TENNIS: Referee reinstated by USTA
Lois Goodman, the tennis referee whose career was almost ended by a charge that she murdered her husband with a coffee cup has been reinstated after the charge was dismissed for lack of evidence.
Her attorneys said the U.S. Tennis Association approved her to resume judging matches in 2013. Goodman was suspended after her arrest last August while preparing to work as a line judge at the U.S. Open.
MLB: Harden gets Twins’ minor-league deal
The Twins signed right-hander Rich Harden to a minor-league contract with an invitation to compete for a spot on the staff in spring training.
The 31-year-old Harden sat out the 2012 season after surgery on Jan. 31 to repair the rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder, his latest setback in a long line of arm problems.
The Brewers signed left-handed reliever Tom Gorzelanny to a two-year contract.
The Astros signed veteran right-handed reliever Jose Veras to a one-year contract.
ETC.: Douglas is AP’s top female athlete of 2012
Gabby Douglas, who won the Olympic all-around title in London, the first African-American gymnast to claim gymnastics’ biggest prize, was selected the Associated Press’ female athlete of the year, edging out swimmer Missy Franklin in a vote by U.S. editors and news directors announced yesterday.
Douglas received 48 of 157 votes, seven more than Franklin, who won four gold medals and a bronze in London. Serena Williams, who won Wimbledon and the U.S. Open two years after her career was nearly derailed by a series of health problems, was third (24).
Champions League contender Malaga was banned from European club competitions for an upcoming season by UEFA for failing to pay players wages and tax bills on time.
UEFA said the Qatari-owned Spanish club could be banned for a second season within the next four years if it misses a March 31 deadline to pay its debts, which are reported to include $11.6 million in unpaid player wages.