Beckham back with Galaxy

Soccer: David Beckham reported Thursday to the Los Angeles Galaxy’s training camp, two weeks late following an extended stay to train with Tottenham.

“My main objective was to get fit for the Galaxy and the MLS season,” Beckham (in blue in photo) said following his first full practice session. “My objective wasn’t to play for a Premiership team. Even if I would have been on loan and even if I would have played the games, this was the time I was always going to come back. That was agreed and nothing was going to change.”

Following an injury-riddled year, which saw him miss the World Cup and a majority of the MLS season because of a torn left Achilles tendon, Beckham was clear about his desire to go somewhere this offseason where he could work on his fitness.

Beckham received the blessings of Galaxy chief executive Tim Leiweke and coach Bruce Arena to join Tottenham. Unable to secure a loan with the club, Beckham was prevented from suiting up for games and relegated to strictly practice.

“I could have been sitting on the beach somewhere, which obviously was an option,” Beckham, 35, said. “But at my age, and at this stage in my career, I can’t afford to take three months holiday.”

The Galaxy open their season on March 15.

Associated Press

Lawsuit paints damning picture

Colleges: A lawsuit against Texas Christian University slated for trial this spring accuses the school of turning a blind eye toward the criminal records, unsavory behavior and academic failings of two of three athletes who were charged with sexually assaulting a coed in 2006.

Court records filed over recent months detail how football player Lorenzo Jones and basketball player Virgil Taylor entered the university with criminal histories and remained part of their respective teams even though their academic work and conduct were called into question.

The records describe how the 300-pound Jones remained in an English class even though the instructor considered him “dangerous,” how Taylor was admitted to the university despite graduating 300th in his high school class of 377 and how both remained in good standing on their teams despite repeatedly being cited for misconduct on campus.

A trial is scheduled for May 2.

Associated Press