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Giants, Zito reach preliminary agreement
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bbn_giants_zito"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061228/capt.ny15112281817.giants_zito_baseball_ny151.jpg?x=130&y=83&sig=A_RNjzlwJX.aqK2DoFeFtg--" align="left" height="83" width="130" alt="Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Barry Zito throws against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning in a baseball game, in this Aug. 4, 2006 file photo, in Seattle. Zito and the San Francisco Giants have reached a preliminary agreement on a $126 million, seven-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)" border="0" /></a>AP - The Bay Area's other Barry is the new face of the San Francisco Giants, now and well into the future. Barry Zito and the Giants reached a preliminary agreement on the largest contract for a pitcher in baseball history, a $126 million, seven-year deal.</p><br clear="all"/>
UNLV denies Knight a record 880th win
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_sp_co_ga_su/bkc_knight_record"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061229/capt.txab11112290328.unlv_texas_tech_knight_record_basketball_txab111.jpg?x=130&y=84&sig=jV1mBhx8qnOP4X88Qq1IRw--" align="left" height="84" width="130" alt="Texas Tech head coach Bob Knight reacts during the first half of their basketball game with UNLV in Lubbock, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)" border="0" /></a>AP - Steve Alford, John Havlicek, Jerry Tarkanian and Fuzzy Zoeller traveled to cotton country to see Bob Knight make history. If they don't mind sticking around a few days, they can watch him try again.</p><br clear="all"/>
Bowl win caps Rutgers' memorable season
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_sp_co_ga_su/fbc_t25_texas_bowl"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061229/capt.htt11412290358.texas_bowl_football_htt114.jpg?x=130&y=81&sig=xt5viDzLfqiw0bVaink6WQ--" align="left" height="81" width="130" alt="Rutgers' Ray Rice (27) moves through the Kansas State defense for a touchdown in the third quarter of the Texas Bowl football game Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)" border="0" /></a>AP - Like a true Texas hero, Ray Rice donned a white cowboy hat after leading Rutgers to one more milestone victory.</p><br clear="all"/>
Nowitzki lifts streaking Mavs over Suns
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_suns_mavericks"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061229/capt.dna10712290438.suns_mavericks_basketball_dna107.jpg?x=91&y=130&sig=VSdHdz98P.RtyA4xuRheyg--" align="left" height="130" width="91" alt="Dallas Mavericks Jason Terry moves the ball down court in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006.Terry scored 35 points in the Mavericks' 101-99 win over Phoenix. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)" border="0" /></a>AP - Jason Terry re-emerged late for the Dallas Mavericks, just when they needed him again. After scoring 32 of his season-high 35 points by the midpoint of the third quarter, Terry hit a big 3-pointer then set up Dirk Nowitzki's 19-footer with 1.3 seconds left in a 101-99 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
No. 1 Bruins overcome Cougars 55-52
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_sp_co_ga_su/bkc_t25_washington_st_ucla"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061229/capt.camw10112290446.washington_st_ucla_basketball_camw101.jpg?x=130&y=100&sig=adnjdHP.4i6wlKI9FK6BUA--" align="left" height="100" width="130" alt="UCLA's Lorenzo Mata (a4) reaches for a rebound over Washington State's Ivory Clark (33) during the first half of basketball in Los Angeles, on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)" border="0" /></a>AP - As Darren Collison goes, so goes UCLA. And the top-ranked Bruins were as bad as their point guard in the first half against Washington State. He had zero points, three turnovers, three fouls and his team trailed by 10.</p><br clear="all"/>
Pro Picks: Giants favored again?
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_pro_picks"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061225/capt.eru11412250019.saints_giants_football_eru114.jpg?x=100&y=130&sig=lLH3W4MB3aeogkTd3htb3Q--" align="left" height="130" width="100" alt="New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin looks on during fourth quarter NFL football against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Saints won 30-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)" border="0" /></a>AP - The New York Giants seem to have become a public team like Dallas, Green Bay and Pittsburgh. That's because no matter now badly they play, the oddsmakers seem to think the folks who wager on games will continue to back them.</p><br clear="all"/>
Iverson, Nuggets beat Supersonics 112-98
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_supersonics_nuggets"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061229/capt.dxa10712290440.supersonics_nuggets_basketball_dxa107.jpg?x=130&y=93&sig=0nWMwTyjYUihFm8cSL0.5A--" align="left" height="93" width="130" alt="Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl, front, joins assistant coach Doug Moe in looking on during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game agaisnt the Seattle SuperSonics in Denver on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006. Karl was seeking his 800th win as a head coach in facing Seattle, which he led to the NBA Finals in 1996. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" border="0" /></a>AP - Allen Iverson helped give Denver coach George Karl his 800th win, finishing with 44 points and 10 assists in the Nuggets' 112-98 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Thursday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
Column: Boras is still draining the well
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bbo_jim_litke122806"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061228/capt.fx10112281800.giants_zito_baseball_fx101.jpg?x=130&y=105&sig=tCLs_0YVSbRJNresXEedaQ--" align="left" height="105" width="130" alt="In this file photo from Oct. 3, 2006, Oakland Athletics picther Barry Zito delivers a pitch during the first inning of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis. Zito and the San Francisco Giants reached a preliminary agreement on the largest contract for a pitcher in baseball history, a $126 million, seven-year deal. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)" border="0" /></a>AP - Santa Claus probably never got a wish list from uberagent Scott Boras. Otherwise, he would have gone out of business a long time ago.</p><br clear="all"/>
Inter Milan wins 11th straight
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_on_sp_so_ne/soc_euro_rdp"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061223/capt.xlb10712231548.italy_soccer_xlb107.jpg?x=130&y=98&sig=6GIiEdvu6XR6My13CCsahg--" align="left" height="98" width="130" alt="Inter Milan forward Adriano, of Brazil, celebrates after scoring during an Italian major league soccer match between Inter and Atalanta, at the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)" border="0" /></a>AP - Inter Milan tied the Italian league record with its 11th consecutive victory by rallying past Atalanta 2-1 Saturday.</p><br clear="all"/>
Perreault helps Coyotes beat Sharks 3-2
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_coyotes_sharks"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061229/capt.cata10612290520.coyotes_sharks_hockey_cata106.jpg?x=130&y=97&sig=h2cndvQZ.pGlmsrb_XGFZw--" align="left" height="97" width="130" alt="San Jose Sharks' Marc-Edouard Vlasic, left, scores a goal past Phoenix Coyotes goalie Curtis Joseph, right, during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)" border="0" /></a>AP - Yanic Perreault scored on a wraparound with 40.9 seconds to play, and the Phoenix Coyotes recovered from blowing a two-goal lead to beat the San Jose Sharks 3-2 on Thursday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
Jason Cole: Seeding saga
The Colts face an interesting dilemma regarding the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds should they miss out on a first-round bye this weekend.
Panthers' Delhomme upgraded to probable (AP)
Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme practiced again Thursday and was upgraded to probable for the Panthers' final regular season game at New Orleans. Delhomme. who has been sidelined since suffering ligament damage in his right thumb against Philadelphia on Dec. 4. will likely start Sunday against the Saints in a game the Panthers must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Man charged in death of Johnson's friend (AP)
 A 34-year-old man was charged Thursday with first-degree murder in the shooting death of the friend and bodyguard of Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson at a nightclub. Michael Selvie of Chicago is accused of shooting 26-year-old Willie B. Posey once in the arm during an early morning fight Dec.
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T.O. doesn't think Newman called him out (AP)
 Terrell Owens doesn't believe he was being called out by teammate Terence Newman as a player who needs to quit talking and start playing. "He wasn't talking to me," Owens said Thursday, responding to comments cornerback Newman made about unspecified players. "He talked to me after practice; he wasn't talking to me.
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Benched Archuleta lashes out at Redskins (AP)
Beleaguered Washington Redskins safety Adam Archuleta broke his silence Thursday, offering a glimpse of what it's been like to sit in the doghouse all season. Archuleta, signed in March to the richest contract for a safety in NFL history, hasn't played a snap on defense in seven weeks. Coach Joe Gibbs and assistant Gregg Williams have not given an explanation for the benching, and they've shown...
Bad ankle keeps Shockey out of practice (AP)
Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey missed practice with a sore ankle for a second straight day Thursday, putting his status in question for New York's regular-season finale against Washington on Saturday night. Shockey did not speak to reporters Thursday, but was seen walking through the locker room with a noticeable limp and appeared to favor his left ankle.
NFL allows two network doubleheaders (AP)
For the first time, the NFL is allowing CBS and Fox to each televise two games this Sunday in many markets, meaning four games will be available to many viewers. The so-called "double doubleheader" will be available in all markets except those in which the home team is playing. They will receive a 1 p.m.
49ers WR Bryant pleads not guilty (AP)
San Francisco 49ers receiver Antonio Bryant pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of reckless driving and resisting arrest after he was spotted driving more than 100 mph last month. Bryant, 25, avoided a court appearance Thursday by filing his pleas with the San Mateo County Court clerk's office, the District Attorney's office said.
Colts expect TE Clark to return Sunday (AP)
The Indianapolis Colts hope to have tight end Dallas Clark back on the field Sunday for the first time since he injured his knee five weeks ago. Clark, wearing a brace on his right knee, practiced Thursday for a second straight day, with coach Tony Dungy saying he expected Clark to play against Miami this weekend.
Taylor: Steroid ban mars Merriman's year (AP)
Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor says the candidacy of his likely chief rival for NFL defensive player of the year, Shawne Merriman, was tainted by a four-game steroid suspension in November. "You really shouldn't be able to fail a test like that and play in this league, to begin with," Taylor said Wednesday.
Steve Kerr: New Year's NBA resolutions
Each NBA team promises to do something in 2007 to make itself better. Yes, even the Knicks.
Nowitzki's jumper lifts Mavs over Suns (AP)
 Jason Terry re-emerged late for the Dallas Mavericks, just when they needed him again. After scoring 32 of his season-high 35 points by the midpoint of the third quarter, Terry hit a big 3-pointer then set up Dirk Nowitzki's 19-footer with 1.3 seconds left in a 101-99 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.
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Iverson's 44 help Karl earn 800th win (AP)
 George Karl couldn't have drawn up his 800th win any better -- playing short-handed, making up plays on the fly in timeouts, inclement weather outside. This was his kind of game. That's why the Nuggets coach was all smiles after getting his milestone victory in Denver's 112-98 win over the Seattle SuperSonics -- his former team -- on Thursday night.
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Grizzlies fire Fratello after 6-24 start (AP)
 The Memphis Grizzlies fired coach Mike Fratello on Thursday after a league-worst 6-24 start, even though his team had been missing its best player for most of the season. Fratello was the Grizzlies' winningest coach with a 95-83 record and had guided them to consecutive playoff appearances. Tony Barone Sr., the Grizzlies' director of player personnel, was selected to be the interim coach.
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Tests on Wade's wrist show no damage (AP)
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade's injured right wrist showed no structural damage in tests performed on Thursday, and the team said its leading scorer was day-to-day. Wade will be a game-time decision for the Heat's home matchup Friday against New Jersey, the team said. Wade was injured Wednesday in a loss at Chicago.
Spurs continue home dominance of Jazz (AP)
 Just two days after watching the Spurs give up more points than they had all season, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich saw something he was more accustomed to Thursday night. Tony Parker scored 22 points and the Spurs played smothering defense to beat Utah 106-83, San Antonio's 15th consecutive home victory over the Jazz.
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Bobcats G Knight out at least four weeks (AP)
Bobcats guard Brevin Knight is expected to be sidelined at least four weeks because of a torn abdominal muscle. Knight flew to Philadelphia on Thursday to see a specialist and undergo an MRI, which revealed the tear. Knight will stay in Philadelphia to have surgery Friday. Knight, averaging 11.9 points and a team-leading 7.3 assists, has been plagued by pain in his groin and abdomen for several...
Knicks win in 3OT despite Hamilton's 51 (AP)
 The longer the game, the better the New York Knicks are. The Knicks withstood their third overtime game in 10 days and their third this season of two or more overtimes, outlasting Richard Hamilton and the Detroit Pistons 151-145 on Wednesday night. Channing Frye forced the third overtime with a buzzer-beating jumper, Jamal Crawford took over from there and the Knicks improved to 4-0 in OT this...
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Kidd fined for 'three blind mice' remark (AP)
Jason Kidd was fined $20,000 by the NBA on Wednesday for a postgame rant in which he referred to officials Jim Clark, Tom Washington and Eric Lewis as "three blind mice." The New Jersey Nets' star was angry about the officiating during a 92-91 loss at Detroit on Tuesday night. NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson handed down the fine.
Hawks sign ex-Laker F-C Medvedenko (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks added another veteran inside player on Thursday, signing former Lakers forward-center Slava Medvedenko. Medvedenko played for Los Angeles from 2000-06, averaging 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds in 249 games. The 6-foot-10 Medvedenko, a native of Kiev, Ukraine, won NBA championship rings with the Lakers in 2001, when he played with current Hawks guard Tyronn Lue, and again in 2002.
Flyers snap record skid, beat Lightning (AP)
 The Flyers' record-breaking slide is over. Simon Gagne scored two goals, Peter Forsberg had three assists and Robert Esche made 42 saves, helping Philadelphia stop a franchise-record, 10-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. "Thankfully, we got the win," Flyers coach John Stevens said.
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Sabres sweep season series from 'Canes (AP)
 Nearly seven months to the day after being eliminated by Carolina in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, the Buffalo Sabres still have that bitter taste in their mouths. The Sabres extracted a bit more revenge from their nemesis by sweeping the four-game season series with a 4-1 win over the Hurricanes on Thursday night.
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Senators C Fisher out indefinitely (AP)
Senators center Mike Fisher is out indefinitely with an injury to his left knee. Fisher got hurt Wednesday night against the New York Islanders when he took what appeared to be an innocent hit during Ottawa's 2-0 victory. He joins fellow center Jason Spezza on the sidelines. Spezza is expected to miss up to six weeks with a knee injury.
Perreault lifts Coyotes over Sharks 3-2 (AP)
 Between Curtis Joseph's frantic goaltending and a goal from a guy nicknamed "No-Panic," the Phoenix Coyotes finally showed a little poise away from home. Yanic Perreault scored on a wraparound with 40.9 seconds to play, and the Coyotes recovered from blowing a two-goal lead to beat the San Jose Sharks 3-2 Thursday night for just their fourth road win all season.
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Stars place Morrow on injured reserve (AP)
The Stars placed captain Brenden Morrow on injured reserve Thursday, two days after tendons in his right wrist were severed when he was stepped on by a skate. Morrow is out indefinitely after getting injured in Tuesday's 2-1 loss at Chicago. He had surgery that night and will be evaluated by Dallas' medical staff Friday.
Wings score four in third, beat Jackets (AP)
 Detroit coach Mike Babcock said the Red Wings decided in the third period that they simply weren't going to lose. Dan Cleary scored the winning goal with 5:19 left to complete his first career three-goal game and cap Detroit's 7-4 comeback victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night. "Obviously we didn't play great at the start of the third," said Cleary, who has a career-high 17...
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Blue Jackets G Leclaire out six weeks (AP)
Blue Jackets goalie Pascal Leclaire had arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday and is expected to be sidelined for about six weeks. Leclaire sustained a hamstring injury Friday night against Vancouver after missing the previous five games with a sprained knee. The team placed Leclaire on injured reserve Tuesday and recalled goalie Ty Conklin from Syracuse of the AHL.
Frolov, Kings rally to beat Oilers 7-4 (AP)
 Edmonton coach Craig MacTavish didn't exactly try to sugarcoat the Oilers' disappointing performance against the Los Angeles Kings. "It was unbelievable," MacTavish said after the Kings rallied for a 7-4 victory Thursday night. "Just painful to watch. We've been poor in our own end for the majority of the losses we've had in the last little while.
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Salo, Canucks edge Flames in OT (AP)
 With a little luck, Sami Salo gave the Canucks a lead they couldn't give away. The Vancouver defenseman scored with 2:14 left in overtime and the Canucks recovered from blowing a pair of two-goal advantages to beat Calgary 6-5 on Wednesday night, completing a home-and-home sweep of the Flames. Salo's one-timer from the right point deflected off the stick of Calgary forward Chuck Kobasew in the slot...
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Kozlov, Thrashers run win streak to five (AP)
 Slava Kozlov and Marian Hossa must wish the Pittsburgh Penguins were in the same division as the Atlanta Thrashers. Kozlov scored the decisive goal in the third period to beat Pittsburgh for the second time in a week, and the Thrashers ran their winning streak and the Penguins' losing streak to five games with a 4-2 victory Wednesday night.
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Jerry Bonkowski: Offseason caps: Rudd, Bodine, Wood
Ricky Rudd is back in Nextel Cup, but how much of an impact will he have?
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.
Plan for Washington track lacks legislative support (AP)
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.
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