Agassi admits to past use of crystal meth

Andre Agassi’s upcoming autobiography contains an admission that he used crystal meth in 1997, the year he dropped to No. 141 in the rankings.

In a story posted on People magazine’s website Tuesday, Agassi says: “I can’t speak to addiction, but a lot of people would say that if you’re using anything as an escape, you have a problem.”

Excerpts from the book are being printed this week by People and Sports Illustrated.

In the posting on People’s website, Agassi says he “was worried for a moment, but not for long,” about how fans would react if they found out he used drugs.

“I wore my heart on my sleeve and my emotions were always written on my face. I was actually excited about telling the world the whole story,” Agassi says.

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Serena Williams overcame Svetlana Kuznetsova, 7-6 (6), 7-5, in the group stage of the WTA Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, Qatar, improving her chance of ending the year as No. 1.

The win gives her a share of the lead in the Maroon Group with Elena Dementieva, who rallied from a set and a break down to beat defending champion Venus Williams, 3-6, 7-6 (6), 6-2.

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Top-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga served 14 aces and needed two tiebreakers to beat Kevin Kim, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5), in the first round of the Lyon Grand Prix in Lyon, France.

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Serena Williams is back on the U.S. Fed Cup team for the first time since 2007. Surprise U.S. Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin is also on the roster announced by the U.S. Tennis Assn. for the Nov. 7-8 final against host Italy.

Top-ranked doubles player Liezel Huber and Alexa Glatch round out the roster.

BASEBALL

Mills is named Houston manager

Brad Mills is the new manager of the Houston Astros. The 52-year-old has been Terry Francona’s bench coach in Boston for the last six seasons. He will manage in the majors for the first time, though he has managed a total of 11 seasons in the minors, with affiliates for the Chicago Cubs (1987-92), Colorado Rockies (1993-96) and Dodgers (2002).

GOLF

Whan is said to be LPGA chief

Two golf magazines have reported that Michael Whan has been selected new LPGA Tour commissioner and will be introduced today in New York.

ETC.

Knight rejects settlement offer

Bob Knight’s attorney has notified Indiana University that the former coach will not accept the school’s $75,000 offer to settle a lawsuit. School spokesman Larry MacIntyre confirmed the check was sent to Knight’s attorney last week, and the school has received notification the money, donated by alums, will be returned.

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A Hampton University basketball player has died from what police call an accidental shooting outside a nightclub.

Theo Smalling of Tampa, Fla., died Monday night, according to a university statement.

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Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Johnson was carried off the ice on a stretcher after sliding headfirst into the end boards early in the second period of Tuesday night’s home game against the Detroit Red Wings. Johnson was taken to a nearby hospital for further observation, though a team spokesperson said he was alert and had full movement.

JURISPRUDENCE

Bucs’ lineman arrested, released

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released offensive lineman Marcus Johnson after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.

A Tampa police lieutenant says he found Johnson sleeping Tuesday in a car near the Bucs’ stadium.

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An attorney for a woman who accused three Arkansas basketball players of rape filed papers in Little Rock, Ark., asking a court to appoint a special prosecutor after authorities chose not to file charges.

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The America’s Cup won’t be sailed in the Middle East, after all.

Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, cannot host the contentious showdown between American and Swiss crews based on the 19th century document that governs sailing’s marquee regatta, a New York judge ruled.