Tomic vows to build bridges

Posted January 1, 2011 09:42:00

Bernard Tomic wants to build a healthy relationship with the Australian tennis public. (Getty Images: Matthew Stockman)

Polarising talent Bernard Tomic admits he needs to build better relationships in Australia, and is desperate to do that by earning a Davis Cup berth alongside Lleyton Hewitt.

Tomic has been loved and loathed at the same time in his short senior career which was blighted by a lengthy row between his camp and Hewitt that stretched out almost a year.

A champion junior, the 18-year-old has yet to reach close to his potential and at 208 in the world rankings has not rewarded Tennis Australia for its support since making his pro-tour debut exactly two years ago.

He has returned to the scene of that debut, a gallant loss to Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, this week, grateful for receiving an 11th-hour wildcard to the Brisbane International's main draw.

TA's decision not to award him an early wildcard, and only confirm one once an injury put paid to the hopes of the country's hottest current junior, Jason Kubler, showed the governing body want to see him do more to earn his spurs.

And to Tomic's credit, he admitted he knows that is just what he has to do to regain some faith and strike some support.

The Gold Coaster, who again put himself in a sticky situation by withdrawing from last month's Australian Open wildcard play-offs, said he had already mended his fractured relationship with Hewitt.

"It's been really good," he said.

"I spoke to him about six months ago, I haven't heard from him since but I think we'll get along.

"I've got to build a relationship here in Australia. I think I'm real good with him now.

"We've had our problems in the past but I think it's all in the past."

Tomic played Davis Cup against Chinese-Taipei this year when Hewitt was injured, but he is determined to play his way into a full-strength outfit to team up with the former world number one.

He denied he had taken a Brisbane wildcard for granted and said he had been looking forward to slugging his way into the main draw through qualifying.

Criticised for pulling out of the Open play-offs, Tomic admitted he did train on the day he withdrew but only in one last-ditch failed bid to prove his fitness.

"I had a virus at the time," he said.

"I gave it a shot, like anyone going to work, you want to see if you can do it.

"It was unfortunate I didn't go to the play-offs as I've felt good the last two years playing there."

Still coached by his Croatian-born father John, Tomic has an improvement on two previous second round appearances at the Open high on his 2011 wish list.

"But I'm focused on this (Brisbane) tournament here. I want to push myself as much as I can," he said.

"I've lost first round the last two years but always felt like I could do better.

"But I think I'm playing good right now and if I get the right draw I can do well here."

- AAP

Tags: sport, tennis, australia, qld, brisbane-4000

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SA hockey captain in World All Stars team

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Midfielder Marsha Marescia, the captain of the Investec South Africa women's hockey team, has been named in the World All Stars team for the third time in four years.

The silky-skilled Marescia (27) was also selected for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) All Stars in 2007 and 2009.

"What more can one say about Marsha," SA head coach Giles Bonnet said on Monday. "She is the complete professional, blessed with skill, fighting spirit and a strong attachment to the team's cause."

The All Stars selection is based on the recommendations and opinions of hockey experts from across the globe including officials, coaches, journalists and players.

Marescia, who is just short of 220 caps, said on Monday that while she felt honoured, the recognition is as much a tribute to her teammates.

"Hockey is a team game and I must thank my teammates, for without their talent and commitment, recognition of this nature wouldn't be possible for an individual," she said.

During the SA training camp at the University of Free State Hockey Centre in Bloemfontein earlier this month, Argentine coach Adel Fuentes described Marescia as "a special one".

It is an acknowledgement that has followed Marescia's career since her SA debut at the tender age of 18.

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Cox: More on the line in Sweden vs. Canada tilt

LEWISTON, N.Y.?The stakes aren?t quite so high, the buildup not even close to being the same.

Still, when Team Canada and Sweden lock horns Friday afternoon at the 2011 world junior hockey championships, in what many fervently hope will be a bona fide match between two competitive teams after a week of lopsided scores, once more the game will feature two players, one from each country, jockeying to be the top overall pick in the next NHL entry draft.

Two years ago in Ottawa, it was Team Canada centre John Tavares vs. Swedish blueliner Victor Hedman. They met in the gold medal game, Canada won easily and Tavares? superior performance on the big stage effectively ended the debate over the identity of the planet?s most coveted teenage hockey player.

Or at least, ended it in terms of the 2009 entry draft. Tavares went first to the New York Islanders, Hedman second to Tampa Bay. Today, however, it?s still not clear which player will be the better NHLer.

In this year?s world junior tournament, it?s another Canadian forward, Sean Couturier, in a head-to-head matchup of sorts against another Swedish defenceman, Adam Larsson, with both players contenders to be the top pick in next summer?s NHL draft.

That, however, is where the comparison, both between players and between the situation ends.

Couturier is not Tavares and Larsson isn?t Hedman. Moreover, this is only the final game of the preliminary round, albeit a New Year?s Eve tilt that will see the winner earn a bye to Monday?s semifinals.

The 2011 entry draft, most believe, isn?t as strong as the ?09 draft. Finally, the draft debate isn?t confined to just Couturier and Larsson. Another Canadian, centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and another Swede, forward Gabriel Landeskog, are also very much in the conversation, although neither will likely be in Friday?s game.

Nugent-Hopkins didn?t make the Canadian team, something Dave Cameron and Co. may be second-guessing themselves on after losing dynamic winger Jaden Schwartz for the tournament with a broken ankle.

Landeskog, captain of the Kitchener Rangers, has a high ankle sprain and didn?t play for Tre Kronor Thursday in their 6-3 romp over the Czech Republic at Dwyer Arena on the grounds of Niagara University. Few believe he?ll play against Canada.

Larsson, however, did play against the Czechs, impressing NHL scouts in attendance with his vision and skating talent while notching an assist and going plus-one. At 6-foot-3, he?s like a slightly bigger version of Ottawa?s Erik Karlsson, but very different from the 6-foot-6 Hedman. At the same age Hedman was a powerful skater and end-to-end puck carrier, while Larsson is more of a first pass-type blueliner, a skill he had on display against the Czechs.

That said, he also doesn?t carry as significant a role with the Swedes as Hedman did two years ago. Larsson gets some power play time, but he?s on the third Swedish defensive pairing most of the time despite being in his second full season with Skelleftea of the Swedish elite league.

Couturier, meanwhile, is the only undrafted member of an older Canadian team. Injuries and suspensions have pushed him upwards in the lineup, but essentially he?s the third-line centre behind Braydon Schenn and Ryan Johansen, although Johansen played wing beside Schenn Wednesday against Norway.

Couturier is even more different than Tavares than Larsson to Hedman. Couturier is a 6-foot-3 power forward, regarded as accomplished at both ends of the ice, but not the slick scorer Tavares was as a junior. Like Larsson, he gets some power play work, but not with the first unit, so his opportunities to shine offensively are more limited than was the case for Tavares.

Back in ?09, Canada was going for a fifth straight gold medal and got it with a 5-1 romp in the gold medal game over the Swedes. Tavares won honours as the tournament?s MVP and top forward. Hedman, meanwhile, didn?t make the all-star team while his teammate, Karlsson, did.

For Couturier and Larsson, it?s a different scenario. Neither will nail down the No. 1 spot by their performance in this event, or lose it. Both are likely to play a much bigger role in next year?s event, providing they?re not in the NHL, of course.

Similarly, neither Canada nor Sweden will define their tournament on Friday. Both enter the game 3-0 after finishing second and third, respectively, in last year?s tournament in Saskatoon. The Swedes didn?t play star goalie Robin Lehner against the Czechs, ostensibly to have him fresh for Canada.

So, much can be learned today. But nothing decided.

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Minnesota Vikings say Brett Favre still hasn't passed concussion test

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- At the end of a long, difficult season, Brett Favre's status for the finale is in doubt.

After overcoming so many injuries and other personal adversity to play every week of his storied 20-year career, Favre has been too beat up to play in two of the past three games. He got knocked out of the other one.

The Vikings want him to give it one more try and start Sunday at Detroit, but by NFL concussion rules he first must be cleared by the team's medical staff -- and time is running out.

Interim coach Leslie Frazier said Thursday that Favre hadn't passed the first stage of the standard post-concussion testing. There's also a conditioning component to receiving clearance to return, if Favre can prove he's symptom-free and functioning normally again.

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"We'd love to see him play," Frazier said. "There's no question about that."

Though he said he wouldn't rule out Favre, Frazier also said Saturday would probably be the "cutoff" for Favre to pass the tests.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported late Wednesday that Favre failed a baseline neurological exam. Favre was not on the field Thursday at the Vikings' practice while the media was present.

Favre has not been available to reporters since Dec. 20, when he made a surprise start on a sprained shoulder against Chicago, but got slammed to the cold turf during a sack by the Bears and left for good in the second quarter with the injury to his head.

"It was one of the few times that I kind of went blank there for a while in my career," Favre said after the game.

He said, in explaining his decision that night to take the risk of playing, that he wanted one more chance to play in front of Minnesota's fans.

"It has been a great run," Favre said. "I think my stubbornness, hardheadedness and stupidity at the time has enabled me to play for 20 years and play the way I've played. It's just the way I've always approached it."

He also said he'd be OK if his career ended that way.

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"I hold no regrets," Favre said.

The three-time NFL MVP and career record holder in nearly every major statistical category for passing has said repeatedly this 20th season in the league will be his last.

Though he's infamously changed his mind about retirement twice before and came close to quitting this year until the Vikings persuaded him to return in mid-August, Favre has sure had the look of a guy who's had enough.

His record of 297 straight regular-season starts was snapped two weeks ago when his shoulder didn't heal in time to play against the New York Giants. Even before all the beating he's taken this month, Favre had endured injuries to his ankle, chin, ribs, elbow and back.

So his teammates, whether he plays Sunday or not, are inspired to finish strong.

"It's not the championship we wanted him to ride off on, but a win I think would send him off in a good way knowing all the other things he achieved," wide receiver Percy Harvin said. "So we'll play hard and try to get this win for him and try to get some momentum for our team going into this offseason."

In a shortened week because of the snowstorm-delayed game at Philadelphia, the Vikings are preparing rookie Joe Webb for another start if Favre can't go. Webb had an impressive performance against the Eagles, though he's still trying to learn the offense while the coaches tailor it to his skills and mobility.

His poise in that game was what impressed the Vikings most.

"His first game was a little shaky, as far as calling the plays, but a lot of us forget the plays," Harvin said. "But he was a commander in there. He was getting the line straight, telling the receivers where he was looking at, changing the snap count. ... I can't even sit here and say I expected it to be that way."

Favre was fined $50,000 Wednesday by the NFL for failing to cooperate with its investigation of inappropriate messages and lewd photos he allegedly sent to former Jets game-day hostess Jenn Sterger.

After nearly three months of interviews, forensic analysis and further examination, the NFL said commissioner Roger Goodell "could not conclude" that Favre violated the league's personal conduct policy based on the evidence available to him.

Sterger's representatives reiterated in an interview Thursday their frustration with the NFL's handling of the situation.

"Fifty thousand dollars to the average working person is a lot of money," her attorney, Joseph Conway, said. "But to Brett Favre, he makes that in three or four minutes. Here he consciously avoided cooperating with them for whatever reason and was rewarded for it. That just doesn't make sense."

Sterger's manager, Phil Reese, said his client grew tired of waiting for a resolution.

"She was just like, 'Do the right thing, do the wrong thing, just do something.' They still didn't do anything," Reese said.

Frazier is still waiting, too, for word on his future, though he has consistently expressed a don't-look-ahead mantra to the team and in public since taking over after the firing of Brad Childress.

Frazier, who has interviewed with seven NFL teams for head-coaching openings in the past, said Thursday he's in the process of setting up a formal meeting for next week with lead owner Zygi Wilf and team president Mark Wilf about his candidacy for the permanent job.

"This is where I want to be. I want to be with the Minnesota Vikings," Frazier said. "But the most important thing for me and our team right now is to find a way to go to Detroit and get a road win against a much improved football team, and that's where my focus and energy has to be along with our players, our staff."

Information from The Associated Press is included in this report.

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Minnesota Twins great Harmon Killebrew has esophageal cancer

Former Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins star Harmon Killebrew has esophageal cancer and is being treated at the Mayo Clinic near his home in Arizona, he said in a statement released Thursday.

Killebrew, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984 after a career that included 11 All-Star Game selections and the 1969 Most Valuable Player award, said he was recently diagnosed with the disease.

Killebrew, 74, currently ranks 11th on the all-time major league home run list with 573, and his eight seasons with 40 or more homers still is tied for second in league history with Babe Ruth.

Killebrew spent 21 seasons with the Senators and Twins, in addition to one final season with the Kansas City Royals.

"With my wife, Nita, by my side, I have begun preparing for what is perhaps the most difficult battle of my life," Killebrew said in the statement. "I am being treated by a team of medical professionals at the Mayo Clinic. While my condition is very serious, I have confidence in my doctors and the medical staff, and I anticipate a full recovery.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, esophageal cancer is relatively uncommon in the United States, though it is more prevalent in other parts of the world. The esophagus carries food from the throat to the stomach so that it can be digested. Killebrew said he is optimistic about his chances for recovery.

Killebrew is one of the most beloved players in Twins history, as much for his gentle and approachable nature off the field as for the towering home runs he hit during his playing days.

"I tell everybody he's too nice to be a baseball player," former teammate Tony Oliva said Thursday. "He's a gentleman."

Twins designated hitter Jim Thome passed Killebrew on the career home run list in August, belting two at brand-new Target Field. After the feat, Killebrew issued a gracious congratulatory message to Thome.

"I speak very highly of Jim Thome," Killebrew said in September. "Not only is he a great player, but he's a great individual. I think he was a little apprehensive about passing me up. I said, 'Jim, I passed a lot of guys up myself along the way. I hope you hit 100 more.' "

Killebrew now makes his home in Phoenix area, but has maintained a regular presence with the Twins for years.

Killebrew's No. 3 jersey is retired, and he made several appearances at the Twins' new outdoor ballpark last season, including during their playoff series against the Yankees.

He is one of the biggest draws at the team's annual Twins Fest, a fan festival in January that serves as a buildup to spring training.

"I thank everyone for their outpouring of prayers, compassion and concern," he said. "Nita and I ask for privacy during this difficult journey."

Oliva said he was "shocked" when he found out about the diagnosis.

"You heard the word 'cancer' and it's a very tough word, but right now everything's so advanced that he's probably going to be all right," Oliva said in a phone interview. "The doctors do a great, great job."

Oliva saw Killebrew in September for the team's 50th season celebration that honored the franchise's best.

"He was looking fine, in beautiful shape," Oliva said. "He looked like he was in better shape than when he played.

"Everybody's pulling for him. Our prayers are going to be with him and his family," Oliva added.

Information from The Associated Press is included in this report.

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LeBron James: I never said I advocated contraction

MIAMI -- LeBron James welcomes the New Jersey Nets and the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the NBA, and said that he never intended to advocate contraction in recent comments he made about the league's "watered down" talent level compared to the 1980s.

"That's crazy, because I had no idea what the word 'contraction' meant before I saw it on the Internet," James said after the Miami Heat's practice Monday. "I never even mentioned that. That word never even came out of my mouth. I was just saying how the league was back in the '80s and how it could be good again. I never said, 'Let's take some of the teams out.' "

James found himself Monday in a position of yet again having to clarify some controversial comments. On Thursday, he told reporters before the Heat's game against the Phoenix Suns that he would like to see more stars playing together instead of them being spread out throughout the league.

?

That's crazy, because I had no idea what the word 'contraction' meant before I saw it on the Internet ... That word never even came out of my mouth. I was just saying how the league was back in the 80s and how it could be good again. I never said, 'Let's take some of the teams out.'

? -- LeBron James

He also made specific references to the Nets and Timberwolves, including promising forward Kevin Love, in reference to the number of premier players toiling along with struggling teams. James was portrayed in some reports as advocating contraction and the loss of NBA jobs at a time when the league and players' association are haggling over a new collective bargaining agreement.

James, who was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday, said he was speaking only in hypothetical terms when he suggested what it might be like to remove Love, the league's leading rebounder, from the struggling Timberwolves, or to see some of the Nets' better players on teams that could contend for a championship.

"Imagine if you could take Kevin Love off Minnesota and add him to another team and you shrink the [league]," James said Thursday. "Looking at some of the teams that aren't that great, you take Brook Lopez or you take Devin Harris off these teams that aren't that good right now and you add him to a team that could be really good. Not saying let's take New Jersey and let's take Minnesota out of the league. But hey, you guys are not stupid, I'm not stupid, it would be great for the league."

Several players and league officials fired back in disagreement with James.

Nets coach Avery Johnson, who was part of the recruiting contingent that made a failed pitch to James in free agency last summer, also disagreed with James' notion that having a handful of teams loaded with star players would be a good thing for the NBA.

"Maybe the league would be better if we didn't have three stars on one team," Johnson said in a veiled reference to the Heat's trio of James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

"I didn't see his first comment and I didn't see the clarification," Johnson later said. "I just heard about it. I'm not even really interested. Like I said earlier, I think I mentioned it on our conference call [yesterday], it is what it is. I like the league the way it is and we'll keep moving from there."

Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher, president of the players' association, said James' comments were "surprising" but that he did not know if the two-time MVP's stance would "necessarily hurt our case."

The Heat (22-9) have won 14 of their past 15 games entering Tuesday's visit from the New York Knicks. Monday was not the first time this season James has come out to clarify previous comments.

He revisited comments to CNN about race being a factor in his popularity taking a dip after his free agency decision. James also attempted to clear up critical statements he made about coach Erik Spoelstra having played him too many minutes in a Nov. 11 loss to Boston, the on-court bump between he and Spoelstra on Nov. 27 against Dallas and whether he engaged former Cleveland teammates in friendly banter during a Dec. 2 win against the Cavaliers.

James said he was only trying to show support for a time in the 1980s when teams such as the Lakers, Pistons, Bulls, 76ers and Celtics were dominant with star-studded rosters. James said he did not speak with Fisher, nor anyone else from the players' association, about his comments on the Heat's trip to Los Angeles, where they defeated the Lakers on Saturday.

"I'm with the players, and the players know that," James said Monday. "I've been with the players. It's not about getting guys out of the league or knocking teams out. I didn't mean to upset nobody. I didn't tell Avery Johnson to leave either. I didn't say let's abandon the Nets, and not let them move to Brooklyn or let's tear down the Target Center in Minnesota. I never said that."

Michael Wallace covers the NBA for ESPN.com.

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Earl Boykins of Milwaukee Bucks suspended after contact with official

CHICAGO -- Milwaukee Bucks point guard Earl Boykins has been suspended for Tuesday night's game against the Chicago Bulls for making "intentional contact with a game official," according to the league. The incident occurred at the end of the third quarter on Monday night during the Bucks 95-80 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

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"It's unfortunate," Bucks head coach Scott Skiles said before the game. "He didn't mean it. It was kind of incidental contact. But on the other hand, the league's very clear about that and I understand it. They don't want guys having contact with officials, I think that's fair and it's just one of those unfortunate things. It just happened."

Boykins was very apologetic immediately after the incident and Skiles believes that may have saved Boykins from receiving an even harsher penalty.

"I was up at halfcourt right when it happened and Earl apologized the very second it happened and apologized again to Brian [Forte]. The league knows that Earl's not, in any way, a malicious character out there or anything like that. But on the other hand, they have rules that, there's a line you can't cross and we understand that as well."

Nick Friedell covers the Bulls for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000.

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SA hockey captain in World All Stars team

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Midfielder Marsha Marescia, the captain of the Investec South Africa women's hockey team, has been named in the World All Stars team for the third time in four years.

The silky-skilled Marescia (27) was also selected for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) All Stars in 2007 and 2009.

"What more can one say about Marsha," SA head coach Giles Bonnet said on Monday. "She is the complete professional, blessed with skill, fighting spirit and a strong attachment to the team's cause."

The All Stars selection is based on the recommendations and opinions of hockey experts from across the globe including officials, coaches, journalists and players.

Marescia, who is just short of 220 caps, said on Monday that while she felt honoured, the recognition is as much a tribute to her teammates.

"Hockey is a team game and I must thank my teammates, for without their talent and commitment, recognition of this nature wouldn't be possible for an individual," she said.

During the SA training camp at the University of Free State Hockey Centre in Bloemfontein earlier this month, Argentine coach Adel Fuentes described Marescia as "a special one".

It is an acknowledgement that has followed Marescia's career since her SA debut at the tender age of 18.

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Razzaq obliterates Kiwis in final T20

Posted December 30, 2010 20:48:00

Abdul Razzaq produced a man-of-the-match performance with bat and ball to ensure Pakistan salvaged some credibility and embarrassed New Zealand by 103 runs in their third and final Twenty20 international in Christchurch on Thursday.

Razzaq, who was dropped by Nathan McCullum while on 2 in the 19th over, proceeded to smash three sixes and three fours and finish 34 not out off 11 balls and help his side to a credible 6 for 183 in its 20 overs.

The 31-year-old medium fast bowler then destroyed New Zealand's batting line-up taking three wickets as the hosts, who had already wrapped up the series after wins in Auckland and Hamilton, crashed to 11-5 before limping to 80 all out.

The hosts had lost four wickets for three runs in the first 17 balls with Jesse Ryder, Martin Guptill, Dean Brownlie and captain Ross Taylor all failing to score.

Razzaq finished with figures of 3 for 13 off four overs, though the return was only inflated when Scott Styris hit successive boundaries off his final two balls.

Styris was the only New Zealand batsmen to emerge with any credibility, top scoring with 45 to ensure the hosts avoided achieving the lowest international Twenty20 score of 67, held by Kenya.

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi finished with 4 for 14 off 2.5 overs, including two wickets in two balls in his second over.

Pakistan's openers Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez had given their side a superb start, racing along at more than 10 runs an over as they exploited the superb batting surface, short boundaries and fielding restrictions.

James Franklin finally broke the opening stand with the score on 81 when Hafeez was caught one-handed by a leaping Taylor for 34.

Shehzad was then trapped lbw by Franklin for 54 to reduce Pakistan to 2 for 90 in the 11th over and while its middle order struggled, Razzaq turned the game in the final two overs.

The teams now embark on a two-Test series, starting in Hamilton on January 7, before playing six one-day internationals as they build-up to the 50-over World Cup, which starts on February 19.

- Reuters

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SA hockey captain in World All Stars team

---

Midfielder Marsha Marescia, the captain of the Investec South Africa women's hockey team, has been named in the World All Stars team for the third time in four years.

The silky-skilled Marescia (27) was also selected for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) All Stars in 2007 and 2009.

"What more can one say about Marsha," SA head coach Giles Bonnet said on Monday. "She is the complete professional, blessed with skill, fighting spirit and a strong attachment to the team's cause."

The All Stars selection is based on the recommendations and opinions of hockey experts from across the globe including officials, coaches, journalists and players.

Marescia, who is just short of 220 caps, said on Monday that while she felt honoured, the recognition is as much a tribute to her teammates.

"Hockey is a team game and I must thank my teammates, for without their talent and commitment, recognition of this nature wouldn't be possible for an individual," she said.

During the SA training camp at the University of Free State Hockey Centre in Bloemfontein earlier this month, Argentine coach Adel Fuentes described Marescia as "a special one".

It is an acknowledgement that has followed Marescia's career since her SA debut at the tender age of 18.

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Leafs return Kadri to Marlies

Nazem Kadri ? who did not score in 17 games with the Leafs this season ? will be assigned to the Marlies to work on his overall game and physical strength.

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The Leafs didn?t exactly return Nazem Kadri to the Toronto Marlies Wednesday with an assuring pat on the back.

?It was a bit bitter, but at the same time that?s the way it is,? Kadri said Wednesday night just prior to the Marlies game at Ricoh Coliseum.

Kadri was referring to a meeting Tuesday with Leafs assistant GM Dave Poulin and fellow assistant and Marlies GM Claude Loiselle. The pair of executives sent him out the door with a fair but stern set of instructions regarding his approach to the game.

The send-off seemed borderline harsh for a 20-year-old whose star rose and fell in Toronto?s pressure-packed hockey market.

?You have to be able to take that, and I can take it,? Kadri said. ?I?ve been around hockey long enough to know how these things work. I know what I have to do to get back and I have things to work on.?

The debate will begin again over the way the Leafs have handled their 2009 first-rounder.

There are some who believe Kadri never embraced the game enough to warrant another moment?s opportunity from a Leafs franchise that had been arguably overgenerous in accommodating him this season.

From a training camp that showed little promise, to a no-goal, six-assist performance in 17 games with Toronto, Kadri struggled through an opportunity that likely would have ended earlier in another market. He must now be ?broken? ? worked and schooled at the American Hockey League level until he is ready to appear in the NHL again.

On the other hand, there?s the argument that the confident rookie should never have been brought up to the NHL.

?Obviously, I?d like to be up the whole time,? Kadri said. ?But it?s really up to them. They?ve been doing this a long time and making these decisions, and I respect that.?

Fairly or not, the Leafs might also be brought into the spotlight over what appears to be a repeat of past mistakes with high-round draft picks. Several years ago, then coach and former GM Pat Quinn told high-ranking executives the franchise ?did a great disservice? to prospects such as Carlo Colaiacovo and Justin Pogge. Both were anointed superstars before they began to prove themselves as legitimate NHLers ? and both are now long gone from the franchise.

Kadri refused to buy into the argument that too much pressure was exerted on him to be a star.

?I?m not going there, that?s an excuse,? he said. ?Sure, you start to feel it, but there?s ways around it ... you tune it out, you focus. That?s what I have to do.?

Kadri, a naturally gifted scorer with great hands and great passing skills, remained goalless despite working with the top six forwards. He was a healthy scratch in three of the club?s last four games before the final decision was made to return him to the minors.

?It?s been a bit of a struggle for him the last three to four weeks,? Leaf coach Ron Wilson said. ?We tried to get him through it up here but the best thing for him is to go to the minors ... and score at a level he can score at, and gain confidence.?

Kadri sat out Wednesday?s Marlies game and will miss one more, the result of an AHL suspension handed out just before he was recalled by the Leafs. When he hits the ice, he?ll get to work on several areas: quickness in the attack area, faceoffs, reducing turnovers and upping his compete level.

?There are certain areas of his game he needs to work on, areas that are not at the NHL level yet,? Wilson said.

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Islanders snap Crosby's streak, beat Pens in SO

UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- The way Sidney Crosby has owned the New York Islanders, no one could have predicted his greatest scoring run would be wrecked by them.

Crosby's streak of 25 games with at least a point -- tied for the 11th longest in NHL history -- was snapped by the Islanders and goalie Rick DiPietro, who stopped the Pittsburgh captain and the rest of the Penguins' high-powered offense in a 2-1 shootout victory Wednesday night.

"That wasn't me. It was a complete team effort," DiPietro said. "The defensive corps played with a lot of focus and a lot of heart. When we're playing smart in our defensive zone, we're a good hockey team."

Crosby had scored in every game since Nov. 3 at Dallas. The run, in which Crosby had 26 goals and 24 assists, was the longest in the NHL since Quebec's Mats Sundin had a 30-game streak during the 1992-93 season.

"It would've been nice to keep things going, but it was one of those games," Crosby said.

Crosby also had goals in five consecutive games before being shut down by the Islanders, the team he has victimized the most -- along with Philadelphia -- with 62 points in 33 career games. Crosby also was denied on Pittsburgh's second shootout attempt when DiPietro made a pad save.

"There was a few [chances] out there for him and his linemates," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. "I'm sure we'll see another streak."

Josh Bailey gave the Islanders a 1-0 lead in the second period, but Chris Conner tied it before the frame was over.

That left the game in the hands of DiPietro and Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre Fleury, the only goalies to be chosen No. 1 overall in the NHL draft.

DiPietro finished with 37 saves through overtime in his first outing after sitting out five games while dealing with swelling in his surgically repaired left knee. Fleury stopped 25 shots and dropped to 16-2-2 against the Islanders.

The Penguins went 19-5-1 during Crosby's streak, and had scored 21 times in the previous five games when they went 4-1. Pittsburgh will now shift its focus to the Winter Classic on Saturday against Washington at Heinz Field.

"It's always easy to look back," Crosby said. "I just try to go out there and do the same things."

By beating the NHL's top team, the Islanders can forget about their 7-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Monday.

"We didn't watch any video from that game. We put it behind us," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. "We wanted to move forward and see what kind of character that we have."

The teams were tied 2-2 through three shootout rounds. P.A. Parenteau put the Islanders ahead by scoring off a speed rush on Fleury, and DiPietro sealed New York's rare win over Pittsburgh by stopping Mark Letestu.

The Penguins were 16-4-1 against the Islanders since the start of the 2007-08 season and 11-1-1 the past two seasons. New York (10-19-6) is 5-1-1 in its past seven games and has moved six points in front of New Jersey at the bottom of the NHL standings.

"Any time that you beat a team like that -- two points is two points -- but when you beat a team like that ... ," DiPietro said. "There's a lot of work to be done, but you've seen a lot of young guys step up in big roles and play good hockey."

The Islanders killed off both Pittsburgh power plays, including a penalty for too many men in overtime, and blocked 28 shots. Keeping Crosby in check was a bonus.

"He's a great player. He had some chances to keep the streak alive," Capuano said.

Pittsburgh had a golden chance to take the lead when it was awarded a penalty shot when Islanders defenseman Bruno Gervais closed his hand on the puck in the crease with 7:01 left in regulation. Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, 13 for 30 in career shootout tries, took shot wide of the left post with a backhander.

Fleury's signature moment of the third came when stopped Rob Schremp's one-timer from close range less than 4 minutes into the period. He then kicked out Matt Moulson's drive with 54 seconds left in regulation.

The Penguins, coming off a 6-3 home victory over Atlanta on Tuesday in which Crosby had two goals and two assists, looked sluggish and out of sync early.

The Islanders grabbed the lead 34 seconds into the second when Bailey popped in a rebound for his sixth goal.

Pittsburgh began to find its legs as the second period progressed, only to be stymied by DiPietro. The Penguins finally figured him out after they got a chance off a neutral-zone turnover.

Kennedy, who earlier set up Crosby during a 2-on-1 rush that resulted in a shot off the crossbar, earned an assist on Conner's fourth goal with 3:27 left.

Game notes
Crosby had two shots on goal. ... Bailey has three goals and an assist in five games since being recalled from Bridgeport of the AHL. ... Four of the past 11 No. 1 overall draft picks were in the game (Crosby, Fleury, DiPietro and New York's John Tavares). ... Evgeni Malkin had a 14-game point streak against the Islanders broken.

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Rafael Palmeiro still insists he never used steroids

Rafael Palmeiro is sticking to his story that a tainted vitamin shot caused his failed drug test five years ago and hopes Hall of Fame voters will overlook the mistake and honor him for his 3,020 hits and 569 homers.

Kurkjian: Controversy Follows Palmeiro

Rafael Palmeiro's numbers should make him a definite Hall of Famer, but his chances to enter Cooperstown's doors are obviously a long shot, writes Tim Kurkjian. Story

A week before the Baseball Writers Association of America announces its inductees to baseball's Hall of Fame, Palmeiro told SI.com in a phone interview posted Wednesday that he never used performance-enhancing drugs in his 20-year career. As he asserted in 2005 after he was suspended for failing a test, Palmeiro again insisted the anabolic steroid was in a B-12 vial given to him by Baltimore Orioles teammate Miguel Tejada.

"I was telling the truth then, and I am telling the truth now," Palmeiro said. "I don't know what else I can say. I have never taken steroids. For people who think I took steroids intentionally, I'm never going to convince them. But I hope the voters judge my career fairly and don't look at one mistake."

One of only four players in big league history with 500 homers and 3,000 hits, Palmeiro's once-certain election to the Hall is in jeopardy. Baseball voters four times have denied Mark McGwire, 10th on the career list with 583 homers, and his election seems unlikely -- McGwire received only 23.7 percent of the vote last year and 75 percent is needed.

"I never played for the Hall of Fame," Palmeiro, a four-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove first baseman, told SI.com on Tuesday. "I only played to win and have fun. But, yes, now the Hall of Fame is important to me. Why wouldn't I want to be there? It would mean more than anything to me. I hope they don't hold me out for one mistake at the end of my career."

Perhaps the most memorable moment Palmeiro's career came when he boldly wagged his finger during a congressional hearing in March 2005, saying, "I have never used steroids. Period."

That July he got his 3,000th hit, and three weeks later it was announced he tested positive for steroids and was suspended 10 games.

Considering the elite statistics and the late period of his career, Palmeiro told the website he doesn't understand why people don't believe him.

"I don't want to take anything for granted, but there was a legitimate chance that I was going to get 3,000," Palmeiro said Tuesday. "I had no motivation to take steroids because I was at the end of my career."

A few days before Major League Baseball made the failed test public, Palmeiro called President George W. Bush at the White House -- Bush was a former owner of the Texas Rangers, one of Palmeiro's teams along with the Chicago Cubs and Orioles.

"I had a number for him, and it was a very difficult call to make because he had been so supportive of me," Palmeiro told SI.com. "I didn't want him to read about it in the newspaper or hear it on television.

"He's always given me good advice, and that day he told me that he was behind me. He told me to just tell the truth and let the chips fall where they may," Palmeiro recalled. "He told me to tell the truth and stick with it."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Winter Classic forecast: Rainy, 53 in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH -- Will the puck drop Saturday?

That was the question Wednesday as preparations continued for the NHL's Winter Classic. The forecast for the New Year's Day game pitting the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Washington Capitals at Heinz Field called for 53-degree temperatures and a 100 percent chance of rain showers.

The NHL has come a long way in how it prepares for its annual outdoor game but one thing it still can't control is Mother Nature. So far the previous three outdoor games have been played without weather postponement. But Saturday's weather forecast is the most pessimistic outlook in the event's history.

The league has a detailed contingency plan to deal with weather-related concerns. A league official told ESPN.com on Wednesday that 8 p.m. ET is how long they would have for puck drop so as to protect the broadcast window for NBC's "Saturday Night Live" at 11:30 p.m. ET. Should the game not be played Saturday, a league official confirmed to ESPN.com that the puck would drop Sunday at 12 p.m. ET.

The league's criteria in determining whether the game can be played Saturday is three-fold: the safety of the players, the safety of the fans and the quality of the ice surface.

As for the ice surface itself, there were no worries there Wednesday.

"We're in good shape," NHL ice guru Dan Craig said Wednesday in an interview with ESPN.com and The Canadian Press at Heinz Field.

Terrific weather since the league's ice-making crew began work at Heinz Field on Dec. 23 has produced near-perfect conditions to build the rink.

On Wednesday the ice surface was a little soft because of the sunlight.

"We haven't had a situation like this [in previous Winter Classics] where we had direct sunlight on the surface for three to four hours," Craig said. "I intentionally left things uncovered. I wanted to see how the sheet was going to react. I wanted to see what was going to happen in case we do have a nice warm day."

Saturday's nasty forecast doesn't worry Craig.

"Talk to us 24 hours out and really see where the weather pattern is coming from," Craig said.

"But there's no moisture that's heavy enough right now that's going to slow down the process of preparing the sheet of ice," Craig added.

Pierre LeBrun covers the NHL for ESPN.com.

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Leafs return Kadri to Marlies

Nazem Kadri ? who did not score in 17 games with the Leafs this season ? will be assigned to the Marlies to work on his overall game and physical strength.

LUCAS OLENIUK/TORONTO STAR

The Leafs have returned rookie forward Nazem Kadri to the Marlies.

The 20-year-old first round pick was not on the ice for practice Wednesday morning and has been a healthy scratch in two of the past three games.

The Leafs had plans to keep Kadri on board at the NHL level to work on his overall game and physical strength.

But it now appears Kadri ? who did not score in 17 games with the Leafs this season ? will be assigned to the Marlies to work on those things.

Kadri will be with the Marlies for Wednesday's game against Chicago at the Ricoh Coliseum. But he may not be able to play.

Kadri was assessed a three game suspension by the AHL for unsportsmanlike conduct just prior to his call-up to the Leafs. He served one game, but has two remaining.

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Agent: Octavio Dotel agrees to deal to be Toronto Blue Jays' closer

Reliever Octavio Dotel and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal Tuesday, the player's agent told ESPNdeportes.com.

The agent, Dominic Torres, said the deal includes a $3.5 million team option in 2012.

Dotel will have a base salary of $2.75 million next season. The contract includes a $750,000 buyout if Toronto does not pick up his 2012 option.

Dotel, who is in the Dominican Republic, will travel to Dunedin, Fla., after the New Year's festivities to undergo a physical exam. Dunedin is the spring training site for the Canadian franchise.

"Octavio is excited about playing for a team that will give you the opportunity to close games in the strongest division in baseball," Torres said.

The 37-year-old Dotel saved 22 games in 64 innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies last season. He has 105 career saves in 12 major league seasons.

Kevin Gregg, who saved 37 games as the Blue Jays' closer last season, is a free agent.

Enrique Rojas is a reporter for ESPNdeportes.com.

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Jets' Milicevic returning overseas

Posted December 29, 2010 13:53:00

Ljubo Milicevic... heading overseas (file photo). (Getty Images: Ian Hitchcock)

Newcastle Jets will lose current captain Ljubo Milicevic at the end of the season after the defender informed the A-League club he wants to return overseas.

The club announced midfielder Kasey Wehrman will immediately take on the captaincy and thanked Milicevic for making his intentions clear early.

Milicevic, 29, played in Switzerland from 2001 to 2007 before returning to Australia, and recently spoke of his desire to play in Europe again, with Germany a favoured destination.

The former Socceroo has been outstanding for the Jets in the past two seasons but said he had unfinished business abroad.

"I am grateful to have had a special time at the club and to have experienced the change under the new leadership," Milicevic said.

"It is ironic that it coincides with a change for me.

"My football has improved substantially over the past two years and I am now keen to challenge myself overseas.

"I leave the club with some great friendships and memories but there is still some unfinished business to do on the field and I'm determined to contribute to a big finish with the Jets."

Jets coach Branko Culina said a change of leadership would have a positive impact on the team in the run to the finals.

Newcastle sits two points outside the top six but with several games in hand on most of its rivals.

"The club is now well placed to develop further on the field and with injured skipper Michael Bridges providing off-field leadership, to further enhance our community partnership," Culina said.

"Ljubo's early decision will provide him with the opportunity to be single minded about his football and for Kasey to ensure the team bonds on the field starting with Sydney FC next Monday."

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, aleague, newcastle-2300

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Tom Brady, Michael Vick to start in 2011 Pro Bowl

NEW YORK -- Michael Vick's sensational comeback season made a big impression throughout the NFL, not just in Philadelphia.

The Eagles' quarterback, who sat out two seasons while serving a federal sentence for dogfighting, will start for the NFC in the Jan. 30 Pro Bowl in Honolulu.

Aloha, All-Stars

The rosters for the 2011 Pro Bowl have been announced. ESPN.com's NFL Nation bloggers break down who's in and who's out in each conference:

AFC analysis | NFC analysis

?�AFC and NFC rosters

Vick was selected in a leaguewide vote by NFL players, coaches and fans.

Vick made three Pro Bowls with Atlanta before he was suspended by the league and served jail time for running a dogfighting ring. This season, he has gone from a seldom-used backup to the NFC's leading passer, the catalyst for Philadelphia's dynamic offense.

He wasn't really interested in talking about the Pro Bowl after the Minnesota Vikings upset the NFC East champion Eagles 24-14 in the NFL's first Tuesday game since 1946.

"I'm not worried about the Pro Bowl right now," he said. "There's so many things going on in my head. I appreciate the Pro Bowl, but as of right now, I can't even focus on that. It's in oblivion right now."

Besides Vick, the Eagles had four other players selected. Atlanta, which leads the NFC with a 12-3 record, had the most Pro Bowlers with seven, including quarterback Matt Ryan, receiver Roddy White and defensive end John Abraham.

New England (13-2), the AFC leader, had six Pro Bowlers, led by QB Tom Brady, the league's top passer who will make his sixth trip to the game -- provided the Patriots don't make the Super Bowl. The game will be played the Sunday before the title game at Cowboys Stadium.

Baltimore, Green Bay and Dallas also had five players voted in Tuesday.

Four rookies were chosen, with DT Ndamukong Suh of Detroit a starter for the NFC. Cornerback Devin McCourty of New England, kick returner Marc Mariani of Tennessee and center Maurkice Pouncey of Pittsburgh made the AFC squad.

"It's a tremendous honor, obviously being a rookie and getting my feet wet in the NFL," Suh said. "I can't expect anything more ... it's only going to make me want to work harder to get back there again."

Altogether, there were seven first-timers on the NFC squad, 14 newcomers for the AFC.

The only teams not represented were Buffalo, Cincinnati, Seattle and Tampa Bay.

Also chosen from the Eagles were receiver DeSean Jackson, tackle Jason Peters, cornerback Asante Samuel and placekicker David Akers.

The other Falcons were tight end Tony Gonzalez, fullback Ovie Mughelli, running back Michael Turner and special teamer Eric Weems.

Joining Brady in Honolulu from the Patriots will be McCourty; guard Logan Mankins, who missed a portion of the season in a contract dispute; linebacker Jerod Mayo; safety Brandon Meriweather; and nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

Starting for the NFC with Vick will be White and Detroit's Calvin Johnson at wide receiver, Dallas TE Jason Witten, Atlanta's Turner and Mughelli in the backfield, Peters and Carolina's Jordan Gross at tackle, the Giants' Chris Snee and Saints' Jahri Evans at guard, and Dallas center Andre Gurode.

On defense for the NFC will be ends Julius Peppers of Chicago and Abraham, tackles Suh and Jay Ratliff of Dallas, linebackers Clay Matthews of Green Bay, DeMarcus Ware of Dallas and Patrick Willis of San Francisco, cornerbacks Samuel and Charles Woodson of Green Bay, and safeties Nick Collins of Green Bay and Adrian Wilson of Arizona.

The NFC punter is Dallas' Mat McBriar, while Chicago's Devin Hester is the kick returner.

Backup quarterbacks for the NFC are Ryan and Drew Brees.

"First off, it's truly an honor just to be in the conversation of being a Pro Bowl player, but to make it two years in a row, I'm real fortunate and appreciative for the opportunity," Matthews said. "Hopefully we'll be busy at the time."

?

Wow, No. 12 feels like No. 1. I tell my teammates that I am going to train to be a Pro Bowl player that season, and my focus paid off again this season. This never gets old.

? -- Ray Lewis on Pro Bowl selection

Joining Brady on the AFC's starting offense will be WRs Reggie Wayne of Indianapolis and Andre Johnson of Houston, TE Antonio Gates of San Diego, Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew and Houston fullback Vonta Leach, tackles Joe Thomas of Cleveland and Jake Long of Miami, guards Mankins and Kris Dielman of San Diego, and Jets center Nick Mangold.

The AFC starting defense features Indianapolis ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, Wilfork and Baltimore tackle Haloti Ngata, linebackers Ray Lewis of Baltimore, James Harrison of Pittsburgh and Cameron Wake of Miami, cornerbacks Darrelle Revis of the Jets and Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha, and safeties Troy Polamalu of Pittsburgh and Ed Reed of Baltimore.

Baltimore's Billy Cundiff is the placekicker, Oakland's Shane Lechler the punter, Mariani the kick returner and Montell Owens of Jacksonville the special teamer.

Colts QB Peyton Manning made his 11th Pro Bowl as a backup to Brady. He joined Brett Favre as the only quarterbacks selected to at least 11 games.

San Diego's Philip Rivers is the other AFC quarterback.

"Wow, No. 12 feels like No. 1," Lewis said. "I tell my teammates that I am going to train to be a Pro Bowl player that season, and my focus paid off again this season. This never gets old."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Report: Seton Hall's Jeremy Hazell felt bullet hit, still ran

His college basketball career is up in the air, but Jeremy Hazell just feels lucky after surviving a Christmas night shooting.

"I knew I got shot," the Seton Hall senior guard told the New York Daily News on Monday. "I felt it, but I just kept running."

Four men tried to rob Hazell as the New York City native was returning home from a Christmas party in Harlem.

"It was scary. I didn't know these guys -- never saw them before," he said, according to the newspaper. "They just tried to rob me. I never knew something like this could happen to me."

Hazell already has had adversity this year, but nothing compared to this. He had been averaging 24 points per game before going down with a wrist injury last month.

?

I knew I got shot. I felt it, but I just kept running.

? -- Seton Hall's Jeremy Hazell

"I just got to the front door of my building when these four dudes came up to me," Hazell said, according the Daily News. "One of them had a hand in his pocket and told me to sit down on this bench. I didn't want to, and he said if I didn't he was going to shoot me."

Hazell told the newspaper that he pushed one of the men in the chest and ran. He heard four shots being fired and knew that one of them hit him. Hazell saw a FDNY ambulance and flagged it down.

The bullet had penetrated his right side below the armpit and exited his body.

"They worked on me there and then took me to the hospital," he told the newspaper.

Hazell was treated at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, kept overnight for observation and released.

"We're all thankful Jeremy is OK," first-year coach Kevin Willard said, according to the newspaper. "You hear news like that and the first thing you think is, 'How bad is it?' "

Hazell had wrist surgery Dec. 2 and was expected to miss four to six weeks. Willard now says the 6-foot-5 guard might redshirt this season.

Hazell isn't freaking out about missing the basketball season, though.

"I just feel very lucky, very blessed," he said, according to the Daily News.

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Gilmore's confidence not shaken by attack

Updated December 28, 2010 22:38:00

Stephanie Gilmore says she will not let the attack affect her career (Seven Network)

Surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore says she will be out of the water for about six weeks as a result of being bashed with an iron bar on Monday night.

A man has been charged after Gilmore was hit twice in the stairwell of her apartment complex in Tweed Heads on the New South Wales far north coast about 9:30pm (AEDT).

The 22-year-old world champion sustained a broken wrist and cuts to the back of her head and her hand.

Wearing a cast on her left arm, Gilmore told the Seven Network yesterday afternoon that she will not let the attack affect her career.

"I am OK and I think I'll be alright," she said.

"It's a bit of a shame. I won't let my confidence get down, that's the main thing."

Police say Gilmore was approached and assaulted by a man who then fled on a bicycle.

The man, who was known to neighbours, later returned to the unit complex.

They held him there until police were able to come and arrest him.

Gilmore told Seven she was grateful for the support she had received.

"Family and friends were here to help me and that's the main thing," she said.

"So I'm happy that everyone's OK and just leave it up to the courts now."

A 26-year-old man has been charged with numerous offences, including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was refused bail in Tweed Heads Magistrates Court yesterday morning and is due to appear again on January 10.

Gilmore's team manager Gary Dunne is also confident of a speedy recovery.

"Fortunately, in Steph's case, she has only suffered a wrist fracture and a cut to the head that required some stitches," he said.

"Obviously [she's] very shaken by the whole thing, but looks like she'll be fine in a couple of weeks."

Gilmore is the reigning world surfing champion and has won the title four years running (2007-10).

She was the first surfer, male or female, to win four world titles from as many attempts.

Less than a fortnight ago she won a historic third straight Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii.

She has said eclipsing Layne Beachley's seven world gongs, six consecutively, was part of her grand plan.

The 2011 Women's Surfing World Tour starts on February 26, with the first event taking place on the Gold Coast.

Tags: law-crime-and-justice, sport, surfing, assault, australia, nsw, tweed-heads-2485, qld, coolangatta-4225

First posted December 28, 2010 20:19:00

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Union: NFL players, owners sense urgency in labor talks

NEW YORK -- Union executive committee member Brian Dawkins says he believes NFL owners and players have a sense of urgency to avoid a lockout because they don't want to alienate fans.

"I would think common sense would say at the end of the day, after all the fighting and after all the words are said, we understand who butters our bread," the veteran Denver Broncos safety said Tuesday. "That's where the urgency comes in at."

?

I would think common sense would say at the end of the day, after all the fighting and after all the words are said, we understand who butters our bread. That's where the urgency comes in at.

? -- Brian Dawkins

Dawkins and fellow NFL Players Association executive committee member Mike Vrabel alternated between optimism and expressing frustration with the league's proposals during a conference call about negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement.

The current deal expires March 4, raising fears of a lockout. One major sticking point is the NFL's desire to go from 16 regular-season and four preseason games to 18 and two.

Dawkins and Vrabel said the league hadn't offered enough in return for what they believe will be shorter careers -- and therefore less money made -- with the longer regular season resulting in more punishment for players' bodies.

"I don't think with good conscience we could say, 'Guys, this is all we could get for you for 18 games. Go out there and strap it up and hope you make it through,' " said Vrabel, a veteran linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dawkins is in his 15th season, Vrabel his 14th, but Dawkins predicted "these types of careers will be rarities."

?

I don't think with good conscience we could say, 'Guys, this is all we could get for you for 18 games. Go out there and strap it up and hope you make it through.'

? -- Mike Vrabel

The two veterans said they were heartened their fellow players have seemed more engaged in following the negotiating process than in the past. The cost of maintaining health insurance under federal COBRA law during a lockout has been a real eye-opener. For a family with two adults and two children, a player would have to pay $2,400 a month to keep his current coverage.

While encouraging members to save money, the union has set aside funds of $60,000 per player by raising dues and withholding royalties.

As a potential lockout looms, Vrabel believes fans can relate more to players than to owners.

"We don't have 32 players who have private jets in the NFL," he said.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Surf champion Gilmore attacked with iron bar

Updated December 28, 2010 17:41:00

Stephanie Gilmore sustained a cut on the back of her head, a broken wrist and cuts to her hand. (Getty Images: Kirstin Scholtz)

Four-time world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore has been bashed with an iron bar during a violent attack overnight.

The 22-year-old was reportedly hit twice in the stairwell of her apartment complex in Tweed Heads on the New South Wales far north coast around 9:30pm (AEDT).

She sustained a cut on the back of her head, a broken wrist and cuts to her hand.

Police say Gilmore was approached and assaulted by a man who then fled on a bicycle.

The surfing champion was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police say the man later returned to the unit complex, where he was seen by Gilmore's neighbours.

They held him there until police were able to come and arrest him.

The alleged attacker was taken to Tweed Heads police station where he was charged with numerous offences including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Police say he was refused bail in Tweed Heads Magistrates Court this morning.

Gilmore is the reigning world surfing champion and has won the title four years running (2007-10).

She was the first surfer, male or female, to win four world titles from as many attempts.

Interviewed by the Seven Network, with a cast on her arm and hand, Gilmore said it will be six weeks before she was back in the surf.

Less than a fortnight ago she won a historic third straight Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii.

She has said eclipsing Layne Beachley's seven world gongs, six consecutively, was part of her grand plan.

The 2011 Women's Surfing World Tour starts on February 26, with the first event taking place on the Gold Coast.

Tags: crime, sport, surfing, assault, australia, nsw, coolangatta-2535, tweed-heads-2485, qld, southport-4215

First posted December 28, 2010 13:49:00

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Ninety Seven scoops Launceston honours

Updated December 28, 2010 20:19:00

The winning crew of the 2010 Melbourne to Launceston yacht race (ABC News: Jane Miller)

One-time Sydney to Hobart winner Ninety Seven has taken line honours in the Melbourne to Launceston yacht race.

The 14-metre Victorian yacht crossed the finish line at the mouth of the Tamar River near Low Head around 12:00pm (AEDT).

Ninety Seven skipper, Alan Saunders, says the crew had no majors problems other than Bass Strait seasickness.

"We got into low 20 knots of wind speed and three metre seas I suppose, two-and-a-half to three metres but it was fairly choppy and it was just consistently like that," he said.

"We were beating into it all the time, so there was no relief from it, it was just endless if you know what I mean, but it was just tough, I wouldn't say it was really hard."

Ninety Seven, which took Sydney to Hobart line honours in 1993, completed the 198-nautical mile course in just under 24 hours, falling short of the race record by about four hours.

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First posted December 28, 2010 12:50:00

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Heat-Lakers draws best rating since 2004

NEW YORK -- The highly anticipated first matchup between the new-look Miami Heat and the defending-champion Los Angeles Lakers drew the highest television rating for an NBA regular-season game on ABC since 2004.

Miami's 96-80 Christmas win earned a 6.4 fast national rating Saturday. That's up 45 percent over the game in the same window last year, also a matchup between Los Angeles and LeBron James, then with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It's the best since a 7.3 for another Heat-Lakers meeting on Christmas six years earlier.

ESPN said Monday the Celtics-Magic game on ABC drew a 4.6, up 39 percent from the matchup between the same teams last season.

The average rating for the three games on ESPN increased 20 percent from a year ago.

Ratings measure the percentage of all homes with televisions tuned into a program.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Tigers name big squad for T20 opener

Posted December 27, 2010 21:38:00

Tasmania has named Tim Paine in an extended squad of 14 for the opening game of the Twenty20 Big Bash against Western Australia at the WACA on Thursday.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, seen as next in line to the Test gloves held by Brad Haddin, has missed more than a month of cricket after breaking his finger in an exhibition game in November.

He had been expected to make an early return last week, but failed a fitness test at the last minute.

Pakistani all-rounder Rana Naveed has returned for his second Big Bash with the Tigers, while big-hitting Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate is set to play his first game this Thursday.

Tasmania: George Bailey (c), Travis Birt, Luke Butterworth, Mark Cosgrove, Ed Cowan, Xavier Doherty, Brendan Drew, James Faulkner, Jason Krejza, Rhett Lockyear, Rana Naveed, Tim Paine, Ryan ten Doeschate, Jonathan Wells.

- AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, twenty20, australia, tas, perth-6000

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