NFL

Goodell called Bloomberg about Plaxico
In an attempt to get back in New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's good graces, Roger Goodell reportedly made a personal phone call to assure him the NFL's full cooperation in the Plaxico Burress investigation, after Bloomberg blasted the Giants yesterday for not contacting police sooner with news of the incident. Whenever the most powerful man in the league is talking to the most powerful man in the city about you, and not in a positive light, it probably doesn't bode well for the future. Then again, a lot of things don't bode well for Burress' future right now. (Pro Football Talk)

Mora to Washington rumors continue to fly
The rumors that Seahawks assistant Jim Mora will take over as the head coach at University of Washington reportedly have not died down. Mora had been hired on as a Seahawks assistant with the idea that he would take over when Mike Holmgren stepped down, so we don't know what's causing these rumors ... other than, of course, Mora's own admission during a radio interview when he was head coach of the Falcons that he would leave to coach the Huskies. (The News Tribune)

MLB

Dusty Baker wants to manage Kerry Wood again
Reds manager Dusty Baker would reportedly love to reunite with pitcher Kerry Wood, who he managed as a starter in Chicago. "We have a closer already in [Francisco] Cordero, who we have under contract for a few more years," Baker said Monday. "But somebody can use Kerry Wood. I am going to call him. I like Kerry Wood as a person, not just as a ballplayer, but as a person. I will give him a call and see what's up." Do you think Baker keeps the toothpick in his mouth during personal phone calls? (Chicago Tribune)

Bobby Abreu to Cubs or Mets?
Sources say the Mets and Cubs have both been in contact with Bobby Abreu's representation, and now that it's been determined that they won't have to compensate the Yankees if they sign him, things could move fairly quickly with either team. The Yankees are also free to negotiate with Abreu, but did not offer him arbitration because they want to be in full control of their spending this off-season. When the Yankees are starting to show signs of fiscal discipline, you know the economy is in rough shape. (New York Daily News)

NBA

Dwight Howard waffling on dunk contest?
Dwight Howard has not committed yet to defending his dunk contest title at this year's All-Star Weekend, although he did hint to the Orlando Sentinel that he has a trick or two left in the bag beyond last season's Superman routine, including one top-secret dunk. Hopefully the dunk in question is so unbelievable it needs to be kept secret, rather than a dunk inspired by the 1984 Val Kilmer spy spoof "Top Secret". Actually, either scenario would be fantastic. (Orlando Sentinel)

Ginobili struggles with back-to-back games
Manu Ginobili has found his legs aren't quite up to the rigors of back-to-back NBA games just yet. After a solid game Friday, he was just 2-of-6 with five turnovers against the Rockets on Saturday. "When I'm tired, I need to not force the issue, because bad things happen," he said. The Spurs surely hope he's back to his old self sooner rather than later, because bad thins also happen to teams with George Hill and Roger Mason Jr. as their main perimeter threats. (San Antonio Express-News)

NHL

Sean Avery facing off against ex-girlfriend's new man
The always verbose Sean Avery could have plenty to talk about when his Dallas Stars take on the Calgary Flames Tuesday night. Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf is in a relationship with actress Elisha Cuthbert, who previously dated Avery. Perhaps the two players will simply trade their favorite quotes from "The Girl Next Door". (Calgary Sun)

Roberto Luongo returns to ice
Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo took a big step towards returning to game action as he resumed skating this week. It appears the star netminder could beat the projected four to five week timetable for returning from his groin injury, which would lead to much rejoicing in Vancouver. (The Province)

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