Northwestern closes with 37-34 win over Illinois and only Big Ten victory

Northwestern quarterback Trevor Siemian threw for 414 yards and four touchdowns and Christian Jones caught 13 balls for 182 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Wildcats past Illinois 37-34 Saturday in the finale for both teams.

Siemian was 31-44 and didn't throw an interception.

The win ended a seven-game losing streak for Northwestern (5-7, 1-7 Big Ten).

The Wildcats gashed an Illinois defense that has given up big yards and points all season. Northwestern's 560 total yards made it the fifth team to top 500 yards against Illinois (4-8, 1-7).

Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase was 31-45 for 307 yards and two touchdowns in his last game at Illinois. Scheelhaase threw one interception in the game, but it was a game-changer.

Down 30-27 with just over eight minutes to play in the game, Illinois was driving. On a first-and-10 at his own 45, Scheelhaase rolled right under pressure and, just before he stepped out of bounds, forced a ball down the sideline. The only player close to it was Northwestern defensive end Tyler Scott, who juggled the ball but held it with both hands as he went out of bounds.

The play was upheld on review, a decision the sparse crowd howled loudly about and coach Tim Beckman argued over with the officials.

The Wildcats made quick work of Illinois' defense, driving to the 7-yard line where Siemian found Jones in the end zone for the touchdown that put the Wildcats up by 10, 37-27, with 8:07 left to play.

Illinois pulled back to within three when Scheelhaase hit Miles Osei for an 11-yard touchdown with 2:23 left in the game.

But Northwestern's Cameron Dickerson came up with the onside kick and the Wildcats ran out the clock.

Scheelhaase, a four-year starter, finished his career at Illinois with 10,634 total yards, No. 1 on the team's all-time list. His 362 yards Saturday broke Juice Williams' old record.

Northwestern's senior quarterback Kain Colter didn't play after suffering a big hit a week earlier against Michigan State.

But the Wildcats didn't need him. Siemian's passing yards and touchdown passes were both career highs for the junior.

Illinois opened the second half with a blast from running back Josh Ferguson, a 55-yard touchdown run that gave the Illini the lead, 24-20.

Ferguson finished Saturday with 110 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.

His run gave Illinois a solid shot of momentum that its defense put to good use.

The Illini held the Wildcats to just a field goal in the third quarter, and late in the period buried Northwestern at its own 2-yard-line with a 66-yard Justin Duvernois punt, almost a third of it on a big roll.

But Northwestern conjured up a ghost from one of Illinois' worst losses of the season to jump back into the lead.

Illinois' 42-3 loss to Michigan State was close until the Spartans battered the Illini with a 99-yard second-half touchdown drive that changed the game.

The Wildcats only had to go 98 yards, but they did. Siemian finished it with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Rashad Lawrence for a 30-27 lead with 14:55 left in the game.

The Wildcats took an early 10-0 lead and appeared to be in control.

Over a stretch of two and a half minutes early in the second quarter, though, Illinois stole the momentum and erased the lead.

First Scheelhaase hit Steve Hull on the unlikeliest of 25-yard touchdown passes, jumping to launch the ball over the Wildcats' defensive pressure and finding Steve Hull flat on his back in the front of the end zone. The receiver slipped as he appeared to adjust to the ball and fell, but the ball found him, landing right on top of him with 13:36 left in the first half.

Hull finished with 13 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown.

Then with 11:08 left in the half, Ferguson reached an arm into the end zone for another touchdown, hammering the ball to the ground as 300-pound defensive tackle Greg Kuhar pinned his body to the turf just shy of the goal line. Illinois was up 14-10.

But Northwestern came back and took a 20-17 lead into halftime.

No. 3 Ohio State holds on to beat Michigan 42-41

The 110th game between Ohio State and Michigan might have been the most thrilling, a back-and-forth affair that came down to one final play.

The Wolverines went for the win - and the Buckeyes stayed undefeated.

Tyvis Powell intercepted Devin Gardner's 2-point conversion pass with 32 seconds left and No. 3 Ohio State held on for a 42-41 victory against Michigan on Saturday as one of the greatest rivalries in sports added another memorable chapter to its storied history.

''That's an instant classic,'' Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said.

Gardner threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Devin Funchess to make it 42-41, but instead of kicking for the tie and possibly pushing the game to overtime, Wolverines coach Brady Hoke asked his players if they wanted to go for it and got a unanimous response.

''We played the game to win,'' Hoke said.

Gardner tried to zip a pass to Drew Dileo into traffic near the goal line, but Powell came up with it and the quarterback was left lying on his back with his arms extended to his side, the back of his helmet resting on the cold turf.

''We felt like we could win the game right there,'' Gardner said, looking and sounding as saddened as any athlete after a setback.

Buckeyes cornerback Roby Bradley recovered the onside kick to seal Ohio State's 24th consecutive victory and keep its national championship hopes alive. And then thing got even better for the Buckeyes when Auburn beat Alabama later.

Meyer insisted the streak was not as significant as winning his second game in as many tries against Michigan.

''No question - the win over our rival is better,'' he said.

Braxton Miller accounted for a career-high matching five touchdowns for Ohio State (12-0, 8-0) and Carlos Hyde ran for a 1-yard score with 2:20 left to make it 42-35.

The Buckeyes left Ann Arbor knowing they will play Michigan State in the Big Ten title game next Saturday in Indianapolis, needing to beat the Spartans - and have No. 1 Alabama or No. 2 Florida State lose a game to have a chance to reach the BCS national championship game. No. 4 Auburn provided an assist by defeating the Crimson Tide by returning a missed field goal 100 yards on the final play for a 34-28 victory.

The Wolverines (7-5, 3-5) started strong as a 16 1-2-point underdog and didn't wilt when Ohio State went up 35-21 late in the third quarter, one drive after Gardner threw an incomplete pass on fourth-and-2 when Hoke opted against attempting a 31-yard field goal.

''They didn't let up at all,'' Miller said.

Michigan, though, couldn't make a pivotal play in a shootout that might've given it the biggest upset in the series since Bo Schembechler's first team at Michigan beat what Woody Hayes said was his best Buckeyes squad in 1969.

''I threw an interception that cost us the win,'' said Gardner, who limped into a news conference with a protective boot on his left foot. ''That's what I will remember.''

Miller ran for 153 yards and three TDs and threw for 133 yards and two scores. Hyde ran for 226 yards to help Ohio State win for the ninth time in 10 games against Michigan, but he fumbled in the fourth quarter to help Michigan tie the game for a fourth time with 5:01 left.

Both teams scored at least 41 points for the first time in their rivalry that dates to 1897.

''I have such great respect for this rivalry,'' Meyer said. ''Coach Hayes was from a different generation. He would have wanted a 10-9 game, but he would have wanted to see the two teams playing as hard as they can.''

Gardner was 32 of 45 for 451 yards and four TDs, connecting nine times for 175 yards and a score to Jeremy Gallon, and ran for a 1-yard TD that gave Michigan the first lead in the high-scoring game that went to halftime tied at 21. Gardner fumbled in the third quarter and Ohio State took advantage of the turnover on the ensuing drive with a Miller's go-ahead, 3-yard TD.

It was a slug fest - literally for a few moments.

The teams exchanged pushes and some punches in the second quarter after a Michigan kickoff.

The Buckeyes lost starting right guard Marcus Hall and kick returner Dontre Wilson and the Wolverines lost backup linebacker Royce Jenkins-Stone to ejections. All three players were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and had to leave the field after a skirmish. Hall and Wilson appeared to throw punches. Jenkins-Stone tugged Wilson's helmet off and tossed it to the turf.

''It was unacceptable,'' Meyer said.

While walking off the field and toward the tunnel, Hall put both arms into the air and flashed a familiar obscene gesture, extended middle fingers, to the Michigan crowd.

Punishment could potentially linger for Ohio State if both players are suspended for next week's Big Ten championship game.

''The conference office will wait until after the game for the officials' written report, review the video and then take further action if needed,'' Big Ten spokesman Scott Chipman wrote in an email to The Associated Press.

Chris Davis' return lifts Auburn past Bama, 34-28

That crazy tipped pass for a long game-winning touchdown is now the second-most stunning and improbable play of Auburn's wild season.

Yes, the Tigers found a way to top ''The Immaculate Deflection.''

Chris Davis returned a missed field-goal attempt more than 100 yards for a touchdown on the final play to lift No. 4 Auburn to a 34-28 victory over No. 1 Alabama on Saturday, upending the two-time defending national champions' BCS hopes and preserving the Tigers' own.

''We're a team of destiny,'' Davis said. ''We won't take no for an answer.''

He delivered a play that deserves its own nickname. Say the Happiest Return? Or the saddest, depending on which side of the Iron Bowl you sit. Think of some of the most memorable plays in college football history - maybe Stanford-Cal, ''The Band is on the Field'' or Hail Flutie. This one by Auburn now has a place on that list.

Davis caught the ball about 9 yards deep in the end zone after freshman Adam Griffith's 57-yard attempt fell short. He then sprinted down the left sideline and cut back with nothing but teammates around him in a second straight hard-to-fathom finish for the Tigers (11-1, 7-1 Southeastern Conference).

''I knew when I caught the ball I would have room to run,'' Davis said. ''I knew they would have big guys on the field to protect on the field goal.

''When I looked back, I said, 'I can't believe this.'''

Auburn clinched a spot in the SEC championship game with the stunning victory over the powerhouse from across the state. The Crimson Tide (11-1, 7-1) several times seemed poised to continue its run toward the first three-peat in modern college football, but couldn't put the Tigers away.

Asked if it was the biggest win of his career, Tigers coach Gus Malzahn said: ''It ranks right up there.'' But he said he'd ''probably'' still celebrate just like he has since his high school coaching days: With a Waffle House meal.

''That's what you coach for, that's what these kids play for, to get a chance to win the SEC championship,'' Malzahn said.

The Tigers put it away just when overtime on tap. The public address announcer in the stadium had already declared the game 28-28 at the end of regulation.

But Alabama got 1 second restored and one more play after a review of T.J. Yeldon's run to the Auburn 39.

That gave the Tide coach Nick Saban a chance to try the long field goal - and now he probably wished he never did, given the stunning result.

''It was a great game,'' Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron said. ''Sometimes luck just isn't on your side.

''It's one of those crazy plays. It's almost like a video game. That's something you do on Madden or NCAA. It's just a wild play.''

The entire field looked like a sea of orange shakers as the celebration continued long after the climactic finale of one of the biggest Iron Bowls in the bitter rivalry's 78-year history.

It lived up to the billing - and then some. According to NCAA records, it was only the fourth time that a missed field goal was returned for 100 yards.

This finale even one-upped Auburn's last-gasp win over Georgia two weeks earlier. A deflected 73-yard touchdown pass from Nick Marshall to Ricardo Louis dubbed ''The Immaculate Deflection'' with 25 seconds left set up only the second top-five Iron Bowl matchup and first since 1971.

A team that went 3-9 last season and had been destroyed by Alabama 91-14 combined the past two seasons will play for an SEC title and perhaps a trip to the BCS championship game.

Undefeated Ohio State, which was third in the BCS standings this week and figures to move up to second behind Florida State, will have something to say about which teams play for the national title, too. No doubt the Buckeyes, who won their own thriller against Michigan earlier in the day, were celebrating Auburn's win almost as much as the Tigers.

But the Tigers were already making a case to jump the Buckeyes.

Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs told reporters it would be ''a disservice to college football'' if a one-loss SEC champion was left out of the national title game for Ohio State.

On the final play, Alabama turned to Griffith to replace Cade Foster, who had missed three field goals, with a potential clinching 44-yarder going low and getting blocked in the final minutes. Griffith was only 1 of 2 all season with a long of 20 yards.

''We told our team that this is like March Madness,'' Saban said. ''Coming into this game that if you want to keep playing in the tournament you have to keep winning. I was really proud of the way our guys competed out there today, but the fact of the matter is that we did not make plays when we needed to.''

Marshall had tied the game with a 39-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Sammie Coates with 32 seconds left after Auburn blocked a low field goal attempt. The Tigers moved 65 yards in 2 minutes all on the ground with Mason until that play.

Marshall raced toward the line with two defensive backs coming after him. Then he pulled up just in time with the ball tucked in his left hand, deftly switching it to his right and lofting the pass to Coates standing all by himself.

McCarron, a Heisman Trophy candidate, had staked Alabama to a 28-21 lead with a 99-yard pass to Amari Cooper for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Tide had a few chances to put the game away, but couldn't convert a fourth-and-short deep in Auburn territory, had four missed field goals - one after a false start penalty negated a make - and a dropped potential TD in the end zone by Cooper.

McCarron might have had a Heisman moment with his pass to Cooper from the end zone, when Cooper shook off a defensive back on his way to the end zone.

The quarterback, who is 36-3 as a starter, completed 17 of 29 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns.

Marshall was 11-of-16 passing for 97 yards but also rushed 17 times for 99 yards.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - NOVEMBER 30TH

1872 - First international soccer game, Scotland-England 0-0 (Glasgow).

1931 - Bill Walsh, NFL coach (SF 49ers)/sportscaster is born.

1942 - Bill Terry resigns as supervisor of NY Giants minor league system.

1948 - Baseball's Negro National League disbands.
1952 - Jackie Robinson charges NY Yankees with racism.
1956 - Floyd Patterson KOs Archie Moore in 5 for Heavyweight boxing title.

1959 - Joe Foss named 1st commissioner of AFL.
1961 - Billy Williams of the Cubs is voted NL Rookie of Year.

1962 - Bo Jackson, baseball/football player (KC Royals, LA Raiders) is born.

1981 - NY Yankee Dave Righetti wins AL Rookie of Year Award.

1986 - Ivan Lendl is 1st tennis player to earn over $10 million, lifetime.

1991 - 1st world championship of women's soccer, US defeats Norway 2-1.

1993 - NFL announces 30th franchise - Jacksonville Jaguars.

Injuries force ex-Cub Ted Lilly to retire after 15 seasons

Ted Lilly would have loved to keep pitching — if his body would allow him to start every fifth day, and if he could stay off the disabled list.

Instead, the 37-year-old left-hander is retiring after 15 seasons because of further problems with his shoulder and back.

He went to winter ball in Venezuela this month with the hope his body would cooperate and he could find a major league job. But Lilly didn't feel right, and he made just one three-inning appearance during a 20-day stint in Valencia. He would have pitched again except he got food poisoning.

"It came to a point that, unfortunately, the reality set in where I was in terms of health and effectiveness," Lilly said by phone Friday. "Those combinations are what forced me to retire. If I felt I could still be productive and healthy, I would be playing, for sure. As of today, I don't think it's reasonable. I didn't believe I would be able to go out there and be productive and effective for a major league team and stay healthy to make 30 starts."

He returned home to California on Wednesday night, and looks forward to spending time with his wife and two young children.

A two-time All-Star, Lilly was 130-113 with a 4.14 ERA in parts of 15 major league seasons. He pitched for Montreal, Oakland, Toronto, the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Dodgers.

He has struggled with the idea of retirement for months, even though his shoulder didn't recover well. Designated for assignment by the Dodgers — the team that selected him in the 23rd round of the 1996 amateur draft — on July 25, Lily first tried rest.

Late in the season, he saw a spine specialist in Los Angeles and underwent surgery to cauterize the nerve endings in the right side of his neck. He was limited to 13 starts the past two seasons for Los Angeles because of injury problems, going 0-2 with a 5.09 ERA in five 2013 starts.

"As I sit here right now I'm OK but it's been difficult for weeks because I've had to deal with those thoughts and avoid those thoughts for a long time, and continue to talk myself into it that I could find a way to do it," he said.

"I really do not want to spend more time on the disabled list. I've spent so much time on that dreaded list. It really came down to a matter of being effective. If I believed could produce, I would still pitch. So, it was a decision that was forced on me at where I was physically in my career."

He expects to do coach down the line, probably at the youth baseball level initially.

Lilly is left to cherish the relationships and friendships he made with both teammates and opponents.

"I was so lucky, the game of baseball really changed my life," he said. "I know a lot of ex-players say that or people who are playing the game, and it's true. Baseball has been my life for so many years in some facet or the other I hope to continue to stay close to the game. It's a game that I love."

Freshman QB Jennings rescues No. 15 LSU in 31-27 win over Arkansas

Backup quarterback Anthony Jennings closed out LSU's regular season by giving Tigers fans a big dose of hope for the future.

The freshman replaced an injured Zach Mettenberger in the fourth quarter and lofted a 49-yard touchdown pass to Travin Dural with 1:15 left as No. 15 LSU pulled out a tense 31-27 victory over upset-minded Arkansas on Friday.

Jennings entered the game after Mettenberger hurt his left leg in the fourth quarter, and the game came down to whether Jennings could drive the Tigers 99 yards in the final 3 minutes.

He responded with a pair of clutch first-down passes and a 21-yard scramble to set up his winning scoring strike that kept LSU (9-3, 5-3 Southeastern Conference) alive for a fourth-straight 10-win campaign.

Brandon Allen completed two touchdown passes to tight end Hunter Henry, the second giving Arkansas (3-9, 0-8) a 27-21 lead that stood most of the fourth quarter. But Jennings' heroics extended the Razorbacks' school-record losing streak to nine games and ensured Arkansas' first winless record in the SEC since joining the conference in 1992.

LSU's defense sealed up the victory when cornerback Dwayne Thomas sacked and stripped Allen and defensive end Jermauria Rasco recovered in the final minute, allowing Jennings to take a curtain call in kneel on the ball to run out the clock.

The Tigers first three scores all came on long runs. Terrence Magee had TDs of 29 and 23 yards in the first and Jeremy Hill broke loose for a 52-yarder in the third quarter. Hill finished with 145 yards on 20 carries.

Junior receiver Jarvis Landry caught eight passes for 113 yards in what may have been his final game in Tiger Stadium, including an awkward, leaping circus catch from behind a defender to set up a field goal that cut Arkansas' lead to 27-24 with about 5 minutes to go. The catch came on the 32-yard pass that Mettenberger delivered just as hit low and twisted underneath a defender and blocker.

Mettenberger, a senior, finished 14 of 22 passing for 156 yards, becoming the third QB in LSU history to eclipse 3,000 yards in a season.

Allen completed 19 of 29 passes for 178 yards.

Arkansas, a more-than three-TD underdog, led 17-14 at halftime and increased its lead on Zach Hocker's field goal in the third quarter, which was set up by Alan Turner's interception of Mettenberger's overthrow that was tipped by Landry.

LSU regained the lead on Hill's touchdown, but Arkansas responded with a 15-play, 75-yard drive that ended with Henry's second TD catch.

Early in the fourth quarter, LSU was inside the Arkansas 20. But on fourth-and-2, coach Les Miles kept the offense on the field instead of trying a field goal, and Mettenberger's pass to Hill went for only 1 yard, leaving the Tigers' deficit at six with 9:20 left.

Early on, it looked like LSU was on its way to the type of romp odd makers expected. The Tigers forced a quick punt on the Hogs' opening drive, then marched 70 plays on their first possession to take a 7-0 lead Magee's first score.

The Razorbacks then exhibited their determination in the way they responded to Korliss Marshall's 100-yard kickoff return being called back for holding. Arkansas had to start on its own 14, but drove 86 yards on eight plays to tie it on fullback Kiero Small's 3-yard run on a direct snap.

Magee's second touchdown put LSU back up 14-7. But Arkansas once again answered with another eight-play, 86-yard drive, this one ending with Henry's 9-yard catch.

Late in the half, Braylon Mitchell sacked and stripped Mettenberger and Brandon Lewis recovered on the 28, setting up Hocker's 20-yard field goal and the Hogs' first lead.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - NOVEMBER 29TH

1922 - Minnie Miñoso, Cuban baseball player is born.

1924 - NHL's Montreal Forum opens.

1927 - Vin[ce] Scully, sportscaster (NBC Baseball Game of the Week) is born.
1934 - Chicago Bears beat Detroit (19-16) in first NFL game broadcast nationally.

1946 - Suzy Chaffee, US, skier/chapstick user (Olympics-1968) is born.

1957 - NY Mayor Robert Wagner forms a committee to replace Dodgers & Giants.

1962 - Baseball decides to revert back to one all star game per year.
1966 - First NBA game at Oakland Coliseum Arena - Warriors beat Bulls 108-101.

1971 - First pro golf championship at Walt Disney World.

1974 - James J. Braddock, American Heavyweight boxer (b. 1905) dies.
1976 - Free agent Reggie Jackson signs 5 year pact with NY Yankees.

1987 - Joe Montana of 49ers completes NFL record 22 consecutive passes.

Lions score 37 straight in 40-10 rout over Packers

Matthew Stafford and Reggie Bush did their part to keep the Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers in the game.

Stafford turned the ball over a few times and Bush did once.

Instead of crumbling and losing confidence, both players bounced back and helped the Detroit Lions put together a dominant performance after an awful start.

Stafford threw three touchdown passes, including one to Calvin Johnson, Bush had 182 yards of offense and scored, and Detroit scored 37 straight points to rout Green Bay 40-10 on Thursday.

''When we get out of our own way, we can be pretty special,'' Bush said.

Early on, it looked as if the Lions were going to find another way to waste chances to win a game and take control of the NFC North.

''It's easy when you lose a couple games in a row, particularly the fashion that we lost, for people to say, 'Here we go again,''' Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said. ''I'm sure there were some people that were saying that, but they weren't on our sideline.''

The Lions (7-5) had lost their last two games, five consecutive against Green Bay and a franchise-record nine straight in their annual showcase on Thanksgiving.

''It's a step in the right direction for us,'' Stafford said. ''I'm sure the turkey will taste better.''

The Packers (5-6-1) have a five-game winless streak for the first time since 2008.

''We're not used to anything like this - not on this team,'' Green Bay linebacker A.J. Hawk said. ''This is something that is going to make a lot of guys on this team think, and that's good. We need to find some answers because they just ran the ball down our throats.''

Bush responded from fumbling deep in Green Bay territory to score a 1-yard TD run that gave Detroit a 17-10 lead late in the first half. He finished with 117 yards rushing and 65 yards receiving. Bush' backup, Joique Bell, ran for a career-high 94 yards and a score.

The Packers, painfully, are finding out how valuable Rodgers is for the franchise. Rodgers has missed four-plus games since fracturing his left collarbone. Green Bay has tied one and lost four without him.

''We're a wounded team that got drilled by a good football team,'' Packers coach Mike McCarthy said.

Matt Flynn became the fourth starting quarterback for Green Bay this year and was sacked seven times, once by Ndamukong Suh for a safety.

Flynn didn't fare as well as he did in his last start for Green Bay against the same opponent.

He was 10 of 20 for 139 yards with an interception and two fumbles. In the last game of the 2011 regular season, while Rodgers rested for the playoffs, Flynn threw for 480 yards and six TDs in a 45-41 win over Detroit.

''They might have a lot of the same guys, but I can say they're a different defense,'' Flynn said. ''They're flying around, creating havoc.''

The Packers have been leaning on rookie running back Eddie Lacy lately, but he was limited to 16 yards on 10 carries against one of the NFL's best defenses against the run.

Detroit was balanced on offense.

Johnson had six receptions for 101 yards and a 20-yard TD to put the Lions up 24-10 early in the third quarter. He has 4,944 yards receiving in two-plus seasons, breaking Jerry Rice's NFL record for yards receiving in a three-year stretch. Rice had 4,850 yards receiving from 1993 to 1995.

Stafford was 22 of 35 for 330 yards with two interceptions and a fumble that was returned by Morgan Burnett to put the Packers up 10-3 early in the second quarter.

After that, Detroit did whatever it wanted on both sides of the ball. And if the Lions didn't start the game so poorly, the score could've been even more lopsided.

Detroit gained 561 yards and gave up just 126.

Green Bay didn't have more than 100 yards of offense until Flynn threw a 56-yard pass to Jordy Nelson with a little more than a minute left. Flynn then fumbled in a fitting end for a game that he and his team would like to forget.

Packers guard Josh Sitton might've fired up the Lions, saying they were ''dirtbags,'' a couple days before the game, but didn't seem to regret his choice of words.

''I don't take back anything I said,'' Sitton said. ''But I don't want to stand here and discuss it again."

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - NOVEMBER 28TH

1895 - America's first auto race starts; 6 cars, 55 miles, winner avg 7 MPH.

1925 - NHL goalie Georges Vezina collapses & dies 4 months later of TB.

1939 - James Naismith, creator of basketball, dies at 78.

1954 - Cleveland Browns' Horace Gillom sets club record with 80-yard punt.
1957 - Warren Spahn of the Braves wins Cy Young Award.

1958 - Dave Righetti, baseball pitcher (Yankees, Giants) is born.

1972 - LA Dodgers trade Frank Robinson to California Angels.

1981 - Bear Bryant wins his 315th game to out distance 

Alonzo Stagg & become College Football's winningest coach.

1989 - Rickey Henderson signs record $3,000,000 per year Oak A's contract.
1989 - Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci flees to Hungary.

Brewers' Braun has regrets, meets with Laurenzi

Ryan Braun ended his silence Wednesday, speaking to the media for the first time since accepting a season-ending, 65-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's anti-drug agreement.

Braun was taking part in a holiday food drive at Miller Park and said he was ''deeply remorseful'' for his actions but declined to offer specific answers to most questions.

''The goal for me is just being able to move forward,'' Braun said. ''I wish that I could go back and change things but I don't have that opportunity to do that, so I'm just going to do everything in my power to move forward.''

Braun was the first star to be suspended as part of the doping scandal surrounding the now-closed Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic in Florida.

The five-time All-Star tested positive for elevated testosterone in October of his 2011 NL MVP season, but his 50-game suspension was overturned when an arbitrator ruled the urine sample was mishandled. All along, Braun maintained his innocence and heavy criticism fell on the urine sample collector, Dino Laurenzi Jr.

Braun said he reached out to Laurenzi and the two are moving forward.

''I have not made any payments to him,'' Braun said. ''I've had some really productive and positive conversations with him. The Laurenzi family was actually gracious and kind enough to have my fiancee Larisa and I over to their house for dinner last night, and we had some really good conversation. We've made amends and I think we're both excited to be able to move forward and put this behind us.''

Braun had earlier called baseball's joint drug agreement, calling it ''fatally flawed'' and suggesting players are ''100 percent guilty until proven innocent.''

''We won because the truth is on my side,'' he said at the time.

''I wish that I hadn't done the press conference,'' Braun said Wednesday. ''It was a big mistake. I deeply regret having done it, and a lot of the things that I said that day.''

Braun has returned to Miller Park on a few occasions, personally called some Brewers season ticket holders and met with a local charity. Until Wednesday, he had not taken questions about the scandal.

''Because it was an ongoing investigation I wasn't allowed to say very much at that time,'' Braun said. ''Basically based on what I had learned from both Major League Baseball and the players' association, it wasn't in anybody's best interest for me to make any statements at that time. It wasn't about waiting or anything like that. I've been here a few times but I think this is the first time that everybody's been aware that I'm here.''

In seven seasons, Braun established himself as one of the game's brightest young stars and appeared in five consecutive All-Star games from 2008-12. He also became the face of the small-market Milwaukee franchise, earning a seven-year, $105 million contract extension that keeps him with the Brewers through the 2020 season.

Owner Mark Attanasio said at one point that Braun would someday have a statue outside of Miller Park. When Braun was suspended, Attanasio expressed his disappointment but vowed that the organization would stand behind the player.

Since the suspension, there has been speculation that the Brewers might trade Braun, including a report last week that the Mets were exploring a possible deal.

Braun made it clear that he hopes to remain in Milwaukee.

''Absolutely I want to stay here,'' Braun said. ''I made the long-term commitment because the city has been amazing to me, the fans have been amazing to me, the organization has been incredibly supportive of me, and I fully intend to stay here. It's flattering that people would be interested. I actually had dinner with (general manager) Doug Melvin, (Brewers manager) Ron (Roenicke) and Mark Attanasio this week. I've seen Mark a lot, and I don't think there's any truth to those rumors. My goal and attention is to say here.''

As for repairing relationships, Braun said he has sent commissioner Bud Selig a letter. He didn't get into specifics about his relationship with injured Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers, who expressed disappointment after Braun admitted to doping.

''I'm not going to get into our specific relationship other than to say that he had been a great friend of mine for a long time,'' he said. ''He's a great person, and I hope he gets back on the field soon so he can help those guys win.''

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - NOVEMBER 27TH

1870 - NY Times dubs baseball "The National Game"

1941 - Joe DiMaggio is named AL MVP

1947 - Joe DiMaggio wins his 3rd MVP, beating Ted Williams by 1 vote

1950 - Red Sox sign shortstop Lou Boudreau as a player to 2-year contract

1958 - Mike Scioscia, baseball player/manager (LA Dodgers, Anaheim Angels) is born.

1960 - Gordie Howe becomes 1st NHLer to score 1,000 points

1961 - Gordie Howe becomes 1st to play in 1,000 NHL games

1975 - Red Sox's Fred Lynn is 1st rookie to win MVP (AL)

1997 - Lions' Barry Sanders becomes NFL's 2nd all-time rusher

2007 - Sean Taylor, American football player (b. 1983) died at the age of 24 

of a mortal gunshot wound to his femoral Artery.  Taylor was shot by the armed 

intruder at his home in Palmetto Bay, FL where he was recuperating from a football injury.

Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas on Hall of Fame ballot

Four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux, two-time winner Tom Glavine and two-time AL MVP Frank Thomas are among 19 newcomers on this year's Hall of Fame ballot, joining steroid-tainted holdovers Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.

Mike Mussina, Hideo Nomo, Kenny Rogers, Jeff Kent, Moises Alou and Luis Gonzalez also are among the players eligible to be voted on for the first time by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

The 36-player ballot will include Armando Benitez, Sean Casey, Ray Durham, Eric Gagne, Jacque Jones, Todd Jones, Paul Lo Duca, Richie Sexson, J.T. Snow and Mike Timlin, the Hall said Tuesday.

Voters are the approximately 600 writers who have been members of the BBWAA for 10 consecutive years at any point. Ballots are due by Dec. 31, and results will be announced Jan. 8.

Players elected along with choices announced Dec. 9 by the expansion era committee (1973 and later) will be inducted July 27 at Cooperstown. Among those on the committee ballot are retired managers Bobby Cox, Tony La Russa and Joe Torre; late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner; and late players' union head Marvin Miller.

Last year, the BBWAA failed for the first time since 1996 to produce any inductees. Craig Biggio came closest to receiving the necessary 75 percent, falling 39 shy with 388 (68.2 percent).

Jack Morris, who will be on the ballot for the final time this year, was second with 67.7 percent, followed by Jeff Bagwell (59.6), Mike Piazza (57.8), Tim Raines (52.2), Lee Smith (47.8) and Curt Schilling (38.8).

Making their first appearances on the ballot, Clemens was at 37.6 percent, Bonds at 36.2 and Sosa at 12.5. McGwire received 16.9 percent on his seventh try.

Players remain on the ballot if they receive at least 5 percent support and can stay in the voting for up to 15 years.

Other returnees include Don Mattingly, Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff, Rafael Palmeiro, Alan Trammell and Larry Walker.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - NOVEMBER 26TH

1868 - First baseball game played in enclosed field in SF, at 25th & Folsom.

1941 - Amateur tennis champ Bobby Riggs turns pro.

1943 - Jan Stenerud, Norway, NFL place kicker (Kansas City Chiefs) is born.
1945 - Mikhail Woronin, USSR, gymnist (Olympic-2 gold/4 silver/bronze-1968) is born.

1956 - Dale Jarrett, American race car driver is born.

1963 - Cincinnati 2nd baseman Pete Rose wins NL Rookie of Year.
1965 - Dodgers 2nd baseman Jim Lefebvre is voted NL Rookie of Year.

1979 - Intl Olympic Committee votes to readmit China after 21 years.
1980 - Mike Schmidt is unanimous choice as NL MVP.
1982 - Howard Cossell calls his last fight after being 

disgusted by Larry Holmes-Tex Cobb mismatch.

1984 - After 518 goals & 14 years with Montreal Canadiens, Guy Lafleur retires.

1991 - Bob Johnson, US hockey coach (Pittsburgh Penguins), dies at 60

1995 - Dolphins QB Dan Marino sets NFL record with 343rd touchdown pass.
1996 - Baseball owners approve interleague play, 26-4.

Cardinals sign Jhonny Peralta to 4-year, $50 million deal

St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak speaks during a news 

conference about the signing of free agent shortstop Jhonny Peralta 

Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, in St. Louis. The baseball team has announced 

they have signed Peralta to a four-year contract through the 2017 season.

The St. Louis Cardinals factored in Jhonny Peralta's drug suspension when they negotiated a four-year deal worth more than $50 million with the free agent shortstop.

General manager John Mozeliak said Monday that Peralta had admitted wrongdoing and served his penalty, and that the Cardinals weren't about to appoint themselves ''morale police,'' seeming to mean principles rather than enthusiasm. Mozeliak said the club was confident this was an isolated circumstance.

''Character and makeup are something we weigh into our decision-making,'' Mozeliak said. ''In his case, he admitted what he did, he took responsibility for it. I feel like he has paid for his mistakes, and obviously if he were to make another one, then it would be a huge disappointment.''

Mozeliak agreed with critics that penalties aren't strict enough.

''You do need a deterrent, and right now 50 games does not seem to be necessarily stopping it,'' Mozeliak said.

But he also believed attitudes have changed.

''I think Major League Baseball has done a great job trying to clean up this game, and I feel like they've taken great steps,'' the GM said.

The 31-year-old Peralta was suspended for 50 games last summer following MLB's investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic, which was accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs. He underwent a physical on Sunday in St. Louis but did not attend the introductory news conference.

St. Louis also explored a trade but wasn't willing to part with several prospects. Mozeliak said negotiations went quickly after groundwork was laid at the GM meetings.

Peralta and Stephen Drew were the best two shortstops in free agency. Peralta was a plus for the Cardinals because they've got a lot of left-handed hitters and he bats right-handed.

Mozeliak said rookie Pete Kozma, the starter last year who could end up back in the minors next season, was a better defensive shortstop than Peralta. The Cardinals prized Peralta, an All-Star two of the last three seasons, for his bat.

Peralta batted .303 with 11 homers and 55 RBIs in 107 games last year and four times has hit 20 or more homers. Kozma hit .217 with one homer and 35 RBIs.

Mozeliak said he'd be satisfied if the Cardinals stood pat the rest of the offseason but added the team will still be listening to offers. St. Louis filled its other need last week by trading third baseman David Freese to the Angels for center fielder Peter Bourgos.

Coming off a second World Series in three seasons, the Cardinals are loaded with young pitching and the lineup is set.

Matt Carpenter is set to move from second base to third base next season to make room for rookie Kolten Wong, a first-round draft pick in 2011. Matt Adams will start at first base with Allen Craig moving to right field.

The Cardinals don't anticipate Carlos Beltran, the right fielder last year, will take a one-year qualifying offer.

''There's still some things we can look at, there's still opportunities over the next 6-7 weeks as we progress into the winter meetings, but if the clock stopped today we'd be pretty happy with our club.''

Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose out for season

Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose is out for the remainder of the season.

The team said that Rose had successful surgery Monday morning in Chicago to repair a torn medial meniscus in his right knee. He was hurt Friday night at Portland.

The 2011 NBA MVP missed all of last season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Chicago's 2012 playoff opener against Philadelphia. He has played in just 50 NBA games - 49 in the regular season and that lone playoff game - since the Bulls' run to the Eastern Conference finals during his MVP season.

The latest injury occurred in the third quarter against the Trail Blazers.

He lost his footing while trying to change direction to get back on defense when Nicolas Batum stole a pass from Joakim Noah and started the other way. Rose limped across the court and couldn't put any weight on his knee. After the Blazers scored, he came out of the game during a timeout.

It didn't appear there was any contact on the play. Rose was unable to return and was on crutches afterward.

With Rose back, the Bulls were expected to challenge LeBron James and the Miami Heat for supremacy in the Eastern Conference and contend for their first championship since the Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen era. Instead, they're in a familiar spot - trying to get by without their cornerstone player.

''We, of course, feel very badly for Derrick. He's in good spirits, about as well as can be expected under the circumstances, and he's already thinking about his rehab,'' coach Tom Thibodeau said Sunday, before the team announced their star was gone for the season. ''Typical Derrick. He's concerned about his team, his teammates.''

The top-seeded Bulls bowed out in the first round of the playoffs in 2012 against Philadelphia after Rose went down and fell into a season-long holding pattern without him last year, waiting for a return that didn't happen.

His recovery took on a circus-like feel. Fans saw him shooting and dunking before games last season and wondered why he wasn't playing, particularly as the Bulls fought through injuries and illnesses down the stretch. Adidas released videos documenting his progress, but Rose mostly stayed in the background, saying little about his recovery. That changed midway through the season.

There was also speculation that Rose's camp was advising him to sit out last season and that there was a rift with the organization, particularly after older brother Reggie Rose ripped management for standing pat at the trade deadline. But Derrick Rose denied that.

All of that faded into the background with Rose back this season - and insisting he could regain his MVP form.

He was off to an up-and-down start. He was averaging 15.9 points and was shooting just over 35 percent.

He was looking a little better in his last two games, with 19 points in a loss at Denver and 20 against Portland.

Without Rose, veteran Kirk Hinrich figures to start with second-year pro Marquis Teague backing him up.

''I think we have an understanding of what we need to do,'' Thibodeau said. ''We can't feel sorry for ourselves. We have to circle the wagons, and then get out there and get the job done.''

Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to 2-year extension

The Los Angeles Lakers signed Kobe Bryant to a two-year contract extension Monday, securing the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history into his 20th season with the franchise.

Bryant hasn't played this season while recovering from surgery on his torn Achilles tendon in April, but the Lakers didn't wait to renew their commitment to the five-time NBA champion before he got anywhere close to the free-agent market next summer.

Bryant inked the deal with owner Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak at his side in agent Rob Pelinka's office moments before the Lakers left for an East Coast road trip. Bryant, Buss and Kupchak all had repeatedly stated Bryant wouldn't leave his only NBA home.

The 35-year-old guard quickly tweeted a picture of his signature with the hashtag: Laker4Life.

''This is a very happy day for Lakers fans and for the Lakers organization,'' Kupchak said in a statement. ''We've said all along that our priority and hope was to have Kobe finish his career as a Laker, and this should ensure that that happens.''

Bryant has spent more than half of his life playing for the Lakers, and if he fulfills his new contract, he will break John Stockton's record of 19 seasons with one NBA franchise.

But Kobe's legacy in L.A. already is secure: No less than Magic Johnson and Jerry West have declared Bryant the franchise's greatest player, given his fistful of championship rings and his consistent brilliance while scoring more points than anybody in a Lakers uniform.

Although Bryant is taking a pay cut from his $30.45 million salary this season, Kobe and the Lakers didn't exactly agree to a hometown discount, either. ESPN reported the deal is worth $48.5 million, keeping Kobe among the NBA's highest-paid players.

Some fans grumbled online that the contract will limit the Lakers' flexibility in the free-agent market next summer, clouding their starry-eyed dreams of signing Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James. Other fans approved the payout as a reward for an iconic player who still ranked among the NBA's most dangerous scorers before his injury.

Bryant and 39-year-old point guard Steve Nash are the only players signed to significant contracts for next season with the Lakers, who have been anticipating a major roster restructuring in 2014 ever since Dwight Howard fled town in July.

Even if the Lakers waived the oft-injured Nash under a special provision limiting his salary cap hit, Bryant would eat up roughly a third of their room under the projected cap before anybody else joins him next season.

Bryant returned to practice earlier this month, and his return to the court seems imminent, although he isn't rushing back from perhaps the most significant injury of his career. Bryant said last week that he could adjust his game and contribute something to the Lakers right now, but he wants to make a full return when he finally steps on the court for his 18th NBA season.

''It's definitely something where you're kind of champing at the bit a little bit, but we've come so far,'' Bryant said after practice last week. ''I want to make sure, we all do, when you step out there you're ready to go the long haul, and (the injury) isn't something that continues on.''

Coach Mike D'Antoni has said Bryant can return whenever Kobe says he's ready. The Lakers are surviving in his absence, improving to 7-7 on Sunday night by beating Sacramento for their third straight victory.

''I've been extremely proud of the way we've competed,'' Bryant said.

The contract is another milestone in Bryant's remarkable career. He was a 17-year-old high schooler when the Lakers acquired him after the Charlotte Hornets chose him in the first round of the 1996 draft, and Lakers fans watched as he evolved into one of the most dominant scorers in NBA history, dazzling fans with his offensive inventiveness and drawing critics for his ball-dominating style of play.

Bryant won three championships with Shaquille O'Neal from 2000-02 and added two more with Pau Gasol in 2009 and 2010, winning the NBA finals MVP award after each of those titles. He won his only NBA MVP award in 2008 and his scoring titles in 2006 and 2007, also earning 15 selections to the All-Star game - with four MVP awards from the showcase - and two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team.

Bryant hasn't given up hope of adding a sixth championship ring to his trophy case, even while the Lakers struggle to keep up with the NBA's best teams. With his immediate future secure, Bryant can focus on getting back to full strength on his injured leg.

''It's always a much greater appreciation for it,'' Bryant said of his imminent return. ''You understand the mortality that comes with being on that doorstep. There's always a sense of enjoyment when you come back.''

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - NOVEMBER 25TH

1902 - Eddie Shore, Boston Bruins (#2), hall of famer is born.

1914 - Joe DiMaggio, Yankee Clipper (56 game hitting streak), (d. 1999) is born.

1930 - Sporting News picks Bill Terry as NL MVP & Joe Cronin as AL MVP.
1941 - Lou Boudreau, 24, becomes Cleveland Indians player/manager.

1944 - Kenesaw Mountain Landis, judge/baseball commisioner, dies at 78.

1949 - Ted Williams, wins AL MVP.

1951 - Cleveland Browns penalized a record 209 yards against Chicago Bears.

1961 - NBA's Bob Cousy becomes 2nd player to score 15,000 points.

1980 - Sugar Ray Leonard defeats Roberto Duran regains WBC welterweight championship.
1983 - Larry Holmes TKOs Marvis Frazier in 1st Round for Heavyweight boxing title.
1985 - White Sox shortstop Ozzie Guillen, is named AL Rookie of Year.

2005 - George Best, former footballer dies at age 59 after 

suffering multiple organ failures (Manchester United, Northern Ireland)

Georgia's Aaron Murray facing season-ending knee surgery

Coach Mark Richt says the play that ended quarterback Aaron Murray's season wasn't the senior's final snap when he was flung to the ground by Kentucky defensive end Za'Darius Smith.

Richt said Sunday Murray heard a pop in his left knee when he made a cut on his 28-yard run on Georgia's earlier possession in the second quarter on Saturday night. Murray was limping at the end of that series, which ended with his touchdown pass to tight end Arthur Lynch. But he remained in the game for one more possession.

Georgia said that tests Saturday night and another exam Sunday confirmed Murray tore the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee and will have season-ending surgery this week. Hutson Mason will make his first career start when Georgia plays at Georgia Tech on Saturday.

''He felt something pop whenever it happened on the run,'' Richt said. ''He didn't know for sure what it was. We've had other guys feel or hear something pop and then they're fine. He was feeling good enough to put him back in there.''

Richt said it was a non-contact injury.

''He cut back across the grain,'' Richt said. ''He could have just run straight out of bounds. He decided to make a right-hand turn. When he was changing direction, that's when it happened.''

Murray remained on the field to complete the touchdown drive, but appeared upset as he walked to the sideline.

Murray had to convince Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo he could remain in the game following the touchdown pass to Lynch, Murray's fourth TD pass of the 59-17 win over Kentucky.

''We were going to get him out,'' Richt said. ''You could tell something was going on. He just refused. I think he kind of knew. He knew something happened but didn't know what.''

Richt said he approached Murray on the sideline to tell him he was being pulled from the game. ''I said 'You're out, dude,''' Richt said. ''He said 'No, no way.' I said 'You better talk to (Bobo) and convince him you're all right.'''

Murray pedaled on an exercise bike behind the bench and then ran on the sideline to convince Bobo he could stay in the game.

Murray played only one more series. He left the game after he was hit by Smith on his only interception with 2:17 remaining in the half.

Richt said there was no further damage to Murray's knee by playing the additional series.

Murray couldn't put weight on his left leg and was supported by trainers as he was taken to the locker room. It proved to be the end of his college career on the night seniors were honored during Georgia's final home game of the season.

''There was something wrong and he knew it and couldn't hide it anymore,'' Richt said. ''He was trying to hide it, I think. But he knew it happened earlier on.''

Despite Georgia's big win, Richt called Murray's injury ''just sickening'' after the game and said he ''really had a hard time enjoying the rest of the game.''

On Sunday, Richt said he felt ''a little better'' after trading texts with Murray. Richt said Murray quickly moved past his initial disappointment.

''He's not going to mope around and cry,'' Richt said, adding Murray already is preparing for his rehabilitation. ''He's already kind of getting geared up for that challenge,'' Richt said.

Murray started all 52 games of his four years and became the Southeastern Conference's career leader in yards passing, touchdown passes, completions and total offense. The senior is the first quarterback in SEC history to pass for at least 3,000 yards in four seasons.

Murray completed 18 of 23 passes for 183 yards with four touchdowns against Kentucky.

Murray thanked Georgia fans for their concern and support in a message on his Twitter account Sunday.

''Thank you for all the prayers over the past few hours. Gonna come back stronger than ever! Dawg for life. Truly love you all (hash)GoDawgs,'' Murray said.

In another tweet, Murray said, ''Truly am blessed to have been your QB for 4 years!''

Georgia director of sports medicine Ron Courson said a full recovery is expected for Murray, who bypassed early entry in the NFL draft to return for his senior year.

Richt said he was confident Murray will be selected in the next NFL draft because there is such a long record of successful recoveries from ACL injuries.

It has been a disappointing season for Murray's Bulldogs (7-4, 5-3 SEC), who have lost several top players to season-ending knee injuries, including running back Keith Marshall and receivers Malcolm Mitchell and Justin Scott-Wesley. Running back Todd Gurley also missed three games and receiver Michael Bennett missed two with injuries.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - NOVEMBER 24TH

1806 - William Webb Ellis, credited with the invention of Rugby (d. 1872) is born.

1897 - Canadian Intercollegiate Rugby Football Union forms in Kingston.

1938 - Oscar Robertson [The Big O], NBA guard (Cin, Milwaukee, Olympic-gold-1960) is born.

1940 - Paul Tagliabue, former commissioner (NFL) is born.

1953 - Dodgers sign Walter Alston to a 1-year pact as manager for 1954.

1957 - Cleveland Browns' fullback Jim Brown sets club record of 237 yds rushing.
1960 - Wilt Chamberlain pulls down 55 rebounds in a game (NBA record).

1971 - Braves catcher-infielder Earl Williams, wins NL Rookie of Year.

1982 - Orioles Cal Ripken is named AL Rookie of Year.

1991 - Monica Seles, sets female tennis record winning $2,457,758 in a year.

1996 - Rookie Karrie Webb wins ITT LPGA Tour Championship.

2003 - Warren Spahn, Major League Baseball player (b. 1921) dies.
2009 - Abe Pollin, owner of the Washington Wizards (b. 1923) dies.

Bulls' Derrick Rose needs knee surgery, out indefinitely

In this photo taken on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, Chicago Bulls point guard 

Derrick Rose (1) leaves the Moda Center on crutches after he was injured 

in an game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Oregon.

Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose is out indefinitely because of torn cartilage in his right knee that will require surgery, the team said Saturday.

The former MVP has a medial meniscus tear and there's no immediate timetable for his return.

Rose had an MRI in Los Angeles on Saturday after he was injured a night earlier at Portland. He won't be with the team for its remaining four games on its six-game trip.

The three-time All-Star sat out last season recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Now, it's his other knee that's injured.

''It's sad, knowing how hard he worked to get back,'' said All-Star guard Chris Paul of the Clippers, who will host the Bulls on Sunday.

Rose's injury occurred in the third quarter against the Trail Blazers.

He lost his footing while trying to change direction to get back on defense when Nicolas Batum stole a pass from Joakim Noah and started the other way. Rose limped across the court and couldn't put any weight on his knee. After the Blazers scored, he came out of the game during a timeout.

It didn't appear there was any contact on the play. Rose was unable to return and was on crutches afterward.

''I feel bad for him,'' said Clippers All-Star Blake Griffin, who tore his meniscus in college at Oklahoma and was playing a few days later. ''The good news is it's not nearly as bad as what he went through (before).''

Even though the injury isn't as serious as a torn ACL, losing Rose for any chunk of time is obviously a huge blow for a team expecting to challenge LeBron James and the Miami Heat for supremacy in the Eastern Conference with its franchise player back.

''That helps that locker room because they know there's a return date,'' said Clippers coach Doc Rivers, who is close friends with Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. ''With ACLs, there's no return date.''

The Bulls (6-5) were even eyeing a championship run for the first time since the Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen era.

Now, there's a big cloud hanging over the franchise. And once again, it centers on Rose.

The latest injury rekindled memories of the 2012 playoff opener against Philadelphia, when he crumpled to the court near the end of the game with a torn ACL in his left knee. That sent the top-seeded Bulls toward a first-round exit and put them in a holding pattern last season while their star recuperated.

Many thought he would return at some point, particularly after he started practicing without restrictions. Instead, his recovery took on almost a circus-like feel.

Fans saw him shooting and dunking before games last season and wondered why he wasn't playing. Meanwhile, the Bulls fought injuries and illnesses on the way to 45 wins and a first-round playoff victory over Brooklyn before falling to Miami.

Along the way, his image took a hit.

Adidas released videos documenting his progress, but Rose mostly stayed in the background, saying little about his recovery. That changed midway through the season.

There was also speculation of a rift with the organization after older brother Reggie Rose ripped management for standing pat at the trade deadline, but Derrick Rose denied that.

All those issues faded into the background with Rose back this season. He had insisted he was returning better than ever, had no doubts he would regain his MVP form, but he was off to an up-and-down start after a dominant preseason.

A sore hamstring caused him to miss a game, and he is shooting just 35 percent. He was looking better the past two games, with 19 points in a loss at Denver and 20 against Portland.