Auto-racing (top)
Here's hoping Formula One gets even more boring
With luck, the deadly dull Bahrain Grand Prix was not an unfortunate one-off but the first in a parade of mind-blowingly boring races that will ruin the Formula One season.
Spoiler change to come next week at Martinsville
NASCAR will officially move from the wing to the more traditional spoiler at next weekend's race at Martinsville Speedway.
Gordon's wife expecting a baby boy
Jeff Gordon announced Tuesday that his wife is expecting a baby boy, though the four-time NASCAR champion won't push his son into racing.
Andretti uninjured after scary accident in Brazil
Marco Andretti escaped injury after being involved in a scary accident at the start of the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on Sunday.
Officials add groves to track for IndyCar opener
IndyCar officials added grooves to fix a slick straightaway in the season-opening Sao Paulo Indy 300 after drivers complained of loosing grip during testing Saturday and qualifying had to be postponed.
Vettel takes pole at Bahrain; Schumacher 7th
Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull has taken the pole position for Formula One's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, while Michael Schumacher will begin his comeback from a disappointing seventh-place finish.
Andretti believes F1 can still succeed in US
Former champion Mario Andretti believes Formula One can still succeed in the United States despite going without a race for three years and an American team's recent withdrawal from the championship.
Kurt Busch still waiting to make drag-racing debut
When Kurt Busch's wife surprised him with a spot in a drag racing school, the NASCAR driver had no idea what he was getting into.
Brown returns to track 3 weeks after deadly crash
Once Antron Brown climbed into his dragster Friday, it was time to move on.
Patrick among record 4 women at IndyCar opener
Ladies, start your engines.
Patrick sets NASCAR aside, refocuses on IRL
Danica Patrick's stint in NASCAR is receding into her rearview mirror _ for now.
Baseball (top)
WADA president calls on MLB to test for HGH
World Anti-Doping Agency president John Fahey called on Major League Baseball and its players' association to start testing for human growth hormone.
Toyota sign could loom over Wrigley
The Chicago Cubs owe much of their identity to two factors _ their 101-year drought without a World Series title and Wrigley Field.
Rangers manager tested positive for coke
Before he could end a long day unlike any in his professional career, Ron Washington had to prepare for a game.
Cliff Lee suspended for 1st 5 games of season
Seattle pitcher Cliff Lee was suspended Wednesday for the first five games of the regular season for throwing over the head of a hitter, possibly delaying his highly anticipated debut with the Mariners.
OF Elijah Dukes released by Washington Nationals
Outfielder Elijah Dukes was released by the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, a sudden move with 2 1/2 weeks left in spring training.
Boston's Lowrie diagnosed with mononucleosis
Boston Red Sox infielder Jed Lowrie has mononucleosis.
AP source: Mets-Marlins moved to San Juan
A three-game series between the New York Mets and Florida Marlins in June has been moved from Miami to Puerto Rico, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Spring Training Capsules
Sure, they're only exhibition games. But it's still nice to win _ especially for a team that had been 0-for-spring training.
Red Sox minor leaguer has brain surgery
Highly regarded Boston Red Sox minor league prospect Ryan Westmoreland has had surgery in Arizona to remove a cavernous malformation in his brain.
John Smoltz joins TBS and MLB Network as analyst
John Smoltz is embarking on a career as an analyst for Turner Broadcasting and the MLB Network, although he's not quite ready to say he's thrown his final major league pitch.
White Sox's Mitchell to miss season
Chicago White Sox outfielder Jared Mitchell will miss the 2010 season after surgery on his left ankle.
Cruz rewarding Rangers for their patience
The success Nelson Cruz had in his first full season for the Texas Rangers was evident by the outfielder's selection to the All-Star team and Home Run Derby last summer.
Hamilton's hand is fine, tooth is hurting
Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton's left hand is OK after being hit by a pitch. Now he has a toothache.
AP source: Arizona, Reynolds agree to $14.5M deal
Arizona slugger Mark Reynolds says he's agreed to terms on a new contract with the Diamondbacks.
Dodgers to host service for late Willie Davis
A memorial service for former Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Willie Davis will be held at Dodger Stadium.
Mariners ace Lee ejected for throwing at Snyder
Seattle Mariners ace Cliff Lee was ejected from a spring training game Monday against Arizona for throwing at Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder.
Ortiz sharp again for Dodgers in win over Angels
Ramon Ortiz kept up his bid for the fifth spot in the Dodgers' rotation, pitching two-hit ball for four innings Monday in a 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels.
Cubs' bus breaks down, Chicago falls to Rockies
The game took less time than the Chicago Cubs' adventurous bus ride.
Royals rotation still shaping up
Manager Trey Hillman is still looking for a fifth starter for the Kansas City Royals rotation.
K-Rod perfect in spring debut, Penny hit in elbow
St. Louis starter Brad Penny absorbed a line drive off his pitching elbow and Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was perfect in his spring debut Monday during New York's 6-5 win over the Cardinals.
Basketball (top)
Photogs stopped after tailing Lakers' Pau Gasol
Police in Redondo Beach, Calif., say two men they stopped for following Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol (pow gah-SOHL') turned out to be Spanish paparazzi.
Boozer leads Jazz past Timberwolves
Carlos Boozer had 19 points and 11 rebounds and the Utah Jazz kept pace in the Western Conference with a 122-100 victory over the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
Jordan's bid for Bobcats approved by NBA board
Michael Jordan became a basketball star at North Carolina. Now he'll try to turn around the state's money-losing NBA team by becoming the first ex-player to be a majority owner in the league.
Katie Smith signs with Washington Mystics
Katie Smith has signed with the Washington Mystics, with general manager Angela Taylor calling the guard "the LeBron James of this free-agency process."
Pistons F Prince leaves game against Boston
Detroit forward Tayshaun Prince limped off the court with assistance during the first quarter of the Pistons' game Monday night against Boston.
With roster spots to fill, Heat eyeing Hasbrouck
With two roster spots available to fill, the Miami Heat are on the cusp of signing former Siena shooting guard Kenny Hasbrouck, a deal that could be done as early as Monday.
Heat suspend Alston for remainder of season
Rafer Alston's season with the Miami Heat is officially over.
Buonicontis celebrate relationship with Heat
There might soon be a day, Nick Buoniconti says, when he won't need to ask for any more money from organizations like the Miami Heat.
Rose out for Bulls-Heat game with sprained wrist
Add Derrick Rose to what's nearly become an epidemic of medical problems for the Chicago Bulls, all coming at the worst possible time of the season.
Heat suspend Wright for 2 games after DUI arrest
Dorell Wright was suspended for two games by the Miami Heat, one day after he was cited for driving under the influence.
Bing hopes to lure Detroit Pistons back downtown
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing would like to lure the Pistons back downtown, where they played when he was on the team.
LeBron ready to return against 76ers Friday
Cavaliers star LeBron James is tired of watching basketball and ready to start playing again.
Boxing (top)
Mayweather, Mosley embrace Olympic-style drug test
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shane Mosley have agreed to undergo Olympic-style drug testing for their May 1 fight in Las Vegas, which they hope will set a new standard for boxing.
Poor ticket sales knock out Pacquiao's concert
A promoter says poor ticket sales have forced the cancellation of Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao's upcoming concert Sunday in Waikiki.
Pacquiao dominates Clottey for decision
Fighting on the star, Manny Pacquiao showed once again why he is the star.
Not a Super Bowl, but Pacquiao an event
The czar of boxing was so devastated the fight didn't happen, it took him weeks to get over it.
College (top)
NCAA: Robert Morris-Nova tied
Scottie Reynolds missed 12 of his first 13 shots from the field but the senior was 12 of 12 from the free throw line, that last two bringing Villanova into a 55-55 tie with Robert Morris with 1:48 to play. It was the game's first tie since 2-2.
Michigan-Notre Dame set as Big House's night debut
Michigan will play its first night game at the Big House in 2011 against Notre Dame.
'Nova's Reynolds, Fisher don't start NCAA opener
Villanova guards Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher did not start in the NCAA tournament opener against Robert Morris.
Bracketed brothers: March Madness a family affair
The NCAA tournament selection committee often tucks intriguing coaching matchups and festering feuds inside the brackets.
Ex-Seton Hall player pleads not guilty in robbery
A former Seton Hall basketball player has pleaded not guilty to charges of robbing eight people at gunpoint earlier this week.
1 vs. 16 usually lopsided in NCAA tourney
The NCAA tournament is famous for the little guys shocking the marquee powerhouses and turning into the darlings of March.
Cal suspends Amoke for NCAAs, perhaps beyond
California starting forward Omondi Amoke has been suspended indefinitely by coach Mike Montgomery for a violation of team rules, a blow for the eighth-seeded Golden Bears heading into their NCAA opener against No. 7 Louisville on Friday in Jacksonville, Fla.
Seton Hall fires hoops coach Bobby Gonzalez
Fed up by his antics on and off the court, Seton Hall fired basketball coach Bobby Gonzalez on Wednesday after a 19-win season.
Meyer returns from leave of absence for Florida
With a whistle around his neck and a smile on his face, Florida coach Urban Meyer returned to practice Wednesday following a leave of absence that turned out to be shorter than everyone expected.
Kansas St faces N Texas in NCAA opener
Frank Martin doesn't have a chip on his shoulder. Just ask him.
Jayhawks face eerie coincidence in 1st round
Talk about an eerie coincidence.
Tyler Summitt wants to follow mom into coaching
Tyler Summitt spent his entire childhood around gyms _ no surprise he wants to spend the rest of his life in one.
Ed secretary: ban NCAA teams with low grad rates
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan pushed a proposal Wednesday to bar men's college basketball teams from postseason play if they fail to graduate 40 percent of their players, an idea that didn't go over well with the NCAA and coaches preparing for March Madness.
Obama predicts Jayhawks will win national title
The First Fan appears to be a big fan of basketball programs from Kansas.
Georgia Tech players checking cell phones at door
Georgia Tech players plan to give up their cell phones once again _ this time before the NCAA tournament.
Tebow debuts new throwing motion for NFL teams
Tim Tebow's latest visit to Florida Field looked like most of the others. He was cheered, revered and pulled in every direction.
The next Stephen Curry, step right up
It happens nearly every year: an unheralded player, maybe from a school few people know about, goes on a scoring tear or single-handedly carries his team through a couple of rounds of the NCAA tournament.
Football (top)
Calvin Johnson keeps the faith in the lowly Lions
Calvin Johnson says he has faith the Detroit Lions will finally start winning.
Anderson agrees to 2-year deal with Cardinals
Derek Anderson is joining the Arizona Cardinals knowing he begins as the backup quarterback to Matt Leinart with a chance to push for the starting job.
Redskins invite local coaches to concussion forum
The Washington Redskins are inviting 500 area high school football coaches to a concussion forum during a minicamp next month.
NFL to examine 2 possessions in playoffs OT
NFL owners will vote next week whether to allow each team a possession in overtime in the playoffs if the team winning the OT coin toss kicks a field goal on the first series.
Packers TE Havner arrested after Calif crash
Prosecutors in Northern California said Wednesday they were waiting for a police report before deciding whether to file drunken-driving charges against Green Bay Packers tight end Spencer Havner.
Bears release Vasher
The Chicago Bears have released former Pro Bowl defensive back Nathan Vasher.
AP Source: Incognito reaches deal with Dolphins
A person familiar with the negotiations says free-agent guard Richie Incognito has agreed to a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.
Saints coach suing former player over investment
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and his wife have sued the team's former long snapper over a $144,000 investment tied to a now-defunct movie studio.
Redskins sign quarterback Rex Grossman
Quarterback Rex Grossman has signed a free-agent contract with the Washington Redskins.
Bills sign LB Davis; DE Edwards agrees to deal
The Buffalo Bills' new defensive scheme is starting to take shape after the team made two key additions in free agency Tuesday.
Seahawks send Tapp to Eagles for Clemons, pick
Looking to bolster their pass rush, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired defensive end Darryl Tapp from Seattle on Tuesday.
Lions QB Stafford settling in
Every NFL quarterback would like more options on offense, more game-breakers.
Bears sign CB Jennings, release FB McKie
The Chicago Bears have signed free agent cornerback Tim Jennings to a two-year contract and released fullback Jason McKie.
Roethlisberger yet to be interviewed by Ga. police
An attorney for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says the two-time Super Bowl winner has yet to meet with Georgia authorities who are investigating a sexual assault allegation made against him by a 20-year-old college student.
Chiefs beef up offensive line with Lilja signing
With one move, the Kansas City Chiefs took a big step toward bolstering a shaky offensive line and making up for a gamble six years ago that came back to haunt them.
Rams sign veteran OL Fraley
The St. Louis Rams have added depth to the offensive line, signing veteran center Hank Fraley.
Tomlinson says Favre didn't tip hand about plans
Brett Favre kept his plans to himself, even as he helped try to recruit LaDainian Tomlinson to play for the Minnesota Vikings.
Ex-coach Dungy speaks to inmates in South Carolina
Tony Dungy stood before more than 1,700 prisoners Tuesday, sharing a smile and message of hope that has become his life's work.
LT lured to NY by familiar offense, chance to win
LaDainian Tomlinson wants to cap his career with a Super Bowl ring.
Wife of ex-Raven withdraws protection petition
The wife of former Baltimore Raven Michael McCrary has withdrawn her petition for a protective order against her husband.
3 Jets players travel to Haiti to assist efforts
Three New York Jets players traveled to Haiti on Monday to help with the relief and recovery efforts following the earthquake that killed a government-estimated 230,000 people and made 1.3 million homeless in January.
Seattle re-signs DE Tapp, cuts S Deon Grant
The Seattle Seahawks re-signed defensive end Darryl Tapp and released starting safety Deon Grant on Monday, part of the continuing changes under new coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider.
Jets, Giants to open new stadium
Both the Giants and Jets wanted to open next season in the new Meadowlands Stadium. Both will.
Quinn thankful to get a fresh start in Denver
The Denver Broncos aren't publicly saying they have another open quarterback competition on their hands.
Foote returns to Steelers as backup LB
Larry Foote quickly realized how much he disliked losing.
LT signs with Jets, Browns trade Quinn to Broncos
LaDainian Tomlinson found a new home, while the Cleveland Browns cleaned house.
Raiders acquire Wimbley from Browns
The Oakland Raiders bolstered their pass rush Sunday by acquiring former first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley from the Cleveland Browns for an undisclosed draft pick.
Golf (top)
Willis takes early lead in Tampa
Garrett Willis made the most of a sponsor exemption to his hometown event Thursday with five birdies on the back nine for a 6-under 65 that put him atop the leaderboard among early starters in the Transitions Championship.
Singh withdraws with a bad back
Vijay Singh withdrew from the Transitions Championship on Thursday because of a back injury.
Tiger's aura gone, probably for good
Oddsmakers didn't take long to make Tiger Woods the Masters favorite. Even his fellow competitors say they can see him trying on another green jacket.
World press weighs in on Woods' return at Masters
Tiger Woods' planned return to golf at the Masters drew plenty of criticism from the international press on Wednesday, and the most scathing comments came from Britain.
Woods will return to golf at Masters on April 8
For Tiger Woods, this figures to be a Masters like no other.
Get ready for a Masters like no other
They mocked him mercilessly for four solid months and delighted in every sordid detail of his fall from grace.
A sideshow like no other at the Masters
The Masters is three weeks away, filled with story lines that now are sure to be ignored.
Tiger favorite for Masters with British bookies
Despite not competing since his car crash in November, Tiger Woods is still the favorite to win the Masters.
Tiger Woods' statement on his return to golf
The Associated Press
Lamely wins Puerto Rico Open at 19 under
Derek Lamely had to contend with a rain-delayed start, slow play on a soggy course, and tamping down his inevitable nerves as he inched closer to notching his first win as a rookie on the PGA Tour.
South Africans tied at World Championship
Charl Schwartzel finally has a chance to show off his game on a world stage. The next step is to take on Ernie Els, a familiar face from his native South Africa.
Woods responders concerned about domestic violence
The ambulance crew that responded after Tiger Woods crashed his SUV would not allow his wife to ride with him to the hospital because they suspected domestic violence, documents released Friday by the Florida Highway Patrol show.
Hockey (top)
MSG network to show Islanders-Rangers game in 3-D
A regional TV network will broadcast next week's Islanders-Rangers game in 3-D, joining a worldwide trend that affects few viewers now but could eventually change the way people watch sports.
Reports: NHL wants to impose head-shots rule now
The NHL wants to adopt a new rule against blindside hits to the head before the end of this season, according to two reports Wednesday.
Ovechkin: 'Disappointed' with 2-game suspension
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday said he was disappointed by a two-game suspension issued for a hit on Chicago's Brian Campbell.
Wild sign UMass sophomore center Casey Wellman
The Minnesota Wild have signed center Casey Wellman to a two-year contract.
Hawks' Campbell has broken clavicle, rib
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell will miss seven to eight weeks with a broken collar bone and a fractured rib, the result of a hit from Washington Capitals' star Alex Ovechkin.
Canucks return home to beat Senators
Mikael Samuelsson scored twice and added an assist, and the Vancouver Canucks returned home from an NHL-record 14 straight road games to beat the Ottawa Senators 5-1 on Saturday night.
Guerin: NHL should outlaw hits to head
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bill Guerin says the NHL must outlaw hits to the head.
Soccer (top)
Beckham in London after surgery in Finland
David Beckham arrived in London with his wife Victoria on Wednesday after flying in from the Finnish clinic where he had surgery for a torn Achilles' tendon.
2 injured in Brazil after mayhem sparked by bomb
Brazilian police say fans of a losing soccer team hurled a homemade bomb into the visitors' locker room, leaving two people slightly injured.
Glamour boy Beckham to miss World Cup after injury
Unless David Beckham can mend it as well as he can bend it, soccer's now-limping glamour boy will miss this summer's World Cup _ a blow to tournament organizers, sponsors, TV viewers and average fans.
Beckham projected to return in mid-September
If David Beckham recovers from a torn Achilles' tendon in six months, he would rejoin Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy in time for the team's last six regular-season games.
Beckham the player won't be hugely missed
David Beckham won't be the only player forced to watch the World Cup on television, but he is going to be one of the most sorely missed.
US to play Australia in South Africa on June 5
The United States will play Australia in an exhibition in South Africa on June 5, the Americans' final game before their World Cup opener against England a week later.
Chicago Fire signs 2 defenders
The Chicago Fire has signed defenders Kwame Watson-Siriboe and Steve Kinney.
Tennis (top)
AP Interview: Agassi drug inquiries dropped
Tennis officials have closed the book on Andre Agassi's drug revelations.
Roddick, Murray advance at Indian Wells
Andy Roddick defeated Thiemo de Bakker of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday to reach the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open along with Andy Murray, while second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the women's quarterfinals.
Agassi apologizes for poking fun at Sampras
Andre Agassi told ESPN.com he was "out of line" and apologized for poking fun at Pete Sampras during a charity match last week.
