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Shannon Sharpe, Bruce Smith Are Among 17 Football Hall of Fame Finalists Shannon Sharpe, Bruce Smith, Rod Woodson and John Randle are first-year eligible players among the 17 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Yankees, Andy Pettitte Still Talking Contract, Owner Hal Steinbrenner Says The New York Yankees are reluctant to meet the contract demands of Andy Pettitte and the free-agent pitcher doesn’t want to sign on the club’s terms, owner Hal Steinbrenner said.

Carl Pavano Joins Cleveland Indians as Free Agent; Cubs Acquire Vizcaino Pitcher Carl Pavano, limited to 26 starts with the New York Yankees during the past four seasons because of injuries, signed a one-year free-agent contract with the Cleveland Indians.

Tribune May Pick Winning Bidder for Chicago Cubs Baseball Team This Week Tribune Co. asked the three finalists bidding for the Chicago Cubs to refine their proposals and may pick a winner as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the transaction.

New York Mayor's Administration to Forgo Box at Yankee Stadium, AP Says New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration will give up luxury boxes at the baseball stadiums under construction for the Yankees and Mets, the Associated Press reported, citing an unidentified spokesman.

Mark Teixeira, Longtime Don Mattingly Fan, Says Yankees Are Perfect Fit Mark Teixeira said the New York Yankees were his top choice as a free agent and called the 26- time World Series champions a “perfect fit” for him and his family.

Rex Ryan Is Favorite to Become Coach of NFL's New York Jets, BetUS Says Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is the favorite to get the New York Jets’ coaching job, followed by Steve Spagnuolo of the New York Giants, according to the Internet gambling Web site BetUS.com.

Betting on U.S. Horse Races Fell 20 Percent in December From Year Earlier Wagering on U.S. horse races fell 20 percent in December compared with the same month a year earlier, according to figures released by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

Florida Athletic Director Foley Earns Highest Pay as Gators Seek BCS Title When Jeremy Foley was hired as athletic director in 1992, the University of Florida was emerging from National Collegiate Athletic Association probation, playing in an outdated stadium and seeking its first national title in football or men’s basketball.

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