Thursday afternooner

*Big Papi and Manny are two most recent names on the list of those that tested positive for steroids in 2003 to leak. Not a huge surprise for Manny considering he say out 50 games already this year for testing positive. For Big Papi though this confirms what many were thinking earlier in the year when he was slumping.

This can't be good for their chances at the hall down the road. And throughout the rest of the season. (NYT)

*Mike Vick told media Thursday after his bankruptcy hearing that he was close to signing with a new team. (Washington Post)

*As if things weren't already weird in the Arturo Gatti case in Brazil, they have officially ruled that it was a suicide and have released his wife from jail. Something just doesn't seem right. (Daily News)

*Giants LB Antonio Pierce testified today in the Plaxico Burress case as charges loom on the horizon for himself. Is the DA in New York looking to make a name or what? (Daily News)

*Ryan Lochte took one of Michael Phelps world record's in the World Championships as Phelps looked on choosing not to swim in the 200IM. (Washington Post)

*Udeze retires a year after battling leukemia. It is currently in remission, but apparently Udeze is having trouble getting himself back in to football sahpe. (Miami Herald)

*Taylor Mays is going to be the stud this year for USC. Keep an eye on the safety. (LA Times)

*Raptors and Warriors swapped Devean George for Marco Belinelli. (San Francisco Chronicle)

*Raiders signed their first round pick today WR Darius Heyward-Bey...and will continue to be terrible this year. (Fox)