■BASKETBALL
Bryant outsells Yao in China
Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant has the most popular jersey in China even outselling Chinese superstar Yao Ming, the NBA said on Thursday. Bryant also had the top selling jerseys in Europe and the US, the league said, citing statistics from its official retail stores, league spokesman Rick Pendrick said in a news release. The second best selling jersey was Cleveland’s LeBron James. Houston Rockets center Yao came in sixth place. This is the third consecutive year Bryant’s jersey has been No. 1 in China.
■BASKETBALL
Fight leads to suspensions
Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko and Miami Heat center Jamaal Magloire have been suspended for their roles in a fight during a pre-season game on Monday, the NBA said. Magloire received a two-game ban for instigating the fight and hitting Jerebko in the face, while Jerebko was suspended for one game after retaliating and striking Magloire, the league said in a statement on Thursday. Their suspensions will begin with the first game of the regular season.
■BOXING
Trial set for Mayweather
A preliminary hearing has been set for boxing trainer Roger Mayweather, who is accused of attacking a female boxer he once trained. The woman told police that 48-year-old Mayweather attacked her on Aug. 2 at an apartment he owned and was renting out. He is charged with felony coercion and battery-strangulation. Mayweather coached his nephew Floyd Mayweather Jr to victory in a comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez last month. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 15. Justice of the Peace Joseph Sciscento on Thursday quashed a bench warrant that was issued after Roger Mayweather failed to appear in court for arraignment last Friday. Roger Mayweather’s attorney, Bucky Buchanan, says his client will plead not guilty to the charges because the incident is a misunderstanding.
■CRICKET
Trescothick honored
Somerset opener Marcus Trescothick was named English cricket’s player of the year by his fellow professionals on Thursday after another prolific batting season. The former England batsman scored 2,934 runs in all cricket, including 1,817 first-class runs at an average of 75.70. Trescothick, who will take over the Somerset captaincy next season, had already won the Most Valuable Player award, which was given automatically on a points tally secured by his runs, but Thursday’s honor was the result of a vote by his fellow professionals in the Professional Cricketer’s Association. Leicestershire’s 19-year-old batsman James Taylor was named the young player of the year.
■RUGBY
Elsom replaces Mortlock
Stirling Mortlock has been dumped as Australia captain and replaced by Rocky Elsom in a 35-man squad named by coach Robbie Deans on Friday for the Wallabies’ season-ending Grand Slam tour. Media speculation surrounding Mortlock’s captaincy had grown since the 80-cap veteran sustained a serious knee injury during a Test against South Africa in August. He was still named for the tour. “Stirling has done a good job as Australian skipper, both before I became involved, and over the last 16 months,” Deans said in a statement. “He also understands that this initiative has no meaning in terms of his playing future. He has indicated a desire to continue not only to play but also to lead and we respect that.”
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