Sports Desk

FOOTBALLTarvaris Jackson To Start For MinnesotaWhen he drafted Tarvaris Jackson out of Alabama State in April, Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress called him “a piece of clay” that needed to be molded into a starting quarterback.Eight months later — and a lot sooner than expected considering the playoffs are still a possibility for the Vikings (6–8) — Childress is throwing Jackson into the kiln at Lambeau Field.Childress announced yesterday that Jackson will start the final two games of the season, including Thursday night’s pivotal game at Green Bay, replacing veteran Brad Johnson.Childress said Jackson “gives us the best chance to win right now.”“I have high expectations for him,” Childress said. “He’s prepared. He’s ready to go.”Bears DT Johnson Suspended for One Game After Third ArrestThe Chicago Bears suspended Tank Johnson for one game yesterday, deciding not to cut the troubled defensive tackle, who’s been arrested three times in the last 18 months.Johnson will miss Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions as punishment for being at a bar last week, when his friend was shot to death. The incident happened less than 48 hours after he was arrested on misdemeanor weapons charges.Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said the team had two options: to release Johnson or suspend him. The decision was made, Angelo said, after discussions with the NFL, Bears management, coach Lovie Smith and players.“Collectively, as an organization — ownership, coaches, players, myself — we all agreed that the right thing to do was to keep Tank and keep working with him,” Angelo said of a decision that will certainly draw criticism.COLLEGE FOOTBALLTroy Smith Named AP Player of the YearThe old Troy Smith was at his best on the run. The new and improved version can sit in the pocket all day and pick apart defenses with his arm.Smith’s evolution from running quarterback to precise passer made no. 1 Ohio State all but unstoppable this season — and helped him win the Associated Press Player of the Year honor announced yesterday.“I am a quarterback,” Smith said, “through and through.”There’s no doubt about that anymore. In fact, he might be the best to ever play at Ohio State.The Buckeyes’ senior won the AP award about as easily as he won the Heisman Trophy, drawing 59 of 65 firstplace votes.Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden and Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan tied for a distant second, each receiving two votes from the AP poll voters. Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and West Virginia tailback Steve Slaton each got one vote.— Associated Press

Sports Desk

Sports Desk

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