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SPORTS BITS: LeBron on Team USA; Akim Aliu drafted; Barry Bonds’ ex-mistress; Randy Moss flick.
*NBA star LeBron James says he will suit up for the U.S. team in next month's FIBA America's Tournament, where the Americans will try to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. So far, Team USA has commitments from Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, Carlos Boozer, Chauncey Billups, Deron Williams, Mike Miller, Tayshaun Prince, Tyson Chandler, Amare Stoudemire, Michael Redd, Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. Miami's Dwyane Wade will not play in the summer tournaments following shoulder surgery, but the Heat star told coach Mike Krzyzewski on Monday that he will report to the mini-camp and wants to help out during practices in August.
*Nigerian Akim "The Dream" Aliu is a step closer to being the second Nigerian to play in the NHL. Born in Nigeria and raised in Ukraine, Aliu moved to Canada when he was 11, and then shuttled to Sudbury, Ontario, to play juniors a year ago. He was picked by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round on the second day of the NHL draft on Saturday. A year ago, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward had 16 goals and seven assists with the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League.
*A woman claiming to be a former mistress of Barry Bonds told a grand jury in 2005 that he blamed a 1999 elbow injury on his alleged steroid use, reports the New York Daily News. Kimberly Bell, a graphic artist and model who says she dated the San Francisco Giants slugger for nine years, is going public with love notes and phone messages from Bonds, and testimony she gave to the FBI in the BALCO steroids trafficking case. Bell also said Bonds once gave her $80,000 in cash from signing baseballs so she could make a down payment on a house. Bonds, meanwhile, is only eight cracks away from breaking Hank Aaron’s home run record.
*A film about controversial NFL wide receiver Randy Moss has won three Telly Awards for independent director and writer David C. Bojorquez of David Productions. “The Moss Method” is a film and DVD that explores the insider's perspective of competitive sports and the motivation driving the athlete while also demonstrating Moss' personal training techniques. The 60-minute DVD and 42-minute film were shot on location at a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. facility while Moss trained in 2006 and was commissioned by Blue Rider Pictures. “The Moss Method” DVD is $19.95 and available online and at retailers.
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