It appears as though Ramirez will be coming out of retirement, reports ESPNdeportes.com.

His landing destination will likely be the Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Republic, a team Ramirez played for in the beginning of his pro career.

"Now I'm getting ready to defend the 21st crown of the Aguilas," Ramirez said.

However, like most things with Manny, nothing is final. Ramirez has remained cryptic by simply hinting in a series of text messages to ESPNdeportes that he may have interest in returning.  

"Tell the fans to not despair because winter ball is coming soon," Ramirez wrote in a message just days after his retirement from baseball.

Ramirez left the Tampa Bay Rays and Major League Baseball after reports surfaced that the 38-year-old outfielder had again tested positive for a banned substance. 

The Dominican league does test for steroids, however, Dominican labor laws prevent a team from suspending a player.

Aguilas Cibaenas' office of baseball operations issued this statement to ESPN:

"We have not had any direct contact with Manny, but for us it would be great if he comes back so that the Dominican fans can see him before his definite retirement from baseball."

The New England Patriots announced the time and date for their preseason matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday, and in the process, they finalized their entire 2011 schedule.

That preseason game will take place on Thursday, Aug. 18, and kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The entire 2011 schedule is listed below.

2011 PATRIOTS PRESEASON SCHEDULE

Thursday, Aug. 11 Jacksonville 7:30 p.m. (WBZ-TV) 
Thursday, Aug. 18 at Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m. (WBZ-TV) 
Saturday, Aug. 27 at Detroit 8:00 p.m. (WBZ-TV CBS – Nationally Televised)
Thursday, Sept. 1 N.Y. Giants 7:30 p.m. (WBZ-TV) 

2011 PATRIOTS REGULAR SEASON

Monday, Sept. 12 at Miami 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Sept. 18 San Diego 4:15 p.m (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 25 at Buffalo 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 2 at Oakland 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 9 New York Jets 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 16 Dallas 4:15 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Oct. 23 BYE WEEK
Sunday, Oct. 30 at Pittsburgh 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 6 New York Giants 4:15 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Nov. 13 at New York Jets 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Monday, Nov. 21 Kansas City 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Nov. 27 at Philadelphia 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 4 Indianapolis 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Dec. 11 at Washington 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 18 at Denver 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Saturday, Dec. 24 Miami 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Jan. 1 Buffalo 1:00 p.m. (CBS)

Then you’re in luck.

Bud Light’s Best Round Ever Draft Contest is giving fans the opportunity to walk a way with $10 million in cold, hard cash. The contest simply asks fans to put their football knowledge to the test and attempt to correctly predict the first 32 picks in this year’s NFL draft.

The teams don’t need to match, as we know trades are inevitable, but if a fan can correctly select the order each player is selected in the first round, then the prize is theirs. 

To enter just visit Bud Light’s page on Facebook (21-plus only), click “like” and follow the instructions. 

And FYI, make sure to check the spelling, as one typo will void an entry.

And according to Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com, New York will have him back. Sheridan is reporting that the Knicks picked up the $14.2 million option on Billups for the 2011-12 season on Wednesday.

The Knicks’ deadline to pick up the option or pay Billups a $3.7 million buyout was set to expire Friday.

In 21 regular season games with the Knicks, after coming over along with Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets, Billups reminded everyone that he wasn’t just a throw in player, averaging 17.5 point per game and 5.5 assists.

Officer Dan Donakowski says Hunter was stabbed Wednesday, but didn't have any additional information, including where the incident took place, who was responsible and Hunter's condition. The hospital wasn't disclosed.

Hunter is a five-year pro who also has played for the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.

The stabbing comes only days after police in Florida said Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall, a former Bronco, was stabbed with a kitchen knife by his wife.

Update (2:26 pm): WXYZ.com is reporting that Hunter's 23-year-old girlfriend stabbed him in the left shoulder Wednesday morning.

Hunter's girlfriend, who's name was not released, was taken into custody. However, according to the report, no charges will be filed because Hunter doesn't want to pursue the case.

The Denver Broncos have released this statement regarding Hunter:

"We are aware of the reports regarding Jason Hunter and are currently in the process of gathering information and reviewing the facts. Our thoughts are with Jason, and we are hopeful he makes a quick recovery.  Out of respect for his privacy, we will not have additional comment on the matter at this time." 

However, it's possible McHale's not finished helping raise banners in Boston, as a return to the Celtics could be in order for the member of Boston's original "Big 3".

McHale, who according to Yahoo! Sports, is set to interview for the Houston Rockets coaching job in the upcoming weeks, is reportedly also a candidate for the Celtics coaching job, if Doc Rivers declines to sign an extension after this season, reports Adrian Wojnarowski.

In two tenures (2005 and 2009) as the Timberwolves head coach, McHale compiled a 39-55 record. He has spent the last two seasons working as a television analyst for NBA TV and TNT.

The Celtic legend is just one of a cavalcade of potential replacements for Rick Adelman in Houston. The club's interview candidates reportedly include: Mike Brown, Dwane Casey, Kelvin Sampson, current Houston assistant coach Jack Sikma and one-time Celtic Sam Cassell.

Would you like to see McHale coaching the Celtics if Rivers decides to hang it up? Leave your thoughts below.

If Doc Rivers decides not to return, would you want to see Kevin McHale coach the Celtics??customer surveys

Poor play from current Padres' first basemen Jorge Cantu and Brad Hawpe could result in an early call-up for Rizzo, according to Jason A. Churchill on ESPN.com.

The Padres' first basemen tandem of Cantu and Hawpe have been disappointing to say the least, hitting a combined .122/.173/.189, with three extra-base hits this season.

Rizzo, who was moved to San Diego as part of the Adrian Gonzalez trade during the offseason, has been on fire this season for Triple-A Tucson, putting up a line that reads: .458/.500/.814, with five home runs.

"He looked ready last month," a pro scout told Churchill. "But [the Padres] aren't doing anything this year and he will benefit from his work down here."

Calling up one of the players for which the Padres traded their franchise first baseman in Gonzalez could go a long way in boosting fan morale in San Diego. However, keeping Rizzo in the minors until late May would save the club a year before the first baseman becomes arbitration eligible. 

Sports Business Daily is reporting that as many as 70 players are close to signing with a law firm with hopes of intervening in the Tom Brady antitrust case. The report cites unnamed sources, who contend that the group isn't contesting the lawsuit, but that they would just like to explain their take on the labor dispute from their own seat at the mediation table. 

The group is reportedly unhappy with the way earlier mediation talks ended last month prior to the NFLPA filing for decertification.

The NFL Players Association's initial lawsuit was filed by 10 of the NFL's highest profile players, including Brady, Peyton Manning, Mike Vrabel and Drew Brees. The splinter group is comprised mainly of mid-tier players, according to the Sports Business Daily.

Vrabel told Ed Werder of ESPN.com that he was not aware of the report, but echoed that everyone on the players side is unhappy with the way mediation ended last month in Washington, but argued that splitting up is not the answer. 

"We all have a seat at the table already. If they're unhappy, then we should get together and elect a new executive board," he told ESPN.

Before the law firm will file the intervention, it wants at least 75 players on board, the Sports Business Daily reported. If player dissent continues to grow, the new group of players could file as early as the end of this week.

The five-bedroom, nine-bathroom home is priced to sell at just a tad under $30 million by professional gambler Billy Walters, and the beachfront property is worth every penny, as most agree that it puts Derek Jeter‘s sparkling new pad to shame.

Walters, known as the “most dangerous bettor in Nevada” because of his winning streaks, bet the house several times over to score this 10,000 square-foot home that sits on an acre and a half in the sleepy town of Carlsbad, Calif., The Wall Street Journal reports.

Walters built his fortune with hard work coupled with a bit of luck. The 63-year-old is a well-known professional in the high-stakes, high-risk world of multimillion dollar sports betting.

Check out Billy Walters’ home by clicking here>>

The Knicks sent a tape of two non-calls in the final minute of Game 1 against the Celtics to the league office, an NBA source told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.

The Knicks took exception to the pick Kevin Garnett set on Toney Douglas prior to Ray Allen‘s game-winning 3-pointer. New York also lobbied the league for a delay of game technical foul call on Delonte West, who ran onto the court following Allen’s 3-pointer to chest bump the veteran sharp-shooter, meaning six Celtics players were technically on the court.  

According to the report, the NBA has admitted that Garnett’s pick on Douglas was a foul and West’s celebratory trip onto the court should also have been ruled a delay of game. 

Watch the closing seconds of the video closely for a slow-motion look at Garnett’s pick on Douglas.

''Heartbreak Hill,'' as it's appropriately been dubbed since Boston Globe reporter Jerry Nason coined the term in 1936, is the fourth and largest of the hills rising from the Newton portion of Boston's 26.2-mile marathon.

The hill spans the gap between miles 20 and 21, and is feared for its ability to suck the momentum out of even the most seasoned of runners. 

That said, it's not all heartbreak and despair on the hill. There's also an unbelievable crowd offering up support to each and every racer, as fans from all over rallied to show their support.  

There were chalk drawings, costumes and even choreographed dance routines, all designed to keep everyone motivated and running towards that finish line. 

For more footage from "Heartbreak Hill," check out the video above.

The NHL has suspended Kings forward Jarret Stoll one game for his hit to the head on Sharks defenseman Ian White, according to ESPN.com.

Stoll struck White from behind, driving his head into the boards during the first period of the Sharks 3-2 overtime win on Thursday. White did not return to the game after the hit. Although there were no penalties called on the play, replays showed that boarding should have been called.

Stoll will serve the suspension on Saturday night, as the Sharks and Kings square off in Game 2 in San Jose.

Initially, Stoll said he didn't expect a suspension.

"[White] was a little low there," Stoll said. "I don't know what he was doing, if he was reaching for a puck or what. He was right against the boards, too, and he was a little low. I just finished my check on him, and it ended up pretty bad for him. 

"I hope he's all right. You hate to see a guy get hurt in the regular season or playoffs and I definitely wasn't trying to hurt him. … There wasn't a penalty on the call so I'm not expecting anything."

Sharks defensemen Dan Boyle had a different take. "I don't like it," Boyle said. "I didn't like it the first time around, and I don't like it on the replay. I don't know that Stoll is that kind of a guy but that's exactly what we're talking about and trying to eliminate [from the game]."

White hasn't been officially ruled out for Game 2, but Sharks coach Todd McLellan isn't optimistic.

"At this present time I'd say no. He didn't practice today," McLellan said after Friday's practice. "He'll come to the rink tomorrow and we'll evaluate him. We'll put his well-being and health ahead of playing."

''Obviously, we want to win," Krejci said after practice on Friday. "We have to win. And we will win.

''We don't want to go to Montreal with a  2-0 [deficit],'' the center continued. ''That would be tough. But I'm very confident in our team.''

The Bruins outshot the Canadiens 31-20 on Thursday night, but couldn't get one past a locked-in Carey Price and fell 2-0 in Game 1 at TD Garden. Despite the loss, Krejci is still confident that the Bruins can take the series.

"It's a long series,'' said Krejci. ''We lost one game, it happens. We lost the first game against Buffalo last year too and then we came back. It's just one game. If we win tomorrow, it's a tied series."

The Bruins will have their chance to even the series in Boston on Saturday night, when they face off against the Habs for Game 2 at 7 p.m.

Starting on Friday morning at 8 a.m., Adidas set up treadmills at three locations around Boston – City Hall Plaza, Faneuil Park and Hynes Convention Center — and encouraged Bostonians to get moving for their local charities. 

Adidas is donating $2 for every mile run from 8 a.m. until 12 a.m., and $5 for every mile run from 12 a.m. until 7:59 a.m.

After one day, more than 130 miles have been tallied, helping to raise nearly $1,500 for the local charities. 

The fun and healthy fundraiser is open to runners of all ages and will run until Saturday April 17 at midnight.  

On Wednesday, it was learned that the NBA has canceled its annual Las Vegas summer league and axed its annual summer internship program in two rather ominous signs that the league may be heading for a lockout come July 1, according to Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News.

The Las Vegas summer league, which serves as a venue for little-used veteran players and rookies to gain game experience, was set to run July 9-19, while the NBA internship, which generally employs close to 30 college students, takes place annually over a 10-week period each summer. 

The NBA will also refrain from sending any teams abroad for training camp and has avoided scheduling any preseason games in Europe.

Negotiations broke off between the owners and players in mid-February, but they are expected to pick up again later this month. The current collective bargaining agreement expires June 30.

The club released former Red Sox top pitching prospect Craig Hansen on Wednesday, according to Piratesprospects.com.

Hansen's release leaves minor league RHP Bryan Morris as the organization's only remaining player from the Jason Bay trade that was supposed to restock the organization with promising young talent. Brandon Moss (former Boston prospect) and Andy LaRoche (former Dodger top prospect) have already been released.

Hansen, who was the key piece relinquished by the Sox to acquire Bay, was once tabbed the prospect closest to reaching the major-leagues in the 2005 draft by Baseball America.

The 2005 Big East Conference Pitcher of the Year appeared in 21 games for the Pirates, posting a 6.95 ERA with a 2:1 walk to strikeout ratio, before being diagnosed with a rare nerve injury in the spring of 2009 that weakened the muscles in his right arm, dropping his fastball velocity from 95-97 mph to 88-89 mph.

The right-hander appeared in just 12 minor league games for Pittsburgh in 2010. 

The eight panelists for ESPN.com's individual Power Rankings series unanimously selected Belichick for the top spot when asked to rank the best coaches in the game.

The panelists couldn't argue with Belichick's numbers — since 2007, Belichick has 51 wins, a .797 winning percentage, three division titles and a trip to the Super Bowl — making the Patriots' coach the first individual in the series' history to receive a perfect score of 80. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin placed second, followed by Eagles coach Andy Reid and Green Bay Packer coach Mike McCarthy. Rex Ryan ranked seventh.

Here's a look at how the voting broke down:

Bodden started things out believable, sparking interest with a Friday morning tweet that read, "At the facility … Just saw all the coaches — didn't talk to them cuz that's illegal." 

A few members of the media subsequently re-tweeted the comment, finding it odd that any Patriots player would be at the facility on what is now the 21st day of the lockout. 

Minutes later Bodden was tweeting again, this time claiming he was "Leaving now Bout to Hop on this G6 and fly to Germany … The Frankfurt Galaxy just signed me to this 1yr $57mill. Contract."

Considering that NFL Europe no longer exists, many members of the media began to realize the joke was on them. 

Bodden capped off his April Fool's Day shenanigans with a third tweet claiming that former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue had sent Bodden a text and was contemplating a return.

As Shalise Manza Young of The Boston Globe noted, this may have been a joke, as well as a "swipe at current commish Roger Goodell."

On a more serious note, Bodden, who lost all of last season to a shoulder injury, sounds like he is ready to go. That is, once the Pats are allowed back at their practice facility again. 

"Rehab is great — my arm feels good. I was thinking to myself the other day, 'man, I'm ready for some action. I'm ready to play,'" Bodden said during an interview on Sirius NFL radio on Thursday. "I haven’t played in a year so I'm eager to get out there and do some things, footwork, use this arm to jam some people up. But soon enough. The longer I have to heal, the better it is. I still rehab every day but it's feeling great."

Things are getting so tough in Minnesota, in fact, that the Timberwolves are giving away two free tickets along with the purchase of four cans of Butter Kernel vegetables.

As you can see in the photo below, four cans of Butter Kernel are going for $3.00, which means you and a friend can watch one of the NBA's worst teams (the T-Wolves have a 17-57 record) for the bargain price of $1.50 per ticket – with dinner included.

Photo courtesy of Canishoopus.

"I knew I wanted to ask this girl. She was, you know, awesome. She's really pretty. She's really cool. She's wicked chill, nice person to talk to, and I wanted to get to know her better," he told Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski.

"I'm a firm believer in that if you're going to do something, do it right. If you're going to commit yourself to something like this, why not make it excellent instead of just something good?"

Oliver, who managed to score tickets to Thursday's Bruins-Habs game at the TD Garden, brought a Flip cam and idea to the balcony.  

As the Bruins routed the Canadiens by a touchdown, Levin attempted to convince an entire section of Bruins faithful to shout, "Hey, Sarah, will you go to prom with me?" But it became clear early on that that wasn't going to be in the cards. 

Levin wasn't put off though, as he still created one of the best prom proposals ever filmed at the Garden (prove me wrong), with the help of some quintessential Bs fans, of course. 

Oh, and, if you're wondering, she said yes.