ESPN News Fri, 3 Sep 2010 18:51:33 PDT
Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger suspension cut to 4 games ... Ben Roethlisberger's suspension cut from six to four games by the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys trade Patrick Crayton to San Diego Chargers ... The Dallas Cowboys have traded wide receiver Patrick Crayton to the San Diego Chargers on Friday.
Washington Nationals' Nyjer Morgan suspended for 8 games ... Nyjer Morgan's wild week has landed him an eight-game suspension, one of nine punishments handed out Friday by Major League Baseball following a brawl between Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins.
U.S. Open: Venus Williams, Kim Cljisters, Elena Dementieva, Samantha Stosur, Francesca Schiavone, Ana Ivanovic win ... Kim Clijsters beat Petra Kvitova and Hurricane Earl with a quick victory at the U.S. Open.
Ole Miss quarterback Jeremiah Masoli eligible for 2010 ... Ole Miss quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who was told he wouldn't be eligibile until the 2011 season earlier this week, has been cleared to play immediately, a school source told ESPN's Joe Schad.
Chicago White Sox's Manny Ramirez apologizes for his past behavior with the Boston Red Sox ... Manny Ramirez admits he was at fault in his past behavior with the Red Sox.
Ilya Kovalchuk deal to be approved as part of NHL, union CBA amendment ... The NHL has signed off on Ilya Kovalchuk's latest contract with the New Jersey Devils.
Seattle Seahawks to cut or trade T.J. Houshmandzadeh, start Mike Williams ... The Seahawks will cut ties with T.J. Houshmandzadeh by trading or releasing him, according to two league sources, and it will promote former Detroit first-round draft pick Mike Williams into its starting lineup.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. rips Manny Pacquiao in racist video rant ... Floyd Mayweather Jr., who has steadfastly refused to answer questions about the most recent round of failed negotiations for a fight with Manny Pacquiao, has unleashed a racist and homophobic rant against the Filipino star.
Zach Johnson, Jason Day go low to lead at Deutsche Bank ... Zach Johnson strengthened his case as a Ryder Cup pick Friday by rolling in putts from everywhere in easy scoring conditions ahead of Hurricane Earl, giving him an 8-under 63 to share the early lead with Jason Day at the Deutsche Bank Championship.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Byron Leftwich suffers MCL sprain; QB starter uncertain ... Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich has a second-degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen on Friday.
Ndamukong Suh of Detroit Lions fined $7,500 for hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme ... The NFL has fined Lions rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh $7,500 for slamming down Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme last week during a preseason game.
Thirteen North Carolina Tar Heels players won't play vs. LSU Tigers in opener ... Twelve players from North Carolina won't play in the 18th-ranked Tar Heels' opener against No. 21 LSU in Atlanta on Saturday amid an ongoing NCAA investigation.
Denver Broncos RB LenDale White to miss season with torn Achilles' tendon ... LenDale White is out for the season after rupturing his Achilles' tendon Thursday night at Minnesota.
Tide's Marcell Dareus ruled ineligible for 2 games ... The NCAA has declared Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus ineligible for two games for accepting improper benefits.

ESPN M L B Fri, 3 Sep 2010 18:51:12 PDT
MLB: The over-reliance on Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday is hurting the St. Louis Cardinals ... Sometimes, having two elite sluggers and little else can hurt your squad
Washington Nationals' Nyjer Morgan suspended for 8 games ... Nyjer Morgan's wild week has landed him an eight-game suspension, one of nine punishments handed out Friday by Major League Baseball following a brawl between Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins.
Washington Nationals' Stephen Strasburg has Tommy John surgery ... Stephen Strasburg had reconstructive elbow surgery Friday that could keep him out of the starting rotation until the 2012 season.
Chicago White Sox's Manny Ramirez apologizes for his past behavior with the Boston Red Sox ... Manny Ramirez admits he was at fault in his past behavior with the Red Sox.
Granderson helps Yanks to 7th straight win ... Curtis Granderson drove in three runs and the Yankees beat the Jays for their seventh straight win.
After missing game, Josh Hamilton back in Texas Rangers lineup as DH ... After missing a game, Josh Hamilton is back in the Rangers' lineup as designated hitter.
New York Mets' Johan Santana day to day with strained muscle ... Mets starter Johan Santana is day to day with a strained pectoral muscle.
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez splits with Scott Boras ... New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez confirmed Friday that he has split with longtime agent Scott Boras.
Texas Rangers, Mark Prior agree on minor league deal ... The Rangers have agreed to terms with Mark Prior on a minor league contract.
Hamels throws 7 strong as Phils blank Brewers ... Cole Hamels dominated over seven innings and the Phillies capitalized on a Milwaukee miscue to score the only run they would need in a 1-0 victory over the Brewers.
Dustin Pedroia undergoes season-ending surgery to insert a screw into his fractured left foot. ... Dustin Pedroia undergoes season-ending surgery to insert a screw into his fractured left foot.
Arizona Diamondbacks call up veteran left-hander Mike Hampton ... Left-hander Mike Hampton is back in the majors after having his contract selected by the Diamondbacks.
Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said there is no front-runner for the managerial job ... Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said there is no front-runner for the managerial job, and he has yet to interview Ryne Sandberg.
Minnesota Twins right-hander Scott Baker (elbow tendinitis) likely to miss two starts ... Twins manager Ron Gardenhire says right-hander Scott Baker will probably miss two starts because of tendinitis in his pitching elbow.
Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera not in lineup because of left biceps tendinitis ... Miguel Cabrera was not in theTigers' lineup Friday night at Kansas City because of left biceps tendinitis.
Colorado Rockies reinstate right-hander Aaron Cook from disabled list ... The Rockies have activated right-hander Aaron Cook from the 15-day disabled list and will start the sinkerball specialist Friday night in San Diego.

ESPN N F L Fri, 3 Sep 2010 18:55:37 PDT
Seattle Seahawks to cut or trade T.J. Houshmandzadeh, start Mike Williams ... The Seahawks will cut ties with T.J. Houshmandzadeh by trading or releasing him, according to two league sources, and it will promote former Detroit first-round draft pick Mike Williams into its starting lineup.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger suspension cut to 4 games ... Ben Roethlisberger's suspension cut from six to four games by the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys trade Patrick Crayton to San Diego Chargers ... The Dallas Cowboys have traded wide receiver Patrick Crayton to the San Diego Chargers on Friday.
St. Louis Rams to decide on Sam Bradford, A.J. Feeley by Monday ... Sam Bradford will have to wait a few days to learn if he'll start the St. Louis Rams' opener. The No. 1 pick certainly has appeared ready for the job.
Washington Redskins' Mike Shanahan says Albert Haynesworth played so long for fitness ... The conditioning test was nothing compared to Albert Haynesworth's latest punishment.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Byron Leftwich suffers MCL sprain; QB starter uncertain ... Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich has a second-degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen on Friday.
New York Giants aquire Sage Rosenfels in trade with Minnesota Vikings, according to source ... The New York Giants have traded for Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels, according to a league source.
ACL tear to shelve Montario Hardesty of Cleveland Browns for 2010 ... Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty has a torn anterior cruciate ligament, sustained on a 2-yard carry in the second quarter Thursday night against the Bears.
New Orleans Saints release former Redskins running back Ladell Betts ... Running back Ladell Betts has been released by the New Orleans Saints.
Ndamukong Suh of Detroit Lions fined $7,500 for hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme ... The NFL has fined Lions rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh $7,500 for slamming down Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme last week during a preseason game.
Denver Broncos RB LenDale White to miss season with torn Achilles' tendon ... LenDale White is out for the season after rupturing his Achilles' tendon Thursday night at Minnesota.
Arizona Cardinals send guard Reggie Wells to Philadelphia Eagles for draft pick ... The Arizona Cardinals have traded starting guard Reggie Wells to the Philadelphia Eagles for an undisclosed draft pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew expects to practice next week ... Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew expects to be back at practice next week.
Vernon Davis defends his decision to criticize Michael Crabtree ... Vernon Davis' frustrations with Michael Crabtree finally came to a boiling point, and the San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl tight end let his teammate have it -- for everyone to see.
Chicago Bears cut Al Afalava; keep Josh Bullocks ... The Chicago Bears cut Al Afalava; keep Josh Bullocks.

ESPN N B A Fri, 3 Sep 2010 19:04:55 PDT
NBA Rookie Rankings: The Big 5 ... David Thorpe breaks down the five best rookies and updates the progress on other first-rounders.
Lethargic U.S. team dominates Tunisia at worlds ... Eric Gordon scored 21 points and the United States pulled away after a sluggish first half to beat Tunisia 92-57 on Thursday in its final game of pool play at the world championship.
FIBA world championship: Serbia upsets Argentina, Spain beats Canada, Australia beats Angola, Ivory Coast beats Puerto Rico ... Australia beats Angola, Spain beats Canada, and Ivory Coast beats Puerto Rico at FIBA world championships
Atlanta Hawks sign veteran center Etan Thomas ... The Atlanta Hawks have signed free agent center Etan Thomas to add bulk in the frontcourt.
Boston Celtics to re-sign guard Delonte West ... The Boston Celtics will re-sign guard Delonte West.
Carlos Boozer has lofty goals for Chicago Bulls ... Carlos Boozer is thinking big in his first season with the Bulls.
New Denver Nuggets front office focusing on Carmelo Anthony ... Now that the Denver Nuggets have their management team in place, they're developing a strategy to keep All-Star Carmelo Anthony in powder blue and gold.
Not guilty plea for former NBA, Michigan State player Jay Vincent but deal looms ... Court filings show a plea bargain is in the works for ex-Michigan State basketball star and retired NBA player Jay Vincent, who appeared in court Tuesday on charges in a $2 million Internet scam.
Miami Heat sign second-round pick Da'Sean Butler ... Former West Virginia star Da'Sean Butler has signed with the Miami Heat, becoming the team's 18th player under contract going into training camp.
FIBA: 100 players will be drug-tested at World Basketball championships ... Basketball's governing body says more than 100 random drug tests will be conducted at the world championship, its largest program ever.
Michael Jordan son's partying under probe in Las Vegas ... Nevada gambling regulators are investigating MGM Resorts International after Michael Jordan's underage son bragged on Twitter about partying at a nightclub on the Las Vegas Strip.
NBA suspends players Brandon Rush, Tyreke Evans, Kenny Hasbrouck ... The NBA has suspended Brandon Rush of the Indiana Pacers, Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings and Kenny Hasbrouck of the Miami Heat for separate incidents.
Denver Nuggets hire Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri as general manager ... Former Nuggets international scout Masai Ujiri has been named the team's new executive vice president of basketball operations.
Sources: Jamal Crawford to ask Atlanta Hawks for a trade ... Frustrated the Atlanta Hawks have not offered him a contract extension, Jamal Crawford will ask the club to trade him, according sources with knowledge of the situation.
TBS drops appeal of ruling regarding sale of Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers ... Turner Broadcasting System has dropped its appeal of a judge's order that required the company to pay a Texas businessman $281 million over the sale of the Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers.
Patrick Ewing Jr. signs with New York Knicks ... Patrick Ewing Jr. is back with the team where his father became famous. The team says the former Georgetown star signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent Friday

ESPN N H L Fri, 3 Sep 2010 19:02:37 PDT
Ilya Kovalchuk deal to be approved as part of NHL, union CBA amendment ... The NHL has signed off on Ilya Kovalchuk's latest contract with the New Jersey Devils.
Pittsburgh Penguins sign Mike Comrie ... The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Mike Comrie to a $500,000, one-year contract, giving them a proven scorer who might be capable of playing on one of their top three lines.
Montreal Canadiens re-sign goalie Carey Price to two-year contract ... The Canadiens have re-signed restricted free-agent goalie Carey Price to a two-year contract.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jordan Staal expected to miss start of training camp ... Penguins forward Jordan Staal is expected to miss the start of training camp as he recovers from an infection to his right foot, which was severely injured during the NHL playoffs.
Antti Niemi signs with San Jose Sharks ... The San Jose Sharks have signed the goalie who helped knock them out of the playoffs, agreeing to a one-year, $2 million deal with Antti Niemi.
Nashville Predators owners complete purchase of Williams "Boots" Del Biaggio III's shares ... The Predators owners have completed a purchase of the 26 percent stake in the team held by the bankrupt estate of a California financier jailed for fraud.
Colorado Avalanche sign forward Chris Stewart to two-year contract ... The Avalanche remain committed to their youth movement, signing forward Chris Stewart to a two-year deal.
Sources: Matt Hulsizer emerges as possible buyer for Phoenix Coyotes ... The Phoenix Coyotes have another interested buyer, sources told ESPN.com.
Longtime San Jose Sharks CEO Greg Jamison steps down ... Sharks CEO Greg Jamison is stepping down from his job running the day-to-day operations of the club.
Jacques Demers needs third operation after botched hernia procedure ... Jacques Demers, the former NHL coach turned Canadian Senator, said he will have a third operation after nearly dying during a botched hernia procedure.
Chris Chelios retires after 26 NHL seasons, three Stanley Cups ... Chris Chelios finally is retiring at the age of 48 after 26 NHL seasons and three Stanley Cups.
Edmonton Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin sentenced to 30 days in jail stemming from Arizona drunken-driving conviction ... Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has been sentenced to 30 days in jail stemming from his Arizona drunken-driving conviction.
Source: Boston Bruins still 'actively shopping' Marc Savard ... The Bruins are still shopping Marc Savard, but a probe into his contract is bogging down their efforts, a source said.
Dallas Stars still awaiting decision from Jere Lehtinen ... Dallas Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk said there is still no decision from winger Jere Lehtinen, who is deciding if he wants to play his 15th NHL season.
Chicago Blackhawks sign 2009 draft pick Brandon Pirri ... The Blackhawks signed 2009 draft pick Brandon Pirri to a three-year deal.

ESPN College Hoops Fri, 3 Sep 2010 18:56:53 PDT
Charlotte turns to Alan Major to revitalize 49ers program ... He learned the skills of coaching under Gene Keady while a student at Purdue and has refined them over the past 18 years as an assistant, most recently under Thad Matta. Now Alan Major is ready to put his skills to work at Charlotte.
New NCAA proposal would put an end to early scholarship offers ... Parents and prospects will be in the dark a little longer if new proposal goes into effect
Duke senior Kyle Singler recovering from arthroscopic surgery on left knee ... Duke senior Kyle Singler is recovering from knee surgery.
Michigan State junior guard Korie Lucious pleads guilty to misdemeanor reckless driving ... Michigan State junior guard Korie Lucious has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless driving.
SEC men's tournament to be played in Nashville three more times ... The Southeastern Conference has agreed to bring the men's basketball tournament to Nashville three more times this decade, making Music City home to four events through 2019.
Missouri Tigers' Tony Mitchell not playing in fall semester ... Tony Mitchell has not enrolled at Missouri for academic reasons and is crrently ineligible to play basketball.
NCAA gives UConn Huskies basketball extension to respond to allegations ... The NCAA is giving Connecticut another week to respond to allegations that the school's basketball program committed eight major rules violations.
UConn Huskies adds Germany's Niels Giffey to men's basketball team ... Connecticut has added a 19-year-old swingman from Germany a day after announcing that sophomore forward Ater Majok withdrew from school.
Ken Pryor, ex-Oklahoma Sooners basketball player, dies at 85 ... Former University of Oklahoma basketball player Ken Pryor, whose basket lifted the Sooners into the 1947 NCAA championship game, has died.
Big Ten Conference to split Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines, sources say ... The expanded Big Ten will place Ohio State and Michigan into different divisions. The conference announced its divisional breakdown Wednesday night, though neither division has been named.
Ater Majok withdraws from UConn Huskies ... Connecticut forward Ater Majok has withdrawn from school after playing just 26 games for the Huskies.
Michael Jordan son's partying under probe in Las Vegas ... Nevada gambling regulators are investigating MGM Resorts International after Michael Jordan's underage son bragged on Twitter about partying at a nightclub on the Las Vegas Strip.
WAC demands $5M from Fresno State, Nevada ... The Western Athletic Conference is demanding a $5 million exit fee by Oct. 25 from Fresno State and Nevada, which are bolting to the Mountain West Conference.
West Virginia Mountaineers Joe Mazzulla, Dalton Pepper cited for alleged public urination ... Morgantown Municipal Court Clerk Joyce Marshall said Tuesday that police cited guards Joe Mazzulla and Dalton Pepper for allegedly urinating in public Sunday.
Sophomores Chris Clarke, Carmel Bouchman decide to leave Temple ... Redshirt sophomore forward Chris Clarke and sophomore forward Carmel Bouchman have decided to leave the Temple men's basketball program.
Ex-UK basketball star Ed Davender sentenced in ticket scam ... Ed Davender, one of the University of Kentucky's all-time leading scorers in basketball has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement in a ticket scam.

ESPN College Football Fri, 3 Sep 2010 18:54:31 PDT
Players, coaches with the most to gain or lose in Week 1 ... From rookie quarterbacks to coaches on the hot seat, Mark Schlabach looks at the players, coaches and teams who have the most to gain -- or lose -- in Week 1.
Navy Midshipmen quarterback Ricky Dobbs has leadership aura ... Leadership is a given at the United States Naval Academy. Even in that crowd, amid a locker room of future Naval and Marine Corps officers, quarterback Ricky Dobbs stands out.
Ole Miss quarterback Jeremiah Masoli eligible for 2010 ... Ole Miss quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who was told he wouldn't be eligibile until the 2011 season earlier this week, has been cleared to play immediately, a school source told ESPN's Joe Schad.
Thirteen North Carolina Tar Heels players won't play vs. LSU Tigers in opener ... Twelve players from North Carolina won't play in the 18th-ranked Tar Heels' opener against No. 21 LSU in Atlanta on Saturday amid an ongoing NCAA investigation.
Georgia safety Alec Ogletree suspended after theft charge ... Georgia safety Alec Ogletree has been suspended for at least one game following a misdemeanor theft charge.
Boise State running backs coach Keith Abu Bhonapha arrested on suspicion of DUI ... A Boise State assistant football coach has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and won't make the trip to the Broncos' season opener in the Washington, D.C., area.
Tide's Marcell Dareus ruled ineligible for 2 games ... The NCAA has declared Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus ineligible for two games for accepting improper benefits.
Iowa gives coach Kirk Ferentz extension through 2020 ... Iowa announced Thursday it will extend coach Kirk Ferentz's contract through the 2020 season.
Texas without freshman linebacker Tevin Jackson, who is ineligible ... Texas freshman linebacker Tevin Jackson is ineligible to play and can't enroll in school because he has not yet been cleared by the NCAA.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish kicker David Ruffer beats Nick Tausch for No. 1 job vs. Purdue Boilermakers ... David Ruffer will be Notre Dame's No. 1 kicker for the home opener against Purdue on Saturday after beating out sophomore Nick Tausch.
Nebraska linebacker Will Compton oout with foot injury ... Nebraska middle linebacker Will Compton suffered a foot injury on Thursday and will be out "for some time," coach Bo Pelini said.
Defensive tackle Brandon Willis to play at UCLA ... Brandon Willis, the nation's No. 10 ranked defensive tackle recruit in the Class of 2011, has enrolled at UCLA, sources tell ESPN.com.
Utah field goal in overtime upends No. 15 Pitt ... Utah freshman Brian Blechen intercepted a pass on the first play of overtime, setting Joe Phillips for a 21-yard field goal that gave the Utes a 27-24 victory against No. 15 Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
Pryor, Buckeyes make short work of Marshall ... Terrelle Pryor tossed three touchdown passes, Brandon Saine rushed for 103 yards and two scores and No. 2 Ohio State rolled over error-prone Marshall 42-7 on Thursday night in a tuneup for a big date with Miami.
USC offense ties records to win in Kiffin's debut ... Matt Barkley and Ronald Johnson connected on three touchdowns to make Lane Kiffin a winner in his first game as Southern California coach.
Harris' 3 TD tosses lead Miami past Florida A&M ... Jacory Harris threw for 210 yards and three touchdowns before sitting out the second half, Leonard Hankerson caught six passes for 115 yards and two scores, and No. 13 Miami rolled past Florida A&M 45-0 Thursday night in the season-opener for both teams.
Bill Curry's return to coaching yields Georgia State win ... Parris Lee scored the first touchdown in Georgia State history, Drew Little threw a pair of scoring passes and the Panthers won their inaugural game Thursday night, beating Shorter 41-7 before a surprisingly large crowd of 30,237 at the Georgia Dome.