Former WNBA player and Olympic gold medalist Chamique Holdsclaw has pled not guilty to charges stemming from an argument and shooting last November, ESPN.com noted. Holdsclaw was arrested after an argument in Atlanta with Tulsa Shock player Jennifer Lacy, who told authorities she was Holdsclaw's ex-girlfriend. Authorities allege Holdsclaw broke Lacy's car windows and shot at the car. Holdsclaw's attorney has said he intends to try settling the case without a trial.
Former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Mark Knudson believes gay athletes should remain quiet about their sexual orientation, according to an On Top Magazine item. Knudson, who played for eight seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), said in a column for Mile High Sports that an openly gay player would lead to "awkward moments." Knudson, 52, retired in 1993.
Featherweight boxer Orlando Cruz—who last year made history by becoming the first professional boxer to come out as gay while still competing—scored his second consecutive victory since coming out, Advocate.com noted. On March 16, Cruz whose nickname is "The Phenomenon," defeated Aalan "The Bomber" Martinez in a sixth-round technical knockout at Kissimmee, Fla.'s, Civic Center. During the fight, Cruz wore a multicolor boxing kilt with Puerto Rican and rainbow flags to acknowledge his nationality and sexual orientation.
Fallon Fox is the first transgender athlete competing in MMA (mixed martial arts), according to Sports Illustrated. She won her second professional bout with a 39-second knockout March 2 in Coral Gables, Fla. Fox, who underwent gender-reassignment surgery in 2006 along with the supplemental hormonal therapy, is scheduled to fight again for the Championship Fighting Alliance April 20 in the semifinals of its eight-woman featherweight tournament. However, Fox's license approval is now under investigation with Florida's Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation.
