■ ATHLETICS
Athlete admits heroin charge
Former US track and field star Tim Montgomery pleaded guilty to heroin distribution at a federal court hearing in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday. Montgomery, who was once dubbed “the world’s fastest man,” appeared briefly before Judge Jerome Friedman. The Olympic gold medalist was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of over 100g of heroin. Already serving a four-year prison sentence for his role in a check-fraud conspiracy, Montgomery faces a minimum of five years in prison on the heroin charge. Sentencing is set for Oct. 10.
■BASKETBALL
Arenas inks US$111m deal
Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas agreed to a six-year, U$111 million contract on Thursday, the Washington Times reported. The deal, which will keep the star guard with the Wizards until 2014, cannot become official until a league moratorium concludes on July 9. Arenas opted out of the final year of his contract earlier this offseason and was offered a six-year, US$127 million deal on Tuesday — the first day of free agency. According to the Times, Arenas took less money because he did not want to be a burden on the team’s salary cap.
■BASKETBALL
Chris Paul extends contract
New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul agreed to a three-year contract extension, US media reported on Thursday. The deal includes a player option for a fourth year, and is estimated at US$68 million. Under National Basketball Association rules, the deal cannot be officially announced until July 9, when the league’s free agent moratorium ends. Paul, 23, emerged as one of the best point guard in the NBA this past season, when he spearheaded the Hornets to a franchise-record 56 regular-season wins. The runner-up to Kobe Bryant for the league’s Most Valuable Player, Paul averaged a league-leading 11.7 assists and 2.7 steals.
■ICE HOCKEY
Sharks sign Rob Blake
The San Jose Sharks signed veteran defenseman Rob Blake to a one-year contract on Thursday. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Canadian broadcaster TSN reported Blake, 38, will receive US$5 million in 2008-2009. In 71 games last season with the Los Angeles Kings, Blake scored nine goals and 31 points — his worst totals since the 1996-1997 season, also with the Kings. The addition of Blake helps alleviate some of the loss of all-star Brian Campbell, who signed an eight-year, US$56.8 million deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.
■ICE HOCKEY
Naslund moves to New York
Swedish star Markus Naslund, the runner-up for the NHL’s MVP trophy in 2002-2003, signed a contract with the New York Rangers on Thursday. The five-time all-star and former captain of the Vancouver Canucks was signed by the Rangers two days after becoming a free agent. He had many productive seasons in Vancouver, including the 2002-2003 regular season when he scored 48 goals and 104 points. Naslund, who had been captain of the Vancouver Canucks since the 2000-2001 season, is excited about moving to New York. “It seems like everyone that’s played for the Rangers said you only get a chance to play there once in a lifetime, and you have to take advantage of it,” Naslund said.
RSS