Digging deep for this pledge
There are popular alumni, and then there’s Nets forward Richard Jefferson. Jefferson has made the largest donation ever by a current pro athlete to his former school when he pledged $3.5 million to Arizona’s new $14 million basketball/volleyball practice facility. The donation, paid in installments, means Jefferson, 27, will have the naming rights to the building. In an interview with ESPN.com, Jefferson joked that Arizona threatened if he didn’t come up with the money, then Gilbert Arenas might do it. Jefferson said he didn’t want his former college teammate and fellow NBA player to outbid him. Coach Lute Olson said, “For him to do what he’s doing is just unbelievable.”
Major demotion won’t stop him
The Braves unceremoniously designated Julio Franco for assignment two weeks ago — ending his reign as oldest player in the majors. Franco, who turns 49 on Aug. 23, cleared waivers, and Thursday he reported to Class A Rome of the South Atlantic League. There, the next oldest player is 23-year-old Jorge Acosta. Franco made his major-league debut in 1982 — two years before any of his current teammates were born. Rome manager Randy Ingle is eight months older than Franco. Teammates have treated Franco with the utmost respect, especially third baseman Danny Brezeale, 21, who gave up his uniform No. 14 for Franco. “You have to make way for your elders,” Brezeale said.
— Los Angeles Times
Stupid move? Hand it to Petty
NASCAR driver Kyle Petty said Friday there’s no use lying about how he broke his hand last weekend at Watkins Glen. “This one was definitely stupid,” said Petty, whose right hand is heavily wrapped and in a sling after having a plate and four screws surgically inserted. Petty’s transmission broke early in the race after he ran into Dale Jarrett’s car. “I was a little frustrated,” Petty said. “As I was walking the aisle of the truck, I hit [the cabinet] and it broke the small bone in the back part of my hand. “I hit it and I was like, ‘Well that’s good — a transmission, an oil cooler and now a hand.'” By having the plate put in, Petty hopes to be back next weekend at Bristol (Tenn.).
— Charlotte Observer
