Turks suspend Taurasi after drug test
ISTANBUL, Turkey, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- WNBA star Diana Taurasi was suspended in Turkey after testing positive for a banned substance, the Turkish Basketball Federation announced Friday.
Taurasi, of the Phoenix Mercury, has been playing in Turkey during her league's off-season in the United States.
A news release from the federation said Taurasi tested positive in a routine urine sample for Modafinil, a substance used for sleep disorders.
She was suspended on a "provisional basis" until further testing is completed, the federation said.
Many WNBA women play for European teams during the U.S. off-season.
Taurasi played in Russia the previous four years.
The former University of Connecticut star has led the WNBA in scoring four times and won the league's MVP award in 2009.
Taurasi helped lead the Mercury to the WNBA championship in 2007 and 2009.
USGA's David Fay announces retirement
FAR HILLS, N.J., Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Longtime United States Golf Association Executive Director David Fay announced his retirement, saying it's "a good time to move on."
Fay's retirement takes effect Dec. 31, ending a 21-year run as head of the organization.
Mike Butz, USGA deputy executive director, was named executive director in an acting capacity.
"David's passion for the game can be matched only by his passion for the people and the mission of the United States Golf Association," Jim Hyler, president of the USGA, said Friday. "He has been a steadfast advocate for the game and our national championships and the USGA is thankful for his service."
Fay, 60, has been with the golf organization for more than 30 years.
"Things are in good order," Fay said in announcing his decision to retire. "Our senior staff leaders, each of whom I have put into place, are highly talented and motivated. And looking ahead, there are a number of multiyear projects on the drawing board which could have long-term impact on the association. Which makes this, for me, a good time to move on."
Injured Sabres' Derek Roy out 4-6 months
BUFFALO, N.Y., Dec. 24 (UPI) -- A leg injury and upcoming surgery will sideline Buffalo Sabres center and scoring leader Derek Roy for 4-to-6 months, the NHL team announced Friday.
Roy suffered a torn left quadriceps when he was checked into the boards by Florida defenseman Dmitry Kulikov in a 4-3 Panthers win over the Sabres Thursday.
The 27-year-old Roy is expected to have surgery within a few days.
Roy leads the Buffalo club with 35 points (10 goals and 25 assists) in 35 games this season.
McNabb's agent slams coordinator
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The agent for benched Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb said offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has been undermining his client.
Fletcher Smith III said McNabb, who was benched for the team's final three games of the season, had "tension" with Shanahan after the player "suggested modifications to Kyle's offense based on intricacies Donovan has learned in his NFL career," The Washington Post reported Friday.
"For example, Donovan has asked all year that the team run more screen passes to help manage the pass rush more effectively. Ironically, Kyle decided to employ Donovan's suggestions after he unceremoniously benched him on Sunday," Smith said.
Coach Mike Shanahan, Kyle Shanahan's father, issued a statement Thursday saying he stands by the decision to bench McNabb.
"As I stated earlier, when I traded for Donovan McNabb, I had hoped that he would lead us to the playoffs. No one wanted him to be more successful than me," Shanahan said. "When the team was 5-8 and mathematically out of the playoffs, I made the decision to evaluate our other two quarterbacks. This was not personal, but strictly professional. The decision was made in the best interest of the Washington Redskins and I stand by my decision."
