WNBA Candace Parker returns to Sparks

WNBA

Candace Parker returns to Sparks

LOS ANGELES – Candace Parker is returning to action for the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday when they host the Phoenix Mercury.

The team said on Friday that last season’s WNBA MVP and rookie of the year will be in the lineup for the first time since giving birth to her daughter on May 13.

Parker was cleared by doctors to begin practicing Tuesday. She has not played at all this season.

“I feel like I’m really beginning to get my rhythm back,” Parker said. “This was a great week of practice, and it felt good to be with my teammates on the court. I’m not expecting to play 30 minutes, but I definitely can’t wait to get back out on the floor.”

Diana Taurasi
ticketed for DUI

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi was cited for drunken driving a few hours after she helped lead her team to victory over the Seattle Storm.

An officer stopped Taurasi early Thursday for speeding, police spokesman Luis Samudio said. The officer smelled alcohol and gave the player several field sobriety tests, according to a police statement.

Taurasi was then driven to a mobile DUI van, where she gave a blood sample, then was cited and released. Authorities did not know her blood alcohol content.

NHL

Havlat introduced by Minesota Wild

ST. PAUL, Minn. – When Chicago would no longer give him a long-term contract, Martin Havlat turned his focus to Minnesota.

The Wild’s new right wing checked out his new home arena Friday afternoon, two days after signing a six-year deal worth $30 million.

Havlat played the last three seasons for the Blackhawks, who went to the Western Conference finals this spring.

NBA

Report: Celtics offer contract to Wallace

BOSTON – The Boston Celtics have offered forward Rasheed Wallace a contract as part of a major push to land the coveted forward, according to a published report on Friday.

The Boston Globe reports the Celtics offered Wallace a deal during a three-hour meeting in Detroit on Thursday.

Wallace’s agent, Bill Strickland, told the Globe in a text message that it was a “very good meeting; some contractual terms discussed, nothing agreed to.”