FOOTBALL

REPORTS: BEARS TO START GRIESE IN PLACE OF GROSSMAN

Rex Grossman reportedly will be benched by the Chicago Bears for Sunday’s game at Detroit, with Brian Griese starting at quarterback. Citing unidentified sources, NFL.com, the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times reported yesterday that the beleaguered Grossman would sit when the Bears (1–2) visit the Lions (2–1).

The Bears would not confirm that any decision has been made, saying only that coach Lovie Smith would be available for his regular Wednesday news conference.

Grossman threw three interceptions as the Bears fell to the Dallas Cowboys 34-10 on national TV on Sunday night. The following day, Smith, who usually gives Grossman full support, instead said: “Will Rex Grossman start Sunday? Well, our evaluation process is going on right now, and if you come out to practice Wednesday, you’ll have a better idea of who will be starting at all positions.”

Grossman has struggled ever since February’s Super Bowl, when he threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This year, he ranks 23rd in the league with 500 yards, has a 45.2 rating and is 47-of-89 (52.8%) with a league-leading six interceptions and just one touchdown.

McALLISTER IS OUT FOR SEASON WITH TORN KNEE LIGAMENTS

In Deuce McAllister’s locker, front-and-center on the top shelf, is a gold-painted wooden carving of the word: “Believe!”

After his second season-ending knee injury in three seasons, the Saints’ 28-year-old all-time leading rusher wants to believe he will return to the NFL as an elite running back. It won’t be easy, and he knows it.

“Obviously, the questions: Will you ever be the same? Will you ever be the back that you once were? Those are the different thoughts that obviously run through your mind as a player,” McAllister said.

“I believe in myself. It’s just a matter of me putting the time in and me putting the work in.”

McAllister said an MRI exam yesterday confirmed his worst fears: He tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in Monday night’s 31–14 loss to Tennessee.

FALCONS’ VICK INDICTED ON STATE CHARGES IN VIRGINIA

Michael Vick, already looking at a federal prison term for bankrolling a dogfighting operation in rural Virginia, now faces two state charges that could get him more prison time if he’s convicted.

After a Surry County grand jury indicted the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and three co-defendants yesterday, Vick’s lawyers indicated they will fight the state charges on the grounds that he can’t be convicted twice of the same crime.

The NFL star, scheduled for sentencing December 10 after pleading guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges, faces state charges of beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting. Each felony is punishable by up to five years in prison. Arraignments are set for October 3.

The grand jury declined to indict the 27-year-old Vick and two co-defendants on eight additional counts of killing or causing to be killed a companion animal, felonies that would have exposed them to as many as 40 years in prison if convicted.

BASEBALL

PHILLIES GM GILLICK DOESN’T PLAN TO RETURN AFTER 2008

Phillies general manager Pat Gillick doesn’t plan to remain with the team after his three-year contract expires following next season.

“This is it for me,” Gillick said in yesterday’s Philadelphia Daily News. “I’ll fulfill my contract. It’s time to think about doing some other things in life.”

The longtime baseball man will be 71 by the time his contract is up. He wasn’t immediately available to reporters before the Phillies played Atlanta.

Gillick’s situation could affect manager Charlie Manuel, who is in the final season of his contract.