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| AP Photo | David J. Phillip San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan (21) reacts after making a basket while being fouled against the New Orleans Hornets during the third quarter in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals basketball series last night in San Antonio. Spurs' Ime Udoka joins in the celebration. |
From The Associated Press
Spurs stay alive with blowout over Hornets
SAN ANTONIO—The San Antonio Spurs' Big Three came through, but they'll still have to win one on the road to keep their title defense alive.
Manu Ginobili scored 25 points, Tim Duncan had 20 points and 15 rebounds, and Tony Parker added 15 points in the Spurs' 99-80 victory over the New Orleans Hornets in Game 6 on Thursday night.
The win forced a seventh game on Monday in New Orleans in the Western Conference semifinals. Home teams are 20-1 in the second round.
Chris Paul led the Hornets with 21 points and Tyson Chandler scored 14. David West had 10 points before leaving the game early in the fourth quarter after apparently aggravating a back injury.
The aging defending champions and the injured Hornets now get three days of rest before playing Game 7.
Flyers force Game 5 in Pittsburgh
PHILADELPHIA—A fast start by the Philadelphia Flyers gave way to a very nervous ending.
When it was over, they were still alive and happily facing what many figured was an unlikely return trip to Pittsburgh.
Joffrey Lupul scored the first of Philadelphia's three first-period goals Thursday night and the Flyers extended the Eastern Conference finals for at least one more game with a 4-2 victory over the Penguins.
The Penguins' smooth ride toward the Stanley Cup finals got a bit bumpier and will now include a Game 5 on Sunday.
Suspect pleads guilty in Redskins star’s slaying
MIAMI—One of five suspects charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor has pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and burglary.
Defense attorney Michael Hornung says that according to the plea agreement, Venjah Hunte will serve 29 years in prison and cooperate with prosecutors.
Hornung says Hunte pleaded guilty on Friday but prosecutors requested the plea agreement be sealed because investigators were pursuing the fifth suspect.
That suspect, 16-year-old Timothy Brown, was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder and armed burglary of an occupied dwelling.
Taylor died of massive blood loss after he was shot at his Miami-area home during a botched robbery in November.
UPS bet on Big Brown pays off in brand exposure
NEW YORK—A horse by any other name simply wouldn’t have worked for UPS.
Capitalizing on the buzz around thoroughbred racing’s biggest event, UPS has inked a sponsorship deal with Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, who was named in honor of the shipping giant known for its distinctive brown trucks and uniforms.
The marketing coup has already won big media exposure and brand recognition for the original Big Brown — a rare opportunity the company candidly concedes galloped straight into its lap.
“Prior to all of this happening, we had no intention of placing sponsorship with a thoroughbred horse group,” said UPS spokesman Norman Black. “But when we found out the horse was actually named after UPS, we got together and decided to jump on it, realizing the great marketing opportunity.”
“We were very opportunistic, make no bones about it,” added Black, who called sponsoring the conveniently named colt and Triple Crown prospect “a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Charles Barkley faces gambling debt case
LAS VEGAS—Retired NBA star Charles Barkley will face criminal charges if he doesn’t repay a $400,000 gambling debt to a Las Vegas casino, a prosecutor said Thursday.
The posh Wynn Las Vegas casino alleges in a civil complaint filed Wednesday in Nevada state court that Barkley failed to repay four $100,000 casino markers, or loans, he received last Oct. 18 and 19.
“To date, and despite repeated demands, Barkley has refused to repay the $400,000,” the complaint said.
Barkley is a basketball analyst for Turner Network Television who has made no secret of his gambling over the years.
Barkley, 45, played 16 seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. He was named MVP in 1993 and was an 11-time NBA All-Star.
Barkley estimated during a May 2006 interview with ESPN that he’d gambled away about $10 million over the years.
“Do I have a gambling problem? Yeah, I do have a gambling problem,” Barkley said. “But I don’t consider it a problem because I can afford to gamble.”
He said he never bet on basketball, and only bet in casinos. He called it a bad habit that he intended to continue.
Autopsy: Eight Belles had no pre-existing conditions
LEXINGTON, Ky.—An autopsy revealed that euthanized filly Eight Belles had no pre-existing bone abnormalities that caused her to break down after the Kentucky Derby.
The tests were performed by chief Kentucky veterinarian Lafe Nichols. It confirms compound fractures of both front legs at the fetlock joints.
The autopsy didn’t include results of postrace drug tests. It will be several days before those are available. Eight Belles’ trainer, Larry Jones, has requested additional tests to prove the filly wasn’t on steroids.
Eight Belles was euthanized on the track at Churchill Downs after the Derby when she broke down while jogging about a quarter-mile past the finish line. She finished second to Big Brown in the race.
Paterno taken to hospital for apparent dehydration
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.—Penn State coach Joe Paterno was taken to a hospital Thursday morning to be treated for apparent dehydration, a team spokesman said.
The 81-year-old coach was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center by ambulance after feeling nauseated, said spokesman Guido D’Elia. Paterno has not been admitted to the hospital, but was undergoing tests Thursday afternoon, D’Elia said.
JoePa still plans to make a trip Friday to Austin, Texas, for a dinner with University of Texas football coach Mack Brown, D’Elia said.
Paterno had been on a busy schedule of late. He traveled to Philadelphia last weekend and also recently returned from a meeting with Big Ten football coaches.
Paterno is coming off two 9-4 seasons that each included bowl wins. His 372 career wins rank second only to Florida State coach Bobby Bowden’s 373 among major college coaches.
Braun sings richest deal in Brewers’ history
MILWAUKEE—Ryan Braun grinned. He had just agreed to the largest contract in Milwaukee Brewers’ history.
“I really believe in the direction this franchise is headed,” the NL Rookie of the Year said Thursday after his $45 million, eight-year deal was announced. “I’m extremely excited in our future.”
Braun’s contract, which runs through 2015, replaces the $455,000, one-year renewal the Brewers gave him in spring training. It includes a $2.3 million bonus this season and could increase to $51 million through escalators.
“How unreal is this?” said Braun’s mother, Diane, who was looking on from the front row.
Braun hit .324 with 34 homers and 97 RBIs last season in 113 games after a May 25 callup. He entered Thursday with a .287 average, nine homers and 29 RBIs.
Spurs stay alive with blowout over Hornets
SAN ANTONIO—The San Antonio Spurs' Big Three came through, but they'll still have to win one on the road to keep their title defense alive.
Manu Ginobili scored 25 points, Tim Duncan had 20 points and 15 rebounds, and Tony Parker added 15 points in the Spurs' 99-80 victory over the New Orleans Hornets in Game 6 on Thursday night.
The win forced a seventh game on Monday in New Orleans in the Western Conference semifinals. Home teams are 20-1 in the second round.
Chris Paul led the Hornets with 21 points and Tyson Chandler scored 14. David West had 10 points before leaving the game early in the fourth quarter after apparently aggravating a back injury.
The aging defending champions and the injured Hornets now get three days of rest before playing Game 7.
Flyers force Game 5 in Pittsburgh
PHILADELPHIA—A fast start by the Philadelphia Flyers gave way to a very nervous ending.
When it was over, they were still alive and happily facing what many figured was an unlikely return trip to Pittsburgh.
Joffrey Lupul scored the first of Philadelphia's three first-period goals Thursday night and the Flyers extended the Eastern Conference finals for at least one more game with a 4-2 victory over the Penguins.
The Penguins' smooth ride toward the Stanley Cup finals got a bit bumpier and will now include a Game 5 on Sunday.
Suspect pleads guilty in Redskins star’s slaying
MIAMI—One of five suspects charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor has pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and burglary.
Defense attorney Michael Hornung says that according to the plea agreement, Venjah Hunte will serve 29 years in prison and cooperate with prosecutors.
Hornung says Hunte pleaded guilty on Friday but prosecutors requested the plea agreement be sealed because investigators were pursuing the fifth suspect.
That suspect, 16-year-old Timothy Brown, was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder and armed burglary of an occupied dwelling.
Taylor died of massive blood loss after he was shot at his Miami-area home during a botched robbery in November.
UPS bet on Big Brown pays off in brand exposure
NEW YORK—A horse by any other name simply wouldn’t have worked for UPS.
Capitalizing on the buzz around thoroughbred racing’s biggest event, UPS has inked a sponsorship deal with Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, who was named in honor of the shipping giant known for its distinctive brown trucks and uniforms.
The marketing coup has already won big media exposure and brand recognition for the original Big Brown — a rare opportunity the company candidly concedes galloped straight into its lap.
“Prior to all of this happening, we had no intention of placing sponsorship with a thoroughbred horse group,” said UPS spokesman Norman Black. “But when we found out the horse was actually named after UPS, we got together and decided to jump on it, realizing the great marketing opportunity.”
“We were very opportunistic, make no bones about it,” added Black, who called sponsoring the conveniently named colt and Triple Crown prospect “a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Charles Barkley faces gambling debt case
LAS VEGAS—Retired NBA star Charles Barkley will face criminal charges if he doesn’t repay a $400,000 gambling debt to a Las Vegas casino, a prosecutor said Thursday.
The posh Wynn Las Vegas casino alleges in a civil complaint filed Wednesday in Nevada state court that Barkley failed to repay four $100,000 casino markers, or loans, he received last Oct. 18 and 19.
“To date, and despite repeated demands, Barkley has refused to repay the $400,000,” the complaint said.
Barkley is a basketball analyst for Turner Network Television who has made no secret of his gambling over the years.
Barkley, 45, played 16 seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. He was named MVP in 1993 and was an 11-time NBA All-Star.
Barkley estimated during a May 2006 interview with ESPN that he’d gambled away about $10 million over the years.
“Do I have a gambling problem? Yeah, I do have a gambling problem,” Barkley said. “But I don’t consider it a problem because I can afford to gamble.”
He said he never bet on basketball, and only bet in casinos. He called it a bad habit that he intended to continue.
Autopsy: Eight Belles had no pre-existing conditions
LEXINGTON, Ky.—An autopsy revealed that euthanized filly Eight Belles had no pre-existing bone abnormalities that caused her to break down after the Kentucky Derby.
The tests were performed by chief Kentucky veterinarian Lafe Nichols. It confirms compound fractures of both front legs at the fetlock joints.
The autopsy didn’t include results of postrace drug tests. It will be several days before those are available. Eight Belles’ trainer, Larry Jones, has requested additional tests to prove the filly wasn’t on steroids.
Eight Belles was euthanized on the track at Churchill Downs after the Derby when she broke down while jogging about a quarter-mile past the finish line. She finished second to Big Brown in the race.
Paterno taken to hospital for apparent dehydration
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.—Penn State coach Joe Paterno was taken to a hospital Thursday morning to be treated for apparent dehydration, a team spokesman said.
The 81-year-old coach was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center by ambulance after feeling nauseated, said spokesman Guido D’Elia. Paterno has not been admitted to the hospital, but was undergoing tests Thursday afternoon, D’Elia said.
JoePa still plans to make a trip Friday to Austin, Texas, for a dinner with University of Texas football coach Mack Brown, D’Elia said.
Paterno had been on a busy schedule of late. He traveled to Philadelphia last weekend and also recently returned from a meeting with Big Ten football coaches.
Paterno is coming off two 9-4 seasons that each included bowl wins. His 372 career wins rank second only to Florida State coach Bobby Bowden’s 373 among major college coaches.
Braun sings richest deal in Brewers’ history
MILWAUKEE—Ryan Braun grinned. He had just agreed to the largest contract in Milwaukee Brewers’ history.
“I really believe in the direction this franchise is headed,” the NL Rookie of the Year said Thursday after his $45 million, eight-year deal was announced. “I’m extremely excited in our future.”
Braun’s contract, which runs through 2015, replaces the $455,000, one-year renewal the Brewers gave him in spring training. It includes a $2.3 million bonus this season and could increase to $51 million through escalators.
“How unreal is this?” said Braun’s mother, Diane, who was looking on from the front row.
Braun hit .324 with 34 homers and 97 RBIs last season in 113 games after a May 25 callup. He entered Thursday with a .287 average, nine homers and 29 RBIs.
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