Fast Break

Inside

Saban takes Alabama job

Alabama fans celebrated as Nick Saban agreed Wednesday to coach the Crimson Tide.

Saban was lured from the Miami Dolphins to Alabama with a deal reportedly worth at least $30 million over eight years, the most lucrative in college football.

Saban leaves behind a messy situation in Miami, where he had agreed to repair the broken Dolphins. He leaves Miami with three years remaining on his contract at $4.5 million a year.

Miami Herald columnist Dan LeBatard says Saban will be remembered as a quitter and a liar.

NBA

Riley takes leave to heal hip, knee

Miami Heat coach Pat Riley will take an indefinite leave of absence because of ongoing hip and knee problems, and top assistant Ron Rothstein will fill his spot on an interim basis.

The 61-year-old Riley disclosed his plans two days before he’ll undergo surgery to remove floating chips in his right knee.

“I’m just tired of the pain and the medication,” said Riley, who said there is no timetable for when he would like to return.

WNBA

Charlotte Sting close up shop

The WNBA’s Charlotte Sting folded, three weeks after the Bobcats gave up control of the team.

The WNBA was unsuccessful in finding a buyer for the Sting, one of the original eight franchises.

“It was driven by economics, certainly not philosophy,” said Greg Economou, the Bobcats’ chief marketing officer. “We believe in the women’s game. If it could work here we’d be all for it.

“The situation we’re in is trying to build the Bobcats’ brand. It was difficult to absorb losing as much money as we were on the Sting side to continue.”

Losing the Sting leaves the WNBA – which is set to begin its 11th season in May – with 13 teams.