HORSE RACING

Eight Belles' trainer defends jockey

The trainer of euthanized filly Eight Belles adamantly defended the way jockey Gabriel Saez handled the Kentucky Derby runner-up.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Monday, Larry Jones said Saez applied the whip only to prevent Eight Belles from crashing into the rail.

"This filly in every race has tried to drift toward the rail," Jones said. "It's her comfort zone, and Gabriel knows this. This kid made every move the right move, and I hate it that they're wanting to jump down his throat. He did not try to abuse that horse to make her run faster. He knew he was second best, that she wasn't going to catch Big Brown."

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called for Saez to be suspended, contending he should have noticed an injury and pulled the horse up rather than applied the whip. The organization also announced plans to protest for major changes, including a ban on using the whip or racing horses younger than 3.

The Humane Society of the United States also weighed in, arguing that horses are becoming more fragile because they're being bred for speed, not durability.

JURISPRUDENCE

Clemens apologizes for unspecified mistakes

Roger Clemens apologized for unspecified mistakes in his personal life but denied having an affair with a 15-year-old.

The Daily News reported last week Clemens had a decade-long relationship with country star Mindy McCready that began when she was 15 and an aspiring singer. Clemens was also linked to former Manhattan bartender Angela Moyer and Paulette Dean Daly, a former wife of champion golfer John Daly.

"Even though these articles contain many false accusations and mistakes, I need to say that I have made mistakes in my personal life for which I am sorry," Clemens said in a statement. "I have apologized to my family and apologize to my fans. Like everyone, I have flaws. I have sometimes made choices which have not been right."

Bears' Benson plans to fight charges: Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson believes officers used excessive force against him and plans to fight charges he operated a boat while intoxicated and resisted arrest on a Texas lake over the weekend.

"He denies that he was intoxicated," attorney Brian Carney said. "He denies that he resisted arrest."

Benson is scheduled to appear in Travis County Court on May 19 to face charges stemming from an incident Saturday night.

SOCCER

Chivas USA defender to miss up to six weeks

Chivas USA defender Lawson Vaughn is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks after undergoing surgery over the weekend for a fractured nose.

Vaughn was injured during Saturday's game at Houston. He jumped to try a header and was kicked in the face by Houston's Dwayne De Rosario, who was attempting a bicycle kick.

TENNIS

No. 9 Gasquet upset in Rome by qualifier

The Rome Masters began with an upset when ninth-seeded Richard Gasquet was beaten by Peruvian qualifier Luis Horna 6-4, 6-1 in the first match on center court.

FIGURE SKATING

Spokane gets 2010 Nationals

Spokane, Wash., will host the 2010 U.S. Championships, which will serve as the trials for the Vancouver Olympics.

In a switch from previous years, the nationals will run for 10 days, Jan. 14-24, with champions to be crowned in 12 events.