Briefs | WNBA: Ex-Storm coach Anne Donovan will continue coaching New York Liberty

WNBA

Donovan, previously New York's interim coach, is hired on permanent basis: Anne Donovan is staying with the New York Liberty.

Donovan, who finished the 2009 season as the interim coach, was hired on a permanent basis Thursday.

The ex-Storm coach guided the U.S. women's team to a gold medal at last year's Olympics. Donovan left as the Storm's coach and director of player personnel after the 2007 season, compiling a 93-77 record in five seasons and leading Seattle to the WNBA title in 2004.

"There's no question that Anne is one of the most respected coaches in our game," Carol Blazejowski, Liberty president and general manager, said in a statement. "Her experience and leadership skills as both a player and a coach will be invaluable as we battle to get the franchise back to its proper place at the top of the WNBA."

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hall of Fame player Donovan, hired as a Liberty assistant coach before the season, took over when Pat Coyle was fired with the team struggling at 6-11 at the midpoint of the season. New York was 7-10 under Donovan and finished last in the Eastern Conference, with the second-worst mark in franchise history.

"I am very excited to be returning to the Liberty and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead and have confidence that our team will be back on track next summer," the 48-year-old Donovan said in a statement.

Tennis

Mauresmo, 30, ended season ranked 21st: Amelie Mauresmo, who won two major tournaments in 2006 and was ranked No. 1 in the world in 2004, has retired.

Mauresmo, 30, said she no longer had a burning desire for competition. The French player finished the season ranked 21st.

"I don't want to train anymore," Mauresmo said after shedding tears about the decision. "I had to make a decision, which became evident in the last few months and weeks."

Media

Search warrants are served in ESPN reporter video case: FBI agents want Yahoo Inc. to turn over a video of a second naked woman they suspect was taken by an Illinois man already accused of secretly recording a nude ESPN reporter twice last year, authorities said.

Search warrants were served Wednesday at the Northern California offices of tech giants Yahoo and Google Inc. seeking additional information about Michael Barrett, who has been charged with one count of interstate stalking in connection with the release of naked videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews.

In an affidavit, FBI agents said they were looking for a 42-second video posted in June to Flickr.com. Flickr is owned by Yahoo.

Additional information pertaining to Andrews was sought from Google. Both companies have 10 days to turn over records.

Authorities believe the Flickr account belongs to Barrett, 48, of Westmont, Ill. The video, which appeared to be taken through a hotel-room peephole, was viewed nearly 3,000 times before it was taken down.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wesley Hsu confirmed the woman on the Flickr video was not Andrews but declined to elaborate.

Auto racing

Earnhardt continues to be Mr. Popularity: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is NASCAR's most popular driver for the seventh consecutive year.

Earnhardt is third on the career list, behind Bill Elliott's record 16 times selected as most popular driver and Richard Petty's nine awards. The award has been given since 1965 and is voted on by fans.

"I take a lot of honor in it and a lot of pride," Earnhardt said. "I know it's kind of a cliché, but I just wanted to be a race-car driver, wanted to be able to make a living showing up, driving cars every week. Having the fan support like I have has been an incredible bonus for me."

Earnhardt was 25th in the Sprint Cup Series standings. Jimmie Johnson, a Hendrick Motorsports teammate, has won the last four Cup titles.

Soccer

World Cup jackpot: The winning team at next year's World Cup in South Africa will get $31 million in prize money.

FIFA officials said the overall prize pool to be divided among the 32 participating nations will be $420 million, a 60 percent increase from the $261.4 million it paid out at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Each team will receive $1 million for preparation costs.

Sony signs 3-D video deal: Sony has signed a deal with FIFA to record up to 25 World Cup games in 3-D — a technology that gives viewers an illusion of depth on the screen.

Beckham deals with asthma: Renowned for his fitness, England's David Beckham revealed he has been dealing with asthma for years.

The 34-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder, who will begin a second stint with AC Milan of Italy next month, was seen using an inhaler after the MLS Cup final Nov. 22 in Seattle.

"I've never hidden it but it's something I've had for a good few years now," Beckham said. "I hope it turns into a positive because I've been able to play for many years with the condition."

Olympics

Colbert doesn't amuse Davis: U.S. standout Shani Davis of Chicago isn't amused by comedian Stephen Colbert, who sponsors U.S. Speedskating. The host of "The Colbert Report" has been bashing Canadians.

Davis' reaction? "He's a jerk. You can put that in the paper."

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