Irish QB Clausen has surgery
The surgeon’s knife apparently won’t cut the Notre Dame quarterback derby from three to two. The school says Jimmy Clausen, the prized freshman QB from California, will be ready for the start of practice after a reported procedure on one of his elbows. “All I can tell you is, he’s going to be ready to play on Aug. 6 like everyone else,” Irish spokesman Brian Hardin said Wednesday. ESPN.com, citing sources close to Clausen, reported the player had “a medical procedure on an elbow.” Clausen’s father could not be reached for comment. A statement from Irish coach Charlie Weis last month said Clausen, Demetrius Jones and Evan Sharpley would compete for the starting job this fall.
— Brian Hamilton
Manning rings up a big thrill
Peyton Manning accomplished almost every goal in his first eight NFL seasons. There were two MVP awards, multiple Pro Bowl appearances, annual playoff dates and record-setting passing stats. But it wasn’t until February that Manning finally put to rest the doubt that he could win a Super Bowl. After Wednesday night’s ring ceremony, Manning can wear the answer for eternity on his talented right hand. “It’s exciting, like the trip to the White House,” he said last week. “I’m hoping everyone comes back because other than the 15-year or 20-year reunion of the Super Bowl XLI champs, it’s probably the last time this group will be together.” The ceremony was part of a private dinner in Indianapolis.
New trouble for Rays’ Dukes
Outfielder Elijah Dukes was not in uniform for Tampa Bay’s game Wednesday against San Diego after another wave of reports detailing his off-field problems. Manager Joe Maddon said the 22-year-old rookie was given a “personal day” after it was revealed that a pregnant 18-year-old woman claims Dukes is the father of her unborn child. The St. Petersburg Times reported the girl was 17 at the time she said she became pregnant while in the foster care of one of Dukes’ relatives but that investigators concluded no laws had been broken. Dukes was benched for two games last month after his estranged wife sought a restraining order after being threatened by Dukes, who later apologized.
