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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Leaf will author books on his life

Football: Former Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf said he will write three books about his life, football career and addiction to painkillers.

The deal was announced Monday by Crimson Oak Publishing, a Pullman-based publisher that bills itself as specializing in books about “hope, possibility and determination.” Leaf confirmed the book deal but declined to comment further.

The first book will focus on Leaf’s playing career at Washington State, including the team’s 1998 Rose Bowl appearance. Another book will be a broader biography covering his youth and troubled NFL career. A third book will be about his addiction to prescription painkillers, which resulted in a 2009 indictment while he was coaching quarterbacks at West Texas A&M.

In April, Leaf pleaded guilty to eight felony drug charges and received 10 years of probation.

Associated Press

Sounders open ’11 MLS season

Soccer: The 2011 MLS season will open March 15 when the Seattle Sounders FC host Western Conference rival Los Angeles at Qwest Field.

The league announced all home openers on Monday.

This is the third straight year the Sounders have been chosen to host the first league game of the season.

Baseball: Coming off consecutive NCAA postseason appearances, Washington State is ranked 31st in the 2011  Collegiate Baseball preseason Top 40 poll.

The Cougars are one of seven Pac-10 teams in the poll and are ranked in the preseason for the fourth time in school history.

Public can skate on Avista ice

Hockey: The ice at Avista Stadium will be open for a public skate the day before the Western Hockey League’s first outdoor game next month.

The Spokane Chiefs will play the Kootenay Ice at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15.

On Friday, the ice is available for skating. The cost is $3 for children 12 and under, $5 for all others.

Dave Trimmer