In brief: Carpenter heads hockey Hall of Fame class
Bobby Carpenter, the first American-born player to score 50 goals in an NHL season, will be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.
The newest class of members that includes goalie John Vanbiesbrouck, forward Aaron Broten and former Michigan Tech coach John MacInnes was revealed Wednesday by USA Hockey. Induction ceremonies will be held in Grand Forks, N.D., on Oct. 13.
Carpenter became the first player to jump from high school to the NHL when he did it in 1981.
Vanbiesbrouck, the winningest American-born goalkeeper, played 20 seasons in the NHL.
“Former San Jose Sharks forward Mark Bell has pleaded no contest to drunken driving and hit-and-run charges and will serve six months in a Santa Clara County jail.
“Sam Pollock, who built a hockey dynasty as vice president and general manager of the Montreal Canadiens in the 1960s and 1970s, has died at 81.
Auto racing
Earnhardt denied No. 8
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will not be taking his familiar No. 8 with him to Hendrick Motorsports next season.
Earnhardt is leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the season and had hoped to take No. 8 with him to his new team. His late grandfather, Ralph, used that number and Earnhardt picked it when he entered the Cup Series in 1999.
Although teams do not own numbers – they are leased through NASCAR – DEI had the first right of refusal on the No. 8, and Hendrick officials said they couldn’t reach an agreement that would have made DEI pass on choosing the number for 2008.
“Former Indianapolis 500 driver David Walther, 59, has been sentenced to 26 months in prison for nonsupport of dependents and violating terms of an earlier sentence. The 59-year-old owes more than $21,000 in child support, according to the Warren County (Ohio) prosecutor’s office.
Tennis
Mauresmo withdraws
Two-time major champion Amelie Mauresmo pulled out of the U.S. Open, citing a groin injury and the need to recover fully from the appendectomy she had in March.
Mauresmo hasn’t played in a tournament since losing in the fourth round at Wimbledon on July 3.
“Top-ranked British player Andy Murray has withdrawn from the Pilot Pen because of a wrist injury.
Miscellany
Big night Becks
David Beckham started his first game for the Galaxy, scored his first goal on a free kick in the 27th minute and Los Angeles beat D.C. United 2-0 in the SuperLiga semifinals in Carson, Calif.
Beckham also notched his first assist on the Galaxy’s second goal.
“Toronto forward Chris Bosh withdrew from U.S. training camp because of a left foot injury.
Bosh has plantar fasciitis and will not play in the FIBA Americas basketball tournament that starts next week
“The Maine softball team was placed on probation for three years and three players were suspended for up to 10 games by the school for hazing violations.