As 24,411 screaming Wildcat fans watched Tasmin Mitchells hit a game-winning 3-pointer as LSU beat UK and more than likely ended their run of going dancing in March.

Blog sites are smoking hot with opinions, complaints and tears with some still holding out hope but as a liftetime fan of Kentucky I have to say they don't deserve to go dancing unless they win the SEC Tournament (not going to happen).

I don't want to see UK get in ahead of a more deserving mid major or even a better team in one of the other conferences.

UK doesn't deserve to go dancing this year.

Put a fork in them, they are done.

College Hoops kentucky, kentucky wildcats, uk, lsu, tasmin mitchells

GETSPORTSRADIO.COM: WIRE TO WIRE - We break down the busy off-season around and get you ready for Spring Training.

Many expect the Reds' starting rotation to be the strength of the team this season. The top four pitchers are locked in - Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Aaron Harang and Edinson Volquez. The top two contenders for the fifth spot to start the season appear to be Micah Owings and Homer Bailey.

Check out what the five of them that have pitched so far (Harang throws his first game Sunday vs. Yankees) did in their first sping outing...

VOLQUEZ - 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 K, 1 BB

CUETO - 1W,  3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 3 K, 1 BB

BAILEY - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K, 0 BB

ARROYO - 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 K, 1 BB

OWING - 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 K, 0 BB

MLB reds, edinson volquez, johnny cueto, aaron harnag, bronson arroyo, micah owing, homer bailey

The first day of the off-season was not the best of days for the Bengals as starting right tackle Stacey Andrews has reportedly signed a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. ProFootballTallk.com broke the story Friday afternoon that it's a multi-year deal averaging $7 million per season. The deal hinges on Andrews passing a physical.

Andrews, who was the Bengals' franchise player last off-season, suffered a torn ACL late in the 2008 season. That could prompt the Eagles to defer any large payments until March 2010, after Andrews proves that he is 100 percent. He's a high risk signee for sure, but has as high of an upside of any player on the market at the position.

The Bengals were able to re-sign a couple of players on Friday.

Linebacker Chris Crocker a four-year deal worth $10 million with $3.5 million guaranteed, according to the team's website.

C. Trent Rosecrans of 1530Homer.com reported on his blog that the club also reached a deal with fourth-year running back DeDe Dorsey.

Other news/rumors of impact...

--The team would like to resign running back Cedric Benson, but free agent Derrick Ward, who contributed greatly to the Giants' running attack in '08, is visiting Cincinnati this weekend, according to the Newark-Star Ledger.

--FoxSports.com reported that Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is headed for a visit to Seattle. 

--If T.J. does leave the Bengals may turn to veteran receiver Bryant Johnson, according to Geoff Hobson.

--The Bengals were interested in signing center Jeff Saturday, but the Colts re-signed him on Thursday.

--A reunion with ex-Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis would make some sense on a couple fronts, at least some at CNNSI.com think so. It would give Ray Lewis the chance for revenge against Baltimore in the AFC North twice a year, and both Marvin Lewis and Bengals owner Mike Brown are said to be desperate to add some leadership to their rudderless team.

NFL bengals, stacey andrews, chris crocker, dede dorsey, cedric benson, derrick ward, tj houshmandzadeh, bryant johnson, jeff saturday, ray lewis

from Tennessean.com:

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth became a $100 million man with the Washington Redskins on Friday, according to his agent.
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Haynesworth agreed to terms on a seven-year, $100 million deal contract offer from the Redskins on Friday morning when free agency began. He is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C. on Friday, when a press conference has been scheduled for 4 p.m. Central.

The contract includes an NFL record $41 million in guaranteed money, according to sources familiar with the situation. The base value of the contract could max out at around $115 million. Haynesworth is scheduled to earn $32 million over the first 13 months of the deal.

He's now the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.

COMPLETE ARTILCE

NFL redskins, titans, albert haynesworth

from TBO.com:

The Buccaneers acquired Kellen Winslow, 25, a Pro Bowl tight end with Cleveland, after trading what is believed to be this year's second-round pick plus other undisclosed picks to the Browns.

Winslow signed a six-year, $40 million contract with Cleveland in 2005, but it is believed Tampa Bay is working on a new deal.

The Bucs were able to acquire an elite pass-catching tight end to help whoever might eventually quarterback Tampa Bay.

In 2007, Winslow caught 82 passes for 1,106 yards and five yards and was named to the Pro Bowl that season. He averaged 13.5 yards per catch that season and led all NFL tight ends when he posted 17 receptions of 20 or more yards.

COMPLETE ARTICLE

NFL buccaneers, browns, kellen winslow

Last night was an epic night for the University of Cincinnati. They officially turned the page from the past to the present as they finally formally paid tribute to longtime head coach and Bob Huggins and then they beat his team to get a much-needed win against a highly touted team.

Fifth Thrid Arena was electric. All of Huggins' former players with the house to pay respect to the man they loved, as were 11,332 fans that filled the arena.

The video tribute just prior to start the game was awesome and it moved Huggins to tears. Even the most anti-Bob Huggins Tri-state residents had to feel for the man that spent 17 years.

Gates was a monster on the glass and knocked down 9 of his 11 shots from the field, finishing with a career-high 22 points and 11 rebounds. With the performance Gates is starting to deliver on the hype even earlier than expected. With the win Mick Cronin may finally start getting some respect and the Bearcats should start to garner some serious consideration from the NCAA Selection Committee.

Was the win enough to get the Bearcats in?

CollegeRPI.com - Says No

ESPN.com's Joe Lunardi - Says No

CollegeHoops.net - Say No

College Hoops cincinnati bearcats, cincinnati, uc, west virginia, bob huggins, yancey gates, mick cronin

Free agency is my favorite part of the off-season. It has been said that teams need to build through the draft to find long-term success in the NFL, but there is no doubt than adding an impact free agent can carry a team to another level.  Here's my annual take on the teams I seeing being the perfect fit (assuming they move to new team) of some of the top names on the list:

TJ HOUSHMANDZADEH - Eagles - Donovan McNabb finally gets his receiver; TJ would be perfect compliment to DeSean Jackson.

ALBERT HAYNESWORTH - Redskins - Daniel Snyder the only one stupid enough to give him the kings ransom it would take to get him to leave Tennessee.

RAY LEWIS - Jets - The perfect way for Rex Ryan to start his tenure in Gotham City would be to bring his fearless leader with him.

BART SCOTT - Cowboys - Jerry Jones is desperate for defense and has some of his risky signings blow-up in his face.

JULIUS PEPPERS - Saints - They need a playmaker on defense and would love to put their longtime rival on their side of the ball

FRED TAYLOR - Patriots - New England can never have enough veteran running backs.

DERRICK WARD - Browns - Jamal Lewis' days are over in Cleveland.

RICKY WILLIAMS - Broncos - You know he would be all for going to Mile High!

MAURICE MORRIS - Rams -  With Steven Jackson's durability always in question the Rams need to upgrade their depth chart.

JEFF SATURDAY - Bengals - No team needs a center more badly and with the Bengals nearly $25 million under the cap they need to bid high.

DERRICK BROOKS - Colts - If Tony Dungy was still there it would be a lock that he would land in Indy, he still just might find his way there regardless.

KERRY COLLINS - Jets - For the second straight season 

BYRON LEFTWICH - Bucs - Luke McCown...are you kidding me?

JEFF GARCIA - Vikings - Do you really think they are that much in love with Sage Rosenfels?

BOBBY ENGRAM - Titans - The team needs to get a good wideout in the mix...instead they sign this aging veteran.

DOMINIC RHODES - Chargers - This move comes after they cut L.T. and go with Darren Sproles as their starter.

MATT BIRK - Texans - Gary Kubiak would love to add this Pro Bowler.

MIKE GOFF - Seahawks - They are still trying to replace Steve Hutchinson.

Free Agents by position (FootballsFuture.com: QB | RB | WR | OL | DL | LB | DB

NFL 2009 free agents

Check out the latest podcasts at GetSportsRadio.com:

WIRE TO WIRE  - Spring Training has officially started and we get you ready with a complete breakdown of this year's edition of the Cincinnati Reds. In addition we look at the off-season movement from around the NL Central.

HOOP SCOOP -   We are two weeks away from Selection Sunday and there are plenty of teams sitting square on the bubble. Chad Brendel and Greg Shoemaker make the final call.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS CAFE -  The gang from QueenCityHigh.com gets you up-to-date on the latest high school playoff basketball from both sides of the river and talk with Andre Tate.

Check out more in POD CENTRAL at GetSportsRadio.com. 

College Hoops, Just For Fun, MLB getsportsradio.com

It's my annual reminder that spring is right around the corner, the first day of Spring Training.  The Reds kicked of the final year of Grapefruit League  by beating the defending AL Champions, the Tampa Rays, 7-0 (box score).

Standings mean nothing in exhibition games, but anytime you can hear Reds' Hall of Fame annoucner Marty Brennenman rattle out his classic line - "this one belongs to the Reds!" - it is a good thing.

Seventeen-game winner Edinson Volquez started for the Reds and was a bit wild at first, but settled to pitch three solid innings as he allowed a pair of hits, walked a batter, and struck out three. Johnny Cueto relieved him and tossed three scoreless, no-hit innings, picking up the win while fanninig three Rays' hitters. 

Homer Bailey, who is battling for the team's No. 5 spot,  struck out two of three batters he faced. Journeyman Aaron Fultz and Jared Burton finsihed out the shutout by each tossing scoreless forms.

Offensively, it was the long ball that provided most of the fireworks as Jerry Hairston Jr. hit a grand slam and minor Adam Rosales added a two-run shot in the ninth inning.

Manager Dusty Baker likely tipped his hat on what the Opening Day line-up looks like as of today, with his first line-up card of the Spring:

CF Taveras
SS Hairston
1B Votto
2B Phillips
RF Bruce
3B Encarnacion
LF Dickerson
C Hernandez
P Volquez

MLB reds, spring training, grapefruit league, rays, marty brenneman, edinson volquez, johnny cueto, homer bailey, aaron fultz, jared burton, dusty baker, jerry hairston jr, adam rosales, willy taveras, joey votto, brandon phillips, jay bruce, edwin encarnacion, chris dickerson, ramon hernandez

from the Charleston Daily Mail...

Huggins was allowed back to the University of Cincinnati for the final home game of the 2005-06 season -- coincidentally against the Mountaineers -- to salute the senior class, and will be honored Thursday night.

For the Mountaineers, it's a matter of bad memories. They feel a great need to win after losing last year's home game against the Bearcats, 62-39.

"We were really disappointed in ourselves," senior Alex Ruoff said. "We all care about him as a person and we care about him as a coach. We want to get this win for him."

Granted, that's no different than last year when they submitted one of the worst performances in school history.

"We didn't play defense, didn't get in our offense, didn't rebound," Smith said. "Pretty much everything you can think of went bad."

COMPLETE ARTICLE

College Hoops cincinnati bearcats, cincinnati, uc, west virginia, bob huggins, alex rouf

This press release was issued today by the UK Athletic Department...

Kentucky men's basketball player Jodie Meeks has been named a mid-season candidate for the Naismith Trophy as announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club on Tuesday.

Meeks currently leads the Southeastern Conference and ranks fourth in the country in scoring with 25.4 ppg, while shooting 46.6 percent from the field, including 42.4 percent from three-point range. The 6-4 junior is also shooting 9.5 percent from the free throw line. His three-point percentage and free throw percentage both rank seventh in the country.

The top 30 men's list was voted on by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, comprised of leading basketball journalists, coaches and administrators from around the country. The board based its criteria on player performances this season. The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T is the most prestigious national basketball award and is given annually to the men's college basketball player of the year. This year, the award will be presented at the NCAA Men's Final Four in Detroit.

College Hoops kentucky, kentucky wildcats, uk, jodie meeks, naismith trophy

Michael Vick is a long way from returning to the NFL, heck he still has about five months to go in prison. Still, the talk of what is NFL future holds has been popular blog and sports talk radio show fodder for weeks now.

The chatter began a couple of weeks back when the Falcons announced a desire to trade the rights to the imprisoned signal caller.

Many teams in need of quarterbacks have already come out and said no thanks - the Jets, Vikings, and 49ers to name a few. Begging the question if he is indeed reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell where might he land.

For starters, there is no way the Falcons are going to trade him, the market simply is not there. That means he will most likely become waiver wire fodder.

No team has come out and said they are interested in, but that hasn't stop the speculation of where he might go. Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports stated his case in an in-depth look at Vick's situation:

"As one NFL personnel exec put it last week, “You better have big [guts] to do this because if you take him and he screws up again, your career is probably done, too.” That certainly would be the case with the majority of executives in the NFL. Some executives, such as Bill Polian in Indianapolis or Ozzie Newsome in Baltimore, could survive a fiasco with Vick, but don’t expect either of them to take him.

The more likely scenario is that a team with strong owner influence will take a shot. Furthermore, some cities (New York and Philadelphia for example) simply wouldn’t accept Vick. Clubs needing stadium initiatives to pass (San Francisco, San Diego and Minnesota) will likely pass. And while this is purely speculative based on past personnel moves, that leaves only a few obvious candidates among the daring and desperate: Oakland, Dallas or Cincinnati."

All three teams have big money wrapped in quarterbacks, but I agree with the assesment. Mike Brown fits the bill. The guy is known for second, third, and fourth chances and has proven time and time again he is an idiot.

The thing is I wouldn't be opposed to it. The Bengals need a backup and with the questions surrounding Palmer's health, I would rather have Vick (and the baggage) than another season or Ryan Fitzpatrick.  In addition, Vick could be implemented in a "Wildcat" style of offense and his mobility could be a plus behind a subpar offensive line. Don't laugh, it could happen.  If nothing else the Bengals would definitely have a secert weapon in the annual visit to the Dawg Pound!

NFL bengals, cowboys, raiders, michael vick, ryan fitzpatrick, carson palmer, dawg pound, mike brown

The Colts parted ways with veteran wide receiver Marvin Harrison on Monday, or did they?

Owner Jim Irsay labeled "premature" the report from agent Tom Condon that the Colts will release Marvin Harrison.

"Marvin and I are talking," Irsay told the Indianapolis Star. "I'm not going to start talking like he's not here, because nothing's been determined officially by any stretch." Irsay added that it was "definitely" possible for Harrison to remain with the Colts.

Harrison ranks second in NFL history with 1,102 receptions, fourth with 14,580 receiving yards and fifth with 128 receiving touchdowns. He's an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a likely Pro Football Hall of Famer after his career ends.

He will be 37 in August and is coming off his two least-productive seasons. He missed 11 games with a knee injury in 2007 and finished with just 20 receptions. This past season he played 15 games and had 60 receptions, 636 yards and five touchdowns, all far below his norms. His receptions total was tied for 38th in the league.

The veteran is far from his prime and whether the Colts bring him back at a reduced rate or some other team goes after (and they will), Harrison is only going to disappoint. He needs to just call it quits now and not tarnish his legacy any further.

NFL colts.marvin harrison, jim irsay, tom condon

NASCAR fans from around the country converged on sunny Florida for the 51st running of the Daytona 500. And COED Magazine could think of no better way to celebrate this all-American event than by bringing you their own version of the Daytona 500 -the ultimate compilation of Spring Break beach babes on the Internet. So, light the fires and kick the tires - this one’s going to be a scorcher.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY

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From SI.com:

A federal investigation into the skimming of signing bonuses given to baseball prospects from Latin America is looking at Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden as far back as 1994, when he was GM of the Cincinnati Reds, according to a baseball executive familiar with the investigation.

Two sources inside baseball say that a long-time scout in Latin America, Jorge Oquendo, 47, is the man who links the FBI's investigations of Bowden and his special assistant Jose Rijo to that of former Chicago White Sox senior director of player personnel David Wilder. Last May the White Sox fired Wilder and two Dominican-based scouts after allegations surfaced that they had pocketed money earmarked for player signing bonuses. Oquendo worked for Wilder in 2006 and 2007, as well as for Bowden with the Reds in 1994 and again with the Reds from 2000 through 2003. Oquendo left Cincinnati in 2005, two years after Bowden was fired. (Bowden became Nationals GM in 2004.)

COMPLETE ARTILCE

MLB nationals, reds, jim bowden, jorge oquendo