In brief: Former Cougar Bledsoe released by Cowboys

As expected, the Dallas Cowboys cut Drew Bledsoe on Thursday.

Bledsoe, who lost his quarterback job to Tony Romo after six turnover- and sack-plagued starts last season, was one of a number of aging players cut as teams adjusted their rosters to get more salary cap room for the free agent period that begins today.

Joe Horn, one of the leaders of the New Orleans Saints during their 2005 season in Hurricane Katrina-enforced exile, also was cut.

Also released: wide receiver Keenan McCardell, linebacker Steve Foley and safety Terrence Kiel by San Diego; linebacker Joey Porter by Pittsburgh; and cornerback Fred Smoot, tight end Jermaine Wiggins and tackle Mike Rosenthal by Minnesota.

Signing contracts to remain with their current teams were: Tampa Bay fullback Mike Alstott (one year), New York Jets wide receiver Jerrico Cotchery (long term), Detroit linebacker Alex Lewis (three years), Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor (though 2010) and San Francisco defensive lineman Bryant Young (one year).

“Seattle tendered offers to six restricted free agents, including offensive tackle Sean Locklear, receiver D.J. Hackett and defensive back Jordan Babineaux.

“Former Cowboys players Ron Springs and Everson Walls were recovering at Medical City Hospital in Dallas, a day after an operation to implant a kidney donated by Walls into Springs, the first transplant operation between two former U.S. professional athletes.

“Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith agreed on a $23.45 million, five-year extension to his contract, while general manager Jerry Angelo was extended through 2013.

Golf

Wi leads Honda Classic

Charlie Wi shot a 5-under-par 65 in windy conditions to take a one-stroke lead over 49-year-old Bernhard Langer after the first round of the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

John Daly withdrew because of a rib injury on the 12th tee, his third hole of the day. He was injured trying to stop his backswing after being distracted by a fan taking his picture. The extent of the injury was unknown.

Miscellany

MSU report wrong

In a Feb. 21 story about the Montana State University football program, The Associated Press, based on incorrect information from MSU, reported erroneously that the school would lose three football scholarships for the upcoming season. MSU athletic director Peter Fields now says the school lost the scholarships based on academic deficiencies from the 2005-06 academic year, but satisfied the penalty during the 2006 football season, and would have the full 63 scholarships available for the 2007 season.

“Michael Goodwin, a former business partner of murdered racing legend Mickey Thompson, was ordered to spend the rest of his life in prison, despite declaring that he was not responsible for the deaths of Thompson and his wife, Trudy, in 1988.

“Stephen Carriere surged from sixth after the short program to win the men’s competition at the Junior World Figure Skating Championships at Oberstdorf, Germany, the second gold medal in as many days for the United States.