Hawks still looking to get on track
Absence of Daze, Fleury results in slow start for Chicago

The new hockey season is already a roller coaster for the Chicago Blackhawks. They are off to a 2-3 start as of press time and all five teams they have faced did not make the playoffs last year. Read more...

NCAA wants to raise Division I academic requirements
Higher GPAs, SAT scores and quicker degree completion may be on the way

(U-WIRE) MADISON, Wis.—The NCAA proposed a packet of changes last Tuesday that would drastically change academic standards for Division I student athletes. The association’s board of directors will make a decision on the measure next week, possibly putting the changes into effect by Aug. 1, 2003. Read more...

Bears desperate to improve
Chicago defense not performing, hampered by key injuries

Despite the numerous injuries the Chicago Bears have suffered they refuse to use it as an excuse for their losing ways. Which begs the question— what is the problem? And who is responsible? Read more...

Former NFL greats lament: tackling has become a lost art
High salaries, risk of injury cause players to exercise more caution

"Grab! Grab! Grab!" bellows Vince Lombardi. "Grab! Grab! Grab! Everybody’s grabbing out there!" Read more...

ON THE BASELINE

Would you be able to finagle your way into Continental Airlines Arena past security and PR people? Then could you convince New Jersey Nets forward Richard Jefferson to take a break from his off-season relaxation to take you to the team’s practice facility, play a game of H-O-R-S-E with you —and then beat him?! I sure couldn’t, but that’s exactly what Tony and his Team Contact cohorts did to complete one of 40 sports-related tasks on the second and third episodes of ESPN’s "Beg, Borrow & Deal," the network’s reality game show. Read more...

Sports News and Notes

Jordan sues woman for extortion
Former Bulls star Michael Jordan filed a lawsuit against a woman whom he had a relationship with more than 10 years ago. He claims that she is trying to extort $5 million from him to keep quiet about the relationship. The lawsuit states that Jordan paid her $250,000 of hush money to prevent her from going public about their affair. According to the lawsuit, Jordan never offered to pay her any more money, but she is trying to obtain more. Jordan, who returned to the Washington Wizards last season after a five-year absence, has refused to talk to the media about the situation. Read more...