NFL: Controversial rule may be changed soon
The rule that negated using video replay to confirm a Texans touchdown “may be too harsh” and will be re-examined immediately, NFL director of football operations Ray Anderson said yesterday.
Anderson said a change could come this year. The NFL traditionally resists changing rules during a season.
Justin Forsett’s third-quarter 81-yard run in the Texans’ 34-31 overtime victory at Detroit on Thursday initially was ruled a touchdown, although replays clearly showed his knee and elbow touched the turf when he was hit by Lions defenders. Detroit coach Jim Schwartz challenged, resulting in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and the negated use of video replay.
Jim Harbaugh said he expects Alex Smith to be medically cleared to play, but the 49ers coach wouldn’t say whether Smith or Colin Kaepernick would start tomorrow against the Saints.
The status of Bears quarterback Jay Cutler remains uncertain because of a concussion.
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (calf) practiced for the first time in seven weeks, but remains doubtful.
NBA: League-best Grizzlies top Lakers
In Memphis, Tenn., Rudy Gay scored 21 points, and the Grizzlies beat the Lakers 106-98 to regain the NBA’s best record at 9-2.
Zach Randolph had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Marc Gasol added 14 points and eight assists.
The Lakers have lost all four road games this season and their second straight with Mike D’Antoni on the bench. Kobe Bryant scored 14 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter.
In Boston, Paul Pierce scored 22 of his 27 points in the second half and the Celtics beat the Thunder, 108-100 to snap a two-game losing streak.
Kevin Garnett had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Rajon Rondo finished with 16 assists and eight rebounds. Kevin Durant scored 29 points for Oklahoma City.
golf: McIlroy leads by a stroke in Dubai
Rory McIlroy shot a 5-under 67 and was tied for the lead with Luke Donald and Marc Warren after two rounds of the season-ending Dubai World Championship.
McIlroy, the top-ranked golfer, already has won the money titles on the European and PGA tours. He was one stroke in front at 11-under 133 with Donald (68) and 189th-ranked Warren (67).
Sergio Garcia, playing for the first time since laser eye surgery, matched the course record with a 64 to leave him four shots behind.
ETC.: Morehead St. suspends pushy coach
Morehead State suspended basketball coach Sean Woods for one game after he pushed Eagles player Devon Atkinson in the back during Wednesday’s loss at No. 8 Kentucky.
Gail Harris, the last player to hit a home run for the New York Giants before they moved to San Francisco following the 1957 season, died at his Gainesville, Va., home on Nov. 14. He was 81.