Phelps edges James for AP athlete of year honor

MICHAEL Phelps added one more honor to his staggering list of accomplishments Thursday, being voted The Associated Press male athlete of the year in a poll by editors and broadcasters in the United States. Phelps edged out NBA star LeBron James to win the award for the second time, not only a fitting payoff for another brilliant Olympics but recognition for one of sports’ greatest careers. Phelps finished with 40 votes in balloting, while James was next with 37. Track star Usain Bolt was third with 23. AP