Fast Break

Soccer

Galactic move for U.S. Soccer

Bend this, TomKat and Brangelina: Becks ‘n’ Posh are coming to Hollywood. And David Beckham didn’t even have to audition to become the next American Idol.

The most recognized player on the planet – fashion icon, tabloid fixture, marketing giant – agreed to a deal Thursday to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS.

The Galaxy didn’t say exactly what they’ll pay him, but floated a figure of $250 million in salary and endorsements over the five years of his contract.

Bringing goals, glitz and his Spice Girl wife, Beckham is leading another British invasion, hoping to do for American soccer what the Beatles once did for pop music – make it rock.

Associated Press sports columnist Jim Litke wonders: Can Beckham spark soccer in the U.S.? See story, C2.

College football

Cougs Woolridge, Hall not enrolled

Washington State University officials confirmed that three members of the Cougars football team are academically ineligible and no longer enrolled.

The three who are not enrolled for spring semester are running back DeMaundray Woolridge, quarterback Arkelon Hall and defensive back Courtney Williams. A university rule will require the players to be out of school for a full academic year.

Woolridge, who started last season, and Williams have both seen action the past two seasons, while Hall, a top recruit, redshirted his first year at WSU and did not play this past season while recovering from an injury.

SportsLink

Unbeaten Pirates will host Loggers

The Whitworth Pirates men’s basketball team is 13-0, ranked sixth nationally in the NCAA Division III and 4-0 in Northwest Conference play.

Tonight at 8 the Pirates face their most important game of the season. They host the 17th-ranked Puget Sound Loggers, three-time defending conference champions (10-2 overall 3-1 NWC), who average 109.7 points per game.

SportsLink will be in the Fieldhouse for what should be a shootout between the West’s best in Division III. Go to SportsLink at spokesman- review.com/sports before and after the game for news and comments.