Week in Sports Pictures(MSNBC)

Hello, rookie

Seattle Mariners rookie pitcher Shawn Kelley walks to the bullpen while wearing a "Hello Kitty" backpack before a game with the Texas Rangers on Friday. The pink backpack is a typical way baseball players haze rookies.


Keeping cool

Houston Texans defensive tackle DelJuan Robinson sprays water on his face as he tries to cool down during an NFL football training camp workout on Friday in Houston.

The park held it

Washington Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan reacts after a ball hit by Milwaukee's Ryan Braun was called a home run during the third inning of a game on Wednesday in Milwaukee. The umpires reviewed the play and ruled it a triple.


Time to apologize

Former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress speaks to the media outside Manhattan criminal court on Wednesday in New York. Burress says he told the truth before the grand jury that's investigating a weapon charge against him. Burress also told reporters outside the courthouse where he testified Wednesday that "I'm truly remorseful for what I've done."


Still the greatest

Michael Phelps celebrates after winning the men's 100-meter butterfly final at the World Championships. Milorad Cavic of Serbia, left, who finished second, had riled Phelps with comments he had made the day before the race.


Girls of grace

Children practise ballet at an activity center in Hefei, Anhui province on Sunday. More than 200 students, mostly between the ages of 4 and 15, learn ballet at the community school during summer vacation.

Launching to a win

Switzerland's Steve Guerdat, riding "Tresor," clears an obstacle on his way to win the 1.60 meter jumping competition at the Athina Onassis International Horse Show in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

A show of hands

U.S. player Kristin Richards, right, spikes the ball during a World Grand Prix volleyball match against Germany in Rio de Janeiro on Friday


Golden honor

Hall of Fame baseball player Rickey Henderson holds up a golden base during a ceremony to retire his No. 24 by the Oakland Athletics before the start of a game on Saturday.


Fin in the wind

Alinghi's new giant high tech catamaran "Alinghi 5" is seen during a practice session at Lake Geneva on Thursday. America's Cup holder Alinghi promised a thrilling technical free-for-all in its duel against U.S. rival Oracle next year.
MSNBC.com