Newsmakers
Fined The NBA fined Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard $15,000 Tuesday for publicly criticizing officials on his blog. The comments were posted on Howard’s blog after the Magic’s loss to Detroit last week. Howard fouled out in the game after playing a little more than 16 minutes.
Agreed A federal appeals court backed the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed Judge David Doty’s order saying Vick had already earned the bonuses before his dogfighting conviction, so the money wasn’t subject to forfeiture.
Suspended The NCAA says the oldest son of Michael Jordan will miss the first two games of the season for No. 23 Illinois after playing in an unsanctioned event last summer. Jeff Jordan, a reserve guard, played in a 3-on-3 event.
Separated Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O’Neal’s wife, Va’Shaundya O’Neal filed for legal separation with intent to divorce Monday in Los Angeles. She cited irreconcilable differences. She is seeking spousal and child support and full legal custody of the couple’s four children.
Knighted Golfer Nick Faldo has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for a career in which he won six majors and captained Europe’s Ryder Cup team. The two-time European Order of Merit winner won three Masters and three British Open titles.
Died A goalkeeper expected to play for Germany at the World Cup died after being hit by a train in what police suspect is a suicide. He was 32. Robert Enke played for the German club Hannover. His car was found near the scene, unlocked, with his wallet on the seat.
•Former pro basketball star Al Cervi, who coached the Syracuse Nationals to the 1955 NBA championship, died in upstate New York at age 92. Nicknamed “Digger,” he was the 1947 National Basketball League scoring champion and MVP.
Sold Horse of the Year Azeri has brought $2.25 million in the opening session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale in Lexington, Ky. Shunsuke Yoshia purchased the 11-year-old mare in foal to Distorted Humor on behalf of his family’s Japan-based Northern Farm.