Ramirez apologizes on return to Dodgers
SAN DIEGO, July 3 (UPI) -- Los Angeles superstar Manny Rodriguez returned from a 50-game suspension Friday and issued a pre-game apology to Dodger fans and teammates.
Ramirez was in the starting lineup Friday for his team's 80th game of the campaign, a meeting with the San Diego Padres. He had been out of action since May 6, at which time the Dodgers had a 21-8 record.
The Dodgers went into Friday's game with a 50-29 mark and a 7 ½-game lead in the National League West.
Ramirez was suspended for taking a female fertility drug that can be used to mask the use of steroids, various unconfirmed media reports said.
Prior to Friday's game, Ramirez apologized for violating baseball's drug policy.
"I missed the game that I love, I miss being around the guys," said Ramirez, who wore dark glasses during his news conference. "It is what it is, but I'm here, I feel great and I'm ready to play. I want to say I'm sorry to the fans, to my teammates that they're always there for me. I want to thank (team owner) Frank McCourt for his support. I'm excited. I can't wait to get onto the field."
Ramirez, 37, was batting .348 with six homers and 20 RBI when he was suspended. During his absence, Juan Pierre started all 50 games for the Dodgers in left field. Pierre batted .318 with 21 RBI and 21 steals in those contests.
"I know it's going to take time for me to get my rhythm, to get my timing," Ramirez said. "That's what I'm here for and I'm just going to go day-by-day."
Tiger moves in front at AT&T NationalBETHESDA, Md., July 3 (UPI) -- Tiger Woods moved in front at the halfway point of the AT&T National Friday, putting himself in position for what would be his third victory of the year.
Woods, who is host of this week's PGA Tour stop, shot a 4-under 66 at the Congressional Country Club for a two-day total of 130.
He will take a one-shot lead into the holiday weekend over Rod Pampling, who came within one shot of equaling his career best by shooting a 64.
First-round leader Anthony Kim, winless since he captured this tournament a year ago, was alone in third at 132 after a 70. Jim Furyk was another shot back following a 67.
"Either I hit it pretty close to the hole, within 10 feet, or I was missing greens," Woods said. "So it was a little bit of two ends today. It was nice to actually get a score out of it."
Kim shot a course record 62 in the opening round, but struggled on the back nine Friday.
"I hate the way I hit the ball today," Kim said. "It was okay for about six or seven holes, but the swing got loose and I couldn't find it out there."
Phil Jackson coming back to LakersLOS ANGELES, July 3 (UPI) -- Phil Jackson announced Friday he will coach the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers for a 10th season in 2009-10, his 19th season overall as an NBA coach.
Jackson made the announcement amid speculation he might try to coach the Lakers during home games only, but after a battery of medical tests, he decided to coach the full season.
"All things point to go!," he said on the team's Web site. "After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season, including another long playoff post-season."
He had cited continued discomfort in his lower legs, which caused him to miss two games late last season, and was concerned when longtime assistant Tex Winter suffered a stroke.
Jackson -- a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame -- led the Lakers to their 15th NBA title this past season, and coached them to three straight championships in 2000-02. In nine seasons with Chicago, Jackson coached the Bulls to titles in 1991-93 and 1996-98.
His 10 titles as coach are the most in league history, surpassing the late Boston Celtics Coach Red Auerbach. He ranks sixth all-time in the NBA with 1,041 career victories and his winning percentage of .705 is tops in NBA history.
Rain washes out qualifying at DaytonaDAYTONA BEACH, Fla., July 3 (UPI) -- Rain wiped out qualifying Friday for Saturday's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway, leaving points leader Tony Stewart on the pole for the race.
Although the rains stopped during the afternoon, there was not enough time to stage qualifying runs before the scheduled start of the 250-mile Nationwide race.
When qualifying has to be abandoned, the points standings are used to determine the starting grid. Stewart will be joined on the front row, therefore, by Jeff Gordon. Jimmie Johnson will start third, followed by Kurt Busch and Carl Edwards.
Qualifying for last week's Sprint Cup race in New Hampshire was also rained out.
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