Newsmakers

Confirmed Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is suffering from a soft tissue injury in his neck that could lead to neurological problems. Crosby and Penguins owner Mario Lemieux met with spinal trauma expert in Philadelphia to review a series of recent tests on the 2009 NHL MVP. An MRI and CT scan revealed no evidence of a fracture in Crosby’s neck, instead confirming a California doctor’s diagnosis that Crosby is dealing with a separate neck problem. The 24-year-old hasn’t played since concussion-like symptoms resurfaced following a game against Boston on Dec. 5.

Hired Longtime Rutgers football assistant Kyle Flood is getting his first shot at running a program, replacing his former boss with the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers has promoted Flood to head coach. The 41-year-old replaces Greg Schiano, who left last week to take the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ coaching job.

• The Indianapolis Colts hired Harold Goodwin as their new offensive line coach. Indy also confirmed that Bruce Arians would take over as offensive coordinator. Arians was Indy’s quarterbacks coach during Peyton Manning’s first three NFL seasons.

Signed The Houston Astros agreed to a minor league contract with former World Series MVP Livan Hernandez. The 36-year-old pitcher was invited to major league spring training.

Granted The NCAA granted Boise State Broncos running back D.J. Harper a sixth year of eligibility. Harper has struggled with knee injuries during his career. He has played in games during the last five seasons, but he played in just three games in 2009 and 2010. Both seasons were cut short by anterior cruciate ligament injuries to the same knee. Harper has rushed for 1,642 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career.

Committed Philadelphia high school quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg, who orally committed to Penn State, will instead sign a letter of intent today to attend Florida. Mornhinweg, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound star at St. Joseph’s Prep is the son of Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

Selected Whitworth senior Rory Buck was named Northwest Conference swimming athlete of the week after he broke pool records in the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke during last weekend’s home dual meet.

• Idaho Vandals senior Andrew Blaser and sophomore Hannah Kiser are the Western Athletic Conference track athletes of the week. Blaser had marks of 15-9 in the pole vault, 6-3 ¼ in the high jump and 8.45 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles in the Cougar Indoor. Kiser won the 800 meters (2:13.96) and mile (4:44.31).