Copyright 2008 The New York Sun Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:43:22 -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 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/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... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/79968/ Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Hockey Caps' Ovechkin wins MVP, Brodeur Takes Vezina Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals earned plenty of consolation prizes in a season that produced a first-round playoff exit. Ovechkin won the Hart Trophy and The Lester B. Pearson Award on Thursday night, honoring his MVP season that produced NHL highs with 65 goals and 112 points. New Jersey's Martin Brodeur, chosen as the NHL's top goalie for the fourth time in five seasons. Despite not capturing the award for the first time until... EVAN WEINER http://www.nysun.com/sports/women-owners-slowly-gaining-traction/79969/ Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST If you take a look at the list of the 29 classes of inductees into the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame, you will find one category of honorees has gone missing, in comparison to Cooperstown and elsewhere: There are no owners, team presidents, or general managers. The answer to this quandary is relatively easy: Very few women have owned sports teams. Joan Payson was a minority owner of the New York Giants baseball team; in 1957, she voted against moving the franchise to San Francisco... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/79875/ Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Baseball Pujols out at least 3 weeks with strained calf Albert Pujols is expected to miss at least three weeks with a strained left calf, a major setback to a St. Louis Cardinals team already thinned by injuries. The first baseman injured his calf while running out a ground ball during a 7-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night. He flew to St. Louis for tests that indicated a strain rather than a severe tear, as initially feared. He will start therapy in the next few days. The... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/79736/ Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Horse racing Big Brown trainer pins blame on jockey Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. blames Kent Desormeaux for Big Brown's stunning last-place finish in the Belmont Stakes, but he wouldn't object to the jockey riding the horse in his next race. The decision of whether to change jockeys is up to co-owner Michael Iavarone, Dutrow said. "I don't want to hurt anyone, especially Kent," Dutrow told the Associated Press yesterday morning in his barn at Aqueduct. "But I still don't understand what happened. I... EVAN WEINER http://www.nysun.com/sports/the-business-of-sport/79569/ Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST In a good many ways, what happens in the days after the Belmont Stakes is far more important to the future of the thoroughbred horse racing industry in New York than whether Big Brown won the Triple Crown. These are busy times for the New York Racing Association (NYRA), the holder of the racing franchises at Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga, as the organization finishes emerging from bankruptcy by the end of June. It will also possibly get a partner in building a "racino" at the Aqueduct track... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/79384/ Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Soccer Spain beats AMERICA 1-0 in soccer exhibition The U.S. soccer teams hopes a pair of losses against top European teams sharpened the Americans' play ahead of World Cup qualifying. Xavi Hernandez spun through a crowd at the top of the penalty area, held off another marker and beat backup goalkeeper Brad Guzan with a low shot in the 79th minute, giving Spain a 1-0 exhibition victory over the United States on Wednesday night. "Sometimes, playing the big European teams in Europe, we know that... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/79264/ Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST BASEBALL Yankees C Posada could be activated Tomorrow Jorge Posada threw out two runners trying to steal second in an extended spring training game Tuesday, and Yankees manager Joe Girardi said the catcher could come off the disabled list tomorrow. Posada, sidelined since April 27 with a sore shoulder, caught seven innings and went 1-for-2 with a sacrifice fly and a walk in the game against Philadelphia minor leaguers at the Yankees' facility in Tampa, Fla. ORTIZ PLACED ON 15-DAY DL WITH MUSCLE... Associated Press http://www.nysun.com/sports/sports-desk/79181/ Tue, 3 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Horse Racing Patching of Big Brown's hoof to wait a few days Big Brown's cracked left front hoof won't be patched until Friday, the day before he races in the Belmont Stakes for a shot at Triple Crown history. Hoof specialist Ian McKinlay planned to apply the acrylic and fiberglass patch Monday, but decided to wait a few days so the crack could heal naturally. "This is just a slight, slight crack," McKinlay said, standing outside Big Brown's barn. "As the clock ticks, it's gotten better and... EVAN WEINER http://www.nysun.com/sports/after-bumpy-start-nba-season-ends-on-question-mark/79078/ Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST This was supposed to be a season of ruin for the NBA. When referee Tim Donaghy was being investigated in a betting scandal that involved league games, there was much said and written about how the league was in dire trouble. None of that ever happened. There are still some major issues on the horizon, though. A court case that's scheduled for June in Seattle will determine where Clayton Bennett's SuperSonics basketball team will play next fall; the league is still trying to get an arena built... LARRY LAGE http://www.nysun.com/sports/pierce-led-big-3-lifts-celtics-to-89-81-win-over/78996/ Sat, 31 May 2008 01:31:52 EST AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce walked together, sporting black hats with green four-leaf clovers, and tried to soak up the moment when both superstars became conference champions for the first time. "My heart is beating faster," Pierce said. Someone asked Garnett if he needed a water. "I'm good," Garnett said. KG and the Big Three certainly are. Pierce scored 27 points, Ray Allen had 17 and Garnett added 16 to lift the Boston Celtics to an 89-81 victory over the... DAVID GINSBURG http://www.nysun.com/sports/ramirez-joins-500-homer-club-with-milestone-drive/79000/ Sat, 31 May 2008 23:24:39 EST BALTIMORE (AP) - Manny Ramirez connected for career homer No. 500 on Saturday night, hitting a drive off Baltimore Orioles right-hander Chad Bradford to become the 24th major leaguer to reach the milestone. Ramirez drove the first pitch into the seats in right-center in the seventh inning. The Red Sox star watched the flight of the ball, then took off around the bases. "As soon as I hit it, I knew it was gone," Ramirez said. "So I was happy to move on." Ramirez was slow reaching the milestone... EDDIE PELLS http://www.nysun.com/sports/bolt-setsworld-record-in-100-meters/79003/ Sat, 31 May 2008 23:54:38 EST Like a bolt out of nowhere, Usain Bolt is now the world's fastest man. The Jamaican sprinter, who doesn't even consider the 100 meters his best race, set the world record Saturday night with a time of 9.72 seconds at the Reebok Grand Prix, .02 seconds faster than the old record held by his countryman, Asafa Powell. Bolt was using the 100 for "speed work" and to avoid having to run the more grueling 400, when, suddenly, he ran the world's second-fastest time last month at 9.76. Even then, he...