Roundup

Doctor: Olson had stroke in the past year

COL. BASKETBALL

Lute Olson's doctor said yesterday that the former Arizona men's basketball coach had had a stroke within the past year and he had advised him to retire. The comments by Dr. Steven Knope at a news conference called by Olson's family offer the first explanation for Olson's sudden retirement last week, two days after he appeared at the Wildcats' media day. Olson, 74, said at the time he was energized and looking forward to his 25th season with Arizona. Knope said magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the stroke in the frontal part of Olson's brain, which left the Hall of Famer with severe depression and impaired judgment. Knope said Olson is resting at home and is on a blood thinner, and he's optimistic Olson will recover. The announcement ended almost a year of speculation about Olson's health. Rumors began to circulate when he took a leave of absence last season for what he later termed a "medical condition that was not life-threatening." Over the past few weeks, Knope said, he had talked to Olson about retiring because Olson was struggling to handle his workload as preseason practice opened. Knope said he ordered the MRI on Monday after Olson did not respond to recent treatment for depression. The MRI revealed a stroke.

Federer to play against U.S. in Davis Cup

TENNIS

Roger Federer ended speculation over his Davis Cup plans and announced that he will play for Switzerland against the United States in March. It will be the first time in five years the 13-time Grand Slam singles winner has broken up his early-season schedule for the Davis Cup. The World Group first-round series will be played March 6-8 in the U.S. at a venue to be chosen by the United States Tennis Association.

Angels to pick up options on Guerrero, Lackey

BASEBALL

The Los Angeles Angels will exercise their 2009 options on outfielder Vladimir Guerrero and pitcher John Lackey but will decline their option on outfielder Garret Anderson. Guerrero, 32, an eight-time All-Star who batted .303 with 27 homers and 91 RBIs this season, will earn $15 million next year. Lackey, who was 12-5 with a 3.75 ERA this season, will earn $9 million in 2009. Anderson, 36, whose option price was $14 million, will receive a $3 million buyout and become eligible for free agency. Anderson, who has spent his entire career with the Angels, hit .293 with 15 homers and 84 RBIs in 145 games this season. An Angels spokeswoman said the club intends to discuss a free-agent contract with Anderson.