Sports Desk

By Associated Press | June 27, 2008

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 date, we believe the Astros' response violates the Basic Agreement," union general counsel Michael Weiner said. "If Chacon clears waivers, we will pursue appropriate relief on his behalf."

NHL Hockey

Rangers' Straka leaves NHL for Czech club

Martin Straka has decided to leave the NHL and return to his former Czech club. Straka, who played for the Rangers the last three seasons after joining the NHL in 1992, will be a player and sports director for HC Lasselsberger Plzen, the club said on its Web site yesterday.

"We struck a deal with Martin last night," club president Tomas Kral said.

The 35-year-old forward scored 257 goals and had 460 assists in 954 NHL regular season games, and added another 26 goals and 44 assists in the playoffs. He also played for the Penguins, Senators, Islanders, Panthers, and Kings.