Newsmakers

Retiring Left tackle Tra Thomas retired, leaving the San Diego Chargers woefully thin at a crucial position due to Marcus McNeill’s holdout. The 35-year-old Thomas was signed as insurance in early June when it became apparent that McNeill, a Pro Bowler in 2006 and 2007, could stage a prolonged holdout. But Thomas, a 12-year veteran, was hurt early in training camp and had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

Sidelined Buffalo Bills tight end Derek Schouman will be out three to six weeks with a knee injury, leaving Buffalo with only two healthy tight ends on its roster. Schouman was injured Thursday during Buffalo’s 34-21 preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts. The extent of Schouman’s injury was announced a day after fellow tight end Shawn Nelson was suspended by the NFL for four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Postponed Boxer Juan Manuel Lopez’s highly anticipated featherweight title fight against Rafael Marquez has been postponed after Marquez suffered a hand injury. The fight had been scheduled for Sept. 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Promoters hope they can reschedule the fight within four weeks of the original date. It is supposed to be televised live on Showtime.

Withdrew Defending champion Juan Martin del Potro withdrew from the U.S. Open, saying he “cannot compete at the top level yet” after having an operation on his right wrist in May. He becomes only the third U.S. Open men’s champion in the 42-year Open era who didn’t defend the title. And del Potro’s announcement arrives a day after Serena Williams became the first No. 1 in the 35-year history of the women’s rankings to miss the U.S. Open. She still is recovering from surgery for cuts on her right foot.

Sidelined NASCAR’s Brian Vickers had heart surgery last month as part of his treatment for blood clots, but the driver said he fully expects to resume his racing career next season. Vickers has been out since May because of clots in his leg and lungs.

Arrested ESPN personality and sports columnist Jay Mariotti was released from jail on $50,000 bail, hours after being arrested on suspicion of felony domestic assault, authorities said. Mariotti, 51, was arrested about 4 a.m. after an argument with his girlfriend.