Sports

Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester threw the first no-hitter of 2008, and the 257th in history. Lester survived a bout with lymphoma in 2006.

The Kentucky Derby winner cruised to big victory in the Preakness Stakes to remain undefeated in his career. Some have already anointed him as horse racing’s savior, but he’ll have to beat Japanese import Casino Drive to become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.

At issue is Speedo’s controversial LZR Racer swimsuit, which has helped shatter world records and caused many to question whether it provides an unfair competitive advantage.

An international court has ruled that amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is eligible to compete in the Olympics.

By Denis Cummings
The death of Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles angered critics who say horse racing is barbaric and inhumane.  Even racing insiders acknowledged the need for reforms that could potentially prevent future deaths.  One breeder takes it upon himself to create sturdier racehorses.

Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter called for an independent investigation into the New England Patriots’ videotaping scandal a day after the NFL effectively ended its inquiry.

Henin, currently the top-ranked women’s player in the world, announced her retirement at a press conference Wednesday.

Barry Bonds is charged with perjury and obstructing justice, superseding an almost identical indictment from November that was ruled to be too vague.

Manchester United clinched the title with a 2-0 win at Wigan, but Chelsea will have a chance for revenge in next week’s Champions League final.

Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo is the latest of celebrities to bungle “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at Chicago’s Wrigley Field.

by Cara McDonough
China makes history as the Olympic torch reaches the world’s highest peak, but critics of China’s policies see no reason to celebrate.

by Denis Cummings
The NCAA has released its 2008 Academic Progress Rate report, finding that the majority of underperforming schools are small and lacking in academic support for athletes.

Sports writer Buzz Bissinger criticized the rise of sports blogs, blaming them for destroying sports journalism and dumbing down society.

Big Brown remained unbeaten in his career and became the first horse since 1915 to win the Derby in his fourth career start. Runner-up Eight Belles broke both front legs and was euthanized on the track.

Post positions and odds for the Saturday’s Kentucky Derby were announced Wednesday. With no standout horses, handicappers are struggling to identify favorites and bettors are hoping for large payouts.

A dispute between two young best friends over the ownership of a David Beckham jersey escalates, revealing the ugly side of the sports  memorabilia market.

This year's entrants have run many more races over synthetic surfaces than past fields. Fans wonder how these horses will adjust to Churchill Downs’ dirt track.

West Point cadet Caleb Campbell is the first football player to take advantage of an Army policy that allows high-profile graduates to defer active service.

Hockey’s two most bitter rivals, the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings, have met in the semi-final round of the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy will send three representatives to China this week to bridge the diplomatic rift left by the Olympic protests in Paris.

The victory places 26-year-old Patrick third in the standings as she heads to the Kansas Speedway for the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 this weekend.

In an effort to avoid a potential curse, the Yankees dug up a Red Sox jersey buried in their new stadium by a Boston fan.

The 28-year old South African won his first career major, finishing three strokes ahead of second-place Tiger Woods.

The Chinese ambassador to London claims that the torch relay protests could lead to a Chinese “backlash” against the West.

Boston College beat Notre Dame 4-1 to win the 3rd national championship in school history.

E-mails between owners of the Seattle SuperSonics show they intended to move the team to Oklahoma City as far back as April 2007, which would violate their good-faith agreement to try to keep the team in Seattle.

Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said there are no plans to shorten the relay, but incensed Beijing by describing an Olympic “crisis.”

Missed free throws and a clutch three-pointer helped Kansas make a late comeback and win the NCAA Championship Game 75-68 in overtime.

Hillary Clinton urges President Bush to boycott the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics as authorities prepare for San Francisco protests.