Michael Redd's season ends with torn ACL/MCL and so goes the Bucks

MILWAUKEE -- Just when that silky smooth jumper of his was starting to fall just the way Michael Redd likes it, the Olympian's injury-plagued season came to an abrupt and frustrating end. The Milwaukee Bucks' leading scorer will miss the rest of the year with torn ligaments in his left knee.

"I'm deeply disappointed but everything in life happens for a reason and this is God's plan for me," Redd said in a statement issued by the team. "I have faith in my teammates and coaches to continue to work together to make our fans proud. I will be supporting them wholeheartedly from the sidelines and working equally hard to return to the court in the best condition possible for next season."

Redd was just starting to look like the player who helped Team USA reclaim the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics last summer. Having shaken the rust off from that long layoff in November, Redd was averaging 25.0 points per game in January and shooting better than 51 percent from the field. He had 27 points, including five 3-pointers, in a 133-99 dismantling of Dallas on Wednesday night.

But in the third quarter of Saturday night's victory over Sacramento, Redd landed awkwardly on teammate Luke Ridnour's foot after missing a shot near the basket. Redd had an MRI exam on Sunday that revealed the extent of the injury. A surgery date has not been scheduled.

Redd leads the team with 21.2 points per game and is fifth on the franchise career scoring list. The Bucks went 5-9 without him in November, with Charlie Bell filling in at shooting guard. Bell hasn't played since Jan. 19 because of a gimpy ankle.

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Charles Barkley taking leave of absense from TNT

Charles Barkley is taking a leave of absence from the broadcast booth.

The announcement by Turner Sports came Friday, hours after police said the former NBA star was legally drunk when police arrested him Dec. 31 on suspicion of drunken driving in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Test results show Barkley had a blood-alcohol level at .149, nearly twice the legal limit of .08 in Arizona.

Barkley, 45, will be off the air for a minimum of several weeks and no return date has been set, a person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it.

Barkley was stopped by a Gilbert officer working a regional DUI task force shortly after leaving a popular nightclub at about 1:30 a.m. Barkley failed field sobriety tests but was cooperative.

He was booked and released at a field command post and later issued a statement saying he was disappointed he put himself in that situation.

"When I spoke with Charles, he was apologetic for the events that transpired and it was obvious he understood the significance of this situation," said David Levy, president of Turner Sports, said in a statement. "This is an important time for Charles as he deals with the legal and personal issues that confront him. Charles is a valued part of the Turner Sports organization, and we are concerned for his well-being."

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Dwayne Wade A star on the court and now off the court

MIAMI -- When Dwyane Wade heard the plight of a South Florida woman whose nephew accidentally burned down her home -- and ruined all the family's possessions -- the Miami Heat star knew he had to do something.

So he helped the family move into a new home, just in time for Christmas.

Wade presented Dawn Smith with the ultimate Christmas gift on Wednesday -- the keys to a her new house, along with some furnishings, clothing and gifts to make sure her family has a joyous holiday, something that didn't seem likely just a few weeks ago.

His Wade's World foundation will make some payments on the home, while Smith and her family get back on their feet.

"That's what I try to teach my kids," said Wade, whose foundation has hosted several charity events this holiday season, mostly for needy children. "It's not about what you're going to receive -- it's what you can give to others from what you've received."

Smith couldn't hold back happy sobs when she saw the home for the first time.

"A big-time relief," Smith said, clearly overcome by emotion. "Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Oh, God, thank you so much."
The NBA's leading scorer this season had a simple message: "Hopefully, you'll like it."

Wade's other holiday events this year included a party for 350 children on Monday, and hosting 100 kids at Tuesday night's Heat game against the Golden State Warriors. He also donated $10,000 to each of three children's organizations, but said he was particularly touched by being able to assist the Smith family.

"We can help this family have a new beginning," Wade said.

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76'ERS FIRE MAURICE CHEEKS

CheeksThe Philadelphia 76ers fired coach Maurice Cheeks on Saturday, sources told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Assistant general manager Tony DiLeo will be the interim head coach for the remainder of the season, the sources said.

Cheeks' deal with the 76ers, who started the season 9-14, was guaranteed through next season.

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