In brief: Barber says he needs football

NFL: Tiki Barber says failures off the field after his retirement from football in 2006 led to a yearlong bout with depression.

The 36-year-old Barber, the New York Giants’ career leading rusher, acknowledged in an HBO report to be aired Tuesday that he now needs football more than it needs him.

Barber has spent the past four months working out in an attempt to make a comeback, although his chances rest on the league and its players reaching a new collective bargaining agreement.

Barber said football represents a necessary anchor in a life turned upside down by the depressive aftermath of scandalous divorce and disintegration of his television career.

“The game never needs you because there’s always someone else to come and take your place,” he said. “But right now, I need the game.”

Associated Press

Shine lose to Rain U23 at Albi

Soccer: Jenny Novack scored off an assist from Jackie Knowles in the 81st minute to give Portland Rain U23 a 2-1 victory over the Spokane Shine in a Women’s Premier Soccer League game played at Albi Stadium on Saturday night.

Marissa Mykines scored unassisted in the 62nd minute to tie the game for Spokane.

Portland led at the half on Ali Martin’s goal.

The Shine fell to 1-3-1 in the Northwest Division while Rain U23 picked up its first win to improve to 1-4-0.

The two teams play at Albi today at 3 p.m.

Drags will try again today

Auto racing: Saturday’s running of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series was brought to a halt by rain. The event resumes today with gates opening at 8 a.m. and time trials beginning at 9 a.m. Tickets purchased for Saturday will be honored today, according to raceway general manager Cindy Gibbs.