Penn State's Hayes done for season

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; September 7, 2008 – Penn State defensive end Jerome Hayes (Bayonne, N.J.) will miss the remainder of the 2008 season after suffering a serious knee injury in Saturday's 45-14 victory over Oregon State.

A redshirt junior, Hayes tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a play in the fourth quarter, according to Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, Penn State Director of Athletic Medicine. Hayes will have surgery within the next 2-3 weeks and rehabilitation will take approximately nine months, according to Sebastianelli.

Making his first career start in the contest vs. the Beavers, Hayes will be sidelined for the second consecutive year by a serious knee injury. During the 2007 season, he tore the ACL in his right knee on Oct. 13 against Wisconsin, missing the last six games of the season.

Hayes took a redshirt season as true freshman in 2005.

The season-ending injury to Hayes is the fourth to hit the Nittany Lions this season, all on the defensive side of the ball. In April, standout senior linebacker Sean Lee (Pittsburgh) suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a practice. Lee was elected an honorary captain for this season and plans to return as a fifth-year senior in 2009. During pre-season camp, redshirt freshman DT Devon Still (Wilmington, Del.) broke his left ankle. Still missed the 2007 season after tearing the ACL in his left knee during pre-season camp. Also in mid-August, redshirt freshman safety Nick Sukay (Mt. Pleasant) had surgery for sesmoiditis in his right foot and will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

A former U.S. Army All-American from Bayonne High School, Hayes made three tackles in the first two contests, with two vs. Oregon State. In 2007, the 6-2, 248-pound Hayes made 17 tackles (10 solo) with three tackles for losses, including 2.5 sacks for minus 13 yards this season on defense and special teams. Hayes made a career-best six stops (five solo) with a TFL at Michigan.

During the 2006 season, Hayes played in eight games, missing five contests with an early season foot injury. He made five tackles last season on defense and special teams.

Rams - Eagles inactives

ST. LOUIS RAMS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, 1:00 P.M. (ET)

Rams - 3rd QB Brock Berlin, WR Donnie Avery, FB Brian Leonard, G Roy Schuening, S Brannon Condren, LB David Vobora, OT John Greco, DE Eric Moore

Eagles - 3rd QB A.J. Feeley, WR Reggie Brown, DE Victor Abiamiri, LB Joe Mays, DE Bryan Smith, OL Winston Justice, G Mike McGlynn

Rashad Evans knocks out Chuck Liddell

Juarez - Barrios highlights

2000 Olympic Silver Medalist and Houston native Rocky Juarez (right) lands a right against Former World Junior Lightweight Champion Jorge Barrios (left), during their September 6, 2008 bout at the Toyota Center in Houston,Texas.

2000 Olympic Silver Medalist and Houston native Rocky Juarez poses for the media after his TKO win over Former World Junior Lightweight Champion Jorge Barrios after his September 6, 2008 bout at the Toyota Center in Houston,Texas.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Hogan/Golden Boy Promotions.

Diaz - Katsidis highlights

Former Three-Time World Champion and Houston native Juan Diaz poses for the media after his win over Former World Lightweight Champion Michael Katsidis after his September 6, 2008 bout at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Hogan/Golden Boy Promotions.

Penn State - Oregon State by the numbers

- Penn State has won 22 of its last 24 home games, dating to a win over Michigan State on Senior Day in 2004.

- The Nittany Lions have won 33 of their last 42 games overall (78.6) , tied for the seventh-best record nationally over that span entering today’s games.

- Penn State improves to 23-11 all-time in games against current members of the Pac-10. Oregon State was the last Pac-10 team that Penn State had not played. The Lions are 6-1 vs. Pac-10 squads since starting Big Ten play in 1993.

-The Nittany Lions are 54-11 (83.1) in non-conference games since joining the Big Ten.

- The Nittany Lions have scored a combined 111 points in their first two games, the most since the 1999 squad also scored 111 (41-7 vs. Arizona and 70-24 vs. Akron). The 1994 team scored 94 points in its first two games (56-3 vs. Minnesota; 38-14 vs. USC). This year marks the fourth time Penn State has scored at least 100 points in its first games in Joe Paterno’s 43 years as head coach.

-Penn State has scored at least 35 first half points in consecutive games for the first time since notching 35 or more in the first half of its first three games in 1994. (35 at Minnesota, 35 vs. Southern California, and 45 vs. Iowa).

- The Nittany Lions had eight plays of 20 yards or more from scrimmage, giving them 16 in the first two games.

- Penn State has a combined 1,048 yards of total offense in the first two games.

- Junior QB Daryll Clark set career-highs with 215 yards passing, 14 completions, 23 attempts and 61 yards rushing.

- Daryll Clark had a career-long 24-yard run in the first quarter.

- TB Evan Royster broke his career high for rushing yardage with 141 yards on 17 carries (8.3). His previous high was 126 last season against Purdue. Today was Royster’s second career 100-yard rushing game.

- Evan Royster has scored a combined six touchdowns in the first two games of the season, the first Nittany Lion player to accomplish the feat in his first two games since Lydell Mitchell had six against Navy and Iowa in the first two games of 1971 (five vs. Navy, one vs. Iowa). Royster is the only player under Joe Paterno to have six rushing touchdowns in his first two games, as Mitchell had five rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown.

- Evan Royster is the first Nittany Lion with a combined six touchdowns in consecutive games since Larry Johnson ran for eight touchdowns (4 in each game) vs. Indiana and Michigan State in the final two regular season games in 2002.

-WR Deon Butler had one catch for 24 yards today, moving him into second place on the career receiving yardage list with 2,014 yards. He trails only Bobby Engram, who had 3,026 receiving yards in his career.

-WR Jordan Norwood had a career-high 116 yards receiving on a career-high tying eight receptions. His previous high for yardage was 110 yards against Florida State in the 2006 Orange Bowl. He had eight receptions last season against Indiana.

-Norwood’s eight receptions for 116 yards give him 129 catches for 1,568 yards in his career. He moves him into third place on the career reception chart behind teammate Deon Butler who has 135 catches and also moves him into 10th place on the career receiving yards chart, behind Tony Johnson who had 1,702 yards receiving.

- PK Kevin Kelly’s third-quarter field goal extended his school record streak of consecutive games with a field goal made to 22.

- LB Tyrell Sales recorded a career-high 10 tackles (9 solo). His previous high was eight vs. Cincinnati in 2005 and Michigan State last year.

-LB Navorro Bowman had a career-high 10 tackles. His previous high was three tackles against Buffalo and Ohio State last season.

- LB Josh Hull and safety Mark Rubin made their first career interceptions.

- DE Aaron Maybin recorded his third sack of the season.

-DE Jerome Hayes made his first career start. Hayes left the game in second half with what was diagnosed as a serious injury to his left knee.

-Today’s attendance of 108,159 is the largest crowd that Oregon State has ever played in front of. The previous high was 104,741 at Michigan in 1986.

- Penn State will visit Syracuse next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the first meeting between the old rivals since 1990. The game will be regionally televised on ABC and ESPN GamePlan.

The Steve Lienert Show

The 21st episode of The Steve Lienert Show, a wildly popular Philadelphia sports podcast, is now available for entertainment purposes only at www.podmitten.com. Lienert and his esteemed co-host, Mark the Pickleman, introduce the new "Really?" segment, where they discuss the Penn State football suspensions for pot they didn't smoke. They also delve into the Phillies, how Brett Myers turned it around and whether or not Cole Hamels is getting too big for his britches.

On the Eagles front, Lienert gives an update on guard Shawn Andrews before breaking down the Eagles vs. Rams. Lienert and the Pickleman close the show with six NFL lock picks of the week,
all of which are sure to be completely off base.

It's 20 minutes of your life you'll never get back, so why not spend it listening to The Steve Lienert
Show?

Temple - UConn live blog

The Phanatic Magazine is live at the Linc as Temple tries for revenge against UConn in the shadow of Tropical Storm Hanna. The Owls should have won last year's game if a certain official that shall remain nameless showed some Mick Foley-like testicular fortitude.

11:15: It's humid but no rain yet. It's a shame they can't kick these things off early...Both teams are 1-0 and Temple leads 7-3 all-time in the all-time series and is a perfect 4-0 in Philly....ESPNU is here and former Miami coach Larry Coker is doing the color...

Temple captains are QB Adam DiMichele and WR Bruce Francis on offense. DT Terrance Knightnon is the defensive captain, while WR Travis Shelton has special teams honors for the day...

UConn is rated 37th in the country by the Associated Press so this is a big test for Al Golden and Company...

11:35 - Sparse crowd as you can imagine... I realize Hanna is here but it's a shame Philadelphia does not support college football. Golden has this team going in the right direction and they should be able to challenge in the MAC by next year.

On the plus side, at least for the guys...The Temple ladies are out in force and looking spectacular. Things have changed since I went to college...

11:40 - Fourteen of Temple's 22 starters are underclassmen, including 10 on defense. The only senior to start on defense is CB Evan Cooper.

11:44 - By the way, the Eagles are hosting the Rams here tomorrow so expect a a terrible track. As my favorite degenerate gambler Andy C. says "Bet the under."

11:47 - Pre-game Phanatic plugfest: check out McMullen and Gottlieb on WTBQ Radio; McMullen on the Team 990, listen to the Steve Lienert podcast and read his Eagles stuff at philadelphiaeagles.com and buy Jared Trexler's new Penn State book...

Why?...Why not

Also check out former-Phanatics Tim McManus and Tom Byrne on ESPN950.

11:53 - Cloudy and 78 with seven MPH winds just before kickoff...91 percent humidity, however. It's even sticky in the air-conditioned press box...Lee Corso's upset alert today...you guessed it, Temple over UConn

11:59 - I'm guessing 10,000 in the stadium before kickoff for a revenge game. I realize this is a four-sport professional city but that's embarrassing. When it comes to college football, Philly is no different than Miami or Tampa in a pennant race.

Any rich people out there want to build Temple a 35,000 seat stadium in the middle of North Philly?

12:02 - Temple wins the toss and wants to receive...Time for DiMichele...By the way, DiMichele is the Dustin Pedroia of college football. There is no way he should be any good but he is.

12:04 - Rain is here...it never fails

12:06 - First big play...DiMichele fakes a handoff inside and scurries for 19 yards. On next play, DiMichele hits James Nixon for 46 yards...Should have been a TD but Adam underthrew it...

12:09 - Temple should have had seven but DiMichele misfired on two consecutive passes...Owls settle for a Jake Brownell 22-yard field goal.

12:14 - UConn is led by Tyler Lorenzen, brother of former UK hefty lefty and NFL washout Jared Lorenzen.

12:16 - Owls come up big on defense -- Linebacker John Haley intercepts a deflected pass at Temple 28-yard-line.

12:19 - Temple in the hurry-up...Big pass from DiMichele to Francis negated by sack on the next play. Owls on to punt after draw on 3rd-and-20.

12:22 - Touchback and UConn will start at the 20. DiMichele looks wild high early.

12:23 - Steady rain now. May start to see some fumbling.

12:26 - UConn has settled down and is pounding the Owls with the ground game...

12:30 - Big 3rd-and-1 from Temple 13...UConn converts with power run by Donald Brown...

12:31 - Lorenzen was going in for TD on QB draw when he fumbled just before the goal line. Translation. I am psychic...DB Dominique Harris with the recovery in the end zone...play will be reviewed

12:33 - Clear fumble. Temple ball...fumble was forced by MLB Alex Joseph.

12:40 - End of the first quarter....Temple 3, UConn 0

FIRST QUARTER NUMBERS: DiMichele 4-of-7 for 70 yards plus 15 more on the ground...UConn had 96 yards rushing to just 33 for Temple.

12:58 - UConn is just killing the Owls on the ground. This is going to add up by the fourth quarter.

1:00 - Lorenzen had Michael Smith wide open in the end zone and threw a knuckle ball. Why the Huskies just didn't keep pounding the ball is beyond me...Amara Kamara kills the drive with a sack and Tony Ciaravino comes up empty from 34 yards out...Thank you Hanna...

1:02 - UConn is dominating this game since the opening drive but Temple still leads 3-0.

1:05 - DiMichele throws a strike to Shelton over the middle but Travis bobbled the ball and Lawrence Wilson was there to pick it off...

1:08 - Huskies were smart this time and kept it on the ground. But, the Temple D responded with a three-and-out and Ciaravino missed from 44 yards out, hitting the left upright...It's better to be lucky than good.

1:12 - The Owls finally got something going offensively again thanks to a 40-plus yard pass to tight end Steve Maneri on a wheel route and Brownell cashes in with a 41-yard field goal. Temple 6, UConn 0

1:19 - Another int. off a deflection by UConn. This time, it was DiMichele's fault. He tried to force the ball to Maneri in coverage. The rain is really coming down now...

1:23 - The Huskies game plan is flawed...Lorenzen can't throw in this weather.

1:26 - Halftime...Temple 6, UConn 0

HALFTIME STATS: DiMichels is 5-of-14 for 114 yards with another 24 on the ground. Meanwhile, Brown has 114 yards rushing for UConn while Lorenzen has another 59 but is just 6-of-11 passing for 37 yards...Hanna is now pounding the Linc so the Huskies should keep the ball on the ground.

1:41 - Sheets of rain coming down there but the wind still isn't all that bad...

1:48 - Second half is underway and we shall see if Huskies' coach Randy Edsall found some common sense in the locker room...

1:51 - Looks like the Wizard was in the UConn locker room during halftime dispensing some brains...Edsall didn't throw the ball until he had too on 3rd-and-10. Problem is, Temple knows they can't chuck it now...

1:55 - The rain is Biblical now as the Owls get their first chance in the second half. It's going to be difficult since they have shown no sign of a running game...

1:59 - Rain has let up a bit but Marquise Liverpool can't convert a 3rd-and-1 off tackle.

2:06 - Brown is killing the Owls now...Play action may work, even with Lorenzen...

2:08 - 3rd-and-3 at the Temple 44, UConn converts with the QB draw...The Huskies are one-dimensional but the Owls defense is wearing down...

2:13 - Owls rise up and force a 3rd-and-long. Lorenzen had an open receiver but threw behind him. UConn is clearly more talented but Temple has the better QB, kicker and head coach...

2:16 - Personal foul backs the Owls up...No chance on this possession...

2:17 - 3rd-and-a-million and DiMichele finds a wide open Shelton behind the defense for.....a drop....It's not Travis' day...that could be a killer...Owls have to punt from deep in their own end...

2:20 - End of third quarter, Temple 6, UConn 0

2:21 - Temple cheerleaders in the pouring rain...Could be worse

THIRD QUARTER NUMBERS - Brown up to 170 yards rushing

2:26 - Joseph was down for a moment but left under his own power. Huskies are now at the Temple 22.

2:29 - Winds are really picking up...Hanna may like the Cherry and White...Lorenzen looks clueless and almost throws another pick on an ugly shovel pass...Time for a Ciaravino hat trick?

2:31 - Nope, it's good from 36, Owls 6, Huskies 3 with 13:18 left...

2:33 - Temple must find a way to run it in this weather...Decent kick return by Shelton has the Owls starting at the 33.

2:36 - Offensive pass interference on Dy'Onne Crudup kills a Temple drive...That's not what a tired defense needed...

2:37 - Big time punt by Jeff Wathne in bad weather...At least Brown has a long field.

2:39 - Temple is obviously keying on Brown, forcing a Lorenzen pass on 3rd-and-long that could have been picked...

2:45 - Owls go three-and-out and Jasper Howard takes back punt 31 yards...

2:46 - Break in the weather should help UConn but Lorenzen looks gun shy...I grabbed a cup of coffee while a cross-field pass of his was in the air...Still, the Temple D is falling apart..

2:50 - 3rd-and-13 from the Owls 17...Stop me if you have heard this...Terrible pass by Lorenzen...37-yarder by Ciaravino evens things at 6-6 with 6:35 left...UConn 265 to 117 on the ground

2:52 - Hanna had really let up to give DiMichele a chance...Another penalty will have Temple starting at the 13...

2:55 - It's up to DiMichele...Liverpool can't gain a yard on two opportunities to convert a first down...Uh oh, Lamar McPherson on 4th-and-1 at the Temple 34...He's stoned....Owls just can't run the ball...Officials are reviewing the spot.

3:00 - Play stands...UConn takes over...terrible decision by Golden may cost the Owls the game...

3:02 - Owls D stands up....47-yard field goal or the Huskies will have to go on 4th-and-5...2:38 left

3:04 - wide left for Ciaravino

3:06 - DiMichele has 2:33 to win it...Rain has nearly stopped and Temple is running the ball?

3:07 - Adam just channeled Fran Tarkenton to convert a third down. Amazing scramble...

3:09 - 39 ticks left...3rd-and-8 from the 45 comes up empty...We should be looking at OT

3:10 - Great punt by Wathne secures OT...The Owls are lucky they are in the extra period. Ciaravino missed three field goals and Lorenzen has been awful...

3:12 - UConn won the toss and had decided to play D...Golden should try to get DiMichele on the edge where he can use his arm or legs...

3:13 - WR screen to Shelton down to three but Crudup called for holding...Ball all the way back on the 19.

3:17 - Late hit on UConn saves the Temple drive...

3:19 - 3rd-and-6 and DiMichele to Crudup comes up two yards short...Brownell boots the 21-yarder...The Temple D must keep the Huskies out of the end zone

3:21 - All Brown all the time...The Owls are about done...Three straight runs and its over...

3:22 - Tough loss for Temple...It was pretty obvious UConn wasn't about to let Lorenzen do anything but the Owls still couldn't stop Brown, who passed the 200-yard mark on the ground -- a career-high.

Don't expect this one on ESPN Classic anytime soon and that's not surprising because of the weather. What's disappointing is Temple had plenty of chances but couldn't make the big play. This is a team still learning how to win but at the end of the day, anytime the opposing quarterback is as bad as Lorenzen was today, you have to find a way.

I complimented Golden in the second quarter but I clearly jumped the gun. Too many penalties show a lack of discipline and there were some strange coaching decisions in the fourth quarter that spelled the difference.

All Eagles, All the time

With Eagles season ready to go here’s a scorecard of the TV and radio shows from Laura Nachman...

The Donovan McNabb Show returns to 6ABC Saturday nights at 12:05 a.m. Dave Spadaro hosts.

The Andy Reid Show returns to Fox29 Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Dave Spadaro hosts.

The Brian Westbrook Show airs on ESPN 950-AM Mondays at 7 p.m.

Reggie Brown will appear on WMGK 102.9-FM Mondays at 7 p.m.

John Runyan will appear as a player reporter for Fox29.

Former Eagle Hugh Douglas will contribute to Fox29.

Omar Gaither will be the player-reporter for Football Frenzy on 6ABC Sundays at 11:30 p.m.

Also, don’t forget the Eagles games will be on WYSP 94.1-FM and WIP 610-AM.

nd Comcast SportsNet will have to feed the Governor twice this year as there will be an Eagles Pre Game Live in addition to Post Game Live this season.

Eagles on Out of Bounds

Former Eagles Garry Cobb and Brian Mitchell will part of the panel on Out of Bounds every Monday at 7 p.m. on CN8. Meanwhile, former Eagle Brian Baldinger will contribute to the show every Wednesday.

Anderson to host Eagles Game Day Live on Fox29

Good Day Philadelphia’s John Anderson will be replacing Don Tollefson as the host of Eagles Game Day Live. Anderson also hosted the Fox29 specials from training camp.

Penn State's Rubin to be on ESPN's College GameDay

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; September 5, 2008 - Penn State’s Mark Rubin is scheduled to featured Saturday on ESPN's College GameDay Built by the Home Depot for his victories over Olympic champion Michael Phelps when they were teenage swimmers.

College GameDay Built by the Home Depot, with host Chris Fowler and analysts Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, airs from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. every Saturday during the college football season. Rubin was interviewed about his competitions with Phelps for a light-hearted feature called, “My World.”

Rubin, from Amherst, N.Y., and Phelps, from Baltimore, competed against other several times in Northeast region swimming championships when they were 12-14 years old. Rubin earned several victories over Phelps, the recent 8-time Olympic gold medal winner, in his best events, which were the 50 and 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

“I swam against him a couple times, beat him a couple times, and he beat me the majority of the time,” Rubin said recently. “I was mostly a freestyle and backstroker. So those were the events that I beat him in. Pretty much every other event he beat me in. I might have beat him three, four, five, six, seven times, but he beat me 20, 30, 40 times. He was a great swimmer because he was able to swim in every stroke, which is difficult for most guys.

Rubin was a two-time state champion swimmer at Amherst High School and an eight-time All-American. He also competed against recent U.S. Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte when he was a young swimmer.

Rubin is a starting safety for the No. 19 Nittany Lions, who host Oregon State Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The contest will air on ABC (ESPN2 outside ABC coverage area), the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com, the official website of Penn State Athletics.

Sixers to hold training camp at Penn State

In preparation for the 2008-09 season, the Philadelphia 76ers will hold Training Camp at Penn State University from September 30 through October 5, 2008. The Sixers return to Happy Valley for Training Camp for the first time since the 2003 preseason.

The Sixers conclude the six-day camp on Sunday, Oct. 5 and leave on Oct. 7 for their first preseason game against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Mullins Center on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Soul to hold two open tryouts

The ArenaBowl XXII Champion Philadelphia Soul will hold two open tryouts; one in the Philadelphia area at Widener University and one in Pittsburgh at Woodland Hills High School Stadium.

The Soul are looking for that “Cinderella story” of an athlete rising up from obscurity to play professional football. The Soul will hold tryouts for players at all positions and each athlete will be required to participate in offense and defensive drills. Players will complete at one of the following positions: QB, WR, DB, OL, DL, FB, LB or K.

Those interested in trying out should arrive one hour prior to tryout start time for registration. Players should dress in workout gear and have sneakers unless noted below. Pads will NOT be worn.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver and pay a registration fee by cash or money order only – no checks or credit cards will be accepted the day of the tryouts.

There is pre-registration available for Philadelphia ONLY by logging onto www.philadelphiasoul.com. Participants who pre-register and pre-pay will only be charged $60. If you only register, and do not pre-pay, you will be charged the full $75 the day of the tryout.

The workout will consist of running the 40-yard dash and 20-yard short shuttle. Players will then go through position drills and one-on-one drills, both offensively and defensively.

PHILADELPHIA INFORMATION:

WHERE: Widener University – Leslie C. Quick Jr. Stadium

Between 17^th Street and Melrose Ave.

Chester, PA 19013

For directions please visit: http://widenerpride.com/sports/2008/8/4/GEN_0804082855.aspx?tab=directions

WHEN: Sunday, September 28^th

Session 1 Registration (WR, DB and QB) Begins at 8:00 a.m. Tryout begins at 9:00 a.m.

Session 2 Registration (OL, DL, FB, LB and K) Begins at 12:00 pm. Tryout begins at 1:00 p.m.

EXTRA: The registration fee for this tryout is $75. If you pre-register and pre-pay

through www.philadelphiasoul.com, you will only have to pay $60. The tryout will be conducted on turf. No cleats are needed for the tryout.

PITTSBURGH INFORMATION:

WHERE: Woodland Hills High School Stadium (The Wolvarena)

1400 Lynn Avenue, Turtle Creek, PA 15145

WHEN: Saturday, October 12^th, 2008

Session 1 Registration (WR, DB and QB) Begins at 8:00 a.m. Tryout begins at 9:00 a.m.

Session 2 Registration (OL, DL, FB, LB and K) Begins at 12:00 pm. Tryout begins at 1:00 p.m.

EXTRA: The registration fee for the tryout is $60. There is NO pre-registration

available for this tryout. The tryout will be conducted on field turf. Cleats or sneakers are recommended

Phillies bring back Iguchi

The Phillies are expected to announce the signing of infielder Tadahito Iguchi today.

Iguchi is expected to join the the club before tomorrow's game against the Mets. He would not be eligible for postseason play, however.

AFFLICTION signs deal with HDNet

DALLAS (September 3, 2008) - HDNet Fights today announced a long-term partnership with Affliction Entertainment to air live MMA events exclusively in North America on HDNet. These live events, featuring the top Mixed Martial Arts fighters from around the world, will be broadcast on HDNet as a lead-in to Affliction’s Pay Per View Events.

“This is the beginning of a long-term partnership with Affliction that encompasses live MMA, co-marketing and top fighters for the top weekly show in MMA - Inside MMA on HDNet,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “Affliction has quickly become one of the top organizations in MMA which means it is a must have for HDNet.”

As part of the agreement, HDNet will feature the first ninety minutes of live bouts that are part of each Affliction MMA event. Affliction joins the deep HDNet Fights lineup, which already features more LIVE events than any other network on television today.

HDNet will kick off the coverage with Affliction’s upcoming “Day of Reckoning” event, to be broadcast LIVE from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on October 11th. HDNet’s coverage of the first three preliminary bouts will include a match-up between Jason High vs. Mike Pyle (welterweight) followed by Paul Buentello vs. Roy Nelson (heavyweight).

Kenny Rice, Bas Rutten, and Ron Kruck will be on hand to call the action live on the HDNet broadcast, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

Eagles Friday injury report - Brown doubtful

ST. LOUIS

Wednesday Thursday Friday

OUT None OUT

None WR Donnie Avery (knee)(out)

Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate

WR Donnie Avery (knee) WR Donnie Avery (knee)

Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation

C Brett Romberg (hand) None

Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation

CB Fakhir Brown (shoulder) CB Fakhir Brown (shoulder) CB Fakhir Brown (shoulder) (prob)

RB Brian Leonard (shoulder) RB Brian Leonard (shoulder) RB Brian Leonard (shoulder) (prob)

C Brett Romberg (hand) C Brett Romberg (hand) (prob)

PHILADELPHIA

Wednesday Thursday Friday

OUT OUT OUT

DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist) DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist) DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist) (out)

WR Kevin Curtis (hernia) WR Kevin Curtis (hernia) WR Kevin Curtis (hernia) (out)

Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate

None WR Reggie Brown (hamstring) WR Reggie Brown (hamstring) (doubt)

Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation

WR Reggie Brown (hamstring) None

Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation

RB Lorenzo Booker (hip) RB Lorenzo Booker (hip) RB Lorenzo Booker (hip) (prob)

DE Chris Clemons (calf) DE Chris Clemons (calf) DE Chris Clemons (calf) (prob)

S Sean Considine (hand) S Sean Considine (hand) S Sean Considine (hand) (prob)

S Brian Dawkins (ankle) S Brian Dawkins (ankle) S Brian Dawkins (ankle) (prob)

G Max Jean-Gilles (knee)

Brown on WMGK

Eagles wide receiver Reggie Brown will appear on Ray Koob’s show on WMGK
102.9-FM every Monday night from 7 - 8 p.m. live from Chickie’s and Pete’s in
Bordentown, NJ.

Fans may email questions or comments to ask86@wmgk.com.

Phils' 3b coach Smith suspended

Philadelphia Phillies third base coach Steve Smith was suspended two games and fined an undisclosed amount Thursday.

Smith received the punishment for his inappropriate actions against
umpires Chris Guccione and Bill Welke at the end of the seventh inning
during last Friday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.

Smith is scheduled to begin his suspension in Friday’s series opener at the New York Mets. The Phillies trail the Mets by three games in the National League East.

Eagles Thursday injury report

Practice Report

Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday
DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)

Thursday
DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)

Did Not Participate In Practice

Thursday
WR Reggie Brown (hamstring)


Limited Participation in Practice

Wednesday
WR Reggie Brown (hamstring)

Full Participation in Practice

Wednesday
RB Lorenzo Booker (hip), DE Chris Clemons (calf), S Sean Considine (hand), S Brian Dawkins (ankle), G Max Jean-Gilles (knee)

Thursday
RB Lorenzo Booker (hip), DE Chris Clemons (calf), S Sean Considine (hand), S Brian Dawkins (ankle)

Flyers' Spectrum tix on sale Saturday

Tickets to one of the most anticipated Philadelphia Flyers preseason games ever - the Flyers vs. the Carolina Hurricanes at their former home, the Wachovia Spectrum, on Saturday, September 27 - will go on sale on Saturday, September 6 at 10:00 a.m. In addition, two other preseason games (both at the Wachovia Center) will also be available.


"There is certainly a lot of buzz and anticipation for the upcoming Flyers season," said Flyers Senior Vice President Shawn Tilger. "With our return to the Spectrum combined with last season's trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, our fans are hungry for more. It's not too early to be thinking Flyers hockey."


Tickets for the Flyers’ preseason games can be purchased online at www.philadelphiaflyers.com, by calling 1-800-298-4200 or by visiting the Wachovia Complex Box Office.


Ticket prices for the three preseason games are $96 (Lower Level), $63 (Mezzanine Level, Section 201 through 221A, 223 and 224, Rows 1 through 7 and Mezzanine Level, Section 201 through 202, 212 through 214 and 224, Rows 8 through 11), $53 (Mezzanine Level, Section 203 through 211, 215, 219 through 221A and 223, Rows 8 through 11), $46 (Mezzanine Level, Section 201 through 205A, 209 through 217A, 221 and 221A and 223 through 224, Rows 12 through 15) and $26 (Mezzanine Level, Section 206 through 208 and 218 through 220, Rows 12 through 15). There are also two Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms Family Sections (Mezzanine Level, Sections 222 and 222A), where adult tickets are $20 and kids tickets are just $10.


The Flyers open their 2008 preseason schedule vs. the New Jersey Devils on Monday, September 22, at the Wachovia Center. The Flyers will play eight preseason games, including two at the Wachovia Center (Monday, September 22 against New Jersey and Wednesday, October 1 against the Washington Capitals) in addition to their much anticipated return to their former home.

The Flyers are returning to the Wachovia Spectrum for a very special preseason contest against the Hurricanes on Saturday, September 27, as the club is celebrating the last season of the historic arena Spectrum. Comcast-Spectacor recently announced that this will be the last year of the Wachovia Spectrum at the conclusion of the Philadelphia Phantoms and Philadelphia Kixx, hockey and indoor soccer seasons.


The complete Flyers’ 2008 preseason schedule is as follows:



FLYERS’ 2008 PRESEASON SCHEDULE



Date Opponent Venue Time

Monday, September 22 New Jersey Devils Wachovia Center 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 24 Ottawa Senators Scotiabank Place 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 25 New York Islanders John Labatt Centre (London, ON) 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 27 Carolina Hurricanes Wachovia Spectrum 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 28 Carolina Hurricanes RBC Center 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 1 Washington Capitals Wachovia Center 7:00 p.m.

Friday, October 3 Washington Capitals Verizon Center 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 4 New Jersey Devils Prudential Center 7:00 p.m.

Romano joins Comcast Sportsnet

WMMR’s Kathy Romano will join Eagles Pre Game Live, Post Game Live,
and Monday Night Live on Comcast SportsNet this season as a contributor.

Romano has been the in-arena host for the Sixers since 2004.

The West Chester University grad will also continue on the “Preston and Steve” show on WMMR.

Eagles-Rams injury report

ST. LOUIS

Wednesday Thursday Friday

OUT OUT OUT

None

Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate

WR Donnie Avery (knee)

Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation

C Brett Romberg (hand)

Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation

CB Fakhir Brown (shoulder)

RB Brian Leonard (shoulder)

PHILADELPHIA

Wednesday Thursday Friday

OUT OUT OUT

DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist)

WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)

Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate

Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation

WR Reggie Brown (hamstring)

Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation

RB Lorenzo Booker (hip)

DE Chris Clemons (calf)

S Sean Considine (hand)

S Brian Dawkins (ankle)

G Max Jean-Gilles (knee)

Brown spouts off on Rosenhaus

"If you know (Rosenhaus') track record, it's more of a disappointment to me that he enticed the guy (Lito Sheppard) into signing with him," Brown told Philly.com. "Thinking that he could get the deal done. Agents don't get the deals done. The player gets the deal done. That's what's disappointing.

"I wouldn't say it bothered me, because I'm bigger than that, I'm a professional ... Drew hasn't been with Sheldon Brown for 7 years; I think he's been with Lito for 2 months. He hasn't followed by career. He hasn't broke down any film; he probably couldn't tell you what number (Brown wears). It's really irrelevant ... (from watching the video) you would think the guy has been scouting tape and know(ing) the statistics and following us our whole career.

"A lot of times, people should just worry about their (own) jobs."

Sixers officially sign F Marshall

Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that the team has signed free-agent forward Donyell Marshall. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Donyell Marshall has proven time and time again his value as a player in this league,” Stefanski said. “We believe his ability to stretch defenses with his perimeter shooting will prove to be a great asset for our team and we look forward to having him back home in Philadelphia.”

Marshall (6-9, 245) has played for seven teams during his 14 NBA seasons, averaging 11.4 points (43.5% FGs, 34.8% 3FGs, 73.3% FTs), 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.90 blocks in 932 games with 422 starts. He has also appeared in 41 career playoff games, averaging 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game.

Since the start of the 2003-04 season, Marshall has hit 520 3-pointers in 335 games played while shooting 37.0% from behind-the-arc. In a game for the Toronto Raptors against the Sixers on Mar. 13, 2005, Marshall tied the NBA single-game record for most 3-pointers made with 12.

The native of Reading, Pa. was the fourth overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft by Minnesota following his junior season at the University of Connecticut in which he was named a consensus All-America First Team selection and Big East Conference Player of the Year.

Midway through his rookie season, the Timberwolves traded Marshall to the Golden State Warriors, where he would spend the next five seasons. Marshall enjoyed two of his best seasons with the Warriors, averaging a career-high 15.4 points in 1997-98 and averaging a double-double with 14.2 ppg and a career-high 10.0 rpg in 1999-00.

In August of 2000, Marshall was traded to Utah as part of a four-team, nine-player deal, which teamed him with future hall-of-famers John Stockton and Karl Malone. After two years with the Jazz, Marshall signed as a free-agent with the Chicago Bulls, where he averaged 13.4 points and 9.0 rebounds during the 2002-03 season. In December of 2003, he was traded to Toronto and averaged 16.2 points and 10.7 rebounds the remainder of the season for the Raptors.

Marshall signed as a free-agent with Cleveland in August of 2005 and played in all but two games during his first two seasons with the Cavaliers. In his first two seasons with Cleveland, the Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2006 and the NBA Finals in 2007. Marshall started last season with Cleveland before being packaged in a three-team trade to Seattle in February. Seattle, now Oklahoma City, waived Marshall back on Aug. 20.

Couture's back with UFC

Randy Couture finally figured out the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

In Couture's case, the other side of the MMA fence featured struggling groups that just didn't have the money or clout to put together a dream fight between the reigning UFC heavyweight champ and the consensus best pound-for-pound fighter in the division, Russian superstar Fedor Emelianenko.

At 45 years old, Couture's shelf life was getting smaller by the day and his quest to face the best competition was overshadowed by the opportunity for a big pay day.

So, Couture, who hasn't fought since a third-round TKO victory over Gabriel Gonzaga in August 2007, made nice with Dana White and is now ready to return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

As part of a new three-fight deal with UFC, Couture (16-8) has agreed to defend his championship against the popular but inexperienced Brock Lesnar (2-1) (left) on November 15 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

The winner of the bout will move on from there to face the winner of December's Antonio Nogueira, the UFC's interim heavyweight champ, - Frank Mir fight.

"I am happy to announce that UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture will be returning to action," White, the UFC president, said. "He's a legend in the UFC, and one of the fighters that helped build this sport."

The bad blood between Couture and UFC hit the headlines nearly a year ago when the champ "resigned" with two fights left on his deal, citing issues over his pay and the company's inability to sign Emelianenko.

Couture was after a potential bout with Emelianenko outside the UFC's auspices and signed a contract with Mark Cuban's Dallas-based HDNet Fights in February of 2008.

Cuban quickly filed suit against the UFC on Couture's behalf in Dallas district court, hoping to pressure the UFC into releasing its second largest pay-per-view drawing card.

Instead, fearing a possible Couture-Emelianenko bout in a fledgling promotion, Zuffa LLC, the parent company of UFC, made a sound business decision to fight the contract impasse in court, believing if Couture decided to fight, his next two matches belonged under the UFC banner.

In August, a Texas appeals court ruled in favor of Zuffa and essentially brought Couture back to the negotiating table.

As a concession, UFC will attempt to put together a bout between Couture and Emelianenko in 2009.

"We're gonna do everything we can to make that fight happen," White said. "Emelianenko's under another contract right now to another promotion (AFFLICTION) and if we can work it out with the other promotion we will, but we're not going to screw around with another contract."

However, White reiterated he would not be open to a co-promotion effort with any rival organization.

"I think a lot of compromises were made on both sides," Couture said, "but we're both ready to try and move forward. We've cleared the air and we're both in different places than we were a year ago. Sitting last year in legal fights was not something I've enjoyed."

A three-time All-American wrestler at Oklahoma State, Couture made his MMA debut at UFC 13 in May of 1997, where he won a heavyweight tournament.

From there, Couture emerged as one of the most popular and successful mixed martial artists in history, and became the first UFC fighter to win championships in two weight classes (light heavyweight and heavyweight).

Of course, age is the ultimate equalizer in combat sports and will eventually catch up to the most accomplished fighter. The 260-pound Lesnar, a former NCAA heavyweight champion at the University of Minnesota, will enter the matchup with a huge advantage in both power and quickness over Couture.

"I have a lot of respect for Brock as an athlete and a collegiate wrestler, but I know exactly where he's at, he's trying to make the transition from a wrestler to mixed martial arts," said Couture. "I've been there, done that, and I know what the pitfalls are."

Whether Lesnar, a virtual novice on the ground with few submission skills, is able to hang with Couture is a compelling story, and UFC expects the fight to draw one of its largest pay-per-view buy rates in history.

"It's an honor to fight Randy Couture, he's a legend in this sport, and to get the chance to test myself against him is a gift," said Lesnar. "A lot guys would love to have this opportunity, Randy is the UFC heavyweight champion. There is one goal that I've had since I started training in MMA and that is to capture the title. Now that I'm getting the chance, nothing is going to stop me."

Win, lose or draw, it will be nice to see Couture back where he belongs...in the Octagon...an almost unthinkable conclusion just a few months ago.

"I have always said that wrestling is one of the best bases you can have in MMA and not only is Randy a top level wrestler but his opponent is as well," White said. "Brock Lesnar showed the MMA world that he is for real in his last fight, dismantling the far more experienced Heath Herring.

"His combination of speed and power was absolutely devastating. It is a fascinating matchup: the crafty, multiple-time heavyweight champion versus the younger, bigger, and stronger challenger. This is one that will go down in the history books."

-photo courtesy of UFC

Brackins signed to Jets practice squad

The New York Jets released receiver Larry Brackins, a member of the 2008 Arena Bowl champion Philadelphia Soul, Saturday but have re-signed him to the practice squad.

Rutgers - Fresno State by the numbers

Monday's game marked the first meeting on the gridiron between Rutgers and Fresno State.

Monday's attendance of 42,508 marks the 11th consecutive sellout at Rutgers Stadium.

The last time Rutgers and its opponent played to a scoreless first half was Oct. 22, 1994 at Boston College. That game ended in a 7-7 tie.

Rutgers shutout its opponent in the first half for the first time since Sept. 15, 2007, when it blanked Norfolk State in Piscataway en route to a 59-0 victory.

Monday's game marked the first time Rutgers was held scoreless in a first half since Oct. 12, 2002 against West Virginia at home.

Player Notes:

Redshirt freshman Kordell Young rushed for a career-high 94 yards on a career-high 26 carries. His previous career-high yardage total was 39 yards at West Virginia on Dec. 2, 2006 and his previous career-high carry total was eight against Illinois on Sept. 9, 2006.

Young also scored his first touchdown since Oct. 14, 2006 against Navy. He now has four career rushing touchdowns.

Today’s game marked the first career start for redshirt sophomore RB Kordell Young, redshirt freshman RG Caleb Ruch and redshirt freshman LB Manny Abreu. Redshirt freshman PK San San Te made his first career appearance on the game’s opening kickoff and also recorded his first career field goal attempt in the first quarter. Redshirt freshman P Teddy Dellaganna made his first career appearance in the first half as well.

Several others players also made first career appearances. True freshman DB David Rowe entered during the first quarter. Redshirt freshman Joe Martinek made his first career appearance in the third quarter, hauling in a pass. Redshirt freshman Wayne Thomas saw his first career action on Rutgers’ first field goal attempt in the first quarter and true freshman Patrick Kivlehan made his first career appearance on Fresno State’s first punt of the game.

With his first reception of the season, junior WR Kenny Britt recorded 41 yards, moving into eighth place on the career receiving yards list with 1,713 yards. Britt finished with six receptions for 89 yards to give him 1,761 career yards.

Senior FS Courtney Greene finished the game with eight tackles, becoming the eighth Rutgers player in school history to top the 300-tackle mark for his career. He now has 307 tackles in his 39-game career.

Junior LB Ryan D’Imperio finished with a career-high eight tackles. His previous high was three against West Virginia on Oct. 27, 2007.

Sixers keep getting better

The 76ers have reportedly agreed to terms with veteran free agent forward
Donyell Marshall on a minimum salary contract.

Msrshall's agent, Andy Miller, confirmed to Phil Jasner that Marshall is scheduled to meet with
the Sixers tomorrow, undergo a physical and sign a deal over the next few days.

The 35-year-old Marshall, a Reading native, will make $1,262,275 next season.

Chargers sign TE Wilson

The San Diego Chargers signed tight end Kris Wilson, who was cut by the Eagles.

Browns claim OL Young

The Cleveland Browns were awarded offensive lineman Scott Young off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles Monday.

Young spent the past three seasons with the Eagles as a backup guard and appeared in 13 career games. He was originally a fifth round draft choice of the Eagles in 2005 out of Brigham Young. Young played in a career-high 12 games and two postseason contests with the Eagles in 2006.

To make room for Young on the roster, the Browns waived offensive lineman Nathan Bennett.

Cleveland also signed former Delaware star running back Omar Cuff to its practice squad.

Bears sign FB Jason Davis to practice squad

The Chicago Bears signed ex-Eagles fullback Jason Davis to their practice squad Monday.

Eagles fill out practice squad

The Eagles signed the following eight players to their practice squad Monday:

CB Kyle Arrington
FB Jed Collins
DT Mike Marquardt
WR Shaheer McBride
T Chris Patrick
WR Willie Reid
LB Andy Studebaker
CB Trae Williams

Arrington, Collins, Marquardt, McBride and Studebaker were all released as part of the Eagles final roster cut down on Saturday.

Patrick (6-4, 280) spent the 2008 preseason with San Francisco and Detroit. He originally signed with the New York Giants as a rookie free agent in 2007, but was released and claimed by New England that summer before landing on Green Bay’s practice squad. A native of Ithaca, MI, he played collegiately at Nebraska.

Reid, a 3rd round draft pick of Pittsburgh in 2006, he saw action in six games with the Steelers over the last two seasons. In 2007, he caught 4 passes for 54 yards. Reid was one of Florida State’s top punt returners in school history, joining Deion Sanders (1,429) as the only other player to top the 1,000-yard plateau in punt return yardage in a career with 1,063. His average of 15.4 yards per punt return is ranked first in school history.

Williams (5-10, 195) was selected in the 5th round of the 2008 draft by Jacksonville after a stellar career at South Florida, where he finished his college career ranked second in school history with 16 interceptions, and first in return yards (219) and touchdowns (4). The Plant City, FL, native played alongside CB Mike Jenkins, a first round draft pick of Dallas in 2008, in college.

Delaware's Walters is CAA Defensive Player of the Week

Delaware's Anthony Walters was named co-CAA Defensive Player of the Week.

The sophomore made a team-high 13 tackles from his cornerback position, which also marked a career-best for the second-year player, in Delaware's 14-7 loss at Maryland. The Philadelphia, Pa., native garnered an interception during the third quarter as the Terrapins were assembling a then-49 yard drive deep into Delaware territory. Walters and the Blue Hen defense held Maryland's offense to just 14 points on the day, while forcing two turnovers (two interceptions) in the contest.