NEW YORK -- Amare Stoudemires greatest NBA success was in Phoenix, where as Steve Nashs pick-and-roll partner he was one of the NBAs most fearsome finishers.But he chose to leave the league as a member of the Knicks, the franchise that was mired in a lengthy playoff drought before he signed in 2010 and revitalized the franchise.Stoudemire retired Tuesday after signing a contract with the Knicks with much less fanfare than the $100 million deal he inked six years ago to halt the teams downward spiral.Although my career has taken me to other places around the country, my heart had always remained in the Big Apple, he said in a statement. Once a Knick, Always a Knick.Stoudemire was a six-time All-Star, but battled knee injuries after his sensational first season in New York, when he became the first Knicks player to be voted an All-Star starter since Patrick Ewing in 1997.Still just 33 years old but with knees that hadnt been healthy in years, the 6-foot-10 forward asked team president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills to add another signing to the ones they hope will lead to the first playoff berth since Stoudemire left.I came to New York in 2010 to help revitalize this franchise and we did just that, Stoudemire said. Carmelo (Anthony), Phil and Steve have continued this quest, and with this years acquisitions, the team looks playoff-bound once again.Madison Square Garden was energized again as Stoudemire rewrote the Knicks record book during his first season, breaking Willie Naulls 48-year-old franchise record by scoring 30 or more points in nine straight games.With Carmelo Anthony arriving by trade midway through that 2010-11 season, the Knicks made the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Stoudemire remained with the team until midway through the 2014-15 season, always a popular player even after injuries forced him into a diminished role.For parts of six years, Amare Stoudemire was the face of the New York Knicks franchise because of his excellence on the court and his dedication to our community and our fans across the world, Mills said. When Amare asked us to retire as a Knick, we were honored to oblige.Stoudemire was the No. 9 pick in the 2002 draft and averaged 21.4 points in eight seasons with the Suns, teaming with point guard Nash to help them become the NBAs most potent offense. Stoudemire had just led the Suns to the 2010 Western Conference finals before joining his former coach there, Mike DAntoni, in New York.As the 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year and a five-time All-Star during his time in Phoenix, Amares eight seasons with our franchise provided some of the most exciting Suns basketball this city has ever seen, the Suns said in a statement.Stoudemire signed a five-year deal in 2010 with the Knicks and averaged 25.3 points in his first season.But he never came close again to the 78 games he played that season, needing multiple surgeries that eventually forced him into a bench role playing restricted minutes. He was an effective one for a time, helping the Knicks win the 2013 Atlantic Division title, but agreed to a contract buyout at the 2015 All-Star break after the team was no longer a playoff contender.He finished that season with Dallas and played last season in Miami, ending his career with 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.---Follow Brian Mahoney on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BriancmahoneyNike Vapormax Plus Dames Sale . Giroud, who wasnt in the starting lineup for two matches after allegations about his private life and a decline in form, scored twice in the first half. Tomas Rosickys chip made it 3-0 before half time at Emirates Stadium, while defender Laurent Koscielny scored an unmarked header in the second half. Nike Vapormax Korting . Still, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke thought taking him out before the fifth inning was an unusual move. "Im looking up at the board and hes got two hits given up and one run, and Im taking him out after the fourth inning," Roenicke said. http://www.vapormaxsalenederland.com/nike-react-element-87-goedkoop-kopen.html . -- Cam Newton pranced into the end zone, placed his hands over his chest and did his familiar Superman pose. Vapormax Groothandel . But what about the officials? Every sport has officials and they also have stories about hard work and sacrifice but their accomplishments are seldom recognized by anyone outside their inner circle. Nike Vapormax Heren Sale . Oyama had six birdies and two bogeys at Kintetsu Kashikojima in the event also sanctioned by the Japan LPGA Tour. "I have been having this neck ache thats been affecting my golf recently," Oyama said.NEW ORLEANS -- The Latest on the federal drug and sexual assault case against two co-defendants of former NFL star Darren Sharper (all times local):11 a.m.A co-defendant in the drug and sexual assault case that brought down former NFL star Darren Sharper has reached a plea deal.Former restaurant worker Erik Nunez has agreed to enter a guilty plea in the case. That leaves one more defendant, former St. Bernard Parish Sheriffs Deputy Brandon Licciardi (lih-CHAR-dee), to face trial. Jury selection began Monday shortly after the plea bargain with Nunez was announced in federal court.Details of the agreement have not yet been posted in public records, and the judge in the case could still reject it.Opening arguments in Licciardis trial are set for Friday. Sharper has pleaded guilty or no-contest to charges arising from allegations that he drugged and raped women in Arizona, Nevada, California and Louisiana.---8 a.m.JJury selection is set to begin in New Orleans for two people authorities say are tied to the drug and sexual assault case that brought down former NFL star Darren Sharper.dddddddddddd.Brandon Licciardi (lih-CHAR-dee) and Erik Nunez face federal charges related to allegations that they, and Sharper, gave drugs to women with the intent to rape them. Licciardi and Nunez have pleaded not guilty.Selection of jurors was scheduled to start Monday. After a jury is chosen, the trial will recess until opening arguments planned Friday.Sharper pleaded guilty or no-contest to allegations in Arizona, Nevada, California and Louisiana. He is expected to testify at the trial. His cooperation with prosecutors could be a factor at his August sentencing hearing. He faces a possible 15-20 years in prison. ' ' '