From Beacon Journal wire services

With LeBron James out, Dwyane Wade proved he is definitely back.

Wade stepped into the starting lineup and scored 20 points in his first action in more than four months, and the United States beat Canada 120-65 in the opener of its exhibition schedule in Las Vegas.

James, the NBA's leading scorer, missed the game because of a mildly sprained right ankle, but the Americans have plenty of offense without him. Carmelo Anthony and Michael Redd also finished with 20 points, and Kobe Bryant added 15.

The Americans made 16 of their first 20 shots and ended at 65.7 percent (44-of-67), getting plenty of layups and dunks in their lone game on home soil before completing their Olympic preparations in China.

Football: Gholston signs contract

• Vernon Gholston's holdout lasted one day and two practices. The New York Jets signed the No. 6 overall pick out of Ohio State to a multiyear deal in time for the defensive end-linebacker to be on the field with his teammates for the start of practice on the second day of training camp. Gholston's agent, Ben Dogra of CAA Football, said the contract is worth $50 million, with $21 million guaranteed over five years.

• If Brett Favre plans to show for the Green Bay Packers' training camp, he'll need permission from the NFL. And as of Friday evening, he had not petitioned the league for reinstatement. NFL spokesman Randall Liu said the league did not receive a letter from Favre on Friday. The step is considered a formality, but an important one: Favre can't return until Commissioner Roger Goodell receives and approves the request.

• The Oakland Raiders finally released running back LaMont Jordan after being unable to trade him to another team.

• The Dallas Cowboys said they will waive veteran receiver Terry Glenn, who resisted signing an injury clause after missing most of last season with a right knee injury.

• Lawrence Jackson, the speedy defensive end and first-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks out of Southern California, signed a deal worth $11.25 million over five years. The contract includes a $6.1 million signing bonus.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers signed running back Rashard Mendenhall, agreeing to a five-year contract with their first-round draft pick two days before training camp opens. Mendenhall's contract is reportedly worth nearly $12.6 million, with $7.125 million guaranteed.

• Arena Football League Commissioner David Baker, 55, surprisingly resigned, two days before the ArenaBowl championship game.

Cycling: Sastre keeps yellow jersey

• Carlos Sastre kept the Tour de France yellow jersey, a day before a time trial that most likely will determine the winner of the three-week race. Sylvain Chavanel of France won the 19th stage after leading a two-man breakaway for his first stage victory. The Cofidis rider edged out Jeremy Roy of France at the end of the mostly flat 103-mile ride from Roanne to Montlucon, France. The top of the standings remained unchanged before today's time trial. The Tour ends Sunday in Paris.

Tennis: Blake upset at Rogers Cup

• German Nicolas Kiefer routed James Blake 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the semifinals in Toronto. Kiefer, ranked 37th in the world, will play Gilles Simon, who defeated Croatia's Marin Cilic 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. Britain's Andy Murray eliminated defending champion Novak Djokovic with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) win.

• Wimbledon champion Venus Williams has withdrawn from next week's Rogers Cup women's tennis tournament with a knee injury.

Soccer: Nash joins Vancouver bid

• Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, one of the country's most visible athletes, is joining the reclusive owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps in a bid to buy a Major League Soccer franchise. The Whitecaps hope to bring an MLS team to Vancouver when the league grants two new franchises in 2011. Nash said he will not be a majority owner, but will put a significant amount of money toward the project. Nash will join current owner Greg Kerfoot. The Vancouver Whitecaps are currently a Canadian professional soccer team.

NASCAR: Stewart to drive No. 14

• Tony Stewart has spent his entire career emulating A.J. Foyt, his childhood hero who dazzled the young racer with a tough-guy bravado and swashbuckling style. So when given a chance to pay Foyt the ultimate compliment, Stewart didn't hesitate: He'll use the No. 14 next season in honor of the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner.

Golf: Alfredsson sets course record

• Helen Alfredsson shot a course-record 9-under 63 Friday to pull within a shot of leader Angela Park after the second round of the Evian Masters. Park shot a 68 in her second consecutive bogey-free round, giving her a 10-under total of 134 in Evian-les-Bains, France. Overnight leader Lorena Ochoa is at 6 under after shooting a 1-over 73 after her 65 on Thursday.

• American Bruce Vaughan shot par 71, taking a 1-shot lead after the second round of the Senior British Open before heading for therapy on his troublesome left knee in Troon, Scotland. Vaughan totaled 3-under 139. John Cook (71) is 1 shot behind.