Live like A-Rod for $125,000 a month

Alex Rodriguez is a busy man this offseason.  In between vacationing down in Cabo with his girl, Torrie Wilson, hip surgery and being the focus of Major League Baseball's investigation of a reported PED pusher,  A-Rod was also trying to unload his 20,000 square-foot Miami mansion.

When the New York Yankees slugger didn't get any offers near the $38 million asking price for the waterfront home overlooking Biscayne Bay, he took it off the market in mid-January and rented it out for more than $125,000 a month, sources said.

The estate comes equipped with 16 security cameras, 275-feet of water frontage, a gym with sauna and steam rooms and an outdoor pool.  Paintings of A-Rod as a Centaur/Minotaur are probably optional.

While Rodriguez's public relations team defends him against the PED claims surrounding an anti-aging clinic, the slugger has already packed his bags and set them outside the house.

Neither Rodriguez or his Miami real estate broker, Mayi de la Vega of Sotheby's International Realty were available for comment.

You think MLB would like to know what could be in those bags?

LeBron thinks playing Sunday's game before Super Bowl is 'disgusting'

It might have been all hugs and laughs for LeBron James when he celebrated with a fan —who hit a halfcourt hook shot to win a cash prize — by rolling on the court floor with the guy the other day but, yesterday, the Miami Heat star sounded like he just wants to roll over the NBA schedule makers.

Upset after he found out the Heat will play 2 p.m. on Sunday in Toronto and — with the team's chartered plane lacking satellite TV or Internet — he will miss part of the Super Bowl, James said, "How disgusting is that?" at Wednesday's shoot-around before the Heat played the Nets at the Barclays Center.

The Heat cannot delay their return from Toronto, with a Monday game at American Airlines Arena against the Charlotte Bobcats.

"If the Cowboys were in the Super Bowl, I'd stay there for the game," he added.

It's hard to figure out what's more surprising: LeBron's grumbling or the fact that the Heat's jet doesn't have WiFi.

Dan Marino involved in shocking 'love child' scandal

Despite a longtime marriage and and respectable image,  NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino is involved in the shocking revelation that he fathered a "love child' with a CBS network underling and then paid her millions of dollars to keep quiet.

Marino, who will be broadcasting this Sunday's Super Bowl in New Orleans for CBS, reportedly got  Donna Savattere, a then 35-year-old production assistant at CBS Sports' Manhattan studio, pregnant, according to an exclusive story in The New York Post.  She gave birth in June, 2005.

"They had an affair, and she had a baby," said a source.  "Everything was on the down-low and secretive."

At the time of the affair, the ex-Miami Dolphins quarterback was married to his wife, Claire, for 20 years.

The 51-year-old Marino agreed to pay Savattere millions to care for the child named Chloe, said sources.  She moved to Texas as part of the deal.  It was not disclosed exactly how much he paid but Savattere has apparently been living large and was a fixture on the Hamptons social scene, said The Post.

Yesterday, Marino — who has six kids with his wife —  owned up to the dalliance.

"This is a personal and private matter. I take full responsibility both personally and financially for my actions now as I did then," Marino told Page Six of The Post. "We mutually agreed to keep our arrangement private to protect all parties."

Marino said the marriage was still intact, despite the the affair and baby.

"My wife and I have been married for almost 30 years and have six children together," he wrote yesterday — which happens to be their 28th wedding anniversary.

Sources said Marino was in touch with the 7-year-old Chloe.

"They would have impromptu meetings, as was part of the deal," a source said.

Savattere later married Nahill Younis, whom she met in 2009.

The birth of the baby Chloe came about two months before Marino was inducted into the Hall of Fame — where his son Daniel paid a moving tribute to his father.

Marino, a pre-game analyst with CBS since 2003, will be doing the Super Bowl broadcast this Sunday.

Reporter handles videobomber by asking her if she has an STD

It must be pretty hard for TV reporters to do an interview on the streets of New Orleans without any of  those "zombies" strolling around crashing into a shot.

One cool-headed (and attractive to boot) TV journalist didn't let a drunk 49ers fan videobomb her story in the French Quarter as the city gears up for Super Bowl Sunday.

While doing a stand-up on Bourbon Street, Jessica Sanchez of WKMG in Orlando had  an unwelcome woman get into the shot and insist on talking into the camera.  The quick thinking Sanchez didn't flinch and said they were doing a story on STD's.  She then asked the tipsy lady how long she had the virus.

Watch as the reporter turns the tables on the videobomber.



For her quick-thinking improvisation and cool demeanor, Sanchez is now a hero to all street reporters.

Mark Teixeira makes cameo in Broadway's 'Rock of Ages'

Mark Teixeira walks out to the strains of Twisted Sister's "I Wanna Rock" when he steps up to the plate at Yankee Stadium and it's no secret that the New York Yankees first baseman is a big fan of hair bands — even if Tex himself isn't allowed to let his locks fall past his ear lobes as long as he wears pinstripes.

But on Tuesday night, the Yankees slugger let his hair down — so to speak — and made a one-night cameo during the performance of Broadway's tribute to the '80's rock scene, "The Rock of Ages."

Teixeira — who played Mark, a bartender at the fictional club the Bourbon Room — wore a leather vest emblazoned with the Yankees famous "NY" on the back and performed in a number of group performances during the popular jukebox musical.

"I was born in 1980 and rocking out as a young pup in Severna, Md., to some of the great '80's songs," he said.  "It was a good time."

Tex joked before his debut on The Great White Way that he would be playing playing Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables."  We'll just leave that depressing role to his teammate A-Rod.

Teiexeira didn't "risk the reputation of the  show" by singing any solos, but it sounds like everything went off without any happy accidents.

Maybe it's time to clear the mantle and make way for a Tony Award to go along with his Gold Glove awards.

It sure sounds like he had nothing but a good time.

Dr. Phil: Hoax mastermind fell 'romantically in love' with Te'o

As if the Manti Te'o story couldn't get even any weirder, now Dr. Phil McGraw — who questioned Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, the mastermind behind the Te'o fake girlfriend prank, in his first public interview which will air Thursday and Friday on the "Dr. Phil" show — tells NBC that he believes Tuiasosopo genuinely fell in love with the Notre Dame football star during the course of the two-year deception. "Here we have a young man that fell deeply, romantically in love," McGraw told NBC's Mike Tiabbi. "I asked him straight up, 'Was this a romantic relationship with you?' And he says yes. I said, 'Are you then therefore gay?' And he said, 'When you put it that way, yes.' And then he caught himself and said, 'I am confused.'"

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In the two-part interview with Dr. Phil, Tuiasosopo said Te'o was nothing more than an innocent victim in the Catfish hoax. "I wanted to end it because after everything I had gone through , I finally realized that I just had to move on with my life," Tuiasosopo told McGraw in the interview. McGraw told Taibbi that, after speaking with Tuaisosopo, he believes that Te'o "absolutely, unequivocally" was not involved in the hoax in any way.

Tannenbaum: I was responsible for Tebow trade, Sanchez contract

Mike Tannenbaum spoke to reporters for the first time Tuesday since being fired by the New York Jets on New Year's Eve.

The former Jets general manager — who was piloting the Jets front office while the team fell into disarray — broke his silence to discuss his perceived failures on Super Bowl Radio Row in New Orleans yesterday.

Tannenbaum didn't shy away from his two biggest decisions — the Tim Tebow trade and the re-signing of Mark Sanchez.

Rival NFL executives believe Tannenbaum left a huge mess for new GM John Idzik to clean up but Tannenbaum — who hopes to find a job in the NFL again — disagreed with the scenario the media has painted of his tenure with the Jets.  He had an optimistic slant on the Jets salary-cap fiasco, Idzik's job at hand and the the team's potential.

"The future for the Jets is bright," Tannenbaum said. "There are a lot of good young players ... From a salary-cap standpoint, we had a plan in place.  John's [Idzik] a really smart guy, dealt with the cap, I'm sure he's going to take my plan and tweak it and put his own views on it, but that plan will be played out over the next few weeks."

Tannenbaum was pretty open when it came to some of his most controversial decisions.

On giving Sanchez a contract extension that guaranteed him $8.25 million next season:

“Our thinking on that was Mark is only one of five quarterbacks in the history of pro football to win 30 or more games in his first three years. In the 2011 season, he had scored 32 TDs, 26 throwing and six rushing. Like any contract we do, we thought it would be a win-win. Get cost certainty from a standpoint of we know what he’s going to cost and he gets the benefit of some security. Based on how we played this year, that’s a decision as of now that doesn’t look very good.”

On the ruinous Tebow trade, Tannebaum took sole responsibility:

 “So just going on the Tim decision, we felt like after the 2011 season we lost something with Brad Smith not being there, so we felt like bringing Tim in, he was going to be a guy who could replace Brad’s production. Obviously, it didn’t work out the way we thought it was going to, and ultimately that was my call. But we did have discussions about it, and ultimately that was my decision to make the trade.

“It’s one of those decisions where it didn’t work out the way we thought.”

Tannenbaum even chimed in on the time bomb facing Idzik right now and the rumors Tannenbaum  was trying to shop Darrelle Revis even before his ACL injury in Week 2 last season.  He said if he was still  GM, he'd be discussing the long-term merits of signing the All-Pro cornerback to a mega-deal.

"I didn't have plans to trade Darrelle through this past season," he said.

At no time did Tannenbaum burn any bridges and said he even called Idzik to congratulate his replacement and has spoken with owner Woody Johnson.  He said he enjoyed working with Rex Ryan up until the very end.  The "free agent" hinted that he had entertained a few job offers but wouldn't go into detail.

'I've talked to people on teams and outside of teams," Tannenbaum said. "As of now, I'm not sure what I'm going to do."

A-Rod denies report linking him to PED purchases

An  explosive report in the Miami New Times Tuesday that claims Alex Rodriguez purchased illegal performance-enhancing drugs from an anti-aging clinic over the past four years has been challenged by the New York Yankees slugger.

A spokesman for A-Rod denied the report — which included other athlete's names — hours after it was released this morning, according to The New York Post.

"The news report about a purported relationship between Alex Rodriguez and Anthony Bosch are not true," the PR firm Sitrick And Company incorporated said in a statement.

"Alex Rodriguez  was not Mr. Bosch's's patient, he was never treated by him and he was never advised by him.  The purported documents referenced in the story — at least as they relate to Alex Rodriguez — are not legitimate."

Rodriguez faces suspension by Major League Baseball if the evidence is authenticated.  MLB released a statement Tuesday after the story broke and said they are in the "midst of an investigation."

The MLB statement read:

"We have the best and most stringent drug testing policy in professional sports, we continue to work with our doctors and trainers to learn what they are seeing day-to-day and we educate our players about the game’s unbending zero-tolerance approach," the statement read.

"We remain fully committed to following all leads and seeking the appropriate outcomes for all those who use, purchase and are involved in the distribution of banned substances, which have no place in our game. We are in the midst of an active investigation and are gathering and reviewing information. We will refrain from further comment until this process is complete.”

The Yankees will not act upon the information until MLB has sorted it out, according to an industry source.

"We fully support the Commissioner's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," the team said in a statement.  "This matter is now in the hands of the Commissioner's Office. We will have no further comment until that investigation has concluded."

A-Rod, other MLB players linked to recent PED purchases: Report

A report in the Miami New Times on Tuesday alleges that Alex Rodriguez purchased illegal performance-enhancing drugs from a South Florida anti-aging clinic over the prior four years.

The explosive report says that the newspaper obtained records from Biogenesis, a clinic that has closed and was owned by Anthony Bosch, the son of Florida physician Pedro Bosch who was linked to Manny Ramirez when the former Los Angeles Dodger was suspended for illegal PED usage in 2009.

According to records given to the Miami New Times, the clinic repeatedly mentions Rodriguez, as well as many other sports stars and prominent major league baseball players — including Gio Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, Melky Cabrera and Bartolo Colon, reports Yahoo! Sports.com.

Rodriguez, the New York Yankees star third baseman has already admitted using illegal PEDs while he played with the Texas Rangers from 2001 through 2003, but has denied using anything since.

According to the clinic's records obtained by the newspaper, A-Rod — identified in the records as  "Alex Rodriguez," "Alex Rod," or "Cacique," the name of a pre-Columbian Caribbean chief — paid $3,500 in 2009 for what is identified as "1.5 HGH (sports perf.), creams test., glut., MIC, supplement, sports perf. Diet."

Both the HGH and testosterone cream are banned by MLB.

Another record links  "Cacique" to IGF-1 — a banned substance that stimulates insulin production and muscle growth.

Yuri Sucart — A-Rod's cousin and purported drug mule when he was in Texas — was also identified as having paid Bosch $500 for a weeklong supply of HGH in 2009.  Sucart was banned from any non-public areas involving the Yankees including the clubhouse or team buses back in 2011.

Other baseball players identified in the clinic's records include former Yankee players Cabrera and Colon — who were both suspended by the league last season — and Nationals pitcher Gonzalez and Rangers outfielder Cruz.

The Yankees will not act upon the information until Major League Baseball vets the situation, according to an industry source.  This could lead to Rodriguez being suspended if the evidence is able to be obtained and authenticated — which could take a while.

A-Rod is currently recovering from hip surgery and is not expected to be back with the team until at least the All-Star break.

Garrett McNamara rides epic 100 foot wave

Garrett McNamara is known for riding some of the biggest waves in the world.  Guinness World Records has already confirmed that a 78-foot wave he rode last November was the biggest one anybody has ever surfed.

Yesterday, McNamara apparently eclipsed that record and way more.

It's not official yet but Surfer Today reports that the extreme surfer caught a a wave in Nazare, Portugal that could be as high as 100 feet.

Measuring the height of the wave is not easy, but it sure isn't as hard surfing down the steep slope of water and living to tell about it.

Judge for yourself and give credit to the guy on the jet ski.  He's got a pair of cojones as well.



After the epic ride, the McNamara wrote on Twitter; "Thank you for all your support.  It means the world to me.  Today was an awesome day and so fun to be out there."

Tebow training in Arizona with British Olympians

Tim Tebow isn't letting the fallout of his disappointing 2012 season with the New York Jets keep him from working towards recapturing his NFL career.

After a season which the maligned quarterback completed only six passes, cracked his ribs and was passed up by Greg McElroy for the starting job — Tebow has been spotted working out at an Arizona community college without the fanfare that surrounded him only six months ago.

Tebow, the most famous backup quarterback in the NFL, knows his days with the Jets — and possibly the NFL — are numbered but told The New York Daily News he still is using this time of the year to work out and stay out of the spotlight.

"We're a long way from New Jersey," the reclusive Tebow said while working out at Paradise Valley Community College.

While big changes are happening on the Jets home front, Tebow has been training under British track coach Dan Pfaff alongside some British Olympians — 2,440 miles away from the chaos of MetLife Stadium.

Tebow, who was referred to Pfaff by a friend, surprised the coach with his natural athletic abilities.

"He was already quick and powerful,  but he's got quicker because he's technically learning how to run better," said Greg Rutherford, who holds an Olympic gold medal in the long jump.

"He knows how to learn; he knows how to work," added Rutherford's co-Olympian Andrew Steele.

Barely anything on the college field that Tebow has been doing is football-related.  He's been performing standing jumps over hurdles, explosive dashes down the track and launched weighted balls into a discus net.

Put it in slow motion with a techno soundtrack and you have "Chariots of Fire," only on an Arizona desert.

Tebow — who couldn't take his shirt off last season without causing a commotion — is just another bloke to the two Brits and it's not surprising that he doesn't talk a whole lot about the Jets with them.

"Weirdly, we haven't actually spoken that much about playing," said Rutherford, who gave Tebow his first cup of coffee ever. "For us, we don't talk about track when [we're not on the track]."

Tebow is facing an uncertain NFL future.  His hopes of landing with his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars fell through after new GM Dave Caldwell put the kibosh on that scenario and another year with Gang Green would probably be too much for the prideful Tebow to endure.  Did someone say tight end or fullback?

Anyway, there's always the Olympic decathlon down in Rio it sounds like he's ready for.

First female combat pilot compares Williams sisters and Pee-wee Herman as example for front line

The nation's first female combat pilot defended the Pentagon's decision to allow women on the front lines of war Sunday, by dismissing an argument that the genders shouldn't be thrown together into the same battle environment.

"So that's like saying Pee-wee Herman is OK to be in combat but Serena and Venus Williams are not going to meet the standard," Air Force Col. Martha McSally said on "Fox News Sunday."

McSally used the celebrity Who'd You Rather to argue her point with Army Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin, who called the decision a social experiment.

"As a man who has been there, and a man who has some experience in these kinds of units, I certainly don't want to be in an environment with a female because it's degrading and humiliating enough to do your personal hygiene and other normal functions among your teammates," said Boykin.

McSally — who once beat men in an Ironman competition — said putting the best qualified unit on the field should be goal number one.

""If we want the most effective fighting force, we need to pick the most qualified capable man for the job, even if it's a woman."

Point well played, Colonel.

NBA tells 'Knicklyn' Web site to cease and desist

Professional sports first bought the words No Fun League into fan's lexicon after the NFL banned such light-hearted perks such as end zone celebrations, different colored socks and now Harbowl trademarks.

Now, the NBA has joined in the fray by introducing their own brand of tyranny — the No Business (but our own) Association.

Mike Sorisi, a diehard New York Knicks fan from Brooklyn (there's more than just Spike Lee) has been threatened by the NBA with a cease and desist order for simply fusing the Knicks name and Nets location into a Web site called "Knicklyn."

The hybrid name was coined by the 26-year-old after he created the online fan base to represent confused New Yorkers who have the conundrum of rooting for the Knicks but live in Brooklyn.

Sorisi designed a logo to go with the name and started selling hats and stickers — that was until the No Business League found out.

Days later, the NBA ordered Sorisi to cease and desist, claiming trademark infringement, he said.

"I kind of felt like I'm being bullied," said Sorisi.  "I'm one person operating this thing, and I need to sell goods to cover my costs."

At the core of the NBA's ire is Sorisi's use of the word "Knick" with a logo which features a basketball that is similar to the Nets' design.

"I was shocked at how fast I was contacted,' said the young entrepreneur about his inbox filled with missives from the NBA offices.

"Your unauthorized use of NBA Intellectual Property is an attempt to capitalize on the fame and goodwill of NBA Intellectual Property, — including the 'Knicks' name and the Nets' logo," the league said.

Sorisi says the league "doesn't own a trademark on circles" and that there is a Knickerbocker Avenue that runs through Brooklyn.

"They don't own that word," he said. "Brooklyn is my home.  New York is my team."

An NBA rep said in a statement, "We have been in direct communication with the owner of the site to singularly address the sale of unlicensed merchandise using NBA trademarks.  There has been no demand for compensation or for the shutdown of his Web site."

Maybe Sorisi should just give old Spike a call and get some celebrity muscle behind him.

Or maybe start "Nethattan" for those lost souls who love Jay-Z's team but live closer to the Garden.

Hockey coach ejected for mimicking blind man to mock referees

There have been plenty of classic over-the-top antics by coaches protesting official's calls over the years but this assistant coach's bizarre protest may go down as one of the funniest — if not the least politically correct — in sports history.

The bench of the NAHL's Wenatchee Wild hockey team was a little frustrated with the officiating during their game against the Kenai River Brown Bears on Saturday night.  So in the third period, Chris Clark summoned his inner Carrot Top and grabbed a couple of handy props to make a statement.

The bow-tied assistant picked up a hockey stick, donned a pair of sunglasses and walked out onto the ice to mock the officials by mimicking a blind person.

Making fun of the visually-impaired might have been taking it to an extreme, but even Mother Teresa would have to admit the stick-tapping act was an original.



Clark and the Wild head coach Bliss Littler were both ejected from the game.  You can bet they both saw that coming.

Ndamukong Suh saves comedian after 'Splash' reality show mishap

Comedian Louie Anderson narrowly escaped drowning this week at a taping of the celebrity reality show "Splash" — after he sank to the bottom of the pool from exhaustion — but was pulled to safety by Ndamukong Suh who came to his rescue.

Sources close to the production told TMZ.com that Louie — who's a contestant on the  high-diving show — was practicing his dives on Wednesday when he became a little too bushed to pull himself up the ladder ... falling back into the water again and again.

The website said Suh dove into action and Louie was eventually rescued by the Detroit Lions defensive end and the show's divemaster, former Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis.

The diving duo physically lifted the portly Louie out of the pool where he spat up water for several seconds.

Last week, sources said that some of Suh's Lions teammates were concerned about the safety of the 6' 4", 307-pound NFL star jumping off a diving platform.

One player reportedly said that Suh's participation on the show was irresponsible.

"He's a big dude ... and 'black' and 'pool' don't mix.  He's built for football not belly flops."

Despite the scary incident, TMZ reported that Louie is fine.  His rep said his client is already "feeling great, loving the challenge."

As for Suh, it sounds like he might be auditioning for that revival of "Baywatch" pretty soon.

Jeremy Shockey's wife sues him for posting photo of her tight end

Jeremy Shockey must have thought his marriage — which lasted less than an NFL season — to Daniela Cortazar-Shockey was a done deal when they separated in October.  After all, the former NFL star was smart enough to have his beautiful bride sign an air-tight prenup where she was to get zilch if the couple ever divorced.

But, like tearing an ACL after an All-Pro season, the five months of wedded bliss comes with a lot of future pain.

Daniela — whom the past-his-prime, former NFL tight end married last May — is a little irked that Shockey posted a photo of her bare behind on the Internet ... and now she wants him to pay, reports TMZ.com. 

Despite the agreement with Shockey, Daniela just filed legal documents contesting the prenup, said the gossip site.  She claims she's still entitled to temporary alimony and lawyer's fees under Florida law.

The up-in-arms Daniela is also demanding at least $15,000 from Shockey — claiming he violated a privacy provision in the prenup by posting a picture of her butt on Instagram recently — long after they split up.

The photo has since been removed from Shockey's social networking accounts.

The 22-year-old Daniela is also asking the court to force Shockey to stop posting about her on the Internet.

A judge has yet to rule on the shamed Daniela's motion.  TMZ reported that Shockey filed for divorce earlier this month, claiming the marriage was "irretrievably broken."

Auburn students flip off Marshall Henderson while he taunts them

You want to know why Marshall Henderson might be the most polarizing player in college basketball?

It could it be that the junior guard from Ole Miss can hit game-winning foul shots, even on an off-night and, more likely, that he can also touch a nerve with even the most casual basketball fans in the SEC.

Yesterday he did both.

After making the winning free throws with 6.3 seconds remaining during his team's 63-61 win over Auburn, Henderson went over to the Tigers student section, lifted his jersey and flashed his nips at the orange-shirted fans while letting them know he just won the game for his team in their house.

The pumped-up Tiger fans reacted as any other self respecting college kids would if an opposing player entered their den — by flipping Henderson off, tossing various objects at his head and spewing a steady stream of X-rated words in his direction.

See the incredible seconds for yourself.



Henderson — who leads the SEC in scoring with 19.2 points per game — finished Saturday's  game with a sub-par 15 points on 4-for-15 shooting. He still led the Rebels (17-2, 6-0) who continue their surprising unbeaten start in SEC play.

Like him or not, he sure is entertaining. At least that guy with the beard and the dude in a white shirt think so.

Former NFL cheerleader wins second straight MMA fight

Rachel Wray, the former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader turned female MMA fighter won her second fight in the cage and is still undefeated.

Wray, a beauty by way of Arkansas, beat Katelyn Radtka by a TKO in the second Friday night at the Ultimate Blue Corner Battles in Kansas City, Mo.  She is 2-0 as an amateur just months after she started training as an MMA fighter.

Wray won her first fight with a second round TKO over another opponent back in September after giving up cheerleading for leading with a left.



The pretty blond (wearing blue shorts) looked a lot sharper in her second fight after being trained by UFC fighter Jason High and WEC veteran LC Davis.  She sure has got skills.

Wray's looks and back story are what has her gaining quite a following but it is her right hand that is keeping her in the cage.

She doesn't have another fight scheduled yet but you can keep up with her at her Twitter account @CheerleaderMMA.

Who knew beauty and the beast could be one and the same?

Jets planned on trading Revis 'before' ACL injury: Report

The squall that is Darrelle Revis might have turned into a Category # 24 storm after it was revealed this week that the New York Jets had entertained thoughts of unloading their best player to avoid a big payout when his contract is up after next season.

The Jets did everything they could to soothe the ego of the "speechless" cornerback who is seeking a contract  similar or "just north of" the deal the Bills gave defensive end Mario Williams — six years, $96 million with $50 mil guaranteed, according to The New York Post.

Or enough to buy a real island.

Now, two NFL sources told The Post Friday that the Jets were actually floating their interest around the league in trading Revis before he blew out his left knee against the Dolphins in Week 2 — a clear indication the team has no plans to sign him to the long-term contract he wants.

One source told The Post that, before the injury, more than one NFL GM reached out to Revis' agents to say the Jets were looking into their options for trading the former All-Pro.

Sooo ...  was Revis already aware that he might not have been in the Jets' long-term plans or what?

Revis' agents declined comment yesterday.

The 27-year-old Revis is set to make $6 million in 2013 — $3 million in base pay, the rest in bonuses — before becoming a free agent. The Jets need to re-sign or trade him before he leaves the team without them getting anything in return.

I'm speechless by far but more importantly I feel more upset for the jet nation for having to go through this!!!
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) January 24, 2013

The Jets are currently $19 million over the 2013 salary cap and desperate to get more talent on their roster and build through the draft.  A big Revis contract would put a speed bump on that avenue to rebuilding the team.

While the Jets were noncommittal on the irked Revis' future with the team during the introduction of new general manager John Idzik on Thursday, they jumped through hoops to clarify the situation later.

"I reached out to Darrelle and I made sure he knew exactly where we were coming from," Idzik said on NBC Sports Network's "Pro Football Talk. "And that this was my first day on the job, and our message to everyone was, 'Give us a chance to know each other and introduce ourselves to each other.'

"Ultimately, that's the basis of comparison to whatever you may contemplate doing.  We haven't taken that first step and that's what I relayed to Darrelle."

Idzik said Revis "reacted well" to his call.  "My feeling was that he was appreciative to hear from me about what happened."

Welcome to the Jets Mr. Idzik. Have fun.

Jeff Bagwell caught up in ugly Houston divorce case

Jeff Bagwell may not have snared enough votes to make baseball's Hall of Fame in January but the former Houston Astros slugger sure got himself 100-percent involved in a divorce case rocking Houston's high society that's dirtier than a prairie dust storm.

The scandalous divorce battle between Bagwell's reported girlfriend Rachel Brown and her estranged husband, hand surgeon Michael Brown, has shocked upper crust Houston — where Bagwell played for 15 seasons — and brought his relationship with the Texas socialite to light.

Normally, a case with these rich and infamous characters would only be noticed in certain circles of society but Bagwell's high sports profile has given it interest to the common sports fan.

The attractive Rachel, who's said she plans to marry Bagwell, testified earlier in court this year that her husband — who was acquitted on 2010 felony charges related to a dispute at the couple's home — required supervision while visiting their children because, "He goes into fits of rage." She reportedly said he'd thrown vases, mugs wine glasses and shoes.

Brown, owner of the Brown Hand Center and a fixture around Houston society, denied his wife's rage claims but admitted to paying women — up to three at a time — "for companionship," but testified that his small children would not be exposed to him "dating" or to other adult activities.

Meanwhile, Rachel (aka The Hand Lady) acknowledged using cocaine and Ecstasy after her children were born, but claims to have stopped using drugs in 2009.

She also told the court that Bagwell had recently gone to rehab to be treated for alcohol abuse, but left before he completed the treatment program.  Bagwell has always vehemently denied using steroids or any other performance-enhancing drugs.

Michael Brown's lawyers have filed a motion saying he's been denied supervised visitation with his kids because Rachel wants Bagwell to have more access to them.

MLB, DEA probe A-Rod adviser for possible PED link

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Major League Baseball are investigating a Miami-area man named Anthony Bosch — who has worked closely with Alex Rodriguez and has ties to Manny Ramirez — for Bosch's possible links to performance-enhancing drugs, reports The New York Daily News. The sources asked not to be identified because of the ongoing probe.

Bosch — a well known figure among current and former Latin ballplayers in the South Florida area — has advised the New York Yankees third baseman on nutrition, dietary supplements and training, a source with Miami-area anti-aging centers told The Daily News.

The source said Bosch — who has been affiliated with numerous Miami-area medical companies and clinics — and Rodriguez consulted with at least one other expert about blood test results.

Major League Baseball investigators are cooperating with the U.S. government and have turned over information about Bosch and his father, physician Pedro Publio Bosch to federal officials, a source told the newspaper.  Bosch and his father have already come under MLB and DEA scrutiny in 2009 for their links to then-Los Angeles Dodger Ramirez.  The Dodgers outfielder was suspended 50 games that year for using a banned substance.

Sources involved in the current probe told The News that MLB and federal investigators are trying to determine if Anthony Bosch and his father are involved in supplying banned substances to ballplayers.  The younger Bosch's relationship with major league players dates back to the 2000's when he attended parties with players and games in New York and Boston.

The 37-year-old Rodriguez is currently recovering from last week's hip surgery and the original prognosis for his return by the All-Star Game is still up in the air. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has even admitted that there is a chance that A-Rod might not play at all in 2013.

It isn't the first time Rodriguez has been associated with someone under investigation for supplying banned substances.  In 2009, he broke off his relationship with controversial Canadian doctor Anthony Galea after U.S. and Canadian law-enforcement agencies investigated the Toronto sports physician for ties to HGH and other drugs.

Galea, who said he treated A-Rod with a blood-spinning technique called platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP), was indicted for five drug-related charges.  Four of the charges were dropped after he cooperated with authorities.

MLB is concerned about a widespread ring of synthetic testosterone, HGH and other drugs to players who have sought to circumvent MLB's drug-testing program by using hard-to-detect creams and gels they rub on parts of their bodies.  Several high-profile players including former Yankees Melky Cabrera and Bartolo Colon failed drug tests in 2012.

HGH is popular with athletes who use steroids because it helps reestablish normal testosterone production after extensive steroid use and helps prevent testicular atrophy.

Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees and Rodriguez's lawyer, Jay Reisinger, all declined comment to The New York Daily News.

Brandon Jacobs: I'll still be rooting for Niners

Brandon Jacobs was just a tiny part of the San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl run this season but — even after barely being used then discarded by the team — is still rooting for them to beat the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.

"My emotions are I want the 49ers to win the game,"Jacobs said. "I don't have any regrets about not being there whatsoever.  I don't feel like I should've done things differently. I don't feel anything else.  I'm a hundred percent happy where I am."

The place where Jacobs is at the moment is his home in Atlanta.

After seven seasons — and two Super Bowl rings — with the New York Giants, the 260-pound running back found the going rough out on the west coast.

The 30-year-old Jacobs was cut by the 49ers after the season ended but not after being suspended for conduct detrimental to the team after he griped about his lack of playing time (5 carries for 7 yards) on Twitter.  He also posted photos of himself in a Giants uniform — something that irked the Niners' brass.

"I didn't mean to disrespect anybody or hurt anybody's feelings," Jacobs said.  "I didn't have any disrespect.  I didn't mean to do any of that.  I was told I would get some of the pie and I didn't.  That kind of made me a little upset and made me snap."

Jacobs isn't letting the past season discourage him from hooking up with one of the other 31 NFL teams in the future.

"I feel like I got a lot left in the tank, I feel so good right now," he said.  "I look at last year as a red-shirt year."

Jets new GM: Sanchez will be competing for QB job

At Thursday's press conference to introduce John Idzik as the New York Jets new general manager, the  incoming GM didn't comment specifically on any Jets player.  But later, on ESPN Radio, it sounded like Idzik had some good news and some bad news for Mark Sanchez.

The positive news for Sanchez — it doesn't sound like you're going to be put on the trading block.

On the flip side for last year's starting quarterback — you're going to have to fight for that same position next season.

Speaking on "The Michael Kay Show," Idzik said Sanchez will be back as part of quarterback competition.

"We're going to bring in competition," said Idzik.  "Mark is a competitor.  He's not adverse to competition.  He'll probably welcome it.  It will make everybody better and that will be our direction."

Jets head coach Rex Ryan took the more direct approach about his fifth-year quarterback.

"I believe Mark needs to erase his hard drive," said Ryan.

Sanchez had a miserable season (18 INTs) and the Jets finished 6-10 but Ryan thinks Sanchez must be chomping at the bit at the prospect of working with a pass-oriented offense with new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

"He's got to be popping out of his skin, as any quarterback would," said Ryan.

The Jets still have Greg McElroy and Tim Tebow under contract behind Sanchez and his $8.25 million guaranteed contract in 2013 but Idzik said all personnel would be evaluated with an eye on cap space.  By the way, Sanchez's deal was orchestrated by ousted GM Mike Tannenbaum.

The Jets could take a shot at Matt Flynn — the backup on Idzik's former Seahawks team — or possibly the 49ers' new second-teamer Alex Smith, both who could put the pressure on Sanchez and maybe take his starting job.

Ryan sounds excited about trading in his ground-and-pound offense for a more streamlined run-and-gun attack.

"I can't wait to get out there and see how our offense will look," said Ryan. "Will it look different? Yes it will."

For some reason, it sounds like bad news for Sanchez.

Te'o tells Couric: I'm 'faaaaaaar' from being gay

There were a lot of unanswered questions leading up to Manti Te'o's exclusive sit down with talk-host Katie Couric on Thursday — like whether or not the Notre Dame football star had anything to do with his phony online girlfriend or he was "catfished" — truly the victim of an elaborate hoax.

Another question circling around in the minds of conspiracy buffs was the possibility the whole deal was a sensational way for Te'o to cover up speculation that he was gay.

Couric asked the 22-year-old point blank about that possibility.

"One of the theories, many theories, Manti, making the rounds is somehow you created this whole scenario to cover up your sexual orientation," Couric said.  "Are you gay?"

"No. Far from it.  Faaaaaaaaar from it," said a smiling Te'o.

During the interview, Te'o went on to vehemently deny having any involvement in creating the virtual social media co-ed, Lennay Kekua.

Te'o claimed his biggest regrets were lying to his parents about once meeting Kekua and briefly perpetuating the charade that Kekua actually existed even after he found out she didn't on Dec. 6.

Kekua's phone messages were reportedly made by hoax mastermind, Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, who disguised his voice as the fake hottie.

"It didn't sound like a man. It sounded like a woman," Te'o told Couric. "But if he somehow made that voice, that's incredible."

Derek Jeter talks climate change at Davos World Economic Forum

Derek Jeter is in Switzerland and it isn't for some radical new treatment for his surgically-repaired left ankle.

The Yankees shortstop is finding his inner Al Gore and discussing climate change at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Jeter, who avoids politics in the locker room like a fastball aimed at his head, isn't exactly known for getting into issues outside the clubhouse either.  In this case, Jeter says he hopes in the wake of Hurricane Sandy that climate change is addressed, as global political and business leaders gather in Switzerland, because he's seen it for himself.

Jeter, who is sponsored by Gatorade, is a guest of its parent company, Pepsi.

"I was in New York for Hurricane Sandy," Jeter told the Columbus Dispatch following a private lunch thrown by Pepsi.  "[Climate change] is just something that's gotten so much attention," Jeter said.  "Regardless of how you feel about it , it's something that needs to be addressed because we're seeing more natural disasters each year ... something has to be causing it."

More than 2,500 politicians, business leaders and academics are attending the forum to address key issues facing the world in 2013.

Jeter said it was an "honor" to be part of the gathering, calling it "the biggest business conference in the world" but adding that he doesn't try to interject himself into politics.

"I know my place," he said.

Announcer calls dramatic game-winning shot, then abruptly signs off the air

There probably isn't a record kept for The Most Abrupt Mic Drop After a Game-Winning Shot by an Announcer but, if there was, this video recorded it.

With a Miami preps hoops game tied at 54-54, Miami (Fla.) Christopher Columbus High School guard Chris Melendez buried a three-point shot to beat traditional rival Miami (Fla.) Belen Jesuit School, 57-54, for the exciting win.

After counting down every second left from the 18-second mark, the unnamed announcer on Playbook broadcast keyed in on Melendez who hit the game winner.

When the ball went through the net, the announcer screamed, "Got it!  The Explorers win the basketball game!"

The rousing call was then followed by, "Chris Melendez with a shot from the logo, drains the bucket!  And that's going to end out telecast, folks."

No sooner had the words "folks" came out, the broadcast ended with an audible microphone drop.

Call it a case of pandemonium interruptus. 



There was no postgame elaboration of the play or even a few seconds to take in the moment and — considering the dramatic circumstances — just the shortest, sweetest wrap-up in history.

Maybe they didn't pay the electric bill, there were time constraints or the technician had a big date but, 15 seconds after the game ended, those guys were done.

Jeter's offseason just got more taxing — $265,000 more

Derek Jeter better hope his surgically-repaired ankle heals enough to play a few more seasons — he just might need the cash.

After selling his Trump World Tower penthouse apartment for $15.5 million —taking a $5 million hit on the asking price — the New York Yankees shortstop just got walloped with a staggering $265,000 tax bill for his Tampa mansion — a fourfold increase from what he paid last year.

Quick.  Call Phil Mickelson and see where he plans on up and moving to.

Jeter's 2011 property tax assessment was a more modest amount of $68,673, according to the Hillsborough County tax records. 

But when construction of the seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom, mega-mansion was complete, the taxes went higher than CC Sabathia's pitch count.

"The reason for the change is that in 2011 the property was not complete," said a county clerk.  "The tax assessment was based on a vacant lot."

Now that same vacant waterfront lot has a house valued at $12 million, plus a dock, a pool, a spa and many other over-the-top amenities.

Jeter bought the two lots in 2006 with the intention of building a 30,000 square foot house specifically for his tastes.  The sprawling mansion became known as "St. Jetersburg." 

The 38-year-old Jeter, who earned $16 million last year, has another year (excluding option) remaining on his $51 million contract.  

He has been living in Florida since undergoing surgery on his left ankle in October and the Yankees expect him to be ready for Opening Day in Yankee Stadium.

You think the tax increase is clouding Jeter's mind while he rehabs on his stationary bike. I seriously doubt it.

Forget the taxman, fear Father Time.

6-year-old Kaepernick fan raps about 49ers going to Super Bowl

Even if you not a San Francisco 49ers fan or don't care to see cute kids do adorable things, you'll have to like this video of a six-year-old rapping about her favorite player, Colin Kaepernick.

Little Sarah Redden from Dayton, Ohio just released her latest track (she's an old pro) "Kaepfornia Gold" and has already gotten over half-a-million views on YouTube.

In the video, the six-year-old is seen rollin' on her tricycle, wearing the 49ers quarterback's #7 jersey and laying down some rhymes.

If hardcore to you means fake tattoos and Disney World, this is the video for you.



You can purchase the song on iTunes.

Tiger Woods romantically linked to Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn: Report

Tiger Woods is trading in his putters for a pair of ski poles and once again chasing after another beautiful blond.  The object of his affection — Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn.

Woods is reportedly dating the 28-year-old Olympic medalist who bears an uncanny resemblance to his ex-wife,  Elin Nordegren, reports The New York Daily News.

Sources said Woods — who cheated on his wife and was divorced from her in 2009 — went to Austria to watch Vonn compete and later took her on a romantic trip to Antigua.

Vonn finalized a divorce from fellow skier Thomas Vonn earlier this month and and back in 2010 joked about Woods reported sex addiction by saying she had a "sex problem too" and "you go have that sex."  The sexy Vonn appeared at a Tiger Woods Foundation function on April 28 in Las Vegas.

Woods' public appearances with a woman have been about as rare as his tournament wins in recent years. A source close to the 38-year-old golfer told Star magazine he might be looking for more than a fling with the Nordegren lookalike.

"He wants to marry again and thinks Lindsey could be the woman," said the source.

Woods and Nordegren divorced after he was caught cheating on her with a laundry list of various women.  It was reported that the shamed Woods proposed to Nordegren last week after offered her $200 million pre-nup and $350 million anti-cheating clause.

How romantic.

Matt Damon says healthy Pats would have beaten Ravens

Matt Damon is still in denial about the Baltimore Ravens beat-down of his beloved New England Patriots.

The actor and Boston native still will not admit the Ravens 28-13 trouncing of the Pats in Sunday's AFC Championship game could have happened if New England had been fully healthy.

"A lot of injuries, they couldn't have beaten us at full strength," said Damon as he arrived at LAX last night.  His remarks were later posted to the celebrity website TMZ.com.

Damon referenced the Patriots playing without Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski, cornerback Aqib Talib and running back Stevan Ridley as the main reasons for the upset.

Gronk missed the entire game after re-breaking his forearm last week against the Texans while Talib and Ridley suffered a leg injury and a concussion, respectively, during the championship game.

When asked who he would pick in the Super Bowl between the Ravens and 49ers, Damon stuck to his guns and picked neither.

"I'm going for a healthy New England team, that's the best team in the country," he said.  "'[Baltimore and San Francisco] are both pretty good.  They're like the same team, real similar."

They might not be as good as the Patriots in the movie star's eyes, but at least they're healthy.

How about them apples?

Te'o tells Katie Couric he briefly lied about girlfriend

Manti Te'o opened up and told Katie Couric that he briefly lied about his online girlfriend after discovering she didn't exist, while maintaining that he had no part in creating the bizarre hoax.

After Couric pressed the Notre Dame linebacker to admit he was in on the deception, Te'o said he believed that his girlfriend Lennay Kekua had died of cancer and didn't lie about it until December.

Te'o revealed this information in a taped interview to air Thursday on Couric's syndicated talk show, "Katie."  A segment of the interview with Te'o and his parents, Brian and Ottilia, was broadcast on "Good Morning America."

"You stuck to the script. And you knew that something was amiss, Manti," said Couric.

Te'o replied:

"Katie, put yourself in my situation.  I, my whole world told me that she died on Sept. 12.  Everybody knew that.  This girl, who I committed myself to, died on Sept. 12.

"Now I get a phone call on Dec. 6, saying that she's alive and then I'm going to be put on national TV two days later.  And to ask me about the same question. You know, what would you do?"

The Heisman Trophy runner-up said he only learned of the hoax when he received a phone call on Dec. 6 from a woman saying she was Kekua, but on Dec. 8 he again publicly mentioned his girlfriend. The remark came as Te'o was a finalist for the Heisman — the award given to the best college football player in the country.

Te'o continued being in the spotlight until he played in the BCS Championship Game against Alabama on January 7 without mentioning the scam until this taping.

Jeremy Lin will bring 'Linsanity' to Sundance Film Festival on Sunday

The Sundance Film Festival is about to come down with a case of Linsanity — and we're not talking the Lindsay Lohan kind.

Former New York Knick turned Houston Rocket Jeremy Lin couldn't attend the the premiere of the packed screening of "Linsanity," due to a scheduling conflict, but will now show up Sunday Jan. 27, the festival's final day.

Lin will appear in person and bring along a couple of his Rocket teammates to watch the sports documentary which tells the story of the Harvard grad's rise to NBA fame last season.

Lin, the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA, led the bumbling Knicks to the playoffs and burst into national consciousness — kicking off the craze which became known as Linsanity.

The film focuses on the 23-year-old Lin's wild ride to international fame as the cameras rolled and is produced by his brother, Joseph Lin.

"I'm excited for Jeremy that he will be able to experience his Sundance premiere after all," said director Evan Jackson Leong.  "I'm thrilled I'll be able to watch the finished film with my film's subject."

Linsanity already had a sold-out screening that drew fans from as far away as Hawaii.  Sunday's screening will be in Salt Lake City.

Lin's story had all the elements of a Hollywood script.  Well here it is — in Indieland.

Ndamukong Suh's teammates call 'Celebrity Diving' show a huge mistake

If you ask Detroit Lions players what they think is funny — 300-pound comedian Louie Anderson in a Speedo, belly-flopping into a pool might pop into their minds.  The thought of their own 6'4", 307-pound defensive end, Ndamukong Suh, leaping off a high dive ... not so much.

Suh should NEVER have signed up to compete on "Celebrity Diving" ... this according to several of Suh's Lions teammates who told TMZ the decision is shockingly irresponsible.

Suh — who's in the middle of a 5-year, $68 million contract with the Lions — recently joined the cast of the ABC reality show.  Suh, who will be joining other celebrities like Anderson, Katherine Webb (Uh, she's everywhere) and former NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in launching their bodies off a diving platform.

TMZ spoke with several of Suh's teammates who all feel that he's making huge mistake.

"One source told the gossip site, "We need him on the field and if he gets hurt during the off-season doing wild stunts ... it would be bad and it ain't worth it.  He's too valuable to the team."

Another concerned player told TMZ, "If he gets a busted ear drum or an infection, it could have serious effects on his off-season training."

Why the Detroit organization would even allow Suh to take a plunge into the pool had the Lions players scratching their heads.

One source — who happens to be African-American — added, "He's a big dude ... and 'black' and 'pool' don't mix.  He's built for football .. not belly flops."

Tune in for Anderson, endure Webb and stay for Suh.

Joba still waiting for new Yankee Youkilis to return call

It wasn't long after the New York Yankees had signed Kevin Youkilis to a deal that Joba Chamberlain called his one-time nemesis to welcome him to the Bronx.

Did the former Red Sox player, who Chamberlain had a long-running feud with as their two teams battled in the AL East, ever respond?

"No," the Yankees reliever said Tuesday night at the Baseball Assistance Team fundraiser at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square. "He didn't call me back."

Chamberlain — who was being honored with the Bart Giamatti Award Tuesday — called Youkilis right after the Yankees signed him to a one-year deal back in December.

"It was just, 'I'm glad you're on our team, glad you're on our side and I look forward to seeing you and hopefully we can win one over here for the good guys,'" Chamberlain said he told Youkilis' voicemail.

Youkilis — will be filling in at third base while Alex Rodriguez recovers from hip surgery — left the Yankee reliever hanging.

The two players are not exactly the best of buds — especially after Joba was suspended for two games in 2007 for firing a couple of fastballs over Youkilis' head.  Both players have said that bygones are bygones.

"If it was that big a deal, I wouldn't have been signing with the Yankees.  But I don't think it is that big a deal," said Youkilis after joining the Yankees. "A lot of it is made out within the media and the fans."

Still, it sounds like Chamberlain is getting the silent treatment.

"I'm bound to run into him at some point," Chamberlain said.  "Sooner rather than later, I'm assuming. So we'll see what happens."

Unless Youkilis picks up the old cell phone. Joba might have to wait until Feb. 20 to hug it out with his old rival.  That's when the entire Yankee roster convenes in Tampa.

Patriots' Derrick Martin's home robbed during AFC Championship Game

While New England Patriots Derrick Martin was standing on the sidelines watching his team get beat down by the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night, two masked men stormed and ransacked his Aurora, Colorado home in a home invasion, report police.

The Patriots safety wasn't one of the players in uniform for the AFC Championship Game but still had to endure his team's season coming to an end after the 28-13 loss.  Adding to his misery was finding out later that, while the Pats were getting robbed of a shot at the Super Bowl, burglars were making off with "numerous items of value" from his home.

Aurora police say several people, including children, were in the house at the time watching the game.  The two armed men forced their way into Martin's home and fled with the goods.

Police said that it's not clear if Martin was a target or it was a random home invasion.

"No shot were fired; no threats were made," Aurora Police spokesperson Frank Fania said. "Thankfully, no one was hurt."

While the Patriots loss ends Martin's two-year streak as a part of a Super Bowl champion — he played with the Packers during the 2010 regular season and the Giants 2011 regular season and playoffs — it is a given that the 27-year-old Martin is thankful the Colorado incident ended without anyone getting hurt.

The same can't be said of what happened on the field at Gillette Stadium.

Since the robbery suspects wore masks police don't have a good description to go on.