KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) - Shaun White jammed his wrist on one jump and watched the world’s best snowboarders join him in tumbling down the supersized, super-scary Olympic slopestyle course.
Quickly, his choice became clear: Time to step away from the danger, and give himself a better chance in the event he knows he can win.
The world’s most famous snowboarder pulled out of the new Olympic event Wednesday, saying that after much deliberation, he has decided to bypass a chance at winning two gold medals at these games and instead concentrate on the halfpipe, where he’ll have a chance to win his third straight title next week.
The world’s most decorated rider in a sport known for its risk-takers, White’s decision was a stunner that dealt yet another blow to the still-to-start Sochi Games. They have been wracked by security threats and political dust-ups, along with the loss of at least one other headliner, injured American skier Lindsey Vonn.
___
BASEBALL
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Former star pitcher turned television analyst Curt Schilling announced Wednesday that he is battling cancer.
The 47-year-old Schilling, who spent 20 years in the major leagues before retiring in 2009, divulged the news in a statement released through his employer, Bristol-based ESPN. It did not indicate what type of cancer Schilling has, when he was diagnosed or what his prognosis might be.
“With my incredibly talented medical team I’m ready to try and win another big game,” he said. “I’ve been so very blessed and I feel grateful for what God has allowed my family to have and experience, and I’ll embrace this fight just like the rest of them, with resolute faith and head on.”
ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys said Schilling is taking a leave of absence. He recently signed a multiyear contract extension with the network and was to be part of the “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcast team, as well as contribute to the network’s studio coverage, including its spring training coverage, Soltys said.
___
BASKETBALL
NEW YORK (AP) - LeBron James is no stranger to getting the greenlight to shoot, but this time it’s for a scripted comedy series set in the world of professional basketball.
Starz network is giving the go-ahead his sitcom, “Survivor’s Remorse.”
The Miami Heat star will serve as an executive producer of the half-hour show. He will team with Tom Werner, a force behind series such as “The Cosby Show” and “Roseanne.” Actor-writer Mike O’Malley will also be an executive producer.
The story follows Cam Calloway, a basketball phenom in his early twenties who is thrust into prominence after signing a multi-million-dollar contract with a pro team in Atlanta.
The series will shoot in Atlanta. Its six-episode first season airs this fall.
The network didn’t announce any cast members.
___
MLS
MIAMI (AP) - David Beckham has exercised his option to purchase a Major League Soccer expansion team in Miami, and the deal will be finalized the former English national team captain he can secure a financing plan and location for a new stadium.
The latest development in the pursuit of a Miami team was announced by MLS Commissioner Don Garber at a news conference Wednesday. Beckham and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez also attended.
Beckham has scouted possible stadium sites and is seeking investors to assist with startup costs such as construction and player acquisitions. Among those who might become involved is Beckham’s friend LeBron James, who has had recent conversations with the retired soccer star about bringing a team to Miami.
___
WNBA
Magic Johnson is part of a group buying the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.
The former Lakers great will take over a franchise that’s been looking for new ownership the past six weeks. Johnson was a part owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers for a decade before selling his share of the team in 2011.
Johnson and Mark Walter teamed with a group of investors to buy baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 for a record $2 billion. It will be the same group owning the Sparks, minus Peter Guber, who owns a stake in the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.