NFL defensive end Gaines Adams dies at 26

Gaines Adams, an All-American defensive end at Clemson whose career never blossomed in the NFL, died Sunday at a hospital after going into cardiac arrest about an hour before at his family's home in Greenwood, S.C. He was 26. 

Marcia Kelley-Clark, chief deputy coroner for Greenwood County, said an autopsy showed an enlarged heart, a condition that can often lead to a heart attack. She said relatives were unaware of any medical condition. Toxicology tests are being run by the State Law Enforcement Division, though drug use is not suspected. 

Adams spent three seasons in the NFL, two with the Buccaneers and part of this season with the Bears. (AP)

Ravens safety Reed is contemplating retirement — Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed, 31, said there is a 50-50 chance he will retire after a season that saw him miss four games in December because of a variety of injuries, including problems with his neck, hip and groin. 

The six-time Pro Bowler was the 2004 defensive player of the year and has a franchise-record 46 interceptions and 13 career touchdowns. (AP)

U.S. striker Dempsey injures knee in Premier League — American striker Clint Dempsey faces a long layoff after injuring his right knee during Fulham's 2-0 loss at Blackburn, the latest blow to American preparations for the World Cup. 

The United States, which begins its World Cup campaign in South Africa against England on June 12, is already likely to be without forward Charlie Davies for the event because of injuries sustained in a car crash last October, and defender Oguchi Onyewu is sidelined until spring after knee surgery. (AP)

Beckham says he will continue to play after World Cup — Midfielder David Beckham insists he will play on after the 2010 World Cup, refuting a Saturday report in England's The Sun newspaper that said the AC Milan player was planning on retiring and returning to England once the competition in South Africa ended. Beckham is currently on loan at AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS. (AP)

LaCaze wins Earl Anthony Memorial — Rookie Anthony LaCaze, 27, won his first PBA Tour title, throwing three clutch strikes in the ninth and 10th frames to defeat Michael Machuga 214-206 in the title match of the Earl Anthony Memorial in Dublin, Calif. Stefanie Nation threw three strikes in the 10th frame to nip Lynda Barnes 201-181 for the women's title. (From news services)

Henderson wins street race ahead of Tour Down Under — Greg Henderson won the 30-lap, 31-mile street race prelude to the Tour Down Under in Adelaide, Australia, in 1 hour, 4 minutes, 33 seconds, while seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong finished 62nd, eight seconds off the pace. (AP)