FOOTBALL

The way the Minnesota Vikings have played this year and the benching of their quarterback Donovan McNabb in mid-October seemed to have created a bubble that finally burst on Thursday with McNabb's release.

Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach has verbally agreed to become Washington State's next football coach, according to a report.

The struggling Jaguars have a lease that keeps them in Florida.

A former Syracuse police chief knew about the Bernie Fine allegations in 2002, but did not pass them along to the district attorney's office, according to a new report.

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham is establishing himself as a premier NFL tight end.

Former Wales manager Gary Speed appeared for his last interview on Football Focus a day before he died Saturday. Speedo's former Leeds United teammate Gary McAllister was with him during the interview.

Tom Cable is a possible candidate for the UCLA coaching job.

Angelo Mosca and Joe Kapp still hold a grudge.

The Bruins have a losing record under Neuheisel.

Illinois football coach Ron Zook was fired Sunday, one day after the Fighting Illini lost their sixth straight game in blowout fashion to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 27-7.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband on Sunday mourned the death of Wales football manager Gary Speed who committed suicide at the age of 42. Welsh leaders said Speed served his country and football club with distinction.

Dancing with the Stars winner J.R. Martinez has been named Rose Parade grand marshal.

The suicide death of Wales manager Gary Speed has rocked the sporting world, leading prominent sports figures and celebrities to take to Twitter to pay tributes and offer their condolences.

Gary Speed, manager of the Wales national football team, was found dead Sunday morning after committing suicide at the age of 42, police confirmed to the media.

Robin van Persie has scored, as of Nov. 27, an astonishing 13 league goals, in as many games, this season.

List of the 10 most loathed footballers of the year.

Beckham's contract with Galaxy ends next month.

In the NFL's annual Thanksgiving classic, three games will be played, which has been a staple since 2006, with the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys hosting the first two games as always. The slate is Packers vs. Lions, Dolphins vs. Cowboys and 49ers vs. Ravens.

ESPN commentator Urban Meyer is expected to be named Ohio State's football coach next week, according to a report.

New Arizona Wildcats football coach Rich Rodriguez made his first public appearance as coach in Arizona at the McKale Center on Tuesday after signing a five-year, $9.55 million contract.

Garrett Uekman, a freshman tight end in University of Arkansas was reported dead at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville on Sunday. The cause of the death is yet to be found. According to Lt. Mat Mills in the university police department, there was nothing suspicious about Uekman’s death. However, his body will be sent to Arkansas state medical examiner for an autopsy.