Ex-NFL star Taylor enters not guilty plea
NFL: Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor pleaded not guilty to an indictment that alleges he had sex with a 16-year-old girl in a New York hotel room.
The former NFL star allegedly paid $300 to the girl, a Bronx runaway, for their encounter in May. Taylor pleaded not guilty through his lawyer to third-degree rape, patronizing a prostitute, sexual abuse and endangering a child.
Taylor was arrested May 6, after the girl’s uncle contacted New York City police. He could be imprisoned for up to four years if convicted.
Jazz finalize trade for Wolves’ Jefferson
NBA: The Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to send power forward Al Jefferson to the Utah Jazz for center Kosta Koufos and two future first-round draft picks.
Jefferson will help fill a void after Carlos Boozer went to Chicago.
• Allen back with Celtics on discounted deal: Ray Allen is glad to be back with the Boston Celtics, finalizing a two-year deal worth about $20 million. With his signing, the Celtics have the core of the team that won the 2008 NBA title back for another run.
• Bobcats send Chandler to Mavericks: After Charlotte’s potential deal with Toronto fell through, the Bobcats sent Tyson Chandler and fellow center Alexis Ajinca to the Dallas Mavericks for center Erick Dampier, forward Eduardo Najera, shooting guard Matt Carroll and cash considerations.
• Ilgauskas to sign with Heat: Zydrunas Ilgauskas is following LeBron James to the Miami Heat.
The veteran center, who has played his whole career in Cleveland, expects to sign a two-year contract with the Heat later this week, agent Herb Rudoy said.
• Nets, Warriors work sign-and-trade: The New Jersey Nets have acquired guard Anthony Morrow in a sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors. The deal was completed just a day after the Nets handed Morrow an offer sheet on a three-year, $12 million contract.
• Bonner re-signs: The San Antonio Spurs have finalized a new contract with backup forward Matt Bonner.
• Draft picks sign contracts: The Houston Rockets have reached an agreement with first-round draft pick Patrick Patterson, and the Los Angeles Clippers have signed guard Willie Warren, their second-round selection.
• Williams’ murder accomplice sentenced: A man who admitted hiding former NBA star Jayson Williams’ bloody clothes after a hired driver was killed at the basketball player’s New Jersey mansion has been sentenced to a year of probation.
UK offers to assist Bolt with tax issues
Miscellany: Britain’s sports minister offered to help resolve the tax issues that have caused Olympic champion Usain Bolt to withdraw from the Crystal Palace Diamond League meet. Bolt announced he would not compete because his earnings in London would be greatly diminished after taxes.
• Subpoenas issued in Landis case: The New York Times is reporting federal authorities have issued grand jury subpoenas to witnesses as part of an investigation of possible fraud and doping charges against Lance Armstrong and his associates. The newspaper reported the subpoenas demonstrate how seriously authorities are taking allegations made by American cyclist Floyd Landis.
• Griffin takes medallist honors at Publinx: Georgia Tech’s John-Tyler Griffin, playing in his home state, secured medalist honors in the U.S. Amateur Public Links at Greensboro, N.C., by shooting a 4-under 67.
A trio of University of Washington golfers – Nick Taylor, Darren Wallace and Chris Williams – qualified for match play at the event by each shooting an even-par 142 through two rounds.
• Rahal joins Newman/Haas: Graham Rahal, one of America’s best young drivers, is re-teaming with Newman/Haas Racing for six of the final eight IndyCar Series races, starting this weekend in Toronto.
• WNBA champs to visit White House: President Barack Obama will welcome the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury to the White House next week in recognition of the team’s 2009 championship season.
• South Africa seeks new sporting contest: South Africa says it will bid to host the 2020 Olympics. The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee said it would “formally oversee a bid for the 2020 Games.”
• Conference realignment continues: Nine Division II schools in Arkansas and Oklahoma from the Gulf South and Lone Star Conferences will apply to the NCAA to create a new conference in an effort to limit travel costs.