AP - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is monitoring the ongoing rift between the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre. A person with direct knowledge of Goodell's interest said the commissioner has spoken with Packers management several times recently as tensions mounted between the three-time MVP and his team.

AP - Mike Mussina baffled the Twins for eight innings, Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run double and the New York Yankees beat Minnesota 5-1 Wednesday for their 10th straight home win.

AP - Josh Childress is leaving the Atlanta Hawks for Greek club Olympiakos, reversing the course of the many international stars who have signed with the NBA.

AP - The WNBA always seems to crave more attention. Mission accomplished, albeit it without a dunk or fantastic play.

AP - Nursing a mild right ankle sprain, U.S. forward LeBron James shot baskets on the sidelines but was held out of a scrimmage on Wednesday.

AFP - National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Kobe Bryant, who sparked the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals, smiled when asked about his summer plans following the playoffs.

AFP - Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle insisted on Wednesday that star Romania forward Adrian Mutu will be staying at the club despite interest from AS Roma.

AP - For the 17th straight year, a Bowden-coached team is the preseason favorite in the Atlantic Coast Conference. For the first time in that span, it isn't Florida State.

AFP - Second-seeded Serena Williams withdrew from the 600,000-dollar WTA hardcourt tournament here with a left knee injury, hoping to be fit in time for the Beijing Olympics.

AP - Fresh off a disqualification on the LPGA Tour, Michelle Wie has decided to tee it up against the men, again. Wie will play next week in the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open, the first time she'll play on the PGA Tour this year, tournament organizers said.