Gatlin banned, won't be eligible to defend Olympic 100-meter title

Sprinter Justin Gatlin got his doping ban reduced, but not by enough to make him eligible to defend his Olympic 100-meter title this year. AP Photo Olympic gold-winning sprinter Justin Gatlin had a potential eight-year ban reduced to four. The 25... full story

updated Fri October 05, 2007

UCLA, Howland agree to seven-year deal

LOS ANGELES -- UCLA coach Ben Howland, who has guided the Bruins to consecutive Final Four appearances, has agreed to a new seven-year contract.The deal, announced Wednesday, guarantees compensation of $1.5 mi...

updated Fri October 05, 2007

Mets' Glavine likely to decline option to consider future

NEW YORK -- Tom Glavine is likely to decline his option with the New York Mets by Friday's deadline, giving the pitcher time to think about his future.Differing media outlets put the option at between $9 mill...

updated Fri October 05, 2007

Cardinals, Jocketty part ways after 13 seasons

ST. LOUIS -- Walt Jocketty is out after 13 seasons as general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, one year after the team won the World Series for the first time since 1982. AP Photo/Tom Gannam The C...

updated Fri October 05, 2007

Despite suspension, Jackson to lead Golden State as captain

Webster's Dictionary defines a captain as "a person of importance or influence in a field." Stephen Jackson's past might not have put him in that category, but his future certainly will. Jackson The G...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

Ex-Northern Colorado punter Cozad sentenced to seven years

GREELEY, Colo. -- A judge sentenced former Northern Colorado backup punter Mitch Cozad to seven years in prison Tuesday for stabbing a rival in what prosecutors said was a brutal attempt to take over the star...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

Braves prepare to move on without Andruw Jones

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves are cutting ties with Andruw Jones, saying they can't afford to keep the perennial Gold Glove center fielder who's spent his entire career with the organization. General manage...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

Duval, Hart among those benefiting from 'family crisis' exemption

MONTREAL -- The PGA Tour has approved a new regulation that offers medical extensions to players who deal with a family crisis, a decision that will help David Duval and Dudley Hart next year. Duval Du...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

At first practice, Durant looks comfortable at shooting guard

SEATTLE -- Kevin Durant grabbed outlet passes. He stepped out and fed post players who were running down the middle of the floor. When he did go inside, he soared to the baseline for a rebound over Wally S...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

Bucs seeking backfield help, inquire about Vikes' Moore

In the wake of the season-ending knee injury sustained by starting tailback Carnell "Cadillac" Williams last Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have inquired about the availability of Minnesota Vikings backup Me...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

Lakers' Brown faces misdemeanor charges in Georgia

VALDOSTA, Ga. -- Los Angeles Lakers center Kwame Brown faces misdemeanor charges in south Georgia following a weekend incident in which his cousin was charged with DUI, authorities said. Brown Police pull...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

Smith seeks second opinion from Dr. Andrews

San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Alex Smith is seeking a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews after preliminary MRI results indicated he appears to have suffered a serious injury to his right shoulder...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

Harrison practices with Patriots after suspension

Calling his time away from the team "a long four weeks," starting strong safety Rodney Harrison returned to practice with the New England Patriots on Wednesday morning, having completed his four-week suspensio...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

Sources: Falcons to ask return of bonus money at hearing

The Atlanta Falcons have asked their troubled quarterback Michael Vick to return more than $16 million in bonus money in a case that will be argued in a hearing Thursday, according to sources with knowledge of...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

Thomas says his mind 'never left basketball' during trial

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas said Wednesday his mind "never left basketball" throughout a three-week trial where he was found guilty of sexually harassing a former Knicks executive."H...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

Bulger to sit, Frerotte to start for Rams on Sunday

Those who watched the St. Louis Rams open the season 0-4 and giving up 11 sacks sensed quarterback Marc Bulger couldn't survive long under the number of hits he took.They were right. Bulger Frerotte...

updated Thu October 04, 2007

25 people to watch in AL playoffs

With apologies to People Magazine, I thought it would be fun to figure out the "Top 25 Most Intriguing People" of the 2007 American League playoffs. Why wasn't the National League included as well? Until last ...

updated Wed October 03, 2007

La Russa leaves door open to leaving Cards in '08

Tony La Russa says he wants to manage next season. But he's not ready to make that commitment just yet -- or commit to which team he might lead. James Lang/US Presswire After a season filled with tu...

updated Wed October 03, 2007

Police still seek suspect in Memphis shooting; classes resume

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updated Wed October 03, 2007

Henne says he'll play vs. Eastern Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Chad Henne is ready to resume his full-time quarterbacking duties for Michigan.The senior quarterback sat out home wins against Notre Dame and Penn State while nursing a knee injury but ret...

updated Wed October 03, 2007

Leyland gets his wish: Two more years in Motown

DETROIT -- Jim Leyland will be managing the Detroit Tigers for two more years.Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIREJim Leyland said he enjoyed his first two seasons as Tigers manager and now he'll get two more in Detr...