Report: Trojans to hire

Sparks as new coach

PORTSMOUTH — According to a report by the Portsmouth Daily Times, Jason Sparks is expected to be named the Portsmouth Trojans’ new head football coach.

Sparks has been an assistant at Southern Pines (N.C.) Pinecrest High School the past three years. He was the assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, special teams’ coordinator as well as teh strength and conditioning coach.

Sparks, 30, replaces Curt Clifford who retired after last season following more than three decades as the head coach. Clifford holds the Portsmouth career coaching wins record.

Sparks, a former defensive tackle for Morehead State University, was selected from a field of more than 40 applicants.

 

 

Bengals’ LT Whitworth added to Pro Bowl

CINCINNATI (AP) — Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth has been added to the Pro Bowl squad, replacing Denver’s injured Ryan Clady.

Whitworth was a first alternate for the Jan. 27 game in Honolulu. It’ll be Whitworth’s first trip to the Pro Bowl.

The seventh-year lineman has started every game for the Bengals since 2009. His streak of 67 straight starts is the longest on the team.

The addition of Whitworth gives the Bengals four players on the AFC’s roster. Defensive tackle Geno Atkins was voted a starter for the first time, while receiver A.J. Green made it for the second straight season. Tight end Jermaine Gresham was a first alternate and also made the roster because of injury.

 

 

ESPN’s Scott says his cancer has returned

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — ESPN anchor Stuart Scott says his cancer has returned.

Scott announced on Twitter late Monday night that he would undergo chemotherapy every two weeks but would continue to work.

The “SportsCenter” host was first diagnosed with cancer in 2007, when an emergency appendectomy revealed a malignant tumor. He underwent chemotherapy again in 2011.

The 47-year-old Scott joined ESPN in 1993. He quickly became popular for signature phrases such as “Boo-yah!”

He tweeted: “Cancer wants to re-appear..picked the right guy cuz I HIT HARD all day long!!”

 

 

FirstEnergy buys naming rights to Browns’ Stadium

CLEVELAND (AP) — An electric utility has bought the naming rights to Cleveland Browns Stadium, which will be known as FirstEnergy Stadium.