The union for baseball umpires will not contest the season-ending suspension given to Mike Winters for using a profanity aimed at San Diego’s Milton Bradley last weekend. The World Umpires Association issued a contrite statement Thursday, and union spokesman Lamell McMorris said the WUA would not challenge the penalty handed down by Major League Baseball a day earlier.
Soldier takes Longchamp honours
Soldier of Fortune wins the Prix Niel at Longchamp, a trial for next month’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Lawyers trade allegations at Isiah trial
An ex-New York Knicks executive was fired over her own failings and office politics, not because she dared to accuse head coach Isiah Thomas of abusing her with crude language, a defense lawyer said Thursday in closing arguments at a sexual harassment trial. The plaintiff in the $10 million lawsuit, Anucha Browne Sanders, refused to adapt to an organizational shake up that began with Thomas’s…
Guillen, Lopez power M’s over Indians
Cleveland pitcher Paul Byrd likes the idea of playing meaningful games this time of year. Of course, the Indians would prefer to win them. The Seattle Mariners beat the Indians 4-2 on Thursday night, their second straight win over Cleveland to deny the Indians sole possession of the best record in the American League.
Rockies roll to 11th straight win
Most of the Colorado Rockies are involved in a pennant race for the first time. It seems to be bringing out their best. Garrett Atkins had four hits, including a home run, and Brad Hawpe and Todd Helton homered as the Rockies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-4 on Thursday night to sweep the three-game series and extend their franchise-record winning streak to 11 games.
Phils win, tied with Mets atop NL East
The Philadelphia Phillies are done chasing. After 159 games, the Phillies are finally atop the division standings — albeit tied with the free-falling New York Mets. Ryan Howard hit his 44th homer, Pat Burrell also connected and the Phillies roughed up John Smoltz, before hanging on for a 6-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night.
McAllister has successful knee surgery
Saints running back Deuce McAllister had surgery Thursday to repair ligaments he tore in his left knee during Monday night’s 31-14 loss to Tennessee. Dr. James Andrews, in Birmingham, Ala., repaired McAllister’s anterior cruciate ligament and then cleaned up his right knee, which had been surgically repaired following a similar tear in October 2005, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said.
Browns’ Winslow hampered by shoulder
Kellen Winslow missed his second straight practice Thursday with a partially dislocated left shoulder, and coach Romeo Crennel indicated team doctors will decide if the tight end plays against Baltimore. Winslow got hurt while making a catch in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss at Oakland. He landed hard on his shoulder, suffering a subluxation — or separation.
Frazier sets single-season wins mark at Emerald Downs
Ricky Frazier is practically invincible at Emerald Downs.
Some in gay community embrace Hardaway
The topic was finding ways to keep transgender children safe, and someone asked for volunteers to share an idea. Tim Hardaway was the first to raise his hand. “He was so genuine,” said Martha Fugate, the director of the YES Institute, a children’s advocacy group based in South Miami which hosted that discussion.
LeBron hosts ‘SNL’ premiere this weekend
LeBron James is treating his appearance on the ‘Saturday Night Live’ season premiere like a fast break. “I’m going to just wing it,” the Cavaliers All-Star forward said Thursday during a rehearsal break. James is practicing this week with his new teammates at ‘SNL,’ where he’ll become the latest superstar to host the show.
Oden on crutches, talks about surgery
Top NBA draft pick Greg Oden doesn’t remember much from immediately after knee surgery. He was with his mother at home when he found out how serious it was. “I kinda looked at my mom and said, ‘I’m out for the season? You kidding me?’ ” he said. Oden will be on crutches for six more weeks. Full recovery likely will take six to 12 months.