With season on the line, O’Neal returns for Heat and Horford starts for Atlanta in Game 7ATLANTA — Miami center Jermaine O’Neal was back in uniform for the deciding game of the series against Atlanta, and the Hawks’ front line was bolstered by the return of Al Horford. Special teams coach breaks back, 11 others hurt in roof collapse at Cowboys’ practice facilityIRVING, Texas — Whenever a storm hits while the Dallas Cowboys are inside their practice facility, the sound of rain pelting the tent-like structure can drown out conversation. No matter the noise, safety rarely was an issue — until Saturday. Injured Red Sox RHP John Smoltz expected to resume throwing Wednesday or ThursdayST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Injured Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz could resume throwing Wednesday or Thursday. Another rout, anyone? A series of blowouts goes the distance but fails to generate any dramaATLANTA — A seven-game series is supposed to be the ultimate playoff thriller. Special teams coach among at least 5 hurt in roof collapse at Cowboys’ practice facilityIRVING, Texas — Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis was among 12 people injured when winds just shy of tornado strength ripped through the roof of the team’s indoor practice facility during a rookie minicamp Saturday. Special teams coach among at least 5 hurt in roof collapse at Cowboys’ practice facilityIRVING, Texas — Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis was among at least five people injured Saturday when the roof of the team’s practice facility collapsed during a storm. Air-supported roof that covers Dallas Cowboys indoor practice field collapses in stormIRVING, Texas — Four Dallas Cowboys staff members were injured Saturday when the roof of the team’s indoor practice facility collapsed. Injured Magic guard Courtney Lee cleared to play, but will not be back for start of Round 2ORLANDO, Fla. — Starting guard Courtney Lee has been medically cleared to play but is not expected back for the Orlando Magic anytime soon as he recovers from surgery on his fractured sinus. Williams surprises Hawks, saying he wants to play in Game 6 against HeatMIAMI — Even to the surprise of his coach, Atlanta forward Marvin Williams may be ready to play again. Sharks coach Todd McLellan can’t get too excited about nomination for top coach awardSAN JOSE, Calif. — Any good coach would understand why Todd McLellan wasn’t exactly jumping for joy about the major coaching honor he received Friday. Alex Rodriguez goes 1 for 6, doesn’t take questions after extended spring training gameBRADENTON, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez took another step toward rejoining the New York Yankees following hip surgery, batting seven times in an extended spring training game against Pittsburgh Pirates minor leaguers. Vikings draft pick Harvin hospitalized with dehydration, swine flu ruled outEDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings first-round draft pick Percy Harvin has been hospitalized due to severe dehydration Horford, Williams both to miss Game 6 of Hawks-Heat seriesMIAMI — Atlanta starting forwards Al Horford and Marvin Williams will not play Friday in Game 6 of the Hawks’ Eastern Conference first-round series against the Miami Heat. Patriots top draft pick Patrick Chung is a hard hitter and leader _ like Rodney HarrisonFOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patrick Chung loves to smack opponents to the ground. Now he’d love to learn about playing safety in the NFL from a master — Rodney Harrison. Wallaby and Reds flanker McMeniman expected to be out for up to 6 months with ankle injuryBRISBANE, Australia — Australia and Queensland Reds flanker Hugh McMeniman could miss up to six months after suffering an ankle tendon injury that will require surgery, the Super 14 team said in a statement on its Web site Friday. Jazz coach Sloan has knee replacement surgerySALT LAKE CITY — Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan has had right knee replacement surgery. Denver Broncos start to clear up crowded backfield by releasing Selvin YoungENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos’ crowded backfield has become a bit clearer with the release of third-year tailback Selvin Young. Under Armour recalls athletic cups due to risk for injuryWASHINGTON — Under Armour Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of more than 200,000 athletic cups as they can break when hit, posing a risk of serious injury to the wearer. Orlando Magic’s Courtney Lee to have surgery, could be out for remainder of playoffsPHILADELPHIA — Starting guard Courtney Lee had surgery on his fractured sinus Thursday and could miss the remainder of the playoffs for the Orlando Magic. Rangers slugger Hamilton says rib cage injury better, but still not likely to play this weekARLINGTON, Texas — Josh Hamilton expects to remain out of the Texas Rangers lineup until at least next week even though the slugger’s strained left rib cage muscle is feeling better after medication and treatment. Ronaldo confident of reaching Euro final despite Man U’s failure to see off Arsenal at homeMANCHESTER, England — Manchester United’s failure to build a commanding lead over Arsenal has left its Champions League title defense exposed to a Gunners side rediscovering its attacking flair and cutting edge as the domestic season reaches its climax. Indaina dismisses senior wide receiver Kellen Lewis from football teamBLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana gave Kellen Lewis a second chance. Heat star Dwyane Wade leaves Game 5 against Atlanta after hitting head on courtATLANTA — Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade had to leave Game 5 against the Hawks after hitting his head on the court during the first quarter. 11th round: 1st-place Hurricanes seek better form against Blues in all-New Zealand matchupWELLINGTON, New Zealand — Wellington captain Rodney So’oialo believes the Hurricanes haven’t found top form even though they lead the Super 14 rugby table entering Friday’s 12th of 14 regular-season rounds. Indians place Hafner on DL with sore shoulderCLEVELAND — Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner was placed on the disabled list Wednesday with a sore right shoulder, an injury that limited him to 57 games last season. Jaguars release Charles Spencer days after drafting 2 offensive linemenJACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars released offensive tackle Charles Spencer on Wednesday, four days after using their first two draft picks to revamp the line. Patriots release LB Bo Ruud, who missed rookie season with ankle injuryFOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have released linebacker Bo Ruud (ROOD), who spent his entire rookie season on the team’s injured reserve list. Flyers captain Richards to have surgery to repair torn labrum in right shoulderPHILADELPHIA — Flyers captain Mike Richards will have surgery this week to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, and also needs surgery on his left shoulder and faces to 10 to 12 weeks of rehabilitation. Branyan’s 5 hits, Betancourt’s homer help Mariners beat White Sox 9-1 for DH splitCHICAGO — Russell Branyan had a career-high five hits, Yuniesky Betancourt cracked a three-run homer and the Seattle Mariners salvaged a doubleheader split by beating the Chicago White Sox 9-1 Tuesday night. Cole Hamels leaves Phillies game with sprained left anklePHILADELPHIA — Phillies ace Cole Hamels left Tuesday night’s start against Washington in the fifth inning after spraining his left ankle while trying to field John Lannan’s bunt. |