Sports Briefs

Originally published 04:01 a.m., July 4, 2009
Updated 04:01 a.m., July 4, 2009

Turkoglu, Blazers

end contract talks

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Free-agent forward Hedo Turkoglu and the Portland Trail Blazers have ended contract talks, a person close to the team confirmed Friday.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

Turkoglu’s agent, Lon Babby, didn’t immediately return calls or e-mails.

The 6-foot-10 forward who helped the Orlando Magic to the NBA finals arrived in Portland on Thursday to meet Blazers executives and tour the city.

Jackson returning

as Lakers’ coach

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Phil Jackson will return to coach the Los Angeles Lakers next season, getting a clean bill of health following a record championship season.

The Hall of Fame coach turns 64 in September and said on the team’s Web site Friday he got the go-ahead for another season after consulting the team doctor.

Jackson led the Lakers to their 15th NBA championship and his 10th title in June, breaking the mark he shared with the late Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach.

Ex-Hawaii QB

Chang arrested

HONOLULU (AP) — Former Hawaii quarterback Timmy Chang, one of the most prolific passers in college football history, has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and released without charges pending further investigation.

The 27-year-old Chang was arrested at his Mililani home Thursday after a woman alleged her camera was taken away from her while she was filming a brawl last month in the Pearlridge area.

A man, whom Honolulu police say was Chang, told the woman to stop filming the fight. A struggle ensued and the suspect allegedly took the camera and threw it on the roof of a nearby building.

Celtics make bid

for Wallace

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics have offered forward Rasheed Wallace a contract as part of a major push to land the coveted forward, according to a published report on Friday.

The Boston Globe reports the Celtics offered Wallace a deal during a three-hour meeting in Detroit on Thursday. Celtics stars Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce joined general manager Danny Ainge and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck at the meeting.

Wallace’s agent, Bill Strickland, told the Globe in a text message that it was a ‘‘very good meeting; some contractual terms discussed, nothing agreed to.’’

Vick could play

in fall for UFL

NEW YORK (AP) — When the United Football League debuts in October, Michael Vick could be one of its players.

Michael Huyghue, the commissioner of the new four-team league, says the UFL is willing to give Vick a place to play — provided there are no pending legal issues. His rights belong to the Orlando franchise.

Vick already has served an 18-month sentence in federal prison for his involvement in a dogfighting ring. He is under home confinement until July 20, after which the NFL is expected to announce whether the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback will be suspended.

Vick, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 draft, has not played football since the 2006 season.

Top Cuban pitcher

goes AWOL

AMSTERDAM (AP) — A Cuban pitcher considered by many baseball scouts to be the No. 1 left-handed prospect in the world left his hotel and vanished before the first ball was thrown at a tournament in the Netherlands, leaving his whereabouts a mystery, a spokesman for the Dutch team said Friday.

Aroldis Chapman, a player with a 100 mph fastball, was seen walking through the lobby of his hotel and climbing into a waiting car within an hour of the team’s arrival Wednesday for a four-nation tournament, spokesman Loet van Schelbeet said.

The 21-year-old failed to show up Thursday for Cuba’s first game in Rotterdam, according to van Schelbeet.

Ingelsby promoted

to Irish assistant

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame basketball coach Mike Brey has promoted Martin Ingelsby to assistant coach, filling the vacancy created when nine-year associate head coach Sean Kearney was hired as head coach at Holy Cross.

Brey said Friday that Ingelsby is considered a rising star in coaching and has gained the respect of other coaches around the country.

Ingelsby has been Notre Dame’s coordinator of men’s basketball operations since 2003. The Berwyn, Pa., native played point guard for the Irish from 1997-2001.

Holy Cross hired Kearney on Thursday.

Blue Jackets, Nash

reach extension

COLUMBUS (AP) — Rick Nash and the Columbus Blue Jackets have reached agreement on an eight-year contract extension through the 2017-18 season.

Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson confirmed the signing to The Associated Press on Friday night. The Canadian Press first reported the signing, saying the deal is worth $62.4 million. Nash will make $7 million in 2009-10.

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