Truth + Rumors

NFL

Tim Couch has completed just eight of 28 passes this preseason and is in danger of getting cut by the Packers. AP • Pete McEntegart: The 10 Spot -- Tuesday, Aug. 24 • Truth + Rumors: Packers may release QB Couch • Chris Ballard: NBC overdosing on gymnastics • Bill Scheft: Phelps has to pay extra to see events • More Blogs: Chadiha | Cannella | Murphy | Bechtel Click here for Today's Sign of the Apocalypse, Game to Watch, Leading Off gallery and much more!

Coach Brian Billick confirmed that the Ravens are expecting a final decision from Deion Sanders by Monday on whether he will play this season. Ravens officials want him ready by the Sept. 12 season opener. Asked whether Sanders would play in the preseason finale against the Giants if he reports early next week, Billick said, "That would be our hope."
 -- Baltimore Sun

Tampa Bay holdout receiver Keenan McCardell feels "hurt" by the Bucs and wants to be traded or released.
 -- Tampa Tribune

Backup QB Tim Couch is in jeopardy of being cut by the Packers.
 -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

QB Chad Pennington's agent and the Jets are trying to hammer out a blockbuster contract extension.
 -- New York Daily News

Talks between linebacker Kendrell Bell's agent and the Steelers on a contract extension are going nowhere.
 -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Chargers reached a contract agreement last night with quarterback Philip Rivers, but the deal has not been signed.
 -- Washington Post

Miami released receiver Snoop Minnis at his request so he could try catching on with another team.
 -- Palm Beach Post

The Raiders and Charles Woodson's agent had a brief phone conversation Monday, but the stalemate continues.
 -- San Francisco Chronicle

MLB

It's believed that the Diamondbacks put Randy Johnson on waivers yesterday and he's eligible to clear by 1 p.m. Wednesday.
 -- New York Post

If the Mets fire Art Howe after this season, they are expected to pursue Tampa native Lou Piniella, who says, "I'm happy here," managing the Devil Rays.
 -- NY Post

Jeromy Burnitz and the Rockies have been unable to compromise on a contract, leaving the possibility that he could be included in a waiver-wire deal.
 -- Denver Post

GM Mark Shapiro isn't ready to discuss whether the Indians will keep Omar Vizquel and/or Ronnie Belliard next year.
 -- Akron Beacon Journal

The Twins are considering trading for a catcher.
 -- Minneapolis Star Tribune

Don't be surprised if the Tigers make a free-agent run at Twins pitcher Brad Radke this winter.
 -- St. Paul Pioneer Press

NBA

Contract extension negotiations are underway between the Sonics and Ray Allen.
 -- Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Toni Kukoc officially returned to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, signing a one-year deal.
 -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Ron Artest is miffed at being bypassed for the U.S. Olympic basketball team.
 -- NY Post

NHL

Florida forward Niklas Hagman will join NHLers Joe Thornton and Rick Nash on HC Davos next month if there's a lockout.
 -- Ottawa Sun

The Coyotes' Shane Doan turned down an opportunity to play in Germany if there's a lockout.
 -- Ottawa Sun

Panthers GM Mike Keenan's priority is signing restricted free agents Olli Jokinen, Juraj Kolnik, Christian Berglund and Vaclav Nedorost, as well as 2003 first-round pick Anthony Stewart.
 -- Palm Beach Post