GRAMBLING DISMISSES SPEARS: Grambling State University announced Monday that it has abruptly terminated third-year head football coach Melvin Spears. GSU President Dr. Horace A. Judson said in a statement that it was "time to change the direction of the Grambling State football program. It was a difficult decision but I believe it is in the best interest of the institution and the football program." Spears, known for his trademark sunglasses, had courted some degree of off-field controversy since taking over the program as interim head coach in 2004 when Grambling quarterback legend and former head coach Doug Williams stepped down to take an executive's position with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Shortly thereafter, Spears was accused of falsifying his resume that included a master's degree that he reportedly never completed. He flew to Arizona and completed paperwork to resolve that matter. Since then, he has reportedly been the target of an NCAA probe, launched in January, regarding eligibility of transfer athletes and an internal investigation about administering drug tests and reporting the results. On the field, Spears has compiled a 20-14 record during his head-coaching tenure. He had served as Williams' offensive coordinator since 1998 and helped Williams revive the Grambling program by winning SWAC titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Spears had the interim tag removed after compiling a 6-5 record in his first season despite playing without the services of all-American and record-setting QB Bruce Eugene, who was lost for the season in Spears' first game. Eugene returned in 2005 and led the squad to the SWAC championship and the black college national title with an 11-1 record. Spears was named SWAC coach of the year. Despite returning most of those players this season, Spears' team finished 3-8, only the third time in Grambling's storied football history that the team had lost that many games. "I've been blessed to carry on the legacy of (legendary Grambling coach) Eddie Robinson, Doug Williams and all those players who came before me," said Spears. Judson said he hopes to have a new coach in place by January. Longtime assistant coach Sammy White, a former Grambling and NFL standout wide receiver, will serve as interim head coach until a replacement is found.

JACKSON TO START FOR VIKES: Former Alabama State QB Tarvaris Jackson, a second round draft pick of Minnesota in April's NFL Draft, will get his first start for the Vikings in Thursday's game at Green Bay. New Vikings coach Brad Childress reportedly announced at a team meeting Monday that Jackson would start in place of veteran Brad Johnson in Thursday's game. Jackson saw his first extended playing time in Sunday's loss at home in the Metrodome to the New York Jets. He entered the game with 25 seconds left in the third quarter after the home fans showered Johnson with boos and started a chorus of "We want Jackson." Jackson came in and completed 14 of 23 passes for 177 yards including a 38-yard TD pass on a screen play to running back Mewelde Moore. The scoring drive he led covered 71 yards in five plays with all the yards coming on four completions. He also ran three times for 20 yards and threw an interception in the end zone during the 26-13 loss. It was the 6-1, 232-pounder's second appearance this season. He was 3 of 4 passing for 35 yards in a Dec. 3 loss to Chicago.

DOUGHERTY JOINS JAGS: Former Florida A&M QB Ben Dougherty was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars for their practice squad on Dec. 8 bringing to seven the number of black college players now playing for the Jags. That number is tops in the league. Dougherty was added after former starting QB Byron Leftwich was placed on injured reserve. Dougherty passed for 5,231 yards in two seasons (2003 and 2004) at FAMU setting a school record completing 62.4% of his passes.

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