Rainey Has Firm Foothold on Ravens Roster
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C2 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2012 SCOREBOARD LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER | KENTUCKY.COM UK SPORTS NFL COMMENTARY Former tennis star Matt Emery Rainey has firm foothold on Ravens roster added to staff as an assistant EX-HILLTOPPER PROVES A VERSATILE DYNAMO yards) and averaged 5.1 yards Rainey next to impossible Former University of Kentucky tennis player Matt Emery has per carry. In each of his final for the Ravens to cut from joined Cedric Kauffmann’s staff as an assistant, the Wildcats’ new By Jim Pickens with a game-best 138 all- two seasons, he gained more their regular-season roster. A head coach announced Tuesday. Emery, the son of former longtime UK coach Dennis Emery, served as a volunteer assistant for the Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro) purpose yards and scoring on than 1,600 yards, and his caretaker of the football who Cats last season. It didn’t take long at all an 18-yard pass from Curtis iron will was a major catalyst rarely fumbles, Rainey can be “Matt was born to be a collegiate coach with his ability to relate to for former Western Kentucky Painter; a highlight reel in the Hilltoppers improving used as a potential game- players and his endless knowledge of the game of tennis,” Kauffmann University All-American play in which he probably from 0-12 in 2009 to 2-10 in breaking weapon in a variety said. “Matt has incredible experience after serving as a volunteer Bobby Rainey to make an covered 35 yards of ground 2010 to a stunningly solid of ways, and any time he has assistant with us last year and a very successful stint as an assistant indelible impression on the in dodging no less than six 7-5 (after an 0-4 start) last the ball in the open field he coach at Maryland. We are both alumni of this great university and Baltimore Ravens and Falcons defenders on fall, as the program made a is a legitimate threat to go all know what it means to wear Kentucky across your chest.” their fans. his way to the end complete transition to major- the way. Emery played for the Cats from 2001-05, helping UK to the An undrafted free zone. college status. Also, the Ravens already NCAA Tournament all four seasons. He ended his career with 58 agent, Rainey was Afterward, various Not that Rainey’s stellar have been beset by several singles wins and 36 doubles wins. “It’s an honor to return to my alma mater and have the privilege all over the field — Internet sites were all-around game on Thursday injuries to running backs of contributing to a program and university which has played such taking handoffs and agog at the “out-of- was a complete surprise to ahead of Rainey on the an important role in my life,” Emery said. pitchouts, catching nowhere” perfor- the Ravens. In pre-season depth chart, which will flair passes, returning mance by this “little- camp, insiders had already amount to more touches for Former UK assistant AD Fligg dies kickoffs and return- Rainey known” rookie out of noticed his speed, quickness, Rainey in the pre-season; Jack Fligg, a former UK assistant athletics director for football ing punts — in the WKU, but for anyone explosiveness and tough- more opportunities for him operations under Bill Curry and Hal Mumme, died Saturday at his Ravens’ 31-17 come-from- who had the privilege of ness. Belying his diminutive to prove that he belongs at Marietta, Ga., home after battling cancer and Parkinson’s disease. behind pre-season victory witnessing Rainey’s exploits physical stature, Rainey has the highest level of profes- The longtime high school and college football coach was at UK over the host Atlanta Falcons as a Hilltopper it was just a always been a dependable sional football. from 1989-99. He retired after the Wildcats’ appearance in the 1999 on Thursday. routine performance for the ball carrier inside the tackles Bottom line: Bobby Rain- Outback Bowl. In what amounted to a relentless 5-foot-7, 205-pound — a trait every feature back ey is a keeper. And, while it’s Fligg is survived by his wife, Jonell, three children and seven homecoming for Rainey, who dynamo. in the NFL must possess. too early for the Ravens to grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at hails from Griffin, Ga. (40 At Western Kentucky, Thursday’s game, how- publicly acknowledge this, Mount Bethel United Methodist Church in Marietta. miles north of Atlanta), he Rainey became the program’s ever, showcased the remark- you can bet your bottom dol- put on a show — finishing career rushing leader (4,542 able versatility that makes lar they already know it. COLLEGE FOOTBALL Miles unclear about Mathieu’s future Transactions Southern Division Purse: $1.5 million ($225,000 to the WEDNESDAY’S LINEUP LSU Coach Les Miles on Tuesday declined to close the door W L Pct GB winner) Rome (Braves) .........31 19 .620 — completely on the possibility, however remote, of Tyrann Mathieu BASEBALL TV: Golf (6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday; Asheville (Rockies) ......28 23 .549 3½ playing football for the Tigers in 2013. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL—Sus- 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday; 10:30 a.m.- Lexington (Astros) ......28 23 .549 3½ pended L.A. Angeles pitching coach 12:30 p.m. and 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sun- TV, radio “Tyrann can be a student at LSU,” Miles said after practice, add- Augusta (Giants) .......25 25 .500 6 Mike Butcher one game and fined him day) Greenville (Red Sox) .....22 27 .449 8½ BASEBALL ing that he is “not in any way speculating” about whether Mathieu an undisclosed amount for leaving the Last year: Suzann Pettersen won Charleston (Yankees) ....22 28 .440 9 could play for the Tigers again. “He will not be on this football team dugout to aggressively argue balls and the second of her two 2011 titles. She 2:10 p.m. MLB: Astros at Cubs WGN Savannah (Mets) .......22 28 .440 9 strikes during Sunday’s game against this year — I guarantee that’s a fact. So I have no idea beyond that.” Tuesday’s games overcame a nine-stroke deficit with a 3:30 p.m. MLB: Nationals at Giants or Rays at Mariners MLB Seattle. Miles indicated he was ready to put his emphasis back on Lexington 10, Savannah 1 7-under 64 and beat Na Yeon Choi with American League 7 p.m. MLB: Rangers at Yankees ESPN Kannapolis 6, Delmarva 2, comp. of a par on the first hole of a playoff. preparing the Tigers for the upcoming season. He stressed that it BALTIMORE ORIOLES—Selected the susp. game Notes: Top-ranked Yani Tseng leads 7:05 p.m. SAL: Lexington at Savannah WLXG-AM 1300 contract of LHP J.C. Romero from Nor- was time to be concerned about getting the Tigers ready for the Augusta 4, Lakewood 2 the tour with three victories. She has folk (IL). Recalled RHP Steve Johnson 7:10 p.m. MLB: Mets at Reds FS Ohio, WVLK-FM 101.5 season-opener against North Texas on Sept. 1. Asheville 5, Charleston, S.C. 2 from Norfolk. Placed LHP Troy Patton struggled in her last five starts, tying Rome 5, Greenville 0 GOLF However, questions kept coming about the dismissal of Mathieu, on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Aug. for 59th in the LPGA Championship, Delmarva 6, Kannapolis 1 (7) an All-America cornerback and 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist. 13. Designated RHP Miguel Socolovich missing the cut in the NW Arkansas 4 p.m. USGA: U.S. Amateur Championship Golf Hagerstown 4, Hickory 3 for assignment. Championship, tying for 50th in the “I certainly am rooting for Tyrann and whatever his future is. But Greensboro 4, West Virginia 3 BOSTON RED SOX—Traded C Kelly U.S. Women’s Open, and missing the SOCCER I’m not focused on that,” Miles said. “I’ve got games to play and I’ve Wednesday’s games Shoppach to the N.Y. Mets for a player cut in the Evian Masters and Toledo 2:30 p.m. Men’s national teams: exhibition, Germany vs. Argentina ESPN2 Lakewood at Augusta, 7:05 p.m. got 104 guys I have to be ready for. I know that this is a very key to be named. Activated RHP Andrew Classic. Charleston, S.C. at Asheville, 7:05 p.m. (taped) Bailey from the 60-day DL. time in his life and I hope the decisions that he makes are in his Hickory at Hagerstown, 7:05 p.m. CLEVELAND INDIANS—Placed RHP CHAMPIONS: DICK’S 7 p.m. MLS: Los Angeles at Columbus NBC Sports best interest for the long-term. So we’ll help in any way we can.” Delmarva at Kannapolis, 7:05 p.m. Josh Tomlin on the 15-day DL, retroac- SPORTING GOODS OPEN 7:30 p.m. Men’s national teams: exhibition, Mexico vs. United States ESPN2 Lexington at Savannah, 7:05 p.m. Mathieu was dismissed from the LSU team last Friday for what tive to Aug. 13. Reinstated RHP Roberto Rome at Greenville, 7:05 p.m. Hernandez from the 15-day DL. Where: Endicott, N.Y. SOFTBALL reportedly was the latest of several failed drug tests. Greensboro at West Virginia, 7:05 p.m. DETROIT TIGERS—Recalled RHP When: Friday-Sunday 10 p.m. Little League World Series: championship game ESPN2 Luke Putkonen from Toledo (IL). LEGENDS 10, SAND GNATS 1 Course: En-Joie Golf Course (6,974 COLLEGE BASKETBALL OAKLAND ATHLETICS—Placed 3B yards, par 72) Brandon Inge on the 15-day DL, ret- Lexington AB R H BI BB SO Avg.