HOUSTON — Houston Rockets center Yao Ming underwent surgery Thursday to repair a stress fracture in his left ankle, a procedure he said might end his career.
The 7-foot-6 Yao, who has been out since Nov. 10, played in only five games this season before the team declared him lost for the season. The seven-time all-star missed all of last season following reconstructive foot surgery.
“I know this will be another long rehab,” the 30-year-old Yao said. “But I’m looking forward to beginning my recovery. I will use this time to consider all of my options, and will make a decision regarding my career plans as I get closer to the end of my rehab.”
• The Memphis Grizzlies fined guard Tony Allen an undisclosed amount three days after he and teammate O.J. Mayo were involved in an altercation while playing cards on a flight from Los Angeles to Memphis.
The team has since banned gambling “anytime players are on official business with our team,” general manager Chris Wallace said.
• Forward Dirk Nowitzki, who leads the Dallas Mavericks in scoring at 24.1 points a game, remains day to day because of a sprained right knee.
• Phoenix Suns rookie forward Gani Lawal has torn ligaments in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season.
Taurasi’s Turkish contract voided
ANKARA, Turkey — American basketball star Diana Taurasi had her contract terminated by Turkish club Fenerbahce after her “B” sample tested positive for doping.
The Istanbul-based club made its decision after the Turkish Basketball Federation announced the results of the doping test. Taurasi faces a ban of up to two years, putting in jeopardy her chances of playing for the United States at the 2012 London Olympics.
Myhrer wins World Cup slalom
ZAGREB, Croatia — Andre Myhrer of Sweden won a World Cup night slalom race for his second career title, four years after capturing his first in Beaver Creek.
The Olympic bronze medalist, who was fourth after the opening run, finished with a combined time of 1 minute, 52.74 seconds. Ivica Kostelic of Croatia was 0.10 seconds behind to finish second, while Myhrer’s teammate Mattias Hargin had the fastest second-run time to jump from 30th to third, 0.36 behind the winner.
American Ted Ligety finished sixth for his best slalom result since placing fourth in Schladming, Austria, in 2008.
Footnotes.
Outfielder David Murphy and the Texas Rangers avoided arbitration, agreeing to a $2.4 million, one-year contract.
• The Philadelphia Phillies re- signed reliever J.C. Romero to a one-year, $1.35 million contract.
• Longtime Minnesota Twins executive Jerry Bell announced his retirement, while the team and right-hander Carl Pavano neared a two-year contract.
• Seton Hall forward Ferrakohn Hall transferred back home to Memphis and practiced with the Tigers, for whom he will be eligible to play when the fall semester ends next Dec. 15.
