AP - The International Olympic Committee has upheld a ban on Iraqi teams at the Beijing Games, saying Thursday the government missed the deadline to address accusations of political interference.
AP - It was a WNBA smackdown Thursday, when the league suspended Detroit Shock assistant coach Rick Mahorn and 10 players for their roles in a skirmish with the Los Angeles Sparks earlier this week.
AP - Carlos Delgado hit a tiebreaking, two-run double in the eighth inning and Oliver Perez stifled the Philadelphia Phillies again, helping the New York Mets earn a 3-1 win Thursday that gave them sole possession of first place in the NL East.
AFP - Roger Federer's number one ranking slid into the danger zone as the Swiss suffered an opening-match loss to Gilles Simon 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the second round of the ATP Masters Series event.
AP - Randy Carlyle, who coached the Anaheim Ducks to the Stanley Cup championship in 2007, signed a two-year extension Wednesday. Financial terms were not announced.
AFP - Luiz Felipe Scolari refused to be drawn into a war of words with Manchester United's Alex Ferguson over the age of his squad, but insisted Chelsea's experience could win them the Premiership.
Reuters - Forward Josh Childress has signed a
three-year, $20 million deal to play with Greek club Olympiakos
after turning down an offer to stay with the NBA's Atlanta
Hawks. -- read full article
Reuters - New Orleans wide receiver Marques
Colston has signed a three-year extension to remain with the
team until 2011, the Saints said on their website on Wednesday.
AP - Mike Mussina baffled the Twins for eight innings, Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run double and the New York Yankees beat Minnesota 5-1 Wednesday for their 10th straight home win.
AP - Jose Reyes' three-run homer snapped a sixth-inning tie and the New York Mets, with closer Billy Wagner back, rebounded from a demoralizing defeat by beating the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 on Wednesday night.
AP - CC Sabathia threw a three-hitter, his third straight complete game for his new team, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 on Wednesday night.
AP - Jessica Hardy's first trip to the Olympics could be over before it began. The swimmer tested positive for a banned substance, leaving her just two weeks to pursue any appeals before the Beijing Games begin.
AP - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is monitoring the ongoing rift between the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre. A person with direct knowledge of Goodell's interest said the commissioner has spoken with Packers management several times recently as tensions mounted between the three-time MVP and his team.
AFP - Barcelona on Wednesday dismissed a FIFA statement calling on clubs to release players under 23 for the Olympics, saying it will not reverse its decision to prevent Argentine striker Lionel Messi from competing in the Games.
