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Lakeland - 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.

Hibbert: Should have pushed to be on floor

As the Indiana Pacers put their full focus on Game 2, center Roy Hibbert and forward Paul George reflected on individual mistakes that factored into Miami winning the Eastern Conference semifinal series opener.

Pack's Rodgers: Urlacher favorite opponent

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said that Brian Urlacher was his favorite opponent.

Pacers say they'll stand up to physical Heat

The Pacers felt like the Miami Heat's game plan, and especially Shane Battier's, in the Eastern Conference finals is to intimidate them with physical play. Heading into Game 2, the Pacers say they won't be affected by it.

Vick says he's still NFL's fastest quarterback

Michael Vick is ready to prove he's still the NFL's fastest quarterback.

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.

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.

A-Rod sells house for $30M, makes $15M profit

Alex Rodriguez closed on the sale of his Miami Beach home on Friday morning, ESPN.com has learned. The confirmed sale price of $30 million is believed to be the most paid for a home in Miami Beach history.

Rams shift 6-foot-10, 403-pounder to offense

If St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher was looking to add size to the offensive line, he accomplished his goal.

Judge: Brent to have more alcohol monitoring

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent will remain free while he awaits trial for intoxication manslaughter, as a judge on Friday denied a request by prosecutors to revoke his bond due to problems with alcohol monitoring.

Roethlisberger challenges young quarterbacks

The new wave of young NFL quarterbacks still have a lot to prove to Ben Roethlisberger.

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.

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.

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.