Great expectations [Times photo: Toni L. Sandys] Rain, dropped passes fail to dampen optimistic attitudes during the Bucs' opening practices.

Bucs
Robinson out with bad hamstring
TAMPA -- It took less than half an hour for the Bucs to suffer their first casualty of training camp.

McDaniel helps Sapp hone skills
TAMPA -- Twice a season, Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp would look across the line of scrimmage at the one player in the NFL he uses as a measuring stick.

Pro basketball
Dawkins takes on tall task
The 7-footer, best known as a free spirit with funky names for dunks, embraces coaching.

College football
Amato aims for glory after FSU
The ex-FSU football assistant brings his enthusiasm for winning to his alma mater, N.C. State.

League coaches consider ACC awesome
HOT SPRINGS, Va. -- In what has become a rite of summer, ACC football coaches passionately point out the impressive statistics that reflect the nine-team league's strength.

Devil Rays
Rays' Lopez makes Tigers, casino pay
The Tampa Bay pitcher has another strong outing, not to mention a profitable day at the blackjack table, in a 4-2 victory over Detroit.

Simulated game No.7 for Saunders
DETROIT -- Tony Saunders is tired of faking it.

Outdoors
Captain's Corner
Are the kids sitting around the house looking for something to do? Plan a fishing trip. The trip does not have to be complicated, and you might end up getting the kids hooked on a lifelong hobby.

Motorsports
For Wallace, less change pays off
Rusty Wallace's road to victory in the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway didn't start with the green flag Sunday.

Mutiny
All-Star voting angers Diallo
Mamadou Diallo has never heard of Rodney Dangerfield, but he knows what it's like to get no respect.

Preps
Nothside star chases spot on Team USA
Lastings Milledge has a return plane ticket from Houston on Friday, but he hopes he doesn't have to use it.

Bringing refs together might resolve squabble
Is a 3-year-old grudge preventing Pinellas County from using the best basketball officials?