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Arenas scores 54 to derail Suns' streak
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_wizards_suns"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061223/capt.azth10112230414.wizards_suns_basketball_azth101.jpg?x=77&y=130&sig=L0IbKd2sU0QOSo0GA09saw--" align="left" height="130" width="77" alt="Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas (0) goes up for a 3-point shot over Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion (31) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Tom Hood)" border="0" /></a>AP - The Washington Wizards are the NBA's streak-busters. The Phoenix Suns went from snowed in to snowed under by Gilbert Arenas on Friday night — and their franchise-best 15-game winning streak is history.</p><br clear="all"/>
Kings spoil a strong debut from Iverson
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_kings_nuggets"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061223/capt.dxa12312230524.kings_nuggets_basketball_dxa123.jpg?x=130&y=101&sig=XruxqvBCadvDxaZAoqZPcA--" align="left" height="101" width="130" alt="Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson reacts as time runs out in the fourth quarter of the Sacramento Kings' 101-96 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Friday, Dec. 22, 2006. The loss spoiled Iverson's debut in a Nuggets' uniform. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" border="0" /></a>AP - Allen Iverson fought through jet lag, car sickness and pregame butterflies that felt more like birds before he finally got to play his first game for the Denver Nuggets.</p><br clear="all"/>
Duke lacrosse case takes dramatic turn
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_on_re_us/duke_lacrosse"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061222/capt.wxs40212221811.duke_lacrosse__wxs402.jpg?x=94&y=130&sig=INgmR43BCW_R9Q6u.rSehQ--" align="left" height="130" width="94" alt="Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong speaks at a news conference at the Durham County Judicial Building Friday, July 28, 2006 in Durham, N.C. Nifong dismissed rape charges Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, against three Duke University lacrosse players accused of attacking a stripper at a team party, a defense attorney said. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)" border="0" /></a>AP - Attorneys for three Duke lacrosse players charged with attacking a stripper say dismissing only the rape counts after their accuser again changed her story does not go far enough.</p><br clear="all"/>
Yankees hit with $26 million luxury tax
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061222/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bbo_luxury_tax"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061222/capt.ny15612222354.luxury_tax_baseball_ny156.jpg?x=103&y=130&sig=sUoPztYgpZDoagxZ4DMpcg--" align="left" height="130" width="103" alt="New York Yankees team owner George Steinbrenner, left, and general manager, Brian Cashman, right, attend batting practice during spring training, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005, in Tampa. Fla. The Yankees were slapped with a $26 million luxury tax by the commissioner's office, raising New York's total to $97.75 million over the last four years. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez,file)" border="0" /></a>AP - The Yankees got the bill Friday for their sorry season. The Yankees were slapped with a $26 million luxury tax by the commissioner's office, raising New York's total to $97.75 million over the last four years. Boston, which missed the playoffs, was the only other team over the tax threshold and will pay $497,549.</p><br clear="all"/>
49ers WR out for substance violation
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn49ers_bryant_suspended"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061223/capt.ny15712230008.49ers_bryant_suspended_football_ny157.jpg?x=104&y=130&sig=RilaWvD73xn6DJFGqT40QQ--" align="left" height="130" width="104" alt="In this photo released by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is a booking mug of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Antonio Bryant. Bryant was suspended for four games Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, dealing a blow to the 49ers' faint playoff hopes. (AP Photo/San Mateo County Sheriff's Office,ho,file)" border="0" /></a>AP - Receiver Antonio Bryant was suspended for four games Friday for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, dealing a blow to the San Francisco 49ers' faint playoff hopes.</p><br clear="all"/>
49ers lose Bryant to four-game suspension
(Reuters)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061223/sp_nm/nfl_bryant_dc"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/nm/20061223/2006_12_22t214610_450x284_us_nfl_bryant.jpg?x=130&y=82&sig=uVbExFXSNmFOyHCRd3yQWw--" align="left" height="82" width="130" alt="San Francisco 49ers receiver Antonio Bryant kneels in the end zone in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, in Glendale, September 10, 2006. The NFL suspended Bryant for four games on Friday for violating the league's substance abuse policy. (Ross D. Franklin/Reuters)" border="0" /></a>Reuters - The NFL suspended receiver Antonio
Bryant of the San Francisco 49ers for four games on Friday for
violating the league's substance abuse policy.</p><br clear="all"/>
Bargnani wins it for Raptors in OT
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_raptors_trail_blazers"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061223/capt.pda10512230403.raptors_trail_blazers_basketball_pda105.jpg?x=98&y=130&sig=sdLl47huAFDwKy83KJ2_Sg--" align="left" height="130" width="98" alt="Toronto Raptors forward Joey Graham, right, stuffs the ball as Portland Trail Blazers center Joe Przybilla watches during NBA first quarter basketball action in Portland, Ore., Friday, Dec. 22, 2006.AP Photo/Don Ryan)" border="0" /></a>AP - T.J. Ford scored Toronto's first nine points in overtime and he knew the right time to pass the ball, too. Ford drove into the lane and found Andrea Bargnani in the corner for the go-ahead basket in the Raptors' 101-100 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
Yankees sign Cuban infielder Miranda
(Reuters)
Reuters - The New York Yankees are hoping a
relatively small investment will pay big dividends after they
announced the signing of Cuban-born first baseman Juan Miranda
to a four-year deal Friday worth just over $2 million.
United trades Eskandarian to Toronto FC
(AP)
AP - D.C. United traded forward Alecko Eskandarian to Toronto FC on Friday for a partial allocation.
Bondra's 500th goal hands Chicago a win
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_maple_leafs_blackhawks"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061223/capt.cxa10212230236.maple_leafs_blackhawks_hockey_cxa102.jpg?x=130&y=117&sig=yO4HCMjzBu2kUCZTpjjttA--" align="left" height="117" width="130" alt="Chicago Blackhawks right wing Martin Lapointe, right, collides with Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan McCabe during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 22, 2006. (AP Photo/Brian Kersey)" border="0" /></a>AP - Peter Bondra picked a perfect time to score his 500th NHL goal. Bondra became the 37th player in league history to reach the 500-goal mark, connecting early in the third period to snap a 1-all tie and the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 on Friday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
Just a mirage?
Once poised to make a strong run heading into the postseason, the Seahawks no longer resemble last year's Super Bowl runners-up.
Bears' Johnson receives home confinement (AP)
Chicago nose tackle Tank Johnson needs court permission to travel outside Illinois, a decision that would become a factor this season only if the Bears make the Super Bowl. A judge ruled Friday that he must stay home, except to work or travel to work, until it is determined whether his Dec. 14 arrest for having firearms without a gun-owner identification card violated his probation on a 2005 gun...
Niners WR Bryant suspended four games (AP)
Receiver Antonio Bryant was suspended for four games Friday for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, dealing a blow to the San Francisco 49ers' faint playoff hopes. Bryant has 40 catches for a team-high 733 yards and three touchdowns this season after signing with San Francisco as a free agent last summer, but the fifth-year pro hasn't shaken his career-long propensity for off-field...
Jags' Taylor ruled out against Patriots (AP)
Jaguars running back Fred Taylor will miss Sunday's game against New England because of a lingering hamstring injury. Taylor, who hurt his right hamstring against Indianapolis on Dec. 10, aggravated the injury on his second carry last week at Tennessee and sat out the rest of the game. Taylor missed three days of practice this week, and coach Jack Del Rio downgraded him from questionable to out...
Patriots sign punter Sauerbrun (AP)
The New England Patriots on Friday signed veteran punter Todd Sauerbrun, who becomes the team's third punter in six weeks. The Patriots, who play at Jacksonville on Sunday, brought in Sauerbrun for a workout Friday and then signed him, coach Bill Belichick said. "We looked at all our options, and feel like this one is the best one for the football team," Belichick said.
Favre wins in possible Lambeau finale (AP)
It might have been Brett Favre's final fling at Lambeau Field, and it wasn't pretty. But after nearly throwing the game away, Favre helped the Green Bay Packers pull out yet another come-from-behind victory. Favre threw an interception for a touchdown in the third quarter, then rallied the Packers for a late field goal and a 9-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.
Colts RB Addai cleared to play Sunday (AP)
Indianapolis Colts rookie runner Joseph Addai practiced Friday and has been cleared to play Sunday against the Texans in his hometown of Houston. Addai had sat out two days of workouts this week to rest a sprained right ankle that he hurt in the third quarter of Monday night's 34-16 win over Cincinnati.
Delhomme downgraded to doubtful (AP)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme missed practice again because of an injured thumb and was downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game at Atlanta. Delhomme, who had been listed as questionable, hasn't played or practiced since sustaining ligament damage in his right thumb in a loss to Philadelphia on Dec.
Bucs RB Williams doubtful to play Sunday (AP)
Tampa Bay running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams was downgraded Friday from questionable to doubtful for the Bucs' game Sunday against Cleveland because of a foot injury. Williams, who has rushed for 798 yards and one touchdown, was injured during the second half Sunday in a 34-31 loss to Chicago. He has not practiced this week.
Giants DE Strahan practices again (AP)
Giants defensive end Michael Strahan practiced for the second straight day Thursday and it's looking more likely the seven-time Pro Bowler will play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. "Michael has done everything, been in every drill (and) is working his way back into his ability to be in the middle with all things," coach Tom Coughlin said.
Help wanted
Arenas' 54 halt Suns' 15-game streak (AP)
The Washington Wizards are the NBA's streak-busters. The Phoenix Suns went from snowed in to snowed under by Gilbert Arenas on Friday night -- and their franchise-best 15-game winning streak is history. Arenas capped a 54-point night by banking in a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 30.7 seconds left in overtime and the Wizards beat the Suns 144-139.
A.I. scores 22 in debut but Nuggets lose (AP)
Allen Iverson fought through jet lag, car sickness and pregame butterflies that felt more like birds before he finally got to play his first game for the Denver Nuggets. When his debut with the depleted Nuggets was over Friday night, the feeling was familiar for the former 76er. Another crowd-pleasing performance, 22 points and 10 assists over 39 minutes, wasn't enough to prevent a loss -- 101-96...
Nowitzki's ankle no problem as Mavs win (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki's sprained left ankle was mild enough to allow him to play a significant role in the Dallas Mavericks' sixth straight victory. Nowitzki contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds and the Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Clippers 115-83 Friday night. Corey Maggette had 19 points for the Clippers, who have lost six straight.
76ers snap 12-game skid, beat Celtics (AP)
The Philadelphia 76ers said goodbye to Allen Iverson and their 12-game losing streak all on the same night. Andre Iguodala scored a career-high 31 points and had nine assists to help Philadelphia beat the Boston Celtics 98-83 on Friday night, just hours after the trade of their troubled superstar became official.
Rockets snap 17-game skid in San Antonio (AP)
The Houston Rockets hope Friday night was the start of a new era against the San Antonio Spurs. Yao Ming scored 22 points and the Rockets beat the Spurs 97-78 for their first victory in San Antonio in over nine years. San Antonio had won 17 straight home games against the Rockets and seven in a row in the series overall.
Sonics F Lewis out at least two months (AP)
Rashard Lewis, the Seattle SuperSonics' second-leading scorer, is expected to miss at least two months because of a torn hand tendon. The 6-foot-10 forward was to have surgery on his right hand Friday, the team said. An MRI on Thursday revealed an injury to the tendon sheath on the back of his hand. He caught his hand in the net trying to block Erick Dampier's shot in the opening minutes Wednesday...
Lakers top Nets as Krstic injures knee (AP)
The flu only slowed Kobe Bryant, it didn't stop him. Bryant had 21 points, a season-high 11 assists and combined with Jordan Farmar to lead the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter in a 99-95 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Friday night. "It's a struggle," Bryant said of playing with the illness.
Davis' 38 power Warriors past Magic (AP)
Golden State's strategy for winning on the road is beginning to work. Baron Davis had a season-high 38 points and Mike Dunleavy added 21 points to help the Warriors beat the Orlando Magic 117-108 Friday night for their second straight road win. The Warriors outscored the Magic 37-27 in the fourth quarter to claim just their third road win of the season.
Bargnani lifts Raptors by Blazers in OT (AP)
T.J. Ford scored Toronto's first nine points in overtime and he knew the right time to pass the ball, too. Ford drove into the lane and found Andrea Bargnani in the corner for the go-ahead basket in the Raptors' 101-100 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Ford had 23 points and 10 assists as the Raptors snapped Portland's five-game winning streak.
Bondra nets 500th goal, Blackhawks win (AP)
Peter Bondra picked a perfect time to score his 500th NHL goal. Bondra became the 37th player in league history to reach the 500-goal mark, connecting early in the third period to snap a 1-all tie and the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 on Friday night. Signed by Chicago as a free agent on Dec.
Senators C Spezza out indefinitely (AP)
Senators scoring leader Jason Spezza will be out indefinitely after injuring his knee during a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Spezza hurt his left knee Thursday night when he was checked into the boards by Martin St. Louis with six minutes left. He did not return to the game. Spezza walked with a limp Friday and said he has "no idea" when he'll be back.
Predators' Nichol suspended nine games (AP)
Nashville Predators forward Scott Nichol was suspended for nine games by the NHL on Friday for his sucker-punch to the head of Buffalo defenseman Jaroslav Spacek. Nichol will be eligible to return Jan. 13 against Columbus and will lose $25,267 in salary. The suspension was issued following a conference-call hearing conducted by Colin Campbell, the NHL's senior executive vice president of hockey...
Devils stop Ovechkin, top Capitals again (AP)
The New Jersey Devils shut down Alex Ovechkin, continued to click on the power play, and pulled themselves out of a funk. Patrik Elias' tip-in snapped a second-period tie and the Devils beat the Washington Capitals 4-1 on Friday night. Travis Zajac and Zach Parise had power-play goals for the Devils, who have scored with a man advantage in a season-high five straight games.
Hasek, Red Wings extend Wild's road woes (AP)
Dominik Hasek was busier than usual on Friday night. The Red Wings goalie faced 35 shots, the most he's faced this year as Detroit was outshot for only the sixth time this season. Hasek stopped 34 of them, and Dan Cleary broke a tie with a short-handed goal in the second period to help Detroit beat the Minnesota Wild 3-1.
Carter, Blue Jackets top Canucks, 3-2 (AP)
Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault is tired of the Canucks not being ready to play. They weren't prepared for former teammate Anson Carter, who had a goal and an assist in the first period and the Columbus Blue Jackets handed the Canucks their third straight loss, 3-2 on Friday night. "There was a lack of discipline," Vigneault said.
Power play carries Hurricanes by Isles (AP)
It's been a while since the Carolina Hurricanes' power-play unit was this, well, powerful. Rod Brind'Amour had a goal and two assists and the Hurricanes scored four power-play goals in a 5-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Friday night. "The power play has gotten lots of looks in the last two games and hasn't been rewarded, so it's nice to get a bounce and a break," Carolina coach Peter...
Leafs' Peca suffers serious knee injury (AP)
CHICAGO (AP) -Toronto center Michael Peca seriously injured his right knee in the first period of the Maple Leafs' 3-1 loss to Chicago on Friday night and had to be helped from the ice. Peca collided with Chicago defenseman Jim Vandermeer in the Toronto zone with 5:17 left in the first. Vandermeer received a major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct.
Lemieux: Penguins to explore relocation (AP)
The Pittsburgh Penguins are off the market, and owner Mario Lemieux says the team will look at relocating while it attempts to reach a deal for a new arena. "It is time to take control of our own destiny," Hall of Famer Lemieux said in a statement issued by his team Thursday. The Penguins are free to move when the 2006-07 season ends following a state panel's rejection Wednesday of a casino...
Johnson, Canadiens extend Flyers' skid (AP)
The Montreal Canadiens valued a victory over the NHL's worst team as much as a win against one of the league's best. Mike Johnson scored Montreal's league-leading 10th short-handed goal and the Canadiens extended their season-high winning streak to five games with a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.
Offseason caps: Reutimann, Ragan, Whitt, W. Burton
Yahoo! Sports breaks down the '07 Cup field as February's season-opening Daytona 500 approaches.
Auto Racing 2006: Johnson, Hornish win big but quietly (SportsTicker)
For a sport known for its outspoken, colorful characters, the champions of the two major racing series in the United States let their actions do the talking.
Yates team pulls Rudd out of retirement (AP)
Robert Yates is bringing Ricky Rudd out of retirement to keep his sinking race team afloat, signing him Thursday to drive the full Nextel Cup schedule in 2007.
Rudd comes out of retirement to rejoin Yates Racing (SportsTicker)
HACKETTSTOWN, New Jersey (Ticker) - Robert Yates Racing filled a new spot with an old friend.
Marcos Ambrose to drive in up to 10 Nextel Cup races in 2007 (SportsTicker)
Australian Marcos Ambrose has joined the foreign invasion of NASCAR.
Anheuser-Busch to end NASCAR sponsorship in 2007 (AP)
Anheuser-Busch will end its title sponsorship of NASCAR's No. 2 series after the 2007 season.
Ekstrom defeats Loeb to win Race of Champions (AP)
Mattias Ekstrom beat three-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb Saturday to win the Race of Champions at Stade de France. Loeb raced for the first time since breaking his arm in September and reached the final for the third straight year. The Frenchman won last year and lost to Finland's Heikki Kovalainen in 2004.
Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital Opens (AP)
Jeff Gordon saw firsthand the strain and heartache childhood illnesses bring early in his career when Ray Evernham's young son was diagnosed with leukemia.
Documentary traces NASCAR's roots (AP)
John Warner set out to make a simple movie about NASCAR driver Wendell Scott.
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