Truth & Rumors

NFL

Doug Flutie may end up returning to the Patriots. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images • Pete McEntegart: The 10 Spot -- Friday, Sept. 3 • Truth + Rumors: Mets' Howe could be on hot seat • Arash Markazi Stop complaining about Athens • Stephen Cannella: Is World Cup it for hockey? • Michael Silver: Tomlinson's wife speaks up • More Blogs: Elliott | Bechtel | Wertheim | Ballard Click here for Today's Sign of the Apocalypse, Game to Watch, Leading Off gallery and much more!

Marcus Stroud has switched agents, the first step in his bid for a contract extension from the Jaguars that he hopes will make him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL.
 -- Jacksonville Times-Union

Patriots coach Bill Belichick named Rohan Davey his backup quarterback, despite another mediocre performance in last night's 31-0 loss to the Jaguars.
 -- Boston Globe

Doug Flutie's days with the Chargers may be numbered, but if he's released, is Flutie headed back to New England?
 -- Boston Herald

Injured defensive end Brandon Whiting, acquired by the 49ers from Philadelphia as part of the Terrell Owens deal, will be evaluated on Sunday. If Whiting does not pass his physical, he returns to the Eagles and the 49ers receive a third-round 2005 draft pick.
 -- San Francisco Chronicle

The Ravens' orthopedic surgeon said if she had to make a determination now on tackle Jonathan Ogden's status for the Sept. 12 season opener, she would list him as questionable. Ogden sprained a knee in last night's pre-season game against the Giants.
 -- Washington Post

The odds of being the first coach fired favor the Chargers Marty Schottenheimer, at 3-1. The rest of the top 10: Dave Wannstedt (Dolphins) 7-2, Jim Haslett (Saints) 4-1, Dennis Erickson (49ers) 4-1, Butch Davis (Browns) 5-1, Mike Martz (Rams) 8-1, Dom Capers (Texans) 10-1, Mike Tice (Vikings) 10-1, Herman Edwards (Jets) 10-1 and Jack Del Rio (Jaguars) 10-1.
 -- Houston Chronicle

MLB

If the old Angels core evaporates, closer Troy Percival likely would be the first to go.
 -- Los Angeles Daily News

Mets manager Art Howe's job is reportedly in jeopardy, and the Rockies' Clint Hurdle has been mentioned as a possible replacement.
 -- Denver Post

Although he'd prefer to stay with the Rockies, shortstop Royce Clayton believes he will wind up on the free-agent market this winter.
 -- Denver Post

Will much-maligned Ed Wade return as Phillies GM next year? "Absolutely," team president David Montgomery said.
 -- Philadelphia Inquirer

Don't be surprised if Texas tries to flip Alfonso Soriano this winter rather than give him a big arbitration raise.
 -- Philadelphia Daily News

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen would not say if Jose Valentin is in the team's plans for 2005.
 -- Chicago Sun Times

Desperate for pitching, the Giants re-acquired Dave Burba from Milwaukee, who won't be eligible for post-season play.
 -- San Francisco Chronicle

Ryan Drese could be the next Ranger locked up for the future with a multiyear contract extension.
 -- Ft. Worth Star Telegram

NBA

A Houston TV station reported the Rockets are close to a deal that would add veteran center Dikembe Mutombo as the backup to Yao Ming. The Rockets would send Eric Piatkowski, Adrian Griffin and Mike Wilks to the Chicago Bulls.
 -- WOAI, San Antonio

Hornets point guard Baron Davis' agent said he has advised his client to explore his options. One option could be a trade request.
 -- New Orleans Times-Picayune

It appears Shareef Abdur-Rahim will back off his threat of holding out of training camp if he is not traded. Blazers general manager John Nash said the Blazers won't trade Zach Randolph, even though six teams have called him, and he has tried to trade Ruben Patterson, but has not gotten an offer that makes sense.
 -- The Oregonian

NHL/Hockey

Following a 3-1 loss to Russia, U.S. coach Ron Wilson will bench five players -- perhaps even Brett Hull -- for tonight's World Cup game with Slovakia.
 -- Detroit Free Press

Teenaged Russian forward Alexander Ovechkin, taken by Washington as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NHL draft, was a scratch last night.
 -- Toronto Sun

The World Hockey Association will determine in the next two weeks whether to have an upcoming season, according to Dallas Americans owner Rick Munro.
 -- Dallas Morning News

Soccer

Following a disappointing first season, David Beckham has returned to Real Madrid, saying, "I have to prove to some people I can still play good football and I am already playing better than in the past four months. I feel more settled than when I arrived and I have still about four or five years left in me."
 -- Guardian (UK)

Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd denied he had spoken with Terry Venables about taking over as manager of the club.
 -- Guardian (UK)