SESTRIERE, Italy — Olympic downhill champion Lindsey Vonn plans to enter both World Cup races this weekend despite an injury to her left knee.
U.S. women’s coach Alex Hoedlmoser said “(the injury) seems to be OK” and nothing serious. The Vail skier has a possible strained MCL, but has been able to train this week.
A blizzard at the site of the 2006 Turin Olympics wiped out Friday’s final downhill training run. The status is questionable for today’s downhill race and a super-combined Sunday. The races could be postponed to Monday.
Wade sits out with sore wrist
MIAMI — Heat guard Dwyane Wade did not play in Miami’s 88-87 victory over the Detroit Pistons because of a sprained right wrist. He will have an MRI today.
Miami also played again without power forward Chris Bosh, whose high left ankle sprain is improving to the point he could play Sunday at Oklahoma City.
• Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams is day to day because of a hyperextended right wrist.
Nathan on fast track to recovery
BLAINE, Minn. — Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan, recovering from Tommy John surgery March 26, said he felt so good during a bullpen session he asked manager Ron Gardenhire to step into the batter’s box against him.
“I wasn’t afraid to come inside and brush him back a couple times,” Nathan said.
Gardenhire said he knows Nathan is eager to get back into the mix after sitting out all of last season but added the coaches have a plan for easing him back in.
“We’ll always err on the cautious side,” Gardenhire said. “We’ll try to do that with Nathan.”
• Nomar Garciaparra will become the analyst for ESPN’s Wednesday night baseball telecasts this season, with Dave O’Brien providing the play-by-play voice.
Aaron Boone and Rick Sutcliffe will be the analysts for the network’s Monday night broadcasts, while Sean McDonough will do the play-by-play.
Contador vows to fight system
PUIGPUNYENT, Balearic Islands — Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador intends to fight a proposed doping suspension, saying he is a victim of a flawed system and insists it’s a “question of honor” to prove he did not cheat to win the Tour de France.
Contador promised to defend his innocence “until the end” as he spoke publicly for the time since learning of the proposed one-year ban from the Spanish cycling federation for a positive clenbuterol test that could cost him his Tour title.
“In the next 10 days I’m going to work and do all I can to receive justice. It’s a question of honor, defending your pride and your innocence,” Contador said.
Footnotes.
The Detroit Red Wings activated forward Pavel Datsyuk (wrist) from injured reserve.
• Wisconsin football coach Bret Bielema received a contract extension through 2016.
• Former Colorado Rapids forward Jeff Cunningham signed a multiyear contract with the Columbus Crew.
