Quad-City Times from Davenport, Iowa • 47

www.qctlme.cornporU SPORTS QUAOCITY TIMES Saturday, December 13, 2003 Ml NFL BASEBALL Brown gives tentative OK to join Yanks 1 in 1 irw 11 I I Bucs GM cleared to talk with other teams TAMPA, Fla. (AP) First Keyshawn now Rich McKay The Tampa Bay Buccaneers figure to have a different look on and off the field next year, with one of their star players and the club's popular general manager likely headed elsewhere after this season. Johnson was let go three weeks ago because of differences with Jon Gruden. McKay has clashed with the coach of the Super Bowl champions, too, and could wind up with the Atlanta Falcons after receiving permission to speak with other teams about becoming their GM. "People's visions and people's goals don't always stay the same," Gruden said.

"My focus is on winning football games. If his goals are elsewhere, I certainly wish him well. He's outstanding at what he does, and I'm sure he'll continue to be." Gruden, however, denied that a rift between him and McKay is forcing a split. McKay helped assemble the talent that transformed Tampa Bay from a doormat to NFL champions, but his relationship with the league's youngest head coach has been shaky since Gruden took over the Bucs in 2002. Rumors of disharmony over personnel matters persisted even while the Bucs were making their Super Bowl run, and speculation about McKay's future intensified after Johnson was deactivated for the remainder of the season last month.

"This ain't no power play. I don't care what anybody says," Gruden said. "No two people agree on every issue. If you can find a couple or two grown human beings that have been able to do that for their entire lives, I'd like to meet them. I feel we've worked well." The Bucs said they wouldn't seek compensation if McKay walked out on the final four seasons of his $2.4 million-a-year contract.

The GM's relationship with Tampa Bay dates to 1976, when his father, John, became the franchise's first coach. "We have had an outstanding relationship with Rich for many years, and we certainly did not want to impede his desire to pursue other options," Bucs vice president Joel Glazer said in a statement. The Falcons fired coach Dan Reeves on Wednesday, and owner Arthur Blank would prefer to have a general manager in place before he hires a coach. ASSOCIATED PRESS San Diego's Drew Brees, who will replace Doug Flutie as the team's starting quarterback, hasn't played since getting pulled during a loss to Chicago on Nov. 2.

Chargers QB Brees 'back in the saddle' Juan Gonzalez. He turned down a trade from Texas to Montreal late last season, and his agent, Alan Nero, said 10 teams had inquired about the oft-injured, two-time AL MVP. None of the Yankees' top executives were expected in New Orleans for the four-day gathering. But a day after being stung by Andy Pettitte's departure, the team's top decision-makers got busy on the phones trying to finish deals. Brown gave his tentative approval to the proposed trade that would send him from Los Angeles to the Yankees for Jeff Weaver.

"We've pretty much completed everything we needed to complete with the Dodgers," said the pitcher's agent, Scott Boras. "Now we're dealing with the Yankees." The main issue from Brown's standpoint involves airplanes. As part of his Dodgers' contract, the team pays for 12 private jet trips for his family from its home in Macon, to his in-season home or to selected games, and for ground transportation. "We're just trying to put together a plan for the jet service in his contract with his family," Boras said. "If we get everything worked out, he's consented to go." Lofton's move to New York also appeared closer.

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner seems to want the leadoff man who, at 36, hit .296 with 30 steals for Pittsburgh and the Cubs last season. The Blue Jays have been revamping their rotation since the season ended, signing Batista and Pat Hentgen and trading for Ted Lilly Batista was 10-9 with a 3.54 ERA for Arizona last season. The Diamondbacks cut him loose earlier this month when they didn't offer him salary arbitration. "We tried to force it along," Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said.

"We didn't want it to linger and linger and have other teams get involved." and are tied with three other teams for the league's worst record. "It's not a reflection on Doug Flutie's performance," Schot-tenheimer said. "Drew needed an opportunity to step back and look at it the season, though, saying it was a week-to-week situation. Asked how he explained the move to Flutie, Schottenheimer said: "Doug Flutie came in a situation. We're fortunate to have him, but Drew Brees is our starting quarterback.

He's gone through what any number of young quarterbacks will, and I thought now was the appropriate time." Brees started all 16 games last year and has a 9-15 career record. "Well, gosh, I'm happy to back in the saddle," Brees said. "It's good to be back involved and getting reps again and looking forward to a game that you know you'll play in and start in and hopefully be successful in." In the three games before he was benched, Brees threw five interceptions and no touchdown passes. He's thrown 12 interceptions and seven TDs this year, and his passer rating dropped to 63.3, second-worst in the AFC. NY also zeroes in on Lofton; Batista agrees with Jays NEW ORLEANS (AP) Far from Bourbon Street, the New York Yankees still managed to join the party at the baseball winter meetings Friday, trying to complete the trade for Kevin Brown and zeroing in on Kenny Lofton.

Toronto made the first move of the annual swap session, agreeing with free-agent pitcher Miguel Batista on a $13.1 million, three-year contract. Yet that deal was overshadowed by the possibility of bigger things and bigger names. Texas and the Red Sox kept talking about their potential blockbuster Alex Rodriguez for Manny Ramirez and free-agent closer Keith Foulke was trying to decide between resigning with Oakland or going to Boston. Greg Maddux might have a new home, too, by the time the meetings wrap up Monday. The four-time Cy Young winner was let loose last week by Atlanta, and the Chicago Cubs and San Diego were among the teams said to be interested.

Free-agent outfielder Mike Cameron was in town, with the New York Mets and Oakland in pursuit. "In the next couple of days, he should be making a decision," Mets general manager Jim Duquette said. The opening day of the meetings typically produces more talk than trades, and there was plenty of it as the likes of Jack McKeon, Bobby Cox and Tony Pena roamed the hotel lobby a few blocks from the city's most lurid street. But those discussions often lead to deals, and a few seemed to be on deck. Free-agent pitcher Jeff Sup-pan and St.

Louis were hoping to reach an agreement, as were Todd Zeile and Los Angeles. Also available is slugger NOTEBOOK Clemens might join Astros Roger Clemens told a Houston radio station he would consider joining the Astros to pitch with his buddy Andy Pet-titte. Clemens said the New York Yankees gave him a Hummer sports-utility vehicle as a retirement gift, and he wondered if that would be taken away if he decided to pitch next season. Two talk-show hosts and a local car dealer then drove to Clemens' home in a Houston suburb with a new Hummer and presented him the keys on the condition he agree to pitch for Houston. He has until Monday to decide.

"This Is getting very interesting," Clemens said. Pettitte signed a three-year contract with the Astros on Thursday, leaving the Yankees for his hometown team. "I am happy for Andy," Clemens said. "I think he is going to make a big difference." Clemens was then asked if he would join Pettitte. "Maybe," he said.

Hearing held for bullpen brawl BOSTON Conflicting accounts were given at a hearing about a fight involving two New York Yankees and a groundskeeper at a Fenway Park playoff game. Another hearing was scheduled mm 5i( Hidden Kills Highland Springs 1 Indian Bluff Saukie Cross Luy.c muyc n.unC Prophet Hills Country Cub Clarett lawyers: NFL perpetuating free from a different perspective. Now it's time to do that. Let's find out exactly what' kind of progress he made." Schotten-heimer hinted Monday that Brees might return but wanted to What Green Bay at San Diego When 3 p.m. Sunday Where Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego KUB, Ch.

18 see the two in practice during the week before making an announcement. Schottenheimer wouldn't commit to Brees for the rest of day that we think they can do it." Villarrial is backed up by 2002 third-round draft pick Terrence Metcalf, who made his first NFL start against Green Bay last week. Gandy is backed up by Qasim Mitchell, a waiver wire acquisition in September who played with the first-string offense for the first time when Gandy suffered his injury late in last week's 34-21 loss to Green Bay. Fiedler will get start DAVIE, Fla. Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler practiced despite lingering soreness in his left knee, and he's expected to start Monday night against Philadelphia.

"I'm optimistic he'll be ready to play," coach DaveWannstedt said. "But he's not 100 percent healthy." Defensive tackle Tim Bowens also practiced and is expected to play. Vikings' Bennett questionable EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. Michael Bennett's sprained ankle prevented him from practicing, and the Minnesota running back was downgraded to questionable on the injury report. Bennett has a 50 percent chance of playing Sunday at Chicago.

If he sits out, Moe Williams will be the starter. Bills' Moulds expected to play ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. Buffalo Bills tight end Dave Moore missed his second straight practice because of a strained right hamstring and is uncertain for Sunday's game at Tennessee. Third-year pro gets start vs. Packers; Flutie is benched SAN DIEGO (AP) Drew Brees is back as the San Diego Chargers' starting quarterback, and Doug Flutie is back on the bench.

Brees regained his job Friday, a move that was expected even though the 41-year-old Flutie led the last-place Chargers to two-thirds of their wins this year. Brees, a third-year pro from Purdue, hadn't played since getting yanked in the second half of a loss at Chicago on Nov. 2. Flutie led the Chargers (3-10) to two wins in the following five starts, including a 14-7 victory at Detroit last Sunday But coach Marty Schotten-heimer named Brees to start Sunday at home against Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers (7-6), who are trying to remain alive in the playoff race. The Chargers have won just five of their past 22 games NOTEBOOK McNair a game-time decision NASHVILLE, Tenn.

(AP) Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair will be a game-time decision Sunday against Buffalo as he recovers from an ankle injury. The swelling in McNair's injured left ankle continues to go down, but the NFLs top-rated passer has not practiced this week after tests revealed a sprain and a cracked bone spur in the ankle. Officially, he is listed as questionable against the Bills. "He's got a little less swelling in the ankle joint than he did yesterday," coach Jeff Fisher said after practice Friday. "And that's the key right now, to get the swelling out of there because there's so much swelling and bleeding in the joint, it's not operating." Villarrial, Gandy questionable LAKE FOREST, III.

(AP) Injured guard Chris Villarrial and tackle Mike Gandy missed practice again Friday for the Chicago Bears and have been out all week. They are listed as questionable for the game. Coach Dick Jauron said he's holding out hope both could play. Villarrial has strained oblique muscles, and Gandy has a shoulder sprain. "i would say it looks about the same for both of them," Jauron said.

"It's just hard to tell. Obviously you'd like people to practice through the week, but that doesn't mean we'll count them out for Sunday if there's any indication on Sun Find the Perfect Gift For the Golfer on Your List! Clubs, Bags, Shoes Clothing 10-70 Off Gin Certificates for Green Fees Lessons Glynns Creek Golf Course Scon County Park 663.328.3284 9-4 Sat. 1(M Sun. Noon-4 farm system Coach Gregg Williams said Moore's playing status will be a game-time decision. The starting tight end, who's listed as questionable, hurt his hamstring in practice Wednesday.

Receiver Eric Moulds returned to practice after being sent home ill Thursday, and he is expected to play this weekend. Williams added that rookie running back Willis McGahee is unlikely to make his NFL debut against Tennessee. Patriots re-sign punter Walter FOXBORO, Mass. The New England Patriots re-signed punter Ken Walter one week after he was released after one of his worst performances. Coach Bill Belichick said Walter might have benefited from a few days away from the team.

Browns' Davis quiets rumors BEREA, Ohio Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis tried to end persistent rumors by saying he has no interest in interviewing for the Nebraska coaching job. "I have no interest whatsoever in going to Nebraska," Davis said. The 52-year-old Davis is in the third year of a five-year, $16 million contract with the Browns. He took Cleveland to the playoffs last season, but injuries have hurt the Browns (4-9), who have lost six of seven going into Sunday's game at Denver. for Dec.

1 7 to decide if charges will be filed. Reliever Jeff Nelson testified that Haul wiinams provoKea tne rigm witn him and right fielder Karim Garcia. Nes-lon said Williams bumped him and spit in his face after the pitcher asked him to stop cheering the Red Sox in the New York bullpen. But Williams, a part-time grounds-keeper, said he was assaulted during New York's 4-3 victory in Game 3 of the AL championship series Oct. 1 1 Garcia waived his right to appear at the Roxbury District Court hearing.

He jumped the outfield wall into the bullpen after the fight between Nelson and Williams began. Williams did not discuss Garcia in his testimony. Bowa's '05 option exercised NEW ORLEANS Phillies manager Larry Bowa got some more job security. Philadelphia exercised its 2005 option on Bowa and added team options for 2006 and 2007. Bowa, the 2001 NL Manager of the Year, has led the Phillies to a 252-233 record in three seasons, twice finishing second.

Philadelphia led the NL wild-card race late last season but faded in September, finishing third behind Florida, which went on to win the World Series. 3ti1ffi Creek LUNG vwncn I ASSOCIATION Sunset Woods iqq years 1904-2004 NEW YORK (AP) Maurice Clarett's lawyers contended Friday that the NFL bars teenagers from playing professional football to perpetuate a free farm system for the league. The lawyers asked U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin to allow Ohio State's suspended tailback to enter next year's NFL Draft. The league has asked that the case be tossed out.

The judge hopes to rule by Feb. 1. The player's lawyers said in court papers that the NFL supports the NCAA college football system to save the league tens of millions of dollars in development and training. "College football acts in effect as a minor league, for which the NFL incurs no expenses," the lawyers said. "While major league baseball teams each spend an average of $9 million annually for the minor league system, the NFL teams spend virtually nothing on a player development system." The court papers called college football "a willing partner in a cozy arrangement as it generates millions of dollars for the colleges without their having to incur the expense of player salaries." "Players who are otherwise able to compete with the best in their profession must bide their time on the farm working for nothing," the papers said.

Clarett sued the NFL this year, challenging the league rule that a player must be out of high school three years to be eligible for the draft. He is not eligible for the draft until 2005 under current NFL rules. The NFL, in court papers of its own, said Clarett's lawyers were wrong to assert that blocking Clarett from the draft until 2005 was an unfair restraint of trade. Accepting Iowa deer 1 card ore LJ.