Gary Shelton
Time is now for answers at USF
As athletic programs go, this one always used to be so, well, cute.

Bucs/NFL
Bucs make M. Jones starter at right end
TAMPA -- Not long ago, Marcus Jones used to be the first player dashing out of the locker room following practice, a quick-change artist if their ever was one.

Lynch agent hopes to get deal soon
TAMPA -- The agent for John Lynch hopes to reach an agreement on a contract extension by the end of the week that will enable the two-time Pro Bowl safety to possibly finish his career in Tampa Bay.

Vance returns for second stint
TAMPA -- With Dexter Jackson injured and Shevin Smith released, the Bucs were about to enter the season with two veteran safeties, John Lynch and Damien Robinson, and two inexperienced backups, David Gibson and Lemar Marshall.

Around the NFC
Around the AFC

NFL briefs
Wife assaulted; Dillon arrested

Devil Rays/Baseball
Rays find just enough offense
Beating Boston 5-2 alleviates Tampa Bay's statistical woes.

Fiore endures long trip to big leagues
ST. PETERSBURG -- Until Sunday, Tony Fiore's baseball career included 285 games pitched, 56 wins and 28 saves -- none above Triple A.

Eiland gets chance to pitch vs. Pedro
ST. PETERSBURG -- Upon further review, today's starting pitcher will be Dave Eiland. Not Cory Lidle.

Bringing it all back home
Boston pitcher Rolando Arrojo returns to the stadium that once was his, and the city that still is. He's away from the Devil Rays but has more family here now.

Baseball briefs
Galarraga suspended, but appeals

Lightning
Lightning re-signs Primeau
Less than two weeks before the opening of training camp, the Lightning signed Wayne Primeau to a one-year contract Monday.

Preps
Coaches' key word -- hydration
Prep football players battle an old foe in heat exhaustion. The solution? Drink up.

Ritch's 4 TDs lead Shorecrest to win
Shorecrest traveled to Disney World for its preseason game Friday, waited out a 45-minute lightning delay and overcame a bad start and a bigger opponent to defeat Carbondale (Col.) Roaring Fork 34-20.

Former star returns to coach Canterbury
Lynne Walder, a Tampa lawyer who has never coached before, takes over a struggling team that has won just 19 games in three years.

Colleges
USF lawsuit doesn't surprise fired coach
Perri Hankins says the suit filed by a player is similar to her action against the school.

College sports briefs
Image still poor in college sports

Saint Leo suffers loss in school's first game
After being picked to finish last in the Sunshine State Conference by opposing coaches, the Saint Leo women's soccer team took the field Monday afternoon with plenty to prove.

Outdoors
Captain's corner
The term "maintenance free" should not be associated with saltwater tackle and equipment, which is not cheap. One rod and reel can cost from $80 to several hundred dollars.

Et cetera
Sports digest
Arena players approve contract

FSL
Fans bid minors adieu in St. Pete
Florida Power Park's longstanding regulars are on hand as FSL reign ends.

Big fourth spurs Clearwater
CLEARWATER -- The Phillies scored four runs in the seventh inning and beat the Jupiter Hammerheads 8-5 Monday at Jack Russell Stadium.

College football
Summer school daze
Kenny Clark paid his dues in the off-season, taking part in the legendary workouts of Vikings receiver Cris Carter. Now the UCF senior hopes to cash in on the hard work.

Rattlers get same ode from Billy Joe
Florida A&M coach Billy Joe has found his new mantra:

College football around the state
New coach, foe concern Leavitt

College football around the nation
Ga. Tech undecided about makeup game