MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — What was once unthinkable became reality on Friday night under the big white top of the Metrodome – Brett Favre received a standing ovation in Minnesota. Long considered the most dastardly of villains in Minnesota sports, Favre’s decision to sign with the Vikings has instantly turned him into a player viewed as […]

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — Alan Gustafson gambled at Michigan and it cost driver Mark Martin dearly in his chances to make the Chase for the championship. There was no chance, though, they’d change their strategy at Bristol Motor Speedway, even though Martin is clinging to a berth in the 12-driver field. Gustafson went with an […]

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — It was Kevin O’Connell’s turn Thursday to audition for a job the Patriots now know is pretty important: Tom Brady’s backup. A year ago, it hardly seemed to matter who New England chose as its No. 2 quarterback, not with Brady having started 127 consecutive games. But when the team’s most […]

BERLIN (AP) — Usain Bolt got the birthday present he wanted from his teammates at the world championships on Friday, and Allyson Felix spoiled the party by ending Jamaica’s sprint domination. After the Jamaican relay team qualified for the 4×100 final without Bolt on the track, Felix glided to the finish with an elegance reminiscent […]

NEW YORK (AP) — For baseball, it’s the problem that won’t go away. It’s the list, the names of 104 players who allegedly tested positive during Major League Baseball’s 2003 survey of steroid use – results that were supposed to be anonymous. Instead, federal investigators seized records and samples as part of the Bay Area […]

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — Brian Vickers expected to discuss his recent Sprint Cup victory, a contract extension with Red Bull Racing and his chances at making the Chase for the championship when he arrived at Bristol Motor Speedway. Instead, all of Vickers’ positive news was interrupted by his week-old feud with Kyle Busch. Vickers grew […]

KELOWNA, British Columbia (AP) — Ottawa winger Dany Heatley reiterated his desire for a trade Friday, saying he’s unhappy with his diminished role. Heatley spoke during a conference call, the first time he’s commented publicly since he asked for a trade in the spring. “When I signed in Ottawa two years ago, I felt it […]

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — After run-ins with Kasey Kahne in two of the last three races, Juan Pablo Montoya could be considering some sort of retaliation. Not going to happen. Not with the stakes so high. Montoya is seventh in the standings with three races remaining until the 12-driver Chase for the championship field is […]

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — Brad Keselowski isn’t saying whether he’ll drive for Penske Racing in 2010. Keselowski won the pole Friday for the Nationwide Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. He then wanted no part of any discussion about his plans. “I’m really not prepared to address any of the rumors about next year,” he […]

TORONTO (AP) — J.D. Drew homered twice, Jon Lester pitched eight strong innings and the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-1 on Thursday to complete a three-game sweep. Victor Martinez connected for the second straight night for the Red Sox, who have hit two or more homers in five consecutive games, nine […]