Davis-White, Abbott win short programs
BOSTON — Three-time winner Jeremy Abbott set a national record for the short program Friday night, putting his second Olympic berth within reach.
Abbott won the event with 99.86 points at the U.S. Championships, shattering his own mark of 90.23. He has a 7.82-point margin over Richard Dornbush heading into Sunday’s free skate.
The top two men will go to Sochi next month. Abbott was the 2010 U.S. champ, but finished ninth at the Vancouver Games as countryman Evan Lysacek won gold.
Earlier, world champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White danced within range of their sixth straight U.S. title by romping in the short dance. Indeed, the current world champions and 2010 Olympic silver medalists could have danced all night and never been caught.
The free dance is today.
A-Rod suspension decision likely in next few days
NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez is likely to find out in the next few days whether his drug suspension will be overturned.
People familiar with the case told The Associated Press on Friday that arbitrator Fredric Horowitz could issue his decision this weekend. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.
The New York Yankees third baseman, a three-time AL MVP, was suspended for 211 games on Aug. 5 by baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. The penalty was given for alleged violations of the sport’s drug agreement and labor contract and followed Major League Baseball’s investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic, which was accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.
The Major League Baseball Players Association filed a grievance saying the discipline was without “just cause.”
Horowitz, MLB’s independent arbitrator, heard the case over 12 sessions from Sept. 30 until Nov. 20. The sides submitted briefs last month.
Rodriguez’s lawyers have threatened to go to federal court in an attempt to overturn a decision not to their liking. The Supreme Court has given judges little leeway to alter arbitrator’s rulings.
President Obama congratulates Florida State coach Fisher
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama called Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher on Friday to congratulate him on the Seminoles’ national title.
Obama told Fisher he’s looking forward to welcoming the team to the White House to celebrate the championship.
Florida State beat Auburn 34-31 on Monday night in the BCS championship game to finish the season 14-0.
Lane Kiffin to join Alabama as offensive coordinator
Alabama hired former Southern California coach Lane Kiffin on Friday as its offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Kiffin replaces Doug Nussmeier, who left Alabama for Michigan.
Kiffin spent a week in Tuscaloosa, Ala., last month exchanging ideas with coach Nick Saban and his staff and observing Alabama’s offense.
The 38-year-old Kiffin was 28-15 in three-plus seasons with USC. He was fired five games into last season. He also was head coach at Tennessee and for the Oakland Raiders.
ESPN.com first reported Kiffin was Alabama’s choice.
Kiffin spent six seasons (2001-06) at USC under Pete Carroll as an assistant, including the final two as offensive coordinator. He also called plays during his time as a head coach. He spent one season at Tennessee (2009), and went 7-6 before leaving to replace Carroll.
By wire sources