A judge has refused to stay West Virginia University's lawsuit against the Big East while the conference's countersuit plays out in Rhode Island. Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Russell Clawges says staying the lawsuit until Rhode Island's courts decide the other case won't promote the interests of justice. (02/02/2012)

Danica Patrick will be guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500 via a partnership with Tommy Baldwin Racing. TBR officially will field Patrick's No. 10 Chevrolet in all 10 of her Sprint Cup Series races this season. It will begin the season with the points Dave Blaney earned in 2011 for the No. 36 car. (02/01/2012)

The U.S. men's soccer team is negotiating to play Scotland in an exhibition game May 26 or 27. The Americans, preparing for the start of World Cup qualifying, also are negotiating to play Brazil on May 30 or 31 at Landover, Md., or Foxborough, Mass. (01/31/2012)

CONCORD, N.C. -- The celebration of Chip Ganassi's success was supposed to be a surprise, an opportunity to gather his great champions and toast their remarkable runs. He found out about it, but the celebration will stay etched in Ganassi's memory. (01/25/2012)

Danica Patrick became a worldwide sensation as a rookie at the Indianapolis 500, challenging for victory and becoming the first woman to lead laps in the showcase race. Those Indy days are fading fast. Patrick's shift to stock cars is long under way and her ties to IndyCar were cut even further Monday -- she said she won't run in the Indianapolis 500 this year. (01/24/2012)