Fast Break

College football

Statue puts Davis in Nikes

Ernie Davis never wore Nikes, until now.

A new statue of the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy depicts him in modern-day football gear – including Nike cleats.

The problem is that Davis led Syracuse to the national title in 1959 and won the Heisman two years later, before Nike was formed.

The university unveiled the Davis statue last Saturday, a day after “The Express” – a movie about Davis’ life – had its world premiere at the Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse, N.Y.

Call it an honest mistake by the sculptor, Bruno Lucchesi, 82, of New York City, who said he was asked to work off a picture of Davis. The school said it also sent him football gear.

The statue has Davis wearing his famous No. 44 jersey, but “NIKE” is inscribed on the heel of each cleat, there’s a swoosh on his chest, and he’s holding a helmet much different from the one he wore.

“Bruno will be making the appropriate modifications as soon as possible,” Syracuse spokesman Kevin Morrow said.

Nike, which has a contract with the Syracuse University athletic department, was quick to dispel thoughts the company might have had something to do with the mistakes.

Baseball

M’s reveal ’09 schedule

The tentative 2009 schedule for the Seattle Mariners has them opening on the road April 6 at Minnesota.

The home opener will be April 14 against the Los Angeles Angels.

The Boston Red Sox will visit Seattle in mid-May and the Yankees in August and next September.

Seattle’s interleague games include Colorado, San Diego, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona.

College football

Woolridge with Vandals

University of Idaho coach Robb Akey confirmed Tuesday that former Washington State running back DeMaundray Woolridge is practicing with the club and is on track to play next season.

Woolridge showed signs of promise with the Cougars in 2005 and ’06, but poor grades led the back to transfer to Langston University in Oklahoma. With his grades now in order, Akey said he will be eligible to play next season – his final campaign – after sitting out 2008.