SPORTS briefs

MIAMI.The Florida Marlins' two star sluggers exchanged heated words in a verbal confrontation in the clubhouse Wednesday. A frustrated Hanley Ramirez said that he "got some people upset" for leaving the game early the night before with an injury, then Dan Uggla openly argued with the NL batting leader in the clubhouse. Uggla accused Ramirez of a lack of desire and effort to win. He also said Ramirez didn’t care because he's already secured a $70 million, six year contract.

NEW ORLEANS. New Orleans Saints Usama Young's failure to appear in court for parking in a handicap spot led to his arrest this week after he was stopped for speeding.

BEIJING. China captain Zheng Zhi has signed a two-year contract with Scottish giants Celtic, state media said yesterday. The 29-year-old midfielder signed with the Glasgow club for $16,250 a week, Soccer News reported. Zheng was a free agent after his contract at English League One club Charlton expired at the end of last season.

SHREVEPORT.John M. Stephens, the 1988 Offensive Rookie of the Year for the New England Patriots, has been killed after his pickup truck ran off a highway and struck some trees, authorities said Wednesday. Stephens, 43, apparently lost control of his vehicle on a rural stretch of Louisiana Highway 169 near Shreveport on Tuesday evening. A police statement said Stephens apparently was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the single-vehicle accident.

SINGAPORE.Three-time major winners Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els have confirmed they will play in the Singapore Open in late October and skip the World Match Play Championship. Harrington and Els both played in the 2008 Singapore Open, missing birdies on the final hole to finish tied for second behind winner Jeev Milka Singh. Organizers expect big-name confirmations in the coming weeks for the 156-man field. Phil Mickelson played the event last year and Adam Scott won it twice.

PARIS. Two-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has decided to pull out of the cycling world championships later this month in Switzerland. Contador, who won his second Tour title in July, is not in top shape and doesn't want to prevent another rider with better chances of winning from competing at the worlds, spokesman Jacinto Vidarte said in an e-mail.