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Big Ben's Thursday Rumors & Notes

Baseball Rumors & Notes

The A-Rod trade could lead the Rangers to free-agent pitcher Sidney Ponson with the money they get back from the Red Sox. Or it could lead to Roger Clemens. Rangers owner Tom Hicks met privately with Roger Clemens at The Ballpark in Arlington on Wednesday. Clemens, at The Ballpark for a private event, has announced he is retired, but Hicks made it clear that if he has second thoughts, the Rangers would be extremely interested.

White Sox GM Ken Williams' efforts to entice Dan Evans in a deal for either Frank Thomas or Paul Konerko also have gone by the board. The Dodgers appear more likely to try to solve their hitting deficiencies by signing either Vladimir Guerrero or Ivan Rodriguez.

With Ichiro's agent in town last night, the Mariners could reach a contract settlement for the outfielder in the next day or two. As discussions continued on two possible trades and a decision loomed on pitcher Freddy Garcia, a breakthrough on Ichiro appeared to be closer.

Speaking publicly for the first time since he parted with the Marlins, catcher Ivan Rodriguez said Wednesday the team was unfair with him in negotiations. ''It wasn't fair -- that's for sure,'' he said. ``I was just asking for the same amount of money I made last year, and they still said no. The offer they made to me a month ago was not fair.''

The Mets were looking at sending Roger Cedeno to the Indians for outfielder Matt Lawton, who is owed $14 million over the next two seasons and has asked out of Cleveland. Lawton, who spent the final two months of the 2001 season in Flushing, would struggle to find playing time with the Indians, who also have outfielders Milton Bradley, Jody Gerut, Alex Escobar, Coco Crisp and Ryan Ludwick.

Astros star Jeff Bagwell played golf with Roger Clemens this week amid talk that Clemens could pitch for Houston in 2004.

In desperate search of a middle-of-the-order threat, sources said the Dodgers have cast an eye toward trades involving Houston outfielder Richard Hidalgo and Tampa Bay infielder Aubrey Huff in case their worst-case scenario comes to fruition. The Dodgers reportedly also have talked to Cincinnati about Adam Dunn or Austin Kearns, though those are considered longer shots.

Sterling Hitchcock and right-hander Ismael Valdes passed physical examinations that were crucial to the completion of their contracts with the Padres. Today, the Padres will announce that both starting pitchers are signing one-year contracts to pitch in Petco Park. Each will receive an $800,000 base salary plus performance bonuses.

Padres GM Kevin Towers added that the signing of Hitchcock and Valdes will not affect the club's plans to sign a front-line starter – the leading candidate being Greg Maddux – for the No. 1 slot in the rotation.

OF Jose Guillen's agent said Wednesday that his client had misspoken when he told a wire service Tuesday that he had agreed to a contract with the Angels. "You hate to contradict your client, but I think it was a misunderstanding," agent Adam Katz said.

The Rockies offered Jay Payton a one-year deal this week. The delay disappointed the 31-year-old, especially because other free-agent outfielders with similar statistics signed multiyear contracts. Citing his desire to provide security for his family, Payton's preference is a long-term deal. However, he remained open to a one-year contract Wednesday, believing it's possible the Rockies will offer him salary arbitration for 2004.

Jim Turner, Brian Jordan's agent, called the Mets yesterday to gauge their interest but didn't hear back. Turner said that the 36-year-old outfielder expects to be ready for spring training and would "certainly be open" to taking a one-year deal with the Mets.

The Mets also are interested in trading for Yankees right-fielder David Dellucci, who may be non-tendered. On another front, an industry source said that Jeromy Burnitz would seriously consider returning to Shea, but the Mets have not expressed interest.

White Sox GM Ken Williams, working from home while he battles the flu, declined to comment specifically on the Nomar Garciaparra rumors, citing tampering issues. "Everybody thinks they know [what will happen], but until something's announced, nothing is official," Williams said. What is known is that Williams won't trade Magglio Ordonez unless he is confident it will improve his club. Acquiring Garciaparra, a five-time All-Star, plus reliever Scott Williamson would help.

Still sitting on plenty of cash in a buyer's market, the Orioles still believe they have the wherewithal to pull off a monumental trifecta before Christmas -- adding Vladimir Guerrero plus an all-star catcher (either Ivan Rodriguez or Javy Lopez) to join Tejada in the Orioles' lineup.

Faced with the possibility that the Alex Rodriguez trade will not take place because the Major League Players Association rejected the restructuring of Rodriguez's landmark contract by the Red Sox, Major League Baseball's top labor lawyer said last night that commissioner Bud Selig may legally challenge the union's right to do so.

The Florida Marlins, who did not re-sign catcher Pudge Rodriguez, also have inquired about Jason Kendall, but they obviously do not fit the West Coast criteria.

Catcher Jason Kendall is in the dark about his future with the Pirates. And, like many fans, he wishes someone could shed some light on his situation. "I want someone to make the first move and tell me what is going on," Kendall said in his first public comments of the offseason. "I have read and heard a lot of things, but nobody has told me for sure what is going to happen." It's known that he would be agreeable to return to his West Coast roots. He was raised in Torrance, Calif., and he makes his offseason home in nearby Manhattan Beach.

There is growing interest on both sides to bring Sidney Ponson back to the Orioles. "First of all, Sidney never wanted to leave Baltimore," Ponson's agent, Barry Praver, said yesterday. "Given the direction the club is going in now, I know he's open to returning."

Either the Red Sox are going to have to overspend for Alex Rodriguez or overpay for Nomar Garciaparra, a pay-now or pay-later scenario that somehow has succeeded in making both options far less palatable. Yuck. What a mess this winter has become.

The next free agent on the Indians GM's list is believed to be Ron Belliard, who batted .277 with eight homers and 50 RBI in 116 games with the Colorado Rockies, who released him in November. Marlon Anderson probably will be a target of the Indians if the Tampa Bay Devil Rays fail to offer him a contract.

Rich Aurilia is the Toronto Blue Jays' top choice to fill their hole at shortstop, although general manager J.P. Ricciardi isn't sure he'll have enough money to get the free agent signed.

The Rockies will attend pitcher Scott Erickson's workout in Arizona next month. Erickson, a one-time ace of the Orioles, has been slowed by injuries the past few seasons. The Rockies also remain interested in signing Pedro Astacio and Rick Helling.

Yankees manager Joe Torre believes Roger Clemens will stay retired. "I am doubtful that he will be back," Torre said of Clemens, who is toying with joining Andy Pettitte in Houston. "He was ready to [retire]. Even though it's not New York, it's still going to be away [from home a lot]."

Word is the Twins are reluctant to offer starting pitcher Johan Santana a multiyear contract because they got burned on multi-year deals for Joe Mays, Eric Milton and Rick Reed.

Yanks manager Joe Torre is entering the final season of his three-year, $16 million contract and he's no closer to a decision about his future than he was earlier this offseason when he said he wasn't seeking an extension. "I'm not going to deal with it until after the season is over," Torre said.

John Franco, 43, will make $1 million next season for the Mets with the opportunity to earn another $1 million, based on number of appearances and number of games he finishes. Because the Mets still don't have a closer, there's an outside chance Franco will get some save opportunities next year.

The Tigers appear to be close to signing free agent Mike Difelice to be their backup catcher. Difelice played this past season for Kansas City, appearing in 62 games and batting .254 with three homers and 25 RBIs. He started one-third of the Royals' games at catcher and made only two errors all season.

The Yankees are close to completing a trade that would send left-handed relief pitcher Chris Hammond to the Oakland A's. That would give them a roster spot so they could re-sign lefty reliever Gabe White.

The Mets are expected to bring back Todd Zeile to back up Ty Wigginton and fill the role Jay Bell had last season

The Royals moved one step closer to concluding their off-season shopping Wednesday by signing veteran catcher Kelly Stinnett to a one-year contract for $500,000. Stinnett, 33, batted .237 last season while splitting time with Cincinnati and Philadelphia. He was signed to be a backup to Benito Santiago.

The Indians, facing a possible grievance from the players association because of their contract dealings with Danys Baez, offered him a two-year, $4 million deal Tuesday night. It was rejected.

The Tigers are believed to have interest in free-agent right-handed starter Rick Helling.

Two club sources said the Orioles still plan to non-tender the contracts of Jason Johnson and Damian Moss on Saturday, setting them loose as free agents instead of taking them through salary arbitration.

Royals manager Tony Pena spent much of Wednesday debunking a rumor that he had been mauled Tuesday by a pack of pit bulls in the Dominican Republic. “My mother heard it and was all worried,” Pena said. “I even got a call from the presidential palace. They wanted to know if I was OK.”

The Indians have signed right-handed reliever Bobby Howry to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. Howry, 30, made only four appearances (for Boston) last year because of an elbow injury that led to surgery, but he made a reputation as a solid reliever with the Chicago White Sox, especially from 1998-2000.

Eddie Perez hit .271 with career-bests of 11 home runs and 45 RBIs last season for Milwaukee, and got a two-year, $1.325 million contract to be the backup in Atlanta. He was ready to sign a two-year deal with the Brewers or Minnesota before Atlanta added a year to its one-year offer.

Private financing for a new Cardinals stadium is almost in place, but sealing the deal will not happen Thursday as team leaders had initially planned. The Cardinals are pressing for Tuesday to coincide with when bond sales by St. Louis County go to market. The proceeds will fund the county's $45 million loan to the Cardinals for the $402 million project. The new, 46,000-seat ballpark will replace Busch Stadium.

The latest trade left Eric Milton with a unique question to answer: Get that Phillies tattoo or not? Milton already has a Yankees tattoo and a Twins tattoo, but finds himself with his third organization since the Yankees drafted him out of Maryland in the first round of the 1996 amateur draft. He seems to be running out of room. "I don't think I'm going to do another one right now," he joked. "I might have to get the other ones covered up or something."

NFL Rumors & Notes

There's no indication the Giants have any intention to call Jimmy Johnson. In fact, Tom Coughlin will get the first call because he is the only one of the top candidates who is out of work and available for an immediate interview. The Giants want a coach who has a burning desire for this job and are turned off by Johnson's lack of interest in coaching again.

Jim Fassel is widely considered to be the favorite to land the Arizona Cardinals' coaching job if, as expected, they fire their current coach, Dave McGinnis. At the moment, the Giants, as the last-place team in the NFC East, would be scheduled to play at Arizona, the last-place team in the NFC West.

Because Jim Fassel and Dan Reeves have taken teams to Super Bowls within the past five years while Bears coach Dick Jauron enters Sunday's game against the Redskins with a 34-44 record. Even Jauron also has told friends that he believes general manager Jerry Angelo would like to hire his own head coach. Still, Jauron maintains he doesn't know anything about his future beyond Sunday.

Charles Woodson wants to return to the Raiders in 2004 -- at the right price. ``I want every penny,'' the cornerback said Wednesday. The Raiders haven't yet indicated their intentions with Woodson. But based on his standing as a four-time Pro Bowl performer, he could get a long-term deal with a signing bonus approaching eight figures. The Raiders have never paid out so much upfront money.

The Redskins, according to sources, plan to use their franchise-player tag to limit Champ Bailey's mobility if they're unable to agree to a long-term deal with him. That approach would ensure the Redskins of keeping Bailey or receiving compensation if they allow him to go elsewhere.

CB Fernando Bryant also thinks it will be his home farewell as a Jaguar. "I'm going to miss Jacksonville, I really am," he said. "I'm going to miss coming into this locker room. I'm going to miss the fans. I'm going to miss the north end zone, especially," he said. Bryant's departure is not yet official, but he thinks the fact that the Jaguars haven't made him a contract offer even though he'll become a free agent next March means he's no longer in the Jaguars' plans.

Jim Fassel's replacement in New York likely won't be determined until after the regular season. Former Jacksonville Jaguars coach Tom Coughlin, a former Bill Parcells assistant who was offered the Giants' top job in the early 1990s, is expected to interview with GM Ernie Accorsi. Three other former Parcells assistants, Dallas offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon and New England defensive coordinator Romeo Crennell, both minority assistants, and Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, have been mentioned along with college coaches such as Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, LSU's Nick Saban and Iowa's Kirk Ferentz.

Indianapolis Colts WR Marvin Harrison is facing criticism following an alleged run-in with city police in a Circle Centre parking garage Saturday. The incident, which resulted in no arrests or charges, came after a Cambridge City man reported his car was scratched by another vehicle in the garage.

Cowboys coach Bill Parcells is hopeful Sunday's 189-yard performance by RB Troy Hambrick "might be a springboard for him." Hambrick had been having what can only be called a trying season.

Bears GM Jerry Angelo has said he will not comment on Dick Jauron's job status until after the season, hoping the situation plays itself out in an obvious manner. But 8-8 would be the ultimate gray area.

Prodigal punter Ken Walter broke his silence yesterday. Walter, who struggled badly for a long stretch until the Patriots waived him Dec. 2, only to re-sign him 10 days later, acknowledged he allowed the worst kind of pressure to get to him. Pressure from within.

For the second straight week, Ray Lewis is listed as questionable on the Ravens' injury report, bringing about questions on the health of the linebacker's right shoulder. Lewis had to wear a harness on the shoulder in the Ravens' 20-12 loss to the Oakland Raiders, but he led the team with eight tackles. It is not the same shoulder Lewis had season-ending surgery on last year. There was talk, though, about having Lewis sit against the Raiders, according to team sources.

Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache can't be accused of grandstanding to get a head coaching job. Asked if he expects to interview in the off-season for one of the expected NFL vacancies, Blache said, "I hope not. That'll be during hunting season. What I hope to do in this off-season is start getting this team ready for next season."

Lions QB Mike McMahon has little control over what happens to him in 2004. With three years’ experience, he qualifies as a restricted free agent. The Lions can keep his rights by matching any offer from another team. A trade is a possibility, if the Lions believe they get fair value and have another backup on the roster. Ty Detmer, the No. 3 quarterback, might not be back next season. Detmer has not thrown a pass in the regular season since the last game of 2001.

If the Vikings' Mike Tice were to become available, it's a good bet the New York Giants would give the hometown guy serious consideration for their coaching vacancy.

Veteran QB Neil O'Donnell agreed to contract terms with the Titans last night, and barring a last-minute snag he's expected to be on the practice field today. O'Donnell and Titans GM Floyd Reese worked all day to complete the deal, which was complicated by various salary cap issues. The contract still must be approved the NFL's management council, which will review the details this morning.

Dolphins QB Jay Fiedler was direct and defiant Wednesday. Asked if he felt like he's playing for his job in the final two regular-season games, Fiedler said no. However, if two scouts/analysts consulted by The Herald had their way, a significant change at quarterback would be coming for Miami.

People on Sunday's return flight from Chicago say Vikings wideout Randy Moss didn't say a word after he had an apparent game-winning touchdown pass yanked away from him by the Bears.

Mark Brunell's last home game as a Jaguar won't be broadcast in Jacksonville. Team officials confirmed Wednesday that more than 14,000 tickets remain for Sunday's home finale against New Orleans, assuring it of a local TV blackout. The NFL's blackout deadline is 1 p.m. today. Dan Connell, the Jaguars' senior vice president of marketing, said he expects a crowd of 40,000-50,000 for Brunell's final home game with the Jaguars before Brunell is released this offseason.

The Baltimore Ravens find themselves in a familiar spot. They're where they were a year ago, fighting for a playoff spot with two games remaining but, according to Ray Lewis, there is at least one critical difference. "Last year I wasn't there, for one thing," said the Ravens linebacker, who missed 11 games last season with a shoulder injury.

In what may be his final season with the 49ers, Bill Walsh said he hasn't addressed the team and usually isn't present when first-year coach Dennis Erickson does so. Walsh's contract expires May 1, and although an ESPN report Sunday stated that Walsh may be in line to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an adviser, he kept his plans to himself. "I have an idea what I'm going to do," Walsh said.

University of Miami product Willis McGahee would relish the chance to make his NFL debut against his hometown Dolphins, but it’s not likely to happen, particularly if the field is frozen and snow covered. McGahee, the Bills first-round pick, had major knee surgery in January.

Redskins coach Steve Spurrier, vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato and owner Daniel Snyder will continue to share the responsibility of making most of the club's player-related decisions, according to sources. Cerrato's contract expires soon, but the two have been discussing a contract extension.

After watching Michael Bennett maneuver in practice Wednesday, Vikings coach Mike Tice made it clear: "Michael will start Saturday." What's not so clear is if Bennett, who missed last week's loss to Chicago with a right ankle injury, will be able to play the entire game against Kansas City.

Browns LB Andra Davis said yesterday he'd rather see Cincinnati win the division, not Baltimore. The Bengals and Ravens are tied atop the AFC North at 8-6, but the Bengals are ahead by virtue of a stronger record in division games. "Me, personally, I'd rather see Cincinnati go than Baltimore," he said. "They're more deserving. I mean, because of all the stuff they've been through. Don't get me wrong, we're going to try to beat them next week, but I'd rather see Cincinnati go than Baltimore."

Washington Redskins WR Laveranues Coles said yesterday he has played most of this season with a stress fracture in his right foot that might require offseason surgery.

It has been a woeful season for the Steelers in more ways than one, particularly on offense, where so much more was expected from them. Yet Tommy Maddox is having one of the most productive seasons of any quarterback in Steelers history. Maddox, who set several team records in less than a full season as their starter in 2002, is poised to rewrite more Steelers records in the next two weeks.

Browns RB William Green took a big step this week toward returning to football. According to a source, Green, who attended Boston College, averted a lengthy suspension by the NFL when he agreed to enter an alcohol rehabilitation facility in Boston.

Cardinals coach Dave McGinnis is in his 18th NFL season, so he knows how a Pro Bowl player looks, acts and performs. And he sees one in rookie receiver Anquan Boldin.

The Rams have allowed four running backs to gain 100-plus yards this season. That's more than the combined total of 100-yard backs against the Rams' three previous playoff teams in St. Louis (1999, 2000, and 2001). "Our rush defense, no, we're not satisfied," defensive coordinator Lovie Smith said. "We've given up some big plays. Reverses have hurt us. Most people think since we play so hard and run to the ball, we should be susceptible a little bit to misdirection plays, reverses, and things like that."

With his team needing a victory Saturday, Vikings coach Mike Tice hasn't ruled out the possibility of using Randy Moss as a punt returner. Former Vikings coach Dennis Green used Moss in that role during the 1999 season.

The growing consensus is that quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Steve McNair and Tom Brady, along with running back Priest Holmes - all of whom are on teams with 10 or more wins - will gain more consideration for the MVP award than Jamal Lewis.

The Ravens signed LB T.J. Slaughter, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers, to fill the roster spot created when linebacker Adalius Thomas went on the injured reserve list because of a shoulder injury.

People familiar with the Redskins' deliberations said this week that they expect offseason changes to Steve Spurrier's staff. Defensive coordinator George Edwards and offensive line coach Kim Helton have been under particularly intense scrutiny.

In the past month, Seahawks defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes has been criticized by local media for not regularly explaining defensive shortcomings. Or just not regularly talking period. Silent Ray-Bob, if you will. Yesterday, coach Mike Holmgren defended Rhodes' style. "He's the consummate football coach," Holmgren said. "He does not relish talking to you guys a whole lot. Contrary to what you might think, I don't always love talking to you either. I'm not going to prevent him from talking, and I'm not going to make him talk."

Kansas City coach Dick Vermeil helped put Rushen Jones on the NFL map. Jones, the Vikings' rookie cornerback and budding special teams star, has taken it from there. During a physical practice session at the Chiefs' training camp site in River Falls, Wis., Jones slammed Chiefs receiver Dameane Douglas to the ground as the two jockeyed for position. Douglas suffered a sprained left knee on what most observers considered a clean play. Vermeil, however, angrily called for someone to "take that player who took my receiver out and shoot him in the head."

Colts QB Peyton Manning appears on the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated. It's his fourth time. He's 2-1 in the games after making the cover.

Packers coach Mike Sherman said the missed assignments were not the result of running backs coach Sylvester Croom spending half his time in Starkville, Miss., preparing to make the transition to head coach at Mississippi State University.

While safety Rodney Harrison calls the Pro Bowl process ``such a crock sometimes,'' the Patriots [stats, news] still figure to do pretty well tonight when the selections are announced.

According to the El Paso Times, Eagles line coach Juan Castillo no longer is considered a candidate for the head coaching job at the University of Texas-El Paso.

Although he has not started a game, S Troy Polamalu was the overwhelming winner of the Steelers' rookie of the year in a vote by the local chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association of America. Cornerback. Kick-returner Ike Taylor finished second. Polamalu plays in the team's nickel and dime defenses and on a number of special teams. He leads the special teams with 22 tackles, 14 solos. He has 25 tackles on defense, 14 solos.

Lions rookie running back Artose Pinner played well enough in his NFL debut at Kansas City to earn additional carries at Carolina, Mariucci said. "We're still going to play Shawn Bryson and alternate him with Artose Pinner," he said. "However, Artose will probably get more snaps than he did last week." Pinner carried nine times and caught one pass against the Chiefs.

The Ravens grabbed an insurance policy in this past draft by using a third-round pick to select Musa Smith, who runs similarly to Jamal Lewis. Despite some concern, the Ravens don't want to do anything to take Lewis out of his stride.

Not everybody in Texas hates the idea of the Rangers trading reigning MVP Alex Rodriguez to the Boston Red Sox. Bill Parcells loves it. "What's not to like?" he said, when asked Wednesday about the much-anticipated deal. "I have a passing interest in the Red Sox fortunes," he joked. Passing? Hardly. Parcells is a diehard Red Sox fan and, like all of them, has been waiting, somewhat patiently for Boston to win a World Series in his lifetime.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden maintains a sense of humor about the hours he spends at One Buc and the legendary giant rodent that prowls the buildings late at night. "We don't know if it's a rat or a squirrel," Gruden said. "Jeremy Bates has caught three mice. I've caught one. I've got 11 days of the regular season to catch him, so I've deployed my traps a little bit differently and I'm anxious to come in here in the morning." So far, the creature has been too smart - or too big - to trigger a trap. Gruden has not ruled out the possibility it could be an animal as large as an opossum.

NBA Rumors & Notes

According to two league sources, the Mavericks raised Antoine Walker's name in trade talks at least as recently as a week and a half ago. Said one GM: ``They were looking at big people, and Walker and Antawn Jamison were guys they were saying could be available. But I think that might have changed with as well as Walker's been playing lately.''

Mavs owner Mark Cuban said rumors of Finley being on the trading block are laughable. "Michael Finley isn't going anywhere," Cuban said. "We need what he gives us."

A prominent member of the Nets ownership group said coach Byron Scott will not be fired before the team is sold, no matter what point guard Jason Kidd does or does not have to say about it.

The Mavs would consider trading only guards Tariq Abdul-Wahad and Travis Best for Kurt Thomas. The Knicks would prefer a package featuring Antawn Jamison and Tony Delk. The Raptors are looking to trade Lamond Murray, whose salary is comparable to Thomas'.

The Toronto Raptors are moving closer to signing free agent forward Tyrone Hill, according to a league official, and Hill could be available when the Knicks face the Raptors tomorrow.

Knicks forward Kurt Thomas didn't want to make it sound as though he was bailing out on his teammates, but in between the team-first bromides he offered to the media were statements that sounded petulant, sarcastic, and indifferent. "We all want (appreciation)," Thomas said. "I'm not 23 years old. I'm a grown man. I have responsibilities. I'm not a kid, and a lot of people tend to forget that. I'm a grown man." Thomas wouldn't expound on those remarks, but he remains irritated by Don Chaney's decision to hand his job over to Antonio McDyess three games ago; and more irritated that he has been turned down for a contract extension.

After 6-1/2 weeks of rehabilitation on his surgically repaired right ankle, Ray Allen will begin practicing with the Sonics today. To what extent, coach Nate McMillan isn't sure.

Ricky Davis, who clashed with first-year Cleveland coach Paul Silas over his role with the Cavaliers, promised to be a good soldier with the Celtics. ``I made some mistakes in Cleveland,'' Davis said. ``But everybody grows and makes mistakes. I won't be making the same mistakes here. You just move on with it and try and grow as a person. I'm starting over with a new team, new people, new coaches and a whole new fan base. So it's a new start.''

Knicks guard Charlie Ward had perhaps a stronger argument: He also is in a contract year, but when he was benched nine games into the season, he was among the league leaders in assists.

Milwaukee center Joel Przybilla, who has played a total of 33 minutes this season, will become an restricted free agent after this season, meaning that the Bucks would have the right to match any offer presented to him. Przybilla, however, is preparing himself for the possibility that his future might be elsewhere.

The Wolves already had a player who is so quick, so strong and so gifted he could someday be viewed as one of the best centers ever to play the game. His name is Kevin Garnett. There is so much to Garnett, so much talent, he could revolutionize the way the center position is played. But it won't happen. One of the reasons it won't happen is Garnett. He has a phobia about being identified as a center. "I don't like labels,'' he said. "I've worked hard not to be so one-dimensional. I don't want to be known as a regular big man.''

Wizards coach Eddie Jordan was caught off balance when reserve center Brendan Haywood requested a meeting. This season Haywood has gone from starting center to a reserve to at times not playing at all. That's why he asked Jordan for an audience.

Wolves coach Flip Saunders said a final decision will be made "in the next couple of days" on a final treatment for Wally Szczerbiak's sore foot. Szczerbiak, still dealing with a strained plantar fascia, might spend the next four weeks on the foot, a course of action recommended by a foot specialist. "We're going to sit down and get a plan of action for what we're going to do," Saunders said.

A week after he first mentioned changing the rotation, Larry Brown stirred up the Pistons. Mehmet Okur started at center Wednesday against Chicago, replacing veteran Elden Campbell. Brown also tried to use Corliss Williamson -- a hybrid small/power forward -- almost exclusively as a small forward, and he relied almost solely on Chucky Atkins to substitute in the backcourt.

The Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett, asked if he could lead the NBA in rebounding: "I never thought of that, but I'm pretty sure I could if I focused on that. I don't want to be one-dimensional, though."

A night after a perturbed Tracy McGrady said some team members played selfish basketball, Magic Coach Johnny Davis talked with the club before the victory against Indiana Wednesday night.

Did you know? The Pistons are 18-2 against the Bulls in the post-Michael Jordan era.

With Allen Iverson sidelined for an indefinite period because of a bruised right knee, the 76ers are going to have to find ways to get points without their star guard's 29 per game. That could mean some grind-it-out games in which the Sixers try to control the tempo. They may not be able to get out of the 70s some nights, but coach Randy Ayers said that there won't be too much of a slowdown.

In a season that continues to go awry, Hawks coach Terry Stotts benched starters Theo Ratliff and Jason Terry before Wednesday's loss to the Golden State Warriors. Stotts said he punished Ratliff and Terry because the players were late for pregame walk-throughs the past two games. "I think they're all good people," Stotts said. "It's just a question of being on time. It was the second time for both of them."

Joe Bryant told KCAL-TV on Tuesday night that he talks nearly every day with his son, Kobe, who is facing rape accusations in Eagle, Colo., and that he gives him advice. "I wouldn't be doing my job if I wasn't Daddy," said Joe Bryant, in town as coach of the Las Vegas Rattlers of the American Basketball Assn., who lost Tuesday to the Long Beach Jam.

On the night he returned to Boston, Antoine Walker proclaimed the once-famous "Antoine Wiggle" dead. "Yeah, they made me retire it," Walker said at Wednesday morning's shootaround. "It's gone." Part of the reason Walker has given up the shimmy of the shoulders that was one of his trademarks in Boston was because his new coach doesn't like it. Don Nelson made it clear early on that he was not a fan of the theatrics.

Shaquille O'Neal is studying for his MBA at the University of Phoenix, which has several campuses around Los Angeles. It is all part of his goal to become a sheriff or police chief somewhere, someday.

There was a lot of buzz at the start of the season about how Ben Wallace was going to morph into an offensive contributor under Larry Brown, something he wasn't for two years under Rick Carlisle,one year under George Irvine,or four years in Washington and Orlando. But two months into the season, Wallace's scoring average is 9.3 points, just 2.4 better than last season's average and 1.7 better than his average in 2001-02.

Neil Funk has been calling NBA games for 28 seasons, so working with new analysts is nothing new. That said, Funk knew John Paxson's move from the microphone to management would pose new challenges. "Pax had a feel for my rhythm right away," said Funk, who is sounding more and more comfortable with Bill Wennington. "Bill didn't have a lot of experience, but he's gotten over his nerves. I just try to make guys comfortable. And Bill, like Pax, is knowledgeable about the game."

The Spurs welcomed back Mengke Bateer and his esteemed language consultant, Jimmy Chang, Wednesday night. Bateer's former teammates gave him his championship ring prior to the game. The brief presentation was televised in China, Bateer's native country. "The people there are very excited," Bateer said. Chang, who accompanied Bateer to Toronto, also did not go home empty-handed. About two hours before tipoff, Chang was brought into the coaching office where coach Gregg Popovich surprised him with a ring. Spurs general manager R.C. Buford and player personnel director Danny Ferry baited Chang on Tuesday night by telling him he was not eligible to receive a ring.

Toledo native and Rockets forward Jim Jackson wore a sweat band stitched with the numbers 419. That's the area code for Toledo, and Jackson said it's a constant reminder of his hometown.

Earlier this year, Nike invested $90 million over seven years in hopes of turning NBA rookie LeBron James into the next Michael Jordan, at least in terms of his ability to move merchandise. The initial test of that investment comes Saturday, when James' first sneaker, the Air Zoom Generation, goes on sale.

College Rumors & Notes

Nick Saban is free to pursue the Giants' head coaching job if he wants it. But LSU athletic director Skip Bertman is convinced Saban will decide to stay where he is. "To be quite honest with you, I don't think he's going anywhere," Bertman said yesterday from his office in Baton Rouge, La. "I'm not saying he'll decide to be a lifer, but I don't think the Giants can do it."

Jim Fassel, the man of the minute for Nebraska, does have college experience. He coached at Utah from 1985 to '89. His final Utah team, quarterbacked by Scott Mitchell, lost to Nebraska 42-30 in Lincoln. The 54-year old took the Giants to the Super Bowl in 2001, but what followed was a season of discontent in 2003. By late November, the question in New York wasn't if Fassel was going to be fired but when.

Louisiana State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher and Ohio State defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio have emerged as the leading candidates to replace Rick Minter as the University of Cincinnati's head football coach. But UC athletic director Bob Goin said Wednesday night that other candidates are still being considered.

Pitt sophomore Larry Fitzgerald may challenge the NFL's rules on underclassman eligibility for the draft, but he won't talk about it. At least not yet. "No comment," Fitzgerald said yesterday when asked about a report that he will contend his year at Valley Forge Military Academy should be counted as a post-high school year.

Georgia DE David Pollack, from Shiloh High School in Snellville, said he won't decide until after the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day whether he'll be back next season. Pollack, a second-team All-America choice by the Associated Press, said he was told he'd be a first-round pick in April's NFL draft.

Something for Nebraska football players to keep in mind the next time they gather behind closed doors to hash out what Bo Pelini would mistakingly regard as non-issues: Like their head coach for the moment, they’re here on an interim basis. While Steve Pederson might come across as heartless in his no-tell motel manner of handling the search to replace Frank Solich, leaving players more than just in the dark, it’s not their legacy that’s on the line.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported in Wednesday's editions that Shawn Andrews would have been academically ineligible for the game anyway, so he withdrew from school and will enter the NFL draft. Andrews, projected to be a first-round pick, found out Tuesday that he wouldn't be academically eligible for the bowl.

South Carolina coach Lou Holtz said Thursday he is taking over the offense from his son, Skip, after the Gamecocks finished another disappointing 5-7 season. It's another major staff change for Holtz, who fired four assistants after a season-ending 63-17 loss to Clemson. It was unclear what Skip's new duties would be. He has been offensive coordinator ever since his father took over the program before the 1999 season.

Pitt offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach J.D. Brookhart is leaving after the season to become head coach at Akron. Walt Harris has said he will look outside the program for a new receivers coach. But don't look for him to hire a new offensive coordinator. "Right now, I don't know whether I am going to have a coordinator or I'm not," said Harris, who always has called most of the plays himself.

A USC coach joining his former UCLA brethren at Pauley Pavilion will not make for strange or mixed company on Saturday. At least not for Trojan Coach Henry Bibby, who will be among the expected 100 former Bruin players to attend the dedication of Nell and John Wooden Court.

Duke's 6-8, 220-pound freshman forward Luol Deng has a confession to make. Soccer is still his first love. Deng must wonder what would have happened if he'd stuck with soccer instead of devoting himself to basketball. Deng, whose parents are Sudanese nationals who were refugees from the civil war in their African country and live in political exile in London, was so precocious he was asked to play for the English 15-and-under national team in both sports when he was only 13.

St. Louis University officials will announce Thursday that a $70 million arena will be built near Laclede and Compton avenues on the eastern edge of campus.

No, Boilermaker fans, there is no Jason Parker Smith or Jason Paul Smith. There are no Jason Smiths at all, at least as it pertains to Purdue’s basketball recruiting efforts. On Tuesday afternoon, a few particularly gullible Purdue fans bought into a circulating phony story about a basketball recruit named Jason Smith. As the story went, Coach Gene Keady intended to sign 6-foot-6 blue-chip Yorktown (Ind.) High School star Jason Paul Smith, only to receive a signed letter-of-intent back from 5-6 geek Jason Parker Smith following a wacky mix-up. The story briefly went national when popular radio sports talk show host Jim Rome reported it on his show this afternoon.

QB Andy Hall, who has a separated shoulder, and Delaware play Colgate tomorrow for the Division I-AA national crown.

Bowl-game participants each receive a gift bag worth up to $300, usually some combination of ring, watch, electronics and sportswear. For example, Northwestern and Bowling Green players will get a watch, leather travel bag and a football from the Motor City Bowl in Detroit.

Odd Notes & Stuff

Radio play-by-play man Van Miller, who is retiring after 37 seasons, will call his final home game on Sunday when the Buffalo Bills host the rival Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. And the Bills are making sure to mark the occasion in style. Miller will be featured on the cover of the collector’s edition game program and he will be honored during a ceremony at halftime.

Stan Kroenke said Wednesday that he has serious interest in creating a regional sports network that would broadcast games featuring teams from his growing stable of sports franchises, including the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets. The regional sports network, or RSN, could launch next year. That's when Fox Sports Net Rocky Mountain's 7-year, $100 million deal to broadcast Avs and Nuggets games expires.

A judge yesterday denied motions to dismiss the case against two men charged with menacing boxer Mike Tyson earlier this year, and instead set Jan. 20 as a date for hearings and trial.

According to the Wall Street Journal, DaimlerChrysler's Dodge car brand may drop its sponsorship of the Lingerie Bowl, a pay-per-view event scheduled to air on cable television at halftime of the Super Bowl. CBS-TV will carry the Super Bowl, which will be played in Houston. "Our recommendation is to pull out," said Jack Carroll, president of the National Dodge Dealer Advertising Association. "It's not an association we feel comfortable with, for obvious reasons."

There's a chance the Colorado Avalanche will claim Darby Hendrickson, placed on waivers Wednesday by the Wild, and his $850,000 salary.

HBO Sports and NFL Films have combined to create a documentary about Super Bowl I, when it wasn't known as the Super Bowl, when it didn't sell out, when two networks broadcast it and when there was no hoopla leading up to the game. The one-hour project, titled "The Wild Ride to Super Bowl I," will air Jan. 26 on HBO, six days before Super Bowl XXXVIII on Feb. 1

It has been six long months since Bill Maas has been allowed to voice his opinion on Kansas City radio. That long wait ended Wednesday when Maas returned to the airwaves, pairing up with Star columnist Jason Whitlock on 61 Sports' afternoon show “The Dog House” from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A 74-year-old Michigan City man broke his world record by dead lifting 501 pounds during a competition in Las Vegas. George Blue's successful hoist at the TwinLab-World Association of Benchers and Dead Lifters competition last week broke his previous mark in the Master Men 68-74 age group by more than 20 pounds.

What are the top sports stories of the year 2003? Kobe Bryant charged with sexual assault, Sammy Sosa caught using corked bat, Annika Sorenstam is first woman in 58 years to play on the PGA Tour, at the Colonial, Carmelo Anthony leads Syracuse to first NCAA basketball title.

It don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing. Not a problem for Mark McGwire. The former baseball star has made a few forays into fore play and done OK at golf. Most recent is his performance at the ADT Skills Challenge, where he won the long-drive competition at 319 yards against several professionals. "Mark has no flaws in his swing,'' pro Peter Jacobsen said after the event, set to air Saturday and Sunday on Channel 5. "If he worked hard and goes to [qualifying] school, he could get his card.'' "It's my first love,'' McGwire said of golf. "It's the first sport I played.

The National Lacrosse League owners unanimously voted on Tuesday to cancel the season unless the players union agrees to a new contract by noon today.

The King of Pop is restyling himself Jacko X. Michael Jackson last night became a member of the Nation of Islam - and sources told The Post his religious changeover comes along with a shake-up of his personal staff.

Dwight "Doc" Gooden is heading for the altar again - not long after filing for divorce from his first wife, Monica. The former Yankee pitcher, who has battled alcohol, cocaine and financial woes, proposed to Northwest flight attendant Monique Moore, who met him through a mutual friend at a club in Detroit. Moore was with Gooden sporting a big diamond ring at yesterday's press conference welcoming Gary Sheffield to the Yankees.

Jessica Simpson is a tad ticked. The bodacious blonde tells Steppin' Out magazine she was betrayed by the Rolling Stone writer who "was nice to my face and then stabbed me in the back" with a cover story that probed her musical career and her marriage to Nick Lachey. "She made half the stuff up," the ditzy diva pouts.

Infamous Long Island Lothario Joey Buttafuoco was busted yesterday, accused of faking auto-repair estimates to scam insurance companies.

Tara Reid is working overtime to maintain her party-girl persona. The racoon-eyed beauty got so tipsy at The Mix at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City Saturday night that she stumbled and fell more than once.

Winona Ryder might be a Hollywood A-lister, but she didn't make her own lawyer's list of VIPs. Renowned Los Angeles defense attorney Mark Geragos, who failed to get Ryder off on shoplifting charges last year, sent out a Christmas party invitation which boasted that his clients include Michael Jackson, Scott Peterson, Roger Clinton, Susan McDougal and Nathaniel Hale (rapper Nate Dogg). But Ryder's name is conspicuously absent.

Happy birthday to Brad Pitt - who, if you can believe it, turns 40 today. Editors at the Italian fashion bible Uomo Vogue obviously think he still looks pretty good. We hear they're devoting their entire May issue to pictures of Brad modeling clothes.

Too bad we have to wait till spring for the thinly veiled novel "Gotham Diaries." Hyperion boasts that pals Tonya Lewis Lee and Crystal McCrary Anthony will give readers a "peek into the world of super-rich, super-connected African-Americans" - and if anyone would know, they would. Lawyer Lewis Lee is married to Spike Lee, McCrary Anthony to ESPN commentator and former Knick Greg Anthony.

A hot MTV reality show got a cold reality check yesterday when one of its stars learned he could be headed from Puffy's pad to prison. Dylan John's pursuit of fame as a cast member in the TV show "Making the Band 2" was in jeopardy last night because he blew off visits with his probation officer. "He's facing incarceration," said Frank Tinari, attorney for the 24-year-old rapper from Bay Shore, L.I., who pleaded guilty last year to assault charges.

The clueless Long Island thief who posed for a picture while stealing $2,000 worth of digital camera equipment at a Wal-Mart is now posing for a mug shot, police said. James Stissi, 36, was arrested yesterday after cops were flooded with calls identifying him as the man in a photo from the Nov. 29 heist in Centereach.

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