Rodriguez to meet with investigators
TAMPA, Fla., March 1 (UPI) -- New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez says he'll meet with federal authorities investigating a doctor linked to doping allegations.
Rodriguez, speaking to reporters Monday at the Yankees' spring training complex in Tampa, Fla., said he has been contacted by federal authorities investigating Canadian doctor Anthony Galea, The New York Times reported.
Galea has been charged by Canadian officials with conspiring to smuggle human growth hormone and other drugs into the United States, but has not been charged in the United States. Galea -- who denies prescribing performance-enhancing drugs to athletes -- has treated golfer Tiger Woods and swimmer Dara Torres.
When asked if he had ever been treated by Galea, Rodriguez responded: "I can't really get into that. You'll know within time all at the same time," the Times reported.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman wouldn't comment. The newspaper said team officials are upset that Rodriguez, who has admitted taking steroids from 2001 to 2003, was again linked to a doping investigation.
Alford reprimanded for BYU incident
COLORADO SPRINGS, March 1 (UPI) -- New Mexico men's basketball head Coach Steve Alford was issued a public reprimand Monday following a verbal confrontation with a BYU player.
A statement issued in Colorado Springs by the Mountain West Conference said Alford was cited for using "unduly provocative language toward an opposing student-athlete" Saturday following the Lobos' 83-81 victory in Provo, Utah. The conference officials said Alford's actions violated MWC sportsmanship rules.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported that videos of the post-game incident showed Alford calling BYU senior forward Jonathan Tavernari an "a-- hole," and New Mexico assistant Coach Wyking Jones repeatedly taunting Tavernari by saying, "What are you going to do about it?"
Alford told reporters before the MWC issued its reprimand that he didn't deserve one.
"It was unfortunate," Alford told reporters Monday. "It happened in a competitive nature. I don't think there is any harm done, and (Tavernari) will move on, and he will continue to compete, and we will do the same thing."
Alford told the Tribune he has called BYU Coach Dave Rose "just to apologize from my end, and things that I had to be involved with. It was just heat of the moment, fierce competitors."
New York Jets to cut loose RB Jones
NEW YORK, March 1 (UPI) -- The New York Jets said Monday they will release veteran running back Thomas Jones this week when the NFL free agency period begins.
Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement that Jones, who ran for a career-high 1,402 yards and scored a franchise record 14 rushing touchdowns last season, had played his last game as a Jet.
"We have informed Thomas Jones and his representatives that we will release him on March 5," Tannenbaum said. "Thomas joined us three years ago and has been a productive, passionate leader both on and off the field who has served as a positive influence for our younger players. We were fortunate to acquire him and we wish him the best."
Jones, 31, a 10-year veteran, set a Jets single-game record with 210 yards on the ground against the Buffalo Bills.
He was acquired from the Chicago Bears in 2007 after spending three seasons there.
Bears waive tackle Orlando Pace
CHICAGO, March 1 (UPI) -- The Chicago Bears have waived all-pro offensive tackle Orlando Pace, the team said Monday.
Pace, 34, had two years remaining on a three-year deal he signed before the 2009 season. He started 11 games at left tackle for the Bears last season, his 13th NFL campaign.
A former No. 1 overall draft pick, the 6-foot-7, 325-pound Pace has appeared in the Pro Bowl seven times. He played 12 years for the St. Louis Rams, helping lead them to an NFL Championship in Super Bowl XXXIV.
The Bears also waived tight end Fontel Mines and guard Tyler Reed. The pair have spent the majority of their NFL careers in Chicago on the Bears practice squad.
