A Pittsburgh Steelers fan is wrapped up in a blanket, with temperatures in the 30s, as she watches the teams warm...PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger laid on the Heinz Field turf, convinced his left leg was broken. The Pittsburgh Steelers huddled around their franchise quarterback, concerned their promising season was in jeopardy.He may not win the MVP or offensive player of the year, but if there was a trophy for grittiest quarterback, the unanimous pick would be Ben Roethlisberger, writes Jamison Hensley. Blog• Playoff MachineBen Roethlisberger improved his career record against the Browns to 13-1. Among quarterbacks to debut since 1960, that is tied for the third best record against any single team (minimum of 10 starts). [Read the full article]

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy is planning to announce his retirement due to degenerative knees, perhaps as soon as Friday, sources with knowledge of Roy's decision have told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard and ESPN.com's Chad Ford.The Blazers had said earlier in the week they were expecting Roy to be ready for training camp as NBA teams hold their first official practices Friday after the five-month lockout.Sources say Roy has privately conceded his ongoing knee trouble would have inevitably led to a reduced role, and given his close connection with the Portland community, the former All-Star does not want to end up being released through the forthcoming amnesty clause and thus eligible to be picked up by another team. [Read the full article]

NBA basketball is back, and commissioner David Stern insists it's better than before.Maybe it won't be noticed right away, but Stern said the "tortured journey" of the 161-day lockout will prove to be worth it.Stern announced that owners and players ratified a new collective bargaining agreement Thursday, the final step to ending the five-month lockout and paving the way for training camps and free agency to open Friday.Together with an expanded revenue sharing program, Stern said teams and fans will see an improved league in coming years."It's a new beginning in a way," he said. [Read the full article]

To experience everything that ESPN.com has to offer, we recommend that you upgrade to a newer version of your web browser. Click the upgrade button to the right or learn more.CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Darian Grubb is Denny Hamlin's new crew chief, Joe Gibbs Racing announced Friday."Darian is a great addition to our organization and person to lead our No. 11 FedEx team," Gibbs said in a news release. "Obviously he has proven the ability to guide a team to a championship and we are excited to have him working with Denny (Hamlin) toward achieving that goal here at Joe Gibbs Racing."Grubb was released after leading Tony Stewart to his third Sprint Cup title this year. He will replace Mike Ford, who was released Tuesday by Joe Gibbs Racing."The chance to work with Denny is something I'm excited about. When you sit down with Joe and J.D. Gibbs you can't help but be excited about this opportunity and the team aspects of JGR," Grubb said. [Read the full article]