Newsmakers

Retained As expected, the Phoenix Suns are sticking with coach Alvin Gentry. Suns general manager Steve Kerr removed the interim tag from Gentry’s title, calling him “the right man to lead our team into the future.” Gentry took over the struggling Suns on Feb. 16 after coach Terry Porter was fired just four months with the club. Gentry’s contract is for two years with a third-year option.

Died Former SMU coach Jimmy Tubbs, who was fired after two seasons in 2006 when an internal investigation revealed NCAA violations, has died. He was 60. SMU spokesman Brad Sutton said Tubbs died Saturday. No cause of death was given.

Denied Louisville coach Rick Pitino said there is “absolutely no truth” to the rumors that he is returning to the NBA. Pitino released a statement saying neither he nor anyone representing him has contacted the Sacramento Kings about their vacant coaching job. He says the rumors are hurting the Kings and misleading players he is attempting to recruit.

Injured Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said forward Tomas Kopecky might need surgery after sustaining facial injuries during a fight with Anaheim defenseman Francois Beauchemin in the third period of Detroit’s 6-3 victory in Game 4.

Signed Undrafted offensive lineman J.D. Quinn, whose brief career at Oklahoma led to NCAA sanctions, has agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins. Quinn and quarterback Rhett Bomar were dismissed by the Sooners in August 2006 after taking money for work they didn’t perform at a Norman, Okla., car dealership.