Coyotes defenseman Ed Jovanovski was suspended one game by the NHL on Friday for a blow to the head of Wild forward Marian Gaborik during a 3-1 loss in Minnesota. Jovanovski was given a minor penalty for roughing at 19:43 of the third period Wednesday night. Gaborik had scored on a breakaway in the second period to make it 2-0.
Top-ranked North Carolina might be without point guard Ty Lawson for a second straight game when the Tar Heels travel to Kentucky on Saturday. The speedy sophomore has been unable to practice fully this week due to an ankle he sprained against BYU in last week’s Las Vegas Invitational, coach Roy Williams said Friday.
Kenny Rogers knew all along where he wanted to be. The 43-year-old left-hander ended his free agency Friday when he agreed to a $8 million, one-year deal that will keep him with the Detroit Tigers for a third season. “There was really never any other choice but Detroit,” said Rogers, who represented himself in contract negotiations.
Packers quarterback Brett Favre is expected to start against the Oakland Raiders on Dec. 9 and keep alive his record streak for consecutive starts. “Just to quote the medical staff, his streak is not in danger. He’ll be OK,” coach Mike McCarthy said Friday, the day after Favre was knocked out of the Packers’ 37-27 loss at Dallas with elbow and shoulder injuries.
Police have detained three people in the Fort Myers area for questioning in the death of Washington Redskins football star Sean Taylor. A law enforcement official in Lee County confirmed that three men were in custody, but requested anonymity because the investigation is being handled by Miami-Dade County police.
Marvin Harrison likely will miss another game when the Indianapolis Colts play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at the RCA Dome. The perennial Pro Bowl receiver has not practiced this week while recovering from a bruised left knee. He was injured against Denver on Sept. 30 and has played in only one game since.
A federal judge made clear his disdain for animal cruelty when he sentenced two of Michael Vick’s dogfighting cohorts to 18 months and 21 months in prison Friday. “You may have thought this was sporting, but it was very callous and cruel,” Judge Henry Hudson told Quanis Phillips of Atlanta, who received the longer sentence.
Running back Adrian Peterson was listed as probable for the Vikings’ game against the Lions on Sunday after missing two games because of a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee. “He had some soreness, which you would expect … just from the inactivity,” coach Brad Childress said after practice Friday.
Houston Texans offensive lineman Chester Pitts apologized to his family and team Friday, one day after he was arrested and charged with speeding off during a traffic stop near Reliant Stadium. Pitts is facing a charge of felony evading arrest in a motor vehicle, Houston Police Department spokeswoman Gabe Ortiz said.
Quarterback Brodie Croyle will miss the Chiefs’ game Sunday against the Chargers with a “deep, deep bruise” in his lower back, and veteran Damon Huard will start in his place. Croyle wasn’t able to practice at all this week, coach Herm Edwards said Friday. “He threw a little bit, but just can’t move,” he said.
