Fast Break

PRO FOOTBALL

Vick cracks 1,000

Atlanta’s Michael Vick became the first NFL quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season Sunday.

Vick, who needed only 10 yards to reach the mark, gained 17 on his first carry on the Falcons’ opening possession. On first down at the Carolina 42, Vick ran left for the first down. The fans applauded and Vick’s teammates gave him a quick pat in the huddle. Vick finished with 32 yards rushing, giving him 1,022 for the season.

The drive ended with another milestone, Morten Andersen’s 539th career field goal. He passed Gary Andersen for the career record.

The visiting Carolina Panthers defeated the Falcons 10-3.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Big bucks in merchandising

Winning on the field translates into big money for universities. A year ago, Texas won a national championship in football and raked in a record $8.2 million in merchandise royalties.

Ohio State and Florida play in the BCS title game Jan. 8, and both have had banner seasons in merchandise sales. Ohio State’s royalties are ahead of last year, when the school collected a record $5.7 million.

“Face it, some fans are fans of you because you win,” said Rick Van Brimmer, Ohio State’s licensing director.

Ohio State, Michigan, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina perennially are tops in selling merchandise, according to SportsOneSource, which tracks sales at major sporting goods stores.

PRO BASKETBALL

Bobcats not for charity

A minority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats wants to donate his share of the basketball team to a charity, but is being blocked by team managing partner Bob Johnson, The Charlotte Observer reported Sunday.

Felix Sabates wants to give his Bobcats stock, which he values at about $1.34 million, to the foundation that supports Carolinas HealthCare System. The Cuban-born Sabates, also a prominent NASCAR team owner, is a member of the system’s board.

“I was surprised Bob wouldn’t approve this, considering it’s a donation,” Sabates told the newspaper in an interview Friday.