BRIEFS

Vick to be

sentenced today

How much, if any, will Michael Vick's role as financier of a brutal dogfighting ring hurt him? What about his use of drugs while awaiting sentencing?

Or will he benefit from his public apology? His cooperation? His voluntary early start on his prison term?

Answers to these questions, among others, will determine how much time the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback will serve in prison for his role in a federal dogfighting conspiracy.

And the only man who knows the answers is U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who will sentence Vick in a packed courtroom today while the disgraced NFLstar's supporters and animal-rights activists rally outside.

Vick faces a maximum of five years in prison. Hudson is not bound by sentencing guidelines that suggest a year to 18 months, or prosecutors' recommendation.

Hudson already has sentenced two of Vick's co-defendants to 18 months and 21 months - slightly more than prosecutors recommended,

but still within the guidelines.

USC player recovering from wound

A University of South Carolina football player was recovering Sunday after his neck was slashed during a weekend altercation near the school campus, according to several reports.

Jordin Lindsey, a defensive end for the Gamecocks who could not play this past season because of a low grade-point average, was cut early Saturday morning by a man wielding a sharp object, possibly a broken bottle, according to a police report.

His father, Billy Lindsey, told The (Columbia) State newspaper in a report posted online Sunday that his son lost a lot of blood and needed surgery, but that he was to be released from a local hospital later Sunday. Jordin Lindsey also was cut on his face during the attack, Columbia television station WLTX reported.

The elder Lindsey said Jordin Lindsey and twin brother, Dustin, also a Gamecocks player, were walking early Saturday morning in Five Points, a neighborhood known for its college bar scene and restaurants.

Two men yelled at the brothers from across a street, but the twins didn't think much about it - until they heard footsteps and Jordin Lindsey was stabbed, Billy Lindsey

Tebow becomes first soph Heisman winner

Tim Tebow took a few deep breaths, steadied himself, then plowed through his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech much the same way he takes on tacklers - fast and furious.

In rapid fire, Florida's sophomore quarterback thanked everyone he could think of, some of them twice. When it came time to take hold of the 25-pound bronze statue, he looked as if he wasn't sure whether he should run with the prize or throw it. He does both so well.

Florida's folk-hero quarterback with the rugged running style and magnetic personality became the first sophomore to win the Heisman on Saturday night.

''I am fortunate, fortunate for a lot of things,'' Tebow said. ''God truly blessed me and this just adds on. It's an honor. I'm so happy to be here.''

Since 1935, when Jay Berwanger of Chicago won the first Heisman, every winner had been a junior or senior - until Tebow, who picked up quite a souvenir on his first trip to New York.

''It's surreal a little bit,'' he said. ''It's just overwhelming.''

No. 15-ranked Saints

split pair of matches

The No. 15-ranked Limestone wrestling team split its two matches on Saturday, beating UNCPembroke 19-15 and losing to West Liberty State, 23-15.

Dan Scanlan at 184 lbs. and heavyweight Trey Moss were the only Saints to win both of their matches.