Newsmakers

Thu., July 2, 2009

From Staff And Wire Reports

Returns Reigning WNBA Most Valuable Player Candace Parker returned to practice with the Los Angeles Sparks 1 1/2 months after giving birth to her first child. Coach Michael Cooper said Wednesday that it’s unlikely Parker would play when the team hosts the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. Parker gave birth to a daughter named Lailaa on May 13. She’s married to Shelden Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Parker went through a full practice following a light workout a day earlier.

Dropped Jockey Calvin Borel is out as the rider of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. The move comes after trainer Chip Woolley, Borel and the jockey’s agent could not agree on a long-term commitment. Borel possibly could have been aboard the gelding for his next scheduled start at the $750,000 West Virginia Derby on Aug. 1. But Woolley said he wants someone committed to ride Mine That Bird through the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., in November.

Staying Kansas coach Bill Self’s fence-mending trip worked: Xavier and C.J. Henry are still coming to Lawrence to play for the Jayhawks. A day after traveling to Oklahoma City to clear the air with two of his prized recruits, Self said that Xavier and C.J. will play for Kansas next season. The two brothers originally planned to play together at Memphis, but left in April when coach John Calipari bolted for Kentucky. After briefly considering following Calipari, they signed at Kansas, where three family members played.

Signed Anaheim Ducks captain Scott Niedermayer is staying with the NHL team after signing a one-year deal worth $6 million plus bonuses. Already a foregone conclusion that the star defenseman would be back, the Ducks made it official a few hours into the NHL free-agent shopping season.

Extended The Florida Panthers of the NHL agreed to a six-year contract extension with David Booth, shortly after the young forward became a restricted free agent.

Nominated Former drivers-turned-owners Glen Wood and Richard Childress are among the 25 nominees for the first NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class. NASCAR released the two names ahead of the announcement of all nominees tonight.

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Newsmakers

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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