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Houston - Today in Sports

Pacers' Hibbert accuses Battier of 'dirty' play

When the Miami Heat faced the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs last season, the series featured two suspensions, a host of flagrant fouls and plenty of blood. It appears the Eastern Conference finals between the teams is already heating up.

Sources: Nets contacted Celtics about Rivers

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge was contacted by the Brooklyn Nets, who wanted to speak to Doc Rivers about their vacant coaching position, team and league sources confirmed to ESPNBoston.com.

Pacers' Hibbert accuses Battier of 'dirty' play

When the Miami Heat faced the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs last season, the series featured two suspensions, a host of flagrant fouls and plenty of blood. It appears the Eastern Conference finals between the teams is already heating up.

Notre Dame paid Weis more than Kelly in 2011

Former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis made more from the school in the 2011 season than Brian Kelly, the man who actually coached the Irish that season.

Phil Jackson would pick Russell over Jordan

If Phil Jackson was picking his own dream team, his squad would start with someone other than Michael Jordan.

Rangers stay alive, drop B's on Kreider OT tally

Chris Kreider steered in a pass from Rick Nash 7:03 into overtime, and the New York Rangers stayed alive in the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Thursday night.

Indians cruise in Francona's Fenway return

Drew Stubbs and Mark Reynolds drove in three runs each and Cleveland had 16 hits in the Indians' 12-3 win over the Boston Red Sox in manager Terry Francona's return to Fenway Park on Thursday night.

Jays' Happ ready to start throwing outdoors

Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ said a package containing a knee brace didn't arrive Thursday as hoped, so Friday will be the earliest he'll try throwing outdoors since his injuries in a graphic May 7 episode.

Sources: Mattingly wasn't critical of front office

When Dodgers manager Don Mattingly abruptly criticized the lack of fight and competitiveness on his team's "All-Star" roster Wednesday morning, he wasn't aiming that critique at the Dodgers' front office, sources say.

Boys' Brent off to court for alcohol detection

Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Josh Brent will attend a hearing on Friday morning to determine if he violated the conditions of his bail. According to the Dallas County District Attorney's office, Brent's alcohol monitoring device detected alcohol.

Cards ink 3rd-round pick Mathieu to contract

Rookie defensive back Tyrann Mathieu has signed with the Arizona Cardinals, the team announced Thursday.

Avs reach agreement with Roy as next coach

Patrick Roy will become the next head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, the team announced Thursday.

RG III: Goal Week 1 but career comes first

Robert Griffin III says he cried after his knee surgery and changed his cellphone passcode to the date of the Washington Redskins season opener as he began his rehabilitation process.

LeBron unanimous, Kobe on All-NBA first team

LeBron James was a unanimous pick for the All-NBA team and Kobe Bryant earned his record-tying 11th first-team selection.

LeBron says Jordan's scouting report wrong

LeBron James thinks Michael Jordan's scouting report on him is wrong. And James keeps proving it.

Norris lauds Tebow, urges Jags to sign him

When Chuck Norris watches Tim Tebow he sees a version of himself on the football field and as such, the ultimate tough guy has come to the defense of the beleaguered quarterback in an online column.