AP - Jessica Hardy's first trip to the Olympics could be over before it began. The swimmer tested positive for a banned substance, leaving her just two weeks to pursue any appeals before the Beijing Games.

AP - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is monitoring the ongoing rift between the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre. A person with direct knowledge of Goodell's interest said the commissioner has spoken with Packers management several times recently as tensions mounted between the three-time MVP and his team.

AP - Jones strained his left hamstring, and Hudson left after six innings with tightness in his right elbow, tempering the glow of the Braves' 9-4 victory Wednesday night over the Florida Marlins.

AFP - Italian press reports claimed that Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari will sign for Inter Milan on Thursday.

AP - Randy Carlyle, who coached the Anaheim Ducks to the Stanley Cup championship in 2007, signed a two-year extension Wednesday. Financial terms were not announced.

AP - For the 17th straight year, a Bowden-coached team is the preseason favorite in the Atlantic Coast Conference. For the first time in that span, it isn't Florida State.

AFP - Serbia's one-two punch in women's tennis, Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic, will lead a star-studded field at the Pan Pacific Open in September, organisers said Thursday.