AP - Jason Taylor has put his Hollywood offseason behind him now that he's a member of the Washington Redskins.

AP - The new leader at USA Track and Field sent a letter to President Bush asking him to deny Marion Jones' request to commute her six-month prison sentence for lying to federal agents about her use of performance-enhancing drugs and a check-fraud scam.

AP - Gus Dominguez negotiated the contract for the first Cuban player to defect to the United States. He opened his home to prospects fresh from the communist island and taught them about bank accounts.

Reuters - U.S. swimmer Jessica Hardy on Friday protested her innocence over a positive doping test threatening to derail her Olympics and said she was living a nightmare.

AP - Mike Mussina baffled the Twins for eight innings, Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run double and the New York Yankees beat Minnesota 5-1 Wednesday for their 10th straight home win.

AP - Asafa Powell took on the world's fastest man with every intention of beating him to the finish line. Usain Bolt just couldn't catch up in time. Powell capitalized on Bolt's weak start and edged the world-record holder by one-hundredth of a second, leading from start to finish in the 100 meters at the DN Galan meet on Tuesday.

AP - The Super Bowl champion New York Giants removed a potential distraction by trading disgruntled tight end Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints days before the start of training camp.

AP - Ryan Braun had four hits for a second straight game, including a two-run homer in the ninth, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 on Thursday night, their eighth straight victory.

AP - The International Olympic Committee says Iraq will not compete at the Beijing Games because of interference by its government in sport.

AP - Josh Childress is leaving the Atlanta Hawks for Greek club Olympiakos, reversing the course of the many international stars who have signed with the NBA.

Reuters - American Jennie Finch is the face of a sport that is about to lose its Olympic identity. An Olympic gold medalist and double world champion, the blonde pitcher has gone from Athens Games pinup to mother and softball crusader.

AP - Jessica Hardy's first trip to the Olympics could be over before it began. The swimmer tested positive for a banned substance, leaving her just two weeks to pursue any appeals before the Beijing Games.

AP - Jessica Hardy's first trip to the Olympics could be over before it began. The swimmer tested positive for a banned substance, leaving her just two weeks to pursue any appeals before the Beijing Games begin.

AP - Brian Urlacher checked into the Chicago Bears' training camp Tuesday night with a new contract, declaring he was healthy and ready to play.

AP - If Brett Favre plans to show for the Green Bay Packers' training camp, he'll need permission from the NFL. And as of Friday afternoon there was no sign he had petitioned the league for reinstatement.

AP - Caleb Campbell was a day away from practicing with the Detroit Lions and taking a step toward his dream of playing in the NFL. "He was issued a helmet, ready to go," coach Rod Marinelli said Wednesday.