Seville, Spain – Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta died Tuesday, three days after collapsing on the field during his team’s Spanish League game against Getafe.
Puerta died of “multiple organ failure stemming from prolonged cardiac arrest” and subsequent coronary problems, Virgen del Rocio Hospital director Gimeno Guerrero said in a statement. Puerta, 22, had been in an intensive care unit since Saturday and had been given assisted ventilation, but his condition worsened Tuesday.
NBA
Alston charged with slashing man
Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston was charged with slashing a man’s neck during a ruckus at a New York City nightspot.
A 41-year-old man went to a hospital to be treated for a minor neck injury, then filed a complaint at a police precinct. Alston was arraigned on felony assault charges before being released without bail. A judge ordered him to return to court Jan. 3. His lawyer said Alston was “absolutely innocent.”
Guard Kevin Martin agreed in principle to a contract extension with the Sacramento Kings. The deal was believed to be a five-year extension to begin in the 2008-09 season.
The Phoenix Suns and D.J. Strawberry, their second-round draft pick, have agreed to a two-year contract that guarantees him a roster spot this season.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Texas gives Brown raise, extension
Texas coach Mack Brown got a two-year contract extension, a raise and two hefty bonuses to come later. University of Texas Regents unanimously agreed to extend Brown’s contract by two years through the 2016 season, boosting his salary from $2.66 million to $2.91 million, including a special payment of $100,000 to be paid Saturday, the day No. 4 Texas opens the season at home against Arkansas State. Brown also gets a $1 million bonus if he stays through next season and cashes in again with a $2 million bonus if he’s still there Jan. 1, 2010.
Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge jammed the pinky on his throwing hand taking snaps Monday, though how it might affect the senior when the 15th-ranked Volunteers open the season Saturday at California is unclear.
Todd Boeckman will start at quarterback when Ohio State hosts Youngstown State on Saturday in its opener.
Kirby Freeman was named Miami’s starting quarterback, beating Kyle Wright in the most-scrutinized competition of training camp. Meanwhile, receiver Sam Shields has been suspended for Saturday’s opener against Marshall after an unspecified violation of team rules.
Notre Dame defensive lineman Derrell Hand, arrested last month on a misdemeanor charge of propositioning a prostitute, will be allowed to play for the Fighting Irish after serving a three-game suspension.
East Carolina suspended quarterback Rob Kass for the season opener at No. 9 Virginia Tech three days after he was charged with driving while impaired.
FOOTNOTES
More gambling allegations cloud ATP
In the aftermath of irregular betting on a match this month involving fourth-ranked Nikolay Davydenko, some players – including No. 1 Roger Federer – have said they have heard of money offers to affect the outcomes of tour matches.
“If we receive information that something untoward is happening, we will investigate,” ATP spokesman Kris Dent said. “We don’t believe there is corruption in our sport.”
One player, 97th-ranked Paul Goldstein, was quoted by USA Today as saying he was approached about influencing a match.
A judge upheld New York’s ban on metal bats in high school baseball games, saying it was not his place to overturn a law that was approved by a local government with the public’s safety in mind. U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl said there is no clear evidence that metal bats cause more serious injuries than wooden bats, but added the City Council is entitled to make the judgment that the risk is too great.
Swin Cash’s layup with 8.5 seconds remaining in overtime lifted the Detroit Shock to a 71-70 victory over the New York Liberty in the decisive Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series in Auburn Hills, Mich.
David Beckham (ankle) and Landon Donovan (calf) are likely to be in the Los Angeles Galaxy lineup against Mexican champion Pachuca in tonight’s SuperLiga final.
Ernie Els withdrew from the Deutsche Bank Championship for family reasons.
USA Weightlifting executive director Rodger DeGarmo Jr. was found dead at a friend’s home in Chicago, the U.S. Olympic Committee said. He was 38.
Kerron Clement powered his way to victory in the 400-meter hurdles to give the Americans an eighth medal, and third gold, in the first four days of the world track and field championships in Osaka, Japan.
Clemson freshman swimmer Amy Marie Moxie collapsed while jogging and died at a hospital. She was 18.
