My Sports News Digest

AMHERST, Mass. — It’s been 73 days since The Fight, the moment that by nearly every account completely altered Xavier’s entire season. The Musketeers were rolling, having just torn in-state rival Cincinnati apart with a 23-point victory — the eighth consecutive win to open the 2011-12 slate. When Tu Holloway started talking trash to Ge’Lawn Guyn at the end of the rout, when Dez Wells delivered the push and when the team’s supposed leaders — Holloway and Mark Lyons — got up on the podium immediately after the game and failed to apologize for their actions, well, that’s when Xavier’s [...]

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Midfielder Graham Zusi has signed a new contractwith Sporting Kansas City after putting together a breakout season in which hescored five goals and added nine assists. The 25-year-old Zusi also had a career-best 35 appearances while gaining areputation for his long-range goals. His strong MLS campaign earned him a spoton the U.S. men’s national team, where he started in each of his first twointernational appearances last month. Zusi had the eventual winning goal in the U.S. team’s 1-0 victory overPanama. The former second-round draft pick said the culture of Sporting KC had a lotto do with [...]

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WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Jets understand they can’t afford to underestimate the Tampa Bay Lightning. Although the Lightning have been one of the most active teams leading up to Monday’s NHL trade deadline, they’ve been hot of late, winning three consecutive games to move within five points of the Jets with three games in hand. “They’re not just a one dimensional group over there, they bring a lot,” said Jets defenceman Randy Jones, who played for the Lightning last season. “They bring speed, they have a lot of skill, they can shoot the puck and they have that offensive touch. [...]

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Former Indianapolis Colts executive Bill Polian said Thursday that he wouldn’t be surprised to see long-time receiver Reggie Wayne explore the free-agent market. “I think Reggie will at least be allowed to go out and test the waters,” Polian said on Sirius XM NFL Radio, according to FoxSports.com. “Now, will Reggie get something that he likes? I don’t know.” According to FoxSports.com, Polian had a hand in the Colts’ offseason strategy before he was let go by the team. Polian said that while Wayne is “an institution in Indianapolis,” the receiver “has to maximize his earning power because he’s closer [...]

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By BARBARA SURK, Associated Press DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka pulled out ofthe Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday because of a left ankle injury. The 22-year-old Azarenka said she will rest for two or three days, hopingthe ankle will heal. The Belarusian, who has won 17 straight matches so far thisseason, said she’ll take a break from tennis and go home to spend some time withher family. Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka… – Feb 19, 12:47 pm EST Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka… – Feb 19, 12:47 pm EST Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka… – Feb 19, 12:20 pm EST Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka… [...]

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Authorities say Florida State tailback James Wilder Jr. was arrested after a confrontation with deputies. Florida’s Leon County Sheriff’s Office reports the 19-year-old was at a Tallahassee apartment Tuesday when deputies went to arrest a 20-year-old woman for missing a court appearance. As a deputy escorted the woman to a patrol car, a sheriff’s report says, Wilder stepped between the deputy and the woman and pushed the deputy. Wilder was arrested and charged with obstructing a law enforcement officer without violence and battery on the officer. Jail records show he was released on $ 2,000 bail. Wilder’s [...]

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The second test session of the year is taking place this week in Barcelona, and after a few surprises but no real conclusions at the first session in Jerez two weeks ago, it is even more difficult to figure out what teams have produced the best cars. So far we have seen strange things like the Williams car finishing very slow and then setting fast times at the top of the time sheets, same for the Caterham, and the Ferrari bobbing up and down like a yo yo. The only certain thing that we can put a finger on is [...]

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Updated Feb 23, 2012 2:35 PM ET PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. Normally, I feel sorry for the Tampa Bay Rays. Not this time. Oh, the Rays still face their usual low-revenue problems while trying to compete with the big-budget New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East. But as the Rays try to pick their best five starting pitchers from a talented group of six, they should not expect a pity party – particularly when the number of qualified candidates is more like eight. And when the Rays’ rotation, no matter which pitchers are chosen, will be – [...]

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