COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The executive director of the NFL Players Association says the lockout shouldn't be boiled down to “Shut up and play.”

DeMaurice Smith was the guest speaker at the University of Maryland's commencement and told graduates that the players made the decision two years ago to think in a different direction. The new mindset: “Do we care enough about who we are and who we want to be?”

He told the students to think the same way, saying they should pursue their goals with passion and reject those who tell them otherwise.

Smith attended classes at Maryland in 1985 and 1986.

HOUSTON — Yao Ming says his surgically repaired left ankle is healing properly and he would like to remain with the Houston Rockets.Yao said that he won't know until later this summer if he'll be able to play next season.

CHICAGO — Duke star point guard Kyrie Irving said he is having medical tests at the NBA combine but is skipping the on-court tests and drills.Irving has been working out for two hours every day, agent Jeffrey Wechsler said. Irving likely will be selected by the Cleveland Cavalier.

PARIS — Andy Roddick withdrew from the French Open after failing to recover from right shoulder injuries.Roddick spent time at No. 1 in the rankings in 2003, when he won the U.S. Open final.

INDIANAPOLIS — Swiss driver Simona De Silvestro burned both hands during a crash at an Indy 500 practice, threatening her participation in qualifying Saturday and Sunday.HVM Racing owner Keith Wiggins said there's an outside chance the team would bring in another driver to get De Silvestro's backup car qualified, then bring her back to start the May 29 race at the back of the field.