Cycling
Gerrans outsprints Greipel Stage 1 of Tour Down Under
ADELAIDE, Australia – Australian rider Simon Gerrans outsprinted Germany’s Andre Greipel to win the opening stage of the Tour Down Under on Tuesday, taking an emphatic step toward winning the opening event of cycling’s ProTour season for a third time.
A demanding climb up Mengler’s Hill 7.5 miles from the end of the 84-mile stage from Nurioopta to Angaston took several of the top sprinters out of contention.
A total of 138 riders from 23 countries began the stage through the Barossa Valley wine-growing region. The stage had been in doubt as late as Monday because of bushfires in South Australia state, but the fires were contained and the stage was able to go ahead as planned.
MLB
MLB ballparks will get a security makeover by 2015
NEW YORK – Entering a big league ballpark will be a bit like going through an airport by 2015.
Major League Baseball told its 30 teams they must implement security screening for fans by then, either with hand-held metal detection or walk-through magnetometers.
NFL
Goodell wants to punt on the point-after attempt
Roger Goodell doesn’t want to stand pat with the PAT. He’s suggesting potential changes in the point after attempt that, well, might have some legs.
The NFL commissioner said the extra point kick after touchdowns, which had a success rate of nearly 100 percent, is too automatic, and with few teams attempting 2-point conversion plays until desperation hits late in games, the old 1-pointer from 20 yards is the way coaches go. All that does is draw yawns.
So Goodell wonders if the league can add excitement by making some major adjustments to the extra point, suggesting perhaps making a touchdown worth seven points instead of six, with teams having the option to run a play for another point.
Failing on that play would cost them a point.
It’s impossible to gauge the owners’ thinking, and a three-quarters majority is needed to pass any rules changes. Goodell doesn’t get a vote.
Buccaneers go to Arizona for its next general manager
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired Arizona Cardinals front-office executive Jason Licht as general manager.
The team confirmed the move Tuesday and plans to formally introduce him as the fifth GM in club history at a news conference Thursday.
Licht has been with the Cardinals for the last two seasons, the last one as vice president of player personnel.
Bucs co-chairman Joel Glazer called him an “ideal complement” to new coach Lovie Smith.
Licht was Arizona general manager Steve Keim’s right-hand man in the overhaul of the Cardinals’ roster last offseason, which resulted in a 10-6 record. He replaces Mark Dominik, who was fired after the Buccaneers went 4-12.
Tennis
Isner and Murray to highlight Davis Cup play in San Diego
SAN DIEGO – John Isner will lead the United States against a British team highlighted by Wimbledon champion Andy Murray in the first round of the Davis Cup at the San Diego Padres’ stadium.
Isner, ranked No. 13, retired from his first-round match at the Australian Open because of an injured right ankle. Joining him on the American roster announced Monday by U.S. captain Jim Courier are Sam Querrey and the doubles team of twins Bob and Mike Bryan.
Murray is ranked No. 4 and was selected by British captain Leon Smith on Tuesday, along with Kyle Edmund, James Ward and doubles specialist Colin Fleming. Murray may be asked to play singles and doubles.
The best-of-five matches are Jan. 31-Feb. 2 and will be played on a clay court set up in left field of the ballpark.
Associated Press
