Category: sports

  • Burnett gives Yankees confident outing (AP)

    A.J. Burnett hardly got any attention — until he got the win. Almost an afterthought in his matchup with colorful star Pedro Martinez, Burnett challenged Philadelphia right from the start Thursday night and gave the New York Yankees the confident pitching performance they desperately needed. Throwing first-pitch strikes to his first 11 batters, Burnett overpowered a dangerous Phillies lineup and…

  • Rose sharp as Bulls win opener vs. Spurs (AP)

    Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose(notes), left, looks to a pass against San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan(notes) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009.

    Derrick Rose was so antsy and "geeked up" to get back on the court he had to blast the music on his way to the arena. Once he arrived, he certainly seemed in tune. Or at least close. Rose scored 13 points and had seven assists to lead the balanced Chicago Bulls to an impressive 92-85 season-opening victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.

  • Wisconsin braces for return of Favre (AP)

    FILE - In this Aug. 21, 2009 file photo, Minnesota Vikings fans wait for the arrival of new Minnesota Viking quarterback Brett Favre(notes) before warm ups for an NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Minneapolis. For almost 20 years, Brett Favre was like a member of every Wisconsin family. To be from Wisconsin is to be a Green Bay Packers fan, and the fun-loving quarterback rejuvenated the storied franchise, brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown and turned "Cheesehead" from an insult into a boast. No wonder an entire state is angst-ridden over Sunday's game at Lambeau Field against the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers' loathsome rival, and Favre's new team.

    For almost 20 years, Brett Favre was like a member of every Wisconsin family. To be from Wisconsin is to be a Green Bay Packers fan, and the fun-loving quarterback rejuvenated the storied franchise, brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown and turned "Cheesehead" from an insult into a boast.

  • Titans switch to Young at QB (AP)

    FILE- In this Oct. 11, 2009, file photo, Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young(notes) (10) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn. The owner of the Tennessee Titans wants to see more of Vince Young. He's reportedly getting just that with the winless Titans making a change at quarterback from veteran Kerry Collins(notes) back to the 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year.

    Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams wants more of Vince Young. He's getting just that with his winless team switching from veteran Kerry Collins back to the 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Coach Jeff Fisher announced the expected move Thursday following practice for the 0-6 Titans, and Young got the news from his coach in the morning.

  • Lee, Utley power Phils over Yankees 6-1 (AP)

    Philadelphia Phillies' Cliff Lee(notes) pitches against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning in Game 1 of the Major League Baseball World Series Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, in New York. The Phillies defeated the Yankees 6-1 to lead the series 1-0.

    The ho-hum catch that tickled his teammates, the behind-the-back snag that looked so easy. Cliff Lee could have been clowning around with his kids. Hard to believe it was Game 1 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, of all places. Lee outdueled CC Sabathia, Chase Utley homered twice and the Philadelphia Phillies kept rolling through October, beating New York 6-1 on a misty Wednesday night in the…

  • Sabathia good but outpitched by Lee (AP)

    CC Sabathia sounded a bit glum. His World Series debut didn't turn out the way he wanted. The Big Man was outpitched by former Cleveland teammate Cliff Lee, just like on opening day at the new Yankee Stadium. After carrying New York into the championship on his broad back, Sabathia struggled somewhat as the Yankees lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 6-1 in Wednesday night's opener.

  • Cavs 0-2 despite James’ triple-double (AP)

    Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani(notes), left, battles for the ball against  Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James(notes), right, during second half of an NBA basketball game  in Toronto on Wednesday, Oct.  28, 2009.

    Seven years in the NBA has taught LeBron James the importance of patience. It is being tested after Cleveland started its new season with two straight losses. Andrea Bargnani scored 28 points, Chris Bosh had 21 points and 16 rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors overcame James' 25th career triple-double to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 101-91 on Wednesday night.

  • Chiefs suspend RB Johnson until Nov. 9 (AP)

    Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, who made two gay slurs within a 24-hour period, was given what amounts to a one-game suspension Wednesday night, but Johnson's agent said he would appeal. Agent Peter Schaffer said the game check and other lost revenue would amount to about a penalty of about $600,000 for the former two-time Pro Bowl player.

  • New-look Magic roll past Sixers 120-106 (AP)

    Philadelphia 76ers center Samuel Dalembert(notes), left, of Haiti, and forward Marreese Speights(notes) watch the final seconds of the second half of an NBA  basketball game against the Orlando Magic in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009.  The Magic won 120-106.

    The Orlando Magic didn't spend much time hoisting their Eastern Conference championship banner. They didn't take long to adjust to a revamped roster, either. Dwight Howard had 21 points and 15 rebounds, Vince Carter scored 15 points and the new-look Magic rolled to a 120-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams.

  • Fisher to announce starting QB Thursday (AP)

    Jeff Fisher knows he can't keep the identity of his starting quarterback secret until kickoff Sunday even if he wants to. So the Tennessee coach is trying to keep it quiet for another 24 hours. Fisher said Wednesday he will announce his starter Thursday, trying to carve out another day of competitive advantage for the winless Titans against Jacksonville (3-3).

  • Lakers raise banner, beat Clippers 99-92 (AP)

    Galaxy soccer star David Beckham attends a NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, in Los Angeles.

    Kobe Bryant slipped the ring on in the locker room, his finger weighed down by the 14 brilliant white diamonds set in yellow and white gold. Then he took it off and returned it to the custom box that would soon end up stored for years to come in a vault at home. "I never wear them except for the night that I get them," he said Tuesday after the Lakers opened defense of their NBA…

  • Celtics spoil Shaq’s debut with Cavs (AP)

    Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce(notes) (34) draws a charging foul on Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James(notes) in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, in Cleveland. James scored 38 points to Pierce's 23, as the Celtics won 95-89.

    Shaquille O'Neal has learned the ropes in his 17 NBA seasons. There's one lesson that has endured since he was a raw rookie. "You can't win a championship in the first game," he said. Boston's Big Three — plus Rasheed — spoiled Cleveland's overhyped season opener on Tuesday night with a 95-89 win over the new-look Cavaliers, who may have LeBron James and Shaq but…

  • Pedro to start Game 2 at Yankee Stadium (AP)

    Pedro Martinez has a long history of memorable starts against the New York Yankees. He's pitched against them during the regular season and playoffs, poked fun at their history and called them his daddy. Thursday night, well, that's going to be a whole other level. Martinez is slated to start for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2, adding even more spice to this star-studded World Series.

  • Westbrook’s status vs. Giants uncertain (AP)

    Brian Westbrook was knocked out with a concussion. He was on the ground, motionless, with only his brother and Eagles coach Andy Reid allowed near him. Westbrook walked off the field, but he would not return. He may not be back as the Eagles enter the grueling part of their schedule. The Eagles played only one team (New Orleans) with a winning record in the first six games and blew a major shot at…

  • Sluggers A-Rod, Howard ready for Series (AP)

    Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel speaks after a practice session for the Major League Baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, in New York. The Phillies play the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009.

    Ryan Howard thought about the World Series and his eyes widened. "Between Yankee Stadium and Philly, it's going to be, I would have to say, probably one of the rowdiest World Series — just between the fans," he said. Sure will be if Howard and Alex Rodriguez start teeing off in their high-profile slugger showdown.

  • Chiefs bar RB Johnson over gay slur (AP)

    FILE -- This is a Sept. 20, 2009, file photo showing Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson(notes) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, in Kansas City, Mo. Not only are they 1-6 and coming off a 37-7 rout by San Diego, but running back Larry Johnson is popping off, raising the possibility of deepening player discontent with coach Todd Haley's harsh ways.

    Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson issued his second apology in 12 months Tuesday and was told to stay away from the team while the NFL and the Chiefs complete their investigation into his use of a gay slur. As Johnson was releasing his apology, a national gay rights advocacy organization called on the league and the team to take disciplinary action against the two-time Pro Bowler.

  • Phillies, Yankees set for World Series (AP)

    Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ryan Madson(notes) arrives at Penn Station Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, in New York, with an unidentified woman after taking the train from Philadelphia with his team. The Phillies face the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the Major League Baseball World Series Wednesday at Yankee Stadium in New York.

    All-Stars at most spots, mixed in with MVPs and Cy Young winners. A rich roster, full of World Series success. So how come the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies are such underdogs? Probably because they're facing the team that has defined championship baseball for so long. Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees, hoping to include Alex Rodriguez in a…

  • Jackson’s TDs lift Eagles over Redskins (AP)

    Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Will Witherspoon(notes) scores a touchdown after incepting the ball during the first quarter of the  NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 in Landover, Md. The Eagles won the game 27-17.

    DeSean Jackson scored on a 67-yard run and a 57-yard reception, both in the first half. His night might have been perfect if his tender right ankle hadn't messed up his touchdown tap dance. "I was out there having fun, man, honestly," Jackson said. "My ankle was kind of hurting. I really didn't feel it, but it did kind of affect my dance a little bit.

  • Clippers F Griffin could miss 6 weeks (AP)

    Blake Griffin's NBA debut has been pushed back indefinitely after the Los Angeles Clippers revealed late Monday night that their No. 1 overall draft pick has a broken left kneecap. The stress fracture could sideline the Oklahoma star for six weeks, the team announced, promising further information Tuesday.

  • Cowboys give LB Ware $78M over 6 years (AP)

    FILE -- In this Sept. 28, 2009 file photo, Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware(notes) (94) stands on the sidelines  before the start of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers  in Arlington, Texas.   Ware finally has his big contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He just won't be getting paid as much as some of the elite quarterbacks he will be trying to sack. After months of talks that intensified over the past two weeks, Ware agreed Monday, Oct. 26, 2009,  to a $78 million, six-year deal through the 2015 season that guarantees him $40 million.

    Three-time Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware finally has his big contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He just won't be getting paid as much as some of the elite quarterbacks he will be trying to sack. After months of talks that intensified over the past two weeks, Ware agreed Monday to a $78 million, six-year deal through the 2015 season that guarantees him $40 million.

  • McGwire to be coach for La Russa’s Cards (AP)

    Mark McGwire is back in baseball, reunited with Tony La Russa as the St. Louis Cardinals' hitting coach. La Russa agreed to return for a 15th year as manager Monday with a one-year contract, the first time he hasn't had a multiyear deal with the team. All of his coaches will return except for Hal McRae, who will be replaced by the former star.

  • Charles Barkley wants to be NBA GM (AP)

    Charles Barkley thinks he can do better than some of the general managers he criticizes on TV. The Hall of Fame player and TNT analyst said Monday he'd like his chance to run an NBA team, though he's in no rush because he'd want the right job. "I think that it'd be fun to try to build my own team," Barkley said at a luncheon, joined by studio partners Kenny Smith and Ernie…

  • Yankees win first AL pennant since 2003 (AP)

    Los Angeles Angels' Scott Kazmir(notes) walks off the field after being relieved by Jered Weaver(notes) during the eighth inning of Game 6 of the American League Championship baseball series Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, in New York. The Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 to win the American League Championship.

    They dashed from the dugout and in from the outfield, swarming Alex Rodriguez in a sea of pinstripes only steps from his spot at third base. "I couldn't be more excited," he said. "I feel like a 10-year-old kid." Making it to the World Series for the first time after all those misses will do that to you.

  • Cardinals baffle Manning, beat Giants (AP)

    Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Alan Branch(notes) (78) celebrates with teammate Chike Okeafor(notes) (56) after sacking New York Giants' Eli Manning(notes) (10) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cardinals won the game 24-17.

    The Arizona Cardinals conquered their House of Horrors with a new approach: scary defense. A team built around the passing of Kurt Warner and receiving of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin could be downright dominant with a stingy defense. And it sure wasn't the offense that carried the Cardinals to just their third win in 18 visits to the Meadowlands, 24-17 over the New York Giants on Sunday…

  • Steelers’ 2 defensive TDs do in Vikings (AP)

    Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled by Troy Polamalu(notes) (43) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Pittsburgh.

    Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings were anything but perfect. The Vikings couldn't gain a half-yard when it might have turned the game, then watched the Steelers' big-play defense end their unbeaten season with two long touchdown returns in the final 6 1/2 minutes. LaMarr Woodley's 77-yard fumble return and Keyaron Fox's 82-yard interception return on turnovers…

  • McGwire to be LaRussa’s hitting coach? (AP)

    FILE -- This is an Aug. 7, 2009, file photo showing St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa  during a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates,  in Pittsburgh. Nearly two weeks after his team was swept in the first round of the playoffs, Tony La Russa is still trying to decide whether he wants to return for a 15th season as St. Louis Cardinals manager.

    Cardinals manager Tony La Russa took a flight from his West Coast home to St. Louis on Sunday for further talks about his future. There was a report, too, Mark McGwire might join him as a coach. La Russa told the Associated Press in a telephone interview before boarding a plane that discussions were ongoing, and that he was planning to attend a Bruce Springsteen concert later that evening.

  • Yankees, Angels try again to play Game 6 (AP)

    An hour after Game 6 of the AL championship series was postponed, there was Andy Pettitte in a nearly empty Yankee Stadium, drenched in the pouring rain. With his short hair soaked and sweat shirt dripping, the New York Yankees' pitcher played catch in the outfield and ran light sprints through thick puddles on the warning track before finally grabbing some cover in the dugout.

  • Padres hire Red Sox’s Hoyer as GM (AP)

    Jed Hoyer was once co-general manager of the Boston Red Sox for 44 days after Theo Epstein walked away from the job. Now Hoyer has a GM gig of his own. The San Diego Padres have hired Hoyer as their new general manager, a person with knowledge of the situation said Saturday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the formal announcement won't be until Monday.

  • NBA, referees agree on 2-year contract (AP)

    The regular referees made the call. They're coming back to work. The referees union and the NBA agreed on a two-year contract Friday, ending a lockout of more than a month and saving the league from using replacements when the regular season starts. The officials voted to ratify the deal that was reached earlier this week.

  • Wizards’ Jamison to miss 3 to 5 weeks (AP)

    Antawn Jamison's ailing shoulder will keep him off the court well into the regular season. The Washington Wizards announced an estimated recovery time for Jamison's injury Friday, saying he's likely to miss the first eight to 13 games. "The most important thing is it's a long season," he said.