Parcells nixes Falcons, may join Dolphins
NEW YORK, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Bill Parcells has nixed an offer to become the Atlanta Falcons' director of football operations.
The New York Daily News had reported the longtime coach was on the verge of accepting with a few minor details to be worked out.
Late in the day, Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a statement saying Parcells backed out of an agreement and is entertaining an offer from the Miami Dolphins.
"Late last night it was revealed to the media by a source outside the Falcons that we were close to reaching an agreement with Bill Parcells to lead the club's football operations," Blank said.
"Prior to the information becoming public, we had reached an agreement in principle with Parcells and we met with him this morning to complete the contract. At that time, we were made aware by Parcells that he was considering a revised offer from the Miami Dolphins.
He later informed us that he would not be signing a contract with us."
Miami officials have not commented.
NFL denies appeal by Dallas' Roy Williams
NEW YORK, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The appeal of a one-game suspension for Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams was denied Wednesday by the National Football League.
The hard-hitting Williams was suspended a third time this season for his horse-collar tackle of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb when the NFC East-leading Cowboys lost to the Eagles 10-6 Sunday.
"Commissioner (Roger) Goodell has denied the appeal of the one-game suspension of Roy Williams," the NFL said in a statement. "The horse-collar tackling technique is prohibited because the Competition Committee and the clubs have determined that it presents an unacceptable risk to player safety. Rules that protect and advance player safety must be enforced in a way that will deter violations and prevent injuries from occurring."
It means the five-year veteran will miss Dallas' contest against the Carolina Panthers Saturday night.
It is his fourth horse-collar violation in the past two seasons. Previous suspensions cost him a total of $37,500.
Second-ranked Memphis stays unbeaten
CINCINNATI, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A career best 26 points from Derrick Rose Wednesday helped keep No. 2 Memphis unbeaten with a 79-69 victory over Cincinnati.
The Tigers played their first true road game of the season and pulled away late in the contest for their ninth win in as many starts. Antonio Anderson added 12 points and Memphis poured in 12 three-point shots.
Cincinnati (4-6) was led by Deonta Vaughn with 20 points. It was the Bearcats' fourth straight loss.
Memphis had only a four-point lead midway through the second half when it went on a 10-2 run to take control. Cincinnati came no closer than six the rest of the way.
The Tigers have won their first nine games in a season for the first time in 22 years.
Troy Smith could make first pro start
BALTIMORE, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Troy Smith, winner of last year's Heisman Trophy is expected to start his first game as a professional this Sunday.
The backup Baltimore quarterback appears likely to get the start because of a concussion suffered by Kyle Boller during the Ravens' loss to Miami last weekend.
Smith replaced Boller late in that game and drove the Ravens into position for a game-winning field goal in overtime. But Matt Stover missed a 44-yard attempt and Miami went on to win its first game of the year.
Smith won college football's top individual honor while with Ohio State. He has thrown just 16 passes as a professional.
Baltimore will meet Seattle on Sunday.
