LATEST NEWS FROM THE AP, REUTERS
Texas steroid tests still net few positive results
Texas' steroid-testing program for high schoolers -- the nation's largest -- has returned just eight positive results from the latest 16,000 tests. (AP, 5:51 p.m.)
Leaders at World Series of Poker try to stay there
The chip leaders at the World Series of Poker main event are looking to stay there as each elimination brings them closer to the tournament's $61 million prize pool. (Associated Press Writer, 5:51 p.m.)
NASCAR: Mayfield drug test process continues
NASCAR says it's still analyzing Jeremy Mayfield's latest drug test. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston says "the process" continues and declined further comment. (AP Auto Racing Writer, 5:51 p.m.)
Orioles activate SS Izturis; option RHP Hernandez
The Baltimore Orioles activated shortstop Cesar Izturis from the 15-day disabled list Friday and optioned rookie pitcher Dave Hernandez to Double-A Bowie. (AP Sports Writer, 5:51 p.m.)
Justin Wilson psyched for Toronto
Justin Wilson has won before on the streets of Toronto, and he's ready for an encore performance in the wake of his first IndyCar Series triumph. (AP Sports Writer, 5:51 p.m.)
C Morrison signs 1-yr, $1.5M deal with Capitals
The Washington Capitals have found a possible second-line center for next season, signing free agent Brendan Morrison to a one-year, $1.5 million contract on Friday. (AP, 5:51 p.m.)
Gay sets year's best time in 100 meters at Rome
Tyson Gay of the United States has run the fastest 100 meters of the year in 9.77 seconds at the Golden Gala. (Associated Press Writer, 5:21 p.m.)
Mauer's got power, and he'll be in home run derby
Joe Mauer's power has earned him a place in baseball's home run derby. Mauer on Friday accepted an invitation to participate in the popular All-Star week event, this Monday night at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. (AP Sports Writer, 5:11 p.m.)
Suns sign first-round pick Earl Clark
First-round draft pick Earl Clark has signed a contract with the Phoenix Suns. Terms of the deal were not disclosed Friday, but under the NBA rookie salary scale Clark could make about $1.47 million in his first year as the 14th overall pick. (AP, 4:51 p.m.)
Gay runs fastest time this year in Rome
Tyson Gay ran a world leading 9.77 seconds to win the 100 metres at Rome's Golden Gala on Friday and show Olympic champion Usain Bolt that he will not surrender his world sprint titles without a fight next month. (Reuters, 5:01 p.m.)
Kohlschreiber downs Robredo to level Davis Cup tie
Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Tommy Robredo 6-3 6-4 6-4 to put Germany level at 1-1 with champions Spain in their Davis Cup World Group quarter-final on Friday. (Reuters, 5 p.m.)
US drops opener to Croatia in Davis Cup quarters
Ivo Karlovic pounded 47 aces and rallied from two sets down to beat James Blake in five sets Friday, giving Croatia an opening victory over the United States in a Davis Cup quarterfinal. (Associated Press Writer, 4:33 p.m.)
AP source: F Brandon Bass headed to Magic
A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that Mavericks forward Brandon Bass is headed to Orlando. (AP Sports Writer, 4:21 p.m.)
Women ski jumpers can't compete in 2010, court says
A Canadian judge rejected a bid by female ski jumpers to compete in next year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver Friday, but agreed they were being discriminated against . (Reuters, 4:41 p.m.)
Mariners trade Betancourt to Royals
Mariners shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt was traded to Kansas City on Friday, giving the Royals a versatile infielder and Seattle a pair of minor league pitchers. (AP, 4:43 p.m.)
McNair's hometown prepares bury local hero
Steve McNair left this tiny south Mississippi town to become an NFL star, though his presence remained. (Associated Press Writer, 5:11 p.m.)
Iraqi soccer team wins 1st home game in 7 years
Iraq played its first home soccer game since 2002, defeating Palestine 3-0 in a match that was as much about the nation's struggle for stability as it was about sports. (Associated Press Writer, 5:21 p.m.)
OF Cruz to replace injured Hunter on AL squad
Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz has been picked for the American League All-Star roster, replacing injured Los Angeles Angels center fielder Torii Hunter. (AP, 3:42 p.m.)
Jordan, Bobcats hope Henderson is like his dad
Michael Jordan and Gerald Henderson have a much different view of their matchups in the 1980s. (AP Sports Writer, 3:38 p.m.)
Astros claim C Coste off waivers from Phillies
The Houston Astros have claimed backup catcher Chris Coste off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies. (AP, 3:31 p.m.)
Grant Hill decides to stay with Suns
Grant Hill is staying with the Phoenix Suns. Hill decided to remain in Phoenix on Friday, rather than join a title contender in Boston or a rebuilding team in New York. (AP Basketball Writer, 4:33 p.m.)
Darchinyan, Agbeko ready to put words aside
Vic Darchinyan's insults sting about as much as his punches, and considering he's a four-time champion in two weight divisions, Joseph "King Kong" Agbeko wasn't surprised at what he heard during the run-up to their bantamweight title fight on Saturday night. (AP Sports Writer, 3 p.m.)
Lefty to skip British Open, citing wife's health
Phil Mickelson will skip the British Open so he can be with his wife as she starts her recovery from breast cancer, ending the longest active streak of majors played at 61. (AP Golf Writer, 4:02 p.m.)
Family, friends mourn McNair's girlfriend Kazemi
The woman who killed Steve McNair before turning the gun on herself was buried Friday in Florida in a private ceremony with about 30 friends and family members. (AP Sports Writer, 3:22 p.m.)
Choi slips back to put Ochoa, Kerr in lead at U.S. Open
Lorena Ochoa of Mexico and Americans Cristie Kerr and Jean Reynolds moved into a tie for the lead without playing a hole as first-round leader Choi Na-yeon of South Korea slid back at the U.S. Women's Open on Friday. (Reuters, 3 p.m.)
Canadiens sign defenseman Mara
The Canadiens have signed free agent Paul Mara to a one-year contract, adding size and experience to their group of defensemen. (AP, 2:42 p.m.)
Croatia takes 1-0 lead over US in Davis Cup
Ivo Karlovic has rallied from two sets down to beat James Blake 6-7 (5), 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 7-5 and give Croatia a 1-0 lead over the United States in their best-of-five Davis Cup quarterfinal series. (AP, 2:42 p.m.)
Phillies OF Werth replaces Beltran as NL All-Star
Jayson Werth's power push paid off. Fresh from homering for the fourth straight game, the Philadelphia outfielder was picked for the NL All-Star team Friday as a replacement for injured New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran. (AP, 3 p.m.)
Tony George says he declined staying as IRL chief
Former Indianapolis Motor Speedway chief Tony George says he rejected a request to remain the CEO of the Indy Racing League because it would have created an "unnecessary" layer of bureaucracy. (AP, 2:21 p.m.)
Szavay, Bondarenko reach Budapest semifinals
Fourth-seeded Agnes Szavay of Hungary defeated qualifier Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland 6-2, 6-3 Friday to reach the semifinals of the Budapest Grand Prix. (AP, 2:11 p.m.)
Blazers draft pick Mills breaks foot
Portland Trail Blazers draft pick Patty Mills broke his right foot during practice and won't play in the NBA's Summer League. (AP, 2:11 p.m.)
Women lose court bid to ski jump in Vancouver
A group of women ski jumpers lost its case to be part of the 2010 Winter Olympics. (AP, 5:51 p.m.)
Leafs sign Swedish forward Wallin to 1-year deal
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Swedish forward Rickard Wallin to a one-year contract. Team president and general manager Brian Burke announced the deal on Friday. (AP, 2:01 p.m.)
Contador shows Armstrong his strength
Alberto Contador stamped his authority on the Tour de France when he left Lance Armstrong trailing in his wake following a bold, morale-sapping attack in the final ascent of the seventh stage Friday. (Reuters, 2:21 p.m.)
OH man makes plea in shooting of ex-Colts player
A man in Ohio has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder 27 years after he fired a gunshot that investigators say caused a former NFL player's kidney-infection death this year. (AP, 1:30 p.m.)
Trembley gets fine, suspension after ejection
Orioles manager Dave Trembley received a two-game suspension Friday and was fined following his ejection in the first inning of Baltimore's game against the Seattle Mariners earlier this week. (AP Sports Writer, 5:22 p.m.)
Halladay gets biggest All-Star bonus at $125,000
It pays to be an All-Star. The initial 66 picks for Tuesday's game in St. Louis will receive $2.3 million in bonuses, with Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay leading the way at $125,000. (AP Baseball Writer, 1:22 p.m.)
Czech Republic, Argentina tied at 1-1 in Davis Cup
Juan Martin del Potro outclassed Ivo Minar 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 and Argentina draw even with the Czech Republic after the opening singles in their best-of-five Davis Cup quarterfinal on Friday. (Associated Press Writer, 4:21 p.m.)
Cubs' Soto goes on DL
The Cubs' Geovany Soto, the 2008 NL rookie of the year, is going on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle. Manager Lou Piniella said Soto could be out for a month. (AP, 1 p.m.)
Devils add goaltender, forward in separate moves
The New Jersey Devils have acquired forward Tim Sestito from Edmonton in exchange for a 2010 conditional draft pick and signed free agent goaltender Yann Danis. (AP, 1 p.m.)
London 2012 replaces sponsor Nortel with Cisco
London Olympic officials on Friday replaced bankrupt Canadian technology sponsor Nortel Networks with Cisco for the 2012 Games, a move that will cost organizers $19.4 million in revenue. (AP Sports Writer, 12:51 p.m.)
Correction: Oklahoma St-NCAA story
In a July 9 story about potential NCAA rules violations in Oklahoma State's baseball program, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the school said coach Frank Anderson initially determined that a gift to a former player wasn't a rules violation. The school's associate athletic director for compliance, Scott Williams, made that determination. (AP, 12:51 p.m.)
Phelps pulls out of 100 free with sore neck
Michael Phelps pulled out of the morning heats of the 100 metres freestyle at the U.S. Nationals complaining of a sore neck Friday. (Reuters, 1:21 p.m.)
Vatanen will challenge Mosley for FIA presidency
Former World Rally champion Ari Vatanen launched his campaign for the presidency of Formula One's governing body on Friday still believing incumbent Max Mosley may seek a fifth term. (AP Sports Writer, 3:31 p.m.)
Lightning sign goalie Niittymaki
The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed free agent goalie Antero Niittymaki to be the backup to starter Mike Smith. (AP, 12:10 p.m.)
Mass. man scrambles to repay Tom Brady
A man who unwittingly stole two flower planters worth $8,000 from behind Tom Brady's Boston condominium says he has to panhandle to pay restitution. (AP, 11:22 a.m.)
Germany ties defending champion Spain 1-1
Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Tommy Robredo 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Friday and Germany tied defending champion Spain 1-1 in their best-of-five Davis Cup quarterfinal matchup. (AP, 1:30 p.m.)
Cuba acknowledges top pitcher's desertion
Cuba has acknowledged the defection of pitcher Aroldis Chapman, a week after he walked away from a tournament in the Netherlands. (AP, 10:52 a.m.)
Israel leads Russia 2-0 in Davis Cup quarters
Israel took a surprising 2-0 lead over Russia in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Friday after Dudi Sela rallied to beat Mikhai Youzhny in the second singles match. (Associated Press Writer, 3:22 p.m.)
Wozniacki, Martinez Sanchez reach Swedish final
Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki beat Flavia Pennetta 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 Friday to reach the Swedish Open final for the first time. (AP, 11:41 a.m.)

