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Colts Lock Up Wayne; Law Leaving Jets
(AP)
 AP - Reggie Wayne is staying with Indianapolis, Ty Law is leaving the New York Jets after one season and Jamal Lewis' time in Baltimore could be coming to an end.
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Finger-Pointing Follows Americans' Loss
(AP)
 AP - Mike Modano took no shots in the loss that bounced the U.S. men's hockey team from the Olympics. He saved his best one for afterward. The three-time Olympian was benched for most of the third period in the Americans' 4-3 loss Wednesday night to Finland in the quarterfinals. Then he took aim at the people who put the disappointing squad together.
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Redick Lifts No. 1 Duke Over Georgia Tech
(AP)
 AP - As he watched J.J. Redick struggle to find his jump shot, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski could still see everything falling into place.
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Suns Defeat the Celtics 103-94
(AP)
 AP - The Phoenix Suns rarely run a play for Shawn Marion. On Wednesday night, they ran two for him and he didn't score on either. Marion didn't miss many other shots and scored a career-high 44 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, carrying the Phoenix Suns to a 103-94 victory over the Boston Celtics for their fifth consecutive win — the longest current streak in the NBA.
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Knicks Acquire Steve Francis From Magic
(AP)
 AP - Steve Francis was traded Wednesday from the Orlando Magic to the last-place New York Knicks, who hope that pairing him in the backcourt with Stephon Marbury will help turn around the team's dismal season.
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Wayne Agrees to $39M, Six-Year Colts Deal
(AP)
AP - Reggie Wayne wanted to stay with a winner.
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Rockets Hold Off the Clippers 106-102
(AP)
 AP - Tracy McGrady has put whatever personal problems he had behind him. And it shows. McGrady, who averaged just 15 points in his last three games, followed up his 36-point performance in the All-Star game with 26 points to help the Houston Rockets to a 106-102 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
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Bonds Hits Spring Training, Future Unclear
(AP)
 AP - Barry Bonds arrived at spring training Wednesday, said he might not decide until next winter whether to play in 2007 and made it clear he wants to remain with the San Francisco Giants if he does extend his career.
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Revolution in Tie With Alajuelense
(AP)
AP - New England's Pat Noonan injured his hamstring during a 0-0 tie with Costa Rica's Alajuelense in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals Wednesday and will probably miss two games next month for the United States national team.
Predators Send Legwand to AHL After Surgery
(AP)
AP - The Nashville Predators sent center David Legwand down to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League on Wednesday for a conditioning assignment.
First draft impressions
With teams preparing for the NFL scouting combine, here's the first forecast of the draft's first round.
Wayne agrees to six-year deal with Colts (AP)
Reggie Wayne wanted to stay with a winner. The Indianapolis Colts' wide receiver passed up a chance to become an unrestricted free agent and agreed to a $39 million, six-year contract Wednesday. The move makes Wayne one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers and allows the Colts to use their franchise tag on another player if they choose.
Ravens don't franchise RB Jamal Lewis (AP)
The Baltimore Ravens have decided not to protect Jamal Lewis from free agency, but have not ruled out the possibility of signing the one-time 2,000-yard rusher to a long-term contract. Lewis, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2003, when he rushed for 2,066 yards, slumped to a career-low 906 yards this season following a four-month sentence in a Florida federal prison and two months in a...
Jaguars coach Del Rio signs new deal (AP)
Coach Jack Del Rio signed a new deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday, keeping him with the team for three more seasons. Del Rio had two years remaining on a five-year contract that averaged $1.3 million annually. But after making the playoffs in his third season, owner Wayne Weaver gave Del Rio a new three-year deal that was believed to be worth more than $3 million a season.
Jets part with Law, rework Martin's pact (AP)
The New York Jets slashed their payroll Wednesday by restructuring Curtis Martin's contract, parting with Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law and cutting a host of other veterans, including quarterback Jay Fiedler, offensive tackle Jason Fabini and fullback Jerald Sowell. The team is about $26 million over the salary cap and must be at or under the cap by March 3, the opening day of free agency.
Ricky Williams appeals failed drug test (AP)
Troubled running back Ricky Williams is appealing a positive drug test that could force the Miami Dolphins star to sit out the 2006 season, a person familiar with the case said Monday. If the positive test result is upheld, it would be Williams' fourth violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy, meaning at least a one-year suspension.
Patriots' Brady has surgery (AP)
Tom Brady had surgery last week, although the New England Patriots didn't say Wednesday what kind of operation their star quarterback had. Brady joked about the surgery at a golf tournament in Miami Beach, Fla., on Tuesday, saying he had to take it easy on hard swings. Brady did not play in the NFL Pro Bowl on Feb.
Lynch, Broncos agree on 2-year extension (AP)
Seven-time Pro Bowl safety John Lynch signed a two-year contract extension with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday through the 2008 season. Financial terms were not disclosed. Lynch, who joined the Broncos in 2004 from Tampa Bay, is entering his 14th season in the NFL and third with Denver. He is 34. In 195 regular-season games, Lynch has 1,118 tackles (677 solo), 26 interceptions and 12 sacks.
Tug of war
Could Larry Brown possibly have signed off on a deal that brought another shoot-first guard into the Knicks backcourt?
Knicks acquire Steve Francis from Magic (AP)
Steve Francis was traded Wednesday from the Orlando Magic to the last-place New York Knicks, who hope that pairing him in the backcourt with Stephon Marbury will help turn around the team's dismal season. The Knicks sent Penny Hardaway and Trevor Ariza to Orlando. Though Marbury and Francis essentially play the same position, the Knicks are confident it will work out.
Marbury returns but Knicks still lose (AP)
Hours after the Knicks made their big deal to get Steve Francis, the Miami Heat showed why they don't think they need one. Dwyane Wade and Jason Williams each had 24 points and five assists, and the Heat beat New York 103-83 Wednesday night for their fourth straight victory. Antoine Walker added 16 points and Shaquille O'Neal had 15 for the Heat, who have won nine of 11 overall and six in a row...
Marion's career-high 44 carry Suns (AP)
The Phoenix Suns rarely run a play for Shawn Marion. On Wednesday night, they ran two for him and he didn't score on either. Marion didn't miss many other shots and scored a career-high 44 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, carrying the Phoenix Suns to a 103-94 victory over the Boston Celtics for their fifth consecutive win -- the longest current streak in the NBA.
Trio of Sixers spark win over Cavaliers (AP)
The 76ers' other A.I. gave another All-Star performance. Allen Iverson scored 29 points and had 12 assists, Andre Iguodala had 25 points, and Chris Webber had 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 116-107 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Coming off an eventful All-Star weekend where he was named MVP of the Rookie Challenge and finished second in the slam...
Kidd leads Nets by undermanned Magic (AP)
Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets are starting to get the hang of these comeback wins. Kidd scored 28 points, including seven in the final 2:29, to help New Jersey defeat Orlando 96-93 Wednesday night, hours after the Magic traded Steve Francis to the Knicks. Erasing second-half deficits hasn't been the Nets' strength this season.
Yao's double-double leads Rockets to win (AP)
Tracy McGrady has put whatever personal problems he had behind him. And it shows. McGrady, who averaged just 15 points in his last three games, followed up his 36-point performance in the All-Star game with 26 points to help the Houston Rockets to a 106-102 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
Jazz top injury-depleted Hornets 82-76 (AP)
With injuries piling up for the New Orleans Hornets, Deron Williams propelled the Utah Jazz ahead for a much-needed victory. Williams scored eight of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and Andrei Kirilenko had 15 points, 11 rebounds and eight blocks to help the Jazz rally for an 82-76 win against the Hornets on Wednesday night.
Bulls come back, overtake Bucks 97-91 (AP)
Kirk Hinrich sparked the Bulls on both ends of the floor. Hinrich scored 26 points and Ben Gordon scored all 19 of his points in the second half to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 97-91 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. The Bucks dropped their seventh straight on the road and have not won a game away from the Bradley Center since beating Atlanta on Jan 20.
Lewis plays hurt but lifts Sonics (AP)
A sore ankle had Rashard Lewis thinking about taking the night off. He didn't and it turned out to be a good decision. Ray Allen scored 33 points and Lewis added 25, including a pair of key baskets down the stretch to help the Seattle SuperSonics to a 114-109 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, ending a four game losing streak.
Drawn and quartered
TURIN, Italy – There was never a sense of urgency for Team USA hockey, so a quarterfinal exit shouldn't be a surprise.
U.S. men's hockey team out of Olympics (AP)
Mike Modano took no shots in the loss that bounced the U.S. men's hockey team from the Olympics. He saved his best one for afterward. The three-time Olympian was benched for most of the third period in the Americans' 4-3 loss Wednesday night to Finland in the quarterfinals. Then he took aim at the people who put the disappointing squad together.
Russia ousts gold medal favorite Canada (AP)
Wayne Gretzky couldn't stand to watch any longer, heading to the exit in the final minute. Russia's youngsters were beating up his hand-picked old pros from Canada and, with 33 seconds left and his eyes red with tears, he bolted. No gold medal for mighty Canada, and no comfort at the Olympics for The Great One, who placed the blame for this failure squarely on himself.
Sweden reaches semis, beats Swiss 6-2 (AP)
Bengt-Ake Gustafsson was being refreshingly frank -- and accurate. Sweden's men's hockey coach said days ago he would rather play Switzerland and its three NHL players in the Olympic quarterfinals instead of traditional powers Canada and the Czech Republic. The Swedes left little doubt on Wednesday why their coach wanted to play the Swiss.
Hasek not sure when he'll return to Sens (AP)
Ottawa Senators goalie Dominik Hasek said there's "very little chance" he'll be able to play when the NHL resumes March 1 and isn't sure when he'll return from a groin injury that forced him to withdraw from the Olympics. "Of course I'm worried, I'll be honest," the 41-year-old said Tuesday as he met with reporters for the first time since returning from the Turin Games.
Czechs win border battle with Slovaks (AP)
When the Czech Republic's Martin Straka coolly shot the puck into an empty net for the clinching goal, the players on Slovakia's bench groaned, sagged and cursed. Richard Kapus broke his stick with one infuriated swing at the boards. The Czechs had gotten the best of their little brothers once again, and the Slovaks failed to get one victory that might be more valuable than gold.
Lamoriello to remain as Devils coach (AP)
Lou Lamoriello will remain as coach of the New Jersey Devils for the rest of the season. Lamoriello, also the team's president and general manager, informed players of his decision to remain behind the bench at practice Wednesday. He said the decision was made during the weekend after talks with Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek.
Gagne injured during Russia-Canada game (AP)
Canada forward Simon Gagne was assisted off the ice with an apparent right leg injury after being upended by Russia's Darius Kasparaitis late in the first period of the Olympic men's hockey quarterfinals Wednesday. As Gagne was releasing the puck after carrying it behind the Russia net, Kasparaitis backed into him, knocking Gagne off his skates and causing him to land hard on the ice.
Sweden's Ohlund leaves game with injury (AP)
Sweden defenseman Mattias Ohlund collided with the boards in the second period against Switzerland and left the Olympic men's hockey game Wednesday. "He's at the hospital for some X-rays," Swede coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson said after his team won 6-2. Ohlund, who plays for the Vancouver Canucks, was injured when he was checked by Patric Della Rossa from behind, lost his balance and slid into the...
Habs G Theodore won't appeal drug test (AP)
Canadiens goaltender Jose Theodore won't appeal a December drug test in which he tested positive for a steroid. Theodore was on Canada's preliminary Olympic eligibility list but was not placed on the final squad. He tested positive during random pre-Olympic screening for a drug that can be used to mask steroid use.
Time to act
Brian France and Co. need to get serious with the penalties if there is any hope of stopping cheating in NASCAR.
Bank of America extends its NASCAR connection with new deal (AP)
Bank of America Corp. said Tuesday that it has reached a five-year agreement with International Speedway Corp. to sponsor four race tracks, including California Speedway near Los Angeles.
Knaus suspended three more races, fined $25,000 (AP)
NASCAR suspended crew chief Chad Knaus for three more races Tuesday and fined him $25,000 for making an illegal modification to Jimmie Johnson's car during preparation for the Daytona 500.
NASCAR suspends Hendrick crew chief Knaus (SportsTicker)
By Bruce Martin SportsTicker Contributing Editor
Hall of Fame Racing penalized after debut (AP)
Hall of Fame Racing, the NASCAR team owned by former NFL quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, received its first penalties Tuesday for infractions during the Daytona 500.
Johnson fires back at Newman (AP)
Jimmie Johnson believes he won the Daytona 500 fair and square. That is more than he can say about postrace comments that painted him as a cheater. Johnson fired back Tuesday at Ryan Newman, who said the victory wasn't "necessarily good for the sport." Johnson won the race Sunday without crew chief Chad Knaus, suspended for making an illegal modification to the No.
Jimmie Johnson: driving in the shadow of scandal (AP)
Jimmie Johnson is not Barry Bonds or Mark McGwire or Marion Jones or Lance Armstrong. If there's an asterisk to be put next to tainted accomplishments, don't include Johnson and his Daytona 500 victory.
Stewart's new conscience takes a back seat at Daytona (AP)
Forgive Matt Kenseth if he rolls his eyes the next time Tony Stewart delivers a safety lecture.
Earnhardt avoids carnage, overcomes problems (AP)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. climbed out of his race car, walked around it a couple times and surveyed the damage.
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