IVERSON SKIPS OUT, WILL BE FINED. Allen Iverson apparently chose family and food over practice - and he'll be fined for it. Iverson was the only player who didn't show up when the Detroit Pistons worked out on Thanksgiving. Coach Michael Curry confirmed Iverson will be fined, will not start tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks and might not play in the game for missing the practice. After Detroit traded for the superstar, Iverson insisted he would do whatever Curry wanted him to. The Pistons are 5-5 since acquiring Iverson from Denver.
TEXAS ROUTS A&M. Colt McCoy passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more as No. 4 Texas snapped a two-game losing streak against rival Texas A&M with a 49-9 home win last night. The 40-point win was the largest in the rivalry since a 48-0 Texas victory in 1898. BURKE LIKELY TO BE LEAFS' GM. Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a six-year deal for the former Anaheim general manager to take over as president and GM, The Associated Press learned last night. "The deal is done," said a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team isn't ready to announce it. That could come tomorrow. Burke spent the past three-plus seasons with the Ducks, leading them to the Stanley Cup title in 2007. "I am really excited that Brian is able to get this straightened out, if it is true," Toronto coach Ron Wilson said. Burke will replace Cliff Fletcher, who was interim general manager.
MARYLAND UPSETS MICHIGAN STATE. Greivis Vasquez and Dave Neal each scored 17 points as unranked Maryland hustled its way to an 80-62 upset of No. 5 Michigan State in the Old Spice Classic in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. After falling behind by three early in the first half, the Terrapins (4-0) countered with a 23-5 run to take the lead for good. In other games at the tournament, Austin Freeman scored 18 points and DaJuan Summers added 14 to lead No. 21 Georgetown to a 58-50 win over Wichita State. Georgetown (3-0) will play No. 12 Tennessee today. Wayne Chism scored 15 points to lead Tennessee to a 78-64 win over Siena.
