AFP - The F factor can help motivate France against Holland here Friday in a match that has taken on even greater significance since the opening Euro 2008 draw with Romania.

AP - Milton Bradley stormed out of the Texas Rangers clubhouse after an 11-5 victory Wednesday night over Kansas City and bounded up four flights of stairs looking for Royals television announcer Ryan Lefebvre.

AP - Lamar Odom was surrounded. Dozens of microphones and notepads closed in, cutting off every escape route for the Lakers' forward. There was nowhere to go, so he stood firm and answered questions about his troubles in the NBA finals.

AP - What looked like a possible meltdown turned out to be only a hiccup for Tiger Woods. The world's best player made an ugly double bogey on the opening hole of the U.S. Open on Thursday, but came back with three birdies over the next eight holes to turn at 1 under par and within shouting distance of the leader, Robert Karlsson.

AP - This is one U.S. Open where Phil Mickelson should feel right at home. He grew up in San Diego and played high school matches at Torrey Pines. His photo hangs from the concourse in the San Diego airport, along with the city's other famous athletes.

AP - Walter Dix cruised into the finals Wednesday night in his bid for a third and final NCAA 100-meter title.

AP - Mike Babcock's new contract allows the oldest of his three children to graduate from the same high school she's attending. And if all goes well with the Detroit Red Wings over the next three years, Babcock's younger two kids likely will get the same opportunity.

AFP - Deflated Switzerland boss Jakob Kuhn has vowed the Euro 2008 party will continue in his country despite the co-hosts' heartbreaking exit from the tournament.

AP - With one powerful crack of the bat, Dan Uggla sent the Florida Marlins to a second straight win over the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies.

AP - If Tim Donaghy's latest allegations are true, Kobe Bryant won his last championship with the help of an NBA conspiracy. And Scot Pollard is still ringless because some guys in suits determined it would be that way.

AP - Dan Uggla hit a game-ending grand slam with one out in the ninth inning and the Florida Marlins beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 Wednesday for their second win in as many nights against the NL East leaders.

AP - Milton Bradley stormed out of the Texas Rangers clubhouse after an 11-5 victory Wednesday night over Kansas City and bounded up four flights of stairs looking for Royals television announcer Ryan Lefebvre.