Yao Ming to have surgery and sit out the season

Houston center Yao Ming will have surgery on his broken left foot next week and probably will miss all of next season, the latest blow to the Rockets’ faltering bid to return to the NBA’s elite.

The team said Friday that there is no timetable set for the return of the 7-foot-6 Yao, a seven-time All Star, but that he is “expected to be available for the team’s training camp in 2010.” That camp is 16 months away.

Yao, 28, chose a surgery that will involve a bone graft to promote bone regeneration, the team said. He’s also hoping to reduce the arch in the foot by realigning and restructuring the bones.

“This surgery will allow me to continue my career playing basketball and I look forward to returning to the court,” Yao said in a statement.

The Clippers formally completed their trade of leading scorer Zach Randolph to the Memphis Grizzlies for Quentin Richardson, who played for the Clippers in 2000-04. The Times reported the deal July 2. . . . The Oklahoma City Thunder waived former UCLA guard Earl Watson, an eight-year NBA veteran who played in 68 games last season. . . . Guard Josh Childress said the Atlanta Hawks’ “hardball” negotiations have forced him to return for a second season in Greece with Olympiakos.

JURISPRUDENCE

Gun link found in McNair case

Ex-NFL quarterback Steve McNair’s mistress bought the gun she used to kill him from a convicted murderer whose fiancee was afraid to have it in the house, authorities said.

Adrian J. Gilliam Jr., 33, of La Vergne, Tenn., was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted selling a 9-millimeter Bryco/Jennings to Sahel Kazemi for $100, according to court documents.

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu has been acquitted of burglary charges in Illinois.

GOLF

Chalmers leads in Milwaukee

Greg Chalmers stayed on top of the leaderboard, firing a second-round 67 to move to nine under par and build a two-shot lead in the U.S. Bank Championship at Milwaukee.

Fellow first-round leader Jeff Klauk shot a 69 to finish two strokes behind along with Chris Riley (66) and Kris Blanks (63). Kevin Na (65), Marc Turnesa (65) and Steve Flesch (65) were another stroke back at six-under 134.

Top-seeded Nick Taylor of Canada has advanced to the finals of the U.S. Amateur Public Links at Norman, Okla., where he will face Brad Benjamin of Rockford, Ill.

TENNIS

Clijsters ending her retirement

Kim Clijsters, a former top-ranked women’s player, is ending a two-year retirement this summer, revving up with appearances in World TeamTennis next week, followed by a three-tournament test run.

After returning to the U.S. Open for the first time since winning it in 2005, Clijsters will decide if a full-fledged return to the tour next season is feasible.

Wimbledon runner-up Andy Roddick has withdrawn from the Indianapolis Tennis Championships next week, citing a right hip flexor injury. . . . Former Wimbledon champion Michael Stich, 40, will break his 12-year retirement to play doubles at a tournament next week in Hamburg, Germany.

ETC.

Bolt wins 100 in 9.79 in France

World-record holder Usain Bolt comfortably won the 100 meters at the Areva Meeting in Saint-Denis, France, just missing Tyson Gay’s season-best time as he gears up for next month’s world championships in Berlin.

The Jamaican won in 9.79 seconds. Gay ran 9.77 last week at the Golden Gala in Rome.

Jeremy Wariner won the 400 in 45.28 seconds.

Notre Dame and Army will play the first football game at the new Yankee Stadium in 2010, rekindling a tradition that took off after Knute Rockne’s “Win one for the Gipper” speech more than 80 years ago. . . . Jennie Finch and Jenae Leles homered and the U.S. capitalized on some shaky defense by Italy for a 12-0 five-inning victory in the World Cup of Softball at Oklahoma City. . . . Chivas USA acquired midfielder Marcelo Saragosa from FC Dallas in exchange for forward Atiba Harris.