Sports briefs for January 31, 2005

Monday, Jan. 31, 2005 | 9:39 a.m.

Tibbetts catches on with new ECHL team

Another team is giving Billy Tibbetts a chance.

Two weeks after he was released by the Las Vegas Wranglers, the Idaho Steelheads acquired Tibbetts in a trade with Toledo, which had claimed him off waivers.

A 31-year-old NHL veteran forward, Tibbetts was relatively unproductive during his two months in the Wranglers' lineup.

He made his Steelheads debut Friday at Alaska, contributing a first-period assist before being ejected in the second period for a major slashing penalty. Alaska scored three times in the ensuing power play en route to a 6-3 win. Overall, Tibbetts has had two goals, two assists and 33 penalty minutes in three games with Idaho.

Idaho plays two games at the Orleans Arena next week.

-- Nick Christensen

Clemens 'trying' to quit

Roger Clemens picked up his latest Cy Young Award at the annual New York baseball dinner Sunday night and said his decision to put off retirement again was "very heart-wrenching." Then he turned to Joe Torre, his former manager with the Yankees, and practically apologized. "Skip, I'm really trying to retire, I promise," Clemens said. "I guess we'll just start calling it a comeback." Earlier this month, Clemens, 42, agreed to an $18 million contract with his hometown Houston Astros, choosing to return for at least one more season. He said one factor was a long chat he had with friend and teammate Andy Pettitte, who told Clemens that his rehabilitation from elbow surgery was progressing nicely.

Florida jockey critical

Jockey Gary Boulanger was hospitalized in critical condition today after a fall during the Mac Diarmida Handicap at Gulfstream Park at Hallandale Beach, Fla. Boulanger was riding In Hand on Sunday when the horse fell on the final turn. Macaw, ridden by Eddie Castro, tripped over In Hand, sending Castro to the ground. Boulanger sustained head lacerations and was taken to Hollywood Memorial Hospital, where he was in critical condition in the intensive care unit, a nursing supervisor said.

Palmer's streak ends

Arnold Palmer will skip the Bay Hill Invitational for the first time since he founded the Orlando tournament in 1979, most likely ending his 52-year streak of playing on the PGA tour. "I'll miss playing. There's no doubt in my mind about that," Palmer said today. "But we all move on. I'll fulfill my duties as host of the tournament, whatever is needed, and enjoy watching the golf."