Former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin died last week when his sport utility vehicle collided with a freight train in a fiery crash, the Harris County medical examiner’s office said Tuesday. Investigators used dental records to identify Griffin, 25, who began his tumultuous pro career with the Houston Rockets in 2001.
Reggie Miller is still debating whether to make a comeback at age 42. The NBA’s career leader in 3-pointers tried to dodge reporters’ questions about his possible return on Tuesday as he attended Peyton Manning’s charity bowling tournament, saying he wanted to talk about the Super Bowl MVP and his event.
Trevor Linden re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $600,000. The 37-year-old Linden, who will be entering his 16th season with the Canucks, can earn an additional $350,000 in bonuses for games played. “For the last week or so, I was, for the lack of a better word, getting a little cranky,” said Linden, who has played 18 seasons in the NHL.
Joel Zumaya was so keyed up about returning to the Detroit Tigers bullpen that he could hardly sleep. Out since May 3 because of strained middle finger on his right hand, the hard-throwing Zumaya was activated Tuesday from a rehabilitation assignment. He rejoined the Tigers as they opened a key AL Central series against Cleveland.
Left-hander Chuck James went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with tightness in the back of his pitching shoulder, meaning he will miss at least one start for the Atlanta Braves. James originally was scheduled to start Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds. Instead, the Braves called up left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes from Triple-A Richmond to take his place.
The minor league pitcher involved in the fight for which Jose Offerman is facing two counts of second-degree assault after charging the mound with a bat, has been suspended for his role in the incident. The independent Atlantic League also fined Matt Beech of the Bridgeport Bluefish an undisclosed amount.
Veteran receiver Robert Ferguson agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. Ferguson, who was cut by NFC North rival Green Bay on Friday, also visited his hometown Houston Texans before deciding to join the Vikings’ inexperienced group of receivers. Ferguson was drafted in the second round by the Packers in 2001 and will immediately become the most experienced and productive receiver on…
Dance Smartly, who in 1991 became the first Canadian-bred horse to win a Breeders’ Cup race, died after an injury in her paddock. She was 19. The horse was euthanized last weekend because of an irreparable injury related to an arthritic joint in her knee, according to Sam-Son Farm, where the horse was bred.
Ricky Rudd is almost 51 and the grueling Nextel Cup schedule has finally taken its toll on the one-time NASCAR ironman.
A steady rain on Sunday forced NASCAR to postpone the 3M Performance 400 Nextel Cup race until Monday.
The NBA on Tuesday chose former federal prosecutor Lawrence B. Pedowitz to oversee a review of its policies regarding gambling and its referees in the wake of the Tim Donaghy scandal. Pedowitz and his partners at the New York law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz will study the NBA’s antigambling efforts, as well as the processes the league uses to hire, train and monitor its officials.
Bad Rex was back at his worst Monday night. Not that the Chicago Bears needed any reminders of what happens when Grossman goes awry — even in the preseason. After struggling for most of Grossman’s 26 plays, the Bears’ backups bailed him out and eventually overcame the miscues to beat the Indianapolis Colts 27-24 in what had been billed as a Super Bowl rematch.