Basketball: Joseph inspires Rocks' crushing win over Eagles

The British Basketball League leaders Scottish Rocks exacted revenge over the Eagles last night, with an 81-55 hammering in Newcastle over the club that defeated them in the BBL Trophy semi-final eight days ago. Newcastle are now 10 points behind the Rocks with two games in hand.

Julius Joseph led Rocks with 25 points, supported by 15 from former Eagle Frank Bennett.

Sheffield Sharks fans will not be holding their breath over a possible guest appearance by Dennis Rodman, the 44 year-old 6ft 7in former Chicago Bulls team-mate of Michael Jordan who won five National Basketball Association titles and led the league in rebounds for a record seven consecutive seasons.

Rodman is in England as a Celebrity Big Brother internee and has been touted around BBL clubs by his agent, who is looking for a £23,000 fee for an entire game - presumably after Rodman has been kicked out of the house.

The Sharks coach Peter Scantlebury, whose team are away to Guildford Heat tonight, said: "The last I heard it was £15,000 and he'd play 20 minutes. But I don't think it's likely."