Football

Just over a week before facing the Bengals in the season opener, the Ravens still haven't selected their starting quarterback. And there is no guarantee the issue will be settled after Baltimore hosts the Atlanta Falcons.

Coach Tony Dungy increased Peyton Manning's workload Wednesday, one day after he finally returned to practice and showed no lingering effects from the knee surgery that kept him out for the past six weeks.

Stay up to date with all the latest signings as they happen in one easy spot.

Defensive end Derrick Harvey ended a 33-day holdout on Wednesday by signing a five-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Quarterback Carson Palmer will skip Cincinnati's last preseason game, resting his broken nose while running back Rudi Johnson makes his first - and what he thinks could be his last - appearance in a Bengals uniform.

We picked up two unconfirmed tips that quarterback Casey Bramlet could be joining the Ravens as soon as tomorrow.  And so we rolled up our sleeves and confirmed it. Bramlet is joining the Ravens. The Chargers released Bramlet on Tuesday.  He was in Miami for part of 2007 with Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, who was the [...]

With Charlie Batch recovering from a broken collarbone and the final roster cuts coming up, the Steelers could be entering the 2008 NFL season with four quarterbacks on the roster. The final decision could be driven by the ability of Byron Leftwich to get the team’s attention when he gets the majority of the work in [...]

It was announced recently that former NFL defensive lineman Warren Sapp will join Inside the NFL on Showtime.  Now comes word that Sapp will become an NFL Network employee, on a new Sunday morning show titled NFL GameDay Morning. The show will air on NFLN from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern time. NFL GameDay Morning will [...]

After returning to practice with limited work on Tuesday, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning had no soreness in his knee on Wednesday. And so he got even more work. “We’ve been telling you guys that he’s been doing a lot of things, and we have a pretty extensive workout before we let guys get back on the field,” [...]

Though Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt has taken issue with reports that quarterback Kurt Warner will start the team’s regular-season opener, Warner has moved another step in that direction by being named starter for the preseason finale. But no one knows whether it will be Warner or Matt Leinart when things get started on September 7. “We all [...]

A pregnant woman has sued Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Dennis Northcutt, saying he arranged for his cousin to beat her up.

Shawne Merriman should have joined Philip Rivers on the operating table in Feb. to fix his damaged knee. But Merriman didn't and now, he's risking his career by saying he plans to play. If the San Diego front office isn't mad, they should be now, Clark Judge says.

Kurt Warner will be the Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback Friday night in their preseason finale against Denver, but coach Ken Whisenhunt says no decision has been made yet about who will start the opener at San Francisco.

When Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison takes the field on Thursday night for the preseason finale at Dallas, his heart will be pounding a little faster for two reasons.

During almost every break in practice Wednesday, Samie Parker went to the sideline, pulled out a sheet of paper and studied his new plays.

Aug. 30 - Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players. Aug. 31 - Each club may establish a practice squad of eight players. Sept. 4-8 - Week One of regular season. Oct. 13-15 - NFL fall meeting, ...

The Seahawks re-signed Jeff Robinson on Wednesday to serve as their long-snapper in 2008. The 38-year-old veteran was signed by the team last December to replace Boone Stutz for the remaining three regular-season games and both playoff games. ...

Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt announced on Wednesday that QB Kurt Warner will be the starter in Arizona's preseason finale against the Broncos on Friday. Warner has gotten far fewer snaps with the first team that Matt Leinart, who ...

The Arena Football League announced Wednesday that the free-agency signing period for the 2009 season will begin on Oct. 15. Teams will be allowed to talk to any of the 171 AFL players currently available for free agency on ...

Chargers LB Shawne Merriman informed the team Wednesday that he will forgo surgery on his injured knee and play in the 2008 season. Merriman, who was diagnosed with two torn ligaments in his left knee, visited four specialists in ...

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The Chiefs are adopting a new offensive philosophy and it can't hurt after what went on in 2007. Problem is Herman Edwards didn't get to change enough players to go along with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

The San Diego Chargers are one of the three top teams in the AFC and they have the good fortune of playing in the fourth-worst division in that conference. There is no reason to assume anyone in the West will challenge their supremacy.

Apparently unsatisfied with both candidates in a summer-long kicking competition, the Kansas City Chiefs signed free agent Jay Feely to a one-year contract Monday.

Ted Ginn Jr. took the punt, ran backward, shook off two defenders and jetted up the left sideline. He crossed the goal line and put his fist in the air, waiting for a mob of teammates as the Miami Dolphins' sideline erupted.

Rookie receiver Will Franklin limped off the Kansas City Chiefs practice field Thursday with a right knee injury.

It was a quiet summer at the Falcons' training camp. No quarterbacks going to jail, no picketing by PETA, little reference to the turbulent past. Unfortunately for the Falcons, it also promises to be a quiet season.

In six seasons since the NFL re-aligned into four divisions in 2002, the NFC South is the only division in which no team has repeated as champion and yet all four division teams have finished in first place at least once.

The Atlanta Falcons will name Matt Ryan as their starting quarterback, NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting.

Just four days after he was released by the Patriots, veteran tight end Marcus Pollard gets picked up by the Falcons.

Just over a week before facing the Bengals in the season opener, the Ravens still haven't selected their starting quarterback. And there is no guarantee the issue will be settled after Baltimore hosts the Atlanta Falcons.

The Baltimore Ravens traded for Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Marques Douglas on Wednesday, reacting quickly to defensive lineman Dwan Edwards' season-ending back injury.

Although there are four teams in the starting blocks, this figures to be a two-horse race between the Steelers and the Browns. Baltimore has enough defense and Cincinnati has enough offense to cause the front runners some angst.

The Ravens believe their defense can keep them in most games, but the fact of the matter is it gave up 24 points per game last season and is now a year older and without any significant reinforcements.

Even with newly signed Steven Jackson just a spectator, the St. Louis Rams' first-string offense ended its long slump with two touchdowns. Troy Smith's illness kept the Baltimore Ravens' quarterback derby on hold.

Buffalo Bills starting quarterback Trent Edwards returned to practice on Tuesday after missing a week with a bruised right thigh.

Safety Donte Whitner has already "guaranteed" the Bills will make the playoffs this season. That's a bold statement not only because they're coming off a 7-9 season, but because it's been eight years since they last played in the postseason.

The grand opening of Lucas Oil Stadium turned into a big dud for the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night.

There may not be an easier division to sort out than the AFC East this season. As it has been for more than half a decade, there's the New England Patriots and everyone else is playing for second place ... and a distant second at that.

Buffalo Bills starting quarterback Trent Edwards won't play in Sunday night's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts because of a bruise above his right kneecap.

The Panthers have had just one winning season in four years since their 2003 run to the Super Bowl, and they're undergoing an extreme makeover this year as coach John Fox tries to recreate past success.

In six seasons since the NFL re-aligned into four divisions in 2002, the NFC South is the only division in which no team has repeated as champion and yet all four division teams have finished in first place at least once.

With Jason Taylor limping off the field with a knee injury, the defense disintegrating without him and the offense almost as bad, the Washington Redskins face many unpleasant questions after an ugly preseason showing Saturday.

Carolina Panthers reserve tight end Chad Upshaw was on the field Thursday and the team tried to follow its normal practice routine.

When Steve Smith broke the huddle and lined up wide right, Ken Lucas was there to meet him on the other side of the line of scrimmage. This time, no punches were thrown.

The Bears' management believes it's still a very good team, which is why 10 players received contract extensions during the offseason -- and why the summer struggle was so perplexing.

Brett Favre's departure gives this division a whole new look and leads to a set of questions, starting, of course, with his successor, Aaron Rodgers. For starters, there is no longer a really established star quarterback in the division.

Chicago Bears first-round draft pick Chris Williams said he is optimistic about a fast recovery from back surgery to repair a herniated disc.

Chicago Bears backup linebacker Rod Wilson left the field on a cart with a broken right forearm in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night

Quarterback Carson Palmer will skip Cincinnati's last preseason game, resting his broken nose while running back Rudi Johnson makes his first - and what he thinks could be his last - appearance in a Bengals uniform.

Although there are four teams in the starting blocks, this figures to be a two-horse race between the Steelers and the Browns. Baltimore has enough defense and Cincinnati has enough offense to cause the front runners some angst.

As many as 12 Bengals have made headlines the past two years. None were for anything they did on the football field. That has to change and head coach Marvin Lewis said he was committed to it before training camp opened.

Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson sprained his left shoulder in the second preseason game, but is hopeful of returning for the Cincinnati Bengals' season opener.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer got roughed up again during a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night, leaving late in the first half with a bloody nose and a cut lip.

The Cowboys don't expect Marion Barber to change his bruising running style that made him a Pro Bowl selection last year.

Last year, the four NFC East teams compiled a 28-12 record against non-division opponents. Quarterbacks have brought the division back.

Terence Newman was on the practice field with the Dallas Cowboys for the first time in four weeks Monday, an indication that the Pro Bowl cornerback could be ready to play in the season opener.

The Broncos suffered through only their sixth losing season in the last 35 years and their first since 1999 in 2007, but may have to get used to it because this looks like a team that's unraveling.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall was in New York on Tuesday to appeal his three-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

The San Diego Chargers are one of the three top teams in the AFC and they have the good fortune of playing in the fourth-worst division in that conference. There is no reason to assume anyone in the West will challenge their supremacy.

Five-time Pro Bowl center Tom Nalen is headed back to the operating table.

Nowhere on the Denver Broncos does the competition appear closer than at punter.

One small step last year, another this year? Perhaps. Their streak of six straight years with double-digit defeats now ended, the Lions are trying to remake themselves in the image of coach Rod Marinelli's former team at Tampa Bay.

Brett Favre's departure gives this division a whole new look and leads to a set of questions, starting, of course, with his successor, Aaron Rodgers. For starters, there is no longer a really established star quarterback in the division.

Detroit Lions reserve quarterback Drew Stanton is expected to miss the first two games of the regular season after spraining his thumb in practice.

The Lions dominated the game from start to finish and came away from Cincinnati with a decisive 27-10 victory.

Aaron Rodgers did not know it at the time, certainly, but the emergence of running back Ryan Grant last season was one of the best things that ever happened for Rodgers. Grant can take some of the considerable heat off Rodgers.

The Green Bay Packers placed defensive tackle Justin Harrell on the physically unable to perform list Monday and released running back DeShawn Wynn.

Packers running back Ryan Grant returned to practice today after missing the first three exhibition games, but a dozen of his teammates are still hurting.

Brett Favre's departure gives this division a whole new look and leads to a set of questions, starting, of course, with his successor, Aaron Rodgers. For starters, there is no longer a really established star quarterback in the division.

Aaron Rodgers went from pathetic one week to just about perfect the next. Brett Favre's replacement as Green Bay's quarterback bounced back from a bad game at San Francisco.

In a division with the Colts' passing game and the Jaguars' running game that has to change for them to vault over one of the three teams ahead of them in a division where everyone made the playoffs but the Texans.

There is no division in football more highly competitive than the AFC South with the Colts, Jaguars and Titans all returning as playoff teams and the Texans on the edge of reaching the same plateau.

Texans receiver Harry Williams probably won't play football again after injuring his neck and spine in a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, a team physician said Monday.

The Indianapolis Colts activated quarterback Peyton Manning on Tuesday, clearing the way for the two-time NFL MVP to begin working out with his teammates.

Predictions of the Colts' inevitable demise have begun to surface, but the fact is they enter 2008 having won 10 or more games six straight years, tying them for the third longest streak of consistent winning in NFL history.

There is no division in football more highly competitive than the AFC South with the Colts, Jaguars and Titans all returning as playoff teams and the Texans on the edge of reaching the same plateau.

The grand opening of Lucas Oil Stadium turned into a big dud for the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night.

Colts quarterback Jim Sorgi did not play Sunday against Buffalo because of a "gimpy" knee.

Bill Parcells knows the numbers by heart. The Patriots were 9-39 the three years before he took them over. The Jets were 10-38. The Cowboys were 15-33. He knows the numbers and he knows he reversed them in all three places.

There may not be an easier division to sort out than the AFC East this season. As it has been for more than half a decade, there's the New England Patriots and everyone else is playing for second place ... and a distant second at that.

It's official. Chad Pennington is the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback.

Ted Ginn Jr. took the punt, ran backward, shook off two defenders and jetted up the left sideline. He crossed the goal line and put his fist in the air, waiting for a mob of teammates as the Miami Dolphins' sideline erupted.

Having a reliable quarterback is making all the difference for Ted Ginn Jr. The Miami Dolphins' speedy receiver is finally living up to his high draft billing -- albeit in the preseason.

Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte will sit out the preseason finale on Thursday night at Dallas.

The Vikings are putting together a team that likely would have been much more at home in the old Metropolitan Stadium than in the climate-controlled Metrodome, as they depend on a punishing running game behind Adrian Peterson and a terrific defensive line.

Tarvaris Jackson's sprained right knee was still stiff Monday, though the Minnesota Vikings quarterback said he's feeling better.

Brett Favre's departure gives this division a whole new look and leads to a set of questions, starting, of course, with his successor, Aaron Rodgers. For starters, there is no longer a really established star quarterback in the division.

The Vikings kept the pressure on Ben Roethlisberger, surrounded Willie Parker and held Pittsburgh's starting offense to three points Saturday before the Steelers rallied after halftime for a 12-10 victory.

The Patriots have arguable the best team and the easiest schedule in the NFL this season. Put them together and it's difficult to forecast stormy weather for them before the playoff winds begin to howl next January.

There may not be an easier division to sort out than the AFC East this season. As it has been for more than half a decade, there's the New England Patriots and everyone else is playing for second place ... and a distant second at that.

Tom Brady says he'll be ready for the New England Patriots opener even if a foot injury keeps him from taking a single snap in exhibition games.

Cause for concern or just a summer swoon for the Patriots? Three exhibition games and three sorry performances.

After seeing the Giants win it all with a great defense, several teams focused on improving that side of the ball. Still, adding talent and making it work within a defense is a challenge.

One year after the best season in franchise history, the Saints were one of the NFL's biggest disappointments last year. So the solution, they hope, was to put major emphasis on the defense, particularly the front seven.

In six seasons since the NFL re-aligned into four divisions in 2002, the NFC South is the only division in which no team has repeated as champion and yet all four division teams have finished in first place at least once.

Sean Payton's love for the passing game and Drew Brees' ability to throw the ball has produced fierce competition among receivers during the New Orleans Saints' past three training camps.

Jeremy Shockey ran some plays with the first team offense in practice on Monday and appears on track to make his first appearance in a Saints uniform when New Orleans plays its third preseason game on Saturday night in Cincinnati.

The Giants moved Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end to replace the injured Osi Umenyiora on Monday. Despite the plan, the Giants have also contacted Michael Strahan to gauge his interest in a possible return, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter.

What did Giants head coach Tom Coughlin add to his philosophy prior to the 2007 season? What did Eli Manning do to win new-found respect among his teammates? These questions and many more are answered during the newest episode of <i>America's Game</i>.

Under normal circumstances, the Giants should be one of the real glamour-team stories going into the 2008 season. Instead, they are overshadowed in their own division, and they are overshadowed in their own city by the Jets' acquisition of Brett Favre.

Defense wins championships. It may be a cliché, but what the New York Giants did in Super Bowl XLII against a record-setting offense was a reminder that it still rings true on today's NFL.

Last year, the four NFC East teams compiled a 28-12 record against non-division opponents. Quarterbacks have brought the division back.

Anyone who thought the Jets were building for the future got a wake up call when they acquired Brett Favre from the Packers after Favre and his old team could not find enough common ground to allow him back in Green Bay.

There may not be an easier division to sort out than the AFC East this season. As it has been for more than half a decade, there's the New England Patriots and everyone else is playing for second place ... and a distant second at that.

Brett Favre has watched film of his ill-fated throw in the NFC championship game and replayed it in his mind countless times.

His tearful retirement and tumultuous offseason were tucked away in his memory. Brett Favre was back where he's always been happiest: in the huddle with thousands of cheers providing a perfect soundtrack.

Jets quarterback Brett Favre was 5-of-6 with a touchdown in his debut, but the Redskins rallied for a 13-10 victory.

When you've averaged less than four wins a season for the past four years saying you've improved doesn't necessarily mean much. That being said, the Raiders should be better this year. Not competitive even in the AFC's weakest division, but better.

The San Diego Chargers are one of the three top teams in the AFC and they have the good fortune of playing in the fourth-worst division in that conference. There is no reason to assume anyone in the West will challenge their supremacy.

Hall of Famer, NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw dead at 63

Members of the Raiders remember Gene Upshaw.

Last year, the four NFC East teams compiled a 28-12 record against non-division opponents. Quarterbacks have brought the division back.

Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins is expected to be ready for the start of the season despite suffering a strained right ankle against New England.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Kevin Curtis will have surgery Thursday to repair a sports hernia and will likely miss the start of the regular season.

Although there are four teams in the starting blocks, this figures to be a two-horse race between the Steelers and the Browns. Baltimore has enough defense and Cincinnati has enough offense to cause the front runners some angst.

The Steelers faded at the end of the season, losing four of their last five including being pushed out of the playoffs on their home field. Now they face arguably the league's toughest schedule and an improving division opponent in Cleveland.

The Vikings kept the pressure on Ben Roethlisberger, surrounded Willie Parker and held Pittsburgh's starting offense to three points Saturday before the Steelers rallied after halftime for a 12-10 victory.

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker James Farrior to a five-year, $18.2 million contract with a $5 million signing bonus on Thursday.

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu participated in a full practice for the first time this preseason on Tuesday.

Even if Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman is lost for the season with the two ligament tears in his left knee that have kept him sidelined this summer, the Chargers should breeze to the division title.

Five players were released by the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday, including quarterback Casey Bramlet, to get down to the required 75-player limit.

The San Diego Chargers are one of the three top teams in the AFC and they have the good fortune of playing in the fourth-worst division in that conference. There is no reason to assume anyone in the West will challenge their supremacy.

Darren Sproles is making a strong bid to back up NFL rushing champ LaDainian Tomlinson.

Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman said Saturday he has two torn ligaments in his left knee and has been told by doctors that he could suffer a possible career-ending injury if he attempts to play without having surgery.

With the 49ers' dynasty only a faded memory, offensive coordinator Mike Martz is trying to build an offense with J.T. O'Sullivan, who worked under Martz last year in Detroit.

The Seahawks have finished in first place four times in a row in this division, but it's arguably a dubious achievement. Over those four seasons, this has been the weakest division in the league, the other three teams compiling a .349 winning percentage.

The San Francisco 49ers named J.T. O’Sullivan their starting quarterback on Friday.

The Seattle Seahawks finally have some good injury news. Lofa Tatupu has a bone bruise in his right knee, and coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday the Pro Bowl linebacker will be fine for the season opener Sept. 7 at Buffalo.

Since Tim Ruskell took over as president and general manager of the Seahawks in 2005, the team basically has upgraded one area at a time. With work on the defense essentially finished the offense began the makeover treatment at running back.

The Seahawks have finished in first place four times in a row in this division, but it's arguably a dubious achievement. Over those four seasons, this has been the weakest division in the league, the other three teams compiling a .349 winning percentage.

Darren Sproles is making a strong bid to back up NFL rushing champ LaDainian Tomlinson.

Bears Pro Bowl kicker Robbie Gould missed a 47-yard field goal as regulation time expired. Rookie Brandon Coutu did not. He made his fifth field goal of the game from 36 yards 3:28 into overtime.

The Rams have not had a winning season since 2003, the end of a five-year run in which they set the standard for offense in the league while averaging more than 11 victories a season.

The Seahawks have finished in first place four times in a row in this division, but it's arguably a dubious achievement. Over those four seasons, this has been the weakest division in the league, the other three teams compiling a .349 winning percentage.

Even with newly signed Steven Jackson just a spectator, the St. Louis Rams' first-string offense ended its long slump with two touchdowns. Troy Smith's illness kept the Baltimore Ravens' quarterback derby on hold.

Seven-time Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace is still dealing with shoulder soreness, but returned to practice on Thursday and could play in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore.

St. Louis running back Steven Jackson signed a six-year contract on Thursday, a day after agreeing to end a 27-day holdout, and was on the field for practice with the Rams after completing a physical.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams on the reserve physically-unable-to-perform list, meaning his bid to return from a serious knee injury will be delayed at least until after the sixth week of the regular season.

The Buccaneers are a case study of how fast things change in the NFL. Just as quickly as it appeared their window was closing, Tampa Bay rebounded to a division title in 2007.

In six seasons since the NFL re-aligned into four divisions in 2002, the NFC South is the only division in which no team has repeated as champion and yet all four division teams have finished in first place at least once.

Jon Gruden knows what he has in Jeff Garcia, so the Tampa Bay coach isn't sweating the veteran Pro Bowl quarterback's shaky preseason debut.

With Tom Brady sitting out for the second straight week, the defending AFC champions sputtered with backup Matt Cassel running the show in a 27-10 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night.

The Titans are hopeful returning offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger can do for Vince Young what he once did for Steve McNair a few years back, which is transform him into one of the league's elite quarterbacks.

There is no division in football more highly competitive than the AFC South with the Colts, Jaguars and Titans all returning as playoff teams and the Texans on the edge of reaching the same plateau.

Titans rookie receiver Lavelle Hawkins is wearing a walking boot on his left ankle, and coach Jeff Fisher said an MRI exam showed a sprain that likely will keep him out of Tennessee's third exhibition at Atlanta.

Through two exhibitions, Vince Young has completed seven passes in the seven series he has played.

Questions about the Redskins start with the new head coach, Jim Zorn. Zorn hopes the Redskins can pick up where they left off last season, winning their final four games to finish 9-7 and earn a wild-card playoff spot.

Last year, the four NFC East teams compiled a 28-12 record against non-division opponents. Quarterbacks have brought the division back.

Jason Taylor sported a big black brace on his right knee and the type of attitude he hopes will keep his consecutive games streak alive.

Washington Redskins offensive line coach Joe Bugel worked Saturday's preseason game against Carolina, two days after his daughter died from a rare form of bone cancer.

With the preseason more than half over, it's become quite clear that there is no need to read between the lines when listening to Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn evaluate a game.

Filed under: USAWhen you win eight gold medals at one Olympics, you get to do a lot of neat stuff when you get home. SI covers, Corn Flakes boxes, Speedo deals and media demands.Michael Phelps will do just that, as he will host the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live". The show kicks off its 34th season on September 13th with Lil' Wayne as the musical guest.Of course, it is always dicey when an athlete hosts SNL. Some do really well (Peyton Manning) while others have come off bland (LeBron James). Some just stunk up the joint (Lance Armstrong).Others have had iconic appearances. There was…

Filed under: Golden Boy PromotionsManny Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but he'll enter the ring as an underdog when he moves up from lightweight to welterweight to fight Oscar De La Hoya on December 6.Bodog has posted the odds on the fight, which was first reported today: Who will win the fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao?Oscar De La Hoya -400Manny Pacquiao +300 How many rounds will the fight last?Over 9 &frac12; EvenUnder 9 &frac12; -135 Those odds show a clear expectation that Pacquiao will struggle to move up from 135 pounds to 147…

Filed under: Raptors, USA Basketball, Chris BoshShot the day before Team USA left for China, this latest must-see video from Chris Bosh is a quick, candid and entertaining look at what it's like to sit down for some Wendy's with Deron Williams, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and LeBron James. Honestly, when was the last time you rolled into a San Francisco gas station and stumbled upon five of the best hoopsters on the planet? Such scenarios just do not happen all that often.LeBron James: "Man, you get a burger, get you some gas, and get you some coffee then stay on the road for another five hours…

Filed under: Pirates, NL Central, MLB Biz, The DugoutIt's the question that's been on every sports fan's mind: Quis re-custodiet ipsos custodes? Okay, it's the question that's been on the mind of every late 1st and early 2nd centuries CE Latin sports fan, and even though it probably had more to do with throwing the discus, we're using it tonight to talk about baseball. The instant replay initiative memos have been placed onto players' chairs, and that means instant replay is SERIOUS BUSINESS. Will it stop with home run calls? No. Will it stop with close plays in important situations? Of…

Filed under: TennisTennis star James Blake describes himself as "getting old" and being "a veteran on the tour," but as proven by his recent victory over Roger Federer in the Olympics, he's still got plenty of game left. So how does he feel about this year's U.S. Open? Who does he think is better, Federer or Nadal? And what are his thoughts on all the partying that went down in the Olympic Village? FanHouse talked to the native New Yorker about all this and more between matches at this year's Open. (For more from Blake, check out American Express' special Open coverage.)Randy Kim: "So what…

Surgery will have to wait for Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, who decided Wednesday he’ll play this season despite two torn ligaments in his left knee.

A pregnant woman has sued Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Dennis Northcutt, saying he arranged for his cousin to beat her up.

Kurt Warner will be the Arizona Cardinals’ starting quarterback Friday night in their preseason finale against Denver, but coach Ken Whisenhunt says no decision has been made yet about who will start the opener at San Francisco.

WashPost: The NFL's preseason wraps up over the next two days, with the Washington Redskins and Indianapolis Colts playing their fifth exhibition games and other teams playing their fourth. Those who think the football has been forgettable and the injuries suffered by players unnecessary can take solace in one thing: Most of those in the sport, including Commissioner Roger Goodell, agree.

Curran: The ability to win a play usually comes down to a very simple thing. One team had a better player on a lesser player more often on a particular Sunday.

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

Rudi Johnson expects the Bengals to trade him any day now.

Kurt Warner will be the Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback Friday night in their preseason finale against Denver, but coach Ken Whisenhunt says no decision has been made yet about who will start the opener at San Francisco.

A New Jersey lawmaker is urging the Giants to rethink their plan to sell personal seat licenses for every seat in the new football stadium at the Meadowlands.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller has a partially torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, a source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Showtime, boys and girls.  Welcome to College Football 2008.No sleep 'til January.Amen.

Toby from Weather Underground (no, not the Weather Underground, I'm not friends with unrepentant terrorists) emailed this worthwhile link:NCAA College Football WeatherThat's definitely going up in the Links as well as the Portal.  Thanks Toby.

Personally I think they should spend 24 hours a day on college football, but in its absence there's a special devotional starting at 7 p.m. Eastern, tonight.Rece Davis returns as the host this year.

Belated but still noteworthy: Sunday Morning Quarterback has a new gig with Yahoo! running its college football page.  Be sure to check out Matt Hinton at "Dr. Saturday".Great tagline BTW --Or: How I learned to stop worrying and love the BCS

College football injuries are a bummer.  CollegeInjuryReport.com is most definitely not a bummer.It earns CFR's stamp of approval.  Very "resource"-y.

Receiver Percy Harvin and middle linebacker Brandon Spikes will likely miss Florida's season opener against Hawaii on Saturday.

Florida State defensive tackle Emmanuel Dunbar was taken by ambulance to a hospital after suffering a back injury Wednesday in practice.

The Vince Young legacy keeps growing at Texas. The quarterback who led the Longhorns to the 2005 national championship will have his No. 10 retired in a ceremony before Saturday night's season opener against Florida Atlantic.

The Nebraska defense's 'Blackshirt' tradition hasn't ended, but it's definitely on hold. As of midweek, new coach Bo Pelini had not handed out the coveted black practice jerseys to Nebraska's defensive starters, and he says it's possible there will be no Blackshirts for Saturday's opener against Western Michigan. Or for the next game, or the next.

Artrell Woods was in the Oklahoma State weight room when his life came crashing down. With one misstep, the fleet-footed receiver's back had been broken by the force of the 185-pound weight he'd been carrying on his shoulders. In that instant football became an afterthought.