NFL: Vilma returns to practice amid suspension
Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma practiced for the first time all season after appealing his one-year suspension for his participation in last years’ bounty scandal. Vilma, who had several offseason procedures done on his left knee, did not work with the first team, but also did not wear any kind of brace or sleeve, which has been another obstacle to his return. He hopes to be on the field when the Saints visit the Buccaneers on Sunday.
The Ravens haven’t completely abandoned hope of having Ray Lewis back in uniform this season. Lewis tore his right triceps in Sunday’s game against Dallas and was scheduled to undergo surgery yesterday. Although coach John Harbaugh said Monday that the 37-year-old linebacker is out for the year, the Ravens placed Lewis on injured reserve with the “designated to return” tag, which makes Lewis eligible to return in six weeks.
HOOPS: Love out 4-6 weeks with broken hand
Timberwolves forward Kevin Love broke his right hand in a workout before practice, and will miss the next six to eight weeks. Love broke the third and fourth metacarpals on his shooting hand, the team said. He averaged 26 points and 13.3 rebounds last year, leading the team in both categories and signed a four-year contract in January worth more than $60 million.
The Hoosiers were ranked No. 1 in USA Today’s NCAA preseason poll which came out yesterday. Indiana had 761 votes, edging out Louisville (738 points), who came in second. It’s the first time the Hoosiers are ranked No. 1 since 1993. Rounding out the top five are Kentucky, Ohio State and Michigan.
Liberty guard Cappie Pondexter was named to the WNBA All-First Team yesterday for the third time in four years. She ranked third in the league with 20.4 points per game. Also named were Seimone Augustus, Tina Charles, Tamika Catchings, and Candace Parker.
Seimone Augustus scored 23 of her 27 points in the second half to help the Lynx surge past the Fever 83-71 to even the WNBA finals at one game apiece.
Maya Moore pitched in 23 points and the defending champion Lynx forced the Fever into 24 turnovers, 15 after halftime. Tamika Catchings led the way as usual with 27 points and eight rebounds, but the Fever’s defense faded after a dominant start. They let the Lynx score 29 points in the third quarter and bring an already-loud crowd into the game even more.