Sports

There are traditional, tried-and-true methods of rebuilding a team. There is the draft-and-wait philosophy, which has the Oklahoma City Thunder poised for a long stay among the N.B.A.’s elite. There is the future-is-now credo that propelled the Boston Celtics from a 15-year rut without a 50-victory season to 234 wins over the last four years, 2 finals appearances and a title.

The 2011 Denver Broncos will not be remembered for their defense. Let’s face it, the lasting memory, regardless of how this unexpected Rocky Mountain joy ride ends, will be of quarterback Tim Tebow. More >

Texas A&M is considering sending a cease and desist letter to the Denver Broncos for infringing on the school’s “12th Man” trademark.

The school owns the trademark. Before Denver’s wild-card playoff win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, a man parachuted into the stadium with a “12th Man” flag, which reportedly flew during the game.

School spokesman Jason Cook told ESPN.com that the school will meet with general counsel on Monday morning to discuss the timetable of pursuing action.

“A cease and desist is typically our first course of action when dealing with infringements of the 12th Man mark,” Cook said.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced today in preparation for Sunday’s AFC Wild Card game at Denver. Roethlisberger, who participated in practice, is listed as probable.

Also, linebackers James Harrison (toe) and LaMarr Woodley (hamstring), defensive end Brett Keisel (groin), guard Doug Legursky (shoulder), safety Troy Polamalu (calf), offensive tackle Jonathan Scott (back) are all probable.

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark will not play in Sunday’s AFC wild card playoff game against the Denver Broncos because of health risks to him in the high altitude of Denver, the team said on Tuesday.

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Denver safety Brian Dawkins is doubtful for Sunday’s game against Kansas City with a neck injury that has been bothering him for several weeks. More >

Troy has won its last three meetings over Denver, but an odd Sun Belt scheduling quirk had the Pioneers coming to Trojan Arena in each of those seasons.

Today, Troy (5-6) opens Sun Belt play against Denver (10-2) at 8 p.m. in Magness Arena. Troy is 0-2 in visits to Denver and its high altitude since joining the Sun Belt.

“The altitude has a little bit to do with it, but I don’t think it’s a significant factor,” Troy head coach Don Maestri said. “It’s not like you can’t win up there.

Tebowmania hit new highs on Sunday. Rookie Denver Broncos starting quarterback Tim Tebow wowed football fans with an overtime win against the Chicago Bears Sunday, after being scoreless with just minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Now that he’s got six wins in a row, the Heisman Trophy winner may just be the subject of more media coverage than Kim Kardashian, Newt Gingrich and Alec Baldwin put together. From his atypical approach to running the football to his on-field evangelizing, the attention surrounding Tebow is outsized, even by professional sports standards.