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Champ Bailey Knocks Off Defending Champs (AP)
 AP - It took a Champ to knock off the champs, a crazy 100-yard sprint by Denver's star cornerback that helped the Broncos stop their long streak of playoff futility and bring the New England dynasty to an end.
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Seahawks Advance Without MVP Alexander (AP)
 AP - Minus the NFL MVP, the Seattle Seahawks still found a way to finally win a playoff game.
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Colts CB's Wife Held on Battery Charge (AP)
AP - Indianapolis Colts cornerback Nick Harper's wife was jailed Saturday night on charges of cutting him with a knife, a sheriff said.
Plummer Leads Broncos Past New England (AP)
 AP - Jake Plummer won't have to hear it anymore: the Denver Broncos won a playoff game with John Elway in the luxury suites and not on the field.
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Kwan Is Turin Bound; Cohen Wins 1st Title (AP)
 AP - Without ever putting her blades on the ice, Michelle Kwan made the U.S. figure skating team heading to the Turin Olympics — with conditions. While Sasha Cohen and Kimmie Meissner grabbed the other two slots with a 1-2 finish at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Saturday night, Kwan will have to prove she's fully recovered from a groin injury and capable of competing before she gets final clearance.
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Broncos dethrone Patriots (Reuters)
 Reuters - Champ Bailey intercepted a Tom Brady
pass in the endzone and returned it 100 yards to break open a
tight defensive battle in helping the Denver Broncos register a
27-13 victory over the New England Patriots on Saturday.
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Lakers Defeat Slumping Warriors 110-104 (AP)
 AP - Kobe Bryant scored 10 of his 38 points the final 4 1/2 minutes, and Smush Parker added a career-high 24 in the Los Angeles Lakers' 110-104 victory over the slumping Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.
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Wilson Agrees to One-Year Deal With Bucs (AP)
AP - Outfielder-first baseman Craig Wilson chose not to go to salary arbitration and agreed to a $3.3 million, one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.
Manchester City Beats 10-Man Man U. 3-1 (AP)
 AP - Manchester City beat crosstown rival Manchester United 3-1 Saturday in the English Premier League — the 145th time the two teams have played.
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Varada Helps Senators Edge Past Oilers 5-3 (AP)
 AP - Vaclav Varada scored twice and Dany Heatley added his team-leading 28th goal to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 5-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.
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End of an era
A mistake-filled playoff defeat to Denver made it official: The Patriots' dynasty is over.
Broncos end Patriots' championship run (AP)
It took a Champ to knock off the champs. Huffing, puffing, sprinting down the sideline, Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey made the interception that put an end to Denver's years of playoff misery and finished off New England's dominating dynasty. The record shows that Bailey got caught and knocked down at the 1-yard line after his 100-yard return Saturday night.
Seahawks minus MVP Alexander beat 'Skins (AP)
His head pounding and his day over, Shaun Alexander walked off the field at halftime and flashed the "OK" sign. He was right. Despite losing the NFL MVP to an early concussion, the Seattle Seahawks ended their 21-year playoff drought Saturday by beating the Washington Redskins 20-10 behind Matt Hasselbeck and a stout defense.
MVP Alexander should play in title game (AP)
After Shaun Alexander told enough people he felt fine, all eventually became right with the Seattle Seahawks. The NFL MVP missed the last three-plus quarters of the Seahawks' 20-10 playoff win over the Washington Redskins on Saturday after sustaining a concussion. For a while, his injury was the only downer to soaring Seattle winning its first playoff game since 1984.
Broncos' Plummer ends Pats' dynasty (AP)
All the Denver Broncos were sick of hearing about it, none more than Jake Plummer. Until Saturday night, the Broncos hadn't won a playoff game without John Elway since he retired. After two excruciating losses at Indianapolis in his first two seasons in Denver, Plummer was efficient if not spectacular in Denver's 27-13 win over New England in the AFC divisional playoffs.
Bills GM Levy says he won't coach team (AP)
Buffalo Bills general manager Marv Levy clarified Saturday that he's not a candidate for the vacant coaching job, while Jim Haslett and the team have had preliminary contact about the post. "I want to say unequivocally that I am here to serve as the general manager/football operations," Levy said in a statement on the team's Web site.
Wife of Colts' CB Nick Harper jailed (AP)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Nick Harper's wife was jailed Saturday night on charges of cutting him with a knife, a sheriff said. Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Carter said Daniell Harper, 31, was being held without bond on charges of battery with a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness. Nick Harper was treated for a knee injury at St.
Uncharacteristic errors end Pats season (AP)
Tom Brady threw a costly interception. Adam Vinatieri missed a big kick. Troy Brown muffed a fourth-quarter punt. With the Patriots unable to rely on their most reliable players, New England's two-year reign as NFL champions ended Saturday night with a 27-13 loss to the opportunistic Denver Broncos. The Patriots lost three fumbles, two interceptions and a pivotal replay challenge.
Seahawks WR Jackson has big game (AP)
Even though he missed nine games after knee surgery and caught nine passes once he returned, Seahawks receiver Darrell Jackson never lost his confidence. "I can get open any time," Jackson joked. "Any route, any time, anybody." Jackson found himself plenty open Saturday, and had his best performance of the season.
Jets set to interview Mangini, Tice (AP)
The New York Jets should have a much clearer idea of who their next head coach will be in the next two days. General manager Terry Bradway and several team officials will interview Patriots defensive coordinator Eric Mangini on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass., then will talk to former Vikings coach Mike Tice on Monday at team headquarters in Long Island, N.Y.
The NBA's big shots
LOS ANGELES – Who's better, Kobe or LeBron? It depends on how much time's left in the game.
LeBron commits to USA basketball (AP)
LeBron James has committed to playing for the U.S. team at this year's world championships and the 2008 Olympics. "It's officially official in his case and I know he's excited about it," said Jerry Colangelo, managing director of USA Basketball. "He's obviously one of the core guys you want because of his talent, his age, his maturity at a very young age." Colangelo met with James before the...
Suns beat Cavs despite 46 from James (AP)
LeBron James at his best wasn't enough to beat the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. The band of sharpshooters led by Steve Nash overcame James' 46-point night to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-106, their ninth victory in 11 games and fifth home win in a row. James told USA Basketball chief Jerry Colangelo before the game that he would play for the U.S.
Kobe helps Lakers hold off Warriors (AP)
Nothing could stop Kobe Bryant from acting like an airplane. Bryant scored 10 of his 38 points the final 4 1/2 minutes, and Smush Parker added career highs of 24 points and 12 rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers' 110-104 victory over slumping Golden State on Saturday night. Jason Richardson scored a season-high 37 points and Baron Davis got his fifth career triple-double for the Warriors, but Parker...
Pistons get easy 114-91 win over Bobcats (AP)
The Detroit Pistons didn't get much of a scare from the short-handed Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night. They did, however, get one from Ben Wallace. Late in the first quarter of a 114-91 victory, Wallace landed awkwardly while grabbing a rebound and stayed on the floor, holding his left knee. He eventually limped off under his own power, and to the relief of his coaches, teammates and the 102nd...
Duncan alley-oop lifts Spurs (AP)
Manu Ginobili made the most of his return to the San Antonio Spurs' starting lineup. Not only did he lead the Spurs with 20 points, he created the decisive basket by hitting Tim Duncan with an inbound alley-oop pass for a layup with 7.2 seconds left in San Antonio's 80-79 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.
Wade dominant in Heat's win over Jazz (AP)
Dwyane Wade nearly topped his third career triple-double by following it with his fourth. Wade had 31 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in Miami's 100-94 win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, the Heat's fourth straight on a long road trip that is just about over now. "We've got it now, you know?
Karl a winner in return to Milwaukee (AP)
George Karl talked about revenge, then Carmelo Anthony helped his coach get it. Anthony scored 38 points, leading the Denver Nuggets over the Bucks 100-93 Saturday night in Karl's second game back in Milwaukee. Karl was hired in Denver last season after coaching the Bucks from 1998-2003. "The pep talk was good," Karl said.
Jackson leads Pacers past Bulls 91-89 (AP)
Stephen Jackson and the Pacers have been through enough adversity that when Jermaine O'Neal went down with a sprained ankle in the first half nobody panicked. Jackson scored 21 of his 29 points in the second half and delivered a key assist to Anthony Johnson with 3.9 seconds remaining to send the short-handed Indiana Pacers to a 91-89 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.
Mavericks rout Nets 110-77 (AP)
The Dallas Mavericks jumped on the weary New Jersey Nets from the opening tip, and didn't let up. Josh Howard scored 29 points and Keith Van Horn added 23 -- going 5-for-5 from 3-point range in the first half -- in the Mavericks' 110-77 rout of the Nets on Saturday night. New Jersey had 10 turnovers in the opening quarter, leading to 16 Dallas points as the Mavericks rolled to a 32-19 advantage.
Power rankings
The Power Rankings go west as Detroit leapfrogs two Eastern Conference teams to take the top spot.
Gainey wins debut, Canadiens rip Sharks (AP)
Montreal Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey got quick and positive results from two of the three players he singled out after taking over the team's coaching duties Saturday. Andrei Markov had two goals and two assists in a six-goal second period and Jose Theodore made 23 saves to help Gainey win his Canadiens coaching debut, a 6-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.
Two Sabres record hat tricks, rout Kings (AP)
Excuse rookie forward Jason Pominville for not remembering the last time the Buffalo Sabres scored 10 goals. It hasn't happened in almost 13 years, when Pominville was a 10-year-old growing up in Quebec. He won't forget this one. Pominville, with a natural hat trick, and Jochen Hecht scored three goals apiece in Buffalo's 10-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.
Forsberg's first game vs. Avs an OT loss (AP)
Peter Forsberg was gracious enough to pick up the bill when he dined with a group of his former Colorado teammates. The Avalanche returned the gesture by sticking Philadelphia with a loss. Alex Tanguay scored with 45.8 seconds left in overtime, helping Colorado spoil Forsberg's first game against his former team in the Avalanche's 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.
Bertuzzi's 3 goals leads Canucks in rout (AP)
Todd Bertuzzi stuck it to the New York Islanders again, as if they weren't down enough. Bertuzzi, a former Islanders' first-round pick, scored three goals to reach 500 NHL points and lead the Vancouver Canucks to an 8-1 victory Saturday night. He scored twice on Vancouver's first three shots en route to his fifth career hat trick and helped chase goalie Rick DiPietro.
Gretzky wins in Toronto as Coyotes rally (AP)
Curtis Joseph overcame a shaky start to beat his former team. Paul Mara, Geoff Sanderson, Ladislav Nagy and Fredrik Sjostrom scored goals to help the Phoenix Coyotes overcome a three-goal, first-period deficit in a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. Wayne Gretzky coached his first game in Toronto, and Joseph, playing his first in Toronto since leaving in 2002, made 25...
Shanahan scores twice, Wings top Rangers (AP)
Brendan Shanahan broke out of his scoring slump and sent the Rangers away pointless for the first time in seven games. Shanahan's second goal of the game snapped a third-period tie and the Detroit Red Wings beat New York 4-3 on Saturday. Robert Lang and Johan Franzen also scored for the Red Wings. Jaromir Jagr, Michael Nylander and Jed Ortmeyer had the goals for the Rangers, who had earned at least...
Vyborny's OT goal gives Blue Jackets win (AP)
David Vyborny made sure Pascal Leclaire was able to celebrate a victory after a busy night in goal for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Vyborny scored a power-play goal with 12 seconds left in overtime, and Leclaire made 48 saves in Columbus' 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers on Saturday night. "I didn't know how much time was left," Vyborny said.
Varada scores twice, Sens beat Oilers (AP)
Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson was more than willing to trade some stitches for a power-play goal. After Edmonton defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron drew a double-minor for clipping Alfredsson's lower lip with a high stick, Dany Heatley scored a power-play goal in the Senators' 5-3 victory over the Oilers 5-3 on Saturday night.
Jokinen's SO goal lifts Stars by Bruins (AP)
Jussi Jokinen figured Boston goalie Tim Thomas knew what to expect, so he gave him a completely different move. Jokinen scored the only goal of the shootout to lift Dallas to a 2-1 victory over the Bruins on Saturday, the Stars' season-high sixth straight win. Jokinen, a teammate of Thomas' in Finland four seasons ago before the pair played against each other last year, slid the puck across the...
Awesome return
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Two-time Daytona 500 winner Bill Elliott is back at Daytona and gunning for another 500 win.
Stewart hospitalized after flipping Midget car (SportsTicker)
TULSA, Oklahoma (Ticker) - Reigning NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart was hospitalized after flipping his car Friday night in qualifying for the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals at the Tulsa Expo Raceway.
NASCAR champ Stewart injures arm after flipping midget car (AP)
Reigning NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart injured his right arm after he flipped his car during a qualifying race for the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals.
Dakar Rally support truck kills 12-year-old boy (AP)
For the second day in a row, a boy died after being hit by a vehicle involved in the Dakar Rally. A support truck hit and killed a 12-year-old boy Saturday, said organizers of the cross-continental road race -- which ends Sunday. The truck struck the boy during the 14th stage on a road reserved for support vehicles.
NASCAR asks judge to dismiss suit by Kentucky Speedway (AP)
COVINGTON, Ky. – NASCAR asked a federal judge Thursday to throw out Kentucky Speedway's $400 million...
Stewart sticking with the Colts (AP)
INDIANAPOLIS – In a Super Bowl showdown, Tony Stewart's NFL allegiance would lie with the Indianapolis...
Darlington zooms ahead with construction, sales (AP)
DARLINGTON, S.C. – For the first time in a long while, Darlington Raceway president Chris Browning can...
Gordon looking strong in Daytona testing (AP)
Coming off a disappointing season, four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon is aiming to build some momentum in a hurry for 2006.
Busch starting over after embarrassing end to '05 season (AP)
Kurt Busch emerged from his hauler with a beer company logo plastered across his chest, which seemed a bit unbecoming in light of his troubles at the end of last season.
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