Press Box: Beckham calling it quits

The Sports Xchange

David Beckham, one of the most celebrated soccer players in the world, announced Thursday that he is retiring at the end of the season.

Beckham, 38, recently won a league title in a fourth country with Paris St.-Germain, began his career with Manchester United, and instantly became a global superstar.

"I'm thankful to P.S.G. for giving me the opportunity to continue, but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level," Beckham said in a statement.

Beckham won titles with Real Madrid, the Los Angeles Galaxy and United. He holds the England record for making 115 appearances as an outfield player for the national team.

AUTO

Former NASCAR driver Richard "Dick" Trickle died Thursday at the age of 71 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Trickle called authorities to tell them "there would be a dead body and it would be his," according to The Lincoln County (N.C.) Sheriff's Office.

Deputies found Trickle dead next to his pickup truck around noon ET. The truck was parked at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boger City.

NHL

Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, Matt Moulson of the New York Islanders and Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning are the finalists for the 2013 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded "to the player judged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability."

The winner is selected by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, who submit ballots at the end of the regular season. The winner will be announced during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.

OTHER

Any runner who didn't finish last month's Boston Marathon have been invited back for the 2014 race, the Boston Athletic Association announced Thursday.

More that 5,600 participants couldn't complete the 26-mile run due to a bombing that occurred near the finish line.

"The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience," BAA executive director Tom Grilk said, according to the Boston Globe. "With the opportunity to return and participate in 2014, we look forward to inviting back these athletes and we expect that most will renew their marathon training commitment."