Charles Barkley arrested on suspicion of DUI

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Charles Barkley was arrested on suspicion of drinking and driving early Wednesday.

An officer with a law enforcement task force that targets drunken driving saw the former NBA star run a stop sign around 1:30 a.m., said Gilbert police Lt. Eric Shuhandler.

Barkley declined to submit to a breath test but was given a blood test. The results weren't immediately available.

After Barkley was processed, he was cited and released. He left in a cab, Shuhandler said.

Shuhandler said there was nothing remarkable about the 45-year-old Barkley's arrest and that it is customary to release people after they've been arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Charles Barkley arrested on suspicion of DUI....

Nets' Yi Jianlian targeted in age investigation

BEIJING (AP) -- NBA player Yi Jianlian is being investigated by a Chinese-language magazine which claims he is one of many of the country's athletes guilty of lying about their age on official documents.

Yi, who plays for the New Jersey Nets, has long been reported in the Chinese media to be older than his records show. Earlier this month, China's Sports Ministry reported that it found 36 players in China's professional basketball league whose dates of birth may have been changed.

The December issue of the Chinese-language edition of Sports Illustrated said a reporter for the magazine found records from Yi's middle-school registration in his hometown in southern China that said he was born in 1984.

His official basketball records say he was born in 1987. He is also listed by the Nets as being born Oct. 27, 1987.

A spokesman for the Chinese Basketball Association could not be reached Monday for comment.

Yi could be quizzed again about his age on Monday night when the Nets face the Houston Rockets and fellow Chinese star center Yao Ming in New Jersey.

Players' ages are sometimes altered to show them as being younger, mainly to qualify for youth tournaments. Those false ages stay with athletes and can result in embarrassment and sanctions when they move on to greater success.

Nets' Yi Jianlian targeted in age investigation....

Report: Kings fire Theus

Sacramento, CA (Sports Network) - Sacramento Kings head coach Reggie Theus was fired Monday, according to several media outlets. Theus became the sixth NBA head coach this season to be fired, following Maurice Cheeks' dismissal by Philadelphia this weekend.

Assistant Kenny Natt has been named interim head coach for the Kings, who started the season 6-18 and sit in last place in the Pacific Division.

Report: Kings fire Theus....

76ers fire coach Maurice Cheeks

By DAN GELSTON – 4 hours ago

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Maurice Cheeks was fired Saturday as coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, who are slumping at 9-14 a year after making the playoffs. Assistant general manager Tony DiLeo was appointed coach for rest of the season.

The dismissal came hours before the 76ers were to play at home, with DiLeo making his coaching debut against Washington.

Team president Ed Stefanski said he met with Cheeks, describing the former 76er star as a "gentleman throughout" and a "class act."

"I felt we were not progressing the way we had wanted to progress," Stefanski said."I didn't feel on the floor we were executing the philosophy we wanted to have as Sixers basketball."

Cheeks was one of more the popular players in 76ers history and was starting his fourth season as coach. Stefanski had given Cheeks two contract extensions in the past season, but the slow start was enough to cost him his job.

Cheeks became the fifth NBA coach fired this season following P.J. Carlesimo (Oklahoma City), Eddie Jordan (Washington), Sam Mitchell (Toronto) and Randy Wittman (Minnesota).

A message left on Cheeks' cell phone was not immediately returned.

76ers fire coach Maurice Cheeks....

Celts, Cavs Win to Stay Atop NBA

The Celtics and Cavaliers showed again Friday why they own the NBA's best records.

Atlanta Dream get 1st pick in WNBA draft

NEW YORK (AP) — The last-place Atlanta Dream will have the top pick in the WNBA draft in April.
The Washington Mystics received the second pick in the draft lottery, followed by the Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury, the league announced Tuesday.

It's the first time the draft lottery, which includes teams that didn't make the playoffs, has gone according to odds in its eight-year history.

The remaining draft order is Indiana, Sacramento, New York, Washington and Connecticut in the top 10. Defending champion Detroit, Seattle and Atlanta round out the final three picks in the 13-team draft.

The first-year Dream went 4-30 last summer, while Detroit won its third WNBA title in October.

The draft date in April has not been announced.

Atlanta Dream get 1st pick in WNBA draft....

Wolves to replace Wittman with McHale

By Marc Stein

Kevin McHale is back on the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves ... and out of the front office.

The Wolves announced the widely anticipated firing of Randy Wittman on Monday morning once McHale agreed to take over as head coach, but still managed to deliver a surprise with the news that the much-maligned McHale is relinquishing his long-held duties as Minnesota's vice president of basketball operations.

An official press release from the club states that McHale has assumed "head coaching responsibilities of the team on a full-time basis from this point forward" so he can "concentrate on his coaching duties."

It was not immediately clear if McHale will have any chance to return to a personnel post in the future or if staying with the organization he joined in 1993 depends on him succeeding on the bench. The Wolves have also yet to announce whether the bulk of McHale's front-office duties will be absorbed by general manager Jim Stack or assistant general manager Fred Hoiberg, with Hoiberg regarded as McHale's eventual successor for some time.

McHale and Wolves owner Glen Taylor will be addressing the media at a 3 p.m. ET news conference after McHale coaches his first practice. It's the NBA's fourth firing already this season, following dismissals in Oklahoma City (P.J. Carlesimo), Washington (Eddie Jordan) and Toronto (Sam Mitchell).

Wolves to replace Wittman with McHale....

WNBA president says Houston Comets are disbanding

HOUSTON (AP) — The WNBA president says the franchise that won the league's first four championships is disbanding. Donna Orender told Houston television station KRIV on Monday that the league-owned Houston Comets would be shut down because new owners couldn't be found.

Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander, the original owner of the Comets, sold the team to Houston businessman Hilton Koch last year. The WNBA took over the franchise earlier this year and began a search for a new owner.

Orender did not rule out a WNBA team returning to Houston. Orender said a dispersal draft for Houston players would be held next week.

The Comets won the first four WNBA titles from 1997-2000.

WNBA president says Houston Comets are disbanding....

One-Game Suspension for Marbury

By HOWARD BECK

Stephon Marbury was suspended one game by the Knicks on Friday, a move that cements his outcast status and could speed the process to separate him from the franchise permanently.

Although the Knicks only suspended Marbury for one game, the punishment is viewed as a first step toward a more definitive solution. Marbury will serve the suspension Saturday night, when the Knicks host the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden. Marbury, who is being paid $21.9 million this season, will forfeit about $400,000 in salary.

The suspension was handed down two days after Marbury declined Coach Mike D’Antoni’s request to play against the Detroit Pistons. It was the second time in six days that Marbury refused to help the short-handed Knicks. He is being docked the salary equivalent of two games for not playing Wednesday night in Detroit and for the game he is suspended Saturday.

One-Game Suspension for Marbury....

Pistons to fine Iverson after guard misses practice Thursday

ESPN.com news services

Detroit Pistons guard Allen Iverson missed practice Thursday and will be levied a "hefty" fine, coach Michael Curry said.

"I'm surprised when guys are late; I'm surprised when they don't show," Curry said, according to the Detroit Free Press. "It's a pretty hefty fine to be late, or to miss, and once again, it's accountability for yourself and your teammates."

Rodney Stuckey, who scored 13 points and added a career-high 11 assists for his first career double-double Wednesday in a 110-96 victory over New York, will start in Iverson's place Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Curry said he hadn't decided whether Iverson would play.

Pistons to fine Iverson after guard misses practice Thursday....

Would LeBron James Leave Cleveland?

NBA superstar LeBron James was in New York Tuesday. His Cleveland Cavaliers played the Knicks. James can become a free agent in 2010. Many NBA teams would love to sign James.

Wizards fire Jordan, make Tapscott interim coach

WASHINGTON (AP) — Eddie Jordan was fired as coach of the Washington Wizards on Monday after opening the season 1-10 without injured starters Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood.

Ed Tapscott, the Wizards' director of player development, will replace Jordan on an interim basis, running his first practice as the team's new head coach Monday morning, a team spokesman said.

The firing was first reported by the Washington Post on its Web site.

Jordan was in his sixth season with the Wizards and led the team to the playoffs each of the past four. In September, shortly before the start of training camp, the Wizards picked up a one-year option to keep him under contract through the 2009-10 season.

He leaves as the Eastern Conference's longest-tenured coach and No. 3 in the NBA behind Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz and Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs.

Wizards fire Jordan, make Tapscott interim coach....

Thunder fire Carlesimo after 1-12 start

By JEFF LATZKE – 1 hour ago

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder fired coach P.J. Carlesimo, with the team off to an NBA-worst 1-12 start in its new city.

Assistant Scott Brooks was appointed interim coach Saturday.

"This was a very difficult decision to make," general manager Sam Presti said in a statement. "It is one that I felt was necessary at this time. I am very appreciative of the hard work and effort that P.J. gave to this team and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."

The firing came after the team's 10th straight loss, a 105-80 defeat Friday night to the New Orleans Hornets. The Hornets played for two seasons in Oklahoma City and rebuilt themselves into a playoff contender.

The Thunder relocated from Seattle in the offseason after a franchise-worst 20-win season to start Carlesimo's run. Carlesimo was 21-74 in just more than one season with the franchise.

Oklahoma City faces the Hornets again Saturday night in New Orleans.

Thunder fire Carlesimo after 1-12 start....

Sports Friday: Mussina Retires, Steelers Roll

After 18 major-league seasons, Mike Mussina announced his retirement Thursday. A 270-game winner with the Yankees and Orioles, the 40-year old right hander ranks 32nd on baseball's career win list.

Mark Cuban Charged With Insider Trading

Federal regulators have charged Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with insider trading for allegedly using confidential information on a stock sale to avoid more than $750,000 in losses.

Jazz Break Losing Streak, Beat Suns

The Utah Jazz broke a three-game losing streak Monday night. Utah defeated Phoenix, 109-97. Carlos Boozer had 21 points and 15 rebounds for the Jazz.

BREAKING NEWS: SEC charges Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with insider trading related to sales of Mamma.com.

SEC charges Dallas Mavericks owner and Internet entrepreneur Mark Cuban with insider trading related to sales of Mamma.com, now known as Copernic.

LeBron James Leads Cavs Past Jazz

LeBron James scored 21 of his 38 points in the second half as the Cavaliers beat the Jazz, 105-93.

Dwyane Wade on CenterStage

Wade talks to Michael Kay about winning gold in the Olympics and more.

Iverson traded to Pistons

(UPI) -- High-scoring Denver guard Allen Iverson will go to the Detroit Pistons in a trade for three players, the two teams announced Monday.

In exchange for Iverson, Denver gets Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb.

The 33-year-old Iverson is in his 13th season in the NBA. He has averaged 27.7 points and 6.3 assists per game in his career.

Iverson played 10 1/2 years for Philadelphia and has since been with the Nuggets.

"He's a fierce competitor, he's going to bring tremendous energy to our basketball team and he's a proven all-aStar in this league," Pistons Vice President Scott Perry said in a report on the team's Web site. "He'll add excitement not only to our basketball team, but to the community at large."

Iverson traded to Pistons....

Mavs, Cowboys to co-host 2010 NBA All-Star game

By JAIME ARON

DALLAS (AP) — The NBA All-Star game is coming to the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in 2010 and plenty of good seats are available — more than 100,000.

Living up to the old adage about doing things bigger in Texas, the Dallas Mavericks and Cowboys are collaborating on hosting next season's showcase event. It will be among the first major events at the soon-to-be-completed, $1.1 billion facility in nearby Arlington.

And, if all goes according to plan, this event will set the record for the largest crowd ever to watch an NBA game, shattering the mark of 44,735 set at the 1989 All-Star Game, not-so-coincidentally held at another Texas-sized venue, the Houston Astrodome.

"It's totally outrageous," NBA commissioner David Stern said.

Just wait until he hears Mavs owner Mark Cuban's idea about putting the record out of reach.

"If we can get people to sit on each other's laps, it could be 200,000," Cuban said, laughing.

Mavs, Cowboys to co-host 2010 NBA All-Star game....

NBA Eastern Conference Preview

The AP's Brian Mahoney previews the NBA's Eastern Conference, home to the defending league champion Boston Celtics.

Boston Celtics promote general manager Danny Ainge, extend his contract

BOSTON — Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been given a new title and a contract extension as the team kicks off the defence of its 17th NBA championship.

The team announced Tuesday Ainge has been promoted to president of basketball operations. The terms of his contract extension were not disclosed.

Ainge won NBA executive of the year after last season after engineering deals to bring Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to Boston.

The new season is Ainge's sixth in Boston's front office. He also played guard on two championship teams in Boston.

The Celtics open their season Tuesday night against Cleveland.

Boston Celtics promote general manager Danny Ainge, extend his contract....

Report: Isiah Thomas overdoses on sleeping pills

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Police were reportedly sent to the home of former New York Knicks head coach and president Isiah Thomas early Friday morning in response to a call that Thomas had overdosed on sleeping pills.

WCBSTV in New York reported Friday afternoon on the overdose. The television station said that Thomas was rushed to a White Plains Hospital for treatment, but his condition is not yet known.

Report: Isiah Thomas overdoses on sleeping pills....

N.B.A. and Partner to Help Build 12 Arenas in China

n an aggressive move to brand the NBA as the ultimate basketball authority in China, the league and AEG will design and build a dozen new arenas over the next few years.

The arenas will be mostly financed by local governmental units. The NBA and AEG will control the facilities, however.

The pair already has a history: they designed and built the arena used for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Bejing. In addition, AEG owns and/or runs over 90 facilities, including Staples Center in Los Angeles, the O2 in London and the O2 World arena in Berlin.

The money for the arena investment will come from NBA China, a side venture that includes investors like the Walt Disney Company.

NBA, AEG to design and build 12 new arenas in China....

NBA Will Cut About 9% of Workers as Economy Slows, Stern Says

By Christopher Elser

Oct 13 (Bloomberg) -- The National Basketball Association will cut about 9 percent of its U.S. staff as season-ticket renewals slow and the economy declines, commissioner David Stern said.

``We made the decision some months ago that the economy would be a bit wobbly and so we began a belt-tightening that will result in a workforce reduction of 9 percent,'' Stern said at a press conference.

NBA Will Cut About 9% of Workers as Economy Slows, Stern Says....

Magic Johnson outraged by 'faked AIDS' comment

By Reid Cherner & Tom Weir

Magic Johnson has lashed back at a Minneapolis radio program whose hosts asserted that the former Lakers star has faked having AIDS.

"I am extremely disappointed in KTLK in Minneapolis," Johnson told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I am outraged that Chris Baker and Langdon Perry would minimize such a serious and deadly issue. Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable."

Magic Johnson outraged by 'faked AIDS' comment....

Elgin Baylor is out as Clippers general manager

By Art Thompson III / The Orange County Register

LOS ANGELES — Elgin Baylor’s two decades in the Clippers’ executive office apparently has ended, as the team’s longtime vice president of basketball operations and general manager no longer is performing those duties.

The Clippers confirmed the move late Tuesday afternoon when it was announced that Coach Mike Dunleavy was adding the title of general manager, replacing Baylor. Neil Olsey, the team’s director of player personnel, was promoted to assistant general manager.

"We greatly appreciate Elgin’s efforts during his time with the Clippers and we wish him the very best," Clippers owner Donald T. Sterling said in a prepared statement.

Elgin Baylor is out as Clippers general manager....

Detroit Shock wins third WNBA title

PA SportsTicker

YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Katie Smith scored 18 points as the Detroit Shock completed a sweep of the San Antonio Silver Stars to win their third championship in six seasons with a 76-60 victory in Game Three of the WNBA Finals on Sunday afternoon.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin scored 13 points for the Shock, who finished off the Silver Stars after becoming the first team to win Games One and Two on the road since the league expanded the Finals to its current five-game format in 2005.

With "Disney on Ice" occupying the Palace of Auburn Hills and the Detroit Red Wings playing in nearby Joe Louis Arena, Detroit was forced to play at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, approximately 40 miles outside the Motor City. The celebration no doubt will reach back to Detroit proper.

Detroit Shock wins third WNBA title....

Sparks' Candace Parker will be named WNBA MVP

By Dan Arritt, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Expectations for a No. 1 overall draft pick often exceed reality. That's not the case for Sparks forward Candace Parker. She was better.

Tonight, one day after accepting WNBA rookie of the year honors, Parker is expected to be named the league's most valuable player. The announcement will come during Game 2 of the WNBA finals in San Antonio and it will make her the first WNBA player to win both awards, regardless of the year.

Sparks' Candace Parker will be named WNBA MVP....

Refs report finds only Donaghy committed crimes

By BRIAN MAHONEY

NEW YORK (AP) — A review of the NBA's officiating program found no evidence of illegal activity by any referee other than Tim Donaghy, though it recommended significant changes for monitoring gambling and game integrity. The report, compiled over 14 months by former federal prosecutor Lawrence Pedowitz and released Thursday, called for the creation of a "culture of compliance" and closer monitoring of games for suspicious activity.

Pedowitz made three key recommendations to the league: create a hot line to anonymously raise questions about gambling and game integrity issues; make available any complaints the league receives about refs — beginning in the 2008-09 playoffs — to both teams to avoid suspicions of bias; provide more access to referees for both fans and media.

The report also suggests mandatory gambling education for players. "We believe that gambling can expose the players and the League to significant risks, and therefore it is important that players be educated regarding those risks," the report says.

Refs report finds only Donaghy committed crimes....

WNBA names Lynx rookie Wiggins top reserve

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Lynx rookie Candice Wiggins has been chosen the WNBA's Sixth Woman of the Year.

Wiggins, the third overall pick out of Stanford, received 27 of a possible 45 votes from a national media panel. The league announced the award Thursday.

Wiggins, a guard, averaged 15.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3 assists for a Lynx squad that finished 16-18. She came off the bench in 29 of the 30 games she played.

Detroit Shock forward Plenette Pierson, last year's winner, was second with 10 votes.

WNBA names Lynx rookie Wiggins top reserve....

Marbury headed out of New York?

By Chris Colston, USA TODAY
What was anticipated all summer might become reality by week's end if, as Newsday reports, the New York Knicks waive Stephon Marbury. Because of taking the hit on the final year of Marbury's contract, worth $21.9 million, Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan has been reluctant to end the chaotic tenure of the veteran point guard.

Once Marbury clears waivers and a buyout is reached, he would be free to sign with any team. Reports in Newsday and South Florida news media included interest from the Miami Heat.

According to Newsday, which cited several persons with knowledge of the situation, Marbury has recovered from surgery in January to remove bone spurs in his left ankle, has worked out all summer and trimmed his playing weight to 200 pounds.

Marbury headed out of New York?....

Arenas undergoes knee surgery, could be out until December

Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas underwent another surgery on his left knee on Wednesday, and told a Washington newspaper that he will not return to game action until December.

Arenas, who missed 66 games during the 2007-08 regular season before mounting an ultimately unsuccessful return for the end of the season and the playoffs, told the Washington Post on Wednesday that he plans on returning to play some time in December, meaning that he will miss at least the first month of the season.

The three-time All-Star has now undergone three surgeries in 17 months on the knee. He tore the left meniscus in the knee during a game against Charlotte on April 4, 2007, and missed the remainder of that season. He then needed additional surgery after playing the first eight games of the 2007-08 season. This latest procedure was done to remove debris from the knee.

Arenas undergoes knee surgery, could be out until December....

Star Spangled mess: Mavs' Howard insults anthem

DALLAS (AP) — The battered reputation of Josh Howard took another hit this week when an online video surfaced showing the Dallas Mavericks forward disrespecting the national anthem.

In a video posted on YouTube, Howard is shown on a football field at a charity flag football game. As the national anthem plays in the background, Howard approaches a camera and says: "'The Star Spangled Banner' is going on right now. I don't even celebrate that (expletive). I'm black."

Howard's agent, Jeff Schwartz, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Donnie Nelson, the Mavericks' president of basketball operations, directed questions to team owner Mark Cuban, who in an e-mail declined to comment.

Star Spangled mess: Mavs' Howard insults anthem....

76ers, Cheeks agree on extension

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers revamped their roster this summer with key signings. Now, they've made sure their coach will be there, too.
The 76ers gave Maurice Cheeks his second contract extension in seven months Tuesday, capping a busy summer highlighted by the addition of free agent forward Elton Brand. Cheeks previously signed a one-year extension on Feb. 20. Terms of the latest deal were not disclosed.

"I always wanted to be here, no matter what," Cheeks said during a conference call.

Cheeks led the team to the playoffs last season, where the 76ers lost in the first round to the Detroit Pistons. After an 18-30 start, Philadelphia won 18 of its next 23 games and wound up at 40-42 and the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

"I had a little luck on my side," Cheeks said.

76ers, Cheeks agree on extension....

Bryant: No surgery on pinkie finger

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kobe Bryant will not have surgery on his right pinkie because recovery would take too long.

Bryant has played with damaged ligaments in the finger since February, but said Tuesday that he won't have surgery after seeking opinions from hand specialists.

"When the doctors told me recovery from a procedure could be 12 weeks, I just decided now was not the time to have surgery," Bryant said on the Web site kb24.com. "What it really came down to for me is that I just didn't want to miss any time 'punching the clock' for the Lakers, given all we are trying to accomplish as a team this NBA season."

Bryant: No surgery on pinkie finger....

Oklahoma City NBA team's nickname will be Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — As Oklahoma City's NBA team prepared to reveal its name and logo, the NBA's Web site showed "Thunder" as the name and the color scheme as blue, yellow and orange.

Earlier this week, a handful of NBA team Web sites, including that of the Orlando Magic, offered tickets for games against "the Thunder."

Oklahoma City television station KOCO reported in late July that "Thunder" would be the nickname, but team officials have refused to comment on the report.

Oklahoma City NBA team's nickname will be Thunder....

Chalmers, Arthur sent home from NBA rookie program

RYE BROOK, N.Y. (AP) — Former Kansas stars Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were sent home Wednesday from the NBA's mandatory rookie transition program for violating unspecified league rules.

Both the Miami Heat, who drafted Chalmers, and his agent, Sam Goldfeder, confirmed to The Associated Press that the guard left the program. Neither would divulge the reasons why the former Kansas standout, who hit the overtime-forcing jumper in the Jayhawks' win over Memphis in the national championship game five months ago, was asked to depart early from the resort in southern Westchester County, a short drive north of Manhattan, where the event was taking place.

"I'm in the process of investigating what exactly is going on," Goldfeder said.

The Heat said they also were investigating and declined further comment.

Chalmers, Arthur sent home from NBA rookie program....

Redemption Complete: U.S. Wins Gold

By John Schuhmann

BEIJING, August 24, 2008 -- Three years of commitment had come down to 40 minutes of basketball.
And on Sunday, the U.S. Men's Senior National Team needed all 40.

But in the end, the commitment, the sacrifice and the hard work paid off, and the Road to Redemption reached its golden destination.

In one of the best gold medal games ever played, the U.S. held off a spirited Spain squad 118-107 at the Wukesong Culture and Sports Center to reclaim Olympic gold and their spot atop the basketball world.

From the start, Spain made it clear that they weren't at their best in their 37-point, pool play loss to the U.S. last week. On Sunday, they went toe to toe with the U.S., trailing by as many as 14 midway through the second quarter, but fighting back and using a 7-0 run at the start of the fourth to close to within two.

"Both teams never gave up the entire game," Tayshaun Prince said.

Redemption Complete: U.S. Wins Gold....

US women's basketball wins fourth straight gold

By DOUG FEINBERG

BEIJING (AP) — Lisa Leslie and the U.S. women's basketball team were once again too good for Australia at the Olympics.

Leslie capped off her illustrious Olympic career with a fourth straight gold medal scoring 14 points in a 92-65 victory against Australia on Saturday night. She joined former teammate Teresa Edwards as the only basketball players ever to win four gold medals.

"It's a blessing for me to be out on this floor, now participating in my fourth Olympics and walking away with a fourth gold medal," Leslie said.

US women's basketball wins fourth straight gold....

Olympics '08: U.S. Men Shooting for Gold

The U.S. men's olympic basketball team heads for a gold medal matchup with Spain, after defeating Argentina 101-81 in the semifinal game. All that's left for the U.S. players is a gold medal.

Olympics '08: Men Roar Past Australia

The U.S. men's olympic basketball team claims another victim on the court. This time, Australia proves to be no match for the Americans in the quarterfinals of the medal round, falling 116-85. The U.S. team now advances to the semifinals.

Team USA gets a taste of redemption against Greece

By Chris Sheridan
ESPN.com

BEIJING -- Here is what this night of redemption looked like:

• Cold stares deep into the eyes of their opponents, even during warm-ups when the Greeks were running their layup line.

• A hustling Dwyane Wade lunging to save the ball from going out of bounds, then flinging it toward the rim, where Kobe Bryant came flying through the air to flush it through.

• A brand of defense that was all about smarts, quick hands, minimal risk-taking and emphatic shot-blocking.

• Athleticism triumphing over size and physicality, especially on the offensive boards, where the Americans' determination to get their fingers 12 feet up in the air allowed them to keep possessions alive.

This is what it sounded like afterward, coming from the mouth of one of the players who participated in that Greek tragedy two summers ago in Japan and had been waiting over 23 long, long months to exact some revenge:

"It meant a lot to us. We wanted to keep the pressure on them, kind of redeem ourselves," Chris Bosh said. "This was a payback game for us, and we knew people were wondering how we were going to respond."

Team USA gets a taste of redemption against Greece....

US beats China 101-70 in Olympic opener

By BRIAN MAHONEY

BEIJING (AP) — This was the stuff a Dream Team is made of. Acrobatic moves, reverse slams and tomahawk dunks. Who needs outside shooting? Just toss it up and throw it down.

The United States opened its campaign for Olympic basketball redemption Sunday with a 101-70 rout of host China that had even the home crowd oohing and aahing.

Dwyane Wade lobbed one up to LeBron James on a fastbreak, James caught it in midair with one hand and in one motion, slammed it home.

Kobe Bryant drove to the basket a couple of times for tomahawk dunks, sending the crowd into a frenzy each time.

And not to be outdone, Wade had a behind-the-head, back-to-the-basket two-handed dunk of his own.

This wasn't a game, this was a spectacle.

And the fans, including President Bush, got what they came to see.

US beats China 101-70 in Olympic opener....

Source: LeBron would consider European offer of $50M a year or more

By Chris Broussard
ESPN The Magazine

Jay-Z and the New Jersey Nets? Mike D'Antoni and the New York Knicks?

Heck, the Cleveland Cavaliers' strongest competition for LeBron James' long-term services could be the deep-pocketed new kid on the block -- Europe.

A person close to James said Tuesday that the Cavaliers' superstar would strongly consider playing overseas if he was offered a salary of "around $50 million a year."

James' current contract expires after the 2010-2011 season, but he can opt out after the 2009-2010 season, and while several NBA teams are working to create salary cap space for his impending free agency, none could offer a contract beginning at even $20 million a year.

The Russian team CSKA Moscow and the Greek team Olympiacos, which recently gave Josh Childress a contract approaching $30 million over three years, have already contacted James, according to the person close to him. The person added, however, that no monetary or contractual discussions have taken place.

While $50 million a year seems outlandish, it is within the realm of possibility, considering the reported $250 million contract David Beckham received two years ago to join Major League Soccer, the $33 million Michael Jordan was paid by the Chicago Bulls for the 1997-98 season, the strength of the euro in comparison to the dollar, and the fact that European clubs are not bound by a salary cap.

Source: LeBron would consider European offer of $50M a year or more....

Artest bound for Houston in trade

The Rockets will acquire Ron Artest from the Kings for guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene and a 2009 first-round pick, multiple news outlets reported Tuesday.

Artest's long-anticipated move out of Sacramento probably can't be announced yet because Greene, acquired by the Rockets on draft night last month, signed a contract with Houston on July 14. A player can't be traded within 30 days of signing a contract, according to league rules.

Artest bound for Houston in trade....

Donaghy Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Betting Scandal

By Robin Shulman and Michael Lee
Washington Post Staff Writers

Tim Donaghy the former NBA referee who was in the middle of a betting scandal was sentenced to 15 months in prison today. U.S. District Judge Carol Bagley Amon of the Eastern District of New York said she took Donaghy's gambling addiction into account, as well as his cooperation with the government's investigation. Donaghy, 41, was expected to receive between 27 and 33 months in prison for his role in a betting scandal that rocked the NBA last summer and continues to reverberate.

"I'm very sorry for the acts that have brought me before you, your honor," Donaghy said. He added, voice shaking, "I've brought shame on myself, my family and the profession I love."

Donaghy Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Betting Scandal....

Bobcats, Okafor agree on 6-year, $72 million deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Bobcats are paying big money to keep top rebounder and shot blocker Emeka Okafor.

The Bobcats have come to terms with the restricted free agent on a six-year, $72 million deal, ending a month of negotiations.

General manager Rod Higgins confirmed the deal Tuesday, which marks the biggest contract the Bobcats have given a player since they entered the league in the 2004-05 season.

ESPN.com first reported late Monday that the two sides were close to an agreement.

Okafor was the second overall pick in 2004 and Charlotte's first draft pick. He turned down Charlotte's offer of $12 million a year last year, but settled on the same figure a year later.

Okafor averaged 13.7 points and 10.7 rebounds a game last season.

Bobcats, Okafor agree on 6-year, $72 million deal....

Disgraced NBA ref described as compulsive gambler

By TOM HAYS

NEW YORK (AP) — Disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy was a compulsive gambler whose road to professional and personal ruin began on the golf course, where he bet up to $500 a hole, according to an evaluation filed on the eve of his sentencing.

"In short, he could not stop himself from gambling," wrote Stephen Block, a longtime New York-based gambling treatment counselor.

Donaghy, 41, faces up to 33 months in prison at his sentencing Tuesday in federal court in Brooklyn after pleading guilty last year to taking thousands of dollars in payoffs from a professional gambler for inside betting tips. The evaluation was filed by his defense attorney, John Lauro, in a bid for leniency.

"In my professional opinion, Mr. Donaghy would never have committed these offenses if he was not a pathological gambler," Block concluded.

Block, who interviewed Donaghy in January, traced his problem to 1994, when he started betting up to $500 a hole and playing card games at various golf clubs in his home state of Pennsylvania. He was introduced to the world of professional sports gambling, where he bet on football and baseball before becoming embroiled in the NBA scheme.

Disgraced NBA ref described as compulsive gambler....

Jilted by U.S., 2 Olympians turn to Russia

By Alex Rodriguez | Chicago Tribune correspondent

MOSCOW — The cheering throngs in J.R. Holden's boyhood hoop dreams always roared in an NBA arena, not an Olympic venue.

Now 31, Holden never got that chance to don an NBA jersey, but in less than three weeks, the nimble-footed point guard from Pittsburgh will stride into Beijing's National Stadium to compete for Olympic gold.

That he will wear the colors of Mother Russia instead of red, white and blue won't trouble him a bit. Moreover, he says, it shouldn't trouble Americans back home.

"Whether you do it for the United States or another country, it's an honor and a privilege just to be at the Olympics, and I don't think people understand that," Holden said between swigs of water after a recent practice with his Team Russia teammates. "Some people get caught up with the patriotism aspect of it ... but I'm going to enjoy it and do the best I can to represent Russia."

The Summer Games in Beijing will mark the first time American citizens have competed for Russia in the Olympics, Russian Olympic Committee officials say. While Holden leads the Russian men's squad, WNBA standout Becky Hammon from South Dakota will play for the Russian women's basketball team. Authorities fast-tracked both of them for Russian citizenship.

Both athletes say their motivation is pure and uncomplicated: The Olympic experience has no peer as the ultimate crucible for athletic achievement—and as the world's greatest sports spectacle. A chance to take part can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Back home, however, competing for a former Cold War foe may constitute a line in the sand for some Americans.

Jilted by U.S., 2 Olympians turn to Russia....

WNBA suspends 10 players and Mahorn for skirmish

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA swiftly suspended the Detroit and Los Angeles players and Shock assistant coach Rick Mahorn for their role in a skirmish at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Shock forward Plenette Pierson was suspended Thursday for four games, the harshest penalty, for initiating and escalating the altercation.

Mahorn was suspended for two games as were Shannon Bobbitt and Murriel Page of the Sparks.

"As a team, we're incensed that Rick Mahorn was suspended," Detroit coach Bill Laimbeer said in a telephone interview from Houston, where the Shock were scheduled to play the Comets. "He was trying to be a peacemaker and now he's being thrown under the bus."

WNBA suspends 10 players and Mahorn for skirmish....

Leslie, Parker involved in melee with Shock

By VIN A. CHERWOO

Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker are the only players to have dunked in a WNBA game.

On Tuesday night, they were involved in a skirmish — another occurrence more frequently connected with the men's game — at, of all places, The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Parker was one of three players ejected, along with Detroit assistant coach Rick Mahorn, after the scuffle with 4.6 seconds left in the Los Angeles Sparks' 84-81 victory over the Shock.

In case you missed the melee, which was late in a nationally televised game on ESPN2, it started moments after Parker and Detroit's Cheryl Ford had to be separated after Ford fouled Parker.

On the next possession, Parker got tangled up with Detroit's Plenette Pierson and fell to the ground. As Parker was getting up, Pierson hovered over the Sparks' rookie, who pulled her to the ground.

Leslie, Parker involved in melee with Shock....

Outdoor basketball game makes history

PA SportsTicker

FLUSHING, N.Y. (Ticker) --- History will be made today when the New York Liberty host the Indiana Fever in a WNBA game that will be played at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the home of the United States Tennis Open.

The contest, called the Liberty Outdoor Classic, will be the first regular-season outdoor game in pro basketball history. It also will be the first non-tennis sporting event to take place at the Billy Jean King National Tennis Center.

"I'm excited because I haven't played outdoors since high school," New York guard Loree Moore said. "It's going to a little different because I haven't done it in a very long time.

Outdoor basketball game makes history....

Report: Jazz, Williams agree to $70M extension

by FOXSports.com

Young guards Deron Williams of the Jazz and Chris Paul of the Hornets are often mentioned in the same sentence by basketball fans admiring their skills.

And now they're linked by money. Less than two weeks after New Orleans gave Paul a contract extension, Utah has called a news conference for today to announce that Williams has agreed to an extension, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Friday.

The deal is for three years plus an option, the paper reported, and could reach a value of approximately $70 million, the maximum allowed by the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, with the option. Paul's similarly fashioned deal is valued at about $68 million.

Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor declined comment on the report.

Report: Jazz, Williams agree to $70M extension....

Philadelphia's Spectrum to be demolished

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A longtime sports arena in Philadelphia is shutting down.

Comcast-Spectacor chairman Ed Snider says the 42-year-old Spectrum will close at the end of the 2008-09 hockey and soccer seasons and be demolished.

The arena had been used for Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers games until 1996. The Wachovia Center now is home to the pro hockey and basketball teams.

The Spectrum is currently used for a minor-league hockey team, the Philadelphia Phantoms, and an indoor soccer team, the Philadelphia Kixx. It is also home to an Arena Football League team, the Philadelphia Soul.

Philadelphia's Spectrum to be demolished....

Parker's career-high 40 points, 16 boards lead Sparks past Comets in OT

CBSSports.com wire reports

LOS ANGELES -- 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 an 82-74 overtime victory against the Houston Comets on Wednesday.

"She's only getting better," Sparks coach Michael Cooper said of Parker, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft. "I think she's starting to figure this league out, and she's starting to figure out how our team can function and evolve with her -- not around her, but with her.

"The reason why she's able to do what she does is because 'Smooth' is still a force in this league."

"Smooth" is Lisa Leslie, who had 13 points for the Sparks (12-6), who moved within a half-game of first-place San Antonio in the WNBA's Western Conference.

"Our coaches really emphasize Smooth and I establishing the inside game," Parker said. "When you start hitting inside then crazy, fall-away, off-balance 3-pointers will bank in.

"We have great shooters so it's hard for opponents to come at us."

Parker's career-high 40 points....