Monday, Dec. 27, 2010
CSNChicago.com
Mike Ditka returning to coaching
"Da Coach" will be coaching again, but just for one game. The former Bears head coach will join former 49ers and Lions head coach Steve Mariucci in directing one of the high school teams in the 2011 Under Armour All-American game.
Judging by this video, Ditka is fired up to be on the sidelines again. (chicagobreakingsports.com)
Kane returning, Morin injured
As CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider Tracey Myers reported earlier, Patrick Kane is likely to be back in the lineup in St. Louis Tuesday night, his first game since injuring his ankle on Dec. 5 against the Calgary Flames.
Kane says he has been happy with how his ankle has responded to practice the last couple of days but will give it one more test Tuesday morning before making a final decision.
On the negative side, Jeremy Morin suffered a shoulder injury in Team USA's victory over Finland during the World Junior Championships on Sunday night. While coach Joel Quenneville said he did not know the status of Morin, sources are saying the injury could be significant.
NFL
DePaul freshman earns weekly honor
Blue Demons freshman forward Cleveland Melvin earned Big East Rookie of the Week honors on Monday. Melvin went 9-for-17 from the field, scoring 23 points with four rebounds, two steals, a blocked shot and an assist to lead DePaul over Florida Atlantic.
Melvin is the second DePaul freshman to earn the award in December, following guard Brandon Young's recognition on Dec. 6. (depaulbluedemons.com)
Former Illinois WR Benn out for season
Still fighting for their playoff lives, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers learned that they lost rookie receiver and former Illini Arrelious Benn for the season - and most of the offseason as well.
Benn has been placed on injured reserve after tearing a ligament in his left knee during the second quarter of the Bucs 38-15 win over the Seattle Seahawks when he was hit by cornerback Marcus Trufant after a 16-yard reception. (tampabay.com)