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Mauresmo Wins 1st Grand Slam Title (AP)
 AP - After seven frustrating years, Amelie Mauresmo has her first Grand Slam singles title. The conclusion, however, was a bit anticlimactic. Mauresmo's long wait ended Saturday when Justine Henin-Hardenne retired in the second set of their Australian Open final because of stomach pain.
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Indians Trade Coco Crisp to Red Sox (AP)
AP - Coco Crisp quickly became a fan favorite with Indians fans, winning them over with his catchy name, bubbly personality and solid skills. Red Sox Nation will be tougher to impress.
Kwan Gets Last Shot at Olympic Gold (AP)
 AP - Michelle Kwan smiled, gave a small salute and then stepped onto the ice. After four years, her Olympic hopes had come to this. A session in her home rink, in front of judges who would decide whether she was healthy enough — good enough — to go to the Turin Olympics. The answer was a resounding yes.
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Artest Not Enough as Celtics Beat Kings (AP)
 AP - Ron Artest's 15 points weren't enough in his Sacramento debut and the Boston Celtics got 18 points from Paul Pierce to win 84-74 Friday night, beating the Kings for just the second time in 12 tries.
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Lakers Edge Past Warriors 106-105 in OT (AP)
 AP - Kobe Bryant followed up his 81-point performance with a mere 30, turning it on when the Lakers needed him most. After a sluggish start, Bryant scored 25 in the final quarter and overtime Friday night to lead Los Angeles to a 106-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
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Seahawks' Gray Seeking Different Results (AP)
 AP - In Chris Gray's mind, the biggest game of his career so far came in his senior year at Homewood High School in Birmingham, Ala.
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Artest quiet on losing debut for Kings in Boston (Reuters)
 Reuters - Wally Szczerbiak bagged 10 points on
his Boston Celtics debut to steal the limelight from a
well-behaved Ron Artest in an 84-74 home victory over the
Sacramento Kings on Friday.
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Red Sox Acquire Coco Crisp From Indians (AP)
 AP - Boston got its center fielder and leadoff hitter, completing a trade to acquire Coco Crisp from Cleveland after the Indians obtained Jason Michaels from Philadelphia for reliever Arthur Rhodes.
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Roddick Won't Play at Delray Beach (AP)
AP - Andy Roddick flirted with the idea of playing in the qualifying tournament for the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, then decided against it.
Devils' Brodeur Signs Contract Extension (AP)
 AP - New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur signed a six-year contract extension on Friday that will pay him $31.2 million.
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An XL-ent prediction
A Southern Cal connection will shape Super Bowl XL and, says Larry, help determine the final outcome.
'Skins S Taylor now faces up to 46 years (AP)
Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor faces up to 46 years in prison after two additional assault charges were filed against him Friday. Michael Grieco, an assistant state attorney, said the charges reflect Taylor's alleged threatening of three people with a gun in an armed confrontation over an all-terrain vehicle on June 1.
Holmgren 1st to win title with 2 teams? (AP)
Bill Parcells failed. Dan Reeves, Dick Vermeil and Don Shula never had the chance. Now Mike Holmgren has taken a second franchise to a Super Bowl. Can he become the only coach to win with more than one team? In nearly four decades of Super Bowls, only Parcells managed to win in his first try, then come back with another club.
Seahawks WR Jackson returns to practice (AP)
Seahawks wide receiver Darrell Jackson, who has been bothered by soreness to his right knee and lower back, returned to practice Friday to prepare for next week's Super Bowl. Jackson didn't practice last week, but caught six passes for 75 yards and a touchdown in Seattle's 34-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday.
Thousands cheer Steelers at pep rally (AP)
Jerome Bettis made a bold Super Bowl prediction to the thousands of Steelers fans who turned out in force Friday to honor the AFC champions. "We carry Pittsburgh in our hearts wherever we go. ... And you better believe, when we come back, we will have one for the thumb," Bettis said. An estimated 30,000 people awash in black and gold gathered at Heinz Field for the Super Bowl send-off, a hometown...
Kubiak introduced as Texans coach (AP)
As a ball boy for the Houston Oilers more than 25 years ago, Gary Kubiak never thought he would eventually coach the team that replaced them. But he long vowed that he would return to Houston. On Thursday he did, and was introduced as the second coach of the Houston Texans. "I always told my mom and dad I would be home someday," he said.
Seahawks G Gray wants win in big game (AP)
In Chris Gray's mind, the biggest game of his career so far came in his senior year at Homewood High School in Birmingham, Ala. Not the NFC title game the Seahawks won to reach the Super Bowl. Nor any of those Iron Bowl matchups with Alabama he played in while at Auburn. In Gray's biggest game, Homewood's players thought they would win the Alabama high school championship because Gadsden High School...
New ruling: Steelers' Long killed self (AP)
Former Pittsburgh Steelers lineman Terry Long committed suicide by drinking antifreeze, a revised death certificate shows, and did not die as a direct result of football-related head injuries. The Allegheny County coroner ruled in September that Long, 45, who had attempted suicide before, had died of meningitis.
Campaign manager fired for Swann remark (AP)
A gubernatorial candidate challenging pro football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann in the Republican primary fired his campaign manager after the man told a televised call-in show: "The rich white guy in this campaign is Lynn Swann." Bill Scranton, a former lieutenant governor who is white and comes from a wealthy family, also issued an apology to Swann after his campaign manager's comments Wednesday.
Steelers pumped before first practice (AP)
Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans was relaxing at home, enjoying a few days off before returning to practice for the Super Bowl. Then a commercial touting The Rolling Stones and their upcoming performance in Detroit came on the air. "They're talking about the Seahawks versus the Steelers and I'm saying, 'Hey, I play for that team,"' Haggans said Thursday.
Minnesota's bad medicine
Trading players with the Celtics isn't the magic pill that will cure all the Timberwolves' ills.
Only 30 for Kobe, Lakers win in OT (AP)
In the first game since his remarkable 81-point outburst, Kobe Bryant didn't score much -- until he needed to. Bryant turned it on late Friday night, scoring 25 of his 30 points in the fourth period and overtime to rally the Los Angeles Lakers to a 106-105 victory over Golden State. Bryant, whose 81 points against Toronto on Sunday were the second-most in NBA history to Wilt Chamberlain's 100 in...
Artest debuts, Kings fall to Celtics (AP)
Ron Artest made nice with his new team. He managed to avoid any conflict with the Boston fans. For a debut, the Sacramento Kings are going to have to consider it a success. The former Indiana troublemaker scored 15 points in his first game since his antics got him benched in mid-December, but he and the Kings faltered in the fourth quarter on Friday night as the Celtics beat Sacramento 84-74.
Knicks' Thomas attacks allegations (AP)
Knicks president Isiah Thomas delivered another strong statement Friday, saying he was never in love with the former team executive that is suing him for sexual harassment. Thomas attacked the allegations made by Anucha Browne Sanders, the Knicks' former senior vice president of marketing and business operations, in a statement he gave before the Knicks' game against the Orlando Magic at Madison...
Billups carries Pistons to 36-5 mark (AP)
Chauncey Billups is playing so well this season that even his great games are starting to get monotonous. Billups had 10 points in a 97-second span late in the fourth quarter and the Pistons beat the Memphis Grizzlies 95-89 on Friday night for their 10th straight win. The scoring burst came two days after Billups scored 11 points in overtime to help Detroit beat Milwaukee.
Artest: I've learned from my mistakes (AP)
Ron Artest wants people to remember some of the good things he did in Indiana, too. The former Pacers troublemaker started for Sacramento against the Boston Celtics on Friday night, two days after he was traded to the Kings for Peja Stojakovic. Artest scored seven of the Kings' first 15 points and finished with 15, but Boston won 84-74.
Peja watches Pacers lose to Cavs 93-89 (AP)
The Indiana Pacers could have used Peja Stojakovic's long-range shooting skills against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Indiana's Austin Croshere missed everything on a 3-pointer that would have tied the game in the closing seconds and the Cavaliers beat the Pacers 93-89 Friday night. Stojakovic, Indiana's newest player, was with the Pacers but did not suit up.
Dixon, Blazers hold off Nets 88-83 (AP)
Juan Dixon couldn't help but show a flash of frustration. The Portland Trail Blazers almost to let another one slip away. Dixon had 26 points and the Portland Trail Blazers nearly squandered a 20-point lead before holding off the New Jersey Nets 88-83 Friday night. But he was ejected with 2:27 left for kicking a ball in the seats and was helpless as his the Nets cut the lead to two points down the...
Newcomer Davis leads Wolves to win (AP)
Ricky Davis played for four teams in his first seven NBA seasons, but always had an eye on Minnesota. He's finally joined the Timberwolves and after one game, he seems like a perfect fit. The day after he was traded from Boston in a seven-player swap, Davis scored 26 points, grabbed a key rebound and sank two clutch free throws to lead the Wolves to a 96-92 win over the Houston Rockets on Friday...
Brand's 33 powers Clips by Nuggets (AP)
The return of the NBA's leading rebounder after missing a month was no match for the league's best-rebounding team. Elton Brand scored 33 points and the Los Angeles Clippers spoiled the return of Denver center Marcus Camby with a 105-87 win Friday night that snapped the Nuggets' seven-game winning streak.
Power rankings
Healthy again, Ottawa is back on track and reclaims its position atop Matt's rankings.
Devils' Brodeur signs six-year extension (AP)
New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur signed a six-year contract extension on Friday that will pay him $31.2 million. "I'm real happy, very excited," Brodeur said. "It's a great opportunity for me to end my career here and stay close to my kids. That was my huge concern going forward with the new league." Brodeur is earning $5.237 million this season, his 13th with the Devils -- the team that...
Luongo gets 100th win by blanking Devils (AP)
Roberto Luongo's personal milestone only made the Florida Panthers' latest victory that much better. Luongo and his teammates just wanted a win. The Panthers goalie earned his 100th NHL victory and third shutout of the season by making 22 saves in a 4-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. "It (100th win) is nice to get but the two points are much more encouraging," Luongo said.
Miscue gives Blue Jackets win over Wild (AP)
Sergei Fedorov was rewarded for just throwing the puck toward the net. Minnesota defenseman Nick Schultz deflected a centering pass from Fedorov into his own net with 6:33 remaining Friday night to give the Columbus Blue Jackets a 4-3 victory and end the Wild's franchise-best, five-game winning streak.
Hurricanes' Cullen out up to a month (AP)
Carolina Hurricanes center Matt Cullen will miss two to four weeks after breaking his jaw in Thursday's win against Atlanta. Cullen was unable to fly back with the team Thursday night, returning to Raleigh on Friday to have his jaw immobilized, said Jim Rutherford, team president and general manager.
Ducks won't be ``Mighty'' next season (AP)
Come next fall, the Ducks won't be Mighty anymore. The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim announced they will officially change their name to the Anaheim Ducks at the start of the 2006-07 season. The NHL team also said it is evaluating possible changes to its logo and uniforms. "The process is still very much underway, and we do not expect to be ready to make any further announcements until the end of the...
Svatos quietly leads Avs up standings (AP)
On a team ranked second in the NHL in scoring, the Colorado Avalanche's most productive player isn't speedy Alex Tanguay, soft-handed Milan Hejduk or even Joe Sakic. It's 23-year-old Marek Svatos, who is quietly proving to be one of the league's top rookies while helping the Avs steadily climb the standings.
Hurricanes win for 12th time in 13 games (AP)
The Carolina Hurricanes have the league's best record, and there's nothing fluky about it. Niclas Wallin scored on a deflection 16 seconds into the third period and the streaking Hurricanes won for the 12th time in 13 games, pulling away for a 5-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers on Thursday night.
Stars beat Avs, improve to 7-0 in SOs (AP)
Repetition has been good for Jussi Jokinen in shootouts. Jokinen and Sergei Zubov scored shootout goals on backhanders to lift the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night. "I've used the same move and the same shot on all my shootouts," said Jokinen, who is 7-for-7 using the backhander in shootouts.
Sens hold Canadiens to 12 shots, win 3-0 (AP)
Dominik Hasek's latest shutout was practically a gift from the Montreal Canadiens. Hasek earned his fifth shutout of the season and Daniel Alfredsson had two goals and an assist, leading the Ottawa Senators to a 3-0 win over Montreal on Thursday night as the Canadiens tied a franchise record by being held to only 12 shots.
Stewart back on track
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Nextel Cup drivers, including Tony Stewart, are taking center stage at the Rolex 24 in Daytona.
All-star field highlights grueling race (AP)
Tony Stewart is hungry for another victory -- and this one doesn't have anything to do with his NASCAR ride. The Nextel Cup champion is taking a busman's holiday this weekend, driving a Pontiac Crawford Daytona Prototype with three-time Rolex 24 winners Andy Wallace of England and Butch Leitzinger in America's most prestigious sports car race.
Judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit against NASCAR (AP)
A federal judge ordered Friday that Kentucky Speedway can move ahead with its $400 million antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR.
Kenseth re-signs with Roush Racing (SportsTicker)
CONCORD, North Carolina (Ticker) - Former NASCAR champion Matt Kenseth has been with Roush Racing for seven years. He will remain there for at least a few more.
Former NASCAR champion Kenseth to stay with Roush (AP)
Former NASCAR champion Matt Kenseth has signed a multiyear contract extension with Roush Racing.
Luhr wins pole for Rolex 24 with record-setting lap (AP)
Lucas Luhr won the pole Thursday for the Rolex 24 sports car endurance race at Daytona International Speedway with a lap of at 123.230 mph. The German will co-drive the No. 23 Alex Job Racing/Emory Motorsports Porsche Crawford with fellow Porsche driver Mike Rockenfeller and Patrick Long in the 24-hour race, which starts Saturday.
Harvick could be Toyota's first prize (AP)
Unless car owner Richard Childress can sign him to a long-term extension, Kevin Harvick will be one of the top free agents for the 2007 season -- just in time for Toyota to make its NASCAR debut.
Kurt Busch only looking ahead (AP)
Kurt Busch would rather not talk about his November run-in with the Phoenix police.
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