Sports

Bucs

Gary Shelton
Mystery in the backfield

[Times photo: James Borchuck]
LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Say this much for Michael Pittman.

O-line, oh, yes, it must improve
LAKE BUENA VISTA -- On the Monday morning after last season's 17-10 loss to the Steelers, Brad Johnson gingerly walked into the Bucs training facility.

Pittman says injury 'not serious'
LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Michael Pittman is eager to show his running abilities. He just won't get a chance to do it on one leg.

Rays
Wilson passes what might be an audition
RAYS 6, ORIOLES 1: RHP strong over 8 against backdrop of trade deadline.

Long tape review keeps Yan in dark
ST. PETERSBURG -- The waiting continues.

Motorsports
Marlin's run pads series lead
Sterling Marlin, who three weeks ago had several competitors within striking distance of his Winston Cup points lead, would have preferred to leave Pocono with a victory.

NBA
No felony charges on Iverson
Only two misdemeanor counts stand after a preliminary hearing.

Baseball
Hall of Famers plead for peace
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- With the threat of another work stoppage, 40 Hall of Famers drafted a letter requesting union head Donald Fehr and commissioner Bud Selig use a mediator at the talks.

Storm
Vagabonds pull Storm through
They are the hand-me-downs, leftovers and trade-ins. Former Arena Football League stars, ex-XFLers, NFL never-weres. This is the discard pile from which the Storm drew in its frantic attempt to turn around a 6-8 season that saw six starters lost to injuries.

College football
New FSU players check in
TALLAHASSEE -- Since signing day in the spring, Florida State football coaches have been waiting to get their top-rated class on campus.

Hockey
St. Petersburg's club to fill blanks
The ownership group of St. Petersburg's proposed franchise in the startup Atlantic Coast Hockey League will announce the team's coach, mascot and colors at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Founders Lounge of its home arena, Bayfront Center.

Preps
Palm Harbor Majors closing in on crown
Palm Harbor's Majors are one win away from capturing a state championship and ending a decade-long drought for Pinellas County. All it took was a 3-2 win over North Springs and a little bit of luck.

Tampa Bay was ready, but where was its foe?
Tampa Bay was warming up, expecting its semifinal matchup Monday. However, when the wrong team showed up, the game was pushed back to today, giving the Junior team a day off in the state tournament.

Dragons loaded for a playoff run
A recruiting Web site lists three Jefferson players in its top 100.

Crystal River hangs on at World Series
The Dixie Majors team bounces back from a loss and an early three-run deficit for a 14-4 win over Arkansas.

Outdoors
Daily fishing report
There's no shortage of goliath grouper, and they can be found on every wreck. Many years ago overfishing for these giants forced the state to ban their harvest.

On The Wire
For 3rd time, Woods cancels meeting with police

Cundiff FG gives Ravens 20-17 OT win over Steelers

Cundiff FG gives Ravens 20-17 OT win over Steelers

No. 1 vs. No. 2 in SEC title game _ again

Contenders stay unbeaten, BCS stays same

Colts remain perfect, win AFC South

Young rallies Titans to 20-17 win over Cardinals

Favre leads Vikings past Cutler, Bears 36-10

Waiting word on Weis: All's quiet on Irish front

AP Source: Eli Manning has stress reaction in foot