IN BRIEF

MOTOR SPORTS

Honda pulls out of 2009 F1 competition

Japanese automaker Honda has pulled out of Formula One, citing a slowdown in the global economy.

"We have come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation," Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said at a news conference early today.

Fukui said the world economic conditions led to the move.

A pullout by one of the world's biggest car manufacturers will send shockwaves through F1, which could start the season with only 18 cars on the grid. Japanese team Super Aguri, which was backed by Honda, pulled out of F1 this year.

Also: Petty Enterprises is in discussions to merge its storied franchise with Gillett Evernham Motorsports, according to unnamed sources.

The two teams are discussing a deal that would merge Petty's famed No. 43 Dodge with GEM to become a four-car operation. Sources requested anonymity because the negotiations are ongoing.

Petty, the team founded by seven-time series champion Richard Petty, has no full-time sponsorship up for next season.

HOCKEY

Canadiens honor legends with statues

The Montreal Canadiens unveiled statues of four legendary players outside the Bell Centre on Thursday.

Hall of Famers Howie Morenz, Maurice "Rocket" Richard, Jean Beliveau and Guy Lafleur are depicted in bronze outside the Canadiens' downtown arena.

Also: Barry Melrose will return to ESPN as a hockey analyst Jan. 1.

Melrose, fired as coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning last month after 16 games, will appear on SportsCenter and ESPNEWS.

GOLF

Wie sits in tie at LPGA qualifying tournament

Michelle Wie moved into a tie for the lead after the second day of the LPGA Tour's qualifying tournament after a 7-under-par round.

The 19-year-old Hawaiian is trying to gain playing privileges on golf's top professional women's circuit for the first time.

Wie shot 65 Thursday on the Champions course at the LPGA International golf club in Daytona Beach, Fla. While she has drawn most of the attention at the event, Wie has said she won't speak with reporters until after the final round Sunday.

Also: Henrik Stenson tied the course record at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa, by shooting a 9-under-par 63 in the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Rory Sabbatini (68) is second after birdies on the first, sixth, 10th and 11th holes.

James Nitties shot a 9-under 63 at PGA West's Nicklaus Tournament Course in La Quinta, Calif., to take a one-stroke lead over Robert Garrigus and Harrison Frazar after the second round of the PGA Tour qualifying tournament.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Teel's seven TD passes lead Rutgers to victory

A few weeks after he was booed in his home stadium, Mike Teel walked off the field to a standing ovation.

Teel threw for 447 yards and matched a Big East record with seven TD passes, helping Rutgers dismantle Louisville 63-14 and give the Scarlet Knights their sixth straight win.

One of seven fifth-year seniors who helped resurrect a once-downtrodden program, Teel capped an up-and-down season with a flourish. He threw touchdown passes to five receivers and shattered the school record for yards passing in a game.

Also: The Penn State senior who plays the Nittany Lion mascot will miss the Rose Bowl after being suspended for violating team rules.

James Sheep was suspended a week and a half after being charged with DUI.