Magpies told to sort out problems as hunt begins for new boss (AFP)
AFP - League Managers' Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan on Friday called on Newcastle to sort out their structural problems to ensure their next manager does not suffer the same fate as Kevin Keegan.
Robinho no loss to Chelsea, insists Scolari (AFP)
AFP - Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari insisted Friday that the failure to sign his fellow Brazilian Robinho would be no loss to the Premier League club this season.
Kazmir pitches Rays to win over; Angels win, too (AP)
AP - Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees are struggling to get back into the playoff race while the Los Angeles Angels are closing in on another postseason berth.
Ready for some (more) football games that count? (AP)
AP - A better question than "Are you ready for some football?" on the opening week of the NFL season might be how soon you're ready for some more games that count.
Djokovic, angered by Roddick, beats him at US Open (AP)
AP - That litany of health issues Novak Djokovic dealt with earlier in the week hip, ankle, stomach and more seemed a tad humorous to Andy Roddick.
Brady appears ready to start opener (AP)
For the first time since the 2005 Super Bowl, Tom Brady was not listed on a New England Patriots practice participation or injury report on Thursday, a sign that he is ready to start Sunday's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. The quarterback, last season's NFL MVP, had a right foot injury and missed all four exhibition games.
Redskins DE Taylor active, Springs out (AP)
Washington Redskins starting left cornerback Shawn Springs was inactive for the season opener against the New York Giants on Thursday night because of a shin injury. Jason Taylor, the defensive end who was traded to the Redskins by Miami, was active for the game and was listed to start. He has only practiced on a limited basis this week because of a knee injury.
Everett to be honored at Bills' opener (AP)
Kevin Everett will be honored while attending Buffalo's season opener against Seattle on Sunday, a year after the former Bills tight end sustained a severe life-threatening spinal cord injury. Everett, who has since made a remarkable recovery, is scheduled to be present to receive the Professional Football Writers of America's Halas Award, which goes to the individual in the NFL who overcame the...
Injury could make 'Pacman' starter (AP)
Call him Adam Jones or Pacman. Maybe even call him a starter. Because the Dallas Cowboys are wary of cornerback Terence Newman's groin injury, there's a chance Jones will make his Dallas debut as part of the starting lineup Sunday in Cleveland. "Yeah, if we didn't start Newman, Adam Jones would start," coach Wade Phillips said Thursday.
Ravens sign former Bengals OT Anderson (AP)
The Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson on a three-year, $11 million contract. Terry Bolar, Anderson's agent, confirmed Thursday's agreement. The addition of Anderson, who is scheduled to sign his contract at the Ravens' training complex Friday morning, comes days before the Ravens open the season against his former team.
Report: Collier gradually improving (AP)
Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier is making gradual improvement from gunshot wounds but is "not out of the woods yet," his agent told a newspaper Thursday. Collier remained in critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, but agent Jeff Jankovich told the Florida Times-Union he was encouraged by what limited knowledge he has of Collier's...
Giants beat 'Skins to open title defense (AP)
The New York Giants won the Super Bowl with defense and they kicked off defense of that title with more of the same. Playing without Pro Bowl linemen Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, New York limited the new-look Washington Redskins to 11 first downs and 209 total yards and gave indications that these Giants are back for another run in a 16-7 victory that ushered in the NFL season Thursday...
Sundin still undecided about future (AP)
The NHL camps open in two weeks and Mats Sundin still hasn't decided if he'll return for another season. Sundin said Wednesday he's unsure if his 37-year-old body can handle another grueling year in the NHL. He's received contract offers from numerous teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team he's led for 13 seasons.
Thrashers sign 1st-round pick Bogosian (AP)
The Atlanta Thrashers signed first-round pick Zach Bogosian to an entry-level contract Thursday. The 18-year-old defenseman was selected third overall after scoring 11 goals and 61 points with Peterborough of the Ontario Hockey League. Bogosian will take part in a prospect evaluation camp in Traverse City, Mich., before reporting for Atlanta's training camp on Sept.
Blues sign 4th overall pick Pietrangelo (AP)
The St. Louis Blues signed defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, the fourth overall pick in the June draft, on Thursday. The 18-year-old Pietrangelo will get a chance to make the team when training camp begins Sept. 19. "We are excited to have Alex signed as he will be a key component to our youth movement for years to come," team president John Davidson said.
California lawmaker questions LPGA language policy (AP)
AP - A California state senator said Thursday that he's seeking a legal opinion to determine whether the LPGA Tour's language requirement for players violates state or federal law.
Federer, Djokovic book US Open rematch in semi-final (AFP)
AFP - For Roger Federer to win his fifth US Open title in a row, the Swiss second seed must prove he still has what it takes to beat Novak Djokovic, this time in a semi-final rematch of last year's final.
Vandy finally beats ranked SEC team on own turf (AP)
AP - Chris Nickson threw for a touchdown and ran for another and Vanderbilt finally beat a ranked opponent on its own field Thursday night, upsetting No. 24 South Carolina 24-17 in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.
Venable, Padres deal slumping Brewers another loss (AP)
AP - Will Venable hit his first career homer and the San Diego Padres beat Milwaukee 5-2 on Thursday night, handing the slumping Brewers their fourth straight loss.
Giants sign receiver Burress to extension (Reuters)
Reuters - The New York Giants signed top receiver Plaxico Burress to a contract extension, the team said on its website on Thursday, securing the playmaker through 2012.
Cubs ace Zambrano gets shot for tendinitis (AP)
AP - Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano has right rotator cuff tendinitis and inflammation, an MRI confirmed Thursday, a potential obstacle to Chicago's chances of winning the World Series for the first time in a century.
Report: Jags' Collier making gradual improvement (AP)
AP - Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier is making gradual improvement from gunshot wounds but is "not out of the woods yet," his agent told a newspaper Thursday.
Djokovic beats Roddick at Open; Federer advances (AP)
AP - Novak Djokovic heard what Andy Roddick said about him and didn't like it one bit.
Giants kick off Super Bowl defense with win (AP)
AP - The New York Giants won the Super Bowl with defense and they kicked off defense of that title with more of the same.
Athens Olympics medalist Molik retires (AP)
Australia's Alicia Molik has retired from international tennis after a long run of injuries, including a debilitating inner-ear virus. The 27-year-old Molik peaked at a No. 8 ranking after reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2005, but spent most of the rest of that season off the circuit because she was unable to balance due to the ear virus.
Rackets taking beatings at Open (AP)
Miffed at a miss, Mardy Fish held the racket right in front of his face and spit through the strings. Still stewing, he took a swing at his equipment bag and wound up for another whack. "I was just so frustrated," he said early Thursday after his quarterfinal loss to Rafael Nadal. He's hardly the only one making such a racket at this U.S.
Another late night at US Open (AP)
Soon after Rafael Nadal and Mardy Fish started playing, they heard "After Midnight" by Eric Clapton come wafting over the speakers at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Time for another episode of the late show at the U.S. Open. Nadal wound up winning, ending the match at 2:10 a.m. Thursday. Most of the upper deck was empty by then, and television showed many fans asleep.
Serena chasing ninth major title (AP)
If the U.S. Open women's semifinalists look across the hallway while stepping out of the locker room at Arthur Ashe Stadium, they can catch a glimpse of a larger-than-life photo of Serena Williams in pink top and headband, smiling a wide smile. Underneath, there's a plaque noting that Williams was the 1999 and 2002 champion at Flushing Meadows.
Roddick loses, Federer advances at Open (AP)
Novak Djokovic heard what Andy Roddick said about him and didn't like it one bit. Still, as much motivation as Djokovic might have derived, and as well as he played in their U.S. Open quarterfinal Thursday night, Roddick's own uncharacteristic serving miscues had a lot to do with the 2003 champion's 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (5) loss.
Bird scores 19 to lead Storm past Sky 70-62 (AP)
Sue Bird scored 19 points to help the Seattle Storm clinch a playoff berth with a 70-62 victory over the Chicago Sky on Thursday night. Camille Little had 13 points and Yolanda Griffith added 10 for Seattle (20-10), which moved into sole possession of first place in the West and secured a fifth straight trip to the postseason.
Bird, Storm grab first place in Western Conference (PA SportsTicker)
By PA SportsTicker
Bills LB Crowell out after knee surgery (AP)
Bills starting linebacker Angelo Crowell will miss Buffalo's season opener against Seattle on Sunday, and is out indefinitely after having surgery on his left knee Thursday. Coach Dick Jauron announced the news after Crowell missed practice, saying Crowell's decision to have arthroscopic surgery came as a surprise.
Browns LB Peek out for season (AP)
Around this time last year, Browns rookie linebacker Alex Hall played his season opener against Mars Hill, a tiny Baptist school in North Carolina. On Sunday, he'll line up against the Dallas Cowboys. Sometimes the only way to test the water is to jump into the pool. "Yeah," Hall said. "I did a cannonball." Because of a season-ending knee injury to linebacker Antwan Peek, Hall, a seventh-round draft...
Giants WR Burress signs 2-year extension (AP)
Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress is finally going to be paid like one of the NFL's top receivers. Hours before the New York Giants kicked off the season against the Washington Redskins on Thursday night, Burress signed a two-year contract extension that will bump his salary into the $7 million range over the next five years.
Bengals: Johnson now Chad Ocho Cinco (AP)
Call him Ocho Cinco on the field, too. The National Football League decided on Thursday to recognize receiver Chad Johnson's legal name change to Chad Ocho Cinco. The new name will be on the back of his Cincinnati Bengals uniform for the season opener in Baltimore on Sunday. The receiver had his name changed in his home state of Florida last week.
Daunte Culpepper retires from NFL (AP)
Daunte Culpepper summed up his thoughts Thursday in two words, which ushered in the start of a new era for the former Pro Bowl quarterback. "Farewell NFL," he wrote. With that, a career once filled with such promise came to a most unceremonious end. Culpepper, who starred for the Minnesota Vikings before a major knee injury in 2005 curtailed his career, announced his retirement in an e-mail Thursday...
Giants face Redskins to start NFL season (AP)
Despite having played Washington at least twice a year since 1970, the Super Bowl champion New York Giants are going to be playing somewhat of a guessing game against the Redskins in the kickoff game to the NFL season. It's one of the advantages that Jim Zorn brings to the Redskins as their new coach.
Russian league accuses NHL of poaching (AP)
A newly formed Russian hockey league accused the NHL of poaching two of its players when the Los Angeles Kings agreed to terms with two draft prospects last week. As a result, the Continental Hockey League (KHL), announced Thursday that it was no longer obligated to abide by a moratorium reached in July, when the leagues agreed against signing players that were under contract.
Rain washes out first round of BMW Championship (AP)
AP - When the fans came out to watch Tiger Woods, there was no tournament. Arnold Palmer once played in a tournament, but fans couldn't get to the golf course.
Defending champion Federer advances to US Open semis (AFP)
AFP - Four-time defending champion Roger Federer advanced to the US Open semi-finals on Thursday by beating 130th-ranked Luxembourg qualifier Gilles Muller 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).
Sparks rally for 82-74 win over Comets (AP)
Candace Parker scored a career-high 40 points and had 16 rebounds, six assists and five blocks to help the Los Angeles Sparks rally for a 82-74 overtime victory against the Houston Comets on Wednesday night. "She's only getting better," Sparks coach Michael Cooper said of Parker, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft.
Fever-Sparks Preview (AP)
In her third WNBA game, Los Angeles Sparks phenom Candace Parker put together a performance unlike any other in league history. After that game, however, the Indiana Fever were celebrating a close victory thanks to what they considered a successful defensive scheme against the rookie forward. Parker and the Sparks look to avenge that loss and avoid dropping back-to-back games for the first time...
Federer, Nadal may meet again in final (AP)
Roger Federer is back to his old self on the Wimbledon grass, and Rafael Nadal is moving ever closer to a new level of success at the All England Club. The top two players in men's tennis are on course to meet in their third straight Wimbledon final, but both have to get through the semifinals first.
Blackhawks sign Campbell to 8-year deal (AP)
Brian Campbell is bringing some defense to the Chicago Blackhawks. Campbell, the top free-agent defenseman available Tuesday as the free agent market opened, signed an eight-year deal with the Blackhawks -- a young team that already features rising star forwards Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks also signed free agent goalie Cristobal Huet to a four-year deal Tuesday.
Vikings won't comment on charges about Brett Favre (AP)
AP - The Minnesota Vikings declined Thursday to talk about allegations by the Green Bay Packers that they made inappropriate contact with quarterback Brett Favre. Vikings spokesman Bob Hagan issued a two-sentence statement on Thursday. It said the Vikings "are not commenting on the issue. These types of matters are handled by the league."
Barcelona confirm $51m Ronaldinho offer from Man City (AFP)
AFP - Barcelona has received a 32-million-euro (51-million-dollar) offer for two-time world player of the year Ronaldinho from English Premiership side Manchester City, the Spanish club's president Joan Laporta has said.
ATP president de Villiers to step down (AP)
ATP president Etienne de Villiers, who introduced video replay and increased prize money on the men's tour, will step down when his contract expires in December. De Villiers will leave the post after instigating a series of changes since taking over in June 2005, the ATP announced Thursday. He reshuffled the tour calendar, allowed byes for seeded players at Masters tournaments and introduced the...
US men's basketball team advances to medal round (AP)
AP - The U.S. Olympic team stopped the pick-and-rolls and just about everything else Greece tried.
Broncos WR Marshall's ban cut to 1 game (AP)
Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall had his suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy reduced from three games to one on Thursday. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Marshall for a series of off-field issues. At the time, Marshall was told the suspension could be cut to two games if he stayed out of trouble and kept in touch with a league-appointed counselor.
Del Potro cruises, Roddick ousted at Washingon ATP (AFP)
AFP - Juan Martin del Potro continued his march to the final while American Andy Roddick crashed out of the 500,000 dollar ATP Legg Mason Classic on Friday.
Rookies to get chances in Bills-Redskins (AP)
Ah, August in the NFL, when a football fan's fancy turns toward thoughts of rookies, especially the ones who look so good in the second halves of otherwise meaningless preseason games. Alas, such love affairs are often fleeting and quickly forgotten. "Rookies are fine and dandy and I'm glad to see them progressing, but I don't fall in love with rookies," Washington Redskins defensive coordinator...
Barton to be given second chance by Keegan (AFP)
AFP - Talented but controversial Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was given the full support of the Premiership side's manager Kevin Keegan on Sunday.
Confident US arrives in China; LeBron practices (AP)
AP - Loaded with star power but wary of complacency, the U.S. Olympic basketball team arrived in China on Monday with a word of caution from coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Schnyder wins easily at Bank of the West (AP)
Switzerland's Patty Schnyder had an easy time with former two-time NCAA champion Amber Liu, winning 6-1, 6-1 in her opening-round match at the Bank of the West Classic on Tuesday night. The fifth-seeded Schnyder overpowered the less experienced Liu, who was playing in only her third tour event of the season.
Thaksin set to sell City to Abu Dhabi group (AFP)
AFP - Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is on the verge of selling Manchester City to a United Arab Emirates-based investment group after the Premier League club on Monday confirmed both parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
Delhomme sharp in Panthers' loss to Eagles (AP)
AP - Jake Delhomme fired a pass over the middle for a touchdown that was overturned. The result didn't matter so much. Delhomme's surgically repaired right elbow passed the test.
Fish advances at Los Angeles tennis (AFP)
AFP - American Mardy Fish posted his first victory in nearly two months by beating Alejandro Falla 6-2, 6-2 at the Los Angeles Classic.
Dodgers closer Saito sidelined at least 6 weeks (AP)
AP - The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without closer Takashi Saito for at least six weeks. Saito was diagnosed with a sprained ligament in his pitching elbow Tuesday by a team doctor.
Rams RB Jackson ends holdout, deal close (AP)
Rams running back Steven Jackson ended his holdout on Wednesday and St. Louis appeared on the verge of signing him to a new multiyear contract. Jackson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he had agreed "in principle" to terms of a deal. He added that once a few details were ironed out, "We'll be pretty much done." The 235-pound Jackson, a bruising runner and the centerpiece of the Rams' offense, is...
Taurasi's stellar night helps Mercury top Mystics (PA SportsTicker)
By PA SportsTicker