Sports

[Times photo: Toni L. Sandys]
Pete Pierson started 15 games in 2000, but faces a logjam of experienced players at tackle. "You have to prove yourself again," he said.

Change puts vets on spot
With new coaching staff in place, several tenured Bucs are in competition for their jobs.

Sapp stays silent after Strahan's blast
LAKE BUENA VISTA -- One day after Giants defensive end Michael Strahan called Warren Sapp "a jackass" and said he should "stop talking," he got his wish.

John Romano
Ex-Rebel with special cause
LAKE BUENA VISTA -- He is the man in charge of history. So it shall be his legacy whether it is changed or merely perpetuated.

Rays
Rays looking revamped and revitalized
RAYS 10, WHITE SOX 3: New lineup romps again to back a solid Joe Kennedy outing.

Keyed-up Kennedy stars in lefty duel
ST. PETERSBURG -- It is matchups such as the one Sunday that Joe Kennedy anticipates and relishes.

NFL
Spurrier's start looks familiar
With Danny Wuerffel providing big plays at QB, the Redskins coast in the coach's first preseason game.

Madden-Michaels debuts on 'MNF'
ABC expects big things with its revamped team, which features high-profile hire John Madden.

Expansion Texans introduce themselves to NFL
CANTON, Ohio -- Okay, Houston Texans. Let's see if you're ready for some football.

College football
Gamecock tickets become rarer
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- For the sixth consecutive season, South Carolina has sold out Williams-Brice Stadium.

Disappointments of 2001 motivate Seminoles of 2002
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida State coach Bobby Bowden usually huddles with his assistants then his players before choosing a motto for the upcoming football season.

Coach calls team a title contender
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida State coach Bobby Bowden is 72, but he's not old school. He doesn't poor-mouth his team, and he's not one to shy away from the preseason predictions that his Seminoles could challenge for another national title.

Motorsports
Awesome rebirth
Close to retirement in 2000, Bill Elliott takes the Brickyard 400, his second straight win.

Busch, Spencer exchange insults
INDIANAPOLIS -- They're at it again.

After late slide, Stewart goes after photographer
INDIANAPOLIS -- Upset with another disappointing finish at his home track, Tony Stewart took several swings at a photographer after the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Preps/youth
Braden River kills suspense in opener
GULFPORT -- If there were any questions about whether Florida Braden River could take a lead and hold on to it, they were erased in the opening game of the Southeast Region Tournament.

Outdoors
Daily fishing report
The dog days of summer are upon us. The heat is hard on fish and anglers. At the same time, there are many boats out every day, for fishing and pleasure.

On The Wire
McNabb, Eagles beat Bears 24-20

McPherson leads heading into LPGA final round

Phelps looking ahead to better times in 2010

BCS at-large bids up for grabs in final weeks

Kroenke moves closer to Arsenal takeover threshold

Real Salt Lake beats LA to win MLS Cup

Ole Miss, Cal, UNC back in AP Top 25

Pats defense, productive offense beat Jets 31-14

Saints remain unbeaten with 38-7 win over Bucs

Colts beat Ravens 17-15 to go to 10-0