CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) β Graham Gano is hoping for another chance Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. The Panthers’ kicker missed a potential game-winning field-goal attempt last month against the Falcons and had a 63-yarder blocked as time expired. Had Carolina won, it would have already clinched the NFC South division. Instead, the Panthers need a win or tie at Atlanta.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) β South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier says wide receiver Shaq Roland has left the team days before the Independence Bowl. Shortly after arriving in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Tuesday, Spurrier said the junior didn’t make the bowl trip and appears to be planning to drop out of school and turn pro.
NEW YORK (AP) β It took 141 regular-season games and one extra day for Rick Nash to get his first hat trick with the New York Rangers. A little help from the NHL official scorer on Christmas Eve made it so. About 12 hours after the Rangers beat the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night, Nash was credited with his third goal of the game yesterday morning.
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) β Robert Griffin III is dealing with a sprained right shoulder as he prepares for the Washington Redskins’ season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Griffin was limited in practice yesterday. He appeared to be throwing normally during the portion of the workout open to reporters. Coach Jay Gruden says Griffin is sore but doesn’t think it’s serious enough to bring in another quarterback.
