s, scoring four goals in his first four games. PRO

MONTREAL -- He was an NHL pugilist. He became an animal-rights-defending vegan environmentalist. Now, in the latest twist in his improbable career path, Georges Laraque is a politician. The former NHL tough guy confirmed Tuesday that he will vie for a seat soon in the House of Commons. He announced his plans to campaign for a Montreal seat in a byelection. At a news conference with Green Party Leader Elizabeth May in Montreal, he said he will begin campaigning immediately for the eventual byelection in Bourassa riding. That Montreal riding faces a byelection at some point over the coming months because its longtime MP, Liberal Denis Coderre, is leaving to run for mayor. "While we do not know the election date yet, I want to start campaigning now," Laraque said in a statement. "We have a lot of work ahead of us and I want to take advantage of the summer to meet you and listen to your concerns. Ill be in Bourassa all summer, and you can already get in touch with me now." A former Edmonton Oiler, Pittsburgh Penguin and Montreal Canadien, Laraque racked up 1,126 penalty minutes in an NHL career where he was better known for his left jab than for his wrist shot. But in recent years hes also become known for his political activism as a vegan, animal-rights crusader and environmentalist. He became deputy leader of the Green party in 2010. Laraque was quoted in a recent news report saying he planned to eventually seek a seat in the House of Commons with the Greens. Its not yet known when Prime Minister Stephen Harper will call a byelection for the riding, which is in a diverse north-end area with different economic classes and ethnic groups and which has a large Haitian population. Laraque, whose parents were born in Haiti, has been involved in humanitarian work there since the Caribbean country was devastated by an earthquake in 2010. 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Dennis Rodman Pistons Jersey . -- Canadian Andrew Wiggins got the ball on the wing, made a nifty spin move and then let go with a soft floater from about 10 feet that swished through the net in Allen Fieldhouse. ATHENS, Ga. -- The home debut of Kirby Smart as No. 9 Georgias coach gained new significance when freshman Jacob Eason was announced as the starting quarterback in Saturdays game against Nicholls.Easons eventual rise to the starting job was widely expected following a preseason competition with 2015 starter Greyson Lambert and Brice Ramsey. Eason, from Lake Stevens, Washington, was regarded by some services as the nations top high school quarterback in this years recruiting class.Eason played behind Lambert in last weeks 33-24 win over North Carolina. Eason completed 8 of 12 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown. Lambert completed 5 of 8 passes for 54 yards.Georgia confirmed early Friday that Eason will start. Current Detroit Lions starter Matthew Stafford is the last Georgia true freshman to start at quarterback. Staffords first start came in the third game of the 2006 season, a 34-0 win over UAB.Georgia (1-0) will use the day to prepare for eight straight Southeastern Conference games, including next weeks visit to Missouri. It will be the opener for Nicholls, a FCS team.Smart hasnt commented on his quarterback decision. He said Monday it is easier for a freshman quarterback to start, thanks to the growth of the passing game in high school.They see so much more, they throw so much more, theyve seen a lot of the defenses before, Smart said. There are a lot more prolific offenses out there in high school football. More teams are throwing in high school football. ... I certainly think quarterbacks come in with more ability to play early.Eason (6-5, 235) looked tall, strong and confident against North Carolina. He displayed his arm strength on a 51-yard completion to Isaiah McKenzie. He also threw a 17-yard scoring pass to McKenzie.Easons rise to the starting job may come as a relief to his teammates after weekly questions about the quarterback competition.It doesnt matter whos in there, Jacob or Greyson or anybody, fullback Christian Payne said Monday. Were going to play our best for whoever.---Some things to know about Nicholls visit to Georgia:`NECESSARRY EVIL: Nicholls lost to Arkansas 73-7 in 2014 in its last game against a SEC team and has no win against a FBS team since 2013, when it beat Western Michigan.dddddddddddd Coach Tim Rebowe said playing a team like Georgia is a necessary evil. I think all the coaches in the (Southland) conference would agree, Rebowe said. We like to do it. Its great exposure for our program and a lot of our guys want to see if they can compete at the highest level.NO LETDOWN: Smart insists the Bulldogs can improve everywhere. He then added for emphasis Im serious. Anywhere. The win over then-No. 22 North Carolina triggered a big celebration in Atlantas Georgia Dome for Smart, his players and Georgia fans. On Monday the coach insisted that looking back only brought him anguish. You watch the tape and youre sick to your stomach because there are so many things we did wrong that we need to improve on, Smart said.HELP FOR CHUBB: Tailback Nick Chubb was a workhorse as he had 33 carries for 222 yards and two touchdowns last week in his return from his 2015 season-ending knee injury. He is expected to carry a much lighter load against the Colonels, even if Sony Michel isnt cleared to return from his broken forearm.CALLING ALL FRESHMEN: Georgia played 12 freshmen against North Carolina and may expand that list this week. Tailback Elijah Holyfield, held out with an ankle injury last week, could make his debut. Another freshman tailback, Brian Herrien ran for 59 yards with a touchdown on seven carries last week and could play a bigger role.RUNNING QB: Nicholls senior Tuskani Figaro is a dual threat at quarterback. He is 10th on the programs all-time rushing list and has seven career games with at least 100 yards rushing. As a sophomore, he set a school record with 1,103 yards rushing. Figaros 2015 season ended in his ninth start with a collarbone injury at the end of a 75-yard run against Lamar.---AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org ' ' '