Newsmakers

Pleaded The Fiesta Bowl’s former top executive, John Junker, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony charge to settle allegations stemming from a political donations scandal. He entered the plea in Phoenix for his role in soliciting political contributions from Fiesta Bowl employees. The bowl later reimbursed employees for about $48,000 over a nine-year period. The plea is part of an agreement with Arizona prosecutors in connection with the scandal that led to the firing last year of Junker, the bowl’s longtime leader. The felony carries a presumptive 2 1/2-year sentence that’s also eligible for probation. A judge could reject the deal and would have discretion at sentencing.

Indicted Former race car driver Jeremy Mayfield says the new criminal charges against him are “baseless” and suggests he’s the target of a conspiracy involving NASCAR and law enforcement officials. Indictments by a North Carolina grand jury charged Mayfield with three counts of possessing property stolen from businesses, and a fourth charge of obtaining property by false pretense.

Agreed Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins agreed to restructure his NFL contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jenkins signed a $25 million, five-year deal last offseason and had 5.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 61 total tackles in his first season.

Resigned Auburn women’s basketball coach Nell Fortner, who led the U.S. National team to an Olympic gold medal in 2000, is resigning after the season. She has gone 143-105 in eight seasons at Auburn, but the Tigers (11-16, 3-11 Southeastern Conference) have lost five straight games and struggled since winning the 2008-09 league title.

Suspended Colorado Rockies pitcher Joseph Torres has been suspended for 50 games under baseball’s minor league drug program for a positive test for an amphetamine.

Arrived Striker Kris Boyd, the Scottish Premier League’s all-time leading scorer, joined Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers. Boyd was signed by the Timbers in late January, but his arrival in Portland was delayed while he secured a visa.