Today's Top Sports Rumors......

Today's top NFL Rumors


How Chiefs leveraged Cassel trade

No doubt, this is going to be a tough sell to Patriots fans. Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs for a high second-round draft choice (34th overall, No. 2 in the round) looks like a fleece job. It isn't. Part of the reason is that the Patriots had little leverage from the start. Interested teams knew that the Patriots weren't dealing from strength, as it doesn't take a salary-cap wizard to realize that no team can survive in today's NFL with two quarterbacks counting $29.27 million against the cap. The Patriots needed to regain leverage by getting multiple teams into the bidding, and that's where this blackjack hand didn't work out as they hoped. Outside of the Chiefs, there was little realistic action on the market. Cassel alone for the 34th overall selection seemed like a fair deal, but Pioli knows all about leverage from his time with the Patriots. Getting Vrabel was shrewd work on his part. The Patriots can't feel great about losing the 33-year-old Vrabel, a team leader who was entering the final year of his contract. Although his play declined a bit last season (down from 12 1/2 sacks to 4), he still played 87 percent of the team's snaps and the total return of what he brings to a team - versatility, toughness, locker room leadership - is valuable. Yet, again, that was the risk the Patriots took in placing the franchise tag on Cassel.
Boston Globe


Saints interested in Tomlinson

Sources close to the situation have informed me that the New Orleans Saints are "looking closely" at San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson. The Saints would have a "high level of interest" if the Chargers were unable to come to terms on a new deal with Tomlinson.
National Football Post


Trade rumors upset Cutler

A frustrated Jay Cutler said he believes his days in Denver are numbered, and he feels betrayed. "My understanding at this point is they're trying to trade me," Cutler said Saturday. "We'll see where I end up at. I liked it here, I liked playing with these guys, but obviously they're not going to let me have that opportunity." A proposed deal had Tampa Bay trying to acquire Cutler in exchange for a first-round draft pick. In turn, the Broncos would have traded the first-round pick to New England in exchange for quarterback Matt Cassel. Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels was the Patriots' offensive coordinator last season when he helped guide Cassel, a career-long backup, to an 11-5 record and 89.4 passer rating that ranked 10th in the league. McDaniels said the team is not trying to trade Cutler. Cutler is skeptical.
Denver Post


Four teams on Housh's list

Standout free-agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh told the Cincinnati Bengals' team Web site today that he expects to make a decision on his future by Sunday night. Houshmandzadeh is scheduled to meet with the Minnesota Vikings today after departing Seattle, where he met with the Seahawks on Friday. Houshmandzadeh said it's still possible he might re-sign with the Bengals. He declined to discuss whether there are other teams he is interested in, confirming only the Bengals, Seahawks and Vikings. There's speculation among some analysts that he might not be able to command as much money as he believes, although he didn't discuss his asking price with the Bengals' Web site.
St. Paul Pioneer Press


Cardinals gambling with Warner?

It seemed outrageous when news of the 49ers interest in Kurt Warner broke yesterday. But the 49ers appear serious. The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reported that the 49ers are in the process of setting up a Monday visit for Warner. NFL sources confirmed to me that Warner is scheduled to visit on Monday. It will be fascinating to watch how this plays out. The Cardinals obviously don't believe there is a suitor willing to pay Warner more than the two-year, $20 million deal they are offering. If there is one, the Cardinals have to wonder if Warner would really be willing to leave the Cardinals, where he has an offense molded to his skills. It's a calculated but gamble, but a gamble, to be sure. If the Cardinals are wrong and Warner is willing to go, they are going to take some heat. People will compare it to the spring of 1999, when the Cardinals let a handful of key players leave via free agency because the players wanted too much money.
Arizona Republic


__________________________________________________________


Today's Top MLB Rumors


Schilling to Cubs or Rays?

Pitcher Curt Schilling, who is mulling a comeback, told the Orlando Sentinel that he would consider playing for a championship-caliber team such as the Rays or Cubs. Schilling, 42, last pitched for the Red Sox in 2007 en route to his third World Series title. He missed all of last season and had shoulder surgery in the summer. He told the Sentinel money wouldn't be a huge issue and he'd look for a contender that has yet to win a title. "The challenge would be in a place like Tampa Bay or Chicago," he said.
St. Petersburg Times


Red Sox not interested in Pedro

This offseason, the Red Sox took chances on two veteran starting pitchers coming off injuries, signing John Smoltz and Brad Penny to low-risk deals and hoping for high rewards. But earlier this week, the club showed it had no interest in signing a third: Pedro Martinez. Baseball sources said Martinez' representatives approached the Red Sox earlier this week to determine if the club was a possible fit for the 37-year-old right-hander. Martinez pitched brilliantly for the Sox for seven seasons (1998-2004), posting a record of 117-37, and winning two American League Cy Young awards. With a five-man rotation set, Smoltz aiming for a June 1 return, and prized young arms such as Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden providing depth, the Sox said they had no room for Martinez.
Boston Herald


Astros, Marlins interested in Pudge

The Astros had some interest in Pudge Rodriguez, but owner Drayton McLane isn't going to ante up until he exhausts every cheaper option in the organization. Rodriguez will get a chance to display his skills in the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico. While he's considered a good teammate and still a good backstop, Rodriguez is not considered the mentoring type, which is one reason teams with younger catchers have shied away. The Marlins still appear the best fit.
Boston Globe


__________________________________________________________


Today's Top NBA Rumors


Surprise free-agent buyout?

There was some growing chatter within NBA circles Saturday that another and more high-profile forward could also become a free agent via a buyout on Sunday. One source said the name would "surprise" a lot of people if it can get done and the Cavs would likely be interested.
Cleveland Plain Dealer


Bosh: Shaq cheated way to 45 points

Toronto's Chris Bosh had an explanation for how Shaquille O'Neal scored 45 points: He cheated. "He was just camping down in the lane," Bosh said Friday night, after O'Neal's biggest scoring night in six years led Phoenix to a 133-113 victory over the Raptors. "I mean, if they're not calling three seconds - I thought it was a rule, but I guess not."
Arizona Republic


Rockets-Clippers deal fell apart

Before the Rockets sent Rafer Alston to Orlando at the trade deadline, there was a deal on the table that could have sent Clippers guard Baron Davis to Houston for Alston and Ron Artest, according to an NBA source. Originally, the Rockets wanted Clippers center Marcus Camby but Los Angeles declined. The source said the Rockets' loss of Tracy McGrady to a knee injury just before the trade deadline killed the trade conversation with the Clippers.
Boston Globe


D'Antoni won't bark back at Barkley

Mike D'Antoni chose not to get into a verbal firefight with Charles Barkley over the TNT analyst's comment that D'Antoni's Phoenix teams played "sissy ball." "I have my thoughts, but I'm not going to say anything," D'Antoni said before the Knicks played the Heat Saturday night. "I don't win with that one. He gets to talk every day, I don't. So I'll let that one go." D'Antoni did acknowledge that it's not the first time that Barkley has ripped his style of play. When D'Antoni coached the Suns, Barkley, a Phoenix-area resident, used to criticize the Suns' lack of defense. "More than once," D'Antoni said, laughing. "But that's his deal. He's an entertainer." Thursday night, Barkley went after D'Antoni ball again when he discussed the Knick coach's former team during a Suns-Lakers telecast. "Just for the record (former Suns coach) Terry Porter got the shaft," Barkley said. "They brought him in to make the team play defense, but the players gave up, they did not want to play defense. As a player, players want to play like this. The great teams always play defense, but most players just want to run up and down the court. The Suns have played sissy ball for the last few years. It's fun to watch, it's exciting, but they don't have those types of players (who can play defense)."
New York Daily News


__________________________________________________________


Today's Top NHL Rumors


Isles sending Guerin to contender

As exciting as the Islanders' 2-0 shutout of Buffalo was last night at the Coliseum, the greater drama occurred moments before faceoff when captain Bill Guerin was not on the bench after skating during warm-ups. That was the first tip-off of a trade expected to be announced today. A source close to Guerin, who recently agreed to waive his no-trade clause for a deal sending him to an Eastern Conference playoff contender, said the Islanders had a deal in place that awaited only his approval. The source called his no-show a "precautionary scratch" and indicated he will make his decision this morning. Another source with ties to Guerin indicated only that the team is not Boston or the Devils. Among the remaining contenders, Carolina and Buffalo have plenty of cap room to accommodate the remaining $1.025 million on Guerin's salary, and Montreal is in that approximate ballpark, as are the Rangers. An Islanders spokesman said the team will issue a statement today.
New York Newsday


Bruins don't like Ducks' demands

Chris Pronger remains the most intriguing defenseman rumored on the market. The Ducks' acquisition of Ryan Whitney now points to their dealing the towering Pronger, but GM Bob Murray's asking price no doubt would include Phil Kessel (the Bruins won't entertain any David Krejci talk), a prospect (Zach Hamill?), and a draft pick. If Marco Sturm hadn't blown out a knee, the Bruins could consider a Kessel-for-Pronger swap, even with the age disparity (Kessel is 13 years younger). The cap era has convinced most GMs that the chances to win a Stanley Cup are fleeting and few. The idea of dealing a 21-year-old for a 34-year-old would have seemed heretical not long ago, but the Bruins have a legit shot this season. Pronger would improve their chances. Not to mention how their chances would diminish if he were to end up in New Jersey or Washington.
Boston Globe


Wild's Backstrom to Capitals?

The Minnesota Wild could be ready to deal goaltender Niklas Backstrom. Two NHL executives told Sun Media that the Wild might deal Backstrom before Wednesday's trade deadline rather than risk losing him for nothing as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Minnesota GM Doug Risebrough is trying to get the 31-year-old Backstrom, who is making $3.1 million US this season, signed to a long-term contract, but league sources say Risebrough has investigated what they might be able to get in return. The Capitals are at the top of the list of potential suitors.
Toronto Sun


Six teams interested in Jokinen

The Calgary Flames are looking at dealing for Phoenix center Olli Jokinen. He has a strong relationship with Calgary coach Mike Keenan from their days together in Florida. Calgary was in the mix to land Jokinen before he was dealt to the Coyotes last summer. Edmonton, Columbus, Minnesota, Montreal and Vancouver are also interested.
Toronto Sun


Lightning shopping stars?

The Lightning are rumored to be dangling Ryan Malone, but it also wouldn't be a surprise to see them dish veteran winger Martin St. Louis, who turns 34 in June and has two more years left on his deal with a hefty cap hit of $5.25 million. If Malone and St. Louis aren't moved, look for rumors once more to circulate prior to July 1 that the Bolts will entertain offers for Vincent Lecavalier. After July 1, the Big Vin's contract (11 years/$85 million) converts to a no-trade.
Boston Globe


__________________________________________________________


Today's Top MMA Rumors


UFC gambling on Akiyama

The Ultimate Fighting Championship's signing of Yoshihiro Akiyama represents a significant business first -- the first time a true native top-level drawing card from Japan has signed with a foreign mixed martial arts organization. There have been plenty of Japanese fighters in UFC over the years, including Caol Uno, a legitimate lightweight contender in the early days of the division (who is set to return to UFC in June); Yushin Okami, a top middleweight contender; and even Kazuhiko Nakamura came in after the PRIDE purchase in 2007. But Uno, while somewhat of a name fighter in Japan today, was not any kind of crossover star. Okami was an unknown fighter except to hardcore fans. Nakamura was known as a PRIDE regular. But he was a mid-carder, and it was joked that when PRIDE came to the U.S. for the first time before it folded, the American fans thought Nakamura was a bigger deal than anyone in Japan did. He only lasted a few fights with UFC before being sent packing.
Yahoo! Sports