2B SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2008 CRIME Randy Moss faces court for dispute with friend FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick expressed strong support Thursday for wide receiver Randy Moss, the subject of a temporary restraining order obtained by a longtime friend. Belichick said he wasn't concerned about the allegation brought by Rachelle Washington that Moss committed battery or about how it might affect Moss on Sunday in the AFC championship game against the San Diego Chargers. Washington's attorney issued a statement Thursday saying that Moss' representatives were the first to suggest that Moss pay the woman to keep the issue quiet, according to NBC Sports.com. The attorney, David McGill, and Moss' agent, Tim DiPiero, did not return telephone calls from The Associated Press. On Wednesday, Moss said that suggestion came from her side and totaled "six figures." He called it "a situation of extortion." "I think Randy's covered those, and I've talked to Randy about it, and I support Randy 100 percent," he said. Belichick spoke briefly on questions about the matter Thursday. No criminal charge has been brought. Moss spent about 10 minutes in front of his locker on Wednesday vehemently denying the allegations. On Monday, the temporary restraining order was issued in Broward County, Fla., ordering A hearing on issuing a permanent restraining order is scheduled for 3 p.m. Jan. 28, six days before the Super Bowl. Moss to stay at least 500 feet from the home of Washington, who alleged he committed "battery ... causing serious injury" to her at her home in Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 6, the Sunday of the Patriots playoff bye week. Moss said the woman has been a friend of his for 11 years and that she asked for "six figures" for what he said was an accident in which she was hurt. Washington, 35, alleged they had been in an "intimate relationship" since 1997. Her attorney's statement said she "has cared deeply for Mr. Moss and has been there for him throughout all of his trials and tribulations" during the past 11 years and didn't intend to hurt Moss. "However, she has suffered mental and physical harm as a result of his actions," the statement said. "She simply wants him to take responsibility for what he has done. As a battery victim, she has shown great strength throughout this entire ordeal. "Ms. Washington has been unfairly characterized as someone simply seeking financial gain. In fact, it was Mr. Moss' representatives who first contacted our office to offer a 'six figure' settlement with hopes of not having this incident become public record." Washington also alleged that Moss refused to allow her to seek medical treatment. Moss denied that. McGill's statement did not specify an injury. Associated Press STEROIDS WASHINGTON — Miguel Tejada is under FBI scrutiny, officials said Thursday after opening a preliminary investigation into whether the former AL MVP lied when he told federal authorities he never took steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James creates a cloud of dust after he clapped his powder-coated hands together prior to the team's NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday. The inquiry, in response to a congressional request, amounts to an initial look at facts surrounding the case. It does not mean charges will be brought against the Houston Astros shortstop, who in 2002 won his MVP award while with Oakland. "The Justice Department has referred the Miguel Tejada matter to the FBI, and a preliminary inquiry will be conducted."FBI spokesman Richard Kolko said Thursday. Investigators with the FBI's office in Washington will handle the inquiry. It is unclear how long initial fact-finding will take. Associated Press At issue are comments Tejada gave to House committee investigators in August 2005 when he was with the Baltimore Orioles. He denied during the interview that he used illegal performance-enhancing drugs or knew of other players using or talking about steroids. "I don't have any comment," said Tejada's lawyer, Mark Tuheyo, who said he was unaware of the FB1's involvement until contacted by The Associated Press. MLB World Series MVP speaks out against drug tests "If it's 99 percent accurate, that's going to be seven false positives," the Red Sox third baseman said Thursday before the annual dinner of the Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. "Ninety-three percent is 70 guys. That's almost three whole rosters." BOSTON — Word Series MVP Mike Lowell is willing to give blood if that what it takes to be tested for human growth hormone. But only if the test is 100 percent accurate. Not 99 percent Tejada was among a number of star athletes named in a lengthy report by former Senate majority leader George Mitchell, released last month, that looked at drug use in baseball. A respected voice in the Red Sox clubhouse who wasn't mentioned in the Mitchell Report, Lowell nonetheless came under suspicion in 2005 when, in the first year of testing in baseball, he went through the worst slump of his career. The Astros had no comment on news that the FBI is now investigating Tejada. Drayton McLane, the Astros owner, was attending the baseball owners' meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz., and was not immediately available for comment Two strong years since then—including his World Series performance in 2007—have quieted the whispers that he struggled because he was off the juice. Associated Press "It's important we determine whether Mr. Tedra misled an investigative committee of the House of Representatives," said Rep. Tom Davis of Virginia, the top Republican on the House Oversight committee. "It's also important that those who come before the committee understand we are serious when we tell them they must tell the truth or face serious penalties." Tejada was in the Dominican Republic for the funeral of his brother, who died Tuesday in a motorcycle accident there. Tejada's interview with congressional aides, held Aug. 26, 2005, at Baltimore hotel, was in connection with an inquiry over whether his then-teammate, Rafael Palmeiro, had used steroids. Palmeiro had denied during House testimony in March that year that he had used steroids, then tested positive later in 2005 and was suspended for 10 days. He said his positive test could have resulted from a B-12 vitamin injection given to him by Tejada. Lowell noted that San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was suspended after testing positive for the steroid nandrolone but was elected to the Pro Bowl anyway. Patriots safety Rodney Harrison reportedly admitted receiving human growth hormone and was suspended four games, but he's still popular in New England. A good luck charm "I don't know Shawne Merriman, I don't know Rodney Harrison. But nothing was made of it," Lowell said, noting that Patriots fans were more concerned about how Harrison's absence would affect the team. Lowell acknowledged that part of baseball's problem was self-inflicted. By fighting any kind of testing for years, the sport allowed itself to be tainted in the public mind. But he stood by the players association and said union head Donald Fehr was concerned about the privacy and accuracy of the tests, not in protecting users. "I'm not sensitive to it, because I'm secure in what I've done," he said. "But baseball players are put on a different stage." Associated Press NFL Brett Favre, Eli Manning are America's sweethearts GREEN BAY, Wis. — If America's game has a quarterback, it has to be Brett Favre. And if America's game has a kid brother quarterback, it has to be Eli Manning. Favre is an icon not only in Green Bay, where he has led the Packers to two Super Bowls in 16 mostly successful seasons, but throughout pro football. Who wouldn't be uplifted by his tale? For the past two years, No. 4 has tooyed with the emotions of everyone in his adopted state, plus the folks back in his native Mississippi: Would he retire or return? Were the off-field troubles and tragedies, from the deaths of his father and wife Deanna's stepfather and brother to Deanna's bout with breast cancer, enough to force him from the game he so clearly loves? Although it has not exactly been a sentimental journey to Sunday's NFC championship game — there is little room for sentiment in such a rugged sport — Favre's trip back to the NFL's pinnacle has at least been inspirational. They're anything but also-rans now, preparing to play Manning and the Giants for a trip to the Super Bowl. Favre owes nearly all the NFL's significant passing records, and his consecutive starts streak is perhaps the most amazing of all: 274, including postseason. Each time, after weeks of pondering his future, Favre returned. Each of those seasons, the Packers were also-rans. Yet Favre remains a kid at heart and a kid at play. And grateful for where he has been, where he is now, and where he might be going. "I would be lying if I said I was not enjoying it," he said. "But it has been what, 11 years ... since we even made it this far. So don't I want to say that I got to a point where I had forgotten what that was like, or my goals were not what they used to be, but in some respects it had kind of gotten that way. It's somewhat stunning the Packers have gotten so far, if only because of where they were in early December 2006: 4-8. But they won their final four games of that season, then went 13-3 and manhandled Seattle in the snow globe of Lambeau Field last Saturday. "I didn't get used to losing — we only had one losing season — but we were far removed, it seems like, from that. So the standpoint that we are back in it, this is my fourth opportunity in a championship game, what I will say is that I appreciate it. I don't want to say that I savor the moment more, but four tries in 17 years, and to a certain degree that is better than most ques. "But after the fact, after the game, maybe after a pass, I am thinking, wow, I am playing with Brett Farew, and that's something special, and I'm definitely honored to be a part of it. But when we're playing, he's another quarterback. He's a great leader for us and we just take advantage of it." Coach Mike McCarthy has reined in Favre's riverboat gambler alter-ego just enough that he had one of his most efficient seasons. His leadership is unquestioned, particularly in respect to a generally inexperienced supporting cast, including young wide receivers and running backs. "But I am very proud of the fact that we have gotten this far." Eli has the unfortunate dilemma of not being older brother Peyton, and having to play where the tabloids and talk radio fanatics cut no slack. New York has not been kind through Eli's growing process. "Well, in the middle of the game I'm not thinking that," lead runner Ryan Grant said of the legend of Favre. "There have been some times when people really bring it to my attention. the Giants made the playoff the past two seasons with him at quarterback. They lost in the first round both times. Leadership was not a word often used in conjunction with the younger Manning, even though That the Big Apple has become enamored of him lately is nothing like the hero worship afforded Favre, of course. The love could turn back to venom as soon as well, Sunday night if the Giants fall short of getting a Manning to a second straight Super Bowl. Associated Press Did you travel to Miami for the Orange Bowl? The University Daily Kansan would like to see pictures from your trip to South Florida. Send your photos to photoj@kansan. com if you're interested in seeing them in the newspaper. Kansas coach Bill Self sports quote of the day Bill Self is 10-2 against Missouri. He has led Kansas to victory seven times against Missouri since taking over as coach four years ago. He also beat the Tigers twice when he was the coach at Illinois. sports fact of the day "I'really enjoy going to Columbia. We're not going to vacation there this summer, but I really enjoy the atmosphere going there. It's been great every time I've been." -Kansas basketball media aide sports trivia of the day O. Q: When was the last time Missouri swept the season series against Kansas in basketball? A. 1994. The Tigers beat the Jayhawks 79-67 in Columbia, Mo., then traveled across the border three weeks later and defeated them again 81-74. - Kansas Basketball media guide TODAY calendar Women's Tennis, Hawaii Tournament, all day, Honolulu, Hawaii SATURDAY Women's Tennis, Hawaii Tournament, all day, Honolulu, Hawaii Track & Field, Kansas Invitational, all day, Lawrence Women's Basketball vs. Missouri, 2 p.m., Lawrence Swimming vs. Nebraska, 2 p.m., Lawrence Men's Basketball vs. Missouri, 7 p.m., Columbia, Mo. Women's Tennis - Hawaii Tournament, all day, Honolulu, Hawaii SUNDAY Big 12 basketball standings Biq 12 Mens Basketball Standings V 1. Kansas 2-0 17-0 2. Baylor 2-0 14-2 3. Kansas State 1-0 11-4 4. Texas A&M 1-1 15-2 5. Iowa State 1-1 11-6 6. Missouri 1-1 11-6 7. Oklahoma State 1-1 10-6 8. Texas Tech 1-1 10-6 9. Colorado 1-1 9-7 10. Texas 0-1 13-3 11. Nebraska 0-2 11-4 12. Oklahoma 0-2 12-5 Big 12 Women's Basketball Standings
Conference RecordRecord
1. Baylor3-015-1
2. Oklahoma State3-015-1
3. Kansas State3-011-5
4. Oklahoma2-111-3
5. Nebraska2-113-4
6. Texas1-213-4
7. Texas A&M1-213-4
8. Colorado1-212-4
9. Iowa State1-212-4
10. Missouri1-28-8
11. Texas Tech0-312-5
12. Kansas0-311-5
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