Newsmakers
Signed Former Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended for punching a player last season, agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. Blount missed eight games in 2009 for punching Boise State defensive end Byron Hout in the season opener Sept. 3. Tennessee also agreed to terms with USC running back Stafon Johnson, whose larynx was crushed in a weightlifting accident last September.
•The San Francisco 49ers have signed veteran Travis LaBoy to a one-year contract. The 28-year-old LaBoy played four seasons with Tennessee before signing with Arizona in 2008.
Released The New England Patriots released former Pro Bowl linebacker Adalius Thomas, who joined the team as a high-profile free agent in 2007, but fell into disfavor with coach Bill Belichick last season. He was one of four players sent home by Belichick after arriving late for practice during a snowstorm in December.
•The Jacksonville Jaguars released two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle John Henderson, opening a starting spot for first-round draft pick Tyson Alualu.
Hired Iowa State’s Greg McDermott is leaving the Big 12 to become the new men’s basketball coach at Creighton. Creighton sports information director Rob Anderson announced the news in a text message to members of the media, less than an hour after Oregon introduced former Creighton coach Dana Altman as its new coach.
Retired Former heavyweight champion John Ruiz is retiring. The 38-year-old boxer said in a statement he’s leaving after an 18-year career. He was the WBA champ two times and finished with a record of 44-9-1, including 30 knockouts.
Out The recovery from his Achilles’ tendon injury is taking longer than expected, and David Beckham does not expect to be ready to play until November. This means he will be gone from Major League Soccer this season unless the Los Angeles Galaxy reach the playoffs.
Charged Former Houston Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini has been charged with driving while intoxicated following a traffic accident in Bryan, Texas. Officer Jason James said Pastorini was involved in a three-vehicle collision late Sunday. He was treated for minor injuries, then freed after posting $3,000 bail.
Died Former owner of the Golden State Warriors, Franklin Mieuli, whose deerstalker cap, substantial beard and casual style made him one of the NBA’s most colorful figures in his 24 years as owner of the franchise, died Sunday. He was 89. Mieuli died of natural causes in a San Francisco Bay Area hospital.