PHOENIX — Reigning WNBA MVP Diana Taurasi signed a multiyear contract extension with the Phoenix Mercury, ending speculation that she will take next season off.
Wearing down from playing nonstop for seven years, Taurasi had considered taking the 2011 WNBA season off and only playing overseas, where she makes about five times as much money.
The five-time all-star and two- time WNBA champion decided to stick around in hopes of winning another championship, allowing the league to keep one of its most recognizable stars.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though the Mercury said it was structured to give the team flexibility to sign other players.
“My intention is to win a lot of championships in Phoenix,” said Taurasi, who led the WNBA in scoring for a league-record fourth straight year, scoring 22.6 points per game. “I’m happy to have this contract signed so we can focus on the playoffs and winning another title.”
Clarett seeking to play again
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Ohio State tailback Maurice Clarett, who led the Buckeyes to the 2002 national championship, finished up 4 1/2 months in a locked-down, dormitory-style facility that serves as a transition for those getting out of prison. Now he wants to get back onto the football field.
Clarett asked a judge to let him travel to a tryout with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. A review of the motion will take place Wednesday. Clarett, who pleaded guilty in 2006 to aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon, cannot leave the state until he receives clearance from the court.
The expansion Omaha franchise will be making its debut in the UFL’s second season this fall. Omaha’s player personnel director is Ted Sundquist, former general manager of the Broncos, who took Clarett in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft.
Plushenko stripped of eligibility
LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Olympic gold and silver medalist Evgeni Plushenko has lost his eligibility after failing to appeal a June decision by the International Skating Union, which punished Plushenko for skating in exhibitions without permission from the Russian federation. Plushenko, 28, did not appeal in the allotted 21 days, and the ISU said its decision was final.
The Russian is now ineligible for “any ISU activity,” the international federation said, including the Olympics, world championships and Grand Prix series.
Footnotes.
Point guard Bo Spencer, who averaged 14.5 points last season, is transferring to Nebraska after having been declared academically ineligible at LSU. Spencer will be a senior when he becomes eligible at Nebraska in 2011-12.
• Forward Trevor Mbakwe returned to practice for Minnesota for the first time since he was sidelined by an assault accusation, saying he is relieved to have the case behind him and actually preparing to play in a game again.
• The Charlotte Bobcats and center Kwame Brown agreed on a one-year deal for the NBA veteran minimum of $1.3 million.
The Associated Press
