Truth + Rumors

NFL

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Ravens officials confirmed Sunday night that Deion Sanders is expected to end his three-year retirement and play for them. The Ravens remain unsure when he'll arrive this week but ruled out his playing in Thursday's preseason finale against the Giants and declined to comment further until the deal is complete.
 -- Baltimore Sun

Ravens All-Pro cornerback Chris McAlister said he will end his month-long absence and report to the Ravens' practice facility Monday despite continued frustration over a contract dispute.
 -- Baltimore Sun

With Keenan McCardell's holdout about to enter its second month, the Bucs may find an interested trading partner in the injury-ravaged Chiefs.
 -- Tampa Tribune

Washington worked out running back Stacey Mack, who started five games for the Houston Texans last season.
 -- Washington Times

The veteran poise and proven track record of Kurt Warner has won the battle for Giants QB over the potential of Eli Manning.
 -- New York Times

Unfortunately for the Dolphins, the running back market is drying up: With Mike Anderson injured, Denver may elect to keep Garrison Hearst. Pittsburgh lost Verron Haynes to a knee injury, depleting its group of runners. In Green Bay, Ahman Green was hurt, cementing the Packers' desire to keep Najeh Davenport. In Minnesota, Michael Bennett was hurt and Onterrio Smith is facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Cleveland is still dangling James Jackson.
 -- Miami Herald

Don't look for the Panthers to make stunning moves, but safety Damien Richardson, linebacker Brian Allen, receiver Donald Hayes and defensive tackle Rod Walker might already be on the bubble.
 -- Charlotte Observer

MLB

The Giants have until 11:30 a.m. Tuesday to work out a package deal for Jeromy Burnitz and Shawn Estes, but there were indications trade talks have fizzled since the move wasn't made before Estes' start Sunday. -- Denver Post

When asked later about the possibility of a trade, Estes said the deal was dead.
 -- San Jose Mercury News

Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker wouldn't confirm or deny whether talks have intensified with the Oakland A's regarding Jeff Kent.
 -- Houston Chronicle

The A's are also interested in Phillies second baseman Placido Polanco.
 -- San Francisco Chronicle

Mentioned as a target for contenders, Mets reliever Mike Stanton -- who has a no-trade clause, is signed through 2005 and will make $4 million next season -- says he would "probably not be open" to a trade.
 -- New York Post

Indications are the Red Sox won't make a waiver deal and instead will seek help from injured players Kevin Youkilis, David McCarty, Trot Nixon and Pokey Reese coming off the disabled list.
 -- Boston Herald

Cuban defector Kendry Morales will work out for various teams, including the Tigers, this week in the Dominican Republic.
 -- Detroit News

NBA

Pat Riley would like to extend Shaquille O'Neal's contract, which has two years left but an opt-out after next season. Riley has expressed interest in free agent Karl Malone.
 -- Miami Herald

The Timberwolves have talked to Portland about a deal for Shareef Abdur-Rahim and also to New Jersey about a trade for Jason Kidd.
 -- Minneapolis Star Tribune

If Gary Payton retires, the Celtics may have to go with Marcus Banks and Delonte West at point guard. Kenny Anderson and Travis Best are ready, willing, and able to play for Boston.
 -- Boston Globe

Recent trade talks between Chicago and Memphis regarding Eddy Curry were legitimate and serious, with names like Lorenzen Wright and Bo Outlaw almost making the Bulls bite on a larger package involving Eddie Robinson. The Bulls' Tyson Chandler came up in trade talks with Houston that centered on Dikembe Mutombo. Scottie Pippen could be included in any trade.
 -- Chicago Tribune

Keon Clark is still on the Knicks' radar.
 -- New York Post

Suggestion for Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld: Sign Sarunas Jasikevicius.
 -- Washington Post

NHL/ Hockey

Missing Sergei Fedorov, Alexander Mogilny, Nikolai Khabibulin, Alexei Zhamnov and Valeri Bure and Alexei Zhitnik has left the Russian World Cup team in a cloud of uncertainty.
 -- Globe & Mail

Free-agent winger Peter Bondra suffered a thumb injury in Slovakia's 2-2 tie with Canada on Saturday and could miss part of the season if the NHL opens on time, clouding his chances of reaching a deal.
 -- Ottawa Sun

Marian Gaborik, Marian Hossa and Pavol Demitra have agreed to contracts with their hometown Trencin of Slovakia's Elite League if there's an NHL lockout.
 -- Ottawa Sun

Soccer

Newcastle is expected to table an improved offer in its battle with Manchester United for England/Everton striker Kevin Rooney. Man U. hopes to have the deal done after today's mid-day game against Everton.
 -- The Guardian (UK)