Agoos Announces Retirement
Jeff Agoos, who played the second-most games of anyone on the U.S. national team -- including two World Cups -- and won five Major League Soccer titles, retired from soccer on Wednesday, his club the MetroStars announced.
A nine-time MLS All-Star, the 37-year-old defender won three titles with D.C. United and two with the San Jose Earthquakes and had 134 caps with the United States, including in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. He also played in the 2000 Olympics.
“I’ve come to the time in my life where I’d like to step back and look at different avenues of life and see where they lead,” said Agoos, who ranks seventh in MLS games started with 237.
Agoos was a member of the U.S. national team program since 1983 and played 11 years with the senior team before retiring from international competition in 2003.
He might be remembered best for his own-goal against Portugal in the 2002 World Cup opener for the American team.
PRO FOOTBALL
Suspension Possible or Buffalo’s Moulds
Eric Moulds was excused from practice for two days after reports that the Buffalo Bills’ receiver would be suspended, making his status uncertain for Sunday’s game against New England.
Coach Mike Mularkey declined to say why he excused the team’s leading receiver, but denied reports that he had any intention of suspending Moulds. Referring to Moulds at one point as “a great player,” Mularkey said he would not answer questions about Moulds’ status until Friday.
“I’ve told him he’s excused from not being here today or tomorrow,” Mularkey said.
“It’s a closed subject, not going to discuss it. It’s an in-house topic and we’re going to leave it at that.”
LaDainian Tomlinson’s bruised ribs were caused by a little extracurricular activity at the end of a play against Oakland on Sunday night.
Earlier this week, a viewer e-mailed a San Diego TV station, saying that footage showed Raider linebacker Danny Clark sticking his knuckles into the side of the Charger running back.
“It was a situation where, being the Raiders, you kind of expect it to happen,” Tomlinson said.
Tomlinson came out late in the second quarter and was taken into the locker room before halftime. He returned at the start of the second half and played, helping the Chargers to a 34-10 victory.
Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis underwent season-ending surgery on his torn right hamstring, concluding a frustrating season in which he played in only six games. Lewis has been sidelined since Oct. 23, when he left in the fourth quarter of a loss to Chicago.
Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger plans to play the rest of the season despite a thumb injury so severe it may need surgery.
The injury is causing Roethlisberger visible pain and is affecting his ability to throw some passes, but he said a protective splint he wears under a glove is allowing him to play.
Carolina defensive ends Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker missed practice because of sprained ankles, leading the Panthers to question the legality of the cut blocks that injured them.
Peppers sprained his left ankle early in the first quarter of Sunday’s win against Atlanta. Rucker sprained his right ankle later in that game.
Veteran cornerback Terrell Buckley signed with the New York Giants, who put cornerback William Peterson on injured reserve.
Miami quarterback Gus Frerotte says he is recovered from a concussion and will be available to play Sunday against San Diego.
Andre Dyson will probably miss the final four games of the regular season because of a high ankle sprain, leaving the Seattle Seahawks thin at cornerback.
The Houston Texans released starting offensive guard Victor Riley and benched safety Marcus Coleman.
Coach Dom Capers said the changes were made so he could evaluate the performance of younger players.
Mike McMahon remains the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, despite being benched after having two interceptions returned for touchdowns Monday night against Seattle.
Marques Tuiasosopo will start at quarterback for Oakland in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Tuiasosopo replaces Kerry Collins.
Charlie Frye will start at quarterback for the second consecutive game when Cleveland plays at Cincinnati.
Detroit safety Terrence Holt was placed on injured reserve because of a sore elbow.
Bud Carson, the innovative architect of Pittsburgh’s “Steel Curtain” defense who later coached the Cleveland Browns, died at his home in Sarasota, Fla. He was 75. See story, Section B.
MISCELLANY
Ohio State’s Hawk Wins Lombardi Award
Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk won the Lombardi Award as the nation’s top college lineman or linebacker, becoming the fifth Buckeye player to receive the honor.
USC running back Reggie Bush, sophomore receiver Dwayne Jarrett, senior offensive lineman Taitusi Lutui and sophomore offensive lineman Sam Baker were selected to the CBSsportsline.com All-America team.
Senior forward Jason Williams was suspended indefinitely by Texas El Paso for punching teammate Stefon Jackson during basketball practice and breaking his jaw.
Three-time Olympic weightlifting champion Halil Mutlu has been banned for two years for steroid use.
The Turkish lifter, who tested positive for nandrolone at the European Championships in Bulgaria in April, was banned until April 2007.
