UPI NewsTrack Sports

Report: FBI investigating Roger Clemens

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The FBI has begun an investigation into whether Roger Clemens committed perjury in testimony on Capitol Hill, said a published report in New York Thursday.

The New York Daily News said the probe centers on whether the seven-time Cy Young Award winner lied during his Feb. 13 testimony, when he told the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform he had never used steroids or human growth hormones.

Clemens' former personal trainer, Brian McNamee, testified at the hearing Clemens had used such substances. Andy Pettitte, a former New York Yankees teammate of Clemens, told investigators he and Clemens discussed Clemens' alleged use of HGH (human growth hormone).

Clemens repeatedly has denied the claims.

"The request to open an investigation regarding the congressional testimony of Roger Clemens has been turned over to the FBI and will receive appropriate investigative action by the FBI's Washington Field Office," FBI spokeswoman Debbie Weierman told the newspaper. "We can't talk about our investigative actions when an investigation is open."

Luke Donald leads Honda Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Luke Donald overcame blustery conditions Thursday to shoot a 6-under 64 and take the first-round lead at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Donald, the 2006 winner of this tournament, played in the morning during the worst of the high winds and with temperatures in the 40s.

His 64 over the PGA National course gave him a one-shot lead over Brian Davis and a two-shot advantage over Matt Jones.

Ernie Els, who has not won on American soil since capturing three tournaments in 2004, shared fourth place at 67 with Tim Wilkinson, Brett Quigley, Jimmy Walker and Kevin Sutherland.

"I guess my tee-to-green game really stood up today," said Els, who lost in the opening round of last week's Accenture Match Play Championship. "My putting wasn't too bad. I read the greens pretty well."

Jose Coceres, who lost in a playoff here last year, was at 68 along with Jesper Parnevik. Defending champion Mark Wilson shot a 73.

Justin Leonard is the only player among the top 10 on the FedEx Cup points list playing this week, currently standing in fourth place. He opened with a 69.

Louisville gains share of Big East lead

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- David Padgett had 26 points and six rebounds Thursday to lead 18th-ranked Louisville past No. 17 Notre Dame 90-85.

The winners set an early tone by streaking to a 22-8 advantage with 13:28 left in the first half. That lead grew to 34-16 about three minutes later on Derrick Caracter's layup and was 42-27 at the break.

In the final 20 minutes, Notre Dame closed to 81-75 on Luke Harangody's three-pointer with 1:08 left.

Terrance Williams and Earl Clark both scored 14 points.

Edgar Sosa and Andre McGee scored 10 each, while Clark added nine rebounds for the Cardinals (23-6, 13-3 Big East). Louisville won its eight straight and moved into a share of the Big East lead with idle Georgetown.

Harangody scored a career-high 40 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Notre Dame. Ryan Ayers finished with 17 points and five rebounds, but sharp-shooter Kyle McAlarney was held to seven points for the Fighting Irish (21-6, 11-4), who had won three in a row.

NFL teams busy on eve of free agency

IRVING, Texas, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Dallas Cowboys re-signed Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams Thursday, highlighting a flurry of moves on the eve of NFL free agency.

Those eligible to become free agents had the right to put themselves on the market at midnight EST Thursday.

To make sure Adams did not do that, the Cowboys signed him to a long-term contract. Terms were not disclosed. Adams has played 10 years the NFL, all of them with Dallas.

The San Francisco 49ers, meanwhile, reportedly signed quarterback Alex Smith through the 2010 season. The San Francisco Chronicle said the deal averages $8.25 million per year and includes $24 million in guaranteed money.

Smith had shoulder surgery in December and threw for just 914 yards in 2007.

In other moves, the St. Louis Rams released Isaac Bruce, the franchise's all-time leading receiver, and Miami signed wide receiver David Kircus.

Kircus did not play in the league last season after being cut by Denver prior to the start of the campaign.

In Houston, the Texans signed wide receiver-kick returner Andre Davis to a new long-term contract. He scored three touchdowns on kickoff returns last year.