For whatever reason, it didn't happen. There was a broken foot that rookie year and gradually, he became a sometime starter and then an afterthought. In five seasons with the Rams, he started more than seven games just once. By the time Carolina signed him as a free agent in 2006, Lewis was just another guy, thought of by some as something of a bust. The Panthers brought him in to back up Kris Jenkins and Maake Kemoeatu.

“There's the old saying; if it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger,” Lewis said Tuesday outside the Wofford cafeteria. “My life's good; I've got a wife and kids; I'm happy. I love football, but I know I'm not going to be able to do it forever. People can say what they want to say; I've always enjoyed the game and I love the game, and that's the way I look at it.”

And if his St. Louis days weren't what he had hoped …

“Some people are going to be great; you have very few hall of famers compared to the numbers that play the game. I'm not going to worry about it.”

Lewis played better than many expected as a Panther, and now his role has increased. He's become an important cog in a defensive line hoping to reestablish its dominance. Jenkins has been traded. Defensive end Mike Rucker has retired.

Defensive end Julius Peppers is coming off his worst season.

Something had to change, and Lewis is a big part of that.

“He came in and did a good job… he played quite a bit for us,” said coach John Fox. “He's been a starter in the league, he's capable of starting and we think he's capable of starting for us.”

After collecting eight sacks in two years as a reserve, he'll line up next to Kemoeatu.

“I'm playing base (defense) and sub now, where last year I played mostly nickel (passing situations) and came in for Maake a little bit on run downs,” Lewis said. “So I'm doing a little bit of everything now.”

The key, though, might be that the defense is doing less. While no one is being specific, the coaches – with a number of new players to consider – have scaled back the playbook.

“You don't hear (complaints or confusion) on the field as much as we did last year, I think,” Lewis said. “You hear a lot more enthusiasm; guys are being a lot more energetic on the field, and talking to each other more. I think guys are relaxing.”

Lewis said that while things are generally the same for the front four, the defensive calls from the linebackers are coming in faster.

“I think (scaling back is) allowing us to play faster with less thinking from the front and from the linebackers.”

Lewis, who was given Tuesday's practice off after taking a hit to an ankle Monday, feels as if he has a new lease on life.

“In St. Louis, especially in my later years, there was a lot of unsound stuff that we were doing,” he said. “We got a lot criticism up front for it, but actually it wasn't always us. We took it with a smile and just kept going. But there were a lot of things that just weren't right with what we were doing on that defense.

“Here everything is well thought-out. I think coach (John) Fox and coach (Mike) Trgovac do a great job of putting our game plan together. Even in simplifying what we're doing, they're doing a great job with that.”

Lewis, a self-described country boy from Sulphur Springs, Tex., also feels that Carolina is a better fit for him, with everyone from owner Jerry Richardson on down interested in the players as individuals.

“I come from a real small town,” Lewis said. “Hunting and fishing, get out and do what I like to do outdoors. It's a lot easier to do it here than a lot of other places.

“Give me a bass boat and a couple of cold beers and I'm fine.”

The Iraqi government and IOC reached an agreement that will lead to a “fully functioning, independent National Olympic Committee in Iraq,” the IOC said in a news release.

The agreement overturns a ban, announced July 24, that was instituted because the government of Iraq seized control of the country's Olympic Committee, a violation of IOC rules.

The decision followed last-minute talks between Iraqi officials and the IOC ahead of today's deadline to submit athletes' names for track and field. The Olympics begin Aug. 8.

Iraq's National Olympic Committee was dissolved by the Baghdad government in May, prompting the IOC to suspend the Mideast country from the Olympics for political interference.

The IOC had insisted the old committee be reinstated even though four members were kidnapped two years ago. Their fates remain unknown.

Iraq is expected to send two athletes to Beijing to compete in track and field events. The decision came too late for five other hopefuls in archery, judo, rowing and weightlifting. The deadline to submit names for those sports expired last week.

Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe, 34, will join the British Olympic team this weekend in a bid to recover from a stress fracture in her thigh in time to compete in the race at Beijing on Aug. 17.

The International Gymnastics Federation said it will not appeal Morgan Hamm's punishment by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee already had said the warning did not affect Hamm's spot on the team for the Beijing Games.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming scored 21 points in 28 minutes to lead China past Angola 83-74 in Nanjing, China, another step in his return from a stress fracture in his left foot with less than two weeks until the Olympics.

Mountain bike rider Klaus Nielsen was selected to Denmark's Olympic squad as a replacement for Peter Riis Andersen, who was barred from the Games after admitting he had taken the banned blood booster EPO. Riis Andersen said he would quit pro cycling.

Brett Favre has sent his reinstatement paperwork to the NFL and is awaiting approval from commissioner Roger Goodell, league spokesman Randall Liu confirmed Tuesday.

Once Favre is granted reinstatement – a step considered a formality, but one that won't happen until today at the earliest – the Packers will have 24 hours to release the iconic quarterback or return him to their active roster.

If Goodell reinstates Favre today, his return to the practice field for the Packers would most likely come Friday. The team does not have a scheduled public practice Thursday. ESPN first reported that Favre faxed the letter earlier Tuesday.

“It's obviously the first step in Brett coming back, but we'll deal with that when Brett is reinstated and have a plan for that when he comes back,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said after practice Tuesday.

But if the Packers can work out a trade acceptable to Favre in the next few days, they can avoid the potential for a major distraction in training camp.

The team has no plans to grant Favre the release he has requested, suspecting that he would immediately sign with division rival Minnesota. The Packers own Favre's rights until his contract expires after the 2010 season, making a trade the most likely outcome acceptable to both Favre and the Packers.

If they can't work out a trade soon, it now seems likely that Favre will show up in Packers camp later this week as the backup to Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers insisted he isn't bothered by the potential of having Favre lurking over his shoulder.

“You know, I'm not as affected as you guys (the media) think I am or should be,” Rodgers said. “They told me I'm the starter, and until that changes, that's going to be my focus.”

Manning arrives, goes underground

Peyton Manning finally arrived in town. Where he is or when he'll practice with the Indianapolis Colts remains a mystery.

The two-time league most valuable player had surgery July 14 to remove an infected bursa sac in his left knee, but still has not appeared on the Colts' practice fields. Team officials are keeping his whereabouts hush-hush.

“He's doing fine. He's here and he's immobilized,” coach Tony Dungy said after Tuesday morning's practice. “We don't want a lot of people seeing him, so that's why we're not saying where he is.”

Patriots' Harrison is off the PUP list

Safety Rodney Harrison took part in the New England Patriots' evening practice Tuesday after being taken off the physically unable to perform list.

Harrison is starting his 15th NFL season and sixth with the Patriots.

New England still has nine players on the list after beginning training camp with 12. Still on the list are defensive end Jarvis Green, cornerback Ellis Hobbs, guard Stephen Neal, tackle Oliver Ross, linebackers Bo Ruud and Mike Vrabel, wide receiver Wes Welker, center Ryan Wendell and defensive lineman Mike Wright.

Bridgestone Invitational

Site: Akron, Ohio. Schedule: Thursday-Sunday.

Course: Firestone Country Club, South Course (7,360 yards, par 70).

Purse: $8 million. Winner's share: $1.35 million.

FedEx Cup points: 26,250. Winner's share: 4,725.

Television: Golf Channel (Thursday-Friday, 2 p.m., 8:30 p.m.) and CBS (Saturday-Sunday, 1 p.m.).

LADIES' GOLF UNION

Women's British Open

Site: Sunningdale, England. Schedule: Thursday-Sunday.

Course: Sunningdale Golf Club (6,408 yards, par 72).

Purse: $2.1 million. Winner's share: $320,000.

Television: TNT (Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.) and ABC (Saturday, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.).

Note: The tournament became an official LPGA Tour event in 1994 and was elevated to major status in 2001, replacing the du Maurier in Canada.

U.S. GOLF ASSOCIATION

U.S. Senior Open

Site: Colorado Springs, Colo. Schedule: Thursday-Sunday.

Course: The Broadmoor, East Course (7,254 yards, par 70).

Purse: TBA ($2.6 million in 2007). Winner's share: TBA ($470,000 in 2007).

Television: ESPN (Thursday-Friday, 1 p.m.) and NBC (Saturday-Sunday, 3 p.m.).

PGA TOUR

Legends Reno-Tahoe Open

Site: Reno, Nev. Schedule: Thursday-Sunday.

Course: Montreux Golf and Country Club (7,472 yards, par 72).

Purse: $3 million. Winner's share: $540,000.

FedEx Cup points: 12,500. Winner's share: 2,250.

Television: Golf Channel (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, 1:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 1:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 a.m., 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 1 a.m.).

With their sights set firmly on the World Series, the Angels pulled off a blockbuster deal Tuesday to acquire slugger Mark Teixeira from the fading Atlanta Braves.

Los Angeles sent first baseman Casey Kotchman and minor-league pitcher Steve Marek to the Braves, who raised the white flag on this season after a rash of key injuries.

“Our goal is to win a world championship,” Angels general manager Tony Reagins said. “The team is playing well at this point, but being able to add a player like Mark Teixeira just makes us that much better.”

Los Angeles went into Tuesday night's game at Boston with an 111/2-game cushion in the AL West, by far the most commanding lead for any first-place team. But the Angels were more concerned with setting up a roster that can go all the way in October.

“Hopefully, I can just go over there and be one more piece of the puzzle,” Teixeira said before leaving Turner Field.

The first baseman is making $12.5 million and will be eligible for free agency after the season.

Atlanta general manager Frank Wren said the team was rebuffed in spring training when it offered Teixeira a deal that would have made him “one of the highest-paid players in the game.”

There were no further contract discussions between Wren and Teixeira's agent, Scott Boras. With Atlanta fading in the NL East, Wren thought he had little choice but to get something of value before losing Teixeira, 28, especially with the way this season is going.

“We have too many players hurt right now to really compete,” Wren said. “It's time to start rebuilding our club.”

The Angels made the deal knowing they are unlikely to sign Teixeira to a long-term contract before everyone has a shot at him in free agency. In fact, he said he would prefer no contract talks with his new team until after the season.

That didn't stop the Angels from pursuing the deal, which was done with plenty of time to spare before Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline.

Teixeira was among the top names in the rumor mill, and should boost a club that wanted to add another big bat to back its potent pitching staff.

Teixeira is batting .283 with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs. The switch-hitter joins Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter in a lineup that ranks in the bottom half of the American League in average, homers and runs.

“The Angels have always been one of the best teams in the league,” Teixeira said. “They've always had great pitching, great defense and find a way to win games. I want to be the one who hopefully gets them over the top.”

Los Angeles is 66-40 after John Lackey came within two outs of a no-hitter in Tuesday night's 6-2 victory at Boston. The Angels won their only World Series title in 2002, and have spent millions more trying to win another title.

“I'm not saying we're the team to beat,” Teixeira said. “But I do know we have a great team and I look forward to coming aboard.”

McInnis – a former West Charlotte High and North Carolina star who also played for the Bobcats – is a regular. So is Washington Wizards center Brendan Haywood. Bobcats guard Raymond Felton has played. Davidson's Stephen Curry has played – plus nine players from the Charlotte 49ers, nine from Winthrop and J.C. Smith's entire team.

“It's been our best year ever as far as player participation,” said league organizer Clarence Johnson.

The final regular season games are tonight and Thursday at Grady Cole Center. Games begin at 6:30.

At 7:30 Thursday night, there will be an overseas pro players' challenge followed by two college challenge games, with more than 40 current collegiates, at 8:30 and 9:30. Best of all, it's free. No tickets, no parking.

Want to win nine holes of golf with LPGA star Natalie Gulbis, plus dinner? Just visit rsmmcgladrey.com/nataliecontest To enter, you must write a 200-word or less essay on the most influential person in your life. Two things: You must be at least 18 and you must enter by Aug. 4.

Longtime AAU coach Malcolm Sanders got a rare treat Sunday in Lexington, Ky. The United Stars, a 12-and-under team, won the AAU National Championship, and Sanders' son, Jalen, was the team's 12-year-old point guard. Sanders' assistant, Reggie Mobley, who coaches West Charlotte High's girls team, also watched his son, Devin, win a title.

“It's hard when your kid is on the team,” said Sanders, “but you have to concentrate on what you're doing. He doesn't even call me Dad. I'm Coach Mac.

N.C. Tech, Charlotte's post-high school graduate team, has 110 football players on its third squad.

The Tigers are a combined 27-0 in two years under coach Tim Newman. This year's team features Thomas Shuler, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound fullback from Florida who was rated No. 8 at his position by rivals.com as a high school senior last year.

Shuler has committed to Arkansas.

J.C. Smith track star Shermaine Williams earned a silver medal in the 100-meter hurdles at the 12th World Junior Championships at the Zawisza Stadium in Bydgoszcz, Poland earlier this month.

Williams, who will be a sophomore this fall, is the current NCAA Division II 60-meter hurdles champion and owns the NCAA Division II 60-meter hurdles record (8.24 seconds).

The Charlotte Bobcats acknowledged as much, agreeing to a six-year, $72million deal with center-power forward Emeka Okafor.

The contract will be signed in a few days, assuring the Bobcats retain the player they chose with the second overall pick in the 2004 draft.

Okafor was prepared to sign a one-year qualifying offer, worth about $7million, that would have made him an unrestricted free agent next July. Under that scenario, Okafor could have eventually signed elsewhere without the Bobcats receiving any compensation.

Instead, the Bobcats would now be obligated to him through the 2013-2014 season. By then, Okafor would be 31, having completed 10 NBA seasons.

Okafor's agent, Jeff Schwartz, could not be reached.

The average salary – $12million – is consistent with what the Bobcats offered Okafor a year ago, before he became a restricted free agent. However, this contract is longer by a year.

This is the largest player contract in the Bobcats' four-season history, speaking to the importance of retaining the team's best big man.

“Any time you have a player like Emeka – a rebounder, a defender at the rim, it's imperative for a team to keep a guy like that,'' said Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins, confirming a deal had been reached.

“You need that big guy to defend the Tim Duncans, the (Shaquille) O'Neals, the (Kevin) Garnetts,'' Higgins said. “The big guys control the game in the post, and that's our guy when it comes to doing that.''

Okafor averaged 13.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.68 blocks last season.

He's one of four NBA players to average a double-double each of the past four seasons.

There was a real possibility Okafor would leave.

The Bobcats were offering less at the beginning of the month – roughly $10million a season, according to one source – and Okafor's camp wanted the Bobcats to explore sign-and-trade options.

Higgins said he wouldn't do that, telling the Observer Friday he still “held out hope'' a deal could be made to keep him here long-term.

Comparable contracts signed by fellow big men Andrew Bogut of Milwaukee and Andris Biedrins of Golden State appeared to peg $12million as a fair average salary for Okafor.

Adding another season to that average number apparently bridged the gap between the two sides.