No Expansion for Pac-12 (BLOG, VIDEO)

The Pac-12's decision not to expand has made the remaining nine Big 12 schools trend toward an agreement to stick together, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN.com's Andy Katz. But the source said Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe's job status is tenuous at best.

The source said the decision to add BYU as the 10th member to replace departing Texas A&M will rest with Texas and Oklahoma. BYU needs to be ensured that the league is stable before leaving its football independence and the West Coast Conference, which also took in the Cougars when they needed a home for its other sports.

Before the Pac-12's announcement, The Oklahoman reported that the University of Oklahoma would only commit to staying in the Big 12 if the conference added regulations on ESPN's Longhorn Network and ousted commissioner Beebe

According to the Big 12 bylaws, a majority vote among the member schools is needed to oust the commissioner.

Beebe received an extension through June 2015 from the Big 12 in November 2010. University of Missouri chancellor Brady Deaton, chairman of the league's board of directors, said Beebe had been "an outstanding leader" during challenging times.

Beebe received a raise from $661,000 to $997,000 in 2009 before the Big 12's first near breakup when Colorado joined the Pac-12 and Nebraska jumped to the Big Ten.

After expanding from the Pac-10 with new members Utah and Colorado last year, members of the new Pac-12 on Tuesday decided not to stretch the league farther east. Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech were considering a potential move from the Big 12 to the Pac-12.

"We were not surprised by the Pac 12's decision to not expand at this time," Oklahoma president David Boren said Tuesday. "Even though we had decided not to apply for membership this year, we have developed a positive relationship with the leadership of the conference and we have kept them informed of the progress we've been making to gain agreement from the Big 12 for changes which will make the conference more stable in the future.

"Conference stability has been our first goal and we look forward to achieving that goal through continued membership in the Big 12 Conference."

Big 12 school Texas A&M has already declared it is leaving for the SEC and has been accepted as the 13th member. But the SEC wants the other nine schools to waive any legal rights to sue the league or the Aggies. Baylor, Iowa State and Kansas have refused to do so until they know if the Big 12 would stay together. The Pac-12's decision may expedite the Aggies' move to the SEC.

Texas and Oklahoma officials are expected to meet in the next few days to negotiate an agreement to keep the universities in the league for at least the next five years, the Associated Press reported, citing a person familiar with the schools' discussions. It was unclear Tuesday night whether other schools would be invited to join that meeting.





espn

NFL Power Rankings: Who's Leading? (BLOG)

The Patriots' tight ends form the game's best inside threat, but it may not be enough. FOX Sports analyst Brian Billick rates the NFL teams going into Week 3.

The champs remain unbeaten and the class of the NFL is beginning to show. Brian Billick's got a line of who's hot and who's not going into Week 3. Enjoy:

Pacquiao showdown still no closer for Mayweather (BLOG)

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - The prospect of a long awaited mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Filipino Manny Pacquiao seemed as distant as ever after the flamboyant American's fourth-round knockout of Victor Ortiz.

Though Mayweather improved his perfect professional record to 42-0 by claiming the WBC welterweight title from Ortiz, he was reluctant to commit to the showdown most desired by the boxing world.

"I don't need Pacquiao," Mayweather, 34, told reporters after beating Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. "With or without Pacquiao, every time Floyd Mayweather goes out there, he's going to make over $70 million.

"I don't need him. Where was Pacquiao in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 when I was dominating the game? He never asked me (for a fight) when I was in my twenties or when I was in my teens."

A duel between the defense-minded Mayweather and the aggressive Pacquiao, the two biggest drawcards of their generation, would decide the mythical title of the world's best pound-for-pound fighter.

Five-division world champion Mayweather had been expected to meet Pacquiao last year until negotiations collapsed over the American's demand for random drug testing.

Shane Mosley then stepped in to take the Filipino's place but he was outclassed by Mayweather in a non-title welterweight bout in May.

Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in November and, should he win that bout, there is speculation the Filipino southpaw could finally meet Mayweather next May.

However the American, who made a minimum of $25 million from his victory over Ortiz, repeatedly questions how Pacquaio could have won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight classes.

"Sugar Ray Leonard, we knew he was going to be great from his Olympic days," Mayweather said. "Michael Jordan, we knew from college he was going to be a great professional.

"Floyd Mayweather, from the beginning of his career in the '90s, we knew he was going to be a great professional. Now ask yourself, a fighter just don't get to 25 years old and all of a sudden he becomes great," he added, referring to Pacquaio.

Mayweather also criticized Pacquiao for riding on his coat tails financially and also with the selection of his opponents.

"Pacquiao is famous because he is attached to my name," the American said. "When they say Pacquiao, they say that's the guy they are trying to get to fight Floyd Mayweather. When they say Floyd Mayweather, they say the greatest ever. All Pacquiao is doing is fighting my leftovers man.

"Before he goes about fighting Floyd Mayweather, he has to get his business in order. We're talking about a guy that gives up, when he fights, 30 percent of his check to two different companies. I keep 100 percent of the revenue."

For his part, Pacquiao continually defers any talk of a Mayweather mega-bout to his promoter.

"I'm not going to fight anybody as long as there is a problem with the decision of the promoter," the Filipino said earlier this year. "That's my promoter's job. I'm just a fighter to do my job and train hard for the fight."

Ryan throws 4 TDs, Falcons rally past Eagles 35-31 (BLOG)

ATLANTA (AP) — Michael Vick and Matt Ryan met at the center of the field for the coin toss, the former Falcons quarterback embracing the guy who took his place.

When it was done, Ryan trotted off the field in triumph, leaving little doubt this is his city now.

Vick wasn't even there to see it. He was back in the locker room, still woozy from a big hit.

Ryan tossed a career-high four touchdown passes, shaking off all the hoopla over Vick coming back to face his old team as Philadelphia's starter, and rallied Atlanta from a 10-point deficit for a 35-31 victory over the Eagles in a Sunday night thriller.

"It was a wild one, for sure, but we hung in there," Ryan said. "I think everybody hung in there and kept making plays, kept battling. Credit to guys on both sides of the ball — we never gave up."

Two of Ryan's TD throws went to ageless tight end Tony Gonzalez, who went past Terrell Owens into the fifth spot on the NFL's career receiving list. Then, Ryan hooked up with Ovie Mughelli on a 1-yard score that brought Atlanta to 31-28 with just under 11 minutes remaining.

The Falcons (1-1) completed the comeback with Michael Turner breaking off a 61-yard run, then powering over from the 3 with 4:48 remaining. Turner finished with 114 yards on 21 carries.

Vick threw for a pair of touchdowns for the Eagles (1-1) but left with what coach Andy Reid later described as a concussion after getting spun by a Falcons rusher into Eagles lineman Todd Herremans. No. 7 staggered to the sideline and Mike Kafka came in for the first game of his two-year career.

Vince Young, normally the backup, was inactive because of a hamstring injury. Now, the Eagles have to worry about Vick's health, though he didn't have to be hospitalized and was cleared to travel with the team back to Philadelphia.

"I know Mike is upset about (not finishing)," Kafka said. "When you're hit like that, you can't do anything about it. It's out of his control."

Kafka did a good job in a tough situation, guiding the Eagles down the field on a potentially winning drive in the closing minutes. But on fourth down from Atlanta's 22, Jeremy Maclin dropped a pass over the middle that would have kept it going.

"I'm better than that," Maclin said. "It was a very catchable ball."

The Falcons ran off all but the last 5 seconds, and Kafka's desperation heave into the end zone was batted down to end the game.

The buildup for the prime-time contest was one of the biggest in years for a regular-season game in Atlanta. The Georgia Dome was packed and loud, many fans wearing Vick's old No. 7 jersey from his Falcons days but plenty more adorned in Ryan's No. 2.

In some ways, it seemed like a head-to-head matchup — even though they were never on the field at the same time. Vick was the one-of-a-kind quarterback who put the Falcons on the NFL map before he was caught running a dogfighting operation, leading to a prison sentence of nearly two years.

Banished by the Falcons, he revitalized his career in Philadelphia and earned another $100 million contract. He had returned to Atlanta once before, as a backup in 2009, but this was different. He's now THE guy for the Eagles, and he wanted to impress in front of his former city.

"I feel for him," Maclin said. "Obviously, he wanted to come home and make a statement."

Instead, he had to settle for mixed results and an early end to his night. Vick fumbled twice and threw an interception, and the Falcons turned two of those mistakes into touchdowns.

Still, he had seemingly done enough when he left the field. Kafka came on and handed off to LeSean McCoy, who scored his second touchdown on a 2-yard run with 1:59 left in the third quarter. McCoy had 95 yards on 18 carries.

But Ryan and the Falcons hung in there, even though the quarterback was sacked four more times after taking five in a 30-12 loss at Chicago to open the season.

"You just keep getting up," Ryan said. "There's a lot of tough guys on this football team and I try and stay in line with those guys and just keep bouncing up. I'm just glad we came away with the win."

There were plenty of big hits, most notably a shot by Atlanta cornerback Dunta Robinson on an Eagles receiver for the second year in a row. Last year, Robinson knocked out himself and DeSean Jackson with a brutal collision. This time, the defensive back leveled Maclin with a shot that drew a flag for slamming into a defenseless player with a helmet-first shot in the third quarter.

Falcons coach Mike Smith disputed it was illegal hit, saying "that's the way we teach it," but the NFL could dole out a suspension after it reviews the play. Maclin went to the sideline to be checked but wasn't out for long. Robinson insisted he did nothing wrong.

"I saw him catch the ball," the cornerback said. "I saw him run and take steps trying to get upfield and score."

Vick's first fumble, with the Eagles poised for a touchdown that would've given them a 17-7 lead, wasn't really his fault.

Peria Jerry burst through the line and knocked the ball away before Vick could even hand off to McCoy, the ball skidding backward to Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards. He took off the other way, rumbling 64 yards before Jackson hustled back to make the tackle.

The Falcons offense did the rest, capped by Gonzalez's first TD catch of the night — and perhaps one of the best he's ever made. In the back of the end zone, he reached up to snare the ball with his right hand and brought it down to his body just as he dragged a second foot inbounds

"I can't say nothing but 'Wow!'" Smith said. "That's one we'll be seeing for a long time on the highlight films."

On the Eagles' first possession of the second half, Vick threw a pass over the middle that was picked off by Kelvin Hayden. The Falcons turned that into seven more points, as Ryan went to Gonzalez again on a 17-yard TD that gave Atlanta a 21-10 lead.

Back came Vick and the Eagles.

McCoy broke off runs of 23 and 36 yards before Vick went to Maclin for a 36-yard touchdown pass. Then, after Ryan threw his second interception of the night, the Eagles reclaimed the lead, 24-21, with their second score in just over 2 minutes on McCoy's 8-yard run.

Philadelphia extended its lead after a shanked punt by rookie Matt Bosher turned the ball over to the Eagles at the Atlanta 20. Vick was hurt three plays later, but McCoy finished off another touchdown drive.

Vick completed 19 of 28 for 242 yards, also going to Maclin on a 5-yard touchdown. In addition, the quarterback ran six times for 25 yards.

"I thought the guys battled," Reid said. "We just had too many turnovers, too many mistakes."

Phillies win, clinch 5th straight NL East title (BLOG)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Hunter Pence clutched a bottle of champagne and jumped around like an excited child opening Christmas presents.

The Philadelphia Phillies won another division crown, and Pence is along for his first postseason ride.

Roy Oswalt threw seven dominant innings, Raul Ibanez hit a grand slam and the Phillies clinched their fifth straight NL East title with a 9-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night.

"I've waited for this moment a long time," said Pence, the All-Star outfielder who joined Philadelphia in a trade from last-place Houston on July 29.

"It's incredible, and I'm enjoying the moment. We've got a lot of work to do still. The expectation is to win the World Series, but this is one of the steps you gotta make, and to me it's my first time, so this is great."

In a season where nothing less than a World Series championship would be considered a success, there wasn't much of a party on the field. The Phillies had a been-there, done-that attitude toward winning the division last year, and this time was no different.

Players ran onto the diamond a bit faster than usual, but they simply exchanged handshakes, hugs and high-fives as if this was an ordinary game in April. They did at least put on shirts and hats proclaiming themselves division champs.

The fans didn't even scream all that loud, even when the Phillie Phanatic ran on the field with a big flag that said 2011.

Once they reached the clubhouse, however, the Phillies popped open the bubbly and celebrated their achievement.

"I'm excited for a guy like Hunter who has never been here before," Chase Utley said. "It's a long season and you never know what's going to happen."

With the Four Aces leading the way, the Phillies are seeking their third NL pennant in four years and second World Series title.

They've taken care of the first step. Now they'll use the 12 remaining games to get ready for the postseason. It's still uncertain who the Phillies will face in the best-of-five first round when the NL playoffs begin Oct. 1.

"This is the first step," slugger Ryan Howard told the crowd that remained after the game. "We're gonna try to go all the way and we'll need you guys."

The major league-leading Phillies (98-52) are four wins away from setting a single-season club record.

None of those accomplishments will matter if they don't finish the season with a championship parade on Broad Street.

"It's an extraordinary effort," team president David Montgomery said. "Clearly, it's a team that has its priorities in order."

Oswalt (8-9) allowed no runs and five hits, striking out seven. Brad Lidge got one out in the eighth after Michael Stutes ran into trouble, and Ryan Madson finished with a seven-run cushion.

St. Louis fell 4½ games behind Atlanta in the wild-card race. They had won eight of nine to narrow the gap from 8½ back on Sept. 6.

"We played with a lot of urgency," Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa said.

Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook (12-9) allowed one earned run and five hits in 3 1-3 innings. He's given up two earned runs or less in 11 of his 16 road starts this season, but fell to 8-4 away from home.

Oswalt, Philadelphia's best pitcher down the stretch last year after coming over from Houston in a trade on July 29, left spring training as the No. 3 starter behind Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee. But he struggled after starting 3-0, and a back injury forced him to the disabled twice.

The three-time All-Star was vintage Oswalt against the Cardinals. His fastball reached 94 mph a few times, and he had a nasty curveball.

Oswalt struck out Skip Schumaker on a 76 mph curve to leave two runners on in the seventh. All of his Ks came on swings.

"I'm not really going to be satisfied until we win that last game," Oswalt said. "I've done enough personal stuff that it really doesn't matter. All I want now is to win that last game. That's all any of us really want."

Stutes nearly blew a 3-0 lead in the eighth after getting the first two outs. Four straight singles by John Jay, Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman and David Freese got the Cardinals within 3-2.

But Lidge came in and retired Allen Craig on a grounder to second on his first pitch to end the inning.

The Phillies then blew it open with six unearned runs in the eighth. Carlos Ruiz reached second when his grounder skipped past third baseman Daniel Descalso for an error. Ruiz went to third on Jimmy Rollins' one-out single and scored on Shane Victorino's single up the middle.

After Utley was hit by a pitch, Howard struck out.

Octavio Dotel entered and Pence hustled out an infield single to shortstop Rafael Furcal to drive in another run. Ibanez then hit his slam to right to put it away.

Pence gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead on an RBI double in the first. An error by Furcal helped the Phillies add a run in the fourth. Placido Polanco led off with a walk. Oswalt sacrificed with one out and Furcal dropped the throw to second. Rollins followed with a single to load the bases. Victorino walked to force in Polanco to make it 2-0.

That ended Westbrook's night.

Arthur Rhodes came in and retired Utley on a shallow fly and Howard on a grounder.

Victorino hit a solo homer off Kyle McClellan in the sixth. He's been slumping lately, batting just .163 (14 for 86) in his previous 21 games.

Oswalt likely will be the fourth starter in the postseason after Halladay, Lee and Cole Hamels. Rookie Vance Worley would go to the bullpen, despite an 11-2 record.

NOTES: A crowd of 45,470 was the 211th straight sellout at Citizens Bank Park, including playoffs. ... This was the fastest the Phillies ever clinched a division title. The previous was Game No. 156 in 1976. ... The Phillies had all their regulars in the starting lineup for the first time since Aug. 6. ... Rollins was 4 for 5. He was 3 for 20 coming in. ... The Phillies had scored just 22 runs in the last nine games before getting six in the eighth. ... The Cardinals are 6-28 when scoring fewer than three runs. ... St. Louis used seven pitchers. ... Hamels (14-8) faces Chris Carpenter (9-9) when the teams meet Sunday night.

Controversial Finish for The Mayweather/Ortiz Fight (Blog, Post Fight Interview Video)

Round 4

Mayweather lands big combo with Ortiz huddled downward. Ortiz gets his feet, pounds Mayweather against ropes with his own hard barrage. Mayweather nods it doesn't hurt. Ortiz hurts Mayweather, but loses a point on head butt. Mayweather knocks down Ortiz with right and left. Ortiz is counted out. Fight over. Controversial finish. Referee Joe Cortez had separated the fighters after the point deduction. Cortez gave a weak signal to resume, and Mayweather unleashed blows to Ortiz, who was seemingly trying to apologize to Mayweather and didn't know the fight had resumed. He tried to get up at 7 and couldn't.



Round 3

Mayweather slaps Ortiz with lefts. Ortiz looking for opening to no avail. Mayweather gets in jab. Nice firm right to face by Mayweather. Nice right to jaw by Mayweather. Ortiz too slow, walking into punches. Mayweather lands right, quickly backs away. Mayweather hides behind left shoulder and lands rights. All Mayweather now. Mayweather 10-9

Round 2

Ortiz lands a shot. Mayweather lands big counter right. Ortiz charges in. Mayweather again. Ortiz right to body. Mayweather holds in corner. Ortiz flails. Mayweather lands. Mayweather 10-9

Round 1

Mayweather throws two rights and ducks after each. Both guys feeling jab. Mayweather lands jab and right. Ortiz swings a glancing left. Mayweather gets in a right. Ortiz charges with a left. Mayweather to body before hold. Mayweather 10-9.



Pre-fight

Call him a villain if you want, but Floyd Mayweather Jr. is 41-0 with 25 knockouts and the most successful pay-per-view fighter in the world.

"Floyd is motivated because he's the best thing out here at this time in boxing, and he wants to show the world how great he is," said his uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather.

If Mayweather's boxing skills match his swagger tonight, look out.

Mayweather, 34, expressed no concern about the issues some fight fans feel could be detrimental to him inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena boxing ring.

Has a 16-month layoff built up rust on his aging body? Might legal problems, including a three-felony domestic violence case set to resume next month, distract him?

"Next question," Mayweather said earlier in the week while playfully flipping a reporter's notebook page.

Ortiz, 24, listened and reasoned, "He tries a little too hard to scare people. I think it's funny how hard he tries to get into somebody's head. He talks some stuff. I'll take it."

Ortiz will receive $2 million in guaranteed money, plus a share of pay-per-view revenues, while Mayweather is guaranteed $25 million, and could make as much as $40 million.

--Lance Pugmire

Cops Stop Burglary of Paquiao's LA home (BLOG)

LOS ANGELES - Four people were arrested after detectives discovered a burglary in progress at the home of champion boxer Manny Pacquiao while he was in his native Philippines preparing for a fight, authorities said Saturday.

Nothing was taken and no one was home Friday during the midday break-in that detectives witnessed by chance in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker said.

The fighter was informed of the burglary and will proceed to his training base in the northern resort city of Baguio to prepare for his third fight against Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas, his attorney and chief of staff Franklin Gacal said.

Gacal said the break-in occurred when a security guard who oversees the house had gone out to eat.

"Manny is happy that nothing was stolen," Gacal said.

The area is patrolled by the Los Angeles Police Department, but detectives from the Sheriff's Department were in the area on an unrelated criminal investigation when they saw the home being burglarized and made the arrests, Parker said.

The four people were being questioned. Their names have not been released and they have yet to be charged.

Pacquiao, 32, has won 14 straight fights and is considered by many the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world and among the greatest of all time. He is a megastar in the Philippines, where he is also a singer, actor and congressman.

Mayweather Vs Ortiz Action Weigh-In: Plus Throat Grabbing Video (BLOG,VIDEO)

The MGM Grand’s Garden Arena may have seen many a weigh-in for a boxing bout but maybe none that have got quite so physical as yesterday’s action weigh-in between Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz. If the weigh-in for the WBC welterweight title fight is anything to go by then fans can be assured of a decent bout tonight in Las Vegas. We also have a video of the weigh-in below this story showing a throat-grabbing gesture from Mayweather.

Mayweather vs. Ortiz took part in the weigh-in in front of an estimated crowd of 4,000, many who had travelled from Kansas in support of Ortiz. HBO ring announcer Michael Buffer hosted the weigh-in with comedic help from Paul Rodriguez and Kevin Hart. Mayweather weighed in at 146.5 pounds while Ortiz hit the welterweight limit of 147 pounds. It’s no exaggeration to say that the bout tonight, which takes place at 9pm ET on HBO pay-per-view and closed circuit, is one of the most heavily anticipated fights in some time.

According to Bob Velin over on USA Today, a six-hour program special event for the fight will take place and you can see all the details including the undercard for the event at the link above. Heavily favored Mayweather, 34, has ten years experience on 24-year-old Ortiz and was happy to make the most of it by saying, “I have been at this for 16 years. This is the first time for Ortiz.I just have to keep my composure, stick to my game plan, and listen to what my (trainer) Uncle Roger tells me.”

At the end of the weigh-in we saw a rather unprecedented move from Mayweather as he grabbed WBC welterweight champion Ortiz by the throat and jostling ensued. However Ortiz remained calm simply laughing and refusing to strike back before muttering “It’s all a big joke. It’s nothing.” He then added coolly, “You’re going down, you’re going down.” Whatever eventually happens both men are set to win big financially from this bout. Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO’s) will receive a guaranteed purse of $25 million while Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) will earn himself $2.5 million.



Remember you can also see a YouTube video of the weigh-in above. Are you eagerly awaiting Mayweather Jr vs. Ortiz? What are your thoughts on Mayweather’s actions at the weigh-in? Let us know with your comments.

Artest's name change to Metta World Peace approved (BLOG)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ron Artest's bid to become Mr. World Peace was delayed, but not denied.

A court commissioner granted the Lakers forward's request to officially change his name to Metta World Peace on Friday, three weeks after the bid was blocked because Artest had unpaid traffic tickets.

Artest, 31, did not attend a brief hearing Friday.

Superior court spokeswoman Patricia Kelly said that Artest's new last name will be World Peace.

His publicist, Courtney Barnes, said the player chose Metta because it is a traditional Buddhist word that means loving and kindness toward all.

"Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world," World Peace said in a statement released after the hearing. "After this short delay, my tickets have been paid and I'm glad that it is now official."

He requested the change in June, citing only personal reasons. He is scheduled to appear on the next season of "Dancing With the Stars."

Barnes wrote in an email that World Peace will now have to get a new driver's license to reflect his new name, but the switch won't affect his contracts with the Lakers or any endorsement deals.

Artest helped the Lakers win an NBA title in 2010 and in April he received an award for outstanding service and dedication to the community.

He has testified before Congress to support mental health legislation.

Artest isn't the first athlete to adopt an unusual name.

Lloyd Bernard Free, a professional basketball player who played in the league from 1975-88, had his first name legally changed to World in 1981. A friend had given him the nickname because of his 44-inch vertical leaps and 360-degree dunks.

In the NFL, wide receiver Chad Johnson legally changed his last name to Ochocinco in August 2008 to reflect his jersey number. The name means "eight five" in Spanish. Ochocinco is now with the New England Patriots.

Tedy Bruschi is mad at Ochocinco for appreciating Tom Brady (BLOG)

Now that Tedy Bruschi(notes) is retired from the NFL and being paid as an analyst, it seems like he's mad all the time. Tuesday, on radio station WEEI in Boston, Bruschi tore into New England Patriots wide receiverChad Ochocinco(notes). The reason? The Ocho appreciated Tom Brady's(notes) 517-yard performance on Monday night.

Chad tweeted this:

Just waking up after a late arrival,I've never seen a machine operate like that n person,to see video game numbers put up n person was WOW

And then Bruschi got all red and huffy.

"Drop the awe factor, OK, Ocho, Chad, drop the awe factor," Bruschi said. "You're not a fan, all right? You're not someone who's on another team or watching TV. You're not an analyst. You're a part of it. They want you to be a part of it.
"So get with the program because obviously you're not getting it and you're tweeting because you're saying, 'It's amazing to see'? It's amazing to see because you don't understand it! You still don't understand it and it's amazing to you because you can't get it."

It's not friendly advice taken out of context, either. Bruschi's angry. You can listen to it here (the Ocho talk starts at about the 5:42 mark). You can almost hear Bruschi's blood pressure rising through your computer speakers. He may also be foaming at the mouth.

Tom Brady, who was unaware Bruschi made those remarks, defended Ochocinco's work ethic

But the most bothersome part of Bruschi's response is his veiled jab against Chad Ochocinco's work ethic on his own WEEI-AM radio spot Wednesday.

"Chad, for the day that he go here, he's worked really hard to be a part of this offense and be involved," Brady said.

Now, don't get me wrong, expecting Chad Ochocinco to be more productive at this point is perfectly reasonable. He had one catch for 14 yards on Monday night, accounting for about 2.7 percent of Tom Brady's passing yards. The Patriots probably expect him to account for more than 2.7 percent of their passing offense.

But it's some kind of crime for Ocho to be impressed with Tom Brady? He's not allowed to marvel at a 517-yard passing performance? The man was a Cincinnati Bengal for 10 years. It's like someone gets released from a Malaysian prison after 10 years, then moves into Oprah's house, and you expect him not to notice that the flooring is a little bit nicer.

A couple of weeks ago, crotchety old Bruschi turned his attention toward Arian Foster(notes), using the words "incredibly dumb" and "incredibly stupid" to describe Foster posting his hamstring MRI on Twitter.

Watch this at WEEI

Bruschi was a very good player, and his opinions and analysis are to be respected. And I do respect it, and Chad's not above a little criticism right now. But there's a difference between that and turning into a self-important hate machine, walking around all day being angry and thinking, "Things were so much better in my day!" Lighten up a little bit, Tedy. It's OK for a brand new Patriot to admire Tom Brady a little bit.

Urlacher leaves Bears to be with family after mother’s passing (BLOG)

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher(notes) has left the Chicago Bears for an open-ended period of time to be with his family following the unexpected passing of his mother, 51-year-old Lavoyda Lenard, who died Monday, according to a statement released by the team.

No other information has been given as to the reason for her death, and Lt. Brent Smith of the Titus County (Texas) Sheriff's Office told reporters that there was no evidence of foul play.

In a 2002 piece for ESPN Magazine, Urlacher called his mother "my heart."

"My mother, Lavoyda, unexpectedly passed away Monday at her home in Texas," Urlacher said in a statement. "My first priority right now is to be with my family as we mourn her loss and make the arrangements to lay her to rest. This is a very difficult and emotional time for us and I sincerely ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you."

The Bears are obviously prepared to be understanding if Urlacher can't play, but they also know his value on the field. The team travels to New Orleans to play the Saints on Sunday.

"That's going to be tough for our football team [if Urlacher doesn't play Sunday]," Bears receiver Roy Williams told ESPN Chicago. "Whoever takes his spot [if necessary] will play well. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. He is the emotional leader of the football team, so we have his back."

Defensive end Israel Idonije(notes) agreed. "Our hearts are with him," Idonije said. "It's one of those times that you can't imagine, and 100 percent of our support is with him. At the end of the day, family and life comes first."

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler(notes) talked about what Urlacher meant to a team that is 21-13 with Urlacher in the lineup, and 7-8 without him since 2008. "You can't replace a guy like him," Cutler said. "He's the heart and soul of this team."

Police Chief suspended for Fantasy Football (BLOG, VIDEO)

Using your work computer for non-office related things is never a good idea and an Ohio police chief is learning that lesson the hard way!

Police Chief Robert Williams admits using his department computer for personal use against city policy. In a complaint turned over to the city, Captain Rick Ullum accuses the chief of managing a fantasy football league and even of opening lewd e-mails.

Sounds like a real rat…Either you get fantasy football or you don’t:

yardbarker

Rivera gets No. 600, one short of mark (BLOG)

SEATTLE (AP)

The celebration was pure Mariano Rivera.

No big screams or wild gestures. Certainly no spectacle, even if Rivera is widely regarded as the best ever at what he does.

Just warm hugs and appreciative handshakes from Yankees teammates. And even that might have been more than what Rivera wanted following the 600th save of his remarkable career.

''Maybe later on after I retire, but right now I'm not focused on that. I'm not that type of guy. I'm a team player,'' Rivera said. ''I tell you guys many times and I'll continue to tell you, it doesn't depend on myself. It depends on my teammates giving me the opportunity to be able to pitch.''

Rivera moved within one save of Trevor Hoffman's major league record by closing out New York's 3-2 win over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

In a season in which teammate Derek Jeter already reached one of baseball's grandest milestones with his 3,000th hit, Rivera also has added to his Yankees legacy. Next up is No. 601, which could come Wednesday night in the series finale at Seattle.

But even Rivera acknowledged the big one will be No. 602, when he passes Hoffman to become the most prolific closer in major league history. That leaves little time to savor No. 600, or 601. The quick turnaround is just part of the job.

Rivera entered with a one-run lead in the ninth inning and allowed just a one-out single to Ichiro Suzuki. He was retired when catcher Russell Martin caught Suzuki trying to steal second for the final out.

Jeter put the tag on Suzuki and smiled as he brought the souvenir ball to Rivera. One by one, New York players lined up for the muted, respectful celebration.

''We've been close for a long time and I know how important it is for him to come in and do his job,'' Jeter said. ''He takes a lot of pride in it. He's a prideful guy.''

But just think, Rivera has racked up all those saves - plus 42 more in the postseason - primarily on the strength of one dominant pitch: a sizzling cut fastball. And he's done it in pressure-packed situations with the Yankees always in contention. Indeed, he's been the back-end backbone of this team for 15 years.


''Just to think, about every game Mariano has ever pitched has been a meaningful game,'' Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez said. ''Every one of those saves meant something.''

That biting cutter was there again on Tuesday night as Rivera notched his 41st save of the season in his 46th opportunity.

It was the 1,037th appearance of his career, but it almost didn't happen. Setup man David Robertson labored through the eighth as Rivera started stretching out, giving up a leadoff single to Dustin Ackley and walking Justin Smoak with one out. Robertson got Miguel Olivo swinging at a 3-2 pitch while the runners advanced. Robertson then fell behind Adam Kennedy 2-0 and issued an intentional walk to load the bases.

Trayvon Robinson came on to pinch-hit for Casper Wells, who had struck out three times already, but couldn't do any better, striking out on a fastball and leaving the bases loaded.

Rivera then took off his jacket and started throwing moments later. He didn't have much time to get ready as New York went down quickly in the top of the ninth, but jogged in with most of the Yankees fans in attendance standing and many snapping pictures.

Nearly the entire Yankees dugout stood on the top-step railing.

Pinch-hitter Wily Mo Pena was gone on a foul-tip strike three into Martin's glove. Suzuki then served a soft single into left field, but Rivera struck out rookie Kyle Seager.

He didn't even need to finish pitching to Ackley as Suzuki was thrown out by Martin trying to steal. Rivera savored the chance to share the moment with Jeter and another longtime teammate, Jorge Posada.

''They are family away from your family. It was great seeing them all come to the mound,'' Rivera said. ''Again, I've been blessed to have a great bunch of guys who have supported me and given me all the opportunities.''


Robinson Cano provided the Yankees offense with a homer and two RBIs, while A.J. Burnett (10-11) won for the first time since Aug. 15 thanks to a season-high 11 strikeouts. New York stayed four games in front of second-place Boston in the AL East after the Red Sox thumped Toronto 18-6.

Rivera missed out on a save chance in the series opener when the Yankees battered nemesis Felix Hernandez in a 9-3 victory. But the New York offense was kept in check Tuesday night by Charlie Furbush (3-9), who allowed just three runs and struck out six in 5 1-3 innings.

Nick Swisher's leadoff double in the sixth eventually led to Cano's fielder's choice that scored Swisher with the go-ahead run. Rafael Soriano and Robertson worked the seventh and eighth innings to set the stage for Rivera.

And perhaps to Rivera's liking, he wasn't the one recording the final out. It was Martin coming through with a perfect throw to get Suzuki.

''I don't know if we'll ever see it again. That's how much of an accomplishment this is that he and Trevor Hoffman have done. Simply remarkable,'' Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. ''This is a guy who I believe is the best closer that's ever been in the game and I've had the fortune of catching him, coaching him and managing him and it's a treat.''

Notes: Burnett's two wild pitches gave him 25 for the season. That's the most for any pitcher since San Diego's Matt Clement had 23 in 2000. ... Seattle SS Brendan Ryan left the game before the start of the sixth with a sore back and was replaced by Luis Rodriguez. ... Girardi said the team expects Rodriguez to be ready to play on Friday when the Yankees open a three-game series in Toronto. ... Yankees RHP Ivan Nova starts in the series finale on Wednesday, looking to start a new streak. He had an eight-start consecutive win streak snapped with a no-decision last Thursday in Baltimore. ... LHP Jason Vargas makes his 30th start of the season on Wednesday for Seattle. He is 2-7 with a 6.56 ERA over his last 11 start

Ramirez arrested in Florida (BLOG)

Former All-Star slugger Manny Ramirez was arrested in Broward County, Fla., on Monday night and charged with domestic battery, law enforcement sources confirmed to FOXSports.com.

Ramirez was booked into the jail shortly before 9 p.m. ET and will be held overnight, sources said. Bond has not been set in the case, but Ramirez is expected to appear before a magistrate on Tuesday for that purpose.

According to a police report obtained by the Associated Press, Ramirez and his wife were arguing in their bedroom when he slapped her face, causing her to hit her head on their bed's headboard. She told the deputy she was afraid the situation would escalate and called police.

Ramirez denied hitting his wife, according to the police report. Ramirez's wife had injuries consistent with her story, but did not want medical treatment.

A source confirmed to FOXSports.com that Ramirez lives in the home with Juliana and his sons Lucas and Manny Jr.

Ramirez, 39, retired from baseball earlier this year following a second positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. His use of banned substances, which came to light late in his career, has called into question achievements that would have otherwise resulted in election to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Ramirez was the 2004 World Series MVP, made 12 All-Star teams, and hit 555 home runs in a 19-year career.




foxsports

Michael Jordan is fined 100 large for his thoughts on Andrew Bogut (BLOG)

(YAHOO)Lost in the apparent momentum of the recent batch of lockout negotiations is the month-old memory of Michael Jordan saying nice things about Andrew Bogut to an Australian newspaper. Nothing wrong with saying nice things about Andrew Bogut(notes), we reckon, as the guy is a heck of a basketball player whose defense sadly remains quite underrated. Jordan, the owner of theCharlotte Bobcats, wasn't even tampering as he heaped praise upon the Aussie big man.

But he's an owner, and owners can't talk about players during the lockout. Can't even tweet the guys. And though Jordan's eventual fine apparently won't reach the $1 million limits as rumored earlier this summer, he will be fined by the league. To the tune of $100,000.

Even for M.J., that's a lot. Especially with the Bobcats bleeding cash. ESPN's Chris Broussard first reported the story, and he's aligning Jordan's comments about Bogut not so much with the fact that he was talking up an Aussie to an Australian newspaper, but because Jordan and Milwaukee Bucksowner Herb Kohl (who gave Bogut a contract extension that averages eight figures per year a few seasons ago) are the two biggest proponents of an improved NBA revenue-sharing system:


The players' union has pushed the league to expand its revenue-sharing plan, saying a plan similar to that of the NFL and Major League Baseball would answer the financial woes of the clubs losing money. But the league, which claims to have lost $300 million last season, has countered that even vast revenue sharing would not allow it to turn a profit, according to sources.

Tricky, tricky, tricky. The NBA needs to find a way to balance things out, but according to Broussard they're contending that using the same split-pie system as the NFL and MLB won't work in the NBA because the NBA's respective pie isn't big enough.

On one hand, I kind of like the idea of forcing smaller markets to think in smarter, more analytical ways as they put together their teams. The Bucks (to a lesser extent) and Bobcats, on pure basketball terms, have been poorly run in ways that a lack of split revenues had nothing to do with.

On the other hand? Doesn't there have to be some improved way to help teams in basketball-mad but TV revenue-lousy cities like Charlotte and Milwaukee?

If Jordan and Kohl are teaming up, maybe Jordan can get the Senator to pitch in on this $100,000 fine.

Serena Williams blows up in U.S. Open loss (BLOG)

(AP)Oh no, she did it again.

Mt. Serena erupted once more in defeat Sunday at the U.S. Open. This time it happened in the tournament final after chair umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that Serena's loud "come on!," which she yelled during what she thought was a forehand winner, had been shrieked before the point was over. Since it interrupted opponent Sam Stosur's attempt at a return, Asderaki properly awarded Stosur the point because of the "hindrance rule" that states a player can't verbally interfere with opponent's points.

Stosur had already handed Serena Williams her first loss in a set at the U.S. Open. Serena was serving at 30-40 in the first game of the second when she hit the supposed winner and shrieked in approval. But she called out before the point was over, while Stosur was still make a futile attempt to get her racquet on the ball. Asderaki gave the point, and the early break that came with it, to the Australian.

Serena was understandably displeased, though she had no ground on which to stand. The call was obvious. Serena disagreed and became more incensed when she thought that the umpire, Asderaki, was the same official who was in the chair for her infamous 2009 blowup at the tournament. It wasn't.

"Aren't you the one who screwed me over last time here?" Serena asked after being told of the point penalty? "Yeah, you are." (Asderaki and Louise Engzell don't look much alike except for the high ponytail.)

Serena stood and glared at Asderaki for a few seconds while the New York crowd roared in her defense. Stosur looked momentarily stunned. Serena went on to break Stosur to even the match and continued her diatribe against the umpire during the next two changeovers.

"A code violation because I expressed who I am? We're in America last I checked. Am I gonna get violated for a water? Really, don't even look at me. I promise you, don't look at me because I am not the one. Don't look my way." [...]

[...] "If you ever see me walking down the hall, walk the other way. Because you're out of control. Totally out of control. You're a hater, you're unattractive inside. Who would do such a thing. And I never complain. Wow."

No, Serena has never been one to complain.

The same impotent U.S. Open officials who were bullied by men's players into moving the final because of rain and put a women's semifinal on a small court sat silent as Serena humiliated Asderaki. They said later that they'll review the incident. Just in time.

For an instant it looked like Serena would be invigorated by the incident. Stosur broke soon after and went to win 6-2, 6-3 in a stunning upset.

Serena was gracious as she greeted Stosur at the net following the loss and didn't dwell on the incident in post-match interviews. She didn't look up at Asderaski as she brushed past the chair without shaking the umpire's hand.

Michigan beats Notre Dame 35-31 on late TD (BLOG)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Denard Robinson stunned Notre Dame in the final minute again, capping a heart-pounding, pom-pom pumping night under the lights at the Big House.

Michigan's star quarterback threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Roy Roundtree with 2 seconds left to lift the Wolverines to a thrilling 35-31 win over Notre Dame on Saturday night.

"It's never over until you see zeros on the clock," Robinson said.

In the first prime-time game at Michigan Stadium, matching up storied programs trying to restore their luster, new Michigan coach Brady Hoke could have chosen to kick a field goal to force overtime.

But Hoke gave Robinson a shot, and it proved to be good idea.

"Coach took a stab," Roundtree said.

On a night when Michigan Stadium was vibrant, with an NCAA-record crowd of 114,804 fired up an hour before kickoff, the Wolverines took their first lead on Robinson's 21-yard pass to Vincent Smith with 1:12 left.

Then they lost it.

Briefly.

Tommy Rees threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Theo Riddick with 30 seconds left, but the Fighting Irish left Jeremy Gallon wide open on a pass that let Michigan go from its 20 to the Notre Dame 16.

"That was an exciting football game," Hoke said. "Both teams fought for 60 minutes. It wasn't pretty at times on both ends, but as I told my players, it's great to win."

The Wolverines (2-0) have won three straight against the rival Irish (0-2) on late-game plays by their quarterbacks. Last year at Notre Dame, Robinson ran for a touchdown with 27 seconds left, and Tate Forcier threw a TD pass against the Irish two years ago with 11 seconds left.

"It's devastating," Irish receiver Michael Floyd said. "It's hard to take this one in. It's distressing."

Its the first time Michigan has beaten Notre Dame three straight times since 1908.

Robinson didn't match his game last year against Notre Dame, when he had a school-record 502 total yards, but Notre Dame couldn't stop him when it mattered.

He was 11 of 24 for 338 yards with four TDs and three interceptions and ran 11 times for 108 yards and a score.

That one came on a fortunate bounce, when he scooped up Stephen Hopkins' fumble inside the Notre Dame 1 and trotted in.

"It was kind of crazy," Robinson said. "I've never scored like that before."

With a new patch on his jersey bearing Desmond Howard's name, Junior Hemingway, caught three passes for 165 yards and a TD. Michigan honored the former Heisman Trophy winner — who made a diving catch on fourth down against the Irish in 1991 — by announcing that the No. 21 jersey would always have his name on it.

Notre Dame was doomed by turnovers for the second straight week.

Rees threw two interceptions, one near the end zone, and fumbled deep in Michigan territory. Cierre Wood, who gave Notre Dame a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, also fumbled.

"You can't have turnovers. Period," Rees said. "You have to eliminate them."

In his first loss in five starts, Rees was 27 of 39 for 315 yards with three TDs and two interceptions.

Wood ran for 134 yards and a score on 25 carries.

Floyd caught 13 passes for 159 yards, becoming Notre Dame's career leader in yards receiving, and matched a school record with his 15th 100-yard receiving game.

The Fighting Irish did whatever they wanted on the ground, through the air and on defense early on.

In the end, though, they couldn't make enough plays on both sides of the ball to get a needed win for second-year coach Brian Kelly.

"We're not good enough," Kelly said. "There's not one individual in that locker room, including all the coaches, that are good enough right now."

AP

Newton throws for 422 yards but Arizona wins 28-21 (BLOG)

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Cam Newton began his NFL career on the same field where he ended his collegiate one and was spectacular. His 422 yards passing are a record for any rookie in his NFL opener. Yet he didn't leave a winner.

A rookie on the other team made the game-winning play.

Cam You Dig It?

Cam Newton's debut may have been a team loss, but individually the Heisman Trophy winner put on a record-breaking display. Newton became the first player in NFL history to throw for 400 yards in his debut in NFL history.

Patrick Peterson brushed off a long afternoon at cornerback with an 89-yard punt return for the go-ahead touchdown and the Arizona Cardinals escaped with a 28-21 victory over Newton's Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

The No. 1 pick in the draft who had struggled at times in the preseason, Newton completed 24 of 37 passes for 422 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.

"He was everything everybody didn't expect him to be," saidSteve Smith, who caught eight of those passes for 178 yards and both scores. "He was on point, he made some great runs, he made some great reads, made some fantastic throws. He made some throws out there that honestly as a receiver it made it easy to catch them."

The statistics seemed to mean little to the big, young quarterback, who was unbeaten in his BCS championship season at Auburn.

"The last time I lost a game was Navarro Junior College," Newton said. "What do you want me to say, it feels great? It is not a comfortable feeling for me."

The Panthers had a first down at the Arizona 11 late in the game, and even got an extra down on an offside call, but failed to score.

Kevin Kolb was 18 of 27 for 309 yards, including touchdown passes of 48 and 70 yards, in his first game for Arizona.

Peterson, the fifth overall pick in the draft out of LSU, was not surprised by Newton's debut.

"I can't wait to see what he's going to do throughout the season because there were so many critics coming into the draft," Peterson said. "I thought he had a pretty good night tonight, so we'll definitely see what the season brings for Mr. Cam."

The same could be said for Mr. Peterson.

He hauled in the punt and broke a tackle and darted downfield on the long run, but almost paid dearly for a showboat move at the finish.

Peterson began to strut, not realizing Carolina's Mike Goodson was gaining on him. Peterson glanced around, realized the error of his ways, and sprinted away, diving over the goal line to put Arizona ahead 28-21 with 7:15 to play. It was the second-longest punt return in franchise history.

"Yeah, he was pretty close," Peterson said.

Kolb said "anybody else fair catches that thing."

"That just shows you the confidence that he has in himself and how tough of a kid he is," Kolb said. "He's going to be a major weapon for us."

Peterson acknowledges he has a lot to learn about the intricacies of playing cornerback in the NFL. As a punt returner, though, he's a natural.

"With me being a defensive back, I barely have a chance to get my hands on the ball," Peterson said. "That's why I love punt returns to much."

With the help of a roughing-the-passer penalty against Clark Haggans, the Panthers drove downfield late and had first down at the 11.

Four consecutive passes were incomplete, but an offside penalty on fourth down moved the ball to the Arizona 5 and gave Carolina one more chance. Newton threw over the middle to Goodson to the 2, but he was a yard shy of the first down and the Cardinals ran out the clock.

Both of Newton's TD passes came in the first half as Carolina took a 14-7 lead at the break.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, drove inside the Carolina 6 twice in the second quarter and came away with nothing.

On second-and-goal from the 4, Beanie Wells, who rushed for 90 yards on 18 carries including a 7-yard touchdown run, muffed a pitch from Kolb and Carolina's Thomas Davis recovered.

"It was a bad pitch," Kolb said. "I think he would probably say he took his eyes off it, I'd tell you it was a bad pitch. That's the way a team works. We were lucky to overcome it."

After forcing a punt, Arizona drove to the Panthers 5, but a crackback block penalty against Andre Roberts drove the team back, and Jay Feely's 36-yard field goal try was wide left. Feely was 14-for-14 from inside the 40 a year ago.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said the team needs to clean up those mistakes, and he said that the defense "was close but didn't make enough plays."

The Panthers took over at their 36 with 1:03 to play in the half. Daryl Washington intercepted Newton's pass over the middle, but the play was nullified by a roughing-the-passer penalty against Peterson.

Moments later, Smith beat Peterson in the corner of the end zone and Newton lofted the ball perfectly in place to give Carolina the lead in front of the stunned crowd.

Arizona went 54 yards in six plays on its first possession, with Wells scoring on the 7-yard run.

After the subsequent kickoff, the Panthers had a third-and-7 from their 23 when new defensive coordinator Ray Horton called a blitz.

In a mix up in the secondary, Smith was at least 20 yards behind the nearest defender, safety Kerry Rhodes. The Panthers' star receiver ran untouched to the end zone to tie it at 7-7 with 7:11 left in the opening quarter.

Kolb's pass under duress to wide-open tight end Jeff King for 48 yards and a touchdown against his former team to tie it at 14-14, but Carolina took the kickoff and went 80 yards in eight plays to take a 21-14 lead, Newton leaping over the line for the score. His air-guitar strum of the football in celebration drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Kolb found Early Doucet over the middle and the receiver broke a tackle then dashed 70 yards for the tying score with 10:48 to play.

New Carolina coach Ron Rivera called it "a tough one to lose."

"We are too young a football team to survive self-inflicted wounds," he said.

Game notes
Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason was taken to the locker room on a cart in the second half after reinjuring his left ankle. Rivera said he was unsure of the severity of the injury. ... Doucet had three catches for 105 yards, his first career 100-yard receiving game. ... King's TD pass was his career long. ... Arizona's LaRod Stephens-Howling left the game in the second half with a bruised right hand. ... Larry Fitzgerald, double-covered all day, caught three passes for 62 yards.

Copyright by STATS LLC and The Associated Press

Bolton 0 - 5 Man Utd (BLOG)

Wayne Rooney hit a hat-trick and Javier Hernandez scored twice as a rampant Manchester United outclassed Bolton to go top of the Premier League.

The champions took an early lead when Hernandez pounced at the near post.

Rooney converted Phil Jones' cross to make it two, then the England striker profited from another of the defender's runs to add a third.

Hernandez swept in a fourth before Rooney drilled in his third - but Tom Cleverley may have broken his foot.

Crumpling under a heavy challenge from Kevin Davies, the midfielder was replaced midway through the first half.

But it was the only blemish for Sir Alex Ferguson's side after another impeccable performance brought up their 200th away win in the Premier League - the first club to achieve the milestone.

United's last trip to the Reebok Stadium ended in a 2-2 draw almost a year ago, when they had to rely on a late Michael Owen header to salvage a point.

But this encounter was very different as Hernandez, making his first start of the season, gave United the perfect opening.

Showing the superb movement he is renowned for, the Mexico striker lost Gary Cahill with a darting run to the near post to steer in Nani's tantalising low cross from the right.

The goal came while United were temporarily down to 10 men following the injury to Cleverley.

Bolton looked to hit back immediately, but former United midfielder Chris Eagles saw his shot cleared off the line by Rooney.

Despite the high-profile errorsUnited's new goalkeeper David De Gea has made this season, he went some way to silencing his doubters with an impressive flying save from Ivan Klasnic's long-range effort. And the stop ignited United, who made it 2-0 just 74 seconds later.

United's verve and invention overwhelmed Bolton and Rooney doubled United's lead in the 20th minute.

Catching the home side napping, Jones whipped in a devilish cross from the right to Rooney, who found himself between Cahill and Dedryck Boyata before prodding in from close range.

Rooney poured further misery on the home side, making it 3-0 in the 24th minute with a goal engineered by Jones, whose stature is growing with every game.

Exploiting a gaping hole in the home side's defence, Jones' twinkle-toed run took him into the penalty area, before he squared the ball to Rooney to find the back of the net with the easiest of finishes.

With manager Owen Coyle barking instructions from the touchline, Bolton limited United to three in the first half but, while Klasnic and Martin Petrov linked well at times, the home side were painfully short of creativity.

It was only a matter of time before United added to their lead and, two minutes before the hour mark, Hernandez made it 4-0.

Substitute Michael Carrick found the Mexican lurking at the far post and, with the Bolton defence at sea, his low effort had Jussi Jaaskelainen well beaten.

Nigel Reo-Coker struck the crossbar as Bolton desperately looked for a route back into the game but, minutes later, Rooney put the gloss on the win with United's fifth - and his third.

Collecting Nani's cut-back from the right the England striker nonchalantly struck his hat-trick goal from the edge of the box to give him his seventh career treble.

Rooney also becomes the fourth player to score back-to-back Premier League hat-tricks after Les Ferdinand, Ian Wright and Didier Drogba.

Sequels rarely match the original and United's short trip to the Reebok was always likely to pale in comparison to their famous 8-2 mauling of Arsenal a fortnight ago - but United remain the team to beat after another scintillating display.

bbc

NFL lets players wear Sept. 11 cleats, gloves (BLOG)

The NFL relaxed its normally rigid uniform policy on Friday so players can commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

League spokesman Michael Signora tweeted that the league told its 32 clubs that players may wear special shoes and gloves from official NFL equipment licensees for Week 1 games.

The move came one day after Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs tweeted that he had expected to be fined for wearing red, white and blue cleats and gloves designed by Reebok. Briggs said it would be "by far the best fine he will ever have to pay."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league does not "anticipate any issues."

"We have extensive plans for Sunday to respectfully recognize the significance of the day," Aiello said in an email. "Lance Briggs and all players will participate."

Briggs declined to comment when he left the practice field Friday. He instead put the shoes on display in the locker room, the back of the left shoe bearing the word "Never," while the right had "Forget."

Coach Lovie Smith said he has no problem with Briggs defying the NFL dress code in this instance.

"I mean, we're going to do an awful lot before the game as an organization — the NFL as a league — to honor the victims," Smith said. "But you know, if they (the NFL) say it's OK and the guys are good with it, of course we're all for it, too."

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles also said on Twitter that he plans to wear Reebok-issued gloves and cleats to honor the day.

Like Briggs, Charles posted a picture online. It showed an all-red bottom surface around the cleats beneath a white shoe with large blue stripes wrapped around it and white stars along the heel. The back of the glove is all red, with the words, "Never forget," circled around the date, Sept. 11, 2001. The palm of the glove is blue, with white stars.

"I never forget," Charles tweeted.

Charles and Briggs will have some company Sunday.

Colts receiver Reggie Wayne, a five-time Pro Bowler, showed up at Friday's practice with a stars-and-stripes design on his gloves and shoes. He plans to wear the same accessories Sunday at Houston. Wayne's teammate and friend, Pro Bowl safety Antoine Bethea, is expected to don the same attire.

Shortly before the league announced its policy change, Wayne told reporters it would be the "best fine" he ever paid and that he expected the league to alter the policy within 24 hours.

He was right.

Wayne went on to explain why he felt so strongly about wearing the stars-and-stripes during Sunday's game.

"Think about it man. That's an important time in our life. A lot of people lost plenty of loved ones," he said. "It's in history. Your grandchildren and children after that, they will be hearing about that. It's definitely a time where it needs to be recognized, and that's a way for guys to put their two cents in.

"I'm going to wear it, and wear it proudly.