Newsmakers

Honored President Barack Obama honored the national championship University of Alabama football team on Monday at a White House event where the president punctuated his remarks by declaring, “Roll Tide.” Obama congratulated the team for its undefeated season and invoked Alabama coaching legend Paul “Bear” Bryant as he recognized the program for its first national title in 17 years.

Declared Seattle University’s Charles Garcia, a 6-foot-10 junior forward, wasted no time and declared for the NBA draft, effective the end of the Redhawks season. Combining the size of a big man with the ball-handling skills of a guard, Garcia became a must-see for NBA scouts after starting the year as an unknown.

Fired Hawaii fired men’s basketball coach Bob Nash after posting a 34-56 record over three seasons. He became head coach in 2007 after 23 seasons as an assistant coach, replacing Riley Wallace, who retired after 20 years at Hawaii and making his mark as the school’s winningest coach with 334 victories.

Released The Oakland Raiders released wide receiver Javon Walker and defensive end Greg Ellis in their latest dumping of veteran players. The moves follow Saturday’s decision to cut ties with longtime running back Justin Fargas.

Signed The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed unrestricted free agent wide receiver Chris Chambers, who provided spark to a lackluster offense when he joined the team midway through last season. The Chiefs declined to release details of the contract. Chambers played in nine games for the Chiefs last year, finishing with 36 receptions for 608 yards and four touchdowns, including two in his first game.

•Chad Pennington will be back with the Miami Dolphins for at least one more season. The quarterback signed a one-year deal with the team. He’s expected to back up Chad Henne, who replaced him when Pennington injured his right shoulder in the third game last season.