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Florida Sports Matter

• Though Tennessee running back Chris Brown — who has requested a trade — has interest in Miami, Titans GM Floyd Reese said Tuesday the Dolphins haven’t inquired about him and Tennessee doesn’t intend to trade him. . . . Don’t be surprised if linebacker Channing Crowder becomes more of a factor in the pass rush. Crowder had no sacks last year and estimates he rushed the quarterback less than a third of the time on pass plays. But Crowder expects to blitz more in Dom Capers’ defense. . . . Defensive end Matt Roth has emerged as perhaps the most improved defensive player in camp, with one defensive starter noting he’s now simply reacting instead of worrying about making mistakes.

• When Marlins manager Joe Girardi essentially told owner Jeffrey Loria not to complain to the umpires during Sunday’s game — a move that angered Loria — it wasn’t the first time Girardi has caused uneasiness.

• Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina said he asked MLB president Bob DuPuy if baseball would help pay for a Marlins stadium. ”He said no, but that there are ways they can help,” Robaina said, but DuPuy gave no details.

Robaina continues to insist a stadium deal ”will get done,” but there’s justified skepticism. Miami-Dade County hasn’t determined how much of the $100 million-plus funding gap can be covered by property taxes on a proposed industrial park. And Robaina reiterated Hialeah won’t contribute its own property tax money — which could be a deal-killer.

• Word is the Heat was very pleased with Earl Barron’s summer-league work. One veteran NBA scout said Barron is ready to play and ”can be a legitimate backup center.” But Barron will be No. 4 at center for Miami, meaning No. 3 Michael Doleac remains an option to be traded for a point guard.

• A sad postscript: Remember when Dirk Nowitzki kicked the ball into the AmericanAirlines Arena stands after the Heat’s Game 5 win against Dallas in the NBA Finals? The ball hit Miami resident Michael Alan in the head. Alan died July 22 at 62 after a long battle with heart disease and emphysema.

[HERALD]