Report: Urine samples link Bonds to steroids
baseball
Federal prosecutors preparing for Barry Bonds' perjury trial are said to have evidence that links Bonds to the use of performance-enhancing drugs other than the "cream" and the "clear." A person who has reviewed the evidence told The New York Times that the authorities detected anabolic steroids in urine samples linked to Bonds that they gathered in connection with their investigation. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity. The evidence could be significant because questions have been raised about whether the "clear," which like the "cream" was created to avoid detection in drug tests, was technically a steroid under federal law when Bonds said before a federal grand jury in November 2003 that he never knowingly using performance-enhancing drugs. ESPN.com reported that former major league catcher Bobby Estalella, Bonds' teammate on the San Francisco Giants in 2000 and 2001, has been subpoenaed and is expected to testify to firsthand knowledge that Bonds used steroids. A source told the Times that federal prosecutors also plan to call Jason Giambi and his brother Jeremy as witnesses.
Et cetera: : Designated hitter Jason Kubel and the Twins agreed to a two-year, $7.2 million contract with a $5.25 million team option for 2011. ... Mike Sweeney and the Mariners agreed to a minor league contract, and the 35-year-old will compete to become the team's designated hitter. ... Right-hander Russ Springer and the Athletics agreed to a one-year contract worth about $3 million. ... Infielder David Newhan, a former Oriole, and the Astros agreed to a minor league contract.
Federer advances to final at Australian Open
tennis
Roger Federer moved within one victory of tying Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles by dominating Andy Roddick, 6-2, 7-5, 7-5, to reach the Australian Open final in Melbourne. The second-ranked Federer, seeking his fourth Australian title, will face the winner of today's semifinal between Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco. All that stands between Serena Williams and a 10th Grand Slam title is third-seeded Dinara Safina, who ousted fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva, 6-3, 7-6 (4), in the semifinals. With her wins in the singles and doubles semifinals, Williams broke Annika Sorenstam's record for career prize money by a female athlete with $22.7 million.
Anthony cleared to return from broken hand tonight
nba
Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony has been cleared by his doctor to play tonight against the Charlotte Bobcats. Anthony (Towson Catholic), who has missed the past 10 games with a broken bone in his hand, was hurt Jan. 5 against the Indiana Pacers. Anthony is averaging 21.1 points and 7.3 rebounds.
Magic 99, Cavaliers 88:: Dwight Howard had 22 points and 18 rebounds, Hedo Turkoglu added 19 points and 11 rebounds, and host Orlando (35-10) took advantage of LeBron James' off-night to beat Cleveland (35-9). James was 10-for-27 shooting for the Cavaliers. He finished with 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
Et cetera: : Shaquille O'Neal received his 15th All-Star selection to lead the list of reserves for the Feb. 15 game in Phoenix. ... Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko is scheduled to have surgery today to remove a bone fragment from his right ankle. The team said it won't know until after the operation how long Kirilenko will be out. ... The NBA said Lakers center Andrew Bynum would not be suspended for the foul that put Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace in the hospital. ... Thunder guard Desmond Mason (hyperextended knee) will miss the rest of the season.
Maryland adds five to football roster
et cetera
Maryland's football team is getting some help where it needs it - on the defensive line. Coach Ralph Friedgen said three defensive linemen and two linebackers have enrolled at the school and will participate in spring practice. The recruits are defensive linemen DeOnte Arnett, Cody Blue and Zachariah Kerr, and linebackers Darin Drakeford and Avery Murray. Maryland said Arnett, of Forestville, was rated four stars by Rivals.com and Scout.com. He is expected to help a line hurt by the departures of Jeremy Navarre, Mack Frost and Dean Muhtadi. The Terps will announce their entire 2009 signing class Wednesday.
JEFF BARKER
College basketball: : Dennis Felton was fired as Georgia's coach. Assistant coach Pete Herrmann will be the interim coach the rest of the season. He takes over a team that is 9-11 and 0-5 in the Southeastern Conference. Felton had an 84-91 record and was in his sixth season at Georgia. ... McDonogh graduate DaJuan Summers, the leading scorer for No. 25 Georgetown at 14.7 points, has a strained muscle in his left foot, making him unlikely to play in tomorrow's game at No. 8 Marquette.
Golf: : Lucas Glover and Australia's James Nitties shot 6-under-par 65s to share the first-round lead in the FBR Open in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Phil Mickelson struggled to a 76 in his first PGA Tour round of the year. Play was suspended because of darkness with nine players on the course.
Soccer: : The United States plans to submit simultaneous bids to soccer's governing body for the right to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022. ... Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena dismissed reports that David Beckham could stay with AC Milan beyond his current loan.
NHL: : The Capitals' Alex Ovechkin and injured defenseman Tom Poti participated in three-on-three scrimmages and are expected to play tomorrow against the visiting Red Wings.
Varsity:: Archbishop Spalding's Andrew C. Witte was named Coach of the Year for boys track and field by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
College lacrosse: : Towson senior midfielder Hillary Fratzke was named the Colonial Athletic Association Preseason Player of the Year.
Horse racing: : The Maryland Racing Commission will hold a regularly scheduled public meeting Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. in the Laurel Park Clubhouse. Agenda items include final commission approvals for restrictions on the use of anabolic steroids and the elimination of toe grabs.