Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle was shot in the stomach by armed robbers, police said Friday. The team said he was in good condition after surgery. He originally was listed in critical condition. However, Derek Boyko, the Eagles’ director of media operations, said McDougle had spoken to police, who said the player was able…

Edgerrin James still likes playing football. He just doesn’t like playing the games that come with it. The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL rushing champion said Thursday he was ready for another big season — even though he’d prefer to have a long-term contract with the Indianapolis Colts. “I play football, that’s the easy…

With Miami feeling hotter than New Delhi, Dolphins running back Ricky Williams had to feel right at home. His actions, which led to his press conference, created the biggest buzz to hit South Florida since Shaquille O’Neal. This is how big it was: Dolphins senior vice president/media relations Harvey Greene received an e-mail wishing him…

Undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins will face undefeated middleweight heir apparent Jermain Taylor in a fight being billed as “NeXt in Line” on Saturday, July 16 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The championship card will be presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment and televised and distributed…

Venus Williams out-slugged champion Maria Sharapova to reach her fifth Wimbledon final with a 7-6 6-1 victory on Centre Court on Thursday. Showing the kind of form which won her the title here in 2000 and 2001, Venus tamed her tough 18-year-old Russian opponent in a hard-fought semi-final and will now face Amelie Mauresmo or…

With the NBA title on the line, Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs proved themselves worthy champions. Duncan came up huge in the second half and was chosen finals MVP after having the worst playoff series of his career, and Manu Ginobili had another breakthrough performance Thursday night to lead the Spurs past the…

The Green Bay Packers will retire Reggie White’s number at halftime ceremonies of their home opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 18. Team president Bob Harlan said he had told White before his death last December that he wanted to add his No. 92 to the retired numbers listed in the north end zone…

The Atlanta Hawks, who finished the season with an NBA-low 13 victories, will have the most chances to land this year’s No. 1 overall pick when the 2005 NBA Draft Lottery is held on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN). Five ties among teams finished the 2004-05 regular season with identical records were…

Shaquille O’Neal, plagued for a month by a thigh bruise, did not practice on Wednesday. O’Neal, who has not played since May 10, said rest and treatment have not healed his injury, and he’s not sure if he’ll be ready for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. It’s not that it got worse, it’s…

Kellen Winslow Jr.’s use of a motorcycle might have violated standard NFL contract language that prohibits players from engaging in dangerous activities. The Cleveland Browns could require Winslow, who lost millions last year because of a season-ending injury, to pay back a $4.4 million signing bonus he received in March. The 21-year-old tight end sustained…