Hartford, Conn. ? The bronze medals are beautiful. Clearly, though, they don’t make all the memories go away.

United States gymnasts, from left, Tasha Schwikert, Elise Ray, Kristin Maloney, Jamie Dantzscher, Amy Chow and Dominique Dawes hold up their bronze medals. The U.S. women’s team received the third-place medals that were stripped from China because a member of that team was found to be underage. The gymnasts received their medals Wednesday in Hartford, Conn.

Ten years after finishing fourth at the Sydney Olympics, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team received the third-place prizes that were stripped from China because a member of that team was found to be underage.

The new bronze medalists are Amy Chow, Jamie Dantzscher, Dominique Dawes, Kristin Maloney, Elise Ray and Tasha Schwikert.

“To me, it feels very separate,” Ray said after Wednesday’s ceremony. “Everything we went through in Sydney is still very fresh. Today feels like a different time. The two emotions couldn’t be more opposite.”

Indeed, all said they were happy to be recognized for their efforts in 2000. But this was a team mired with injuries and controversy — and more than happy to take an unflinching look back on a night that was designated as a celebration.

Boxing

Holyfield to fight in November

Detroit (ap) — Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield plans to step back into the ring in November against journeyman Sherman Williams at Joe Louis Arena.

Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs) will be 48 when fights for the first time since knocking out 41-year-old Frans Botha in the eighth round in April in Las Vegas.

Tennis

Nadal, Djokovic win in Toronto

Toronto — Rafael Nadal wrestled through a marathon first set tiebreak before he was finally able to shake Swiss challenger Stanislas Wawrinka with a 7-6, 6-3 victory.

Novak Djokovic earned a 7-5, 7-5 win over France’s Julien Benneteau earlier on Wednesday. Andy Murray, the defending champion who is ranked fourth in the world, beat Belgium’s Xavier Malisse, 7-5, 6-2.

Zvonareva sidesteps upset

Mason, Ohio — The sixth-seeded Vera Zvonareva waited through two rain delays totaling 3 hours and 28 minutes before finally overcoming Maria Kirilenko and pulling out a 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (3) victory in the second round of the Cincinnati Women’s Open on Wednesday.

NBA

Thomas, Knicks to part … again

New York — Isiah Thomas will not be returning to the New York Knicks after all.

Thomas said Wednesday in a statement he was declining a position as a consultant with the franchise he ran for 41?2 years because it may not be legal.

“After speaking with commissioner (David) Stern and Knicks executives, it has become apparent that my new agreement violates certain NBA bylaws,” Thomas said.

Thus ends — at least for now — the surprising and controversial reunion between the Knicks and the frequent target of fans and media during his turbulent tenure at Madison Square Garden.

Pacers nab PG in four-way trade

Indianapolis — The Indiana Pacers acquired point guard Darren Collison from New Orleans on Wednesday in a four-way trade that also includes New Jersey and Houston.

The Pacers also announced they have dealt Troy Murphy to the Nets, who sent guard Courtney Lee to Houston. To complete the trade, the Rockets shipped swingman Trevor Ariza to New Orleans.

Indiana also got James Posey from New Orleans in the deal.

Soccer

England coach: Beckham too old

Wembley, England — David Beckham’s international career appears over after England coach Fabio Capello said Wednesday the former captain is too old to play for the national team — without notifying him first.

Capello said the 35-year-old midfielder will have the chance to play in a friendly “farewell game” but will not be part of England’s team in qualifying for the 2012 European Championship.

Spain stays top of FIFA rankings

Zurich — World champion Spain stayed atop the FIFA rankings on Wednesday, and the United States dropped five places in the top 20 despite not playing a match.

Spain leads World Cup runner-up the Netherlands, with Brazil third and Germany fourth. The U.S. fell to No. 18 because its four wins at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July 2009 dropped in value.

NFL

LB Brooks announces retirement

Tampa, Fla. — Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks is officially retiring from the NFL, making the announcement in a two-minute video presentation.

The 11-time Pro Bowl selection hasn’t played in the league since being released by the Bucs following the 2008 season.

College football

Baseball

Mets closer Rodriguez in custody

New York — New York Mets reliever Francisco Rodriguez was in custody Wednesday night after what police called a “physical assault” on a family member at Citi Field.

Police say Rodriguez will be charged with third-degree assault.

Police say the incident occurred after the Mets’ 6-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night. Police did not say which family member Rodriguez scuffled with.