Newsmakers

Died Golf writer Bud Shrake, 77, the co-author of “Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book” who was known to have had drinks with Jack Ruby and was the longtime companion of former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, died of lung cancer at an Austin, Texas, hospital, son Ben Shrake said.

Released The St. Louis Rams released veteran linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, the team’s leading tackler last season. Coach Steve Spagnuolo made the surprise announcement in a released statement, calling it a “difficult decision based on a lot of factors.” He did not elaborate and the Rams did not return messages seeking comment.

Appointed Front office veteran Denny Thum has been appointed president of the Kansas City Chiefs. Thum will share power with Scott Pioli, whose title of general manager puts him in charge of football operations. Thum will oversee all other aspects of the Chiefs. He and Pioli each will report to owner and board chairman Clark Hunt.

Returning Junior-to-be Patrick Patterson is returning to Kentucky’s men’s basketball team. The school announced the 6-foot-9 forward will remove his name from the NBA draft to stay in school and play for new coach John Calipari. Patterson averaged 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds during his sophomore season with the Wildcats.

Sidelined Tennis player David Nalbandian of Argentina will have surgery next week on his right hip and be sidelined for up to four months. He will miss the French Open, Wimbledon and the Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Czech Republic.