NBA: Jordan denies comeback
Michael Jordan was back on court yesterday, but then said he’s not making another comeback. The 44-year-old part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats jumped into a drill during the team’s practice and gave tips to players. The workout came a day after Jordan sat in on team meetings and film sessions as the Bobcats try to end a stretch of 10 losses in 12 games.
SOCCER: Romario busted
Veteran Brazilian striker Romario was suspended 120 days yesterday for failing a doping test in a Brazilian league match two months ago. Brazil’s top sports tribunal voted 3-2 to suspend him after he tested positive for finasteride.
FOOTBALL: Unrest at WVU
Attorneys for former West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez are planning to argue against Rodriguez having to pay the university a $4 million buyout, claiming he was “fraudulently induced to sign a contract with false promises.” Rodriguez earlier this week accepted the Michigan job. Also, associate head coach Bill Stewart was named interim head coach as the team prepares for the Fiesta Bowl.
* Florida QB Tim Tebow was named AP’s Player of the Year. Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, the Heisman runner-up to Tebow, was second followed by Hawaii QB Colt Brennan.
BASEBALL: New park in Miami
Miami-Dade County commissioners yesterday approved a public-works project that includes a new stadium for the Florida Marlins. The project, which calls for a 37,000- seat retractable roof ballpark, would be built on the site of the Orange Bowl. As part of the deal, the team would be renamed the Miami Marlins.
TV: Dick Vitale on DL
College basketball fans will have to do without their “Dispy Do Dunkaroos” and “Diaper Dandies” for the next couple of months. Dick Vitate, ESPN’s loud-mouthed college basketball guru, will be sidelined until early February after he had successful surgery yesterday to treat ulcers on his left vocal chord. Vitale, 68, is in his 29th season with ESPN.
-Justin Terranova