Ohio St trustees: More gaffes could mean dismissal

The president of Ohio State University could be fired for any more verbal gaffes, trustees told him in a letter that said his mockery of Notre Dame, Roman Catholics and the Southeastern Conference have embarrassed and divided the university and run the risk of diminishing the effectiveness of its efforts. Trustees warned Gordon Gee that comments or actions he makes detracting from Ohio State's core values are not productive and are unacceptable, according to a copy of the March 11 letter obtained Friday by The Associated Press. ''Although none of us expects this to be the case, should future instances take place, they could constitute cause for even more punitive action, including dismissal, and the board will have no choice but to take such action,'' the letter said. An AP report this week revealed remarks Gee made to the university's Athletic Council in December, saying that Notre Dame wasn't allowed to join the Big Ten because its leaders were not good partners. He said its Roman Catholic priests were ''holy hell'' on days other than Sunday and joked ''those damn Catholics'' can't be trusted. He also questioned the academic integrity of schools in the SEC, singling out the University of Kentucky. Gee apologized in a statement Thursday, again on Twitter on Thursday night, and in a campus-wide email sent Friday. ''I am deeply sorry for the discomfort I caused, which was wholly unintentional, to members of the Athletic Council and others present in the room at the time of my comments,'' Gee's email said. ''More broadly, I want to apologize to all who were offended by my remarks, to the University community, and to our entire Ohio State family.'' Gee will get another chance to get his message across June 8 when he's scheduled to give the commencement address at St. Frances DeSales High School in Columbus, a Roman Catholic school. Gee has a history of headline-grabbing remarks, though none of those elicited such a strong response from trustees. In 2011, it was revealed that then football coach Jim Tressel had known for months of allegations that some players had traded memorabilia for cash and tattoos, but failed to tell his superiors in violation of his contract and NCAA regulations. Asked if he would consider firing Tressel, Gee said: ''No, are you kidding? Let me be very clear: I'm just hoping the coach doesn't dismiss me.'' In 2010, Gee belittled several top football programs by saying they had weak schedules he likened to playing the ''the Little Sisters of the Poor.'' He later apologized and made a donation to the religious order. In their March letter, the trustees laid out steps Gee must take including issuing personal apologies, getting help from professionals to revisit his personal communications and speechwriting processes, and rethinking what speaking engagements he accepts. Trustees told Gee that his attempts ''to bring a bit of levity'' to significant issues have had the opposite effect at times. ''As a result, instead of your words promoting and uniting us, they have sometimes embarrassed and divided us,'' said board Chairman Robert Schottenstein and Trustee Alex Shumate, who led the search committee that hired Gee in 2007, in the three-page letter obtained through a public records request. ''Such comments are not befitting a great university like Ohio State or its leadership,'' the letter continued. It added: ''Although we do not believe that you intended harm, such comments risk diminishing the effectiveness of our collective efforts and of your good work.'' The letter said Gee is making progress on the board's list of requirements. ''Your willingness to seek guidance and counsel on multiple levels, from a variety of sources, on how to adapt and grow is a hallmark of your leadership style and one that we value highly,'' the letter said. University and athletic conference officials have almost universally called Gee's remarks inappropriate but also said his apology has been accepted. After receiving the March 11 letter, Gee began to publicly address his occasional misspeaking, such as these remarks on March 29 at the downtown Columbus Metropolitan Club. ''Even as my world view has greatly expanded, I have at times misstepped,'' he said. ''It is no secret that my attempts at humor, to break the tension, to ease myself into a challenging moment, to establish rapport, have sometimes had quite the opposite effect,'' Gee continued. ''But let me just say this: Those kinds of off-hand comments do not reflect my own thinking and certainly they are not the Ohio State ideals. Twentieth century values have no place in a forward thinking world, and I take that very much as my own responsibility as a leader.'' His choice of the Metropolitan Club was telling. It was there, on Jan. 11, 2012, he talked about the problem of coordinating 18 divisions such as independent schools and colleges. ''It was kind of like the Polish army or something,'' Gee said in that speech.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - MAY 31ST

1859 - Philadelphia A's organize to play "town ball" became baseball 20 years later.
1868 - Dr James Moore (UK) wins 1st recorded bicycle race, (2k) 

velocipede race at Parc fde St Cloud, Paris.
1880 - League of American Wheelmen (1st US bicycle association), forms in Newport RI.

1914 - Chicago White Sox Joe Benz no-hits Cleveland Indians, 6-1.

1920 - Edward Bennett Williams, lawyer/team owner (Redskins, Balt Orioles) is born.

1935 - Babe Ruth grounds out in his final at bat.
1937 - Brooklyn Dodgers snap NY Giant Carl Hubbell's 24-game winning streak.

1955 - "Wild Bill" Vukovich, killed in Indy 500.

1982 - Jack Dempsey, former Heavyweight boxing champ/actor, dies at 86.

1985 - New Orleans Saints are sold for $70,204,000.

1987 - Saul Ballesteros drives 3 golf balls off Mt McKinley, Alaska.

2002 - The New Jersey Nets defeat the Boston Celtics 96-88 in Game 6 of the 

NBA's Eastern Conference Championship, winning the series 4 games to 2 

to advance to their first NBA Finals appearance.

Hall of Famer George Brett asked to turn around Royals' hitting woes

George Brett is giving coaching a month. The greatest player in Kansas City Royals history isn't sure teaching is his forte and doesn't know if players will listen. Before hustling to the batting cage to start his job and greet well-wishers that included his former manager Whitey Herzog, the team's high profile interim batting coach certainly gave a fiery acceptance speech. ''I'm scared to death right now, to be honest with you,'' Brett said Thursday night. ''But I'm looking forward to the challenge.'' Not too scared to call out Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and the team's other underachieving youngsters. Brett said he'd do all he could, but added they must be accountable. ''I mean, get rid of what's that baby stuff? Baby Gerber or something?'' Brett said. ''Get rid of the bottles, let's go. Let's go!'' The 60-year-old Hall of Famer accepted the job after calls from general manager Dayton Moore and manager Ned Yost, telling Yost he'd think about it. All it took was one more loss. ''I just .... give it a try,'' Brett said. ''So I'm going to give it a try.'' Brett and Moore plan to meet in a month to assess the situation, and then again two weeks after that. Brett did most of the talking at a news conference with Moore and Yost. ''I don't know if I'm going to be good at this,'' Brett said. ''If I'm not doing my job, I don't want Dayton to feel like he has to fire me. ''This could be something I just could not stand to do, I don't know,'' he said. ''The players and I might not hit it off, I don't know.'' The Royals had lost eight in a row before playing the Cardinals on Thursday. They were 13th in the American League in runs, and scored two or fewer runs 11 times during an extended 4-19 drought that dropped them to last place in the Central Division. Brett takes over for Jack Maloof and Andre David, who were reassigned to the minor league organization. This will be Brett's first in-season coaching role, though he's been the franchise's vice president of baseball operations since retiring as a player following the 1993 season. He's also worked as a volunteer coach at spring training for years and Yost said it was no celebrity stint. ''George doesn't come the second week in spring training and stay 10 days,'' Yost said. ''I've never seen a Hall of Famer with the work ethic that he has. ''George never half-ran a ball to first base in his life, George was never the last one out of the dugout in his life,'' Yost added. ''I'm just excited he's here.'' The Royals have asked Brett to do this before and he has declined because his children were young and he wasn't ready to be away from them for the 162-game grind. With kids in college, Brett said, ''I'm not missing them growing up anymore.'' Yost dumped hitting coach Kevin Seitzer following last season, and said at the time that he wanted to develop an offense that flashed more power. The Royals rank near the bottom of the league in runs, walks, homers, RBIs and just about every other statistical category. Brett has kept his pulse on the organization by working in the front office, and earlier this week lamented during a radio interview the team's misfortune. Brett's no fan of video. He prefers players learn on the job and repair their swing during the at-bat, and he wants them to just be themselves. ''I'm sick and tired of watching guys try to hit three-run home runs with nobody on base when you're down two runs in the eighth inning,'' Brett said. ''Let's do what you're capable of doing. Don't try to be a hero, just be a soldier.'' The familiar No. 5 was retired in 1993 after a career that spanned two decades and ended with Brett as the Royals' hit leader with 3,154. He remains the only player in major league history to win batting titles in three different decades, including a memorable 1980 season in which he hit .390. The 13-time All-Star is the club's career leader in every offensive category besides stolen bases, and he was a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection in 1999. The Royals also said Pedro Grifol will serve as a special assignment coach, and Grifol also was in uniform Thursday. He is in his first year with the Royals, where he's been working as the hitting coach for the club's team in Surprise, Ariz. He spent the past 13 seasons with the Mariners organization. Moore said no more changes are anticipated in the near future.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - MAY 30TH

1894 - Bobby Lowe is 1st to hit 4 HRs in 1 baseball game.

1911 - First Indianapolis 500 car race, Ray Harroun wins at 74.59 MPH (120 KPH).
1922 - Cubs swap Max Flack for Cards Cliff Heathcote during middle of doubleheader. 

Both play for both teams that day.
1927 - Walter Johnson records 113th & last shutout of his career.

1931 - Phillies Chuck Klein homers off Ben Cantwell (Braves) in both ends DH.
1935 - Babe Ruth's final game, goes hitless for Braves against Phillies.

1937 - 61,756, 2nd-largest crowd in Polo Grounds history, sees Dodgers 

ends Carl Hubbell's consecutive-game winning streak at 24.
1938 - Yanks sweep Red Sox 10-0 & 5-4 in front of 83,533 at Yankee Stadium.

1939 - Floyd Roberts, Auto racer, killed during 1939 Indianapolis 500 (b. 1904).

1943 - Gale Sayers, NFL running back (Chicago Bears) is born.
1946 - Braves Bernard Malamud HR shatters Bulova clock in Ebbets Field.

1953 - First major league network baseball game-Cleveland 7, Chicago 2.

1956 - Mickey Mantle misses by 18" hitting 1st HR out of Yankee Stadium.

1967 - Yankee Whitey Ford, nearing 41, announces his retirement from baseball.

1970 - Baseball All-Star voting is returned to fans.

1971 - Willie Mays hits his 638th HR, sets NL record of 1,950 runs scored.

1981 - LA Dodgers are quickest to get 1,000,000 attendence (22 games).

1982 - Closest Indy 500, Gordon Johncock beats Rick Mears by 0.16 seconds.

1992 - Minnesota Twin Bert Blyleven is 2nd to win as teenager & 40 year old.

1992 - NY Yankee Scott Sanderson becomes 9th to beat all 26 teams.

New York Rangers fire coach John Tortorella

John Tortorella was defiant in stating that the New York Rangers didn't take a step back when they were knocked out of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the second round. General manager Glen Sather thought otherwise and fired the combative coach on Wednesday. The fiery Tortorella was let go four days after the Rangers' season ended with a Game 5 loss at Boston to the Bruins. New York had reached the Eastern Conference finals last year and was considered to be a championship contender in this lockout-shortened season. ''I came up with the decision that I really needed to do something to improve our team going forward,'' Sather said during a conference call. ''Every coach has a shelf life. I've told every guy that I've hired that at some point in time this is going to change. ''Our goal is to win the Stanley Cup and we didn't achieve that goal this year. I had to make a decision, so I did.'' Tortorella was unexpectedly dismissed with one year left on his contract. In 319 regular-season games with New York, including a four-game run at the end of the 1999-2000 season, Tortorella went 171-118-1-29. He was 19-25 in the postseason, and reached the playoffs in four of five seasons after taking over as coach in February 2009. ''Every time a coach gets fired, it is a surprise for me, because ultimately, we, the players, are responsible for our own play on the ice,'' Rangers backup goaltender Martin Biron told the Associated Press in a text message. Tortorella, hired to replace Tom Renney with 21 games remaining in the 2008-09 season, achieved some success with the Rangers but couldn't match the Stanley Cup title he earned in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sather said Tortorella's contract status didn't factor into the decision. ''It wasn't one thing and I am certainly not going to speculate or start to criticize what happened with Torts and give you a lot of reasons why we decided to do this,'' Sather said. ''After the analytical work that we do every year at the end of the season, trying to decide how we're going to improve the team and how we're going to move forward, this is a decision I made.'' Sather didn't name an immediate replacement, but hopes to have a new coach in place by the June 30 NHL draft in Newark, N.J. Former NHL coaches Lindy Ruff and Alain Vigneault could be candidates for New York. Sather wouldn't speculate whether anyone currently employed by the Rangers would be considered. The fate of assistant coach Mike Sullivan will be decided during the team's organizational meetings in June. ''Hopefully whoever we hire has a lot of the good things that Torts had and a lot of good things that Tom Renney had,'' Sather said. ''There are a number of good coaches around, and a lot of them have different qualities. It is a little tricky sometimes to find someone who has all those qualities, but hopefully that's what we're going to have this time around. ''I am certain that we're going to find the right person.'' Last season, Tortorella led the Rangers to 51 wins - the second-most in franchise history - and 109 points before they were beaten in six games by New Jersey in the conference finals. He finished his Rangers tenure in fourth place on the team's career coaching wins list. The 54-year-old Tortorella got the Rangers back into the playoffs in this lockout-shortened season, and New York outlasted Washington in seven games in the first round of the playoffs before being knocked out by Boston. ''I felt this was a decision that had to be made going forward,'' Sather said. ''I think he was shocked, but he is a gentleman and he took it very well.'' Tortorella made curious comments on Monday when the Rangers packed up for the season, which could have led to his ouster. In his final meeting with reporters, Tortorella said his club wasn't emotionally ready to take on Boston after getting past Washington with back-to-back shutout wins when it faced elimination. ''One of the things, and it falls on my shoulders, is our team's mindset going into another round,'' Tortorella said. ''I don't think our mindset was ready to play another series and to the level you need to be at. It didn't have a playoff atmosphere. ''That's what I struggle with right now. I didn't do a good enough job in correcting and getting their mindset back to not only play at the level of a Game 7 in the first round but get ready for round 2, which is always going to be tougher.'' Even though the Rangers were knocked out earlier this year, Tortorella emphatically stated he didn't believe the team regressed. ''I know the surrounding feeling here is that it was a negative season, a disappointing season. I don't buy it and I won't,'' Tortorella said. ''There are some good things that happened. I don't think we took a step backward. I think this is a sideways step in our lineup and how things worked out. ''We played really well our last couple of months to get in, found a way to win a big series against Washington, and against Boston I thought we competed right to the end.'' However, starting goalie Henrik Lundqvist disagreed with that assessment. Lundqvist is entering the final year of his contract and would be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. ''It is a step back,'' Lundqvist said. ''We were in the conference finals last year, we had high expectations on ourselves this year. It didn't go our way, so yeah it is a step back. It's tough to make it there, though. You can't just expect it to happen.'' Sather said he hadn't talked to Lundqvist, but added the team's plan is to sign him to a new long-term deal. The Rangers entered the 48-game season as a prime contender to win the Stanley Cup, especially after the offseason acquisition of top forward Rick Nash in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. After a slow start, the Rangers rallied to a 26-18-4 record and the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. But New York struggled to score in the postseason, and Nash and Brad Richards were among the biggest offenders. Nash recorded only one goal and five assists in the Rangers' 12 playoff games. Richards, who has seven years remaining on a nine-year deal, was a bigger disappointment and was a healthy scratch by Tortorella in the final two games against the Bruins. Sather said that move was an organizational decision. Richards had thrived under Tortorella when they won the Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay, but he managed only one goal and zero assists in his 10 postseason games. Richards will likely also be gone from the Rangers, who can buy out the remainder of his lucrative deal and remove him from the salary cap that will go down for next season. Tortorella is the career leader in wins by a U.S.-born coach with 410. He was an assistant coach with the Rangers in the 1999-2000 season and took over for John Muckler as head coach for the final four games. Tortorella was then hired by the Lightning and he was their coach for seven seasons - compiling a mark of 239-222-36-38 and earning the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year in the championship 2003-04 season.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - MAY 29TH

1911 - First running of Indianapolis 500.
1916 - NY Giants win 17th consecutive road game.
1922 - US Supreme Court rules organized baseball is a sport & 

not a business & thus not subject to antitrust laws.

1938 - Francis Thomas (Fay) Vincent, baseball commissioner.
1939 - Al Unser, auto racer (Indianapolis 500-1970, 71).

1957 - NYC Mayor Robert Wagner says he plans to confer with the 

Giants & Dodgers about the proposed move to the west coast.
1965 - Phillies Dick Allen hits 529' HR out of Connie Mack Stadium.

1968 - Manchester United wins 13rd Europe Cup 1 in London.

1977 - A J Foyt wins Indianapolis 500 for a record 4th time.

1977 - Janet Guthrie becomes first woman to drive in Indy 500.
1977 - Sue Press is first woman golfer to hit consecutive holes-in one.

1980 - Larry Bird beats out Magic Johnson for NBA rookie of year.

1984 - Boston Red Sox retires #9 (Ted Williams) & #4 (Joe Cronin).

1985 - 39, die at Heysel Stadium in Liverpool in a riot prior to soccer match.

1989 - Phillies 3rd baseman Mike Schmidt, 39, retires.

1990 - Rickey Henderson steals record 893rd base, breaking Ty Cobb's record.

1992 - White Sox Tim Raines swipes his 700th career base.

2001 - U.S. Supreme Court rules that disabled golfer Casey Martin 

can use a cart to ride in tournaments.

Atlanta Hawks pick Budenholzer to replace Drew as coach

Mike Budenholzer, assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs, speaks with Tim Duncan #21 and Kawhi Leonard #2 before resuming play against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals during the 2013 NBA Playoffs on May 21, 2013 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The Atlanta Hawks named longtime Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer as head coach on Tuesday, giving the team another link to San Antonio's championship tradition. General manager Danny Ferry called on his past experience with San Antonio to select Budenholzer to replace Larry Drew as coach. Drew's contract expires in June following three seasons as coach. The Hawks have scheduled a news conference for Budenholzer on Wednesday in Atlanta. The Hawks lost to Indiana in the first round of the playoffs. It was the team's sixth straight postseason appearance but Ferry is expected to continue his dramatic makeover of the team after trading Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams in his first year as general manager. The Hawks say Budenholzer will continue serving as the Spurs' top assistant through the NBA finals. The Spurs completed a four-game sweep of Memphis in the Western Conference finals on Monday. Ferry came to the Hawks last year after two years as vice president of basketball operations for the Spurs. With Budenholzer, Ferry now has his own coach after inheriting Drew. ''He has an incredible basketball acumen and has a keen awareness of the league and what it takes to be successful,'' Ferry said Tuesday in a statement released by the team. ''His experience and four championships over the last 17 years provide a tremendous foundation for his leadership of our team.'' Ferry, contacted by The Associated Press on Tuesday, declined to make additional comments until Wednesday's news conference. Ferry calls Budenholzer ''Bud'' and ''Coach Bud.'' Ferry was believed to have Budenholzer on his short list of candidates from the start of his search. Budenholzer, 43, spent 19 years with the Spurs, including 17 seasons as an assistant. He was the top assistant for coach Gregg Popovich the last six years. ''I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of the San Antonio Spurs organization for the last 19 years,'' Budenholzer said in a statement released by the Hawks. ''I knew it would have to be a tremendous situation for me to leave and clearly coming to Atlanta as the head coach of the Hawks is perfect for me. ''Ownership's commitment to taking this organization to the next level and creating a unique and special culture, partnering with a general manager like Danny Ferry who I have great respect for, and building a roster that has terrific potential because of the existing core and the ensuing flexibility presents a rare and uniquely positive opportunity.'' The Hawks' new coach is looking for his fifth NBA championship ring this year. The Spurs won NBA titles in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007. Budenholzer began his time with the Spurs as the team's video coordinator for two years before being named an assistant coach. He will leave the Spurs with Popovich's blessing. ''I couldn't be happier for Mike for many reasons,'' Popovich said. ''As anyone who's been part of this program knows, he has been more of a co-head coach than an assistant for a long time. His knowledge of the game as well as his ability to teach and develop relationships with players are all special. I will miss him a great deal both professionally and personally and am confident that he and Danny will make a great team as the future unfolds.'' San Antonio guard Tony Parker said Budenholzer ''has been extremely important to our success in San Antonio.'' ''He is a great coach,'' Parker said. ''I think the Hawks made an excellent choice and I'm very happy for Coach Bud.'' Led by their new management team of Budenholzer and Ferry, the Hawks could be factors in the free-agent market. Center Al Horford is the lone starter with a guaranteed contract for next season. The only other players with guaranteed contracts are guard Lou Williams, who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury, and rookie guard John Jenkins. Point guard Jeff Teague can become a restricted free agent. Longtime starting forward Josh Smith tops Atlanta's long list of unrestricted free agents. If only the three players with guaranteed contracts return, the Hawks could have about $40 million under the cap to spend in free agency. Drew could not be reached for comment. He endured what was essentially a lame-duck season after the team renewed the option on his contract last summer but didn't give him an extension. Drew was 128-102 in three seasons. ''I thought we had a really good season given what our circumstances were. They weren't the best,'' Drew said after the season. ''... The one thing I will say is I've had a great run here.'' Drew began his time with the Hawks as an assistant under previous coach Mike Woodson. He moved up in 2010 after Woodson was hired. The Hawks advanced to the second round of the playoffs in Drew's first season but took first-round losses in 2012 and 2013.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - MAY 28TH

1888 - Jim Thorpe, Prague, Oklahoma, versatile American athlete 

(Olympics-gold-1912) (d. 1953) is born.

1938 - Jerry West, W Virginia, NBA superstar (LA Lakers, Olympic-gold-1960) is born.

1941 - NY Yankees nip Wash Senators 6-5 in 1st night game at Griffith Stadium.
1951 - After going 0-for-12, Willie Mays connects for his 1st major league home run.

1957 - NL approves Brooklyn Dodgers' & NY Giants' move to west coast.

1957 - Kirk Gibson, Mich, outfield (Tigers, Dodgers, 1988 NL MVP) is born.

1962 - Wide World of Sports with Chris Schenkel premieres on CBS radio.
1968 - NL grants San Diego Padres a franchise.

1978 - Al Unser became 5th to win Indianapolis 500, 3 times.

1980 - Joe Darby does a standing Long Jump of 12'5".
1986 - White Sox Joe Cowley sets record striking out first 7 Rangers he faces.

1995 - White Sox (5) & Tigers (7) combine for record 12 HRs at Tiger Stadium.

Samardzija dominates as Cubs blank White Sox in Game 1 of Crosstown Classic

Jeff Samardzija threw a complete game, two-hit shutout and Julio Borbon hit a two-run home run and the Chicago Cubs beat the Chicago White Sox 7-0 on Monday. Samardzija (3-6) pitched the Cubs' first complete game shutout since Randy Wells shut out the Giants on Aug. 29, 2011. The last time Cubs shut out an opponent as a team came against the Rockies on Aug. 26, 2012. The first White Sox hit came from Conor Gillaspie in the third inning. Samardzija then got Jeff Keppinger to hit into a double play as he faced the minimum through four innings. He struck out Alejandro De Aza to end the sixth. He then retired 12 straight before giving up a walk to Tyler Flowers in the ninth inning. He bounced back by striking out De Aza, then after a single to Alexei Ramirez, he got Alex Rios to pop out to end the game. Anthony Rizzo doubled and hit a two-run triple in his first Crosstown Classic and Alfonso Soriano added three hits as the Cubs won two in a row after losing six straight. The once anticipated interleague series in Chicago lost some of its luster with the fans as the Cubs entered the game in last place in the NL Central and the White Sox struggling to play .500. The announced attendance was 30,601 at U.S. Cellular Field. White Sox starter Jose Quintana (3-2) allowed four runs and four hits. He struck out five and allowed three walks. The White Sox lost for the second time in seven games. With one out in the first inning, Quintana walked Starlin Castro then struck out Rizzo as Castro was attempting to steal second. Flowers was unable to throw to second because Ramirez forgot to cover second base. Soriano followed with a single off the left field wall to score Castro. In the fifth inning, Borbon hit a two-run shot to right on the first pitch. It was his first homer and the first RBIs of the season. Rizzo led off the sixth with a double and scored on Scott Hairston's sacrifice fly to make it 4-0. In the seventh, Rizzo hit a two-run triple off the center field wall and scored on Soriano's single to extend the Cubs lead to 7-0. White Sox reliever Nate Jones allowed three runs and four hits in the seventh inning.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - MAY 27TH

1904 - NL record of 5 stolen bases in a game (Dennis McGann, NY Giants).

1912 - Sam Snead, Hot Springs VA, PGA golfer (PGA-1963, 65, 67, 70, 72, 73) is born.

1933 - Trailing 11-3, Yanks score 12 runs in 8th & beat White Sox 15-11.

1948 - Hank Greenberg buys an interest in the Cleveland Indians.
1955 - Boston Red Sox Norm Zauchin gets 10 RBIs, beating Senators 16-0.
1961 - Ralph Boston of US, sets then Long Jump record at 27' ½".

1968 - NL awards Montreal & SD major league franchises.

1968 - Frank Thomas, "Big Hurt", 1st baseman (Chicago White Sox, 1993 MVP) is born.
1968 - Jeff Bagwell, Boston Mass, infielder (Houston Astros) is born.

1974 - Pirates Ken Brett no-hits Padres until 9th inning.

2000 - Maurice Richard, Canadian hockey player (b. 1921) dies.

2006 - Craig Heyward, American football player (b. 1966) dies at the age of 39 

from bone cancer on the skull after being pronounced cancer free 8 years ago.

PLEASE TAKE TIME OUT AND OBSERVE THE TRUE MEANING OF MEMORIAL DAY!

Crowd favorite Tony Kanaan finally wins Indy 500, ends heartbreak

Tony Kanaan has finally won the Indianapolis 500. Kanaan drove past Ryan Hunter-Reay on a restart Sunday with three laps to go, then coasted across the finish line under yellow when defending race winner Dario Franchitti crashed far back in the field. It was a hugely popular victory at the speedway, where Kanaan had endured so much heartache. The Brazilian had led 221 laps coming into the race, more than any other non-winner besides Michael Andretti and Rex Mays, yet had never taken the checkered flag. He finished second in 2004 and twice finished third. Now, his face will go on the Borg-Warner Trophy. Kanaan is an Indy 500 champion, coming through on a cool day of thrilling competition that smashed the record for most lead changes and most leaders. The crowd of some 200,000 roared when it realized that Kanaan had finally broken his Brickyard curse. On the final lap, Kanaan lifted the visor on his helmet and appeared to dab at his eyes. When he pulled into Victory Lane, he planted a kiss on his wife, Lauren, and dunked an entire bottle of milk over his head. The leaders came to the finish line all bunched up around Kanaan, saluting the longtime IndyCar stalwart who had longed to add the one missing piece to his resume. That was about as slow as anyone had driven all day. The average speed was 187.433 mph, another Indy record. Rookie Carlos Munoz finished second with a brilliant IndyCar debut, followed by series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti and Justin Wilson. Helio Castroneves, trying to become the fourth driver to win four Indy 500s, ran up front much of the day but settled for sixth. Kanaan and Andretti charged to the front during a wild first half of the race. Kanaan quickly moved through the field from the outside of the fourth row while Andretti started on the outside of the front row and spent the first 29 laps playing leapfrog with Kanaan as the standard-bearer for his family bids to end the "Andretti Curse." The family hasn't captured the fabled Memorial Day weekend race since his grandfather, Mario, won in 1969. Michael Andretti has been to Victory Lane twice as a team owner with the late Dan Wheldon in 2005 and Dario Franchitti in 2007, but never won the race as a driver. Marco Andretti was second in 2006 in the second-closest finish in the race's history. Franchitti, the defending race winner, and Castroneves began the day in pursuit of their fourth victory. Only A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Unser have won the Indy 500 four times. As the race reached the halfway mark, Team Penske roared to the front. Will Power spent a stint in the lead before teammate A.J. Allmendinger, making his Indy 500 debut, picked his way through the field before falling back because of a problem with his safety belts. Allmendinger is a former open-wheel star who spent time in NASCAR before losing his ride after a failed drug test. He was given a second chance in the Indianapolis 500 by Roger Penske — the same Sprint Cup team owner who had fired him. Allmendinger was cheered on by Sprint Cup champ Brad Keselowski, who was on hand to support his boss's teams before catching a quick flight to Charlotte for Sunday night's Coca-Cola 600. "I want to experience the IndyCar life here and see what it's all about and how this race plays out," Keselowski said. "I'm really excited to be here. This is my first Indy 500. I'm here soaking in one of the biggest races of the year with one of the best guys here, Roger Penske.' The race began with a chill in the air — the temperature was 62 degrees, not much warmer than the coldest race in history (58, 1992). Thousands of fans who piled into the historic track were bundled up against a stiff breeze that swirled down the front straightaway, and many arrived late, some blaming new security measures put in place after the Boston Marathon bombings. Several drivers said the colder weather could produce more speed — and more crashes. And it didn't take long for the first caution flag to come out. J.R Hildebrand lost control in Turn 1 and slid into the outside wall. His car continued down the short chute before coming to a rest, where he climbed out of it without any injuries. It was Hildebrand who crashed on the final lap while leading two years ago. "Just got a little loose in the middle of the corner, and I sort of got caught and spun around," Hildebrand said. "We felt like we had a car that could run at the front." Most of the field had made its first pit stop when the second caution came out for Sebastian Saavedra, the 22-year-old Colombian driver for Dragon Racing. The race resumed with pole sitter Ed Carpenter back at the front, though he also had a scare under caution. Carpenter was swerving back and forth to keep his tires warm when his car dived to the left, crossed through the grass in the corner and safely back onto the track. Takuma Sato, who crashed while trying to pass for the lead on the final lap a year ago, also spun out exiting Turn 2. He managed to keep his A.J. Foyt Racing car out of the wall, though, and was able to stay on the lead lap when the race resumed. Graham Rahal and teammate James Jakes were fined $10,000 for violating a rule that governs the way drivers blend back into the pack when they exit pit lane. Jakes was later assessed a drive-through penalty for a pit safety violation.

Tony Kanaan, of Brazil, drives through the first turn during the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis Sunday, May 26, 2013.

QB Everett Golson no longer enrolled at Notre Dame

Quarterback Everett Golson is no longer enrolled at Notre Dame. University spokesman Dennis Brown said Saturday night that Golson, who had three years of eligibility left after not playing as a freshman, was no longer enrolled at Notre Dame as of Friday. Brown says he couldn't comment on why because of federal privacy laws. Golson helped lead the Fighting Irish to an undefeated regular season and the BCS title game last season as a first-time starter. The departure leaves a major question mark at a position where coach Brian Kelly was expecting to see major improvement in an offense that struggled for much of last season, with the Irish finishing 54th in the nation in total offense, including 71st in passing offense. The most likely replacement is Tommy Rees, the 2011 starter who came in to play key roles in victories over Purdue, Michigan, Stanford and Brigham Young when Golson either struggled or was injured. But Rees lacks the mobility that Kelly likes and struggled with turnovers as a starter two seasons ago. The other possibilities are senior Andrew Hendrix, who has seen limited action but is more mobile than Rees and has two seasons of eligibility left, and freshman Malik Zaire. Gunner Kiel didn't take part in spring practices with the Irish and has enrolled at Cincinnati. Golson was 187 of 318 passing, a 58.8 completion rate, with 12 touchdown passes and six interceptions as the Irish went 12-1 last season, losing 42-14 loss to Alabama in the championship game. He had a pass efficiency rating of 131.01, placing him 62nd among quarterbacks nationwide. But after a year of quarterback controversy a year earlier, Golson was locked in as the starter for the upcoming season until the news broke Saturday. It's the latest in a string of bad news for the Irish this year, starting with the blowout loss to Alabama, leaving many to question whether the Irish were as close to challenging for a national title as they appeared to be when they finished the regular season 12-0 and were ranked No. 1 for the first time in nearly two decades. Then soon after the embarrassing loss, news broke about linebacker Manti Te'o, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, was duped into an Internet romance with a girlfriend he never met who turned out to be a man pretending to be the woman.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - MAY 26TH

1896 - First American intercollegiate bicycle race, Manhattan Beach NY.

1907 - Chicago White Sox Ed Walsh no-hits NY Highlanders, 8-1 in 5 inning game.
1911 - First Indianapolis 500 auto race is run.
1917 - Walt Cruise hits 1st HR out of Braves Field.
1923 - First Le Mans Grand Prix d'Endurance is run.
1925 - Babe Ruth is finally out of bed, 5 weeks after ulcer surgery.
1925 - Tigers' Ty Cobb is first to collect 1,000 extra-base hits (ends 1,139).

1939 - Brent Musburger, sportscaster (CBS-TV) is born.

1956 - Reds' John Klippstein, Hershel Freemman & Joe Blacks no-hitter, 

broken up with 2 outs in 10th & lose to Braves in 11th, 2-1.

1980 - Phillie Steve Carlton is first NLer to record 6, 1-hitters.

1990 - Philadelphia Phillies retire Mike Schmidt's uniform #20.

1997 - Sammy Sosa (Cubs) & Tony Womack (Pirates) hit inside the park HRs.

Curtis Granderson latest Yankee put on disabled list - again

The New York Yankees have put outfielder Curtis Granderson on the 15-day disabled list with a broken knuckle on his left pinky finger and recalled outfielder Brennan Boesch from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The moves were made before Saturday's game at Tampa Bay. Granderson was hit by Cesar Ramos' pitch in the fifth inning of Friday night's 9-4 win over the Rays. Although no official timeline for how long Granderson will be sidelined has been announced, manager Joe Girardi indicated it could be a minimum of four weeks. ''I think the feelings that we have right now, there's sadness for Curtis,'' Girardi said. Granderson missed the first 38 games this season with a broken right forearm, the result of a hit by pitch in his first at-bat at spring training. ''It's cruel,'' Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira said. ''I had tears in my eyes saying bye to Curtis yesterday ... you really can't say anything. It's just so tough.'' The Yankees have been hit hard by injuries this year. Teixeira, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte and Kevin Youkilis are among those on the disabled list. Teixeira (wrist) played five innings of defense, and went 1 for 4 with a double and a sacrifice fly in his first extended spring training game Saturday at the Yankees' minor league complex in nearby Tampa. He had played in simulated games since Monday. ''It feels better, actually, to kind of get into a game,'' Teixeira said. ''You have more of a rhythm. This is the second step after simulated games. You have to take these steps to get back from an injury.'' Teixeira had a minor scare when a hard foul ball went past him while waiting to bat. He is scheduled to play for Double-A Trenton Wednesday and Thursday, and could rejoin the Yankees next weekend. Youkilis (back) went 2 for 3 with two doubles, and played third for three innings in the extended spring game. His first defensive play was to record an out with a diving tag. Youkilis is also nearing the start of a minor league rehab assignment. Joba Chamberlain, out with a right oblique strain, pitched two innings in his third extended spring training game. He allowed three singles in his first inning, including a comebacker that went off his calf. Chamberlain showed no discomfort after getting hit, and stayed in the game. The right-hander had a perfect second inning, that featured two strikeouts, in what may have been his final rehab outing. Pettitte had a bullpen session and could pitch in a simulated game in the next few days. It was his first time throwing off a mound since going on the 15-day disabled list May 18 because of a strained left trapezius muscle in his upper back. ''I just threw my normal bullpen, and I felt good,'' Pettitte said. ''I think we'll come in here tomorrow and see how it feels, and go from there.'' Pettitte, who will turn 41 next month, may rejoin the rotation in early June. Hiroki Kuroda, who left Wednesday night's game against Baltimore with a bruised right calf, also had a mound session and expects to make his next scheduled start. ''There's a little tightness, but it will be OK,'' Kuroda said through a translator. It hasn't been determined if David Phelps, hit in the right forearm by Ben Zobrist's drive Friday night, will have his regular bullpen session Sunday. ''Woke up a little stiff and a little sore,'' Phelps said. ''Nothing I didn't expect.''

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - MAY 25TH

1898 - Gene Tunney, world Heavyweight boxing champion (1926-30) is born.

1900 - Eyre M Shaw, 78, becomes oldest gold medalist in Olympics.

1906 - After 20 straight wins, Boston Pilgrims lose to Chicago White Sox 3-0.
1919 - Casey Stengel releases a sparrow from under his baseball cap.

1919 - Lindsey Nelson, Pulaski Tn, sportscaster (NY Mets) is born.
1922 - Babe Ruth suspended 1 day & fined $200 for throwing dirt on an ump.
1935 - Babe Ruth hits his last 3 home runs, Boston Braves vs Pirates.
1939 - Carl Storck becomes 2nd NFL president.
1941 - Ted Williams raises his batting avg over .400 for 1st time in 1941.

1951 - NY Giant Willie Mays 1st major league game (goes 0 for 5).
1953 - Braves Max Surkont strikes out record 8 Reds in a row.
1959 - Supreme Court rules Louisana prohibiting black-white boxing unconstitutional.
1963 - Early Wynn wins his 300th baseball game.

1965 - Muhammad Ali KOs Sonny Liston in 1st round for Heavyweight boxing title.

1978 - Brian Urlacher, former middle linebacker of the Chicago Bears is born.

1981 - Bobby Unser becomes 1st Indy 500 winner to be disqualified.
1981 - Carl Yastrzemski is 4th to get 3,000 hits (Cobb, Musial & Aaron).
1983 - Kirk Gibson (Tigers) & Jorge Orta (Blue Jays) hit inside park HRs.

1986 - KC Royal George Brett gets his 2,000th hit.

1997 - Minnesota Twins retire Kirby Puckett's uniform number.

Judge orders more monitoring for Cowboys DT Josh Brent

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent will remain free while he awaits trial for intoxication manslaughter, as a judge on Friday denied a request by prosecutors to revoke his bond due to problems with alcohol monitoring. Brent is charged in the fatal car crash Dec. 8 that killed Jerry Brown, a Cowboys practice squad player, college teammate and friend. Police have accused Brent of driving with a blood-alcohol content more than twice the legal limit. As a condition of his $100,000 bond, Brent is required to wear an alcohol ankle monitor and appear for regular meetings with a county officer. Witnesses at Friday's hearing said he had repeatedly missed required times for his ankle monitor to download information, as well as two appointments with the officer. Judge Robert Burns ordered a second form of monitoring to take breath samples, and for Brent to provide a urine sample. Burns said he would not increase Brent's bond amount. Prosecutors had filed a motion Thursday asking for his bond to be revoked. Brent's ankle monitor was set off for alcohol four times in February and March, but both sides agreed Friday that those instances were most likely caused by the presence of alcohol in the air or near Brent - not drinking. His attorneys said they didn't know how the alcohol positives occurred, but suggested in court that they could have been triggered by things as benign as mouthwash or hand sanitizer. Brent sat silently throughout the nearly hour-long hearing, though at times he tapped one of his attorneys, George Milner, on the shoulder and whispered in his ear. He did not testify and declined to answer questions outside court. Heath Harris, the Dallas County first assistant district attorney, said authorities wanted to be certain that Brent wasn't drinking or doing anything to violate his probation. ''Even though ... we can't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was drinking, we can't prove that he was not drinking,'' Harris said. ''That's the biggest problem.'' Milner accused prosecutors of making a show of otherwise ordinary issues, many of which are from earlier this year, due to Brent's notoriety as a Dallas Cowboys player. His career is on hold pending the outcome of this case. ''I think we've unequivocally established the fact that the district attorney's office is treating Mr. Brent differently because of the helmet that he wears,'' Milner told reporters outside court. ''There's no disputing that now. Everybody down here knew it. Now it's out in un-contradicted, sworn testimony.'' Harris denied the charge. ''This guy is a repeat alcohol offender that killed someone in our county,'' he said. ''We take offense to that.'' A crash report released by suburban Dallas police says Brent was driving the night of the crash with a suspended driver's license from Illinois, where he pleaded guilty three years ago to a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge. Brent and Brown both played college football at the University of Illinois. Brent faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of intoxicated manslaughter, though he could also get probation.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - MAY 24TH

1902 - Cleveland's Bill Bradley is first ALer to hit a HR run in 4 consecutive games,

 not duplicated until Babe Ruth does it June 25, 1918.

1935 - First major league night baseball game, in Cincinnati (Reds 2, Phil 1).
1940 - First night game at NY's Polo Grounds (Giants 8, Braves 1).
1940 - First night game at St Louis Sportsman Park (Indians 3, Browns 2).
1940 - NY Giants rip Boston Bees 8-1 in 1st night game at Polo Grounds.

1967 - AFL grants a franchise to Cincinnati Bengals.

1979 - Tracy McGrady, NBA forward (Toronto Raptors) is born.

1981 - Bobby Unser wins, loses, & wins a controversial Indy 500.

1987 - Al Unser Sr, 47, wins his 4th Indy 500.

1989 - NY Yankee hurler Lee Gutterman sets record of pitching 

30-2/3 innings before giving up his 1st run of season.

1990 - Andre Dawson receives a record 5 intentional walks in a game.

1992 - Al Unser Jr wins Indy 500.

James, Bryant voted to All-NBA first team

LeBron James was a unanimous pick for the All-NBA team and Kobe Bryant earned his record-tying 11th first-team selection. James received all 119 votes for the first team from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the U.S. and Canada. Joining the league's MVP and Bryant on the first team Thursday were Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, San Antonio center Tim Duncan and Clippers guard Chris Paul. Bryant tied Utah Hall of Famer Karl Malone with his 11th first-team nod. NBA scoring leader Carmelo Anthony led the second team, joined by guards Russell Westbrook and Tony Parker, center Marc Gasol and forward Blake Griffin. The third team was Houston's James Harden, Miami's Dwyane Wade, Lakers center Dwight Howard and forwards Paul George of Indiana and David Lee of Golden State.

Colorado Avalanche hire Patrick Roy as new coach

The Colorado Avalanche are rounding up the old crew to restore the downtrodden franchise. First, Joe Sakic was given more responsibility in the front office. And now Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy is rejoining the Avs as head coach. Colorado reached an agreement in principle Thursday with Roy to lead the team and also serve as vice president of hockey operations. Roy will join forces with Sakic, who was recently promoted to executive vice president of hockey operations. The Avalanche won two Stanley Cup titles with the duo on the ice and the organization is hoping they can help turn around a struggling franchise. Pull this off and it just might be Roy's biggest save yet. The Avs finished a year they'd rather forget, winding up last in the Western Conference and sitting out of the playoffs for a third straight season. The dismal season led to the dismissal of coach Joe Sacco late last month. However, the team does have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. They also have one of the winningest goalies of all time, a fiery competitor during his playing days who will bring that sort of intensity to the bench. The 47-year-old Roy becomes the sixth coach in Avalanche history and the 14th in franchise history; the team began as the Quebec Nordiques and moved to Denver before the 1995-96 season. The Avs captured the first of two Stanley Cup titles that season, with Roy in net.

Although he has no NHL coaching experience, Roy did spend the last eight seasons as coach and general manager of the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, winning the 2006 Memorial Cup. He also is a part-owner of the QMJHL franchise. ''This is an unbelievable day for me,'' Roy said. ''It's a new and exciting challenge that I am really looking forward to. Almost 10 years to the day that I announced my retirement as a player I am back in Denver and hope the fans are as excited as I am.'' Roy's younger brother, Stephane Roy, let the secret out of the bag earlier this week, posting a Facebook note saying his brother would be the new coach. That left fans in the Mile High City eager all week, hoping two of the most beloved players in team history would team up again. ''This is a very exciting day for our fans and a significant moment in our organization's history,'' team president Josh Kroenke said. Following the season, the Avalanche shook up their front office, naming Kroenke as their team president as he took over for longtime executive Pierre Lacroix, who was instrumental in assembling the squads that won championships in 1996 and 2001. Kroenke's first task was giving Sakic more of a say in every day hockey decisions. He also allowed Sakic to seek out the next coach. Naturally, he turned to someone he knows quite well. ''All along Patrick was our top candidate and we are thrilled that he has decided to accept this offer,'' Sakic said. ''Patrick has a great hockey mind, is a tremendous coach and there is no one more passionate about this game. He will bring that winning attitude to our dressing room to help this young team grow.'' Roy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006. He retired with the most regular-season wins in NHL history (551), since passed by New Jersey's Martin Brodeur. Roy also won two Stanley Cups with Montreal and remains the winningest goalie in Stanley Cup history with 151 postseason victories. ''Patrick's passion for the game of hockey both as a player and as a coach defines who he is as a person,'' Kroenke said. ''He is a winner and is coming back to Denver, where he created numerous special moments on and off the ice while helping lead us to two Stanley Cup championships.'' Roy won three Vezina Trophies (1989, 1990, 1992) and was selected to the NHL All-Star team six times. The excitable Roy started his career with Montreal, winning two Stanley Cup trophies for the Canadiens. But a rift grew with the team after a game against Detroit on Dec. 2, 1995, when Roy allowed nine goals before he was finally taken out in the second period. Upset, Roy told Montreal it was his last game for the team. A few days later, he was in Colorado, helping the Avs win their first Stanley Cup title. To this day, Roy sweaters permeate the Pepsi Center on game days. He's that revered. Roy had his number retired by the Avs a decade ago and a banner to commemorate the achievement now hangs from the arena's rafters, alongside those of Peter Forsberg (21), Ray Bourque (77) and his new partner in turning around this franchise, Sakic (19). The team has quite a big to build around, too, especially since the Avs have a young nucleus in place with Matt Duchene, Ryan O'Reilly and captain Gabriel Landeskog all under 23.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - MAY 23RD

1873 - First Preakness: G Barbee aboard Survivor wins in 2:43.

1883 - Baseball game between one-armed & one-legged players.

1941 - Joe Louis beats Buddy Baer on DQ in 7 rounds for Heavyweight boxing title.

1943 - John Newcombe, Australia, tennis pro (Wimbledon 1967, 70, 71) is born.
1948 - Joe DiMaggio hits 3 consecutive HRs.

1952 - "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler, NJ, Middleweight boxing champ (1982-83) is born.
1953 - 79th Preakness: Eric Guerin aboard Native Dancer wins in 1:57.8.
1962 - Joe Pepitone 2nd Yankee to hit 2 HRs in 1 inning (Joe DiMaggio).
1964 - Dale Greig runs female marathon world record (3:27:45).

1984 - Detroit Tigers win AL record tying 16th straight road game.
1990 - NY Yankees hit 6 home runs to beat Minnesota Twins 12-0.

2002 - Sam Snead, American golfer (b. 1912) dies.

After 13 seasons, Bears LB Brian Urlacher announces his retirement

Brian Urlacher wasn't sure how dominant he could be any longer, so he's calling it a career after 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears. 

And what a career it was:

-Eight Pro Bowl seasons;

-Defensive Player of the Year in 2005

-A trip to the Super Bowl as 2006 NFC champion.

And now, it's over. The eight-time Pro Bowler announced his retirement through social media accounts Wednesday. ''After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire,'' Urlacher said in a statement. ''Although I could continue playing, I'm not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that's up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear. ''I want to thank all of the people in my life that have helped me along the way. I will miss my teammates, my coaches and the great Bears fans. I'm proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss this great game, but I leave it with no regrets.'' Urlacher was the face of the Bears, and he ranks among the best middle linebackers to suit up for a franchise with an impressive list that includes Hall of Famers Bill George, Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary. In March, Urlacher and the Bears were unable to reach a contract agreement and he became a free agent. ''In the pantheon of Bears, Brian has earned his place alongside Halas, Grange, Nagurski, Ditka, Payton - and yes, Bill George, Butkus and Singletary,'' Bears chairman George McCaskey said. ''We congratulate Brian on a brilliant career and he will continue to be a welcomed member of the Bears Family in retirement.'' Added receiver Earl Bennett on Twitter: ''Great player... Great teammate... Awesome person!!!!'' Former Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer posted on Twitter: ''(at)BUrlacher54 was the most coachable superstar, best locker room leader I ever played with. Proud to call him a teammate for 8 seasons.'' And defensive end Israel Idonije, a free agent, wrote, ''It was an honor & privilege to work and learn from (at)BUrlacher54 over the past 10 years. (hash)ThanksBruh.'' Urlacher started 180 games from 2000-2012, and made a team-record 1,779 tackles. He has 41 1/2, 22 interceptions, 16 fumble recoveries and 11 forced fumbles. Last year, he was slowed by a knee problem and then missed the final four games with a hamstring injury. Urlacher had posted pictures on Twitter indicating he was working his way back into shape before the split with the Bears. But when they announced he would not be back, it was hardly a surprise. Urlacher told the team's flagship radio station at the time that he was not shocked and the offer he received was ''more like an ultimatum'' in which they were telling him, ''Sign this contract or we are going to move on.'' The split with Urlacher was just one of many moves in a busy offseason for the Bears. They fired coach Lovie Smith after a second straight late collapse left them out of the playoffs for the fifth time in six years, even though they did finish with 10 wins. They replaced him with the offensive-minded Marc Trestman, hoping he could get the most out of quarterback Jay Cutler, and revamped their offensive line. On defense, the only starting linebacker returning is Lance Briggs. Veteran free agent acquisition D.J. Williams and second-round draft pick Jon Bostic are expected to compete for the middle linebacker job with Urlacher gone. A safety with lightning speed when he was drafted out of New Mexico, the 6-foot-4 Urlacher initially lined up at strong side linebacker for the Bears, but lost the job to Roosevelt Colvin. He made the switch to middle linebacker during his first season when Barry Minter was injured, and went on to become the 2000 Defensive Rookie of the Year, the start of a long run that saw him anchor a defense that consistently ranked among the league's best. But he clearly wasn't his old self last year. The speed and quickness that allowed him to wreak havoc for years simply wasn't there. Urlacher sprained his medial collateral ligament and partially sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the 2011 regular-season finale against Minnesota, He hasn't been the same since then. He barely participated in training camp, had an arthroscopic procedure in mid-August to relieve the swelling, and spent most of the season trying to regain his old form. Then, he came up lame in coverage on the second-to-last snap of the Bears' overtime loss to Seattle in early December, an injury that ended his season and, ultimately, his career. ''He was a guy that you respected from a coaching standpoint because of what he could do on the field,'' Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said. ''I know he was respected by players and among his peers. Different kind of linebacker, you know? There are not many guys who are 6-4 playing middle linebacker. It's generally a position that shorter guys have had a lot more success, guys like Mike Singletary, who probably wasn't six feet tall; Ray Lewis about the same way. ''But Urlacher, in a lot of ways, changed the position. His range at the middle linebacker position, the speed that he played with, he was super fast.''