James not sure if Cavs owner cared
NBA: Adding a new layer to the rift between LeBron James and Dan Gilbert, the NBA’s two-time reigning MVP and new Miami Heat forward has told GQ magazine that he isn’t sure the Cleveland Cavaliers owner “ever cared” about him during their time together.
In an article, James spoke of how widespread criticism of his decision – and how he chose to make it a television event – is fueling him this offseason, plus reiterated how Ohio will always remain his home.
Gilbert was scorned by James’ choice, firing off a now-infamous letter to Cleveland fans describing it all as “a shameful display of selfishness and betrayal.” He called James “narcissistic” and “self-promotional” and vowed the Cavaliers would win a championship before “the self-titled former king.”
Cycling: The president of the International Cycling Union defended his organization against accusations it covered up a positive doping test from Lance Armstrong and questioned the motives of a U.S. probe into professional cycling.
Speaking to the Associated Press at the Youth Olympics, UCI chief Pat McQuaid also said that neither American prosecutors nor Interpol have asked for anything from his group.
College Football: Montana football coach Robin Pflugrad says Jimmy Wilson will begin limited practice with the team for the first time since the cornerback was charged with misdemeanor assault.
The 24-year-old Wilson was cited earlier this month for allegedly biting a woman on the leg in a car. He has pleaded not guilty and a Nov. 23 trial date has been set.
Wilson was granted a waiver to play this year after he was acquitted of first-degree murder in the June 2007 shooting death of his aunt’s boyfriend. Wilson was jailed for two years before he was acquitted last July.
• Former USC football assistant appeals: Todd McNair, former USC running backs coach, claims in an appeal to the NCAA that the governing body’s Committee on Infractions and investigative staff committed misconduct and mischaracterized facts that resulted in a finding of unethical conduct against him and severe sanctions against the school.
The 85-page appeal, filed last week, asks the NCAA’s Infractions Appeals Committee to set aside the finding against McNair and all associated penalties against him.
McNair was not retained by the school after his contract expired at the end of June.
• Attorney wants speedy trial in UConn stabbing: The lawyer for a man accused of fatally stabbing University of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard wants to take the case to trial this fall.
Deron Freeman told the Associated Press that he plans to file a speedy-trial motion for John Lomax III in Rockville Superior Court and is hoping for a trial in late September or October.
Lomax is accused of killing Howard, a 20-year-old cornerback from Miami, last Oct. 18 during an on-campus fight between a group of football players and a group that included Lomax.
College Basketball: The attorney for the woman convicted of trying to extort University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino says prosecution witnesses may have lied during trial.
James Earhart made the allegation in a motion filed in U.S. District Court in Louisville asking for more time to request a new trial. The motion says “a key witness or witnesses” in the case of 50-year-old Karen Cunagin Sypher may have committed perjury. It does not provide specifics.
• Seton Hall settles firing lawsuit with Gonzalez: Seton Hall University has settled a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by former men’s basketball coach Bobby Gonzalez.
School spokeswoman Holly Wojcik confirms a settlement has been reached but says the terms are confidential.
Gonzalez is known for his brash, aggressive style and was fired March 17 after Seton Hall lost in the opening round of the NIT. School officials referred to off-court problems when they announced his firing.
• Ole Miss coach settles Ohio defamation lawsuit: University of Mississippi basketball coach Andy Kennedy settled a defamation lawsuit with a cab driver and a valet stemming from a dispute over a ride.
Details of the settlement were kept confidential as attorneys told Judge Melba Marsh in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court that they had reached an agreement.
The cab driver told police in 2008 that Kennedy punched him and used racial slurs after he refused to carry all five members of Kennedy’s staff in his taxi because it had only four seats for passengers.
Miscellany: Nicolas Anelka’s profane tirade at the World Cup may have been his last act with the French national team.
He was suspended for 18 games, one of four players banned by the French soccer federation for a World Cup mutiny that was criticized by President Nicolas Sarkozy and underlined an embarrassing first-round exit.
• Ambrose will drive No. 9 for RPM in 2011: Marcos Ambrose will drive the No. 9 Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports in 2011.
Ambrose announced a multiyear deal with RPM.
Stanley Black & Decker will be the primary sponsor for the No. 9 car.
• Holdsclaw out for season with torn Achilles: San Antonio Silver Stars forward Chamique Holdsclaw has a torn right Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the season.
The Silver Stars said she is expected to have surgery. Holdsclaw was hurt in Sunday’s loss at Minnesota.