Ball boy gets sage advice from Chelsea boss

Jose Mourinho admitted he spoke to a ball boy during Chelsea's shocking 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday because he feared a confrontation between the youngster and one of his players.

Puig tries Dodgers' patience

The Los Angeles Dodgers held a team meeting to address young star Yasiel Puig's baserunning blunders.

Cabrera set to sign mammoth extension

The Detroit Tigers have agreed to pay Miguel Cabrera a baseball record $292 million over the next 10 years, according to a source with knowledge of the deal.

US college athletes could soon be unionized

A federal agency has decided American football players at Northwestern University can create the first union of college athletes in the United States - a stunning ruling that could revolutionize a college sports industry worth billions of dollars and have dramatic repercussions at schools across the country.

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Basketball

IN BRIEF (Page 15)

Striking hard against the system

Sitting on his couch, Hao Haidong, the former top striker in Asia, speaks the same way he played in his heyday: with passion ... and straight to the point.

Stars shine bright as tributes flow

Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel and American swimming sensation Missy Franklin were named Laureus Sportsman and Woman of the Year on Wednesday in a ceremony filled with tributes to those affected by the missing Malaysian Airlines plane.

Rejuvenated Murray looks to life after Lendl

With the end of his Miami title defense, Andy Murray will head to Europe next week with his back on the mend and his search for a new coach ongoing.

Socceroos to face ROK in tough Asian Cup group

Australia was handed an early challenge against fellow heavyweight the Republic of Korea at next year's Asian Cup as the host got a difficult draw at a lavish ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday.

Real slump or just a bump?

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes his side can still win the La Liga title despite losing for a second time in four days as it slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Sevilla on Wednesday.

Liverpool keeps title in crosshairs

Liverpool enhanced its Premier League title credentials and closed to within a point of leader Chelsea after overcoming a stubborn Sunderland 2-1 at Anfield on Wednesday.