Bears' Hurd arrested on federal drug charges following sting
Chicago Bears wide receiver Sam Hurd was locked up in federal custody Thursday as his stunned teammates learned he had been charged with trying to set up a drug-dealing network following his arrest with more than a pound of cocaine.
U.S. Magistrate Young Kim ordered Hurd held until at least Friday while prosecutors and defense attorneys work out bond details before he is sent to Texas to face charges.
The handcuffed Hurd declined to comment on the charges. Asked before the hearing if he was still a member of the Bears, he said: "As far as I know." He shook his head when asked if he had talked to anyone on the team.
"Sam intends to fight these charges, and we intend to defend him fully," said high-profile defense attorney David Kenner, one of Hurd's lawyers. "We have complete confidence in him."
Kenner told The Associated Press that he and partner Brett Greenfield had not evaluated all of the information in the case. But Kenner -- who successfully defended rapper Snoop Dogg against murder charges -- said he had other cases where the evidence appeared to be stacked against his client.
"They start off looking terrible, and then we end up with 'not guiltys,"' Kenner said.
Kenner and Greenfield said they expected Hurd to be released from custody Friday.
Hurd, 26, was arrested Wednesday night after meeting with an undercover agent at a Chicago restaurant, according to a criminal complaint that says the player was first identified as a potential drug dealer over the summer as the NFL lockout was coming to an end.
Hurd told the agent that he was interested in buying five to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week to distribute in the Chicago area, the complaint said. He allegedly said he and a co-conspirator already distribute about four kilos of cocaine every week, but their supplier couldn't keep up with his demands. A kilogram is about 2.2 pounds.
Hurd told the agent "his co-conspirator is in charge of doing the majority of the deals" while he focused on "higher-end deals," the complaint said.
He agreed to pay $25,000 for each kilogram of cocaine and $450 a pound for the marijuana, according to the charges, and then said he could pay for a kilo of cocaine after "he gets out of practice." He walked out of the restaurant with the package and was arrested.
The criminal complaint was filed in Texas, where the U.S. attorney said Hurd faces up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine if convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, or half a kilogram.
Hurd's agent, Ian Greengross, did not return messages seeking comment. The NFL said it was looking into the incident while the NFL Players Association declined to comment.
Coach Lovie Smith said the arrest was a disappointment and a "total surprise," adding that Hurd was still a member of the Bears for now.
"Sam wasn't in meetings this morning and that's how from there of course we started searching trying to find out why a player wouldn't be here," Smith said. "There was no tipoff, didn't know it was coming."
Smith said there was no reason to believe Hurd had problems when the Bears signed him before the season.
"No issues, no reason. I'm in shock over it. I never saw it coming," Smith said. "But just like I think I know most of you, you don't really know what people do once you're not with them. But I know that anyone we bring through here, we've had an extensive search to find out everything, if there is something out there, and that wasn't the case. There was nothing we knew about Sam."
Hurd, a San Antonio native who played college ball at Northern Illinois, spent five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and is in his first stint with the Bears. He has contributed mostly on special teams, playing in 77 games overall with six starts and two career touchdowns. He has played in 12 games this year, catching eight passes for 109 yards.
The complaint says an informant tipped off authorities in Texas in July, leading to an investigation in which an unidentified acquaintance of Hurd's "negotiated" for approximately five kilograms of cocaine on the player's behalf. The acquaintance wanted to buy the drugs quickly to take it to a "northern destination that same day," the complaint said.
The Bears reached a three-year deal with Hurd this summer that was reportedly worth up to $5.15 million, including a $1.35 million signing bonus and base pay this season of $685,000.
Magic's Howard says trade request has not been withdrawn
Magic center Dwight Howard has made it a point to avoid social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook as talk continued to swirl this week about his request to be traded to another team.
But on Saturday fans will get their first opportunity in person to express how they feel about the All-Star's desires when the team holds an open scrimmage at the Amway Center.
It could be the first awkward reception the fan-favorite Howard has ever received in the year-old arena.
Howard said Thursday that his trade request hasn't been withdrawn; a day after Magic general manager Otis Smith shook off questions about what offers he'd received and said that trade discussions involving him "could go to the end of the season."
The team is off Friday, it's first break since training camp opened last week.
"There's no back and forth," Howard said. "It still stands and we know what's going on. I talked to Otis today. What we talked about is gonna stay between me and him."
Howard also brushed off a question about whether there needs to be any mending to their relationship going forward.
"Right now me and Otis are gonna continue to try to make this team better," he said. "And I'm gonna do my part on the court. That's the reason I'm here. To get our team better and to make myself a better leader for this team.
"And we're doing great. Practices are going great, guys are coming in and they're focused - nobody's playing around. We're having fun, but at the same time we're getting the job done...There's no need to talk about trades or what's on ESPN or in the newspaper. There's no need to bring it on the court."
The All-Star center is eligible to opt out of his current contract in July 2012. Smith has previously given Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, permission to discuss trades with Dallas, New Jersey and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Magic guard Chris Duhon said that for the veterans in the locker room, there hasn't been a lot of worry about whether they could wind up being traded as part of a deal for Howard.
"Everybody knows what what's going on and it's a part of our business," Duhon said. "You gotta be a professional. We're professional athletes. We know this thing's a business and there's gonna be changes in lineups every now and then. So you gotta do what you do as a pro and be prepared to play, prepared to practice every day and give your best effort. Whatever happens, you adjust to it and make the best out of it."
While Howard Watch is becoming a daily reality show, the Magic are slowly cobbling together their roster for their Christmas night season-opener at Oklahoma City.
Late Thursday afternoon the Magic announced the re-signing of free agent forward Earl Clark, who played 33 games with Orlando last season after coming over with Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson in a trade with Phoenix.
The move came three days after a trade of Brandon Bass to Boston for Glen Davis was officially completed and Richardson, also a free agent, was re-signed.
Clark averaged just 11.9 minutes and 4.1 points per game after his arrival last December, but Van Gundy thinks he can add depth to the Magic's front court.
SI
Sir Viv critical of WICB’s treatment of Gayle
CHRIS Gayle can, for at least a few more days, rest easy – he still has at least one high-profile fan in the Caribbean.
Former West Indies captain, Sir Vivian Richards, has come forward in defence of the embattled Jamaican opener and has criticised the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for its handling of the protracted and still ongoing saga involving the two parties.
According to some sections of the Antiguan press, Richards was quoted as saying the WICB was “making Chris Gayle out to be a villain”.
Following a highly-publicised dispute with the WICB over comments he made to a Jamaican radio station earlier this year, Gayle has not played for the West Indies since the 2011 World Cup on the Asian subcontinent.
To date, efforts to resolve the matter have proven futile, with the WICB demanding an apology from the enigmatic opener and the former captain openly refusing to change his stance.
According to the “Master Blaster”, the WICB itself has not been living up to its responsibilities.
“I would like to believe that at present, the West Indies Cricket Board is basically making Chris Gayle out to be this villain ... about apologising and what he has to do and the criteria that is required for him to be part of the unit again. I just think it’s a little farfetched in my opinion,” said Richards, a former captain who played 121 Tests and compiled 8 540 runs for the West Indies between 1974 and 1991.
“Let me also take this opportunity to say that I am not in Chris Gayle’s corner (with) most of the decisions he makes. But I think with this issue, it is potent enough that I feel he needs some support where these matters are concerned”.
Richards went on to say that he found it laughable that the WICB was demanding an apology from Gayle. He also said it was time that someone took the WICB to task on the issue.
“At some point, somebody has got to take these guys on. They have been totally dictatorial in my opinion; having people in their corner who are just corn-fed, the best so-called fed chickens that you can find,” he said.
“So it is ludicrous for them now wanting Chris Gayle to come with some sort of an apology. He may or may not apologise. That’s his particular call. What I am saying is that how dare them (WICB), at this point, wanting so much from Chris when they have given so little”.
Richards, who also appeared in 187 ODIs amassing 6 721 runs, said the WICB had in the past set up a commission to look into the ways in which West Indies cricket could be improved, but to date, no findings had been released to the public.
He was speaking about what is commonly referred to as the, “Patterson Report”.
“One also has to remember that this very same board that is asking all these various things of Chris Gayle had set up a commission where they would have employed some of the best scholars in the region. It was a waste of time in my opinion because up to this day we have not heard anything about this commission. I guess it is a serious insult to the individuals who would have taken part,” said Richards.
Pressed if he could see an end to the stalemate between the WICB and Gayle, Richards was unable to answer.
He did say, however, that is was clearly evident that the left-handed batsman wanted to play for the regional squad. He also said his presence would bolster a rather weak West Indies team.
“Judging from what I would have seen, he clearly wants to be in the West Indies team. But sometimes you need to go through these periods of time where there are tribulations. I guess he realises this, and as he is getting older, he would like to make a contribution”.
St Kitts-Nevis projects positive economic growth in 2012
Minister of Finance, the Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas said that while growth will be flat for 2011, the economy could return to a positive growth path in 2012 when output is projected to expand by 1.5 percent.
He said the pattern is consistent with the trends observed in the OECS group.
“In 2010 the domestic economy contracted by 2.7 percent -- a 3 percent improvement over the 5.6 percent decline recorded in 2009. During this year, steady recovery was experienced by both the manufacturing and tourism sectors, which are projected to grow by 6 percent and 5.9 percent respectively. However, this will be insufficient to offset the effects of the slow recovery being experienced by the construction sector and distributive trades,” said Douglas, as he delivered the 2012 budget address in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Summarizing the balance of payments account, which records all receipts and payments between the Federation and the rest of the world, Douglas noted that, in 2010, the current account deficit increased by 0.6 percent to $464.3 million or 25.5 percent of GDP at market prices.
“This marginal increase is mainly attributed to an increase in the net importation of goods and services by 9.3 percent to $486.9 million or 26.7 percent of GDP. The rise in net goods and services can be attributed to an increase in outflows for merchandise for the construction and manufacturing sectors and an upturn in activity in tourism. The services account surplus decreased by 31.6 percent to $59.3 million or 3.3 percent of GDP as a result of a decline of 4.4 percent in travel receipts and an expansion of the deficit for transportation of 24.8 percent due to an increase in global oil prices,” Douglas said.
He disclosed that the surplus on the capital and financial account declined by 5.6 percent to $471.0 million or 25.9 percent of GDP in 2010. Net foreign direct investment expanded significantly by 35.5 percent to $380.8 million or 20.9 percent of GDP when compared to 2009, which is attributed mainly to a 70.2 percent increase in land sales. However, this significant increase in direct investment inflows was insufficient to offset the current account deficit resulting in an overall deficit of $2.8 million or 0.2 percent of GDP,” said Douglas.
Chinese nationals attacked and robbed
A family of Chinese nationals say they are grateful to be alive after three cutlass wielding intruders robbed them of more than $100,000 in cash and items yesterday morning. Zhi Yong Wu, proprietor of Jia Jia Supermarket, and his family of eight were bound and gagged after the masked robbers stormed into their home and business at around 3 am. Wu had to be treated at the San Fernando General Hospital for minor injuries to his head. The family was asleep in their home upstairs the supermarket located at Reform Village, Williamsville. Wu told the police he got up to use the washroom and as he opened the front gate, he was accosted by three masked men.
They forced Wu inside the house and woke up the other family members. Speaking from the supermarket yesterday, Wu’s daughter, 23-year-old Li Jing Wu said she became afraid when she heard her father shouting that robbers were inside the house. Jing Wu said she immediately called the landlord who lives next door and he contacted the police. Jing Wu was critical of the response from the Gasparillo police. She said the robbers held them captive for 40 minutes and the police took more than an hour to arrive at the scene.
'America's Got Talent' officially adds Howard Stern
He’s been hinting about it, but now it’s official: NBC announced Thursday that Howard Stern is joining “America’s Got Talent" as a judge.
The radio personality, 57, will give feedback on the hopeful future stars auditioning for the competition show. Former judge Piers Morgan bid farewell in November, and he's happy with his replacement.
"Congrats to @HowardStern on landing my #AmericasGotTalent judging gig – he'll be outrageous, hilarious, dangerous & brilliant," the "Piers Morgan Tonight" host tweeted Thursday. "Can't wait."
NBC's head of alternative and late night programming, Paul Telegdy, was similarly enthused, saying in a statement that Stern's "a proven innovator and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success.”
Stern's future co-judge, Howie Mandel, added via Twitter, "This will be our best year yet...I cannot wait. Let the judging begin."
Conveniently for Stern, the live show tapings are being moved to New York, where he'll continue to host his SiriusXM radio program.
“AGT” is currently holding auditions around the country for the upcoming seventh season. Auditions started in October, and there are upcoming open calls set for Austin, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina and San Francisco, California. For more information, go to AGTauditions.com.
Update, 12:10 p.m.: There's at least one group displeased with the move: The Parents Television Council. (Don't tell us you guessed it?)
The PTC says in a statement that hiring Stern as a judge was "an act of desperation for a flailing network."
“The once-proud broadcast network has lost its way and has made it clear it holds no concern whatsoever for children and families," the PTC says. "It also risks losing millions in advertising dollars. Whatever principles NBC had in the past, when the network was successful, have clearly gone out the window.”
How do you feel about Howard jumping on board “America’s Got Talent”?
George Clooney rules Golden Globe nominations
George Clooney will likely spend a lot of time at the Golden Globes podium next month, considering the number of nominations he and his two movies got Thursday from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Clooney's "The Descendants" and "The Ides of March" are nominated nine times, and both films are among the six nominated for best drama. Clooney is also a contender for best actor in a drama for his "Descendants" role and for best director and best screenplay for "The Ides of March."
"Descendants" co-star Shailene Woodley is nominated for best supporting actress, Alexander Payne is up for best director and best screenplay.
"The Ides of March" earned a best drama movie actor nomination for Ryan Gosling, who also is nominated for best actor in a comedy film for "Crazy, Stupid, Love."
The other best drama film nominees include "The Help," which is nominated for five Globes, including a best drama actress nod for Viola Davis. Co-stars Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain are competing against each other for best supporting actress. Mary J. Blige's "The Living Proof" is nominated for best original song.
Best drama contender "Moneyball" is also nominated for best screenplay, while Brad Pitt, who portrayed baseball general manager Billy Beane, is up for best actor in a drama film. Jonah Hill, who played Beane's statistical wizard, is nominated for best supporting actor.
Steven Spielberg's "War Horse" is competing for best drama, and John Williams' music for the film is nominated for best original score. The movie is not up for any acting honors.
"Hugo" rounds out nominations for the best movie drama category. Martin Scorsese is also nominated for best director for the 3-D family film, while Howard Shore is up for best original score.
The best drama film actor category also includes Leonardo DiCaprio for his portrayal of the former FBI director in "J. Edgar," and Michael Fassbender for "Shame."
Meryl Streep, who has been nominated 25 times before for Globes and won seven of the trophies, is again in the running for best actress in a drama film. She is nominated for portraying former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady."
Glenn Close, who produced, co-wrote and stars in "Albert Nobbs," was nominated as best actress. Co-star Janet McTeer is nominated in the best supporting actress category.
Along with Davis, Streep and Close, the best drama actress competitors include Tilda Swinton for "We Need to Talk About Kevin" and Rooney Mara for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."
The list of Golden Globe nominees for best comedy or musical films includes "The Artist," "50/50," "Bridesmaids," "Midnight in Paris" and "My Week With Marilyn."
"The Artist" has six nominations, the most of any other film. It drew a best acting nomination for Jean Dujardin, best supporting actress for Berenice Bejo, best original score for Ludovic Bource and best director and best screenplay nods for Michel Hazanavicius.
"Midnight in Paris" gained Woody Allen best director and best screenplay nominations, along with a best comedy film actor nomination for Owen Wilson.
"My Week With Marilyn" star Michelle Williams' portrayal of Marilyn Monroe put her into the best comedy actress competition, while co-star Kenneth Branagh is nominated for best supporting actor.
"50/50" lead Joseph Gordon-Levitt is nominated for best comedy actor, and "Bridesmaids" star Kristen Wiig is up for best comedy actress.
Other best comedy actress contenders are Kate Winslet and Jodie Foster, both for their roles in "Carnage," and Charlize Theron for "Young Adult."
Brendan Gleeson's "The Guard" performance earned a best comedy actor nomination.
The best supporting actor category, which covers dramas, comedies and musicals, also includes Albert Brooks for "Drive," Viggo Mortensen for "A Dangerous Method" and Christopher Plummer for "Beginners."
Golden Globe nominees for best animated feature film include Spielberg's "The Adventures of Tintin," "Arthur Christmas," "Cars 2," "Puss in Boots" and "Rango."
The best foreign-language films nominated include the Angelina Jolie-directed "In the Land of Blood and Honey," China's "Flowers of War," "The Kid With a Bike" from Belgium, the Iranian film "A Separation" and Spain's "The Skin I Live In."
Cable channel HBO dominated the Globes' television nominations with 18, including four for its mini-series "Mildred Pierce," three for drama series "Boardwalk Empire" and three for the movie "Cinema Verite."
"Mildred Pierce," a nominee for best TV mini-series or movie, also earned a best actress nomination for Kate Winslet, best supporting actress for Evan Rachel Wood and best supporting actor for Guy Pearce.
Another HBO best TV mini-series or movie nominee, "Cinema Verite," earned a best actress nomination for Diane Lane and best actor nomination for Tim Robbins.
Best TV drama series contender "Boardwalk Empire" star Steve Buscemi is contending for best actor and co-star.
Kelly MacDonald is nominated for best supporting actress.
Showtime was the second most-nominated TV channel with eight, including three for its drama series "Homeland" and two for the comedy series "Episodes."
"Homeland," vying for best TV drama series, boasts a best actress nomination for Claire Danes and best actor nomination for Damian Lewis.
Along with the best TV comedy nomination, Showtime's "Episodes" has a best actor nomination for Matt LeBlanc and best actress nomination for Laura Dern.
PBS followed with five nominations, including four for the British Masterpiece production "Downtown Abbey."
The 69th annual Golden Globes will be handed out in a televised ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15.
OPSM spreads some cheer to members of the wellness centre
OPSM spreads some cheer to members of the wellness centre
The Office of the Public 
Service Management (OPSM), presented their 2nd annual Christmas cheer this afternoon to clients of the Wellness Center in Grand Turk.
Members from the center were all in their glee as they sang carols and celebrated in the spirit of Christmas.
Permanent Secretary of OPSM, Mrs. Susan Malcolm expressed appreciation to the Wellness Centre family and sent Christmas greetings to all..
Also making presentations was Mrs. Cynthia Astwood, Chair of Public Service Commission Board, who not only counted the occasion an inspirational one, but one in which to give back in a small way, for their contribution to society.
The event continued with musical selections from Calvert and Dudley of Take Four Jazz band and RTC's Quiet Storm. They were also accompanied by Pastor Simmons on bass.
Also present at the celebrations were the nurses from the wellness center and staff of OPSM.
Body of a 3 year old girl in South Caicos found
The lifeless body of a 3 year old girl in South Caicos discovered in an uncovered pit which contained water The island of South Caicos was plunged into grief last evening as a three year old girl was confirmed dead.
Official Police reports to RTC moments ago, say on Wednesday 14th December 2011 at around 5:45 pm, a three (3) year old girl was found lifeless in an
uncovered pit which contained water. This incident took place at a location known as The Flat. The body was later pronounced dead.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. An investigation is ongoing at this time.
Police also gave RTC News a 24 Hour Crime Recap for Providenciales, noting that during the past twenty four (24) hours Police in Providenciales responded to seven reported crimes, namely one(1) Murder, three (3) Theft, one (1) Burglary, one (1) Attempted Burglary and one (1) Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. All the reports are still under investigation.
During this same time period a male was arrested on suspicion of Theft in connection with one of the Theft reports for the said period.
A male has also been charged for Burglary. This is relation to an incident which occurred on Saturday 10th of December 2011.
Pieces of Legislation under the Road Safety Department come into effect tomorrow Friday, 16th December
H. E. the Governor Ric Todd on December 7, 2011 signed the following pieces of Legislation which will come into effect tomorrow Friday, 16th December 2011:-
Road Traffic (Amendment) Ordinance 2011, Road Traffic Services Vehicle) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, Road Traffic (Public Services Vehicles Operator) (Licensing Fees) Notice 2011 and Road Traffic (Amendment) (No.3) Regulations 2011
In accordance with regulation 3(3) of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, the fees payable in respect of a License to operate a public service vehicle will be as follows:-
- Taxi-Cab $50.00
- Omnibus $50.00
- Private Charter $100.00
- Private Transfer (reserved) $100.00
- Private Transfer (resort) $100.00
In accordance with Part 1A Private Transfer Vehicle (reserved) Fare; Where the private transfer vehicle (reserved) is hired in respect of a particular journey, the maximum legal charges payable for the first hour or part thereof are as follows: $120.00, and for each subsequent period of ½ hour or part thereof,$60.00.
In accordance with the Road Traffic (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2011, part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Road Traffic Regulations are amended by inserting under the heading B- Commercial Vehicles.
The following fees are applicable
(a) On public service vehicles (i.e. designed or $700.00 adapted for the carriage of twenty or more passengers): PRIVATE CHARTER
(b) On public service vehicles (i.e. a luxury motor VEHICLE): PRIVATE TRANSFER (RESERVED) $550.00 (luxury motor vehicle) $750.00 (Limo)
(c) On public service vehicles: PRIVATE TRANSFER (RESORT) $5,000.00
In addition, Joseph B.A Swann, Acting Director of Road Safety, is reminding all Public Service Vehicle Operators that:
In accordance with Section 26 (3), an application for the renewal of a license granted under regulation 3 or 8 shall be made in the same manner and form as an application for the grant of an original license and shall be made at least 60 days before the expiry of the license.
Mr. Swann is therefore appealing to ALL PUBLICE SERVICE OPERATORS to ensure that their Public Service Operators Licence and their Taxi(s) are
inspected and Licensed or renewed before 1st January 2012.
Failure to comply with these pieces of legislation will mean that those persons concerned, will not be permitted to operate their public service vehicles.