Retired Houston Rockets center Yao Ming could enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as early as next year -- not as a player, but as a contributor to the game.John Doleva, the president and CEO of the Hall, said Tuesday that Yao has been nominated by a member of the Chinese media and his credentials will be considered by an international panel. As a contributor, Yao would bypass the usual five-year waiting period for retired players.AP Photo/Eugene HoshikoYao Ming and his family could have reason to gather in Springfield as soon as next year if the retired center is enshrined as a contributor.The 7-foot-6 Yao retired in July after leg and foot injuries ended his eight-year NBA career. The eight-time All-Star averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds in the NBA. [Read the full article]

Penn State coach Joe Paterno has been released from the hospital and will return to practice Wednesday, the team announced.Big Ten BlogESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett write about all things Big Ten in the conference blog.• Blog network: College Football Nation The 84-year-old Paterno was released late Tuesday morning after undergoing tests for injuries to his shoulder and hip and pelvis. Wide receiver Devon Smith ran into Paterno during Sunday's practice.Sources told ESPN's Chris Fowler that Paterno suffered a hairline fracture in his pelvis. Penn State confirmed Tuesday afternoon that no surgery was required for Paterno and that "precautionary measures" were complete."It's time for everyone to turn the attention to the team," Paterno said in a statement. [Read the full article]

The NFL is adding game-day testing for performance-enhancing substances -- but not recreational drugs -- this season under the new collective bargaining agreement. [Read the full article]

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant is in the early stages of contract negotiations with the same Turkish team that has signed Deron Williams and has been pursuing Kobe Bryant, according to Durant's agent.Agent Aaron Goodwin told ESPN.com on Tuesday night that he has met with officials from Turkish club Besiktas and has likewise begun exploring opportunities for Durant in Spain and Russia. Goodwin added that playing in China is not something Durant is considering at this time."The Turkish option is very intriguing," Goodwin said. "We're looking at other countries as well. [Read the full article]