• Owens could return for Super Bowl • Even without AP poll, the BCS is staying put • Kirk Banks tryouts next year • Wie accepts sponsors exemption Owens could return for Super Bowl By Associated Press BALTIMORE — Terrell
• Owens could return for Super Bowl
• Even without AP poll, the BCS is staying put
• Kirk Banks tryouts next year
• Wie accepts sponsors exemption
Owens could return for Super Bowl
By Associated Press
BALTIMORE — Terrell Owens had surgery on his right ankle Wednesday, and the doctor said there is a chance Philadelphia’s star receiver could play in the Super Bowl — if the Eagles make it that far. “There is a reasonable possibility that he could return to play in about six or seven weeks. But that is not predictable,” said Dr. Mark Myerson, who performed the surgery at a Baltimore hospital. “A lot will depend on his recovery and rehabilitation over the next month or two.”
Eagles head trainer Rick Burkholder said Monday that Owens had only an outside shot at being able to play in the Super Bowl on Feb. 6 — presuming Philadelphia (13-1) makes it.
Under normal circumstances, Owens’ injury would take eight to 10 weeks to heal, Myerson said. The receiver’s conditioning could help him recover faster, the doctor said. “While it is not unreasonable to hope he plays in six weeks, it’s not something we would expect,” Myerson said.
Owens’ injury on Sunday was a devastating blow to a team that dominated the NFC and clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Owens, who had 77 catches for 1,200 yards and a team-record 14 TD catches, has missed just seven games in his nine-year career. Myerson inserted two screws in Owens’ ankle and a plate on the outside of the ankle during the surgery, which lasted about an hour. He said there was no reason the expect the injury would lead to chronic ankle problems for Owens.
Owens was in good spirits after the surgery.
Even without AP poll, the BCS is staying put
NEW YORK — Where the Bowl Championship Series goes from here remains to be seen — but it’s definitely not going away.
“We’re not heading toward a playoff,” Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese said.
The Associated Press has told the BCS to stop using its poll to determine which teams play for a national title. The BCS appears to be willing to move on without the AP poll. Coordinator and Big 12 commissioner Kevin Weiberg has said the BCS hopes to have a new formula ready by April.
So for the second straight season and the fifth time since the system was implemented in 1998, the BCS will be change the way it computes its standings.
“I wasn’t surprised by the AP’s decision,” Tranghese said. “I don’t think it’s a negative issue. We’re just going to have to put our heads together and come up with an alternative way of picking the teams for the 1-2 game.”
This season, the BCS streamlined its formula and put heavy emphasis on the AP and ESPN/USA Today coaches poll. The goal was to make it more likely that Nos. 1 and 2 in the polls played in the national title game, unlike last season when Southern California was a consensus No. 1 but left out of the BCS championship.
Kirk Banks tryouts next year
Tryouts for Region 940 U12 Boys Kirk Banks Tournament Team will be held at the Waimea Park on Sunday, January 2, 2005 and Saturday, January 8, 2005 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on both days. Players must have played AYSO this season.
Please bring soccer ball, water, shinguards and shoes. For more information call Coach Ken Morikawa at 652-7935 or 338-1424. The Kirk Banks Tournament is scheduled for March 24-27, 2005 on O‘ahu.
Wie accepts sponsors exemption
HONOLULU — Punahou sophomore Michelle Wie has accepted a sponsor’s exemption to play in the SBS Open at the North Shore’s Turtle Bay Resort in February, tournament officials announced Wednesday.
The 15-year-old joins a field that’s expected to include top LPGA Tour players such as Annika Sorenstam, Grace Park, Se Ri Pak, Christie Kerr and rookie standout, Paula Creamer, organizers said in a news release.
