Professional Sports

Carl Edwards used two straight wins to take the Sprint Cup points lead for the first time in his career. But on Wednesday, NASCAR said his Las Vegas victory was tainted and slammed Edwards and his Roush Fenway Racing team with its toughest penalty yet.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- John Smoltz is throwing out another change-up and we're not talking about a new pitch, either. While his teammates are playing spring training games, the ageless right-hander is going about the business of preparing for his 21st season on the back fields of the Atlanta Braves' complex, an obscure place usually left to the minor leaguers.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Moments after the no-hitter was no more, Atlanta manager Bobby Cox was disappointed. No kidding. ``Almost,'' Cox said after the Braves came within one out of a combined no-hitter. ``Dang it. Almost.''

The Atlanta Falcons continued their dramatic wave of offensive cuts by releasing quarterback Joey Harrington.

Goalie makes second appearance with Griffins

Golden State coach Don Nelson had no trouble putting together a game plan against the Atlanta Hawks. Baron Davis scored 35 points and Stephen Jackson had 29 to lead the Golden State to its fourth straight victory, 135-118 over Atlanta on Tuesday night.

Chad Denny scored two goals and Tomas Pospisil and Lou Dickenson each added 2 assists, but it was not enough as the Gwinnett Gladiators fell to the Charlotte Checkers by a 4-3 score at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena on Tuesday night.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Right-hander Tim Hudson recovered from an uninspiring first inning, and the Atlanta Braves went on to a 10-1 spring exhibition victory over the Philadelphia Phillies today.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- After flirting with retirement for years, Brett Favre means it this time. The Green Bay Packers quarterback quit after a 17-season career in which he dazzled fans with his grit, heart and rocket of an arm.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Brett Favre has decided to retire from the NFL after 17 seasons. FOX Sports first reported Tuesday that the Green Bay Packers quarterback informed the team in the last few days. ESPN.com said that according to Favre's agent the quarterback told coach Mike McCarthy of his decision.