Newsmakers

Fined Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown became the first major target in the NBA’s zero-tolerance policy toward criticizing its replacement referees. Brown was hit with $60,000 in fines on Wednesday and the Charlotte organization was fined another $60,000 after Brown’s ejection from an exhibition game. Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins was also fined $25,000 for criticism after a game Monday, as the league attempts to protect its inexperienced officials while it locks out its regular referees in a labor dispute.

Signed Dallas native Allen Rossum is going home. Rossum signed with the Cowboys, only two days after being released from San Francisco. That surprising move by the 49ers, to make room on their roster for first-round pick Michael Crabtree, provided the chance for Rossum to finally play for his hometown team in his 12th NFL season. Rossum, 33, is second in NFL history with 14,987 return yards.

•The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Langston Walker and waived fullback Oren O’Neal with an injury. Walker was a second-round pick by Oakland in 2002 and spent his first five seasons in the NFL with the Raiders. He left to sign a five-year, $25 million contract with Buffalo before the 2007 season and was cut by the Bills the week before this season started.

Scheduled New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes will undergo surgery on his injured right leg today in Dallas. Reyes is scheduled for a cleanup of some scar tissue remaining from a torn hamstring tendon behind his right knee. The Mets have said Reyes will not need an operation to repair his torn right hamstring.

Ailing The flu bug has bitten LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. James missed the club’s final home exhibition game against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Forward Darnell Jackson and guard Coby Karl were also out with the flu.

Honored Florida Gators men’s basketball coach Billy Donovan will be honored with the Legends of Coaching award as part of the 2010 Wooden Award ceremony. Donovan will receive the award in April. Previous Legends of Coaching winners include Jim Calhoun, Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams and Dean Smith.

Injured Vancouver Canucks defenseman Sami Salo will miss three to five weeks with a suspected sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Salo was hurt early in Sunday’s 4-3 win over Dallas.

•Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jan Hejda will miss 4 to 6 weeks with a sprained left knee. He was injured late in Tues- day’s win over Calgary.