MLB sees Mitchell draft before release

Major League Baseball began to review a draft of George Mitchell's report on drug use in the sport yesterday in New York, one of the final steps before the results of the 20-month investigation are released, which likely will be tomorrow, according to a baseball official who was speaking on condition of anonymity. MLB officials have said that management would be able to examine the report a few days before it is made public to make sure it does not violate the collective bargaining agreement between players and owners. The joint drug agreement, which has been part of the labor contract since September 2002, prohibits the commissioner's office, teams and consultants from disclosing player test results, treatment and other information except in limited, specified circumstances. Commissioner Bud Selig does not plan to attend Mitchell's news conference, the official said.

Former Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca finalized a $5 million, one-year deal with the Nationals. Asked what his reasons were for choosing them, Lo Duca said they "wanted me more," and that he wanted to stay in the National League. Then he paused before adding with a smile: "Getting to play the Mets 18 times." . . . Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome and the Cubs reached a preliminary agreement on a $48 million, four-year contract. The deal is subject to a physical, according to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity . . . Catcher Eric Munson and the Brewers agreed to a $525,000, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration . . . Righthanded starter Aaron Cook, 28, finalized a new contract with the Rockies that guarantees him $30 million over three seasons. . . Carl Pavano, a $39.95 million bust in New York, has been asked by the Yankees to accept a minor league contract and come off the big league roster. Pavano had rotator cuff surgery last June, and the Yankees are not counting on him to be available next year.

NBA commissioner David Stern won't punish Isiah Thomas or Madison Square Garden for the sexual harassment trial that embarrassed the Knicks and the league. "Instead, we are going to continue to focus our attention on a league-wide program ensuring that all teams have appropriate policies, clearly communicated to their employees, focusing on respect in the workplace including the prohibition of sexual harassment," Stern said in statement. On Monday, Thomas and MSG settled the case brought by former team executive Anucha Browne Sanders for $11.5 million . . . Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith finalized a seven-year contract that will pay him $1.75 million annually . . . Pittsburgh freshman basketball center Austin Wallace will have major left knee surgery to repair a fractured patella and will be out for the season.

LSU coach Les Miles denied again he is interested in filling Michigan's head coaching vacancy. Miles, who is on a recruiting trip, released a statement in response to a report in the Detroit Free Press that he had spoken with Michigan athletic director Bill Martin late last week. "I had a conversation with Michigan last week that covered a wide range of topics. I was doing nothing more than helping them with their search for a football coach, just as any loyal alumnus might do. It was nothing more than that," Miles said . . . Vanderbilt football coach Bobby Johnson has withdrawn his name from consideration for the head coaching vacancy at Duke. Former UCLA coach Karl Dorrell and Boston College assistant Steve Logan are believed to be under consideration for the post.

Mark Mangino of Kansas was named the Walter Camp Football Foundation's 2007 Coach of the Year . . . Washington athletic director Todd Turner resigned, nearly four years after he was hired to straighten out a department thrown into disarray by scandals. The resignation comes six days after the school retained football coach Tyrone Willingham following a 4-9 season.

Former world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes has been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y. Joining him in the 2008 class were 11 others boxers and ring personalities chosen by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians. He will be enshrined as the longest reigning world heavyweight champion, holding the title for nearly seven years (1978-85). Holmes's 20 successful heavyweight title defenses were surpassed by only Joe Louis with 25.

Tom Barrasso, an 18-year NHL veteran who won the Vezina Trophy with Buffalo and the Stanley Cup twice with Pittsburgh, has been named goaltending coach for the Carolina Hurricanes. The former Acton-Boxborough High star will also head the team's goaltending development system . . . Husson College baseball coach John Winkin, 87, was recovering from an apparent stroke he suffered while out for a brisk walk . . . In soccer, Liverpool advanced to the second round of the European Champions League, routing host Olympique Marseille, 4-0.