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Manny apologizes, won't discuss steroids

(AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

SAN DIEGO (AP) Manny Ramirez returned to the big leagues as only he could.

Wearing sunglasses and with his famous dreadlocks in a ponytail, the Los Angeles Dodgers' slugger apologized to fans and teammates during a news conference Friday afternoon. He refused to answer questions about steroids, laying off them as if they were pitches in the dirt.

"I'm here. I'm excited. I can't wait to get into the field," Ramirez said as his 50-day suspension for violating baseball's drug policy ended.

Jackson to return 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. (MORE)

Federer, Roddick reach Wimbledon final
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) Rising, rising, rising, high above the most famous patch of grass in tennis, Roger Federer channeled Pete Sampras on match point in the Wimbledon semifinals Friday, tucking both feet back beneath his body and uncorking an overhead smash. And now, after years of chasing Sampras, Federer is poised to surpass him. (MORE)

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. (MORE)

Woods takes lead at AT&T National
BETHESDA, Md. (AP) The best of Tiger Woods came Friday when his game was falling apart. Woods lived up to his hopes of being a "greedy host" when he salvaged his round during a shaky stretch in the middle and shot 4-under 66 to take a one-shot lead at his AT&T National with the lowest 36-hole score ever at Congressional Country Club. (MORE)

Nash, Jackets agree on 8 years, $62.4M
COLUMBUS, Ohio (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. (MORE)

Report: Celts offer Rasheed Wallace deal

Armstrong under doping watch at Tour
PARIS (AP) France's sports minister says Lance Armstrong will be "particularly monitored" for doping during the Tour de France. The seven-time Tour winner has come out of retirement to ride in cycling's showcase. The three-week race starts Saturday in Monaco. (MORE)

NASCAR chairman defends drug policy

Yankees bounce back, Burnett beats Jays
NEW YORK (AP) After he was knocked out in the third inning at Fenway Park in early June, A.J. Burnett vowed to improve. Has he ever. (MORE)

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