Douglas is female athlete of the year
When Gabby Douglas allowed herself to dream of being the Olympic champion, she imagined having a nice little dinner with family and friends to celebrate. Maybe she’d make an appearance here and there.
“I didn’t think it was going to be crazy,” Douglas said, laughing. “I love it. But I realized my perspective was going to have to change.” Just a bit. The teenager has become a worldwide star since winning the Olympic all-around title in London, the first African American gymnast to claim gymnastics’ biggest prize. And now she has earned another honor. Douglas was selected the Associated Press’ female athlete of the year, edging out swimmer Missy Franklin in a vote by U.S. editors and news directors that was announced Friday.
Andrew Bynum has been cleared to start a six-step rehabilitation process but there is still no timetable when he can return to play for the Philadelphia 76ers.
The center hasn’t practiced or played this season because of bone bruises in his knees. Bynum said his right knee now feels fine but there is some pain in his left knee.
Bynum visited his doctor Thursday and received a dose of good news Friday. The 76ers said Bynum can begin low-impact exercises such as riding a stationary bike as the first step of his rehab.
Bynum said, “I’m confident I’ll be on the court this season.”
Free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski passed a physical, clearing the way for a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, a person familiar with the deal said.
The Chicago Cubs said they agreed to a one-year contract with outfielder Nate Schierholtz. The deal calls for Schierholtz to earn $2.25 million plus an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses.
The Milwaukee Brewers signed left-handed reliever Tom Gorzelanny to a two-year contract.
The Seattle Mariners signed pitcher Jeremy Bonderman to a minor league contract, hoping the right-hander can make a comeback from Tommy John surgery. Bonderman has not pitched in the majors since 2010.
The Houston Astros signed veteran right-handed reliever Jose Veras to a one-year contract. The 32year-old Veras was 5-4 in 72 relief appearances for Milwaukee in 2012.
The NCAA suspended Texas basketball guard Myck Kabongo for 23 games for accepting impermissible benefits and providing false statements during an investigation into the infractions.
Some of the top high school baseball players from the U.S. and Japan will play a four-game series at the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy in Compton Wednesday through Friday. Game times: 11 a.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. Friday. Information: (310) 373-4888.