Copyright 2008 The New York Sun Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:40:03 -0400 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Other Sports :: Stories from The New York Sun http://www.nysun.com/other-sports istoll@nysun.com (Ira Stoll) webmaster@nysun.com en-us EVAN WEINER http://www.nysun.com/sports/what-the-wall-st-crisis-means-for-sports/86596/ Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST While lawmakers refine the Wall Street bailout plan, the American and global sports industries are watching closely. The fallout of Treasury Secretary Paulson's $700 billion bailout plan could determine whether or not baseball teams have the financial wherewithal to be able to pay huge money this winter to free agents such as CC Sabathia and others. One of the more interesting aspects of the federal government's $85 billion loan to save insurance giant AIG is that American taxpayers are now... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/derby-winning-filly-genuine-risk-dies/84100/ Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:54:26 EST UPPERVILLE, Va. — Genuine Risk, one of only three fillies to win the Kentucky Derby, died today at Newstead Farm. The 1980 Derby winner died peacefully about 7:30 a.m. at the advanced age of 31 after eating a hearty breakfast and being turned out in her paddock, an office administrator at the farm, Cindy Perry, said. Ms. Perry said the filly had not been ill. Genuine Risk was the oldest living Derby winner, and the only filly to finish in the top three in each of the Triple Crown races. She was... JAIME ARON http://www.nysun.com/sports/china-dominates-phelps-less-day/83905/ Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:23:43 EST BEIJING — Michael Phelps finally had a breather, a day to sit and count his gold medals instead of trying to add to his collection. There was no slowing the Chinese, though. From getting their first swimming gold in a world-record time to a long-awaited gold in men's gymnastics to golden redemption for a shooter, the hosts continued to amaze. With five more golds today, their Olympic tally is up to 22. China's winning percentage is ridiculous — more than 1 in every 4 events. If the Chinese can... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/86839/ Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Ramirez slam lifts Chisox into playoff with Twins Alexei Ramirez spread his arms wide, raced around the bases like a little kid and jumped into Paul Konerko's embrace at home plate. No wonder they were so happy. The White Sox would play one more day. Ramirez set a rookie record with his fourth grand slam of the season, and Chicago beat Detroit 8-2 in a rainout makeup Monday, forcing a one-game tiebreaker against Minnesota for the AL Central title. The Twins will visit the White Sox... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/86703/ Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST GOLF KIM HOLDS 4-SHOT LEAD IN TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP Anthony Kim wore a red shirt, fired at flags, and made birdies on almost half of his holes. So much for that Ryder Cup hangover. The way Kim played yesterday in the opening round of the Tour Championship, it was almost as if the Ryder Cup never ended. Four days after Kim humbled Sergio Garcia, he beat 29 players just as badly at East Lake with a 6-under 64 that gave Kim a four-shot lead over Masters champion Trevor Immelman, Ryder Cup teammate... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/lance-armstrong-to-ride-with-astana-team/86602/ Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Lance Armstrong is chasing an eighth Tour de France title and an elusive feat: persuading everyone he's clean. As Armstrong reunites with his close friend and Astana team director Johan Bruyneel, the man behind his yellow jerseys, he's also adding a new member to his support group. Anti-doping expert Don Catlin has been hired to test Armstrong anytime, anywhere--and to post the results online for the world to see. "I think it's the first time an athlete can actually be totally validated on the... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/86498/ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Football Rams will start Green on Sunday against Bills Marc Bulger is out as the St. Louis Rams starting quarterback after throwing only two touchdown passes in three games and will be replaced by 38-year-old Trent Green for Sunday's game against Buffalo. The benching of the Rams' highest-paid player, announced by coach Scott Linehan in a terse, two-paragraph release on Tuesday, signals just how desperate times have become for the sagging franchise. Linehan is 11-24 in his third season... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/86375/ Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Football Shockey out 3-6 weeks with a sports hernia Tight end Jeremy Shockey, the Saints' second-leading receiver through three games, is expected to be out for three to six weeks because of a sports hernia. Shockey, who was acquired from the New York Giants in a trade shortly before training camp, had 16 receptions for 151 yards during the Saints' first three regular-season games. He played Sunday in New Orleans' 34-32 loss at Denver, catching five passes for 56 yards. On yesterday afternoon... RONALD BLUM http://www.nysun.com/sports/fans-know-its-over-at-yankee-stadiums-last/86275/ Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:25:39 EST Even Yogi Berra knew this was the end. As baseball said farewell to Yankee Stadium, one of the game's most beloved players stood beneath the stands in a full vintage uniform. Now 83, the man who coined the phrase "it ain't over till it's over" put his own stamp on the day. "I'm sorry to see it over, I'll tell you that," Berra said. The goodbye completed an 85-year-old run for the home of baseball's most famous team. What began with a Babe Ruth home run on an April afternoon in 1923 was likely... EVAN WEINER http://www.nysun.com/sports/for-owners-teams-are-just-part-of-the-portfolio/86124/ Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST It wasn't surprising when David Howard, the Mets' executive vice president for business, said on a Bloomberg Radio program, "Our vision is not to be just a successful baseball team, but to be a world-class sports and media entertainment company." The owners of the Mets, Fred and Jeff Wilpon, along with Fred's brother-in-law, Saul Katz, are looking to add a Major League Soccer franchise to their portfolio, which already includes the baseball team, the soon-to-be-opened Citi Field, and partial... EVAN WEINER http://www.nysun.com/sports/ebersols-experiment-may-radically-change-viewing/86059/ Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Dick Ebersol has probably changed the way television audiences watch professional football. Earlier this year, Ebersol, the chairman of NBC Universal Sports, along with the commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, gave the go-ahead to place the network's Sunday night football package on broadband at the nbcsports.msnbc.com Web site. In the NFL season opener on September 4, those who opted to watch the Washington Redskins play against the Giants on a computer rather than on traditional television... JIM VERTUNO http://www.nysun.com/sports/lance-armstrong-ends-retirement-to-return-to-tour/85482/ Tue, 9 Sep 2008 16:34:40 EST AUSTIN, Texas — Lance Armstrong is getting back on his bike, determined to win an eighth Tour de France. Armstrong's return from cancer to win the Tour a record seven consecutive times made him a hero to cancer patients worldwide and elevated cycling to an unprecedented level in America. The Tour "is the intention," Armstrong's spokesman, Mark Higgins, told The Associated Press, "but we've got some homework to do over there." Added Armstrong's lawyer and longtime confidant, Bill Stapleton... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/85434/ Tue, 9 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Hank Steinbrenner: Girardi will return in 2009 The Yankees plan to retain Joe Girardi as manager next year. "Joe will be back," co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said yesterday at the club's spring training complex. "He's done everything he could. That's the bottom line." Girardi is in his first season managing the Yankees after agreeing to a three-year contract last October. The team is likely to miss the playoffs for the first time since 1993, but Girardi wasn't expected to be fired. New... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/astana-no-plans-for-armstrong-return/85437/ Tue, 9 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Lance Armstrong's reported comeback won't take place with the Astana cycling team. "He is no part of our team," Astana team press officer Philippe Maertens told the Associated Press in an e-mail. "Team Astana has no plans with him." The cycling journal VeloNews, citing anonymous sources, reported on its Web site yesterday that the 36-year-old seven-time Tour de France champion would compete in the Tour and four other road races with Astana in 2009. But Astana team director Johan Bruyneel, who... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/85172/ Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST BASKETBALL Oklahoma City's NBA team to be called Thunder Thunder can be heard from miles away, an early warning that a storm is about to arrive. So, perhaps it's only fitting that the name of Oklahoma City's NBA team didn't sneak up on anyone. Six weeks after the name first surfaced, team officials officially announced Wednesday that the team formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics would be known as the Oklahoma City Thunder. "It's hard to keep a secret," team chairman Clay Bennett said after... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/85091/ Wed, 3 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST College Football USC Takes Over Top spot By staying away from the cupcakes, Southern California earned itself a slim new ranking. No. 1 always seems to fit USC. Southern California jumped two spots to no. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 yesterday, rewarded by voters for opening the season with a dominant performance on the road against a BCS conference opponent. Georgia and Ohio State, the preseason nos. 1 and 2, respectively, started their seasons with glorified scrimmages at home against FCS... SAM STERN http://www.nysun.com/sports/the-big-four-and-money-dominate-early-epl-season/84807/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Soccer fans can excuse themselves for missing the opening matches of England's Premier League season, given that action kicked off during the Olympics. Not to worry: The quality of early season play is far from the best, and the results can be misleading for projecting how everyone will fare over the season. The Olympics are now behind us, and sports fans can once again devote all of their early morning viewing to soccer. With that, here are three key story lines to follow for the Premier... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/84245/ Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Basketball Fowles, U.S. beat South Korea in women's basketball Sylvia Fowles and the American women's basketball team were too big for South Korea to handle. Fowles scored 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the U.S. to a 104-60 rout of South Korea last night and advance to the semifinals of women's basketball. "I just wanted to come out and make a statement that I'm back and let my teammates know," Fowles said. "I haven't played well since the first two games and I've been down on myself... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/shawn-johnson-wins-gold-on-balance-beam/84178/ Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:50:08 EST BEIJING — Shawn Johnson finally got her Olympic gold medal in the last event of the women's competition today, the balance beam. Johnson nailed her routine that is chock-full of difficult tricks, earning a 16.225. Her grin was a thousand times wider than the 4-inch-wide beam she had just conquered. The world champion, who already had a silver behind fellow American Nastia Liukin in the all-around, and a silver on floor and in the team event, edged Liukin, who finished with a gold, three... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/83025/ Fri, 1 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Tennis Federer Out in Cincinnati, Could Slip From No. 1 Roger Federer lost another three-set match and, perhaps, his longtime grip on no. 1. The world's top-ranked player had another out-of-character defeat yesterday, a 7-6 (8), 4-6, 7-6 (7) loss to Ivo Karlovic that left the Croat exulting on his back and opened the way for Rafael Nadal to take over the no. 1 spot by winning the Cincinnati Masters. Since his epic five-set loss to Nadal at Wimbledon, Federer has lost in the second round in... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/82934/ Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST BASEBALL Yankees Trade Hawkins to Astros for Minor Leaguer The busy Yankees traded reliever LaTroy Hawkins to the Houston Astros yesterday for minor league infielder Matt Cusick. Hawkins was 1-1 with a 5.71 ERA in 33 appearances this season for the Yankees, who designated him for assignment Saturday after acquiring outfielder Xavier Nady and reliever Damaso Marte in a trade with Pittsburgh. "I was sitting at home doing nothing and all of a sudden, a team wants me," Hawkins said on a conference... JOHN MORETTI http://www.nysun.com/sports/sastres-quiet-sacrifice-pays-its-reward/82683/ Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST At Tour de France parties all around the world yesterday, cycling fans raised a glass of Champagne to toast a new champion, Carlos Sastre. We did so hesitantly, because we have been fooled before. When drug tests disclosed that the winner two years ago wasn't who we thought he was, it looked like this sport was headed for the medical waste bin. Last year's eleventh-hour dismissal of the leader on similar charges seemed to confirm it. On the other hand, tighter drug testing policies and an... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/gossage-dick-williams-inducted-into-hall/82685/ Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Gossage, Dick Williams inducted into hall For more than two decades, Rich "Goose" Gossage unnerved batters as one of baseball's most menacing and dominating relief pitchers. Yesterday, it was his turn for the jitters. "This experience is overwhelming, over the top. I can't put in words what this means," Gossage told a decidedly Yankees crowd during the National Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony that capped his 22-year career. Gossage had to pause twice to collect his thoughts — including... JAMEY KEATEN http://www.nysun.com/sports/sastre-wins-tour-de-france/82659/ Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:29:47 EST PARIS — Carlos Sastre won the Tour de France on Sunday, sipping champagne in the processional to the Champs-Elysees and becoming the third consecutive Spaniard to capture cycling's premier event. Sastre held his narrow lead over Cadel Evans of Australia, finishing seven seconds behind his main rival for a 58-second victory. Bernhard Kohl of Austria was 1:13 back for third place, the second tightest podium finish in the 105-year-old race. "It's very moving," Sastre said, hugging his two children... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/tour-de-france-sastre-holds-lead-braces-for-time/82620/ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Tour de France Sastre Holds Lead; Braces for Time Trial No "crazy" attacks, conserve energy, and hope for the best in the time trial: Tour de France leader Carlos Sastre is tipping his strategy as the race creeps toward its finish in Paris on Sunday. The Spanish veteran didn't see the chance he was looking for to expand his lead against his top rivals in yesterday's 18th stage out of the Alps, which Germany's Marcus Burghardt won by heading a two-man breakaway. With a flat ride on tap for... JOHN MORETTI http://www.nysun.com/sports/tour-recaptures-lost-glory-in-the-alps/82553/ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Carlos Sastre won the most daunting test of the Tour de France yesterday, beating out CSC teammate Frank Schleck for the overall lead on the Alpe-d'Huez. It was a huge victory for the 33-year-old Spaniard on this last day in the mountains, but fortunately for the rest of us, this Tour is not quite over. Sastre's 1-minute, 34-second advantage over prerace favorite Cadel Evans is significant, but it may not prove enough in the end. An individual time trial awaits the riders on Saturday, and this... http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/82449/ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST BASKETBALL Warriors acquire Marcus Williams from Nets The Golden State Warriors acquired Marcus Williams from the Nets yesterday, filling their need for a backup point guard. The Warriors, who lost Baron Davis to the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency, traded a conditional first-round draft pick to the Nets for Williams, a first-round pick in 2006. Williams averaged 5.9 points and 2.6 assists in 53 games with the Nets last season after missing the first 23 games with a broken right foot. He... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/82240/ Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST FOOTBALL Washington's Defensive End Daniels To Miss Season What a way to open training camp: Washington Redskins defensive end Phillip Daniels tore a left knee ligament yesterday during the very first practice and will miss the season. Daniels, a starter, was hurt on the initial play of 7-on-7 offense vs. defense drills. He stayed down on the turf for several minutes before being taken away on a cart, a towel draped over his head. He's expected to have surgery Friday. "Not a good way to start... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/82173/ Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Football Giants fans Face costly Stadium seat licenses More than 80% of the Giants' current season ticket holders will be charged between $1,000 and $7,500 for the right to buy tickets for the team's new stadium under a personal seat license plan announced by the Giants yesterday. Licenses for some of the best seats will cost as much as $20,000. The plan gives the first detailed breakdown of the costs season ticket holders will incur and their options to downgrade. The Giants announced two... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/doping-charges-for-italian-rider-at-tour-de-france/82102/ Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:31:04 EST LAVELANET, France — The Saunier-Duval team has withdrawn from the Tour de France after an Italian rider, Riccardo Ricco, tested positive for the banned blood-booster EPO. The head of the French anti-doping agency, Pierre Bordry, said today that Ricco had tested positive for the performance enhancer after the fourth stage, a time trial in the western town of Cholet. Ricco, who was ninth overall and had won two of the 11 stages in this year's race, was booed by spectators as he was taken off the... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/81894/ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Basketball Gallinari gets on track in first game with Knicks After a scoreless first half, Danilo Gallinari scored 14 points in a hurry in the second half of his Knicks debut, helping New York beat Cleveland yesterday. Gallinari, who was selected by the Knicks with the no. 6 pick of the 2008 NBA draft, scored all of his points in just over 7 minutes during the third and fourth quarters. Gallinari finished with 5-for-11 from the field and added six rebounds in New York's 97-94 win over the... JOHN MORETTI http://www.nysun.com/sports/tour-favorite-takes-yellow-as-true-contenders/81895/ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST The first week of the Tour de France is like the appetizers before a four-course meal: lots of color, neat little surprises that elicit a few oohs and aahs, but nothing of real substance in the end. The entrée arrived yesterday, which Cadel Evans served to great fanfare on a balmy Bastille Day in Southwest France. The Tour favorite edged out budding rival Frank Schleck by a mere second at the summit of the Hautacam, one of two hors catégorie climbs — climbs so hard they go beyond the difficulty... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/81784/ Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Golf Surging Perry wins John Deere Classic Kenny Perry beat Brad Adamonis and Jay Williamson in a playoff to win the John Deere Classic and escape with his third victory in five starts after bogeying the 18th hole yesterday. Perry had a one-stroke lead at 17-under through 17 only to lose it thanks to some poor shots from the fringe on the final hole of regulation. He and Williamson then watched as Adamonis, the PGA Tour's oldest rookie at 35, missed an 18-foot putt for birdie that would have... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/italys-ricco-wins-ninth-stage/81786/ Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST BAGNERES-DE-BIGORRE, France — Riccardo Ricco calls the mountains "my turf," and he knows how to protect it. The Italian showed his strength in the Pyrenees yesterday by winning the ninth stage of the Tour de France while Luxembourg's Kim Kirchen kept the yellow jersey. This was Ricco's second stage victory in three mountain stages run so far in cycling's premier event. Nicknamed "The Cobra," Ricco started with a sore right knee from a crash Saturday. He struck when his rivals appeared... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/81684/ Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Longoria and Hart Elected All-Stars Evan Longoria had big plans for next week's All-Star break-- a trip to Las Vegas with some friends. Tampa Bay's rookie third baseman ended up with an even better trip to New York for the last All-Star game at Yankee Stadium. Longoria and Brewers outfielder Corey Hart were elected All-Stars by fans in Internet balloting that ended yesterday. "I'm sure they'll find a way to get to the game now," Longoria said of his abandoned buddies. Hart got the news... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/81594/ Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST College Football Rodriguez, Michigan to pay West Virgina $4 million Former West Virginia University football coach Rich Rodriguez and the University of Michigan have agreed to pay a $4 million buyout and settle a lawsuit that WVU filed after he broke his contract in December. Rodriguez will pay $1.5 million in three annual payments beginning January 2010. The Wolverines athletic department, his new employer, will pay $2.5 million by the end of July and cover Rodriguez's legal fees, the... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/81488/ Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Cubs land pitcher Harden from Athletics The Chicago Cubs acquired pitcher Rich Harden from the Oakland Athletics in a six-player trade yesterday, a day after the rival Milwaukee Brewers landed C.C. Sabathia. The Cubs received the right-handed Harden and righty Chad Gaudin for pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson, and minor leaguer Josh Donaldson. "We've been working on Mr. Harden for a few weeks now," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. Harden, eligible... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/81414/ Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball A-Rod's wife: Divorce over 'extramarital affairs' A tumultuous week for Alex Rodriguez, played out in tabloid headlines and carried on the whispers of a connection to Madonna, came to a head yesterday when his wife filed for divorce. The more than 5-year marriage collapsed amid reports of a new friendship between the Yankee slugger and the 49-year-old pop singer, an only-in-New York convergence of sport and entertainment celebrity. Played out in both the sports pages and gossip... http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/81319/ Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Source: Brewers close to deal for Sabathia The Brewers are extremely close to a deal to acquire Indians ace C.C. Sabathia in a trade that bolsters their rotation for a playoff push, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told the Associated Press. The person requested anonymity because the trade has not been finalized and said there were a few remaining issues to work out. Sabathia went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA to win the AL Cy Young last season and would give the Brewers another power... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/81113/ Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Bonds' 756th homer ball lands in Hall, finally Now branded with an asterisk, the ball Barry Bonds launched for his record 756th home run nearly a year ago landed last night in the Hall of Fame. The souvenir arrived in Cooperstown, N.Y., after a strange day of back-and-forth statements between its owner, fashion designer Marc Ecko, and the shrine. "We are very happy to receive the baseball as a donation, and not as a loan," Hall spokesman Brad Horn said. "We look forward to adding this... EVAN WEINER http://www.nysun.com/sports/the-birmingham-games-long-shot-city-makes-bid/81115/ Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST The 2008 Beijing Olympiad is a little more than a month away. But one American city in the Southeast has already caught Olympic fever, and would like to host the Summer Games in 2020: The mayor of Birmingham, Ala., Larry Langford, is ready to throw the city's hat in the ring. Langford has started to put together a plan that is designed to interest the International Olympic Committee: Birmingham officials have been trying to get a football stadium built for years, and would need to construct an... STEPHEN WILSON http://www.nysun.com/sports/jankovic-ousted-from-wimbledon-in-fourth-round/80961/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:14:12 EST WIMBLEDON, England — Second-seeded Jelena Jankovic was ousted in straight sets in the fourth round by Tamarine Tanasugarn today, leaving the women's draw without its top three ranked players. Ms. Jankovic's 6-3, 6-2 loss means that none of the top three women reached the quarterfinals — the first time that's happened at a Grand Slam tournament in the Open era. No. 1 Ana Ivanovic and No. 3 Maria Sharapova were upset last week. Playing with her left knee heavily strapped, Ms. Jankovic was never... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/80833/ Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Astros release Chacon after altercation with GM Shawn Chacon was put on waivers yesterday by the Houston Astros, a day after he got into a physical altercation with general manager Ed Wade. If another team doesn't claim Chacon by Monday, the Astros say they will release the pitcher and terminate his contract for cause, which would set off a confrontation with the players' association over the nearly $1 million that would remain on Chacon's contract. "Based on the information we have to... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/80743/ Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST FOOTBALL Giants sign Chris Snee to $43.5 million extension The Giants guaranteed that their offensive line will stay together for the foreseeable future, signing guard Chris Snee on Wednesday to a six-year, $43.5 million contract extension. Snee, 26, will earn nearly $24 million in the first three years of the deal, agent Tony Agnone said. The extension will keep the right guard under contract with the Super Bowl champions through 2014. Since beating the New England Patriots for the NFL title... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/80640/ Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST GOLF WOODS HAS RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY ON LEFT KNEE Tiger Woods had reconstructive surgery on his left knee yesterday in Utah to repair a torn ligament, and doctors said it was "highly unlikely" there would be any long-term effects. It was the second time in 10 weeks Woods had surgery on his knee, this time on his anterior cruciate ligament. "We were confident going into this surgery, and I am pleased with the results," Dr. Thomas D. Rosenberg said in a statement released by IMG, Woods's... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/80543/ Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Football Don Imus once again brings race to airwaves Don Imus has once again injected race into his radio show. During an on-air conversation yesterday about the arrests of suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, Imus asked, "What color is he?" Told by sports announcer Warner Wolf that Jones is "African-American," Imus responded: "There you go. Now we know." Civil rights leader Al Sharpton issued a statement calling the exchange disturbing "because it plays into stereotypes."... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/80466/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Soccer U.S. moves to regional semis of World Cup qualifying After routing Barbados at home, the United States managed only a slim victory on the road. Already ahead by eight goals in the home-and-home, total-goals series, the Americans advanced to the regional semifinals of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup with a listless 1-0 win victory yesterday. Eddie Lewis scored in the 21st minute off a through ball from 19-year-old Freddy Adu, who started his first World Cup qualifier. Reports: Pele... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/80386/ Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST BASEBALL Mariners Fire McLaren, Threatens to Let Players Go John McLaren is the latest member of the Mariners to get cut loose. He probably won't be the last. On the day McLaren was fired as manager, Seattle executives said they agree with franchise cornerstone Ichiro Suzuki that players should also be jettisoned from the team with the worst record in the majors. Seattle also fired general manager Bill Bavasi this week and followed by dismissing McLaren on Thursday. Bench coach Jim Riggleman... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/80291/ Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Yankees sign RHP Ponson Adding depth to their injury-riddled pitching staff, the Yankees re-signed troubled right-hander Sidney Ponson to a minor league contract yesterday. With a history of off-the-field problems, Ponson was released Monday by the pitching-starved Texas Rangers for being a disruption to the team. He performed well on the mound, however, going 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA. Texas designated Ponson for assignment June 6, cutting him loose "for disrespecting teammates and club... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/80141/ Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Sagging Mariners fire general manager Bill Bavasi The Seattle Mariners fired general manager Bill Bavasi on Monday, as the team lags with the worst record in baseball after starting the season with playoff hopes. Vice president/associate general manager Lee Pelekoudas will take over in his place. Bavasi was in his fifth season as Seattle's GM, only once turning out a club that finished with a winning record. That was last year when Seattle won a surprising 88 games, and was in...