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Peyton Manning is officially a Bronco as he agrees to 5 years and 96 million.
DE Marc Anderson has agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills
Report: Saints Coach Sean Payton Suspended for One Year due to Bounty Hunt, Saints Also Fined, Lose Draft Picks
The Tebow trade is getting better Jets have given up a 4th, 6th and 7th round pick for Tim Tebow!
DE Kamerion Wimbley says he received interest from the Patriots, Bengals, Seahawks and Packers before signing with the Titans.
The 49ers have agreed to terms with QB Alex Smith.
Patriots LG Logan Mankins underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL after the Super Bowl.
One source tells Reiss that Mankins played through the partial ACL tear, not realizing the extent of the injury. Already considered one of the toughest players in the game, Mankins was listed on the injury report with a "knee" going back to Week 16. Although the Pats are hoping for a training camp return, veteran Robert Gallery has been brought in for insurance. The good news is that the ligament may not have been 100 percent torn, and linemen often return at a faster rate than skill-position players.
Spring Training News
Mel Parnell, the winningest left-hander in Red Sox history, died Tuesday after battling cancer, according to reports from his hometown of New Orleans.
Parnell spent his entire 10-year career with Boston, pitching for the Sox from 1947 to 1956. His best season was 1949, when he was 25-7 with a 2.77 ERA. Parnell led the American League in wins and complete games (27), and started the All-Star Game.
Daniel Bard yielded three runs across five innings Tuesday night against the Blue Jays.
Bard allowed three hits while walking three and striking out a pair. While he was pretty shaky early on, he retired the final eight hitters he faced and 12 out of the last 14. Still, he has an underwhelming 10/6 K/BB ratio over 12 2/3 innings this spring and Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine admitted after the game that the walks are a concern.
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Sports News 3-19-2012
Cincinnati advances to sweet 16 for first time since 2001 with a 62-56 victory over Florida State
Kansas comes from 11 down in the 2nd half too eliminate Purdue 63-60 in the exceptional 32 round.
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According to the Denver Post, the Dolphins are currently negotiating a contract with free agent Alex Smith that would pay him $8 million annually.
The Dolphins are so desperate, after losing out on Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn, that they're now willing to significantly overpay a borderline NFL starter at near the level of franchise quarterback money.
The New England Patriots reach agreements with WR Brandon Lloyd and WR Anthony Gonzalez
Matt Flynn has agreed to terms with Seattle on a 3-yr contract worth up to $26M w/$10M guaranteed.
Wilmington defeats franklin 3-2 in division 2 hockey state championship
Hudson defeats Medway in high school hockey division 3 championship
Burlington defeated Milton 6-2 in Division 1 Championship
Division 3A Groton-Dunstable defeats South Hadley 4-3
In the Division 1A Championship Malden Mauls B.C. High 3-1
Boys Division 1 Basketball State Final Springfield Central over Brockton 67-46, First state title since 91 back in day of Travis Best
Girls Division 1 State Final Andover over Holyoke 61-45
Carl Crawford (wrist) took swings Friday for the first time since his setback earlier this month.
Crawford took 15 swings with both hands and told Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe that he felt fine. The setback was caused by pushing himself too soon, so the Red Sox will be extra careful this time around. He's expected to begin the season on the disabled list.
Is BountyGate worse than SpyGate?
By: Jess Dempsey
First there was SpyGate. Now comes something worse – BountyGate. Worse because it involved a ‘pay for performance’ scheme that rewarded New Orleans Saints defensemen when they injured a player from an opposing team.
The NFL is confirming that between 22 and 27 players and at least one assistant coach for the Saints had a bounty pool of up to $50,000 during the last three seasons to ‘reward’ players who inflicted injuries on opposing team’s players. Two of the players with the highest ‘bounty’ rewards were Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. There were varying amounts depending on the injury – knockouts being worth $1,500 and cart-offs worth $1,000 with payments doubling and tripling during the playoffs.
According to the league, the bounty program was administered by Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, with the express knowledge (and therefore implied consent) of head coach Sean Payton.
Williams apparently had a similar system while working for the Washington Redskins as their defensive coordinator. Former Redskin Matt Bowen said in a column for the Chicago Tribune on Friday that he didn’t regret taking part in the bounty program because it was the team’s way “to extra-motivate.”
Former Bills safety Coy Wire told The Buffalo News that Williams also promoted the bounty program while he coached at Buffalo, telling the paper that there was “financial compensation” for inflicting injuries on opposing teams’ players. “[Hurting an opponent] was commended and encouraged” he went on to say.
Tom Benson, owner of the Saints, was apparently aware of the bounty program and ordered team general manager Mickey Loomis to halt it, which he failed to do. Sean Payton, a coach who is often revered for his sportsmanship and class, also failed to stop the program despite first-hand knowledge of its existence. This does not bode well for the reputation of the New Orleans Saints administration.
Damien Woody tweeted:
@damienwoody: This ‘bounty’ program happens all around the league…not surprising
@damienwoody: The bigger question w/ this ‘bounty’ issue is…..WHO SNITCHED?!?!
Those who are quick to dismiss the pay-for injury bounty program would do well to remember their stance on the Patriots’ involvement in SpyGate. Many sources confirmed that multiple teams in the NFL taped the signals of other teams without their knowledge, but the Patriots were just the first to ‘get caught.’ While against NFL league rules, SpyGate did not involve willful and malicious injury to other human beings for a small payday.
ProFootballChick has learned that the Redskins will now be investigated for their bounty programs as well. Commissioner Roger Goodell sent the following memo to the league’s owners:
As you know, league rules have long prohibited payment of non-contract bonuses — often referred to as “bounties.” These payments are prohibited whether offered generally, or in the context of a particular game or a player’s performance against a particular team. Such payments are contrary to rules relating to player contracts and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and present a serious threat to the integrity of the game.
A particularly damaging form of bounty payment involves targeting an opposing player and offering payments for acts directed against that player.
Our office will shortly issue a press release based on the attached confidential report setting forth the key findings of a lengthy investigation into allegations that players on the New Orleans Saints violated the bounty rule during the 2009-11 seasons, and did so with the knowledge and assistance of certain members of the coaching staff.
These allegations first arose during the playoffs following the 2009 season. Despite a prompt response, NFL Security could not substantiate the allegations, in part because players declined to provide any information. During the latter part of the 2011 season, we received additional information that led us to reopen the investigation.
Over the past three months, our staff has reviewed some 18,000 documents and conducted multiple interviews. The findings in the accompanying documents are corroborated by multiple independent sources.
The investigation established that Saints defensive players regularly contributed cash into a pool, from which players received cash payments for certain achievements, including interceptions, fumble recoveries, etc. But players also received cash payments for “knock-outs” and “cart-offs” — plays on which an opposing player was forced to leave the game. These cash awards were in the $1,000 to $1,500 range. Funds were also occasionally contributed by at least one assistant coach.
This conduct obviously has no place in our game and I intend to take all steps necessary to make sure that it stops immediately. Each owner should promptly review this matter with his coaching staff to make sure that this or any related impermissible activity is not taking place at his club.
Throughout this process, we have received the full cooperation of Saints owner Tom Benson. There is no information suggesting that club ownership knew of or approved these actions.
I will hold further proceedings before imposing discipline and will, of course, advise all clubs of any disciplinary action. We will discuss this matter at the upcoming Annual Meeting.
Any club with questions may contact Jeff Pash or me.
St. Paddy's Day Sports News
Happy St. Paddys day Ladies and Gentlemen, 
Well the luck of the Irish did not help the Celtics last night as right here on First Class Radio they got wooped by the Sacramento Kings 120-95, Marcus Thorton dropped 36 points on The C’s as with a chance to pull closer to the top of the division, The C’s were denied. With 22 games left to go in the season the Celtics currently hold the 7 seed in the eastern conference, only a game and a half back of the 4th seeded Philadelphia 76ers.
Yesterday was bracket buster Friday as St. Bonaventure, a small school out of New York and a 14th seed in the tournament took down 3 seeded Florida State 66-63.
11 seeded North Carolina State took down 6 seeded San Diego State 79-65
while, the most shocking game I believe took place in North Carolina as the 15 seeded Lehigh Mountain Hawks eliminated coach K. and the Duke Blue Devils 75-70. Oh and how about one more shocker from yesterdays March madness as Number 15 seeded Norfolk State out of Virginia knocked out 2 Seeded Missouri with an 86-84 win.
Also the last standing New England team was eliminated from the tournament as 16 seeded Vermont got man handled by the 1 seeded Tarheels of North Carolina 77-58. Your brackets are busted, New England is out time to route for the underdogs as Lehigh and Norfolk State advance.
NCAA Womens tournament kicks off today Prairie View A&M takes on Uconn at 1:30. 
Big Time Hockey Action coming your way all weekend from NHL, NCAA and MIAA
Today at 1pm the Bruins battle with the Flyers at the Garden and look to get back to winning as they have dropped 4 straight and are now the number 7 seed in the eastern conference. 
and The Hockey East Finals have been determined Boston College will take on Maine. B.C. beat Providence yesterday in the semi-finals 4-2, while the Night game featured Maine taking down Boston University 5-3.
Maine takes on Boston College in the Finals tonight at 8pm.
Sunday afternoon WMRC First Class Radio heads rink side at TD Garden as the Medway Mustangs battle Hudson at 1:30pm in the Boys Division 3 finals, followed by Wilmington VS Franklin at 3:30pm in the Boys Division 2 Finals right here on First Class Radio, coverage starts at 1:15pm on Sunday.
In Spring Training action the Minnesota Twins had a split squad and took down the Sox 2-1, John Lester went 4 not so good innings for the Sox and gave up 2 earned runs and 5 hits. 
In the Peyton Manning sweepstakes The Broncos and the 49ers appear to be the 2 finalists as Manning is scheduled to work out for both teams this weekend. The Broncos offered Manning a contract close to what he would have gotten with the Colts totaling about 90 million dollars and over 5 years.
NFL Free Agent Tracker and Sports News
98.5 The Sports Hub's Damon Amendolara was a special guest on the Sports Blast hear, D.A. talk some sports with us Thursday Night 8pm/et and next Wednesday (March 21st) at 7pm/et
The Big Ticket Kevin Garnett still has it, hits a clutch field goal with 5 seconds left, Boston Celtics over the Golden State Warriors 105-103
The Celtics have offered Paul Pierce to the Blazers, according to a report from ESPN. It is unclear who Boston sought in return.
Celtics and Kings have had conversations about forward J.J. Hickson
Celtics Forward Chris Wilcox out for the season due to Cardiac Condition
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Jaguars signed QB Chad Henne to a two-year contract.
Jaguars signed WR Laurent Robinson, formerly of the Cowboys, to a five-year, $32.5 million contract.
Chiefs agreed to terms with RB Peyton Hillis.
Comment from Facebook fan Jimmy: I don't understand this. They have Jamaal Charles coming back this year...
Craig: well, it makes sense a little, Cornell's the HC they have Brian Daboll as the OC, who saw Hillis's breakout year so we'll have to see.
The Patriots will 'likely" make an effort to bring back Jabar Gaffney if the Redskins cut him
Patriots signed DE Jonathan Fanene to a three-year contract.
The deal includes a $3.85 million signing bonus. Signing Fanene was reportedly the Patriots "first priority" after missing out on Red Bryant, and he'll likely be the team's starting left end in 2012
Patriots re-signed LB Niko Koutouvides to a one-year contract.
Two "unknown" teams are in on free agent BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and that the Patriots remain hopeful of re-signing him.
Brian Hoyer will explore his options around the league, trying to find a suitor who could make him a starter.
Patriots expect to re-sign Matt Slater
Eagles could soon agree to a long-term contract extension with LeSean McCoy.
Eagles re-signed franchise player DeSean Jackson to a five-year, $51 million contract.
Eagles agreed to terms with RE Trent Cole on a four-year contract extension worth a maximum of $53 million with $15 million guaranteed.
Broncos and Titans favorites to land free agent Peyton Manning.
It's looking "less and less likely" that the Colts will trade DE Dwight Freeney.
Colts signed WR Reggie Wayne to a three-year contract.
Cowboys signed QB Kyle Orton, formerly of the Chiefs, to a three-year contract.
Cowboys signed CB Brandon Carr to a five-year, $50.1 million contract
Vikings sign TE John Carlson to a 5 year, $25 Million dollar Deal
Detroit Lions signed WR Calvin Johnson to a 7 year $132 million dollar deal, $60 Million guaranteed essentially making Megatron a Lion for Life!
Rams agreed to terms with CB Cortland Finnegan on a five-year, $50 million contract, including $26.5 million in guarantees.
Free agent Mario Williams visiting Bills, they have a ton of money and run a 4-3 scheme, can easily sign him
Redskins agreed to terms with WR Pierre Garcon, Redskins also close to deal with WR Eddie Royal and have signed WR Josh Morgan
Free agent Vincent Jackson to the Bucs is done deal
THE 49ers have just signed RANDY MOSS to a 1 YEAR DEAL
Bears acquired WR Brandon Marshall from the Dolphins in exchange for two third-round draft picks.
Latest and Greatest Sports News
Friday March 9th 2012 A Brand New Edition of the Sports Blast at 7:30pm/et
With a $28 Million Dollar Bonus on the way and suffering a severe Neck Injury in 2011 that questions his future, The Indianapolis Colts were forced to released Peyton Manning Wednesday.
Teams in the running for Manning: Chiefs, Broncos, Redskins, Seahawks, Jets, Dolphins have all asked about the free agent Peyton Manning. Stay tuned to MSEN radio for the latest updates on Manning.
The Millis-Hopedale football co-op has not been disbanded by the MIAA, according to Millis athletic director Chuck Grant.
Grant has been asked by the MIAA to clarify how many players would be coming from Millis next season, and was told if the numbers he had given previously were accurate, it was likely that an extension of the co-op would be denied.
However, Grant said the numbers he had provided were the players who were varsity-eligible (10th grade or above), not those who were “varsity-capable” and would actually be on the varsity roster.
“Varsity-eligible is one thing, varsity-capable is another,” Grant said. “That’s where we’re at. We were at 20-24 (varsity-capable), then you bring in the Hopedale kids and it brings it to about 27. That’s where I’m at. … I’m very confident that this process hasn’t been completed yet and we’ll be OK.”
Grant made it clear that there has been no official declaration by the MIAA, and as such there is no appeal. Grant will provide the different numbers, and hopes to hear a decision by the middle of April.
The urgency will come when parents have to make decisions on where their son will attend school. A Hopedale parent with a football-playing son may not want to enroll at Hopedale High if there’s not an opportunity to play there.
If the program were discontinued, the current Hopedale players would be grandfathered in, but there was still angst among the team.
“Hopedale gets the opportunity to play football, and they get to keep people in their school district and play football,” Grant said.
Read Full Report on The Milford Daily News: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/local_sports/x413536312/Millis-Hopedale-football-co-op-not-disbanded#ixzz1odiKPrZa
Norman Miller of Milford Daily News Writes
A Winthrop man accused of shining a laser pointer into the eyes of a Medway-Ashland girls hockey team goalie during a playoff game last week now faces criminal charges.
Joseph Cordes, 42, will be summoned to court on a charge of disturbing the peace. He will be arraigned at East Boston District Court at a later date, Winthrop Police said.
Cordes is accused of shining a green laser pointer into the eyes of Medway-Ashland girls hockey players during a Division 1 playoff game against Winthrop on Feb. 29. Cordes’ daughter plays for Winthrop.
Witnesses saw Cordes using the laser pointer from the upper bleachers at Larsen Rink, police said. Cordes was kicked out of the arena after school officials saw what he was doing.
Medway-Ashland lost the game, 3-1. An appeal to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to challenge Winthrop’s victory was denied.
Police said Cordes’ actions were “disrupting the game play and eliciting a highly emotional reaction from players and parents alike.”
The charge of disturbing the peace is appropriate, Suffolk District Attorney spokesman Jake Wark said.
“The charge is based on an evaluation of the facts and evidence and the laws,” Cordes said.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x127283493/Hockey-father-charged-in-Medway-Ashland-laser-pointer-case#ixzz1odjWCK42
MIAA Ruling on APPEAL OF MEDWAY/ASHLAND GIRLS HOCKEY GAME DENIED
High School Sports Talk RETURNING THIS WEEK TIME TBD
The MIAA ruled the following on the Laser Pointer Controversy at the Medway/Ashland VS Winthdrop Hockey Game
www.miaa.net
MASSACHUSETTS INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
33 Forge Parkway Franklin, MA 02038
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY CONTACT: PAUL WETZEL
781-982-8899
APPEAL OF MEDWAY/ASHLAND GIRLS HOCKEY GAME DENIED
March 2, 2012
Mr. Richard Pearson
Principal
Medway High School
88 Summer Street
Medway, MA 02053
Dear Mr. Pearson,
Please be advised the MIAA is in receipt of your letter of appeal of the final results of the Medway vs. Winthrop Girls’ Ice Hockey game played February 29, 2012. While your advocacy for the Girls’ Ice Hockey team is appreciated and the extenuating circumstances you cite respected, Association members schools are obliged to honor the standards of the National Sport Code adopted by the membership. MIAA Girls’ Ice Hockey is governed by National Federation Ice Hockey Rules.
Section 3, Article a. of the National Federation Ice Hockey Rules reads, in part related to your appeal: “The referees shall have jurisdiction over the game upon entry on the ice prior to the game until the ice is cleared of contestants after the game. The referees shall enforce all rules and shall rule on situations not specifically covered by rule. In case of any dispute, the decision of the referees shall be final and there shall be no appeal.”
Accordingly, the MIAA affirms that the decision of the referees shall be final.
For your information the MIAA Assembly, acting on a recommendation of an Ad Hoc Committee appointed by Board of Directors, voted that all interscholastic athletic contest controversies would be resolved by the process identified by the rules of the relevant National Sport Code (cited above).
In closing, please know that the MIAA Ice Hockey Committee will consider this incident while reviewing standards to insure optimal tournament experiences for all.
Sincerely,
William N. Gaine, Jr.
Deputy Director
Jason Varitek Retires
By: Tom Nappi
Jason Varitek will announce his retirement Thursday, Varitek came up with the Red Sox in 1997 and never left as he spent all 15 years of his career with the Sox. He Played 1,546 games in a Red Sox uniform, had a career batting average of .256 with 193 Home Runs, 757 Runs Batted In, 306 Doubles, 14 Triples and 1307 hits in 5,099 At Bats, Varitek also had a .341 on base percentage and a .435 slugging percentage.
Fielding wise as a Red Sox catcher, Varitek was one of the best fielding catchers in Red Sox history with a .994 fielding percentage and only 69 errors in his 15 year career. Varitek also only had 105 passed balls with 25 of them coming in his first year as a full time catcher for the Red Sox with 25 passed balls.
Varitek was one of the greatest catchers in Red Sox history and should always be remembered as one of the heroes that brought home the World Series trophy in 2004 and 2007.
You Will Be Missed, Mr. Varitek and we hope to see you take on a coaching role very soon with the Boston Red Sox!
Tune into the Sports Blast Special Tuesday Edition Feb 28th as we pay tribute to one of the Red Sox Greats!