NBA free agency: Ron Artest says he’s leaving Houston Rockets for Los Angeles Lakers

Free-agent forward Ron Artest says he's leaving the Houston Rockets to join the Los Angeles Lakers. In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, Artest wrote: "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A."

Jeremy Mayfield not at Daytona; Team owners balk at putting him behind wheel

Two team owners won't put Jeremy Mayfield in their cars this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, one because of sponsor concerns and the other because Mayfield is "marked" following his legal battle with NASCAR.

Anthony Kim shoots 62, sets course record at Congressional at AT&T National

Anthony Kim has set the course record at Congressional with an 8-under 62, giving the defending champion a two-shot lead in the AT&T National.

Aroldis Chapman, top Cuban pitcher, defects

Aroldis Chapman, a Cuban considered by many scouts to be the best left-handed pitching prospect in the world, has defected from the national team, several sources have confirmed to ESPN The Magazine.

Boston Celtics send big hitters to woo Rasheed Wallace, according to report

Rasheed Wallace, the free agent forward who spent the last five-plus seasons in Detroit, got the full-court press from the Boston Celtics on Thursday, according to a report in the Boston Globe.

Venus Williams, Serena Williams to meet in Wimbledon women’s final

Serena Williams saved a match point and overcame Elena Dementieva 6-7 (4), 7-5, 8-6 in 2 hours, 49 minutes. Venus Williams needed only 51 minutes to overwhelm Dinara Safina 6-1, 6-0 and reach her eighth Wimbledon final.

Vick to work with Boys and Girls clubs (AP)

FILE - This June 9, 2009 file photo shows Michael Vick(notes) arriving at the Norfolk Federal Court  n Norfolk, Va.  Vick's lawyer, Paul Campsen, disclosed the basic outline of a new bankruptcy plan Tuesday June 30, 2009, in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Norfolk.

Suspended NFL star Michael Vick would keep one vehicle, one home and a large assortment of furniture and personal items if his creditors and the judge who rejected his previous bankruptcy plan approve a revised one filed Thursday. The new plan also gives creditors a bigger cut of his future earnings but would still leave enough for Vick to live comfortably if he is able to resume his...


Jury awards DE Taylor, partners $1.5M (AP)

A jury in the U.S. Virgin Islands has awarded Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor and two partners the return of a $1.5 million deposit from the botched sale of a private island. The NFL star, who recently signed a $1.5 million, one-year contract to come back to the Dolphins, will be given his share of the deposit, plus expenses, after a jury determined that the seller breached a 2004...

Trevor Ariza meets with Houston Rockets

A person close to the situation tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets are meeting with Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza.

Shaquille O’Neal on mission with Cleveland Cavaliers: ‘Win a ring for the King’

Shaquille O'Neal has one purpose in Cleveland: bring an NBA title to LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

CFL reviewing player’s end zone Michael Jackson ‘tribute’

The CFL fined Argonauts receiver Arland Bruce because it wasn't thrilled with his tribute to Michael Jackson after scoring a touchdown.

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez making return on Friday against San Diego Padres

Manny Ramirez will be back in the big leagues on Friday night after a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy.

NHL free agents: Nik Antropov signs four-year, $16 million contract with Atlanta Thrashers

The Atlanta Thrashers signed Nik Antropov to a four-year, $16-million contract Thursday.

Calvin Pace of New York Jets suspended four games for violating NFL performance-enhancing drug policy

New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace has been suspended for the first four games of the 2009 NFL regular season for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance policy.

Jets LB Pace gets 4-game drug suspension (AP)

The NFL suspended Jets linebacker Calvin Pace for four games without pay Thursday for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Pace will miss New York's first four games of the season and be eligible to return for the Monday night game at Miami on Oct. 12. In a statement issued by the Jets, Pace said the ban is a result of him taking an over-the-counter dietary...

Ex-major leaguer Jim Leyritz charged with battery in Florida

Authorities say former major leaguer Jim Leyritz has been arrested and accused of battery in South Florida.

Gordon: Bulls never made me an offer

Ben Gordon said the Chicago Bulls never made him an offer.

Lee Petty, Carl Yarborough among 25 nominees for NASCAR’s first Hall of Fame class

Lee Petty and Cale Yarborough are among the 25 nominees for NASCAR's first Hall of Fame class.

Rooney sworn in as ambassador to Ireland (AP)

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney is making his first official trip as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, one day after being sworn in by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The State Department says Rooney is traveling to Dublin on Thursday and is to meet with Ireland President Mary McAleese on Friday. By presenting his credentials to the Irish president, Rooney is officially recognized as the Irish...

Video in Donte Stallworth DUI accident remains sealed

A Miami judge is refusing to release surveillance video of a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth.

Sources: Detroit Pistons agree with both Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva

The Pistons agreed to terms with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva on Wednesday.

Judge won’t release Stallworth video (AP)

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth(notes), right, his mother Donna Stallworth, center, his lawyer Christopher Lyons, and Miami Beach police officer Kevin Millan, left, look on as assistant state attorney Pat Trese, left, speaks during a hearing in a Miami-Dade courtroom, Tuesday, June 16, 2009, in Miami.  Donte' Stallworth took full responsibility for killing 59-year-old Mario Reyes while driving drunk in Florida and began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter.

A judge refused Thursday to release surveillance video depicting the moment a car driven by Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth struck and killed a pedestrian in a drunk-driving crash. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy said the privacy interests of the family of victim Mario Reyes outweighed the public's right to view the video.


NBA free agents: Sources: Dallas Mavericks prepared to offer Jason Kidd three-year deal

The Dallas Mavericks opened the free-agent period early Wednesday by letting free-agent guard Jason Kidd know that they are prepared to sign him to a three-year deal, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

Sources: Trevor Ariza leaning toward leaving Los Angeles Lakers

Sources say Trevor Ariza is leaning toward leaving the Lakers.

Sources: Los Angeles Clippers to trade Zach Randolph to Memphis Grizzlies

Sources say that the Clippers have agreed to trade Zach Randolph to the Grizzlies for Quentin Richardson.

Paula Creamer withdraws from Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic with thumb injury

Defending champion Paula Creamer has withdrawn from the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic because of an injured left thumb.

Donovan rips MLS teammate Beckham in book

David Beckham has come under attack from L.A. Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan just as he prepares to return for action with the MLS team.

NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield granted temporary injunction of suspension, will race Saturday

Independence Day came a few days early for suspended Sprint Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield, as a federal judge granted him a temporary injunction allowing him to race this weekend.

NHL free agents: Marian Hossa signs 12-year deal with Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed star winger Marian Hossa to a 12-year deal.

NHL free agency: Dany Heatley declines to waive no-trade clause for Edmonton Oilers before midnight deadline

Dany Heatley is now $4-million richer but he's still with the Ottawa Senators.