"Super" heroes return home
BOSTON, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The New England Patriots returned home Monday on top of the pro football world.
The night before they had done what seemed impossible such a short time ago. They turned down and turned back the high-powere4d St. Louis Rams to win Super Bowl XXXVI on Adam Vinatieri's last-second 48-yard field goal 20-17.
Now, championship-starved New England sports fans finally had something to celebrate. And, they plan to do it up right on Tuesday. As the Boston Herald suggested to its readers, "Call in sick if you have to." Just don't miss the party.
The festivities begin at noon Tuesday on City Hall Plaza and one columnist said the fever-pitch hullabaloo "is expected make the Mardi Gras-style festivities going down in New Orleans look like a tea party."
The Patriots will be treated to a parade through downtown Boston followed by a rally at the plaza hosted by Mayor Thomas M. Menino in front of thousands of happy Pats fans.
Coker gets 3-year contract extension
CORAL GABLES, Fla., Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Larry Coker, who could not have had a better rookie season as football coach at Miami, was rewarded with a three-year contract extension through the 2006 season on Monday.
After spending decades as an assistant, Coker guided the Hurricanes to the national championship in 2001, capping a 12-0 season with a 37-14 victory over Nebraska in the Rose Bowl.
Coker became the first rookie college coach to lead his team to a national football title since Michigan's Bennie Oosterbahn in 1948.
"Coach Coker is terrific," Miami president Dr. Donna Shalala
said. "We are extending his contract with great enthusiasm and respect."
Coker, 53, was named the offensive coordinator of the Hurricanes in 1995 and took over as coach after Butch Davis resigned to become coach of the NFL's Cleveland Browns.
Saints discuss Williams trade
MIAMI, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints have begun preliminary talks about a possible trade that would send Saints running back Ricky Williams to the Dolphins, it was reported Monday.
ESPN also reported the Saints had contacted other teams to test interest in Williams, the NFC's fourth leading rusher last season with 1,245 yards.
"I told him we'd get back to him if we were interested," Rick Spielman, Dolphins vice president of football operations, said in Sunday's Miami Herald.
Earlier this week, Williams and agent Leigh Steinberg discussed the possibility of a trade to Miami.
"It's a win-win situation," Williams told the Herald earlier in the week. "I'm finally happy in New Orleans, so I could stay happy here or I'd be happy in Miami."
Three join Indy Hall of Fame
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Roger Penske, the winningest team owner
in Indianapolis 500 history with 11 triumphs, tops a list of
three individuals voted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Hall of Fame on Monday.
Longtime "Voice of the 500," the late Sid Collins, and winning car
owners Andy Granatelli and Penske will become the newest members
of the Auto Racing Hall of Fame. They will be inducted May 17 at the brickyard.
The hall honors drivers, car owners, mechanics and event officials
who have made significant contributions to the success and history of the sport.
Penske began his career in the racing industry as an accomplished driver. He retired from driving in 1964, and in the last 38 years, has built a remarkable business empire and set numerous records in the racing world. He chalked up 110 victories in Indy-style racing, including a record 11 at Indianapolis.
Hornets' Wesley out with broken foot
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 4 (UPI) -- harlotte Hornets guard
David Wesley is expected to be sidelined up to four weeks with a
cracked bone in his foot.
The Hornets announced Monday that Wesley, who has missed the last two games, will be fitted with a protective boot and that he will be evaluated following the end of a three-to-four week period.
The news comes with the Hornets playing their best basketball of the season. Charlotte (23-23) has won five of its last seven games and has returned to .500 for the first time since it was 11-11 on Dec. 13.
