Saturday November 22, 2008
SPORTS FRONT PAGE 
connected ...
Every once in a while, the Montreal Alouettes' offence will struggle for a few series in a row.For whatever reason, their rhythm is off and what usually looks so easy starts to appear a lot more difficult.
... and those who would disconnect them
Chris Jones is going after the Montreal Alouettes and going after them hard. Given his way, the Calgary Stampeders' excitable defensive co-ordinator wants to see Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo canned, receiver Ben Cahoon crushed and running back Avon Cobourne crumpled.
Roy and Clark: Two routes to rafters
Imagine it the other way around.Imagine how fans of the Montreal Canadiens would feel about a player chosen first overall in the draft, who arrived with great promise only to have his career stalled by injury, who soldiered on bravely and showed the heart of a lion, but in 15 seasons didn't win a damn thing.
HOCKEY
Clark's No. 17 to be raised to the ACC rafters
The most difficult trade Cliff Fletcher made in nearly four decades as an NHL general manager was when he dared to ship the immensely popular Toronto Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark to the Quebec Nordiques for Mats Sundin.
AROUND THE RINKS
Morrow out for season with knee injury
Dallas Stars captain Brenden Morrow will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Morrow was hurt late in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night. The Stars recalled right winger Landon Wilson from Grand Rapids of the AHL to take Morrow's roster spot.
BASEBALL
White sox sign cuban
The Chicago White Sox have reached a tentative agreement with 19-year-old Cuban star Dayan Viciedo. The infielder-outfielder must pass a physical for the contract to be completed, according to his agent Jaime Torres.
Former all-star Raines to manage Newark
Former major-league all-star Tim Raines signed a two-year contract to manage the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League. Raines joins the Bears from the Class AA Harrisburg Senators, where he was a hitting coach last season. Previously, he was a coach for the Chicago White Sox from 2004 to 2006, serving as first-base coach during their 2005 World Series Championship season. A seven-time all-star, Raines was one of baseball's top leadoff hitters and base stealers while playing for six teams from 1979 to 2002.
Two star players thrown off top Cuban team
Ace pitcher Yadel Marti and star outfielder Yasser Gomez have been thrown off Cuba's top league team for ''a grave act of indiscipline,'' likely ending their hopes of playing for Cuba in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
FOOTBALL
Western not intimidated by heavily favoured Laval
It's been 13 years since the once-vaunted Western Mustangs last appeared in the Vanier Cup and while they were away, a new dynasty rose up and took roost in the Laval Rouge et Or.
Vick finds new meaning in 'chump change'
Michael Vick was once the NFL's highest-paid player, and he spent like it.One of his friends tools around in a $31,000 (all currency U.S.) Cadillac DTS. His former personal assistant steers a $45,000 Infiniti M45 and has a pair of power boats. His brother Marcus has a $62,000 Land Rover and his sister a Yukon Denali.
La Belle Province well represented
It requires a person of uncommon character to view getting knifed as a positive, life-changing event.Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Randy Chevrier is just such a person.The Montreal native's road to his hometown Grey Cup was a torturous one; Chevrier started playing at the relatively late age of 17, segued into a stellar university career at McGill - nearly derailed on a summer night in 2000 when he was stabbed while working as a bouncer at a downtown watering hole: ''They said I came two inches from my life,'' he says - then continued through four separate stints with the NFL, a spell in NFL Europe, and two CFL teams.
Sheahan selected CIS coach of the year
Pat Sheahan is Canadian university football's coach of the year. It's the first time the Queen's Gaels coach has won the Frank Tindall Trophy after 20 years in the CIS. The Gaels finished 8-0 in conference play for the first time in team history before losing 23-13 to Ottawa in the semi-final round of the OUA playoffs.
Jets rookie QB Ainge suspended for four games
New York Jets rookie quarterback Erik Ainge was suspended for four games by the NFL yesterday for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances. Ainge, already on injured reserve and out for the season with a foot injury, is not allowed to be with the team or at its facility during the suspension.
Martz, Edwards, Jones fined by NFL
San Francisco offensive co-ordinator Mike Martz has been fined $20,000 by the NFL for his criticism of the officiating at the end of the 49ers' 29-24 loss in Arizona on Nov. 10. Also fined were Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards, who will lose $25,000 for two hits against Tampa Bay last Sunday, and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Brandon Jones ($15,000 for excessive celebration after a touchdown).
U.S. fans still cheering, long after circus left town
Call it the U.S. branch of Canadian football's fan club.More than a decade after their Baltimore Stallions rode out of town, a band of Canadian pigskin diehards from Maryland have made the trip to Montreal to watch tomorrow's Grey Cup.
CFL DRUG-TESTING POLICY LIKELY TO BE PART OF NEXT CBA
Drug testing is finally coming to the CFL.Commissioner Mark Cohon said yesterday during his state-of-the-league address that he expects a ground-breaking drug-testing policy to be in place as part of a new collective-bargaining agreement with the CFL Players' Association to replace the current deal that expires in May, 2010.
BILLS SHORT-HANDED FOR TRIP TO KANSAS CITY
Bills starting safety Donte Whitner and starting cornerback Jabari Greer won't play because of injuries when Buffalo travels to Kansas City to play the Chiefs tomorrow.Whitner, who missed the second half of Buffalo's Monday night loss to Cleveland, is nursing a right shoulder separated against the Jets on Nov. 2. Greer, meanwhile, hurt his right knee in the Browns game.
BERMAN STILL SHOWS LOYALTY TO CFL
He has among the most recognizable faces in the world of professional football.And every season at this time of year, ESPN football host Chris Berman turns his attention north of the border to shed the spotlight for his millions of viewers on the CFL.
BASKETBALL
Carter returns to snatch victory from Raptors
Just when Toronto Raptors fans thought it was safe to forget Vince Carter, he rose again, like a horror-movie character with a goalie mask on.He struck his first blow with less than a second to play in regulation as he lofted an unlikely three-pointer from 10 steps over centre to snatch away what seemed like a sure Raptors win and force the game into overtime.
Carter returns to snatch victory from Raptors
Just when Toronto Raptors fans thought it was safe to forget Vince Carter, he rose again, like a horror movie character with a goalie mask on.The first time came with a second to play in regulation as he lofted an unlikely three-pointer to snatch away what seemed like a sure Raptors win and forced it into overtime.
Knicks trade stalwarts Randolph and Crawford
In separate deals yesterday, the New York Knicks traded their two top scorers to free up coveted salary-cap space for the summer of 2010. Jamal Crawford was sent to Golden State for forward Al Harrington. Hours later, Zach Randolph was shipped to the Los Angeles Clippers along with reserve guard Mardy Collins for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas.
Knicks trade stalwarts Randolph and Crawford
In separate deals yesterday, the New York Knicks traded their two top scorers to free up coveted salary-cap space for the summer of 2010. Jamal Crawford was sent to Golden State for forward Al Harrington. Hours later, Zach Randolph was shipped to the Los Angeles Clippers along with reserve guard Mardy Collins for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas.
OTHER SPORTS
IT'S BEEN A GOOD WEEK FOR...IT'S BEEN A BAD WEEK FOR...
IT'S BEEN A GOOD WEEK FOR...PATRICK ROYFour Stanley Cups. Three Vezinas. Three Conn Smythes. The career wins leader in both the regular season and playoffs. Team Canada Olympic goalie. Having already had his number retired by the Avalanche, tonight's ceremony should be old hat for the Hall of Famer. Despite his bitter exit 13 years ago, Roy is not one known for eating humble pie, so it's more than likely the man nicknamed Casseau as a rookie, due to his penchant for all things McDonald's, will instead be feasting on foie gras as the toast of the house tonight.
SPORTS ON TELEVISION THIS WEEKEND
(All times Eastern)TODAYBASKETBALL NBA, Houston Rockets at Orlando Magic, RaptorsTV, 7 p.m. NBA, LA Clippers at New Jersey Nets, KTLA, 7:30 p.m. NBA, Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns, TSN2, 9 p.m.
ACTIVITY
BASEBALLAmerican LeagueCleveland Indians--Agreed to terms with INF Andy Cannizaro and C Damaso Espino on minor league contracts.New York Yankees--Released RHP Darrell Rasner.National LeaguePhiladelphia Phillies--Named Pete Mackanin bench coach and Sam Perlozzo third base coach.
Sorenstam says an early goodbye
Standing in the centre of a sun-drenched 18th green, as waves of cheers rippled from a packed gallery, Annika Sorenstam hugged caddie Terry McNamara and took the flag from his hand.
South Africa concerned about impact of economic crisis
South African organizers of the 2010 World Cup expressed concern yesterday about the effect the global financial crisis will have on the tournament, which is already running well over budget.
June 7, 1943 ... It looks as though Willie King is hedging again ...
David Hazzard is back at the Officer Cadet Training Unit at the Canadian Training Schools, working tow ard a captain's rank and trying to stay busy far from the front.
Games no longer in 'growth mode,' says Rogge
The Olympic movement is on sound financial footing but must hold down the size and cost of the Games to cope with the global economic downturn, IOC president Jacques Rogge said yesterday.
Thompson wins Champions Q-school
Robert Thompson shot a 2-under 70 yesterday to win the Champions Tour qualifying tournament, rallying on the back nine in the final round to finish one stroke better than third-round leader John Morse.
14-year-old makes cut on European Tour
A Hong Kong teenager became the youngest player to ever make the cut at a European Tour event yesterday, surpassing the record set by current world No. 2 Sergio Garcia.
Ochoa wins LPGA player of the year for third time
Mexican world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa has been named the LPGA Tour's player of the year for the third season in a row.Ochoa won seven titles in 2008, including her second successive major at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in April. She launched the season with a red-hot run of six victories in nine events. ''Lorena has had yet another incredible season,'' LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens said. Yani Tseng of Taiwan, surprise winner of the LPGA Championship in June, was named the LPGA Tour's rookie of the year.
Argentina, Spain even at 1-1 in Davis Cup final
Feliciano Lopez defeated Juan Martin del Potro in four sets yesterday, allowing Spain to even its Davis Cup final against Argentina at 1-1. Lopez won 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4), 6-3. Argentina's David Nalbandian beat David Ferrer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in the opening match of the best-of-five championship. Spain was playing without top-ranked Rafael Nadal, who has an injured knee.
Canada loses opener at FIFA U-20 tourney
Canada dropped a 2-0 decision to Japan yesterday in its opening game at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Canada's next game is tomorrow against Congo.
Montreal drops out of MLS expansion race
Montreal withdrew its bid for an MLS expansion team, commissioner Don Garber said yesterday in his state-of-the-league address. Garber said that Montreal's delegation - led by Joey Saputo and George Gillett, who owns Liverpool FC in England's Premier League and the NHL's Montreal Canadiens - had informed him within the past week of possible financial trouble.
Caballero hands Molitor first pro defeat
Celestino Caballero of Panama dealt Canada's Steve Molitor the first defeat of his pro boxing career last night.Caballero knocked out Molitor 52 seconds into the fourth round to improve to 31-2 in front of a capacity crowd of 5,000 in the Casino Rama entertainment hall.
Bird's Nest still draws a crowd
The spectacular fireworks were long over and the Olympic athletes had all gone home. But for Cai Shanhai and his wife, He Jingfeng, it was still a moment to savour as they stared up at the soaring steel arches of the Bird's Nest national stadium this week.
