Newsmakers
Requested Texas Tech asked a judge to throw out fired coach Mike Leach ’s lawsuit, saying state law gives the university immunity from legal action. The university contended Leach is barred from suing the university without a waiver of sovereign immunity from the Texas Legislature. Leach was fired last month amid allegations he mistreated a player who had suffered a concussion.
Charged The 20-year-old son of former San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds has pleaded not guilty to five misdemeanor charges related to a fight with his mother. Nikolai Bonds was accompanied by his father when he appeared at San Mateo County Superior Court. Police say Nikolai Bonds threw a doorknob at his mother, 45-year-old Sun Bonds, and spit in her face.
Retired Goaltender Curtis Joseph has retired, ending a 19-year career in the NHL in which he was No. 4 on the career victory list. The 42-year-old Joseph is the winningest goalie to have never won the Stanley Cup. He had 454 victories, trailing only Martin Brodeur (585), Patrick Roy (551) and Ed Belfour (484).
Hired Michigan State running backs coach Dan Enos has been picked as the new head coach at Central Michigan. Enos has been the running backs coach at Michigan State during the past three seasons after coaching the quarterbacks in 2006. He played quarterback at Michigan State from 1987-1990.
Traded The Minnesota Lynx are bringing star point guard Lindsay Whalen back home. The Lynx have agreed to trade point guard Renee Montgomery and the No. 1 overall draft pick to the Connecticut Sun for Whalen and the No. 2 overall draft choice.
Leaving Safety Major Wright is the latest Florida player to leave school early and enter the NFL draft. Wright becomes the fifth junior to leave the Gators in the last two weeks. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap, cornerback Joe Haden, tight end Aaron Hernandez and center Maurkice Pouncey already declared their intentions to turn pro.
Agreed Outfielder Ryan Church has reached a preliminary agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates on a $1.5 million, one-year guaranteed contract that could pay him an additional $1.32 million in performance bonuses.