Serena fined record amount...Patrick signs extension...Woods accepts responsibility

UNDATED (AP) Serena Williams has been fined at least a record $82,500 for her U.S. Open tirade and could be suspended from that tournament if she has another "major offense" at any Grand Slam in the next two years, Grand Slam administrator Bill Babcock tells The Associated Press. He says Williams faces a "probationary period" at Grand Slam tournaments in 2010 and 2011.

UNDATED (AP) Danica Patrick has signed a three-year extension with Andretti Autosport, which recently underwent a restructuring, changing the company name from Andretti Racing Green after Michael Andretti bought the team from Kim Green. Patrick is reportedly working on a deal that would partner her on a limited Nationwide Series schedule with JR Motorsports, the team owned by both Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

WINDERMERE, Fla. (AP) Tiger Woods declined for a third straight day to meet with state troopers investigating last week's auto accident that sent him to the hospital. The world's top-ranked Golfer posted a message on his Web site taking full responsibility for what he calls an embarrassing incident. Woods' agent says authorities have informed his client that any further discussions with the police are "voluntary and optional."


LOS ANGELES (AP) After getting off to an 0-and-16 start under fired coach Lawrence Frank, the Nets are 0-and-1 under assistant Tom Barrise (buh-REES'). New Jersey's 106-87 loss to the Lakers last night in Los Angeles tied the NBA record for consecutive losses to start a season.

UNDATED (AP) After spotting Houston a 17-0 lead, visiting Indianapolis came back to defeat the Texans 35-27, improving to 11-and-0 and clinching the AFC South title. The Saints will put their unblemished record on the line tonight against the New England Patriots.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-30-09 0852CST | save this article / add to your favorites list