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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Newsmakers

From Staff And Wire Reports

Signed Veteran forward-midfielder Pat Noonan is now a member of the Seattle Sounders FC, it was announced Wednesday. Noonan was released by Colorado on March 23 and quickly made his way to Seattle for a brief tryout that began on Monday. Noonan previously played for Seattle coach Sigi Schmid in Columbus during the 2008 season when the Crew won the league title.

Extended Louisville men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino agreed in principle to a four-year contract extension that will keep him on the sideline through the 2016-17 season. Financial details have yet to be worked out, and the deal needs to be approved by the university’s athletic association.

•Pittsburgh men’s basketball coach Jamie Dixon signed a two-year contract extension. He was already signed through the 2015-16 season, at a salary of about $1.6 million per season. The new deal runs through 2017-18, meaning Dixon is under contract for the next eight seasons.

Retired Kicker Jason Elam spent the last two years of a 17-year NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons. But he retired as a Denver Bronco. Nearly four months after being waived by the Falcons, Elam signed a one-day contract with Denver and retired. The Broncos drafted him in the third round in 1993.

Surgery NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin is home resting following surgery on his left knee. Dr. Patrick Connor repaired the anterior cruciate ligament in Hamlin’s left knee. Hamlin tore his ACL playing basketball in January. Hamlin will drive as scheduled in the April 10 race at Phoenix.

•Texas Tech senior quarterback Steven Sheffield, who is vying for the starting spot in Tommy Tuberville’s first season leading the Red Raiders, will miss at least eight weeks after surgery on his left foot.

Hired Hofstra hired Tim Welsh as men’s basketball coach. The former coach at Providence and Iona has spent the past two seasons as a commentator for ESPNU. Welsh replaces Tom Pecora, who took the job a Fordham last week.

Declares Virginia Tech guard Malcolm Delaney said he is putting his name in for the NBA draft, but he does not plan to hire an agent. That would allow Delaney to retain his eligibility and return for his senior season. He must take his name off the list of early entries by May 8 to return to Virginia Tech.

No charges Kern County prosecutors say no charges will be filed against Arizona Cardinals linebacker Joey Porter in connection with his recent arrest in a fast-food parking lot in Bakersfield, Calif., on suspicion of DUI and resisting arrest.