Sports News

Indianapolis Colts guard Mike Pollak, the team's top draft pick, hits a blocking sled during a minicamp at the NFL football team's training facility in Indianapolis on Friday, May 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Tom Strickland)
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AP

NFL owners vote to opt out of labor deal in 2011

AP - 23 minutes ago

ATLANTA - NFL owners voted unanimously Tuesday to end their labor agreement with the players' union in 2011. The league and union, however, insisted the next three seasons won't be interrupted by a contract dispute and both sides are working toward a new deal.

Baseball News

  • Mike Piazza decides to retire after 19 seasons AP - 12 minutes ago

    BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Mike Piazza is retiring from baseball following a 19-season career in which he became one of the top-hitting catchers in history. "After discussing my options with my wife, family and agent, I felt it is time to start a new chapter in my life," he said in a statement released by his agent, Dan Lozano. "It has been an amazing journey."

  • In this April 22, 2008 file photo, Atlanta Braves starter John Smoltz pumps his fist as he celebrates his 3,000th career strikeout during the third inning of a Major League Baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field in Atlanta. Smoltz still has inflammation and discomfort in his right shoulder, leaving him unsure when he'll be able to pitch again. He hopes to learn more after throwing on the side Tuesday, May 20, 2008. (AP Photo/Gregory Smith, File)
    Smoltz pulls the plug on shoulder updates AP - 1 hour, 15 minutes ago

    ATLANTA - After another test on his ailing right shoulder, John Smoltz declared Tuesday he will give no more updates until he's back on the mound for the Atlanta Braves

  • Chicago Cubs Aramis Ramirez (16), Geovany Soto (18) and Kosuke Fukudome head to the dugout after scoring on Soto's three-run homer in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in a baseball game Monday, May 19, 2008 in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
    Soto lifts Cubs with another disputed homer AP - Tue May 20, 4:36 AM ET

    Geovany Soto's first inside-the-park home run will be one that he won't forget.

  • Boston Red Sox starter Jon Lester pumps his arms after throwing a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals during their MLB baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on Monday, May 19, 2008. The Red Sox won 7-0. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
    Lester throws no-hitter against Royals AP - Tue May 20, 4:18 AM ET

    BOSTON - Even after chemotherapy cured him, Jon Lester knew that if he was truly going to put his cancer in the past he would have to build a career that was at least as remarkable as his recovery.

  • Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Eric Hinske catches a pop-up hit by Oakland Athletics' Bobby Crosby during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, May 19, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
    Evan Longoria's homer in 13th leads Rays past A's AP - Tue May 20, 2:18 AM ET

    OAKLAND, Calif. - Evan Longoria hit a two-run homer in the 13th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays overcame a pair of home runs by Frank Thomas to beat the Oakland Athletics 7-6 Monday night.

Football News

  • NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a draft pick during the 2008 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York April 26, 2008. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)
    NFL owners opt to end labor deal with players early Reuters - 2 hours, 37 minutes ago

    CHICAGO (Reuters) - National Football League team owners voted unanimously on Tuesday to terminate their labor contract with the players union early in a move to cut salary costs.

  • Miami Dolphins sign McKinney to boost offensive line Reuters - Mon May 19, 7:00 PM ET

    MIAMI (Reuters) - The Miami Dolphins continued to strengthen their offensive line by signing 10-year league veteran Steve McKinney as a free agent on Monday.

  • Indianapolis Colts guard Mike Pollak, the team's top draft pick, hits a blocking sled during a minicamp at the NFL football team's training facility in Indianapolis on Friday, May 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Tom Strickland)
    NFL owners vote to opt out of labor deal in 2011 AP - 23 minutes ago

    ATLANTA - NFL owners voted unanimously Tuesday to end their labor agreement with the players' union in 2011. The league and union, however, insisted the next three seasons won't be interrupted by a contract dispute and both sides are working toward a new deal.

  • In this Aug. 21, 2007 file photo, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman is shown in court in Cincinnati. Troubled linebacker Odell Thurman has been released by the Cincinnati Bengals, one month after he was reinstated by the NFL from a two-year suspension. The Bengals said Monday May 19, 2008 that Thurman wasn't meeting expectations. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman, File)
    Bengals release troubled linebacker Odell Thurman AP - Mon May 19, 5:43 PM ET

    CINCINNATI - Less than a month after the NFL reinstated Odell Thurman from his two-year suspension, the troubled linebacker is out of a job.

  • Jacksonville Jaguars Fred Taylor pulls Bengal linebacker Odell Thurman along as he rushes for part of his 132 yards on the night as the Jaguars defeated the previously unbeaten Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, October 9, 2005. (Mark Wallheiser/Reuters)
    Bengals cut troubled linebacker Thurman Reuters - Mon May 19, 12:56 PM ET

    NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Cincinnati Bengals on Monday cut Odell Thurman, a talented but troubled linebacker who had been suspended for the last two seasons for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Basketball News

Soccer News

  • Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo takes part in a training session at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on the eve of the Champions league final football match against Chelsea. Alex Ferguson laughed off suggestions that Ronaldo is on his way out of Manchester United and claimed he was ready to put "a very big bet" on the Portuguese winger staying at Old Trafford.(AFP/Franck Fife)
    Fergie ready to bet on Ronaldo staying at Utd AFP - Tue May 20, 11:27 AM ET

    MOSCOW (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson laughed off suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo is on his way out of Manchester United and claimed he was ready to put "a very big bet" on the Portuguese winger staying at Old Trafford.

  • Chelsea's hopes that uncertainty over the future of manager Avram Grant, seen here talking to the media in Moscow, and key players could be put aside until after the Champions League final were dashed on the eve of the biggest match in the club's history.(AFP/Franck Fife)
    Uncertainty overshadows Chelsea on eve of final AFP - 2 hours, 5 minutes ago

    MOSCOW (AFP) - Chelsea's hopes that uncertainty over the future of manager Avram Grant and key players could be put aside until after the Champions League final were dashed on the eve of the biggest match in the club's history.

  • Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero celebrates after scoring during an Italian Serie A match against Sampdoria at Genova Luigi Ferraris Stadium on May 17. Del Piero made the cut as Italy coach Roberto Donadoni trimmed his Euro 2008 list of possibles down to 24 - though he has to drop one name by May 28.(AFP/File/Luigi Bertello)
    Del Piero still in Italy squad for Euro 2008 AFP - Tue May 20, 11:33 AM ET

    ROME (AFP) - Alessandro Del Piero made the cut on Tuesday as Italy coach Roberto Donadoni trimmed his Euro 2008 list of possibles down to 24 - though he has to drop one name by May 28.

  • Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, seen here addressing the press in Mocwo, played down concerns over the pitch for Wednesday's Champions League final as a key groundsman said he was "totally disappointed" with the new grass surface.(AFP/Franck Fife)
    Ferguson plays down growing pitch concerns AFP - 1 hour, 44 minutes ago

    MOSCOW (AFP) - Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson played down concerns over the pitch for Wednesday's Champions League final as a key groundsman said he was "totally disappointed" with the new grass surface.

  • Paris Saint Germain striker Pedro Pauleta, seen here on May 17, 2008, said on Tuesday he would have liked a chance to discuss his future at the club and admitted that the failure of the club to enter talks as his contract ran out meant it was "difficult" to see him postponing his departure.(AFP/Sebastien Bozon)
    PSG's Pauleta irked at no talks on future AFP - 1 hour, 20 minutes ago

    PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain striker Pedro Pauleta said on Tuesday he would have liked a chance to discuss his future at the club and admitted that the failure of the club to enter talks as his contract ran out meant it was "difficult" to see him postponing his departure.

Hockey

  • Detroit Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk, left, of Russia celebrates his goal against the Dallas Stars with Detroit Red Wings' Henrik Zetterberg (40) of Sweden during the first period in Game 6 of the NHL Western Conference hockey finals, Monday, May 19, 2008 in Dallas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
    Red Wings headed back to Stanley Cup finals AP - Tue May 20, 4:42 AM ET

    DALLAS - Even with blood caked on his red beard and his lower lip badly swollen, Kris Draper was still smiling.

  • The Detroit Red Wings congratulate each other after their 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars during in Game 6 of the NHL Western Conference hockey finals, Monday, May 19, 2008 in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
    Red Wings oust Stars for 4th Cup trip in 11 years AP - Mon May 19, 11:24 PM ET

    DALLAS - Dominant in the regular season, superb again in the postseason, the Detroit Red Wings are headed back to the Stanley Cup finals. With gusto, too.

  • The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate their 6-0 win against the Philadelphia Flyers as time winds down in the third period during Game 5 of the NHL Eastern Conference hockey finals in Pittsburgh, Sunday, May 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
    Pens rout Flyers to earn trip to Stanley Cup final AP - Mon May 19, 7:50 AM ET

    PITTSBURGH - Ryan Malone, the one Penguins player with firsthand memories of the team's two previous Stanley Cup appearances, scored twice and set up a third goal and Pittsburgh routed rival Philadelphia 6-0 Sunday to win the Eastern Conference championship and a trip to the NHL finals.

  • Members of Team Russia pile up on teammate Ilya Kovalchuk after scoring the winning goal in overtime to beat Team Canada 5-4 and win the gold medal at the IIHF World Hockey Championship Sunday, May 18, 2008 in Quebec City. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jacques Boissinot)
    Kovalchuk's OT goal hands Russia world hockey gold AP - Sun May 18, 7:43 PM ET

    QUEBEC CITY - Ilya Kovalchuk scored his second goal of the game in overtime, giving Russia its first world hockey title since 1993 with a 5-4 win Sunday over Canada.

  • Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco stops a Detroit Red Wings shot as Dallas Drake, left, moves in for a rebound in the second period of Game 5 of their NHL hockey Western Conference series in Detroit, Saturday, May 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
    Turco stifles Red Wings to help Stars force Game 6 AP - Sun May 18, 4:37 AM ET

    DETROIT - Marty Turco picked the perfect time for his first NHL victory at Joe Louis Arena. Turco made 38 saves to lift the Dallas Stars to a 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday in Game 5, extending the Western Conference finals.

College Sports News

  • FSU president: College football playoff inevitable AP - Fri May 16, 5:37 PM ET

    GRAPEVINE, Texas - Here's a ray of hope for college football fans bummed by the recent rejection of the plus-one model to determine a national champion.

  • In this March 29, 2008 file photo, Penn State coach Joe Paterno laughs during a news conference after coaching a football practice in State College, Pa. Paterno is in a hospital undergoing tests and is being treated for apparent dehydration. A team spokesman says the 81-year-old football coach was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center by ambulance Thursday morning May 15, 2008 after feeling nauseated. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
    Penn St.'s Paterno treated, released from hospital AP - Fri May 16, 7:11 AM ET

    STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Penn State coach Joe Paterno spent several hours at a hospital being treated for dehydration before returning home late Thursday.

  • Indiana gives Dakich $185,000 settlement AP - Thu May 15, 5:29 PM ET

    BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana University has reached a settlement with former interim coach Dan Dakich, paying him the $185,000 he was scheduled to earn next school year.

  • NCAA president has 'new information' on USC's Mayo AP - Tue May 13, 6:28 PM ET

    HOUSTON - Saying the NCAA has "new information," president Myles Brand promised to investigate former Southern California basketball star O.J. Mayo, who allegedly received thousands of dollars in gifts from money given to an event promoter by a sports agency.

  • In this April 17, 2008 file photo, University of Southern California freshman basketball player O.J. Mayo, who announced on April 9 that he was declaring for the 2008 NBA Draft, smiles during a news conference at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles. A former friend of Mayo has alleged that Mayo violated NCAA rules by accepting tens of thousands of dollars in cash and benefits from an L.A. events promoter. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
    Agency representing Mayo denies illegal activity AP - Mon May 12, 11:14 PM ET

    LOS ANGELES - The head of the sports agency representing O.J. Mayo denied any illegal activity involving the Southern California star on Monday, a day after ESPN reported Bill Duffy Associates gave cash to an event promoter who provided gifts.

Tennis News

  • Andy Murray of Great Britain, seen here reacting to a lost point in a March 2008 match, admits he needs to improve his on-court attitude after branding himself immature.(AFP/Getty Images/File)
    Murray - I need to grow up on court AFP - 47 minutes ago

    LONDON (AFP) - Andy Murray admits he needs to improve his on-court attitude after branding himself immature.

  • Former US world number one Lindsay Davenport, seen here in March 2008, as well as compatriots Meilen Tu and Meghann Shaughnessy, on Tuesday pulled out of the French Open starting on May 25, the French Tennis Federation said.(AFP/Getty Images/File)
    Davenport out of Roland-Garros AFP - 1 hour, 20 minutes ago

    PARIS (AFP) - Former US world number one Lindsay Davenport, as well as compatriots Meilen Tu and Meghann Shaughnessy, on Tuesday pulled out of the French Open starting on May 25, the French Tennis Federation said.

  • Forty-five tennis matches played in the last five years are under investigation as part of a major inquiry into betting in the sport, it was revealed on Monday.(AFP/File/Daniel Garcia)
    Corruption fears over 45 matches - report AFP - Mon May 19, 3:13 PM ET

    PARIS (AFP) - Forty-five tennis matches played in the last five years are under investigation as part of a major inquiry into betting in the sport, it was revealed on Monday.

  • US Andy Roddick returns a backhand to Tommy Robredo of Spain during their ATP Tennis Open in Rome. Roddick has withdrawn from next week's French Open as he is still nursing a shoulder injury, his brother John announced.(AFP/File/Vincenzo Pinto)
    Roddick withdraws from French Open AFP - Mon May 19, 3:09 PM ET

    DÜSSELDORF, German (AFP) - American men's tennis number one Andy Roddick withdrew from next week's French Open as he is still nursing a shoulder injury, his brother John announced on Monday.

  • Stefan Edberg of Sweden, seen here in 1996 and who has not played competitive tennis since he retired 12 years ago, could be set to face old rival Pete Sampras after agreeing to play two events on the Tour of Champions.(AFP/File/Henny Ray Abrams)
    Edberg set to come out of retirement AFP - Mon May 19, 1:04 PM ET

    LONDON (AFP) - Sweden's former men's world number one Stefan Edberg, who has not played competitive tennis since he retired 12 years ago, could be set to face old rival Pete Sampras after agreeing to play two events on the Tour of Champions.

Golf News

  • In this April 12, 2008 file photo, Tiger Woods looks on during the third round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. Woods intends to play in the Buick Open and will host a golf clinic at Comerica Park in Detroit on June 24, two days before the tournament begins, a tournament official announced during a news conference Monday, May 19, 2008. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
    Tiger Woods plans to play Buick Open, host clinic AP - Mon May 19, 7:32 PM ET

    GRAND BLANC, Mich. - Tiger Woods intends to play in the Buick Open and will host a golf clinic at Comerica Park in Detroit on June 24, two days before the tournament begins. Buick golf marketing manager Larry Peck announced Woods' participation during a news conference Monday.

  • Ryuji Imada, of Japan, reacts after sinking a putt for par on the 18th hole to win the the AT&T Classic golf tournament in a playoff against Kenny Perry in Duluth, Ga., Sunday, May 18, 2008. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
    Imada picks up first PGA Tour win in playoff AP - Mon May 19, 4:33 AM ET

    DULUTH, Ga. - Ryuji Imada claimed his first PGA Tour victory by taking advantage of someone else's misfortune.

  • Lorena Ochoa of Mexico holds up the trophy after winning the Sybase Classic by one stroke in the final round of the Sybase Classic LPGA golf tournament at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, N.J., Sunday, May 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
    Ochoa wins 3rd straight Sybase Classic AP - Mon May 19, 4:33 AM ET

    CLIFTON, N.J. - Lorena Ochoa found a new way to win, grinding it out instead of running away from the field.

  • Andy Bean kisses the trophy after winning the Regions Charity Classic golf tournament in Hoover, Ala., on Sunday, May 18, 2008. He finished 13 under par. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
    Bean holds on to win Regions Charity Classic by 1 AP - Sun May 18, 6:36 PM ET

    HOOVER, Ala. - Andy Bean hasn't forgotten how to pull off a dramatic victory. Bean managed to save par on No. 18 after hooking his drive left and bogeying the previous hole, holding on for a 2-under 70 and a one-stroke victory over Loren Roberts on Sunday in the Champions Tour's Regions Charity Classic.

  • Annika Sorenstam, of Sweden, announces her retirement from the LPGA Tour during a press conference at the Sybase Classic golf tournament at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, N.J., Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Sorenstam who began her professional career in 1992 will retire at the conclusion of the 2008 LPGA season. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
    Sorenstam to make this her last year on LPGA Tour AP - Tue May 13, 8:11 PM ET

    CLIFTON, N.J. - Annika Sorenstam ignored her notes and spoke from the heart. One of golf's greatest players was leaving the game, and she handled her retirement announcement the way she would a 10-foot birdie putt with a tournament on the line. With command and composure.

Boxing News

Motor Sports News

  • Race driver A.J. Foyt IV slides through the third turn after the car made contact with the wall during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Steve Weaver)
    Foyt bumps his way into Indy field before crash AP - Sun May 18, 9:53 PM ET

    INDIANAPOLIS - A.J. Foyt IV had to deal with wind and then fire Sunday before his starting spot in the 92nd Indianapolis 500 was secure. At least it didn't rain.

  • Kasey Kahne (9) leads Greg Biffle (16) down the front stretch during the final segment of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Saturday, May 17, 2008. Kahne won the auto race. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
    Kahne gambles to win All-Star race and $1M prize AP - Sun May 18, 4:38 AM ET

    CONCORD, N.C. - Kasey Kahne won a popularity contest, then parlayed it into a $1 million payday. After failing to qualify for the All-Star race, Kahne grabbed a spot in the field when the fans voted him into Saturday night's event at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

  • Phil Giebler slams into the wall in the first during a practice session for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Steve Russell)
    Giebler hospitalized after crash in Indy 500 practice AP - Sun May 18, 12:23 AM ET

    INDIANAPOLIS - Phil Giebler, a late entry with only a handful of laps behind the wheel, was hospitalized Saturday with bruised lungs from a crash during practice for the Indianapolis 500.

  • AJ Allmendinger celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Showdown auto race before the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Saturday, May 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
    Allmendinger wins Showdown, earns All-Star berth AP - Sat May 17, 10:31 PM ET

    CONCORD, N.C. - AJ Allmendinger won for the first time in his NASCAR career Saturday night, winning the Sprint Showdown to earn a berth in the All-Star race.

  • Rookie driver Viso crashes in Indy 500 practice AP - Fri May 16, 12:35 PM ET

    INDIANAPOLIS - Rookie driver E.J. Viso has crashed during practice for the Indianapolis 500.

Most Popular Sports News

  • Boston Red Sox starter Jon Lester delivers in the ninth inning while throwing a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals in their MLB baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on Monday, May 19, 2008. The Red Sox won 7-0. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
    Cancer survivor Lester throws no-hitter vs Royals AP - Mon May 19, 11:20 PM ET

    BOSTON - Jon Lester has survived cancer and pitched a World Series clincher for the Boston Red Sox. Now he can add a no-hitter to his already amazing list of accomplishments.

  • In this April 10, 2007 file photo, NBA official Tim Donaghy talks with another official during a timeout at a basketball between the Washington Wizards and New Jersey Nets in Washington, D.C. Lawyers for disgraced basketball referee Donaghy say, Monday, May 19, 2008, their client deserves to be sentenced to probation because he cooperated in the probe into NBA betting and because he has 'a pathological gambling condition.' (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, file)
    Lawyer: Ex-ref Donaghy cooperated in NBA probe AP - Tue May 20, 9:38 AM ET

    NEW YORK - Disgraced basketball referee Tim Donaghy told investigators in the NBA betting probe that relationships among officials, coaches and players "affected the outcome of games," his attorney said. The league said the charges were unfounded.

  • NFL owners vote to opt out of labor deal in 2011 AP - 23 minutes ago

    ATLANTA - NFL owners voted unanimously Tuesday to end their labor agreement with the players' union in 2011. The league and union, however, insisted the next three seasons won't be interrupted by a contract dispute and both sides are working toward a new deal.

  • Red Wings oust Stars for 4th Cup trip in 11 years AP - Mon May 19, 11:24 PM ET

    DALLAS - Dominant in the regular season, superb again in the postseason, the Detroit Red Wings are headed back to the Stanley Cup finals. With gusto, too.

  • San Antonio Spurs forward Manu Ginobili (20), of Argentina, gets around New Orleans Hornets center Tyson Chandler (6) in the first half of Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference semifinal basketball series Monday, May 19, 2008, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
    Spurs beat Hornets 91-82, advance to West finals AP - Tue May 20, 7:32 AM ET

    NEW ORLEANS - A title defense endures for the playoff-savvy San Antonio Spurs. Manu Ginobili scored 26 points, hitting four free throws in the final minute, sending the Spurs to the Western Conference finals with a 91-82 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night in Game 7 of their second-round series.

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