O atacante Robinho (e), do Santos, ao lado de sua mãe, Marina da Silva Souza (d), de 43 anos, na sacada do apartamento dela na Baixada Santista. Eles acenaram para vizinhos, fãs e jornalistas que aguardavam no local após a libertação de dona Marina. Ela estava seqüestrada desde o dia 8 de novembro, foi libertada hoje de manhã, por volta das 7h30, no bairro de Perus, em São Paulo. Os seqüestradores teriam recebido R$ 200 mil de resgate e soltaram a vítima.

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h56
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Abramovich ha invertido 322,2 millones de euros en un año y medio para alcanzar la cimaHace poco más de un año y medio la situación económica del Chelsea, con una deuda de 17 millones de libras esterlinas, auguraba un futuro oscuro para el club del barrio rico de Londres. Hasta que apareció por Stamford Bridge un multimillonario ruso, de nombre Roman Abramovich. Compró las acciones de la entidad al histórico Ken Bates, con quien, no obstante, compartió palco y revitalizó el mercado futbolístico con su ilimitado talonario.

Abramovich lo tocó todo. Desde Ronaldo a Ronaldinho pasando por Shevchenko con el objetivo entre ceja y ceja de acabar con la dualidad Manchester United-Arsenal. Invirtió 180,8 millones de euros en un verano para la plantilla pero su afán llegó también a los despachos. Dejó a los 'diablos rojos' sin Peter Kenyon, un experto negociador en horas bajas tras fracasar en su intento de traerse a Ronaldinho a Old Trafford.

De un plumazo vistió de azul a estrellas consagradas como Crespoo, Makelele y Verón al mismo tiempo que a promesas hechas realidad y otras en ciernes como Mutu, Duff, Joe Cole, Bridge, Johnson y Parker. No contento con ello, flirteó en repetidas ocasiones con Sven-Göran Eriksson ante la impasibilidad de Claudio Ranieri.

Al italiano le silbaban los oídos pero devolvió al equipo a la elite. Fue segundo en la Premier y, por primera vez en la historia, alcanzó las semifinales de la Copa de Europa. Sólo el Mónaco de Giuly y Morientes impidió que se viera las caras en la final con José Mourinho, su sustituto confirmado aunque hubiera conquistado el trofeo continental para los 'blues'.

El técnico portugués no tardó en prometer títulos. Curiosamente sin que los nuevos fichajes ejercieran un papel relevante. Quienes sacaron las castañas del fuego en los momentos culminantes fueron Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen, Lampard y Gronkjäer, flamante refuerzo colchonero. De ahí que Abramovich no se inmutara para dar puerta a algunos de sus primeros fichajes de campanillas: Crespo fue cedido al Milan, Verón al Inter e incluso despidió a Mutu tras el positivo por cocaína en un control solicitado por Mourinho.

Abramovich se puso al servicio del ex técnico azulgrana, que ha hecho un equipo a su medida. Como hizo Louis van Gaal con el Ajax al fichar por el Barça, Mourinho se llevó del Porto campeón de Europa a Paulo Ferreira y Ricardo Carvalho por 50 millones de euros entre ambos. Una vez más, el magnate ruso pagó plata a precio de oro. Cech es un acierto en la portería, Tiago da consistencia en la media y Robben y Drogba, fichaje récord de la temporada (36 millones), siembran pánico en ataque.

Los frutos de los 322,3 millones de euros de la inversión son evidentes ya en un bloque que empezó exhibiendo un estilo conservador (ganó ocho partidos por 1-0) a imagen y semejanza del Porto y que desde la reaparición de Robben se ha desmelenado con cinco duelos marcando cuatro goles

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h54
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Pese a la dificultad del rival, el luso confía en solventar la eliminatoria Si alguien en el Barça conoce bien a Jose Mourinho, ése es el centrocampista Deco. El azulgrana participó de sus éxitos con el Oporto (Copa de Europa, UEFA, dos Ligas y una Copa portuguesa), por lo que sabe bien de la dimensíón de este técnico que regresa al Camp Nou como rival. Deco reconoció que “no quería que nos tocara el Chelsea. Es uno de los rivales más difíciles que había en el sorteo”, aunque admitió que “tanto le tenemos respeto y temor nosotros como ellos al Barcelona, que en estos momentos es uno de los equipos más fuertes de Europa. Estamos los dos en una situación parecida”.

Sobre Mourinho, el jugador destacó que “es cierto que vendrá especialmente motivado al Camp Nou, donde estuvo tantos años como ayudante técnico del equipo” y añadió que, pese a la dificultad del rival, confía en solventar la eliminatoria

Laporta: “Ahora Deco es un jugador del Barça”

Joan Laporta, el presidente del Barça, no torció el gesto al conocer que el Chelsea iba a ser su rival. Lo primero que hizo fue llamar por el móvil a su hijo Pol, tal como se lo había prometido en la víspera. A Pol sí que le pareció un enemigo complicado. El presidente mantuvo lo adelantado a Mundo Deportivo en la víspera: “Si queremos ganar la Champions debemos ir eliminando a equipazos como el Chelsea antes o después. Esta competición este año es incomparable a ninguna otra”.

Laporta destacó la labor al frente del Chelsea de Jose Mourinho, del que no olvidó que “fue nuestro segundo entrenador con Sir Bobby Robson y luego con Louis van Gaal y dejó un gran recuerdo como profesional y persona. En el Porto ya se vio de lo que es capaz como técnico y ahora en el Chelsea lo está confirmando con una temporada sensacional”.La diferencia notable para laporta es que “el año pasado Mourinho tenía a Deco en el Porto y ahora es uno de nuestros pilares, uno de nuestros grandes jugadores, al igual que Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Puyol o cualquiera de nuestros jugadores. Ellos son un equipazo, de acuerdo, pero también lo es el Barça”.

Para Laporta, se ve la mano del entrenador portugués en Stamford Bridge: “Para mí, junto a nuestro Frank Rijkaard, es de los mejores técnicos. Les gusta tener un estilo peculiar, un equilibrio entre defensa y ataque, pero sus equipos juegan muy bien al fútbol. Va a ser una eliminatoria espectacular”.El presidente narcelonista entendía que “hay cinco eliminatorias, entre ellas la nuestra, que podrían ser la final. ¿Si hemos tenido mala suerte? Pues fíjate en el Real Madrid o el Milan. A estas alturas no hay equipo fácil”.

El hecho de que el rival sea el Chelsea es importante porque “nos va a obligar a estar muy concentrados y también dará una motivación especial a nuestros jugadores, que como hicieron ante el Milan querrán confirmar su gran categoría. El Barça ha vuelto a estar entre los grandes de Europa. Eso se aprecia en cómo hablan los rivales de nosotros, en el seguimiento de los medios de comunicación internacionales a nuestro equipo, a nuestros cracks”.

El presidente indicó que “ahora es importante que podamos recuperar a nuestros lesionados lo antes posible, que tengamos suerte y acierto en nuestros refuerzos de invierno, en los que estamos trabajando a fondo. No oculto que durante mi estancia aquí en Ginebra he hablado con varios integrantes de otros grandes clubs de varios jugadores, pero la cosa no está fácil, nos va a costar. Pero que nadie dude de que trabajamos a fondo para que Rijkaard tenga lo que nos ha pedido, dos jugadores de garantía que, si puede ser, puedan disputar también la Champions League, además de jugar la Liga española”

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h47
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A dupla ficou com o troféu, de forma antecipada, após a eliminação de Ricardo e Emanuel da etapa do Rio. Os campeões olímpicos em Atenas perderam para Moacyr e Fabiano por 2 sets a 1. "O Franco me devolveu a alegria de jogar vôlei após a morte da minha mãe, há dois anos", agradeceu Tande, que encerrou hegemonia de dois anos dos rivais.

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h25
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Faltavam segundos para o treino começar no Teixeirão. Como sempre faz, Luxemburgo distribuiu os coletes entre os titulares. Entregou um para Basílio, que imediatamente o repassou para Robinho. "Devolvi para ele, ele é o dono da camisa 7. Não que eu queira aparecer, mas ele saiu por uma causa que ninguém gostaria de viver", explicou o atacante.

"A atitude de outros jogadores seria a mesma. Ele é o titular, ajudou mais o time, jogou muito mais que eu", completou. Meia verdade. Enquanto Basílio entrou em campo 39 vezes no Brasileiro, segundo o Datafolha, Robinho atuou 36 vezes. A diferença é que o jovem atacante de 20 anos foi titular na maioria do campeonato (tem 21 gols), enquanto o veterano de 32 anos ocupou o banco na maior parte das vezes.

Não se sabe ao certo de quem foi a idéia do gesto, o mais significativo da volta de Robinho. Luxemburgo disse que foi dele: "Resolvi fazer uma brincadeira com Basílio". Não é exatamente o que disse o atacante. "O Vanderlei me deu o colete e disse: "faça o que você quiser". Eu dei para o Robinho."

À noite, o titular comentou a atitude de Basílio. "A qualidade dele é indiscutível, e no grupo ele é um irmão para mim. Independentemente de quem jogar, o que importa é brigar pelo título", disse Robinho, parecendo desconhecer que estava confirmado como titular. Ao ouvir a confirmação pelos repórteres, sorriu. "Tranqüilo então."

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h22
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O grupo da situação entrou na eleição da CBT com um pé atrás. Diante da iminente vitória do candidato de oposição, Jorge Lacerda Rosa, os rivais buscavam irregularidades que pudessem invalidar as assembléias.
Um dos que pediram a palavra foi José das Graças, presidente da federação do Piauí, quando percebeu Daniel Cravo no local. Queria saber o que o advogado da oposição fazia no auditório. Ao saber que ele representava o presidente da federação gaúcha, Sergio Lima, que estava entre os espectadores, exigiu da mesa:
-Então ponha na ata que ele [Lima] está só como assistinte.
O presidente da mesa corrigiu.
- Coloque assistente, afirmou Paulo Rogério Amoretty.
Diante da insistência do dirigente, Amoretty avisou:
- Assistinte é uma palavra que não existe no dicionário.

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h20
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Joan Laporta no se volvió precisamente contento de su viaje a Suiza. Primero, porque por motivos personales tuvo que regresar rápidamente a Barcelona porque a uno de sus hijos tenían que operarle de un ojo. Segundo porque el rival que le tocó, el Chelsea, no es precisamente fácil. Y tercero porque sus intentos por reforzar la plantilla fueron en vano.

Juve, Inter y Arsenal le dijeron que no al presidente azulgrana. Roberto Bettega, el vicepresidente de la Juve, le aseguró que no está dispuesto a ceder a Tacchinardi, Giacinto Faccetti, el presidente del Inter le contestó que no tenía nada que hacer con Zanetti y David Dean, el vicepresidente del Arsenal, que cuenta con Edu.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h55
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Fernando Redondo fue el invitado anoche del programa ‘El Banquillo’ de Onda Seis. El futbolista argentino, ex del Real Madrid, mantuvo una charla de más de una hora con José Manuel Estrada y sus invitados, el subdirector de As, Pedro Pablo San Martín, y el redactor jefe de Marca Ángel Cabeza. Redondo desveló algunos aspectos de su salida del Madrid con destino al Milan y analizó con el resto de contertulios el actual juego de los blancos.

Sobre su traumática salida del club madidista, comentó que él no se habría ido nunca del Real Madrid, pero “las circunstancias mandaron”. Narró que él se enteró de la operación durante la concentración de la temporada 2000-2001 en Nyon, cuando le comunicarón que había una gran oferta del Milan (3.000 milllones de pesetas). “Lo comprendí, era una gran oferta para el club y para mí, aunque habían rechazado otra mayor, también para el club y para mí, del Inter el año anterior. Por eso me tuve que marchar, aunque yo nunca me habría ido de este club, que es el club de mi vida. Me fui sin rencor, pero sí un poco dolido porque esperaba terminar mi carrera aquí. No fue una humillación, pero me sentí dolido”.

También habló de su ‘calvario’ en Milán por culpa de una grave lesión y se refirió a la “sorpresa” que le ha producido que a su vuelta a Madrid la gente le haya mostrado un “inmenso cariño”, demostración de que no le han olvidado. “Muchos me dicen que tenía que volver, pero eso es absolutamente imposible. El otro día jugué el partido Contra la Pobreza y fue muy emocionante, pero acabé cansadísimo y tuve que recuperarme. Se hace muy grande el campo... No, no, mi vida de futbolista está terminada. Ahora jugaré con los veteranos del Madrid cuando regrese de las navidades en Argentina. Mi futuro está ligado al fútbol, aún no sé si como entrenador o como comentarista”.

Nadie se resistió a preguntarle por la actualidad del Madrid. Redondo no quiso entrar en demasiadas honduras cuando se le advirtió que él no tiene sustituto en el Madrid: “Este Madrid juega diferente al que yo estaba. Guti lo está haciendo muy bien como mediocentro, pero no es su puesto, como tampoco el de Beckham, al que yo veo en una banda. ¿Fichajes? Bueno, depende cómo se quiera jugar. Yo, desde luego, habría fichado a Xabi Alonso, que es un jugador que me encanta y cuyo fútbol se parecía al mío”.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h54
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Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann is getting increasingly concerned about Jens Lehmann's demotion to the Arsenal bench and will discuss the situation with Arsene Wenger if the keeper does not win back his place.

Lehmann: Dropped by Wenger (BenRadford/GettyImages)

'If Jens is not in goal for Arsenal's next game I'll call him to find out the reasons why,' Klinsmann told reporters from Pusan, where Germany are preparing for the second match of their Asian tour against South Korea. 'Every coach has the right to leave a player on the bench...but if my players are long-term absentees, with the World Cup in mind I must find out why, and perhaps see if the situation can be changed.'

The coach has told Kahn and Lehmann they have an equal chance of playing for the hosts at the 2006 World Cup. 'It was a surprise to the training staff that Jens was suddenly out,' said Klinsmann. 'We hope the situation changes. If this is going on for weeks I'll call Arsene.'

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h46
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ATLANTA (AP) -- John Smoltz was part of some talented starting rotations in Atlanta before becoming the team's closer.Now he's back as a starter, and with the addition of Tim Hudson on Thursday, the rebuilt Braves rotation may be their best top-to-bottom staff yet.

With Thursday's announcements that Smoltz had signed a new two-year deal and the Braves traded for Hudson, the team already has its five-man rotation set for 2005, and according to Braves GM John Schuerholz, it's "the best five starting pitchers we've ever had."Smoltz and Hudson are both proven aces. Mike Hampton won 13 games last reason, John Thomson had 14 victories, and No. 5 starter Horacio Ramirez won 12 in 2003 before shoulder problems limited him to 10 games last year. He's expected to be ready for spring training.

"This winter we have set our sights on going back to sort of the old-fashioned Braves way of building championship teams with dominant pitching," Schuerholz said. "That's what we think we have done and we are excited about the pitching staff we have put together for the season."The team traded highly touted left-hander Dan Meyer, outfielder Charles Thomas and right-hander Juan Cruz to Oakland for Hudson, one of the top starting pitchers in baseball.

Hudson, from Columbus, Ga., has a 92-39 career record with a 3.30 ERA. Teamed with Smoltz, the two may be the best starting tandem in the NL East."It's pretty darn good," Smoltz said of the trade for Hudson. "It's about as good a move to bolster the pitching staff as you can make. We needed someone to come in and strike a little more fear and that's what we've gained. We've gained a little more respect and fear.""

Smoltz received a $6 million signing bonus and will be paid $6 million in 2005. He will earn $8 million in 2006, and the Braves have an $8 million club option for 2007.

Smoltz was due to earn $12 million in 2005, and had a bonus clause in his contract to earn $100,000 for each start. As a starter, that contract stipulation could have pushed his 2005 salary to $15 million.

Instead, Smoltz agreed to give up that per-game bonus in exchange for an extra year on his contract."That's the most important thing to me," he said. "I love playing here, I love living here. Obviously, I'm going to live here the rest of my life. And it was so important to me that no matter how it got done and what angles and what ways it got done, I was glad that it got done in a fashion where it was a great deal not only for the ballclub but for me."

Smoltz, 37, started his major league career as a Brave in 1988 and likely will retire as one. Realizing legends such as Henry Aaron and Dale Murphy finished their careers with other teams, and Tom Glavine now pitches for the New York Mets, Smoltz said his opportunity is rare.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h31
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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) -- Pedro Martinez returned home Friday and bashed the team he led to a World Series title. He knocked the Boston Red Sox for their front-office moves and negotiating tactics, and predicted a rough season awaits.

``They will field the best bad team in baseball history,'' Martinez said at a news conference Friday.

One day after he was introduced by the New York Mets -- who signed him to a four-year, $53 million contract -- Martinez criticized the Red Sox for firing key employees, including team doctor Bill Morgan. Martinez said he was ``dumbfounded'' to hear that fellow Dominican Manny Ramirez could be mentioned as possible trade bait after winning the World Series MVP.

``After giving seven great years, Jason Varitek, Derek Lowe and I were not signed,'' Martinez said. The three-time Cy Young Award winner said the Mets ``have shown more respect in days than Boston did in seven years.''

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein discounted the comments, and said Friday that Martinez is ``a brilliant pitcher ... an emotional person as well.''

``It doesn't bother me,'' Epstein said. ``I don't necessarily define myself by what anyone says about me, let alone a player that we just didn't sign to bring back to Boston. We'll be fine as an organization. ``I just don't put much stock in that. It's a heat of the moment type thing,'' Epstein said. ``I choose to look at the man, not one comment.''

Accompanied by Mets vice president Fred Wilpon, general manager Omar Minaya and agent Fernando Cuza, Martinez said Boston had ``every opportunity'' to sign him in the past two years, even below market value. ``I'm a proud man and I think I deserve a little respect for the work I've done,'' he said. ``I felt disillusioned and hurt by the way the Red Sox let me go so easily.''

Red Sox principal owner John Henry said the club ``offered Pedro exactly what he said it would take to sign him'' when team officials visited Martinez in the Dominican Republic on Dec. 8. ``Our organization went out of our way to treat Pedro with the greatest respect over the past three years. I am surprised and very disappointed by the continuing negative comments in that regard,'' Henry said Friday in an e-mail to The Associated Press. ``Nevertheless, I wish him great success with the Mets.''

Martinez, 33, said he could retire after finishing his contract with the Mets. ``I don't plan to play until I'm 40 years, but I will have four years to study that decision,'' he said. Martinez shook off questions about the condition of his arm in light of a 16-9 record and a 3.90 ERA in his final season with Boston. ``I felt good this year and I feel good now,'' he said. ``I don't know where rumors about my health started,'' Martinez said. ``I didn't have a bad year, but it wasn't the norm for me.''

Martinez hopes to inject new life into the Mets, who finished next to last in the NL East in 2004 after finishing last the two previous seasons. ``My goal now is to stay healthy and get the Mets back to the World Series and win it,'' Martinez said.

AP Santo Domingo correspondent Peter Prengaman and AP Sports Writer Howard Ulman in Boston contributed to this story.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h16
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A despedida de Carlos Tevez do Boca Juniors foi feita em grande estilo. Primeiro reforço do Corinthians após a parceria formalizada com a MSI, o atacante marcou um gol e foi um dos destaques de seu time na conquista do título da Copa Sul-Americana, diante da aprovação de Diego Maradona, maior ídolo do clube, nas arquibancadas.

Na segunda partida da decisão, na noite desta sexta-feira, o Boca Juniors derrotou o Bolívar por 2 a 0, no estádio La Bombonera, e levou o título, pois, no jogo de ida, na altitude de La Paz, havia sido derrotado por 1 a 0.

Tevez deixou o campo aos 31min do segundo tempo, foi bastante aplaudido pelos torcedores e deu adeus. Antes disso, além de marcar o gol do título, participou das principais jogadas de ataque e perdeu outros dois de frente para o goleiro brasileiro Mauro Machado.

Com a despedida feita no Boca Juniors, Tevez, destaque da seleção argentina na conquista da medalha de ouro nas Olimpíadas de Atenas, agora se apresentará ao Corinthians. Oficialmente, o clube brasileiro quer marcar sua chegada para o dia 20, mas ainda não há confirmação.

Esse foi o segundo título internacional que Tevez conquistou com o Boca Juniors. No ano passado, a equipe argentina foi campeã da Libertadores ao bater o Santos na decisão. Neste ano, a equipe foi novamente à final, mas caiu diante do Once Caldas, da Colômbia, nos pênaltis.

Tevez começou a se destacar logo no começo da partida. Aos 25 segundos, ele foi lançado pela direita, invadiu a área e chutou cruzado, com a bola passando perto da trave direita de Mauro.

Com três atacantes (Tevez, Guillermo Schelotto e Palermo), o Boca foi dominante no primeiro tempo, sem deixar o Bolívar criar nenhuma oportunidade de perigo para o goleiro Abbondanzieri.

Dessa forma, não demorou para que os argentinos abrissem o marcador. Pela direita, Schelotto tabelou com Tevez e cruzou para Palermo, que, livre, desviou de cabeça no canto esquerdo, aos 14min.

Sem estar satisfeito com o placar que levaria a decisão para os pênaltis, o Boca partiu para cima e aumentou a diferença aos 27min. Schelotto é lançado pela direita, principal setor explorado pelos argentinos, foi à linha de fundo e cruzou para trás, encontrando Tevez, que chutou de primeira no canto esquerdo de Mauro.

Até o intervalo, o Bolívar não conseguia criar chances. O maior susto que Abbondanzieri levou foi aos 32min, quando Chiorazzo, destaque do time boliviano na competição, arriscou chute de longa distância para defesa do goleiro argentino.

Enquanto isso, o Boca se aproveitava do maior volume de jogo que tinha e ainda perdeu boa chance de sacramentar o título. Aos 35min, Tevez sai de frente para o goleiro Mauro, tenta driblar e cruza para Palermo, que não aproveita a jogada.

Na etapa final, o Boca criou apenas uma chance de perigo. Aos 10min, Tevez ficou novamente de frente para o goleiro, driblou Mauro, mas perdeu o ângulo e desperdiçou a oportunidade.

Do outro lado, o Bolívar teve a melhor chance para diminuir a diferença aos 18min, com Tufiño, que acertou o travessão de Abbondanzieri em um chute da intermediária.

Depois disso, o Boca passou a administrar a vantagem que tinha até conquistar esse inédito título. No último minuto, ainda perdeu gol feito, com Schelotto, que ficou cara-a-cara com Mauro e chutou em cima do goleiro brasileiro.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h10
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Num dia de trama novelesca, Robinho viu o desfecho positivo do seqüestro de sua mãe, em seguida pegou um avião no Guarujá e se apresentou para jogar pelo Santos na partida decisiva do Brasileiro diante do Vasco em São José do Rio Preto.

Robinho treina, mas não fala sobre sua possível saída do Santos após o Brasileiro

Em meio a sorrisos fartos, desabafos aliviados, só uma dúvida segue em volta do principal protagonista do cotidiano santista. Robinho deixará o Santos após o jogo de domingo no estádio Teixeirão?

"Não quero falar em despedida. Este não é o momento de falar de nenhuma negociação. Não tenho isso na cabeça. Só quero pensar na decisão", desconversou o atacante em entrevista coletiva no hotel que hospeda a delegação santista em Rio Preto.

No entanto, apesar de sair pela tangente, Robinho sabe que dificilmente terá prolongada a permanência no futebol brasileiro. Durante o período em que a mãe do jogador esteve seqüestrada, as negociações com clubes da Europa esfriaram, mas não acabaram.

No princípio do cativeiro de Marina da Silva Souza, o empresário de Robinho, Vagner Ribeiro, esteve na Espanha para negociar a transferência do atacante para o Real Madrid. Em um certo momento, a transação chegou a ser dada como certa, estampada em manchetes de diários esportivos espanhóis.

Interesse oficial também foi confirmado pelo Benfica, que teve proposta nas mãos de Ribeiro e dos dirigentes do Santos. Em caráter extra-oficial, Chelsea e PSV Eindhoven também chegaram a sondar a contratação do brasileiro.

Torcedor
Durante o período que não pôde defender o Santos no Campeonato Brasileiro, durante seis rodadas, Robinho se acostumou a torcer pela equipe. Mesmo consumido pela tensão das negociações de libertação de sua mãe, o jogador conseguiu acompanhar os jogos do time pela televisão.

"Acompanhei de casa, rezando muito, roendo unha. Ficou provado que o Santos é um time grande. Mesmo com a minha ausência, o time continuou jogando bem e ganhando", contou o atacante.

Robinho não esteve em campo nas partidas contra Criciúma, Goiás, Coritiba, Paysandu, Grêmio e São Caetano. Nestes confrontos, o Santos sem sua principal estrela conseguiu marcar 14 pontos de 18 possíveis.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h03
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Técnico do São Paulo conversou com o atacante

Ele lançou o atacante Robinho nos titulares do Santos em 2002 e é tratado como um pai pelo atacante, por isso, o técnico Emerson Leão foi um dos primeiros a conversar com o jogador santista na manhã desta sexta-feira. Na conversa, Robinho afirmou ao seu ex-técnico que joga no domingo contra o Vasco.

- Conversei com o Robinho às 10h, já haviam me informado sobre a liberação da mãe dele e um amigo me passou o telefone dizendo que ele queria falar comigo. Começamos a bater papo e perguntei se ele ia para o "abraço no domingo" e ele disse que ia - explicou o técnico Emerson Leão.

Como um verdadeiro pai, Emerson Leão elogiou o atacante e disse que o atacante tem todas as condições de atuar no domingo, na partida decisiva contra o Vasco.

- Ele não merece ficar triste, ficar sem sorrir! Ele vai jogar para a sua torcida e dedicar o título para a sua mãe. Ele tem cabeça, pé, inteligência, mão...Ele tem tudo para jogar no domingo. Se quiser pode até jogar para gente! - brincou o técnico são-paulino.

Escrito por fraja8 às 18h05
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Brasília (DF) - A Assembléia realizada na tarde desta sexta-feira elegeu o catarinense José Lacerda Rosa como novo presidente da Confederação Brasileira de Tênis. Participaram da eleição 25 federações regionais, que escolheram o ex-presidente da Federação Catarinense, por 15 votos, contra 10 do empresário José Farani.

Nesta manhã, o terceiro concorrente, o ex-diretor do Esporte Clube Pinheiros, Hermenegildo Grassi, desisitiu da eleição, alegando que não tinha obtido o apoio político esperado do clube paulista.

Uma das maiores missões da nova administração é recuperar o tênis brasileiro, que atualmente integra a terceira divisão da Copa Davis, depois que os melhores tenistas do país se recusaram a continuar sob a administração de Nelson Nastás, o ex-presidente.

Presidente – Jorge Lacerda da Rosa
Vice-presidente – Jesus Thomaz Tajra Filho
Conselho Fiscal
Efetivo - Antônio Carlos Leite Cunha
Marco Antonio Beirão
Luciano de Moraes Rodrigues
Suplente - Rômulo Finamori
Cristiano Boeger
Marcos Conde Ramalho

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Além disso, ele garantiu seu retorno aos jogos da Copa Davis, o que dá uma esperança de que o Brasil saia da Terceira Divisão da competição, para a qual caiu depois de os melhores atletas do país terem boicotado o torneio em protesto contra Nastás.

“Como eu já tinha dito antes, é um momento muito importante para o tênis brasileiro e, da mesma maneira que a gente sempre esteve disposto a ajudar, mas havia chegado em um ponto no qual não tinha mais como, vamos estar novamente 100% à disposição, desde jogar a Copa Davis até ajudar nos planejamentos etc”, disse Guga.

Kuerten, que sempre reclamou da falta de massificação do tênis na gestão Nastás, espera que a CBT agora desenvolva “um trabalho sério, responsável, que vise o desenvolvimento do tênis. Se tivermos esta resposta, eles terão a nossa total colaboração”, garantiu o ex-número um do mundo.

O tenista está esperançoso em uma mudança da modalidade no país. “Vamos torcer para acontecer uma reviravolta no tênis brasileiro, para que todos trabalhem juntos, incluindo as Federações e até os jogadores, para termos resultados daqui a alguns anos”, completou. Guga ainda está em Pittsburgh, nos Estados Unidos, onde se recupera da cirurgia no quadril realizada no dia 21 de setembro.

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The Bucks' Joe Smith goes in for the slam against the Bulls

Two horses clear the fence during a race in Windsor, England.

Falcons QB Michael Vick tries to break free from the Raiders.

Mats Sundin (13) barely has a leg to stand on during a game in Sweden.

It's three thumbs-up for new Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez, flanked by GM Omar Minaya (left) and manager Willie Randolph (right).

The Lakers' Brian Cook (43) and the Kings' Doug Christie scramble for a loose ball.

Escrito por fraja8 às 17h53
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Through the first month of NBA All-Star balloting, Rockets C Yao Ming leads all players with 881,223 votes.  Heat C Shaquille O’Neal is second with 854,930 votes, followed by T’Wolves F Kevin Garnett with 751,586, Rockets G Tracy McGrady with 680,373 and Lakers G Kobe Bryant with 673,665 (NBA).

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Manchester United’s themed café business in Asia is “delaying plans to expand in mainland China because costs are rising too fast.” Manchester United Food & Beverage has opened two Red Cafés in Chengdu, China, in the past year

Escrito por fraja8 às 17h38
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According to a company spokesperson, credit for this move should be placed on Kobe's declining popularity.In related news, Nike will proceed with the scheduled promotion of its Saddam Hussein sneaker. Despite his fall from Shoe Time grace, Bryant still qualifies for the starring role in today's episode of The Friday Rewind.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar began this week's limelight push by responding to a report that former teammate Karl "The Mailman" Malone hit on Kobe's wife, Vanessa.Malone has sort of denied the hitting-on charges, but does admit guilt to consensual flirting. Several published and posted reports suggest that the controversial Karl-Vanessa encounter — which occurred during a recent Lakers game at Staples Center — went something like this:

VANESSA: What are you hunting, cowboy?

KARL (inexplicably turned out in a cowboy hat): You had me at ‘What'.

VANESSA: Of course I did. So, I ask again … what are you hunting, cowboy?

KARL: Uh … little Mexican girls.

VANESSA: Ewww. Gross. You're like 40 … that's older than Kobe's field-goal percentage. But, just so there aren't any hard feelings, good luck.

KARL: I was referring to you.

VANESSA: Oh. Little Mexican girl, huh? That's dumb. I'm from Huntington Beach. Anyways, you only made, what, a million last year? I doubt you could afford to pay for my cell phone ring.

As you probably figured out, the entire misunderstanding could have been avoided if — when Vanessa asked, "What are you hunting, cowboy?" — Karl had said, "I'm hunting wabbits."

Instead, we're blessed with an entirely different species of cartoon. And this may force Bryant to postpone his seeming quest to become the most unpopular guy in American sports. Even before Vanessagate, Kobe inspired a few headlines during a radio interview that included a Malone-related inquiry. When asked about Karl's possible Lakers return, Bryant suggested that worrying about someone not on the team would be an insult to his current employees … I mean teammates.

Malone and his peeps took this as a snub; now the second-leading scorer in NBA history (behind the 20,000 scores from smooth-talking Wilt Chamberlain) is threatening to play for the Miami Heat or San Antonio Spurs. A league source believes the cowboy hat means Karl will be a Spur, although another source said Malone will wait until he takes a long look at a picture of Tim Duncan's wife before making his decision.

While the Vanessa-Karl debate eased into a Jim Gray area, Kobe was whistled for a bad spin move that ended with an interview conducted by ESPN's NBA Shootaround squad. Bryant's inquisitors included Stephen "Type A" Smith, the Al Sharpton of NBA talking heads. During Kobe's ESPN pitch, Kobe sort of admitted he wouldn't mind apologizing to former Lakers teammate Shaquille O'Neal. When asked to comment on Bryant's apology stance, Shaq — who now works for the Miami Heat — said, "No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no!"

O'Neal then scored 13 points while holding his breath in a Heat victory over the Washington Wizards

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MAVERICKS SEASON-TICKET HOLDER GIVING UP SEATS FOR SOLDIERS

USA TODAY reported that Mavericks season-ticket holder Neal Hawks has organized “Seats for Soldiers” for Saturday’s Hawks-Mavericks game at American Airlines Center, where roughly 140 military personnel recovering from injuries will get front-row seats free of charge. Forty-seven season-ticket holders have donated front-row seats, and American Airlines is flying a group from the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio to the game. The soldiers will meet with Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban, as well as with players and coaches (USA TODAY, 12/15).

GAY & LESBIAN ADVOCACY GROUP REACHES DEAL WITH FOOT LOCKER

The AP reported that gay and lesbian legal advocacy group Lambda Legal has “reached a settlement with Foot Locker Inc. on behalf of” Kevin Dunbar, a “former employee who said he was harassed by supervisors and co-workers.” Under the settlement, Foot Locker will “train its managers and employees on harassment issues and about support and services for workers who feel they have been harassed. The company also will provide a monetary settlement” to Dunbar (AP, 12/16).

TERRELL OWENS & RICKY WILLIAMS SITTING DOWN FOR CBS SHOWS

Eagles WR Terrell Owens will appear on CBS’ “Late Show” tonight with David Letterman, and the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER reports that Owens was “so entertaining that the third scheduled guest was bumped and the Eagle’s interview lasted an extra segment.” Owens: "I think my face has been across the nation on everybody's TV since I've been [in Philadelphia[, and it seems like the last couple of months my face has really been everywhere. I think people are starting to take notice" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 12/17).

Meanwhile, Ricky Williams Sunday on CBS’ “60 Minutes” will participate in his first TV interview since retiring from the NFL earlier this year. Williams, on why he retired: “The thing that I had the most trouble with was that after you fail your third [drug] test, then it becomes public knowledge. That’s one thing I couldn’t deal with at the time – people knowing that I smoke marijuana. That was my biggest fear in my whole entire life. I was scared to death of that.” A portion of the interview will first appear on "The NFL Today" (CBS).

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Could Vince Carter soon be joining Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson in a new-look Nets attack? The Raptors and Nets are discussing a deal that would send Carter to New Jersey, for Alonzo Mourning, Eric Williams, Aaron Williams and two first-round draft picks, according to two league sources. One source called the deal "imminent", but the other said it was possible the Raptors were waiting to see if better offers come in.

Neither Raptors nor Nets officials would comment Friday.

Carter, a five-time All-Star, has been on the trade market since the season began. A few weeks ago he appeared headed to the Blazers in a deal involving Shareef Abdur-Rahim, but those talks broke down at the last minute. Lately the Knicks were said to be a hot pursuer but apparently didn't have the assets Toronto needed to make a deal.

Putting the high-flying Carter with Kidd and Jefferson would be a boon to the struggling Nets, who lost Kenyon Martin to free agency last summer. Toronto, meanwhile, would rid itself of the disgruntled Carter, as well as the remaining four years and $57.9 million due on his contract. The Raptors also would get a true center in Mourning to go with two other hard-working veteran defenders who fit the mold of coach Sam Mitchell.

Mourning, who has made a surprising comeback this season from the kidney ailment that has sidelined him for most of three of the past four seasons, is scoring almost 11 points a night while grabbing more than seven rebounds and blocking more than two shots a contest. However, Mourning had requested a trade to a contender and it remains to be seen how he would respond to being dealt to Toronto. In addition, he recently said that his body was breaking down and that he might need time off.

For first-year Raptors GM Rob Babcock, the trade is something of a risk. Carter has been the face of the Raptors for seven seasons. Though often criticized for being sullen and injury-prone, he remains one of the game's marquee stars. His acrobatic style of play and high-flying slam dunks have made the 27-year-old a top gate attraction and a top vote-getter in All-Star balloting. But Carter had become increasingly frustrated in recent years by the Raptors' losing, and before the season he publicly requested a trade. Once on the court, he never seemed to shake his doldrums.

He struggled to adjust to a lesser role under Mitchell, even finding himself on the bench in the fourth quarter for the first time in his career. Through Thursday he was averaging career lows in scoring (15.9), rebounds (3.3), field goal percentage (41.1), free throw percentage (69.4) and minutes played (30.4).

The Nets would be hoping a change of scenery can help Carter. If so, New Jersey could find itself quickly back in contention in the East. The Nets have looked better since Kidd returned to action last week, and the presence of another high-volume scorer like Carter should help an offense that ranked last in the league in scoring (85.1 points a game) and 28th in field-goal percentage (41.7).

Escrito por fraja8 às 17h25
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Primera División leaders FC Barcelona face reigning champions Valencia CF at the Camp Nou in a highly anticipated weekend of action featuring a traditionally passionate derby between Sevilla FC and Real Betis Balompié.

Hot streak
Frank Rijkaard’s Barcelona go into Saturday's game with Valencia on the back of their best ever start to a league campaign, having lost just once to Betis and won 12 out of 15 matches. The sequence of results means they sit nine points clear of second-placed RCD Espanyol at the top of the table.

‘Battle of wits’
Visiting striker Marco Di Vaio is in no doubt that Valencia, in third position, will need to be at their best to produce a repeat of their 1-0 win in last season's fixture. "It will be a battle of wits, and we are expecting an open game because Barça have players who can decide matters in an instant," he said. "We are facing a side of immense quality, who have been in inspirational form all season and so we have to be alert and ready to react to whatever happens." Roberto Ayala and David Abelda are coach Claudio Ranieri’s only injury worries

Andalucian passion
Sevilla are just a position and a point ahead of Betis in fifth as the teams meet at the Sánchez Pizjuán stadium. Betis striker Ricardo Oliveira said: "I know what the derby means to the people of this city and I just hope we can give some happiness to our fans.”

‘Great run’
Oliveira, top scorer for Betis this term, added: "Sevilla are enjoying a great run and it is going to be tough to beat them but I am more concerned about us and hope that we play as good a game as possible." Marcos Assunçao is believed to have shaken off an abdominal problem and should start for the visitors but Washington Tais and Benjamín Zarandona are unlikely to feature.

Mixed fortunes
Espanyol travel to out-of-sorts CD Numancia. The Soria-based side are rooted to the foot of the table and will be without suspended striker Jaime Molina. Fourth-placed Real Madrid CF, meanwhile, travel to Real Racing Club Santander, in 15th, without Míchel Salgado, who collected his fifth booking of the campaign last week.

Chasing pack
In close pursuit, seventh-placed Club Atlético de Madrid meet RC Deportivo La Coruña, in eighth. Villarreal CF face Málaga CF at home, Real Sociedad de Fútbol welcome Getafe CF, Real Zaragoza meet Athletic Club Bilbao and CA Osasuna visit RCD Mallorca.

Escrito por fraja8 às 17h22
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YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME: LEADERSHIP LESSONS FOR SUCCESS ON AND OFF THE FIELD
By Herm Edwards with Shelley Smith
The McGraw-Hill Companies, 190 pages, $21.95

Gist: The former Eagles cornerback (1977-85) and current Jets coach shares winning secrets.

Sample: "I can teach you to tackle. I can teach you to run. But I can't teach you how hard to tackle or how fast to move your legs. I can read a book about love and relationships, but the book isn't going to be the one making the effort to do things better at home. It has to be inside of you."

SUNDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK: GOING DEEP ON THE STRATEGIES, MYTHS, AND MAYHEM OF FOOTBALL
By Phil Simms with Vic Carucci
HarperCollins Publishers, 211 pages, $24.95

Gist: The former Giants QB (1979-93) analyzes what really goes on between the sidelines and in strategy sessions.

Sample: "[A]s you're watching film, the coach says, 'That's the way to hang in there and see down the field.' You'd like to tell him the truth: 'Coach, I really didn't see much. All I think I saw was the top of my receiver's helmet. I knew I was about to get hit, so I thought, What the hell? And I just threw it. And when he caught it, I was the most relieved person in the stadium.' ... What I would end up saying is, 'Thanks, coach.'"

DANTE HALL: X-FACTOR
By Dante Hall with Bill Althaus
Sports Publishing LLC, 176 pages, $24.95

Gist: Autobiography of the undersized kid from Houston who has become the Chiefs' (and the NFL's) most explosive kick returner.

Sample: "I finished that game [a Jan. 11, 2003, loss to Indianapolis] with 208 kickoff return yards. That's a Chiefs single-game postseason record and the third highest total in NFL history. So can someone please tell me why I feel so bad? I still feel like crying. We made the plays, but we didn't make enough plays. I was lucky to get a touchdown reception, too. We scored 31 points. They scored 38. That's the story of the game. I was hoping to be an impact player, and I was. We made the big plays, they just made more than we did."

GOLDEN BOY: GIRLS, GAMES, AND GAMBLING AT GREEN BAY (AND NOTRE DAME, TOO)
By Paul Hornung as told to William F. Reed
Simon & Schuster, 291 pages, $25

Gist: A naughty Hall of Famer tattles and names names.

Sample: "After I confessed [to betting on NFL games], Rozelle wanted me to go somewhere with some FBI guys and take a lie-detector test. I refused, because I knew what they wanted to do. They wanted to ask me what I knew about other players, including some of my teammates, whom they suspected of betting. [John] Brodie, the 49ers' quarterback, and Len Dawson of the Kansas City Chiefs were suspects."

CATCH THIS!: GOING DEEP WITH THE NFL'S SHARPEST WEAPON
By Terrell Owens and Stephen Singular
Simon & Schuster, 270 pages, $23

Gist: The life story of the NFL's loudest receiver, starting with a hard Alabama childhood.

Sample: "After my comments about Rat [49ers' QB Tim Rattay] to the reporters on Sunday, Jeff [Garcia] had told the media that there was a 'sickness' on the Niners, and he didn't want it to spread. I didn't have to guess what he was talking about. He was calling me a 'sickness,' and that was harsher than I'd been expecting."

FAVRE
By Brett Favre and Bonita Favre [Brett's mother] with Chris Havel
Rugged Land, 246 pages, $29.95 Gist: Green Bay's two-time Super Bowl-winning QB reflects on his career, team and family and how he dealt with the loss of his father, Irvin, last year.

Sample: "Fans ask how I've been able to play for so long without missing a game. The easy answer is to say that it's because I'm so doggone tough, or as Mike Holmgren would say, because I'm so doggone hard-headed. The truth is it's probably a combination of things. I've been fortunate to play on winning teams with good offensive lines. I also tend to recoil, or step back, almost immediately after I throw a pass. I'm pretty sure that has kept my legs from getting tangled up under more than one pile."

RUSH TO JUDGMENT: THE SIMEON RICE STORY
By Simeon Rice with Mark Stewart
The Lyons Press, 261 pages, $22.95

Gist: The Bucs' controversial defensive end tells his side of every story -- including Tampa Bay's Super Bowl run, and how he got kicked off the 2003 Pro Bowl team.

THE REST OF THE ICEBERG: AN INSIDER'S VIEW ON THE WORLD OF SPORT AND CELEBRITY
By Robert Smith
Inkwater Press, 225 pages, $19.95

Gist: A cerebral sort, the former Vikings running back (1993-2000) examines society's obsession with celebrity.

Sample: "Forget what you've heard about players being forced into using injections. Some team doctors may be less scrupulous than others, but they're not stupid. It's the players who agree, and often ask, to be injected.... I had never seen a needle go that far into my body. The effect was almost immediate. I couldn't believe how much better my ankle felt."

Issue date: December 20, 2004

Escrito por fraja8 às 17h20
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If [Kobe Bryant] had been my husband, I would have stood up and grabbed that microphone and beat his ass! Anna Benson, wife of Mets' pitcher Kris, on Bryant's news conference during which he admitted to adultery.

Escrito por fraja8 às 17h17
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Newly acquired Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson, left, smiles as manager Bobby Cox looks on during a news conference at Turner Field in Atlanta where he was introduced to the media Friday, Dec. 17, 2004. The Braves traded outfielder Charles Thomas and pitchers Juan Cruz and Dan Meyer to Oakland for Hudson.

Newly acquired Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson smiles as he tries on a Braves cap during a news conference, at Turner Field, in Atlanta

Newly acquired Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson smiles during a news conference

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Teams Starting To Make Big Free Agent Moves

While MLB wrestles with the future of baseball in DC, some of its teams are busy doing some major holiday shopping. The Mets win the back pages for a week with the signing of Pedro Martinez, which the team sees as an opportunity to increase its Latino marketing and create a foundation for their forthcoming network. But George Steinbrenner is never one to cede the spotlight, and today's talk of a possible deal for Randy Johnson further escalates the competition for the back pages. Meanwhile, Frank McCourt is getting prematurely ripped in L.A. today on reports of the deal that would move Shawn Green to the D’Backs. Finally, the Mariners react to calls for their ownership to be more aggressive and have spent $114M in the past two days on two high-profile players, Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson. All this, and Carlos Beltran, along with other top talent, is still on the market.

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Reebok Inks Deal With Pro Skateboarder Stevie Williams

Stevie Williams Is First Pro Skateboarder To Endorse Reebok

Reebok has inked a multi-year deal with skateboarder Stevie Williams that will include a line of skateboarding footwear and apparel called DGK (Dirty Ghetto Kids). DGK is a brand extension of Williams’ skateboarding decks. The footwear and apparel collections will launch in fall of ’05 and be available in select U.S. skateboarding and footwear stores. Williams, the first pro skateboarder to endorse Reebok, and the company are developing an integrated global marketing and grassroots campaign to promote DGK (Reebok).

Escrito por fraja8 às 16h50
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G’Day Mate: Reebok Announces Deal With Australian Open

Reebok Nets Vaidisova In Multiyear Deal

Reebok has signed a deal with the Australian Open to be the official footwear supplier of the tournament, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in ’05. Reebok will outfit over line judges, ball boys and other staff. The company will also feature tennis shoes at a display booth at the tournament. At the event, Reebok endorser Andy Roddick will play in Reebok’s Pump Matchday shoes and wear Reebok’s Rapid Fire tennis apparel (Reebok).

RUSSIAN THE NET: Reebok has inked a multi-year endorsement deal with WTAer Nicole Vaidisova, who, at 15, is the youngest player ranked in the top 100. Vaidisova, currently ranked No. 75, will be featured in Reebok marketing campaigns and will play in RBK apparel and Upset DMX shoes (Reebok).

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Is Kobe On Whirlwind Campaign To Improve Changed Image?

Lakers G Kobe Bryant’s “decline in popularity is starkly reflected in jersey sales,” according to SportScan Info data cited by Howard Beck of the N.Y. TIMES. In ’02, “three versions of Bryant’s jersey placed among the top 20 in sales, a combined total of 312,665 jerseys.” In ’03, “that figure plummeted to 89,831 before rebounding to 136,964 for the current year.” Bryant has no jerseys in the top 20 during the current four-week holiday shopping period. SportScan Info Marketing Dir Neil Schwartz: “The fact that he doesn’t have any jerseys right now in the top 10 or even the top 20 is a real fall for Kobe Bryant” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/17).

Kobe Embarking On PR Tour To Rebound Image

IMAGE CONTROL: Bryant appeared on two ESPN interviews Wednesday, one on “PTI,” the other on “Kia NBA Shootaround,” to discuss his changed image in the wake of his sexual assault trial, rift with Shaquille O’Neal and Phil Jackson and recently accusing Karl Malone of making a pass at his wife. USA TODAY’s Mike Lopresti writes, “Apparently, Bryant has opened his winter public relations offensive, realizing his current Q rating is closing in on the founder of BALCO. Kobe did everything but deliver a soliloquy on ESPN” (USA TODAY, 12/17). L.A. Times columnist Bill Plaschke: “He does realize that he’s hit rock bottom perception–wise, and he’s trying to get it back” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 12/16). Meanwhile, TNT’s Charles Barkley will interview Bryant on the network’s December 23 pregame show (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/17).

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Real World, NFL? Midway To Release Behind-The-Scenes Game

Chicago-based Midway Games is developing “Blitz: Playmakers,” a new, unlicensed videogame, which the company says “expos[es] the harsh realism and troubling behind-the-scenes stories of a fictional professional football league.” The game is a collaboration between Midway and a writer from ESPN’s controversial “Playmakers,” the scripted drama based on a pro football that the network did not renew after several complaints from the NFL. The game, scheduled for release in Q4 of ’05 on multiple console platforms, “explores the on-field violence, off-field fallout and front-office politics of professional football.” The NFL did not renew Midway’s license for this season because of the violent nature of its “NFL Blitz” title, and Midway CMO Steve Allison said in a statement, “No longer bound to the NFL license, there will be no league restrictions on content and gamers will finally experience what makes playing a football videogame really fun: off-field controversies, dirty hits, excessive celebrations and much more. ... Our game will include all the gameplay and fun the NFL won’t allow” (THE DAILY). In N.Y., Richard Wilner reports Midway told the NFL that for an ’04 license, it was interested “in featuring extracurricular activities of players, gambling and drug use and the NFL walked away.” “Blitz: Playmakers” will “mimic the away-from-the-game lifestyle nuances” of Midway’s NBA-licensed “NBA Ballers.” Midway expects the game to be rated “M” for mature audiences (N.Y. POST, 12/17).

HE’S NOT WITH US: ESPN VP/Communications Mike Soltys: “We’re in no way associated with this game. We are reviewing the situation to determine the appropriate course of action” (USA TODAY, 12/17). Do you play sports videogames? Vote in The DAILY POLL.

Wife Swap: After “MNF” Promo, “Housewives” Stars Tout NBA

Marcia Cross (r) Joins “Housewives” In Filming NBA On ABC Spot

Despite the controversial Terrell Owens/Nicollette Sheridan promo on ABC’s “MNF” last month, Sheridan, along with fellow “Desperate Housewives” stars Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria, have taped an NBA-themed spot to air Christmas Day on ABC during Heat-Lakers, according to TV GUIDE’s Michael Ausiello. A source said the ad “was very noncontroversial.” The source: “They are all sitting on Gabrielle’s [Longoria] porch – fully clothed – saying something like, ‘And that’s why we love this game’” (TVGUIDE.com, 12/16). Sources said that the spot is “one of many that various cast members from several ABC shows have filmed for [ABC’s] sports division.” An ABC spokesperson said, “As in years past, several of our shows taped celebratory promos to air in support of our NBA games” (N.Y. POST, 12/17).

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ABC Gets Approval For New Pact With Affils For NFL Rights

Affiliates Will Continue To Pitch In For ABC’s “MNF”

A majority of ABC’s affils have approved a new four-year deal that “guarantees stations will continue pitching in on rights fees” for “MNF” if ABC retains those rights, according to Nellie Andreeva of the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. The affils are expected to collectively pay $31M per year to ABC, retroactive to August 1 of this year, until the current NFL deal expires at the end of the ’05-06 season. That figure is down from $34M in the most recent deal, which expired last August. But the sum will rise to $35M in the “third and fourth year if ABC is able to re-sign the NFL.” The payout will “continue to come in exchange for primetime ad inventory and caps on the hours of weekly programming ABC can repurpose at levels said to be similar to ones in the two sides' previous contract” (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 12/17).

HOLD ON: Meanwhile, Broncos Owner and NFL Broadcast Committee Chair Pat Bowlen indicated that ABC and ESPN “will likely keep the rights” to NFL games after the ’05 season. Bowlen: “Disney holds the rights, which I expect to continue” (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 12/17).

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FSN Signs Deal To Put 100-Plus AFL Game On The Air

FSN and the AFL have reached a multi-year agreement to carry regular-season games on 11 of FSN’s owned and affiliated RSNs. FSN will carry over 100 telecasts next season. The deal, combined with individual team broadcasting agreements, increases the number of non-NBC games on TV from 39 in ’04 to more than 120 in ’05. Most FSN regional telecasts will take place on Fridays and Saturdays. FSN will produce telecasts, and the AFL and FSN will jointly sell ad inventory. Once FSN is reimbursed for production costs, the two parties will share ad revenues. In addition, FSN will continue producing and televising “AFL Weekly,” which premiered last season. Each region will have its own broadcast team with the home market’s FSN net responsible for game production, which also will be fed to the visiting team’s local FSN net. Following is the breakdown of FSN nets and their respective teams (AFL):

REGION	TEAM(S)
FSN Arizona	Rattlers
FSN Detroit	Rampage
FSN Rocky Mountain	Crush
FSN South	Force, Kats
FSN Southwest	Wranglers, Desperados, VooDoo
FSN West	Gladiators, Avengers
FSN Bay Area	SaberCats
FSN Chicago	Rush
FSN New York	Dragons
FSN Ohio	Destroyers
Sunshine Network	Predators, Storm

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NASCAR Events: Charlotte Plans Weeklong NASCAR Celebration

Charlotte Region Bumps Up Efforts To Keep NASCAR’s All-Star Event

Charlotte-area leaders “are planning a full week of events leading up to the May NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge in an effort to help keep the race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway,” according to Ronnie Glassberg of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Governments and agencies in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Iredell counties are involved in the effort. Organizers have presented a budget of $600,000. Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory: “When you think of Augusta, what do you think of? The Masters. When you think of Pasadena, what do you think of? The Rose Bowl. When you think of racing, we want people to think right here” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 12/17).

TIME FLIES: In Daytona Beach, Ken Willis reports Daytona Int’l Speedway officials have lengthened the qualifying races for the Daytona 500 beginning in ’05, as the former Gatorade Twin 125s “will grow by 10 laps and 25 miles each,” and the 150-mile races will “now be jointly known as the ‘Gatorade Duel at Daytona.’” DIS also plans to Sinclude a break of about 40 minutes between the first and second qualifying race –- an intermission that will include entertainment of some sort” to add more “length to the day’s festivities.” DIS Senior Dir of Media & Communications Kenny Kane: “Fans have [been] telling us that the day is too short” (Daytona Beach NEWS-JOURNAL, 12/17).

TEXAS: In Dallas, Terry Blount reports Texas Motor Speedway is spending $1.5M to “construct a bridge over the south tunnel entrance and expand walkways around the facility” after the track was awarded a second Nextel Cup race for ’05. The construction is expected to help “relieve traffic congestion and improve access” for race weekends. TMS President Eddie Gossage said that season-ticket sales are up more than 12% over last year, and he expects to sell more than 50,000 season tickets overall (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/17).

League Notes

Promoter Looking To Lure Teams For San Juan Series

Antonio Munoz, the promoter who staged 44 Expos games in San Juan the past two years, met with MLB execs in N.Y. this week about inviting three teams – the Marlins, D’Rays and Pirates – to each play a home series at Hiram Bithorn Stadium next season. But the Marlins indicated that they have not “been approached about moving any games out of Pro Player Stadium and wouldn’t be interested” if they were. Marlins VP/Communications P.J. Loyello: “I can assure you we will play all 81 of our home games at home” (MIAMI HERALD, 12/17). The D’Rays also said that “they have heard nothing about it and have no plans to do so.” D’Rays Managing General Partner Vince Naimoli: “We have no plans to play anywhere other than Tropicana Field” (ST. PETE TIMES, 12/17).

CHAMP CAR: In Dallas, Terry Blount reports Champ Car and Houston officials “have discussed the possibility of returning to the city for a downtown street race in 2006.” Astros officials have been contacted, as the course would include the streets around Minute Maid Park. Champ Car had a downtown Houston event from ’98-’01 (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/17). Road America officials said this week that “talks are ongoing with Champ Car ... to bring a race back” to the Wisconsin track for a 23rd straight season. Road America President George Bruggenthies: “The door never closed for 2005” (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 12/17).

IRL: In Indianapolis, Cavin & Ballard note that so far, “reasonable commitments are present from eight teams for only 18 cars” for the ’05 IRL season. The totals include four cars from Andretti Green Racing, three each from teams owned by Rahal/Letterman and Chip Ganassi Racing, two apiece from Penske Racing, Fernandez Racing and Cheever Racing and one from Panther Racing. But IRL President Brian Barnhart “believes the car count will settle at a familiar number.” Barnhart: “If you put down 18 or 19 that are pretty firm and the ones that are trying to finalize things, you could go as high as 23 or 24 cars. Usually it ends up being halfway in that range, and 21 or 22 seems to be consistent with where we’ve been the past couple of years” (INDY STAR, 12/17).

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NHL Face-Off, Day 93: NHLPA Questions League’s Projections

The NHLPA Thursday in a media conference call said that by using anticipated revenue growth of 3% as opposed to the 9.4% the NHL has experienced over the last decade, the league understated the projected impact of the union’s latest proposal by $843M over the three seasons ending in ’07-08. The union added that if using the NHL’s own data for the most recent five years –- 7.8% annual revenue growth and 7.3% growth in player costs — the NHL understated the projected impact of the union proposal by $980M (THE DAILY).

BEHIND THE NUMBERS: NHLPA Exec Dir Bob Goodenow said of the NHL, “They came forward and based their reaction to our significant proposal by saying they would be right back where they were. Well, that's a bunch of hogwash.” Goodenow added, “These are just mixed-up numbers that have been put in a blender and diced up. These are a bunch of ridiculous forecasts.” NHLPA Senior Dir of Business Affairs Ted Saskin: “You have to compare apples with apples. Don't take a plug number of 12.1% in players costs, which were experienced during a time of rapid revenue growth in the '90s, and then ignore the revenue number from that same time period” (TORONTO SUN, 12/17). More Saskin: “When people manipulate numbers, ... that’s what I would call a desperate move” (OTTAWA SUN, 12/17).

Goodenow Calls NHL Projections “Hogwash”

LEAGUE RESPONSE: NHL Exec VP & CLO Bill Daly issued a statement that said, “We stand behind the 3% average annual growth projection we used in our modeling, particularly for a business that will be coming out of an extended shutdown. We do not believe the union's public negotiation with the media warrants any further comment” (Mult., 12/17).

FROM THE OWNERS: Bruins Owner Jeremy Jacobs, asked about a resolution to the labor talks, said, “If I were leaning, I'm leaning more (toward) wait for next year. We're talking to a group of guys (among the union's negotiating committee) who, if we wait until next year, they probably won't be the guys who eventually will be playing” (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/17). In Toronto, Michael Grange cites sources who said that cost certainty could make it easier for two Maple Leafs investors — Ontario Teachers Pension Plan and TD Capital — to “sell when the time was right.” One source: “If you've got the deep pockets and can hold on — which they do — there's nothing but good that can come from holding off on these things” (GLOBE & MAIL, 12/17).

SWISS MISS? In Toronto, William Houston reports that Ottawa-based agent Derek Holmes has “talked to people in Switzerland who are serious about putting together” a ten-club league and “stocking it with some of the NHL's best players.” The plan would be “pursued aggressively if or when the NHL announces the 2004-05 season is cancelled” (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 12/17).

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Pedro Already Having Impact On Mets’ Business Operations

Mets Looking To Open New Doors With Pedro Signing

Mets Exec VP/Business Operations Dave Howard said the team’s signing of P Pedro Martinez Thursday to a four-year, $53M contract will “certainly energize Hispanic markets, and we will take our efforts to another level. This will create new sponsorships, new promotional opportunities and new advertising opportunities.” In N.Y., Lee Jenkins reports that by late Thursday morning, “hundreds of fans had called or sent e-mail messages to the Mets expressing interest in season tickets.” The Mets currently broadcast 100 games a season on Spanish-language WADO-AM and supply Spanish simulcasts for TV, but they will “increase their efforts.” Also, “tens of thousands of T-shirts with [Martinez’] name and number were being mass-produced” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/17). Mets Clubhouse Shop manager Dario Salas: “Not only does the phone keep ringing, but it’s like someone is coming in every two minutes and asking about Pedro shirts. I haven’t seen anything like this in a long time” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/17).

TV TIME: In N.Y., Bob Raissman writes there is “no coincidence” the signing of Martinez comes one year before Mets Owner Fred Wilpon is planning to start an RSN. Potential advertisers “must be given a reason to watch and ultimately purchase time.” What Martinez can “do all alone is put the Mets ahead of the Yankees in terms of media attention. ... Let’s face it, in terms of personality, the Yankees are vanilla.” Raissman: “If the Mets are not through spending on big-ticket free agents this offseason, it will be further evidence the network factor is entering into the decision-making process” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/17).

INT’L RELATIONS: The Mets plan to hold a separate news conference today in the Dominican Republic to announce the signing. Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, on the impact the signing will have for the team’s reputation in the Dominican: “I don’t know if we own the island, but I think we might be popular tomorrow down there. ... He is a true icon down there and should help us” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/17). Mets GM Omar Minaya: “Kids in the Dominican or in Venezuela today are saying, ‘I want to be a Met.’ That’s the value of Pedro Martinez. That’s the thinking and that’s the logic here. That kid in the Dominican who might be the next Pedro Martinez could someday be here because of this signing.” N.Y.-based marketing firm Latino Sports Dir Julio Pabon, on the deal, “It’s been the talk of the town in the Latino community. The first question everyone asks me is, ‘What do you think of Pedro? I don’t think he is the sole answer to the Latinization of Shea Stadium, but he sure is a good start” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/17). In a separate piece, the N.Y. TIMES’ Jenkins writes Thursday’s press conference in N.Y. “could have come with subtitles” as nearly “half the questions were in Spanish” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/17).

DA Owner: Ditka Becomes Part-Owner Of AFL Chicago Rush

Ditka Joins AFL’s Growing Stable Of Famous Owners

Former Bears coach and NFL HOFer Mike Ditka has become a part-owner of the AFL Chicago Rush. Ditka joins John Elway (Crush), Jon Bon Jovi (Soul) and Tim McGraw (Kats) as the league’s “celebrity” owners. AFL teams with NFL owners in ’05 will include: Crush (Pat Bowlen, Stan Kroenke), Desperados (Jerry Jones), Force (Arthur Blank), Kats (Bud Adams) and VooDoo (Tom Benson) (AFL).

BIG SCORE: Rush Managing Partner Alan Levin: “This is a milestone for us. When we bought the Rush with Walter Payton, I never thought we could top that. But today we have. We needed Mike because Mike is Chicago.” In Chicago, Len Ziehm reports the extent of Ditka’s involvement “is unclear, as is his role in the operation of the club.” Ditka would not divulge how much of the Rush he owns, but said, “It’s a substantial position of ownership. It wouldn’t matter if it was 1[%] or 99[%]. I have a percentage, with an option to do more.” More Ditka: “My role will be to help people get involved, as fans and viewers.” Ziehm notes Ditka will not coach. Ditka has never been to an AFL game, but said, “I’ve probably watched a couple hundred (on TV)” (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 12/17).

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Nike Continues Surge, Posts 46% Earnings Improvement In Q2

Nike posted Q2 FY ’04 net income of $261.9M, or $0.97 per share, up 46% from $179.1M, or $0.66 per share, a year earlier, according to Stephanie Kang of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Analysts expected earnings of $0.86 per share. Kang notes the results were “driven by continuing demand in the U.S. and growth in markets like China.” Sales were up 11% to $3.1B, and gross margins were 44.1%, up from 42.3% (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 12/17). BLOOMBERG NEWS’ Andria Cheng reported the signature shoes of Cavaliers F LeBron James and Nuggets F Carmelo Anthony “helped sales rise 5[%] in the U.S.,” where shoe sales were up 9%, but apparel sales were down 3% “because of an expiration of a license agreement.” Sales were up 17% in Asia, as Susquehanna Financial Group analyst John Shanley said increased marketing spending in the area “continues to help drive strong sales gains, particularly in China.” Cheng added sales of non-Nike brands, including Converse and Hurley, increased 12%, and increased sales to Foot Locker also lifted revenue. Meanwhile, Phil Knight, who will step down as CEO at the end of the year but will remain Chair, “said he’ll be working ‘full time’ over the next six months to help” with the transition to new CEO William Perez (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 12/17).

THE OUTSIDER: Knight indicated that the company’s “future growth will be driven by” brands other than the flagship Nike brand. Knight: “This is not a forecast or prediction, but a brand other than Nike could be as much as 25% of our total volume” (DOW JONES NEWSWIRES, 12/17). Knight added that the portfolio of other companies has been a “little undermanaged,” and that the “decision to build up the subsidiaries was a primary reason to choose Perez, a Nike outsider” (Portland OREGONIAN, 12/17).

HEY NIKE, THEY LIKE IT: At presstime, shares of Nike were trading at $91.45, up 6.5% from yesterday’s close of $85.90 (THE DAILY).

Quiksilver Hits The $1B Revenue Mark For The First Time Ever

Quiksilver’s FY ’04 revenue rose 30% over last year to $1.27B, the first time the company has exceeded $1B, according to Leslie Earnest of the L.A. TIMES. Profit for the year grew 39% to $84.1M, or $1.36 a share, compared to $58.5M, or $1.03 a share, in FY ’03. The $1.36 per share exceeded analysts’ upgraded expectations by a penny. For Q4, profit rose 43% to $24.9M, or $0.41 a share, up from $17.4M, or $0.30 a share, in the year-ago period.

Sales for the quarter in the Asia and Pacific region rose 53% to $56.1M. Quiksilver’s results “were boosted by the acquisition” of DC Shoes in May (L.A. TIMES, 12/17). B. Riley & Co. analyst Jeffrey Van Sinderen: “There’s nothing I can see that can derail them right now in the short term” (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 12/17). At presstime, shares of Quiksilver were trading at $30.37, up 3.0% from yesterday’s close of $29.50 (THE DAILY).

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Lightning Strikes: Team No Longer Paying For Property Taxes

City Council Takes St. Pete Times Forum Off Property Tax Rolls

The Tampa City Council voted unanimously Thursday to remove the St. Pete Times Forum from “the property tax rolls, a day after the Hillsborough County Commission did the same,” according to Christopher Goffard of the ST. PETE TIMES. The council vote marks the “final political hurdle in the effort to transfer title” of the arena from the Tampa Sports Authority to the county, a “move that will cost the city and other governmental entities an estimated $630,000 or more a year in tax revenue” from the Lightning. As part of the deal, the team agreed to “stay in town for 10 years, with financial penalties” if it leaves. Tampa City Council member Gwen Miller, who is also a member of the Sports Authority, said, “The city’s not going to lose anything. We don’t want to lose the team. We need them here” (ST. PETE TIMES, 12/17).

MORE TO DO: Lightning President Ron Campbell said that the deal “puts the Lightning on equal footing” with the arrangements other Florida teams have, but added, “This is just the first step.” In Tampa, Andy Reid notes changes to ticket surcharges and parking agreements as well as a sales tax rebate “are among items the Lightning have suggested.” Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Rob Turner, on the deal: “It really throws the Lightning’s tax burden onto the shoulders of homeowners and businesses in Hillsborough County, and especially the city. It is a sad day for taxpayers of Hillsborough County” (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 12/17).

Sonics, Seattle Mayor To Ask State For $200M For KeyArena

Sonics Looking To State For KeyArena Remodeling

The Sonics and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels want state lawmakers to eventually “redirect King County hotel- and sales-tax revenues that helped finance the construction of Qwest Field and Safeco Field, respectively, to KeyArena,” according to Bob Young of the SEATTLE TIMES. The plan would retire KeyArena’s $58M debt and also pay for $180M in improvements. The Sonics have “already hired veteran [state] lobbyists to push the idea.” The Sonics hope to “extend the perimeter of the building so the concourse would be wider and allow for more concession stands, bars and restaurants.” The number of luxury boxes would decrease from 58 to 32 with “some of that space [possibly] left open so ticketholders walking the concourse could look in on the action.” During the two years of construction, the building would close “for only three to four months, so the Sonics would not have to move.” Still, the Storm “would probably lose a season at KeyArena.” Sonics Exec VP Terry McLaughlin said he would “love this process to begin in the next six months” (SEATTLE TIMES, 12/17).

Attention Voters: Chargers Will No Longer Train In L.A.

The Chargers in ’05 will hold training camp at Chargers Park in Murphy Canyon, California. The team most recently held camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California (Chargers). In San Diego, Jim Trotter notes the move is a result of the team’s “desire to create a positive environment before a proposed vote on a new stadium in 2006.” Workouts will be open to the public, and Trotter wonders, “Could the wildly popular powder-blue throwback uniforms be next to return?” Chargers Exec VP & COO Jim Steeg: “I refuse to comment on the grounds that it might incriminate me. I think we’re going to look at a lot of things” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/17).

APPEAL PROCESS: Chargers Special Counsel Mark Fabiani said, “This is a process and a person’s (vote) on a ballot measure like this will be influenced by 100 different things they heard or learned over the course of a campaign. We have never talked to another city (about moving). I hope the things we have done in terms of the new lease and now with training camp finally drives a stake through the heart of that rumor” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/17). Steeg indicated that the split with The Home Depot Center’s owner AEG was “amicable.” In L.A., Tony Perry notes when the Chargers began training at The Home Depot Center two years ago, fans “worried it might be a precursor to fleeing San Diego” (L.A. TIMES, 12/17).

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MLB And DC At A Standstill As Negotiations Appear Dead

DC Council Chair Linda Cropp said that she “will not reopen legislation next week requiring the District to include private funds” to build a ballpark near the Anacostia River, “effectively killing the deal negotiated between” DC Mayor Anthony Williams and MLB, according to Cella & Miller of the WASHINGTON TIMES. Cropp hopes MLB “would be willing to make a ‘good faith’ gesture and extend the deadline beyond Dec. 31 for the District to come up with the financing.” Cropp: “If they are not, the legislation is what it is.” A baseball exec said, “If the District thinks we don’t have other options or we’re engaged in a game of chicken, they’re sorely mistaken” (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/17).

DEADLINE APPROACHING: MLB Exec VP/Administration John McHale Jr. said that MLB “was ‘fully available’ for talks,” but added, “I think somebody from the other side would have to start that process” (Baltimore SUN, 12/17). Baseball sources said that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and MLB President & COO Bob DuPuy “would take more active roles in the stalemate with the city.” But DuPuy said, “We are expecting the Dec. 31 commitment date to be fulfilled. We are not negotiating. We made our concessions in the course of negotiations with the mayor and made some clarifications we thought would satisfy the mayor and the council.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Davis (R-VA) said that MLB is “not locked into a ‘take it or leave it’ mode and ventured that the parties could probably sit down ‘and find 20 ways to make it work.’” Williams’ spokesperson Chris Bender said that the mayor “will not ask [MLB] to push back the deadline” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/17).

FINANCING: Williams said that it is “still possible to meet” the deadline, as his administration “is working to pull together private financing” to satisfy Cropp’s amendment requiring that half of the financing come from private sources. John Ross, senior adviser to DC CFO Natwar Gandhi, said that Gandhi “is planning to issue a formal request for proposals early next week” (AP, 12/16). In DC, Eric Fisher reports “more than a dozen new entities have approached city officials in the past two days” about possible financing, “coming from worlds as disparate as Wall Street banks and online gambling.” The “stream of inquiries no doubt will advance Mrs. Cropp’s argument that private investment can and should be part of plans to build” a ballpark (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/17). Williams: “First of all, private financing may cost us more and secondly, this isn’t taking one dime out of the pockets of the citizens of DC” (ESPNews, 12/16).

Nationals’ Merchandise Store Closed For The Time Being

NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL: While MLB on Wednesday ordered the Nationals to cease all business operations, in DC, Mark Zuckerman reports the team’s baseball operations “are still up and running, though few roster moves are expected during this wait-and-see period.” Interim GM Jim Bowden “continues to work out of his office” in Florida but is “unlikely to acquire any more players until the franchise’s future is certain.” Meanwhile, only 152 of 16,000 season-ticket holders have requested a refund, which Kevin Uhlich, special assistant to Nationals President Tony Tavares, called it an “encouraging sign of the public’s belief that baseball will be played in Washington in 2005” (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/17). Tavares: “Don’t expect us to spend a lot of money at this point. We will continue to try to make the team competitive, but I don’t expect us to be a big buyer” (AP, 12/16).

MOVING ON: In Las Vegas, J.M. Kalil reports DuPuy told Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman that the league “cannot discuss relocating” the Nationals to the city until the DC agreement expires on December 31. Las Vegas Deputy City Manager Steve Houchens “has been appointed to pursue experts to discuss issues such as stadium financing and site location” (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 12/17). In Baltimore, Peter Schmuck: “There’s still a small window to put together an alternative stadium proposal in Northern Virginia, though the public financing plan approved by the state will expire Jan. 1 and would be difficult to renew” (Baltimore SUN, 12/16). USA TODAY’s Hal Bodley writes MLB “will find a new home for the [Nationals] where politicians honor agreements and appreciate what a big-league team will do for them” (USA TODAY, 12/17).

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Names In The News

Fame And Fortune: Sillerman Acquires Stake In Elvis

SFX Entertainment Founder ROBERT SILLERMAN has agreed to pay LISA MARIE PRESLEY $100M for an 85% stake in ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES, “in what he says is the first of a series of strategic acquisitions for CKX Inc.,” a new company he has created. Sillerman gains control “over the business activities of GRACELAND as well as Elvis’ music publishing assets and trademarks.” Sillerman sold SFX to Clear Channel for $4.5B in ‘00 (CRAIN’S NEW YORK, 12/16).

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: Suns Chair JERRY COLANGELO hosted the team’s annual office holiday party Tuesday at America West Arena “gave away airline tickets, gifts and several cash prizes. One employee walked away with $10,000” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 12/16)....Vail Resorts CEO ADAM ARON appeared on CNBC’s “Kudlow & Cramer” Thursday and said his resorts are “expecting a robust Christmas period.” Aron, on the effect a weak U.S. dollar has had on his company: “The dollar was low last year and we had a double-digit increase in the number of international visitors to our resorts. ... The low dollar ... (also) keeps Americans (skiing) within the continental (U.S.)” (“Kudlow & Cramer,” CNBC, 12/16).

NAMES: News Corp. Chair & CEO RUPERT MURDOCH has agreed to buy late LAURANCE ROCKEFELLER’s 834 Fifth Avenue penthouse for $44M, the “highest ever for a residence in Manhattan” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/17)....In Atlanta, Tony Barnhart reports Big East Commissioner and former BCS Coordinator MIKE TRANGHESE will propose the “idea of a BCS selection committee” when commissioners meet next month at the NCAA Convention in Dallas. The selection committee would be appointed similarly to the one used for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 12/17).... Former Cutter & Buck President & COO MARTIN MARKS pleaded guilty Thursday to a “criminal charge of falsification of accounting records for his role in the [company’s] accounting fraud.” Marks will pay a $65,000 fine as part of the plea agreement, “resolving the criminal charges of securities fraud and lying to auditors brought against him.” Also, under the terms of a related settlement with the SEC, Marks can “never again serve as an officer or director of a public company or practice as a certified public accountant” (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 12/17).

NBA Gets Major Presence In Final Episode Of “The Apprentice”

Stern Subs For Webber In “Apprentice” Finale

NBC on Thursday aired the three-hour finale of “The Apprentice,” which showed finalist JENNIFER MASSEY organizing the Genworth Charity Basketball Classic, which featured the participation of NBA Commissioner DAVID STERN and Community Ambassador BOB LANIER, as well as 16 NBA players including DWYANE WADE, AMARE STOUDEMIRE, MICHAEL FINLEY, COREY MAGGETTE, TAYSHAUN PRINCE and DREW GOODEN. The game raises money for the NBA’s Read to Achieve Program. The other finalist, KELLY PERDEW, who ultimately was picked as DONALD TRUMP’s next apprentice, organized the Genworth Trump Polo Cup (THE DAILY).

WEBB OF LIES? Last week’s show made viewers believe that Kings F CHRIS WEBBER cancelled his appearance as emcee of the charity basketball game. During the finale, Massey said to Webber’s manager on the phone, “The bottom line is Chris had a very firm commitment with us. Not only that, but he’s [canceling] at the very last minute. You’re leaving us without an emcee for this event. We have sold it all along as a Chris Webber event because you guys committed to that. It basically blows the entire event.” Former contestant PAMELA commented, “(Jennifer) bitch-slapped Chris Webber’s assistant.” Jennifer: “What ended up happening was I chose the NBA Commissioner DAVID STERN to serve in that role (as emcee).” Prior to the game, Stern said to Jennifer, “Thanks for what you’re doing here. ... Now that I’m here, just tell me what to do” (NBC, 12/16). But Webber contends that he was “contacted by the show’s producers but didn’t give permission for his name to be used.” Webber: “My lawyers are looking at legal action now. There was never a part in the show. They wanted to entice me to come on there. But I said I really didn't care about being on their show. So no, I never agreed to do it, and my people are upset that they tried to use my name to snare interest for their last show” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 12/11).

SIGNAGE: During the planning of the basketball game, as well as the game itself, Pamela and CHRIS wore Reebok jerseys. In addition, Microsoft had installed several plasma TV’s and Xbox game consoles for the NBA players to use. There were Reebok and Xbox signs throughout the complex. Xbox, Reebok and Gatorade also had courtside signage. The Xbox logo and colors were painted on each of the lanes on the court (THE DAILY).

Executive Transactions

YES Network Names Hopkins COO

YES Network named RAY HOPKINS COO. Most recently, Hopkins served as Gemstar-TV Guide Exec VP/Affiliate Sales & Marketing (YES Network)....Outdoor Channel Holdings named THOMAS HORNISH General Counsel. Most recently, Hornish served as Counsel with the San Diego office of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, LLP (Outdoor Channel)....Dodgers VP/External Affairs TOMMY HAWKINS has left his post after 18 years with the organization to join the Dodger broadcasting team. Hawkins will work as a member of the Dodgers Radio Network pre-game show (Dodgers)....The Blackhawks hired NHL Panthers GM RICK DUDLEY as a Hockey Operations Consultant (Blackhawks)....The WNBA named Dir of Referee Development DEE KANTNER Supervisor of Officials (WNBA)....New Mexico State Univ. named Univ. of Minnesota VP & AD DR. MCKINLEY BOSTON AD (LAS CRUCES SUN-NEWS, 12/15).

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ESPN Sports Poll: Internet Usage

The ESPN Sports Poll, a service of TNS Sport, asks respondents if they use the Internet. The respondents who use the Internet are then asked how much time per week they spend using it. Following are results on Internet use from January through September ’04 (ESPN Sports Poll).

Do you ever use the Internet or World Wide Web? (asked of those with access to PC)
	n=8251
	%
Yes	86.4
How many hours per week do you spend on the Internet or World Wide Web? (asked of those who use the Internet or World Wide Web)
	n=4624
	%
Less than 1	11.3
1-2	21.2
3-4	14.8
5-7	15.7
8-10	12.9
11-19	7.5
20+	16.7

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It's the first installment of the SI.com Book Club. Each month, we'll review a book, offer an excerpt and provide lots of other tidbits. This month's feature book is Faithful, a diary of the 2004 Red Sox season.

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Pavel Nedved, the 2003 European Footballer of the Year, faces his successor Andriy Shevchenko as Juventus FC and AC Milan meet at the Delle Alpi stadium on Saturday night.

Dominant sides
Juventus and Milan dominate the Italian scene having won eleven of the last 13 Serie A titles between them - the Rossoneri with six, the Bianconeri five. Juventus are currently four points above Carlo Ancelotti's side at the top of the table as the last game of 2004 approaches.

Award forgotten
"It's already time to stop celebrating the Ballon d'Or," said Shevchenko, who received the award on Monday. "Now we can only think about the match against Juventus. If we win, not much will change because we will still be behind Juve. But we cannot lose because seven points would be a big lead for them.

The contest between the new and the old Ballon d'Or winner is a fascinating one Andriy Shevchenko

Intriguing contest
"I'm sure it will be a spectacular game," the Ukrainian international striker continued. "The contest between the new and the old Ballon d'Or winner is a fascinating one. However, Juve have many top players, not only Nedved. We need a great performance to win at the Delle Alpi."

'Different story'
Milan are in great form as witnessed by their 6-0 win against ACF Fiorentina last Sunday, while Juventus struggled to beat Bologna FC 1-0. But Bianconeri goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon warned: "Maybe Milan were better than us last weekend but Saturday's game will be a different story. Extending the lead to seven points before the Christmas break would be very important, especially from a psychological point of view."

Coaching paths
The match is special also for Fabio Capello and Ancelotti, who have both coached the two teams during their careers. Capello won four league titles and the UEFA Champions League with the Rossoneri, while Ancelotti was twice a Serie A runner-up with Juventus in 2000 and 2001. "Obviously it's a very important game but I'm sure it's too early in the season to call it decisive," Ancelotti said.

Tense encounters
FC Messina Peloro take on bottom side Atalanta BC in Saturday's other encounter while Sunday sees third-placed Udinese Calcio, with seven wins in their last eight outings, host S.S. Lazio, and Cagliari Calcio defend fourth place as they visit US Città di Palermo, who are just one point behind the Sardinian club.

Fourth place
FC Internazionale Milano, US Lecce and UC Sampdoria are level on points with Palermo and one of them could spend Christmas in fourth spot should Cagliari drop points at the Renzo Barbera stadium. Inter host Brescia Calcio while Lecce and Sampdoria face off at the Via del Mare stadium.

Tuscan derby
AS Roma are also in contention for fourth position and they entertain Parma FC, who have replaced coach Silvio Baldini with Pietro Carmignani. AC Chievo Verona visit ACF Fiorentina, AC Siena and AS Livorno Calcio meet in a Tuscan derby, while Bologna welcome Reggina Calcio.

Escrito por fraja8 às 13h39
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Striker Edgaras Jankauskas has been named Lithuania's Player of the Year for the fifth time.

Lithuanian pioneer
The 29-year-old, who also took the award in 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001, was a UEFA Champions League winner with FC Porto last May, having won the UEFA Cup with the Portuguese club the previous season. He was the first Lithuanian player to lift either trophy.

French connection
Since September, Jankauskas has been playing with French Ligue 1 team OGC Nice on a season-long loan from Porto. Meanwhile, he has shown his quality in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scoring one goal against Belgium and two against San Marino.

Tough competition
Jankauskas won the prize with 362 points, putting last year's winner - FC Krylya Sovetov Samara's Robertas Poskus (216 points) - into second place with PFC CSKA Moskva defender Deividas Semberas (207) third.

Escrito por fraja8 às 13h38
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Around Giants Stadium exasperated officials insist it's too soon to pass judgment on Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. Unfair comparisons, they say. Wait until Manning has an offensive line, wait until there's structure over chaos, wait until he can breathe.

	Giants quarterback Eli Manning hasn't been able to hold his head high since becoming the team's starter in Week 11.

Manning could still turn out to be the inspired choice in the long run.

Manning could still turn out to be, well, a Manning.

Listen, everyone expected Manning to struggle, but to hang a Blutarski quarterback rating against the Ravens -- 0.0 -- is unfathomable. The late George Plimpton had a better run as the Paper Lion.

There is a long list of great quarterbacks with opening acts as dreadful as Manning, and sure, he still has a chance to justify the Giants' faith in him as the No. 1 pick. For now, just stop insulting Roethlisberger's spectacular season with the flawed belief that Manning could've done for the Steelers what Roethlisberger has done across 11 unbeaten starts. Because it's ridiculous.

Push past the arm strength and mechanics and pedigrees, and distill Manning and Roethlisberger down to the essence of a quarterback's existence.

Whose presence do you feel when he walks into the stadium, the room, the huddle?

Who would you follow?

If Manning dreaded the thought of this Saturday afternoon game against the Steelers in the Meadowlands two months ago when he was still standing on the sidelines, just imagine how it's turned into his worst nightmare now. All week, it's been Ben, Ben, Ben. Truth be told, it's been that way all season for him.

It will be nasty in the stands for the free-falling Giants, and nastier down on the field where the Steelers' defense threatens to rip Manning limb to limb. They're going to eat him alive, and there's nothing the Giants can do to stop them. Nothing.

The Giants should sit Manning on Saturday. It's one thing to let a young quarterback play through tough times, but another to let him play when he clearly cannot function on the field. Coughlin is testing the resolve of his rookie, refusing to lift him under these crisis circumstances. Giants coach Tom Coughlin is going to toughen Manning for the long run -- the way Bill Parcells did with Phil Simms -- or he's going to shellshock his young quarterback, sending him deeper into uncertainty and doubt.

Something is missing with Manning. Something about his disposition suggests, well, little brother with him. There should be a commanding presence to a quarterback, an aura, a glow -- an it. It should be unmistakable. From the beginning with Manning, you never saw it. Even before he was getting his butt kicked every week, you just never saw it. Manning is long on arm strength, but short on a palpable presence. He's the nicest kid in the world, but truth be told, there's nothing to his disposition that suggests a leader of men.

"I don't even look at Ben like a rookie," the Steelers' Lee May says.

	Ben Roethlisberger has been head and shoulders the most impressive rookie quarterback in the NFL this season.

After beating the Jets on Sunday, Roethlisberger bounded into the interview room with his flannel shirt unbuttoned, exposing a white undershirt and a thick silver-studded cross dangling over his chest. Roethlisberger balances small-town Ohio cool with an edgy disposition. He drips charisma and cool, the way Manning kind of looks like that lost kid in the grocery store.

Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi loves to spin his yarns about the definition of leadership as watching Johnny Unitas climb off the team bus. After spending all that time with Manning and Roethlisberger before the draft, it's amazing he was so convinced drafting Roethlisberger with the No. 4 pick and holding onto several future draft choices didn't make much more sense than trading away so much for Manning.

"Look at all the other quarterbacks, they're not having success like Ben is," Steelers receiver Hines Ward said. "It's a great story. He's never tried to step on any toes acting like he's a big shot rookie, thinking he's better than everyone else. He goes out and buys us donuts in the morning.

Escrito por fraja8 às 13h34
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Real Madrid director of sport Emilio Butragueno (L) shakes hands with Roberto Bettega (R) chief operating officer of Juventus after the draw of the first knock-out round of the Champions League at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, December 17, 2004. Real Madrid will play Juventus on 22/23 February, the return ties are on 8/9 March 2005

FC Porto managing Director Diogo Paiva Brandao (L) shakes hands with Giacinto Facchetti (R) of FC Internazionale after the draw of the first knock-out round of the Champions League at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, December 17, 2004. FC Porto will play FC Internazionale Milano on 22/23 February, the return ties are on 15 March 2005.

Javier Faus (L), Director of International Afffairs of FC Barcelona shakes hands with David Barnard (R), Secretary General of FC Chelsea after the draw of the first knock-out round of the Champions League at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon

Umberto Gandini (L), Director of AC Milan shakes hands with Kenneth R. Merrett (R), Manchester United club secretary after the draw of the first knock-out round of the Champions League

Escrito por fraja8 às 13h25
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Mulher de Eriksson revela ter perdido um filho

Advogada diz que incidente aconteceu há anos

Nancy Dell'Olio, mulher do técnico da Inglaterra Sven-Goran Eriksson, revelou que há anos atrás perdeu um bebê que esperava do sueco. A italiana, de 43 anos, declarou a diários britânicos que o casal já pensou em ter filhos, mas diz que é muito possessiva e tem medo de não ser uma boa mãe.

A relação de Dell'Olio e Eriksson, que tem dois filhos de seu primeiro casamento, já dura seis turbulentos anos. Nesse período, a italiana perdoou duas traições do treinador.

Escrito por fraja8 às 13h17
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A three-way deal featuring Johnson, Dodgers right fielder Shawn Green and Yankees right-hander Javier Vazquez is very near completion, Sporting News has learned.

In the three-way deal, Johnson would go to the Yankees; Green, right-handed starter Brad Penny and reliever Yhency Brazoban would go from the Dodgers to the Diamondbacks; and Vazquez, catcher Dioner Navarro, and third-base prospect Eric Duncan would go from the Yankees to the Dodgers.

There was no confirmation from any of the teams that a deal was finalized. And one source said it still could fall apart because so many players and clubs were involved.

Another element that could get in the way: With the Dodgers losing free agent Adrian Beltre to Seattle, they may not be so eager to trade away a power hitter. And the Dodgers likely would require cash from the Yankees to cover at least part of Vazquez's remaining $34.5 million in salary over the next three seasons.

But if the deal goes through in this form, the Dodgers would gain a great deal of financial flexibility to pursue other players through free agency and trades.

Johnson will earn $16 million next season. Green also will earn $16 million. In baseball's current economic climate, such financial matches are necessary for exchanges of high-salaried players.

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has long coveted Johnson, still one of baseball's most dominating pitchers at age 41. New York was not able to pry the pitcher known as the Big Unit from the Diamondbacks last summer and called off trade talks with them two weeks ago, saying the price was too high.

Escrito por fraja8 às 13h05
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FC Steaua Bucuresti coach Walter Zenga was looking forward to pitting his wits against a man for whom he has much respect, the Valencia CF coach Claudio Ranieri, after being drawn against the holders in the UEFA Cup Round of 32. uefa.com spoke to the former Italy goalkeeper and representatives of other clubs involved in Nyon.

Valencia CF v FC Steaua Bucuresti
Ranieri came to give a lesson at Coverciano when I was doing my coaching certificates and I was really impressed with what he had to say. I asked for his mobile number and we stayed in touch. Sometimes I call him for advice. It is wonderful for us to play against a big team like Valencia. Steaua coach Walter Zenga

Grazer AK v Middlesbrough FC
Middlesbrough is a very interesting draw for us, both from a sporting and a financial viewpoint. They are fifth in the Premiership but I am very satisfied. GAK sports director Hannes Weninger

They're the Austrian champions and won 1-0 at Anfield so they're no mugs. It's not going to be easy but with the away leg being first, we'll come back to the Riverside, hopefully with a full house. Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren

SC Heerenveen v Newcastle United FC
They are a beautiful opponent who have quality in abundance. It will be hard for us to qualify against such a team, but we have a chance. Beside that, it will be a great experience for the club and our fans - and an enormous challenge for us. Heerenveen coach Gertjan Verbeek

FC Basel 1893 v LOSC Lille Métropole
It could have been worse for us because of logistical reasons. It will be an interesting encounter between two neighbouring countries. We will scout Lille soon but I already know that they are a technically strong team. However, they lost in Aachen and that is one of the reasons to feel optimistic. Basel coach Christian Gross

Parma FC v VfB Stuttgart
Stuttgart are a prestigious club with a great tradition and they're also having a great season, fighting to win the Bundesliga. Kevin Kuranyi is their most famous player, he scores the goals, but they're strong as a unit with a number of good young players. Parma technical director Lorenzo Minotti

Matches against Italian teams are always interesting. Parma had a few problems last year, but they still have some outstanding players like Alberto Gilardino. I am really looking forward to the match. We want to beat Parma and book our place in the last 16. Stuttgart coach Matthias Sammer

Sporting Clube de Portugal v Feyenoord
We have a very tough opponent, but we will do everything to keep going, as the UEFA Cup is a competition we are negotiating very carefully. The final will be played in our stadium and that is one of our objectives. We know the road is long, but we want to make it all the way. Sporting director Eurico Gomes

TSV Alemannia Aachen v AZ Alkmaar
We went into the competition as David and we are still David. We've managed to throw a couple of stones at Goliath and want to continue doing so. To be honest, we didn't care who we would play, but now we have an interesting tie in prospect. We're the outsiders but we still want to win through. Aachen vice-chairman Wolfgang Hammer

In theory, we should win this one. We play away first, although I don't know yet if that is in our favour. But we will just play our own game - at home and abroad. Alkmaar coach Co Adriaanse

FK Austria Wien v Athletic Club Bilbao
It is a very attractive draw and we have a chance. We beat Zaragoza, but you need luck against such strong opponents. Our confidence is high, though, after getting through the group stage. Austria sports director Günter Kronsteiner

FK Partizan v FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk
Dnipro are a strong team, although it's good that we are not playing against a club from Germany or the Netherlands. We have enough time to get our tactics right and create a good atmosphere for the matches. I'm an optimist and believe we will qualify. Partizan director Nenad Bjekovic

Parma [FC] or Sporting [Clube de Portugal] would have been much worse. This is why we think we have a very good chance to get though to the next round, where we can potentially meet a very difficult opponent - CSKA or Benfica. If we are to play CSKA, we know there will be a bit of political rivalry. Dnipro general manager Andriy Stetsenko

AFC Ajax v AJ Auxerre
I am glad we will not play a Spanish opponent in the next round and I see a chance for us to progress. On the other hand, Auxerre managed to win 2-0 in Glasgow against Rangers [FC] so I cannot predict who will be favourites. Ajax coach Ronald Koeman

PFC CSKA Moskva v SL Benfica
We've got a very famous opponent, with plenty of European experience and a big past. We knew there were no easy opponents at this stage but we're also a very good team and we have proved this against the likes of Chelsea [FC] and [FC] Porto. This is why we will be looking to advance. CSKA team director Aleksandr Stelmakh

We saw CSKA play in the [UEFA] Champions League and they're a strong team – it will be a tight tie. I don't know if we'll be able to play them in Moscow in February. If we have to, it will certainly be harder. Benfica coach Giovanni Trapattoni

FC Shakhtar Donetsk v FC Schalke 04
We are getting used to travelling to eastern Europe. It is nothing new any more, and playing in Ukraine in February means it will be very cold with the pitch probably frozen. Shakhtar are an excellent club as they proved in the Champions League. Schalke vice-president Joseph Schunsenberg

Olympiacos CFP v FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
There are no easy opponents at this stage and we must not underestimate Sochaux. They are a good side, as we saw in their match against Panionios [NFC]. Nevertheless, it's a good draw since we avoided more difficult teams. It's up to us now. Olympiacos coach Dusan Bajevic

FC Dynamo Kyiv v Villarreal CF
It is a tough game and if we get through, then we will have another difficult game. We met Valencia in the semi-finals last year and they are our local rivals. It's going to be very difficult. Villarreal director Fernando Roig

Escrito por fraja8 às 12h55
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Ex-meia do Fluminense diz que atacante tricolor não é ninguém para falar mal dos outros jogadores.

RIO DE JANEIRO - Na quinta-feira Edmundo soltou o verbo no Fluminense e não poupou criticas ao desafeto Roger. Nesta sexta-feira, o ex-meia tricolor, através de sua assessoria de imprensa, não deixou por menos e respondeu ao Animal, a quem considerou uma pessoa insignificante na sua vida.

"As opiniões do Edmundo não têm importância alguma para mim. Nada pessoal contra, mas não o tenho como referência para nada. Se um outro ex-jogador como Zagallo, Zico ou Pelé, falasse algo sobre mim, eu pararia para refletir. Mas o Edmundo, como ex-jogador, não me serve como exemplo de homem, pai de família ou profissional. Não temos nada a ver um como outro e, como prova de que respeito nossas diferenças, aproveito o momento para desejar um Feliz Natal", ironizou Roger.

O ex-meia do Fluminense, apesar de não quer fazer qualquer julgamento em relação sobre o atacante tricolor, aproveitou a oportunidade para alfinetar o Animal. "Quem sou eu para falar de alguém, ainda mais o Edmundo, que já foi julgado pela Justiça", disse o jogador fazendo uma referência ao problema do atleta quando num acidente de carro, em 1995, quando vitimou duas pessoas.

Por fim, Roger falou sobre a polêmica da camisa 10 e novamente detonou Edmundo. "Ele tem razão quando diz que não ganhei a camisa 10 na marra. Conquistei esse privilégio com meu futebol, meu rendimento em campo", encerrou.

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h56
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David Coulthard ha hablado esta semana en exclusiva para Marca. Fue en el trazado francés de Paul Ricard, donde ultima sus días como piloto de McLaren con quien su contrato expira a finales de año. Todo parece indicar que el piloto escocés de 33 años subirá la próxima temporada a un Red Bull, heredero directo del último Jaguar, pero el veterano escudero -siempre ha figurado por detrás de Dammon Hill, Mika Hakkinen o Kimi Raikkonen- prefiere no ahondar en este asunto hasta que se formalice el contrato.

Por detrás tiene una longeva vida en la Fórmula 1 que comenzó el 29 de mayo de 1994 en el Gran Premio de España, cuando Frank Williams otorgaba el puesto del fallecido Senna a un piloto que llegaba de la Fórmula 3000, donde aquel año quedó tercero con una victoria. Para muchos su rendimiento ha marcado una tendencia a la baja en los últimos años, pero un currículum con 175 Grandes Premios -tras Michael Schumacher es el segundo piloto en activo con más carreras en F1-, 12 Pole Position y 13 victorias da el crédito necesario para mantenerse en el ‘Gran Circo’, por lo menos, un año más.

Nueve años en un mismo equipo es toda una larga trayectoria. ¿Se ha sentido valorado en McLaren a pesar de no haber sido nunca el líder del equipo?
Por supuesto. He estado nueve años aquí y he ganado 13 Grandes Premios en esta escudería. Todo eso hubiera sido imposible sin la confianza de Ron Dennis y de todo el equipo.

La temporada que viene, con la entrada del Gran Premio de Turquía, el campeonato tendrá 19 carreras. ¿No son demasiadas?
Sí, son muchas, y eso significa que tendremos muy poco tiempo para descansar, pero es nuestro trabajo y por mi parte lo afronto sin ningún problema.

¿Las nuevas especificaciones aerodinámicas pueden contribuir a igualar el rendimiento de los coches?
La verdad es que no lo creo. Es cierto que los monoplazas tienen mucho menos apoyo, pero todas las escuderías están trabajando a tope en este sentido y no creo que se reduzcan las diferencias.

Por cierto, todavía recordamos el accidente que tuvo en Nurburgring y del que se culpó en un principio a Fernando Alonso. ¿Cómo va su relación con él?
No tengo ningún problema con él. Es más, estoy convencido de que aquella frenada que provocó mi salida de la pista no fue deliberada. Su comportamiento en pista siempre ha sido honesto.

¿Lo ve como campeón del mundo en pocos años?
Sí. Desde luego que puede serlo. Tiene calidad para ello.

¿Pero en Renault o en otro equipo?
Puede serlo en Renault. De hecho, nadie asegura que Renault no vaya a desarrollar este invierno un gran coche y sea a final de temporada campeón de constructores.

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h51
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Match dates
The first-leg matches will be played on 22/23 February with the return legs on 8/9 March. The first knockout round will be followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals and then the final, which will take place in Istanbul, Turkey on 25 May.

2004/05 UEFA Champions League First knockout round Team named first play at home in first leg 1. Real Madrid CF v Juventus FC 2. FC Porto v FC Internazionale Milano* 3. FC Barcelona v Chelsea FC 4. Werder Bremen v Olympique Lyonnais 5. Liverpool FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen 6. PSV Eindhoven v AS Monaco FC 7. Manchester United FC v AC Milan 8. FC Bayern München v Arsenal FC

*With their neighbours Milan also playing at home in their return match, Inter's second leg will be staged a week later, on 15 March, as UEFA rules do not allow for two games in the same stadium on consecutive days

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h48
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Argentina's soccer legen Diego Maradona, is greeted by Argentine former tennis player Guillermo Vilas, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004 as they attended a tennis tournament in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Maradona is back home after 2 1/2 months in a Cuban drug rehabilitation center, and assured his supporters he was recovering from his cocaine addiction. Behind Maradona is his former wife Claudia Villafane.

El Diez e Bati.

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h43
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El director general deportivo del Real Madrid, Emilio Butragueño, acogió con tranquilidad el emparejamiento de los octavos de final de la Liga de Campeones ante la Juventus, reconociendo que el emparejamiento "podría ser una final" y considerando que los italianos, pese a su gran momento, también estarán "preocupados" por el enfrentamiento contra los blancos.

"El sorteo ha deparado eliminatorias que podrían ser la final, entre ellas la nuestra. La Juventus es un grande de Europa, que traviesa un gran momento, pero confiamos en nuestros jugadores y estamos seguros de que la Juve también estará preocupada", destacó.

Y es que considera que desde ahora al momento de la eliminatoria la situación puede cambiar: "Quedan dos meses, así que tranquilidad absoluta. Confío plenamente en que el equipo va a estar a la altura de lo que esperan todos nuestros aficionados".

Respecto a la posible revancha de la eliminación de hace dos años, Butragueño también se acordó de las ocasiones en las que el Real Madrid ganó a los italianos. "Nos hemos enfrentado varias veces y aunque hace dos temporadas, en el 98 les ganamos la final. Antes, en el 96, ellos nos eliminaron en cuartos y en mi época también les ganamos, nos conocemos muy bien", dijo.

"Se trata de una eliminatoria preciosa para el fútbol, para los aficionados y para los jugadores. Es un gran desafío y estoy seguro de que nuestros jugadores van a responder ante él", concluyó.

Capello: "Cuando nos enfrentemos el Real Madrid será un equipo más difícil"

Fabio Capello, entrenador de la Juventus de Turín, afirmó que el Real Madrid, al que se enfrentará en los octavos de final de la Liga de Campeones, "es siempre un gran equipo".

Capello, en declaraciones a TVE afirmó que "para llegar a la meta, al final, hay que enfrentarse a los mejores" y puntualizó que "en este momento puede tener problemas" como otros equipos, pero que cuando se dispute la eliminatoria su situación puede ser distinta y encontrarse en mejor forma.

"Cuando nos lo encontremos puede ser un equipo más difícil, porque habrá recuperado a algunos jugadores muy importantes", añadió.

El técnico italiano, ex entrenador del Real Madrid, admitió que para él la capital de España es como su "segunda casa" porque en la temporada en la que se sentó en el banquillo del Santiago Bernabéu se sintió "muy bien" y que guarda un "recuerdo fantástico del club", por lo que será un enfrentamiento muy especial para él.

Guti: "Hubiéramos preferido un equipo que le gustara jugar más al fútbol"

Guti no se mostró especialmente satisfecho con el emparejamiento de Champions con la Juventus de Capello: "Hubiéramos preferido a otros equipos a los que les gustan jugar más al fútbol, o al Mónaco, que es un poco inferior al equipo al que nos vamos a enfrentar, pero no hay que darle más vueltas".

Analizando la eliminatoria, el medio madridista la ve pareja: "Son dos equipos que se conocen, que saben cómo jugarse y que los partidos estarán al cincuenta por ciento. Juve, Milan, Inter, Chelsea, Arsenal..., alguno tenía que tocar, ha sido la Juve y esperamos pasar".

Guti lamenta el hecho de disputar el primer partido en casa: "Las estadísticas dicen que jugando en casa primero solemos quedar eliminados, pero la de hace dos años fue una eliminatoria en la que tuvimos ocasiones hasta el final. No debemos temer a nadie. Les tenemos mucho respeto a todos, pero nada más".

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h33
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NEW YORK (AP) -- Often eccentric, occasionally erratic, Pedro Martinez brings some baggage with him to the New York Mets.

On the plus side are three Cy Young Awards and the best earned run average (2.71) among active major league pitchers. On the minus side are his age (33), whispers about wear and tear on his shoulder, which has logged nearly 2,300 innings in 12 full seasons, and a reputation for playing fast and loose with team rules.

Then there is the Mets' track record for being burned by high-salaried, older players who turned out to be past their prime. There are still scars around Shea Stadium from the Bobby Bonilla, Vince Coleman, Mo Vaughn and Roberto Alomar experiences. Nevertheless, the Mets invested $53 million over four years to sign Martinez, hoping he can spur a turnaround for the team that followed two last-place seasons by finishing next-to-last in 2004.

General manager Omar Minaya targeted Martinez, calling the right-hander ``the best free agent pitcher in the market today.'' And Martinez was apparently swept off his feet by Minaya's pursuit, something the pitcher said was in short supply from his previous employers, the world champion Boston Red Sox.

``I gave Boston every opportunity for three years to keep me,'' Martinez said. ``Why did they have to wait until the last minute? To wait until the last second wasn't the right thing to do. Omar showed me respect and commitment.''

The commitment was contained in a fourth year on the contract, something the Red Sox were not willing to offer Martinez. Minaya, however, had no problem with it. ``The value of Pedro Martinez -- no other free agent in the marketplace has that value,'' Minaya said. ``What he means to us in five years, 10 years. There are kids out there who will want to be with the Mets because of this signing. Pedro, thank you for coming to New York.''

Martinez seems intrigued with the idea of helping reconstruct the Mets. His other offers came from the World Series opponents, Boston and St. Louis. There also were conversations with the Yankees and Anaheim Angels. ``I know it's going to be tough,'' Martinez said. ``This is a team that needs a little help. I can supply some of that help. It's a new challenge for me. I'm glad I made this decision.''

Martinez was enthusiastic and upbeat at a packed Shea Stadium news conference Thursday, in sharp contrast to the sometimes moody demeanor he displayed in Boston. It was clear, though, that he still feels some warmth for the Red Sox and their fans. ``When you talk about Boston, it's important that everybody know I have all the love and respect for the people and the fans,'' he said. ``I have a lot of people who were good to me. In my heart, I will always hold the city of Boston.''

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h31
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Atletas disputam regata no Rio Va'a 2004, etapa brasileira do circuito mundial que termina amanhã

LUÍS FERRARI
DA REPORTAGEM LOCAL

O Pan de 2007 no Rio pode ter em seu programa competições de um esporte mais longínquo do que os nascidos na Grécia Antiga.
Representantes nacionais da Associação Brasileira de Va'a têm, na próxima segunda, uma reunião com Ruy Cézar, secretário carioca de esportes. Querem a canoagem polinésia como esporte de demonstração no Pan de 2007.
Para isso, apostam na repercussão do Rio Va'a 2004, etapa brasileira do circuito mundial da modalidade, que começou ontem e termina amanhã na praia Vermelha (na zona sul), com a participação de atletas de dez países.
É a terceira edição do evento, que pela primeira vez terá provas femininas e infantis. Outro destaque é a participação de Sebastian Cuattrin, canoísta que representou o Brasil nos Jogos de Atenas.
No país, a modalidade existe há pouco mais de três anos e tem hoje cerca de 300 praticantes competitivos. "O crescimento desse esporte no Brasil segue o espírito da tradição polinésia, do desenvolvimento paralelo de núcleos independentes", conta o francês Nicolas Bourlon, 39, secretário-executivo da associação brasileira.
Hoje a canoagem polinésia tem núcleos de prática em quatro cidades do país: Rio, Florianópolis, Bertioga e Santos. Mas há canoas em Brasília, no Paraná e no Pará.
A principal competição é a que ocorre no Rio, que envolve cerca de R$ 100 mil na organização. A maior preocupação é a segurança -há barcos de apoio e até um helicóptero para acompanhar as provas. "Nada pode dar errado. A prova é em mar aberto e será uma vitrine para tentarmos incluir a modalidade no Pan", diz Bourlon.
São duas categorias distintas: V6 e V1. A primeira é uma embarcação para seis remadores, a segunda, individual.
Outra diferença é o respeito à tradição polinésia. A canoa para seis atletas é mais fiel na reprodução da embarcação histórica. Nela, é obrigatório o uso de remos de madeira, e o estabilizador fica preso ao corpo da canoa com fibras 100% feitas de algodão. Já no barco individual é autorizado o uso de remos de fibra de carbono e o de materiais mais modernos.
As provas de V1 têm 2 km de distância. As de V6 são de 19 km para as mulheres e de 28 km para guarnições masculinas e mistas.
As equipes favoritas são a havaiana e a taitiana. Na primeira, há um brasileiro, que deve ser responsável pela introdução da embarcação no litoral nordestino.
O baiano Rodrigo Souza mudou-se para o Havaí em busca de ondas gigantes. Lá, conheceu a canoa polinésia ("outtrigger", em inglês) e começou a praticar canoagem. Hoje, integra uma das melhores guarnições do mundo e sabe bem a importância histórica do barco que aprendeu a manejar.
As canoas polinésias foram as primeiras a fazerem grandes travessias e tiveram, para os polinésios, papel semelhante ao das caravelas para espanhóis e portugueses do século 15. Há registros de que nativos da Polinésia (conjunto de ilhas na Oceania) usaram canoas similares às da prova de hoje para atingir o Havaí e a América há cerca de 3.000 anos.
A escolha dos remadores era rigorosa. Os mais fortes tinham preferência, em especial os com alto nível de gordura corporal, pois tinham de suportar dias remando, com dieta rígida. Depois, foram adaptadas velas à canoa, o que aumentou sua autonomia.

Primeira canoa foi copiada antes de estrear no país

DA REPORTAGEM LOCAL

Lanakila, que significa "conquistador" no dialeto havaiano, é o nome da primeira canoa que chegou ao Brasil, em 2000.
Antes mesmo de tocar nas águas nacionais, ela foi copiada por um fabricante santista.
"Não podia correr o risco de ter que fazer todo o processo de importação novamente, caso acontecesse algo com a canoa. Por isso a deixei com um amigo em Santos e ele fez um molde da antes de eu batizá-la", conta o pioneiro da modalidade, Ronald Zander Williams, 39.
Ele tomou contato com a modalidade quando morava no Canadá. Lá competiu entre 1992 e 1995. "Só consegui comprar a canoa para trazer ao Brasil em 1999. Mas o processo levou quase um ano", recorda.
A canoa saiu de Los Angeles e foi de caminhão até Houston. De lá, foi colocada num navio com destino a Santos. Mas não coube na embarcação. "Tive que mandar fazer uma caixa de uma tonelada só para transportar a canoa", diz Williams.
Após o estágio para ser copiada no litoral paulista, foi para a água no Rio. Mais de três anos depois, a embarcação segue navegando. É dela o recorde de travessia no Brasil -13 horas e meia para remar os 136,5 km entre Rio e Angra.

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h15
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Nyon draw
Real Madrid CF, the first team out of the hat at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, drew Juventus FC; holders FC Porto will play FC Internazionale Milano; and the Nerazzurri's city rivals AC Milan take on Manchester United FC. uefa.com rounds up the reaction.

Real Madrid v Juventus
Madrid were one of the teams we didn't want to play. I hope they didn't want us either. It is going to be very difficult. They are a team of many talents. We have met many times before and lost the final to them in 1998. It is a clash of two of the strongest teams. Maybe the final has come too early. Juventus vice-president Roberto Bettega

This encounter has all the ingredients of a final. I am sure it will be a hugely attractive tie for fans and players alike. Of course, it presents a huge challenge, but I am sure our players will rise to it. Both clubs have met on numerous occasions over recent years. Two seasons ago, they defeated us in the semi-finals but in 1998, we beat them in the final. In 1996 they knocked us out in the quarter-finals. In short, we know each other very well. Madrid sporting director Emilio Butragueño

Porto v Internazionale
There are five or six big matches in this round and this is one of them. I think it will be a spectacular game, with a lot of goals, in two amazing venues - the Estádio do Dragão and the San Siro. Inter a big European club with great attacking talent and fantastic players. Porto coach Víctor Fernández

Before the draw, I could not find any team weaker than the others. It will be a great match. They have had a lot of changes since last year, but let's see what happens between now and February. Our mentality works better in the Champions League than in Serie A because in Italy we play teams who are better prepared tactically and we can't achieve the same good results we have had in the Champions League till now. Inter president Giacinto Facchetti

Barcelona v Chelsea
To tell you the truth, it's a very, very attractive draw. Just imagine how this match is going to appeal to the people who will be coming to watch both games. It's a shame that now we have to wait until February because I could play a match like this tomorrow. But it's also good that we will have some time to rest and study them a little bit. Barcelona midfield player Xavi Hernández

It's the draw that José Mourinho wanted. It will be an emotional time to go and visit his old club. It should be particularly interesting for the two players from our club who played with Deco at Porto last season [Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira]. They may be able to give an insight into how to stop Deco. Chelsea always play well away so it's good to have the first game away from home to start the fixture off well. But we do not fear anyone. Chelsea club secretary David Barnard

Werder Bremen v Lyon
Lyon are an experienced Champions League side. They haven't managed to go all the way yet, but they have still made a name for themselves. It won't be easy, but we knew that before the draw. We are happy with the draw, even though I must admit that I would have liked to take on one of the English teams. Bremen captain Frank Baumann

It's a good draw. It is playable although I would have preferred Real Madrid or Porto. But Bremen is an exciting draw for everyone at Lyon because they knocked out of the last 16 in the UEFA Cup five years ago [in 1999/00]. We won 3-0 in Lyon but they beat us 4-0 at their place in the return leg. That elimination has left its mark. We also met them in a friendly before the start of the season. We led 3-0 but they came back to draw 3-3 with the help of a magnificent goal from [Johann] Micoud. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas

Liverpool v Leverkusen
I think we are happy enough. We don't fear any team at this stage. Hopefully, we can do a bit better against Leverkusen than the last time we played them. It is not easy but we will get on with it now. I'm pleased we didn't get one of the Italian clubs - you have to play them at some stage but it [the draw] is okay. It is a massive boost to be through to last 16. People have been talking about finances but it is a pure football boost. It keeps the second half of the season alive. We are really looking forward to the knockout phase. Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry

We all still remember the tie against Liverpool in the 2001/2002 campaign, when we won 4-2 at home in the quarter-finals. It was a great game for us and for the fans. I am really looking forward to the match because playing at Anfield is always something special. Leverkusen captain Jens Nowotny

PSV Eindhoven v Monaco
If I had been asked before the draw, I would have chosen Monaco or Leverkusen. I have seen some TV footage of Monaco and think it will be a difficult match. But if I am honest, then I would prefer to play against this team than Chelsea or one of the Italian sides. This is a positive draw. No doubt we will be learning about them and watching them a lot in the next weeks. PSV defender Wilfred Bouma

At this level there are no such thing as small teams. I will tell you whether it was a good draw after the second leg! We are going to have to play to the absolute best of our abilities. There is no room for error. There are teams like Bayern, Real Madrid or Barcelona who would have worried us more so PSV is an excellent draw. Now we just have to concentrate. Monaco vice-president Gérard Brianti

Manchester United v Milan
You'd go a long way to find a more exciting prospect than Manchester United versus AC Milan. It's been a long time since we played Milan in a competitive game. I think it was in 1968/69 that we played them after we'd won the European Cup. We've had good results in recent years against Italian clubs. I just hope we can carry this forward against Milan. When we won the European Cup in 1999 we played two Italian teams at home in the first leg and still got through. United secretary Ken Merrett

It will be a tough game for us because they're a great team but it will be nice to go back to Old Trafford where we won the Champions League final in 2003 and to try and make another good memory there. But the first reaction is they're a great team, one of the biggest in Europe if not the world. Milan director Umberto Gandini

Bayern v Arsenal

We have fond memories of Arsenal because we drew with them at Highbury and beat them in the Olympiastadion in 2001, when we went on to win the competition. It will be a testing tie and we are looking forward to the match. Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

The draw could have been easier although I don't think that Bayern were the strongest side we could have faced. It will be particularly interesting for Jens Lehmann, our [German] goalkeeper, and I'm sure he can give us a few pointers as to what we can expect from Bayern. We're both big clubs and ideally we would have met at a later stage of the competition but I'm sure the manager will be confident that we can win the tie and make it through to the last eight. Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h13
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Johnny Weissmuller ganhou fama ao interpretar no cinema o personagem Tarzan, sempre às voltas com malfeitores.
Nas telas, invariavelmente o herói das selvas prevalecia sobre os bandidos e malfeitores e retornava são e salvo para os braços de Jane. Na vida real, porém, o legado de Weissmuller foi atacado por um malfeitor.
O zelador Paul Nichols Christow, 48, foi preso ao roubar cem medalhas e outras raridades expostas no Hall da Fama Internacional de natação, nos EUA.
Christow foi descoberto e detido pela polícia, e seu advogado diz que seu cliente está disposto a devolver as relíquias.
Assim como no mundo da fantasia, Weissmuller se deu bem no final: sua medalha olímpica de Paris-24, que estava entre os itens roubados, foi uma das primeiras a ser recuperada.

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h06
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MORNING BRIEFS

Nike yesterday reported Q2 FY ’05 profit of $261.9M, up 46% from $179.1M in the same period a year earlier.  Revenue for the quarter totaled $3.1B, 11% higher than revenue of $2.8B.  U.S. revenues grew 5%, while revenues in Europe, the Middle East and Africa jumped 13% and revenues in the Asia Pacific increased by 17% (Nike).

The BCS is “weighing changes in its team selection process – including the option of an NCAA basketball tournament-type committee to set” its national title game (USA TODAY, 12/17).

The Insight Bowl is “considering leaving downtown Phoenix’ Bank One Ballpark unless” the game receives a public subsidy.  The bowl game has amassed debt of $729,488 (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 12/17).

Desperate Housewives cast members Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria and Nicollette Sheridan “taped an NBA themed spot on the ‘Housewives’ set Wednesday.”  A source said, “It was very noncontroversial” (TVGUIDE.com, 12/16).

Pistons coach Larry Brown, comparing his team’s Christmas Day game against the Pacers to Lakers-Heat: “I don’t think Indiana-Detroit is a compelling story, not with what happened with our teams. … We’re the JV game” (DETROIT NEWS, 12/17).

TOROC’s BOD has postponed its December 21 meeting to approve the budget for the ’06 Winter Olympics.  The meeting will take place December 28 (AROUNDTHERINGS.com, 12/16).

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h04
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You have to believe or otherwise you are not going to achieve anything - Sami Hyypiä

By Adrian Harte

	The big Finn is ready to sign another contract at Anfield

He has been a totemic presence for Liverpool FC in recent seasons. He has been there through the ups and the downs. Physically imposing, he has worn the captain's armband with pride this season and now he is ready to commit the rest of his career to Liverpool. No, not club captain Steven Gerrard, the midfield magician courted by Chelsea FC, but defender Sami Hyypiä - stand-in skipper in Gerrard's absence this term.

Committed defender
The giant Finn was one of Gérard Houllier's first signings at Liverpool in 1999 and is hoping to end his career at Anfield. Hyypiä has played almost 300 first-team games since arriving from Dutch side Willem II and, with 18 months running on his contract, he is ready to commit once more to the Liverpool cause. "I want to stay here if the club wants me to, I have been very happy here, " he said.

It was a great win and it was great to go through Sami Hyypiä

'Massive win'
Hyypiä, who captained Liverpool in their 2001 treble-winning season, spoke to uefa.com after last week's dramatic UEFA Champions League victory over Olympiacos CFP as Liverpool recovered from 1-0 down to win 3-1 and reach the last 16 of a competition they have won four times. He told uefa.com: "It was a massive win. The atmosphere was great - it reminded me of the match against [AS] Roma a few years ago. It was a great win and it was great to go through."

Belief undiminished
Liverpool looked down and out at half-time and needed to score three times without reply in the second half to advance but Hyypiä said that the team always believed that they could get the result. "Even at half-time I still thought that we could get through," he said. "You have to believe or otherwise you are not going to achieve anything. So everyone believed that we were capable of doing it and in the end it paid off."

	Robbie Fowler and Hyypiä kiss the UEFA Cup in 2000/01

Young blood
Hyypiä was the oldest Liverpool player in action on that momentous Matchday 6 night and he welcomed the arrival of a new generation of Liverpool stars in Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Neil Mellor, who both scored after coming off the bench. "They had their chance against Olympiacos and I'm very happy for them and they helped the team to win," said the Finn. "I think you will see a lot more of them in the future."

New partner
Hyypiä spent much of his early Liverpool career playing alongside Stéphane Henchoz in one of the most revered central defensive partnerships in Europe. However, with the Swiss international out of favour, Hyypiä has had to adjust to playing alongside Jamie Carragher this season.

Good mentor
And Carragher has paid tribute to Hyypiä for easing his transition from full-back to central defender. "I am enjoying playing at centre-back this season, especially as it is alongside Sami," said the Liverpudlian. "I'm learning from his experience. He has been captain of his club and is captain of his country, so it is ideal to pick up tips from him."

'Very consistent'
That respect is mutual. "Jamie is a very good player," Hyypiä told uefa.com. "He is very consistent and you always know what kind of performance you are going to get from him. He is very reliable. Every Liverpool player can learn from him because of his commitment."

Central character
The same sentiments could be applied to Hyypiä himself, and as Rafael Benítez's Anfield revolution continues, the big Finn remains as pivotal to Liverpool's hopes as ever.

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h03
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Fenerbahçe SK may not have made it to the final 16 of the UEFA Champions League, but a 3-0 win against Manchester United FC in their final Group D game augured well for Christoph Daum's men as they move their attentions to the UEFA Cup. Thus, Brazilian midfield player Alex will have the pleasure of playing in both of the major UEFA club competitions in his first season in Europe.

	Christoph Daum changed his tactics to accommodate Alex

New continent
The 27-year-old was supposed to join Fenerbahçe from EC Cruzeiro last winter only for the move to break down. However, the deal finally went through in June, a month before Alex helped Brazil win the Copa América. uefa.com spoke to the midfielder as he adapts well to life on a new continent.

uefa.com: Have you found it easy to adjust to Turkish football?

Alex: I have had no problems adapting to life in Turkey but there is a huge difference between Brazilian and European football. In Brazil, football is more technical with a slower pace; here in Europe the game is much faster. After my first match for Fenerbahçe I was scared. I hardly touched the ball. After that I spoke to the coach Christoph Daum and he then changed our way of playing a bit. We had two wingers but he changed tactics, bringing the flow of play towards the midfield more.

	A "horrible performance" at Old Trafford cost Fenerbahçe

uefa.com: Do you intend to stay with Fenerbahçe until the end of your contract in 2007 or do you want to get transferred to one of the big European leagues?

Alex: I am not obsessed with getting a transfer. My plan is to live here each day without any other expectations. I have never hidden the fact that I have always wanted to play in Spain, but so far I am enjoying Turkey. I have no problems here at all. And I definitely do not want to go back to Brazil soon. I will keep playing my game and if another big club in Europe wants to sign me, we will think about it and make a decision.

uefa.com: Fenerbahçe conceded 13 goals in being eliminated from the Champions League. What happened?

Alex: We played such a bad match at Old Trafford and maybe that was the decisive factor. The games against Olympique Lyonnais were even and well played, but in Manchester we produced a horrible performance. Right from the beginning we lost the ball and they scored. They took all their chances and scored from almost all the opportunities they had. It is one of those nights when everything goes right for one side, and nothing goes right for the other.

uefa.com: Was it down to a lack of experience?

Alex: Yes, maybe. Their players are used to those big matches, while ours aren't. But anyway, we have to put it behind us and celebrate winning a spot in the UEFA Cup. Looking back at our group, I would say we did what we were supposed to do. We won both matches against [AC] Sparta [Praha] and finished behind two better teams. We have to be realistic; there is no reason to be sad.

uefa.com: Who do you think will win the Champions League?

Alex: Chelsea [FC], AC Milan and [FC] Barcelona are the strongest sides. Especially Barça, because they are the only ones with two geniuses in the midfield - Ronaldinho and Deco. But let's wait for the knockout stages. In 90 minutes, if something does not work, even the best side will have to say goodbye.

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By Jim Wirth & Christian Châtelet

	Salomon Kalou is a rising star at Feyenoord

He will score better goals, but it is unlikely that he will score that many more important ones. With his two strikes against Rangers FC at Ibrox on Wednesday night, Bonaventure Kalou propelled Guy Roux's AJ Auxerre into the final 32 of the UEFA Cup.

Two strikes
For his first goal he hit the bar with a ninth-minute shot before bundling the rebound beyond Rangers goalkeeper Stefan Klos. The second a minute into the second half saw him steady himself with an excellent touch before miscuing a shot that nonetheless beat Klos to secure a famous victory.

	Bonaventure Kalou won the UEFA Cup at the De Kuip

Comfortable win
Roux for one was surprised at how easily his side had won the day in Glasgow. "I didn't expect it to be quite so easy tonight but the first goal obviously helped us," said the 66-year-old coach. "Rangers played a traditional British style with a lot of high balls but we kept our heads and made sure they didn't score."

'Can't complain'
Kalou could only echo his coach's comments. It really was that easy. "Rangers were unsure at times and that gave us confidence," he said. "I was allowed quite a bit of space for my goals which was a surprise but I can't complain. They had a man prepared to mark me but I face that every week in France."

Golden prospects
Having reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup in 1989/90 - and indeed the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 1996/97 - Auxerre are no novices on the European stage, but having recovered from losing almost a whole generation of players in the summer, they could be due another golden season.

New signings
Philippe Mexes, Olivier Kapo, Djibril Cissé and Jean-Alain Boumsong - who played against his old side for Rangers on Wednesday - all left the Abbé Deschamps this summer leaving Roux to pick up the pieces with a new crop of young players and typically astute signings like Luigi Pieroni, Benoît Cheyrou and René Bolf.

Fadiga replacement
However, it was the 26-year-old Kalou that caught the eye at Ibrox after sitting out Auxerre's previous game against KS Amica Wronki through injury. Having won the Eredivisie title with Feyenoord in 1998/99 and the UEFA Cup in 2001/02, the Ivory Coast star joined Auxerre in July 2003 as a replacement for the FC Internazionale Milano-bound Senegalese international Khalilou Fadiga.

Feyenoord successor
Well loved at the De Kuip for his exciting skills, which occasionally masked a lack of killer instinct in front of goal, his place at Feyenoord has now been filled by his younger brother, the astronomically-rated Salomon Kalou - who himself was the uefa.com Player of the Week a few weeks ago.

Ivorian cohort
Getting settled at his new club was an easy task for Kalou, as Auxerre already had another Ivorian player - Kanga Akale, who signed a few months before Kalou - and the two have become fast friends. "We don't miss our country, we're no longer children," said Kalou. "But we're happy together, simply because we have complementary personalities."

Trophy hunger
Kalou went to France with one thing in his mind - winning trophies. As he said at the time of his initial transfer: "It is time for me to develop my career elsewhere. I want to win more trophies. That might happen at Auxerre." It has not happened yet, but with performances like Wednesday night's, it may not be too long before Kalou gets his hands on some silverware again.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h57
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By Patrick Hart

	Alessandro Pistone: "We're second in the league and it's an amazing feeling"

In a week when Everton was declared one of Britain's most depressed urban areas, those best associated with the Liverpool district have been all smiles.

High-fliers
Saturday's 1-0 victory against Liverpool FC in the 200th Merseyside derby provided the pick-me-up; more than that, it carried Everton FC into second place in the English Premiership, 12 points above their neighbours. The last time Everton held such an advantage, they were winning the first of two league titles in the 1980s.

	Coach David Moyes endured a miserable summer

Goodison glory
Five years after the Blues' previous derby success, Lee Carsley's strike deflated a Liverpool side buoyed by their midweek UEFA Champions League exploits against Olympiacos CFP. If it had been just like old times at Anfield with that European night, Goodison Park got to relive its glory days at the expense of the local rivals.

'Amazing'
Everton full-back Alessandro Pistone told uefa.com: "The derby is always such an important game and when we finished everybody was so happy. It's incredible - we're second in the league and it's an amazing feeling."

Rooney sale
It was not meant to be like this. Everton ended last season in 17th place. They started this one tipped for relegation after arguably the club's worst-ever summer, as one bad-news day followed another: mounting debts; boardroom turmoil; criticism of the manager by a wantaway player; the sale of Wayne Rooney.

Smallest squad
The departures of Rooney, Tomasz Radzinski and a dozen or so other players left Everton with the smallest squad in the Premiership, boosted only by the arrivals of Marcus Bent and Tim Cahill from first division football for an estimated €3m.

'Good results'
However, since an opening-day defeat by Arsenal FC, they have not looked back. David Moyes's team occupied third place for 12 weeks before overtaking the champions last weekend. The turning point, according to Pistone, was "winning away at Crystal Palace [FC]" on the second Saturday of the season. "We had so many good results at the beginning and that gave us a lift," he said.

Continuity counts
It seems that Moyes, whose managerial credentials were undermined last term as Everton failed to build on their seventh position in 2002/03, and his players have turned the negatives into positives. A small squad has become a team where everyone knows his job. "We've been able to go through almost every game with the same team and have played nearly every game with the same system," said Pistone. "We've been able to work out what we can do and how best to do it." The fact that eleven first-team players are out of contract this summer has provided another motivating factor.

Form book
Everton's system is 4-1-4-1, a formation forged out of necessity following the loss of Rooney and Radzinski but one so far outmanoeuvred only by Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur FC and Chelsea FC - their solitary away defeat. With seven 1-0 wins already, they have the Premiership's third-best defensive record.

'Unity of purpose'
Monday's Liverpool Echo newspaper commented: "They have a unity of purpose and belief and more craft than they are being given credit for. You don't amass 36 Premiership points in early December just through guts and organisation."

Europe beckons
Moyes's Everton will take each game as it comes, but as Pistone admitted, expectations are rising. "We work from Monday to Friday on what he [Moyes] wants on Saturday, so when you play you know every little detail of what you have to do. Now we have to try and reach the best position we can. I am playing for Europe, for a Champions League spot."

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h56
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BSI has signed a four-year agreement with Denmark’s national broadcaster, Denmarks Radio (DR), and cable and satellite channel dk4, to broadcast the World Championship FIM Speedway Grand Prix Series (SGP) and FIM Speedway World Cup (SWC).

The contract will see both championships transmitted live on dk4 with DR1 broadcasting a one-and-a-half hour highlights programme on the Saturday evening after each event.

As part of the agreement DR will also carry news of the Grands Prix on their textual news service, website and broadcast on their P3 radio station.

dk4 and their wholly owned production company, Primevision, will produce a number of broadcasts for the SGP Series and SWC over the next four years.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h55
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By Richard Evans

	Russian money has made a difference at Stamford Bridge

Last month the English Premiership leaders, Chelsea FC, launched a new identity to accompany the new dawn which has followed the arrival of billionaire benefactor Roman Abramovich in summer 2003.

Logo returns
From May 2005, at the start of the club's centenary season, the 'public face' of Chelsea FC will be a new badge that harks back to the glory days of 1955, the club's only championship-winning year to date. Gone will be the current, ambiguous CFC lettering with a lion perched uncomfortably atop.

	Few will lament the passing of the old Chelsea badge

Old meaning, new meaning
In its place comes an uncluttered version of the championship year badge. Set within a circle, the lion, now standing, and redolent of former life president Viscount Chelsea, remains. A staff, two footballs and roses return. Blue and white dominate. "Old meaning, new meaning," Chelsea group business affairs director Paul Smith, the man behind the relaunch and much of the pending new commercial direction, told uefa.com.

Ambitious plans
While the warmth of the retro look will appeal to the United Kingdom fan base - before the redesign by London design agency Blue Dog, Smith regularly received pleas for a return to the old badge accompanied by photocopies and sketches of the 1950s look - it is the visual part of a campaign to help make Chelsea the most popular club in the hemisphere, east and west.

Next step
Superficially the Chelsea saga of the past 18 months - Russian tycoon saves the club from near extinction - seemed to come from the realms of fantasy. However, the next step in the story - the charm offensive that will follow the launch of the new badge - could see Abramovich's investment more than justified. If the club can deliver on and off the field, Chelsea could become huge.

New action
Hot on the heels of the new look will come a raft of ten key sponsors across the club, website improvements and an expansion of Chelsea FC television, now distributed by sports marketing giants IMG. Gone soon will be Chelsea Village collective and Chelsea Football Club will be the single, identifiable brand, an imperative for marketing outside the UK. Gone too will be the last remnants of the controversial reign of former chairman Ken Bates.

We want to be a presence in the international markets Paul Smith

Reaching out
The key, though, is the outlook and the view is far reaching indeed. "We want to be a presence in the international markets," said Smith with the "high disposable income of North America" and "more diverse wealth of Asia" the pre-eminent targets. A move to deliver the official club magazine in several languages is just one strand of what is a decade and not season-long challenge.

Friends overseas
A scheme to expand the domestic club membership programme into an international affair will encourage more varied users and potentially the evolution from a glorified ticketing system into a potentially limitless interactive opportunity. The new members may only come from abroad for one match a season, if that, but this is brand, and empire, building at its boldest.

Happy coincidence
Launched but not yet in the water, the new badge is already an unqualified success. Had the centenary arrived two years earlier, the happy coincidence would have been lost, emotions lessened, eyes drier but clear still. "I think we would have changed it anyway," said Smith. Sentiment belongs in sport but such planning and pragmatism buoyed by a trophy-winning momentum may more than ensure this club's future. Just wait and see.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h52
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Still searching for that last-minute Christmas gift? Fancy some authentic Scottish whisky Chinese-style? Glasgow club Rangers FC have been accused of selling out to the tourist image of Scotland after revealing that their Chinese associate club had been selling official Rangers whiskey and tartans. Supporters of Shenzhen Jianlibao have been queueing up for the exclusive Rangers goodies in China with brand manager Nick Peel admitting sheepishly: "We have, unashamedly, been playing the Scottish card in that part of the world with the tartan and whisky. We are keen to develop the Rangers brand in China and the Chinese people do like all things Scottish." Expect Rangers-branded tinned 'neeps and tatties' - turnips and potatoes - to be a big hit in Shenzhen in 2005. In other Scottish news, the chairman of third division side Gretna FC has loaned striker Kenny Deuchar his Aston Martin as a reward for scoring twice in a Scottish Cup game last weekend. Deuchar, a qualified doctor, scored twice in the 3-0 win against Elgin City FC prompting chairman Brookes Mileson to swap his limousine for Deuchar's Nissan Primera for a week. However, with traditionally Scottish parsimony, Deuchar said: "I'm just worried about the petrol as it only does 12 miles to the gallon!"

	Noel Mooney got a novel pre-Christmas gift

Gone today, hair tomorrow
Now for a Christmas idea from the Republic of Ireland where Shamrock Rovers FC goalkeeper Noel Mooney is set for a happy New Year after successfully undergoing treatment to banish his baldness. Having lost his hair in his early 20s, the goalkeeper had received plenty of unwanted attention from the terraces. "Playing in front of crowds of people, somebody would always come up with something to say," he said. However, he recently decided to follow the example of former Bulgarian national team goalkeeper Borislav Mihailov and receive laser treatment to repair and replace his missing locks. The former Cork City FC player is now the proud owner of a full head of hair, thanks to the 'strand-by-strand' treatment which is devised to help men in an advanced state of baldness without surgery or scarring. "I've only had it done about a week or so but I wouldn't know any different now," he told a Dublin radio station this week. "I'm delighted with it."

Judge pays the penalty
Drug-awareness benefit games are usually a sombre affair, but not in Spain where the annual Anti-Drug benefit game on 4 January is set to boast one of the most peculiar penalty shootouts in footballing history. The contest will see 56-year-old Villarreal CF chairman Fernando Roig test his penalty-taking prowess against Nobel Peace Prize nominee and campaigning Spanish High Court judge Baltasar Garzón. More famous for his headline-making legal indictments of such prominent figures as Osama Bin Laden and Chilean dictator Augustín Pinochet, Garzón will take on a much more unfamiliar role as a goalkeeper, with Roig having pledged €6,000 to charity for every effort he can put past the judge in ten attempts from eleven metres. In less charitable news, a waxwork statue in London depicting David Beckham and his wife Victoria as Mary and Joseph at the cradle has been extensively damaged when it wrecked by an attacker. An unidentified man assaulted the statue at the Madame Tussauds waxworks, repeatedly punching football's holy couple before disappearing into the streets. Perhaps the assailant was annoyed by the news that the couple have so many Christmas presents this year that they have hired a butler to open them on their behalf.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h51
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Sporting Clube de Portugal were paired with 2002 winners Feyenoord in today's draw for the UEFA Cup Round of 32, a competition which concludes at the Lisbon side's Estádio José Alvalade on 18 May 2005.

CSKA meet Benfica
Sporting, who won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1963/64, drew 1-1 at Newcastle United FC last night to finish third in Group D. The seven other third-placed teams were joined in the hat by the eight group winners and runners-up. Taking the tally to 32 were the eight sides who finished third in their UEFA Champions League sections, including PFC CSKA Moskva who will play Sporting's city rivals SL Benfica.

Former champions
Along with Feyenoord and Benfica, AFC Ajax and FC Steaua Bucuresti were the only former European Champion Clubs' Cup winners in the draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Ajax will take on AJ Auxerre, while Steaua meet the holders Valencia CF. Ajax's fellow Dutch clubs, AZ Alkmaar and SC Heerenveen, tackle TSV Alemannia Aachen and Newcastle United FC.

Ukrainian challenge
Ukraine was also well represented after FC Dynamo Kyiv and FC Shakhtar Donetsk joined the competition from the Champions League. Dynamo face Villarreal CF, Shakhtar play FC Schalke 04 and Group C winners FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk were pitted against FK Partizan.

Difficult opponents
Three more Spanish sides also drew difficult opponents, not least Sevilla FC who take on Greek champions Panathinaikos FC, and Real Zaragoza who go head-to-head with Fenerbahçe SK, Turkey's top team. Athletic Club Bilbao play FK Austria Wien, whose Austrian rivals Grazer AK play Middlesbrough FC.

High-fliers
The remaining ties see Serie A's sole survivors Parma FC up against German high-fliers VfB Stuttgart, FC, FC Basel 1893 meet LOSC Lille Métropole, and another French side FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, square off against Olympiacos CFP.

Last 16 draw
The format is now two-legged knockout games with the first legs to be played on the 16/17 February and the second legs on 24 February. Final dates, kick-off times and venues will be communicated by 10 January. The draw for the last 16 also took place, with no teams seeded. Match dates are set for 10 and 16/17 March and final dates, venues and kick-off times will be confirmed on 28 February.

2004/05 UEFA Cup Round of 32 1st-leg matches: 16/17 February 2nd-leg matches: 24 February 1. Grazer AK (AUT) v Middlesbrough FC (ENG) 2. SC Heerenveen (NED) v Newcastle United FC (ENG) 3. FC Basel 1893 (SUI) v LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA) 4. Parma FC (ITA) v VfB Stuttgart (GER) 5. Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) v Feyenoord (NED) 6. TSV Alemannia Aachen (GER) v AZ Alkmaar (NED) 7. FK Austria Wien (AUT) v Athletic Club Bilbao (ESP) 8. FK Partizan (SCG) v FC FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (UKR) 9. Valencia CF (ESP) v FC Steaua Bucuresti (ROM) 10. AFC Ajax (NED) v AJ Auxerre (FRA) 11. PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS) v SL Benfica (POR) 12. Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) v Real Zaragoza (ESP) 13. Panathinaikos FC (GRE) v Sevilla FC (ESP) 14. FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v FC Schalke 04 (GER) 15. Olympiacos CFP (GRE) v FC Sochaux-Montbéliard (FRA) 16. FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) v Villarreal CF (ESP)

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h46
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Olympique Lyonnais will be bidding to enter the winter break as Ligue 1 leaders on Friday when they host Olympique de Marseille - the 19th team to test the champions' unbeaten record as the French season reaches its halfway stage.

Lyon landmark
With Lyon three points clear, a draw would secure them top spot going into the new year for the first time since 1962/1963, but following two consecutive draws, coach Paul Le Guen has urged his players to focus on victory. "This game is critical to our title hopes and the team have to treat it that way. We're ten points ahead of Marseille, but that's not enough," he said, alluding to his own side's impressive comeback after trailing AS Monaco FC at this point last term.

Abidal fit
Eric Abidal returns for the pacesetters in a fixture that fifth-placed Marseille won 2-1 last year. Péguy Luyindula scored in a Lyon shirt that day, but will line up for Philippe Troussier's visitors this time. Fabien Barthez and Bixente Lizarazu are out for OM but midfielder Eduardo Costa remains confident. "Saying a Marseille win would be a surprise isn't fair. We've got the players to beat anybody," he said.

Lille poised
Should Lyon slip up, second-placed LOSC Lille Métropole will aim to take full advantage away to AC Ajaccio on Saturday, fresh from an impressive 1-0 win against Sevilla FC in the UEFA Cup. Claude Puel's team will also be buoyed by news that the club have received permission to increase the capacity of their Grimonprez-Jooris stadium, with midfielder Jean Makoun saying: "I think our good results helped with the decision."

Sagna recovery
AJ Auxerre, in fourth, ensured their own UEFA Cup progress by defeating Rangers FC 2-0 in midweek and have Bakari Sagna fit for the visit of OGC Nice, despite the ankle injury he sustained in that game. Meanwhile, ahead of Auxerre on goal difference, Monaco welcome FC Girondins de Bordeaux with Sébastien Squillaci and Patrice Evra set for comebacks.

PSG mission
Elsewhere on Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain FC will look to build on last Sunday's victory at FC Sochaux-Montbéliard when they entertain FC Metz, SM Caen play Toulouse FC, RC Strasbourg take on Stade Rennais FC, SC Bastia travel to RC Lens, and bottom club FC Istres meet AS Saint-Etienne. On Sunday, Sochaux will attempt to get back among the leaders with their trip to FC Nantes Atlantique.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h44
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Graeme Souness takes his Newcastle United FC team back to his old club Liverpool FC this weekend likely to be met by cries of "Scrooge" from the fans who once idolised him as a player at Anfield.

Party over
His own players might be saying the same thing after the manager cancelled their Christmas party following a slump in form which has produced just two wins in their last ten English Premiership matches.

Highest position
Like Newcastle, Liverpool have gone three league games without a win since their 2-1 victory against Arsenal FC on 28 November. Liverpool will also be looking to give their supporters a conciliatory Christmas gift following the 1-0 defeat at Everton FC last week which allowed their neighbours to go second - their highest position at this stage of the season for 15 years.

Desperate Blackburn
Everton's derby success, coupled with Chelsea's 2-2 draw at Arsenal on Sunday, put the Merseysiders within four points of leaders Chelsea. Everton now make the short trip to a Blackburn Rovers FC side who desperately need to start winning after just two victories in their opening 17 matches.

Injury time equaliser
Should Everton slip up, Arsenal FC will go second with three points at Portsmouth FC who forced an injury-time draw at Liverpool on Tuesday. Arsenal, with just two wins in their last eight league games, will be without Fredrik Ljungberg after the Sweden midfielder was ordered to seek specialist advice because of continuing migraine problems.

Chelsea banker
Arsenal, though, cannot afford to drop more points because Chelsea seem certain to bank another three from the visit of Norwich City FC. Although Norwich have improved with victories over Southampton FC and Bolton Wanderers FC recently, anything other than a Chelsea win would be an upset. Manchester United FC, frustrated in a 1-1 draw at Fulham FC on Monday, are fourth, nine points behind Chelsea, but should see off Crystal Palace FC at Old Trafford.

Bolton slump
Bolton Wanderers FC will want to halt a slump of six winless games when they host Manchester City FC while Tottenham Hotspur FC will be chasing a fourth straight league win at home to Southampton FC. In other matches, Middlesbrough FC meet Aston Villa FC, Birmingham City FC play West Bromwich Albion FC in Birmingham's second successive derby, while Charlton Athletic FC take on Fulham in an all-London affair.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h43
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O técnico José Mourinho conseguiu realizar seu desejo e o Chelsea vai enfrentar o Barcelona nas oitavas de final da Liga dos Campeões da Europa. Em outro confronto de favoritos, os "galácticos" do Real Madrid jogam contra a Juventus, atual campeão italiano.

Como pediu Mourinho, Chelsea pega o Barça na 2ª fase da Liga dos Campeões

O Manchester United joga contra o Milan, a única equipe da elite européia que ainda não enfrentou o time inglês durante a "dinastia" de Alex Ferguson, que já dura 18 anos. O Porto, atual campeão, joga contra a Inter de Milão, enquanto o Arsenal pega o Bayern de Munique.

As partidas de ida serão disputadas nos dias 22 e 23 de fevereiro. Os jogos de volta serão nos dias 8 e 9 de março - na única exceção, a Inter recebe o Porto no dia 15 de março.

Ainda pela segunda fase da competição, o Werder Bremen, atual campeão da Alemanha, enfrenta o Lyon, melhor time da França na última temporada. O Liverpool disputa com o Bayer Leverkusen uma vaga nas quartas-de-final, e o PSV, da Holanda, pega o Monaco, vice-campeão da Liga.

Mourinho luta para ser o primeiro técnico a conquistar o título da Liga em dois anos seguidos, mas com equipes diferentes. Ex-treinado do Porto, o técnico português quer apagar o fiasco do Chelsea, apontado como um dos favoritos no último torneio, mas que acabou eliminado na semifinal pelo Monaco.

Chelsea e Barcelona lideram, com folga, seus campeonatos nacionais, e Mourinho havia dito que desejava um confronto direto entre os times. "Todo mundo diz que eles são os melhores da Europa no momento, então gostaria de enfrentá-los", afirmou o treinador.

Mourinho foi assistente-técnico do Barcelona em 1999, e disse que ficará bastante emocionado quando enfrentar seu ex-clube. "Em 2000, quando estava no Barcelona, eliminamos o Chelsea. Agora quero ir ao Camp Nou e superar o Barcelona", disse.

Alex Ferguson, do Manchester, também havia "previsto" o confronto com o Milan. "Já enfrentei todos os outros possíveis adversários (Monaco, Inter de Milão e Bayer Leverkusen) por duas vezes. Acho que o destino colocará o Milan em nosso caminho", disse Ferguson na quinta-feira, véspera do sorteio.

O Real Madrid terá o passado ao seu lado na disputa com a Juventus. Em 1998, os dois disputaram a final da Liga, com vitória dos espanhóis por 1 a 0 em Amsterdã. O destaque de Bayern de Munique e Arsenal é o embate entre os dois principais goleiros da Alemanha: Oliver Kahn (Bayern) e Jens Lehmann (Arsenal).

Confira os confrontos:
Real Madrid (ESP) x Juventus (ITA)
Porto (POR) x Inter Milan (ITA)
Barcelona (ESP) x Chelsea (ING)
Werder Bremen (ALE) x Olympique Lyon (FRA)
Liverpool (ING) x Bayer Leverkusen (ALE)
PSV Eindhoven (HOL) x AS Monaco (FRA)
Manchester United (ING) x AC Milan (ITA)
Bayern Munich (ALE) x Arsenal (ING)

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h37
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Some 100 journalists and 12 camera crews took up the invitation issued by OC President Franz Beckenbauer and adidas chairman Herbert Hainer to hear Beckenbauer and OC senior vice-president Horst R Schmidt present a status report on preparations for the tournament, 540 days before the 2006 finals get under way. "We have no problems at the moment," Beckenbauer remarked, "but we have a number of tough challenges coming up, such as match ticket sales and visitor accommodation."

Speaking at the hotel which also serves as the Germany squad's base for the friendly international against Japan that evening, the OC team covered a broad range of topics relating to the FIFA World Cup. The room reacted with glee to the announcement that Deutsche Bahn AG would provide free railway travel to media representatives during the tournament from 9 June to 9 July 2006. The service, not widely reported in the Far East until that moment, forms part of the deal struck between the OC and the German Railways, recently signed as sixth and final Official Supplier. No previous FIFA World Cup has featured any such generous arrangement for media transportation.

Ticket sales proved another hot topic. "We won't have enough tickets. We're aware that 3.2 million tickets won't be sufficient," Beckenbauer acknowledged. As previously reported, internet ticket sales begin on 1 February. The Japanese journalists also reacted positively to the block-booking of 35,000 hotel rooms for summer 2006 at 2002 prices.

Herbert Hainer of adidas focused on the sports equipment manufacturer's activities and strategy for football. The German firm is global market leader in football boots, balls and shirts, and commands an outstanding brand image in Japan. The consistently successful company's name is almost synonymous with the game around the world, be it as supplier to a host of national teams such as Japan and Germany and a long list of superstars including David Beckham and Michael Ballack, or as the long-term partner of world football's governing body FIFA and the German Football Association (DFB). Hainer predicted a further increase in turnover for adidas as a result of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. "I'm convinced we'll pass a new milestone at the next World Cup," he declared, concluding with an invitation to the Japanese media to visit company headquarters at Herzogenaurach in Franconia.

Escrito por fraja8 às 20h03
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STEVIE WILLIAMS BECOMES FIRST SKATEBOARDER ON REEBOK’S ROSTER

Reebok today announced that it has signed a multiyear endorsement deal with skateboarder Stevie Williams, who becomes the first professional skateboarder to endorse the company. The partnership includes a line of skateboarding footwear and apparel called DGK – Dirty Ghetto Kids – that will launch next fall (Reebok).

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The Lightning will unveil the new McDonald’s Box Office at St. Pete Times Forum during a 5:30pm ET ribbon-cutting ceremony. A new interior floor displaying the McDonald’s Box Office logo has been installed along with McDonald’s-themed interior paint. Other additions include McDonald’s advertising on multiple TV monitors, McDonald’s historical photos and an exterior signage tying the brand to the box office with golden arches (Lightning).

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h56
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BUZZER BEATERS

The AFL Chicago Rush today welcomed ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL coach Mike Ditka as a co-Owner of the team (Chicago Rush).

Retired NFLer Ricky Williams will appear on CBS’ “60 Minutes” Sunday in his first television interview since retiring just prior to the start of training camp this year (CBS).

The Chargers today announced that they will begin holding their training camp at Chargers Park in Murphy Canyon, California. The team most recently held their camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California (Chargers).

Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban appeared on CNN’s “Live From” this afternoon and said of whether the Pacers-Pistons brawl taints the NBA’s image, “Not really. … In the five years that I’ve been in the league, there’s been 10,000-plus games played, and I’ve seen a whole lot more great things go on than this one isolated incident” (“Live From,” CNN, 12/16).

NBA Commissioner David Stern said yesterday that regular-season NBA games will not be played overseas “until the start of the 2008-09 season.” With a new Beijing arena “christened during the previous summer’s Olympics, the Far Eastern metropolis would make a perfect location for such an experiment.” Preseason games “may hit Europe as soon as 2006” (N.Y. POST, 12/16).

ESPNU today announced that it will televise a weekly series of college lacrosse games in conjunction with Baltimore’s WAMR-ABC, beginning with the March 6 Ohio State-Univ. of Maryland-Baltimore match-up (ESPNU).

The NBA.com video clip of Rockets G Tracy McGrady scoring 13 points in the final minute of the December 9 game against the Spurs has become the most-viewed video file of the year on the league’s Web site (NBA).

Vodafone today extended its sponsorship of the Ferrari F1 team through ’06 (IRISHEXAMINER.com, 12/16).

In the next few weeks, Tickets.com will unveil an “online tool that gives fans their own accounts that they can use to do things like resell tickets” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 12/16).

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h53
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Arsene Wenger has some choice words for Mike Riley at Old Trafford. (NealSimpson/Empics)

Wenger had denied the charge, which arose from his televised comments after Arsenal's defeat at Old Trafford in October, in which he declared of the Dutchman that 'we all know him, he can only cheat people'. The Arsenal boss was not present for today's hearing in central London, but was punished in his absence, with the FA also warning him as to his future conduct.

Wenger nevertheless confirmed he would not be appealing against either the verdict or punishment, which is believed to be the record fine handed out to a manager by the FA. In a statement on Arsenal's website, www.arsenal.com, the club revealed: 'Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he will not be appealing against the decision.' Wenger added: 'Now is the time to move on. We have an important match coming up and all my thoughts are focused on our preparations for the visit to Portsmouth on Sunday.'

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Animal dispara contra o meia, com quem não falava durante o tempo em que jogaram juntos este ano nas Laranjeiras.

RIO DE JANEIRO - Às vésperas de o Fluminense encerrar sua participação no Campeonato Brasileiro, Edmundo foi mais uma vez o destaque por suas declarações sempre polêmicas. Em entrevista coletiva nesta quinta-feira, nas Laranjeiras, o Animal disparou sua metralhadora contra Roger, que deixou o clube há cerca de duas semanas.

Edmundo revelou que o relacionamento entre os dois foi o pior possível e acabou logo no primeiro dia. Isso porque ao entrar no vestiário acabou ouvindo o meia reclamar do fato de não ser o camisa 10 do time. "Ele disse que uns m... que estavam chegando e já haviam pego a camisa 10 dele. Olhei para o Paulo Angioni (supervisor do clube na época) e disse que na marra, não devolveria a camisa. Mas, depois disso ainda o cumprimentei algumas vezes, ele não me respondeu e aí não falei mais com ele", disse o Animal.

Durante o Brasileiro, Edmundo acabou resolvendo devolver a camisa 10 para Roger, o que não solucionou o problema. Segundo o Animal, o restante do elenco também não gostava do meia."Antes do jogo contra o Botafogo, ele estava andando em campo no coletivo. Aì disse que não ia jogar, mas mudou de idéia e apareceu na concentração, dizendo que iria para o jogo. Pois perdemos feio e no dia seguinte, fizemos uma reunião no centro do campo. Todo mundo falou, mas quem falou melhor foi o Juca. Ele disse: 'tu é um v... mesmo. É v... no jeito de se vestir e para treinar'", completou Edmundo.

Gomes

Sobre o ex-treinador do Tricolor, Ricardo Gomes, Edmundo fez questão de deixar claro que não o considera um desafeto, mas lamentou o fato de não ter tido tantas oportunidades.

"Já joguei com o Ricardo. Fomos juntos para a Seleção e tenho muito e respeito e admiração por ele. O problema é que eu não estava numa forma tão boa e ele estava com uma idéia fixa de que só o Roger poderia resolver as coisas para o time, além do fato de o Romário ser intocável também. E acabou sobrando para mim", lamentou o Animal.

Romário

Com relação ao ex-amigo e, agora, ex-desafeto Romário, Edmundo garante não ter mágoas, mesmo após as constantes declarações do Baixinho de que os dois não poderiam atuar juntos. "Não achei falta de ética, mas sim egoísmo porque ele não estava em boa forma, mas ainda vinha com mais ritmo que eu. Então se o treinador fosse optar por um dos dois, obviamente seria por ele. Mas o próprio Romário veio falar comigo depois e disse que fora mal interpretado", afirmou Edmundo.

E para mostrar que não há mais rixa com o Baixinho, Edmundo foi bem claro ao dizer que se houver uma oportunidade de jogar novamente com ele, aceitaria sem problemas. "Com o Romário é claro, mas com o Roger, não", encerrou o Animal.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h49
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A venda de ingressos para a última partida do Santos no Campeonato Brasileiro, contra o Vasco, transformou-se numa grande confusão nesta quinta-feira.Na Vila Belmiro, em Santos, as cercanias do estádio viraram uma praça de guerra, com torcedores disputando a tapa as últimas entradas disponíveis.

Já em São José do Rio Preto, onde o jogo será realizado, cerca de 5 mil torcedores, segundo a Polícia Militar, aglomeravam-se em frente às bilheterias do estádio Benedito Teixeira, em São José do Rio Preto, a espera do início da venda dos ingressos.

Das 19 mil entradas que foram enviadas ao Teixeirão, 17.700 foram vendidas na quarta-feira, o que significa que restaram apenas 1.300 ingressos nesta quinta-feira.Os torcedores começaram a chegar às imediações do estádio no início da madrugada. A venda dos ingressos estava prevista para começar às 10h, mas só começou às 11h15.

O forte calor (média de 35ºC) e a grande aglomeração de pessoas sem qualquer organização (a Polícia Militar chegou ao local apenas às 10h, quando a confusão já estava formada) geraram alguns incidentes. Um torcedor passou mal, desmaiou, e ficou estendido em um gramado à espera de socorro, que chegou após trinta minutos.

Polícia cria cordão de isolamento parea conter confusão em São José do Rio Preto

Uma torcedora, Jeisiane da Silva, 18, contou ao UOL Esporte que chegou ao estádio às 8h, quando já havia um grande empurra-empurra e nenhum policiamento. A jovem acabou pressionada contra uma grade de ferro e cortou o pulso. Mais de uma hora após o ocorrido, Jeisiane ainda aguardava atendimento.

Quando os ingressos finalmente começaram a ser vendidos, a polícia organizou um esquema curioso para conter a confusão. Foi feito um cordão de isolamento a alguns metros das bilheterias, e só quem já estava dentro deste espaço entre os policiais e as bilheterias é que teve direito de comprar ingressos.

O estranho é que não havia área de saída para quem adquiria sua entrada. O torcedor deixava a bilheteria e, para sair do local, era obrigado a pular uma grade de ferro de cerca de dois metros. A venda durou quarenta minutos até que todos os ingressos fossem esgotados.

O capitão Macera, que comandou as operações da PM no local, afirmou que a polícia tentou organizar tudo para "não comprometer a segurança do torcedor".

Antes de ter início a venda de ingressos, a reportagem do UOL Esporte flagrou três policiais comprando ingressos junto a funcionários da arrecadação. A reportagem tentou conversar com os PMs, mas os mesmos deixaram o local logo após a negociação.

Assim terminou a venda de ingressos para a partida que vai definir o Campeonato Brasileiro: aos gritos de "Vergonha, vergonha!", com funcionários do América de Rio Preto, dono do Teixeirão, jogando água no público para amenizar os efeitos do calor, e com a torcida espremida entre um corredor de PMs, o concreto da parede do estádio e uma grade de dois metros de altura.

O Santos precisa apenas de uma vitória simples neste domingo para se consagrar campeão, e, dependendo do resultado do jogo entre Atlético-PR e Botafogo, pode conquistar o título até mesmo com uma derrota.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h47
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With Los Angeles, Boston and the New York Yankees rumored to be pursuing Hudson, the Braves swooped in and got the Oakland ace for outfielder Charles Thomas and pitchers Juan Cruz and Dan Meyer.It was Atlanta's second big trade in a week. Last Saturday, the Braves acquired All-Star closer Dan Kolb from Milwaukee -- a move that allowed them to move John Smoltz back into the rotation.

"This winter, we have set our sights on going back to sort of the old-fashioned Braves' way of building championship teams with dominant pitching," Atlanta general manager John Schuerholz said. "That's what we think we have done, and we are excited about the pitching staff we have put together for the season."

Moments after the trade was announced, the Braves unveiled another deal -- they sent outfielder Eli Marrero and cash to Kansas City for pitcher Jorge Vasquez.The Braves began the day by reaching agreement with Smoltz on a two-year contract.Schuerholz said the flurry of activity "helps us create one of the stronger pitching staffs we've had here for many, many years."

Hudson joins a team that has won 13 straight division titles.The 29-year-old Hudson posted 81 wins from 2000-04, tied for the most in the AL over that span. He is 92-39 with a 3.30 ERA lifetime.Hudson was 12-6 with a 3.53 ERA in 27 starts this season. He made the All-Star team for the second time, but did not pitch because of a strained left side that put him on the disabled list for a month.

Thomas made his major league debut last season and batted .288 with seven homers and 31 RBIs. Cruz was 6-2 with a 2.75 ERA in 50 relief outings. Meyer was 0-0 in two games with Braves after going 9-6 with a 2.49 ERA at Double-A Greenville and Triple-A Richmond.

Vasquez, 26, also made his major league debut last season, pitching in two games for Kansas City. He spent most of the year at Triple-A Wichita, going 4-5 with a 4.68 ERA and 18 saves. He had 71 strikeouts at Wichita in 59 2/3 innings.Marrero hit .320 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in a part-time role with Atlanta. The Braves got him with J.D. Drew last offseason in a trade that sent Jason Marquis to St. Louis.

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With the Mariners having spent $50 million to make first baseman Richie Sexson the biggest addition ever made to their lineup, they are thought to be close -- or possibly already have reached agreement -- on a deal worth $60 million or more to third baseman Adrian Beltre. There is suspicion the Mariners might consider withdrawing its offer to Carlos Delgado, unless he suddenly agrees to an deal thought to be about $60 million and crimp what could be the likely signing of Beltre.
-- Seattle Times

Agent Scott Boras' discussions with other clubs about outfielder Carlos Beltran could bear an impact on whether Seattle winds up filling what GM Bill Bavasi described yesterday as, "a need for one more offensive weapon" with Beltre or Delgado. David Sloane, who represents Delgado, began discussions last week with the Yankees about the former Toronto slugger. But the New York club is thought to be focused on trying to sign Beltran before turning another direction, such as first base.
-- Seattle Times

The Astros are prepared to go significantly higher to retain Beltran than the numbers attached to a reported five-year, $70 million offer. While the Yankees remain the favorite to eventually land Beltran, the Astros aren't going to let the jewel of the free agent class leave Houston without making a serious effort to retain him.
-- New York Post

It's becoming apparent that Boras, is either trying to build up the market or narrow the field of suitors for Beltran. Astros owner Drayton McLane said, "It's putting us and other teams in kind of a bind, because if we don't get Carlos, we have to move on. We're anxious to kind of move forward. Hopefully in the next week something will materialize. We need to start moving aggressively." Astros GM Tim Purpura and McLane wouldn't confirm or deny if Boras is weighing a six-year, $81 million offer or parameters of an offer for Beltran. The longer the Beltran sweepstakes last, the better chance the Cubs have of dumping Sammy Sosa to make a run at him.
-- Houston Chronicle

The Braves also have had discussions with the Cubs regarding not only Sosa, but also hard-throwing reliever Kyle Farnsworth.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

One rumor making the rounds is that the Cubs are close to dealing Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles for closer Jorge Julio and outfielder-infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. The Cubs and the Orioles have talked, but a deal is not close to happening.
-- Arlington Heights Daily Herald

The Orioles have no interest in acquiring Sosa unless the Cubs were willing to pay "about 80 percent" of the $35 million he'll make over the next two years.
-- Baltimore Sun

The Orioles lost Sexson and have been reluctant to meet Delgado's contract demands. They are now considering other deals, which include a trade for Marlins pitcher A.J. Burnett.
-- Washington Post

The Marlins are interested in trading Burnett only if they can acquire Tim Hudson from Athletics.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

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Parma FC saved their best performance in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup group stage for the final matchday, coming from behind to hand Besiktas JK a 3-2 defeat at the Ennio Tardini stadium and advance to the competition's Round of 32.

	Parma's Alberto Gilardino vies with Emre Asik of Besiktas JK

Maiden victory
The result ended a turbulent week for the Italian side who turned to Pietro Carmignani for a second time as their head coach. Victory provided Carmignani with the ideal start in the hot-seat although survival in Serie A is sure to be the club's objective for the remainder of the season. However, Parma did it the hard way, coming back from a goal down before scoring on three occasions and ultimately profiting from R. Standard de Liège's capitulation to Athletic Club Bilbao to claim third position and a place in tomorrow's draw.

Okan opener
The visitors scored with their first meaningful attack of the opening period when Sergen Yalçin's low shot from outside the penalty area was parried by goalkeeper Gianluca Berti into the path of Okan Buruk, who made no mistake from close range. The goal unsettled the home side, but they managed to fashion an equaliser with their first chance of the game after 17 minutes.

Gilardino leveller
Alessandro Rosina's through-ball found Alberto Gilardino, who had beaten the Besiktas offside trap, and he fired the ball with the outside of his right foot past Ramazan Kursunlu. Parma were given the opportunity to take the lead after 25 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Daniele Degano was upended by Fatih Sonkaya inside the box following a counterattacking move, but Gilardino's weak spot-kick was saved by Ramazan low to his right.

Parma lead
The visitors almost restored their lead three minutes later but the unmarked Mustafa Dogan headed Okan's free-kick over the crossbar. The miss was to prove costly as Parma scored the third goal of an otherwise low-tempo first period after 36 minutes when Giuseppe Cardone headed Rosina's corner past Ramazan.

Home insurance
With Besiktas chasing the game in the second half, Parma were content to soak up the Turkish side's pressure in order to launch fleet counterattacks. Gilardino set up Fabio Simplicio with a clever back-heel, but the midfield player failed to hit the target from a promising position.

Budel profligacy
Carmignani's side found their range on the hour when Degano shot in from outside of the penalty area following Gilardino's pass. The home side were now in control, and Alessandro Budel twice tested Ramazan with long-range shots before a desperate sliding tackle from Emre Asik denied Gilardino a clear shot on goal.

Late consolation
Besiktas eventually reduced the deficit two minutes from time when Tümer Metin fired past Berti with an impressive effort from outside the penalty area, but the midfield player wasted a wonderful opportunity moments later when shooting wide of the target from six metres as Carmignani's side held on.

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Real Zaragoza secured qualification into the last 32 of the UEFA Cup with a draw against a ten-man Club Brugge KV side who tumbled out of the competition.

	Timmy Simons (left) tries to win the ball from the grounded Óscar González

Looping header
A looping first-half header from Brazilian forward Sávio Bortolini proved enough to put the Spanish side through, and despite Nastja Ceh's second-half equaliser, Brugge were eliminated as FK Austria Wien won 2-1 at FC Utrecht to claim the third qualification place from Group C.

Balaban out
Brugge coach Trond Sollied knew his side would have to match Austria's performance in the Netherlands to progress, but his pre-match plans suffered a setback when Croatian striker Boško Balaban was ruled out with a knee injury he sustained in last weekend's Belgian First Division meeting with RSC Anderlecht.

Butina save
This gave Brugge a lightweight appearance in attack, and from the kick-off the visitors looked the more likely scorers. Zaragoza had their first real chance in the eighth minute as David Villa broke quickly, cut inside Olivier De Cock and fired a superb shot from the edge of the area which goalkeeper Tomislav Butina did well to palm clear.

Villa wide
Just four minutes later, Villa again went close to breaking the deadlock. Alberto Zapater's delightful through-pass found the forward in space, but his shot flashed across Butina and went just wide of the Brugge goal.

Zaragoza goal
Brugge were having no joy in their long-ball approach to Rune Lange and as the half wore on, it seemed only a matter of time before Zaragoza would take the lead. That duly happened in the 39th minute when Sávio's well-directed header from Villa's deep right-wing cross looped over Butina and into the net.

Brugge substitution
Sollied brought on Kevin Roelandts for the start of the second-half with the left-winger giving Brugge a more attacking look to their play. Still Zaragoza looked the more dangerous of the two teams, with Cani wasting a good opportunity to double their lead on the hour mark.

Ceh equaliser
However, the Belgian side were starting to win more possession in midfield and midway through the second half they equalised with their best move of the match. Slovenian midfield player Ceh slid the ball under Zaragoza goalkeeper Luis García after Lange's precise pass had expertly picked him out in the area.

Spilár dismissed
With Austria regaining the lead in Utrecht after briefly being pegged back, Brugge's hopes were further hit when Slovakian defender Marek Spilár was sent off for a second bookable offence. His dismissal, along with the home side's need to chase the game, left gaps at the back of both defences.

Lange wasteful
The superb Villa should have done better when shooting straight at Butina after making space for himself, while at the other end Lange's control let him down when he found himself onside with just the goalkeeper to beat. Brugge were ultimately forced to resort to pumping long balls into the box, but despite all their efforts, Austria's win ended the Belgian side's UEFA Cup hopes.

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Athletic Club Bilbao ended their UEFA Cup Group B campaign in spectacular fashion as they put seven goals past R. Standard de Liège to finish top of the section.

	Santiago Ezquerro (top) celebrates scoring

Ezquerro trio
A hat-trick from Santiago Ezquerro, along with goals from Francisco Yeste, Andoni Iraola, Asier Del Horno and Joseba Etxeberria meant that Standard, whose only goal came from Oguchi Onyewu, finished bottom of the group.

Athletic boost
Standard were without the suspended Philippe Léonard and Juan Ramon Curbelo, while Athletic were boosted by the return from injury of Tiko and Yeste. Spanish international Del Horno recovered from the ankle injury which saw him leave the field after scoring the winner in Saturday's 1-0 victory against Club Atlético De Madrid.

Lively start
From the opening moments it was clear that this was not going to be a dull affair as Sambegon Bangoura headed wide for the home team and six minutes in Athletic took the lead. A great move involving Etxeberria and Tiko ended with the midfield player sliding the ball across for Ezquerro to tap in from close range.

Birthday joy
Three minutes later the man who celebrated his 28th birthday two days ago doubled his tally. On the counterattack he found himself faced with only Ivica Dragutinovic to beat, and after cutting inside the Serbo-Montenegrin he calmly slotted the ball past Vedran Runje.

Standard fightback
Standard fought back and just five minutes later brought the deficit back to a single goal. A Sergio Conceição free-kick was lofted into the penalty area and Onyewu rose to glance a header into the bottom corner.

Goalkeeper heroics
In a very competitive opening period, Portuguese winger Conceição was a constant threat, coming close to an equaliser only for his acrobatic effort to be saved by Daniel Aranzubia. Not to be outdone, at the other end Runje pulled off a save diving to his right to stop an Iraola penalty after Etxeberria had been brought down by Eric Deflandre. But it mattered little as Yeste made it 3-1 ten minutes before the break with a superb solo effort after cutting in from the right.

Hope extinguished
Still Standard looked a threat, however, and either side of half-time came close to putting themselves back into the contest, coming closest when Ander Murillo headed against his own crossbar. However, when Ezquerro completed his hat-trick on 55 minutes, with an easy finish from an Etxeberria centre, all hope the home side had was extinguished.

Goal glut
Standard then realised their UEFA Cup dream was over, and Athletic duly took full advantage. On 58 minutes Iraola made amends for his earlier penalty miss when Etxeberria was brought down by Onyewu - placing the ball to the motionless Runje's left.

Skipper's joy
On 64 minutes Del Horno headed in at the far post, before Etxeberria got the goal his performance merited. The captain turned the ball into an unguarded net, after Ismael Urzaiz had seen his shot blocked, to complete the biggest victory in the UEFA Cup group stage.

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Newcastle United FC secured top spot in UEFA Cup Group D as they drew 1-1 with Sporting Clube de Portugal at St James' Park on Matchday 5. The home team took an early lead through a headed goal by the impressive Craig Bellamy before Custodio pegged back the English side.

	Craig Bellamy celebrates giving Newcastle the lead

Sporting third
With FC Sochaux-Montbéliard defeating Panionios NFC 1-0 in the other group game, Sporting will now face one of the other group winners in the last 32. Newcastle, who reached the semi-finals of this competition last season, will take on one of the third-placed qualifiers.

Shearer missing
With inspirational captain and striker Alan Shearer still out with a thigh injury and an injury-ravaged side struggling to find form, Graeme Souness's Newcastle side were desperately looking for a positive result. While the performance lacked incision, they got the point they needed against skilful opposition.

Bellamy strikes
Mauricio Pinilla, back in the Sporting side after injury, gave Newcastle an early scare after narrowly failing to make contact in the box before Bellamy scored the opener after just five minutes. A Shola Ameobi flick-on was misjudged by Beto just inside his box and the swift Welshman nipped in to loop a header over the stranded Ricardo.

Ricardo saves
Fabio Rochemback and Darren Ambrose exchanged long-range shots in what proved a competitive opening period. Bellamy was twice caught offside before getting in behind the visiting defence on 25 minutes. The Wales international scampered free down the right flank only to be denied by Ricardo, who rushed off his line to close down the striker.

Custodio levels
The game was played at a fast pace with Newcastle's Titus Bramble, Ameobi and Aaron Hughes receiving yellow cards. It soon got worse for the home team as, six minutes before the break, Custodio rose highest to meet Rochemback's whipped free-kick and sent a powerful header past Shay Given.

Bellamy miss
Bellamy should have restored the lead a minute before half-time, but his close-range header went wide of the far post. Liedson received a yellow card for a late challenge on Olivier Bernard before Ambrose again tried his luck - unsuccessfully - from range.

Set-piece threat
Ambrose began to trouble Sporting with his set-piece delivery after the break. A low free-kick from a narrow angle on 50 minutes was spilled by Ricardo but steered wide by Ameobi. Then Ambrose tested the Sporting goalkeeper with an inswinger from distance and the Portuguese international leapt well to punch clear.

Ameobi effort
Both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities as the game entered the closing stages. Newcastle's high-paced tempo - epitomised by the hard-running Ameobi - inevitably began to flag and Sporting began to find their passing rhythm.

Bellamy blow
Newcastle's goal threat was dealt a final blow when Bellamy suffered an injury with just ten minutes to go, allowing 19-year-old striker Lewis Guy to make his debut and it was the visitors who posed the biggest threat in the closing stages of a match which ultimately satisfied both parties.

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Merge Ahead

Nextel Name Will Stay In NASCAR After Sprint Merger, But Long-Term Brand Association Is Still To Be Decided

This week’s announcement of the $35B merger of Sprint and Nextel has many in the industry wondering what will become of the two companies’ sports sponsorships, particularly Nextel’s ten-year, $700M-plus title deal with NASCAR. While NASCAR Chair & CEO Brian France said yesterday that the deal remains in place and Nextel will continue to brand the series in ’05, Sprint Chair & CEO Gary Forsee indicated that the new company will consider rebranding for the ’06 racing season. But it is clear that the NASCAR tie was a topic during the merger discussions, as Nextel COO Tom Kelly said, “For the combined companies, this marketing opportunity is going to be probably one of the best marketing tools that we will have.” While experts debate whether Nextel or Sprint has more brand equity, the Sprint brand offers some interesting synergies with racing. One possibility for next season: changing the ten-race playoff to the “Sprint for the Nextel Cup Championship.”

Where Does NASCAR Fit Into The Future Of Sprint And Nextel?

(l to r) Nextel President & CEO Tim Donahue And Sprint Chair & CEO Gary Forsee

With the announcement that Sprint will acquire Nextel for at least $35B and name the new company Sprint Nextel, Sprint Chair & CEO Gary Forsee said that the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series “would keep that name next season” but will “consider ‘new branding’ for the Nextel Cup in 2006,” according to BLOOMBERG NEWS’ Larry DiTore. Nextel COO Tom Kelly, on the sponsorship: “For the combined companies, this marketing opportunity is going to be probably one of the best marketing tools that we will have” (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 12/15). The AP’s Jenna Fryer cites sources as saying that the ten-race playoff system, currently called the “Chase for the Nextel Cup Championship,” could be renamed “Sprint for the Nextel Cup Championship” (AP, 12/15). Forsee added, “As we talked about the great relationships within the two companies, one that stands out is NASCAR. ... The NASCAR relationship is probably the best investment we ever made in marketing at Nextel. And this merger also helps NASCAR. I have spoken with the Frances, and they are as excited about this as we are. It’s a great opportunity to build this sport” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/16). Today, Nextel issued a statement reiterating, “We expect our relationship with NASCAR to continue and to prosper and the new Sprint Nextel team is enthusiastic about the NASCAR relationship” (Nextel).

ON THE OUTS? NASCAR Chair & CEO Brian France said that there “is no out clause in the contract that would allow Nextel to end the deal early in the event of a corporate merger.” But even if there were, France added that “the company’s executives wouldn’t want to leave NASCAR” (USA TODAY, 12/16). France: “The agreement we made takes into consideration that they were in a consolidating and growing industry. We are very prepared. We knew this was a real possibility” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 12/16). NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Dir of Corporate Communications Mike Mooney said that there “has been no talk whatsoever of ending the agreement with NASCAR.” Mooney: “Both Sprint and Nextel are enthusiastic about the NASCAR partnership” (AP, 12/15).

CALLER ID: The WALL STREET JOURNAL’s Suzanne Vranica writes “branding gurus are divided on which Sprint Nextel brand should go forward.” Jonathan Asher, President of N.Y.-based branding firm Dragon Rouge, said, “I would go with Nextel. There is much more opportunity there because the name speaks to the future and stands for innovation, while the Sprint brand is stodgy.” But Yankee Group analyst Roger Entner said the Sprint brand “has appeal with both the consumer market and the business sector,” while Nextel’s “business-centric customer base won’t care much about the name” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 12/16). Allen Adamson, Managing Dir at branding consultant Landor Associates, said, “Nextel has momentum, focus and strength. The problem is that it’s more niche. They need a brand that is more broad” (N.Y. POST, 12/16).

The chart below presents some of the key sports sponsorships for both Nextel and Sprint.

Nextel	Sprint
NHL	PGA of America
NASCAR	U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association
World Golf Hall Of Fame & Village	Chiefs
NTRA/Breeders' Cup	Lions
NHL teams	Royals
NBA teams	Sprint Center naming rights
MLB teams	Ford Field
American Airlines Center
CBS' NFL halftime show
ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball"

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Big Three Automakers Pledge Over $6M For Detroit Super Bowl

Automakers Rev Up Detroit Super Bowl Sponsorships

General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler have each committed to multi-million dollar sponsorships of the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee. The combined commitment totals more than $6M and includes ‘05 marketing rights and ‘06 hospitality and community relations programs, representing about 40% of the committee’s $14.3M sponsorship budget. The committee has reached 90% of the fundraising goal. Other sponsors include AAA Michigan; Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network; Comerica; Delphi Corp.; DTE Energy; DTE Energy Foundation; Johnson Controls; Lear Corporation; Michigan Economic Development Corporation; and Visteon (Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee). A majority of the money from GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler will support the Motown Winter Blast, a “giant street party scheduled to be held first in early 2005 and again leading up to” the game in February ’06 (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/16).

SOUTHBOUND: In Detroit, R.J. King reports Host Committee Chair Roger Penske “will bring sports stars, celebrities and politicians” to February's Super Bowl in Jacksonville to help spread the message that “Detroit is ready to host” the Super Bowl. Penske: “We're going to Jacksonville with our business leaders, politicians, but also around 10 sports stars who will tout the benefits and successes of Detroit, including our automotive, music and cultural heritage.” King notes the athletes are “still being lined up,” but Penske said the Lions, Red Wings, Pistons and Tigers will be represented (DETROIT NEWS, 12/16).

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You Da Manning: QB’s Record Year Sparks Media, Sales Gains

Manning Picking Up Media Blitz In Chase Of TD Record

Colts QB Peyton Manning’s pursuit of Dan Marino’s all-time NFL record for most TD passes in a season (48) has heightened media and marketing interest. Manning, who is featured on the cover of this week’s SI, has 46 TD passes. In Indianapolis, Dan McFeely notes ESPN will air Sunday night’s Ravens-Colts game, “perhaps drawing a record-breaking national television audience.” ESPN spokesperson Dave Nagle, on whether Sunday’s game could surpass Steelers-Jaguars, which drew a 9.0 Nielsen cable rating December 5 on ESPN, as the most-watched cable program of ‘04: “If we get a good game and can somehow get Peyton to break the record in the fourth quarter of a close game ... that would be perfect.” McFeely notes the Colts’ local TV ratings have increased 10% over the past seven weeks. Nineteen national NFL writers from major papers outside Indiana, as well as writers from Montreal and China, will cover the game, marking the “biggest pack of print reporters for a regular season game.”

NO. 18: Finish Line indicated that Manning’s jersey is “one of the fastest-selling items of NFL apparel across the country.” Finish Line spokesperson Elise Hasbrook: “We’re not just seeing this here in Indianapolis; we are seeing it in other top markets, too. The sales have been good all year, but we have seen an uptick after each big game; a big surge after he threw (touchdown number) 40 and an even bigger one after 46 (last week).” Manning’s jersey still trails those of Eagles WR Terrell Owens and Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in overall sales at Finish Line stores. McFeely notes NFLshop.com ranks Manning 12th among jersey sellers (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 12/16).

TOKYO, HERE WE COME: Also in Indianapolis, Mike Chappell cites a team source as saying that the Colts will play the Falcons on August 6, 2005, in Tokyo in the American Bowl. The game would feature Manning against Falcons QB Michael Vick, giving it “two of the NFL’s brightest stars.” Colts Owner Jim Irsay “has lobbied for several years for his team to make a trip overseas” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 12/16).

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Names & Faces: Has Boxing Found Its Own Version Of LeBron?

Promoter Likens Ward To LeBron

Olympic Gold Medal-winning boxer Andre Ward will make his professional debut Saturday at Staples Center in a four-round super middleweight bout against Chris Molina to be televised on HBO. USA TODAY’s Dan Rafael notes promoter Dan Gossen and Roy Jones Jr.’s promotional company, Square Ring, paid nearly $400,000 to sign Ward. Jones, who serves as an HBO analyst, will not call Ward’s fight in order to avoid a conflict of interest. Gossen, on Ward: “You combine his looks, his stature, his abilities in and out of the ring and he is someone that has the talent to attract a tremendous fan base. He seems like he’s one of these young kids who can be like a LeBron James of boxing” (USA TODAY, 12/16).

LET’S JAM: Wireless entertainment publisher Jamdat Mobile will feature Clippers F Corey Maggette and Kings F Peja Stojakovic on the covers of its Jamdat NBA 2005 and Three-Point Shootout games, respectively (Jamdat).

IDITAROD: Standard Insurance has inked a three-year deal to sponsor Rachael Scdoris, who in March will become the first blind athlete to compete in the Iditarod (Standard Insurance).

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NFL Network Adds Adelphia, Soon To Be In 20 Million Homes

The NFL has inked a carriage agreement with Adelphia Communications for NFL Network, NFL Network on Demand and NFL Network HD. Adelphia will launch programming in the NFL markets of New England, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo in time for the playoffs. Adelphia digital cable customers will receive the channels at no additional charge (Adelphia). DAILY VARIETY’s John Dempsey reports that with the Adelphia deal, NFL Network “will soon hit 20 million subscribers, making it the first network to reach that plateau within the first year of operation.” Two million of Adelphia’s five million subscribers are digital customers. The contract is “similar to other cable-operator deals in that Adelphia will pay a monthly license fee of about [$0.22 per sub] for an eight-year license term, with penny-a-year increases” over the life of the deal. NFL Network will also make two commercial minutes an hour available to Adelphia for sale to local advertisers (DAILY VARIETY, 12/16).

ESPN To Consolidate Web Site Sales Force Under TV Business

ESPN Promotes Skipper To Exec VP

ESPN is “quietly consolidating its Internet sales force under its more mature TV business, according to sources cited by CNETNEWS.com’s Hu & Pelline. The restructuring, expected to be completed in January, “will combine all of ESPN’s online, radio and magazine sales functions under its cable and broadcast TV operations.” The sources said that the plan “has led to some high-profile departures.” Hu noted that earlier this week, former ESPN.com VP/Sales Riley McDonough was appointed to head sales for WebMD.com. Meanwhile, ESPN.com’s John Skipper was promoted to “head sales for all of ESPN.” But sources said that the “majority of the management of the combined operation is from television and will be relocated to the TV group’s offices — leaving little doubt who’s running the show.” Hu writes ESPN’s “rationale for the consolidation is to make salespeople ‘generalists’ who can sell across all of ESPN’s properties. The risk, however, is that the reorganization could decelerate the rapid growth of ESPN.com” (CNETNEWS.com 12/14). Responding to the report, an ESPN spokesperson told THE DAILY, "ESPN.com will continue to be an important part of ESPN's business, and anything suggesting otherwise is simply inaccurate." The spokesperson added that Skipper’s new title is ESPN Exec VP/Ad Sales, New Media & Consumer Products for all of ESPN (THE DAILY).

Media Notes

In Atlanta, Jeff D’Alessio reports ESPN, one of the sponsors of the college football’s coaches’ poll, “plans to ask the American Football Coaches Association to make currently anonymous ballots public in future seasons.” The poll “has come into question after four coaches dropped California in their final ballots, knocking the [school] out of the” BCS series and sending Texas to the Rose Bowl. ESPN VP & Dir of News Vince Doria: “We greatly prefer transparency with the ballot. Our plan is to have conversations with the coaches in the offseason to try and make that happen.” (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 12/16).

HOCKEY TALK: In Toronto, Chris Zelkovich reports BBM radio ratings show that Toronto’s The Fan 590-AM saw its overall audience drop 16% in September and October compared to the same period last year, while MOJO-AM, home of the Maple Leafs, fell 17%. FAN Program Dir Nelson Millman: “This is where the lack of hockey hurts us. Hockey affects everything we do, from news to talk” (TORONTO STAR, 12/16)....Rogers Sportsnet will attempt to “fill the hockey void by showing Swedish Elite League games,” where many NHL stars are currently playing. The broadcasts will be tape-delayed and shown in primetime (CP, 12/16).

SATELLITE CASTLE: XM Satellite CEO Hugh Panero, on whether the company bid for NFL rights, which were awarded to Sirius: “We looked at [it]. But all along in the sports category we thought [MLB] was the crown jewel. It offers 2,400 games and spans more than eight months. Baseball is to radio what football is to TV.” XM signed an 11-year rights deal with MLB earlier this year for $650M (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 12/16).

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NHL Face-Off, Day 92: League And Union Back To Square One

After the NHL and NHLPA rejected each other’s CBA proposal Tuesday, no new meetings have been scheduled. Today on “Cold Pizza,” NHL Exec VP Bill Daly and Senior Dir of Business Affairs Ted Saskin appeared in separate interviews as Jay Crawford explained, “We did try to bring the two sides together on this this morning; but as you know, it’s tough to get the these two sides together on anything, so we split them up.” Crawford asked if there was “any talk at all of — just to salvage the season — going with that 24% rollback for a short-term fix and then while the season’s being played, try to get this thing ironed out long-term?” Saskin: “We would certainly look at some situation like that. We think the most important thing for the game for the fans is get playing hockey again. Let’s try our system, let’s see if it works — and we know it’s going to work — and then move forward from there” (ESPN2, 12/16). But Saskin also said, “I’m not optimistic about anything positive taking place in the next few weeks.” Daly: “I think we’re back into a period where we both have to work internally to see where we go from here and how we move the process forward” (TORONTO STAR, 12/16).

AGENTS: NHL player agents have mixed views on whether the season can be saved. Agent Rick Curran: “The problem with this whole process is there really isn’t any middle ground. ... You can’t get to the same page because they’re two different books” (USA TODAY, 12/16). But Octagon Hockey agent Allan Walsh said, “I have my own personal opinion that we’re going to see one more set of negotiations, probably in early January, which could in effect save the season. I just think we’re going to see these two sides get together one more time. ... There’s still a chance we can have a season” (OTTAWA SUN, 12/16).

EXPERT OPINION: Ottawa-based Emond Harnden labor attorney Andrew Tremayne said, “When you look at some of the big auto [labor] deals that have also received big press (coverage), there always seems to be extreme positions at the beginning, and then finally an 11th-hour solution. Usually, you see some form of compromise.” Queen’s School of Policy Studies’ Richard Chaykowski said the players’ offer to rollback salaries 24% “was the beginning of the dialogue, and it’s always good to have negotiations” (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 12/16).

Canadian Clubs Steadfast In Support Of Change To NHL Business Model

ARE OWNERS TOGETHER? In Columbus, Michael Arace writes some owners who would “prefer to restart the season rather than rewrite the [CBA may] bring pressure to bear on their lesser brethren.” One anonymous owner said, “I don’t know this for a fact, it’s just something I’ve heard, but (some owners are) in a tax position where it helps if they lose money. But they shouldn’t take it out on the rest of us” (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 12/16). In Edmonton, Joanne Ireland reports the Oilers support the league’s proposed system. Oilers President Patrick LaForge: “It’s a system we can thrive under. ... We’ve either overspent and made a short trip to the playoffs or stuck to a budget and not made the playoffs. Either way, we’ve traded away star players just to stay within the budget.” LaForge added, “We’ve been trumpeted as a model franchise. Well, we’ve been a model club at staying within a budget” (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 12/16). In Calgary, Scott Cruickshank notes Flames Owner & NHL BOG Chair Harley Hotchkiss attended Tuesday’s negotiations in Toronto. Flames President Ken King: “So if there’s any question of our position – Harley in the room, my view of the business case, [Flames GM Darryl Sutter’s] view of the hockey case –- the three of us are very solid, as is our ownership group, in the need for change” (CALGARY HERALD, 12/15).

ROAD TO IMPASSE? In Minneapolis, Chris Snow writes not to expect the NHL to “announce a drop-dead date. Instead, the league might simply let the season run out without making a formal announcement. ... The sooner the season is canceled, the sooner teams have to refund season-ticket holders’ money in full. Canceling the season could endanger the NHL’s legal case if there comes a time when the league acts unilaterally [and] declares an impasse” (STAR TRIBUNE, 12/16). Predators C Greg Johnson said, “I don’t think there’s any doubt that come September, you’ll see camps get opened and a lot of minor-leaguers and Europeans invited. It’s tough to say how all that would play in courts. But I don’t think you’d see many union members crossing the line to play” (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 12/16). Penguins RW Mark Recchi said the league has “done everything right in terms of declaring an impasse.” Recchi added of replacement players being used, “It would be death to the sport” (Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 12/16).

LABOR BOARDS: In Toronto, David Naylor notes the possibility of an impasse and writes under the header, “U.S. labour board may side with owners.” Naylor writes the NLRB “is today more conservative and less friendly to unions than it was before” President George Bush took office. The NHL’s knowledge of the NLRB makeup (Bush appoints all five members) is “no doubt providing some comfort to the league as it moves closer to canceling the 2004-05 season.” Tulane Univ. Sports Law Dir Gary Roberts: “Four years ago, the (NHLPA) could be more confident with a (former President Bill) Clinton board than under Bush. It’s clearly a more conservative NLRB than it was four years ago, so management may take a stronger degree of comfort” (GLOBE & MAIL, 12/16). But in Denver, Dave Krieger writes that in Canada, “the law is somewhat more helpful to labor unions than it is in the [U.S.]” (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 12/16).

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It’s A Raid: NYRA Tracks Searched For Second Time Since ‘00

Jockey Weights Reportedly At The Center Of NYRA Raid

The New York State Police and state Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force raided Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga racetracks yesterday, as part of a probe that focuses “on alleged tampering with races” and “involves jockeys who ride throughout North America,” according to sources cited by James Odato of the Albany TIMES UNION. Officials indicated that the probe was “touched off by a finding from NYRA’s own internal security team.” One source said that investigators “have been looking into allegations that jockeys lied about their weight,” adding that racing officials allegedly “recorded lighter weights of riders, defrauding bettors who base their wagers on the load carried by horses.” NYRA President & CEO Charles Hayward indicated that the search warrant was “very broad in scope and that he isn’t sure what materials were collected or what the investigation is targeting.” Hayward: “They’re just looking for any data. I have no idea what information they’re trying to ascertain or collect” (Albany TIMES UNION, 12/16). In N.Y., Bill Finley notes this marks the second time in four years that NYRA’s tracks have been raided, as investigators searched the tracks in ’00 “as part of an investigation into money-laundering and other illegal activities by the tracks’ mutuel clerks.” Finley: “Should yesterday’s raid lead to more serious legal difficulties ... NYRA could be in increased jeopardy of losing the franchise [to operate the three tracks]” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/16). The THOROUGHBRED TIMES’ Bill Heller reported spokespersons for the Attorney General’s Office “would neither confirm nor deny if the raids were connected to the one in 2000.” But Hayward said, "I do believe it's part of an ongoing investigation" (THOROUGHBRED TIMES, 12/15).

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NFL To Raise Salary Cap Figure By About $5M For Next Season

The NFL management council told teams Wednesday to “project a salary cap of $85.5[M] to $86.5[M] for the 2005 season,” an increase of about $5M from $80.58M this season, according to Rick Gosselin of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Players received 64.75% of the designated gross revenue (radio and TV rights plus ticket sales) this season and will receive 65.5% in ’05. The official salary cap figure will be released in February (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/16).

GET TOGETHER: Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, on NFL labor negotiations: “Several weeks ago, we reported (NFLPA Exec Dir) Gene Upshaw and (NFL Exec VP/Labor Relations) Harold Henderson started to meet to really iron out a new (CBA), which would affect the salary cap for next year. Well, slow down. Actually, the last four meetings between these two sides have fallen apart. They didn’t even meet because Gene Upshaw is over here with something and the league is over here with something. ... They’re having a hard time getting to that middle ground to the point where they’re not talking” (“Totally Football,” FSN, 12/15).

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Franchise Notes

Caribbean Casino Vows To Outbid Gilbert For Cavs

Vikings Owner Red McCombs, on T’Wolves Owner Glen Taylor’s interest in purchasing his team: “Taylor has the financial background to buy the team, but it doesn’t appear that he is ready now to make the purchase.” McCombs, on his asking price: “I’m asking the market price, and the price is only going to go up because the NFL is doing so well with an increase of 28[%] in the future national television contracts that have been signed” (STAR-TRIBUNE, 12/16).

DON’T BET ON IT: In Akron, Brian Windhorst reports Trinidad-based Casino Fortune has “issued a news release stating its intention to outbid” Quicken Loans Chair Dan Gilbert for the Cavaliers “in what appears to purely a publicity stunt.” NBA Commissioner David Stern said of the move, “It’s irrelevant” (AKRON BEACON-JOURNAL, 12/16). In Cleveland, Bud Shaw notes the “underline on the letter read: ‘Internet Casino Will Outbid Dan Gilbert’s $275[M] Bid.’” The casino also claimed that it will “put a casino logo on the Cavaliers uniforms, which isn’t allowed.” The casino made the same claims in a letter sent to the Suns when the team was sold earlier this year to Robert Sarver (Cleveland PLAIN-DEALER, 12/16).

PRICE OF SUCCESS: In N.Y., Sam Borden reports the Yankees are “raising prices for most of their top seats by $10, with the best box seats going for $90.” The most expensive individual-game ticket will rise from $55 to $60, and upper deck reserved seats are up from $15 to $17. Bleacher seats will increase from $8 to $10 (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/16).

NO KIDS ALLOWED? The 49ers “scrambled behind the scenes Tuesday to find a suitable compromise after several veteran players expressed outrage that children weren’t welcome at” the team’s holiday party. Many players perceived it to be a cost-saving move. 49ers Owner John York later “ordered a kids party to be held for two hours before the adults-only party” at the team’s Santa Clara facility. 49ers Dir of PR Kirk Reynolds: “They’re getting a separate party because (York) couldn’t believe the oversight” (C.C. TIMES, 12/16).

Mets Slapped With Civil Rights Suit By Former HR Director

Former Mets HR Dir Shez Jackson has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Mets, COO Jeff Wilpon and General Counsel David Cohen, alleging she was “discriminated against and fired because of her gender and race,” according to John Marzulli of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. Jackson is seeking unspecified damages. Jackson’s attorney Jack Tuckner said that Jackson, an African-American, was “ordered to clean dirty utensils and stock a pantry with cereal despite holding a master’s degree and earning $85,500.” But Mets VP/Media Relations Jay Horwitz said, “The Mets terminated her employment more than two years ago for her gross misconduct”

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MLB In DC: DuPuy Says Changes To Financing “Unacceptable”

MLB execs Wednesday “promised to move” the Nationals elsewhere if the DC Council continues to include an amendment requiring that half the cost of a proposed ballpark be privately funded in the financing legislation, according to Eric Fisher of the WASHINGTON TIMES. MLB President & COO Bob DuPuy said the legislation “does not reflect the agreement we signed and relied upon after being invited by District leaders to consider Washington as a home for [MLB]. The legislation is inconsistent with our carefully negotiated agreement and is wholly unacceptable.” MLB on Wednesday suspended the Nationals’ business and marketing operations indefinitely, canceled a uniform unveiling and offered refunds to fans who made season-ticket deposits. DC Mayor Anthony Williams: “I am deeply troubled by what’s happened. We have not lived up to our commitments. I believe the deal is broken. The dream is now close to dying. We’re in great, great jeopardy here, and I think I’m being optimistic.” Fisher notes the uncertainty “freezes the ongoing sale process for the Nationals,” as the recently-started auction for the team “is predicated on the firm commitment” of a ballpark (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/16).

Selig “Furious” Over Cropp’s Last Minute Amendment To Plan

MLB REAX: In DC, Nakamura & Heath cite a baseball official as saying if the legislation stands, it is “fair to assume [the Nationals remaining in DC is] out of the question.” Other baseball execs described MLB Commissioner Bud Selig as “furious” over the amendment. DuPuy indicated that MLB will wait until December 31 before entertaining new offers to relocate the team. MLB Exec Council member and former Rockies Vice Chair Jerry McMorris: “They mean what they say. The commissioner and Bob DuPuy were mighty unhappy.” But DC Council member Adrian Fenty, who opposes the ballpark, said MLB “is not going to walk. They don’t have anywhere else to go” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16). DC Council member Jack Evans indicated that he believed “some compromise could be reached” with DC Council Chair Linda Cropp, who proposed the amendment. Evans: “We’re not going to lose baseball. I’ve been here for 14 years, and all kinds of crazy things happen here” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/16).

CROPP DUSTED: In DC, Paul Farhi reports Cropp received phone calls and e-mails yesterday with “a handful of racist and sexist comments and a couple bodily threats. At one point, a police officer was stationed outside Cropp’s office door.” Cropp: “I’ve never seen the kind of emotion that I’ve experienced around this issue.” Cropp added, “For the most part, I believe I am representing the wishes of the people of the District.” Cropp said that the “most unkind group” has been the sports media. While she declined to name names, she called the sports media “vicious” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16). More Cropp: “I keep hearing that we had a deal with baseball. Well, I have had a 30-year-plus deal with the citizens of this city. That deal trumps any other consideration with [MLB]” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16).

NO IDLE THREAT: In N.Y., Murray Chass writes, “Barring a reversal of the council’s position, baseball will yank the Expos out of Washington faster than they were placed there” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/16). In DC, Thomas Boswell: “When you make a deal with baseball, they honor it. If you break a deal with them, you’re out” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16). Also in DC, Michael Wilbon writes, “If this becomes a matter of calling baseball’s bluff, I don’t think the folks who want the game here are going to like the results” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16). Also in DC, Dan Daly writes MLB “got their reputation by being stupid. ... And if you push them far enough, they’ll undoubtedly do something else stupid, like pulling the team out of Washington” (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/16). Washington Post Associate Sports Editor George Solomon said MLB “does not want to set a precedent of having a package that is half funded publicly and half funded privately” (“Bullseye,” CNBC, 12/15).

TOO LATE TO TURN BACK NOW: ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian: “It would be unbelievably embarrassing for Washington and for (MLB) for this team to play one year at RFK Stadium and then move someplace else. ... I just can’t imagine that happening” (ESPNews, 12/15). ESPN’s Michael Smith: “MLB is going to do whatever it has to do, but they’re going to be in DC. They’ve gone too far in the process” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 12/15). USA TODAY’s Christine Brennan notes it is “uncertain if any other city would be any more enthusiastic about MLB’s wishes than the D.C. Council was Tuesday night. No matter how Byzantine the politics of the nation’s capital, Washington remains the best place for the [Expos] to play” (USA TODAY, 12/16).

Cropp Catching Heat For Last-Minute Change To Plan

SOME BLAME CROPP: A baseball official said, “How can we trust Cropp now? When does it end? She has signed off, given her word, said the deal was done, more than once. Then she just changes her mind and acts like that’s a normal way to do business. It’s disgraceful. ... If Cropp thinks she’s going to do that and (still) get a team, she’s making a horrible mistake” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16). WTEM-AM baseball reporter Marc Sterne: “I’m embarrassed to say I live in Washington right now, and Linda Cropp to me is the face on that embarrassment” (Baltimore SUN, 12/16). In DC, Tom Knott writes to Cropp, “You have baseball blood on your hands” (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/16).

BUT OTHERS APPROVE OF HER MOVE: ESPN.com’s Jim Caple offered congratulations to Cropp and her anti-ballpark colleagues, writing, “By insisting that private funding be included for a new baseball stadium in Washington, they did the right thing” (ESPN.com, 12/15). A WASHINGTON TIMES editorial states, “We commend [Cropp] and six of her colleagues. ... The altered plan does not discourage baseball from returning to [DC]” (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/16). In Baltimore, David Greene writes people in the area generally “expressed support for bringing back baseball. But many applauded Cropp and her private financing amendment, saying she was fighting a worthy battle” (Baltimore SUN, 12/16).

ANOTHER MLB MESS: The L.A. Times’ Bill Plaschke said MLB was “stupid to go in there without a stadium deal. Now DC has got all the leverage. They’re just trying to get more money out of them” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 12/15). ESPN’s Skip Bayless: “This would have never happened in the NFL and never happened in the NBA. But in [MLB] they move into a questionable market, ... and they do it without financing in place for the new ballpark. That is preposterously stupid to me” (“Cold Pizza,” ESPN2, 12/16).

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MLB In DC: League Stops Nationals’ Operations Immediately

Because of amendments to its ballpark deal with DC, MLB has ordered the Nationals to “cease until further notice” all business and promotional operations, which means the team’s “pursuit of free agents and trades has effectively stopped as well,” according to two baseball sources cited by Barry Svrluga of the WASHINGTON POST. Nationals President Tony Tavares, on what he will do going forward: “I cease selling tickets. I cease selling merchandise. We don’t entertain sponsorships. We don’t try to pursue radio agreements. We don’t try to pursue television agreements. We just basically shut down.” Tavares added that the 16,000-plus fans who paid a $300 deposit for season tickets are entitled to a full refund. Svrluga notes the team hired 17 front-office employees “over the weekend, and those people will remain on the payroll, though they won’t have much work to do” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16). In Baltimore, Rick Belz notes, “Word that baseball in D.C. might be in jeopardy did not touch off a frenzy” of Nationals memorabilia sales yesterday. Afternoon business at the team store outside RFK Stadium “was steady but calm” (Baltimore SUN, 12/16).

RFK: In a special to THE DAILY, SportsBusiness Journal’s Don Muret reports that despite the uncertainty of the team’s future in DC, the $13M renovation of RFK Stadium to accommodate baseball continued Thursday morning. Turner Sports Group VP & GM Dale Koger said, “As of today, nothing's changed. We continue executing the design-build plan unless our client, the DC Sports & Entertainment Commission, gives us a stop-work order.” The first major part of the project, removal of the existing turf, is set for next week. Koger: "Even if MLB decides not to play at RFK, the turf would be replaced for Major League Soccer and DC United” (THE DAILY).

MLB In DC: If Nationals Exit DC, Where Do They Go Next?

Might Vegas Get An MLB Team Sooner Than Expected?

One MLB exec said Wednesday that the league “already has been contacted by four cities interested in acquiring” the Nationals if the funding for a DC ballpark falls through, according to Dave Sheinin of the WASHINGTON POST. While the source declined to name the cities, he said they were “the usual suspects.” Sheinin notes MLB “praised the competing bids from Las Vegas, Portland, Norfolk and Monterrey” on September 29 when it announced DC as its choice. A source with knowledge of the Montreal operation said of the potential return, “Is it doable? Yes. Is it realistic? Not really.” Sheinin also notes moving the team to Portland, Monterrey or Las Vegas would be hard because the team plays in the NL East. MLB Senior VP/Scheduling & Club Relations Katy Feeney, on such a move: “It wouldn’t be pretty, but it wouldn’t be impossible” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16).

JUST WHEN I THOUGHT I WAS OUT...: Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority Exec Dir Gabe Paul Jr. said that Northern Virginia “would be available if baseball officials eventually need an alternative.” But Paul added, “That moment certainly hasn’t arrived yet ... because they are still in play with DC” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16). But in DC, Thom Loverro notes it would be “very difficult to resurrect the Northern Virginia effort. Their ballpark financing legislation expires Dec. 31 as well, and it would be very difficult to go to the state legislature to renew that plan” (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/16).

...THEY PULL ME BACK IN: Norfolk Baseball Co. CEO Will Somerindyke Jr.: “If the opportunity arises for the Expos again, we are going to be standing there along with everyone else” (AP, 12/15). Portland Mayor Vera Katz’ Chief of Staff, Judy Tuttle, said, “If in fact this deal blows apart, it is likely that Portland will be somewhere on the radar screen” (Portland OREGONIAN, 12/16). Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, who attended MLB’s winter meetings last week, said that a member of MLB’s relocation committee “is passing messages to him about Las Vegas’ good chances of stepping in and luring the team away from” DC. Goodman declined to name the member (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 12/16). But in Las Vegas, Matt Youmans writes the “lack of a suitable stadium in Las Vegas will probably prevent a potential deal from happening in the immediate future” (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 12/16). NJSEA President George Zoffinger, who met with MLB execs several months ago about bringing a team to the Meadowlands, said, “Our position is that we will do everything we can to interest them in this site.” But in New Jersey, John Brennan notes Zoffinger’s “promise of ‘everything’ doesn’t come close to matching baseball’s idea of that word” (Bergen RECORD, 12/16).

CONTRACTION AN OPTION? ESPN.com’s Darren Rovell noted that by contracting the franchise, which MLB can do after the ’06 season, the other teams could add $50M per year “in revenue sharing and money from the television contract that would no longer go to the contracted team.” The owners could then use that money “to finance buying out the owner of a second team, while continuing to keep the additional revenue-sharing dollars that would have gone to both teams” (ESPN.com, 12/15).

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Marlins Meet With South Florida Officials Over New Ballpark

Marlins, Local Officials Talk For First Time Since Vegas Adventure

Marlins and Miami-Dade County leaders “had their first formal negotiating session regarding” a new $420M ballpark since team execs visited Las Vegas last week, and County Manager George Burgess said that the sides made “progress on unresolved issues,” according to Vasquez & Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. Burgess added the team’s trip to Las Vegas “wasn’t a substantial topic of discussion.” Formal talks between the team, city and county will resume after the New Year (MIAMI HERALD, 12/16). In Miami, Charles Rabin reports Glenn Straub closed on his $28M deal to purchase the Miami Arena Wednesday. About $6M in tax money that was used annually to finance the arena will be directed toward the proposed Marlins ballpark (MIAMI HERALD, 12/16).

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The Red Sox “are considering creating a hall of fame or museum at Fenway Park,” according to Thomas Palmer Jr. of the BOSTON GLOBE. Red Sox VP/Planning & Development Janet Marie Smith: “We may have a museum or souvenirs — we want to use them to enliven the street front all year.” More Smith: “Year-round uses — that’s something we’re looking to do all around the ballpark. It’s already a sports and entertainment district. We’re looking to burnish and make more of it” (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/16). Smith said that all of the improvements to Fenway the current ownership has made since ’02 have increased the usable space in the ballpark over 16% to 875,000 square feet. Smith: “Renovation is the goal, but we don’t feel we are there yet.” The team is planning to add as many as 2,000 seats over the next few years to raise capacity near 39,000 (BOSTON HERALD, 12/16).

Fenway Museum Part Of Red Sox Plan To Utilize Park Year-Round

ALTITUDE SICKNESS: In a separate piece, Van Voorhis reports the Red Sox are in talks to become an investment partner in developer John Rosenthal’s planned $350M residential high-rise outside of Fenway Park that could include “hundreds of additional Fenway parking spaces.” At one point, Rosenthal wanted to build a 29-story tower across the street from the outfield walls “that would soar over Fenway Park,” but after the Red Sox objected, he “downsized plans for two smaller towers — one 17 stories, the other 15.” While the team confirmed the talks, Smith said, “It is a blue-sky ballpark. You won’t see the Red Sox propose any type of a tower over Fenway” (BOSTON HERALD, 12/16).

ISC Pays $100M For Acquisition Of Staten Island Land

Daytona Renovations To Include Fan-Friendly Daytona 500 Club

A subsidiary of ISC has paid $100M to buy land in Staten Island for a racetrack, according to Thomas Brown of the Daytona Beach NEWS-JOURNAL. The subsidiary will spend about $10M in January to purchase an additional 236 acres from Duke Energy. The $600M track ISC “hopes to build on dormant industrial land represent the biggest construction project” it has even undertaken. It would be nearly triple the amounts it spent for the K.C. and Chicagoland tracks. But ISC President Lesa France Kennedy noted that the company still has to complete a feasibility study regarding the project. France Kennedy: “Whether we ultimately construct a track or pursue alternative options for the development of this prime New York real estate will largely depend on the results of this study.” Related Retail Corp., a N.Y. developer, will hold a minority stake in the venture (Daytona Beach NEWS-JOURNAL, 12/16).

DAYTONA RENOVATION: In Florida, Mark DeCotis examined the progress on the estimated $30M renovation of Daytona Int’l Speedway (DIS). The “main changes include a 960-foot long, 26-foot high tunnel burrowed under the first turn to accommodate race car haulers and RVs, providing access before, during and after races, and new fan-friendly Nextel Cup and Busch Series garages.” Also, there will be a new, four-story Victory Lane building called the Daytona 500 Club that includes a “lounge for fans, a Fan Zone encompassing the garage and paddock areas, new, 153-foot tall scoring trilons outfitted with Nextel Vision screens, and an expanded infield media center” (FLORIDA TODAY, 12/14). DIS President Robin Braig: “There is no other motorsports facility in the world that can compare to the fan-friendly features around here” (Daytona Beach NEWS-JOURNAL, 12/15).

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Garden State Variety: MetroStars Deal Close; Giants Deal Not

MetroStars Close To Making Soccer-Specific Stadium A Reality

The MetroStars are “closing in on a deal” for a new $84M stadium along the Passaic River in Harrison, New Jersey, according to Matthew Futterman of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. The NJSEA, the city and the team “would evenly divide” the costs of building the stadium. The NJSEA would issue bonds to finance construction, and Harrison would contribute through property tax money from future development of the site. New Jersey and the MetroStars would share revenue from parking, concessions, advertising and naming rights. Officials said that the stadium deal became possible when AEG, which owns the MetroStars, “agreed to limit the number of concerts it would hold at the soccer stadium to six per year.” NJSEA President & CEO George Zoffinger said of the deal, “It works as long as the concert part of it doesn’t hurt the [Continental Airlines Arena] or the PNC Bank Arts Center” (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 12/16).

GIANTS: In a separate piece, Futterman cites sources as saying the state and the NFL Giants “remain far apart on several core financial issues” involved in building a new stadium to replace Giants Stadium. One issue is “how much the Giants will pay to lease land at the” Meadowlands, and the other is “who will cover $117[M] in debt on the existing stadium if the team builds a new one.” NJSEA execs yesterday “bragged about beating their financial forecasts and collecting a $37.8[M] operating profit.” Futterman adds while taxpayers “still cover some $20[M] a year in debt payments at the” sports complex, Zoffinger has eliminated a $16.5M subsidy and “ended years of red ink from operations” (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 12/16).

MONMOUTH: The NJSEA has set aside $3M for a new turf track at Monmouth Park next year as part of the effort to make the track a “world class facility” for the ‘07 Breeders’ Cup (STAR-LEDGER, 12/16).

Facility Notes

The Hornets have retained The Bonham Group to lead a marketing campaign to land a naming-rights partner for the New Orleans Arena (Hornets). In New Orleans, Benjamin Hochman notes the Hornets and Philadelphia-based SMG, which manages the arena and the Superdome, “unsuccessfully had sought sponsors” to buy the rights for both facilities over the last three years. Superdome & New Orleans Arena GM Doug Thornton said that his group spent an estimated $250,000 on two firms to aid in selling the rights. Superdome naming rights are currently “at a standstill” (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 12/16).

TEXAS TWO-STEP: The city of Arlington and the Cowboys have extended a December 31 deadline to negotiate a stadium deal until the first few weeks of January. Attorney Denis Braham, who is representing the Cowboys, said that “neither side is threatening to end discussions” (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 12/16).

CENTER OF ATTENTION: The Overland Park (KS) City Council has approved a letter of intent with Centerplate to manage the 8,000-seat, $52M arena in the city that “will be part of a $150[M] entertainment district.” Centerplate would “be responsible for securing sports tenants.” The final development agreement for the arena “will not be completed for several months while the city conducts” feasibility studies (Brad Cooper, K.C. STAR, 12/16).

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Jones Files Defamation Suit Against Conte Over Interviews

U.S. Gold Medalist Marion Jones yesterday in U.S. District Court in S.F. sued BALCO Founder Victor Conte for defamation, claiming he lied when he detailed Jones’ alleged performance-enhancing drug use on ABC’s “20/20” and in ESPN The Magazine, according to Williams & Fainaru-Wada of the S.F. CHRONICLE. Jones did not sue either ABC or ESPN The Magazine. The suit accuses Conte of “carrying out a long-running ‘vendetta’ against her because she had spurned an endorsement deal” for ZMA, BALCO’s legal nutritional supplement. Jones claims Conte’s accusations “are likely to cost her $25[M] in endorsement deals and other business opportunities.” Jones’ attorneys Craig Budner and Beth Bivans wrote in the suit, “Conte seems willing to do and say whatever it takes to destroy her career and reputation” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/16). In DC, Amy Shipley reports Jones claims that her reputation “has been so tarnished by Conte’s claims that it was ‘improbable’ that sponsors would be willing to support her.” Jones added she was in danger of losing her five Olympic medals because of an IOC investigation spurred by Conte’s interview. The suit also alleges that Conte’s comments were made “to maximize publicity for himself and his products, noting that Conte wore ‘ZMA’ apparel during the interviews” (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16). The suit claims that Conte “was never involved in any aspect of Jones’s training” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/16).

HE SAID, SHE SAID: Conte said of the suit, “This is nothing more than a PR stunt by a desperate woman, who has regularly used drugs throughout her career. I look forward with all confidence to the court proceedings as I stand by everything I said on the ‘20/20’ special. I am telling the truth and Marion is lying” (Mult., 12/16). Jones’ attorney Rich Nichols appeared this morning on CBS’ “The Early Show” and responded to Victor Conte’s claim that Jones’ suit is a PR stunt. Nichols: “My response is again Mr. Conte, please accept our invitation to come to and take a lie detector test and have your credibility put in question, it is in question and a lie detector test will again indicate who has told the truth.” Nichols, on why Conte would “want to harm” Jones’ reputation: “We have to presume that [Conte] is very angry at the fact that he never did get the chance to establish a relationship with [Jones], so therefore he doesn’t have a chance to take credit for everything she’s done in her career” (“The Early Show,” CBS, 12/16).

CLAIMS DEPARTMENT: In San Jose, Sean Webby reports the suit claims Conte’s attorneys said earlier this year that he “had never given performance-enhancing drugs to Jones.” Meanwhile, Hastings College of the Law professor Vikram Amar said that the standard for successfully suing someone for defamation “is higher for celebrities” (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 12/16). Atlanta-based libel attorney Lin Wood called the suit “a public-relations tactic,” adding that if Jones were serious, she also “would have sued ABC and ESPN,” since Conte does not have the resources to defend the suit or pay a judgment. Wood, who represents Lakers G Kobe Bryant’s accuser and defended falsely accused Olympic bomber Richard Jewell, said that the case likely will not “decide the issue of Jones’ alleged steroids use” (USA TODAY, 12/16).

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1-2 Punch: McCain To Re-Propose Federal Boxing Commission

McCain Seeking Federal Boxing Commission

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) will reintroduce legislation next year to create a federal boxing commission, according to James Bennett of the ARIZONA DAILY STAR. McCain: “This will impose uniform standards in boxing. The important thing is that it will end the exploitation of boxers by unscrupulous promoters and corrupt world governing bodies.” McCain withdrew a bill that passed in the Senate this year after he “received assurances” from House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) that it would be considered before the ’05 August recess. The legislation would “create a federal office within the Department of Commerce. A three-person commission, appointed by the president, would establish minimum safety standards that all state commissions would be required to enforce.” Nevada State Athletic Commission Exec Dir Marc Ratner: “I don’t know if a federal commission is the complete answer, but we need a federal backbone.” But Thesweetscience.com Editor-in-Chief Charles Jay said, “There's nothing in there that addresses uniform medical testing. That's the most important thing. It's the genesis of state-to-state problems” (ARIZONA DAILY STAR, 12/15).

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THE DAILY Goes One-On-One With Gail Goodrich

NBA TV Studio Analyst Gail Goodrich

JOHN WOODEN called him “the greatest all-around basketball player I’ve ever coached,” and Isiah Thomas named him “the all-time underrated NBA player.” High praise for the undersized Gail Goodrich, nicknamed “Stumpy” by his Lakers teammates upon his arrival as the club’s No. 1 draft pick in ‘65. Goodrich anchored the first of Wooden’s ten NCAA championship teams at UCLA in ‘64. A year later, he scored a then-record 42 points against Michigan in the title game as the Bruins repeated as national champs.
Goodrich earned an NBA ring in ‘72 with the Lakers, averaging 25.9 points per game on a team that included JERRY WEST, WILT CHAMBERLAIN and ELGIN BAYLOR and won 33 straight games. He joined those former teammates in the Hall of Fame in ‘96.

Upon his retirement from the game in ‘79, Goodrich entered the real-estate business. He organized the basketball venue at the ‘84 Olympics in L.A. and later was VP of National Golf Properties and President of National Fairways Inc., a golf course acquisition and management company.

Now back in basketball as a studio analyst at NBA TV, Goodrich said he hopes to lend his experience to the front office of an NBA team. His No. 25 jersey is being retired this Saturday at Pauley Pavilion. Goodrich spoke recently with SportsBusiness Journal N.Y. bureau chief Jerry Kavanagh.

Question: Do you have any business advice?

Goodrich: The biggest thing I’ve been able to carry over from sports into the business world is the idea of working together as a team toward a common objective or goal, and understanding that different people bring different strengths to the team and integrating them to form a cohesive unit.

Q: What was your best business decision?

Goodrich: I put together a very good deal for partners and bought a golf course, Forsgate Country Club in New Jersey, for around $22-23M. A lot of people in the industry thought I was paying too much for it, but two years we later sold it for around $48-49M.

Goodrich's Favorite Actor Is Also One Of The Lakers' Most Famous Fans

Q: What is your favorite movie?

Goodrich: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

Q: Favorite actor?

Goodrich: JACK NICHOLSON.

Q: What is the last book you read?

Goodrich: “Wilt: Larger Than Life.”

Q: Your favorite vacation spot?

Goodrich: The Caribbean.

Q: Which current athlete do you most enjoy watching?

Goodrich: LEBRON JAMES and TIM DUNCAN.

Q: BILL WALTON said that as a wide-eyed, scrawny 13-year-old kid watching you play in the ‘65 NCAA championship game and score 42 points against a much bigger and more physical Michigan team was a life-changing experience for him.

Goodrich: (Laughing) I don’t know about that. That’s pretty funny.

Q: That’s what he said. He called you an inspiration and said, “That’s what I want to do.” And he reminded me that eight years later, he broke your NCAA championship game record by scoring 44 points.

Goodrich: That’s correct. He was some player, and fortunately he decided to go to UCLA.

Q: John Wooden called you the greatest player he coached, is there any higher compliment?

Goodrich: I don’t think so. I’m very flattered. Those are very generous, kind words that he has said. I always tried to be an all-around player who played both ends of the game. There are a lot of players who had more individual athletic talent than I had. But I think that I truly learned from coach Wooden, and also from my dad at an earlier age, the fundamentals and the understanding of how to win -- even though coach Wooden never spoke about winning. I always said, “As long as you’re going to keep score, you might as well win.”

Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Goodrich: I’ve been fortunate in my career to have played on winning teams at every level. They’re going to retire my jersey at UCLA this week. It’s a great honor. But when I stand there in Pauley Pavilion and look up and see those NCAA banners from 1964 and ‘65, what I will be most proud of is the fact that I was a member of those championship teams. I played with a lot of great players who made me a better player and I played on teams that I’m really proud of because at the end of the year we could say that we reached our goal. That, in my opinion, is what it’s all about.

Q: You played in the NBA in the same backcourt with two other Hall of Famers: Jerry West in L.A. and PETE MARAVICH in New Orleans. Tell me about that.

Goodrich: Jerry and I complemented each other and we were able to be a very effective backcourt. I played with Pete at the end of my career. He certainly had a lot of ability, but we did not complement each other. Our skills just didn’t work, so we weren’t very successful. He was fun to watch, but I don’t think you could ever win a championship with him because he didn’t really understand, in my opinion, how to win. West does understand how to win, and that’s why he’s been so successful as an executive.

Q: After you retired from the NBA, you were away from the game.

Goodrich: Yes, I left basketball. My last year was 1979. I had a desire to step out into the business world and to take my expertise in the real estate business into industrial development. I had owned a number of apartments and was managing them as well.

Q: How do you assess the state of the game today?

Goodrich: It is certainly much different. The game, I think, is very positive. It’s much more of a business. There’s a great deal of marketing that’s done by the NBA. The partnership -- and I really think it is a partnership between the players and the league -- has really taken the game and raised it to a different level. Of course, expansion has also been a big part of that. There is national coverage and prominence. I think DAVID STERN has touched on expanding this to an international level, and you see this with all the international players in the league.

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Q: How has the business of the sport changed since your playing days?

Goodrich: When I was playing, the players and owners ... I wouldn’t say they were at odds, but they certainly had different agendas. I’ll give you an example: When we would be photographed for our basketball cards, we used to have to put our jerseys on backwards or wear a practice T-shirt or something that didn’t have the name of the team that you played for on it. That was because the owners wanted royalties and the card companies were not willing to pay for that. Here was a product that everybody had their own self-interest in, and nobody was working together. So, the rookie cards when I was playing look funny because there was no association with the team. But David Stern started to market the game, the players, the teams and the league. And everybody now is sharing all the revenue and working together as a team to develop the game to where it is today.

Q: There was a time when you couldn’t buy a team jersey or T-shirt.

Goodrich: Oh, yeah! I once promoted my own night with the Lakers. I had written a book about basketball fundamentals. And then I had this idea that I narrowed down and created a ten-page book. I went out and got a sponsor to pay for that and a poster, and was able to convince the Lakers that we should give away these books and posters to the first 5,000 fans that came to the arena that evening. But there was very little promoting or marketing done by the teams at that time.

Q: Is the book still in print?

Goodrich: No. I can’t even remember the title [”Gail Goodrich’s Winning Basketball”]. In fact, RICH LEVIN, of Major League Baseball, who was my roommate in college and played three years at UCLA, helped me write it.

Q: Jerry West has had success as an executive with the Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies. You have said that you’d like to be able to help somebody’s team. In what capacity?

Goodrich: Well, I’m 61 years old. I don’t want to coach. That’s not my cup of tea. I’ve had opportunities in the past where people reached out and asked me about coaching. But I think I could help in the front office, with my knowledge of the game, in trying to help somebody put together a championship basketball team. If you look around the league, there are a lot of teams that seem to be struggling, that are, in my opinion, missing some of the ingredients that are necessary to have a wining team. It’s not necessarily putting the five most outstanding players on the team, or making an all-star team -- which obviously we saw in the Olympics and doesn’t work all the time.

I think you have to have players that complement one another; you have to have an organization with a culture that stresses certain aspects of the game. One of the things that you see around the league is that there are certain teams that are head and shoulders above other teams. There are a lot of reasons for that. You have to deal with the salary cap -- in fact, you don’t really trade players anymore; you trade contracts. But a lot of teams have made a lot of mistakes. Certainly you have to take risks. But the structure is set that you can’t make too many mistakes. You are going to see as the season moves along here some teams that are just not going to be competitive against other teams.

Q: Does the game need any changes?

Goodrich: There are always things that have to be done, things that need to be tweaked. You’re always looking to the future. Next year, there’s another collective bargaining agreement between the players and the owners, so there will be a number of issues that are going to be discussed. These max contracts, for instance: You have to be very careful when you go out five, six, seven years and guarantee the sums of money that are being guaranteed. I’m sure that’s going to be one issue because it seems to me that going out more than three years, as an owner or manager, that starts to present a lot of risk. A lot of teams have been burned by the long-term contracts, and I would suspect that the league would try to reduce that in the collective bargaining agreement.

Q: Should there be a minimum age in the NBA?

Goodrich: I think there is an age limit right now of 18. To have either two years in college or maybe a 20-year-old age limit really helps everybody. Right now, the draft, in effect, has become a developmental draft. Everybody has so much potential -- it’s all potential. So, I think it’s in the best long-term interests of the players if they can get at least a couple of years of a college education. The league will be getting a player who’s been coached for a couple of years versus someone who’s just coming out of high school and is really playing on raw talent and now has to step in at the highest level of basketball. That’s a big adjustment.

Q: John Wooden has decried the “showmanship” in sports. But it’s not uncommon to watch a game now and see a player preening or pounding his heart. Is showtime an inextricable part of the game?

Goodrich: I don’t know. You look at Tim Duncan and you don’t get that. Basketball in a lot of ways has in effect become more entertainment than when I played. It has become more entertainment than pure sport. You see it in football when somebody scores a touchdown; you see it in basketball when somebody makes a great play. It’s an expression of emotion. I’m not an emotional person, and growing up in the era that I did and playing for coach Wooden we never did that. Coach Wooden wanted you to be emotional, but he wanted you to keep it within, to be more reserved and respect your opponent. And I think a lot of times this celebration now is taunting your opponent. It’s a little bit disrespectful. Someone once called me “the little assassin.” I wouldn’t really taunt an opponent. I figured it was best just to beat him.

Q: If there was one thing you could change about the game, what would it be?

Goodrich: I think the game’s pretty good. I do like the international lane. It forces the centers out a little bit more and opens up the middle, which makes it better for the players who can penetrate and get to the basket. I’ve always liked that. A lot of people say, “What about raising the basket?” I don’t think that’s a good idea. It hurts the little man.

Q: What’s the best thing about sports?

Goodrich: The camaraderie of being with your teammates, having a common goal and working together toward it. That first year after you retire, there is an adjustment. The biggest thing you miss is that association with the team.

West, Along With Russell, Garner Goodrich's Vote For Smartest Player

Q: The smartest player and the greatest competitor you’ve seen?

Goodrich: That’s really hard to say because if you look at all great players, they are smart and competitive. That’s what puts them a notch above everybody else. Jerry West and BILL RUSSELL -- there’s no one smarter or more competitive. Those are just two names right off the bat. In my opinion, Russell is the most successful basketball player there ever was. Yes, he had great players with him, but he understood winning.

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Names In The News

U.S. Sen. JOE BIDEN (D-DE), who wrote the ‘90 law making steroid trafficking illegal and the ‘04 law banning androstenedione and tetrahydrogestrinone, today writes about the negotiations to strengthen MLB’s drug-testing policy in the S.F. CHRONICLE, “If the testing system the players and owners agree to isn't as credible as the system used to test Olympic athletes, I will work with my colleagues in Congress to impose a system that will return integrity to the game and send a strong message to kids that cheating has consequences. ... For the good of the game, the health of the players and the future of the kids who want to be just like their favorite athletes, they need to do it” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/16).

Krzyzewski On College Basketball Partnership Panel

HOOPS THINK TANK: College basketball coaches, ADs and the NCAA announced the formation of the COLLEGE BASKETBALL PARTNERSHIP. The group is charged with “shaping the future of the college game for 327 Division I schools and 4,000 Division I men's players.” It includes high-profile coaches such as Duke's MIKE KRZYZEWSKI, Syracuse’s JIM BOEHEIM and Oklahoma's KELVIN SAMPSON in addition to NCAA President MYLES BRAND and representatives from the NCAA's broadcast partners at CBS and ESPN. The men's group has already met twice, in June in N.Y. and in October in Chicago, and will next meet in April at the Final Four in St. Louis (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 12/16).

IN THE BONUS: SMI Chair BRUTON SMITH earned a $1M cash bonus for helping the company exceed earnings expectations. Other bonuses included: SMI President HUMPY WHEELER earning $550,000; VP & CFO WILLIAM BROOKS earning $400,000. Also, Exec VP MARCUS SMITH, Bruton Smith's son, will earn a $532,000 bonus if the company meets year-end sales goals. For the nine months ended September 30, the company earned $60.1M, compared with $47.5M in the same period last year (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 12/16).

PRISM AWARDS: Official application information and forms for the ‘05 PRISM AWARDS are now available at www.umass.edu/sptmgt. The PRISM Awards, which stand for Professionalism, Results and Innovation in Sport Management, are presented annually by the University of Massachusetts-Amherst Sport Management Program. The PRISM Awards are the only industry-wide awards honoring overall excellence in professional sport franchise management at both the Major League and Minor League levels across each of five areas: Strategic Mission, Innovative Marketing, Customer Relations, Employee Relations and Community Relations. Initial applications, in the form of a ten-page Executive Summary, are due by Friday, February 25. Finalists in both the Major and Minor League categories, will be notified in April, and winners will be announced in June (THE DAILY).

Executive Transactions

Michigan Racing Commissioner ROBERT GEAKE said he will leave his post when his term expires at the end of December. Geake “hopes to make the long-awaited decision on granting a suburban Detroit racetrack license before he goes,” and plans to speak to execs from Magna Entertainment, which has acquired land in the Detroit suburb of Romulus in order to build a racetrack if granted the license (BLOODHORSE.com, 12/14)....The Northern League Joliet (IL) JackHammers named KARI RUMFIELD Dir of Corporate Sales, DAMON SHOULTZ Ticket Sales Rep and RYAN HARRIS Ticket Sales Rep. The team also promoted Ticket Sales Manager RICH KUCHAR to Dir of Ticket Sales and Ticket Sales Exec KYLE KREGER to Ticket Sales Manager (JackHammers)....The Cubs named RANDY BUSH Special Assistant to VP & GM JIM HENDRY (Cubs).

Dick Ebersol’s Injuries More Serious Than First Reported

Ebersol’s Injuries More Serious Than Initially Reported

NBC Universal Sports & Olympics Chair DICK EBERSOL is continuing to recuperate from injuries that are “more serious” than originally reported following a November 28 plane crash in Colorado, according to Bill Carter of the N.Y. TIMES. While initial reports said Ebersol fractured his sternum and three ribs, he also has a “fractured pelvis, a fractured coccyx and six broken vertebrae in his back.” Ebersol, who is expected to attend a memorial for his son, TEDDY, in Connecticut today, “will not be able to stand on his own for several more weeks” and is “still unable to walk.” It is still “undetermined when Ebersol will be able to return to work.” NBC Universal Sports President KEN SCHANZER is managing day-to-day operations of the sports division and NBC Universal Olympics Exec VP GARY ZENKEL is managing the Olympics business

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Turnstile Tracker: Golf And Soccer Contribute To Totals

The following is Part VII of THE DAILY’s “Turnstile Tracker,” which estimates that over 476 million fans attended sporting events in the U.S. and Canada during the ‘03-04 sports year. Presented today are the full ’03-04 figures for golf and soccer events, broken down by league. While exact figures were not always available, the data does serve as the most detailed estimate of the number of attendees for these events.

Golf	TOTALS
PGA Tour	5,368,273
LPGA	1,764,000
Champions Tour	1,497,596
Nationwide Tour	571,596
The Masters	275,000
U.S. Open	215,000
PGA Championship	213,000
Other (PGA Non-Sanctioned)	162,600
CPGT (Canadian Men's Tour)	130,000
Futures	93,444
WSGT	60,000
TOTAL	10,350,509

GOLF NOTES: The Hooters golf circuit does not track attendance and admission is free. PGA Tour attendance includes 48 official money events in the U.S. and Canada. Champions Tour attendance includes the designated 31 official money events in the U.S. and Canada. Nationwide Tour attendance consists of 30 official money events. LPGA attendance numbers consist of 31 official money events in the U.S. and Canada. Canadian Professional Golf Tour attendance numbers are estimated for ‘03. WSGT consists of three official money events in the U.S. Golf-Other consists of eight events: World Golf Championships, Franklin Templeton Shootout, UBS Cup, The Skins Game, PGA Tour Qualifier, Grand Slam, Target World Challenge and Wendy’s Three Tour Challenge.

SOCCER	REGULAR SEASON	PLAYOFFS	ALL-STAR	TOTALS
MLS	2,234,747	191,758	27,000	2,453,505
MISL	905,091	44,130	4,291	953,512
USISL A-League	887,568	58,109	n/a	945,677
NCAA (Men)	721,014	n/a	n/a	721,014
WUSA	560,009	24,299	7,068	591,376

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SOCCER NOTES: NCAA men’s soccer regular-season attendance consists of 30 Division I teams, 30 Division II teams and 25 Division III teams. NCAA women’s soccer regular-season attendance consists of 49 Division I teams, 30 Division II teams and 30 Division III teams.

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SEATTLE (AP) -- The Seattle Mariners added power to one of the weakest lineups in baseball Wednesday, agreeing to a $50 million, four-year contract with free agent first baseman Richie Sexson.

``This is first and foremost where I wanted to be,'' said Sexson, who is from Brush Prairie, Wash. ``In the back of my mind, and for my family, we knew this is where I wanted to be.''

Sexson, a career .271 hitter, said he also considered offers from Baltimore and the New York Yankees. He's coming off a frustrating injury-shortened season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He hurt his left shoulder on a check-swing and didn't play after May, batting .233 with nine homers and 23 RBIs.

``That was the worst experience I've ever gone through as an athlete,'' Sexson said. ``Pride takes over, then guilt. It sure helps to have family around you to say it's not your fault because it sure feels like it is.''

He's confident his shoulder is ready after extensive physical exams by Mariners doctors. Word leaked this week at the winter meetings that a deal was close, but the agreement was delayed by three days of rigorous tests. ``I just went through a NASA experiment,'' Sexson joked.

Despite the injury, his proven power made him an attractive free agent. Sexson, who turns 30 on Dec. 29, hit 45 homers for Milwaukee in 2001 and 2003. He has 200 career homers and posted four 100-RBI seasons. Sexson is so excited about Seattle that he's willing to move to left field, if it helps the Mariners win. In his first full season in the majors, with Cleveland in 1999, he made 40 starts in left and 53 at first base. ``If I'm playing in left, that means we're a pretty good ballclub,'' Sexson said. ``We'd have a pretty good first baseman.''

Seattle is still negotiating with free agent first baseman Carlos Delgado and third baseman Adrian Beltre, two of the most attractive hitters on the market. Mariners chairman Howard Lincoln acknowledged that Sexson's contract represents ``a heck of a lot of money.'' The deal should counter criticism in recent years that Seattle wouldn't spend what was required to compete. ``We recognize that to get this team back into the playoffs as quickly as possible, we're going to have to spend significant amounts of money,'' Lincoln said. ``We've made no secret of that. ``Right now, we're in the process of spending a lot of money -- and we're not done,'' he said.

Seattle has struggled in recent years to score runs. Last year, the Mariners ranked last in the AL in runs (857), RBIs (658) and home runs (136). ``Our primary goal this offseason was to add offense,'' general manager Bill Bavasi said. ``Richie was one of the premier free agents available on the market and we are extremely pleased to be able to add him to our club.''

Another reason for choosing Seattle, Sexson said, is being reunited with Mike Hargrove, the new manager who was with Sexson in Cleveland (1997-2000). Sexson also played with Milwaukee from 2000-03. ``Great manager,'' Sexson said. ``He's a guy a really look up to.''

He gets a $6 million signing bonus, $4.5 million next season, $11.5 million in 2006 and $14 million in each of the final two seasons.

``Anytime you add a hitter with numbers like Richie has produced, it helps to legitimize your lineup,'' Hargrove said. ``Richie is a proven middle-of-the-order hitter and one of the better power and production hitters of the last four years.''

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WASHINGTON (AP) -- Baseball's response to Washington's lawmakers was strong, swift and ominous. Or, as Mayor Anthony A. Williams put it: ``The dream of 33 years is now once again close to dying.''

On Wednesday, Major League Baseball shut down business and promotional operations indefinitely for the team that has been relocating from Montreal. Baseball essentially gave the city 15 days to change its mind about a new financing plan, or else the search could begin anew for a permanent home for the troubled franchise.

At issue is a measure passed late Tuesday by the District of Columbia Council, which voted to approve the Expos' move to Washington if private financing is used for at least half the cost of building a stadium. Baseball has been adamant that a stadium be funded with 100 percent government money up front, as stipulated in a September agreement negotiated with Williams.

Season-ticket sales were immediately halted, and the 16,000 fans who have made $300 deposits can ask for a refund. The stadium store, which had sold more than $100,000 in caps and other merchandise over 3 1/2 weeks, was shut indefinitely at the close of business Wednesday. The unveiling of uniforms with the team's new name, the Washington Nationals, was postponed. A hiring freeze was implemented.

Only the baseball side of the operation will continue to function as usual, although the sudden drop in revenue will hamper general manager Jim Bowden's ability to sign players.

``Don't expect us to spend a lot of money at this point,'' team president Tony Tavares said. ``We will continue to try to the make the team competitive, but I don't expect to us to be a big buyer.''