Newsmakers
Signed The Los Angeles Lakers have signed free-agent and former Washington State guard Thomas Kelati to a non-guaranteed contract. Kelati spent last season playing for Unicaja in Spain, where he averaged 11.8 points and 1.9 rebounds in 22.5 minutes. Before that, he played for two seasons in Poland, where he led his team to consecutive Polish League finals appearances. Kelati, from Walla Walla, began his pro career in Belgium in 2005 after graduating from WSU.
Fined Dallas Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams was fined by the NFL for the third straight week, the latest for kicking at Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers. Adams was docked $7,500. He was fined $5,000 for an unnecessary roughness penalty in the opener and $12,500 for two plays against the New York Giants. “He just wants to protect the quarterback,” coach Wade Phillips said.
Denied A Nevada judge denied motions by lawyers for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to dismiss a civil lawsuit alleging he raped a Lake Tahoe (Nev.) casino worker, according to court documents. The judge rejected arguments that the suit should be dismissed, saying the woman’s allegations make a “sufficient” claim that if proven, would entitle her to relief.
Investigated University of New Mexico administrators are investigating a Sept. 20 incident in which football coach Mike Locksley struck an assistant. The first-year coach could face suspension or firing. Receivers coach J.B. Gerald told police Locksley struck him during a meeting at the football office, splitting his lip.
Resigned Binghamton (N.Y.) athletic director Joel Thirer resigned following the dismissal of six basketball players last week. Star player Emanuel “Tiki” Mayben was arraigned last week on cocaine distribution charges and kicked off the team. Five other players were also released but school officials would not discuss the reasons for the dismissals.
Signed The Carolina Hurricanes have locked up goaltender Cam Ward for six more years. The Hurricanes signed Ward to a $37.8 million contract that begins next season and runs through 2015-16.