Though it could have sought a lifetime ban against Justin Gatlin, above, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency announced Tuesday it would seek an eight-year ban from track and field for the sprinter, who failed a drug test for testosterone or its precursors at an April meet. For Gatlin, 24, a three-time Olympic medalist, the positive result was his second offense. The 100-meter world record he tied in May would be forfeited had Gatlin lost in arbitration against the USADA.
BUCS BIT
Bucs QB Bruce Gradkowski threw for 2,978 yards as a senior at Seton-LaSalle High outside of Pittsburgh. It was the most in the history of an 87-year-old conference, surpassing the totals of legends such as Johnny Lujack, George Blanda, Joe Namath, Terry Hanratty, Joe Montana and Dan Marino.
OUT OF BOUNDS
Seems A-Rod can't do anything right in New York. Now the president of the Staten Island Little League is ripping the Yanks slugger for not donating money to help send his team to the Little League World Series. "He plays a $1,000 a hand in poker, he might as well throw $1,000 in our dugout," league president Bob Johnson told the New York Post. "I don't want Yankees owner George Steinbrenner's money. I want A-Rod's money. He's making $20-million a year." As for Steinbrenner donating $5,000, Johnson said, "For Steinbrenner, $5,000 is throwing dollar bills in the air."
FACEOFF
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Which do you prefer: college football or pro football, and why?
Send your comment (100 words or less) with your name, age and hometown to sptsnews@sptimes.com Or vote in our online poll at sports.tampbay.com.
SPORTSRANT
Readers, respond to the question: It really drives me crazy when . . .
. . . we have to keep hearing and reading about steroid use in baseball. Investigate, prosecute, then report -but enough is enough with the speculation.
Jack V. Saccente, 46, Palm Harbor
To respond to Sportrant, e-mail us at sptsnews@sptimes.com Please include your name, age and hometown.
QUOTABLE
Blue Jays manager John Gibbons, telling TSN.ca that he didn't go into the dugout tunnel to confront pitcher Ted Lilly on Monday night:
"I went to (go to the bathroom). I do that six times a game."
