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Falcons QB Vick indicted in dogfighting

ATLANTA, July 17 (UPI) -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick reportedly has been indicted on two felony charges in an alleged dogfighting ring at a house he owns in Virginia.

According to a report on Atlanta TV station WSBTV's Web site, Vick has been indicted for sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture and for conspiracy as part of another felony in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District in Richmond, Va.

Vick's home in Surry County, Va., was raided April 26 and authorities seized 54 dogs, along with several other pieces of equipment associated with dogfighting.

The property was searched again June 7 by federal officials, who uncovered the graves of several pit bulls.

Vick denied any involvement in dogfighting conducted on his property when the case first broke and has blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity.

The indictment could affect Vick's status for the 2007 season under the NFL's new player conduct policy.

David Beckham's debut Saturday in doubt

CARSON, Calif., July 17 (UPI) -- David Beckham's American debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday was in doubt Tuesday.

Beckham was unable to participate in a intrasquad scrimmage Monday because of an injured left ankle.

The international star was introduced by the Galaxy on Friday. But fans hoping to see the English star on the field may have to wait longer than expected.

"We want to get him on the field as quickly as possible but we don't want to put him in any danger," Galaxy Coach Frank Gallop said. "There is always a possibility that he won't play because of his injury but we're never going to force him to play."

Beckham injured the ankle playing for England in a Euro 2008 qualifying match last month. He aggravated the injury in his final game for Read Madrid.

He signed a five-year deal with L.A. worth $32.5 million, which will total $250 million with endorsements.

Minnesota Gopher facing rape charge

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., July 17 (UPI) -- Bail was set at $25,000 Tuesday for Minnesota Gophers cornerback Dominic Jones, who is accused of raping a woman who had passed out after drinking heavily.

Jones, 20, of Columbus, Ohio, did not enter a plea to the felony charge of third-degree sexual misconduct during his arraignment in Hennepin County District Court, the Star Tribune reported. His next hearing was scheduled Aug. 6.

Attorney, Earl Gray, said Jones, a two-year starter for the University of Minnesota football team, had never been arrested before and would fight the charge against him.

Three other Gophers -- defensive end Alex Daniels, cornerback Keith Massey and running back E.J. Jones -- were arrested following the April 3 incident but have not been charged although they remain suspects, authorities said.

Second-seed German among winners in Italy

PALERMO, Italy, July 17 (UPI) -- Second-seeded Martina Muller of Germany was among the first-round winners Tuesday at the Internazionali Open.

Muller, the highest remaining seeded player in the tournament after top-seeded Michaella Krajicek was upset Monday, defeated Slovenian qualifier Andreja Klepac 6-2, 6-1.

Third-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland and fourth-seeded Frenchwoman Emilie Loit also posted straight-set wins Tuesday. Radwanska beat Mariya Koryttseva of the Ukraine 6-1, 6-4, and Loit beat Spain's Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-4, 6-3.

Italian Karin Knapp upset fifth-seeded countrywoman Roberta Vinci 6-2, 2-6, 6-3. Also, Romanian qualifier Sorana Cirstea beat seventh-seeded Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-2, 6-4, and eighth-seeded Agnes Szavay of Hungary won 6-2, 6-1 over Romania's Ioana Raluca Olaru.