NBA
The Washington Wizards and small forward Martell Webster reached an agreement last week. Webster, 25, worked out for the Wizards at Verizon Center and impressed team officials so much they moved quickly to sign the swingman who is known for being a great outside shooter. Webster averaged 8.4 points and shot 37.4 percent from behind the three-point line in seven seasons with Minnesota and Portland.
Portis Retires
Clinton Portis, the No. 2 rusher in Redskins' history, retired from pro football on Thursday, August 23, after a stellar nine-year career. Portis choked up on several occasions as he expressed pride and gratitude for the entire Redskins' organization where he played seven seasons.
Redskins' owner Dan Snyder announced that the running back will be one of the 10 new inductees to the list of the 80 Greatest Redskins of All-Time, confirming the organization's appreciation of Portis. "You're talking about a Hall of Fame running back and someone that we're proud to retire as a Redskin," Snyder said.
Portis, 30, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, rushed for 6,824 yards on 1,667 carries and scored 46 rushing touchdowns. In 2005, he rushed for 1,516 yards, the best single-season rushing total in franchise history.
When asked if he thought that he would be enshrined into the NFL Hall of Fame, Portis said he was uncertain.
"You know, it would be a great feat," he said. "I think if the measurement for the Hall of Fame, if they can add my biggest attribute, which was heart, I would definitely be there. But just for the numbers, I'm not sure."
Portis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 2002 NFL Draft and traded after two seasons to the Redskins, where he earned a reputation as one of the toughest players on the squad.
"I never cheated myself and I gave everything that I had to this organization and to this Redskins nation, to this D.C. nation," Portis said. "I love this area and I will always feel a part of this community."
College Sports
Tyrann Mathieu's father said the former LSU standout won't play football this season. Tyrone Mathieu told ESPN that his son is fully committed to working through his personal problems with former NBA coach John Lucas at the Right Step Recovery Center in Houston, Texas. During his career, Lucas battled drug and alcohol problems. He now counsels others who face those same issues.
Tennis
Though no player will confess to looking ahead, Novak Djokovic may have been the biggest winner when the U.S. Open Tennis tournament bracket was set last Thursday.
The defending champion and No. 2 seed could reach his third consecutive final at Flushing Meadows without having to play Andy Murray or Roger Federer. Meanwhile, Murray and Federer ended up on the same side of the draw and could meet in the semifinals for a rematch of this year's finals at Wimbledon and the 2012 Summer Olympics.
On the women's side, third-seeded Maria Sharapova drew a possible semifinal match against No. 1 seed Victoria Azarenka. Fourth-seeded Serena Williams could meet No. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska in the semifinals.
Third ranked Rafael Nadal will miss this year's tournament with a knee injury. This year will be the first time since 2008 that the foursome of Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic haven't been seeded 1 through 4 in some order at the U.S. Open.
Aquille Carr
High school star Aquille Carr is known as "The Crimestopper" for his unique ability to stop the underbelly of East Baltimore in its tracks when he takes to the basketball court. The Patterson High School senior is expected to be the centerpiece of a re-energized Seton Hall University basketball team.
However, in an ironic twist of fate, Carr was arrested last week on a charge of domestic violence. Carr faces misdemeanor charges of second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.
According to police records, Carr is accused of throwing his ex-girlfriend, Treshonda Williams, to the ground and punching and kicking her outside of a Southeast Baltimore school. Carr doesn't have a prior criminal history.
