Anthony will not appeal his suspension
DENVER, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets Thursday decided not to appeal his 15-game suspension for fighting to the NBA's front office.
Anthony's agent told USA Today that his client does not want to cause a "distraction" to the team.
Because of that on-court brawl, the third-year forward was among several players suspended by Commissioner David Stern. Anthony leads the league in scoring averaging 31.6 points per game.
He received the stiffest penalty after the wild player brawl in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' game against the New York Knicks last Saturday night.
The fighting erupted with 1:15 left in the fourth quarter and the Knicks behind. 119-100, when New York's Mardy Collins threw his arms around the neck of J.R. Smith as he drove to the basket.
Anthony is scheduled to return on Jan. 19 against Cleveland.
Smith has formally appealed his 10-game suspension. Stern also levied a fine of $500,000 against each team.
Foot injury sidelines Boston's Paul Pierce
BOSTON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce likely will miss two to three weeks action because of a stress injury in his left foot.
Pierce suffered the injury in Boston's 119-114 win against Denver Friday, but played with the pain over the next two games against Charlotte and Golden State.
The team said the eight-year veteran from Kansas aggravated the injury during Wednesday's 96-95 loss to the Warriors.
An MRI exam Thursday morning revealed the damage.
He did not take part in the team's practice session and is wearing a protective boot.
"I'm a guy who has been durable my whole career," Pierce told the Boston Herald. "You never envision not playing until it happens. Just sitting around is probably going to drive me nuts. I'm glad (doctors) caught it in time."
Pierce has team-highs of 26.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game.
The Celtics also are without guard Wally Szczerbiak (sprained ankle) who is out indefinitely.
Strahan upgraded to questionable
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Dec. 21 (UPI) -- New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan Thursday went through a second straight day of practice without any major pain in his sprained right foot.
Strahan has been listed as questionable for Sunday's home game against New Orleans.
The 6-foot-5 inch, 255-pound, 13-year veteran, a seven-time Pro Bowl choice and the NFL's single season sacks leader (22.5 in 2001), has not played since suffering the injury on Nov. 5 against Houston.
"Michael has done everything, been in every drill (and) is working his way back into his ability to be in the middle with all things," Coach Tom Coughlin said on the team's Web site.
In eight games this season, Strahan has 33 tackles (25 solo) and three sacks.
Andy Pettitte rejoins the New York Yankees
NEW YORK, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Free agent left-hander Andy Pettitte Thursday re-joined the New York Yankees after spending the last three years with the Houston Astros.
The 34-year-old Pettitte was a two-time American League All-Star in nine seasons with the Yankees, when he was 149-78 and pitched for four World Series championship teams.
His overall record is 186-104 with a 3.81 ERA.
He ranks ninth on the Yankees' all-time wins list with 149, and ranks fifth in career strikeouts with 1,275.
"I'm excited to be coming back," Pettitte said on the team's Web site. "I'm looking forward to trying to help this club get to the World Series and try to win another World Series. I know that's what it's all about there in New York. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to go back to a club that you think you've got a chance to win a championship with."
With Houston, Pettitte was 37-26 with a 3.38 ERA.
