Sports Desk
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
FOOTBALL
Patriots Sign 43-Year-Old QB Testaverde
Vinny Testaverde, who came out of retirement last season to help out the Jets, was signed yesterday by New England.
The move came after the Patriots lost two straight for the first time since 2002 as Tom Brady played two of his poorest games. Until signing Testaverde, New England had only one other quarterback on its roster, secondyear pro Matt Cassel.
Testaverde, who turned 43 Monday, was the first overall pick by Tampa Bay in the 1987 draft. He has played 19 NFL seasons and has 269 touchdown passes, eighth in NFL history, and is sixth with 45,252 yards passing.
Brady has been listed as probable on the injury report every week for last season and this season, but hasn’t missed a game.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Jeff Bowden Steps Down As FSU Offensive Coordinator
For months, Florida State fans have clamored for the ouster of offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden, blaming him for the team’s woes.
Yesterday, Bowden ended the debate, resigning just three days after the Seminoles were shut out for the first time in 233 games.
His resignation will take effect at season’s end, said athletic director David Hart Jr. said. Then, Bowden, the youngest son of Seminoles head coach Bobby Bowden, will be reassigned outside the athletic department until his contract expires in August 2007.
BASKETBALL
O’Neal Sidelined With Hyperextended Knee
Shaquille O’Neal was inactive for the Heat’s game against Denver because of a hyperextended left knee, his second injury to the knee this season.
O’Neal’s status is day to day, the Heat said. He was hurt in a collision Sunday with Houston’s Chuck Hayes, who is expected to miss up to two weeks with a bruised and hyperextended left knee.
O’Neal missed the third and fourth games of the season with a bruised knee. He has averaged 14.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in four games.
— Associated Press