Newsmakers

Retiring Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jason Ferguson is retiring. Ferguson, who spent the last two seasons with the team, says he’s appreciative of the team’s support throughout his career. He says he’s thankful for his extended family, which includes the teammates, coaches and support staffs “that have all played a part of a great ride.” Ferguson faced an eight game suspension this season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Dolphins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Bill Parcells said Ferguson was a key contributor in “one of the NFL’s toughest jobs.” Ferguson played 13 NFL seasons with the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and the Dolphins.

Signed The Wild have signed center Mikko Koivu to a seven-year contract extension, which would keep the franchise center in Minnesota through the 2017-18 season. Koivu was selected as the Wild’s first permanent captain in October and is considered the cornerstone of a franchise that has very little depth behind him at center. Koivu had 22 goals and 49 assists last year for the Wild.

Accepted Defenseman Brendan Mikkelson has accepted a one-year qualifying offer from the Anaheim Ducks just a few hours before it would have expired. He will make $687,500 next season. The restricted free agent had two points in 28 games with Anaheim last season. He also played 49 games for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Mikkelson played 34 games with Anaheim as a rookie in 2008-09.

Sued ESPN reporter Erin Andrews has sued several hotel chains for negligence and invasion of privacy in connection with the secret videotaping of her by an Illinois man. The videos were taken through a modified peephole while Andrews was undressed in hotel rooms in Nashville, Tenn. and Milwaukee in 2008. Also named was Michael David Barrett, who has pleaded guilty to interstate stalking.

Participating Tennis star Andy Roddick will play in the Atlanta Tennis Championships that begin next week. The 2001 tournament champion received a wild-card entry on Thursday from tournament organizers. He’ll join Mardy Fish, James Blake, John Isner and Lleyton Hewitt in the tournament at which he won his first ATP title. Fish will play doubles with Roddick.