Top Sports Stories (Dec 30, 2011)

Kobe scores 28, Lakers surge past Knicks in 4th

LOS ANGELES-After the Lakers roared away from the Knicks in the fourth quarter without even a point from Kobe Bryant, he put his long-standing friendly rivalry with Carmelo Anthony in perspective. "I enjoy going against Melo, because I always win,…

San Jose Mercury News • December 29, 2011, 11:24 PM (PST)

San Francisco Gate

Heisman Trophy winner Griffin, Baylor outlast Washington 67-56 in record-breaking Alamo Bowl

SAN ANTONIO – Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III wasn’t dazzling – and didn’t need to be – as No. 15 Baylor pulled out a thrilling Alamo Bowl victory in the highest-scoring bowl game in history, beating Washington 67-56 in a record-smashing …

Minneapolis Star Tribune • December 29, 2011, 10:33 PM (PST)

Associated Press

Dolphins look to ‘shatter’ Jets during season finale

A Week 17 game against a team with something tangible to play for while only intangibles remain for the Dolphins ? the setup for Sunday’s game with the Jets resembles too many other late-season Dolphins games of recent years that saw the local NFL …

Miami Herald • December 29, 2011, 9:00 PM (PST)

Bleacherreport.com

Nowitzki is Lone Star of the year

When Dirk Nowitzki’s illustrious career ends a few years from now, one moment — for me — will stand out more than any other. More than any of the clutch 3-pointers. Or one-legged fadeaways. More than watching Dirk leave the court for a few moments …

ESPN • December 29, 2011, 10:12 PM (PST)

ESPN

Brees has record but Brady isn’t far behind

–After breaking Dan Marino’s 27-year-old NFL record for single-season passing yards Monday night, it’s possible that Drew Brees’ mark could be surpassed a lot quicker. Brees is just 190 yards ahead of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady going …

CBS Sports • December 29, 2011, 9:15 PM (PST)

Bleacherreport.com

Ryan confident Jets will claim AFC’s No. 6 playoff seed

Rex Ryan is saying there’s more than a chance. His New York Jets face slim playoff odds entering Sunday’s regular-season finale at Miami, but it’s no surprise Ryan is confident his team will get it done. "I still believe we’ll get in the playoffs,…

NFL • December 29, 2011, 7:56 PM (PST)

ESPN

Patriots’ Matthew Slater turns versatility into something special

Matthew Slater bulked up in a big way the moment he entered the NFL. The New England Patriots handed the former UCLA player not just one Yellow Pages-sized binder but two – one for offense, the other for defense. "The first day in this building …

Los Angeles Times • December 29, 2011, 9:00 PM (PST)

ESPN

Top Sports Stories (Dec 28, 2011)

Cole comes up big, Heat beat Celtics 115-107

MIAMI (AP) – Norris Cole stepped to the foul line with 9.3 seconds left, set to clinch the game as cries of "M-V-P! M-V-P" rained down upon him from the sold-out stands. No, this wasn’t a scene from his days at Cleveland State. "You grow…

YAHOO! • December 28, 2011, 1:35 AM (PST)

CNN Sports Illustrated

NFL-Rodgers and Brady named starting Pro Bowl quarterbacks

Dec 27 (Reuters) – Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers and New England Patriots’ Tom Brady were named on Tuesday as the starting quarterbacks for the National Football League (NFL) Pro Bowl. Rodgers and Brady will square off in Hawaii on Jan. 29 in the …

YAHOO! • December 27, 2011, 5:42 PM (PST)

New York Times

Three Chargers Voted to Pro Bowl

Eric Weddle wanted to end this season in Indianapolis. He’ll have to settle for Hawaii. The San Diego Chargers free safety has been selected to the Pro Bowl at last, the NFL announced on Tuesday, one of three Chargers players named to the annual …

msnbc.com • December 28, 2011, 12:45 AM (PST)

New York Times

Can Brees keep passing record?

A day after Sean Payton helped Drew Brees break the NFL’s single-season passing record the coach wouldn’t divulge whether he’d enable his star quarterback to maintain that distinction. With 5,087 yards passing this season after Monday night’s 45-16 …

Indianapolis Star • December 28, 2011, 3:58 AM (PST)

Jets’ Long-Shot Chance Is Put at 9 Percent

Jets fans know it doesn’t look good, and we’re here to put a number on that feeling: According to NFL-Forecast.com, the Jets have a 9.3 percent chance of advancing to the playoffs. The Jets overcame worse odds not that long ago. In December 2009, they …

New York Times Blogs • December 28, 2011, 3:58 AM (PST)

ESPN

Rich Hofmann: Why Andy should get one more chance

LET US PRETEND, just for a second. Let us pretend that the Eagles’ season had played out the way it was supposed to play out, rather than the way it did. What was supposed to happen was that the Eagles would win 10 or 11 games, win the division title …

Philadelphia Daily News • December 28, 2011, 12:30 AM (PST)

Lakers cruise to victory over Jazz

LOS ANGELES — It was kind of confusing, sure, but the Lakers were playing their third game in as many days, not the Utah Jazz. The scoreboard certainly didn’t show it, the Lakers drubbing Utah, 96-71, the first breather for the franchise since …

Boston Herald • December 28, 2011, 2:18 AM (PST)

ESPN

Seven Ravens Make Pro Bowl

WBALTV.com Seven Baltimore Ravens were voted to the Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Tuesday evening. Linebacker Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed, linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, fullback Vonta Leach, running back Ray Rice and guard …

msnbc.com • December 27, 2011, 4:45 PM (PST)

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Tim Tebow or Kyle Orton: Who would you rather have at QB?

The Broncos organization did some flip-flopping, first going with Orton after a terrific preseason but switching to Tebow after a 1-4 start. We all know what happened next — Tebow leads Denver into the playoff hunt (although the team now has lost two …

Los Angeles Times • December 27, 2011, 6:11 PM (PST)

Denver Post

Top Sports Stories (Dec 26, 2011)

Efficiency in the ER

Re the Dec. 22 story Short ER wait times? Billboards tout hospitals’ claims: I know from personal experience that the waiting time at Aventura Hospital’s emergency room is a matter of minutes. As a city commissioner, I forwarded a resident’s complaint …

Miami Herald • December 25, 2011, 8:58 PM (PST)

Associated Press

What Rex Ryan Said After the Jets-Giants Game

Reviewing Rex Ryan’s comments to reporters after the Jets lost to the Giants on Saturday.  The full transcript is below, via Jets.com. A few observations: 1) Ryan gave Mark Sanchez a pass, focusing more on the offensive line’s problems and on the …

New York Times Blogs • December 26, 2011, 4:29 AM (PST)

USA Today

Aaron Rodgers throws five TD passes as Packers cage Bears 35-21

GREEN BAY, Wis. – With the first five-touchdown game of his NFL career, Aaron Rodgers ensured that the Green Bay Packers’ playoff road will go through Lambeau Field. He also made sure the rival Chicago Bears will be spending the playoffs at home. …

New York Daily News • December 26, 2011, 1:01 AM (PST)

ABC News

Bailey says Broncos must stop pressing and begin trusting each other

EDITORS NOTE: NFL reporter Jeff Legwold analyzes the Broncos’ 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and looks ahead. Surrounded in the postgame carnage of a team trying to pack up and get on the road – especially a team trying to get home for …

Denver Post • December 25, 2011, 11:57 PM (PST)

Denver Post

Playoff picture is clearing up

The Lions are in; the Eagles are out. Atlanta is closing in on a playoff berth, as is Cincinnati, while the Bears, Jets and Raiders need some help. All part of a wild closing act to the NFL season. With Monday night’s Atlanta-New Orleans game remaining…

Chicago Sun-Times • December 25, 2011, 8:51 PM (PST)

ABC News

Lakers can’t rely solely on Kobe Bryant this season

In the final seconds of what had been three hours worth of jingle bell rock, the metaphor was as plain as the gasp that silenced it. The Lakers’ best player held the ball and a chance to clinch a rousing opening-day Christmas victory against the …

Los Angeles Times • December 26, 2011, 2:42 AM (PST)

ESPN

Eagles still think they’re a good team

For a group that had just been knocked out of the playoffs, sealing their fate as one of the more disappointing NFL teams in recent memory, the Eagles were surprisingly at ease Saturday night. There were laughs in the locker room and talk about how …

Philadelphia Daily News • December 26, 2011, 12:26 AM (PST)

ESPN

LeBron James scores 37 points, Heat beat Mavs 105-94 in NBA finals rematch

DALLAS – While Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks were on the court celebrating the championship they won over LeBron James and Dwyane Wade last season, the Miami Heat were gathered in another part of the building. It wasn’t because they dreaded …

Minneapolis Star Tribune • December 26, 2011, 12:26 AM (PST)

ESPN

Some NFL players still willing to hide concussions

Ask Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew whether he would try to play through a concussion or yank himself from a game, and he’ll provide a straightforward answer. "Hide it," the NFL rushing leader said. "The bottom line …

FOX News • December 26, 2011, 12:11 AM (PST)

Atlanta Journal Constitution

Top Sports Stories (Dec 25, 2011)

Steelers Report Card: Week 16 Vs. Rams

THE PITTSBURGH CHANNEL.com How well (or poorly) do you think the Steelers played against the St. Louis Rams on Saturday? Give us your grades at each key position by voting in our web polls below. Each link will pop up in a small window, so you can vote…

msnbc.com • December 24, 2011, 9:42 PM (PST)

Associated Press

‘No’ problem, Tom

FOXBORO – Watching Tom Brady [stats] and the Patriots [team stats] offense try to move the football in the first half yesterday against Miami was worse than taking a trip to the dentist to get a tooth yanked. With a makeshift offensive line thanks to …

Boston Herald • December 24, 2011, 10:46 PM (PST)

Chicago Tribune

Stating Their Case and Silencing Jets

The Giants’ anger endured late into the afternoon, when Brandon Jacobs got into a postgame verbal altercation with Rex Ryan, the Jets’ coach. Jacobs said Ryan told him to shut up and that he responded by saying he would punch Ryan in the mouth. "I told…

New York Times • December 25, 2011, 2:50 AM (PST)

ESPN

Another Christmas story for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Phil Jackson never did like the NBA on Christmas. Not that he expected it, but he thought the league’s TV people should be forced to settle for Lakers-Clippers and Knicks-Nets. Then everyone could be home for the holiday! But the …

Boston Herald • December 25, 2011, 2:14 AM (PST)

Los Angeles Times

Eagles Instant Replay

Yeah, the Jets get the thumbs up here for ending the Dream Team’s fantasy that the playoffs were in their future. The Jets did the Eagles a favor by ending the masquerade a week early. Not only was the game meaningless for the Eagles, but the Cowboys …

Delaware Online • December 25, 2011, 4:23 AM (PST)

ESPN

It’s up to Tebow to show us more

Lions clinch playoff berth. Giants stomp Jets. Niners top Seahawks. Week 16 review. Well, Tim Tebow has lost two straight. I’m not surprised. There’s a lot he needs to work on, like his accuracy and his ability to read a complicated defense. We all …

FOXSports.com • December 24, 2011, 11:58 PM (PST)

CBS Sports

2 teams in running for top draft pick

Indianapolis and St. Louis are the last teams standing for the NFL draft’s top pick next April. Minnesota eliminated itself Saturday by winning its third game, 33-26 at Washington. Because its schedule was stronger than either the Colts or the Rams …

Houston Chronicle • December 25, 2011, 3:26 AM (PST)

Los Angeles Times

Browns’ Wallace says he called run play instead of spiking ball

Though it might have seemed that the major play-calling mishap that closed out the first half of the Browns’ 20-14 loss to the Ravens Saturday was coach Pat Shurmur’s fault, quarterback Seneca Wallace claimed the mistake was his. Cleveland had the ball…

NFL • December 25, 2011, 2:14 AM (PST)

Cleveland Plain Deale

Top Sports Stories (Dec 24, 2011)

Taylor scores a career-high 19 points to lead Ohio past North Carolina A&T 82-66

ATHENS, Ohio – Stevie Taylor scored a career-high 19 points and Ohio pulled away from North Carolina A&T 82-66 Friday night. Ohio (11-1) has won seven straight games and is off to its best start since 1940-41 …

Washington Post • December 23, 2011, 7:06 PM (PST)

Denver Post

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to sit out game against St. Louis Rams

Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not start Saturday when the Steelers face the St. Louis Rams. Roethlisberger is dealing with a sprained left ankle and did not practice this week after a 20-3 loss to the 49ers on Monday. He will be …

San Jose Mercury News • December 23, 2011, 7:49 PM (PST)

Seattle Times

Teammates must compensate for Kobe Bryant’s injury

Kobe Bryant continues to evolve, looking at infinite ways to maintain dominance despite the overwhelming obstacles thrown his way. Father time. The heavy basketball mileage. The injuries.  Yup, he’s handled it all with a mixed exercise. Sometimes …

Los Angeles Times Blogs • December 23, 2011, 11:45 PM (PST)

San Francisco Gate

Miami QB may sway fantasy playoffs

Maybe your fantasy team was crushed by the loss of Matt Schaub or Jay Cutler. Perhaps you gambled too heavily on Joe Flacco and have been playing QB roulette all season. Maybe you’re worried about the health of Ben Roethlisberger. Yet somehow, through …

New York Post • December 24, 2011, 3:48 AM (PST)

CBS Sports

21 former players sue NFL over concussions

MIAMI (AP) – Nearly two dozen former NFL players are suing the league over severe and permanent brain damage they say is linked to concussions suffered on the job. The complaint filed Thursday in Miami follows a similar one in Atlanta earlier this week…

Indianapolis Star • December 24, 2011, 12:49 AM (PST)

Jets, Giants both eye win today to keep postseason hopes alive

It is finally here. The talking is done. The boasting is finished. It is time to play the game. Depending on what colors you’re wearing today: it’s Jets-Giants or Giants-Jets. When 1 p.m. hits at MetLife Stadium, the words of this week disappear, and …

New York Post • December 24, 2011, 5:00 AM (PST)

Boston Herald

Figure on Hamilton-Bryant matchup

Tom Thibodeau wouldn’t reveal who would start on Kobe Bryant, who practiced Friday despite a torn wrist ligament. It’s a safe bet Richard Hamilton will draw the Lakers’ superstar at some point Sunday during his Bulls’ debut in the Bulls-Lakers opener. …

Chicago Tribune • December 23, 2011, 4:50 PM (PST)

ESPN

Top Sports Stories (Dec 22, 2011)

Eagles linebackers find their comfort zone

Thus concludes our complete list of groups of people more frequently and universally reviled than the Eagles’ linebacking corps. You know all the story lines by now – they’re a bunch of mostly first- and second-year guys, all drafted in the fourth …

Philadelphia Daily News • December 21, 2011, 11:54 PM (PST)

Philadelphia Daily News

Roethlisberger hoping to play against Rams, defends Tomlin’s decision to play him against 49ers

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is optimistic he’ll play Saturday when the Steelers host St. Louis. Roethlisberger says Wednesday his injured left ankle is no worse after throwing 45 times in a 20-3 loss to San Francisco on …

Baltimore Sun • December 21, 2011, 9:38 PM (PST)

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Broncos TEs blocking more, catching less since Tim Tebow took over at quarterback

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Around the league, the tight end position is a dynamic source of offensive production. Look at New Orleans’ Jimmy Graham, the NFC leader in receptions (87), or New England’s Rob Gronkowski, who already has the most TD catches ever in…

Washington Post • December 21, 2011, 4:59 PM (PST)

Orton comes though for Chiefs in first start

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)-It’s common practice across the NFL to bring the starting quarterback to the podium for a weekly news conference. It often beats the alternative: A bunch of reporters and cameramen crowded around his locker. Kyle Orton’s never …

YAHOO! • December 22, 2011, 12:02 AM (PST)

CBS News

Lions could be playoff Grinch to Seahawks

The jumbled scenario demanding a sequence of events turning out favorably for the Seahawks – beginning, of course, with a victory over San Francisco on Saturday – brings to mind a similarly tenuous wild-card run in 1995. It turned out to be the worst, …

Olympian • December 22, 2011, 3:29 AM (PST)

YAHOO!

Week 16 N.F.L. Game Probabilities: Giants vs. Jets

It wasn’t too difficult to pick a game to highlight for New York Times readers this week. The Giants take on the Jets, with both teams  in the thick of their playoff races. The path for the Giants goes through the N.F.C. East division championship…

New York Times Blogs • December 22, 2011, 4:26 AM (PST)

NJ.com

NBA Pacific: Chris Paul and Clippers are out to overtake rival Lakers

Even before their unsuccessful attempt to acquire All-Star Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Lakers faced more questions than usual about another attempt to dominate the Pacific Division. Kobe Bryant? The Lakers’ cornerstone star enters his 16th year in the …

Salt Lake Tribune • December 22, 2011, 3:01 AM (PST)

CNN Sports Illustrated

Fans sing Happy Birthday outside Joe Paterno’s home

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — About two dozen fans gathered briefly outside Joe Paterno’s home Wednesday night to wish the former Penn State coach a happy 85th birthday and sing a Christmas carol. Paterno’s son, quarterback coach Jay Paterno, thanked the …

CNN Sports Illustrated • December 22, 2011, 4:55 AM (PST)

Kansas City Star

Top Sports Stories (Dec 21, 2011)

Firefighters battle blaze at vacant McKeesport house

Firefighters from several companies were battling a two-alarm fire at an abandoned house in McKeesport, an Allegheny County dispatch supervisor said. The fire was reported shortly before 7 a.m. at a building in the 1500 block of Soles Street. …

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette • December 21, 2011, 5:11 AM (PST)

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Tebow pleased to hear Broncos exec Elway believes in him

Denver Broncos executive John Elway gave his strongest indication yet that he believes in Tim Tebow, telling The Associated Press on Tuesday that the quarterback can transform from a scrambler into a pocket passer. Those words meant a lot to the young …

NFL • December 21, 2011, 3:45 AM (PST)

Kansas City Star

Former PSU players show support for JoePa

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.-More than 340 players once coached by Joe Paterno have shown support for their former Penn State coach through a letter released in time for his 85th birthday Wednesday. Hall of Famer Lydell Mitchell, a standout Nittany Lions running…

San Jose Mercury News • December 21, 2011, 12:24 AM (PST)

Philadelphia Daily News

Blacked Out: Power outage delays Steelers, 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO – Candlestick Park went dark twice in the San Francisco 49ers’ much-anticipated return to prime time. Two power outages delayed the Niners’ 20-3 Monday night win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, first just before kickoff and again early in …

Boston Herald • December 20, 2011, 10:51 PM (PST)

USA Today

From players getting inked to downfall of Tressel to hiring of Urban Meyer at Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio – It started with a few kids who wanted tattoos. The owner of the tattoo parlor wasn’t necessarily a big Buckeyes fan, but he liked having them around. It ended with NCAA infractions and a year of investigations. On Tuesday, Ohio State …

Minneapolis Star Tribune • December 21, 2011, 4:56 AM (PST)

ABC News

Plenty on the line for Seahawks, 49ers

RENTON, Wash. – Hard to exaggerate the significance of this week’s game between Seattle and San Francisco. There are playoff considerations on both sides, more than a little bit of divisional pride and the Seahawks will be playing their final home game…

Boston Herald • December 21, 2011, 2:40 AM (PST)

Michael Vick could be key to Eagles’ hopes vs. Cowboys

PHILADELPHIA – If you’re looking for positive trends as the Eagles prepare for Saturday’s may-still-have-meaning game at Dallas, there are a few relating to Michael Vick. The Ryan brothers run similar 3-4 defenses. Vick has had his best success this …

Boston Herald • December 21, 2011, 2:33 AM (PST)

New York Post

Rugby-Record breaker Paterson to call time on Scotland

LONDON, Dec 21 (Reuters) – Chris Paterson, Scotland’s most capped player, is set to announce his retirement from international rugby, British media reported on Wednesday. Scottish Rugby will hold a news conference in Edinburgh at 1330 GMT on Wednesday …

YAHOO! • December 21, 2011, 3:38 AM (PST)

The Guardian

Waddock backs Ibe to succeed

Wycombe manager Gary Waddock believes striker Jordon Ibe has the maturity to handle his ‘life-changing’ move to Liverpool. A host of Barclays Premier League clubs were courting Ibe but the 16-year-old forward will move to Anfield in January after the …

TEAMtalk • December 21, 2011, 4:42 AM (PST)

Sporting Life

Top Sports Stories (Dec 20, 2011)

When the going got tough, the Patriots got going

The AFC is all but there for the taking, only the Pittsburgh Steelers are now standing between the Patriots and the top seed in the AFC. The skeptics will remind you the Patriots were the top seed in the AFC last year. The realists will say it is time …

Boston Globe • December 20, 2011, 2:41 AM (PST)

ESPN

Penn State won’t release ’98 campus police report about Sandusky to CNN

CNN has been rebuffed in its attempt to a copy of a 1998 campus police report regarding sexual misconduct allegations made against former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, a university lawyer told the outlet. Penn State’s status as "a …

Baltimore Sun • December 19, 2011, 9:55 PM (PST)

CNN

Paul, Billups leads Clippers in rout of Lakers

LOS ANGELES – It was hardly the Battle of L.A. That was last week, when Chris Paul ended up with the Clippers instead of their sun-is-always-shining rivals down the hall at Staples Center. Score another one for the Clippers, though, who beat the Lakers…

Boston Herald • December 20, 2011, 2:27 AM (PST)

CNN Sports Illustrated

Bob Ford: A Jekyll and Hyde Eagles defense: Which one will show up?

The players on the offensive and defensive units of the Eagles have told consistent and consistently different stories about what has troubled the team during a 6-8 season that now hangs by a tenuous thread. The players on offense talk about the …

Philadelphia Daily News • December 20, 2011, 3:39 AM (PST)

ESPN

Turn out the lights – the party’s just starting

Ah, San Francisco – the only NFL city that has stadium mood lighting. Romantic table for 69,732? Right this way. Unfortunately, the fans who came to the Steelers-49ers game Monday night didn’t get the PG&E memo asking each fan to bring a …

San Francisco Gate • December 20, 2011, 4:15 AM (PST)

ESPN

Packers no longer perfect, injuries piling up after surprise loss at Kansas City

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – The Green Bay Packers aren’t perfect. That much was clear even before a surprise loss at Kansas City on Sunday cost them a shot at an undefeated season. The Packers have been giving up too many big plays on defense all season, …

Orlando Sentinel • December 20, 2011, 12:11 AM (PST)

USA Today

Hue Jackson believes in Raiders, himself

Hue Jackson still believes. The Raiders’ head coach believes he and defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan made the right calls – mostly – in the Raiders’ 28-27 loss to the Lions on Sunday and he believes Oakland still can make the playoffs. Jackson …

San Francisco Gate • December 20, 2011, 12:33 AM (PST)

Ravens embarrassed by Chargers in 34-14 loss

Before the opening kickoff Sunday night, the Ravens knew that the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets had both lost earlier in the day, meaning that for a franchise-record fourth consecutive year, the Ravens were going to the playoffs. The humbling …

Baltimore Sun • December 19, 2011, 8:36 PM (PST)

Ohio State vulnerable with Sullinger hurting?

The preseason talk in the Big Ten had Ohio State as the runaway favorite. Now, forward Jared Sullinger’s mounting health issues raise questions about the No. 2 Buckeyes’ national dominance and could have some conference teams eyeing an opening. …

Chicago Tribune • December 19, 2011, 9:05 PM (PST)

ABC News

Top Sports Stories (Dec 19, 2011)

NBC’s Cris Collinsworth superb in explaining wretched Ravens defeat in San Diego

When it comes to TV analysts, there is NBC’s Cris Collinsworth. And then, there is everybody else. And he was at his best Sunday night in the Baltimore Ravens’ prime-time matchup with the San Diego Chargers, explaining the games within the games like …

Baltimore Sun • December 19, 2011, 4:44 AM (PST)

masnsports.com

McQueary affirms he reported on ‘severe sexual acts’

HARRISBURG – Mike McQueary was unequivocal: When he stumbled upon former Pennsylvania State University defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky and a naked boy in a university shower nine years ago, he witnessed something "way over the line and …

Philadelphia Daily News • December 19, 2011, 2:57 AM (PST)

Wall Street Journal

The Tim Tebow Workout

You’ve heard the critics and the dismissals: He can’t throw a football, he doesn’t belong on the field as an NFL quarterback. But Tim Tebow does two things really well. He wins games-35 in three seasons as the starter at the University of Florida, and …

FOX News • December 19, 2011, 4:37 AM (PST)

ESPN

Chris Paul humbled by Clippers fans

Participating in his second-ever practice with the team and first scrimmage in front of fans, the newest Clipper thanked the 6,000-plus fans in attendance profusely and promised that he and his teammates would compete in every game they played this …

ESPN • December 18, 2011, 10:25 PM (PST)

Washington Post

NFL: Green Bay Packers (13-1) stunned by Kansas City Chiefs (6-8)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mike McCarthy never put a whole lot of stock in a perfect season, except as a means of gaining home-field advantage and setting up the Green Bay Packers for another Super Bowl run. Well, they still have a chance to earn home-field …

San Jose Mercury News • December 18, 2011, 7:55 PM (PST)

CNN Sports Illustrated

Flyers’ Giroux exercising caution

5: Years since the Flyers had a lopsided home loss equal to Saturday’s 6-0 shellacking from the Bruins, which snapped their seven-game win streak. The last defeat as bad was a 6-0 loss to Tampa Bay on Jan. 28, 2006. 5: Games Claude Giroux missed when …

Philadelphia Daily News • December 18, 2011, 11:58 PM (PST)

Associated Press

Why Playoff Tiebreaker Favors Jets Over Bengals

As most Jets fans know by now, the Jets will almost certainly make the playoffs if they win their last two games and finish 10-6. Cincinnati is the only other playoff contender that could finish 10-6, but the Jets would most likely win the fourth …

New York Times Blogs • December 19, 2011, 3:40 AM (PST)

ESPN

Lions rally to stun Raiders 28-27

OAKLAND, Calif. – Ndamukong Suh provided the perfect exclamation point to the Detroit Lions’ thrilling comeback in his return from a two-game suspension. Matthew Stafford threw a 6-yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson with 39 seconds remaining to cap a …

Atlanta Journal Constitution • December 19, 2011, 1:53 AM (PST)

Boston Herald

Top Sports Stories (Dec 18, 2011)

Fan Take: Clippers May Be Los Angeles’ Big Dog in Due Time

I’m not one to become too infatuated with sudden sports transactions and believing change will occur at the drop of a hat. Yet, the Chris Paul-to-Los Angeles Clippers deal has me thinking otherwise for some reason. Maybe it’s because Paul is a top-tier…

YAHOO! • December 17, 2011, 4:21 PM (PST)

Los Angeles Times

Tom Brady will be a mile high

DENVER – Things may or may not work out for him today, but this is the kind of afternoon Tom Brady [stats] lives for. All last week, the focus was on Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. The Sports Illustrated cover was of Tebow, not Brady. The big …

Boston Herald • December 18, 2011, 4:17 AM (PST)

Boston Herald

Rookie Sean Couturier injured as Flyers are shut out by Bruins, 6-0

The Boston Bruins made quick work of the Flyers, scoring three goals in the first nine minutes during Saturday afternoon’s 6-0 win at the Wells Fargo Center. Besides the defeat, which was their first of the month, Flyers rookie center Sean Couturier …

Philadelphia Daily News • December 17, 2011, 11:59 PM (PST)

NJ.com

Hurd cut by Bears, out on bail

CHICAGO – On Day 2 of the Sam Hurd saga, the Bears wideout was freed from custody after posting $100,000 bond, his lawyer said the charges are bogus, his team released him, and the NFL moved to protect its image. Appearing before a federal magistrate …

Philadelphia Daily News • December 17, 2011, 11:59 PM (PST)

ESPN

Tony Romo’s hot start gives Cowboys win over Bucs

TAMPA, Fla. — Tony Romo made it look easy, shredding Tampa Bay’s secondary at will and helping the Dallas Cowboys get back on track in the NFC East. "This was an important game," Romo said after throwing for three touchdowns and running for …

ESPN • December 17, 2011, 11:02 PM (PST)

ABC News

Sports digest:

American teenager Lexi Thompson has made history as the youngest winner on both the LPGA and Ladies European Tours. The 16-year-old Thompson shot a 5-under 67 Saturday to win the Dubai Ladies Masters, becoming the youngest professional winner on that …

San Jose Mercury News • December 17, 2011, 11:59 PM (PST)

Associated Press

Islanders top Wild 2-1 for 1st win in extra time

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Despite a depleted lineup and a lethargic first 40 minutes, the Minnesota Wild managed to forge a tie and take the New York Islanders to overtime. In the end, though, there was agreement from both sides-each team got just what it …

San Jose Mercury News • December 18, 2011, 3:48 AM (PST)

Kansas City Star