Tiger Woods: 'Personal failings' let family down
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — With a public apology, Tiger Woods disclosed his "personal failings" and acknowledged he had "not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves." He did not mention the allegations of an affair in Wednesday's statement, saying he would deal with "my behavior and personal failings" alone with his family.
Woods' sponsors standing behind him — for now
Longtime sponsors are sticking with Tiger Woods — for now. But the world's most famous athlete, who offered a "profound apology" Wednesday following allegations of infidelity, might find new deals hard to come by, marketing experts say, and the loyalty of existing sponsors could be tested by any additional tawdry stories or his reluctance to address the issue publicly.
Hofstra ends football; cites costs, weak interest
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) — Hofstra University dropped football because of costs and fading interest and will use the $4.5 million spent annually on the team on scholarships and other priorities. The board of trustees voted unanimously Wednesday night to shut the program, which had been in existence since the school's founding in 1937.
Nets lose NBA-record 18th straight to start season
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — They are off to the worst start in NBA history, and the New Jersey Nets might not have hit bottom yet. "There's going to be a few more weeks of adjustment, unfortunately," outgoing interim coach Tom Barrise said.
NFL changes return-to-play rules for concussions
NFL teams now have new, stricter instructions for when players should be allowed to return to games or practices after head injuries, guidelines that go into effect this week. In the latest step by the league to address a hot-button issue, commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to the 32 clubs Wednesday saying a player who gets a concussion should not return to action on the same day if he shows certain signs or symptoms.
Former No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo retires from tennis
ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX, France (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo retired from tennis Thursday, saying she no longer had a burning desire for competition. The 30-year-old Frenchwoman is a former No. 1 player who finished this season at No. 21.
Defense on the spot for unbeaten Cincinnati
CINCINNATI (AP) — A board on the wall in Cincinnati's football meeting room lists six defensive goals for each game. In the last three weeks, only two of the goals were met — including winning the game. That's a bad sign.
Appleby, Hend share lead at Australian Open
SYDNEY (AP) — Stuart Appleby and Scott Hend each shot 6-under 66 Thursday to share the lead at the Australian Open. Hend, who played in ideal morning conditions Thursday at the oceanside links-style New South Wales Golf Club, had eight birdies and two bogeys.
Nadal-led Spain plays Czechs in Davis Cup final
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — After four straight defeats, Rafael Nadal returns to his favorite clay surface when he plays Tomas Berdych in the opening match of the Davis Cup on Friday as Spain attempts to defend its title against the Czech Republic. Nadal, a four-time French Open champion, failed to win a set during three straight defeats at the ATP World Tour Finals last week. Spain, playing for its fourth title in its fifth final since 2000, is vying to be the first team since Sweden in 1998 to defend its crown.
Final Answer: Iverson back with 76ers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Allen Iverson's first stint with the Philadelphia 76ers ended with the team yanking his nameplate off his locker and editing him out of video highlights before he was even traded. The Sixers might want to find him a new locker and cue up some clips. Philly fans, pull out that No. 3 jersey from the closet. A.I. is a Sixer again.
