Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews (tayvz) appear to have their berths in the N-H-L all-star game booked. The two Chicago Blackhawks forwards lead all Western Conference players in voting and pretty much have spots in the starting lineup secured. Anaheim forward Ryan Getzlaf, defencemen Nicklas Lidstrom of Detroit and Brian Campbell of Chicago, and Vancouver goalie Robert Luongo currently hold the other starting spots. Voting runs through January 2nd.
More trouble with the law for New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (PLEK'-sih-koh BUR'-ihs). The bloody pants he wore when he accidentally shot himself were among the items seized by police from his New Jersey home. A handgun, a rifle and an assortment of ammunition were also confiscated. Two former Toronto Blue Jays have found new employment. Catcher Kevin Cash, most recently of the Boston Red Sox, signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees. And outfielder Kevin Mench, who played 51 games for Toronto last year, signed one-year deal with Japan's Hanshin (HAHN'-shin) Tigers.
Steve Francis will finally play for the Grizzlies. The Houston Rockets have traded the oft-injured guard to Memphis for a conditional second-round draft pick in 2011. The Grizzlies also receive a second-round pick for 2009 and cash. The 31-year-old Francis was originally drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1999, but refused to play for the team and was subsequently traded to Houston. He has yet to play a game during the 2008-09 campaign.
The Phoenix Suns have ended their search for another backup point guard by signing Dee Brown, who was released by the Washington Wizards two weeks ago. Brown played with a team in Turkey last year before getting released by the Wizards. Brown is expected to see limited minutes as backup to Canadian Steve Nash.
Notre Dame's football program will be looking for its first post-season win in 15 years when the team faces Hawaii today in the Hawaii Bowl. The Fighting Irish are mired in an NCAA-record nine-game bowl losing streak.
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