Newsmakers

Investigated A video showing Diego Maradona making crude gestures on the team bus after his profanity-filled tirade on live television could complicate Argentina officials’ efforts to put the scandal behind them. The video, rapidly spreading on the Internet, shows Maradona gesturing gleefully at photographers and cameramen through the window as the bus pulled away after the game. Maradona already faces a possible five-game suspension and nearly $20,000 fine if FIFA decides to punish him for his comments to reporters after the 1-0 victory over Uruguay that allowed Argentina to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Honored Dallas quarterback Tony Romo’s No. 17 was officially retired by Eastern Illinois on Saturday, an experience he called “humbling.” “You don’t expect it,” the Cowboys’ quarterback said. “It’s almost embarrassing that everybody wants to look at you and tell you that you did something good.” As Eastern’s quarterback from 2000-02, Romo was named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year three times.

Hired Former Arizona Diamondbacks pitching coach Bryan Price was hired for the same position with the Cincinnati Reds. He replaces Dick Pole, who was fired on Oct. 2 as the only change on manager Dusty Baker’s staff. Price has spent the last 10 years as a pitching coach in the majors. He was with Arizona from 2006 until May 8, when he resigned after manager Bob Melvin was fired. Price also spent six seasons with the Seattle Mariners.

Interviewed Former Houston manager Phil Garner has interviewed for the Astros’ managerial job – two years after the franchise fired him. Garner was the seventh of the 10 candidates slated to interview with the Astros, who fired Cecil Cooper on Sept. 21. Cooper replaced Garner when he was relieved in August 2007, along with general manager Tim Purpura. The Astros went 74-88 in 2009, only one game better from their record in the season Garner was released.

Signed The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Kris Russell to a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the club through the 2012-13 season. The 22-year-old Russell has four goals and 28 assists in 137 career National Hockey League games, all with the Blue Jackets.