Newsmakers

Died Former heavyweight boxing champion Jimmy Ellis, who trained with fellow Louisville fighter Muhammad Ali and squared off against some of his era’s best fighters, has died in his hometown. He was 74. Ellis died at a Louisville hospital Tuesday after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in recent years. Ellis defeated Jerry Quarry to win the WBA crown in 1968. Ellis defended the title by defeating Floyd Patterson, but was stopped by Joe Frazier in a fight to unify the world heavyweight championship in 1970. He was stopped by Ali in the 12th round of their bout in 1971.

Entered Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps will take another step in his comeback at a Grand Prix meet in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 16. Phelps has entered the 100-meter butterfly and 200 freestyle. Phelps returned to competition at a meet in Arizona less than two weeks ago, his first since retiring after the 2012 London Games as the most decorated athlete in Olympic history.

Announced Rutgers University says paralyzed former football player Eric LeGrand will speak at the university’s commencement after all. LeGrand had tweeted Monday night that the university offered him the speaking job, but then rescinded it “for political reasons.” On Tuesday, Rutgers president Robert Barchi said LeGrand would speak but would not give the only address. Barchi says there was a “miscommunication” about the speeches.

• Kentucky has extended the contract of head football coach Mark Stoops through the 2018 season.

• Roger Federer withdrew from the Madrid Open to welcome the birth of his second set of twins.

Considering University of Montana president Royce Engstrom says he’s considering a request by hundreds of Montana football fans to appeal its NCAA sanctions after the association found players received improper benefits and coaches and others failed to monitor the program.

Filed A former New York Jets cheerleader, identified in court papers as Krystal C., has sued the team, claiming she and others were underpaid in violation of New Jersey state wage laws.

Fined Crew chief Kenny Francis has been fined $25,000 for rules violations during qualifying for the Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway. Kasey Kahne’s No. 5 car failed the minimum weight requirement and he was forced to start in the back of the field for Sunday’s race.