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NFL
League still looking into SpyGate
Commissioner Roger Goodell can say it’s over, but it’s not. The league is still planning to meet with former Patriots defensive assistant Brian Daboll, who is now the Jets' quarterback coach, to get some lowdown on the supposed Rams’ Super Bowl walkthrough tape. Former Patriots video dude Matt Walsh didn’t tape the walkthrough but was on the sideline during the walkthrough setting up his stuff and Daboll apparently asked him what he saw when the walkthrough was over. This is all news to the league, which had already spoken to Daboll, so he’s getting another call to the principal’s office. (New York Daily News)
Bucs QB Garcia might hold out
Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia is saying that the Buccaneers better open their treasure chest for him or he’s going to hold out. The 38-year-old Garcia is “only” making $2.75 mill this season along with a $750,000 roster bonus. Talk about disrespect! (Tampa Tribune)
Urlacher likely to skip Bears minicamp
Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher does not like the team’s current contract-extension offer that is rumored to give him $5 million right away and another million per year added if he plays 85 percent of the games. That’s all on top of the four years he has left on a nine-year, $57 million contact he agreed to in 2003, which also had $19 million in bonuses. So Urlacher is likely to not show up to Bears minicamp or any other organized team activity unless that activity is a food or clothing drive for poor, poor Urlacher. (Chicago Tribune)
Dolphins passed on Sheppard
Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard can’t even get himself onto the worst team in the league. His agent apparently called the Dolphins to see if they were interested in trading for the All Pro cornerback who is expendable in Philly since the team signed Asante Samuel. The Dolphins reportedly said no thanks. (Miami Herald, registration required)
MLB
Jacque Jones wants to end up a Marlin
The Tigers designated outfielder Jacque Jones for assignment last Friday and he’s apparently hoping he’ll end up with the Marlins. Florida seems to have an interest and would likely have to pay him nearly $300,000 of his $5.5 million salary. The Tigers would likely give him away for a low-level minor leaguer. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
Giants’ Vizquel wants to play in ’09
Giants shortstop Omar Vizquel will finally start his season Saturday and, even though he’s 41, he’s aiming to play next year if he can perform decently offensively this season. Vizquel has been on the DL since early in spring training. His injury will cost him a guaranteed $5.2 million contract for next year; he’ll likely take a $300,000 buyout and see what happens. (MLB.com)
Greinke going free at contract’s end?
More than 20 young players have signed multiyear contract extensions since the beginning of the year, a growing trend for team trying to save bucks long-term. The Royals don’t appear interested joining the club. In 24-year-old Zach Greinke’s seven starts, he’s 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA. In his two no-decisions, he gave the ball to the bullpen with K.C. leading. Still, Royals management hasn’t initiated talks and none are expected. (Kansas City Star)
Toronto leaving offense as is
The Blue Jays grabbed up free agent Brad Wilkerson and snagged Kevin Mench from the Rangers on Friday and now Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi is saying he’s done tinkering and this is the team that will soldier forward in Toronto for the rest of the season. But don’t expect the GM to throw away his cell phone. (MLB.com)
NBA
Jackson talking to Suns
Now that Mark Jackson has been unceremoniously dumped by the team that he was the frontrunner for (the Knicks), he’s apparently going to talk to Phoenix, where the man who took his supposed job in New York once served. Aside from names previously reported (Kurt Rambis, Tom Thibodeau, Paul Westphal), former Sun Jeff Hornacek is also an apparent possibility. (East Valley Tribune)
Marbury prepping for D’Antoni’s system
Even though point guard Stephon Marbury (and the remaining $22 million on the last year of his contract) are likely to be traded, he says he loves his hometown of New York and is prepping to take part in new coach Mike D’Antoni’s run-and-gun offense. Whatever team takes him, it’s likely to let him go after one season when his expired contract opens up lots of salary-cap room. (New York Daily News)
Who will man bench with D’Antoni?
The Knicks roster may be headed for a revamping now that Mike D’Antoni has taken over but first the head coach has to bring on his coaching staff. His brother, Dan, who once coached high school Ball is expected to move over from Phoenix along with D’Antoni’s assistants there, Alvin Gentry and Phil Webber, but both of those guys still have contracts with the Suns. Magic assistant Patrick Ewing is an expected target since he’s publicly stated that he wants to come back to the Knicks, but if D’Antoni can’t land him, Herb Williams is likely to stay on the coaching staff, where he’s been under Don Cheney, Lenny Wilkens, Larry Brown, and Isiah Thomas. (New York Daily News)
Heat picking Rose or Beasley
The NBA draft lottery Tuesday could leave Miami picking first and it’s believed that the team would go with Memphis point guard Derrick Rose if that happens, but there is some support for Kansas State power forward Michael Beasley. Pat Riley, though, is believed to be a Rose man and is apparently praying the Heat will pick first so it can get him. (Miami Herald, registration required)
Horry says Popovich better than Phil Jackson
Spurs forward Robert Horry has now played more NBA playoff games than any other player in history (238) and he’s got seven championship rings to show for it. In his opinion, any team that wants a good coach should be trying to get Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who Horry says is even better than Phil Jackson because the latter wouldn’t yell at the top players while the former treats everyone the same. (San Antonio Express)
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