Manny Pacquiao says he’ll sue Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Manny Pacquiao says he is planning to file a defamation lawsuit against Floyd Mayweather Jr., the fighter’s father and Golden Boy Promotions

In a statement posted Friday on his website, Pacquiao claims that his character has been damaged and tarnished by accusations he says are untrue.

“Enough is enough,” Pacquiao said in the statement. “These people, Mayweather Sr., Jr., and Golden Boy Promotions, think it is a joke and a right to accuse someone wrongly of using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. I have tried to just brush it off as a mere pre-fight ploy, but I think they have gone overboard.”

The proposed mega-fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather is in danger because the sides have failed to find a compromise to a dispute over blood testing. Promoter Bob Arum declared the bout dead Thursday.

Arum had set a Thursday deadline for an agreement on testing, the only issue not resolved for the planned March 13 fight. But with the Mayweather camp still insisting on using the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to conduct the tests, Arum said there wasn’t much left to discuss.

“These people think they are doing the sport a great service. They are not,” Pacquiao added. “To Floyd, despite all these accusations, may your Christmas be merry and I will see you in court, soon, too.”

BASEBALL

Report: Escobar to Mets

The New York Mets and right-hander Kelvim Escobar have agreed to a one-year major league contract, a person familiar with the situation confirmed, New York Newsday reported. He must pass a physical for the deal to become official.

Escobar, 33, has pitched only five major-league innings for the Angels in the last two seasons as he dealt with a major right shoulder injury. Escobar missed all of 2008 while recovering from shoulder surgery. Last season, he made a start June 6, lasting five innings, and never returned.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Nevada player was arrested

A Nevada linebacker who did not play in the Hawaii Bowl after he was dismissed by the team had been arrested days earlier on suspicion of shoplifting.

Honolulu police said Andre Davis was detained this week by security at a Waikiki store before he was turned over to authorities.

Nevada Coach Chris Ault said Wednesday that Davis had been dismissed from the program for violating team and athletic department policy although he did not disclose the exact violation.

Gator Bowl officials are making sure Bobby Bowden’s former Florida State players have the chance to see his final game. The Tallahassee Democrat reported that the Gator Bowl Assn. and the host city of Jacksonville, Fla., have made complimentary tickets available to former Seminoles who played for Bowden. As of Wednesday, more than 300 had registered for the tickets.

HOCKEY

Russia names Olympic team

Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and Ilya Kovalchuk are among the 14 NHL players on the 23-player Russia squad for the Vancouver Olympics. Also on the team is former Ducks goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, who plays for Phoenix