GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Brett Favre's reinstatement to the NFL was held up again today as the three-time MVP mulled getting paid not to play through a marketing deal with the Green Bay Packers that could resolve the standoff over his retirement. The potential agreement, worth a reported 20 million dollars over 10 years, might end Favre's bid to return just months after retiring.

CHICAGO (AP) On the baseball field, Pittsburgh put an end to the Chicago Cubs' five-game winning streak with a 3-0 win. The victory moved the Bucs out of last place.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Twins have promoted pitcher Francisco Liriano from Triple-A and cut pitcher Livan Hernandez and outfielder Craig Monroe. The Twins also selected the contract of first baseman/designated hitter Randy Ruiz from Rochester on Friday.

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Bills rookie Alvin Bowen suffered a severe right knee injury in practice today. Coach Dick Jauron expressed fear that the linebacker could miss the entire season.

SUNNINGDALE, England (AP) Japan's Yuri Fudoh (YOOR'-ee FOO'-doh) tops the leaderboard through two rounds of the Women's British Open. Fudoh fired a 4-under-par 68 for a 10-under 134 total, tying the halfway record in a Women's British Open. American Juli Inkster is one shot back, with Bo Bae Song two strokes behind the leader.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-01-08 1654CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list