Bad Knee Forces Nance to Quit

Robbed of the spring in his legs by age and arthroscopic surgery, three-time all-star forward Larry Nance retired from basketball Tuesday.

Nance, 35, split his 13 NBA seasons between the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers, and became the league’s all-time shot-blocking leader among forwards with 2,027.

The winner of the NBA’s first slam-dunk competition at the All-Star game in 1984, he averaged 17.1 points and eight rebounds, and twice was named to the league’s all-defensive team.

But it had become apparent the Cavaliers were not planning to re-sign Nance this year, and he said the ailing right knee that forced him to miss more than half of last season has not responded to treatment.

He had arthroscopic surgery on the knee twice last season and was unable to play in the playoffs.

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Hockey

Vancouver forward Gino Odjick has been suspended for 10 regular-season games as the result of an altercation during an exhibition game against the Kings.

Canuck coach Rick Ley was also suspended for five regular-season games as a result of Odjick’s actions, and the Canucks will be fined $10,000.

Miscellany

Shuzo Matsuoka of Japan used a hard serve and an attacking style to surprise top-seeded Paul Haarhuis of the Netherlands in the Salem Open tennis tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 7-6 (7-1), 6-2.

Troubled CFL franchises in Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, probably will move before next season, owner Bill Comrie of the British Columbia Lions said.