Sources: Pistons eye Isiah, Laimbeer for coach

While Knicks fans fret about the possibility of Isiah Thomas returning to New York, the Detroit Pistons are considering Thomas for their vacant head coaching position, according to league sources.

Thomas is not the leading candidate, sources say, but he is on Detroit's short list along with Mike Woodson, Kelvin Sampson and his former Pistons teammate Bill Laimbeer.

Thomas Laimbeer

Thomas, currently the head coach at Florida International University, made headlines this past weekend after the Knicks announced on Friday that Donnie Walsh would not return as the club's president and general manager. Because of Thomas' close relationship with Knicks owner James Dolan, there was speculation that Thomas could regain control of the Knicks.

Sources close to the Knicks' situation insist that Thomas will not be re-hired as the team's president or general manager and Thomas told ESPNNewYork.com's Ian O'Connor on Friday that he has "no desire to return" to the Knicks as president or as Walsh's replacement.

Thomas served as the New York's president in a controversial reign from 2003-2008 that left him among the most hated sports figures in recent New York history.

That is not the case, however, in Detroit, where Thomas led the Pistons to back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. Widely regarded as the greatest player in franchise history, the Hall of Famer could return to a club that has suffered through three straight losing seasons.

While Thomas' performance in the Knicks' front office left much to be desired, he has enjoyed success as a coach. He led the Indiana Pacers to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2000-2003 and helped develop Jermaine O'Neal, Jalen Rose and Ron Artest into stars. It's that success with young players that has the Pistons intrigued, according to sources.

In 2002, Thomas led the Pacers to a 34-15 start and was the coach of the Eastern Conference in the All-Star Game. However, the Pacers finished poorly and were eliminated in the first round for the third straight year, leading to Thomas' firing.

After joining the Knicks as team president, Thomas took over the club's coaching duties at the start of the 2006-2007 season. Over the next two years, his Knicks finished a disappointing 56-108.

Thomas, sources say, has been longing to return to the NBA. A return to Detroit would serve as a reunion with his close friend and former Hall of Fame backcourt mate, Joe Dumars, the Pistons' president.

Chris Broussard covers the NBA for ESPN The Magazine.

Follow Chris Broussard on Twitter: @chris_broussard

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Sources: Negotiations in progress to sell 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers owner Comcast-Spectacor is in talks to sell the team to a group led by New York-based leveraged buyout specialist Joshua Harris, according to sources.

Negotiations are ongoing and a source with knowledge of the talks called a deal "imminent."

The Associated Press, citing a person familiar with the deal who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the team could be sold within the week. The source said Harris' group was not the only bidder but is now the lead bidder, adding the deal has been in the works for several months.

Once the parties reach final agreement, it would become official only with approval of the league's Board of Governors.

[+] Enlarge Steve Mitchell/US PresswireElton Brand and the Sixers could be playing for a new team owner next season if talks are successful.

The team had not been publicly offered for sale.

In a statement, Comcast-Spectacor chief operating officer Peter Luukko told The AP there are "discussions about the future of the team" that are confidential, but did not address a possible sale.

Harris, 46, co-founded Apollo Global Management, a publicly-traded firm which invests primarily in distressed properties, in 1990. In Forbes' 2011 billionaire rankings, Harris was reported to have a net worth of $1.5 billion.

Harris, through an Apollo spokeswoman, declined comment.

Other investors in the deal include private equity executive David Blitzer and former NBA player agent and Sacramento Kings executive Jason Levien.

Blitzer moved from New York to London in 2002 to create the London-based European office of the Blackstone Group, one of the largest private investment groups in the world.

As an agent, Levien represented players including Kevin Martin, Luol Deng and Udonis Haslem.

Harris and Blitzer have Philadelphia ties, having graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania within a few years of each other.

Through his holding company Spectacor, Ed Snider has controlled the Sixers since 1996 -- the same year Spectacor merged with Comcast. Comcast-Spectacor also owns the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers, and the Wells Fargo Center where both teams play. The company would continue to own and operate the arena with the Sixers as a tenant, according to sources.

The Associated Press left a message for Snider seeking comment.

The Harris group would become the sixth owners in the club's 65-year history, which is among the league's richest. Only the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have won more regular-season games, and the Sixers are one of just eight NBA teams with three or more championships.

In recent years the team's performance has been somewhat lackluster, despite a significant payroll. This season, under coach Doug Collins, the Sixers, led by Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young, defied expectations by making the playoffs. Their run was ended by the Miami Heat in five games.

The 78-year-old Snider has long been more closely associated with hockey than basketball. He founded the Flyers in 1966, is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and operates a Philadelphia-based youth hockey program that bears his name.

The 76ers were valued this year by Forbes at $330 million, 17th in the NBA. Comcast SportsNet spokeswoman Maureen Quilter said the 76ers have a deal with the station through 2029.

"The thing that they're buying is the cable," Forbes media executive editor Mike Ozanian said. "That's the biggest part of the asset. It's been undermonetized, the cable deal.

"They've got to get at least twice of what they've been getting. It's under $13 million a year. They'll have no problem. It's pure profit because there's no cost associated with that."

Ozanian said even with a potential lockout looming, the timing could be right for a buyer to strike.

"A labor stoppage can work to your advantage," he said. "If you believe they're going to get a significantly lower salary cap, and a hard salary cap, it can be positive for team values and profits."

Harris' group would be purchasing a team that hasn't won a championship since 1983. Philadelphia has won only one playoff series since losing to the Lakers in the 2001 NBA finals.

The franchise's roots date back to the NBA's earliest days, when it competed as the Syracuse Nationals. The team moved to Philadelphia in 1963, filling the void created when the Philadelphia Warriors headed west to San Francisco.

Henry Abbott is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Rookie Gabbert leads Jaguars through workouts

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- First-round draft pick quarterback Blaine Gabbert was among 28 Jacksonville Jaguars players who practiced together at an area high school.

Previously, the players had been working in small groups throughout the area to stay in shape through the NFL lockout.

ESPN has dedicated 2011 to examining one of the most crucial positions in all of sports -- the quarterback.
Year of the QB ?

Gabbert, the 10th pick overall out of Missouri, spent much of the hour and a half practice taking instruction from starting quarterback David Garrard and throwing to a variety of receivers, including Cecil Shorts III, the Jags' fourth-round pick.

"It's been a blast," said Gabbert. "It's good to get out here with the guys and have the opportunity to work out a little bit and throw the ball around."

Gabbert said he arrived in town Sunday and has been working out with his group since. At night, he and Shorts have been studying film.

"We've been working (in groups) two months and not many teams can say that," cornerback Rashean Mathis said.

Garrard said media was invited to let the fans know the Jags aren't sitting around during the lockout.

"We wanted to give the fans the ability to see us out here," he said. "It's important that we do get out here and it's important that our fans see us work so we can continue to increase ticket sales and give them hope there will be a season."

None of the Jaguars were optimistic about an early end to the lockout. Garrard said commissioner Roger Goodell's recent proposal for an eight-game season wasn't comforting.

"It's scary," the QB said.

Among the missing players were tight end Marcedes Lewis, who is in California, and running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who has been traveling around the country.

"It's hard to pull them off the West coast," Garrard said.

The players said they remain united in their struggle with NFL owners and discounted the notion owners are counting on players caving when they start missing game pay checks.

"If it does become who is going to hold their breath the longest, we'll see who has the biggest lungs," defensive end Aaron Kampman said. "Hopefully it won't come to that."

Gabbert says it's good to "have the opportunity to work out a little bit and throw the ball around."

Gabbert says he arrived in town Sunday and has been working out with his group since.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Pats' Gostkowski: Quad injury rehab going well

Updated: June 9, 2011, 4:53 PM ETBy Mike Reiss
ESPNBoston.com
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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski on Thursday gave a positive report on his rehab from a torn right quad that sidelined him for half of the 2010 season.

"Each week is better and better and better," Gostkowski, who kicks with his right leg, said at the team's "Community MVP" event at Gillette Stadium. "It's very encouraging and I feel very happy with where I'm at right now. I'm just going to work hard to be ready by camp."

Gostkowski was asked if he's limited in range and distance, in terms of what he should be doing.

"I'm kicking just as well as I would any other year, at this time of the year. I feel very good about it," he said. "It's been a slow progression, like a pitcher playing toss, then playing long toss, then throwing off the mound. It's been a progression over the last couple months, little baby steps, and now the fear of re-injuring, and the fear of hurting myself and it hurting while I do it is completely out the window. It's just encouraging to feel better each week."

Gostkowski has never had to miss extended time over his career, stretching back to his youth days, but said he's managed to remain positive since last November. He has spent time this offseason rehabilitating and training at his alma mater, the University of Memphis, with Baltimore Ravens long snapper Morgan Cox.

Because Cox is rehabilitating a torn ACL, Gostkowski explained that they've been able to support each other.

"That's definitely helped as far as motivating myself, not being on my own," said Gostkowski, who enters his sixth NFL season in 2011. "It's easy when you're around all your teammates in an offseason workout program. But to motivate yourself on a daily basis without that, it's a little bit tougher. Having someone in the same situation -- 'I've got to get back, prove myself again, I've got to get healthy' -- it's been nice to have someone there to help me out."

As for his presence Tuesday at the "Community MVP" event, Gostkowski smiled.

"It was just a true honor to be here, and to see how many people in the community of New England do such good work, and give back," he said. "Hearing all the stories and what they've done, it touched me. It's something I'd like to do when I'm done playing."

Gostkowski's appearance marked the first time he's been at the stadium since the lockout.

"I've been here so many times in the past and it didn't feel any different to me," he said. "It was nice to see Mr. Kraft and a teammate in Ron [Brace]. I've caught up with a couple teammates the last couple of days, and just itching to get back at it. Whenever this stuff resolves, it will resolve, and we'll be back and it will be normal again. I'm looking forward to when it happens. I'm not going to worry about anything until it does."

Mike Reiss covers the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com.

Follow Mike Reiss on Twitter: @MikeReiss

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NFL, players say talks continuing this week

NEW YORK -- Whether they are meeting in secret locations or in the middle of Times Square at rush hour, talks between NFL owners and players are a good sign.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has been saying that ever since the lockout began on March 12. Players, agents and lawyers familiar with the negotiating process second the notion.

Both sides met Wednesday for a second straight day in New York, with Judge Arthur Boylan joining Goodell and NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith. It was the second time this week that the sides got together. Last week, they met twice near Chicago.

The NFL lockout began on March 11, with no obvious end in sight. ESPN.com Topics keeps you up to date on all of the latest on the labor situation. More »

Also on hand were five team owners and five players. That's a critical component for reaching a new collective bargaining agreement.

"Having meetings on a regular basis is not nearly as important as having productive talks," said agent Ben Dogra, whose clients include Patrick Willis and Sam Bradford. "If having productive talks encompasses meeting on a regular basis, then it is a good for them to meet as often as possible."

Both sides seem ready to do that as they await a ruling about the legality of the lockout from the federal appeals court in St. Louis. The factions aren't due back in court until August. On Wednesday, Judge Susan Nelson moved up a hearing for the league's motion to dismiss the players' antitrust suit from Sept. 12 to Aug. 29 -- nine days before the regular season is scheduled to begin.

"NFL owners and players continue to be engaged in confidential discussions before Chief Magistrate Judge Boylan," the two sides said in a joint statement. "Both sides met again this week as part of ongoing court mediation. Those discussions are expected to continue."

A person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press that the owners and players will meet again "soon and often. That means in the near future, not in a month or anything like that."

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were supposed to remain confidential.

On hand at the latest talks were owners John Mara of the New York Giants, Jerry Richardson of the Carolina Panthers, Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots, Clark Hunt of the Kansas city Chiefs and Dean Spanos of the San Diego Chargers.

Representing the players were NFLPA President Kevin Mawae, Mike Vrabel, Tony Richardson, Domonique Foxworth and Jeff Saturday.

Goodell told Buccaneers ticket holders Wednesday that "any time we're talking that's a positive because I believe both sides want to find solutions."

"I believe it's the objective of everybody involved with the NFL to play a full 2011 season," Goodell said during the conference call. "That's certainly what we're working towards, and I think the players are working towards that, too. It's for the good of the game, it's for the good of the people involved in the game, and it's absolutely good for the fans."

But don't get too excited about the recent talks.

"I don't think having the meetings is necessarily a sign for optimism," Dogra said. "But the fact both sides are meeting and will continue to meet in undisclosed locations, and that ownership is present, is a good sign that both parties are continuing to talk through the issues."

Added Don Yee, agent for Tom Brady and an adjunct law professor at Southern Cal: "I think it is far too early for optimism. Generally, nothing in the sports business happens until the very last minute, and we're nowhere close to that yet."

Still, the timing is crucial. Although June usually is a slow month in the NFL, teams already would have signed free agents and some rookies; held mini-camps and offseason training activities; and laid out plans for a full training camp beginning at the end of July.

But other than conducting the draft in late April, the NFL has been dormant.

"I'm still optimistic we're going to have 16 games," said Bengals guard Bobbie Williams, an alternate player representative. "July is not here yet, and June just started. We still have time here to get this thing done. Now when July starts running out, then it's a different ballgame. Come ask me again."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Barkley can't root for Heat, calls fans 'worst'

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Charles Barkley lobbed another verbal salvo on Wednesday in his war of words with the Miami Heat and their fans.

Charles Barkley joined "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000 to discuss his love/hate relationship with the Heat and their fans.

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When asked if Miami is the worst professional sports town, Barkley, who reiterated his admiration of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, said: "Yeah they have the worst fans. No question. It's not even loud in there. You're at the game and you are like, 'Man this place isn't even loud.' At least when you go to Chicago, it's loud in there, it's crazy down in Dallas but it's not even loud in Miami."

Barkley said he doesn't root against the Heat, but he doesn't root for them. And he believes the Heat fans are upset because he picked the Chicago Bulls to beat the Heat, but Barkley pointed out he wasn't the only one to do that among TNT's commentators.

When the Heat were playing the Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals, Barkley said he liked James and Wade personally, but he called the Heat a "whiny bunch." He didn't back off that charge on Wednesday when he was a guest on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000.

"Listen, if the Miami Heat were playing the Washington Generals I would pick the Washington Generals," Barkley said with a chuckle. "It's something about that team that annoys me.

"They just a whiny bunch and I can't root for them."

Heat fans let Barkley know they weren't happy with his criticism. In fact, TNT moved its set for pregame shows during coverage of the conference finals from outside American Airlines Arena to inside because of negative interaction between Barkley and fans.

The NBA Finals between the Heat and Dallas Mavericks is being carried on ABC.

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Former All-Star Mitchell dies after cancer battle

SAN ANTONIO -- Former NBA All-Star Mike Mitchell, who played 10 seasons for the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs, died Thursday after a struggle against cancer. He was 55.

Mitchell died in San Antonio after the former Auburn star fought the disease for two years, said his son, Mike Mitchell Jr.

Mitchell averaged 19.8 points and 5.6 rebounds during his career. He was an All-Star in Cleveland in 1981 but had his winningest years in San Antonio, playing alongside George Gervin and Artis Gilmore.

"We have a great deal of respect and admiration for Mike Mitchell," said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. "He was a good man who cared deeply about his family and the community of San Antonio."

The Spurs reached the Western Conference Finals in 1982 and 1983 but fell to Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers both times. It was the farthest San Antonio would advance in the playoffs until David Robinson put the Spurs back in the conference finals a decade later.

A first-round draft pick in 1978, Mitchell spent 3½ seasons in Cleveland before being traded to the Spurs. He averaged 24.5 points during his one All-Star season, which took place while the Cavaliers were among the league's worst teams.

Mitchell played more than a decade in Europe after his NBA career ended in 1988.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Wade (hip) leaves game; returns in 2nd quarter

DALLAS -- When the Miami Heat won their NBA title in Dallas five years ago, then-coach Pat Riley famously packed "one suit, one shirt, one tie" for that trip.

Dwyane Wade tried to add "one leg" to that list of Heat lore.

“

I don't talk about injuries. ... I don't have no excuses. I was on the court. I was able to help my team get an opportunity to win and I'll be fine Sunday.

” -- Dwyane Wade

He almost pulled it off, too.

Playing through a bruised left hip that left him at one point prone on the court with a towel over his grimacing face, Wade scored a team-high 23 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night. It wasn't enough for the Heat, who fell 112-103 to the Dallas Mavericks -- and now trail the best-of-seven title series 3-2.

"I don't talk about injuries," Wade said. "It's unfortunate that I had to leave the game, but I came back and I finished it. ... Once you're on the court, you're on the court. I don't have no excuses. I was on the court. I was able to help my team get an opportunity to win and I'll be fine Sunday."

Game 6 is Sunday night in Miami, and if the Heat extend the series, they will host Game 7 on Tuesday night.

"My plan was for him not to go," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, speaking about when Wade couldn't be with the team for the start of the second half. "I didn't even see him on the bench when he came back."

If Wade isn't right, that chore -- monumental enough as it is -- will be even more daunting. The Heat got a triple-double from LeBron James, 40 points from its bench and still couldn't top the Mavericks in Game 5.

They limped out of Dallas.

And they can't have Wade limping on Sunday.

Wade was hurt on a first-quarter drive, a collision with Brian Cardinal with 4:01 left in that period eventually forcing him to the locker room for treatment and evaluation. He missed about 5 minutes of the first half, then remained in the locker room after halftime for additional treatment, not checking in again until 4:33 remained in the third quarter.

"With him being out," James said, "we just tried to do the same thing as if he was in."

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said he thought Cardinal had position on the play where the collision happened and shouldn't have been called for a block.

"I thought Wade came right through his chest," Carlisle said.

Wade was in obvious pain immediately, grabbed at the outside of the hip repeatedly. Moments later, grimacing, he hobbled over to the Heat bench, fell to the court and covered his face with a towel while being tended to by Miami trainer Jay Sabol.

Moments later, Wade went to the locker room. He had 11 points at halftime and was Miami's best threat in the fourth, though his absence to begin the second half gave the Heat a scare.

No need, Wade said. He never considered sitting out the rest of the game.

"I said, 'I want to help us get back in this ballgame," Wade said. "And I was able to be effective, in a sense."

Mike Miller started the second half in Wade's place, making two 3-pointers for Miami's first two field goals of the third quarter.

"It wasn't like they lost a whole lot," Carlisle said.

On that front, the Heat agreed, to a point.

"Anytime you have a situation like that with one of your guys out, you just have to play your system, play like you're used to," Heat forward Chris Bosh said. "I think Mike did a fantastic job."

Wade, who had 32 points in Game 4, has been snakebitten at times during his playoff career. He missed Game 6 of the 2005 Eastern Conference finals with a rib injury, returning to play in a Game 7 loss where he was clearly ailing. In 2007, Wade's knees pained him so much that he could barely jump in what became a four-game ouster at the hands of the Chicago Bulls. And in 2009, he played through a balky back in a first-round loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

The Heat lost all three of those series.

His hip will likely dictate what sort of chance they have in the remainder of these finals. A two-day gap between games might be a huge break for Miami right now.

"We'll have to see how he responds," Spoelstra said. "Fortunately, we have an extra day, and we'll see if that's enough."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Cam do: Newton earning Panthers' respect

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newton sweated through a workout with his new Carolina teammates Wednesday morning, hopped a flight to Washington to meet the president in the afternoon, then quickly returned to make sure he attended the final player-organized workout Thursday.

As the Heisman Trophy winner prepares for the scrutiny of being the NFL's No. 1 overall pick, his work ethic, fitness and willingness to fit in are impressing his veteran teammates.

“

I think I've got a grip on who we are as an offense, what (offensive coordinator Rob) Chudzinski is trying to do.

” -- Cam Newton

"He showed up every day early. He's working hard," Panthers linebacker Jon Beason said Thursday. "He's interacted well and he's shown some great leadership."

Newton is making the best of an offseason like no other because of the lockout.

He can't talk to Carolina's new coaching staff. He's forced to learn the playbook on his own. He doesn't have a contract. It's uncertain if top receiver Steve Smith will be his teammate. There is no indication how long of a preseason there will be.

And yet Newton is considered the key to whether the NFL-worst Panthers can contend.

Newton, who led Auburn to the 2010 national title with a dazzling 50-touchdown season, is upbeat and confident even as he acknowledges the NFL is not college football.

"Preparing as a quarterback in the NFL is completely different," he said. "The terminology, the blitz schemes, and at the end of the day, you're not playing freshmen anymore. You're playing grown men. This is where speed comes into play at all times."

Newton was able to get a playbook and meet with Carolina's coaches the day after the first round of the draft, when the lockout was temporarily lifted. He said offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski gave him some "focus points." He's also met with last year's starter, Jimmy Clausen, to compare notes.

Clausen and free-agent QB Matt Moore also attended the workouts the past two weeks at a Charlotte high school.

ESPN has dedicated 2011 to examining one of the most crucial positions in all of sports -- the quarterback.
Year of the QB ?

"I think I've got a grip on who we are as an offense, what coach Chudzinski is trying to do," Newton said.

Newton believes the Panthers, who managed 16 offensive touchdowns in going 2-14 last season, can turn things around, even if he's not about to make any bold declarations about beating out Clausen for the starting job. Newton called the talent the offense has displayed at the eight days of workouts "something to be scared of."

"We can maximize everybody's potential in this offense," he said.

Carolina's chances to get out of the NFL basement would seemingly be better if Smith stayed. The four-time Pro Bowl receiver, who has two years left on his contract, has hedged on whether he wants to return.

Smith said Monday he's been skipping the workouts that have drawn about 50 players a day because of his wife's ill health. But while Smith wasn't present Thursday, Newton said he did show up earlier in the week.

"To some degree, he's on a different level. I told him this," Newton said. "When I throw a three-step drop or an out-route, I've got to get back real fast to get it to him extremely quick because he's that explosive as a player."

It's the same attribute the Panthers expect from their new QB. They are gambling that Newton, who played only one season of major college football in a spread offense, will become the franchise quarterback they've never had.

Newton's chiseled 6-foot-5 frame stood out as he wore shorts and a T-shirt without sleeves on Thursday morning, the only day reporters were allowed to attend the workouts.

Newton was one of the first players on the field before 8 a.m. He caught some punts before lobbing some passes. Left tackle Jordan Gross said Newton has won several conditioning contests.

"Cam has really just come in and kind of kept quiet," Gross said. "He had fun with the guys and tried to fit in and earn respect and doing things right. He's thrown some great passes, gotten under center, been vocal with his cadence when we've done our team offense stuff.

"Overall, he's just shown he's in shape and willing to work hard."

Newton showed no fatigue from his day of traveling. He attended a celebration Wednesday at the White House with his old Auburn teammates for winning the national title in January, talking briefly with President Barack Obama.

"The Secret Service wouldn't let us get too close to him," Newton said. "It was, 'Hey, how are you?" and you were out. But it was awesome being in his presence."

Then Newton quickly headed back to Charlotte. There was more work to do, more bonding with teammates, more studying.

"Everything has been great," Newton said. "We've been getting excellent participation from the team. We're just out here every single day trying to do the best that we can with the material that we do have to try to learn and comprehend."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Titans WR Britt arrested again in New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. -- Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt was arrested again in New Jersey, a day after appearing in court for a previous arrest on traffic charges.

Police said the former Rutgers star was charged with resisting arrest after two plainclothes officers suspected he was carrying a marijuana cigar and attempted to handcuff him at a Hoboken car wash Wednesday evening.

Britt

Hoboken Detective Sgt. Sam Williams said the detectives from the city's vice squad, Det. Steven Aguiar and Det. David DiMartino, were in line to pay at the car wash when they detected an odor of marijuana, and Aguiar noticed Britt allegedly holding a brown, rolled cigar they believed to be the source.

Both detectives identified themselves as police, Williams said, and attempted to handcuff Britt, who allegedly tried to wrestle free and push away while attempting to crush the cigar in his fist. Williams said police believe a man who was with Britt may have disposed of the cigar in the scuffle as police wrestled Britt to the floor and handcuffed him; the other man has not been charged.

Britt is charged with obstructing the administration of the law, resisting arrest and tampering with or fabricating evidence. Police did not recover the cigar or find any drugs on Britt, and he has not been charged with any drug-related offenses. Britt was released on his own recognizance, according to police, and has a June 16 court date.

The Associated Press left a message for Britt's attorney Thursday afternoon.

New Titans coach Mike Munchak said he didn't know much about Britt's latest arrest when asked by reporters after an event at the team's headquarters with Special Olympics athletes and others. Coaches can't contact players during the NFL lockout, and Munchak said they are trying to find out details on what he called probably a case of "making some bad decisions."

As an offensive weapon, Kenny Britt ranks as high as second on the Titans behind Chris Johnson. If he doesn't wake up soon, he's going to sink down the list, ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky writes. Blog.

"Unfortunately, he's had a few things that've come up for him in the offseason," Munchak said in video posted on the team's website. "That's something we'll deal with when he comes in."

Britt pleaded guilty Tuesday to separate motor vehicle violations related to an April arrest on speeding charges in his hometown of Bayonne. He must pay a fine of more than $400 as part of that plea deal on careless driving charges. He was not present when the plea was entered Tuesday during a municipal court hearing, and Britt will have to sign a court affidavit before the plea can become official.

Britt initially faced felony charges in the April 12 incident. Bayonne police said Britt drove his Porsche at 71 mph in a 55 mph zone and then led police on a chase. Those charges were dropped last week by Hudson County prosecutors, who cited Britt's lack of a criminal record.

Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said Thursday he was reviewing Britt's Hoboken arrest and would determine which jurisdiction would handle the matter.

Britt has had several other run-ins with authorities. He was arrested last year for three outstanding traffic tickets and is accused of not paying a bail bond he helped secure for a friend.

Nashville police stopped him in August during training camp, ticketing him for driving without a license because he obtained a photo ID after misplacing his license.

He was also accused of being involved in a bar fight Oct. 22 in Nashville, but authorities later decided not to charge him.

Former Titans coach Jeff Fisher benched Britt after repeated mistakes during a preseason game.

Britt left Rutgers after his junior season and was the Titans' first-round draft pick in 2009. He tied for second on the Titans with 42 catches in 2010 and led all Tennessee receivers with nine touchdowns and a per-catch average of 18.5 yards.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Rookie QB Dalton throws vs. Bengals' defense

CINCINNATI -- Andy Dalton's first practice with the Cincinnati Bengals came on a college field on a hot morning with no helmets, uniforms, pads or complete playbooks.

Not the best way for a rookie quarterback to break into the NFL.

More than 40 Bengals players participated in their first voluntary, full-squad workout Wednesday at the University of Cincinnati, where a handful of students took a few minutes to stop and watch the franchise's next quarterback start to blend in.

ESPN has dedicated 2011 to examining one of the most crucial positions in all of sports -- the quarterback.
Year of the QB ?

With his red hair, he was easy to spot. His arm got some looks, too.

"He's got a good arm," receiver Jerome Simpson said. "He's very smart. I like him."

The second-round pick from TCU has some daunting days ahead. The Bengals are switching to coordinator Jay Gruden's new offense, one that has totally different terminology from the old one. Dalton can't get tutoring from the coaches because of the NFL's lockout. Practice is limited to a few voluntary sessions in shorts and T-shirts.

"I don't know," offensive guard Bobbie Williams said, thinking about the obstacles in the rookie's way. "I'll just say: God help the young man. I mean, he's placed in a challenging position, but you know what? In this profession, you're always placed in a challenging position. It's up to you how you (react) to it."

So far, he seems to be doing fine.

Dalton got to Cincinnati a few days early to start looking for a house. He practiced Monday with the offense at the university while the defense worked out at a suburban soccer facility. They got together on Wednesday, giving Dalton a chance to meet most of the defensive players for the first time.

Also, it was the first time that they worked out without quarterback Carson Palmer, who says he'll retire if he's not traded. Palmer was the team's leader during his seven years as the starter.

Feel strange not having him there?

"Of course, man," Williams said. "That's the voice and the face you miss in the crowd. You miss hearing him, you miss his presence. But this game is an ever-changing game. One day we'll all be retired and there will be a new group of guys in here at some point."

Palmer's voice is deeper than Dalton's, leading to some teasing by his new teammates.

"Andy's picking up the tempo," Williams said. "Yesterday we kidded around with him, told him he needs to deepen his voice, get some bass in it. But he seemed to have adjusted pretty good to it."

Dalton made tight, on-target throws during a relaxed 7-on-7 session, with players being careful not to get hurt. He barely overthrew a long pass to Simpson, who stretched all-out and dived in the end zone but couldn't quite reach the ball.

That moment was the closest thing to real football.

"Just instinct because I want to catch every ball, show that quarterback that I want to work for him," Simpson said. "It's kind of a risk coming out here and diving for a ball, but I just couldn't help it."

Dalton is competing with Jordan Palmer, Carson's younger brother, for the starting job. Both of them are learning a new system. Players got some of the new playbook during the one day that the lockout was lifted in April, and they're trying to learn it on their own.

"It's definitely different in terminology," Palmer said. "I've been very impressed with how fast we're all getting it as a group. We've got 30 to 40 plays in. What percentage of the offense that is, I don't know."

Dalton spent part of the day getting to know his new defensive teammates.

"I didn't know very many of them," Dalton said. "It's been great just to be around everybody and to see everybody working together."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Pack's Rodgers throws out 1st pitch for Brewers

MILWAUKEE -- Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers plans to talk to teammate Charles Woodson on Friday at a charity event about preparing offseason workouts for the Green Bay Packers while the NFL lockout closes in on a third month.

"We're going to put something together here because it looks like it's going to go a little bit longer, so it's going to be important for us to get together," Rodgers told Fox Sports Wisconsin on Thursday night.

Rodgers didn't give any additional details of the potential dates or locations of the workouts.

He was in Milwaukee to throw out the first pitch at Miller Park before the Brewers took on the New York Mets. He wore a No. 12 Brewers jersey and tossed a perfect pitch to good friend Ryan Braun.

Rodgers declined to speak to reporters before the game but joined the televised broadcast in the top of the fourth inning where he talked mostly about the Brewers and Wisconsin sports. He answered a few questions on the unresolved labor dispute and said it's time for Packers players to organize their own workouts soon.

"If this lockout persists, we're going to get together. Guys have gotten some great work individually, some have gotten together in groups of two or three," Rodgers said. "There's a lot of guys kind of in the same area working out, but at some point we're going to have to get together."

Rodgers said he'd definitely be involved in any activity planned and he'll get a chance to talk with his teammates in person next Thursday when the Packers will receive their Super Bowl rings in a private ceremony.

The Packers have received permission from the NFL to hold the ceremony despite the lockout that began on March 12.

Rodgers said he's optimistic about the Packers' future that general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy have built -- whenever the season begins.

"I think we're just reloading. We're bringing guys back off the injured reserve list, I like our draft. Ted Thompson has proven he's able to draft a lot of talented guys," Rodgers said. "You look at our roster, the majority of them were drafted by him and brought up in coach McCarthy's system and playing big roles for us."

Rodgers said he has spent the offseason working out and playing golf when he can during his time at home in California.

The organization decided to hold a private ring ceremony following a public celebration two days after their Super Bowl victory this year over the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25. Green Bay also plans to have another event when the Packers host the New Orleans Saints in the regular-season opener Sept. 8.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Pacers players want Vogel back as head coach

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Pacers players want interim coach Frank Vogel to get the full-time gig.

Now, it's up to team president Larry Bird to make a decision.

[+] Enlarge Rob Grabowski/US PresswireIndiana Pacers players said Thursday they want Frank Vogel to return as coach next season.

It's been more than a month since the team's season ended and the waiting game continues.

"I'll be happy if Frank gets picked," said center Roy Hibbert before playing in a charity softball game for the Indiana Children's Wish Fund. "I've been with him since I was a rookie, so I hope he gets it. I understand that Larry's taking his time now, but I'm pulling for (Vogel)."

Bird has called Vogel the favorite from the beginning of the search, and the team has had several conversations with him. He took over for Jim O'Brien at midseason, went 20-18 to close the regular season and led the team to its first playoff berth since 2006.

"I think Frank did an excellent job, stepping in without the experience of a head coaching job," Bird said after the season ended. "The way he conducted himself, he brought positive energy to this team. We won more games than we lost. We did it with a young team, a team that's trying to grow."

Early in his tenure, Vogel claimed that Eastern Conference powers Boston, Miami and Orlando wouldn't want to play the Pacers when -- not if -- they made the playoffs. He introduced "smashmouth" basketball, an approach that focused on attacking the basket instead of O'Brien's perimeter-oriented game. He moved Tyler Hansbrough, a second-year player, and Paul George, a rookie, into the starting lineup and helped restore Hibbert's confidence.

It all helped them get into the playoffs and compete well before losing 4-1 to the top-seeded Chicago Bulls.

"I really feel strong about having Vogel around," George said. "I love him as a coach, as a person. But I have no control over it. I have to just go with whatever Mr. Bird goes with."

Vogel said as the season ended that he wanted the job and said with confidence that he feels he proved himself. He didn't expect a decision to be made quickly.

"It's really up to Larry and the front office," Vogel said. "Anytime you're making a decision as important as this, you never want to rush into it. Whatever timetable they decide is fine with me."

Indiana was interested in Mike Brown, but the former Pacers assistant and Cleveland head coach took the job as Los Angeles Lakers head coach. But the players have favored Vogel since he took over.

"I would like to see Frank get it," guard Lance Stephenson said. "He helped us out this year. He made us come in more as a group. I hope Larry Bird sees what happened and we can move forward."

George would like to see a decision made soon.

"It's still up in the air for me," he said. "It's something that I want to know, but it's something I have no control over."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Brains of 49ers greats Perry, Johnson donated

Two members of the San Francisco 49ers' famed "Million Dollar Backfield" who died within months of each other this year will have their brains examined by researchers at Boston University who are studying head injuries in sports.

Joe "the Jet" Perry died in April at the age of 84, and John Henry Johnson died last week at the age of 81. Their families have agreed to let the former players' brains be examined by the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

[+] Enlarge Frank Rippon/Getty ImagesPro Football Hall of Famer Joe Perry, left, still leads the 49ers in career rushing yards (7,344) and rushing touchdowns (50).

CSTE is a collaboration between Boston University Medical School and the Sports Legacy Institute to address what it calls the "concussion crisis" in sports.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a disorder linked to repeated brain trauma. The brain of former Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson, who committed suicide in February, also was examined by the researchers and it was determined he suffered from the disease.

There is no treatment for CTE and research is being done to find ways to identify it in people while they are alive.

CSTE has been at the forefront of research into head trauma in sports and has received a $1 million gift from the NFL, which CTSE has pushed for better treatment of concussions.

The CSTE Brain Bank has the brains of more than 70 athletes and military veterans, with football players comprising more than half of the athletes.

Perry's widow, Donna, told the Chronicle that she believes her husband suffered from CTE.

"When Joe was playing, they'd give them smelling salts and put them back in," she told the newspaper. "Now the equipment is better, and they're looking into ways to protect them. We have to look at what this is doing to our children."

Johnson couldn't talk or swallow in the final year of his life and also was in a wheelchair, his daughter, Kathy Moppin, told the Chronicle. She told the newspaper that she hopes by donating her father's brain, it will "help with a cure."

The "Million Dollar Backfield" included four future Pro Football Hall of Famers: Perry, Johnson, Hugh McElhenny and Y.A. Tittle. The group remains the only full-house backfield to have all four of its members enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Perry, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969, still stands as San Francisco's all-time leader in yards rushing (7,344) and touchdowns rushing (50). He led the 49ers in rushing on eight occasions, including seven consecutive seasons from 1949 to 1955.

Johnson, inducted into the Hall in 1987, played three seasons for the 49ers (1954-56). A four-time Pro Bowler (1954, 1962-64), Johnson's 6,803 career yards rushing trailed only Jim Brown, Jim Taylor and Perry upon his retirement in 1966.

Johnson was also a productive receiver, catching 186 passes for 1,478 yards. He scored 55 touchdowns during his career.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Tennessee selects women's AD as interim AD

Joan Cronan, Tennessee's longtime women's athletic director, will step in as the school's interim vice chancellor/director of athletics until a permanent replacement for Mike Hamilton is hired.

Hamilton announced his resignation Tuesday. Tennessee will appear before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions Saturday in Indianapolis and faces allegations of 12 major violations in its football and men's basketball programs.

According to university officials, Hamilton's replacement will become the senior administrator of Tennessee's entire athletic department, which has undergone a gradual consolidation of its men's and women's athletic departments the past several years. This move will effectively complete that consolidation.

Cronan will remain as women's athletic director and also will be a member of the chancellor's cabinet until June 30, 2012. From that point, she will take on an advisory role to the vice chancellor and chancellor until June 30, 2014.

"Joan Cronan epitomizes the Volunteer spirit," Tennessee chancellor Jimmy Cheek said. "She has been a vital part of Tennessee athletics for 30 years and will provide proven leadership during our transitional period. I appreciate her willingness to assume this responsibility."

Cheek said earlier this week that he was hopeful of having a new athletic director in place by the start of the 2011 football season.

Cronan has been the Lady Vols' athletic director since 1983. She also was the Lady Vols' basketball coach from 1968 to 1970 before spending the next 10 years at the College of Charleston in several capacities, including director of women's athletics.

"I am humbled and honored by this opportunity, and I greatly appreciate the chancellor's faith in me," Cronan said. "This is an exciting time for Tennessee athletics, as we have a great team of coaches, staff and student-athletes. It has been a tremendous honor to serve this university for 30 years, and I am grateful for the chance to play an integral role in helping shape the bright future of Tennessee athletics."

Chris Low covers SEC football for ESPN.com.

Follow Chris Low on Twitter: @ESPN_SEC

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A's fire manager Geren amid nine-game skid

OAKLAND, Calif. -- With his banged-up team mired in a nine-game losing streak and rampant speculation about the tenuous status of manager Bob Geren, Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane felt he had no other choice than to make a change.

Tensions between now-former A's manager Bob Geren and his players have existed for years, sources told ESPN.com. The manager created a culture of fear where if a player made one mistake, a second chance could be fleeting. Former player Mike Sweeney was released in 2008 a day after he made an impassioned speech on the team bus, grabbing the microphone and telling teammates that baseball was meant to be fun and that they were "being held captive, and the inmates need to run the prison!"

Sweeney told ESPN.com he had approached Geren on a team flight from Baltimore to Detroit and asked if he could have a players-only bus back to the hotel. Geren declined, and although he wasn't on the bus, at least two other coaches rode with the players back to the hotel. Sweeney said he felt he needed to let each players on the young team know "we are one of 750 guys who have the privilege of playing this game. Work hard, have fun, respect the game."

The next day, Sweeney said he was told the A's didn't have enough room for him and he either could go on the 60-day disabled list or be released. Sweeney told the A's to release him. He said he couldn't collect money when he wasn't hurt. When asked if he felt his release was a direct result of his rallying speech, Sweeney said, "In my heart, there was a direct line between the two, but I have no proof."

Sweeney, who retired this spring after 16 major league seasons, said he respects Geren and doesn't hold any grudges. Sweeney also repeatedly stressed he appreciated being given a chance to play in Oakland, and the next time he saw Geren and general manager Billy Beane after his release he warmly greeted them and there were no hard feelings.

"I want to make this clear," Sweeney said. "I don't want to bash Bob Geren. Bob Geren is a great man, a Christian man, a great father and husband. But I also want the story to be accurate."

The A's declined to comment.

-- ESPN.com's Amy K. Nelson

The A's fired a manager during the season for the first time in a quarter-century on Thursday, letting Geren go after four-plus seasons and bringing in former Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners skipper Bob Melvin for the rest of the season.

"It felt like at this point a change was necessary," Beane said. "It got to the point where the emphasis was on the status of the manager on a daily basis and no longer on the field. When that starts to happen, you need to shift the focus to what's really important, which is performance. That's how we came to this decision."

Geren's tenure in Oakland was marked by numerous injuries, a lack of offense, questions about his communication skills and high-profile departures as he was unable to post a winning season after taking over an AL West championship team from Ken Macha.

Geren posted a 334-376 record, including a 27-36 mark this season that has left Oakland eight games behind the Texas Rangers in last place in the AL West.

The A's currently have four starting pitchers on the disabled list, including a season-ending shoulder injury for Dallas Braden. Oakland was also without injured All-Star closer Andrew Bailey for the first two months and is last in the American League with just 223 runs through the first 63 games.

"Bob Melvin will inherit some of the challenges that Bob had," Beane said. "Bob lost four starting pitchers in the space of three weeks. That was a tough body blow for the team. That was very difficult from Bob's standpoint."

Melvin, 49, took the helm for the series opener in Chicago against the White Sox on Thursday night. He posted a 493-508 record in seven seasons as manager with Seattle and Arizona. He led the Diamondbacks to the NL West title in 2007 and also won 93 games in his rookie season with the Mariners in 2003.

Melvin was also on Bob Brenly's staff as bench coach in 2001 when the Diamondbacks won the World Series and the following year when they won the NL West. Melvin also coached for the Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers. He was fired by the Diamondbacks 29 games into the 2009 season but got another chance when Beane decided it was time to let Geren go.

"He really knows how to work with young players," said Oakland outfielder Conor Jackson, who played for Melvin in Arizona. "It's a great team for him. We have a lot of young talent and I feel like he's a pretty good molder of personalities and baseball players as well."

Melvin played 10 seasons in the majors as a catcher with the Tigers, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and White Sox. He batted .233 with 35 homers and 212 RBIs in 1,955 career at-bats.

Melvin is a Bay Area native who was born in Palo Alto, went to high school in Menlo Park, played college ball at Cal, spent time with the Giants in the majors and now gets to manage the A's.

"It's a dream come true," he said. "This doesn't happen very often in baseball, where you literally get to come home in the capacity that I do."

The beleaguered Geren had come under criticism from his bullpen in recent weeks for a lack of communication with reliever Brian Fuentes and former Oakland closer Huston Street publicly criticized him.

That started the speculation about whether Geren would make it through his final season under contract.

"I can't say it was a surprise," Fuentes said. "Regardless whether it was our team or any other team, when things don't go well there are always moves that are made."

It was the rash of injuries and the total lack of offense that led to the current losing streak that finally spelled the end of Geren's tenure.

With no homegrown hitting stars and disappointing starts by offseason acquisitions like Hideki Matsui and David DeJesus, the A's find themselves in last place despite a stellar young pitching staff headed by All-Star Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez and recently injured Brett Anderson.

When a team doesn't win or the players don't play up to their potential, sometimes a change in leadership can make a difference. Bob Geren was the best man in Billy's Beane wedding, but that's not why he was hired and that's not why he's been fired, writes Jim Bowden. Blog

"It's got great pitching, good athletes and we're going to try to play the game we're suited to play," Melvin said. "We're probably not going to sit around and play for three-run homers a whole lot. We play in a ballpark that's probably more conducive to being aggressive and that's what we're going to try to do."

The current skid is the longest for the A's since a 10-gamer in July 2008 and the fifth-longest single-season losing streak since the team moved to Oakland in 1968.

This is the first time the A's have fired a manager during the season since getting rid of Jackie Moore after 73 games in 1986. Jeff Newman took over for 10 games on an interim basis before Tony La Russa was brought in to start a run that included four division titles and the 1989 World Series championship.

Beane said he started the process of evaluating Geren's status a few weeks ago before making the ultimate decision.

"Whenever you replace your manager, it's a drastic move," Beane said. "I've never had to do it in my tenure as general manager. This is a new script for myself. I don't know if you ever know what the right time is."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Luongo gets starting nod for Canucks in Game 5

VANCOUVER -- Roberto Luongo will be back in the Vancouver goal for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Luongo

"You can bet on that," Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said Thursday evening after the team arrived from Boston.

Luongo was pulled after giving up four goals on 20 shots in a 4-0 Game 4 loss Wednesday night. Overall he gave up 12 goals in both games at Boston.

But Vigneault said his team's struggles in Boston were more than just about one player and dismissed any talk that he would start backup Cory Schneider over Luongo as he did for Game 6 of their first-round series with Chicago.

"Roberto is the guy, he's my guy and he's playing," said Vigneault. "It's that simple."

A confident-sounding Luongo said he was ready to put the last two games behind him.

"You know, it's the Stanley Cup finals, you have to think about the goal here," Luongo said Thursday evening. "Obviously, we lost two games and it's 2-2, and it's two out of three, and we have home-ice advantage. That's the way you look at it. We have a chance to get up 3-2 tomorrow."

Pierre LeBrun covers hockey for ESPN.com.

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Ortiz to Girardi on bat flip: Take it like a man

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NEW YORK -- David Ortiz on Wednesday night had a message for New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who had said he didn't care for the way the Boston Red Sox slugger had flipped his bat after hitting a home run Tuesday: "Take it like a man."

Ortiz was in no mood to revisit the flap stirred the previous night by Girardi, who made his comments after the designated hitter took Yankees rookie Hector Noesi deep in Boston's win.

He crushed another home run Wednesday night in the first inning off Yankees starter A.J. Burnett, then set his bat down on the ground gently. He saved the fireworks for after the game, which the Red Sox won 11-6.

“

I don't care what Joe Girardi says. Take it like a man. I'm done with that.

” -- David Ortiz on Girardi's reaction to his bat flip

"I don't care what Joe Girardi says," Ortiz said to a New York writer. "Take it like a man. I'm done with that."

Ortiz said he did not flip his bat Wednesday so he could avoid being on the "national news."

"I don't want to have you guys asking me the same questions. I got almost 370 bombs in the big leagues and everybody wants to make a big deal because I bat-flip one of them. (Expletive) that (expletive), man. If I have to make that video on my (expletive), let's see how many bat flips I got on this (expletive). Good night."

The first-place Red Sox will try for the series sweep over the second-place Yankees in the Bronx Thursday night.

Ortiz has hit 364 home runs in his career. Thirty-four have come against the Yankees, a total against one opponent exceeded only by the 39 he has hit against Toronto. And that doesn't count the five home runs he has hit against the Yankees in the postseason, including one of the most dramatic in club history -- the 12th-inning walkoff home run in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS.

Ortiz has homered in each of the team's past three games against the Yankees, all at Yankee Stadium. The last Red Sox player to hit home runs in three straight games in the Bronx was Mo Vaughn, back in 1994, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The last Boston player to hit home runs in three straight games against the Yankees, home and away, was Manny Ramirez in 2006.

On Tuesday night, he had been amused more than upset when asked about it.

"I mean, it's not my first time, it's not going to be my last time," Ortiz said of the way he airmailed his bat. "Big deal. I enjoy the game. I'm a home run hitter. It's not like I do it all the time. It's part of the excitement, you know what I mean? What can I tell you?"

For his part, Girardi also downplayed his comment, suggesting before Wednesday's game that the media had given it a "Full Monty" treatment he hadn't intended. Nor did he believe Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester hitting two Yankees batters Tuesday night -- Mark Teixeira and Russell Martin -- was an invitation for the Yankees to engage in any retaliatory target practice.

"I didn't hear our guys talk about it at all,'' Girardi said. "It seems like it's been talked about more in the media than our guys. I didn't hear anything about our guys being upset."

Red Sox manager Terry Francona thought it all much ado about nothing. Asked if he'd ever been rankled by the actions of an opposing hitter the way Girardi had been rankled by Ortiz, Francona said: "What's rankled? My pants are rankled."

"I don't think I get too upset with stuff. I personally choose to hope we win a game and expend my energy doing that. Dave's a big boy, he can handle himself. I actually didn't even notice."

Information from ESPNdeportes.com reporter Adry Torres and ESPNBoston.com Red Sox writer Gordon Edes was used in this report.

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Titans WR Britt arrested again in New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. -- Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt was arrested again in New Jersey, a day after appearing in court for a previous arrest on traffic charges.

Police said the former Rutgers star was charged with resisting arrest after two plainclothes officers suspected he was carrying a marijuana cigar and attempted to handcuff him at a Hoboken car wash Wednesday evening.

Britt

Hoboken Detective Sgt. Sam Williams said the detectives from the city's vice squad, Det. Steven Aguiar and Det. David DiMartino, were in line to pay at the car wash when they detected an odor of marijuana, and Aguiar noticed Britt allegedly holding a brown, rolled cigar they believed to be the source.

Both detectives identified themselves as police, Williams said, and attempted to handcuff Britt, who allegedly tried to wrestle free and push away while attempting to crush the cigar in his fist. Williams said police believe a man who was with Britt may have disposed of the cigar in the scuffle as police wrestled Britt to the floor and handcuffed him; the other man has not been charged.

Britt is charged with obstructing the administration of the law, resisting arrest and tampering with or fabricating evidence. Police did not recover the cigar or find any drugs on Britt, and he has not been charged with any drug-related offenses. Britt was released on his own recognizance, according to police, and has a June 16 court date.

The Associated Press left a message for Britt's attorney Thursday afternoon.

New Titans coach Mike Munchak said he didn't know much about Britt's latest arrest when asked by reporters after an event at the team's headquarters with Special Olympics athletes and others. Coaches can't contact players during the NFL lockout, and Munchak said they are trying to find out details on what he called probably a case of "making some bad decisions."

As an offensive weapon, Kenny Britt ranks as high as second on the Titans behind Chris Johnson. If he doesn't wake up soon, he's going to sink down the list, ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky writes. Blog.

"Unfortunately, he's had a few things that've come up for him in the offseason," Munchak said in video posted on the team's website. "That's something we'll deal with when he comes in."

Britt pleaded guilty Tuesday to separate motor vehicle violations related to an April arrest on speeding charges in his hometown of Bayonne. He must pay a fine of more than $400 as part of that plea deal on careless driving charges. He was not present when the plea was entered Tuesday during a municipal court hearing, and Britt will have to sign a court affidavit before the plea can become official.

Britt initially faced felony charges in the April 12 incident. Bayonne police said Britt drove his Porsche at 71 mph in a 55 mph zone and then led police on a chase. Those charges were dropped last week by Hudson County prosecutors, who cited Britt's lack of a criminal record.

Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said Thursday he was reviewing Britt's Hoboken arrest and would determine which jurisdiction would handle the matter.

Britt has had several other run-ins with authorities. He was arrested last year for three outstanding traffic tickets and is accused of not paying a bail bond he helped secure for a friend.

Nashville police stopped him in August during training camp, ticketing him for driving without a license because he obtained a photo ID after misplacing his license.

He was also accused of being involved in a bar fight Oct. 22 in Nashville, but authorities later decided not to charge him.

Former Titans coach Jeff Fisher benched Britt after repeated mistakes during a preseason game.

Britt left Rutgers after his junior season and was the Titans' first-round draft pick in 2009. He tied for second on the Titans with 42 catches in 2010 and led all Tennessee receivers with nine touchdowns and a per-catch average of 18.5 yards.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Iverson eyes comeback, end to career in NBA

PHILADELPHIA -- Allen Iverson wants to keep his passport at home.

Ten years after he became an MVP who led the Philadelphia 76ers to the Finals, Iverson has his eyes on a comeback. He is determined to end a career in the NBA, a career that is possibly destined for the Hall of Fame, and not in some faraway country where brief YouTube clips are the only way to stay updated on the four-time scoring champion.

Iverson, who turned 36 this week, played only 10 games in an injury-filled stint in Turkey after a lack of NBA interest forced him to seek employment elsewhere. In his most recent NBA season, in 2009-10, Iverson left the Sixers in February.

That's not a lot of basketball for an aging veteran.

AP Photo/Ibrahim UstaAllen Iverson, who played only 10 games in Turkey last season, hopes to return to the NBA.

So what gives Iverson confidence he can still play anywhere near his former elite level next season?

"It's me," he said, laughing. "That's what gives me confidence. I know what I can do. Everybody in the world knows what I can do. Everybody knows what I can do on the basketball court."

Every fan knows how the 25-year-old Iverson could dazzle on the court. Like in the 2001 NBA Finals, when he buried a jumper over Tyronn Lue, then highstepped over the fallen Los Angeles Lakers defender in Game 1. The iconic moment ranked slightly behind his rookie year crossover vs. Michael Jordan as the most memorable of his 14-year career.

Iverson's added few plays to that list the past few years. He played for four teams in his last two NBA seasons, then left the Turkish club Besiktas with a leg injury.

A painful calcium mass developed on his right calf and he returned home opting for rest instead of surgery. Iverson's manager, Gary Moore, said Iverson has yet to receive the green light from Dr. James Andrews to resume contact drills. Iverson was not expected to get cleared until mid-July.

"Just give me a training camp," he said. "Maybe I've rubbed people the wrong way as far as saying the things I've said in my life and in my career. But if any team needs me to help try and win a championship in any capacity, I'm waiting."

He might have a long wait. Throw in a possible work stoppage with NBA owners and players far apart on a new labor deal, and Iverson might again be forced to look outside the NBA for a team. He signed a $4 million, two-year contract with Besiktas. But Iverson, who also has played for Denver, Detroit and Memphis, made it clear in a phone interview late Wednesday night, his first priority is the NBA.

"If that doesn't happen, I just want to play basketball, so I've got to weigh my options and do what's best for me and my career," he said. "If that doesn't happen, I don't want to not play basketball. I don't have any more years to be wasting."

Iverson has been dogged by rumors of personal problems -- his wife filed for divorce and a daughter battled serious health problems -- but he said his life these days is great.

All that's missing is basketball.

"The only thing that I give a damn about is that the people that care about me know that I'm all right," he said. "All I want is my real fans to know I'm fine, my wife is fine, my kids are fine. I'm fine and I'm looking forward to getting back on a team and being productive like I have been my whole career."

Iverson insisted he enjoyed his stay in Turkey.

"It was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my life," he said. "They were great to me. They embraced me like I would never think. Everything was great as far as that experiment."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Mavs sink 13 3-pointers; take 3-2 lead in Finals

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Needless to say, LeBron James' scoring has been non-existent in the 4th quarter of this series... James is averaging just 2.2 PPG in the 4th quarter of these finals after averaging 8.2 in the Eastern Conference Finals over the Bulls. LeBron has yet to score more than five points in the 4th quarter of any game in the NBA Finals and has scored 2 or fewer points each of the last four games.

LeBron James has now scored just 2 points combined in the 4th quarter of the last 2 games. He is Miami's 5TH leading scorer over that span, despite playing all 24 minutes... He does however have 5 of the team's 10 assists...

From Elias: LeBron James is averaging 2.2 PPG during the 4th quarter of the NBA Finals. That is the fourth-lowest by a former MVP in any NBA Finals series over the last 25 seasons. The difference between James and the other guys on this list? His most recent MVP award came just one season ago whereas the others were well past their MVP-winning seasons.

The Mavericks shot 57.9 percent from the floor in the half court during Game 5 against the Heat, including a blistering 69.2 percent in the first half (18 of 26 FG). The 57.9 percent was Dallas' highest percentage since its series-clinching win against the Lakers in the Conference Semifinals and its second-highest showing of the 2011 postseason.

After scoring eight points in the fourth quarter Thursday, Dirk Nowitzki has now scored at least eight points in the fourth during every game in the Conference Finals and NBA Finals.

The Heat were 8 of 8 inside 5 feet in the fourth quarter of Game 5. However, they were only 1 of 8 from 5+ feet. Miami's fourth-quarter shooting woes go back to Game 4, where it missed its last nine field goal attempts from 10 feet or longer. The Heat are now 1 of 15 from 10+ feet in their last 22 fourth-quarter minutes.

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James shot a combined 16.7 percent (2 of 12) from 15-plus feet in Game 5, their lowest combined total this postseason.

The Heat were 8 of 8 inside 5 feet in the fourth quarter of Game 5. However, they were only 1 of 8 from 5+ feet. Miami's fourth-quarter shooting woes go back to Game 4, where it missed its last nine field goal attempts from 10 feet or longer. The Heat are now 1 of 15 from 10+ feet in their last 22 fourth-quarter minutes.

LeBron James was at his best in Game 5 against the Mavericks with Dwyane Wade on the bench. LeBron made 4 of 6 shots with Wade on the bench, and for the series he is 11-for-20 without Wade on the court.

The Mavericks scored 17 points on their final 10 possessions of Game 5 of the 2011 NBA Finals, turning a four-point deficit with 4:36 remaining into a nine-point victory.

It's a small sample size of one game, but it was clear Thursday night that Miami's Big 3 don't play well together. When James, Bosh and Wade were on the floor at the same time in Game 5, Miami was outscored by 14 points. When James was on the floor with Bosh but without Wade, Miami played Dallas virtually even... In the three minutes where LeBron was on the the floor himself without the other pair, Miami actually outscored Dallas by 5.

From Elias: LeBron James has 11 combined points in the 4th quarter in the NBA Finals this season. During the 2010-11 regular season, he scored at least 11 points in the 4th quarter 5 times and during the 2011 playoffs he's scored at least 11 points in the 4th quarter 5 times.

From Elias: LeBron is the 5th player in the last 25 years to have a triple-double in a losing effort in the NBA Finals. Only Larry Bird in 1986 went on to win the title that year:

From Elias: This closeness of this series can be looked at not just by games, but by quarters. 12 of the 20 quarters in the NBA Finals have been decided by 2 points, 1 point or tied. The average margin per quarter in the first 5 games is 2.7 points, which would be the lowest in the Finals during the shot clock era by a wide margin:

DALLAS -- Dirk Nowitzki thrust both arms in the air, a sea of blue screaming around him and the Dallas Mavericks finally ahead in these ultra-close NBA Finals.

Now it really is "now or never" for LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

Nowitzki scored 29 points, driving for the go-ahead dunk with 2:45 remaining, and the Mavericks beat the Heat 112-103 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 lead.

Five years after going up 2-0 on the Heat, the Mavs finally got that elusive third victory, and can wrap up their first championship in Game 6 at Miami on Sunday night.

"We didn't want to go to Miami and give them basically two shots to close us out. So we kept plugging there in the fourth. So definitely a big win for us," Nowitzki said. "And now we have to go down there and basically approach Sunday's game as Game 7."

James, who called this game "now or never," responded from his worst playoff performance with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and Dwyane Wade battled through a sore left hip after a first-quarter collision to finish with 23 points.

"I could have made a couple of more plays for my team," James said. "But at the end of the day, all it's about is a win or a loss. Triple-double means absolutely nothing in a loss. So we will be better in Game 6 on Sunday."

Chris Bosh had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat, who get the final two games at home with history against them as they try to win a title in their first season together: In the 26 previous finals that were tied 2-2, the Game 5 winner won 19 of them.

The Mavericks drained 13 3-pointers in their Game 5 win Thursday night, one shy of the NBA record for 3s in a Finals game.

  -- ESPN Stats & Information

"We fought hard all season for home-court advantage. We're down 3-2," Bosh said. "We protect home court, we win the series, so we just have to keep that in mind."

The Mavs shot 60 percent through three quarters, briefly gave up the lead in the fourth, then outscored Miami 17-4 in the final 4:23, controlling the final few minutes just as they had in thrilling comebacks in Games 2 and 4.

Dallas shot 56.5 percent from the field, including 13 of 19 (68 percent) from 3-point range.

"We made more shots," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "We did a lot of good things defensively, which led to good offense. ... You never know when the games are going to go that way. The thing we've got to do is we've got to make sure our defense is consistent."

Terry scored 21 points and J.J. Barea had 17 for the Mavs, who insisted at some point their shots would start falling even against the Heat's stingy defense. Jason Kidd and Tyson Chandler both finished with 13 points.

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James shot a combined 16.7 percent (2 of 12) from 15-plus feet in Game 5, their lowest combined total this postseason.

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"We are getting the same looks we knew we would get," Terry said. "After Games 1 and 2, you watch it on film, you see it and then you realize you're going to have the opportunities. I said to myself, I said to my teammates, we're not going to continue to miss those open shots that we're getting."

Their offense was simply too good, despite a good bounceback for James.

James scored eight points, going just 3 of 11 in Game 4, the first time in 90 postseason games he didn't hit double figures. Trying to pump himself during a rough first finals in Miami in which he's been accused of everything from "shrinking" to "checking out" in the fourth quarters, he wrote "Now or Never!!" on his Twitter page early Thursday morning, later calling this the biggest game of his career.

But they feel the same urgency in Dallas, where the slogan "The Time is Now" is printed on those blue T-shirts that surround the court, and where the Mavs are loaded with 30-somethings -- late 30s, in Kidd's case -- who could be on their last shot at an NBA title.

Nowitzki said early Thursday he felt "great," having shaken the fever that rose to 101 degrees in Game 4. This time, the health concern was Wade, who banged his hip in the first quarter and appeared to be limping at various points from there.

"I don't talk about injuries," Wade said. "It was unfortunate I had to leave the game, but I came back and finished it."

He remained in the locker room to start the second half, coming back onto the court about the midway point of the period. By then, the Mavs seemed in too good a groove to be cooled off no matter who Miami had out there.

A disgusted Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was already walking onto the court to call time by the time Chandler went up to dunk after catching the ball all alone under the basket, giving Dallas a nine-point lead that matched its largest of the series. Miami stormed into the lead midway through the fourth with a 9-0 run, all layups, dunks and free throws until Wade's 3-pointer made it 99-95 with 4:38 to play.

The Mavs tied it at 100 on Terry's 3-pointer with 3:23 left, and after James missed, Nowitzki drove for a baseline dunk and a 102-100 lead. James was called for an offensive foul and missed a 3-pointer on Miami's next two possessions before Kidd drilled a 3-pointer to make it 105-100, sending the crowd into a delirious chant of "Beat the Heat! Beat the Heat!"

The teams were at the same point as their 2006 matchup after four games, but that one was already in the midst of a massive swing by then. Miami won the final four games behind Wade, the MVP of that series.

This one has been developing into one of the closest finals the NBA has ever seen. Games 2-4 were decided by three points or fewer. That hadn't happened in the championship round since 1948, according to STATS, LLC, when the Baltimore Bullets and Philadelphia Warriors played Games 2-4 within a three-point margin during the Basketball Association of America finals, a year before that league merged with the National Basketball League to become the NBA.

The first four games were determined by 15 total points, the fewest since a 12-game difference between the Celtics and Lakers in the 1969 finals.

And all eyes were on James, just as they have been since he bolted Cleveland for a better shot at a championship in Miami.

He vowed to be more aggressive after his puzzling Game 4. He caught the ball in the post more frequently, but his jumper was still off for much of the game.

James threw up an airball with his left hand on his first shot, and when he did finally score, the Mavs quickly came back with six straight points for an early 13-6 lead, a promising start for a team that had been playing from behind nearly all series.

Wade walked gingerly to the locker room with a left hip contusion with about 3 minutes left in the period after colliding with Mavs reserve Brian Cardinal on a drive to the basket, and didn't return to the bench until more than 3 minutes into the second.

James had a basket inside that gave Miami a six-point lead with 4:26 left in the half, but Dallas closed with a 14-5 push, taking a 60-57 edge to the locker room after Nowitzki's jumper with 6.1 seconds remaining. The Mavs shot 12 of 17 in the quarter, and after not reaching 30 points in any period through four games, hit that number in each of the first two quarters of Game 5.

Game notes
Last year was one of the few times the Game 5 winner in a 2-2 finals didn't win the series. Boston went to Los Angeles with a 3-2 lead but the Lakers won the remaining games. ... In Games 1-3 combined, the Mavs led for a total of 35 minutes and 41 seconds, according to STATS. In Game 5, the Mavs led for a total of 30:59.

Copyright by STATS LLC and The Associated Press

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Ortiz ignites BoSox rain-delayed rally vs. Yanks

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CC Sabathia has allowed six earned runs in each of two home starts against the Red Sox this season. He has not allowed more than four earned runs in any other 2011 start.

Derek Jeter has been hit by Red Sox pitchers 23 times in his career. No active player has been hit more by Boston hurlers:

Derek Jeter was hit in the 1st inning of Thursday's game vs the Red Sox. It was the 23rd time in his career that he was hit by a Red Sox pitcher, more than any other team:

David Ortiz has played almost an entire seasons worth of games vs the Yankees in his career (160 games) with close to 600 career ABs. The Yankees have never hit him with a pich.

NEW YORK -- David Ortiz got more than even for getting drilled.

Ortiz broke loose soon after CC Sabathia hit him with a pitch, starting and finishing a seven-run burst in the seventh inning that led the Boston Red Sox over the Yankees 8-3 early Friday in a rain-delayed game that ended at 1:43 a.m.

CC Sabathia has allowed six earned runs in each of two home starts against the Red Sox this season. He has not allowed more than four earned runs in any other 2011 start.

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Cam do: Newton earning Panthers' respect

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newton sweated through a workout with his new Carolina teammates Wednesday morning, hopped a flight to Washington to meet the president in the afternoon, then quickly returned to make sure he attended the final player-organized workout Thursday.

As the Heisman Trophy winner prepares for the scrutiny of being the NFL's No. 1 overall pick, his work ethic, fitness and willingness to fit in are impressing his veteran teammates.

“

I think I've got a grip on who we are as an offense, what (offensive coordinator Rob) Chudzinski is trying to do.

” -- Cam Newton

"He showed up every day early. He's working hard," Panthers linebacker Jon Beason said Thursday. "He's interacted well and he's shown some great leadership."

Newton is making the best of an offseason like no other because of the lockout.

He can't talk to Carolina's new coaching staff. He's forced to learn the playbook on his own. He doesn't have a contract. It's uncertain if top receiver Steve Smith will be his teammate. There is no indication how long of a preseason there will be.

And yet Newton is considered the key to whether the NFL-worst Panthers can contend.

Newton, who led Auburn to the 2010 national title with a dazzling 50-touchdown season, is upbeat and confident even as he acknowledges the NFL is not college football.

"Preparing as a quarterback in the NFL is completely different," he said. "The terminology, the blitz schemes, and at the end of the day, you're not playing freshmen anymore. You're playing grown men. This is where speed comes into play at all times."

Newton was able to get a playbook and meet with Carolina's coaches the day after the first round of the draft, when the lockout was temporarily lifted. He said offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski gave him some "focus points." He's also met with last year's starter, Jimmy Clausen, to compare notes.

Clausen and free-agent QB Matt Moore also attended the workouts the past two weeks at a Charlotte high school.

ESPN has dedicated 2011 to examining one of the most crucial positions in all of sports -- the quarterback.
Year of the QB ?

"I think I've got a grip on who we are as an offense, what coach Chudzinski is trying to do," Newton said.

Newton believes the Panthers, who managed 16 offensive touchdowns in going 2-14 last season, can turn things around, even if he's not about to make any bold declarations about beating out Clausen for the starting job. Newton called the talent the offense has displayed at the eight days of workouts "something to be scared of."

"We can maximize everybody's potential in this offense," he said.

Carolina's chances to get out of the NFL basement would seemingly be better if Smith stayed. The four-time Pro Bowl receiver, who has two years left on his contract, has hedged on whether he wants to return.

Smith said Monday he's been skipping the workouts that have drawn about 50 players a day because of his wife's ill health. But while Smith wasn't present Thursday, Newton said he did show up earlier in the week.

"To some degree, he's on a different level. I told him this," Newton said. "When I throw a three-step drop or an out-route, I've got to get back real fast to get it to him extremely quick because he's that explosive as a player."

It's the same attribute the Panthers expect from their new QB. They are gambling that Newton, who played only one season of major college football in a spread offense, will become the franchise quarterback they've never had.

Newton's chiseled 6-foot-5 frame stood out as he wore shorts and a T-shirt without sleeves on Thursday morning, the only day reporters were allowed to attend the workouts.

Newton was one of the first players on the field before 8 a.m. He caught some punts before lobbing some passes. Left tackle Jordan Gross said Newton has won several conditioning contests.

"Cam has really just come in and kind of kept quiet," Gross said. "He had fun with the guys and tried to fit in and earn respect and doing things right. He's thrown some great passes, gotten under center, been vocal with his cadence when we've done our team offense stuff.

"Overall, he's just shown he's in shape and willing to work hard."

Newton showed no fatigue from his day of traveling. He attended a celebration Wednesday at the White House with his old Auburn teammates for winning the national title in January, talking briefly with President Barack Obama.

"The Secret Service wouldn't let us get too close to him," Newton said. "It was, 'Hey, how are you?" and you were out. But it was awesome being in his presence."

Then Newton quickly headed back to Charlotte. There was more work to do, more bonding with teammates, more studying.

"Everything has been great," Newton said. "We've been getting excellent participation from the team. We're just out here every single day trying to do the best that we can with the material that we do have to try to learn and comprehend."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Positive tests oust five Mexicans from Gold Cup

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Five players on Mexico's soccer team, including goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and defender Francisco Rodriguez, have tested positive for a banned substance and are out of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Decio de Maria, the secretary general of the Mexican soccer federation, said Ochoa and Rodriguez -- two starters for Mexico in last year's World Cup -- tested positive for clenbuterol. Also testing positive were three role players: defender Edgar Duenas and midfielders Christian Bermudez and Antonio Naelson "Sinha."

De Maria said he believes the positive results come from the players eating contaminated beef. Last July, Tour de France champion Alberto Contador also tested positive for the banned anabolic agent and said he consumed the drug in contaminated beef.

Five Mexican players, including goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, have tested positive for a banned substance and are out of the Gold Cup. How will this change the team's prospects? Jeff Carlisle breaks it down. Story

But until an investigation is completed, the Mexican players won't be able to play.

"What we presume ... one had to ingest contaminated materials -- meat or chicken," De Maria said. "Now comes the tough part, taking the players off the squad and opening an investigation. Meanwhile, it is a disagreeable moment to take this kind of decision, but we have to take responsibility."

The latest potential doping scandal has the potential to dramatically affect the Gold Cup, the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean. Mexico, which was to play Cuba on Thursday night, is the defending champion and one of the favorites again this year along with the U.S.

CONCACAF spokesman Ben Spencer said the governing body would meet in a conference call Friday to decide possible sanctions for Mexico and if the team will be able to replace the suspended players. Spencer said Mexico would not lose the three points it received for beating El Salvador 5-0 in the opening match of Group A on Sunday.

"We're still getting information as it comes down," Spencer said. "(Mexico) has chose to separate the players from the team."

Clenbuterol is used in some countries to treat breathing disorders, but also has been used as a weight-loss drug. De Maria said the players were tested on May 21, but the results weren't revealed until Wednesday.

"Everything points to it being an accident, very unfortunate," De Maria said.

Teams were able to bring 23 players to the Gold Cup and dress 18 for each match. Ricardo Osorio already was sent home with an illness, so Mexico was down to 17 eligible players against Cuba at Bank of America Stadium. Jonathan Orozco and Alfredo Torrado are the other goalkeepers on the roster.

Spencer said a decision on whether Mexico would be able to call up replacement players likely would be made before Sunday's final group match against Costa Rica.

Spencer said two Mexican players -- Pablo Barrera and Efrain Juarez -- passed random drug tests after Sunday's game. The five suspended players were not tested.

The suspensions dampened increased enthusiasm for Mexico's team. Javier Hernandez, who scored 20 goals for Manchester United this season, had a hat trick in Mexico's impressive opening Gold Cup victory.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Sources: Pistons can interview Bucks' Sampson

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Bucks have given the Detroit Pistons permission to interview assistant Kelvin Sampson for their vacant coaching job, sources confirmed to ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard Thursday.

Sampson has been an assistant to Bucks coach Scott Skiles since May 2008. Sampson joined Skiles' staff after his tenure as the coach at Indiana University ended in scandal.

Yahoo! Sports reported earlier Thursday that the Pistons had permission to speak to Sampson.

Detroit fired coach John Kuester on Sunday, just days after new owner Tom Gores completed an agreement to buy the team.

Kuester was 57-107 over two seasons with Detroit, which failed to make the postseason in consecutive years for the first time since missing the playoffs three straight times from 1993-95.

Sampson has said he'll likely never coach in college again and has set his sights on becoming a coach in the NBA.

"You never say never," Sampson told the AP in April 2009, when asked about a potential return to college. "But I'm really excited about the NBA, and I'm excited about the possibility of becoming a head coach in the NBA one day, maybe. And if it works out, it works out. If it does, it does. If it doesn't, it doesn't."

Sampson reportedly attracted interest from the Houston Rockets, who hired Kevin McHale last week.

Sampson resigned as the Hoosiers' coach in February 2008 and accepted a $750,000 buyout after an NCAA report accused him of major rules violations.

In 2009, Sampson unsuccessfully appealed NCAA penalties that essentially bar him from coaching in college until 2013. The NCAA penalized Sampson for taking part in more than 100 impermissible calls to recruits while coaching the Hoosiers.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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