Ex-NBA player banned in Philippines for "choking" team mate

Former NBA player Renaldo Balkman has been banned from the Philippine Basketball Association in the Philippines for choking a teammate during a game.

The former New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets player has also been slapped with a fine of 250,000 Philippine pesos ($6,100) over the incident, Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Chito Salud said in a statement on Monday.

Howard leads Lakers over Bulls 90-81

The Los Angeles Lakers routed the Chicago Bulls, 90-81, at home to improve to 33-31. It marks the first time this season they have been two games over .500. The Lakers also moved a half-game ahead of the Utah Jazz and into sole possession of the No. 8 playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Dwight Howard had 16 points and 21 rebounds; Kobe Bryant finished 19 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds; and Steve Nash chipped in 16 points. They led by as many as 18 points in the third period.

"We're very focused," Bryant said. "We know what we have to do and what lies ahead. Everybody's locked in."

"I think I am getting a little bit better," said Howard, who was 0 for 5 from the free throw line. ''I'm just going to keep working on my conditioning, get my timing back and just keep going hard.''

The Lakers, who have won eight of 10 since the All-Star break, led by four points at halftime. But point guard Steve Nash keyed a 21-7 third-quarter spurt that put the Lakers up by as many as 18 points. Nash scored 10 of his 16 points in the third quarter.

Tiger Woods wins in Miami

Tiger Woods had a dominant win at the World Golf Championships tournament at Doral with a two-shot victory over Steve Stricker.

Graeme McDowell's day fell apart on the back nine and the Northern Irishman tied for third with Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson.

This is Tiger Woods second win in 2013 and moved him closer to Rory McIlroy's number one spot in the world rankings.

Former Knicks Renaldo Balkman choke a teammate

Former NBA player Renaldo Balkman who used to play for the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets has apologized for choking a teammate during a game with his new team in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Balkman, 28 at 6'8" playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters, argued with a referee  and shoved the referee's arm then pushed away an assistant coach and a couple of other teammates. When Arwind Santos intervened they exchanged shoves before Balkman wrapped his hands around Santos' neck and choked him.

After the game Balkman sent out a series of apologies on Twitter:

"I wld like to apologize to the fans, Petron Blaze, my teammates, the PBA and especially @tubidronald71 and @Arwind029," he tweeted, adding, "I got caught up in the moment of a very intense game. I respect @Arwind029 as a person & player. I am proud to be part of @PetronBlaze fam."

Juwan Howard signs 10-day with Heat

The Miami Heat sign Juwan Howard 40, on Saturday to a 10-day contract. It will be his 19th NBA season.

Howard had been a respected leader on the Heat and was popular with teammates, coaches and management. He played sparingly in three Miami playoff victories on the way to his first championship ring in 2012.

Howard has averaged 13.4 points and 6.2 rebounds. Howard was drafted fifth overall by Washington in 1994 and was a member of Michigan's Fab 5 with Chris Webber and Jalen Rose.

50 Cent kiss Denied by Erin Andrews at Daytona 500

Erin Andrews was in the crowded pit road at Daytona 500 when she chance upon 50 Cent. 50 Cent tried to kiss Erin Andrews but was denied. It was really awkward.

Earlier on it was reported that 50 tweeted after arriving at Daytona "Damn I don't see no black people lol." Speaking of Twitter, this has led to plenty of comments being made on the social media site regarding the attempted 50 Cent Erin Andrews kiss.

NBA trade deadline Clippers end Kevin Garnett trade talks

The Los Angeles Clippers have terminated talks with the Boston Celtics on a Kevin Garnett for Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan trade for now.

The Celtics have been eager to continue the conversation on the deal, but league sources said the talks will remain dormant unless Clippers star Chris Paul pushes the issue with management.

Several prominent executives and coaches with championship contenders told Yahoo! Sports they believe the Clippers would become more dangerous with Garnett.

Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro is a proponent of the deal, too, sources said.

The Celtics won't consider moving Garnett to the Clippers for any other combination of players, and won't revisit the talks unless Bledsoe and Jordan are in the package, sources said.
Boston hasn't approached Garnett to waive his no-trade clause without an agreement in place, but there's strong belief he would ultimately agree to it. What's more, Boston could simply trade Paul Pierce and leave Garnett with even less desire to finish his career with a young, rebuilding roster.