LA Clippers have first pick in NBA Draft
SECAUCUS, N.J., May 19 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Clippers won the NBA Draft lottery Tuesday and will have the first pick on June 25.
The Clippers, who finished this past season 19-63 and had a 17.7 percent chance of getting the top pick, won the lottery for the third time.
The Clippers had the top pick in 1998 and selected Pacific's Michael Olowokandi and again in 1988, when they took Kansas' Danny Manning.
Memphis (24-68) will pick second, followed by Oklahoma City (23-59) and Sacramento (17-65).
Giants starter may be out for rest of season
SAN FRANCISCO, May 19 (UPI) -- San Francisco starter Noah Lowry was to have the first rib on his left side removed Tuesday and delay his comeback career.
Lowry was recently diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome -- a circulatory issue -- and the removal of the rib is expected to remedy the problem. Recovery time is about three months and it is unknown if Lowry will attempt to pitch again this season.
Lowry was attempting a comeback after surgery on his throwing forearm caused him to miss the entire 2008 season.
Lowry's agent Damon Lapa said earlier that the Giants' medical staff misdiagnosed the original forearm injury nearly two years ago. The Giants disagreed in a Tuesday statement.
The 28-year-old lefthander led the Giants in wins in 2007 with a 14-8 mark in 26 starts. Lowry is 40-31 in 106 career games (100 starts), over parts of five seasons with the Giants.
Gordon undergoes back procedure for pain
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 19 (UPI) -- Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon underwent a back procedure Monday to lessen pain that has gotten progressively worse.
"I had a facet block procedure done on my back on Monday, and it went well," Gordon said. "I was a little sore after the procedure, but I'll definitely take that brief bit of soreness if it stops the recurring back pain I've had. It's too early to tell if that fixed the problem."
The procedure involved an injection of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory into a joint in the spine. The procedure is commonly ordered for patients who suffer lower-back pain or pain associated with arthritis. If it is not effective, surgery may be necessary.
"There's a little bit of arthritis, which is not totally unnatural," Gordon said. "But there are also some other things."
Gordon is expected to participate in Thursday's practice and qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
New Orleans selected for 2013 Super Bowl
NEW ORLEANS, May 19 (UPI) -- Saints owner Tom Benson announced Tuesday that New Orleans was selected by NFL owners as the site for Super Bowl XLVII in 2013.
Miami and Phoenix had also bid for the league's championship game.
"This is a great accomplishment for New Orleans, and the significance of bringing the Super Bowl to our city and region can't be overstated," said Benson. "This shows that our city is on the rise, viable and thriving, and I have great faith in what we can accomplish and the impact it will have, starting today."
This will be the 10th time New Orleans will host the Super Bowl and the first since hurricane Katrina in 2005.
