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...
Warriors suspend Ellis for mo-ped accident (AP)
AP - Monta Ellis knew he was in trouble after he seriously injured his ankle in a mo-ped accident and then lied to the Golden State Warriors about it this summer.
Packers QB Rodgers ready to start Sunday (AP)
Despite not making a single throw in practice this week, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is prepared to start for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Seattle. Coach Mike McCarthy said the team made a medical decision to keep Rodgers, who has a sprained right shoulder, from throwing in practice Friday. "Dr. (Pat) McKenzie in his evaluation this morning felt it was best for Aaron not to throw today.
Falcons make rookie Matt Ryan their starting QB (AP)
AP - Matt Ryan will be the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback this season. The No. 3 overall draft pick was chosen Sunday by first-year Falcons coach Mike Smith, who indicated that Ryan will likely play just the first series of Atlanta's preseason finale Thursday night at Baltimore.
Giants sign up reliever Affeldt (Reuters)
Reuters - The San Francisco Giants have signed free agent left-handed reliever Jeremy Affeldt to a two-year contract, the MLB club said on Monday.
Jaguars' Jones arrested on felony drug charge (AP)
AP - Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones faces a felony drug charge in his former college town after police say he was inside a car cutting up cocaine with a credit card.
Jankovic to finish season ranked No. 1 (AP)
Jelena Jankovic of Serbia will end the season at No. 1, outlasting four other players who held the top ranking during the year. Jankovic's 4,555 points give her a commanding lead over Dinara Safina (3,782) and Serena Williams (3,716). She will retain the top spot regardless of the outcome of the season-ending Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, the WTA Tour announced Saturday.
McCarthy: Favre not committed to Packers (AP)
The bond between Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers appears to be broken beyond repair. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday evening that after approximately six hours of what he called "brutally honest" conversations with Favre over the past two days, the three-time MVP just isn't in the right mind-set to be part of the team.
Ochoa, Friberg share LPGA lead in Alabama (AP)
AP - Winless since May, top-ranked Lorena Ochoa shot a 3-under 69 on Saturday for a share of third-round lead in the Navistar LPGA Classic.
Rodgers practices as Packers starting QB (AP)
With the Brett Favre standoff still simmering, Aaron Rodgers took his place Monday as the Packers' new starting quarterback. Rodgers is trying to ignore what has become a daily soap opera involving the three-time MVP. Favre is considering filing for reinstatement with the NFL and reporting to camp this week, a move that might pressure Green Bay to release or trade him.
Wild keep Bouchard for 5 years, $20.4M (AP)
The Minnesota Wild re-signed right wing Pierre-Marc Bouchard to a five-year, $20.4 million contract on Saturday. A first-round selection by the Wild in 2002, the 5-foot-10 and 172-pound Bouchard had a career-high and franchise-record 50 assists last season. The 24-year-old Bouchard also had 13 goals. Bouchard's new contract includes a no-trade clause for the first two years.
Packer out, Kellogg in as CBS lead announcer (AP)
AP - Billy Packer didn't sound like a man who found out his 34-year run as part of the Final Four broadcast had ended.
Redskins' Taylor out 10-14 days with knee sprain (AP)
AP - Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor is expected to be sidelined 10-14 days with a sprained right knee, putting his availability in doubt for Washington's season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 4.
Pierson scores 20 in return to lift Detroit, 90-68 (AP)
Plenette Pierson scored 20 points and Deanna Nolan had 17 of her 19 points in the first half to help the Detroit Shock beat the Indiana Fever 90-68 Friday night. "Between the Olympic break and the suspension, I've had a long time off," Pierson said. "I've had time to rest my body and work hard on my mental approach.
Spain bask in Euro glory after 44-year wait (AFP)
AFP - Spain ended their 44-year wait for a major international title with a 1-0 victory over Germany at the Euro 2008 final here.
Cilic clinches first ATP tennis title in New Haven (AFP)
AFP - Young teenage standout Marin Cilic of Croatia clinched his first ever ATP title on Saturday after a 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 triumph over Mardy Fish of the United States in New Haven.
Federer following US presidential race (AP)
Roger Federer says young people seem to be following the U.S. presidential race this year -- and that includes him. The Swiss tennis star said he became interested in the campaign during his offseason last winter. "I was following it more actually when I was in Switzerland and not playing," Federer said following his fourth-round victory Tuesday at the Sony Ericsson Open.
Michigan bank suing Capitals' Fedorov (AP)
A Michigan bank is suing NHL veteran Sergei Fedorov, saying payments have stopped on more than $2 million in loans. Citizens State Bank filed a lawsuit Monday against Fedorov, a former star with the Detroit Red Wings who now plays for the Washington Capitals. The lawsuit, filed in Macomb County Circuit Court, said Fedorov got loans in 2004 and 2005, one for $1.75 million and another for $500,000.
Sharks sign D Vlasic to 4-year extension (AP)
AP - Defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic agreed to a four-year contract extension with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, keeping one of the club's best young players with the Sharks through the 2012-13 season.
Blue-collar approach has Titans unbeaten (AP)
The Tennessee Titans are a lot like the piece of tape defensive end Jevon Kearse stuck between the numbers on his chest to point out their 9-0 start. It's not gaudy or glitzy. The NFL's last unbeaten team does whatever it takes to win. "We're blue collar," tight end Bo Scaife said Monday. "We're going to play you hard.
Twins beat Angels 2-1 on Span's RBI single in 12th (AP)
AP - Nick Punto tripled and scored on a single by rookie Denard Span in the 12th inning, helping the Minnesota Twins beat the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 on Thursday night and pull within a half-game of the AL Central lead.