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Clemens may face perjury charges

NEW YORK, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Seven-time Cy Young award winner Roger Clemens may face a criminal investigation into whether he committed perjury during drug testimony on Capitol Hill.

The New York Times reported Monday that staff members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform drafted a letter referring Clemens, but not his accuser, Brian McNamee, to be investigated by the Department of Justice.

McNamee, the star pitcher's former trainer, testified along with Clemens Feb. 13 before the committee. McNamee and Clemens gave contradictory testimony about use of performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball.

During his testimony, Clemens denied he had ever used steroids, human growth hormone, or any other type of illegal performance-enhancing drugs. McNamee had previously said he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone at least 16 times between 1998 and 2001.

Committee Chairman, Rep. Henry A. Waxman, D-Calif., in an opening statement Feb. 13 said: "We have found conflicts and inconsistencies in Mr. Clemens' account. During his deposition, he made statements that we know are untrue."

2nd seed Blake withdraws with sore knee

MEMPHIS, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Second-seeded American James Blake withdrew with a sore knee Monday from the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships.

Third-seeded German Tommy Haas, the defending champion, advanced in the first round with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Argentine Diego Hartfield.

Haas, a two-time defending champ, also won in 1999. He beat Andy Roddick in last year's final.

Seventh-seeded Jurgen Melzer of Austria had a tough match before beating American John Isner 6-7 (8-10), 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).

In other first-round action, Australian Chris Guccione defeated American Robert Kendrick 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5); Frenchman Florent Serra beat Brazil's Marcos Daniel 6-1, 6-2; Swede Jonas Bjorkman beat Chile's Paul Capdeville 6-3, 6-1; and Colombian Alejandro Falla defeated Israel's Dudi Sela, 6-4, 6-2.

Roddick, last week's champion in San Jose, is this week's top seed.

Forsberg returns to Colorado Avalanche

DENVER, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- All-star forward Peter Forsberg returned Monday to the team he won two Stanley Cups with, when he signed with the Colorado Avalanche.

It had been reported that multiple teams were interested in the Swedish hockey star, with Philadelphia and Colorado the most likely to acquire him.

Forsberg's agent, Don Baizley, said earlier that Forsberg was unlikely to return to the NHL, as he had been battling foot and ankle problems since last season. He has not played in more than 60 games since the 2002-03 season.

He spent the time since the end of last season in Sweden trying to rehabilitate from his foot and ankle problems.

Forsberg had until Tuesday's 3 p.m. EST trade deadline to sign with a team to be eligible to play in the post-season. Colorado has 68 points and sits in 10th place in the Western Conference, four points behind Nashville for eighth place.

Stewart wins Nationwide race Monday

FONTANA, Calif., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Tony Stewart made it two wins in a row Monday when he took the Stater Bros. 300 Nationwide race at the Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway).

The Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driver, who won last week's Nationwide race in Daytona, crossed the finish line more than two seconds ahead of runner-up Kyle Busch.

The victory was Stewart's fourth in his Nationwide career and his first outside of Daytona.

Stewart led 136 of 150 laps.

"The car was awesome," said Stewart. "It was so fast all you had to do was run your pace and those guys would wear their tires out trying to stay with us."

Kevin Harvick, David Reutimann and 2007 series champion Carl Edwards were third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Rangers defenseman has face surgery

NEW YORK, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- New York Rangers defenseman Paul Mara had face surgery on Monday and will be sidelined for the next two weeks.

Mara, 28, was hit by Buffalo forward Patrick Kaleta with a check in the Rangers game against the Sabres Saturday.

Doctors determined Sunday that Mara did not have a concussion.

In 55 games this season with the Rangers, Mara has one goal, 16 assists and 42 penalty minutes.