49ers Handle the Cardinals, Move to 4-7 in NFC West
It was all San Francisco Monday night. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 27-6, primarily behind the legs of Brian Westbrook. The 49ers RB filled in for an injured Frank Gore, and ran for 136 yards and 1 TD. San Francisco moves to 4-7, one game behind the Rams and Seahawks in the NFC West.
Andre Johnson, Cortland Finnegan Fined
Texans receiver Andre Johnson and Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan will not be suspended for their fourth-quarter fight during Houston's 20-0 win on Sunday. Instead, each player was fined $25,000 by the league. The NFL made the quick decision because of Houston's game Thursday night in Philadelphia. Both players could meet again when Houston visits Tennessee on December 19.
TCU to Join Big East Conference
It's official, TCU is leaving the Mountain West Conference to join the Big East. The Horned Frogs accepted a bid for full membership to become the 17th member of the Big East Conference, effective July 1, 2012. "Having BCS automatic-qualifying status was a priority for our football program and a great reward for the success we've had the last decade," TCU athletics director Chris Del Conte said in a statement.
LeBron James, Erik Spoelstra Meet
A productive talk among talent and coach in South Beach. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and LeBron James met Monday afternoon to address recent offensive struggles, prior to the team's 105-94 win over Washington. "I call these 'healthy conflicts,'" Spoelstra said. "I truly believe these are good for a team. As long as you can survive these, it'll make you stronger. It'll make your bond stronger."
Source: Yanks Want Jeter To Take 'Reality Potion'
Negotiations between the Yankees and Derek Jeter are at a standstill until Jeter and his agent, Casey Close, "drink the reality potion," according to a source close to the negotiations. A baseball industry executive, who has knowledge of both sides' positions, said the Yankees are not budging from the three-year, $45 million offer they made to Jeter earlier this month, nor has Jeter moved off his demand for a longer contract believed to be in the area of $23-$25 million per season.
Sources: Tulo Closes in on 10-Year Deal
The Colorado Rockies and All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki are nearing a mega-deal, which could keep "Tulo" with the team for the next ten years, according to sources. Tulowitzki is already signed through the 2013 season, with an option for 2014.
Duke Still No. 1; UConn Vaults Into Coaches Poll
There's no arguing that Duke is No. 1 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll and no doubt that Connecticut has moved into the Top 25. The Blue Devils received all first-place votes and the Huskies made an impressive jump into the rankings, moving in at No. 9 after winning the Maui Invitational.
Josh McDaniels Says Focus is on Fixes
Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels says he's focused on trying to salvage his team's 3-8 season, rather than worrying about losing his job. "It's not, you know, not my decision, not something that's in my control," McDaniels said of his job status. "I'm just going to worry about what I can focus on and try to control the things that I can control." Broncos owner Pat Bowlen told AOL Fanhouse that McDaniels will return as the team's coach next season.
Michigan AD Won't Push Up Evaluation
Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon is not changing his mind. Speculation about coach Rich Rodriguez's future won't cause Brandon to change his timetable for evaluating the football coach. The first-year AD said he won't do performance reviews of any of his coaches until their seasons -- not just the regular season -- are finished.
Note: The Elias Sports Bureau, ESPN Stats and Information group and The Associated Press contributed to this report.