Cricketer MICHAEL CLARKE will be pulling out of his Big Bash League deal with the Melbourne Stars, meaning Australian crowds might have seen him in action "for the last time." The recently retired Aussie skipper was weighing up whether to play in Twenty20 competitions like the BBL and Indian Premier League, or "step away from the game altogether." Clarke has been holidaying with wife KYLY in Europe and has "decided to take at the very least, an extended break, with the couple expecting their first baby in January" (Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH, 9/1). ... Britain's leading female jockey HAYLEY TURNER on Tuesday confirmed the "surprise news that she is retiring at the end of the season." She reportedly has "become frustrated at her lack of opportunities." Turner, joint champion apprentice in '05, is "set to become a pundit for At The Races television." She will also promote other female jockeys "hoping to build on the breakthrough successes she has achieved" (London DAILY MAIL, 8/31). ... German driver NICO HÜLKENBERG "has signed a new two-year deal with Force India which will keep him at the team" until the end of '17. The 28-year-old "is 12th in the drivers' standings following points finishes in four of the season's 11 races so far." Before this weekend's Italian Grand Prix in Monza, he said, "I feel at home here so it made perfect sense" (BBC, 9/1).
NBA PLAYER HEADING DOWN UNDER?: NICK YOUNG of the NBA L.A. Lakers "made contact with Basketball Australia." Last week he had a "cute exchange with the Boomers on social media." But he "was serious." Young is engaged to Australian pop star IGGY AZALEA. BA confirmed on Tuesday that Young did in fact make "an official enquiry" to play for the Boomers (FOX SPORTS, 9/1).
