked Morris out of the Week 6 game against the Titans was a torn MCL. A Grade II tear typically results in a three-to-four week recovery time, while a Grade III tear is closer to four-to-six weeks. Week 11 would be five weeks since Morris sustained the injury.

VoV

-– You can keep up with VoV through Twitter by clicking here.

– WWE fans looking to purchase tickets for WrestleMania 26 prior to Saturday’s official availability date can take part in a special pre-sale event. The pre-sale begins at 10 a.m. MST and ends on Friday at 11:59 MST. The pre-sale code for Wrestlemania 26 has been released: WWEUOP. Tickets are priced $755, $255, $155, $100, $80, $60, $45 & $25. The purchase limit is 4 per customer.

WWE

– French PlayStation3 website Play3-Live.com interviewed former WWE Champion Edge. The highlights;

On his torn Achilles tendon: “I’m doing stairs on it now. I started therapy. I’m on the long road to getting back. I’m on the road now. Before I wasn’t even on the road. I had crutches and I was in a cast, but now I can I can actually do some things like walk again and I can wear shoes.”

IF he’ll be ready for WrestleMania 26: “It will definitely be next year,” Edge said. “It won’t be anytime before next year. I would love to come back in time for WrestleMania and earlier, but it’s too soon to tell. It’s been four months. They said six months, so who knows.”

Before his injury, Edge had been teaming Chris Jericho and the two Canadians were WWE tag champions. Jericho cut some scathing promos on the Rated R Superstar shortly after his injury, setting up what could be a killer program in early-mid 2010 when Edge is healthy.

– Jeff Hardy is scheduled to be at the Moore County Criminal District Court in Carthage, North Carolina today for a probable cause hearing stemming from his September 11th arrest on multiple drug charges. The charges include; felony possession of cocaine; felony drug trafficking of opium;two counts of felony possession with intent to redistribute a Schedule III drug; maintaining a dwelling for drug use and/or distribution (also a felony); and misdemeanour possession of drug paraphernalia

If it is determined that a crime was committed and Jeff Hardy is probably the party who committed the crime, the cases move on to a Grand Jury. Upon review of the facts and evidence, the Grand Jury can criminally indict Hardy.  If Jeff Hardy gets indicted, the cases are transferred to Superior Court. Stay tuned.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his JRsBarBQ.com blog – here are some highlights:

Ozzy & Sharon Hosting Raw: “I liked Ozzie and Sharon Osbourne’s role on Raw Monday night. It wasn’t overkill and it played to their strengths. Ozzie, honestly, pleasantly surprised me with his performance and his wife is really sharp which has likely saved Ozzie’s arse over the years. They are a prime example of where a “reality show” has helped their personas and made them relevant again to a new audience.

Sheamus’ Potential: “The continued evolution of Sheamus, the big Irish guy with no last name, is something that I’m enjoying. Hopefully, this build will be consistent and not rushed as it is obvious to me that Sheamus, the big Irish guy with no last name, has marketable potential. I like his size, physicality, and obvious toughness and he also has a strong work ethic and desire to not just be a player to be be a main event player. Sheamus is one of the most intriguing personas in WWE right now for my money. Can you imagine how fast Sheamus would progress if he were managed by a red hot, mouthpiece who was relevant in today’s marketplace?

Kofi Kingston’s Push: “Good to see Kofi Kingston, who’s now from his original homeland, continue to get his at bats. Kofi and Orton represent in ring youth which is a really good thing on which to build. Kofi’s next few months of TV exposure will be crucial in his development as fans seem to be curious as far Kofi can go. I happen to feel that Kofi has a distinctive upside. However, too many stubbed toes or false starts seem to be the kiss of death with many of today’s fans.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with a number of MMA-related thoughts. Here’s what JR said about:

Fedor’s Fight This Weekend: “Big nite for CBS and Strikeforce this Saturday night as they broadcast the network TV debut of Fedor Emelianenko, who is being positioned as the baddest MMA fighter alive. I might suggest that CBS air multiple and different personality profiles on the Russian heavy hitter prior to his fight during the show as no one knows if the fight will end in seconds, or not, one way or another. Will CBS continue to stick their toe in the MMA water if they don’t pop a great TV rating this Saturday night? To CBS this MMA vehicle is one dimensional, it’s all about the TV rating as producing a MMA event isn’t as expensive as producing a multi week TV series. MMA is essentially an action adventure, reality show, sporting event but it will all still come back to the television rating CBS earns and creating stars that the viewer is interested in, intrigued with and are willing to emotionally invest.

Gina Carano: “I hear Gina Carano is currently making a movie but CBS not having her in some role for this broadcast is a mistake. Plus, CBS should have capitalized on the female genre with a women’s bout Saturday if at all possible and if for nothing else the curiosity factor of women competing. Strikeforce has to differentiate themselves from the big dog, UFC, and utilizing women fighters is one way to do so.

CBS’ Commitment To Strikeforce: It is also imperative for CBS to make me care about the other fighters while continuing to hype their cash cow Fedor and enhance his image. One piece of irony here is that Fedor will likely be the overwhelming fan favorite in the main event even though he is fighting an American in Chicago. The Average Joe doesn’t know Fedor’s opponent, Brett Rogers, which doesn’t help build Fedor…win, lose, or draw.

– This week’s WWE RAW hosted by Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne dropped to a 3.45 cable rating. Considering it was up against Game 5 of the World Series and MNF, the number is not so bad. Unfortunately for WWE, viewerhip declined as the show progressed, with hourly ratings of 3.5 and 3.4.

NHL

– F Peter Forsberg is reportedly attracting interest from the KHL’s Ak Bars Kazan to play in Russia this season. As reported here, Forsberg is also garnering interest from several NHL teams as well that may include the Flyers, Capitals, Canadiens and Avalanche. Forsberg will be suiting up for the Swedish national hockey team in the Karjala Cup later this week and appears to be keeping his options open.

– Thrashers G Kari Lehtonen (back) will be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks after undergoing another surgery. Lehtonen already had surgery on his back during the off-seson, but he hadn’t been recovering from it. There were edges of bone that were applying pressure to his nerve roots and this procedure was intended to correct that. If Lehtonen’s recovery goes as planned, he could be back by mid-to-late December.

MLB

– Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that Braves RHP Tim Hudson “has passed his physical and essentially made his three-year contract extension a done deal.” Atlanta may wait until after the World Series to officially announce the three-year extension, but the two sides worked out a deal last week and merely had to “find a doctor that the insurance company would approve.” He’ll reportedly receive around $9M per season.

– The Dallas Morning News is reporting that the Rangers have hired former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle as their next hitting coach. Hurdle beat out a list of candidates that included former Rangers outfielder Rusty Greer, former A’s hitting coach Thad Bosley and former Cubs hitting coach Gerald Perry. He will replace Rudy Jaramillo, who signed a three-year contract with the Cubs in late October.

NBA

– Nets F Yi Jianlian’s (right knee) MRI revealed a Grade 1 sprain which could sideline him for anywhere from two-to-six weeks.  The team is not discussing a timetable for his return, but two to four weeks is generally the recovery period for this type of injury, although it could even last as long as six weeks.

– T’Wolves F Kevin Love (broken hand) is targeting a November 20 return date.

NFL

– Browns RB Jamal Lewis reiterated Wednesday that he plans to retire after this season, as he said the same after last week’s loss to Chicago. He appears to be serious. Stay tuned.

– The Chiefs have placed FS Jarrad Page (calf) on the IR, ending his season.

NHL

– Flyers F Simon Gagne (hernia/abdominals) is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday and will be out six-to-eight weeks. Gagne has two hernias, but he initially looked into ways he might be able to play through the injury. Gagne has been forced to miss a significant amount of time in two of his last three seasons.

– Speaking of the Flyers, they are again scouting F Peter Forsberg for a possible NHL return. The team is sending a scout to Europe, where he will join scouts from the Avalanche, Canadiens and Capitals. Stay tuned.

– Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has filed a grievance against Sharks F Dany Heatley over his $4M bonus. Heatley received a $4M bonus this season as part of his contract, but even before the bonus was paid, Heatley demanded that the Senators trade him. Ottawa tried to put together a trade before they were due to pay the bonus and they did manage to negotiate a trade with Edmonton before the deadline. However, Heatley didn’t want to play for the Oilers either, and he exercised his no-trade clause to prevent the deal. As a result, Ottawa was responsible for Heatley’s $4M bonus. The Senators were finally able to trade Heatley to San Jose before the start of the season, but Melnyk was furious about having to pay Heatley the bonus.

– Capitals F Alex Ovechkin (upper body) is week-to-week.

– Ducks D James Wisniewski has been suspended for two games by the NHL for punching Coyotes F Shane Doan during Anaheim’s 3-2 shootout loss to Phoenix on October 31. Doan will be eligible to return to the Ducks in time for their rematch against the Coyotes on Saturday.

NBA

– Grizzlies F Rudy Gay will not sign a contract extension with the Grizzlies yet. Negotiations have broken off and it’s highly likely that Gay will become an RFA next summer. Austin said, “We’ve agreed to not agree. It will not happen. We looked at different ways we might try to get something done and we weren’t able to agree.” Gay is now playing for a contract.

– Lakers F Pau Gasol (torn hamstring) is out indefinitely.

– Nets G Devin Harris (hamstring) is out indefinitely.

MLB

– According to MLB.com, the Rangers are entertaining the possibility of bringing back OF Milton Bradley. Bradley was with the team in 2008 when he had a .321 average and led the American League in OPS. He’s got two more years and about $20M left on his deal with the Cubs but they want to unload Bradley. Stay tuned.

– SI reports that the Braves are now in on 21-year-old LHP Aroldis Chapman. They join the Orioles, Red Sox, White Sox, Cubs, Tigers, Mariners, Yankees, Athletics, Giants and Cardinals.

TNA

– Sting is not expected to return to TNA action soon. Word going around is that he won’t return until several months into 2010.

– TNA President Dixie Carter announced via her twitter account that Knockouts champion ODB has signed a “new multiyear deal” with the promotion.

UFC

– Paul Heyman has written a blog detailing the recent health issues of UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, who had to pull out of a title defense later this month due to illness.

“It was about three and a half weeks ago, when I was on the phone with Brock, and he sounded just so tired. I asked him if this training camp was harder than the others. He shocked me with his answer. ‘I’m just exhausted,’ he admitted, ‘I train, I come home, and I crash. I’m going to take a day or two off and just try to shake this thing.’ That was hint number one. Something was wrong.

“About a week later, Brock told me he was behind in his training camp. ‘I’m still going to beat Shane Carwin’s ass,” Brock said ‘then let’s go ice fishing or something. Whatever I have, it’s throwing me off my game.’??Uh oh. Hint number two. NOTHING throws Brock Lesnar off his game. Not injury, as I’ve seen him work through those. Not personal turmoil. I’ve seen his home life get turned upside down. He works through that as well.”

Heyman says Brock Lesnar has a great responsibility to compete at the highest level and simply cannot fight without proper training.

“He really had no choice. He’s worked so hard, for so long, to find his passion in life. And now that he’s found it, he’s not going to half-ass a fight, whether Shane Carwin is the man to take the title from Brock, or whether Brock could whip Shane Carwin’s ass even if he’s battling pneumonia, swine flu, diarrhea, gonorrhea, syphilis, and sickle cell. The point is that Brock Lesnar could not train properly for a fight that would most likely be purchased by upwards of 1,000,000 people. More people are expected to pay to see Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin on pay per view than this year’s WWE Wrestlemania. Just think about the responsibility of being that main event fighter.”

Heyman rejects any claims that Lesnar is full of himself and reveals that the champ passed on what could have been an epic movie role.

“As for being spoiled by success, that’s LOL-funny. Brock has turned down movie roles, including an easy generous payday to do a fight scene with Dwayne “Don’t Call Me Rock” Johnson. He’s not looking for prime time exposure except when he steps into the Octagon and defends his title.”

WWE

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

Ric Flair: “Ric Flair called me Saturday as I was pulling into Owen Field in Norman about two hours before the Sooner game. Ric is staying very busy and the state lottery, promotional endorsement that he’s doing may be growing to other states outside the old, Mid Atlantic Territory area. Ric told me he was working out twice a day, when he could, in preparation for the upcoming Australian tour on which he’s booked. After talking to ‘Naitch’ it’s obvious to me that he still has the passion and the fire to perform inside a wrestling ring which should come really as no shock or surprise and I don’t think that his passion to perform will ever wane. Mother Nature might cause Ric more ‘female problems’ but Ric’s will to compete and perform can’t be deterred.”

Steve Austin: “Steve Austin called me Sunday afternoon during the Packers-Vikings game and most of our discussion centered on football and how I was doing battling my ‘little friend’ Bells palsy #3. Steve is preparing to head up to Vancouver to film another action/adventure movie that is going to be largely done outdoors in the beautiful terrain of Vancouver, British Columbia. The Texas Rattlesnake expects to encounter plenty of ‘weather’ including ample rain which apparently is what they want for the film to have the organic grittiness to fit the script. I don’t know the release date but one can assume some time in 2010 nor do I know the title. I obviously don’t know much but as I said we talked football and not work.”

– The on-again off-again feud between Hulk Hogan and ex-wife Linda appears to be on again due to Hulk described Linda as an “abusive alcoholic” in his new book, “My Life Outside the Ring.”

“As far as what he has said about Linda, it’s not accurate about her being involved with heavy alcohol and being abusive, and trying to hit Nick with a wine bottle? Absolutely false,” attorney Ray Rafool stated. “It’s disappointing and it is irritating. We disagree and wish he would have stuck to the facts instead of sensationalism to sell his book. It does reheat a lot of stuff, but it makes her feel all the more happy that she’s divorced and away from him. He’s Jennifer’s problem now.”

“You can now understand the fear that Linda had when she was going through the divorce because she knows his personality, heard these rumors, knew what he was doing, and that’s the reason why she was so concerned. We’re thankful that at this point, he has straightened his life out,” Rafool said.

A rep for Hulk says that he “stands by what is written in the book.”

NFL

– 49ers LT Joe Staley (MCL, PCL) is out six weeks.