USC basketball: Trojans receive commitment from Santa Ana Mater Dei star guard | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

USC beat Washington State, 60-56,Friday to earn its first Pacific 10 Conference win of the season.

But after the game, the Trojans were given a nice bonus as they head into the new year: a verbal commitment from Santa Ana Mater Dei star guardKatin Reinhardt, who is widely considered one of the top junior prospects on the West Coast. 

"It was a good fit," Reinhardt said by phone."And after they offered, that just topped it off."

Reinhardt said he was offered last week. He attended Friday's game, and told the coaches afterward.

He said the other schools he considered included UCLA, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Washington State, Oregon State, Washington, Arizona State, Utah, Colorado, Boston College and California. 

Reinhardt, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound combo guard who is ranked as the No. 19 shooting guard in the 2012 class by ESPN, said that playing close to home was a key factor, but he also said he liked his ability to play early at USC when he joins the team in 2012-13.

That season, USC will have three open guard positions, as current guardsJio Fontan(junior),Marcus Simmons(senior) andDonte Smith(senior) will all have exhausted their eligibility.

Reinhardt is averaging 17.5 points a game this season,according to maxpreps.com. 

He received national attention for his play at the City of Palms Classic in Fort Meyers, Fla., on Wednesday when he scored 28 points in a game that featured Winter Park High (Fla.) guard Austin Rivers, the son of Boston Celtics CoachDoc Rivers, who is considered the top overall recruit in the 2011 class. 

-- Baxter Holmes

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Holiday Bowl: Washington leads Nebraska at halftime, 10-7 | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Washington Huskies don't aim to get embarrassed by Nebraska again, not like when they got bushwhacked in Seattle, 56-21, on Sept. 18.

And they're on their way to rebounding from that loss, as they lead the Cornhuskers, 10-7, at halftime of the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

So far, it has been a defensive slugfest. Washington has 118 offensive yards, Nebraska has 102. 

Washington stormed to a 7-0 lead with 9 minutes 8 seconds left in the first quarter after forcing a Nebraska fumble on the Cornhuskers’ opening possession, which gave Washington prime field position, just 21 yards from a score.

Three plays later, tailbackChris Polkpunched it in from three yards out.

That fumble occurred when Nebraska tailbackRex Burkhead, operating out of the wildcat formation, was slammed down by Huskies linebackerVictor Aiyewa, who knocked the ball loose and into defensive tackleAlameda Ta’Amu’swaiting hands.

The Huskies’Erik Folkkicked a 39-yard field goal with 1:29 left in the quarter to give the Huskies a 10-0 lead and cap a nine-play, 34 yard drive that came after Nebraska’s second straight four-and-out possession. 

Nebraska finally mustered a sustained drive early in the second quarter, going 74 yards in 10 plays, mostly on the arms and legs quarterbackTaylor Martinez, who finished the drive with a perfectly aimed 15-yard touchdown pass into a tight window forKyler Reed to make it 10-7 with 6:05 before halftime. 

Washington fans received a scare on the Huskies’ next drive when quarterbackJake Lockerlay motionless on the ground after a vicious helmet-to-helmet collision with Nebraska safetyAustin Cassidyfollowing a short run with 8:40 left in the second quarter.

It seemed as though Locker wouldn’t play again for the Huskies, but on the next drive, there he was, returning to cheers from the Husky-heavy crowd. Washington was forced to punt on that possession, as the Cornhuskers did on their next. 

Washington's Folk missed a 48-yard field goal with two seconds left before halftime.

Martinez has completed five of eight passes for 51 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He has run for 35 yards in nine carries. 

Locker has missed on all six of his passes, but he did catch a pass for 16 yards, the only passing yards the Huskies have so far. Polk has 87 yards and a touchdown in 18 carries. 

-- Baxter Holmes in San Diego 

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Question of the day: What's happened to Alex Ovechkin? {Updated} | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

 

Writers from around Tribune Co. weigh in on the topic. Check back throughout the day for more responses, and feel free to leave a comment of your own.

Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times

What’s happened to Alexander Ovechkin?
 
You mean other than having his disembodied head stuffed in a kid’s school locker in those CCM skate ads that are funny yet also somehow scary?

And becoming one of the chosen few whom the NHL markets to death, with starring roles in the Winter Classic and the HBO series leading up to the New Year’s Day game?

The Washington Capitals’ superstar is being defended more tightly, is what has happened. And his team has played poorly defensively much of the season, certainly until the last few weeks.

It might seem obvious, but it bears repeating: If you don’t have the puck, you can’t score, and the Capitals too often didn’t have the puck. They’ve tightened up defensively and have won four of their last five games.

Ovechkin broke his eight-game scoring drought on Monday and if the Capitals continue to play a sound, structured defensive game, he will get more scoring chances.

It’s a long season. Or it should be for the Capitals if Ovechkin accepts the notion that good defense will produce good offensive production.

{Updated at 10:16 a.m.

Chris Korman, Baltimore Sun

He was in GQ.

And he didn’t just appear briefly amid the glossy opulence wearing some $479 sweater and a wristwatch worth what most of us make in two months. No, the magazine wrote a whole story declaring that soon even people who don’t know hockey will know Ovie. The profile even threw in some interesting tidbits abouthis love life with a pair of girls.

Time was, GQ also tells us, that Ovechkin needed to play hockey to get away from a culture in his homeland that would have turned him into a bodyguard–- or worse.

Ovechkin has made it, and he knows it. He’s too good, though, not to find a new reason to go back to working with the passion that helped get him here in the first place.}

{Updated at 12:58 p.m.

Harvey Fialkov, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Sure, Sid"The Kid" Crosby's remarkable run at a Wayne Gretzky-Joe DiMaggio-like 51-game scoring streak has made it look like Alexander"The Great" Ovechkin has turned into a fourth-line checker, but let's get real.

Ovechkin has spoiled the world while averaging more than 50 goals in his first five seasons and winning the most outstanding player award two years running.

Sure, the hard-nosed Russian ONLY has 14 goals and 42 points in 39 games, while posting a plus-11. He does lead the league in shots missed and amazingly has just two power-play goals.

But Ovechkin is fourth with 126 hits, and the Caps, despite a recent slide, are 4-0-1 in their last five, with Ovechkin notching goals in his last two games.

Ask the Panthers coach if he'd like to have a slumping player with Ovechkin's numbers. 

Bank on Ovechkin finishing with more goals than his coach's between-period expletives.}

Photo: Alex Ovechkin. Credit: Geoff Burke / US Presswire

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Women's basketball: UCLA 25, Louisiana State 21 at halftime | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

After trailing 7-0, the UCLA women's basketball started making its shots and forcing turnovers to claw its way to a 25-21 halftime lead over Louisiana State on Tuesday at Pauly Pavilion. 

UCLA, ranked No. 9 in the nation, took its first lead of the half with 9:01 remaining whenMarkel Walkermade one of two free throws. The Bruins forced 13 turnovers, while only committing eight and outshot the Lady Tigers 40% to 30.4%.

Darxia Morrisleads UCLA (10-0) with eight points, including two three-pointers.Taylor Turnbowhas six points for LSU (9-4)

--Melissa Rohlin

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Ponikarovsky out of Kings lineup, Westgarth in | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Greetings from San Jose, where my suitcase and I were finally reunited after many delays and hours apart…
One change for the Kings lineup against the Sharks at HP Pavilion: left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky is out because of what a team spokesman said is a lower-body injury Ponikarovsky suffered in the Kings' victory over the Ducks on Sunday at Staples Center.
Kevin Westgarth will be in the lineup, although defenseman/winger Peter Harrold was also scheduled to skate in the warmups.
The Kings have lost three consecutive games to the Sharks since Jan. 11.
I’ll have more atwww.latimes.com/sports
Helene Elliott, in San Jose

 

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Question of the day: Would Marvin Miller or George Steinbrenner have been a better choice than Pat Gillick for the baseball Hall of Fame? {Updated} | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Writers from around Tribune Co. weigh in on the topic. Please check back throughout the day for more responses, and feel free to leave a comment of your own.

Juan C. Rodriguez, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Neither Marvin Miller nor George Steinbrenner was a better choice for the Hall of Fame. Were they as deserving as Pat Gillick? Absolutely. 

This discussion is not about the merits of Gillick's candidacy as a longtime general manager. His record as one of the game's preeminent team architects is well-founded. Why the Veterans Committee did not give Miller or Steinbrenner the necessary votes is the issue.

Miller was one vote short of election, prompting former baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent to call that outcome a travesty. Both Miller and Steinbrenner were seminal figures in baseball history. Steinbrenner was on the ballot for the first time and likely will get in eventually, but Miller inexplicably has been denied Hall entry five times.

Baseball players have Miller to thank for their sizable helping of a multibillion-dollar pie. Miller accused the Hall of trying to rewrite history instead of recording it. Tough to argue with him.

Dave van Dyck, Chicago Tribune

Neither Marvin Miller nor George Steinbrenner would be a BETTER choice than Pat Gillick. Is he better known than the over-sized personalities of the other two? No, but Gillick possessed a magic wand that could turn franchises into winners.

If the question becomes"should Miller or Steinbrenner be in the Hall of Fame?" the answer would be yes. Both deserve to be in, and both could have been voted in this past week. The committee was not limited to one choice. The debate about whether Miller really belongs in a Hall that recognizes"contributions to the game" seems to be never-ending and, in its own way, entertaining.

Yes, Miller belongs in and so does Steinbrenner, but neither should be considered MORE deserving than Gillick.

{Updated at 11:31 a.m.:

Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times

Imagine if Pat Gillick had never gone into baseball. Would it be any different? Now imagine the sport without Marvin Miller or George Steinbrenner.

As executive director of the players union, Miller championed the rights of the players and won huge salary increases -– and Steinbrenner proved only too eager to pay them. Both transformed and revolutionized the game and are more deserving than Gillick of a spot in the Hall of Fame.

But it is Miller's impact that has been more positive and more sweeping, leaving he and Jackie Robinson as perhaps the most important figures in baseball in the last half of the 20th century.

Miller pioneered the changes that saw baseball's minimum wage grow from $6,000 to more than $414,000 a year, while the average salary went from $19,000 to more than $3 million. Those gains not only made the players union one of the strongest labor organizations in history, but it changed the sport's financial model as well. But ownership benefited along with the players, with the clubs' annual revenue jumping from $50 million a season in Miller’s first year to more than $7 billion last season.

Free agency didn't just improve just the bottom line, though. The competitive balance in baseball today is better than that in any other professional sport in the U.S.

Babe Ruth may have saved baseball after the Black Sox scandal, and Robinson may have made it whole.

But Miller's legacy was no less profound, and his enshrinement is long, long overdue.

Steve Gould, Baltimore Sun

I understand the arguments for putting George Steinbrenner and Marvin Miller in the Hall of Fame before Pat Gillick, but I don't see how you can go wrong enshrining the architect of three World Series-winning teams.

The man was at the top of his game for years, including as recently as 2008, when he guided the Phillies to a world championship. And the Series-winning Blue Jays teams he put together in 1992 and 1993 were monsters. Growing up around Baltimore, I hated those Toronto teams because their talent level seemed unfair.

Speaking of Baltimore, I doubt you'll find anyone here who would oppose Gillick's entry into the Hall. The Orioles not only haven't made the playoffs since he left their front office in 1998, they haven't even had a winning season. It might not be a direct, one-to-one correlation, but it's no coincidence either.}

Photo: Pat Gillick. Credit: Roberto Gonzalez / Associated Press

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Another day in the NBA: Suspensions all around | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The question wasn’t even quite finished beforeBlake Griffinknew where it was going and answered it.

"Definitely. Definitely," he said."I’ll be ready."

That would the Clippers’ next game againstAndre Millerand the Trail Blazers, at Portland on Jan. 20. Subtitle it: This time, it’s personal.

Miller crashed hard, and intentionally, into Griffin, blindsiding the Clippers’ rookie power forward in the fourth quarter, and doing his best imitation of a point guard turned guided missile. The NBA on Monday suspended Miller for one game for"excessive and unnecessary contact" with Griffin.

Brian Cookof the Clippers received a two-game suspension for his flagrant foul two againstJoel Przybillain a separate incident.

Unlike the Cook play, there was no call on the floor on Miller vs. Griffin. Once the league reviewed the video, Miller was assessed a flagrant foul two.

"It wasn’t taken care of during the game," Griffin said in the hallway before the Clippers’ game against the Kings on Monday evening."I’m glad something was done about it. But I’m still going to play the same way, no matter what people do. They can do whatever they want to me and I’ll be ready for it."

The rookie is feeling like a marked man ... sort of.

"Oh yeah, a little bit,” Griffin said. “A little bit. For whatever reason, I am a little bit."

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USC basketball: Trojans lead No. 19 Texas at halftime, 35-27 | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The sad-but-true fact for USC fans is that the sizable crowd at theGalen Centerfor tonight'sUSC-Texasgame is mostly pro-Texas, as the echoing"Texas Fight" chants are easily indicating.

But the Trojans (4-4) are giving the No. 19 Longhorns (6-1) all the fight they want, and lead, 35-27, at halftime. 

USC led the entire half, increased that margin to 10 with 3 minutes, 28 seconds left before halftime when junior forwardNikola Vucevichit consecutive three-point shots.

After the second one sailed through the net, Vucevic, who scored 16 points in the first half on seven-for-12 shooting, raised his arms in a field-goal formation, and pumped his fists while shouting as Texas CoachRick Barnescalled a timeout.

While Texas holds advantages in skill, athleticism and overall talent, USC does have size, and its two 6-foot-10 forwards have played well.

Aside from Vucevic, seniorAlex Stephesonhas helped control the paint on offense and defense. He had six points and five rebounds, and USC is out-rebounding Texas, 18-13

Overall, USC shot 13 for 29 (44.8%) while Texas shot 10 for 24 (41.7%). 

-- Baxter Holmes 

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Tiger Woods opens five-shot lead in Thousand Oaks golf tournament | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Tiger Woodsstumbled early but quickly recovered and held a five-shot lead overGraeme McDowellafter nine holes Saturday in the third round of theChevron World Challengegolf tournament in Thousand Oaks.

EnglishmanPaul Casey, meanwhile, surged into contention with an eagle and four birdies on the front nine under overcast skies at the par-72 Sherwood Country Club.

But Casey also made a double bogey on the par-three eighth hole and fell six shots behind Woods at nine under par.

Woods,who led McDowell by four shots after the first two rounds,started Saturday with a bogey on the par-five second hole -- a hole he eagled a day earlier -- to drop to 12 under par for the tournament.

But Woods, seeking his first win of the year, then reeled off birdies on the fifth, sixth and seventh holes to go 15 under par.

McDowell made birdies on holes No. 2 and 3 but then bogeyed the par-four seventh hole to drop to 10 under par.

The 18-player tournament benefits Woods' charity, the Tiger Woods Foundation, and pays $1.2 million to the winner. Woods has won the event four times.

-- Jim Peltz

Photo: Paul Casey of England tees off on the second hole during the third round of the Chevron World Challenge in Thousand Oaks. Credit: Danny Moloshok / Reuters

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Ducks' Teemu Selanne misses another game with sore groin | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Teemu Selanne, the Ducks' 40-year-old standout, sat out Friday's game against the Detroit Red Wings because of a sore groin.

Selanne missed three games in late November because of the soreness, but had played the last two. He didn't practice Thursday, taking what CoachRandy Carlylecalled a"maintenance day," implying he still was likely to play. Selanne is officially"day to day" with the injury, but he and the team are taking a cautious approach with their third-leading scorer, hoping he won't lose significant time to injuries as he did last year with a broken hand and broken jaw.

Matt Beleskey, called up from Syracuse of the American Hockey League to replace ofAaron Voros, who has been ill, took Selanne's spot in the lineup.

--Robyn Norwood

Photo: Teemu Selanne. Credit: Lori Shepler / Associated Press

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Cavs vs. Heat: LeBron James returns: Crowd goes eerily silent as Heat takes over | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Heat extended its lead to 12 without James, who checked back in the game with 5:52 remining in the first half.

A lot of fans in Cleveland seem to be visiting the concession stand right now. The Cavaliers need to start rallying to get the crowd back.

Heat leads, 43-31.

Related:

Heat surges into lead

LeBron James introduced; 20,000 people boo

 Guess who gets booed when he touches the ball?

If you want to join a live chat about the game, go to our Lakers blog, where you can find one hosted by our Lakers blogger, Mark Medina, here.

-- Houston Mitchell

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Kings send Dwight King back to Manchester | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

 

The Kings assigned forwardDwight Kingto the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League. 

King, who plays a physical and gritty style, was called up Nov. 16. The 21-year-old appeared in six games, his first in the NHL, but did not record a point.

In 16 games with the Monarchs this year, he has six goals and 11 points. Stay tuned for more from The Times' Austin Knoblauch, who is at the morning skate.

-- Debbie Goffa

Photo: Dwight King, 74, reaches for the puck after his shot was deflected by Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas in on Nov. 20. Credit: Michael Dwyer / Associated Press.

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Golf's Tiger Woods on his comeback: 'It's a process' | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

After a tumultuous year that included a sex scandal, divorce and a shortened, winless season on the PGA Tour,Tiger Woodssaid Tuesday that he's continuing to improve his game and his life.

"As a golfer I learned so much more this year than any other year, and as a person infinitely more," Woods said after practicing for theChevron World Challenge, an 18-player tournament at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks that benefits Woods' charities.

"So it's been a very successful year even though it was a very painful year as well," said Woods, 34,a winner of 14 major championshipswho's made major changes to his golf swing to help him win again.

Woods has won the Chevron World Challenge four times but has missed the tournament the last two years. He was recovering from knee surgery in 2008, and last year he withdrew because the event came only days after his Thanksgiving night car accident in Florida that set in motionhis sensational sex scandal.

Woods also lostgolf's No. 1 ranking-- a position he held for more than five consecutive years -- last month whenLee Westwoodof England took the top spot.

"My goal is to win every tournament I tee it up in and be prepared for every event," Woods said."But that does entail right now learning a new golf swing that requires a lot of work, some new motor patterns. It's not exactly easy, but it's a fun challenge."

Asked if his inability to win this year was mainly due to his swing, his putting, his late start in April or his mental approach to the game, Woods replied,"It's been all of the above."

"I've dealt with a few things off the golf course, and on the golf course I've had to make some changes in my game," he said."You combine all that together, it's very hard to be effcient for 72 straight holes."

But Woods said he's changed his swing before and, with the latest alterations, he's"showed some good signs" over the last three tournaments."It's a process," he said.

--Jim Peltz

Photo: Tiger Woods signs autographs Tuesday after practice for the Chevron World Challenge golf tournament at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Credit: Reed Saxon/Associated Press

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Drew Doughty, Teemu Selanne lead the local teams in NHL All-Star voting | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The overall vote leader in the NHL's All-Star balloting is no surprise:Sidney Crosbyof the Pittsburgh Penguins. After two weeks of online voting, he now has 218,791 votes. 

The nicest surprise? The guy who jumped up to second place while no one was looking. That would be Montreal Canadiens goalieCarey Price,whose 145,726 votes are the most among write-in candidates. That's right.Write-in.Price has been outstanding in goal so far this season.

Tampa Bay's scoring machineSteven Stamkos is third with 141,818 votes. More than 6 million votes have been cast through last weekend.

But what about the Kings and Ducks?

Teemu Selanneis doing the best among Ducks with 25,545 votes.Ryan Getzlaf,Bobby RyanandCorey Perryaren't far behind him, though. Noteworthy write-in totals: goaltenderJonas Hillerhas 9,791,Lubomir Visnovsky7,137 andCam Fowler6,938.

The Kings?

Drew Doughtyis leading the way with 94,606.Anze Kopitarhas 31,923, while the very deservingRyan Smithhas 16,465. Noteworthy is team scoring leaderJustin Williamsas a write-in candidate with 8,486.Jonathan Quickcomes in ninth among goaltenders with 40,140, while defensemanJack Johnsonhas 12,871 write-in votes.

But it really makes you wonder what is going on when former Kings playerSean Avery(he currently ranks third in the league for penalty minutes) of the New York Rangers has 38,551 write-in votes. Even as a joke, this isn't funny.

Through Jan. 3, NHL fans will be able to select up to six players by position -- three forwards, two defensemen and one goaltender -– without regard to the conference in which their teams play.

As part of a new format for the 2011 All-Star game, the three forwards, two defensemen and goalie with the most votes will be named first NHL All-Stars.Want to vote? Click here.Meanwhile, here are

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Alcindor the horse runs like his namesake played basketball | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Alcindor, a 3-year-old colt trained byBob Baffert, cost $1,150,000 at the 2008 Keeneland yearling sale. And he runs like the basketball player he was named after,Lew Alcindor, who's nowKareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Alcindor improved to two for two in his racing career Sunday, winning a seven-furlong allowance race at Hollywood Park by 7 1/2 lengths.

He's a son ofUnbridled's Songand could be a horse to watch in 2011.

-- Eric Sondheimer

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Marquez vs. Katsidis: round-by-round updates | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Mexico’sJuan Manuel Marquezwill make the second defense of his world lightweight titles tonight when he meets Australia’sMichael Katsidisat MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Marquez (51-5-1, 37 knockouts) stands as Mexico’s proudest world champion, having foughtManny Pacquiaoto a 2004 draw and a 2008 split-decision loss. Marquez proceeded to claim the lightweight belt by defeatingJuan Diazin the 2009 fight of the year.

He took a big pay day to get beat by the far largerFloyd Mayweather Jr. later last year, then returned to the lightweight division and punished Diaz again in a July unanimous decision.

Katsidis (27-2, 22 KOs) has lost to two opponents that Marquez has defeated in recent years–- Diaz andJoel Casamayor–- but he’s won his last four bouts and is fighting in the memory of his brother, who died recently.

Marquez expressed sympathy, but has his sights set on a third showdown with Pacquiao. Any hope of that requires a victory tonight.

Here's round-by-round coverage of the fight:

Round 1:Marquez starts with jabs to the body. He lands a good right to Katsidis’ face. Another. Marquez is blocking Katsidis’ jab. Katsidis sneaks one in. Good right by Marquez. He works for openings. Good overhand right by Marquez. Marquez wins round, 10-9.

 

--Lance Pugmire, reporting from Las Vegas

Photo: Juan Manuel Marquez, left, and Michael Katsidis strike a pose during a news conference on Tuesday in Las Vegas. Credit: Steve Marcus / Reuters

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UCLA basketball: Bruins trail Virginia Commonwealth at halftime | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

UCLA has fallen behind again, and it couldn't get back up.

The Bruins spotted Virginia Commonwealth the first eight points of their NIT Season Tip-Off consolation game, just as they had Villanova two nights earlier.

And it could have been worse. Much worse.

After falling behind by as many as 11 points, the Bruins had a chance to tie the score whenMalcolm Lee'sthree-point attempt rattled out of the rim at the halftime buzzer, leaving VCU with a 40-37 lead at Madison Square Garden.

The Rams burned UCLA inside the paint and out for much of the first 20 minutes, leading to the early benching of Bruins freshmanJoshua Smith for what appeared to be defensive lapses. But his teammates weren't much better against small, quick VCU.

A three-pointer byBradford Burgessgave the Rams a 34-23 lead before the Bruins started chipping away at their deficit. Junior guardJerime Andersonmade a couple of nice assists, one toBrendan Laneon an alley-oop pass and another toReeves Nelsonfor another dunk.

Then Lee started heating up from long distance, making a pair of three-pointers and a layup off a Smith steal before his shot that could have tied the score rattled out. Lee made three of four three-pointers and leads UCLA with 13 points.

The Bruins committed 12 turnovers in the first half and will have to take better care of the ball to leave New York with a victory.

--Ben Bolch, reporting from New York

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Alberto Contador claims innocence in doping case during emotional TV interview | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Alberto Contadorhas reiterated his innocence over his failed doping test at the Tour de France in an emotional television interview in Madrid.

"I don't doubt (my innocence) for one second because I did not do anything irregular at any time," the 27-year-old Spanish cyclist said in an interview broadcast Thursday by TVE.

Contador is facing a two-year ban and risks losing his third Tour title after testing positive for the banned drug clenbuterol. He claims contaminated meat was to blame.

Contador says it is too early to decide if he would quit the sport if found guilty, but"I can't say for sure that I'll continue."

He hopes his case will be resolved before the end of the year.

--Associated Press

Photo: Alberto Contador: Credit: Eloy Alonso / Reuters

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Kings' morning skate: Martinez in, Westgarth out, Harrold moves to right wing | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Greetings from Montreal, always a wonderful place to visit and too rarely on the Kings' itinerary.

The Canadiens held their morning skate Wednesday at their practice facility but the Kings skated at the Bell Centre and offered a preview of a few shifts in their lineup for Wednesday night’s game.

DefensemanAlec Martinez, recalled from Manchester of the American Hockey League, will play and will be paired withDrew Doughty. That will put a strugglingJack Johnsonback withRob Scuderiand leave a third pair ofDavis DrewiskeandMatt Greene.Peter Harrold, the equivalent of a baseball utility infielder, will move up from defense to the right wing on the fourth line, withBrad RichardsonandTrevor Lewis.Kevin Westgarthwill sit out.

"I want to keep Harry going," CoachTerry Murraysaid of Harrold."He’s a guy that brings a lot of energy and he’s made the adjustment very easily in the past, been a pretty good right winger when we played him there, so he’ll get that look tonight.

"Martinez, well we called him up for a reason. He’s the top scorer with Manchester in the AHL, playing well on the power play, shooting the puck, getting some results on the power play, and certainly that’s what we need, to get that part of the game going on a consistent basis and hopefully he can be a catalyst to help get that turned around tonight."

Murray said he paired Martinez with Doughty"to give a young guy called up a good player to play with. I think they both have great hockey awareness. They’re going to move the puck. They’re going to support each other. And I hope if anything pops up Doughty is able to help him in tough situations."

The changes also put Scuderi, Doughty’s previous partner, with Johnson and reunited a pair that

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Ducks recall Dan Sexton, Nick Bonino and Brandon McMillan | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Ducks recalled forwardsDan Sexton,Brandon McMillanandNick Boninofrom their American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch on Wednesday. The move comes two days after the trio was reassigned, enabling the Ducks to save a few days of salary.

The three players did not play in Syracuse and left before the team practiced on Wednesday.

For Sexton, this marks the second time in five days he's been recalled. He started the season with the Ducks before suffering a broken nose and missing seven games.

After recovering, Sexton was assigned to Syracuse on Nov. 10, appearing in four games before being recalled Saturday. In his first game back, he recorded his first point of the season (assisting on a goal bySaku Koivu) during Sunday's loss to Edmonton.

Bonino is scoreless in 11 games with the Ducks and McMillan made his NHL debut Sunday after playing in 16 games with the Crunch.

-- Austin Knoblauch

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Josh Hamilton named AL MVP | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

In the latest chapter of an amazing story, Texas Rangers outfielderJosh Hamiltonwas honored Tuesday as the American League Most Valuable Player.

Hamilton, who lost four years of his career to drug and alcohol addiction, received 22 of the 28 first-place votes. He hit .359 with 32 home runs and 100 runs batted in, leading the major leagues in batting average, slugging percentage (.633) and on-base plus slugging percentage (1.044).

Miguel Cabreraof the Detroit Tigers got five first-place votes and finished second, with Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees finishing third.Jose Bautistaof the Toronto Blue Jays got the lone remaining first-place vote and finished fourth.

No Angel was among the 20 players receiving votes. The ballot required voters to list 10 choices.

The Tampa Bay Rays selected Hamilton with the first overall pick of the 1999 draft, but a combination of injuries and suspensions derailed his career. In 2006, he played 15 games at the Class A level, his first competitive action in four years.

The Cincinnati Reds acquired him via the Rule 5 draft, forcing them to keep him in the major leagues or risk losing him. He hit .292 with 19 home runs in 2007. The Reds then traded him to the Rangers for pitcherEdinson Volquez. In Texas, Hamilton established himself as one of the game's elite players.

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For one day, Ottawa is the city of brotherly love | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Greetings from Ottawa, where it’s chilly and rainy but so far, no snow.

It’s not the weather that will keep Rhoda Murray, two days short of her 91st birthday, from attending Monday’s game between the Kings and the Ottawa Senators. It’s that two of her 10 children will be involved in the game -- Kings Coach Terry Murray and Senators General Manager Bryan Murray -- and she doesn’t want to root for one at the expense of the other.

"She has favorites. There’s 10 of them," Terry Murray said after the Kings’ morning skate at Scotiabank Place in suburban Kanata.

"Everybody’s a favorite. I think that’s why she doesn’t come to the games anymore.  It gets to be too hard when she’s sitting in the stands watching. But she’ll be watching the game on TV."

Many other members of the Murray clan will make the trip from the town of Shawville, on the other side of the Quebec border, to be at the game, and a local reporter asked Terry Murray which brother their relatives and friends will back.

“It’s one of those games where I think you’re looking for a tie,” Terry Murray said. “I’m looking for a win.”

How does he plan to get it? We’ll have more from him and from the teams’ skates in a little while atwww.latimes.com/sports.

-- Helene Elliott

 

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Instant Amazing: Blake Griffin soars in loss to Knicks | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Stellar, overpowering ... it's hard to describe whatBlake Griffindid against the Knicks on Saturday night without gushing and sounding too over the top after the Clippers lost for the 13th time in 14 games this season.

NBA.com'sScott-Howard Cooperjust tweeted thatRalph Lawlersaid that Griffin had one of the two best games in LA Clippers history. Lawler is in his 32nd year as the voice of the Clippers. The other game he was referring to wasElton Brand'smonster game at Charlotte on Dec. 23, 2005, when he had 38 points, 20 rebounds, five assists and three blocked shots.

Griffin came within three assists of a triple-double, finishing with 44 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists. He set the franchise rookie record for points in a game. The previous mark was held byEric Gordon, who scored 41 against Oklahoma City in the 2008-09 season.

The raves, rightly so, were coming in within minutes after his air show and dazzling array of dunks.

"With him being so athletic like that, any time you can get him attacking the basket, it's going to be success for him," said injured centerChris Kaman."It could have easily been 50. He did his typical rebounding night. A lot of those dunks were just exceptional. You don't see stuff like that.

"You are going to see more of that. That's just who he is and how he plays. He even passed the ball well -- seven assists. I was impressed with that."

Once Griffin finished with his TV interview, I asked him, not-so-jokingly, if 50 points was next.

"A win is next," Griffin said."We've got to get a win. All that means nothing if you don't come out with a win."

Griffin spoke about the spectacular dunk where he appeared to climb over the Knicks'Timofey Mozgov, saying:“Randy (Foye)just passed to me at the right time. I think he helped me get up a little bit, once I got on top of him. I don’t know. I just tried to throw it in. I couldn’t get to the rim.”

But he was critical of himself.

“Defensively, I didn’t do too well,” Griffin said. “We can’t letAmare(Stoudemire) get 39 and (Danilo)Gallinariget 31. We’ve just got to keep working. We’re playing hard. . . . Just making sure I stay aggressive, not forcing anything and let it come to me and play with a little better pace.”

He was his typical understated self and talked about things opening up.  Uh, just a little bit.

The dunk over Mozgov, Griffin-ologists, was not the first of that kind. Griffin provided a helpful reminder of a similar slam a little more than a year ago.

"Probably last preseason when we played the Lakers, I think I had a dunk that was kind of like that," said Griffin, of when he posterizedDJ Mbenga."I just kind of threw it in."

--Lisa Dillman

Photo: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin begins to elevate over the Knicks' Timofey Mozgov before throwing down a dunk from a couple feet away. Credit: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press

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U.S. women shut out Italy, 1-0, and near World Cup qualification | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The U.S. women's national team moved to the verge of qualifying for the Women's World Cup in Germany next summer when it defeated Italy, 1-0, in Padova, Italy on Saturday in the first game of a two-game playoff series.

The vital goal was scored in the fourth minute of injury time byAlex Morgan, who had been brought into the game with only five minutes left in regulation as a substitute for former USC strikerAmy Rodriguez.

The teams play each other again at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. next Saturday at 1 p.m., when U.S. CoachPia Sundhage'steam needs only a tie to advance to the June 26-July 17 World Cup in Germany.

The U.S. outshot defense-minded Italy, 3-0 and earned four corner kicks to two for the Italians, who appeared content with a tie until Morgan ruined that prospect with her last-minute goal.

The U.S. has never failed to qualify for the Women;s World Cup and won the tournament in 1991 and 1999. It was forced into a playoff with Italy after losing to Mexico in the regional qualifying tournament, from which winner Canada and runner-up Mexico advanced directly to the World Cup.

--Grahame L. Jones

 

 

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Mexico's Javier Aguirre lands a new coaching job in Spain | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Javier Aguirre, who coached Mexico at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups but was dismissed after the team's 3-1 loss to Argentina in the second round of the tournament in South Africa in the summer, Thursday was named coach of Real Zaragoza in Spain's La Liga.

It will be the third Spanish team that Aguirre, 51, has coached after earlier stints with Osasuna and Atletico Madrid. Real Zaragoza is currently in last place in the league with a 1-6-4 record, but Aguirre said he believes that can be corrected.

"While this project is enormous . . . I like it, it's a challenge," Aguirre said."The league has just started, so there's time {to improve} and we've got a good enough squad."

Aguirre, a former Mexico national team player who also played for the Los Angeles Aztecs in the North American Soccer League, spent four seasons with Osasuna and two with Atletico Madrid, achieving success with both clubs.

-- Grahame L. Jones

Photo: Javier Aguirre. Credit: Claudio Cruz / Associated Press

 

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Mariners' Felix Hernandez wins AL Cy Young Award | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

In a victory for those who look beyond victories to determine the worth of a pitcher, Felix Hernandez of the last-place Seattle Mariners won the American League Cy Young Award on Thursday.

Hernandez, who needed a victory in his final start to finish with a winning record, went 13-12 with a league-leading 2.27 earned-run average.

David Price of the AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays, who finished tied for second in the league in victories, finished second in the voting. Price went 19-6 with a 2.72 ERA.

CC Sabathia of the New York Yankees, who finished second, went 21-7 with a 3.18 ERA, leading the league in victories but ranking sixth in ERA.

Hernandez received 21 first-place votes, with Price getting four and Sabathia three. Jon Lester of the Boston Red Sox finished fourth in the voting, with Jered Weaver of the Angels fifth.

Hernandez becomes the first starting pitcher to win a Cy Young award with fewer than 15 victories, and the first starting pitcher to win with a record fewer than eight games over .500 (in a non-strike season). Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants went 15-7 to win the National League Cy Young award last year; Zack Greinke of the Kansas City Royals went 16-8 to win the AL award.

Hernandez led the league in innings pitched, was one shy of the Weaver in strikeouts and held opponents to a league-low .212 batting average and .585 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage). In 25 of his 34 starts, he gave up two or fewer earned runs.

-- Bill Shaikin

 

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Tony Parker, Eva Longoria headed for divorce | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

As shocking as it may sound, another marriage involving a sports star and a celebrity is coming to an end.

"Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria filed for divorce from San Antonio Spurs all-star point guard Tony Parker in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday morning, citing irreconcilable differences. They have been married since July 2007 and have no children together.

Longoria, who had changed her name to Eva Longoria Parker, is also requesting that her name be restored to Eva Jacqueline Longoria. The couple had a prenuptial agreement, according to the filing.

-- Chuck Schilken

Photo: Eva Longoria and Tony Parker attend the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 33rd Annual Awards Gala at the Washington Convention Center in September. Credit: Olivier Douliery / EPA

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UCLA basketball: Will eight be enough against Pacific? | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The loss of UCLA shooting guardsMalcolm LeeandMatt Carlinoto injuries potentially leaves the Bruins with only eight available scholarship players for their second-round game in the NIT Season Tip-Off on Tuesday night at Pauley Pavilion against Pacific.

Only one of the eight -- freshmanTyler Lamb-- is a shooting guard. And he made only one of 10 shots Monday during UCLA's 79-69 victory over Pepperdine, missing all four of his three-point attempts.

"He got a lot of wide-open looks that he'll normally knock down," Bruins sophomore forwardTyler Honeycuttsaid of Lamb,"so I think {Tuesday} he'll knock a couple of more down."

Lee sprained his left ankle less than six minutes into the game against the Waves, limping off the court. Though X-rays were negative, CoachBen Howlandsaid Lee couldn't walk on the ankle and was definitely out for the game against Pacific.

Carlino, who suffered a concussion when he fell during practice on Nov. 8, has resumed shooting, but Howland said his status was uncertain.

"He hasn't played in a week," Howland said,"so it would be hard to throw him into a game when he hasn't even practiced since he hurt his head."

Howland was pleased with how his young and shorthanded team responded to an eight-point deficit late in the first half against the Waves, rattling off a 26-2 run to take control.

"It's a very young team, and we're going to have periods like we had in the first half," Howland said."I was just happy how we rebounded from that."

-- Ben Bolch

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Lisa Leslie, Michael Strahan to be honored at March of Dimes luncheon in N.Y. | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Lisa Lesliewill be honored as sportswoman of the year andMichael Strahanas sportsman of the year at the 27th annual March of Dimes sports luncheon on Dec. 1 in New York.

Leslie, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA MVP, led the league in scoring (6,263) and rebounding (3,307) when she retired in 2009.

Strahan was a seven-time Pro Bowler for the New York Giants and earned NFL defensive player of the year honors in 2001 after recording a single-season record 22.5 sacks. He's currently an analyst on"Fox NFL Sunday."

Past award recipients have includedMickey Mantle,Cal Ripken Jr.,Andre Agassi,Venus Williams,Patrick EwingandAnnika Sorenstam. Reservations for the luncheon can be made by calling (212) 353-1143 or e-mailing jcarlo@marchofdimes.com.

-- Melissa Rohlin

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Oregon and Auburn remain top two in polls; Boise State jumps TCU into third | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The top three college football teams entering the weekend all survived scares from lesser opponents, but only Texas Christian paid for it in Sunday's latest USA Today coaches and Associated Press polls.

Oregon remained No.1 in both indexes despite a tense 15-13 victory at California and Auburn remained No. 2 after a come-from-behind, 49-31 home win over Georgia.

TCU, however, paid a price for defeating unranked San Diego State by only five points, 40-35, falling to No. 4 in the polls behind Boise State, which scored an overwhelming 52-14 win over Idaho on Friday.

TCU's stock drop was also influenced by Utah's 28-3 defeat at Notre Dame. TCU had jumped Boise State last week after a big win at Utah, then ranked No. 5 in the Bowl Championship Series standings. The loss to Notre Dame, however, dropped Utah to No. 24 in the coaches' poll and No. 25 in the AP.

This week's AP top 10 is Oregon, Auburn, Boise State, TCU and Louisiana State, followed by Wisconsin,  Stanford, Ohio State, Nebraska and Alabama.

The coaches' poll has the same top four, but Wisconsin at No. 5, followed by LSU, Ohio State, Stanford, Nebraska and Oklahoma State.

The poll battle between Boise State and TCU could be important if Oregon and Auburn win out and play for the BCS title on Jan. 10. In that scenario, the Rose Bowl is obligated this year to take the highest-ranked school from a"non-AQ" (automatic qualifier) conference, which will almost certainly be either Boise State or TCU.

Also, if Oregon or Auburn were to lose a game, the No. 3 team might be in line to become the first non-AQ to qualify for the BCS title.

 

chris.dufresne@latimes.com

 

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Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. anticipates Anaheim fight | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The transition ofJulio Cesar Chavez Jr. from novelty to title contender will make an important stop Dec. 4 in Anaheim, when the son of the Mexican boxing legend headlines a pay-per-view card at Honda Center versusAlfonso Gomez.

"This guy's few losses are against great fighters," Chavez Jr. said, referring toMiguel CottoandPeter Manfredo."Winning for me lends credibility. I know it's up to me to prove I can beat these types of guys."

Chavez (41-0-1, 30 KOs) last beat the previously undefeatedJohn Duddyearlier this year in Texas. He's working withManny Pacquiao's trainer,Freddie Roach, and is now talking about moving from Gomez to a shot at world junior-middleweight champion Cotto of Puerto Rico.

"If I beat this guy convincingly, why shouldn't I get the big fights?" Chavez Jr. asked."Miguel Cotto, to me, is a legend, a champion. It'd be a dream come true."

Cotto, recovering from shoulder surgery, is currently without an early 2011 fight and could be scheduled against either of tonight's fighters, Pacquiao orAntonio Margarito, or Chavez, given the circumstances.

A strong pay-per-view draw, Chavez Jr. has also been discussed as a possible foe of Mexico's popularSaul"Canelo" Alvarez, the problem being the fighters' respective promoters aren't dealing with each other.

"That's a big fight," said Chavez's co-promoter,Fernando Beltran. 

"Everyone expects that fight to happen," Chavez Jr. said."For me, now, Gomez is a lot better than Alvarez." 

Chavez said his father for the first time ever won't be able to attend one of his fights. He said the elder Chavez is scheduled to undergo ankle and nose surgeries.

"People expect me to be him -- I can't," Chavez Jr. said."But I do enjoy having those people behind me and I know I need to give them a great performance. I look forward to being there, fighting in {Anaheim}, I have family in that area, and I haven't fought there in a long time."

-- Lance Pugmire

Photo: (L-R) Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Nonito Donaire and Alfonso Gomez pose during a press conference for their big fights on Top Rank's "In Harm's Way" card to be held at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Saturday, Dec. 4. Credit: Chris Farina / Top Rank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Referee, judges named for Pacquiao-Margarito bout | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has namedLaurence Colethe referee for Saturday'sManny Pacquiao-Antonio Margaritobout at Cowboys Stadium.

Cole is the son of veteran Texas boxing commissionerDickie Cole.

The elder Cole told The Times earlier this year that Texas' decision to reinstate Margarito to boxing after his plaster-hand wraps scandal in California was prudent, arguing even if the loaded wraps weren't confiscated from the Tijuana fighter before his 2009 bout at Staples Center it wouldn't have made that big of a difference.

Laurence Cole worked a 2003 fight involving Pacquiao, and he was involved in the controversialAndre Dirrell-Arthur Abrahambout in Detroit this year.

Pacquiao's trainer,Freddie Roach, has said Texas will allow him to place a representative inside Margarito's locker room Saturday from the time of his arrival, through the hand-wrapping procedure until he walks out to the ring.

Texas also announced the judges will be Germany'sJuergen Langos, who worked theJulio Cesar Chavez Jr.-John Duddyfight in San Antonio earlier this year, and Texas judgesGlen CrockerandOren Schellenberger.

-- Tecate is offering a $25 rebate for Saturday's $54.95 pay-per-view with the purchase of a 12-pack of beer.

-- HBO will broadcast its fourth and final segment of the"24/7" reality series Friday night at 9:30 EST, 6:30 PST if you have HBO East on DirecTV. Last week's episode was the highest-rated since the 2007 series featuringFloyd Mayweather Jr. andOscar De La Hoya.

-- The Times will have full coverage later Friday of the Pacquiao-Margarito weigh-in at Cowboys Stadium, here at the Fabulous Forum and onTwitter.com/latimespugmire.

-- Lance Pugmire

 

 

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Poll: Who will win the Pacquiao-Margarito fight? | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Manny Pacquiao fights Antonio Margarito on Saturday night in Dallas for the World Boxing Council junior-middleweight championship in what could be the fight of the year. Boxing writer Lance Pugmire will provide live round-by-round accounts on latimes.com, beginning with pre-fight reports at 6:30 p.m. Those who are watching the pay-per-view spectacle will have the opportunity to vote on who won each round and the fight overall while checking out Pugmire’s analysis and columnist Bill Dwyre’s unique perspective at the conclusion of the bout.

So, to get the polling off to a flying start, who who do you think will win the Pacquiao-Margarito fight? Vote now, then leave a comment letting us know why you voted the way you did.

  

-- Houston Mitchell

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Anaheim Ducks send Dan Sexton, Matt Beleskey to Syracuse | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Ducks assigned right wingDan Sextonand left wingMatt Beleskeyto the Syracuse Crunch, Anaheim's primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Both players are coming back from injuries.

Sexton, 23, had surgery two weeks ago to repair his broken nose -- the result of being hit by a puck in a game at Detroit. He has missed seven games so far. He has no goals or assists yet this season, but has appeared in only seven games. 

As a rookie last season, the speedster scored nine goals and 10 assists in 41 games, leading all Ducks rookies in assists and points.

Beleskey, 22, has appeared in 10 games this season and has two assists. He has missed the last six games after suffering a concussion in a game at Dallas on Oct. 26.

Last season, as a rookie, he collected 11 goals and seven assists in 60 games.

-- Debbie Goffa

 

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Court orders Mayweather to stay away from sons | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

A Las Vegas court has ordered boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. to stay away from his former girlfriend and their two sons after prosecutors say he hit her and threatened to beat his children if they called 911.

Mayweather skipped a hearing Tuesday before Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Diana Sullivan on eight misdemeanor and felony charges. Sullivan gave Mayweather a week to pay $31,000 in bail.

Authorities allege Mayweather took mobile phones belonging to Josie Harris and their sons after the Sept. 9 dispute.

Mayweather faces charges of felony coercion, grand larceny and robbery, and misdemeanor domestic battery and harassment.

He could face up to 34 years in prison if convicted on all charges. He is due back in court Jan. 24.

-- Associated Press

Photo: Floyd Mayweather Jr. exits the Clark County Detention Center in September. Credit: Isaac Brekken / Associated Press

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I hope Hall of Fame jackets fit Cammi Granato, Angela James | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Angela James, known as the Wayne Gretzky of women’s hockey, and Cammi Granato, a pioneer in the sport in the United States, will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame Monday night in Toronto, and it’s a historic occasion.

They will be the first female players to become Honoured Members in a ceremony that will be televised nationally across Canada and in the U.S. on the NHL Network. It’s a wonderful occasion, and I wish all the best to them and to former player Dino Ciccarelli and the two inductees in the builder’s category, Detroit Red Wings executive Jimmy Devellano and the late Daryl Seaman, who was instrumental in bringing the Flames to Calgary.

But I have a special bit of advice for James and Granato:

Make sure your Hall of Fame blazer fits.

Here’s the back story:

In 2005, I was fortunate enough to win the Elmer Ferguson award, which is awarded to print journalists for their contributions in covering the sport. Media honorees aren’t considered full-fledged members of the Hall but they do get a plaque in the media section of the Hall as well as a blazer with a patch designating them a media honoree.

I was stunned and delighted and overwhelmed when Hall of Fame executives, who had never worked with a female winner before, told me they wanted to be sure everything would be right with the blazer I would receive at the afternoon induction ceremony and would wear when I was introduced on TV that night.

When I arrived in Toronto they took me to a tailor shop and gave me a choice of two blazers: a men’s 52 short and a men’s 52 long.

Neither came close to fitting properly and the Hall executives were apologetic, promising they’d substitute a better-fitting blazer very soon.

That never happened, but I don’t think I’d trade mine in now. It provided another great memory on an unforgettable day.

I’m told thatGranato will have a correctly sized blazer. I hope the same is true for James. It would be only fitting to get the fit right on this historic day.

-- Helene Elliott

 

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Fun, frivolity -- and a Kings game too | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

There was a great atmosphere at the Kings’ morning skate Saturday in El Segundo, with players wearing mullet wigs in honor of the formerly mulledRyan Smyth, who will play his 1,000th NHL game Saturday night.

Smyth (pictured at left before Saturday night's game) was surprised by the gesture— and thoroughly confused for a moment when teammate

started calling everyone“Smitty.”

But he appreciated the gesture and the prospect of seeing 50 to 60 friends and relatives come to town for the game. The Kings and the NHL will honor him in a pregame ceremony next Thursday.

“It’s a special moment for me,” he said.

We’ll have more later on Smyth, who shows no signs of fading as he reaches his milestone.

There’s also a game to be played, and a fairly important game it is for the Kings, who are 5-0-0 at home this season but have been beaten by the Predators five straight times at home.

“They’re a fast team. They’ve always shown the puck tenacity. They’re on it quickly. They’re over top of you,” CoachTerry Murraysaid.“If you make one error with a  pass they’re going to hunt you down and make you pay the price, whether it’s a goal or a great scoring chance.

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UCLA basketball teams to hold Dribble for the Cure event | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The UCLA men's and women's basketball teams will hold a Dribble for the Cure event Sunday morning on campus to raise money for pediatric cancer research and treatment.

Participants will dribble a basketball along a 1.2-mile course through campus, starting at Drake Stadium and ending at Pauley Pavilion. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., with a welcome ceremony at Drake Stadium at 10 a.m.

More than 750 participants raised more than $90,000 last year, the second year the event was held.

"Our goal is to cure all children with cancer and minimize the effects of treatment," saidDr. Kathy Sakamoto, chief of the division of pediatric hematology/oncology at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA."This event makes a significant impact in improving the lives of all of our patients."

At the conclusion of the event, participants will be able to obtain autographs and pose for pictures with the UCLA men's and women's basketball teams. Each participant is asked to bring his or her own basketball.

For more information, go towww.dribbleforthecure.comor call (949) 859-6312 or (800) 354-7273.

--Ben Bolch

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Pacific 10 Conference releases 2011 football schedule | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

 

The honor of playing the first game in Pac-12 football history next season goes to one of its newest members, Utah, which opens at home on Sept.1 against Montana State.

The conference, which expands from 10 to 12 teams next year with the addition of Utah and Colorado, released its 2011 schedule on Friday.

The new Pac-12 will divide into North and South divisions and host its first title game on Dec. 3 at the site of the team with the best overall conference record.

Colorado's first game as a member of the Pac-12 is a Sept. 3 nonconference game at Hawaii.

Utah's first game against a Pac 12 team will be Sept. 10 at USC. Utah hosts UCLA on Nov. 12.

USC plays at Colorado on Nov. 5 and Colorado is at UCLA on Nov. 19.

The teams in the Pac-12 South are USC, UCLA, Arizona State, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. The North is Stanford, Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State.

Each team will play every team in its own division, plus four crossover games. USC and UCLA, however, will continue to play North teams Cal and Stanford every season.

Some of the Pac-12's marquee nonleague matchups include Louisiana State versus Oregon on Sept. 3, Oregon State at Wisconsin and Arizona at Oklahoma State on Sept. 10, Texas at UCLA on Sept. 17, and Colorado at Ohio State on Sept. 24.

The 2012 schedule will include the same set of opponents as 2011, with the games played at opposite sites. The dates have not yet been determined.

-- Chris Dufresne

 chris.dufresne@latimes.com 

Photo: Football game at Rice Eccles Stadium home of the University of Utah. Credit: Brenton Walker.

 

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Will it be UCLA or Duke for top point guard Quinn Cook? | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The biggest drama of the day regarding UCLA basketball could come a few hours before the Bruins play their exhibition opener against Westmont at Pauley Pavilion.

Highly rated point guardQuinn Cookof Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill Academy is expected to announce whether he is committing to UCLA or to Duke sometime after 2 p.m. PDT, Oak Hill CoachSteve Smithtold The Times in a brief phone conversation Thursday morning.

Duke is considered the front-runner for Cook, who averaged 20 points, five assists and three rebounds last season as a junior for Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha High. One factor potentially working against the Blue Devils is the uncertain status of freshman point guardKyrie Irving, who could opt to return for a second college season in the wake of an expected NBA lockout next summer.

Cook would almost certainly be able to start immediately at UCLA, even with junior guards Lazeric JonesandJerime Andersonexpected to return. But Westwood is a long way from home for the Maryland native.

-- Ben Bolch

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Poll: Which will happen first -- Lakers lose or Clippers win? | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Here in L.A. we have two NBA teams with perfect records -- well, sort of. The Lakers are 4-0, including a 24-point victory over Golden State and a 19-point win over Memphis. And the Clippers are 0-4, losing their games by an average of nearly 14 points.

But nothing lasts forever (it just might seem that way for Clippers fans). Which streak do you think will end first? Vote, then leave a comment telling us why you voted the way you did.

-- Chuck Schilken

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Angels' Roenicke gets Brewers job, source says | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Reports out of Milwaukee say that Angels bench coach Ron Roenicke has been given the job as manager of the Brewers. A source close to the team confirmed the reports early Tuesday afternoon. Messages left for Roenicke were not immediately returned. Considered to be Angels Manager Mike Scioscia's right-hand man, Roenicke interviewed for the vacant job last month.

Others known to have interviewed for the job include Bobby Valentine, Bob Melvin and Joey Cora. An official announcement is not expected until the other parties have been notified.

Roenicke is the third coach from the Angels' staff to get a managing job in the last five years, joining former bench coach Joe Maddon, hired by the Tampa Bay Rays after the 2005 season, and pitching coach Bud Black, hired by the San Diego Padres following the 2006 season. Maddon has gone on to win two division titles and an American League pennant in the last three years, while Black and his low-budget Padres battled the world-champion San Francisco Giants to the last day of the season before losing the N.L. West division race.

-- Kevin Baxter

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Kings are No. 1 -- is that an omen? | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The NHL sent out a press release Monday that included some interesting notes:

The October portion of the 2010-11 regular-season schedule concluded Saturday with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings atop the Eastern and Western conferences, respectively. The Lightning (7-2-1, .750) placed first in the East in October for the first time, while the Kings (8-3-0, .727) topped the West for the first time since 1990-91.

A first-place perch in the conference through Oct. 31 does not guarantee a ring and a parade next June, although seven of the past 12 Stanley Cup champions did lead their conference at that season milestone. The past 12 Stanley Cup-winning clubs are a combined 94-23-17 (.765) in October of their championship season.

First place in the conference has served as a reliable playoff predictor over the years. Only twice in the past 24 seasons has a team missed the playoffs after leading its conference at the end of October. The Philadelphia Flyers missed the Eastern Conference playoffs in 1993-94 and the Toronto Maple Leafs missed the Campbell Conference playoffs in 1988-89. But with just six points separating the top 12 teams in each conference this season, no club can afford to take its foot off the accelerator.

For a look at how past early leaders fared,click herefor the beautiful PDF.

-- Helene Elliott

Photo: Jake Muzzin, left, Jarret Stoll and Dustin Brown of the Kings. Credit: Jeff Gross / Getty Images

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Auburn jumps Boise State in latest USA Today coaches' poll | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

It was going to happen sooner or later, and sooner came Sunday, when Auburn jumped Boise State for the No. 2 spot in the USA Today college football coaches' poll.

The top five in the new USA Today index: Oregon, Auburn, Boise State, Texas Christian and Alabama. Rounding out the top 10 are Utah, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

The Associated Press top five is Oregon, Boise State, Auburn, TCU and Alabama. Rounding out the AP top 10 are Utah, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Nebraska and Stanford.

The USA Today poll is used in the BCS standings while the AP is no longer part of the formula but still crowns an independent champion.

It seemed inevitable that Auburn would eventually pass Boise State for the No. 2 spot in the coaches' poll, although the leapfrog this week came after Boise State scored a 29-point win over Louisiana Tech last Tuesday.

Auburn made the move with a 20-point road win at Mississippi (3-5).

The latest BCS standings will be released Sunday evening on ESPN.

--Chris Dufresne

chris.dufresne@latimes.com

Photo: Heisman Trophy hopeful Cam Newton and Auburn have been winning big, including a 51-31 victory over Mississippi on Saturday. Credit: Getty Images

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Zenyatta has final tuneup for Breeders' Cup Classic | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

UnbeatenZenyattahad a final tuneup Saturday at Hollywood Park in preparation for the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 6 at Churchill Downs, going six furlongs in 1:11 4/5 seconds.

Zenyatta, who has won all 19 of her starts, is scheduled to be shipped to Louisville, Ky., on Tuesday.

She is the talk of racing. She was featured inSports Illustratedthis week. She will receive attention on"60 Minutes" on Sunday with the question,"Is Zenyatta the best racehorse ever?"

Here's a look back at Zenyatta's performance in last year's memorable Breeders' Cup Classic.

-- Eric Sondheimer

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Ducks recall veteran left wing Josh Green | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Ducks have recalled left wingJosh Greenfrom the Syracuse Crunch, Anaheim's primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League.

With left wingMatt Beleskyout with a concussion, the Ducks needed some offensive help. Green, 32, appeared in seven games for Syracuse this season and had one goal and three points.

If nothing else, Green has experience. In 322 career NHL games, Green has 35 goals and 74 points.

Signed to a one-year contract by the Ducks in July, he was originally selected by the Kings in the second round (30th overall) of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. He has played for the Kings (1998-99), the Islanders (1999-00), the Oilers (2001-03), the Rangers (2002-03), the Capitals (2002-04), the Flames (2003-04), the Canucks (2005-07) and the Ducks (2009).

-- Debbie Goffa

 Photo: Josh Green. Credit: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images.

 

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Kings make lineup changes at Dallas | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Kings canceled their morning skate in Dallas after they arrived from Chicago in the wee hours of Thursday morning. They instead had a meeting at their hotel, and afterward Coach Terry Murray announced a few lineup changes.

Defenseman Peter Harrold will come out of the lineup and Jake Muzzin will be in Thursday night against the Stars, though Murray didn’t explain why. I’ll catch up with him later and ask his reasoning.

Muzzin was recalled from Manchester on Monday after Drew Doughty was placed on injured reserve because of a concussion. On Wednesday, General Manager Dean Lombardi said that Doughty is doubtful for Saturday’s home game against the New Jersey Devils, and I'll see if there's an update on that, too.

Also, forwards Kevin Westgarth and Brayden Schenn will be in the lineup against Dallas in place of Andrei Loktionov and Trevor Lewis. In the past few days Loktionov has gone from first-line left wing to fourth-line center to a healthy scratch, an interesting journey.

Murray has been critical of Schenn’s defensive shortcomings, and Schenn acknowledged he’s still adjusting to the NHL.

“I’m watching lots and lots of videos and sitting out and watching the games,” he said. “Obviously you want to be in. I just have to learn from it.”

On the defensive side, Schenn said,“just learning your positioning is the main thing. You don’t want to get beat off the wall and you want to stay tight to your man below the circles there. In junior, it’s kind of I’ll take the puck and go, and here it’s obviously a little different.”

More later atwww.latimes.com/sports

-- Helene Elliott in Dallas

 

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World Series: Willie Mays to throw out first pitch | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The San Francisco Giants will honor arguably the greatest player in franchise history Wednesday, when Hall of Famer Willie Mays throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers.

Mays will be accompanied by a cast of Giants Hall of Famers, including Willie McCovey, Orlando Cepeda, Monte Irvin, Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry.

The Giants have honored Mays with a statue in front of AT&T Park. The team has designated the street address of the ballpark as 24 Willie Mays Plaza.

For Game 2, the ceremonial first pitches will feature the daughters of Bobby Thomson, who hit"The Shot Heard'Round the World," the home run that prompted Russ Hodges to shout out perhaps the most famous call in baseball broadcasting history, on Oct. 3, 1951:"The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!"

-- Bill Shaikin in San Francisco

Photo: Willie Mays throws out the first pitch before Game Five of the NLCS on Oct. 21in San Francisco. Credit: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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No suspension for Kings Dustin Brown | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The NHL will not suspend Kings captainDustin Brown, who had been ejected fromMonday night's game against the Minnesota Wildfor what was ruled an illegal check to the head.

That news was confirmed byRon Hextall, the Kings' assistant general manager.

Replays showed Brown struck the shoulder of Minnesota Wild forwardAntti Miettinen, however, and not the head. But refereeWes McCauleyhad called the NHL's new Rule 48, designed to punish illegal checks to the head, and that meant Brown also would be subjected to a suspension. But after closer scrutiny, the league ruled no suspension.

"If I'd hit him in the head, he'd probably be on the ice for a lot longer than he was," Brown said after the game."The league's looking at hits like that. I think that was a clean hit from top to bottom. Shoulder on shoulder. He's shooting the puck— he's in a vulnerable position maybe but I'm not going to not make that."

Brown's ejection came in the second period of what ended up a 3-2 shootout victory for the Kings. More later.

-- Helene Elliott in Chicago

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Question of the day: Which NBA team will have the most surprising season? | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Writers from around the Tribune Co. weigh in on the topic. Check back throughout the day for more responses, and feel free to leave a comment of your own.

K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune

The same thing happens every season: Splashy offseason moves get made, and the old pros get overlooked. There may be a Big Three in South Beach, but the original Big Three are still around. And, yes, the Celtics will have a better postseason than the Heat.

Granted, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are a year older, a year slower. But when the games slow down, get tighter and more physical and defense needs to be played in the half court, the Celtics are still the team to beat.

And give Doc Rivers credit for striking the right balance between regular and postseason. He knows he can't ride his Big Three anymore. But with dynamic Rajon Rondo still around and Shaquille O'Neal accepting his role, this team is deeper than last season's Eastern Conference champions.

Maybe it's not a surprise for defending champions to be picked to repeat. But after the Summer of LeBron-a-Palooza, it is.

Zach McCann, Orlando Sentinel

The Washington Wizards won 26 games last season, and few pundits expect them to surpass that mark this season. With Gilbert Arenas’ injury-faking and headline-making, Andray Blatche’s inconsistency and John Wall’s inexperience, there are far more questions than answers surrounding the Wizards heading into the 2010-11 season.

But beneath all of the corn-popping drama and tomfoolery lies a whole lot of talent on the Wizards basketball team.

Wall is a legitimate rookie-of-the-year candidate who, at just 19 years old, may be one of the league’s 10 best point guards already.  Blatche–- when his head’s right -– can score down low at an incredibly efficient rate.

Javale McGee and Al Thornton are improving. Kirk Hinrich was a sneaky-good pickup, and Arenas’ antics overshadow how good of an off-the-ball scorer he could be alongside Wall.

If there’s a coach out there who can handle a nonconformist, youthful cast of characters, it’s Flip Saunders.

It’s hard to be surprised by anything in Washington these days. That said, don’t be surprised if the Wizards sneak into the playoffs this year.

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Formula One's title chase goes slippin' and slidin' in South Korea | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Formula One drivers pilot the most sophisticated race cars in the world. But put them on a brand new track under a steady downpour and their job gets a whole lot trickier.

Just askMark Webber, the veteran Australian driver who started the inaugural Korean Grand Prix on Sunday with a 14-point lead in the championship standings and then found disaster on the rain-soaked track in southwestern South Korea.

Shortly after the race went green following a lengthy delay because of showers, Webber's Red Bull car spun on the wet surface, smacked the wall and then was struck byNico Rosberg, abruptly ending both drivers' race.

"Today wasn't my day," a disheartened Webber said after he walked back to the garage.

Sebastian Vettel, Webber's teammate, then took the lead. But with only 10 laps left in the 55-lap race, the 23-year-old German saw his race go up in smoke when his engine blew.

That opened the door for Spain'sFernando Alonsoto bothwin the race for Ferrariand take over the championship lead with only two races left in the season, in Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

It was Alonso's fifth win of the year and"I think it is the first wet race that I have won, so I am even happier," he said.

Alonso, seeking his third world championship, nowleads the standings by 11 pointsover Webber and by 21 points over former championLewis Hamiltonof McLaren-Mercedes, who finished second to Alonso in Sunday's race. Vettel is now 25 points back in fourth.

But Alonso said all four drivers remained in title contention."Nothing has changed," he said."Anything can happen in the next two races."

Behind the leaders, cars were sliding on and off the track's pavement throughout the race, which was completed with barely enough light as dusk fell.

But seven-time championMichael Schumacher,long considered an exceptional driver in the rain,finished fourth to match his best result of the season. Schumacher otherwise has struggled to be competitive this year after coming out of retirement to join the Mercedes GP team.

--Jim Peltz

Photos: (Top) Mark Webber's Red Bull car is lifted from the track after crashing in Sunday's Formula One race at the Korean International Circuit in Yeongam, South Korea. Credit: Sung Dae-woo/Associated Press; (Bottom) Ferrari's Fernando Alonso on his way to winning the Korean Grand Prix. Credit: Greg Baker/Associated Press

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