Sports in brief: Arenas, Thomas cleared for return to practice

Gilbert Arenas was cleared to participate in light, non-contact drills by the Washington Wizards on Monday, a step forward in his return from left knee surgery.

Arenas has said he hopes to return to the Wizards in the coming weeks. The team has not said when he can return to full-contact practice.

Another injured Wizards player, center Etan Thomas, was cleared to practice for the first time since he had open-heart surgery in October. No timetable has been set for him to play in a game.

Football

Muhammad released

The Chicago Bears released former Pro Bowl wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, cutting the veteran after three seasons.

Chicago also gave defensive end Alex Brown a two-year contract extension.

“Offensive lineman Stacy Andrews has been designated the Cincinnati Bengals’ franchise player.

The franchise tag gives Andrews the option to play for Cincinnati in 2008 for a salary equal to the average of the top five offensive linemen in the NFL in 2007.

“The Kansas City Chiefs signed kicker Billy Cundiff to a two-year contract in an attempt to resolve one of their most glaring weaknesses from last season.

“LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux was suspended indefinitely for an unspecified violation of team rules, leaving his status unclear for the start of spring practice Feb. 29.

“Tennessee punter Britton Colquitt was suspended for five games and lost his scholarship after he was arrested on charges of DUI and leaving the scene of an accident early Sunday morning in Knoxville, Tenn.

Awards

Federer wins Laureus

Roger Federer won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for a fourth straight time, and Justine Henin won the women’s award for the first time.

Federer won his fifth straight Wimbledon title last season to equal Bjorn Borg’s record.

Henin, meanwhile, became the first tennis player to win 10 titles in a season since Martina Hingis 10 years ago despite skipping the 2007 Australian Open after splitting with her husband.

Miscellany

Winning Colors dies

Gainesway thoroughbred farm in Lexington, Ky., says 1988 Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors has died. She was 23.

Gainesway vice president Charlie Aker says she was euthanized Sunday after a bout with colic and buried at Greentree Farm, which is now part of Gainesway.

Winning Colors is one of only three fillies to win the Derby.

“Grits Gresham, noted outdoorsman, writer, author, and television personality, died after a lengthy illness his family said.

The 85-year-old Gresham, who served as field host and producer for “The American Sportsman” television series on ABC, died at his home on the banks of Cane River Lake in Natchitoches, La.

“Olympic champion Sandra Kiriasis helped Germany win the team gold at the bobsledding world championships in Altenberg, Germany, ahead of Canada and the United States.

“Pete Sampras defeated Tommy Haas 6-4, 6-2 in an exhibition at the SAP Open tennis tournament in San Jose, Calif.

“Italian player Giorgio Galimberti was found guilty of betting on tennis and was suspended for 100 days and fined $35,000.

The ATP said Galimberti bet on tennis from June 2003 to January 2006 but did not specify if he bet on his own matches.