Mayfield sues his stepmother

Suspended NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against his estranged stepmother over the 2007 death of his father.

The suit, filed Sept. 4 in North Carolina Superior Court in Salisbury, does not allege how Lisa Mayfield was involved in her husband’s death. It claims only that her “intentional actions” played a direct role in Terry Mayfield’s death.

A police investigation determined Terry Mayfield fatally shot himself in the chest.

Mayfield is the first driver suspended under NASCAR’s toughened drug policy. His stepmother testified on behalf of NASCAR about seeing him use methamphetamine at least 30 times over the years.

He denied using the drug and accused Lisa Mayfield of accepting payment from NASCAR to lie under oath. She filed a defamation lawsuit against Mayfield last month, denying his public comments that she killed Terry Mayfield.

TRACK AND FIELD

Semenya’s test results due any day

The results of Caster Semenya’s gender tests are expected to arrive at the IAAF headquarters any day, and it’s unlikely the world 800-meter champion will lose her gold medal. IAAF spokesman Nick Davies told the Associated Press that it would take about two weeks for a group of medics and anti-doping experts at track and field’s international governing body to analyze the results.

BASKETBALL

Gasol scores 27 in Spain’s victory

Pau Gasol scored nine of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to carry world champion Spain past Britain, 84-76, at the European basketball championship at Warsaw.

The Lakers forward scored on a put-back, and made a free throw and a three-point shot to put Spain ahead for good at 74-73. That put the world champions back on track in the quest for a first European title.

Earlier, Germany upset defending champion Russia, 76-73, behind 19 points and 11 rebounds from Jan-Hendrik Jagla.

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The Portland Trail Blazers signed rookie Jeff Pendergraph a day before the forward is set to have hip surgery. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The team says Pendergraph is scheduled for surgery to correct a left hip impingement.

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Michael Beasley is in daily contact with the Miami Heat and is working out under the direction of team personnel, with plans of being with the team when training camp begins this month. Speaking about Beasley for the first time since the 20-year-old entered a Houston rehabilitation facility last month, Heat President Pat Riley said that he’s “confident . . . very confident” Beasley will have a strong season for Miami and insisted he still strongly believes in the No. 2 overall pick from the 2008 draft.

HOCKEY

Billionaire offers city cash to get Coyotes

Canadian billionaire James Balsillie has offered the city of Glendale, Ariz., $50 million to quiet its objections to his bid to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and move the franchise to Hamilton, Ontario. Balsillie offered to buy the Coyotes for $212.5 million, contingent on moving them to Ontario.

JURISPRUDENCE

Broncos’ Quinn faces charges

Denver Broncos rookie tight end Richard Quinn has pleaded not guilty to harassment and domestic violence charges stemming from a Labor Day quarrel with his girlfriend. Quinn appeared in court in Englewood, Colo., on Tuesday and was released on his own recognizance. Trial was set for January.

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The son of NHL great Patrick Roy will stand trial Oct. 7 on charges he assaulted a goaltender in a game last year. Jonathan Roy had been trying to get the case thrown out, but his request was rejected by Quebec court judge Valmont Beaulieu.

WINTER SPORTS

Celski beats Ohno in short-track time trial

J.R. Celski outskated Apolo Anton Ohno in the 1,000-meter time trial at the U.S. short-track speedskating national championships. Celski scooted through nine laps around a hockey rink in Marquette, Mich., in a personal-best time of 1:23.981. Ohno, a five-time Olympic medalist, clocked 1:24.500, second-quickest overall and a personal best.

SAILING

Yacht racers form a new circuit

A new world circuit of America’s Cup-class yacht racing will start in November, making stops in New Zealand and Italy and featuring 10 teams. Eight entries, including Emirates Team New Zealand and U.S. syndicate BMW Oracle, have been confirmed. Organizers said two others will be named in days.