Newsmakers

Lobbying Ousted coach Maradona wants to return as Argentina’s national team coach, and would even get rid of his much-criticized assistants to get the job back. Maradona spoke Friday in an interview with Fox Sports. Maradona was dismissed as coach after the country was humiliated by Germany in a 4-0 loss in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. The Argentine Football Association said he could keep his job, but only if he got rid of his assistant coaches. Maradona refused, which led the AFA not to renew his contract and hire Sergio Batista as the interim coach. A full-time replacement is expected in the next several months.

Ruled A judge in Orlando, Fla., has ruled the University of Central Florida Athletic Association is not a state agency eligible for a cap on settlement money in a lawsuit filed by the parents of a football player who died following an offseason conditioning workout. The ruling means there would be no limit on any money paid in the lawsuit brought by Ereck Plancher’s parents.

Fired IUPUI fired women’s basketball coach Shann Hart amid accusations of NCAA rules violations regarding practice time and recruiting. Hart has denied the allegations.

Suspended The NHL suspended Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nick Boynton for the regular-season opener for making a throat-slashing gesture during a preseason game against Tampa Bay.

Extended Duke extended the contract of women’s basketball coach Joanne P. McCallie through the 2016-17 season. McCallie is 82-22 during three seasons with the Blue Devils, reached the NCAA tournament all three years and advanced to the round of eight last March.

• The Washington Wizards signed forward Andray Blatche to a contract extension that will pay him about $35 million over the next five years. Blatche’s extension adds three years to his current contract, which had two years remaining. The Wizards also exercised their fourth-year contract option on center JaVale McGee.

Signed The Memphis Grizzlies signed first-round draft picks Xavier Henry and Greivis Vasquez, getting the deals done just four days before the start of training camp. Both signed multiyear deals, and terms were not disclosed.