UNDATED (AP) — Phil Jackson has agreed to run the New York Knicks’ front office and will be introduced at a news conference Tuesday morning. That’s according to a person familiar with the negotiations between the 11-time champion coach and the team. The move had been expected for several days, with Knicks star Carmelo Anthony saying earlier in the week that he was told Jackson would be “coming on board” with the team.
UNDATED (AP) — Jon Beason will remain in the middle of the New York Giants’ defense and will be joined by former Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain after both signed with the team. The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed receiver Jerome Simpson, who caught 48 passes for a career-high 726 yards in 2013. And quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has told The Associated Press that he’s been released by the Tennessee Titans.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Minnesota Twins closer Glen Perkins has agreed to a four-year contract that guarantees the pitcher $22,175,000. The 31-year-old left-hander converted 36 of 40 save chances last year and was 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA. He had 21 saves at the break and was selected for the AL All-Star team for the first time.
BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — Denny Hamlin has earned the pole for Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Bristol with a track-record performance in knockout qualifying. Hamlin turned a lap at 129.991 mph to earn the top starting spot, edging Brad Keselowski. Matt Kenseth qualified third, followed by Joey Logano and Marcos Ambrose.
PALM HARBOR, Fla. (AP) — Robert Garrigus (GAR’-ih-guhs) fired a 5-under 66 to build a three-shot lead going into the weekend at the PGA’s Valspar Championship. He birdied each par5 for the second day in a row. Garrigus was at 7-under 135, three shots ahead of Kevin Na.
