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NFL Football

Ravens owner: Billick will return
Brian Billick will return as coach of the Baltimore Ravens next year, the result of owner Steve Bisciotti's belief that continuity is the best way for the team to end a run of two straight disappointing seasons.


Jags mull options as Leftwich returns to practice
Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich practiced Wednesday for the first time in more than a month, leaving coach Jack Del Rio with a difficult decision.

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MLB Baseball

Garland gets $29 million contract to stay
Pitcher Jon Garland agreed to a three-year, $29 million contract Wednesday with the 2005 World Series champion Chicago White Sox.

Matsui says he won't play in WBC
New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui has decided against joining Japan's squad at the 16-nation World Baseball Classic next March, a Japanese baseball official said Tuesday.

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BASEBALL

Former major leaguer Reardon arrested
Jeff Reardon, one of the top relief pitchers in history, blamed medication for depression after his arrest for a jewelry store robbery.

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Damon shows off new haircut for Yankees
His hair trimmed and his beard shorn, Johnny Damon put on the pinstripes for the first time Friday after finalizing his $52 million, four-year contract with the New York Yankees.



World Soccer

Wenger targets Pires stay
Arsene Wenger remains hopeful he can thrash out a deal to keep Robert Pires at Arsenal when they sit down for contract talks next month.

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Juve: Capello won't join Real
Juventus chief executive Luciano Moggi has denied reports linking coach Fabio Capello with Real Madrid.

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NFL FOOTBALL

Colts start another week without Dungy
The Indianapolis Colts still don't know when Tony Dungy will return as coach.

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Cowboys release Cundiff, bring back Suisham
The Dallas Cowboys released inconsistent kicker Billy Cundiff on Monday, the team's fourth change at the position since training camp.



NBA BASKETBALL

Riley may sic sumo wrestlers on Shaq
Shaquille O'Neal laughed at the idea: diaper-clad men of gargantuan size summoned as battering rams to make the NBA's most imposing big man even better.

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Parker cited for impeding traffic with Longoria
Spurs guard Tony Parker was cited for impeding traffic and failing to produce a valid Texas driver's license during a traffic stop in which girlfriend and "Desperate Housewives" actress Eva Longoria was his passenger, police said.

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Spurs deal Knicks seventh consecutive loss
Already a really good team, the Spurs came to New York as an angry one.
The Knicks never had a chance. Michael Finley scored 19 points and San Antonio shot 56 percent Wednesday night in its 109-96 victory over New York, which has lost seven straight games.

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Nuggets lose to struggling Wizards
It's still December - far too early to hit the panic button, but certainly not too early to ignore the fact that the Denver Nuggets are a team in trouble. The latest evidence came Wednesday night in a 116-110 home loss to the struggling Washington Wizards, who got 36 points from Gilbert Arenas and a strong, energetic effort from the rest of the team to snap a three-game losing streak.


FOOTBALL SOCCER -

Wenger lashes out at Barca
Arsene Wenger threatened Barcelona with an official complaint over an illegal approach for Thierry Henry as he accused the Spanish club's president of a "lack of respect".Barcelona president Juan Laporta reportedly told a fans' forum earlier this week that he would "do everything he can to try to sign Thierry Henry".

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Man Utd hopes to catch Chelsea
Sir Alex Ferguson has stressed the importance of a successful Christmas period as Manchester United aim to crank up the pressure on title favorites Chelsea. United, who host West Brom on Boxing Day, enter the festive schedule nine points behind Chelsea and Ferguson knows his side must be ready to pounce on any slip by the Barclays Premiership champions.

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Colts lead the way with seven Pro Bowlers
There will be only one brother act in the Pro Bowl this season: the Barbers.
The Mannings? Only Peyton made it, hardly a surprise because brother Eli has had a very up-and-down second season with the New York Giants.

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Simms says sprained left thumb is fine
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms practiced Tuesday and said the sprained thumb on his throwing hand will not keep him from playing this week against the Atlanta Falcons. "I'm young and I'm resilient," the third-year pro said. "It's a physical sport. You expect to get hit and be ready to go the next week."


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Ponson agrees to one-year deal with Cards
Free-agent right-hander Sidney Ponson, who last week served a five-day jail sentence for drunken driving, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Cardinals.

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Five new coaches hired to work with Girardi
The Florida Marlins hired five new coaches to work with new manager Joe Girardi.
Gary Tuck will serve as Girardi's bench coach, Rick Kranitz as pitching coach, Jim Presley as hitting coach, Bobby Meacham as third base coach and Mike Harkey as bullpen coach.

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NBA News:

Pistons slip past Grizzlies in double OT
It took three chances, but Chauncey Billups finally put away the Memphis Grizzlies.

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Radmanovic says he doesn't want to be traded
Serbia and Montenegro forward Vladimir Radmanovic will not ask to be traded in the NBA and will block any proposed deals Seattle tries to make, he said.


World Soccer


Laporta signals Henry intent
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has fuelled speculation that the Spanish giants are poised to launch a big-money bid for Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

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Owen has no Anfield regrets
Newcastle striker Michael Owen will return to the club he never thought he would leave on Boxing Day insisting he has no regrets about his decision to head for Tyneside.

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NFL Football News

Court clears Williams to return to BC
Sean Williams is one step closer to returning to the Boston College basketball team — and his addition could give the Eagles a legitimate chance at a national championship run.

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Lions fans call for Millen's ouster
During Chad Sweet's 33 years, the Detroit Lions have rarely given him anything to cheer about. So on Sunday, he drove more than 60 miles from his home in Tecumseh to a downtown bar to join a pregame march demanding that the Lions fire president Matt Millen.


World Soccer News

Alan Shearer: Owen can put us in Europe
Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer is backing Michael Owen to fire his side back into the Champions League.

Sportsbook

Jose slams Arsenal strategy
Jose Mourinho accused Arsenal of trying to capitalise on Michael Essien's recent disciplinary troubles as Chelsea effectively ended their interest in the Premiership title race for another season.

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American Football News - Sportsbook

Moulds returns, but future remains uncertain
If these final three weeks are Eric Moulds' last as a member of the Buffalo Bills - a thought that's crossed the veteran receiver's mind - he would rather they not be tarnished by dispute.

Belichick calls Brady's left leg injury 'fine'
The one player the banged-up New England Patriots could least afford to lose limped through most of Sunday's game and had X-rays taken after it.


Pro Basketball News - NBA Sportsbook

Clippers will train in Moscow next fall
The Los Angeles Clippers will hold training camp in Moscow next fall before playing exhibition games against two of Russia's top teams.

Wells' buzzer-beater gives Kings win
Bonzi Wells is fast becoming the Sacramento Kings' go-to player in crunch time. Wells hit a 3-pointer from the corner as time expired to lift the Kings to a 93-91 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.


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Beckham recommends Keane
David Beckham has advised Real Madrid to sign Roy Keane, describing his former Manchester United teammate as the best captain he has played under.
Madrid recently hinted at an interest in the 34-year-old midfielder, whose 12 1/2-year spell with United ended last month after he'd lambasted his teammates in an interview so scathing the club refused to broadcast it.

FIFA announces times for World Cup matches
Germany will play the opening match of the World Cup finals against Costa Rica at 1600 GMT, and the final on July 9 will be at 1800 GMT.

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Major League Baseball

The Los Angeles of Anaheim: The 29-year-old J.C. Romero was acquired from the Minnesota Twins on Friday in exchange of minor league infielder Alexi Casilla. Originally taken by the Twins in 1997, Romero was 4-3 with a 3.47 earned run average in 68 appearances in 2005.

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The Atlanta Braves: The team announced that 38-year-old Todd Pratt agreed to terms to a one-year contract with the club. The free agent catcher has a .255 batting average with 45 home runs and 205 RBI in stops during his 13 years. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

National Basketball Association

The Toronto Raptors: The team’s head coach Sam Mitchell announced that 69-year-old coach Gene Keady has been named as an assistant. Keady, who retired in March after compiling a 512-207 record during 25 years as Purdue’s head coach, could not pass the challenge of working with an NBA team.

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The Philadelphia 76ers: The 6-foot-7, 226-pound forward Matt Barnes has been singed by the 76ers on Friday. The free agent Matt has averaged 4.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 87 appearances with the Los Angeles Clippers, The Sacramento Kings and the Knicks, for his career.

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Major League Baseball

The Seattle Mariners: The Mariners, who obtained veteran pitcher Jamie Moyer on July 30, 1996, have re-signed the 43-year-old left-hander to a one-year contract believed to be worth $5.5 million. Jamie owns a 205-152 career record with a 4.16 ERA in 538 games over 18 major league seasons.

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The Toronto Blue Jays: Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi announced that first baseman Lyle Overbay has been acquired in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for right-handed pitcher David Bush and outfielder Gabe Gross. The 28-year-old Overbay batted .276 with 19 home runs, 72 RBI and 34 doubles in 115 games for Milwaukee last season.

National Football League

The San Diego Chargers: The superstar running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who suffered a rib injury during Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders, has been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Miami. The 5-foot-10 has 339 career catches for 2,361 yards and eight touchdowns.

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The Tennessee Titans: According to the Titans head coach Jeff Fisher, tight end Erron Kinney is expected to miss Sunday’s game against Houston due to a knee surgery performed on Tuesday. Erron has a career-high 54 catches for 537 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games this season.

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Major League Baseball

The Los Angeles Dodgers: The team announced that Grady Little has been hired as their new manager and signed to a two-year contract with a club option for a third year. The 55-year-old Little is the 25th manager in Dodgers franchise history and the seventh since the team moved to Los Angeles.

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The Toronto Blue Jays: The starting pitcher A.J. Burnett, who has a 3.73 earned run average and 753 strikeouts in 134 games for his career, has been acquired by the club. Burnett has signed a five-year, $55 million contract after the team signed closer B.J. Ryan to a five-year, $47 million deal last week.


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National Football League

The Philadelphia Eagles: The starting quarterback Mike McMahon will serve again this weekend against the New York Giants. Eagles head coach Andy Reid said that Mike is the best choice this weekend. McMahon has completed 37-of -83 passes for 486 yards with one touchdown and three picks this season.

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The Baltimore Ravens: The team’s head coach Brian Billick announced that linebacker Ray Lewis, who missed six games after hurting his leg against the Chicago Bears, will miss the rest of the season and will have surgery on his torn hamstring. Lewis is considered by many as the best linebacker in the NFL.

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National Football League

The St. Louis Rams: Team’s interim head coach Joe Vitt announced that linebacker Dexter Coakley, who spent the first eight years of his NFL career in Dallas before signing a five-year contract with the Rams, will have surgery after broking his leg and dislocated his ankle during Sunday’s game against Washington.

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The New England Patriots: The quarterback Tom Brady was honored with the annual award that is presented for character and performance in the ideals of sportsmanship. Brady, who guided the Patriots to Super Bowl in three of the last four seasons, was named Sports Illustrated’s 2005 Sportsman of the year.

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National Basketball Association

LA Clippers vs. Miami: Yesterday at Staples Center the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Miami Heat with a 99-89 victory led by Elton Brand, who had 37 points and 12 rebounds, and Sam Cassell, who added 18 points and dished out 13 assists. The Clippers have now won their last two games and lead the Pacific Division, while the Heat has lost their last two contests.

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San Antonio vs. Orlando: The San Antonio Spurs won over the Orlando Magic with a 110-85 victory at TD Waterhouse Centre, led by Tim Duncan, who scored 26, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked five shots, and Tony Parker, who added 20 points and seven assists. The Spurs have won their fourth straight courtesy, while the Magic have dropped four in a row.

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Major League Baseball

The Houston Astros: The 37-year-old Russ Springer has officially re-signed the club to a one-year contract worth $750,000. Springer, who has also played for the Yankees, Angels, Phillies, Diamondbacks, Braves and Cardinals, has compiled a 4-4 record with a 4.73 ERA, striking out 54 batters and walking 21 in 59 innings of work last year.

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The Philadelphia Phillies: The team announced that free agent reliever Tom Gordon has officially signed to a three-year, $18 million contract that holds an option for the 2009 season as the team’s new closer, he will earn $4.5 million in his first season, $7 million in 2007 and $5.5 million during the final year of the bonus-laden deal.

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National Football League

Carolina vs. Atlanta: The Carolina Panthers won over the Atlanta Falcons with a 24-6 victory in a big NFC South matchup at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers 9-3 have won eight of their last nine games, which moved two games ahead of Atlanta for the top spot in the division. The Falcons 7-5 have lost three of their last four games.

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Tampa Bay vs. New Orleans: Yesterday at Tiger Stadium, the Tampa Bay past New Orleans with a 10-3 victory led by Joey Galloway, who caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Chris Simms and Ronde Barber, who had three interceptions. Tampa has now won three of its last four games against the Saints, who have lost seven of their last eight games.

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Major League Baseball

The New York Yankees: The team announced that relief pitcher Kyle Farnsworth has signed to a three-year contract with the team. Farnsworth, who will turn 30 in April, split last season with Detroit and Atlanta and has a record of 23-38 with 20 saves in 41 chances and a 4.45 ERA in 415 major league games.

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The Minnesota Twins: Second baseman Luis Castillo, who is a three-time Gold Glove winner, has been acquired by the club from the Florida Marlins in exchange for a pair of minor-league pitchers. Castillo has batted .301 with four homers, 30 runs batted in and 10 stolen bases in 122 games for the Marlins last year.

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National Basketball Association

San Antonio vs. Dallas: The San Antonio Spurs won over the Dallas Mavericks with a 92-90 victory led by Tony Parker, who scored a season-high 30 points, Michael Finley, who scored 15 points and Tim Duncan, who added 13 points and 14 rebounds for the defending NBA champions.

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The LA Lakers vs. Utah: The Lakers beat the Utah Jazz, 105-101, at the Delta Center led by Sasha Vujacic, who hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 20.1 seconds left in overtime, and Bryant, who made controversial free throws in the last second of regulation and finished with 30 points on 11-of-31 shooting.

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Major League Baseball

The San Diego Padres: The outfielder Brian Giles, who was acquired by San Diego from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2003, is expected to come to terms on a three-year contract worth $30 million with the club. The lefthander Giles hit .301 with 15 homers and 83 runs batted in last season.

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The Chicago White Sox: A new deal between the club and the first baseman Paul Konerko was agreed on Wednesday. The five-year contract will pay Paul $12 million per season for a total of a $60 million contract. Konerko has batted .283 in 158 games, posting 40 homers and 100 RBI in 575 at bats for the Sox in 2005.

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National Football League

The New Orleans Saints: The 33-year-old tight end Ernie Conwell , who has been inactive for the past three games and finished the season with 13 catches for 165 yards and one touchdown, is expected to be placed on injured reserved after undergoing knee surgery on Wednesday.

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The San Diego Chargers: The 26-year-old linebacker Ben Leber has been placed on injured reserved after missing the last two weeks with a foot injury. Leber, who has 212 tackles and 12 sacks in 57 career games, is in his fourth season in the NFL, all with the Chargers. In other team news the Chargers signed safety Scott McGarrahan, who has played for Green Bay, Miami and Tennessee.