Newsmakers

Fined The NBA has fined Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson $25,000 for his public criticisms of the referees following Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. The Lakers organization was also fined $25,000, the day after the team’s loss in Denver that evened the series.

Died Former NHL center Peter Zezel, who played 15 seasons after breaking into the league with the Philadelphia Flyers as a teenager, has died in Toronto. He was 44. Zezel struggled with a rare blood disease called hemolytic anemia the past 10 years. In 873 games with Philadelphia, St. Louis, Washington, Toronto, Dallas, New Jersey and Vancouver, Zezel had 219 goals and 389 assists.

•Julius “Julie” Bescos, who lettered in football, basketball and baseball at Southern California and later coached at his alma mater, has died at 97. Bescos was a member of the1932 national championship football team and captained the 1934 squad. As a basketball guard, he was the team’s MVP in 1934 and twice earned All-Pacific Coast Conference honors.

Surgery Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett had surgery on his right knee after missing all of the playoffs. Garnett had bone spurs removed during the arthroscopic surgery.

Decided North Carolina voters won’t get a chance to send a second ex-NFL player to Congress. Former Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter said he has decided against seeking the Republican nomination for the 8th District seat in 2010. Ex-Washington Redskins quarterback Heath Shuler, a Democrat, holds the state’s 11th District seat.