Falcons say 49ers' Kaepernick poses new challenge

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. | Michael Turner's trademark high-pitched laugh filled the Falcons' locker room.

LSU's defense to test Tajh Boyd, Clemson offense

ATLANTA | Tajh Boyd said it.

Braves acquire Maholm, Johnson from Cubs

ATLANTA | The Atlanta Braves boosted their rotation and added a right-handed bat to their bench Monday night by acquiring left-hander Paul Maholm and outfielder Reed Johnson from the Cubs.

Braves hit 4 homers to beat Cubs

ATLANTA | Jason Heyward and Brian McCann each hit a two-run homer in the first inning, helping Mike Minor and the Atlanta Braves beat the Cubs 7-3 on Thursday night.

Cubs hit 3 homers, beat Braves

ATLANTA | The Atlanta Braves are falling deeper behind NL East leader Washington, thanks in part to their difficulties against the Cubs, the last-place team in the NL Central.

Jones powers Braves past Cubs

ATLANTA | The Cubs hoped Chris Volstad would return from the minors a better pitcher, more mature and better equipped to avoid big innings.

Baylor's Acy 'can't shy away' from Cats' Davis

ATLANTA | Baylor dunked its way into the NCAA South Regional final.

Cubs stop Uggla's streak, beat Braves

ATLANTA | Dan Uggla was quick to acknowledge he never thought he'd have a hitting streak as long as 33 games.

Rose scores 30, Bulls crush Hawks

ATLANTA | Derrick Rose had 30 points and 10 assists, helping the Bulls move back in the Eastern Conference lead with a runaway 114-81 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Horford's 31 points lead Hawks past Bulls

ATLANTA | Al Horford matched his career high with 31 points, including a jam with 29 seconds remaining to give Atlanta its first lead, and the Hawks beat the Bulls 83-80 on Wednesday night.

Braves counting on Kimbrell, Venters in 9th inning

ATLANTA | The one-week countdown to the start of Braves spring training found Craig Kimbrell and Jonny Venters doing what they do best.

Pitt beats Kentucky in BBVA Compass Bowl

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Pittsburgh players dumped the cooler full of sports drink on Phil Bennett.

Josh Smith, Hawks hold off Pacers

ATLANTA | Josh Smith and the Atlanta Hawks were sluggish early against the Indiana Pacers, one night after losing in San Antonio.

Hawks send Byfuglien to Atlanta

ATLANTA | The Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks have dealt playoff star Dustin Byfuglien along with defenseman Brent Sopel and forward Ben Eager to the Atlanta Thrashers for a package of draft picks and players.

AP source: Blackhawks send Byfuglien to Thrashers

ATLANTA (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says the Blackhawks and Thrashers are awaiting NHL approval on a multiplayer blockbuster trade that would send Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel and Ben Eager from Stanley Cup champion Chicago to Atlanta.

Wells, bullpen combine to blank Braves

ATLANTA | Randy Wells and the Cubs called on their Georgia connections to give Chicago its first win of the season.

Jones' two-run homer spoils solid start by Dempster

ATLANTA | Chipper Jones hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning and the Atlanta Braves held off the Cubs 3-2 on Wednesday night.

Zambrano, Samardzija rocked as Cubs lose opener

ATLANTA | His face and head covered in shaving cream and his first home run ball stashed safely away, Jason Heyward stood in front of his locker and beamed.

Hawks use 20-4 run to crush Bulls, 118-83

ATLANTA | Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 29 points and the Atlanta Hawks opened the second half with a 20-4 run and beat the Bulls 118-83 on Wednesday night.

Cutler, Ryan add passing balance to Bears, Falcons

ATLANTA | Jay Cutler and Matt Ryan have quickly passed their way into the records of two franchises known for running the ball.

Cubs-Braves game rained out

ATLANTA | A rainout forced the Atlanta Braves to wait a day for their first look at their new center fielder and No. 3 hitter.

Region native Schafer named Braves starting CF

ATLANTA | Region native Jordan Schafer's rise to the major leagues became official on Friday when the Atlanta Braves set their 25-man roster and named the 22-year-old rookie their starting center fielder.

Vitale says Georgia should hire Bob Knight

ATLANTA | Bob Knight could be ready to return to coaching and Monday said Georgia would be a desirable destination.

Sources: Sox's Vazquez likely headed to Braves

ATLANTA | Javier Vazquez is likely headed from the White Sox to the Atlanta Braves in a multiplayer trade.

Falcons' focus is on stopping Forte

ATLANTA | Kyle Orton's gaudy passing day last week didn't distract the Atlanta Falcons.

Ready to face Bears, Falcons adding balance to run-first philosophy

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. | The first five games of Mike Smith's career as a head coach have proved he was serious about bringing a run-first emphasis back to the Atlanta Falcons.

Cubs sweep season series with Braves

ATLANTA | A brief benches-clearing skirmish and only the second cycle in Atlanta history couldn't stop the Cubs from completing their first season sweep of the Braves.

Cubs sweep doubleheader

ATLANTA | The Cubs are playing so well on the road, they won two lopsided games away from Wrigley Field in one day.

SSC's Mahay on brink of big trade

ATLANTA | Power-hitting Mark Teixeira was on the brink of being traded from the Texas Rangers to Atlanta, giving the Braves the big bat they want for their pennant push.

Andruw Jones stuck in prolonged slump for Braves

ATLANTA | Andruw Jones was only 19 and still had Class A dirt in his cleats when he made his debut with the Atlanta Braves in 1996.

AT&T announces 3-year extension with RCR

AUTO RACING | NEXTEL CUP

Soriano hit by pitch in loss

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Soriano's hat trick of HRs carries Cubs

ATLANTA | When Alfonso Soriano had only four homers in 190 at-bats through May, he was starting to hear boos from impatient Cubs fans.

Hill, Cubs win in Piniella's return

ATLANTA | Lou Piniella was all smiles in his return to the dugout.

Francoeur, Braves too much for Cubs

ATLANTA | The Atlanta Braves' bullpen was so thin that manager Bobby Cox was ready to send one of his starters to the mound. Fortunately for him, his relievers held up at the end.

Smoltz, Glavine to face each other for first time in Atlanta

ATLANTA | Enjoy John Smoltz and Tom Glavine matching up against each other Saturday for the first time as starters for a game in Atlanta. It may never happen again.

Buckeyes stand in Gators' historic path

ATLANTA | No. 1 in the polls to end the season, No. 1 seed in the NCAA South Region, the nation's longest winning streak at 22 games. Gaudy credentials, for sure, but not compelling enough to make Ohio State the favorite in Monday night's national championship game against Florida.

Ohio State's Lewis: Florida is just good

ATLANTA | Ohio State's Ron Lewis caused a stir Sunday when he refused to follow the lead of teammates who referred to Florida as "great" or "excellent."

Oden steps up with big second half for Ohio State

NCAA TOURNAMENT | FINAL FOUR

Young Conley takes lead for Ohio State

ATLANTA | When Ohio State needed leadership the most this season, one of the team's youngest and smallest players raised his hand.

Abraham gives Falcons' DL another big-name star

PRO FOOTBALL

Vick vows to give Super effort in 2006

PRO FOOTBALL

Judge rules Belkin can buy out ownership group

PRO BASKETBALL

Bulls break out on Hawks

ATLANTA | As they entered their fourth game in five days, the Chicago Bulls had every reason to be a step slow Saturday night.

Tigers humble Hurricanes

ATLANTA | Matt Flynn did so well in his first start, the Peach Bowl turned into 60 minutes of fun for No. 10 LSU.

Wood not good as Cubs fall

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

All-black rodeo serves as reminder of blacks' role in shaping the West

CONYERS, Ga. | What led the Rev. Joseph Lowery, one of the nation's best-known black leaders, to trade his Sunday church clothes for Western wear and jump on a horse?

Friendly foes

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

3s company for Duhon, Bulls

ATLANTA | With his team trailing by 15 points at halftime, Bulls coach Scott Skiles figured it was time to fire away in the locker room.

Panthers bring streak to Atlanta

ATLANTA | For a team still below .500 this season and woefully below .500 in its all-time series with division rival Atlanta, the Carolina Panthers bring substantial momentum and confidence to the Georgia Dome for tonight's game.