John Daly makes surprise PGA challenge
TULSA, Okla., Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Englishman Graeme Storm was a surprise first-round leader at the PGA Championship Thursday while John Daly shocked the golf world with a second-place showing.
Daly -- who has led a soap opera-like life since he burst upon the scene with a PGA Championship victory 18 years ago -- found himself in position Thursday to challenge for another major title.
Storm shot a 5-under 65 in 100-degree heat at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla., while Daly was two shots back.
The overweight Daly did not even play a practice round, choosing instead to visit an area casino for two straight days and play on its golf course.
"There were odds this week who would fall first, me or my caddy," Daly joked. "We made 18 holes."
Arron Oberholser, Woody Austin and Stephen Ames shared third place at 68.
Tiger Woods, seeking his fourth PGA crown and his 13th major championship, settled for a 71 while Phil Mickelson shot 73. Only 12 players broke par.
Since winning the PGA in 1989, Daly has had multiple divorces and trips to alcohol rehabilitation centers. Earlier this year he accused his wife of slicing his face while he was asleep.
MLB suspends Torre, Clemens
NEW YORK, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball Thursday suspended New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre and pitcher Roger Clemens for their parts in a brawl in a game against Toronto.
Clemens was suspended five games, Torre will have to miss one contest and both were fined an undisclosed amount.
Unless they appeal, their suspensions will begin Friday.
Fines were also assessed against New York coaches Larry Bowa and Tony Pena and Toronto's Matt Stairs, Josh Towers and coach Brian Butterfield.
Both benches emptied after Towers hit Alex Rodriguez with a pitch in the third inning of what turned out to be a 9-2 New York victory Tuesday. No punches were thrown but warnings were issued to both teams.
Clemens then hit Alex Rios in the back during the seventh inning with New York in front, 7-0. Clemens and Torre were kicked out of the game.
Padres dump David Wells
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The San Diego Padres Thursday designated veteran left-hander David Wells for assignment before the Padres' contest at St. Louis.
The move was timed for the return of all-star right-hander Chris Young, who spent time on the 15-day disabled list after suffering a strained left oblique muscle in his start against Colorado July 24.
The move could signal an end to the 20-year major league career of Wells, 44, who was 5-8 this season with 33 walks, 63 strikeouts and an ERA of 5.54 in 118 2/3 innings.
Wells was hammered for 26 earned runs in his last 26 2/3 innings.
"He absolutely still wants to pitch," said San Diego General Manager Kevin Towers, who spoke with Wells after the pitcher yielded seven runs and 11 hits against the Cardinals Monday night.
Towers said several teams have expressed interest in Wells for the stretch run.
Graffanino out with torn knee ligament
MILWAUKEE, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Veteran Milwaukee infielder Tony Graffanino is done for the 2007 season after tearing a right-knee ligament during a game against the Colorado Rockies.
The injury occurred in the bottom of the first inning Wednesday when the 35-year-old Graffanino made a leaping catch on a line drive by the Rockies' Brad Hawpe.
The Brewers said on their Web site that Graffanino will be re-evaluated Friday. He has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with an injury that normally takes a full year's recovery time.
"That's a good player and one of the team leaders," said catcher Damian Miller on Milwaukee's Web site. "It would have been nice to have him down the stretch, but that's the nature of the game."
Graffanino was batting .238 with nine home runs and 30 RBI in 231 at-bats.
Second baseman Rickie Weeks has been recalled from Triple-A Nashville to fill the vacant roster spot.
Miami Heat sign Penny Hardaway
MIAMI, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Veteran swingman Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway Thursday signed a contract with the Miami Heat.
No terms were disclosed.
The 36-year-old guard/forward has been out of basketball since knee problems limited him to just four games with the New York Knicks in the 2005-06 season.
"Penny is a player who has been an all-star and had an illustrious career," Coach Pat Riley said on Miami's Web site. "He is a skilled player who can help us at multiple positions (and) we have been impressed with his hard work and dedication this summer."
In 13 NBA seasons with New York, Orlando and Phoenix, the 6-foot-7 inch Hardaway -- a four-time all-star starter -- averaged 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists while playing in 688 games.
