Driver Trickle an apparent suicide

Auto racing: Dick Trickle, 71, a former NASCAR driver whose larger-than-life personality and penchant for fun won him legions of fans despite a lack of success beyond the nation’s small tracks, died Thursday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

The Sheriff’s Office in Concord, N.C., said authorities received a call believed to be from Trickle, who said “there would be a dead body and it would be his.”

Trickle’s body was found near his pickup truck at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boger City, N.C., about 40 miles northwest of Charlotte. “He was a true fan favorite. Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport. He will be missed,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France.”

Associated Press

Mayor says Kings to be sold locally

NBA: The NBA announced Wednesday that the Sacramento Kings would not be allowed to move to Seattle, but the question remained: Who will own the team next season?

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said Thursday he thinks that will soon be settled, and that the team will be sold to a local ownership group led by Vivek Ranadive. The Sacramento Bee reported that Ranadive’s group has in fact made a deal with the Maloof family.

Chris Hansen led a Seattle group that reached an agreement in January to buy 65 percent of the team from the Maloofs. That deal, though, was killed when the NBA ruled the Kings would not be allowed to relocate.

Seattle Times

Seahawks sign sixth-round pick

NFL: The Seattle Seahawks have signed their sixth-round draft pick, Spencer Ware, to a multiyear contract, leaving the team with just three unsigned picks.

Ware is being moved from running back, his position at LSU, to fullback.

Associated Press