Former NBA star battles Learn.com. The man who once played Chicago Bulls on-court lieutenant to Michael Jordan’s captain is suing a Web site. Scottie Pippen alleges that the heads of Learn.com for which Pippen is a stockholder, reduced share prices and improperly gave away millions in loans. Pippen and fellow investors want a Florida court to award them damages from James Riley and J.W. Ray, who head the company.

Team standout deactivated for alleged violation.  The football player formerly known as Chad Johnson, now Chad Ocho Cinco, should be well-rested this morning after sitting out Thursday’s game versus Pittsburgh. The Cincinnati Bengals star was deactivated after a reported team rule violation. Ocho Cinco is said to have had words with a coach over the violation. The player had just recently told a newspaper of his positive focus this season after friend and competitor Donovan McNabb reminded him that he’s fortunate to play in the NFL. Ocho Cinco had suggested during the summer that he wanted to be traded from Cincinnati.

Los Angeles Sparks guard joins Athlete Ambassadors effort. Temeka Johnson of the Los Angeles Sparks and Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls are among pro hoops stars to join the Athlete Ambassadors for Education Program benefiting the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The effort brings top sports performers into contact with students through speaking engagements, fundraisers and Black college and university tours. “I am honored to be a part of UNCF’s Athlete Ambassadors Program for Education,” says Johnson. “In today’s economy, all the best jobs require a college education. And in order to get into college and to do well once you get there, you have to start preparing early.”

Manny Ramirez taking “serious offers.” An agent for baseball star Manny Ramirez says the player is accepting bids after the L.A. Dodgers general manager laid out his latest offer. The recently traded Ramirez helped the Dodgers to a successful season, and GM Ned Colletti proposed a two-year, $45 million contract to bring him back. But Scott Boras says Ramirez won’t bite unless L.A. sweetens the deal. “On behalf of Manny Ramirez, we will, for the first time, begin accepting serious financial offers on Friday,” Boras said Thursday. Reports suggest that the Dodgers may guarantee Ramirez a third year and an increase in their offer, though Colletti said the initial proposal could be withdrawn. Ramirez, 36, ended a tumultuous career in Boston before joining L.A. this year.

Sacramento’s Reggie Theus must pay $25,000. Retired NBA player Reggie Theus knows that athletes are penalized big bucks for dissing refs. But it’s in his Sacramento coaching capacity that Theus will have to cough up $25,000 after critical comments this week. The Kings will also pay $25,000 as a team after Theus called it “ridiculous” that Detroit shot 36 free throws to Sacramento’s 17. The criticism came following the Pistons 100-92 win against the Kings. The fines were announced on Thursday.

Bengals receiver says Donavan McNabb influenced him. Following an off-season that found him criticizing the organization that hired him, a NFL player thanks an opponent for showing the way. The former Chad Johnson, who legally changed his name to Chad Ocho Cinco, says Philly quarterback Donovan McNabb helped him see the light. McNabb reminded Ocho Cinco that many would choose to trade places with the Bengals star, who wanted out of his contract. “Donovan was a big influence,” Ocho Cinco tells The Philadelphia Inquirer. “(He) really is one of the reasons why I really turned myself around and looked at my situation as more of a positive … thinking about all the people that would love to play this game, you know?” Calling McNabb a close friend, Ocho Cinco says they talk often. Even with team losses, Ocho Cinco says, he’s keeping focused.