■ BASEBALL
Pitcher Johnny Podres dies
Johnny Podres, who pitched the Brooklyn Dodgers to their only World Series title with a seventh-game gem over arch-rival New York Yankees in 1955, died on Sunday at age 75. A hospital spokesman confirmed the passing of Podres, who was only 23 when he hurled an eight-hit 2-0 shutout in the 1955 World Series decider over the Yankees, the Bronx-based rivals who won five prior Series over Brooklyn. But after southpaw Podres made the Dodgers the first team to win a World Series after dropping the first two games, the joy was short-lived. Just two years later, the Dodgers would move to Los Angeles. Podres also pitched for San Diego and Detroit.
■ BASEBALL
Cameron finalizes contract
Suspended outfielder Mike Cameron and the Milwaukee Brewers finalized a US$7 million, one-year contract on Monday. The sides reached an agreement Friday that was subject to 35-year-old Cameron passing a physical. "Mike has a rare combination of defense, power and baserunning along with the ability to work the count," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said. "He is also a leader in the clubhouse." A three-time Gold Glove winner, Cameron hit .242 with 21 home runs and 78 RBIs last season for the San Diego Padres.
■ BASKETBALL
Mourning's future in doubt
Alonzo Mourning's NBA future was cast further in doubt on Monday after the Miami Heat posted then removed a story on their Web site saying he was calling it quits. Mourning had said before the season this would be his last but the campaign came to a premature end on Dec. 19 when he tore the patella tendon and quadriceps tendon in his right knee. The injury came as Mourning ran down the court and landed under the rim to position himself to block a shot in the first quarter of an eventual 117-111 Miami overtime loss to Atlanta.
■ BASKETBALL
Nuggets quiet on Nene
The Denver Nuggets remained silent on Monday on the medical condition that has sidelined Nene. Coach George Karl indicated they are preparing to be without him for some time. The Brazilian forward took an indefinite leave of absence on Friday. "I was hurt and saddened by the news," Karl said without elaborating. "Now the support and strength of the team to give to him is important." Nene, who is averaging 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds, missed 22 games earlier this season after undergoing left thumb surgery. The Nuggets, citing privacy laws, have gone along with Nene's decision to remain quiet on his condition. "He's a very private person. He's a very quiet person," Karl said before Monday's game against Charlotte.
■ CYCLING
Man convicted over death
An Italian man was convicted on Monday over the cocaine death of former Tour de France champion Marco Pantani and sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, the Italian news agency ANSA said. Four people were arrested for allegedly selling drugs to the 34-year-old Italian cyclist, who died in February 2004 in a hotel room in the Adriatic resort town of Rimini. Three of the four had entered plea bargains in the case and have already served their sentences. Fabio Carlino was convicted in a separate trial of unintentionally causing death as a consequence of drug dealing, ANSA reported late Monday. Police have said that the defendants were identified by monitoring telephone conversations.
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