Lincecum takes no-hit bid into seventh inning of Giants’ 9-3 win over PadresSAN FRANCISCO — Tim Lincecum carried a no-hit bid into the seventh inning and won his fourth straight start, baffling San Diego with his nasty changeup and a curveball nearly as impressive in the San Francisco Giants’ 9-3 victory over the Padres on Thursday night. Family, friends honor ex-NFL QB Steve McNair, who police say was killed by girlfriendNASHVILLE, Tenn. — The hit Steve McNair took to his chest in September 2000 had the NFL quarterback ready to quit the game. It caused him so much pain he spent a bye weekend with the team’s former chaplain in Houston. Then McNair, who struggled to breathe, watched his backup knocked out of the Titans’ next game. Family, friends remember, honor ex-NFL QB McNair, who police say was killed by girlfriendNASHVILLE, Tenn. — Steve McNair’s pastor and close friend cautioned against judging the ex-NFL quarterback Thursday, reminding people who gathered for his memorial not to cast the first stone when talking about his life off the field. Two people with knowledge of discussions: Showtime close to six-man super middleweight tourneyNEW YORK — Showtime is putting the final touches on a six-man super middleweight round-robin tournament that will include two current champions and three former U.S. Olympians. 4-team, 8-player trade sends Marion to Mavs, Stackhouse to Grizzlies, Turkoglu to RaptorsDALLAS — The way Jerry Stackhouse’s contract was structured, the Dallas Mavericks knew they could parlay him into a key player for next season. As it turned out, a lot of teams benefited. Fans begin lining up to honor slain ex-NFL QB McNairNASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dozens of Steve McNair fans donned Tennessee Titans gear as they lined up around a funeral home Thursday to honor the slain ex-NFL quarterback’s accomplishments and charity work. ‘I was an idiot for Hitler comments’, says Bernie EcclestoneLONDON - Formula One head Bernie Ecclestone has for his support of Adolf Hitler’s style of functioning saying he was an “idiot” to discuss Hitler or Saddam Hussein. Manchester City’s millions make them a threat to big fourLONDON - As England’s “big four” team jockey for the biggest signings in the off-season, they would do well to keep an eye out for the new kid on the block - Manchester City. Thumbs up! Paula Creamer healing, looking for another run at US Women’s Open titleBETHLEHEM, Pa. — Paula Creamer has taken two anti-inflammatory injections in her ailing left thumb. Now, she wants another shot — at a U.S. Women’s Open title. FOTA, Mosley rift could lead to F1 breakaway againLONDON - The prospect of a breakaway Formula One world championship was dramatically revived on Wednesday when the technical directors of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) walked out of a meeting with FIA representatives saying the sport’s future was “in jeopardy”. PCB banking on India’s tour to fill its empty coffersKARACHI - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is hoping to revive its sagging bank accounts by hosting arch rivals India. Police: McNair asleep when killed in murder-suicide; family, friends prepare for memorialNASHVILLE, Tenn. — Fans of ex-NFL quarterback Steve McNair planned to focus on his incredible career and life with a memorial service on Thursday, not his sudden and tragic death. Blue Jays release former closer B.J. Ryan and reinstate current closer Scott Downs from DLST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Toronto Blue Jays have released one-time closer B.J. Ryan and activated current closer Scott Downs from the 15-day disabled list. Michael Phelps wins 2 races, Aaron Peirsol sets 100 back world recordSome good, some bad to look at in one of baseball’s most challenging seasonsTo juice up baseball’s midseason classic next Tuesday all living former presidents will pay homage to the game in a video, and the current president will throw out the opening pitch in St. Louis. Yankees activate C Jose Molina; send promising Cervelli to Triple-AMINNEAPOLIS — The New York Yankees have activated backup catcher Jose Molina from the disabled list on Wednesday. Tavares faces pressure, expectations on Long Island after being picked No. 1 in NHL draftNo. 1 choice Tavares welcomed as face of Islanders Kings sign top draft pick guard Tyreke Evans to contractSACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings have signed guard Tyreke Evans, the No. 4 overall pick in last month’s draft. How clean is the Tour de France? Far better than it was but not pristinePARIS — With Queen’s rock anthem “Bicycle Race” blaring from loudspeakers, the Tour de France sets off for another day, the riders a blaze of color in their lurid shirts. This, undoubtedly, is one of sport’s most spectacular sights. ‘Anything is possible’: Entering its 13th year, Zo’s Summer Groove changing kids’ livesMIAMI — The gymnasium at the Overtown Youth Center has yellow and burgundy concrete walls, a scoreboard with a few busted panels and four wooden backboards along the sidelines. It’s in one of the most impoverished sections of Miami, a hardscrabble neighborhood where shootings and crime seem all too common. Police: McNair shot dead in his sleep by girlfriend who believed he was seeing someone elseNASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former NFL star Steve McNair was shot dead in his sleep last week by a 20-year-old girlfriend distraught about mounting financial problems and her belief that he was seeing someone else, police said Wednesday. Blue Jays release former closer B.J. Ryan and reinstated current closer Scott Downs from DLST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Toronto Blue Jays have released one-time closer B.J. Ryan and activated current closer Scott Downs from the 15-day disabled list. Police confirm ex-NFL star Steve McNair’s girlfriend killed him before shooting herselfNASHVILLE, Tenn. — Police confirmed Wednesday that ex-NFL star Steve McNair’s 20-year-old girlfriend killed him before turning the gun on herself. Raptors re-sign former No. 1 pick Bargnani to contract extensionTORONTO — The Toronto Raptors new core is taking shape. All-you-can-eat seats: Gluttonous baseball fans stuff their faces for the price of admissionMINNEAPOLIS — First pitch was still half an hour away and the empty plastic cups, crinkled foil wrappers and peanut shells were already piling up under the blue seats in the Metrodome’s upper deck. Ponting asks his inexperienced squad to create its own Ashes legendLONDON - Australian captain Ricky Ponting has asked his inexperienced squad to create its own Ashes legend following the upheaval of several retirements and injuries to senior men, including Brett Lee. Pat Burrell’s 11th-inning homer ends 4-game slide, lifting Rays to 3-1 win over Blue JaysST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pat Burrell circled the bases, preparing himself for the reception brewing at home plate. The slumping Tampa Bay slugger may be off to a slow start with his new team, but he hadn’t forgotten what it was like to be engulfed by teammates after a game-winning home run. Instead of trotting into the celebration upright, he crouched low to protect himself. Loyalists desert cricket czar Dalmiya, opposition seeks challengerKOLKATA - With less than a month left for elections to the cash-rich Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), hectic parleys have started with some of president Jagmohan Dalmiya’s generals switching allegiance to the opposition which is looking for a big name to take on the seasoned cricket administrator. Chris Pronger gets multiyear extension from FlyersPHILADELPHIA — Chris Pronger and the Philadelphia Flyers agreed to a multiyear extension on Tuesday, ensuring that the 2000 NHL MVP will remain under contract beyond this season. Mets mess: Beltran, Reyes not close to coming off disabled listNEW YORK — Help isn’t coming anytime soon for the banged-up New York Mets. Usain Bolt wins 200m in 19.59 seconds in Lausanne; time is 4th fastest despite cold, rainLAUSANNE, Switzerland — Usain Bolt ran the fourth-fastest 200 meters in history, finishing in 19.59 seconds at the Athletissima meet Tuesday despite chilly weather and a track slowed by a downpour. Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi says he’s willing to listen to offers for ace Roy HalladayTORONTO — Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi says he’s willing to listen to offers for ace Roy Halladay. “I don’t think anything has changed, I just think, ‘You know what, why not listen? The worst we can say is no,’” Ricciardi told The Canadian Press on Tuesday. Jays GM Ricciardi says he’s not shopping Roy Halladay, but will listen to offersST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Roy Halladay wants to keep pitching for Toronto, but is willing to consider accepting a trade if approached by the Blue Jays. Maple Leafs land coveted Swedish goalie Gustavsson, signing ‘Monster’ to 1-year dealTORONTO — The Maple Leafs have landed “The Monster.” US midfielder Michael Bradley suspended for 3 matches, can return for qualifier at MexicoWASHINGTON — A confrontation with a referee following the United States’ upset victory over Spain has earned midfielder Michael Bradley a three-game suspension, although the penalty is unlikely to affect qualifying for next year’s World Cup. |