NEW YORK (AP) — Dinara Safina’s coach couldn’t bear to watch. Sitting in the stands at the U.S. Open, he’d cover his eyes with his hands or turn his head with a wince as Safina’s 11 double-faults and all manner of other mistakes mounted — or put another way, as she looked less and less […]

By The Associated Press The NFL Players Association has confirmed it is the target of a federal investigation into whether union leaders attempted to collude with NFL officials by holding secret meetings to discuss labor talks. NFLPA official George Atallah said Tuesday the union has been cooperating with the Department of Labor probe, which came […]

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — Soaking in the sun on a sweltering South Florida day, Joey Porter was holding court, lamenting the media again and blasting away at all things football. What, nothing controversial this season? “Model citizen,” he joked. “Just chilling.” After making 17½ sacks last season, the Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl linebacker has more […]

NEW YORK (AP) — Excited to be seeing an old pal for the first time in a while, the U.S. Open spectators dotting the mostly empty stands in Arthur Ashe Stadium called out to Kim Clijsters as she stepped on the court that means so much to her. “Come on, Kim!” yelled one fan. And […]

WELCOME, N.C. (AP) — Team owner Richard Childress reiterated Monday that Kevin Harvick will be back in his car next season despite nonstop rumors to the contrary. “We want to put the rumors behind us by stating together that Kevin will drive RCR’s No. 29 … for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season,” Childress […]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants are working on a deal to add right-hander Brad Penny to their rotation for the stretch run. A person with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on Monday that details still needed to be finalized. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because negotiations with […]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said Monday that his football program has abided by NCAA rules, despite allegations from anonymous players and former players who say the team has practiced far beyond the time allowed. “We know the rules,” Rodriguez said, “and we follow the rules,” At a news conference in […]

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis spent the offseason trying to beef up its defense. New coach Jim Caldwell changed coordinators, hiring longtime NFL assistant Larry Coyer. Team president Bill Polian selected bigger players in the draft and re-signed 296-pound defensive tackle Ed Johnson to stop the run. And Coyer has revamped the system to take advantage […]

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Tedy Bruschi retired Monday after a 13-year NFL career in which he won three Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and made a gallant return from a stroke. The inside linebacker played for no other team and leaves football with only one unachieved goal — a fourth championship. “I’m […]

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Quarterback Kevin O’Connell, projected to be Tom Brady’s backup, was cut Monday by the New England Patriots. O’Connell’s release came three days after Brady sustained what the Patriots described as a sore shoulder in a 27-24 exhibition win over the Washington Redskins. On Monday, Brady stretched with his teammates, at one […]