PRESS BOX: Alabama's Yeldon suspended for one quarter
Alabama has suspended leading rusher T.J. Yeldon for the first quarter of Saturday's game against Colorado State, the Aniston Star reported on Friday.
A Crimson Tide spokesman declined to comment, but the Star said a source said the sophomore running back, who has rushed 42 times for 224 yards for top-ranked Alabama, will be sidelined because of an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he received during last week's 49-42 win over Texas A&M.
After scoring on a four-yard play, Yeldon made the "money" gesture that Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel does after completing big plays.
Yeldon then made a double throat-slashing gesture, which did not make his coach, Nick Saban, very happy.
On Monday, Yeldon apologized via a prepared statement.
NHL
---The Washington Capitals will host the Winter Classic on Jan. 1, 2015, ESPN.com announced.
The opponent and venue have reportedly not been chosen. Nationals Park, RFK Stadium and FedEx Field are among several possibilities.
The Big House in Ann Arbor, Mich., will be the site of the next NHL outdoor showcase on Jan. 1, 2014. The Detroit Red Wings host the Toronto Maple Leafs.
---The Chicago Blackhawks announced that they assigned goaltender Mac Carruth to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.
The team's active roster includes 28 forwards, 14 defensemen and four goaltenders.
AUTO RACING
---Michael Waltrip admitted that the aftermath of his NASCAR Sprint Cup team's involvement in the controversial finish of the Sept. 7 race at Richmond International Speedway has been scary.
"It's been a rocky couple of weeks (and) yes, I was scared," Waltrip said. "I was uncertain of our future. After speaking with the folks from Aaron's and all of our partners, they're supporting us, they're going to stick with us and believe that we are a quality first-class organization. We will race forward with respect and appreciation for being able to be here. We'll start to regain trust."
Waltrip made the comments at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in response to questions about losing NAPA Auto Parts as a sponsor.
NAPA was outspoken against the team following the race, when teammate Clint Bowyer prevented Ryan Newman from winning the race by intentionally spinning out with just seven laps to go.
