Sports briefs: Suns cut ties with Michael Beasley

BASKETBALL • The Phoenix Suns and Michael Beasley have reached an agreement to terminate the contract of the troubled forward. The move on Tuesday will cost the franchise $7 million, a $2 million savings from what Beasley would have been due had he simply been waived. Beasley was arrested a month ago in suburban Scottsdale on charges of felony marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. It was the latest in a series of incidents involving the drug that have plagued his NBA career after he was selected as the No. 2 overall draft pick out of Kansas State in 2008.

"The Suns were devoted to Michael Beasley's success in Phoenix," Suns President for Basketball Operations Lon Babby said in a statement. "However, it is essential that we demand the highest standards of personal and professional conduct as we develop a championship culture.

• Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Waltham, Mass., to domestic violence-related charges after allegedly repeatedly pinning his girlfriend to a bed and the floor. Bail for Sullinger, 21, was set at $5,000 after his plea on charges including assault and battery and intimidation of a witness. Police say officers were called to Sullinger's residence Saturday evening by his girlfriend, Deann Smith.

U.S. women trounce Mexico

soccer • Abby Wambach extended her world record with her 161st international goal, Sydney Leroux scored four times in the first half, and the next generation for U.S. women's soccer blended nicely with the old guard Tuesday night in Washington as the Americans thumped Mexico 7-0 in a friendly at RFK Stadium. Rachel Buehler and Morgan Brian also scored as the U.S. squad reconvened after a 2½-month break while the National Women's Soccer League wrapped up its inaugural season

• Jozy Altidore has been cleared to resume practice, and U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann says he's optimistic his striker will be ready for Friday's World Cup qualifier in Costa Rica. Altidore missed Saturday's game for club team Sunderland because of a right hamstring injury.

From wire reports