Redskins coach Zorn will be fired today, report says
The Washington Redskins plan to fire coach Jim Zorn today, an official within the NFL told the Associated Press. The Redskins planned to make the move on the day after the end of a disappointing regular season. Washington struggled early despite a weak schedule and finished 4-12 after losing, 23-20, in Sunday's finale against the San Diego Chargers. The official spoke to the AP on Sunday on the condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made. "I would not even comment on that," Zorn said after the game. "There are a lot of things, I'm sure, out there as far as stories. There already has been. So I get that. I'm working on our team meeting, our offseason schedule, and until I'm told that I'm on any other effort, I'm getting ready." Zorn's dismissal has been expected for months. The front office stripped him of play-calling duties in October, and owner Dan Snyder has interviewed assistant coach Jerry Gray for the job, according to the Fritz Pollard Alliance, which monitors minority hiring in the NFL. Gray's interview was an effort to comply with the Rooney Rule, which requires that teams consider a minority candidate for the head coaching position. If the NFL deems that the Rooney Rule has been satisfied, the Redskins are free to act quickly to hire a replacement for Zorn. Former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is considered the favorite.
More NFL
Davis ties tight end record; J. Lewis hasn't ruled out return
Vernon Davis (Maryland) tied the NFL record for touchdown receptions by a tight end with his 13th of the season, leading the visiting San Francisco 49ers to a 28-6 victory over the St. Louis Rams. Davis tied the mark set by the San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates last season with the longest catch of his career, getting behind the defense on a 73-yard reception from Alex Smith that put the 49ers ahead 14-6 midway through the fourth quarter.
BROWNS: : Former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis hasn't ruled out a return to the NFL, even though he is still suffering from headaches and blurred vision as a result of a concussion that ended his season. Lewis says he must receive clearance from doctors before contemplating a return. There is no timeline for when he could - or even would - be cleared. "It's sort of a yes, no, maybe so," Lewis said. "After I get finished doing what I have to do with the concussion process and get everything straight on top, then I can make a solid decision." Lewis' season ended Dec. 2 when he was placed on injured reserve with postconcussion symptoms, but he revealed Sunday that he actually suffered the concussion in the season opener. After the headaches and vision problems worsened, Lewis went to see doctors. That's when he learned the severity of the injury. Lewis carried 143 times this year for 500 yards; he has rushed for 10,067 career yards.
Women's college basketball
Towson, Loyola victorious in their conference openers
Haliena Snowden had a career-high 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead Towson (7-5, 1-0) to a 60-46 win over visiting George Mason (7-5, 0-1) in the Colonial Athletic Association opener for both teams. Shanae Baker-Brice finished with 12 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Dovile Miliauskaite added 10 points and seven rebounds.
Loyola 71, Iona 59: : Sophomore guard Miriam McKenzie had a game-high 20 points, seven rebounds and a career-high seven assists, helping the visiting Greyhounds (6-6, 1-1) defeat the Gaels (4-8 overall, 0-1 MAAC) in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener for both teams. Erica DiClemente added 12 points and eight rebounds. Iona had won the past seven games between the teams.
Virginia Tech 74, UMBC 44: : The visiting Retrievers (6-7) scored eight straight points to pull to within 55-36 but the Hokies (10-4) scored 14 of the next 15 points to pull away. Michelle Kurowski led UMBC with 13 points.
Robert Morris 82, Mount St. Mary's 52: : Sydney Henderson had four 3-pointers for a career-high 14 points, but the visiting Mount (4-8, 0-2) lost to Robert Morris (7-6, 2-0).
Division III: : Junior guard JaQuelia Conley, a Columbia resident who attended Montrose Christian, scored 31 points, becoming the first Stevenson player with 30 in a game in five years, as the Mustangs (3-7) won their second straight, 63-61 over visiting Carnegie Mellon (7-4).
- From Sun staff and news services