Professional Sports

Brett Favre has been "had" more times than any quarterback in NFL history, to the tune of 288 career interceptions. But that's beginning to change under Packers coach Mike McCarthy. Favre is playing a more careful, disciplined brand of football in his second season under McCarthy. And, perhaps not coincidentally, he is back in the NFC Championship game for the first time in a decade.

The San Diego Chargers like what they're hearing from Philip Rivers. Forced to leave last weekend's upset win because of a sprained right knee, the mouthy quarterback is "optimistic" about playing Sunday in the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots.

When he needed it the most, top-seeded Roger Federer found an extra gear to survive at the Australian Open. There was never a letup in the tension of the 4 1/2-hour match as Federer was forced repeatedly to rally before outlasting 49th-ranked Janko Tipsarevic 6-7 (5), 7-6 (1), 5-7, 6-1, 10-8 on Saturday to advance to the fourth round of the tournament he has won the past two years.

The Atlanta Braves avoided salary arbitration with Matt Diaz by agreeing to terms with the left fielder Friday on a one-year contract. Diaz will earn $1,225,000 with $12,500 bonuses for 450 and 500 plate appearances.

Jeff Campbell posted a pair of assists while Lou Dickenson notched a goal and an assist but it wasn't enough to help the Gladiators past the Stingrays in a 4-3 loss at the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday night.

TORONTO -- Chris Bosh had 35 points and nine rebounds, Anthony Parker scored 18 points and the Toronto Raptors beat the Atlanta Hawks 89-78 on Friday night for their sixth win in seven games.

SEATTLE -- If Mike Holmgren does decide to retire from the Seahawks, his heir apparent will still be in Seattle. Former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora withdrew himself from consideration for the Washington Redskins' coaching vacancy and returned to the Seahawks' staff Friday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Chan Gailey figures that being a college coach the past six years should be a help instead of a hindrance as he dives back into the NFL. The former head coach at Dallas and offensive coordinator for Pittsburgh, Denver and Miami, Gailey was hired this week as offensive coordinator for Kansas City and tasked with repairing one of the league's worst attacks.

ATLANTA -- Atlanta Braves infielder Omar Infante had surgery on his left hand today and could miss the first month of spring training.

Georgia football legend Herschel Walker is expected to reveal in an upcoming book that he has multiple personalities - a revelation that surprises the man who coached the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner.