Raiders lose long-standing suit against NFL

The California Supreme Court on Monday ended the Oakland Raiders’ long-standing lawsuit that claimed the NFL sabotaged the team’s effort to build a stadium at Hollywood Park.

The case dates back more than 20 years, when Raiders managing partner Al Davis accused the league of purposely not doing enough to help the team move from the antiquated Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to a new stadium complete with luxury suites.

The NFL won a 9-3 verdict in 2001, but Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Richard Hubbell ordered a new trial amid accusations that one juror was biased against the team and Davis, and that another juror committed misconduct.

A state appeals court overturned that decision, and the Supreme Court unanimously ruled Monday that the verdict against the Raiders stands.

The ruling Monday was the last of several lawsuits the Raiders had outstanding against the league and its stadium landlords.

“A clean sweep is a fair characterization,” said NFL attorney Greg Levy.

A lawyer and spokesman for the Raiders didn’t return telephone calls and e-mail inquiries.

Phil Astin III, who was the doctor of pro wrestling star Chris Benoit, was charged in federal court in Atlanta with seven counts of illegal distribution of painkillers and other drugs.

Astin came under scrutiny by the Drug Enforcement Administration after injectable anabolic steroids and other drugs were found inside Benoit’s Fayetteville, Ga., home after he and his family were found dead June 25. However, the charges against him stem from the records of two other patients -- identified in court records only by the initials M.J. and O.G. -- showing Astin gave them painkillers and other drugs for medical purposes prosecutors say aren’t legitimate.

Astin pleaded not guilty and was under house arrest until he could post $125,000 bond.

-- Lance Pugmire

Tank Johnson’s blood-alcohol level was below the legal limit when the former Chicago Bears tackle was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving June 22 at Gilbert, Ariz. Johnson’s blood alcohol level was .072%, under the presumptive limit in Arizona of .08%. No charges have been filed pending results of a completed investigation.

Allen Iverson denied taking part in a 2005 Washington nightclub brawl, testifying that two men who sued him for $20 million in connection with the fight want to cash in on his basketball fame.

The plaintiffs say Iverson’s bodyguard and other members of his entourage attacked them when they wouldn’t immediately make room for the NBA star in the VIP section of the Eyebar.

PRO FOOTBALL

Arrington is released from Maryland hospital

Three-time Pro Bowl linebacker LaVar Arrington was released from a Cheverly, Md., hospital, two weeks after breaking his right arm and severely cutting his leg in a motorcycle accident. Arrington’s football career is on hold, at least temporarily, because of his injuries. He had been hoping to sign with a new team after being cut by the New York Giants in February.

Pro Bowl punter Brian Moorman signed a three-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills.

HOCKEY

Penguins sign Sydor, Sykora to contracts

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed two former Stanley Cup winners in right wing Petr Sykora and defenseman Darryl Sydor. The signings add another proven scorer and some more protection for young stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal -- and some playoff experience to one of the NHL’s youngest teams.

The first two days of free agency proved unexpectedly busy for the Penguins, who kept rising star defenseman Ryan Whitney by giving him a $24-million, six-year contract. They also brought back goaltender Dany Sabourin as Marc-Andre Fleury’s backup after he spent part of last season with Vancouver and re-signed defenseman Rob Scuderi.

The Washington Capitals signed center Michael Nylander to a four-year, $19.5-million contract.... The Montreal Canadiens signed defenseman Roman Hamrlik to a four-year, $22-million deal.... The Chicago Blackhawks signed free-agent center Robert Lang to a two-year contract.... The Columbus Blue Jackets re-signed defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and center Alexander Svitov to two-year contracts and reached agreement with Sheldon Brookbank, a defenseman from the Nashville Predators’ minor league system.... The Atlanta Thrashers agreed to terms with free-agent defenseman Ken Klee, who played for Colorado last season.... The Phoenix Coyotes bought out the remaining two years of center Dave Scatchard’s contract.

TENNIS

Women’s event in Carson gains a new sponsor

East West Bank is the new title sponsor for the women’s tennis tour stop in Carson next month, filling the vacancy after the contract expired for the previous holder, JPMorgan Chase. The event, which starts Aug. 6 at the Home Depot Center, features Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Jelena Jankovic and added Li Na and Peng Shuai to the field on Monday.

The Acura Classic at Carlsbad, which starts July 30, will feature two rule adjustments: a 10-point tiebreak instead of a third set in doubles, and the addition of on-court coaching, which occurs during the break between sets.

This will be the last year at La Costa for this event.

-- Lisa Dillman

SOCCER

Galaxy adds game against Sydney

Only days before David Beckham joins the Galaxy, the MLS team signed a deal to play Sydney FC in Australia with their newest addition headlining the November match. The game is scheduled for Nov. 27 at Telstra Stadium.

-- Ken Fowler

Rich Bertolucci and Steve Rourke of UCLA, Tim Tessalone of USC, Mel Franks of Cal State Fullerton and Bob Olson of UC Irvine are among 16 information specialists who will receive the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) 25-year award today at a meeting in San Diego.

Senior Bruce Davis of UCLA and junior Lawrence Jackson of USC are among 27 players on the “watch list” for the Ted Hendricks defensive end of the year award.