July 30, 2010 STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
Former NBA player Lorenzen Wright, whose body was found in the woods outside Memphis, was shot to death and the case is being investigated as a homicide, police said Thursday. Wright, a 34-year-old Memphis native, was last seen around midnight July 18. His family filed a missing person report with police on July 22, but investigators said as recently as Monday that they didn’t suspect foul play.
The 6-foot-11 Wright played 13 years in the NBA for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wright left the University of Memphis early for the NBA, and the Clippers made him a lottery pick with the No. 7 selection overall. He averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 778 career games.
* Vaughan takes lead at Senior Open: Bruce Vaughan took advantage of cool morning conditions with an opening-round 66 to take a two-shot lead in the first round of the U.S. Senior Open on Thursday. Loren Roberts shot a 2-under 68, finishing about an hour before Vaughan. Amateur Tim Jackson was also at 2 under, a year after leading this tournament after two rounds and finishing in a tie for 11th.
* Compton, Every shoot 63s at Greenbrier Classic: Double-heart transplant recipient Erik Compton shot a 7-under 63 in the inaugural Greenbrier Classic to share the first-round lead with rookie Matt Every. Playing on a sponsor’s exemption, Compton made nine birdies, seven over a nine-hole stretch on the Old White course Thursday.
* Shin, Inkster take early lead at British Open: Top-ranked Jiyai Shin and Julie Inkster took the early clubhouse lead at the Women’s British Open after shooting 1-under 71 in the first round at Royal Birkdale.
* Tebow, Broncos agree to contract: Tim Tebow agreed to a contract with the Denver Broncos on Thursday. The two-time national champion from Florida and 25th pick in the NFL draft has reportedly accepted a deal worth $33 million over five years with $8.7 million guaranteed.
* Pitino tells jury he hoped to keep tryst secret: Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino finished testifying on Thursday in the case of a woman who demanded millions from him after a sexual tryst, saying he didn’t immediately report threatening phone calls because he didn’t want his family to find out. Pitino said Thursday that he kept quiet to “contain” potentially damaging information.LOCAL BRIEFS
* Purdue hoops tickets go on sale Monday: Purdue men’s and women’s basketball season tickets will go on sale to the public on Monday. Tickets will be available online at purduesports.com or by calling (800) 49-SPORT from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The deadline for priority seating is Friday, Aug. 27.
* C.P. Bulldogs to hold softball tryouts: The Crown Point Bulldogs 10U and 12U softball teams are holding tryouts on Aug. 7 at 800 W. 113th Ave. The 10U team tryouts are from 9-10:30 a.m. Tryouts for the 12U team are from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 4-6 p.m. Aug 15. For more information, call 313-5759 (10U team) or 313-2255 (12U team).
* Golf benefit on Aug. 7: The 15th annual Techs in the Fairway Benefit Golf Outing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7 at Chesterton’s Brassie Country Club. This year’s outing is for Katelyn Kamminga of Wheatfield who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008. The cost to attend is $400/team and includes a meal. For more information, call 733-1805.
* Registration for LaPorte Triathlon: The LaPorte Family YMCA Triathlon takes place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7 at Soldiers Memorial Park. The race includes a quarter-mile swim, a 12.4 mile bike and a 3.4 mile run. Entry fees are $65 for individuals and $90 for teams. The registration deadline is Sunday and there will be no registration on race day. Entry forms are available at 901 Michigan Ave. or online at www.lpymca.org. For more information, call 325-9622 or e-mail wellnesscenter@lpymca.org
