mixed martial arts » Herschel Walker is starting a new career in mixed martial arts. The 47-year-old former NFL running back said Monday that he has signed a multi-fight contract with promoter Strikeforce. Walker will begin a 12-week training camp next month in San Jose, Calif.

The 1982 Heisman Trophy winner holds a fifth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Former welterweight and super-welterweight world champion Ricardo Mayorga of Nicaragua also said he will venture into mixed martial arts.

 

Beasley rejoins Heat after rehab

NBA » Michael Beasley rejoined his Miami Heat teammates following a monthlong stay in a rehabilitation facility to address substance abuse and other issues.

Beasley took part in a voluntary offseason workout and drew rave reviews from coaches, many of whom visited him during the rehab stint. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra saw Beasley three times in the past month, and someone from the Heat staff was with the second-year forward daily.

The No. 2 pick in the 2008 draft will be with the team when training camp opens Sept. 29.

» Former NBA player Jerome "Pooh" Richardson reluctantly testified Monday that his close friend, a Philadelphia police officer, tipped him about an imminent drug raid involving his half-sister.

 

LPGA suffers loss of another event

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GOLF » The LPGA Tour lost one of its marquee events. Anheuser-Busch announced that it is not renewing its sponsorship of the Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill in Williamsburg, Va., after seven years.

The LPGA had 34 events on its schedule in 2007. It had 27 this year, and marketing official Eric Albrecht said "close to" 20 events are confirmed for 2010.

 

Court hearing set on sale of Coyotes

NHL » A federal bankruptcy judge has scheduled an emergency hearing on Wednesday on a request by Phoenix Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes to force the NHL into mediation over the contentious issues surrounding the sale of the team. Moyes wants Judge Redfield T. Baum to force mediation over, among other things, the NHL's rejection of Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie as an owner. Balsillie would move the team to Hamilton, Ontario.

From wire reports