LJWorld.com

New York — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is being treated for a rare form of leukemia, and the basketball great said his prognosis is encouraging.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer was diagnosed last December with chronic myeloid leukemia, he told The Associated Press on Monday.

The 62-year-old Abdul-Jabbar said his doctor didn’t give any guarantees, but informed him: “You have a very good chance to live your life out and not have to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle.”

Abdul-Jabbar is taking an oral medication for the disease. He is a paid spokesman for the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis, which makes a drug that treats the illness.

Abdul-Jabbar became concerned last year after feeling odd sensations. He went for tests at UCLA.

An exam showed his white blood cell count was “sky high” and a doctor quickly diagnosed his condition.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Arkansas suspends five

Fayetteville, Ark. — Five Arkansas basketball players have been suspended for their season opener Friday night, including three identified in a rape complaint that did not result in charges. Coach John Pelphrey said guards Courtney Fortson and Stefan Welsh were suspended indefinitely. Guard Marcus Britt was suspended for six games, forward Glenn Bryant two games, and walk-on guard Nick Mason will not dress for games during the fall semester.

An 18-year-old freshman accused three basketball players of raping her Aug. 27 at a fraternity house. The police report identified the players as Britt, Bryant and Mason.

Foul calls expanded

Kansas City, Mo. — NCAA basketball officials will begin calling fouls on secondary defenders under the basket this season in an attempt to curb injuries. John Adams, national coordinator for men’s basketball officiating, said Tuesday that referees will call fouls on secondary defenders who make contact with a shooter while standing directly under the rim.

Jordan to miss two games

Champaign, Ill. — The NCAA says the oldest son of Michael Jordan will miss the first two games of the season for No. 23 Illinois after playing in an unsanctioned event last summer. Illinois coach Bruce Weber says Jeff Jordan, a reserve guard, played in a three-on-three event.

Seton player suspended

Newark, N.J. — A Seton Hall University basketball player has been suspended indefinitely from the team after police charged he was under the influence when he drove the wrong way on the Garden State Parkway and collided with another car. Keon Lawrence was treated for severe facial cuts, while the driver of the other car suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash early Monday, police said.

NFL

Steelers silent on Johnson

Pittsburgh — Steelers coach Mike Tomlin isn’t saying whether the team has any interest in Larry Johnson, the former Penn State running back who was released by the Kansas City Chiefs. Still, the Steelers’ answer appears to be the same as it was in 2003: Johnson isn’t in their plans.

Vick can keep bonuses

Minneapolis — A federal appeals court is backing the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday affirmed Judge David Doty’s order.

GOLF

Kerr leads LPGA victory

Henderson, Nev. — Cristie Kerr shot 4-under 32 on the back nine to lead the LPGA team to a win Tuesday in the Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge. It is the LPGA’s fifth win in the made-for-TV event that pits three-person teams from the PGA Tour, Champions Tour and LPGA.

The LPGA team of Kerr, Suzann Pettersen and Natalie Gulbis had a combined score of 6 under on the final nine holes to beat the PGA Tour team of Stewart Cink, Fred Couples and Bubba Watson by two strokes and win $300,000. The Champions Tour team of Nick Price, Fred Funk and Jay Haas finished third.

McIlroy to join U.S. tour

Hong Kong — Rory McIlroy has decided to join the PGA Tour next year with hopes of moving up in the world ranking. McIlroy, a 20-year-old from Northern Ireland, is No. 17 in the world, despite turning pro only two years ago.

BASEBALL

Herzog, Kauffman on ballot

Cooperstown, N.Y. — Whitey Herzog, Billy Martin, Gene Mauch and Danny Murtaugh are among the former managers who will be on the ballot when the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee votes next month. The Hall released the names Tuesday.

A separate ballot for executives and pioneers includes former owners Ewing Kauffman (Royals), Gene Autry (Angels), John Fetzer (Tigers), Jacob Ruppert (Yankees) and Sam Breadon (Cardinals) along with former players’ association head Marvin Miller.

Jeter wins Gold Glove

New York — Derek Jeter has won his fourth Gold Glove at shortstop, joining New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira among the American League players honored for fielding excellence.

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Torii Hunter and Seattle right fielder Ichiro Suzuki both won for the ninth straight year. First-time winners Tuesday included Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, Baltimore outfielder Adam Jones and White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle.

Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer and Detroit second baseman Placido Polanco each earned their second Rawlings Gold Glove Award. National League winners will be announced today.

GMs pass on replay

Chicago — Baseball general managers failed to take a vote Tuesday on expanding instant replay following a postseason filled with blown calls by umpires. Baseball began video review in August 2008 but only to determine whether potential home runs were fair or foul or cleared fences.

SOCCER

Germany goalkeeper dies

Frankfurt, Germany — A goalkeeper expected to play for Germany at the World Cup died after being hit by a train in what police suspect is a suicide. Robert Enke, 32, played for the German club Hannover.