IN BRIEF
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller missed practice Thursday because of an exercise-related headache, putting his status for Sunday's game against the Jets (9-4) in question.
Miller sustained a concussion Dec. 5 against Baltimore, causing him to miss last week's game against Cincinnati. Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain was fined $40,000 for the helmet hit.
Miller was cleared to resume practicing with the Steelers (10-3) and did so Wednesday, only to be held out Thursday.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck said he decided to replace Bill Stewart as head football coach because a national championship wasn't possible under the program's current leadership.Luck said Thursday he first informed Stewart about his decision to replace him Nov. 14. He says he first met with Oklahoma State's Dana Holgorsen Nov. 23.Luck announced Wednesday that West Virginia has hired Holgorsen as its head coach in-waiting, scheduled to replace Stewart before the 2012 season. He will serve as the Mountaineers' offensive coordinator next season.
PHILADELPHIA — Convicted dogfighting-ring operator Michael Vick hopes to own a dog again someday — and the head of the Humane Society of the United States says he's fine with that, once Vick is off probation.The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback told TheGrio.com that he genuinely cares for animals and one day hopes to have a dog as a household pet. Vick says it would a “big step” in his rehabilitation process.Vick served 18 months in prison after being convicted in 2007. A federal judge also banned Vick from owning a dog during three years of probation after his release from prison.Humane Society president Wayne Pacelle says it's “too early” for Vick to have a dog now, but says it could be a “good thing” for Vick and his family after his probation ends.
MONTREAL — Twelve of about 30 autographed NHL jerseys stolen from Pat Burns’ widow within hours of his funeral have been returned to the family.Montreal police said Thursday that the sweaters were found by agents from a security company and given to a journalist, who returned the jerseys — destined for a charity auction — to the late NHL coach’s family.Burns had barely been laid to rest Nov. 29 when thieves smashed into his widow’s SUV and stole personal belongings. Family photos, Burns’ credit cards and his watch are still missing.