Steelers LB JAMES FARRIOR said that he "won't attend the grand opening of a high-stakes gaming room" at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino Friday night as planned "after learning that his participation might break NFL rules banning the promotion of gambling." Farrior and Steelers QB CHARLIE BATCH are "listed on a news release from The Meadows as the star guests who were to cut the ribbon for the opening of a private pavilion." Batch said that he "did not know his name was on the ad and that he will not be at the ribbon cutting." Farrior said, "After looking into it, I'm not going to do it. I don't want any ripples with the NFL." NFLPA Dir of Communications CARL FRANCIS said that officials "did not know the players had been slated to appear at the casino" (Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 7/1).
IN THE COURT: In Orlando, Iliana Limon reports a jury ruled Thursday that the Univ. of Central Florida Athletics Association "was negligent in the 2008 death of football player ERECK PLANCHER and awarded his parents $10 million." The jury "then decided there was no 'clear and convincing evidence' UCFAA was guilty of gross negligence and determined it should not face punitive damages." STEVE YERRID, an attorney for the Plancher family, confirmed that his clients "turned down a settlement offer and UCFAA is responsible for the family's court costs," estimated to be about $1.5M. UCFAA will appeal the decision (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/1).
LEADING LADY: In Buffalo, Mike Harrington profiled KIM PEGULA, wife of new Sabres Owner TERRY PEGULA, and writes she has "seized the mantle of First Lady of Buffalo Sports." Kim is "not merely standing by her man." She has been "included in all photo opportunities for the big announcements, even though she usually needs some prodding," and she has "been providing major input on all aspects of the look" inside HSBC Center since her husband took over (BUFFALO NEWS, 6/30).
POPPING A WHEELIE: Bengals WR CHAD OCHOCINCO Thursday "took laps in a stock car driven by NASCAR's JEFF BURTON" at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and "also tried to change a tire and operate a jack as part of the pit crew." Ochocinco's ride with Burton "reached speeds of 150 to 160 mph" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 7/1)....ESPN NASCAR analyst ANDY PETREE, a former driver, crew chief and team Owner, "will enter the Whelen Modified Tour F.W. Webb 100" July 16 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Petree said that "if all goes well in New Hampshire, he will attempt to run the division's race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 24" (HARTFORD COURANT, 7/1)....NASCAR drivers and their cars "were on hand Thursday morning" at Florida Hospital's Walt Disney Pavilion "to promote a new program that banks umbilical-cord blood" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/1).
NAMES: Maple Leafs President & GM BRIAN BURKE is with Canadian troops in Afghanistan as "part of a group visiting Kandahar Airfield" (THESTAR.com, 6/30)....MLB's Official Historian JOHN THORN will feature 16 essays, included in the Special Origins Issue of the "Base Ball" journal, on MLB.com's "Our Game" blog (THE DAILY)....Cubs P KERRY WOOD and his wife, SARAH, announced the creation of the Wood Family Foundation. Kerry will serve as Founder and President while Sarah will serve as co-Founder and Exec Dir. The foundation will benefit children’s charities in the Chicagoland area. The foundation’s first event will be a celebrity bowling tournament (Wood Family Foundation)….Former Canada women's hockey team F HAYLEY WICKENHEISER is “among 50 new appointees to the Order of Canada” (GLOBE & MAIL, 7/1)….Red Sox Owner JOHN HENRY and his wife, LINDA PIZZUTI HENRY, were spotted dining together this week with Celtics Managing Partner & CEO WYC GROUSBECK and his wife, CORINNE, at Red Lantern in Boston (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/1).
