Sports in brief

BASEBALL

Nats catcher kidnapped in Venezuela

Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos has been kidnapped in his native Venezuela. A spokeswoman for his Venezuelan League team, the Aragua Tigers, says Ramos was taken away in an SUV Wednesday by four armed men near his home in central Venezuela. Spokeswoman Kathe Vilera said through her Twitter account that "this is sad, worrisome and true that Wilson Ramos has been kidnapped."

Judicial police said Ramos was abducted by gunmen who entered his house in Santa Ines in Carabobo state, located 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of Venezuela's capital, Caracas. A person close to Ramos' family, who asked not to be quoted by name out of safety concerns, said the catcher was at home with his father and brothers when several men "entered the house and took him away." "As of this hour, there has been no contact" between the kidnappers and Ramos' family, the person said. Ramos, 24, is considered one of the Nationals' young building blocks as they try to become a contender in the NL East.

NFL

Steelers' Clark angry over $40,000 fine

Ryan Clark's first fine for an illegal hit drew nothing but a remorseful nod from the Pittsburgh Steelers safety. The second fine -- this one for $40,000 for a violent collision with Baltimore Ravens tight end Ed Dickson on Sunday night -- drew his wrath. Clark was flagged for unnecessary roughness and the 15-yard penalty helped the Ravens end the half with Billy Cundiff's field goal on their way to a 23-20 victory. The next day the league hit Clark with a $40,000 penalty for what Clark believes was a perfectly normal play and left him wondering if the NFL has gone too far in policing dangerous hits, particularly ones doled out to the defending AFC champions.

Buccaneers claim Haynesworth off waivers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed Albert Haynesworth off waivers, one day after the defensive lineman was released by the New England Patriots. General manager Mark Dominik confirmed the move, saying the Bucs more than likely would not have been interested in the 350-pound Haynesworth if the team had not lost Gerald McCoy for the season this week because of a torn right biceps.

GOLFAmericans Johnson, Couples contend in Australia

Jarrod Lyle took the early lead at the Australian Open in Sydney with a 7-under 65. Dustin Johnson led an American contingent at The Lakes, which included U.S. captain Fred Couples. Johnson had eight birdies in his round of 66. He is among eight American players at the Australian Open getting ready for the Presidents Cup next week at Royal Melbourne. Tiger Woods was among those teeing off in the afternoon. -- AP