Vinovich tabbed as Super Bowl referee
NEW YORK (AP) — Bill Vinovich will be the referee for the Super Bowl, heading a seven-man crew that includes four officials working the title game for the first time.
The NFL made the announcement Tuesday. The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks play Feb. 1 in Glendale, Arizona.
Vinovich, umpire Bill Schuster, head linesman Dana McKenzie and back judge Terrence Miles will be working their first Super Bowl. The crew also includes line judge Mark Perlman, field judge Bob Waggoner and side judge Tom Hill.
Mike Wimmer is the replay official and the assistant is Terry Poulos.
Vinovich is in his ninth season as an NFL official. He was the referee for the Patriots-Baltimore playoff game this month when New England confused the Ravens with a formation using a running back as an ineligible receiver. The NFL said the Patriots’ scheme was legal.
Marrone lands with Jags as asst. coach
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Doug Marrone probably didn’t envision this when he walked away from the Buffalo Bills last month.
After interviewing for at least three NFL head coaching jobs, Marrone landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as assistant head coach and offensive line coach Tuesday.
He interviewed with the New York Jets, the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons, and also was considered in the mix in Denver, but didn’t get a single offer ”“ not as head coach or offensive coordinator.
Marrone replaces George Yarno, who left the team last June to begin cancer treatment. Assistant Luke Butkus served as the interim line coach this season.
Nadal wins tough 2nd-rd match at Aussie
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Rafael Nadal persevered through stomach cramps to fend off American qualifier Tim Smyczek 6-2, 3-6, 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7-5 in a second-round match Wednesday at the Australian Open.
Nadal came into the tournament having played in only four tournaments since Wimbledon due to a right wrist injury and appendix surgery.
At the end of the third game of the third set, Nadal called for medical assistance and was given medication for stomach pain.
Serving for the third set at 5-4, Nadal had a double-fault on break point. Smyczek clinched the tiebreaker and the third set with an ace.
Nadal broke Smyczek’s service in the 11th game of the fifth set, then held serve to clinch it on his fourth match point in 4 hours, 12 minutes.
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