Three Clemson players ineligible for bowl
CLEMSON, S.C., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Three Clemson players have been ruled ineligible to play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Auburn on New Year's Eve.
Clemson starting linebackers Nick Watkins and Tramaine Billie and starting offensive tackle Christian Capote, all fifth-year seniors, will miss the bowl game because of poor academic performance.
"I am disappointed that these young men will not be able to play in our bowl game with Auburn," said Clemson Coach Tommy Bowden. "They had every opportunity to retain their eligibility. The staff at Vickery Hall did everything it could to provide them with tutors and assist them with their studies. But, they are accountable for their academic performance.
"All three can still graduate from Clemson and I will do everything I can to encourage them to do so."
Watkins led the Tigers in tackles the past two seasons. He had 116 in 2006 and 118 this year. Billie was third on the team with 79 tackles this season.
Capote started all 12 games at right tackle.
Central Florida's Smith returning in 2008
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- University of Central Florida junior running back Kevin Smith, the nation's rushing leader, said Tuesday he plans to remain in school for his senior season.
"I had some time to go home and do some thinking with the advice of Coach (George) O'Leary, and sat down with my mom and family members. I did a little investigating," Smith said in a press conference. "I came to a decision that I will be returning to UCF next semester and next football season."
Smith leads the country with 2,448 yards and has scored 30 touchdowns for the Knights, just 180 yards from the current single-season record set by Barry Sanders at Oklahoma State.
Central Florida plays Mississippi State in the Liberty Bowl Dec. 29.
Smith was UCF's first consensus All-America pick and finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting. He would have had until Jan. 15 to declare his intention to enter the NFL draft.
Clemens denies taking performance steroids
HOUSTON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Roger Clemens denied Tuesday accusations made in the Mitchell Report that he used performance-enhancing drugs.
"I want to state clearly and without qualification: I did not take steroids, human growth hormone or any other banned substances at any time in my baseball career or, in fact, my entire life," the seven-time Cy Young Award winner said in the statement reported by the Houston Chronicle
"I am disappointed that my 25 years in public life have apparently not earned me the benefit of the doubt. But I understand that (former) Sen. (George) Mitchell's report has raised many serious questions. I plan to publicly answer all of those questions at the appropriate time in the appropriate way. I only ask that in the meantime people not rush to judgment."
The report claims Clemens approached former personal trainer Brian McNamee and brought up the subject of using steroids. McNamee claims he injected Clemens approximately four times in the buttocks over a several-week period in 1998 with needles Clemens provided. Each incident reportedly took place in Clemens' apartment in Toronto.
Cowboys, Patriots pack Pro Bowl rosters
NEW YORK, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The NFC and AFC Pro Bowl rosters were announced Tuesday with the Dallas Cowboys leading the way with 11 players selected.
The New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers dominated the AFC with eight players named from each team, including New England quarterback Tom Brady and San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
The Pro Bowl rosters were compiled in voting from a combination of fans, players and coaches. The Pro Bowl will take place Feb. 10 in Honolulu.
The undefeated Patriots will send eight players to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 1985.
Seven of the franchise record-tying 11 Cowboys will be starters. Wide receiver Terrell Owens; tight end Jason Witten; offensive linemen Flozell Adams, Leonard Davis and Andre Gurode; linebacker DeMarcus Ware; and kicker Nick Folk were selected starters.
Quarterback Tony Romo, running back Marion Barber, safety Ken Hamlin and cornerback Terence Newman were chosen as reserves.
Green Bay's Brett Favre, in the Pro Bowl for the ninth time, will be the starting quarterback for the NFC.
