Truth + Rumors

MLB

Roger Clemens is 12-4 with a 2.94 ERA for the Astros. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images • Pete McEntegart: The 10 Spot -- Fri., Aug. 20 • Truth + Rumors: Red Sox block Clemens trade • Stephen Cannella: How these Games turned me • More Blogs: Murphy | Bechtel | Wertheim | Ballard Click here for Today's Sign of the Apocalypse, Game to Watch, Leading Off gallery and much more!

According to multiple sources, the Red Sox put a waiver claim on Astros pitcher Roger Clemens earlier this month to block a potential trade that would have sent him back to the Yankees.
-- Boston Herald

Negotiations between the Red Sox and Astros that would have returned Clemens to Boston broke down over Houston's demands for minor league prospects, according to a local Boston television station.
-- Providence Journal

The Red Sox may be interested in acquiring Astros second baseman Jeff Kent.
-- Houston Chronicle

At the owners meetings in Philadelphia on Thursday, Mets owner Fred Wilpon said the team was investigating the feasibility of financing a stadium on its own to replace 40-year old Shea Stadium.
-- New York Times

Asked if greater Washington held a clear advantage for the Expos absent the Orioles factor, Giants owner Peter Magowan said, "Yes, I think that's the general view [of the owners], that the area is the best [option]."
-- Washington Times

The list of minor league players the Rangers gave the Yankees to choose from in exchange for pitcher Esteban Loaiza includes infielder Jason Bourgeois, infielder-outfielder Ramon Nivar, and pitchers Sam Narron and Ryan Snare. George Steinbrenner, however, may veto the deal.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Padres pitcher David Wells won't be traded because he didn't clear waivers.
-- New York Daily News

Despite all of the rumors swirling around him, Phillies manager Larry Bowa's job is secure for now according to GM Ed Wade.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

The Reds will try to re-sign pitcher Paul Wilson.
-- Cincinnati Enquirer

The Indians, in the market for a veteran reliever, are giving recently released right-hander Rod Beck a look.
-- Cleveland Plain Dealer

NFL

In lieu of moving the franchise, Vikings owner Red McCombs has the team ready for sale as soon as he finds a buyer willing to pay the asking price, believed to be close to $600 million.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

A trade of running back James Jackson to the Dolphins remains a possibility, but there is little chance of either Andre Davis or Quincy Morgan being sent to Miami.
-- Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Jets have set a Sept. 1 deadline for negotiations on a contract extension for starting quarterback Chad Pennington. If no agreement is reached, the talks supposedly will be tabled until after the season.
-- New York Daily News

A source close to running back Ricky Williams said the Dolphins sent a letter to Williams this week demanding that he return to the team or face having to repay $8 million as part of his contract.
-- Miami Herald

Deion Sanders said in a Sporting News Radio interview that his decision to return to the NFL with the Ravens, which will be made soon, depends mainly on his health.
-- Baltimore Sun

Steelers right guard Kendall Simmons could miss the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

One day after claiming cornerback Derek Ross off waivers, the Saints released him after he missed his flight to New Orleans on Wednesday.
-- New Orleans Times-Picayune

Packers holdout cornerback Mike McKenzie could be traded to the Saints.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Running back Onterrio Smith will be suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune

NBA

The Cavaliers signed 6-foot-10 forward Anderson Varejao of Brazil to a three-year contract Thursday. He'll try to help offset the Cavs' loss of free agent Carlos Boozer.
-- Cleveland Plain Dealer

Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe defended Carmelo Anthony, who was criticized for not buying into the team concept by U.S. Olympic coach Larry Brown. "Melo's a great kid, and there's no way he's not extremely team-oriented," Vandeweghe said. "Those comments are just disappointing at best.
-- Rocky Mountain News

Althought they're still negotiating with other teams, Jon Barry and Rodney White could soon re-sign with the Nuggets.
-- Denver Post

NCAA Football

A judge ruled that Boston College was able to leave the Big East for the ACC as planned next July 1 for the $1 million exit fee and not the $5 million and 27-month notice the Big East attempted to impose.
-- Boston Globe

The Pitt-Penn State football rivalry, discontinued after the 2000 season, might soon be revived if discussions between athletic directors Jeff Long and Tim Curley continue to make progress.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review