For The Record

Announced
That he will retire after the final Formula One race of the year, driver Michael Schumacher (above). The 37-year-old German, who has won more F/1 championships (seven) than any other driver, announced his departure on Sunday after winning his record 90th race, the Italian Grand Prix. Schumacher made his F/1 debut in 1991 and before long was one of the most successful--and well- compensated--athletes in the world. (In 2004 he made roughly $80 million, including endorsements, second only to Tiger Woods.) Schumacher is only two points behind leader Fernando Alonso in the 2006 F/1 title race. "It's not as if I'm lacking anything," he said. "I might as well leave while I'm still at the top level."

Died
Of an apparent stroke at age 80, Erk Russell, who left his job as defensive coordinator at Georgia to build Georgia Southern into a Division I-AA powerhouse. Russell, who dubbed his Georgia defenses Junkyard Dawgs, would fire his players up before games by butting them in the chest with his bald head--occasionally drawing blood (his own). After Georgia won the 1980 NCAA title, Russell left for Georgia Southern, which had dropped football in '41. Within four years Russell had led the school to a national championship. By the time he retired, in '89, the Eagles had won two more. "If I was picking a list of top 10 coaches that I have ever met and wanted to play for, Erk Russell would be on that list," Florida State coach Bobby Bowden once said. "He is unsurpassed as a motivator."

Arrested
On charges of dealing cocaine, allegedly in the presence of his six children, retired NBA player Henry James, 41. The former journeyman is accused by Fort Wayne, Ind., police of twice selling at least five grams of crack; on the second occasion he allegedly brought his kids, who range in age from three months to six. James, who played for six teams in a seven-year career, is best known for tying an NBA record with seven three-pointers in a quarter in 1997.

Admitted
Making a disrespectful remark about Zinedine Zidane's sister, Italian soccer player Marco Materazzi. Late in the World Cup final between Italy and France, Zidane was sent off for head-butting Materazzi in the chest. Last week Materazzi explained what set the Frenchman off: Zidane, who was tired of Materazzi's tugging his shirt, told him, "If you want my shirt so much I'll give it to you afterward." To which Materazzi replied, "I would prefer your sister." Zidane, who has since retired, was banned by FIFA for three games; Materazzi received a two-game suspension.

Dethroned
By the Detroit Shock, the defending WNBA champion Sacramento Monarchs. Playing the kind of aggressive ball its coach, Bill Laimbeer, was known for, the Shock rallied from a 2--1 deficit to win the title in five games. In the deciding game at Joe Louis Arena--a Mariah Carey concert forced the teams from The Palace--the Shock opened the second half with an 18--3 run to erase Sacramento's eight-point halftime lead. "It felt unreal because we worked so hard and then the moment finally came and we won it all," said Detroit's Deanna Nolan (above), who was named the Finals' MVP.

Skipping
The coming skating season in order to attend college, Michelle Kwan, 26. The nine-time U.S. champion, who withdrew from the 2006 U.S. Olympic team with an injured groin, will attend the University of Denver. "I have decided to put college first," she said. "Next year at this time I will again evaluate all my options, including returning to competitive skating." Kwan will major in political science and minor in international studies.

Fined
One game check apiece by the NFL for their role in the "Love Boat" scandal, Vikings offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie and cornerback Fred Smoot. The players pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct in May following a lurid team party on two boats. McKinnie will forfeit approximately $41,000, while Smoot will be out about $82,000. "I think that should be the last time I have to hear about that situation," McKinnie said. "It's over. Wrong place at the wrong time, basically."

Given By Fox Sports to Carolina Panthers superfan Greg (Catman) Good, a new pickup truck as compensation for a misguided practical joke. During Carolina's Aug. 24 preseason win over the Dolphins, commentator Daryl Johnston joked that fans who stayed after the starting units came out deserved a new car. Sideline reporter Tony Siragusa then presented a toy Porsche to Good, 49, a season-ticket holder who was dressed in his Catman getup (left). Good believed a real vehicle would follow and complained when told it was a prank. Last week Fox Sports CEO David Hill apologized for the confusion and handed Good the keys to a Ford F-150. "I'm so surprised," Good told The Charlotte Observer. "I thought all I was going to get was an apology."

Suspended
By the Lions for one game after he drove naked through a Wendy's drive-through, defensive line coach Joe Cullen. The incident occurred on Aug. 24; Cullen, 38, was arrested in Dearborn, Mich., and charged with indecent and obscene conduct. (An employee, who took down Cullen's tag number, told police, "The suspect did nothing obscene, other than being naked at the drive-through.") A week later Cullen was again arrested, for DUI. The Lions suspended him for their season opener.