Woods’ earnings drop, still on top

EARNINGS: Tiger Woods’ estimated endorsements for 2010 are worth $22 million less than last year, according to Sports Illustrated’s annual analysis of the highest-earning American athletes.

Woods is still No. 1 on the list, as he has been for the rankings’ seven years. But his estimated total earnings of more than $90 million are down 30 percent from nearly $128 million two years ago.

Rival Phil Mickelson is again No. 2 with total earnings of more than $61 million. His estimated endorsement income is $52 million, compared with $70 million for Woods.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., LeBron James, Alex Rodriguez, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning and Dwyane Wade round out the top 10. The full list is available at SI.com.

Associated Press

Man U tops Forbes list

FINANCES: For all the turmoil and talk of debt, Manchester United is still the most valuable franchise in all of sports.

Forbes released its list of the world’s most valuable teams, with the English Premier League club leading the way at $1.84 billion.

The top American franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, was second at $1.65 billion. The New York Yankees, Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, Real Madrid, New York Giants, Arsenal, New York Jets and Houston Texans round out the top 10.

Amid protests from fans, Manchester United’s owning Glazer family has insisted it will not entertain offers for the club, which has about $1 billion of debt.

The full list is available at Forbes’ website.

Associated Press

Shock back to No. 1 in AFL poll

Arena football: The Spokane Shock have returned to the No. 1 spot in the Arena Football League coaches poll.

After two weeks in second place behind Tampa Bay, the Shock returned to the top after their 48-42 win last weekend at Iowa and Jacksonville’s upset win over Tampa Bay. Spokane received 10 of a possible 15 first-place votes.

Spokane’s next game is Friday against No. 6 Chicago at the Arena.

Sherritt on watch list for Buchanan

College football: Eastern Washington linebacker J.C. Sherritt is on the 20-player watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented to the top defensive player in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision.

Sherritt, a senior out of Pullman High School, led the FCS in tackles per game last season and finished second in the Buchanan voting.

The Eagles’ Greg Peach won the award in 2008.