The Specials

Kraft turned down chance to buy Liverpool

New England Patriots owner held talks about Anfield takeover in 2005 but was concerned over spiralling wages in Premier League

Baseball strikes pitch for Olympic recall

The sport's ruling body has drawn up a plan that it believes could see baseball reinstated for the 2016 Olympics

Jackson adds to body of work with Lakers

The 63-year-old coach has made NBA history after claiming his tenth NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers

Bryant leads the Lakers to NBA title

The 30-year-old was named Most Valuable Player as LA Lakers took the championship series 4-1

Magic still weaves his spell over America

Basketball: The basketball legend has defied the scourge of HIV to change his and others’ lives and revitalise depressed inner-city communities

Ad campaign spurs Orlando to NBA Finals

Dwight Howard and his teammates, outraged by a "lack of respect" hit back by overpowering the Cleveland Cavaliers

The man who could be Liberia's first professional surfer

After a brutal civil war, Liberia has a new phenomenon — surfing. The skills of one young Liberian may transform his life

Europe take notice of Britain's rising stars

Visit to Poland bears testimony to the fact that Chris Finch's basketball team is being treated with unprecedented respect

Kroenke may face ring after stadium error

The majority shareholder at Arsenal has been challenged to a wrestling match after double-booking his stadium in Denver

Sport in brief: NFL may double English games

Sia Soliola a Saint | Ben Maher gets a trial run | Frank Warren | Danilo Di Luca in the pink | Marlon Devonish pledge

Sport in brief: Rossi makes himself at home

Eagles secure treble | Deena Kastor's redemption | Sean O’Hair survives scare | Anne Keothavong out early | Swine flu scare

Sport in brief: Olympic champion in positive drugs test

Amnesty for rebels | Lance Armstrong returns | Anne Keothavong exits | Chris Finch joins Dallas | Valentino Rossi on parade

Hollywood hoopla

A new film by Spike Lee puts a spotlight on Kobe Bryant

Sport in brief: Davis may not return to Crucible

Gloucester suffering after citing | Robert Key to lead Lions | Refrigerator ailing | Russell Winter calls it quits

Sport in brief: Ding turns tables

The Royal and Ancient hatches plan to fund Open Championship trips as Kelenna Azubuike is refused a British passport

LeBron James, king of the Cleveland Cavaliers

Can the heir to Michael Jordan make the Cavs the most compelling show in American sports?

Sport in brief: 100m record will be broken says Bolt

John Higgins wins scrap | Andy Thomson triumphant | Ijaz Ahmed held in custody | Louis Smith reaches the finals

New York's new grounds for optimism

The Yankees and the Mets will play in new stadiums this season and both have hopes of World Series glory

MLB preview: team chemistry can match big spending

After a year full of controversy, baseball returns to the US with the task of restoring its reputation

Sport in brief: Armstrong’s Giro plans in doubt

Anne Keothavong falls at first hurdle, Surrey snap up André Nel, Testing Thames for Oxbridge rowers, Luol Deng upbeat