by FOXSports.com

NFL RUMORS AND NOTES

Texans to look at ex-Chiefs running back Johnson

The Texans' running game is so bad they are interested in signing former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. The Texans, who are 5-4 and averaging only 90.8 yards rushing, are one of several teams showing interest in Johnson, who was placed on waivers Monday. "We're going to do our homework on him just like we did our homework on Edgerrin James last week," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Obviously, I think when a name like that (Johnson) comes on the free-agent market like today, we'll take a look at him just like any other player. "He's been a good player in this league, and I'm sure he'll get a lot of interest from a lot of people." The Texans are interested in Johnson because they're trying to improve a running game that has disappointed this season. -- Houston Chronicle

Jets WR Braylon Edwards wants to stick around past this season

Jets acrobatic wide receiver Braylon Edwards is doing his talking with his play and his mouth. "For me, it was a statement of my will and determination,'' Edwards said Monday. "It's a new attitude I have playing football. Being in a place where I'm happy and comfortable, that's the kind of effort and desire that I have for this team. "Those are the plays that I want to continue to make to show these guys that I belong and that I'm happy I'm here. I really like this situation. I like the organization from top-to-bottom. I like the city. I'm trying to do everything I can to prove who I am and I'm the guy that they need.'' ... As a restricted free agent, the Jets could play hard ball and sign Edwards to a one-year, $5.5 million deal and retain his rights. "I think when Braylon came here he was looking for a fresh start,'' said Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum. "We had a great talk and he has really lived up to what we talked about. We're really happy with him both on and off the field. "Braylon is a part of our team now and we expect him to be in the future. After the season, we'll sit down and talk. We hope he's with us for years to come.'' -- Newark Star-Ledger

MLB RUMORS AND NOTES

Jays Roy Halladay to Yankees or Angels?

Speculate other GMs did, trying to figure a probable landing spot for Roy Halladay, a year away from free agency. The Los Angeles Angels and the New York Yankees appear to be the in-the-lobby leaders when it comes to meeting all three requirements: A) having money to pick up Halladay's $15.75 million US contract and sign him long term; B) having prospects to satisfy the Jays and C) a destination with winning in its future. Halladay was close-mouthed about teams he'd approve a trade to in July and August during his 26 days of hell. He was nightly on display like an item on a Home Shopping Network turntable. He hasn't returned calls since the end of the season. -- Toronto Sun

Mark Cuban denies report he's interested in LA Dodgers

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said a story in Los Angeles linking him as a potential buyer of the Dodgers has "no substance." The Dodgers are not for sale, but the divorce between Frank and Jamie McCourt raises questions about team's future. Cuban has said repeatedly in recent months that he has no interest in adding any sports franchises to his business portfolio. Cuban indicated it would take a unique set of circumstances to have interest in the Dodgers. "Read the text of the e-mail I sent," Cuban said. "It's all headline and no substance." -- Dallas Morning News

NBA RUMORS AND NOTES

Knicks working to increase Eddy Curry's nonexistent trade value

"Eddy Curry: The Comeback, Part V" is unveiled today. The Knicks, who suffered a 95-93 loss to the Jazz at the Garden last night, are so desperate, coach Mike D'Antoni is even looking forward to center Curry making his long-awaited return to practice today. Curry is believed to be in the 305-pound range. Part of the Knicks' desperation to make him a viable player is to increase his nonexistent trade value. If they can deal his contract, which runs through 2011, the Knicks could be in position to sign two maximum contracts in 2010 free agency. Asked about Curry's new weight loss, D'Antoni cracked: "He looks good. I might want to date him." -- NY Post

Cavs LeBron James: winning is more important to me than money

LeBron James, speaking with reporters at the Cavaliers' training facility on Monday, elaborated on his comments but essentially just repeated himself. "Let's get this clear," he said. "I said the max contract doesn't mean more than winning. That's what I said. I didn't say that I don't need a max contract or that I'm not going to get a max contract. All I'm saying is winning is more important to me than money, at the end of the day. And it is. All I care about is winning. Money and all the max contracts will take care of itself when you do win." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

NASCAR RUMORS AND NOTES

Dale Earnhardt Jr. headed for an emotional breakdown

The life of NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr. has turned into a train wreck, and pals fear he's headed for an emotional breakdown. The 35-year-old driver is feuding with the owner of his racing team, he's burned through a string of girlfriends, and he's still haunted by the tragic death of his legendary father, sources say. Now the troubled bachelor may be turning to booze to cope, insiders say. "Dale Jr. seems almost in a death spiral," disclosed a close pal. "He's locked himself away from his closest friends, and he's upset all the time. "Those closest to him are concerned about his mental health and well-being. No one wants to see him do something stupid. We've suggested that he get help, take some time off and regroup, but he won't listen." Another source divulged: "Dale tries to downplay his reputation as a hard drinker, but he's lived his life like a frat boy at a kegger. But now he's drinking not for the fun of it, but to heal deep wounds that are eating away at him. We're all worried about him." -- National Enquirer

NASCAR could expand to Middle East?

Did you see or hear the news reports over the weekend that Bruton Smith is negotiating to build a three-track racing megaplex in the tiny Middle East country of Qatar? The news kind of seemed to float under the radar a bit, when it should have been accorded much greater significance and importance. The racing complex Smith and Speedway Motorsports are negotiating to build would likely include a small bullring style oval (possibly for dirt - or would that be sand - racing), a road course and, of course, a NASCAR-style oval. There's also the possibility of adding a drag strip, as well, but superchargers don't swallow sand very well. The complex is supposed to be patterned after Smith's and SMI's Las Vegas Motor Speedway layout, which not coincidentally, is also in a desert outside Las Vegas. You know, lots of sand virtually everywhere. Smith's dalliance with the Qataris, as well as George Gillett's pending partnership with a Saudi Arabian sheik, makes it pretty clear that the Middle East may be the only place in the world where there's available money right now - and lots of it, indeed. And if that's the case, you'd better believe NASCAR will follow the money trail. Horace Greeley may have said, "Go West, Young Man," but NASCAR's future could very well include a Middle Eastern outpost if things continue to move in that direction as they have already started. -- Auto Racing Daily

ODD NOTES AND STUFF

Kate Hudson gets A-Rod to give up regular poker games

Kate Hudson has done something not even Alex Rodriguez's ex-wife could do -- get him to give up his regular poker games. Seems Hudson has convinced the World Champion Yankee slugger there are easier ways to throw away money -- especially given A-Rod is said to be a terrible card player. -- Chicago Sun-Times

Phillies World Series star turned away from nightspot

Out Friday night, the Phillies' Chase Utley was apparently unrecognized in line at the Franklin, a nightspot near Rittenhouse Square, and was turned away. But Saturday, he and wife Jen met another couple at Smokin' Betty's at 11th and Sansom Streets, where they were welcomed by owner Susan Schlisman and chef Greg Aversa. -- Philadelphia Inquirer

COLLEGE SPORTS RUMORS AND NOTES

Michigan AD Bill Martin supports Rich Rodriguez

The man who hired Rich Rodriguez as Michigan's football coach said Rodriguez's job is secure. Rodriguez, in his second season with the Wolverines, has watched his team nosedive since a 4-0 start. They have lost five straight Big Ten games, are 5-5 and remain one game from bowl eligibility with games at Wisconsin and home with Ohio State left. Michigan athletic director Bill Martin, who announced last month he will officially retire from that job on Sept 4, 2010, vociferously defended Rodriguez during an interview Monday. "He's not going anyplace," Martin said of Rodriguez, who replaced Lloyd Carr, who retired after the 2007 season following 13 years as head coach. "Rich is an outstanding coach. There is no question he's got my total support. I think the world of that guy. Is he perfect in every respect? Nobody is. But he works hard. He'll get it right." -- Detroit News

Florida DC Charlie Strong to Memphis?

While Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson would not discuss possible candidates, among the names that surfaced Monday were LSU assistant Larry Porter, a former Memphis running back; Oklahoma State co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer, son of former Ole Miss coach Billy Brewer; Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who spent two seasons in C-USA as Tulsa's coordinator; and Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong. ... Strong, 49, has been at Florida since 2003 and has served as assistant head coach (2005-07) and associate head coach (2008 and 2009). Known for his success as a recruiter, Strong has worked under Steve Spurrier at Florida and Lou Holtz at South Carolina. -- Memphis Commercial Appeal

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