News Updates

Blazers will buy out the contract of recently acquired guard Steve Francis for $30 million. This is much higher than the $20 million price tag that had been flying around since the Blazers received Francis in a draft-day trade with the Knicks. The $30 million accounts for almost all of the $33.6 million that he was due under his contract. Francis is on the waiver wire as of 12:01 AM this morning, which could allow another team to claim him for his current contract. Otherwise, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 7 days.

The Penguins have signed team captain and NHL MVP Sidney Crosby to a 5-year $43.5 million extension.

After reports last night that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig would be in attendance for Barry Bonds record setting home run, Selig reported that he had made no decision as of yet. "All of this will have to be played by ear," Selig said. "I do have a day job." Ummmm, your day job is the commissioner of Major League Baseball. This will be one of the most historic moments in baseball history, for many reasons. Isn't THIS your day job?

Norwegian Thor Hushovd won Wednesday's Stage 4 of the Tour de France. Hushovd got his fifth Tour de France stage victory by beating South African Robert Hunter by less than a single bike length. Discovery Team riders Levi Leipheimer, George Hincapie, Vladimir Gusev, and Alberto Contador all finished in the main peloton with the same time as the leaders.