Mark Berman's Blog

Three-time Olympic diver Laura Wilkinson and her diving partner, Jessica Livingston have failed in their appeal to overturn the decision to keep them from competing in synchronized platform at the Olympic Games in Bejing.

Wilkinson and Livingston, both from the Woodlands, appealed the decision by the USA Diving selection committee to the American Arbitration Association.

Wilkinson, a gold medal winner in the 2000 Olympics, is already on the team and will  compete in Bejing in 10-meter platform.

Livingston's father, Bob, was present at the hearing in Los Angeles which was Friday, with the arbitrator rendering a decision Saturday.

"We lost," Livingston said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "It's a bad decision but I think it was worth the try.

"The ruling is such that the arbitrator decided the governing body can have an open discretionary solution process and not be held accountable to weighting the measures."

Livingston's daugher is equally dissappointed.

"Obviously I think it's the wrong decision," Jessica Livingston said. "We came out here for a reason and I'm glad that we did all that we could."

The elder Livingston said their request in the appeal was two-fold.

"We asked the arbitrator to do one of two things," the elder Livingston said. "Replace the currently nominated synchro team with Jessica and Laura.

"And if they didn't want to do that, within the procedures, add a competition, whether you want to call it a dive-off or continuation of camp."

The selection committee chose a pair of 15-year old divers to represent the United States, Haley Ishimatsu and Mary Beth Dunnichay.

The two teams split the competitons at the select camp with Wilkinson and Livingston owning a higher average. However, Ishimatsu and Dunnichay were chosen because they had the best individual score during the competition and because they had a higher score under a system known as projected competition score.

"Laura and Jessica were denied the right to compete even though they won the competition," said Bob Livingston. "That is why we filed the appeal.

"The procedures used were not followed as they should have been."

Wilkinson has already said, at age 30, she will retire from the sport after the Olympics. Bob Livingston said her daughter will no longer work toward making Team USA. The elder Livingston said, Jessica, who is 22, will leave the sport after completing her eligibility at the University of Texas next year.

Wilkinson believes some good will come from the appeal even though they lost.

"It's not just that my teamate and I can't go, but we had to drag another team in and we like those people," said Wilkinson. "Now I don't know if that's going to break our friendship.

"I hope not but if we can advance the future of the sport and make it better, then it's worth it."

Wilkinson believes the selection process used is flawed.

"It's good but it's not being implemented correctly," said Wilkinson. "There are a lot of problems with it.

"We've tried to discuss it with USA Diving but we just hit a brick wall. We're hoping this (appeal) will bring it to light and we'll be able to change things from here."

Houston Astros catcher Humberto Quintero will be home for the Fourth of July and nothing could make him angrier. Quintero was placed on the 15 day disabled list Tuesday after he was hit on the head by the backswing of Los Angeles Dodgers shorstop Luis Maza.

Quinterto suffered a concussion and spent one night in the hospital. Quintero still has a headache. His eyes still bother him, and he's still a little dizzy, but the only place he wants to be is with his team. For the moment that's not possible.

"I have never come out of a game before and I feel bad about that," Quintero said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "I don't want to sit at home and watch the game but there's nothing I can do about it."

Quintero said he is slowly recovering.

"I am feeling better but I still have a headache and its hurts a lot." Quintero said. "I am still a little dizzy too, but the doctors say that is normal."

The fact that Quintero cannot remember what happened bothers him a great deal.

"I don't remember anything," Quintero said. "It's scary, man. After they told me what happened I said, Wow.

"He didn't hit me hard, but he hit me in the right spot."

Maza called Quintero to apologize and, while the Astros catcher said it wasn't necessary, he appreciated the gesture.

"Luis called me on my cell phone," Quintero said. "He called to tell me he didn't mean to do it and that he didn't want to hit me.

"It means a lot. We've been friends for a long time. He thought (calling) was the right thing to do."

Quintero, who recently shook off getting hit in a bad place to stay in a game, said he'll be back in the Astros lineup as soon as possible.

"I've been working hard and calling the game good and my swing is good," Quintero said. "I am going to forget about what happened, work hard, and do what I have to do."

The Houston Rockets exercised the team option on forward Steve Novak's contract  meaning they retain the third year forward from Marquette.

League sources told FOX 26 Sports Novak will make $787,581 during the 2008-2009 season.

"We picked up Steve's option," said Daryl Morey, the Rockets General Manager. We think Steve is a valuable asset."

In two years with the Rockets Novak played in 70 games, starting one. He averaged 2.7 points a game.

His three pointer as the clock ran out Feb. 13 beat Sacramento at Toyota Center keeping the Rockets winning streak, which reached 22, intact.

Pitcher Shawn Chacon officially became former Astros pitcher Shawn Chacon Monday afternoon when he cleared waivers. His agent told FOX 26 Sports he will begin the process of trying to find a job for Chacon and that the Major League Baseball Players Union will file a grievance on his behalf.

"He is a free agent now," said Dan Horwits, Chacon's agent. "We'll start calling teams and see if there is interest in Shawn."

Astros General Manager Ed Wade said Thursday the club would terminate Chacon's contract meaning he would not be paid what the Astros would have owed him for the rest of the season.

The Players' Union said then a decision like that would be in violation of the player's basic agreement.

"We just talked to the Union and decided to file a grievance," Horwits said. "That process will begin (Tuesday)."

An attorney for the Union told the Associated Press they believe Chacon was improperly terminated.

The Astros made their decision to terminate Chacon's contract after a conversation between Chacon and Wade Wednesday turned violent with Chacon throwing Wade to the floor. 

Wade was trying to set up a meeting with Chacon, himself, and Astros Manager Cecil Cooper after Chacon had told FOX 26 Sports he wanted to be traded or released.

Horwits said the Union and his client decided to file a grievance  because there are other facts that must be considered.

"More of the facts regarding the event that took place need to be on the record and looked at by an independent arbitrator," Horwits said.

Chacon was unhappy that he had been demoted to the bullpen. Now he is looking for work and will await the outcome of his grievance against the Astros.

He is trying to recover $983,607 of the $2 million dollar/one year contract he signed before the season.

Forward Robert Horry has ruled out retirement and wants to return to the NBA for a 17th season. Included in his reasons is to add his collection of NBA Championship rings which stands at seven. Only six NBA players have won more in league history.

Horry will become a free agent July 1.

"I don't want to retire, especially after a year like I had last year," Horry said. "I know I could have had a better year. The year started off crazy for me with family issues and then it ended crazy for me getting hurt right at the end of the season.

"I didn't get a full season in like I wanted to see if it's really time for me to retire. My last game I want to walk off the court sweating, My last game so far I walked off the court with a DNP (did not play) and I don't want it to happen that way."

Horry said he would like to return to the San Antonio Spurs where he spent the last five seasons and if that's not possible then he would like to go to the Houston Rockets where he played his first four seasons in the league.

"My pecking order is I will contact San Antonio of course, then Houston" Horry said. "Orlando and New Orleans are tied. Since I have a relationship with (Hornets head coach) Byron Scott, I probably will pick New Orleans third and then Orlando and then Dallas."

Horry acknowledges it would be fun to finish his career with the Rockets.

"Playing with Yao and Tracy would be like playing with Shaq and Kobe," Horry said.

Horry said his desire to continue playing is not about making more money.

"It's not about breaking the bank," Horry said. "I just want the minimum. I've made enough money.

"I just like being with the guys and competing and having fun."

Horry, known as "Big Shot Bob", for the many times he has won games with crucial shots, is proud of the fact that only six players in NBA history have won more championship rings than him.

"That's one of the things I always wanted to do throughout my career, prove people wrong," Horry said. "Coming out of high school Dick Vitale called me the most overated high school player in the country.  (I) proved him wrong.

"Getting booed by the fans here, (draft night in Houston), proved them wrong. Played 16 years in the league so far, been on great teams and make people better around me. That's been a great thrill."

Former Toronto Raptors point guard T.J. Ford will not get the official word from the NBA that he has been traded to Indiana until July 9th, but he told FOX 26 Sports Friday he has taken the necessary physical that's required to make the deal work.

"I went to the Roger Clemens facility (Roger Clemens Institute at Memorial Hospital in Houston) and took an MRI and I'm pretty sure they sent the information to either Toronto or the Pacers and have their doctors look at it," Ford said.

"I haven't got any calls so I think everything's okay."

The blockbuster trade sent forward Jermaine O'Neal to the Raptors for Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in Thursday's draft , and a second round pick.

According to NBA rules the trade cannot be made official until July 9th because Ford's contract makes him a base-year compensation player.

"Tjhis is something that was definitly expected," Ford said. "I wasn't coming into the offseason 100% thinking I was going back to Toronto.

"I'm happy to be a Pacer. Fresh, new start and an opportunity to play a lot of minutes and try to lead a team that wasn't in the playoffs, back to the playoffs."

Ford played high school basketball at Willowridge in suburban Houston and was an All-American at the University of Texas. Ford still makes his off-season home in Houston.

"It's exciting because it's a big challenge ahead," Ford said. "Going to a situation where a team is trying to change the face of the organization and the team is trying to get fans back into the arena. To say I'm part of that change feels good.

"They traded an All-Star player for me."

In his first interview since the trade became public, Ford said he hopes the Indiana Pacers can become his home for a long time.

"Hopefully, this is my home and a place where I can really, really establish myself and be the type of player I know I'm capable of being," Ford said.

"It's just taken me a little longer to find a home where I can sit there and be there for more than two years. So hopefully this is the place."

Ford began his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded to Toronto.

One of Houston Mayor Bill White's long-standing goals is to develop amateur sports in Houston, specifically soccer. To that end he will join with Houston Dynamo President Oliver Luck Thursday to unveil the proposed youth soccer complex near Highway 288 and Airline Drive in Southeast Houston.

The city owns 100 acres at that location which has been targeted for the youth complex and the Dynamo's new training facility.

The city and the MLS franchise are in the midst of negotiations on a new downtown soccer specific stadium, and this new complex is related. However, should no stadium deal be consumated the soccer project will still go forward.

"The Mayor's highest priority is to create a world class amateur sports complex," said Andy Icken, the city's Deputy Director of Public Works, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

Icken said the city is looking for help from the private sector to join in the funding for the project.

The youth soccer complex will encompass 18 soccer fields which will be built in stages.

The city hopes to have eight fields in operation by the end of next year.

Icken said the city's research shows that for Houston to attract major soccer tournaments for youths, a soccer complex involving 18 fields is a prerequisit.

Thursday's unveiling will take place at Houston Community College's South Campus also known as Willie Lee Gay Hall.

As for the negotiations involving the downtown stadium, Icken said the city and the Dynamo are having successful discussions and both sides are targeting the end of the summer for a potential deal.

While the Houston Dynamo, of Major League Soccer, wait to see if they can partner with the City of Houston on a new downtown stadium, the club has worked out a new stadium deal with the University of Houston.

University of Houston Athletics Director Dave Maggard told FOX 26 Sports the two-time defending MLS Cup Champions will play on the school's campus in 2009 and the team has an option for 2010.

UH's Robertson Stadium has been the Dynamo's home since they relocated to Houston from San Jose, California.

The team's original stadium deal with the school expires after the 2008 season. Should the Dynamo want to exercise their 2010 option, they must let UH know in August of next year.

"I feel great," said Chris Canetti, the Dynamo's Chief Operating Officer. "Although we are looking to get into a new stadium, that's a priority for our business, we recognize that Robertson Stadium and the University of Houston have been a good home for us."

Maggard said while the new contract has not been signed by both parties, it will be.

"We both want it to happen," Maggard said. "It's a very fair deal for them and good for us.

"It's  win-win situation."

The Dynamo and the City of Houston have been involved in lengthy negotiations on a new downtown stadium. 

"The 2010 option is a security that we have put in the deal in the event we are not in the new stadium by 2010," Canneti said. "However, we are not altogether ruling out that possibility."

Canetti adds: "the two sides are moving in a  positive direction."

The Houston Astros released outfielder Jose Cruz, Jr. and replaced him on the roster by calling up outfielder Reggie Abercrombie from Triple-A Round Rock.

Reached on his cell phone after the Astros made the announcement Cruz expressed sincere dissappointment but also great pride in getting the opportunity to wear the Astros uniform in his hometown.

"I knew when I was called to the manager's office and saw General Manager Ed Wade there and other club officials that this was it," Cruz said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

"I came into spring training to try and earn a spot on the roster. It was a long shot but I had great pride when I earned the job."

Cruz said there were several things that motivated him to get it done with Houston.

"First of all I wanted to play with my father (Astros first base coach Jose Cruz, Sr.)," Cruz  said.  "Also I wanted to get ten full years in the Major Leagues which I did in May.

"Plus I wanted the chance to complete the trifecta. I played high school ball at Bellaire and college ball at Rice. Because I played for the Astros I did that  and I think that's great."

However, Cruz was very worried about his father who starred with the Astros from 1975-1987 and currently works for the team.

"I didn't want him to have a heart attack because I wasn't successful," Cruz said.  "I told him now he can relax."

With the Astros Cruz hit .122 after getting six hits in just 49 at bats. He's dissappointed he didn't get more playing time.

"I couldn't do much with the opportunity that I had," Cruz said. "It was as hard a draw as I have ever had."

Cruz began his career in Seattle and played for nine different teams in his career. He showed how much class he has by praising the man who replaced him on the roster and the team that released him.

"I know Reggie," Cruz said. "He has great athletic ability and great talent.

"The team is made up of a bunch of great guys. They can accomplish a lot."

As for his future, Cruz knows he may have played his last game in the big leagues.

"I am not saying I am retiring, but there's a good chance of it," Cruz said. "Maybe this is it for me."

Cruz was a high school and college star in Houston and he said the fans made him feel like that in the big leagues as well.

"I thank the fans for supporting me," Cruz said. "The fans made me feel good.

"They made me feel like a star here."

Pitcher Andrew Cashner from Conroe and TCU, was taken by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of Thursday's Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. He was taken with the 19th overall pick in the first round.

Cashner pointed out the Cubs drafted him in the 29th round last year but he chose to play for TCU.

"I'm really excited," Cashner said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports at his home in Conroe.

"This is truly the biggest day of my life."

This year at TCU, working as a closer, Cashner was 8-3 with 7 saves and a 2.08 ERA. He registered 65 strikeouts in 43 innings.

Cashner credits TCU with helping him get to where he is today as a baseball player.

"I owe a lot to the coaches and the program at TCU for helping me get to the position I am in today," Cashner said.

He also credits Angelina Junior College coach Jeff livin with making a big impact on his career.

Cashner said he isn't sure if he's going to the Cubs as a starter or a closer but he's ready to do whatever the Chicago organization wants.

And with that he got back on the phone to talk with another member of the Cubs organization.

Former Houston Texans center Steve McKinney told FOX 26 Sports Saturday he has agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins.

"I will sign with Miami (Sunday) or Monday," McKinney said. "I feel it's a good opportunity with a good organization."

McKinney started the first three games of the 2007 season for the Texans before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

McKinney was an original member of the Texans organization and the first unrestricted free agent ever signed by the club. He is from the Houston area and a former star at Texas A and M

McKinney, a versatile athlete, played center and guard when needed by the Texans

McKinney was one of four Texans to play in the team's first 80 games and he started the initial 64.

McKinney said this was not an easy decision.

"It was tough," McKinney said. "I'm obviously from Texas and I have been living here and playing here for six years.

"It's going to be hard to leave, especially with the Texans on the brink of being something special."

McKinney, who has played ten years in the NFL, was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round in 1998.

He played in 61 games for the Colts, starting 60.

Texas Southern University moved a giant step closer to joining the effort to build the Houston Dynamo a downtown soccer stadium. TSU Athletics Director Charles McClelland told FOX 26 Sports he met Monday with the city's chief negotiatior on the project, Andy Icken, Deputy Director of Public Works for Houston.

"I had a meeting (Monday) with the City of Houston to discuss the opportunities for Texas Southern to be a part of the Houston Dynamo stadium," McClelland said.

"The meetings went well. I do need to have a follow-up meeting with (team president) Oliver Luck and the Houston Dynamo. I think things are on track. They are moving forward. I think the opportunities are great for Texas Southern University."

McClelland believes what the city and the Dynamo are offering is well within the school's reach.

"In Texas Southern's case we will pay a portion of the stadium and have rights to be able to utilize it," McClelland said. "We are still trying to work out those dollar amounts. I don't have a clear cut amount yet but I can say, from all indications, it's within reason of something that we will be able to afford."

McClelland told FOX the city and the Dynamo both want his school involved.

"The city is basically with the Houston Dynamo and they are trying to bring Texas Southern in," McClelland said.

"From my understanding it will be a shared facility, the Houston Dynamo and Texas Southern athletics.

The City of Houston and the Dynamo are in the midst of negotiations to build the stadium that would be the new home of the two-time defending MLS Cup Champions. The project is estimated to cost $110 million which includes the land. The city has already purchased the property that would be used for the project for about $15 million. However, Houston Mayor Bill White has stressed the land can be used for a variety of purposes should a stadium deal not be consumated.

Houston Dynamo ownership has maitained its franchise cannot play at at its current home, Robertson Stadium on the University of Houston campus, beyond 2009. It's contract with the school expires after the 2008 season.

Dynamo officials indicated if a stadium deal cannot be worked out with the city, the franchise would look at other options in the Houston area.

Texas Southern's financial interest in the project may not be the missing link to getting a stadium deal done, but it will help.

"There's still other steps that need to fall into place but Texas Southern is a significant part of the equation," Icken said.

Icken also cautions TSU's part of the deal is not finalized but acknowledges it looks promising.

"I think is a great opportunity for TSU and I'm delighted they seized the opportunity to get involved with the stadium from the git-go," Luck said.

"This gives TSU a chance to restore their football program to respectability. I give credit to (school president) Dr. (John) Rudley and Athletics Director McClelland for their quick response to this issue."

Former Rice assistant basketball coach Todd Smith told FOX 26 Sports Sunday he has accepted the job of becoming the first full-time Athletics Director at University of St. Thomas in Houston. Smith also told FOX he will become the school's first head coach in men's basketball as well.

St. Thomas has been playing women's volleyball and men's soccer as an independent in the NAIA. The volleyball program has been up and running for two years and the soccer program for one.

Men's basketball will begin play in 2009.

"I think this is giving me a chance to really learn about the school and help the volleyball and soccer programs and not rush into basketball," Smith said.

"I can fund-raise and get to know the administration before I dive into basketball."

Smith was an assistant coach at Rice for 18 years before taking a similar position at Tulsa. He decided to return to Houston after two months on that job because he felt it was best for his family.

During his stint at Rice Smith played a key role in the development of Houston Rockets forward Michael Harris and Utah Jazz guard Morris Almond.

"I think it's a challenge when you are building the foundation of any program," Smith said. "But with Houston Baptist University moving up to Division 1, we are going to be the only small college program in the city.

"There are so many players and so much potential in the City of Houston. With the option to play at home, not just in basketball but in all sports, I think we can compete nationally very soon."

Smith said St. Thomas is already talking with the Red River Conference about a potential match. HBU was a member of that conference before becoming a provisional member of the NCAA.

The mascot for St. Thomas are the Celts (pronounced: Kelts).

As I sit in my hotel room a couple of hours after the Rockets lost game four of their first round playoff series to Utah, I still can't get over how this team from Houston has battled the Jazz to a near draw in Utah's building.

The Jazz have only lost at home five times all year. The Rockets beat them twice, once in the regular season and once in this playoff series.

In losing game four the Rockets overcame Tracy McGrady's sore knee and shoulder, Rafer Alston's sore hamstring, and Shane Battier's sore foot. Never mind Yao Ming, the best center in basketball, is on the bench in street clothes, finished a long time ago because of a foot injury.

At one point early in the second half the Rockets were down 16 and left for dead. They battled back to within one, only to fall behind by eight with just under one minute left in regulation.

43 seconds later the Rockets were back within two, only to see the victory slip away when they were unable to get a key rebound in the final seconds.

The Rockets are down three games to one in the best of seven to a very good Utah Jazz team. The players refuse to acknowledge they have almost no chance of winning three straight to advance.

Who can blame them?

Mark Berman

Former University of Houston wide receiver Donnie Avery is on cloud nine as this report is being written. He was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams They used the second pick in the second round, 33rd overall.

"I still think I'm dreaming," Avery said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

Avery was the first receiver drafted. That fact alone originally had him going upstairs at his home and getting away from the television because that meant there were a bunch of receivers still on the board and the first round was over.

"I was getting a little discouraged so I went up stairs to shoot pool," Avery said. "Then Coach (St. Louis head coach Scott) Linehan called me and asked me if I was ready to be a Ram and I said of course."

Avery, a former star at Alief Hastings High School, is flooded with memories of how far he has come and how much work he has put into his career.

"This is a blessing," Avery said. "The Rams are a great organization with great tradition. I am going to go there and soak up as much as I can so I can be the best receiver possible."

"Coming up as little boy this is what I wanted to do. My dream has come true."

The Rams hope Donnie Avery can make their dreams come true as well.