Former NBAer GILBERT ARENAS, who has been working out with the Chinese Super League club Shanghai Sharks, "has impressed both the coaching staff and front office," but so far an official deal has yet to be announced by the team. On Friday, Chinese website QQ Sports reported that the two sides "have come together on a one-year deal that will include a mutual option for a second" (NIUBBALL.com, 11/12). ... Tennis world No. 1 NOVAK DJOKOVIC "celebrated a sweet victory" over JUAN MARTIN DEL PORTO in the ATP Tour Finale semifinals by "handing out chocolates during his post-match press conference." He asked reporters to stay for a moment longer after the conference ended, and then he "proceeded to walk around the room offering them to the bewildered but amused press pack" (AFP, 11/11). ... Rugby player SONNY WILLIAMS expects to submit a contract to the Australian Rugby League Commission by the end of the week after a meeting with interim CEO SHANE MATTISKE "cleared the way for his return to rugby league." National Rugby League club Sydney Roosters will Tuesday "formally announce the worst kept secret in rugby league when Williams fronts a media conference at Allianz Stadium to reveal he has agreed to a one-year contract with the club" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 11/13). ... Irish boxing coach BILLY WALSH "received the Freedom of Wexford at a special ceremony in Wexford Opera House on Sunday afternoon." The award "comes after his achievement in guiding Ireland's boxers to a Gold, Silver and two Bronze Medals at the London Games (SPORTSNEWSIRELAND.com, 11/12). ... Football Federation of Ukraine President ANATOLY KONKOV revealed that former Ukraine national football team striker ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO "has been offered the job of national head coach." The position "has been vacant since OLEG BLOKHIN's departure for Dynamo Kiev" (AFP, 11/12).
MOVING ON: Brit DAVID DAVIES, the Olympic Silver and Bronze Medal-winning swimmer, "has retired a decade after his int'l debut." Davies "will work as a mentor for Sport Wales." He said: "I have had an amazing career. I have achieved so much more than I ever thought possible when I was a youngster" (LONDON TIMES, 11/12). ... LANCE ARMSTRONG "has stepped down as a board member of Livestrong, the cancer-support charity he founded in '97." Livestrong Chair JEFF GARVEY said in a statement: "Lance Armstrong has chosen to voluntarily resign from the Board of Directors of the Livestrong Foundation to spare the organization any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding his cycling career" (REUTERS, 11/12).
