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Flynn, LSU Humble Miami in Peach Bowl (AP)
 AP - Matt Flynn did so well in his first start, the Peach Bowl turned into 60 minutes of fun for No. 10 LSU. What happened after the game wasn't nearly so nice. Flynn threw two touchdown passes, Joseph Addai rushed for 130 yards and the Tigers humbled No. 9 Miami, even running a couple of fake kicks in a 40-3 rout Friday that marked the Hurricanes' most-lopsided bowl loss ever.
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Onside Kick Returns Key as UCLA Wins (AP)
 AP - Brandon Breazell returned two onside kicks for touchdowns and Drew Olson recovered from an awful first quarter by throwing three TD passes, leading No. 17 UCLA to a 50-38 win over Northwestern in the Sun Bowl on Friday.
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Saints to Return to Louisiana in 2006 (AP)
 AP - Saints receiver Joe Horn is looking forward to playing in Louisiana next season. That's one of the few clear things about the team's return.
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Report: U.S. Coach Accused of Harassment (AP)
 AP - U.S. Olympic women's skeleton coach Tim Nardiello has been accused of sexual harassment since 2002 by some members of the team, The New York Times reported on its Web site Friday night.
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Wizards Still Trying to Beat the Heat (AP)
 AP - The Wizards know that one day they will figure out a way to beat the Heat. "We're going to beat them," said Gilbert Arenas, who had a career-high 47 points Friday night in Washington's 128-113 loss — Miami's 14th straight win in the series.
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Browns' President Denies Plan to Fire GM (AP)
AP - Browns president John Collins denied Friday that the club was planning to fire general manager Phil Savage, who was hired less than a year ago to help fix Cleveland's floundering franchise.
NBA Today (AP)
AP - Philadelphia at Utah (8 p.m. EST). The 76ers are 2-1 on a 15-day, seven-game trip.
Arizona Signs Byrnes to $2.25 Million Deal (AP)
AP - Outfielder Eric Byrnes has agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with Arizona and promises to bring energy and enthusiasm to the Diamondbacks.
U.S. Captain Reyna Out at Least Six Weeks (AP)
 AP - U.S. national team captain Claudio Reyna has a broken ankle and will be sidelined for at least six more weeks.
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Hockey Today (AP)
AP - Los Angeles at Dallas (8 p.m. EST). The Kings lead the second-place Stars by a point in the Pacific Division.
Giving a low five
The Reggie Bush sweepstakes could end up in a five-way tie with the Texans and 49ers not holding the No. 1 pick.
Saints will return to Louisiana in 2006 (AP)
Saints receiver Joe Horn is looking forward to playing in Louisiana next season. That's one of the few clear things about the team's return. "There were guys that didn't want to go back -- the majority probably didn't want to go back," Horn said Friday, "but I can't wait to get back because its home." While it now seems certain the Saints will return to Louisiana in 2006, exactly when and where...
Savage still GM of Browns (AP)
Browns president John Collins denied Friday that the club was planning to fire general manager Phil Savage, who was hired less than a year ago to help fix Cleveland's floundering franchise. Collins, though, wasn't as adamant when asked if Savage would resign. "I don't think so," he said. "Phil is raw about what happened, and understandably so." ESPN.com reported Friday that Savage, Baltimore's...
TE Shockey, LB Torbor out for Giants (AP)
Tight end Jeremy Shockey and linebacker Reggie Torbor will sit out the New York Giants' game at Oakland on Saturday because of injury. Both players were hurt in last week's 35-20 loss to Washington. Shockey injured his ankle, and Torbor aggravated a hamstring injury. Neither practiced this week, and both had been listed as questionable as recently as Thursday.
Rams broadcaster Snow critically ill (AP)
Former Rams receiver and current broadcaster Jack Snow was in critical condition Friday with a staph infection. The 62-year-old Snow was at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Hospital spokesman Jason Merrill said he could not discuss details of the illness. Rams spokesman Duane Lewis said Snow became ill in November.
Jags' Leftwich a gametime decision (AP)
The Jacksonville Jaguars will wait until gametime Sunday before deciding whether quarterback Byron Leftwich will return to the lineup against the Tennessee Titans. Leftwich, out since breaking his left ankle Nov. 27, returned to practice this week. "Byron has progressed well during the week and was a little better each day," coach Jack Del Rio said Friday.
Brunell practices, likely to start (AP)
Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs expects quarterback Mark Brunell to start against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Brunell sprained his right knee in last week's victory over the New York Giants, but he practiced Friday for the second straight day. "Mark took most of the script and looked good," Gibbs said.
Dungy rejoins Colts after son's death (AP)
Tony Dungy is ready to get back to football. After spending a week mourning the death of his 18-year-old son, James, Dungy's surprise arrival Thursday at the Indianapolis Colts' practice complex triggered a swell of emotions. "I wanted to get back as soon as possible, but I also wanted to make sure my wife and kids were OK," Dungy said after running his first practice since the tragedy.
Bengals extend Palmer's deal through '14 (AP)
Soon after he arrived from Southern California in 2003, quarterback Carson Palmer decided he had found the perfect place to settle down and spend a career. Now, there's no reason to leave. The Cincinnati Bengals reworked and extended Palmer's contract on Thursday, giving themselves more salary cap flexibility and a chance to keep their franchise quarterback through 2014.
Colts' Harrison likely to return Sunday (AP)
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison likely will return to the Indianapolis Colts' starting lineup for the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Running back Edgerrin James might get the day off. Harrison missed last week's 28-13 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks with a broken bone in his right hand that he hurt against San Diego two weeks ago.
Eastern Conference equals
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Pistons showed they can beat the Heat, but Miami is just as capable of defeating Detroit.
Wade, Heat overcome Arenas, Wizards (AP)
Even a career-high 47 points from Gilbert Arenas couldn't prevent the same old result. For the 14th time in a row, the Miami Heat beat the Washington Wizards. Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal made their usual contributions to the 128-113 victory Friday night, but a new face in the one-sided rivalry made his presence known.
Kobe gets 2-game ban for elbowing Miller (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was suspended for two games without pay Friday for elbowing Mike Miller of the Memphis Grizzlies in the throat. Bryant was called for a flagrant foul for elbowing Miller with 8:24 remaining in the fourth quarter in Wednesday night's 100-99 overtime loss to the Grizzlies.
Carter keeps Nets streaking (AP)
The New Jersey Nets have six days off to savor their current eight-game winning streak. In a scheduling quirk, the Nets don't play again until they host Orlando on Jan. 6. Vince Carter scored 37 points and reserve guard Jacque Vaughn had six late in the fourth quarter to give the Nets a 99-91 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
Davis' last-second jumper lifts Warriors (AP)
From 1999-2004, the Dallas Mavericks dominated the Golden State Warriors, winning 20 straight matchups. The last six meetings have been a different story, however, with the Warriors taking three. Baron Davis was Golden State's latest hero against Dallas, scoring a season-high 34 points, including the go-ahead basket with .5 seconds left, for a 111-109 victory on Friday night.
Miller, Gasol lead Grizzlies (AP)
The Memphis Grizzlies' big victory was dampened by an even bigger loss. Guard Damon Stoudamire ruptured his right patellar tendon and left the court on a stretcher in the Memphis Grizzlies' 93-90 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. "We just lost a big, big part of the heart of this team by losing Damon," said coach Mike Fratello.
Stoudamire ruptures tendon in his knee (AP)
Memphis guard Damon Stoudamire ruptured a tendon in his knee and left the court on a stretcher in the Grizzlies' 93-90 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Stoudamire will undergo surgery pending an examination by team doctors in Memphis and will likely miss the rest of the season, said team spokeswoman Stacey Mitch.
Nelson helps Magic win third straight (AP)
Orlando Magic coach Brian Hill knows his team's three-game winning streak is just the nature of the NBA. The Magic beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 107-87 on Friday night, ending a six-game homestand 3-3. Orlando had lost nine of its last 11 before its current winning streak. "It's funny how this league goes," Hill said.
Injury-riddled Kings edge Celtics (AP)
Kenny Thomas sometimes felt ignored by the Sacramento Kings this season, so he's filling a hole in their injury-depleted lineup both with points and attitude. So is young Kevin Martin -- and even inconsistent Mike Bibby has been steady when the Kings need him most. Bibby had 33 points and 10 assists, Thomas added a season-high 29 points and the injury-depleted Kings finished a dismal December with...
House leads Suns past Bobcats (AP)
When the Charlotte Bobcats couldn't find enough playing time for Eddie House, the guard told them he wanted out. Charlotte complied with his wishes, waiving House last season while they finalized a trade for Kareem Rush. House made the Bobcats pay for that decision on Friday night, scoring 12 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 110-100 victory over Charlotte.
Power rankings
An explosive week returns Ottawa to the top spot in the year-end Yahoo! Sports NHL Power Rankings.
Alfredsson, DiPietro hurt in Sens' win (AP)
Bryan Smolinski was still standing and able to cap Ottawa's comeback over the New York Islanders. Smolinski scored with 1:46 left in the third period of the injury-filled game to give Ottawa a 4-3 win Friday night. Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson scored his 25th goal in the first period before leaving with a rib injury in the second after he was hit by Zdeno Chara's slap shot.
Sabres' G Miller 4-0 since return (AP)
Four nights ago, Ryan Miller's teammates picked him up following a shaky start. Miller returned the favor Friday. Miller, who allowed three first-period goals to the New York Islanders in Buffalo's 6-3 come-from-behind win on Monday, made 34 saves to help lift the Sabres to a 4-1 win over the Atlanta Thrashers Friday night.
Joe Thornton, Ekman help Sharks end skid (AP)
Joe Thornton lost three teeth but he never lost his sense of humor. He took a stick in his mouth in the third period, but didn't miss a shift, scoring two goals to help the San Jose Sharks end a four-game losing streak with a 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night. "It was only three but it could have been five" teeth, Thornton said.
Nieuwendyk, Luongo lead Panthers (AP)
Roberto Luongo still has the perfect approach to stopping penalty shots. Joe Nieuwendyk scored twice and Luongo stopped Alex Kovalev's penalty shot with 2:57 left, preserving the Florida Panthers' 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night. The Panthers are unbeaten at home in regulation in their last six games (5-0-1), and have 12 of their 15 overall wins on home ice.
Smyth converts PS, Oilers top Predators (AP)
Ryan Smyth's deft hands helped Edmonton get back on track. Smyth made a nifty move to beat Nashville goalie Tomas Vokoun on a penalty shot and give the Oilers a 4-2 win over the Predators on Friday night. "I got lucky, I guess," said Smyth, who lifted a capacity crowd of 16,839 to its feet with his team-leading 16th goal.
Bergeron, Toivonen lift Bruins by Tampa (AP)
Patrice Bergeron took advantage of a breakaway attempt to make Hannu Toivonen's effort stand up. Bergeron scored a tiebreaking, short-handed goal with 11:49 left and Hannu Toivonen made 31 saves to help the Boston Bruins beat the Lightning 2-1 Friday night. Bergeron made several stickhandling moves before beating Sean Burke.
Sabres' Briere to have hernia surgery (AP)
Sabres center Daniel Briere has been diagnosed with a sports hernia and will have surgery in Montreal early next week. Briere is expected to be out until April. He had an ultrasound scan in Toronto on Friday that confirmed the sports hernia. He was examined on Thursday by Montreal Canadiens team physician Dr.
Nash helps Jackets win third straight (AP)
Rick Nash and Nikolai Zherdev staked Columbus to a big lead and goalie Marc Denis helped them hang on. The Blue Jackets took a three-goal lead in the first period, then got 41 saves from Denis to make it hold up to earn their third straight victory, 3-2 over Chicago on Friday night. Nash and Zherdev each had a goal and an assist, and Dan Fritsche also scored for Columbus.
No. 1 picks Crosby, Fleury lead Penguins (AP)
The No. 1 draft pick is playing even better than the Pittsburgh Penguins expected, giving them hope in a season that has been a lost cause almost from the start. Sidney Crosby, for sure -- but also goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, the No. 1 pick in 2003 who was supposed to be the Penguins' future before Crosby arrived this year.
Offseason capsules: Said, Bliss, Wimmer, Kvapil
Yahoo! Sports breaks down the '06 Cup field as the season-opening Daytona 500 approaches.
Auto Racing 2005: Stewart grows up amid youth movement (SportsTicker)
MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (Ticker) - In a season where youth was not only served it was showcased, Tony Stewart topped the auto racing headlines by simply growing up.
NASCAR to restructure regional tours in 2007 (SportsTicker)
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (Ticker) - NASCAR announced Wednesday that it will restructure its regional touring series divisions beginning in 2007.
Legge completes Champ Car test (AP)
Katherine Legge spent two days this week testing a Champ Car to see if she's ready to become the first female driver in the open-wheel series. The 25-year-old Legge ran a total of 238 laps for PKV Racing on the road course in Sebring, Fla. It was just the second time in a Champ car for the British racer, who ran 70 laps at Sebring in a test for Rocketsports Racing on Dec.
Kyle Busch to run full season in NASCAR Busch Series in 2006 (SportsTicker)
CONCORD, North Carolina (Ticker) - Despite making a splash in his first season on NASCAR's premier series, Kyle Busch has some unfinished business in the Busch Series.
Judge: Speedway lawsuit against NASCAR will stay in Kentucky (AP)
A federal judge has ruled that Kentucky Speedway's $400 million antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR will be heard in Kentucky and not moved to a Florida court.
Talladega Superspeedway to get first repaving since 1979 (AP)
Talladega Superspeedway will be repaved next year, the first time since 1979, and several drivers say they're looking forward to a smoother ride.
NASCAR champ to drive midget races under his own name (AP)
Tony Stewart will drive a midget car again, and won't try to fool anybody. The two-time NASCAR champion will drive in a pair of U.S. Auto Club indoor midget car races at Fort Wayne, where he won a 60-lap feature a year ago under an assumed name in an old junker he bought during a poker game the night before.
Iowa Speedway project gets more financing (AP)
NEWTON, Iowa - An Iowa-based construction company said it has obtained the financing to complete construction of...
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