SPORTS - MMA's 'Iron Mike' gets prison in Vegas sex case (AP)

SPORTS - MMA's 'Iron Mike' gets prison in Vegas sex case (AP)

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SPORTS - Lance Armstrong rides on as doping allegations fall by wayside (The Christian Science Monitor)

SPORTS - Lance Armstrong rides on as doping allegations fall by wayside (The Christian Science Monitor)

AP – Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium round of the Qatar Masters tournament at the Doha golf club in Doha on Saturday …

By MICHAEL CASEY, AP Sports Writer Michael Casey, Ap Sports Writer – Sat Feb 4, 11:57 am ET

DOHA, Qatar – Former British Open Champion Paul Lawrie recovered from a penalty for dropping his ball on a marker to shoot a 5-under 67 Saturday and take a one-shot lead over Nicolas Colsaerts into the final round of the Qatar Masters.

Lawrie took advantage of calmer conditions at Doha Golf Course to make six birdies for an 8-under total of 136 after two rounds. The 43-year-old Scotsman birdied the 16th to move into a tie with Colsaerts and then added another on 18 to take the outright lead.

The tournament has been disrupted by wind all week, and organizers called off Friday's play and shortened the event to three rounds. Dozens of players had to stop after gusts of up to 35 mph moved balls and tossed signs. Conditions improved Saturday but it remained windy.

"I played very good again, hitting it beautifully tee to green," said Lawrie, who won the Andalucian Open in 2011 for his first win in nine years. "Anytime you play as solidly as that and hit a few putts in there it's a fair chance you are going to play well."

Lawrie's could have had an even bigger lead, had he not accidentally dropped his ball on his marker at the 10th green. Since it was unclear whether the ball moved, Lawrie was forced to take a one-shot penalty. The mistake was similar to the one by Ian Poulter during a two-way playoff at the Dubai World Championship in 2010, when his penalty essentially gave the title to Robert Karlsson of Sweden.

"I didn't see it and no one else saw it so you have to take the penalty and kind of kick on," Lawrie said. "It's one of these freak, stupid rules. ... It's like Poulter in Dubai, the same thing. It's one of those many rules that could do with changing a wee bit."

Playing in front of Lawrie, Colsaerts also birdied the 18th after a bunker shot that rolled within a foot of the pin to briefly take the lead. It was one of his six birdies on the day and came after he had one of his two bogeys on the 17th.

"I am playing very well even though I think I could have hit closer to some flags," the Belgian said. "I managed quite well, kept the ball in play and didn't do anything stupid."

Colsaerts, known for his big hitting, won his first European Tour title last year at the Volvo China Open and then finished fourth at the Volvo Golf Champions in January.

Peter Hanson of Sweden (69) and Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina (67) were two shots off the lead. James Kingston of South Africa (69) and Simon Kahn of England (68) — who eagled his final hole — are three shots back with another 10 players, including Jason Day (72), Sergio Garcia (68) and John Daly (73), a further shot back. Third-ranked Lee Westwood (70) and fourth-ranked Martin Kaymer (70) are at 3 under.

Daly, the clubhouse leader when play was suspended, started strong with a birdie on the second but had three of his four bogeys on his front nine.

"I didn't hit the tee-balls as good as I did Thursday," Daly said. "But I hung in there. Some of those bogeys I made could have been doubles or triples just as easy."

First-round leader Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (75) couldn't match his nine-birdie performance from Thursday and was at 141.

Hunter Mahan and K.J. Choi failed to make the cut. Mahan finished at 149 after poor putting led to four bogeys on his back nine. Choi was just a shot off the lead Thursday but a 78 that included two double bogeys left him at 146.

Mahan, who made a 17,000-mile detour to play in the Middle East for the first time, struggled in the wind.

"I played awful today," Mahan said. "It just didn't happen today. I'm going to go home and I've got three more tournaments coming up and I've got to get ready for them."

___

Follow Michael Casey on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mcasey1

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SPORTS - No. 4 Missouri rallies past No. 8 Kansas 74-71 (AP)

SPORTS - No. 4 Missouri rallies past No. 8 Kansas 74-71 (AP)

AP – Kansas' Thomas Robinson, center, shoots over Missouri's Kim English, right, as teammate Phil Pressey, …

By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer R.b. Fallstrom, Ap Sports Writer – 2 hrs 20 mins ago

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Marcus Denmon hit three 3-pointers in the final 2:05, the last for the go-ahead points, as No. 4 Missouri fought off No. 8 Kansas 74-71 in Game 1 of what could be the schools' final border showdown on Saturday night.

Denmon scored 29 points, two off his career best, and ended a long-range shooting slump with a career-best six 3-pointers in nine attempts.

The go-ahead 3-pointer came with 56 seconds to go for a one-point lead. Michael Dixon added a pair of free throws with 9.8 seconds left after an offensive foul on Tyshawn Taylor and Kansas' Elijah Johnson missed badly on a shot to tie it at the buzzer.

Missouri (21-2, 8-2 Big 12) beat Kansas for only the second time in the last 12 meetings, and the Tigers' impending departure for the SEC added spice to the final conference meeting in Columbia, Mo.

Thomas Robinson had 25 points and 13 rebounds for Kansas (18-5, 8-2).

Kansas was scoreless the final 3:20 after Taylor dunked for a 71-63 lead.

Missouri is 13-0 at home, and this was the closest call by far for a team that has usually dominated. The previous smallest margin was 11 points over Texas last month.

Under first-year coach Frank Haith, the Tigers beat Kansas for the first time since 2009. Kansas coach Bill Self fell to 17-4 against Missouri.

Denmon had been just 5 for 31 from 3-point range the previous five games, and was held to six points on 3 for 12 overall shooting in a one-point victory at Texas on Monday, and had been spending extra time in the gym working on the shot. He hit all three 3-point attempts in a 16-point first half, helping Missouri take a 39-34 lead.

The border matchup prompted plenty of extra adrenaline, some of it provided by a pumped-up sound system. Missouri mascot Truman the Tiger descended from the ceiling via cable, a nod to the every-night tradition at the old Hearnes Center, and prep-game festivities featured fireworks that left an acrid stench hovering over the court much of the first half.

Fans began camping out Wednesday night to get a spot for ESPN's GameDay, and at least 1,000 students were poised to charge for favorable seating when the gates opened 1 1/2 hours prior to tip-off. Fans on one half of side of the arena stayed on their feet throughout the game, as opposed to taking their seat after Missouri's first basket.

There was little out-of-line behavior, other than a fan heaving what appeared to be a rolled-up T-shirt onto the court after Ricardo Ratliffe was whistled for his fourth foul with 6:22 to go.

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SPORTS - Rodgers, Brees, Jim Harbaugh win AP awards (AP)

SPORTS - Rodgers, Brees, Jim Harbaugh win AP awards (AP)

AP – Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning, left, presents the AP MVP Player of the Year to Green Bay Packers' …

By BARRY WILNER, AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner, Ap Pro Football Writer – Sat Feb 4, 9:28 pm ET

INDIANAPOLIS – The best quarterbacks bring fans out of their seats. Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning did exactly that Saturday night when the NFL Most Valuable Player accepted the trophy from the only four-time winner of the award.

The Green Bay quarterback won the 2011 Associated Press award in a landslide. Manning, the hometown hero who didn't play a down this season because of neck surgery, handed it to him.

Manning was greeted with a standing ovation when he came on stage at the Murat Theatre during "NFL Honors," a primetime special on NBC. Moments later, the crowd was back on its feet for Rodgers.

"It means a lot to be recognized as a consistent player and contributing on my team," Rodgers said. "I think it's an award that relies on a player having the support of his teammates, obviously, guys blocking, guys running, guys catching, guys making plays. But I'm very honored to receive the award."

Speaking to Manning, who didn't miss a game for 13 seasons before 2011, Rodgers added: "We're all really excited to see you back on the field next year."

Rodgers earned 48 votes to two for New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. The Packers star is the first Green Bay player honored since Brett Favre concluded a run of three straight seasons as MVP in 1997.

Brees won Offensive Player of the Year for the second time.

Other winners included:

• Baltimore defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs, Defensive Player of the Year.

• San Francisco's rookie coach Jim Harbaugh, Coach of the Year.

• Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford, Comeback Player of the Year.

The top two picks in last April's draft took the rookie awards: Carolina QB Cam Newton and Denver linebacker Von Miller.

Rodgers led the NFL in passing with a 122.5 rating built on 45 touchdown passes, six interceptions and a 68.3 completion percentage as the Packers went 15-1 and won the NFC North. The Packers were beaten by the New York Giants at Lambeau Field in the divisional round.

"People really count on me to be consistent each week, to play well. Knowing that my performance, the fact that I touch the ball every play, I have a direct impact on the game, the way I play," Rodgers said. "And if I'm playing consistent and doing things I know I'm supposed to do, we've been able to have some success because of it."

He joined former Packers Bart Starr, Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung as MVPs.

Rodgers is the third consecutive quarterback voted MVP, joining New England's Tom Brady (2007, 2010) and Manning (2008, 2009).

Brees shattered Dan Marino's 27-year-old mark by passing for 5,476 yards, and his 468 completions broke Manning's 2010 record of 450. Brees finished the season completing 71.6 percent of his passes, breaking his own 2009 NFL record (70.6). He also surpassed 300 yards passing for seven straight games and 13 times during the season, both beating league marks he already held.

Thanks to Brees' brilliance, the Saints set several single-season records, including offensive yards with 7,474 and first downs with 416.

"Our best is yet to come, not just for our team, but the league," Brees said.

Suggs had 70 tackles, including 14 sacks, and was a threat all over the field from his hybrid linebacker-end position. He also forced seven fumbles and had two interceptions.

Teammate Ray Lewis, a two-time winner of the award, praised Suggs' versatility.

"That's why when you sit back and watch him year after year, week after week, I am just proud to say that I love how he understands the game now," Lewis said.

In his first season as an NFL head coach, Harbaugh guided the 49ers to a 13-3 mark and the NFC West championship. They beat New Orleans in the first round of the playoffs before losing the conference title game to the Giants.

Stafford beat out six other players who received votes. He fought through injuries his first two seasons, then threw for more than 5,000 yards in 2011 to lead Detroit to its first playoff berth in 12 years.

Newton set an NFL record for touchdowns rushing in a season by a quarterback with 14 and became the first player in league history to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 500. He helped Carolina improve from 2-14 to 6-10, throwing for 21 touchdowns.

"He set a standard, a very high standard, for any rookie quarterback coming in, and he wants to improve," Carolina coach Ron Rivera said. "He's gotten better in so many different areas. ... He's really taken his game to next level, and there's so much room for him to grow. He's got such a high ceiling."

The second Bronco to win the award — LB Mike Croel got it in 1991 — Miller made 64 tackles and had 11 1/2 sacks despite missing one game and playing the last four contests with a cumbersome cast protecting his surgically repaired right thumb. He teamed with quarterback Tim Tebow to energize the Broncos, who rallied from a 2-5 record to the AFC West title and a playoff win over Pittsburgh.

___

AP National Writer Nancy Armour and Sports Writer Michael Marot in Indianapolis, Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton in Denver, and Sports Writers Janie McCauley in San Francisco, Larry Lage in Detroit and Steve Reed in Charlotte contributed to this story.

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SPORTS - Parker's 42 powers Spurs past NBA-best Thunder (AP)

SPORTS - Parker's 42 powers Spurs past NBA-best Thunder (AP)

AP – Tournament-leader Spencer Levin acknowledges the crowd after making a birdie at the 17th hole during …

By JOHN NICHOLSON, AP Sports Writer John Nicholson, Ap Sports Writer – Sat Feb 4, 8:10 pm ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Spencer Levin remained in control in the Phoenix Open in front of the largest crowd in tournament history, shooting a 3-under 68 on Saturday to take a six-stroke lead into the final round.

The crowd of 173,210 in perfect conditions at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course broke the record of 170,802 set in the third round in 2008.

"It was fun for sure, but I was trying to focus, too," Levin said about the huge crowd and party atmosphere. "You don't get that too often, all those people cheering."

Levin, five strokes ahead after the completion of the second round Saturday morning, had four birdies and a bogey to reach 17 under. The bogey on the par-5 15th was his first since the opening hole of the tournament.

"I felt like I played solid," Levin said. "I felt like I was in control of my ball most of the day, and yeah, I'm pleased. I've never had a big lead like that starting the day, and I thought I played well. Overall, I'm pleased about it."

Webb Simpson was 11 under after a 68. At No. 6 in the world, he's the highest-ranked player in the field.

"I feel good, but my swing is just not really getting in sync," Simpson said. "I'm missing the ball left and right. I want to polish that up. But I made a bunch of good swings down the stretch that gave me a lot of confidence."

The 27-year-old Levin, remembered for a hole-in-one and 13th-place tie in the 2004 U.S. Open at Shinnecock while still in school at New Mexico, is winless on the PGA Tour. He came close last year, losing a playoff to Johnson Wagner in the Mayakoba Golf Classic. Last week at Torrey Pines, Levin had a share of the first-round lead after a 62, but followed with rounds of 76, 73 and 72 to tie for 43rd.

"Hopefully, I can just stay calm, try my best and keep having fun," Levin said. "I'm going to try my best. That's all I'm going to do, and we'll see what happens."

Bubba Watson was seven strokes behind Levin after a 67.

"He's playing so good, you don't expect him to come back in the field," Watson said. "You're going to have to go chase him down."

Tour rookie John Huh also was 10 under after a 69.

Kyle Stanley was eight strokes back after a 69 as he tries to rebound from a devastating loss. On Sunday at Torrey Pines, he made a triple-bogey 8 on the final hole of regulation and lost to Brandt Snedeker in a playoff.

Jason Dufner, second last year after a playoff loss to Mark Wilson, shot a 68 to join Stanley, Chris Stroud (66), Greg Chalmers (67) and Ben Crane at 9 under.

Fan favorite Phil Mickelson was 8 under after a 67. The former Arizona State star won the tournament in 1996 and 2005.

"I'd like to be further up, but given where I was 27 holes ago, I'm in a really good spot," Mickelson said. "I'm starting to play some good golf, and I'm starting to get a little bit of momentum. I feel great with the putter."

Many players wore green clothing as part of title sponsor Waste Management's green-out at TPC Scottsdale. Rickie Fowler was one of the greenest, dressing in matching dark green shirt, pants, shoes and a green and white hat. Levin didn't follow the crowd, wearing a white shirt, visor and shoes and black pants.

After opening with rounds of 65 and 63, Levin got off to a good start Saturday with birdies on the third and fourth holes. He got up and down from the back fringe on the par-5 third, and made a 16-foot birdie putt on par-3 fourth.

He followed with eight straight pars, most tap-in putts after birdie misses, before two-putted for birdie on the par-5 13th to reach 17 under.

He bogeyed the par-5 15th after hooking his drive and having the ball bounce into the water that runs the length of the hole. Coupled with Simpson's birdie on the hole in the group ahead, that cut Levin's lead to four strokes.

"Kind of tugged that a little bit left," Levin said. "It wasn't that bad a shot, but if you hit anything in the left side of that fairway, it's probably going to go in the water. I didn't hit it where I wanted to."

Levin then saved par on the amphitheater par-3 16th after leaving his first attempt 5 feet short, holing a tricky sidehill putt. He then birdied the short, par-4 17th, blasting out of the right greenside bunker to 3 feet. On Friday, he eagled the hole when he holed out from the same bunker.

He was asked about playing with a big lead for the first time in his PGA Tour career.

"I tried not to think about it," Levin said. "I was just trying to focus on my game and my ball, and it worked out good today. I tried as hard as I could just to do what I did the first two days, and that's what I'm going to do tomorrow, too."

The start of play was delayed 15 minutes because of front after hour delays the first two days. Last year, frost and frozen greens delayed play nine hours during the week, forcing a Monday finish.

DIVOTS: The event has drawn 459,815 fans, starting with practice Monday. There were 77,053 fans Thursday, and 116,299 Friday. The tournament record for a week is 538,356, set in 2008. ... Defending champion Wilson, coming off a victory two weeks ago in the Humana Challenge, was even par after a 74.

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SPORTS - Oilers blow 3-1 lead but top Red Wings in shootout (AP)

SPORTS - Oilers blow 3-1 lead but top Red Wings in shootout (AP)

AP – Michael 'Iron Mike' Whitehead, left, talks with his attorney William Terry, while waiting in Clark County …

By KEN RITTER, Associated Press Ken Ritter, Associated Press – Thu Jan 19, 2:59 pm ET

LAS VEGAS – A mixed martial arts fighter once featured on Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter" is going to prison for one to four years for the attempted sexual assault of a woman at his home in April 2010.

Michael "Iron Mike" Whitehead sobbed as he was handcuffed Thursday following sentencing by Clark County District Court Judge Douglas Herndon.

Whitehead, who lives in Tucson, Ariz., also has to register as a sex offender and pay about $2,400 in restitution.

Whitehead pleaded the equivalent of no contest last September to one felony charge in a deal that avoided trial on four sex assault, attempted sex assault and lewdness charges.

He was accused of attacking a 32-year-old woman while she slept and of groping a 28-year-old woman at his home following a party.

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SPORTS - Chavez Jr. retain belt against Rubio (AP)

SPORTS - Chavez Jr. retain belt against Rubio (AP)

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