Newsmakers

Died Former Nashville Predator Wade Belak, 35, an enforcer who had played with five NHL teams before retiring in March, was found dead in Toronto. The Predators learned of Belak’s death from NHL security and the team issued a statement saying the organization was shocked and sadden by his sudden and untimely death. Toronto police spokesman Tony Vella said officers found a man dead when called at 1:40 p.m. EDT Wednesday at a hotel and condo complex. Vella said “foul play is not suspected in the ongoing investigation” into Belak’s death.

Acquitted Veteran NFL running back Laurence Maroney is hoping to catch on with another team after his acquittal of a misdemeanor marijuana charge in St. Louis, his attorney said. Maroney, who grew up in St. Louis County, was among five people arrested in January for possessing marijuana. Maroney was charged in March and opted for a jury trial.

Waived Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton waived California extradition proceedings and will be returned to Georgia in connection with his arrest in a murder case in Atlanta. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office had charged Crittenton with being a fugitive from justice for the purpose of holding the extradition- waiver hearing.

Sidelined Boston Bruins forward Marc Savard will miss the entire 2011-12 season because he is still feeling the effects of post- concussion syndrome. Savard was hit by Colorado’s Matt Hunwick on Jan. 22 and he missed the rest of the season.

Started Cincinnati running back Cedric Benson began serving a 20-day jail term in Texas to settle two misdemeanor assault cases. The former University of Texas star was sentenced Monday in Austin and had planned to surrender Oct. 17, during Cincinnati’s bye week.

Signed The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Fedor Tyutin to a six-year contract extension. The 28-year-old Russia native was the second pick of the New York Rangers in the 2001 draft.